Hong Kong: C919 flies over Victoria Harbour

A home-developed C919 aircraft took off from Hong Kong International Airport and performed a flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour this morning.

The aircraft took off from the south runway of the airport at 10.26am and flew twice, west to east, over Victoria Harbour, first at an altitude of 1,500ft and then at an altitude of 1,000ft. The demonstration attracted citizens and tourists to flock to the harbourside for a closer view.



The plane touched down on the south runway at 11.33am.



Following the flight demonstration, representatives from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), manufacturer of the C919 and of the ARJ21 which also visited Hong Kong this week, met over 300 young people at the Civil Aviation Departments headquarters.



During the session, COMAC representatives shared their knowledge about the development of the C919 and ARJ21 aircraft, and about how the planes had obtained certification of airworthiness. The C919 jets pilots also spoke about their flying experience.

Director-General of Civil Aviation Victor Liu said he was very pleased by the successful flight demonstration and thanked the Civil Aviation Administration of China and COMAC for their support in arranging the visit of the two domestic aircraft to Hong Kong.



He said he believed the event would enhance young peoples knowledge of and enthusiasm for national aviation development, inspire them with the countrys innovative spirit, and eventually encourage local aspirants to join the aviation industry.

This story has been published on: 2023-12-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
China vows to enhance high-quality energy cooperation with Russia

Xinhua) 09:19, December 16, 2023

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the 20th meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called for enhanced high-quality energy cooperation with Russia at the 20th meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when co-chairing the meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in Beijing.

Under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, bilateral energy cooperation has formed an all-round, wide-ranging and high-level cooperation pattern, creating a model of equal and mutually beneficial practical cooperation between China and Russia, Ding said.

China is ready to work with Russia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, build a high-level energy cooperation partnership, continuously enhance the resilience of the energy industrial and supply chains, promote high-quality development of energy cooperation with Russia, and promote the development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in a new era, he said.

Ding called on the two sides to consolidate energy trade and mutually beneficial cooperation, promote the construction and stable operation of oil and gas projects, and build nuclear energy projects with high standards and high quality.

The two sides should actively expand new areas and directions of energy cooperation, deepen cooperation on renewable energy, hydrogen energy, energy storage, smart energy and carbon market, and deepen integrated cooperation in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the energy sector, he said.

Ding also suggested that the two countries strengthen global energy governance, practice genuine multilateralism, and make greater contributions to the long-term, healthy, stable and sustainable development of the global energy market and the building of a global partnership for clean energy cooperation.

For his part, Novak said that Russia is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen energy cooperation in all aspects, strengthen multilateral coordination, and jointly safeguard the stability of the global energy market and production and supply chains.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
By Robert Neff

In the summer of 1894, China and Japan were at war and battling for hegemony over the Korean Peninsula. Somewhat ironically, Korea, at the time, was often referred to as the Land of the Morning Calm.

The harbor at Jemulpo (modern Incheon) was filled with foreign warships ostensibly there to protect the foreign nationals residing in Korea, but some appear to have arrived merely to witness the war from a safe vantage point. However, the foreign legations in Seoul did request and receive guards of marines, and sailors drawn from these warships and remained in Seoul until the early part of 1895.

The American community in Seoul welcomed the influx of American sailors and marines. Social events were organized to entertain these young warriors and in return, American residents enjoyed dental services rendered by one of the ships doctors. However, among the sailors  and at least one officer  there was a degree of disgruntlement over the cramped housing and the tedium of guarding the legation.

Unlike the American Legation, the Russian Legation had ample space on its sprawling compound to comfortably house its guard of 45 blue-jackets (sailors). The Russian sailors, under the command of Lieutenant R. Faehlmann of the Koreetz, allegedly spent much of their free time drinking and molesting the virtuous Korean women they encountered. Indirectly, their acts caused the American legations guard inconvenience through mistaken identification and vilification by some of the American missionaries who mistook the Russian sailors for American sailors.

Of course, where there is smoke, there is fire. One American sailor deserted his post, sold his rifle to a Japanese merchant and then went on a drinking binge. After a couple of days, he returned to the legation and confessed that he had such an irresistible desire for drink that he could not help going after it. His desire for a drink cost him five years imprisonment.

He may have lost his freedom but he didnt lose his life  others werent so lucky. On Nov. 14, Julius Max Domke, the 37-year-old secretary at the German Legation, died from pulmonary consumption (tuberculosis). His death did not come as a surprise as he had been deathly ill since the beginning of November. Although it is merely romantic speculation, Domke was determined to live long enough to enjoy his birthday. He barely succeeded.

A week later, there was another death  one that was completely unexpected. Ivan N. Korneev, a 35-year-old sailor from the Russian gunboat Bobr, succumbed on Nov. 21 from typhus fever  likely contracted from the fleas or lice that plagued the Jeong-dong area.

While we dont know much about Korneevs life, we know that his death helped bring change to Western funerals in Seoul. Many Koreans believed the area around Yanghwajin (now Hapjeong Station) was haunted due to its dark past (Christian persecution and executions in 1866-67). Hoping to appease the legions of dark spirits thought to dwell in the ground, air and water, they built a shrine. When King Gojong granted the land to be used as a foreign cemetery (now known as Yanghwajin Foreigners Cemetery), the planners had inadvertently placed the cemeterys gate near the shrine. The local residents soon rose up in protest as they feared the malevolent spirits would be angered by foreign corpses being carried past the shrine. In order to placate their superstitious fears, part of the wall farthest from the shrine was knocked down and the Western corpses were ignobly conveyed through it to their final resting place. Thus was the fate of Domke.

However, following Korneevs death, the Russian minister, Carl von Waeber, approached Henry G. Appenzeller, the American missionary in charge of the cemetery, for advice as to the method of interring the body in the cemetery. The American urged the Russians to march through the unused gate and scatter the demons. Waeber heeded the advice.

The funeral procession, the casket, borne by Korean coolies (laborers), traveled from the Russian Legation to the cemetery  where it encountered a group of Korean residents who had likely gathered partially out of curiosity and to ensure the foreigners carried the body through the breach in the wall. The Russian lieutenant, however, refused to comply and had the body carried to the gate and set down. He then ordered the Russian escort to point their rifles up the hill, towards the shrine and, in the face of the hosts of devils, gave the order to fire three volleys. With the malevolent spirits driven away by the sound of gunfire, Korneev was laid to rest in peace  no longer would funerals be denied access through the gate.

Much sooner than anyone had anticipated, this was verified when 34-year-old William J. Hall, an American missionary, died on Nov. 24. Sergeant Henry Ellis, a member of the British Legation guard, passed away on Dec. 8.

Many graves at Yanghwajin Cemetery  including Korneevs  have been damaged by the 1950-53 Korean War and the ravages of nature. Perhaps even more damaging is the passage of time which has erased the memories of the past from the consciousness of the present. Such was the case of Korneev until the summer of 2020 when the Russian government took an interest in the Russian graves within the cemetery.

On Dec. 20, 2021, Andrey Kulik (Russian ambassador to Korea), his staff and other members of the Russian community took part in the opening ceremony of the restoration of Korneevs gravestone. Archbishop Feofan of the Russian Orthodox Church in Korea performed the consecration of the tomb and the funeral liturgy.

The forgotten sailor lives once again in the memories of the present.

As a side note I would like to add, there are several beautiful pictures on the Russian Embassys page of the consecration ceremony in December 2021. I wish I could have included them for the article but was unable to find anyone to give me permission to use them. Unfortunately, the Russian Embassy still mistakenly states Korneevs death occurred in 1899  hopefully they will make the correction.

Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Police are searching for a suspect who stole a pair of Cartier sunglasses from a victim Thursday at a Detroit gas station.

The suspect made a purchase inside the gas station in the 17000 block of W. McNichols around 2:10 p.m. before going outside. Police say the suspect was armed with a handgun when he approached the victim and robbed them.

Police said the suspect fled north on the Southfield Freeway service drive in a black Chevrolet car after stealing the victim's white-framed Cartier glasses.

The suspect is described as a slim-built man in his twenties. He is approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall and was wearing a black hoodie, black pants with a white stripe, and white shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 313-596-5840, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, or submit a tip on DetroitRewards.tv.
The presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, right, hopes to keep Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party in power come January - I-Hwa Cheng

At first, the short video of Lai Ching-te, one of Taiwans three presidential election candidates, looks like any other campaign interview.

But on closer inspection, his speech is slightly stilted and his message  endorsing his two rivals  is somewhat unusual.

The footage, which began circulating on Taiwanese social media last month, was eventually debunked by experts as a deepfake  online videos named for the form of artificial intelligence, called deep learning, used to create realistic hoaxes.

As Taiwans presidential election looms, its officials have urged the public to stay vigilant against the disinformation emerging from their neighbour across the Taiwan Strait.

Lai Ching-te is one of three possible candidates in the election - Wiktor Dabkowski/Shutterstock

Taiwanese intelligence authorities have warned that Beijing has intensified its influence operations as the Jan 13 election nears, briefing the media that senior Chinese officials, including those from the defence and state security ministries, had held a meeting on how to coordinate their efforts.

Wang Huning, the fourth-ranking leader in Chinas ruling Communist Party and the top official for Taiwan affairs, convened the gathering and urged his colleagues to be more effective in swaying Taiwanese public opinion, it was claimed.

The meeting concluded that the publicity department and a psychological warfare unit under the Peoples Liberation Army, called Base 311, should spearhead influence campaigns, the Reuters news agency reported.

Beijing, which controversially lays claim to the island of 23.5 million, has long been accused of meddling in Taiwans election process to boost the chances of candidates it favours over those it mistrusts, like the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which it has denounced as pro-independence.

The winner of Januarys political contest will determine Taiwans future relations with China at a time of heightened tensions, and Taipei is on high alert for any signs of election interference.

Standing on the front line of authoritarian expansionism, Taiwan faces Chinese coercion and grey-zone tactics on a daily basis, Joseph Wu, the foreign minister of Taiwan recently told a forum in Taipei. We are a testing ground for Chinas cognitive warfare.

But if anywhere is ready for a wave of disinformation it must be Taiwan, which is widely believed to have spent years on the forefront of Chinese misinformation efforts.

The bombardment has made it a world leader in identifying and tackling fake news.

The country has built up a robust community of dedicated fact-checking groups, alongside serious government investment in education about the potential for China, or any other actor, to try to manipulate public opinion.

During the pandemic, Audrey Tang, Taiwans inaugural digital minister, and a driving force in building cybersecurity defences against online threats, locked on to the concept of nerd immunity to inoculate the public from false claims.

Ms Tang was also a strong advocate of a new school curriculum to teach children how to identify and combat misleading online information.

Second World War veterans celebrate National Day, a Taiwanese public holiday - ANN WANG/REUTERS

While Taiwans web of interconnected fact checkers is bracing for a potential onslaught of false claims around next months election, experts say Taiwan faces a consistent barrage of online posts intended to undermine faith in the government and divide its society.

Robin Lee, the project manager of fact-checking platform MyGoPen, which runs an automated chatbot to debunk false information, said online campaigns were often event-driven and target political parties rather than individuals.

A recent example was Japans discharge of treated wastewater from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant, where videos originating in China tried to erode public trust in the authorities about contamination risks.

Food safety and the potential for war between Taiwan and China frequently surfaced as topics intended to instil fear in the public and a sense that the government could not guarantee security, he said.

They create distrust in the government  dont trust your government, your government is lying, he said.

The strategy had become more sophisticated, said Mr Lee, as the perpetrators now work to build up trust in non-political online communities, like pet lovers, as an initial tactic. Once they have established ties, they start to insert political or biased views.

MyGoPen was expecting a flow of misleading posts as the poll neared, he said. Every election we see a bunch of them. Its just a matter of time.

In one example highlighted in The New York Times, a suspicious video that began circulating in November seemed to show Tsai Ing-wen, the current president, advertising cryptocurrency investments by saying the government had helped develop investment software for digital currencies.

The sound of her voice and the use of a term common in China but not in Taiwan were telltale signs of a deepfake.

Billion Lee, the co-founder of Taiwanese fact-checking platform Cofacts, which launched bilingual chatbots to scrutinise information shared within chatrooms, said that rumours emerging from China could often be spotted as they used simplified Chinese characters rather than the traditional ones used in Taiwan.

In recent years, Cofacts had noticed a roughly 40 per cent spike in disinformation before elections, much of it sowing doubt about the trustworthiness of the government or dabbling in conspiracy theories, like a recent outlandish claim that the US had asked Taiwan to develop weaponised biological agents.

One thing that can really be impactful towards peoples votes is integrity, she said.

In an election portrayed by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party as a choice between war and peace  which suggests conflict is more likely if the DPP stays in power  the alarmist prospect of conflict was a long-running propaganda theme on social media, said Hui-an Ho from the Taiwan FactCheck Centre.

The Centre exposed multiple fake videos and photos designed to intimidate the Taiwanese public when Nancy Pelosi, the former US house speaker, brought on Beijings ire by visiting Taipei in August 2022.

They included a purported picture of a Peoples Liberation Army officer watching a Taiwanese naval frigate through binoculars, and images of military drills that were actually shot in North Korea in 2017.

More recent narratives have tapped into the Israel-Hamas conflict to accuse Taiwans leaders of sending their children to the US to avoid being drafted in a future war, said Ms Ho.

Puma Shen, who heads the influence tracking think tank Doublethink Lab, said it was difficult to establish whether disinformation was state-backed without knowing the original IP addresses, but that often rumours were amplified by official Chinese media within hours.

Alongside obvious examples of fake news were more subtle propaganda messages that undermine democracy and US foreign policy, to which younger people were more susceptible, he said.

Its more like democracy wont work  the US is sacrificing Taiwan because it wants to compete with China, he said.

But as Taiwan strengthens its cyber defences, China has reportedly doubled down on more traditional influence strategies through people-to-people contacts.

Allegations have recently emerged of state-funded trips to China for Taiwanese tourists and local officials, where they have been urged to vote for more China-friendly candidates.

Mr Shen said Beijing had also infiltrated some boards of Taiwans influential temples, as a more subtle way to spread its message.

For the Communist Party, there is no real enemy or friends. Its all about what is the best strategy right now, he said.

China denies it is interfering in Taiwans election and instead claims it is the victim of an ongoing smear campaign about sensitive issues including forced labour allegations in Xinjiang.

A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in London said the so-called allegation from Taiwans intelligence authorities was entirely groundless and defamatory, adding that the election in the Taiwan region is purely Chinas internal affair and should not be subject to any external interference.

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At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Taiwanese citizen Nancy Hsieh received a message from her relatives online: To stop the virus from entering your lungs, all you need to do is drink lots of water with salt and vinegar.

But she knew immediately this was false information.

Right beneath the original message on Line, Taiwans most popular messaging app, a chatbot replied that the claim was not supported by science, with a link to an article that fact-checked this erroneous information.

The chatbot, Auntie Meiyu, is one of multiple Taiwanese fact-checking applications that have increasingly gained prominence, as the island democracy of 23.5 million people steps up its readiness to combat the rising flow of false information from circulating within society.

Besides unscientific methods of treating Covid, Hsieh recalled Auntie debunked other rumors such as a fake speech attributed to an official from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, misrepresentation of polling results, and fraudulent food safety reports.

Experts say fact-checking mechanisms like this are becoming more important, especially as Taiwan is set to choose a new president in a highly consequential election next month.

The vote comes at a moment of high tensions as Beijing ramps up military, political and economic pressure on the island that Chinas ruling Communist Party claims as its own territory, despite having never controlled it.

Like many places in the world, Taiwan often sees an uptick in disinformation during elections. But it is also uniquely targeted outside of voting season because of the precarious geopolitical space it lives in.

According to a report by Stockholm Universitys Varieties of Democracy Project, published in March this year, Taiwan for the 10th consecutive year received the greatest amount of disinformation from outside its borders, highlighting the need for effective fact-checking mechanisms on the island.

A supporter of Taiwan's opposition KMT waves a giant national flag in Taipei on November 24, 2023 - Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

A growing security risk

Disinformation is something Taiwans security agencies are particularly alert to.

At a recent closed-door security briefing attended by CNN, Taiwans intelligence community warned that China has been working to influence Taiwans upcoming election through a series of disinformation, military and economic operations, with the goal of boosting the chances of opposition candidates who favor improving ties with Beijing.

According to Taiwanese intelligence, Wang Huning, the fourth-ranking leader in th Chinese Communist Party, recently convened a meeting to coordinate efforts to influence the election, while reducing the likelihood that external parties could find evidence of such interference.

They hope that the party they dislike will lose the election, a senior Taiwanese security official, referring to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which views Taiwan as a de facto sovereign nation and has prioritized elevating Taipeis ties with Western powers since taking office in 2016.

The candidate for DPP, Vice President Lai Ching-te, is currently leading in the polls, and is openly loathed by Chinese officials.

Lai is ahead of two other candidates  Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang party and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan Peoples Party  who are seen as favoring closer relations with Beijing.

Among the different strategies deployed by Beijing, Taiwan believes Chinas cognitive warfare operations  which included spreading disinformation in Taiwan and magnifying talking points that favor China-friendly candidates  are the most sophisticated, multiple officials said at a closed-door briefing on security affairs attended by CNN.

Besides operating content farms and fake accounts on social media, the officials alleged that Chinas information operations are multifaceted.

Other tactics used by Beijing included working with private companies to impersonate genuine news websites, handpicking soundbites that fit Beijings narratives from Taiwanese television programs and repackaging them into short social media videos, and illicitly funding small news organizations in Taiwan that mostly report on local livelihood issues but also occasionally post content that cast doubts toward candidates unfavorable to Beijing.

One piece of disinformation highlighted by officials was a recent rumor that Hsiao Bi-khim  the DPPs vice-presidential candidate and until recently Taiwans top representative in Washington  is a US citizen.

Fact-checking reports, including from the Taiwan FactCheck Center  one of the most prominent news verification groups on the island  indicated that while Hsiao used to hold US citizenship, she had renounced it in 2002.

Besides spreading rumors, Beijing has also been exerting pressure on Taiwanese businesses with investments in mainland China to toe the partyline, and luring Taiwanese politicians with discounted trips to mainland cities in an attempt to generate support for candidates lobbying for closer ties to Beijing, the officials claimed.

CNN has reached out to Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office for comment.

Local TV news broadcasts local elections amid tensions with China on November 26, 2022 in Taipei, Taiwan. - Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

False flag warnings

Chinas attempts to sway Taiwanese voters havent always been successful.

Ahead of Taiwans first direct presidential election in 1996, Beijing fired missiles toward the island to intimidate voters not to support a candidate championing Taiwans separate identity from China. That move backfired spectacularly and the candidate, Lee Teng-hui, swept to a landslide victory.

Outgoing Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who is from the DPP and cannot run again because of term limits, was frequently the target of angry warnings from Chinese officials. But Taiwanese voters handed her two consecutive terms in 2016 and 2020.

News literacy experts say Chinas cognitive warfare operations against Taiwan have long been happening beyond election seasons.

Puma Shen, an associate professor at National Taipei University who specializes in researching disinformation, said researchers can often establish a link between a disinformation campaign and the Chinese authorities by analyzing IP addresses of the accounts that propagate the rumors and whether they are automated.

Chinas public opinion war is often aimed at influencing independent and young voters, said Shen, who is running to become a legislator with the DPP.

But Taiwanese security officials cautioned that Chinas disinformation operations could go beyond undermining trust in the government.

According to a Taiwanese security document obtained and reviewed exclusively by CNN, authorities are investigating an incident in the summer, during which they believed China may be training for a false flag operation  one that could be used to justify a future military attack against Taiwan.

The incident took place in July, when a Beijing-friendly Taiwanese newspaper falsely claimed that Washington had ordered Taipei to develop biological weapons that could be used against Chinas Peoples Liberation Army.

According to the security document, the rumor initially appeared in fabricated meeting minutes that claimed to show discussions between senior Taiwanese officials regarding the fictitious project, which was subsequently passed on to a local reporter.

Both Washington and Taipei have refuted the claim that Taiwan was developing biological weapons, and there is no evidence the discussions took place. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office subsequently launched an investigation into the journalist over allegations of forgery.

A Taiwanese security official told CNN authorities had high confidence that Beijing was behind the fabricated document, because it contained some terminologies commonly used by the Chinese Communist Party that are unfamiliar to Taiwan.

As the false report generated outrage in mainland China, the Chinese military simultaneously sent more than 100 warplanes into Taiwans self-declared air defense identification zone over the next three days  a significantly higher number of incursions than usual.

We believe this goes beyond just spreading disinformation, the security official said. Beijing seems to be practicing how it could use disinformation [to create] an excuse for military action and target Taiwan [militarily] using a justification that the United States was about to start a war against China.

The official added that the unusual combination of a disinformation campaign and heightened military activity has raised alarm among Taiwans intelligence community that Beijing could be training for a false flag operation  and to use the outrage it would generate as justification for a potential future military attack on Taiwan.

Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request from CNN for comment on the fabricated document allegations.

A campaign billboard featuring Foxconn Technology Group founder Terry Gou on a bus in Taipei, Taiwan, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. - Lam Yik Fei/Bloomberg/Getty Images

News literacy

The growing threat of disinformation  and its potential implications on Taiwans democracy  has highlighted the need for effective fact-checking mechanisms in Taiwan to help citizens debunk false information in everyday life.

Chen Pei-huang, a senior journalist at the Taiwan FactCheck Center, said while their newsroom hires about a dozen reporters, they are outnumbered by the vast amount of false rumors circulating online.

For us, besides simply fact-checking a piece of information, we think it is important to promote media literacy because if most people have the ability to question the authenticity of a piece of information, then it will be harder for rumors to circulate.

This is where apps like Auntie Meiyu can help.

Unlike other fact-checking applications, which generally provide an interface for users to manually insert and verify text or a website link, the chatbot can be enabled in group chats or direct messages on Line and has the ability to automatically scan messages and warn of any potentially misleading content.

A lot of people tell us that it really helps a lot, because sometimes they wouldnt dare to directly tell their parents or relatives that this kind of information is wrong, said Cecile Chen, who runs the chatbot under Gogolook, a Taiwanese tech company specializing in call-filtering services. She also emphasized that the chatbot has an apolitical background.

Hsieh, from Taoyuan city, said her elderly relatives now feel embarrassed whenever Auntie Meiyu warns that their messages contain misleading information. As a result, she said, they have learned not to forward every message they get before considering its truthfulness.

For my elderly relatives if they can pause and suspect whether a piece of information they received is really accurate, I think this is already great progress for them, Hsieh said.

As for Chen, the fact-checking journalist, his work goes beyond simply verifying the authenticity of what people see online.

If we can provide people with accurate information and statistics, the public can learn that while we can disagree on different issues, we must base our opinions on solid evidence, he said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected a proposal to send cars handed over to the city authorities to Ukraine, since the plan would not benefit Londoners from an "economic, social, and environmental perspective," the Telegraph reported on Dec. 15.

According to the Telegraph, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko sent a letter in September, requesting Khan send cars that do not meet the British capital's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards to Ukraine, instead of being scrapped.

The ULEZ aims to clear London's air by requiring those driving polluting vehicles in the city to pay a charge of 12.50 pounds ($15.80). London residents can receive up to 2,000 pounds ($2,500) in exchange for scrapping their car if it does not meet ULEZ emissions standards.

Klitschko was interested in the cars set to be scrapped because they were typically heavy vehicles like 4x4s and pick-up trucks, which are in great need on the front line.

In Ukraine, the cars could be used in a "variety of life-saving and transport roles," Klitschko wrote to Khan in September.

In a letter dated Dec. 12, Khan replied that he would not give the proposal the green light as it "did not meet the "legal threshold" that requires the Ulez scrappage scheme to benefit Londoners," the Telegraph said.

"Londoners who choose to scrap their cars should have the freedom to decide for themselves if they want their car sent to support Ukraine," said Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for mayor of London.

Sources close to Hall told the Telegraph that "if she became mayor she would seek to change the law so that Ukraine could receive the vehicles." The London mayoral election is set to be held in May 2024.

British cars have been donated to Ukraine or bought by volunteers in large numbers as their steering wheels are on the right-hand side, making them unpopular in Europe and cheaper to buy second-hand.

Sky News reported in July 2023 that the right-hand drive had another benefit "because Russian snipers are fooled into shooting at the passenger seat, rather than at the driver" when Ukrainian personnel drive British vehicles near the front lines.

Read also: Are Zelensky and his top general really in discord?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Austin Inglis nearly graduated with a four-year degree in aerospace engineering before a radical career change to sales and then finding his way to Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Greater Tennessee.

I do love working with my hands, I dont like sitting still, Inglis said. That was part of the thing I hated about my other jobs, just sitting still all day.

At the ABC academies in Nashville and Knoxville, they can learn just about any skilled trade thats out there.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

They got HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, electrical instructor Shawn Smith said. Soon, theyll be expanding to construction management and into masonry.

Demand for vocational workers is growing every year both outside and inside Tennessee, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The state estimates that as much as 65% of trade workers will leave the industry in the coming years to retirement.

We know theres a demand for their work, and I think there has to be variations where you get to choose your path, Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Deniece Thomas said. If thats not the traditional classroom, then why not trades?

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

Former Gov. Bill Haslam (R-Tennessee) launched a program called Go Build Tennessee back in 2016 to help the industry take off a bit in the Volunteer State.

Its a nonprofit to try to bring more awareness to the trade industry. On its website, theres information about skilled trade demand, salary, and education.

A lot of our kids didnt really know the opportunities that existed in the skilled trades, Thomas said. So, Go Build plays a vital role in helping to make sure that there is awareness.

Trades arent for everyone  the same way a four-year university isnt for everyone either. But with high demand comes higher reward.

They have pretty good incomes! Thomas said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Its an industry thats worked out quite well for Inglis. When asked if he had any regrets about his former stops, he was pretty blunt.

Not at all, seriously no, Inglis said with a laugh. No, theres nothing I miss about it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Matthew Perry died from the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine, according to the results of an autopsy on the 54-year-old Friends actor released Friday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report that Perry also drowned in the heated end of his pool, but that it was a secondary factor in his Oct. 28 death, deemed an accident.

People close to Perry told investigators that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment used to treat depression and anxiety. But the medical examiner said the levels of ketamine in Perrys body were in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery, and that his last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldnt explain those levels. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours.

The report says coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder, also contributed.

The amount of ketamine detected would be enough to make him lose consciousness and lose his posture and his ability to keep himself above the water, said Dr. Andrew Stolbach, a medical toxicologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine who reviewed the autopsy report at the request of The Associated Press.

Using sedative drugs in a pool or hot tub, especially when youre alone, is extremely risky and, sadly, here its fatal, said Stolbach, who noted that both ketamine and buprenorphine can be used safely.

Perry was declared dead after being found unresponsive at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Investigators performed the autopsy the following day.

The actor had taken drugs in the past but had been reportedly clean for 19 months," according to the report.

Perry had played pickleball earlier in the day, the report says, and his assistant, who lives with him, found him face down in the pool after returning from errands.

The assistant told investigators Perry had not been sick, had not made any health complaints, and had not shown evidence of recent alcohol or drug use.

Postmortem blood tests showed high levels of ketamine in his system, which could have raised his blood pressure and heart rate and dulled his impulse to breathe.

Buprenorphine, commonly used in opioid addiction and found in therapeutic levels in Perrys blood, could have contributed to the breathing problem, the autopsy said. It would have been risky to mix the central nervous system depressant with ketamine due to the additive respiratory effects when present with high levels of ketamine," according to the autopsy report.

The report said his coronary artery disease would have made him more susceptible to the drugs' effects.

Perry was among the biggest television stars of his generation when he played Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBC's megahit sitcom Friends.

His castmates, like many of his friends, family and fans, were stunned by his death, and paid him loving tribute in the weeks that followed.

Perry was open about discussing his struggles with addiction dating back to his time on Friends."

"I loved everything about the show but I was struggling with my addictions which only added to my sense of shame, he wrote in his 2022 memoir. I had a secret and no one could know.

A woman whose name is redacted in the autopsy report told investigators that Perry had been in good spirits when she spoke to him a few days earlier, but had been taking testosterone shots which she said were making him angry and mean. She said he had quit smoking two weeks earlier.

The woman said he had been receiving the ketamine infusions for his mental health, and that his doctor had been giving them to him less often because he had been feeling well.

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic approved by U.S. health regulators for use during surgery, but in the past decade it has emerged as an experimental treatment for a range of psychiatric and hard-to-treat conditions, including depression, anxiety and chronic pain.

While not approved by regulators, doctors are free to prescribe drugs for these alternate uses if they think their patients could benefit, and hundreds of clinics across the U.S. offer ketamine infusions and other formulations for various health conditions. (AP)
AUSTIN  After a generation of running the busiest execution chamber in the Free World, Texas is losing its enthusiasm for the death penalty.

At least, it would appear, Texas juries are.

During 2023, only three capital murderers in the state were condemned to death row, and two of them represented themselves in court, according to a year-end report showing that even though Texas still remains No. 1 when it comes to application of the death penalty, the pace of executions in Huntsville continues its near decade-long lull.

This year, the number of executions in Texas topped out at eight. That's up some from last year's five, but a far cry from the 40 inmates who in 2000 were strapped down with large leather belts onto a gurney and delivered a lethal dose of poisons that in most cases quietly ended their lives.

The Texas execution chamber in Huntsville.

Even though the report by the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, which as its name not-so-subtly suggests is one of the nation's loudest voices against the imposition of the harshest penalty legally available to government, illustrates the diminished use of capital punishment, its hardly celebratory.

Five of the eight inmates put to death in Texas were people of color, as were two of three killers newly condemned. And six of them, according to the report, "had significant intellectual or mental health impairments, including intellectual disability."

But the report also shows that the death penalty is no longer the partisan wedge issue it once was in Texas. The Texas House, which continues to have a comfortable Republican majority, passed nearly a dozen bills that would add new guardrails to further ensure due process in capital cases with bipartisan support. None one of them cleared the Senate, however.

And, a new organization called Texas Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty launched in September. Note that the word "concerned" is a considerable step short of "against," but the organization does argue that executions do not deter future criminal violence and that the cost to the state of litigating death sentence appeals is a burden on local taxpayers. Finally, the organization uses the same "sanctity of life" argument that often appears in conjunction with opposing abortion.

The pace of executions in Texas began tumbling around 2005 from the dozens a year starting in the mid-1990s. By 2009, the pace flatlined in single digits. In between, lawmakers enacted a statute that allowed juries to consider life without the possibility of parole.

Before that, an argument prosecutors would make when they sought the death penalty was that "life" sentence in Texas was often a 40-year sentence because a convict would be eligible for parole after four decades of confinement.

When the push for life without parole starting gaining traction, hardline district attorneys warned that murderers otherwise bound for the lethal injection gurney would be spared, presumably by soft-hearted jurors.

Those prosecutors were proven correct about the "spared" part. The "soft-hearted" part is likely more nuanced. My the mid-2000s, groups like the Innocence Project were uncovering evidence that some executed inmates were likely not guilty of the offense that sealed their fate. Evidence also surfaced that inmates awaiting their death date were not guilty, and then freed from death row.

In Texas, 31 condemned inmates were taken off death row because of sentence reductions or overturned convictions. That's actually higher than the number of inmates executed since that time, 28.

Texas' drop-off in executions mirrors the national trend. In 2000, when Texas hit its high-water mark, 85 inmates were executed nationwide. Last year, the national total was 18. And because Texas is very much part of that nationwide, it means that its status as the far-and-away execution leader in the United States remains unchallenged.

Since 1982, when Texas resumed the application of the death penalty, 586 inmates have been executed by lethal injection. In second place is Oklahoma with 123. In 2002, Texas had 450 inmates on death row. Now the number is 180.

That's still a high number, but not high enough to keep the state's execution chamber as busy as it once was.

John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin. Contact him at jmoritz@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly called Twitter, @JohnnieMo.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Texas still leads nation in executions, but the pace is much slower now
A Texas woman fatally shot a 14-year-old boy who allegedly tried to burglarize her home in the early hours of Thursday, Fort Worth police said.

The woman had called 911 to report an attempted burglary not long before the shooting, FOX 4 reported. Police were then called back to the apartment complex by the woman after the shooting.

The teen was shot in the chest and died at the scene.

She is cooperating with police and no arrests have been made, police said.

LA HOMEOWNER SHOOTS ARMED BURGLARS, KILLING ONE: POLICE

The suspect died of a gunshot wound outside the woman's Forth Worth, Texas, apartment Thursday.

Police said the woman had previously reported attempted break-ins at her apartment.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The teen, who remains unidentified, was an eighth-grader at a local middle school and his mother told FOX 4 he sneaked out of the house that night, and she didnt realize he was gone until the next morning.

"I connect with these kids like that," youth mentor Durwyn Lamb told FOX 4.

Lamb said he was supposed to have a mentoring session with the teen that same day and received a text from the teens teacher about his death just before he left for school.

"Today was just like Dang. I wasnt expecting that. Even though I expect that, unfortunately, in the community and the culture, I wasnt expecting that today," Lamb added. "And that hurt me."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Forth Worth Police Department.





Original article source: Texas woman fatally shoots 14-year-old who tried to burglarize home: police
A third driver died at the Polish-Ukrainian border amid the ongoing blockade by Polish protesters, Suspilne reported on Dec. 16, citing Volodymyr Balin, the vice-president of the Association of International Carriers of Ukraine.

Polish carriers began blocking four crossings with Ukraine in November in protest of the EU's liberalization of transit rules for Ukrainian truckers. The blockade resulted in huge lines on both sides of the border, stranding drivers in freezing temperatures.

The driver reportedly died at the Krakivets-Korczowa crossing. Susplne did not clarify the cause of death.

"An ambulance took the driver; he died on the way to the hospital. I still don't know what company he was from," Balin told the news outlet.

Two Ukrainian truck drivers died previously while stuck in the line caused by the blockade, reportedly of natural causes. A 54-year-old man died on Nov. 12, and the death of a 56-year-old trucker was reported on Nov. 23.

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.

Slovak carriers, who have intermittently blocked the crossing at the Vysne Nemecke-Uzzhorod crossing with Ukraine, said on Dec. 15 they had ended their blockade.

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More than 40 pallets of aid, including 15,000 gift-wrapped presents for children, are being delivered to Ukraine for Christmas.

Two trucks carrying the aid left Ardent Hire Solutions, of Felixstowe Road, Ipswich.

Rotary Club International have worked with Aid Alliance to deliver the gifts across the war-torn country.

Depot manager Kurt Mingo said: "It pulls on your heartstrings in ways that you couldn't imagine."

There were over 40 pallets being delivered to Ukraine, including Christmas presents for children of all ages

Aid Alliance is a collaboration between plant and plant hire companies who have acted together to support the humanitarian effort in Ukraine.

It is the second Christmas they have organised a delivery of aid for Ukraine.

Mr Mingo said: "It's been a real nationwide effort. There's stuff coming in from all stretches of the country - it's been a massive undertaking."

The pallets consist of Christmas gifts, labelled by age and gender, as well as feminine hygiene products, flour, clothes and pet food.

Each present was wrapped and labelled by a team of volunteers, in advance of being driven to Ukraine

Bria Garner, from Rotary Club, said aid was donated from organisations across the country, as well as the "very generous public".

The Christmas gifts were wrapped by a team of volunteers at Thomas Mills High School and Sixth Form in Framlingham, Suffolk, on 2 December.

Dubbed a wrapathon, the group wrapped and labelled around 7,200 presents in one day.

Once the aid arrives in Ukraine, it will be distributed by Rotary International into schools, hospitals and orphanages.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
State officials have arrested three people who are accused of participating in a sextortion scheme run from inside of one of South Carolinas prisons.

On Friday, the South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the arrests made by the departments Inspector General for the threes role in a sprawling scheme that netted $146,000 from five victims in 2022. The scheme was orchestrated by an inmate at the Lieber Correction Institution, located in Ridgeville, according to the department. The alleged ringleader isnt named in the warrants.

Three people, Tori Michelle Boiter, 53, of Greenville; Ashely Paige Scates, 48, of Laurens; and Seth Daniel Shurburtt, 36, of Pelzer have been charged for their alleged roles in the scheme. The three face charges including bank fraud, criminal conspiracy, money laundering and violations of the Computer Crimes Act.

Scates and Shurburtt were arrested Dec. 11. Boiter was arrested the following day. Bond has been set for all three defendants, according to court records.

None of the three appear to have been charged under South Carolinas new charge of sexual extortion, a crime that carries up to a 20 year prison sentence. The law, passed after a York County lawmakers son died by suicide after falling victim to a sextortion scheme, made it a felony offense to blackmail someone after luring them to send sexually explicit photos of themselves via text or social media.

Charges against the inmate at the center of the scheme have not been served, according to a statement from the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

In its statement, the corrections department alleged the unnamed inmate used a contraband cellphone smuggled into the prison to create online dating profiles. The inmate then began communicating with victims and exchanging sexual images.

Once compromising material had been shared, the inmate impersonated a parent, lawyer or private investigator, saying the victim had been communicating with a minor, according to the corrections department. He would then threatened the victims with legal consequences and criminal charges if they refused to make large payments to him.

Warrants show Boiter, Scates and Schurburtt in 2022 received over a dozen payments  ranging from a few thousand dollars to up to over $20,000. Victims often transferred money from online banking apps like Zelle and then deposited it into bank accounts.

One warrant describes how between April 1 and July 31, 2022, Scates allegedly deposited $118,467 extorted from the victims into her account at the CPM Federal Credit Union, according to the warrants.

Warrants also describe how the group used fake documents to perpetrate their scheme. One warrant alleged Boiter signed a fake non-disclosure agreement that was given to an extortion victim and used the name Bethey Hawley.

In another instance, Schurburtt allegedly accepted $2,878.71 via PayPal from an extortion victim on June 1, 2021. Texts obtained by investigators showed the victim believed he was sending the money to father of a minor he thought he had been communicating with.

Repeat of sextortion scam on SC military members

The alleged scheme was a pared down repeat of a widespread sextortion scam run by South Carolina inmates that targeted members of the military. Roughly 440 members of the military in the mid-2010s were ensnared in a scheme where inmates using contraband cellphones set up dating profiles before pretending to be minors and demanding payment.

Fifteen people, including five inmates, were charged in 2018 for their role in the scheme, which saw $560,000 paid to the blackmailers.

The public will not be safe until state prison systems can stop inmates from using illegal cellphones to commit crimes, SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said in a statement issued Friday. SCDC will not tolerate this illegal behavior and is taking enormous steps to identify and deactivate these phones.

Since the 2018 case, the South Carolina Department of Corrections has waged a war on contraband cellphones.

In July, the department began testing out a long-anticipated program to disable targeted cell phones in state prisons. While federal prisons can jam cell signals, state entities are forbidden by federal law from using a similar technology. But the new program allows corrections officials to identify cell phone signals inside of prison and then disable specific, unauthorized devices with the assistance of telecom carriers.

Because the technology targets the device itself, inmates cant get around the system by changing carriers.

This high-tech solution has also been pared with statewide contraband sweeps to prevent employees from bringing in phones and the installation of netting to prevent phones from being thrown over prison walls or even delivered by drone.

Charges in sextortion scam

The charges for the three defendants arrested this week are listed below:

Tori Michelle Boiter

Five counts of bank fraud

Securities fraud related to money laundering

Financial transaction card fraud more than $1,000

Two counts of forgery

Breach of trust

Criminal conspiracy

Violation of the Computer Crime Act

Possession of methamphetamines

Ashley Paige Scates

Four counts of bank fraud

Three counts of breach of trust

Securities fraud related to money laundering

Financial transaction card fraud more than $1,000

Criminal conspiracy

Violation of the Computer Crimes Act

Seth Daniel Shurburtt

Six counts of bank fraud

Securities fraud related to money laundering

Violation of the Computer Crimes Act

Three counts of breach of trust

Financial transaction card fraud more than $1,000

Criminal conspiracy
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Beach firefighters battled a fire at Pembroke Lake Apartments Friday morning.

Fire Officials say crews were called to the 730 block of Emerald Lake Drive around 10:52 a.m. and found heavy smoke coming from a two-story apartment building.

Courtesy of Virginia Beach Fire Dept.

Officials say that no one was home at the time of the fire, but two adults and one child were displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

No injuries were reported. The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
According to Andrii Yermak, two children were taken out of the temporarily occupied territories

Three more Ukrainian children have been returned from the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine and from Russia with the mediation of Qatar, Ukrainian presidential chief-of-staff Andrii Yermak reported on Telegram on Dec. 16.

Two of the children, born in 2008 and 2012, were evacuated from the occupied territories and reunited with their mother. The third child, who was in Russia, was reunited with their mother in Georgia.

Ukraine has so far managed to return 387 children out of nearly 20,000 abducted by Russia during the occupation, First Lady Olena Zelenska said on Dec. 9.

Read also: First Lady Zelenska highlights plights of Ukraines children, confirms 504 dead, almost 20,000 kidnapped

Many of the abducted children were either orphans or lacked proper guardianship, having lost parental care. Entire orphanages and facilities housing such vulnerable children were forcibly relocated en masse to Russia, as occurred with one of the children, Bohdan Yermokhin, who eventually left Russia.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe reported on Nov. 27 that it had set up a special committee on the violation of the rights of Ukrainian children by Russians.

Read also: Five more Ukrainian kids abducted by Russia are returned to Ukraine

The first meeting of the committee was held in Paris on Dec. 15, focusing on violations of children's rights by Russia, as well as the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued on March 17 an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on charges of committing war crimes in connection with the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted on April 27 a resolution recognizing the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia as genocide.

According to the Ukrainian state platform Children of War, as of Sept. 27, at least 19,546 children have been deported or forcibly transferred by Russia.

In total, according to the European Parliament, the number of Ukrainian children illegally abducted to Russia may be as high as 300,000. MEPs believe that Russians started taking Ukrainian children back in 2014, after the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

The Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova admitted on Nov. 9 that 380 Ukrainian children are "under care and custody" across 15 regions of Russia.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
FILE PHOTO: Aftermath of an Israeli raid in Jenin camp

(Reuters) - Three Palestinians, including a teenager, were killed by Israeli gunfire in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

A 20-year-old died of his wounds after being shot in the abdomen by Israeli forces in the town of Beit Ummar, the health ministry said in a statement.

A 25-year-old was killed in the city of Tulkarm and a 16-year-old was killed in the town of Deir Ammar, Ramallah, the ministry added.

That brought the total number of Palestinian fatalities reported in the West Bank to 291 since Oct. 7.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta, writing by Hatem Maher, editing by Andrew Heavens and Chizu Nomiyama)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Three middle schools in the Socorro Independent School District have earned state and national recognition from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP).

Montwood Middle School has been named a Texas School to Watch (STW) as part of the national recognition program. The program also redesignated William D. Slider Middle School and Spc. Rafael Hernando III Middle School as continuing Texas Schools to Watch in 2023.

The middle schools are among approximately 60 other campuses across the state of Texas with this distinction and honor.

I am extremely proud of the hard work that our educators, parents, staff and students put into earning this prestigious recognition at these three campuses, said SISD Superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D. SISD is committed to providing students with endless opportunities to achieve academic excellence, equitable learning experiences and outstanding extracurricular activities to succeed in school, college and beyond. Montwood, Slider and Hernando middle schools are great representatives of the excellent achievement in our district.

The three campuses will be recognized in Austin at the Making Middle School Matter Symposium hosted by TASSP on March 3-5.

The campuses will also be recognized nationally with all the other STW schools from across the country in Washington D.C. at the National Forum of Schools to Watch Conference on June 20-24.

State leaders selected these three campuses for their academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structure and processes.

In addition, these campuses have strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction and a commitment to assessment and accountability to bring about continuous improvement.

William D. Slider Middle School was first designated in 2021 and Spc. Rafael Hernando III Middle School, originally designated in 2017, was first redesignated in 2021.

We congratulate the principals of these respective campuses and their staff, students, and parents for being schools that do great things for all students, said Leticia Menchaca, State Director for Schools to Watch in Texas and TASSP Associate Executive Director for Middle-Level Services. These schools have demonstrated that a high-performing school is a place that focuses on academic growth and achievement. These schools are a place that recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of all students and ensures that every child has access to a challenging high-quality education.

The STW selection process is based on a written application that requires schools to show how they met criteria developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform.

Schools that appeared to meet the criteria were then visited by state teams, which observed classrooms, interviewed administrators, teachers, students and parents; They also looked at achievement data, suspension rates, quality of lessons and student work.

Schools are recognized for a three-year period, and at the end of three years, they must demonstrate progress on specific goals in order to be re-designated.

Unlike the Blue-Ribbon recognition program, STW requires schools to not just identify strengths, but to also focus on areas of continuous improvement; thus, the three-year re-designation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Three Ukrainian children have been returned to their families under the Bring Kids Back UA plan from Russia and the Russian-occupied part of Kherson Oblast, Ukraines human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on Dec. 16.



A boy born in 2008 and a girl born in 2011 were brought from Kherson Oblast and are now with their mother. Another boy, born in 2011, was taken by his father to Russia against his will but has been reunited with his mother in Georgia.



Each return is a separate story and a special operation that people are working on. And their goal is to return all children to their homeland. I am grateful to everyone who helps to do this. We will fight for every Ukrainian child and return them all, Lubinets wrote on Telegram.



The State of Qatar is involved in the mediation process of the Bring Back Kids UA project. The Gulf country has played a significant role in helping the return of deported Ukrainian children.



The Ukrainian government has identified over 19,500 children who have been deported or forcibly displaced by Russia, less than 400 of whom have been returned to Ukraine.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Maria Lvova-Belova and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in March over their role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

Read also: Qatar announces return of 6 Ukrainian children from Russia

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Israel on Saturday mourned the deaths of three Gaza hostages killed when troops mistook them for a threat, with the military expressing remorse over a "tragic" incident that sparked protests in Tel Aviv.

The Israeli army said Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa  all aged in their twenties  were shot during operations in a neighbourhood of Gaza City.

The trio were among an estimated 240 people taken hostage during Hamas's Oct. 7 raids into Israel, which also killed an estimated 1,200 people.

"During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed," Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

"The IDF expresses deep sorrow regarding this disaster and shares in the grief of the families."

Their bodies were transferred to Israel, and on examination were confirmed as being Haim, a 28-year-old heavy metal drummer, 25-year-old Bedouin man El-Talalqa and Shamriz, aged 26.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described their deaths as an "unbearable tragedy".

"All of Israel is grieving their loss," he said, while the White House called the incident a "tragic mistake".

As news of the incident spread late Friday, hundreds of people gathered at Israel's Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv to call on Netanyahu's government to secure the release of 129 hostages still being held in Hamas-ruled territory.

The demonstrators waved Israeli flags and brandished placards.

"Every day, a hostage dies," read one message.

"I am dying of fear," said Merav Svirsky, the sister of Hamas-held hostage Itay Svirsky.

"We demand a deal now."

In November, a short-lived truce saw more than 100 hostages freed in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

That deal has since lapsed and fighting has resumed.

But the hostages' deaths have heightened already fierce scrutiny of how Israel is conducting its ground and air assault in Gaza.

In retaliation for the October attacks, Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and bring the hostages home.

But his tactics have brought searing criticism from neighbouring Muslim states, and deep unease among allies in Europe, the United States and beyond.

With Hamas authorities claiming the war has now killed 18,800 people, the White House, which provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, voiced growing concern over civilian casualties.

"I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives  not stop going after Hamas, but be more careful," said U.S. President Joe Biden.

Biden's top security advisor Jake Sullivan was visiting Israel and the West Bank to drive that message home.

"We do not believe that it makes sense for Israel, or is right for Israel, to ... reoccupy Gaza over the long term," Sullivan said after meeting Israeli leaders.

News platform Axios reported that the director of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, was due to meet this weekend in an unspecified location in Europe with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Axios said the officials would discuss resuming negotiations for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

In the Gaza Strip, fierce fighting continued, with Hamas claiming they had blown up a house containing Israeli soldiers in the southern city of Khan Yunis.

News channel Al Jazeera said that one of its journalists, Samer Abudaqa, had been killed and another, Wael Dahdouh, had been wounded by "shrapnel from an Israeli missile attack" in Khan Yunis.

More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

"We were reporting, we were filming, we had finished and we were with the civil defence, but when we were on the way back, they hit us with a missile," said Dahdouh, who lost his wife, two children and grandchild earlier in the war.

In the face of growing international pressure, Israel announced a "temporary measure" allowing aid to be delivered directly to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing.

Since the war began, a trickle of aid has squeezed into Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Aid agencies have said the volume is nowhere near enough to help the estimated 1.9 million Gazans displaced by the war.

US National Security Advisor Sullivan called the decision to reopen Kerem Shalom as a "significant step".

The United States hopes "this new opening will ease congestion and help facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance," Sullivan added.

A World Health Organization representative said the announcement was "very good news."

Sullivan also travelled to the West Bank to meet Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, who said Gaza must remain an "integral part" of a future Palestinian state.

Abbas's Palestinian Authority has partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, but is deeply unpopular with Palestinians and has been further weakened by the war.

However, Washington still hopes that it can resume control of Gaza as part of a renewed push for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict  a solution that Netanyahu has resolutely opposed.

The conflict has appeared to push any peace deal further out of view.

In Jerusalem, for the first time in weeks, sirens warned of incoming rockets from Gaza.

Residents rushed to safety, and the rockets all hit open ground or were intercepted by air defences, the army said.

Multiple Western governments issued a joint statement demanding that Israel "take concrete steps to halt unprecedented violence by Israeli settlers" in the West Bank.

Attacks by settlers since early October have killed eight Palestinians and wounded 83, they said.

Israel's police force said it had suspended several officers after they severely assaulted a journalist for Turkish news agency Anadolu as he was trying to take photos of Palestinians praying in annexed east Jerusalem.

The war continues to be felt across the Middle East.

Global shipping lines Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced they were halting voyages through the Red Sea following attacks on vessels by Yemeni rebels allied with Hamas.

Yemen's Huthi rebels struck a cargo ship in the Red Sea on Friday, causing a fire on deck, the latest in a spate of near-daily attacks in the commercially vital waterway.

The rebels later said they fired missiles at two other ships in the Red Sea. (AFP)
Alejandra Martinezs priority  to collaborate with and uplift her community  hasnt changed from day one.

Alejandra Martinezs priority  to collaborate with and uplift her community  hasnt changed from day one.

Nowfamousfor its lavish parties, celebrity sightings and deep-pocketed collectors, Art Basel Miami has evolved into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. But when entrepreneur and art expert Alejandra Martinez attended the inaugural event in the early aughts, it was half the size and still mostly about the art.

For Martinez, the experience was visceral. My head exploded, she says while reminiscing about her first visit to the event. She was a student from Mexico at the University of Miami, and she realized that working in the art world would allow her to merge her education with her passions. While exploring Art Basel, I thought, I want to learn how to play in this game, in this world. What is it all about? It just grabbed my soul and hit me like a huge dopamine rush. Years and many creative projects later, shes still on a high.



Martinezs priority  to collaborate with and uplift her community  hasnt changed. By age 30, she had founded a small editorial shop, Collectivo Taller Mexico, which made custom books and publications for businesses and cultural and government institutions. She also launched ArteCareyes, an art, film and music festival that brought a vibrant weekend of culture to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. I just kind of invited artists and creators that I knew, and we were all just kind of inventing it together as we were going. None of the big festivals were happening yet, so it was very special for us, she says. But it wasnt just a good time. The knowledge Martinez soaked up from her new community of creatives sparked a game-changing idea.

In 2015, Martinez took note of the barriers that kept new patrons and emerging artists from penetrating the art world  funding was a big one  and she decided she wanted to be part of the solution. To combat the industrys preoccupation with big-name artists and an overly investment-oriented approach to collecting, Martinez founded Anonimo. The visionary nonprofit introduced anonymous auctions that challenged buyers to rethink the value of art and their connection to it. It also created an atmosphere that was more hospitable to new collectors. It was hard for people that werent in the art world to feel safe in it because its so intellectual and there are so many rules and [hierarchies]. It can be very intimidating for first-timers, Martinez says.

Her auctions hid the identities of the artists and offered a single starting price for all pieces. It was just about your connection to the piece. You dont need to know what stage the artist is in their career, who represents them or what the market value is. It was super-democratic, she explains.

At first, Anonimo featured Mexican artists. Later, it expanded into Latin America. After seven editions in hubs  such as Miami; Marfa, Texas; and Oaxaca, Mexico  the pandemic led Martinez to transform the platform into Anonimo Collectivo, a creative cultural agency, that she says collaborates with brands that want to come into the art world, partner with institutions or create arts programs.

In 2021, Martinez signed on to be the creative director of Maestro Dobel Tequilas Artpothecary, and she has partnered with the brand to to curate an annual display at the Design Miami Art Fair. The in-person showcase for Mexico-based artists gives attendees a taste of the culture, contemporary art and hospitality the country has to offer. Its a fitting role for a woman whos spent years creating ways for Mexican, Latin American and Latine artists to thrive.

When I ran the auction series, that was a lot of fun, and I loved it. But corporate support helps to create a world stage for these artists that my organization didnt really have the means to offer, says Martinez.

Today she gets to shine the spotlight on talent that might otherwise fly under the radar. For this years Maestro Dobel Artpothecary, called Oaxaca: A Lens on Tradition and Innovation, Martinez collaborated with two Oaxacan artists, Marissa Naval of NAVAL Arquitectura and Javier Reyes of rrres Studio, to bring the theme to life. The pieces pay homage to the region, which Martinez says is the epicenter of so much of our flavors, colors and textures.

The installation featured live discussions, tequila cocktails, striking tapestries, palm weaving, furniture, pottery and impressive woodwork, all showcasing Oaxacas craftsmanship and traditions. Martinez says that partnerships like this provide a more substantial way of creating bridges and make it so much easier for artists to successfully cross over into the larger and more lucrative U.S. market.

Martinez has also lent her art world expertise to Maestro Dobel to raise the profile of artists outside of Mexico. Earlier this year, she served on the jury committee for the first Maestro Dobel Latinx Art Prize, which was awarded in September. The prize grants $50,000 and a showcase at El Museo del Barrio in New York City to one Latine artist every other year (the 2023 winner, Carlos Martiel, hails from Cuba).

Even in one conversation with Martinez, its evident how much pride she has in her work, the artists she meets and her Mexican roots.

The thing that I love most about our culture is that it is very warm and it welcomes everyone, Martinez says. As she infuses that culture into the art world, its creating a more welcoming approach there, too.

Related...
From the G-File on The Dispatch

Dear Reader (and welcome to our new supercomputer overlords),

Greetings from the sky. Im on my way back from a really terrific Dispatch event in Bellevue, Washington. Its always good to be on a panel with Kevin Williamson because it makes me look like a cockeyed optimist with hair like Stalin. Now Im on a plane back home. Andfair warningIm a little hungover, a little sleep-deprived, and completely unsure of what I am going to write about. So lets find out together. If thats not your bag, please feel free to jump ship now rather than go for the ride only to write in the comments that you were taken against your will.

Anyway, if the Wi-Fi holds up, youll be reading this a few hours from now, or maybe tomorrow morning. I often think about how kangaroos look like an Island of Doctor Moreau experiment in which deer were crossed with jacked-up weightlifting bros. But thats not important right now.

I also think a lot about time when writing this newsletter. In my head, I can hear the voice of Don Knotts screaming the lyrics of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida in a thick Welsch accent. Wait thats not it. In my head, I feel like Im talking to you in real time, but Im actually talking to you from the past. We dont typically think of it that way because the time intervals are so short. Its sort of like that thing from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy where we all have an innate ability to tell when someone is from far away. But because the distances on earth are so small, we usually dont notice it. Similarly, if I wrote a note and put it in a time capsule not to be opened for 10,000 years, the superintelligent muscle-bound kangaroo people running Earth would experience my note as a message from the past. And if I rigged it to explode, itd be a blast from the  never mind.

Thinking about time as anything other than the unfolding of reality over, uh, time, can get you into all kinds of trouble. And yet we all do it.

For instance, when I see the footage of all those migrants massing at the southern border, I often think of them as time travelers. In some very real ways, they are traveling from the past to the future. I mean this mostly in material terms. Imagine you have a rare disease. Lets say you know with a great deal of confidence that in 20 years they will have a cure for it. If you had a time machine youd use it to go get that cure. Alas, we dont have time machines. But for millions of people, their societies essentially exist in the past. After all, people in very poor countries die from diseases that either dont exist or dont pose a significant problem in the United States or Europe. For those societies, a boat or caravan might as well be a time machine. There was a pretty bad movie called Elysium with Matt Damon, in which a handful of rich people live on a lavish orbiting space station called Elysium with all manner of life-improving and life-extending technology, while the people back on Earth lived in overcrowded squalor and misery. For the desperate poor, sneaking onto Elysium was indistinguishable from time travel.

You dont have to buy Hollywoods dystopian, warmed-over-Marxist, Morlocks-versus-Eloi sermonizing to see the point. Simply by crossing the U.S. border, a Latin American laborer becomes vastly more productivea point I first learned from From Poverty to Prosperity by Arnold Kling and Nick Schulz. They interviewed William Lewis, the former head of the McKinsey Global Institute, who had this fascinating nugget:

We compared the construction industry in the U.S. with construction in Brazil and found that in Houston, the U.S. industry was using Mexican agricultural workers who were illiterate and didnt speak English. They were not any different than the agricultural workers who were building similar high rises in Sao Paolo, say. And yet they were working at four times the productivity.

In other words, this isnt just a statistical artifact of calculating per capita productivity by dividing total productivity by the number of workers we have. Our workers are actually more productive because our system is a multiplier of human effort, and its not all about technology. This is also a function of culture, various forms of intangible capital, etc.

I think we have to secure the border because mass, uncontrolled illegal immigration is unsustainable for about a dozen different reasons. But I have great empathy and sympathy for the people trying to get to the future as they see it. Its what I would like to think Id do if there were no legal options.

But I can already sense some of you are uncomfortable with this past versus future framing. There are people who understandably get upset by this kind of talk because it sounds an awful lot like saying, Were advanced and those people are backward.

This is a mode of thinking that cuts across a lot of ideological fault lines, and can elicit charges of hypocrisy in every direction. If some progressive influencer living in Park Slope described rural, churchgoing Americans in the South as backward, many conservatives would take offense. But if some right-wing influencer living in Nashville called migrants from a developing country backward many progressives would take offense.

A lot of this stuff is downstream from what is often called presentism. For historians, this is a huge occupational hazard. If you read about, say, fascists in the 1920s or early 30s, its really hard not to keep how the story ends out of your head. The Italian or British fascists didnt know they were signing up for a project that would end with Auschwitz.

If you dont keep this sort of thing in mind, it becomes very easy to start thinking people in the past were really terrible people. Some were, of course. But a lot werent they just didnt know how the story was going to end. Just consider the newly buzzy word, dictator. It was normal practice for American newspapers, during the period when fascism was rising in Europe, to use dictator the way we would use czar today. You might see a headline like FDR Appoints Transportation Dictator. The term just didnt clang off the ear the way it does today.

Since were talking about time travel and dictators, among other things, one of my problems with all of the Trump-will-be-a-dictator talk is the air of inevitability to it. I think that actually can be dangerous. A lot of people talk about Trump becoming a dictator as if they have clairvoyance, a crystal ball, or some other means of seeing the future. The vast majority of people wont be violent, but its not hard to imagine some Christopher-Walken-in-the-Dead-Zone type thinking he owes it to the future to do something terrible. Also, if you say hell be a dictator if he wins, does that mean he can claim a mandate to be a dictator?

Spoiler alert: No. But there is a sense in which all of this dictator stuff can become a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. Of course, I also think Trump disqualified himself from being president for a hundred different reasons, only the latest of which is his willingness to talk about being a dictator.

But lets get back to presentism. There really are a lot of people who think that were somehow just better than the generations before us. They confuse the march of time with the march of progress as they define it. There are countless varieties of this stuffHegelian, Marxist, Whiggish, and Christian, just to name a few. (I recommend Robert Nisbets History of the Idea of Progress if youre interested in this stuff.)

But theres also a kind of non-ideological, generalized, smugness that is part of what I call the fierce urgency of now: Were so smart, those people back then were idiots. Just look at how they lived in black-and-white.

I sometimes think this tendency might have an evolutionary component. There has to be some reason why so many teenagers in every generation just assume their parents are lunkheads who dont understand the way the world really is. Maybe that attitude just lingers as part of the mental architecture for some people.

Regardless, I dont have that kind of thing in mind when talking about this time travel stuff. I do think progress is real. Obviously, technological progress is real. But not all technological progress amounts to a win for human progress, or human flourishing. I think if you look at the scoreboard right now, social media has been a net negative. Are there upsides? Sure. I just think the downsides outnumber them. But that can change.

Im just not a big teleology guy. For instance, over the last century or two, there have been moments when the smartest people said that technology will inexorably liberate humanity or enslave it. And at various times, one side or the other has had the better of the argument. Technology is not on the side of freedom in China right now because the Communist Party has figured out how to use it as a tool of social control. But that could change at some point in the future. I attribute agency to humans, not to things, by which I mean everything from tools to systems.

People almost always go wrong when they make straight-line projections from the present off into the future. This is my problem with slippery slope arguments. A defeat today doesnt mean an inexorable and unending string of defeats for all eternity. Some defeats are necessary preconditions for future victories because they arouse the desire among the complacent to change course. Some victories lead to future defeats because they invite complacency among the victors.

Nothing is written.

Theres a fun economics brouhaha unfolding. Some very respected economists (Gerald Auten of the Treasury Department and David Splinter of the Joint Committee on Taxation) claim to show in a new paper that all of the gnashing of teeth and rending of cloth about inequality in America was overblown. Recall for the last couple decades, weve been told that inequality was getting worse. Thomas Piketty argued in Capital in the Twenty-First Century not only that it was getting worse, but that it was inevitable that it would only get worse if the market were left to its own devices. (I wrote a very long cover essay on all of this for Commentary at the time.) Markets dont self-correct, Piketty contended, because there is no natural, spontaneous process to prevent destabilizing, inegalitarian forces from prevailing permanently. Without state intervention, the 1 percent would own everything. This new paper says, nope.

Now, I cant really weigh in on all the math in this fight, though given my skepticism about Piketty, you can probably guess where I come down. But heres the basic disagreement according to The Economist:

All in all, [Auten and Splinter] find that after tax, the top 1% command about 9% of national income, compared with the 15% or so reported by Messrs Piketty, Saez and Zucman. Whereas the trio conclude that the share of the top 1% has sharply increased since the 1960s, Messrs Auten and Splinter find practically no change.

Yes, those two sentences explain literally decades of snarking about inequality as the defining challenge of our time in Barack Obamas words.

Just to be clear, maybe Piketty et al. are right that inequality has increased since the 1960s. Maybe it had. That doesnt sound wildly implausible to me. Though no one ever answers the question why in and of itself this is bad. What is the right share of national income that should go to the top 1 percent? Why is 9 percent okay, but 15 percent eeeeevil? Lurking behind such arguments is essentially an aesthetic judgment masquerading as something science-y that justifies the state redistributing resources as it sees fit.

And that points to my two biggest problems with the inequality obsessions.

First, people are obsessing about the wrong things. My AEI colleague Michael Strain has a good column on all of this. He writes:

The discussion has mostly centered on how much of the economic pie each group gets. But the size of the pie is not fixed. Since 1962, real economic output in the US has increased by 499%, leading to significant improvements in living standards and human welfare. The percentage of Americans in poverty has decreased substantially, new medicines and therapies have greatly enhanced peoples quality of life, and more women have entered the workforce.

Imagine for a moment that President Kennedy went on national TV in 1962 and said, My fellow Americans, I have consulted with Karnack and seen the future. If we agree to make the richest people in America richer, we will also make all of you much richer too. We will increase economic output by 499% and pull millions out of poverty.

Maybe you wouldnt take that deal. But it doesnt sound like a bad one to me. Certainly, reasonable people can disagree on whether this trade-off is desirable?

Of course, thats not the deal.

Which brings me to my second, and more relevant, problem: the claim that there is some iron law to capitalism that leads inexorably to the rich getting richer, and getting richer faster, than everybody else. This is the central contradiction of capitalism according to Piketty. Once constituted, capital reproduces itself faster than output increases. The past devours the future. The consequences for the long-term dynamics of the wealth distribution are potentially terrifying, especially when one adds that the divergence in wealth distribution is occurring on a global scale.

This idea that the past devours the future as prior investments behave like the temporal Pacmen of Stephen Kings The Langoliers always struck me as preposterous.

But this is how so many arguments on the left and right work these days. Everyone thinks theyre prophets with perfect knowledge of what the future holds if you dont listen to them. Im not saying we shouldnt prepare for various challenges. But the catastrophizerswhether on climate, wokeness, racism, inequality, Trumps dictatorshipstart from the position that their predictions are irrefutable and so therefore if you disagree you must be in favor of whatever calamity they predict. Oh, so you want the polar bears to die? I guess youre fine with Warren Buffet owning the world? So you think white people should rule the earth? Oh, so you think its okay for Trump to be a dictator?

This sort of bullying is always in service to the real aimto justify breaking or suspending the rules so the doomsayers can have their way without having to do the hard work of persuading people. A crisis is a terrible thing to waste, even one that hasnt happened yet.

Various & Sundry

Canine update: So this G-File turned into a bit of a sprawling mess and now Im in an Uber trying to at least get the canine update right without keeping everyone too late on a Friday. So, while I was in Washington state (where lots of folks gave me excellent canine updates about their dogs), the girls had a sleepover at Kirstens, which they always enjoy. Gracie stayed behind but was well-cared for and, frankly, I think she wanted the alone time. Before I left, we had two days of meetings at The Dispatch, which meant the beasts were extra cross with me for leaving them alone (the Fair Jessica is in Europe retrieving Lucy from her semester abroad). This led to some major chastisement from Zoe. Anyway, Im looking forward to seeing them if I ever get out of this brutal traffic. As always, theyll be well attended to.

ICYMI

I joined Talking Feds to discuss the 2024 election

Last Fridays authoritarian G-File

Hulkamania runs wild on last weekends Ruminant

Trump the one-day dictator?

Why do men really think about the Roman Empire?

Speaking freely about free speech

The Remnant with Dan Crenshaw on the decline of Congress

And now, the weird stuff

Honestly

Of mice and men

Also, they love you

Shot in the dark

Happy holidays!

Come lie with me

Louder with clowder

After school Satan

Read more at The Dispatch

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A number of the UKs top-tier universities have accepted millions of dollars in funding from dirty energy giants, leaving people doubting their commitments to divest from the industry.

What happened?

Forty-four universities in the UK, including well-known institutions like Exeter, Oxford, and Cambridge, have collectively accepted more than $51 million from oil, coal, and gas companies since 2022, according to a new report from DeSmog.

Shell, BP, and the Malaysian-state-owned oil company Petronas were the biggest contributors, with Shell shelling out the most at about $26 million, DeSmog reported. The funds cover research agreements, scholarships, tuition fees, and more, at UK universities, which are facing financial strain.

At least 18 universities also held direct investments collectively worth about $10 million in 25 oil and gas companies in 2023.

This is nothing new. Between 2017 and 2021, UK universities accepted contributions worth more than $110 million from oil and gas companies. However, many of these institutions have also promised to distance themselves from the dirty energy industry, per DeSmog.

Why are these contributions concerning?

The burning of dirty energy sources like coal, crude oil, and natural gas is taking its toll on the environment. It pollutes our air and water and contributes to the warming of our planet. It also endangers human health.

For instance, BPs Rumaila oilfield in Iraq made the air poisonous to local residents. Ali Hussein Jaloud developed leukemia at 15, and his doctors told him his illness was caused by BPs pollution. He died of cancer at 21, as the Guardian reported.

Obtaining these resources from the earth is also leading to land degradation. Strip miners, for instance, clear entire swaths of terrain, including forests and mountaintops, to expose underground coal or oil.

What can be done to limit the power of dirty energy companies?

Green Party Member of Parliament Caroline Lucas expressed concern over the universities still accepting money from these corporations.

Young people care so deeply about protecting the planet because their futures are on the line, Lucas said per the Guardian. If were going to tackle the climate emergency and secure a livable future for the next generation, educational institutions should cut all ties with fossil fuel companies immediately.

The UK universities in question defended their actions, with Exeter telling Euronews that its partnership with Shell will contribute to the global race to net zero.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Imperial College London told the news organization that they would only accept money associated with decarbonization efforts and only if the company demonstrates a credible strategic commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050.

While these claims are yet to be seen, you can make a difference in the meantime by putting pressure on decision-makers to divest from oil, coal, and gas companies. This can include attending local government meetings and writing to important decision-makers like politicians and university administrators.

You can also take a stand in your personal life by moving away from dirty energy as much as possible. This could be as big as investing in an EV or as little as commuting by bike or public transit.

You can even make a sizable difference by altering how you cut your lawn. Currently, gas mowers account for up to 5% of the total air pollution in the United States, but opting for an electric mower can help.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
DURHAM, New Hampshire  Donald Trumps upcoming court calendar is creating a logistical headache for his presidential campaign.

Its a scheduling nightmare, Trump senior adviser Susie Wiles told reporters Saturday. Theres no way to sugarcoat that.

Already ricocheting from the courtroom to the campaign trail, Trumps bid for a second term is now on a collision course with court dates for the myriad legal challenges hes facing.

Testimony in Trumps civil fraud trial in New York wrapped Wednesday. Lawyers on both sides will have until Jan. 5 to submit written statements before they return to court Jan. 11, just four days ahead of the Iowa caucuses Jan. 15. The civil trial for writer E. Jean Carrolls defamation suit is scheduled to start the same day as the caucuses.

And the trial in his federal election interference case is slated to start the day before Super Tuesday, though a judge put the case on hold as Trumps team argues for its dismissal.



Wiles said Trumps campaign is frontloading his schedule in anticipation that legal proceedings may disrupt his campaign.

Hes campaigning in three states in four days, jetting from New Hampshire, where he drew thousands of MAGA faithful for his first arena rally in the state this cycle, to Nevada on Sunday and Iowa on Tuesday.

Trumps team has also tried to turn the closely watched drama playing out in the courtrooms to his advantage. Trump was only required to be in the New York courtroom once for his civil fraud trial, but he appeared there eight times, often holding court with the media outside.

Meanwhile, Wiles said she doesnt expect the frontrunner for the GOP nomination will suddenly start participating in the Republican primary debates hes so far shunned, even as his lower-polling rivals push him to appear at upcoming forums in Iowa and New Hampshire.

"He'll be here plenty," Wiles said in New Hampshire. "But I don't think he's going to get on the debate stage."
At a campaign rally in Durham, N.H., former President Trump said under the Biden administration the American dream is dead in his latest remarks against Biden.

Joe Biden and the Democrat Party are incapable of solving any problem. They havent solved anything, theyve only created problems, Trump said. As long as Joe Biden is in the White House, the American Dream is dead.

Trump continued, saying things will change the minute polls close next November because he will win again and that crooked Joe Biden would be gone.

The former president predicted that it would be a historic victory by Christmas of next year.

He then said the economy would be roaring back, energy prices would plummet and the hoards of migrants crossing the border will have ended, which earned him cheers and applause.

Trump, who is polling ahead of the other Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire, asked voters to help him secure the nomination before anyone else could find their footing, the Associated Press reported.

According to polling in the state from The Hills partner Decision Desk HQ, Trump has a decent lead with 45.9 percent of support.

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is in second with 20.8 percent. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) trails behind with 12.8 percent, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 8.9 percent and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 8.6 percent.

The New Hampshire primary is set for Jan. 23, 2024  the first in the nation. Candidates are spending time in the Granite State attempting to sway voters and earn support in the remaining few weeks.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
European Union leaders expressed confidence Friday that they would clear a large package of aid for Ukraine early in 2024, despite a veto by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

All 27 EU states except Hungary agreed Thursday to start accession talks with Ukraine despite its invasion by Russia, bypassing Orban's grievances by getting him to leave the room.

But they could not overcome his resistance to revamping the EU budget to channel 50 billion euros ($55 billion) to Kyiv and provide more cash for other tasks such as managing migration.

Kyiv is reliant on foreign assistance as Russia's war in Ukraine rages on, and U.S. President Joe Biden has so far been unable to get a $60 billion package for Kyiv through Congress.

EU leaders, who would prefer a deal backed by all members but also have a Plan B, are expected to revisit the issue at an emergency summit at the end of January or early in February.

"We are working very hard to have an agreement by 27 member states," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, adding: "But I think it is now also necessary to work on potential alternatives to have an operational solution in case that an agreement by 27, so unanimity, is not possible."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron were among those expressing optimism on getting the aid to Kyiv, which is part of a broader multi-year EU budget plan.

"We have other ways of helping Ukraine, but we have not given up on the goal of finding a solution here," said Scholz, who diplomats and officials said played a big role in getting Orban to leave the room to clear the way for a decision on starting accession talks.

Macron said the EU was "not blocked" from providing aid next year, adding he felt Orban had an incentive to reach a deal.

The EU could continue to help with a workaround that involved a deal between 26 members and Ukraine, which would also deny Budapest access to linked EU funds, such as on migration.

The Kremlin praised Orban, who maintains close ties to Russia, and said the EU decision to open accession talks with Kyiv was politicized and could destabilize the bloc.

Orban, who has a history of trying to use disagreements with other EU leaders for his electoral benefit, told state radio he had blocked the aid to ensure Budapest gets EU money that is frozen over concerns about the rule of law in Hungary.

"It is a great opportunity for Hungary to make it clear that it must get what it is entitled to," he said.

The EU restored Hungary's access to 10.2 billion euros of frozen funds this week, but 21.1 billion euros remain locked.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the approval of membership talks as a victory for Ukraine and Europe.

And while Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that while it made him "proud to be European," he added it was "only the first page of a very long, long process."

Orban, meanwhile, called the move a "bad decision."

"We can halt this process later on, and if needed we will pull the brakes," he said.

EU leaders ended talks on the financial package in the early hours of Friday, with all except Orban agreeing to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros over four years. His veto blocked the funds, however, because the decision requires unanimity.

The best legal form for providing aid outside the EU budget is to be determined, but the Commission could coordinate a collection of grants for Kyiv.

Ukraine is unlikely to join the EU for many years, but the decision on talks took it a step closer to its long-term goal of anchoring itself in the West and leaving Russia's orbit. (Reuters-Yonhap)




Alina Habba, a lawyer for former President Trump, blasted special counsel Jack Smith for his urgency in asking the Supreme Court to take up Trumps federal 2020 election criminal case and weigh in on his immunity defense.

There is some sort of real sense of urgency, Habba said in an interview highlighted by Mediaite. The only urgency that I can see is that there is an election in November 2024 and they cant beat him.

Trump has attempted to toss the case by arguing that he has presidential immunity from the indictment that accuses him of entering criminal conspiracies to change the 2020 presidential election results.

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Smith has argued that the nations highest court should take up the issue before the D.C. Circuit issues its ruling, citing Trumps fast-approaching March 4 trial date.

The Supreme Court agreed to expedite Trumps deadline, ordering him to respond by Dec. 20. They will then decide if they are going to take the case.

Habba said everyone can see what Smith is doing and said it is election interference at its finest.

They cant beat him in the ballots so theyre gonna have to either, you know, lie, cheat, steal or the newest, is lawfare, put him in jail, tie him up, she told Fox Business Networks Larry Kudlow.

Kudlow suggested that since Trump would have to sit in trial every day for the case, they dont want him on the campaign trail.

Habba agreed and said, Its actually playing against them.

Hes getting a lot of voters that he normally wouldnt get because theyre seeing this and he is the victim of, all of a sudden theyve made him a victim of complete and utter election interference and lawfare, she said.

Habba said she has faith in the Supreme Court because they really take their office seriously, and weve seen that time and time again with that, especially recently.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Trumpism, like other forms of fascism, is crime in the form of politics.

For all of the talk about a democracy crisis and American neofascism, Trumpism as a form of legal crime and how it will negatively impact the country is one of the most important aspects of the crisis while simultaneously being among the least discussed by the mainstream news media, pundits and larger political class. The countrys elites have committed many extreme errors and failures in the Age of Trump, with the above being one of the most serious and worrisome. If the Fourth Estate as a whole was engaging in pro-democracy journalism, it would clearly communicate to the American people the following information about Trumpism and fascism as a form of crime, and what it will mean for them and the country.

Fascism is first and foremost a form of corrupt power that is not held accountable by the law, the institutions," or the public through voting or other means of oversight or accountability. Trumps repeated threats of violence and intimidation against the judges, court officers, prosecutors, attorneys general, witnesses, jurors, the Department of Justice, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Special Counsel Jack Smith, President Biden, and the rule of law more broadly are just one of many such examples of antisocial and pathological behavior.

Public opinion and other research show that Donald Trumps populist appeal and criminal behavior reflects how his followers support him precisely because he is willing to break the rules to get things done for people like them while engaging in revenge against their shared enemies." Fascism as a form of criminal politics is based upon a crude understanding of power and its limits, where friends and followers are to be rewarded and the enemy (however defined) is to be targeted for violence, harassment, and other cruelty because they have little to no protection from the state.

In all, if Dictator Trump, his MAGA people, and the Republican fascists and their forces take power this will mean that the American government and society will be ruled by the equivalent of a de facto crime family and elevated street gang. In the Age of Trump, the Republican Party and larger conservative movement and right-wing are, in many ways, already structured and are behaving in such a manner.

The organization and movement are hierarchical with Trump serving as the Big Boss. The Trump MAGA crime organization is large, very well-funded, and powerful with its own institutions and a wide sphere of influence across American society and internationally.

Republican elected officials and other party leaders in the MAGA movement and across the larger white right follow Trumps orders and directives with little disagreement or dissent. As seen during the 2024 Republican presidential primary campaign, Republican leaders must demonstrate extreme fealty to Trump and the MAGA movement or they will be punished and eventually ostracized. In fact, loyalty to Trump is more important than loyalty to the party or even the country  and perhaps even themselves and their own families.

As seen with the struggle over the Speaker of the House and the elevation of Mike Johnson, violence is a means of maintaining control of the organization and of punishing disloyalty. And like the mafia or other criminal organizations, the Republicans in Congress and the larger right-wing and conservative movement have also repeatedly shown that they are willing to both bend and outright break the law in service to Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.

Like more formal criminal organizations, Trump and his agents will use their power to enrich themselves, advance their own narrow interests, and engage in extortion, shakedowns, and collect protection money while they dispense favors and other opportunities to those individuals, groups, and businesses that demonstrate sufficient loyalty and are otherwise of use.

As seen in other fascist and authoritarian-autocratic governments, this corrupt behavior will have a trickle-down effect across American society.

For example, Trumps promises to be a dictator on day one and to use his unchecked power to dispense rights for oil drilling and other resource exploitation and to build the wall (while of course receiving kickbacks and other personal financial incentives and payments) is a classic way that dictators and other autocrats secure the loyalty and support of elite actors.

Under Dictator Trump, this will be a continuation in a much more extreme and unrestrained manner of how his first regime was one of the most corrupt in American history.

Because America will be ruled by a system of competitive authoritarianism under Dictator-Crime Boss Donald Trump, there will be no substantive accountability or consequences for such abuses of power and exploitation.

The ultimate goal of Donald Trump and his allies is to create a state of permanent emergency where he, like Hitler and other such dictators, will declare all of his heretofore criminal actions to be legal by definition. In such an arrangement, Trump the Great Leader and Big Boss is above the law while simultaneously being the embodiment of it. Power authority benefits flow to him and through him and the party and the movement.

In a recent conversation here at Salon, philosopher Jason Stanley warned:

What Trump really means is he's going to change all the laws, and then the new laws will enable him to do what he wants. According to the new laws, Trump will no longer be a dictator. The new laws that Trump puts in place will be about fealty to him. He will declare a state of emergency and change the laws.

These last few weeks have seen a rapid escalation in how Trumps public threats and promises of how he will rule America as a de facto crime lord when and if he takes power in 2025  an outcome that appears increasingly probable given his lead over President Biden in the polls.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Trump has repeatedly signaled that he supports prosecuting the Capitol Police and other law enforcement who defended democracy on Jan. 6 against the MAGA attack force as part of the ex-presidents coup plot.

Speaker Mike Johnson and Trumps other Republican MAGA followers in Congress are now literally rewriting history and the events of Jan. 6 to conform with the Big Lie that there was simultaneously no coup attempt, the attack was actually peaceful and if there was violence (which is a documented fact) it was actually committed by Antifa, Black Lives Matter or some other leftist group as part of an elaborate "false flag" or psyop to discredit Donald Trump as a precursor to a left-wing takeover of the country. This Orwellian rewriting of history includes blurring the faces of Trumps MAGA terrorists to protect them from prosecution for their obvious crimes.

On this, historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat explains in her newsletter Lucid:

Authoritarianism revolves around the power to commit crimes with impunity. That is why protecting and promoting criminals and turning violent and corrupt activities into patriotic and necessary actions are always priorities of authoritarian parties and governments. The statement by Speaker of House Mike Johnson (R-LA) that House Republicans will blur footage from the Jan. 6 attack to help participants avoid being brought to justice is symptomatic. When autocratic forces triumph, the rule of law becomes rule by the lawless. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, this will be the situation in the United States. The party took a big step forward in the process of normalizing impunity when they made the methods and philosophy of the Jan. 6 attempted coup into party dogma. A 2022 GOP resolution decreed the assault on the Capitol to be "legitimate political discourse. This rhetorical defense provides an "intellectual" rationale for the overturning of our democracy. Normalizing impunity also means actively shielding participants in the coup attempt from being brought to justice and discrediting democratic institutions of justice in the eyes of the public. This is what keeper of the MAGA cult Johnson sought to do with his statement. "We have to blur some faces of persons who participated in the events of that day because we don't want them to be retaliated against and to be charged by the DOJ," he said. As with everything Johnson says and does, this declaration was meant for an audience of one. It was a loyalty performance meant to reassure Trump that the GOP will defend those who tried to save him from the awful fate of accepting democratic precedent and leaving office when he was voted out.

Like a mob boss and dictator, the Washington Post reported that Trumps campaign and political committees have received at least 1.8 million dollars from the people that he pardoned before the end of his presidency. Trump is also promising to pardon the Jan. 6 terrorists  a group he describes as patriots who he has raised money for. From the Washington Post:

Never before had a president used his constitutional clemency powers to free or forgive so many people who could be useful to his future political efforts. A Washington Post review of Trumps 238 clemency orders found that dozens of recipients, including Arpaio, have gone on to plug his 2024 candidacy through social media and national interviews, contribute money to his front-running bid for the Republican nomination or disseminate his false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. Experts say Trumps abuse of the pardon power while in office was unprecedented in modern times. The Arpaio pardon previewed a whole different approach, in which the clemency power was going to be widely used to reward cronies and score points with constituents, said Larry Kupers, who led the Justice Department office that reviewed clemency requests but left halfway through Trumps presidency in protest of his approach. It looked so transactional, in that it was furthering his own interests. Trumps decision to return to politics, unlike many other one-term presidents, means that he can reap the benefits of that politically charged clemency process as he campaigns again for the White House. Many of the campaign donors, Republican operatives and media pundits who made his clemency list were well-positioned to return the favor. As former criminal defendants, these clemency recipients are particularly poised to amplify the former presidents attacks on a justice system that has brought 91 felony charges in two state and two federal indictments against him. Many of them are fueling one of the defining narratives spun by Trump for his 2024 campaign: a two-tier justice system in which the former president and his supporters are unjustly persecuted victims of a political witch hunt.

Trump has also publicly signaled that he will most certainly pardon himself and his agents who are convicted of any crimes in connection with the Jan. 6 coup attempt, the larger attempt to end American democracy, and more broadly.

Given Trumps stated plans and threats to be a dictator, and to purge the government of anyone who is more loyal to the Constitution and rule of law than to him and the MAGA movement, this will mean that members of the new regime will be able to break the law with impunity as they follow through on his orders and vision to end democracy and civil society in America.

As the 2024 election approaches, and Trump is also facing increasing pressure from his criminal and civil trials, he is increasingly channeling Hitler and the Nazis with his threats of a final battle, talk about betrayal, and promises to rid the country of human vermin such as the Democrats, "the left", non-white migrants and refugees and other undesirables in order to purify the blood of the nation. Adolf Hitler is one of historys greatest criminals. Trump in his admiration of Hitler and the Nazis and other dictator-criminals such as Putin is announcing that he shares their evil values and beliefs.

There is an additional aspect of the extreme dangers embodied by Trumpism and fascism as legal crime that the mainstream news media and commentariot have largely either ignored or been willfully blind to.

For several years, Donald Trump and his campaign have been issuing membership cards to the MAGA followers in exchange for their money. Trump has also created his Presidents Trust, an even more exclusive group of supporters who he has tasked with peacefully defending our movement no matter how vicious the endless witch hunts became.

If Trump the dictator mob boss takes power, these membership cards and other such proof of loyalty will basically grant his followers the permission and power to engage in all manner of violence and harm and mayhem with the not unreasonable understanding that by being an official member of the MAGA movement they will be able to operate outside of the law as it applies to other people.

The dangers will be especially great for those people who are members of a community targeted as the enemy because of their race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation and gender or some other marginalized identity.

The centrists, hope-peddlers, and happy pill sellers in the media and across the political class will instinctively reject such a scenario as being a symptom of Trump derangement syndrome or hyperbole or being hysterical because American Exceptionalism."

As Jason Stanley said of such enabling and normalizing voices in our recent conversation, Those like me, you, and a select group of others have been saying for years that Trump was a potential fascist dictator and there is a movement behind him. They dismissed us and laughed at us. Now instead of turning to those of us who were accurate and sounding the alarm years ago, the media is turning to people, supposed experts, who only now are realizing that we're facing a fascist, social and political movement. Such people should not be the ones turned to by the news media to be talking about the near-term future of Trump and this fascist movement and the danger. Why? They have quite clearly demonstrated total unreliability. For example, a person who is so late to this danger and reality can go back instantly to normalization. Who knows what someone who was so blatantly wrong for so long about social reality will believe or say?

Of course, there will be loud voices soon to be silenced or otherwise muted who will shout in opposition to Dictator Crime Boss Trump and his regime that But thats illegal! and The Rule of Law! and What about the institutions! to which Trump and his people will respond, So what. We are the law!

These are just the plain and unpleasant lessons of history and what commonly occurs when fascists, authoritarians, demagogues, autocrats, and other such political criminals and their organizations take power. The last seven years (and the decades of political and cultural breakdown that helped to create the Trumpocene) have shown that America is not immune from such forces.
DURHAM, New Hampshire  Donald Trump on Saturday turned to the words of an authoritarian in his latest effort to paint President Joe Biden as one.

Even Vladimir Putin  says that Bidens, and this is a quote, politically motivated persecution of his political rival is very good for Russia because it shows the rottenness of the American political system, which cannot pretend to teach others about democracy, the former president told a packed stadium in New Hampshire.

Trump also basked in praise from Hungarys authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orban.

Viktor Orban, the highly respected prime minister of Hungary said Trump is the man who can save the western world, Trump said. Later on he touted his relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who is very nice.

Hes not so fond of this administration, but hes fond of me, Trump said.

During his time in the White House, Trump cozied up to authoritarian leaders like Putin and Kim, praising both at turns and infamously siding with the former over his own intelligence agencies on an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.



Trumps comment earlier this month that hed be a dictator only on day one raised eyebrows, and his increasingly heightened rhetoric has led critics to compare him to authoritarian leaders overseas. But after doubling down on the day-one remark to a room of supporters at a New York soiree, Trump took to Truth Social to claim it was a joke.



In New Hampshire, the crowd cheered as Trump railed against Biden, blaming the sitting president as he often does on the campaign trail for his many legal troubles.

They [are] weaponizing law enforcement for high level election interference because were beating them so badly in the polls, Trump said.

The former president is embroiled in legal cases in New York, Georgia and Washington, D.C., and is facing federal indictments for mishandling classified documents and over his alleged role in a plot to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Biden.

But it hasnt stymied his support, with polls showing a seemingly impenetrable lead over his remaining GOP primary challengers. In a recent Wall Street Journal poll, Trump topped Biden by a 4 percent margin, the latest in a series of polls forecasting trouble for Biden.

The federal indictments were the culmination of investigations by special counsel Jack Smith, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland last year to independently manage investigations and prosecutions related to Trump. Despites accusations from conservative politicians and pundits, Garland has emphasized that Biden has not played a role in Trumps indictments.

But Trump continued his attack on Biden and Democrats unabated Saturday.

Every time the radical left Democrats, Marxists, communists and fascists indict me, I consider it a badge of honor  because I am being indicted for you, Trump said, prompting cheers of We love you, from his fans.

The Biden campaign later Saturday hit back at Trump's rhetoric.



"Tonight Donald Trump channeled his role models as he parroted Adolf Hitler, praised Kim Jong Un, and quoted Vladimir Putin while running for president on a promise to rule as a dictator and threaten American democracy, Biden-Harris 2024 spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement.
By Nathan Layne

DURHAM, New Hampshire (Reuters) -Donald Trump, the Republican presidential frontrunner, said on Saturday that undocumented immigrants were "poisoning the blood of our country," repeating language that has previously drawn criticism as xenophobic and echoing of Nazi rhetoric.

Trump made the comments during a campaign event in New Hampshire where he railed against the record number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border illegally. Trump has promised to crack down on illegal immigration and restrict legal immigration if elected to a second four-year term in office.

"They're poisoning the blood of our country," Trump told a rally in the city of Durham attended by several thousand supporters, adding that immigrants were coming to the U.S. from Asia and Africa in addition to South America. "All over the world they are pouring into our country."

Trump used the same "poisoning the blood" language during an interview with The National Pulse, a right-leaning website, that was published in late September. It prompted a rebuke from the Anti-Defamation League, whose leader, Jonathan Greenblatt, called the language "racist, xenophobic and despicable."

Jason Stanley, a Yale professor and author of a book on fascism, said Trump's repeated use of that language was dangerous. He said Trump's words echoed the rhetoric of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, who warned against German blood being poisoned by Jews in his political treatise "Mein Kampf".

"He is now employing this vocabulary in repetition in rallies. Repeating dangerous speech increases its normalization and the practices it recommends," Stanley said. "This is very concerning talk for the safety of immigrants in the U.S."

In October Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung had dismissed criticism of the former president's language as "nonsensical," arguing that similar language was prevalent in books, news articles and on TV.

When asked for comment on Saturday, Cheung did not directly address Trump's remarks and instead referred to the controversies over how U.S. colleges are handling campus protests since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, saying media and academia had given "safe haven for dangerous anti-Semitic and pro-Hamas rhetoric that is both dangerous and alarming."

The "poisoning the blood of our country" language was not in Trump's prepared remarks distributed to media prior to Saturday's event, and it was not clear whether his use of that rhetoric was planned or adopted on the fly.

Trump is the leading candidate for the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nomination and has made border security a major theme of his campaign. He is vowing to restore the hardline policies from his 2017-2021 presidency, and implement new ones that clamp down further on immigration.

President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, has sought to enact more humane and orderly immigration policies but has struggled with record levels of migrants, a problem seen as a vulnerability for his re-election campaign.

On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly used inflammatory language to describe the border issue and slam Biden's policies. On Saturday he recited the lyrics of a song he has repurposed to liken immigrants to deadly snakes.

If re-elected, Trump promised "to stop the invasion of our southern border and begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history."

(Reporting by Nathan Layne; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Former President Donald Trump doubled down on language condemned for its ties to White supremacist rhetoric, saying at a campaign event in New Hampshire on Saturday that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country.

The comments mark another instance of Trump using increasingly violent rhetoric in his campaign messaging. At his most recent campaign event in New Hampshire prior to his appearance Saturday, Trump used the word vermin to describe his political rivals, drawing broad condemnation, including from President Joe Biden, who likened his comments to language you heard in Nazi Germany.

Trump told a crowd gathered in Durham, New Hampshire, on Saturday that immigrants from all over the world are pouring into the country, reiterating a phrase he used previously that sparked outcry from the Anti-Defamation League.

Theyre poisoning the blood of our country. Thats what theyve done, Trump said. They poison mental institutions and prisons all over the world, not just in South America  but all over the world. Theyre coming into our country, from Africa, from Asia, all over the world.

Following Trumps use of the phrase in October, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt linked his language to ethnically motivated massacres in Pittsburgh in 2018 and El Paso, Texas, in 2019.

Insinuating that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country echoes nativist talking points and has the potential to cause real danger and violence. We have seen this kind of toxic rhetoric inspire real-world violence before in places like Pittsburgh and El Paso. It should have no place in our politics, period, Greenblatt said in October.

The former president is planning a widespread expansion of his first administrations hardline immigration policies if he is elected to a second term in 2024, including rounding up undocumented immigrants already in the US and placing them in detention camps to await deportation, a source familiar with the plans told CNN last month.

Trump on Saturday reiterated his proposal to restore and expand the travel bans he first implemented toward some countries in 2017 and pledged to implement strong ideological screening for all illegal immigrants. The travel ban targeted many Muslim-majority countries and African nations, leading critics to argue they were racially motivated.

Trump traveled to New Hampshire to lock down support as he tries to solidify his status as the 2024 Republican front-runner in the final weeks before the states first-in-the-nation GOP presidential primary.

In his first trip to the Granite State in over a month, Trump held a rally in the college town of Durham in one of the states most liberal counties. Hell follow that up with an event in Reno, Nevada, on Sunday and then Waterloo, Iowa, on Tuesday  his second visit to the Hawkeye State in a week.

The burst of campaigning underscores an aggressive effort by Trumps team to maintain his dominating lead when polls give way to actual voting. His advisers have privately voiced concerns that Trump supporters could simply assume he has a comfortable advantage in the race and is not reliant on their votes.

We are leading by a lot, but you have to go out and vote, Trump told supporters Wednesday night in Coralville, Iowa.

Trumps visit to New Hampshire comes a day after rival Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor, wrapped up his own one-day sojourn in the Granite State. It also comes as another opponent, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, appears to be gaining momentum there, punctuated by a recent endorsement by the states popular governor, Chris Sununu, who has long made clear his opposition to Trumps candidacy.

DeSantis said Friday that Trump will claim the results of the New Hampshire primary are illegitimate if he doesnt win.

If Trump loses, he will say its stolen no matter what, absolutely, he told reporters in Concord, New Hampshire.

DeSantis also hit Trumps engagement with New Hampshire voters, asking: Whens the last time he stood on a stage and just took questions from voters? Has he done that at any point during this campaign? He certainly hasnt done it on a debate stage.

Sununu told reporters Tuesday that he believed the Republican primary in New Hampshire was a two-person race.

This is a race between two people. Nikki Haley and Donald Trump. Thats it  with all due respect to the other candidates, Sununu said.

Following Sununus endorsement, Trump bashed the New Hampshire governor as unelectable and labeled Haley as having no chance of winning.

A Trump campaign adviser told CNN shortly after news of Sununus endorsement was first reported that the team has no plans to shift its strategy in response to Haleys growing prominence in the race.

Its unclear what impact Sununus endorsement will have on the primary. A recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll in Iowa suggested DeSantis support there grew only nominally from an endorsement by another popular governor, Kim Reynolds.

A CNN/University of New Hampshire poll of likely voters in New Hampshires Republican primary released last month showed Trump with 42% support. Haley, his closest challenger, was at 20%.

Trump is even more dominant in national polls. A Pew Research Center survey released Thursday found 52% of Republican and Republican-leaning registered voters name the former president as their top choice in the primary. His nearest challenger was DeSantis, at 14%.

Trump pushed back on the notion that Haley, with Sununus help, is gaining ground on him. Theres no surge. They dont have any surge, Trump told supporters in Iowa on Wednesday.

This story and headline have been updated with additional information.

CNNs Steve Contorno, Jeff Zeleny and Alison Main contributed to this report.

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DURHAM, N.H. (AP)  Donald Trump wants New Hampshire to help him pocket the Republican presidential nomination before any rivals find their footing with the 2024 campaign's opening contest just weeks away.

His appearance Saturday in Durham was part of a swing taking the former president through early nominating states as he cites his wide polling lead over a dwindling field of GOP hopefuls. They are trying to block his political comeback as Trump navigates multiple indictments and looks ahead to a potential rematch with President Joe Biden, the Democrat he lost to in 2020.

We are going to win the New Hampshire primary, then we are going to crush crooked Joe Biden next November, Trump said, reminding supporters that he ensured their state would continue to host the nation's first primary after Iowa's kickoff caucuses.

New Hampshire is going to weed out the insincere RINOs ... Republicans in name only," Trump said, referring to rivals Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor who was endorsed by Trump in 2018, and Nikki Haley, Trump's former U.N. ambassador. Trump warned that his allies-turned-opponents will betray you just like they betrayed me.

The New Hampshire primary is Jan. 23, eight days after Iowa begins the nominating process on Jan. 15. Nevada and South Carolina come next in the early stages, before Super Tuesday on March 5, when the highest cumulative number of delegates are up for grabs on any single day on the election calendar. The Trump campaign sees a path for him to secure the nomination before the Super Tuesday polls open.

Whats really important from our standpoint is being able to win the early states, senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita told Right Side Broadcasting minutes before Trump stepped on stage. Winning Iowa, winning New Hampshire, winning Nevada, winning South Carolina  its over. Thats our goal.

Trump, who has pledged to immediately stop the invasion of our southern border and wants to reimpose his first-term travel ban that originally targeted seven Muslim-majority countries, used harsh rhetoric in saying we got a lot of work to do about the rising number of migrants entering the United States. Theyre poisoning the blood of our country," he said once more on the campaign trail, echoing Adolf Hitler's language in his own political manifesto.

One of Trump's most prominent critics in the 2024 race, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, told CNN's State of the Union on Sunday that Trump was dog-whistling to Americans who feel absolutely under stress and strain from the economy and from the conflicts around the world. And hes dog-whistling to blame it on people from areas that dont look like us.

The focus on immigration comes as the Biden administration and Congress are trying to negotiate a border security deal demanded by Republicans as part of the president's request for wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel. Biden has been criticized about the record numbers of migrants at the border and is trying address a political weakness before a potential rematch with Trump.

Before the rally, Trump's campaign announced an endorsement from former state Senate President Chuck Morse, who is now running for governor. Morse, who ran for U.S. Senate last year but lost the primary to a candidate more closely aligned with Trump, told the crowd its time for Republicans to rally around a candidate who can not only win but get the job done for our country.

Hes done it once, and hell do it again, Morse said.

Gov. Chris Sununu on Tuesday endorsed Haley, who is battling DeSantis to become a plausible alternative to Trump. Sununu, a frequent Trump critic who passed on the 2024 White House race, has argued that Republicans with no path to victory must have the courage to get out of their partys primary in order to stop Trump.

Trump called Sununu a selfish spoiled brat who passed up a chance to win a U.S. Senate seat in 2022, then indulged his presidential aspirations but found no traction.

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 DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Trump has won New Hampshires GOP primary twice but lost the state in both of his general elections. He is confident enough in his domination of the Republican Party that he spent more time Saturday angling against Biden.

"Under the Trump administration, you were better off, your family was better off, your neighbors were better off, your communities were better off, and our country was better off. America was stronger, richer, safer, and more confident than ever when you had me behind that desk in the Oval Office, Trump said.

DeSantis, meanwhile, didnt shy away from mentioning Trump during stops in Iowa Saturday, criticizing him for not finishing the southern border wall and adding trillions of dollars to the national debt.

Trump's argument in New Hampshire resonated with voters like Brandon Sevey, 25, who was attending his first Trump event from nearby Dover. Sevey said he has worked a variety of retail and fast-food jobs and found it easier to find work when Trump was president. Plus, he likes Trumps brashness.

Hes loud and obnoxious and annoys people, Sevey said. But thats what I like about him.

___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Hannah Fingerhut in Johnston, Iowa, contributed to this report.
SOLEDAD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A homicide investigation is underway following the death of a Tulare County inmate at the Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP), the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced.

According to prison officials, at approximately 8:40 a.m., officers saw two incarcerated people, 39-year-old David Pacheco of Los Angeles County and 23-year-old Adrian Lopez of Santa Clara County, allegedly attack a third incarcerated person, 30-year-old Oracio Ramirez, of Tulare County, on the recreational yard.

Officials say staff immediately responded, issuing verbal orders to stop, and used one less-than-lethal 40mm direct impact round to quell the attack. An ambulance was summoned while staff performed life-saving measures on Ramirez. He was pronounced deceased at 9:02 a.m.

According to officials, an inmate-manufactured weapon was recovered at the scene. Pacheco and Lopez have been placed in restricted housing and population movement has been limited. An investigation continues by SVSPs Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorneys office.

The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and officials say the Monterey County Coroner will determine Ramirezs official cause of death.

23-year-old Adrian Lopez and 39-year-old David Pacheco

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says Pachecho was received from Los Angeles County on June 21, 2006. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, and possession of firearm ex-felon. He was also previously sentenced in Imperial County on May 24, 2012, for assault by a prisoner with a deadly weapon. His last sentence was in Imperial County on March 18, 2022, to serve two years for possession of a manufactured weapon.

Officials say Lopez was received from Santa Clara County on July 6, 2021. He was sentenced to three years for second-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted robbery, discharge of firearm inhabited dwelling/vehicle/aircraft, criminal gang activity, and attempted carjacking.

Prison officials say Ramirez was received from Tulare County on Oct. 27, 2014. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, second-degree robbery, and criminal gang activity. While incarcerated, he was sentenced in Los Angeles County, on May 16, 2014, for second-degree attempted murder.

No staff members or additional incarcerated people were injured as a result of this incident, officials reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Turning Point USA  the far-right, Christian nationalist group run by Charlie Kirk  is kicking off its annual AmericaFest in Phoenix on Saturday. TPUSA bills AmericaFest as a bash for like-minded conservatives to celebrate the greatest country in the world, America.

But in addition to patriotism, many of the galas headliners appear to be of like mind about something much darker: a distrust, distaste, or outright hatred of Jewish people. The celebration comes on the heels of Kirk himself having been called out by prominent conservatives for creating an anti-Semite problem for the right.

AmericaFest will be kicked off Saturday night by Roseanne Barr  the far-right comedian, who this past summer not only voiced Holocaust denial, but made a call for violence against the Jewish people. Nobody died in the Holocaust, Barr said on a June podcast with Theo Von. Thats the truth. Barr followed that lie with an even more shocking statement: It should happen. Six million Jews should die right now, cause they cause all the problems in the world.

Barrs remarks were denounced by Jewish leaders as Nazism. In a statement, Barrs son wrote: We think its funny that people are so stupid  not to recognize Roseanne is being sarcastic.

Barr is an extreme example, but she is far from alone among TPUSA speakers in making troubling comments about Jews. Jason Whitlock, a host for Blaze Media, this June denounced Jewish pride as an affront to God, while insisting that Jews are in league with LGBTQ minorities and Black Americans in the pursuit of power and a one-world government. Whitlock acknowledged during the segment that, I will be accused of being an antisemite, but added that this is what happens in a nation of pride. The groups that lean into pride, wield the power to silence their critics.

Blaze Media was founded by Glenn Beck, who is also speaking at the TPUSA celebration. In his previous incarnation as a Fox News host, Beck uncorked a hateful rant about puppet master George Soros, in which he accused the left-wing billionaire, a Holocaust survivor, of somehow being complicit in the death of fellow Jews. The Anti-Defamation League deemed Becks comments horrific and one writer memorably described the segment as some of the most offensive anti-Semitic imagery ever purposely shown on American television.

Other top TPUSA speakers also have an offensive track record of voicing anti-Jewish rhetoric and conspiracy theories. They include Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who infamously blamed western wildfires on satellite weapons controlled by the Rothschilds, a.k.a. Jewish space lasers. (Addressing that controversy in a new book MTG insists, I have no antisemitic sentiments whatsoever.)

AmericaFest star speaker Tucker Carlson has routinely attacked the Jewish president of Ukraine, with claims about Zelenskys rat-like appearance and shifty behavior, withk commentators criticizing Carlson for trafficking in antisemitic tropes. In recent weeks, Carlson hosted longtime TPUSA contributor Candace Owens on his Twitter show, where Calson described his hate for Harvards biggest donors for allowing and paying for calls for white genocide on campus. Owens  who has also been accused of using antisemitic dog whistles  will also be speaking at AmericaFest.

Kirk, TPUSAs founder, has been called out in recent weeks for promoting anti-Jewish ideas himself. Kirk hosts a popular podcast, on which he parroted the same antisemitic trope that landed Elon Musk in such hot water: It is true, he alleged, that some of the largest financiers of left-wing, anti-white causes have been Jewish Americans.

Kirk has also been decried as antisemitic for floating a conspiracy theory on his podcast that the government of Israel issued a stand-down order to its military to allow Hamas to wreak deadly havoc on Oct 7, as part of a calculated power grab and pretext to invade Gaza. Fox New contributor Ben Domenech tweeted, If Charlie Kirk remains the head of TPUSA, the right has an anti-Semite problem that will follow them into the coming elections.

Red State founder Erick Erickson blasted TPUSA as an antisemitic grifting organization  combining criticism of Kirks comments with a reference to a recent AP report that the TPUSA empire has made its founder suspiciously rich. Kirk later defended himself from his conservative critics insisting, Asking questions does not make you anti-Israel.

TPUSAs spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment from Rolling Stone about the pronounced strain of antisemitism in AmericaFests speaker lineup. But judging from the outside, the hateful undercurrent looks like a feature, not a bug.

He is not a speaker at AmericaFest, but one of the leading hype men for TPUSA is an ambassador named Evan Killgore, whom Kirks organization touts as an outspoken Christian and Conservative commentator who refuses to be deterred by the woke outrage mob.

In October, Kilgore launched a Twitter poll asking if the conspiracy theory lofted by Kirk that Israel allowed the breech were true. (The winning answer was Yes. Its obvious.) Kilgore has also voiced disagreement with the conservative Ben Shapiro by writing: You cant have your hummus and eat it too, Ben.

Kilgore is also apparently a fan of the Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. He recently tweeted with enthusiasm about an exchange between Fuentes and Alex Jones on Infowars, with Kilgore writing that it broke down the entire argument of support for Israel as the ultimate war between good and evil.

Kilgore continued: Nick suggests that Christian in the West, who follow Jesus, should question their support for Jews, who hate and reject Jesus. He summarized, without challenge, Fuentes argument: Israel is ultimately on the side of the anti-Christ, or Satan.

Asked to clarify his views Kilgore wrote: The Rolling Stone can kiss my ass. You are fake news and push propaganda that strokes division in America. He also recently replied to a Twitter video  of Alex Jones demanding that Jews let us control our own countries  with a single word reply: Based.

AmericaFest is a big tent and will feature plenty of speakers who hold themselves out as foes of anti-Jewish hate. Senator Josh Hawley, the GOP Missouri senator who raised a fist of approval to the Jan. 6 rioters, is slated to speak. Ironically, Hawley recently passed a Senate resolution condemning antisemitism on college campuses. Hell be joined by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who has recently demanded Harvard hold its president accountable in the flap over congressional testimony by Ivy League leaders, in an open letter blasting his alma mater as an incubator of bigotry and antisemitism.

MAGA world will be well represented at AmericaFest, with speeches from Donald Trump Jr., Roger Stone, and Steve Bannon. As will the conspiratorial fringe, with appearances by diehard election denier Kari Lake, 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (who at the last GOP debate insisted that Jan. 6 was an inside job), and OG Pizzagate promoter Jack Posobiec.



Beyond the myriad far-right speeches, AmericaFest will feature breakout sessions for those attendees interested in The Gospel and the Government; The War on Sex: Porn, Feminism & the Sexual Liberation Movement; and  sure to be a hit  Girls Gone Woke: Why Young Women Need Ayn Rand.

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SAN DIEGO  San Diego Fire-Rescue crews battled a fire that engulfed a two-story University City home Friday afternoon, displacing a multi-generational family of five who lived in the residence for over half a century.

The two-alarm fire was reported by a motorist along northbound Interstate 5 near the interchange with State Route 52 shortly after 3:30 p.m., according to California Highway Patrol logs. The motorist said they were able to see smoke from the freeway.

According to one of the residents of the home, his 84-year-old father was inside when the flames broke out, but he was able to make it out safely. No injuries, including those to any pets, were reported.

I looked up and there was smoke, the father said. I thought the best thing to do was to get (myself) out of there, because Im crippled.

SkyFOX was over the home, which is located in the 5400 block of Bloch Street, as the blaze ripped through the structure. Flames appeared to entirely engulf the residence while it was active with a heavy plume of smoke coming from all sides.

Around 4:30 p.m., crews knocked down the main body of the fire and remained on scene for several hours afterward to contain any other hotspots.

The five adults who have been displaced as a result of the blaze are being assisted by Red Cross, SDFD said. The damage is estimated to cost well over $1 million.

SDFD crews are still working to determine what sparked the fire. Although, the family told FOX 5 at the scene that crews believe the flames originated somewhere at the back of the house  possibly one of the bedrooms  and appeared to have been caused by some kind of electrical issue.

It hasnt really hit me yet, that my whole life was in the house and its gone, one of the family members said.

FOX 5s Jaime Chambers contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) was called out to Hickman County on Friday to investigate two deaths.

The Hickman County Sheriffs Office said deputies were dispatched to East Beaverdam Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 for a shots fired call.

WATCH: TBI called in for homicide investigation in Hickman County

When authorities arrived at the scene, they said two people were found dead. The TBI was reportedly asked to handle the investigation.

When News 2 sent a crew to the scene, we were told there is no threat to the rest of the public.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

We ask that you pray for all families involved, the sheriffs office posted on Facebook Friday night.

Hickman County officials said they are withholding all names and details due to the ongoing nature of this investigation. The TBI has not released any additional information about the case.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah died Saturday, aged 86, according to the royal court, just over three years after assuming power in the U.S.-allied Gulf oil producer.

The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed. The emir was admitted to hospital late last month due to what the state news agency described at the time as an emergency health problem but said that he was in a stable condition.

Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, who has been Kuwait's de facto ruler since 2021, when the frail emir handed over most his duties, was named as Sheikh Nawaf's successor.

Sheikh Nawaf became emir in September 2020 following the death of his brother, Sheikh Sabah, who had ruled for more than a decade and shaped the state's foreign policy for over 50 years.

Sheikh Nawaf was seen by diplomats as a consensus builder even though his reign was marked by an intense standoff between the government and elected parliament, which had hindered key structural reforms in the oil rich Gulf state. In recent months, consensus returned between the government and parliament.

Kuwait, holder of the world's seventh-largest oil reserves, borders Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and lies across the Gulf from Iran. It was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990, sparking the first Gulf war several months later in 1991 when the United States and other nations defeated Iraq and liberated Kuwait.

Since he took over in 2020, Sheikh Nawaf maintained a foreign policy that balanced ties with those neighbours, whilst domestically eight governments were formed under his rule.

Under Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince automatically becomes emir but assumes power only after taking an oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir.

Analysts and diplomats say that Sheikh Nawaf, and his crown prince Sheikh Meshal, both appeared to align Kuwait more closely with regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

The new emir's choice of crown prince and premier - who would be tasked with managing the government's often stormy relationship with parliament - will be watched closely as a younger generation of Kuwait's ruling family jostles for position.

Such factional struggles within the Al Sabah family have often played out in parliament as contenders for succession build their own political capital and domestic base.

Before handing over most of his constitutional duties to his designated heir, Sheikh Nawaf tried to secure a detente on the domestic political scene, including by issuing an amnesty pardoning dissidents that had been long-sought by opposition figures.

But the stalemate continued, leaving Sheikh Meshal to try to put an end to the political bickering this year by dissolving parliament and holding early elections in June.

Kuwait bans parliamentary parties but is still one of the region's most politically liberal states, with a voluble political debate and the region's most powerful elected legislative assembly that includes Sunnis, Shiites, liberals and Islamists. (Reuters)
A federal district judge on Friday, December 15, 2023, dismissed the Hooper v. Tulsa case, stating that the city does not have jurisdiction over municipal violations committed by tribal citizens.

Judge William P. Johnson, for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, stated in his ruling: "Tulsa no longer has jurisdiction over municipal violations committed by its Indian inhabitants."

The case involved Justin Hooper, a tribal citizen of the Choctaw Nation, who resides in the city of Tulsa, Okla. In 2018, Hooper was issued a speeding ticket by Tulsa police which resulted in a $150 fine imposed by Tulsa Municipal Criminal Court.

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In 2020, though, the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt v. Oklahoma decision ruled that a large swath of northeastern Oklahoma was still an Indian reservation, putting some court rulings into question.

Friday's ruling comes on the heels of a decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver that reversed a district courts ruling on the case on June 28, 2023.

On Friday, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. issued a statement posted to the Cherokee Nation Facebook page.

"This summer, the 10th Circuit's Hooper v. City of Tulsa ruling upheld settled federal law, reaffirming that states and municipalities do not have criminal jurisdiction over tribal citizens on tribal land. The decision rejected to upend these legal principles by turning to defunct, territorial provisions of the Curtis Act. With this case now dismissed, the Cherokee Nation continues to support collaborative approaches on public safety that respect rather than attack tribal sovereignty," Hoskin said in the Facebook post.

Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David W. Hill said in a statement:

"We applaud the decision of the court to uphold the law and dismiss this frivolous case. The parties behind these politically-driven cases are working to make our state less safe. The McGirt decision means more police, courts, and prosecutors working to keep our communities peaceful. Oklahomans deserve that. That is why we have been asking Congress to pass legislation to fully empower tribes to prosecute anyone who violates the law on our reservations, and to enhance the ability of the tribes to broaden their law enforcement capabilities within the reservations for all Oklahomans.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said two men were shot in Southeast D.C. early Saturday morning.

MPD said it was dispatched to the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE for sounds of gunshots.

Woman shot in Arlington, police investigating

When police arrived at the scene, they found two men who had been shot.

The men were conscious and breathing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
SOUTH YARMOUTH  Two more roundabouts may be coming in heavily-travelled areas of Yarmouth.

The town of Yarmouth and the Cape Cod Commission presented recommendations Wednesday night for improving safety, congestion and accommodations for all users of the Station Avenue corridor from Route 6 to Wood Road.

The meeting was a follow-up to a January session that provided 60 suggestions from the public during the meeting and 17 emails.

A total of 162 crashes have occurred from 2018 to 2020 at intersections along the one-mile corridor, including Route 6 interchanges, Whites Path, Old Townhouse Road, Long Pond Drive to Regional Avenue and Wood Road.

The road improvements are funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation because of the crash data, David Nolan, senior transportation planner for the Cape Cod Commission, said on Wednesday at Town Hall. About 15 residents attended.

Yarmouth Town Planner Kathy Williams explains Station Avenue upgrade recommendations to Bill Glass, right, of South Yarmouth, with Town Engineer Amanda Lima, right, and Cape Cod Commission Transportation Planner Joyia Smikle at Wednesdays public meeting at Yarmouth Town Hall in South Yarmouth. A total of 162 crashes have occurred from 2018 to 2020 at intersections along the one-mile corridor.

White's Path intersection scene of 19 serious crashes

Nineteen of the most serious crashes occurred at the Whites Path intersection. That prompted an in-depth road safety audit in October to identify potential safety issues and opportunities for improvement. Some of the eight audit recommendations included extending the right turn lane on Whites Path and left turn lane on Station Avenue southbound, constructing larger pedestrian islands, upgrading traffic signals and lighting, sidewalks, shared use path for bikes and pedestrians and upgraded pedestrian timers on stop lights.

Nolan also presented options for either traffic signals or roundabouts at both the westbound and eastbound ramps at Station Avenue, comparing the benefits of each in terms of safety, congestion, bike and pedestrian accommodations and property impacts.

Roundabouts seen as preventative

The roundabouts provide more safety than rotaries and traffic lights and have less severe collisions, he said.

There really is a benefit to improving safety with roundabouts, he said, and showed an example of a roundabout on Cotuit Road at South Sandwich Road in Sandwich that reduced crashes from 27 to 6 after one was built.

Officials with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation also in November presented their plan to build a roundabout at the intersection of Route 28 and Main Street in West Yarmouth and install a traffic signal at Town Brook Road to improve road safety.

Full off-ramps might be better, one resident says

However, Yarmouth Port resident Marilyn Holle suggested full off-ramps onto Station Avenue like those on Route 134 in Dennis instead of a roundabout, which she said most people from out-of-state are not familiar with. Since the state owns the area off the ramps, she said the work could be done without impact on Station Avenue. Another man watching on Zoom agreed with Holles suggestion for public safety reasons. Nolan said that option had not been considered, but he said he could approach the state Department of Transportation with the idea.

Yarmouth Selectman Mark Forest read a text from a resident suggesting a roundabout also at Whites Path and Station Avenue. Nolan responded that the property impact would be substantial there, but it could be discussed.

David Nolan, a senior transportation planner for the Cape Cod Commission, conducted Wednesdays meeting on Station Avenue road improvements at Yarmouth Town Hall in South Yarmouth.

Near the Old Townhouse Road intersection

On the other hand, the intersection at Old Townhouse Road "functions quite well, Nolan said. The collisions there have been mostly minor and a roundabout is not recommended, he said. Instead, the study recommends smaller upgrades such as signal timing and signage to direct traffic to Route 28 via Old Townhouse Road to avoid the schools along Station Avenue.

Nolan pointed out a difficult left-hand turn out of the CVS driveway. The project recommended repurposing the left turn lanes there to discourage their use as a travel lane. The project also showed potential crossing improvements for the Cape Cod Rail Trail users as either a new off-ramp from the trail on the west side of Station Avenue or a new type of pedestrian crossing signal across Station Avenue.

Near the schools

Recommendations for the area around four schools in the corridor include improvements in the bike and pedestrian infrastructure and extending a shared use path, changes for vehicles entering and exiting the schools and installing a rapid flashing beacon at the crosswalk in front of Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School and St. Pius X School.

Morning traffic navigates Station Avenue in South Yarmouth along a stretch of roadway near schools, in January.

A 12-hour count by Cape Cod Commission staff at the Wood Road intersection did not warrant a traffic signal or improving the current flashing light. However, Nolan said an all-way stop could be considered there as well as a crosswalk across Wood Road and other changes.

The residents in attendance made further comments that were noted on maps of the project sites. The next steps by the commission will include reviews of the public input, refining the concepts and coordinating with the town and state transportation staff as necessary.

A draft and final report should be ready by late winter or spring. Nolan will continue to take public comment on the project until Jan. 13 and may be reached at David.nolan@capecodcomission.org.

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: New roundabouts in Yarmouth pitched as fix for Station Avenue crashes
An Israeli tank operates near the border with the Gaza Strip in Israel, Nov. 1, 2023. (Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times)

WASHINGTON  In recent days, U.S. officials have said they want Israel to consider scaling back its large-scale ground and air campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden has criticized Israel for the indiscriminate bombing of civilians. And Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser, traveled to Israel to discuss the next phase of the war.

This signals a change in how Biden and his advisers have handled the U.S.-Israel relationship since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Weve seen a shift from behind-the-scenes pressure the administration was exercising from very early on, to now, much more public exhortations, and leaks, and more public appeals, said Dov Waxman, a professor of Israel studies at UCLA. Clearly, the administration is running out of patience.

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The United States has some strategies it could pursue to persuade Israel to change its tactics, although they all would carry political and diplomatic costs for Biden.

Heres a look at some of the key points of U.S. leverage.

Billions in Security Assistance

The United States could apply conditions to money it gives Israel.

As part of a 10-year security assistance agreement created during the Obama administration, Israel receives about $3.8 billion from the United States each year, a figure that has represented up to 15% of Israels defense budget.

The State Department has to sign off when Israel uses that money to buy large weapons or tranches of ammunition, so the administration could find ways to object or slow-walk the delivery of weapons.

On the other hand, the State Department has the ability to circumvent Congress, as it did last week when it approved $106 million in tank ammunition to Israel.

Since most U.S. arms sales come with strings attached  Ukraine, for example, has been prohibited from firing U.S.-made missiles into Russian territory  Biden could put a similar limit on how American bombs are used in dense civilian areas such as Gaza. But doing so could put him at odds with the pro-Israel lobby with which he has been sympathetic over many years.

On Friday, a senior administration official said attaching conditions to U.S. aid was not part of the current strategy. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal policies.

Political Pressure on Netanyahu

Israel needs the Biden administrations support not only to continue resupplying its forces but to shield it from international pressure from other corners, including the United Nations.

The United States, which is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, used its veto power last week to block a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The United States could decide not to use its veto power in that way going forward.

Biden could also continue to be vocal about the need for a two-state solution, which could put political pressure on Netanyahu.

But any of those actions would come at a significant cost to Biden, who has made much of his half-century relationship with Netanyahu. In the past, he has sometimes sought to privately persuade the Israeli leader to reconsider his approach. With an election year approaching, Biden would also need to consider the criticism he could endure if the fighting continues.

He could clearly make things more difficult for Netanyahu domestically and within his own government being more explicit and vocal, Waxman said. But, he added, I dont think Biden has the appetite for public confrontation with Netanyahu.

Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy

Bidens strategy, for the most part, has been to support Israels right to defend itself publicly while offering more pointed criticism privately.

Administration officials say Biden and his advisers have relied on closed-door diplomacy to encourage the Israelis to allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, restore telecommunications in the Gaza Strip, broker a hostage deal and encourage a smaller and more targeted military operation. On Friday, officials said Israels decision to open its border crossing at Kerem Shalom to allow for humanitarian assistance into Gaza was the latest agreement reached through intensive diplomacy.

The behind-the-scenes work had been effective in some ways, Waxman said, but he added that in terms of the actual conduct of the war itself, they seem to have less influence on that.

Sullivan on Friday played down differences between the United States and Israel over the war. But, according to a senior White House official, Sullivan has stressed to Israeli leaders that the United States wants a short-term timeline of Israels plans to begin more narrow, surgical operations.

Dennis Ross, a veteran Middle East peace negotiator, said in an interview that Sullivan appeared to be walking a careful line and not dictating anything to the Israelis.

I think were in a context where the ability to move the Israelis or influence the Israelis requires this initial sense of trying to relate to them, said Ross, who is in Israel. Were saying, Be mindful, how you conduct this campaign has implications to those who matter to you in the region. It never hurts to be reminded of that.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
The British destroyer HMS Diamond has been sent to the Gulf (-)

A UK destroyer has brought down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea, defence minister Grant Shapps said Saturday, amid rising maritime tensions in the region.

Britain announced last month that it was sending HMS Diamond, one of its most advanced naval vessels, to the Gulf to shore up its presence in the region.

"Overnight, HMS Diamond shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea. One Sea Viper missile was fired and successfully destroyed the target," Shapps said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, is conducting operations to ensure freedom of navigation, reassure merchant vessels and ensure the safe flow of trade, the defence ministry said.

The deployment followed the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas and the seizure of an Israeli-linked cargo vessel by Iranian-backed Yemeni Huthi rebels in the Red Sea on November 19.

The Huthis have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since Hamas militants poured over the border into Israel on October 7, killing around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Around 240 people were kidnapped in the attacks.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive military offensive that the Hamas-run territory's health ministry says has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.

The Huthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip.

Two of the world's largest shipping firms, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, said Friday they were suspending passage through a Red Sea strait vital for global commerce, after the incidents.

Shapps warned Saturday that "the recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea.

"The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade," he added.

Royal Navy vessels have been permanently deployed to the region since 1980 and since 2011 have fallen under "Operation Kipion", the name used for the UK's maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

The vessel joined the frigate HMS Lancaster which deployed to the region last year, as well as three mine hunters and a support ship.

jwp/rox
Israeli and Qatari officials were set to meet in Norway, Saturday, in an effort to revive talks about the release of hostages held in Gaza in return for a ceasefire and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was due to meet David Barnea, director of Israels Mossad intelligence agency, in Oslo, the report added, citing people familiar with the matter. Barnea is also likely to meet with Egyptian officials, the Journal reported.

Significant obstacles impede a resumption of negotiations on a new hostage deal including disagreements over the possible terms within Hamas, the report added, citing people familiar with the talks.

The report of the talks comes a day after Israeli military said it mistakenly killed three hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas.

During a week-long truce in late November, Hamas released more than 100 women, children and foreigners it was holding in Gaza in exchange for the release of 240 women and teenagers. (Reuters)
For two decades, British artist Martin Lever took his inspiration from Asia and his adopted home of Hong Kong.

Lever, 54, who spent most of his life in Hong Kong before deciding to leave in 2022 in the wake of a sweeping national security law introduced by Beijing, specialised in landscapes, portraits and abstract works.

But after years of non-political work, he says he has been compelled to try to "capture the situation in Hong Kong through my art".

In an exhibition he is aware risks him being banned from ever returning to the city he loves, he has used a playful pop art aesthetic to highlight what he says is the silencing of Hong Kong youth.

Taking inspiration from the late US graffiti artist Keith Haring, his collection shows figures with mouths zipped shut or covered with masks.

Key Hong Kong sights and locations are featured in the works "essentially to just symbolise that this law was starting to creep into every aspect of Hong Kong life in different ways", he told AFP.

Following the introduction of the national security law in 2020, Lever has now swapped the buzz of Hong Kong for the calm of rural Yorkshire in northern England.

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong -- which enjoys greater freedoms compared to mainland China -- once had a vibrant civil society.

But the new law, designed to quell dissent in the financial hub, has had far-reaching consequences.

"I've never really lived through anything, from a historical perspective, of the enormity that was I was witnessing in Hong Kong -- the sort of disintegration of the One Country Two Systems... and 50 years of autonomy," he said.

Until now there has been nothing particularly political about his art.

But the artist, who previously worked in advertising, said that like many living in Hong Kong he had become increasingly alarmed that the Chinese government appeared to have "a long list of people it doesn't like, who've been critical".

Three years after the law was enacted, activists say Hong Kong's police have stepped up surveillance -- pre-emptively discouraging rallies before applications are filed, paying home visits in the lead-up to days seen as politically sensitive and summoning organisers for warning chats.

- Freedom of expression -

Jimmy Lai, a 75-year-old British citizen and founder of the now-shuttered tabloid Apple Daily, has been behind bars since 2020 ahead of his trial for alleged "collusion with foreign forces", which starts on Monday.

"It started one by one, going after various sectors of society -- Jimmy Lai and the Apple Daily being one very prominent figure who'd been critical of China -- and starting to ban certain books, slogans and songs," Lever said.

"It was just very surreal and I think I found myself just becoming angrier and angrier at what I saw."

He said he had been disturbed that young people were not being allowed the freedoms he had enjoyed.

"I grew up in Hong Kong where freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of creativity was taken for granted.

"That afforded me many opportunities that I'm very thankful for. To see those same freedoms being slowly taken away from primarily young Hong Kongers... makes me very sad."

After 44 years in Hong Kong, Lever and his family decided to leave Hong Kong in 2022 for a combination of reasons, including the political situation.

He said the problem with the national security law was that it was so ambiguous it led to self-censorship.

"People don't know what is okay and what isn't. So as a creative person, you have to worry."

Creating the collection had been "cathartic" after the decision to leave, he said, but adding there was a danger now of being singled out by the Chinese authorities.

"It's a risk I'm prepared to take because if I get banned from Hong Kong for doing some paintings, then it kind of underlines the whole reason for it," he said.

"I just feel in my heart it's something I'd really need to do."

Silent Protest at London's Crypt Gallery runs until Sunday. Proceeds from any sales will be donated to Hong Kong Watch, a human rights charity based in the UK.

har/jwp/gil
If you want to live, dig.

The words, often spoken by Ukrainian troops, are universal advice for trench warfare in general, but especially for both sides in Russias war against Ukraine.

Normally expressed as advice to the individual soldier, the maxim now applies to the country as a whole.

Twenty-one months into the full-scale war, World War I-style tactics, with the high-tech edge brought by drones and other innovations, continue to dominate.

Russia and Ukraine are diving head-long into a winter campaign looking to be no less brutal than the last, and it is Russian forces that have taken the initiative on a wide stretch of the eastern front line and look likely to keep it for the foreseeable future.

As Ukraine wrestled with internal political tensions, the threat of Western military aid drying up, and the slow realization that the summer counteroffensive had ended in a strategic failure, questions began to be raised about Ukraines preparation for a long defensive fight.

On Nov. 24, Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the creation of a new working group headed by himself and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to coordinate the efforts of all authorities and the military in matters of construction of fortifications.

Six days later, President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Umerov and other officials in Zaporizhzhia Oblast to discuss the building of fortifications, focusing on the most critical sectors of the front line, as well as the state border with Belarus, across which Russian forces launched their failed attempt to take Kyiv in February 2022. In a written statement, the Defense Ministry confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that plans are for fortifications to stretch along the entire line of contact.

But in contrast to Russia, which had spent months constructing its defensive lines while its own forces held the initiative over winter and spring, Kyiv did not take the same measures while Ukrainian forces were attacking over summer.

Along almost all of the front line where we (Ukrainian forces) are located now, we have been there for no less than half a year, said retired Ukrainian colonel and expert at the Center for Defense Strategies think tank Viktor Kivliuk to the Kyiv Independent.

This has been going on for half a year and suddenly, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief (Zelensky) seems to wake up and propose building fortifications. Where was he all this time?

Strategic defense

Heralded by the dramatic launch of a large-scale offensive on the city of Avdiivka in early October, Ukraine has entered the winter campaign squarely on the defensive.

Though Avdiivka remains a hotspot, fresh assaults have begun in other sectors, most notably, around Marinka and Bakhmut, where Russian forces have made significant gains for the first time in months.

In familiar style, Kyiv never declared its counteroffensive to be officially over, but the reality on the ground is difficult to deny.

In a Dec. 1 interview with BBCs Ukrainian service, former Ukrainian General Staff Chief Viktor Muzhenko called for Kyiv to make a conscious shift to strategic defense, to regather and preserve its forces while holding back enemy advances.

We need to reformat the front, he said in the interview. We need to create a powerful reserve, not only in quantity, but also in quality.

At the moment we cannot advance anywhere, everything that is happening is on such a small scale that it clearly won't lead neither to victory nor to the liberation of Ukrainian territory, agreed Kivliuk. We need a pause.

Given this need, the existence of pre-prepared and well-built lines of defense are critically important for the defense of Ukraine as a whole, Kivliuk noted.

When defending against large-scale combined arms offensives in the positional warfare that has come to dominate in Ukraine, an important distinction exists between front-line positions in the immediate active combat zone, and pre-prepared fortified lines built further in the rear, out of range for most artillery pieces.

This difference was reflected in the joint announcements of the working group: responsibility for constructing the first line of the new defenses will lie upon the military units stationed in that area.

Most brigades of the Ukrainian Ground Forces typically have their own engineer battalions, while two dedicated engineer brigades and other separate units also operate under the Support Forces Command.

Despite these resources existing on paper, Ukrainian soldiers fighting on front-line hotspots have reported a common failure by command to prepare even the most basic of back-up trench lines behind the zero-line positions.

These basic errors were reported to the Kyiv Independent by several soldiers to have been made on the flanks of Avdiivka, where, despite heavy losses, Russian forces have advanced several kilometers in some areas.

Ukrainian servicemen of the 42nd Mechanised Brigade dig trenches during a field military exercise in Donetsk Oblast on Dec. 6, 2023. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

The same problems are frequent further north in Bakhmut, according to a senior artillery commander posted near the city, who requested to keep his identity secret when discussing the topic.

Neither fortified positions nor the second line are being prepared properly, nor are the villages that in the near future could be engulfed in active hostilities, he said.

When the Russians storm the trenches, our guys have nowhere to retreat and there are no positions to take; they have to dig trenches under machine gun and sniper fire, never mind artillery shelling.

According to the commander, even when an order to dig is passed down, the undermanned and underresourced units are often not capable of carrying it out.

The order is given by the sector commander, repeated by the battalion commander, and should be carried out by the company with his own people, he said, but there are hardly enough people or engineers to occupy the first line, let alone dig the second one.

Read also: Ukraine holds back Russian assault on Avdiivka as long winter battle looms

Painful lessons

The summer and autumn campaign in 2023 have been defined by the failure of Ukraines much-awaited counteroffensive to achieve strategically meaningful territorial gains.

On the axis of the front south of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and on the way to occupied Tokmak and Mariupol, the village of Robotyne was meant to be taken in four days, according to Ukrainian plans wargamed together with the U.S. military detailed in a Dec. 4 Washington Post story.

Led by Western-trained and equipped brigades and backed by large commitments of artillery ammunition, Ukrainian forces nonetheless took 80 days to capture the now-ruined settlement, and failed to push more than a few treelines further south afterwards.

Blame for the failure, according to the Washington Posts sources, was traded between Kyiv and Washington.

Beyond mistakes made in the planning and execution of the counteroffensive, one thing was objectively clear: Russias sprawling network of purpose-built defensive lines in southern Ukraine had done its job.

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With plans for a large-scale Ukrainian counteroffensive telegraphed months prior, Russia began working on the fortifications well in advance, with satellite images of large anti-tank ditches, trench systems, and lines of dragons teeth beginning to appear in the first months of 2023.

Committing massive amounts of state resources, Russia expanded on its line of fortified lines, which had by then been named after general Sergey Surovikin, right up until the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive in June.

Following Soviet military doctrine of defense in depth, two main lines were built at intervals of 10-15 kilomteres behind the initial contact line, itself defended by kilometers of dense minefields.

After reaching the first of these lines in late August, soldiers reported to the Kyiv Independent of networks of tunnels and concrete-reinforced bunkers that were previously undetected by satellites.

Russias efficiency in planning and building the Surovikin Line did benefit from the authoritarian countrys simple vertical power structure, Kivliuk argued, but that excuse only goes so far to explain Ukraines failure to do the same.

This is not about dictatorship or democracy, he said. Dictatorships will always be quicker in making decisions, but that difference is not the same when it comes to actually digging a trench.

Read also: Southern counteroffensive runs out of steam as West scrambles to deliver aid

Delayed decision

The long lack of action from Kyiv has several plausible explanations.

Ukraines  and particular Zelenskys  public-facing message still based around an unwavering intention to advance and liberate the rest of the occupied territories. Within that narrative, the optics of building extensive fortifications along the existing contact line evoke an admission of defeat of sorts; not only for this years counteroffensive but for hypothetical future ones.

In turn, building rear lines of defense tens of kilometers behind the contact line, as Russia did, feeds unsavory expectations of major new enemy gains in the future, in which front-line cities like Chasiv Yar, Toretsk or even Kupiansk could be lost.

Another reason floated is the lack of clear coordination and responsibility for such a large-scale task, and one that crosses the boundaries between Ukraines military and civilian leadership, where reports of tensions between Zelensky and Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi continue to simmer.

These factors, among others, invariably meant that the decision only came as a reactive move to Russias new offensives, and one that could prove costly.

I think only now have the country's top officials started to realize the mess that Ukraine is in at the moment, said Yurii Nikolov, head of the investigative media project Nashi Hroshi (Our Money). Of course it is better late than never but at face value it doesn't look good.

Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov at a meeting of the new working group for fortification construction, photo posted on Nov. 24, 2023. (Defense Ministry of Ukraine/Telegram)

In its statement, the Defense Ministry said that the decision to form the working group was made by Zelensky and executed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

As argued by Nikolov and other commentators, Fedorovs presence as co-head of the group suggests that the move was unlikely to have been initiated by Zelensky.

Although the young minister has been directly involved in the war effort through drone initiatives and other technological innovations, he is an unexpected choice to lead such a group, while neither Zelensky in his role as Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Zaluzhnyi, or anyone else in the military leadership appears to have shown the urge earlier.

What it looks like is that some people in the government structure had a good look at the dynamic on the front line and took the initiative to do this themselves, Nikolov said, and in this case it was Fedorov together with the Defense and Infrastructure ministries.

The Digital Transformation Ministry confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that the ministry will not be directly involved in the fortifications work; that it will be only Fedorov himself involved in his role as co-head.

While not giving a direct reason about why this was all happening so late, the Defense Ministrys comments did seem to appreciate the newly urgent need to get building.

Work in this area has been carried out and will continue to be carried out, the statement said. We are working on reducing the time from the moment of decision-making to the construction of fortifications.

Read also: Who is Rustem Umerov, Ukraines soon-to-be defense minister?

Scramble to act

Despite the delay, the decision of the Ukrainian leadership to finally begin working systematically on fortified defensive lines gives hope that Ukraine will be able to better withstand what could be months of Russian offensive operations.

According to the Defense Ministry, the design of the fortifications will follow existing doctrine modified to be better prepared for the new challenges of this war.

There are approved typical forms and designs of shelters and fire structures used on the line of defense, the ministry said. In addition, the works are being modernized and improved to better protect against the enemy's use of thermobaric munitions, FPV drones and cluster munitions.

But beyond the design, the task at hand presents formidable challenges for Kyiv.

With winter only beginning, the freezing, hardening ground makes excavation works much more laborsome, especially the first-line positions dug by hand.

In winter, digging a trench is almost impossible, the ground is hard, you cant use picks, and the tractor wont drive up, said the commander near Bakhmut. All you can do is occupy the ruins of buildings, if there are any, or dig inside existing shell-holes.

Perhaps more daunting than the cold will be the organization of the work, with a plethora of government and military bodies involved and the financing plan largely unknown.

According to Fedorovs initial announcement, while the first line will be built by the military, the second will be under the oversight of the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, through the involvement of private contractors.

Private businesses have offered up financing for the initial phase of construction, Fedorovs post added, without specifying how many funds had been raised or how the work will be funded beyond that point.

An engineer operates a military excavator to dig a trench system on Nov. 2, 2022, near Bashtanka, Mykolaiv Oblast. (Carl Court/Getty Images)

To make matters more complicated, the building of sporadic fortifications so far has, over the full-scale war, traditionally been the purview of Ukraines oblast administrations, which have received intermittent funding from the central government.

In the latest such allotment, the Zaporizhzhia Oblast regional administration received Hr 31.7 million ($856,000) for the building of fortifications. The announcement made no mention of Zelenskys new orders or the working group.

The allocation of funds shows that the work of the (joint working) group efficiently supports the provision of assistance, as was done in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, said the Defense Ministry when asked if this money was part of the new fortifications scheme.

This tangled web of responsibility, Kivliuk warned, could offer ripe opportunities for corruption and negligence throughout the projects structure.

In the next half year I think we will see a large number of strange developments concerning the construction or non-construction of something here or there, he said.

Now that the decision has been made, the next months will give more of an idea of how effectively the work will be carried out.

With a rock-solid defense being crucial to Ukraines fortunes in the war over 2024 and beyond, the stakes for this new project couldnt be higher.

We (Ukraine) will either be occupied or not, we will either live or be killed, said Nikolov.

For as long as we haven't been killed, we need to do something to save ourselves. If someone isn't doing what they are supposed to, but someone else is ready to do it, you need to help them and not get in their way.

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Francis Farrell, cheers for reading this article. We are entering a new phase of the war, which could potentially be stranger, tougher, and more uncertain than it has ever been so far. I wrote earlier about the West's responsibility and failures regarding Ukraine's struggle for existence, but there is another side to this, the responsbility of Kyiv itself. In a time when instability around the world is growing, and attention is fading when it is needed the most, please consider supporting our reporting.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Multiple explosions were reported in Crimea on Dec. 15 as air defense downed six Ukrainian drones over the peninsula, Russia's Ministry of Defense said.

Traffic at the Dzhankoi checkpoint near northern Crimea had been blocked, Russian media reported.

Moscow-appointed authorities in Crimea, which was illegally annexed in 2014, have regularly reported explosions, drone strikes, and raids by Ukrainian forces.

Earlier on Dec. 15, local officials in the Kursk Oblast of Russia said four Ukrainian drones had been downed.

Roman Starovoit, Governor of Kursk Oblast, said that explosions were heard and power lines were damaged.

In October 2022, a missile strike severely damaged the Kerch bridge  a key transport and operational supply route for Russian forces in Crimea  leaving it blocked for weeks.

Read also: Explosions reported in occupied Crimea, Russian proxy claims drone strike on ammunition depot

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's attacks across the Dnipro River have been bloody and futile, troops told The New York Times

The Ukrainian fight to establish a foothold across the Dnipro River in Russian-held Kherson Oblast has been brutal and futile, troops involved in that mission told The New York Times .

With its counteroffensive in the south and east bogged down into a bloody stalemate, Ukraine has been pushing troops across the Dnipro. The hope is that with enough of a presence there, they can threaten the so-called land corridor to Crimea. Last month, Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs boasted about the advance of Ukrainian troops there and even Russian milbloggers have worried about that presence .

https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1725509131493069133

The troops interviewed by the Times, however, paint a dire view of that situation.

Waves of Ukrainian troops have been struck down on the river banks or in the water, even before they reach the other side, the publication reported after interviewing several troops involved in this effort. Conditions are so difficult, a half-dozen men involved in the fighting said in interviews, that in most places, there is nowhere to dig in. The first approaches tend to be marshy islands threaded with rivulets or meadows that have become a quagmire of mud and bomb craters filled with water.

https://twitter.com/nytimesworld/status/1736023440987967896

The soldiers and marines gave only their first names or asked for anonymity for security reasons, and commanders declined almost all media requests to visit military units in the Kherson region.

They spoke to journalists out of concern about the high casualties and what they said were overly optimistic accounts from officials about the progress of the offensive, according to the Times.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that it was not immediately possible to comment on the soldiers accusations but that it would provide a response in due course.

As we have reported frequently , some of the heaviest fighting has been in the village of Krynky, on the east bank 20 miles upriver from Kherson city, where Ukrainian troops seized a narrow strip of fishermens houses  the only place where they managed to establish a toehold.

Krynky

Fresh troops arriving on the east bank have to step on soldiers bodies that lie tangled in the churned mud, said one of the Ukrainians, Oleksiy, an experienced soldier who fought in Krynky in October and has since crossed multiple times to help evacuate the wounded.

Oleksiy also pushed back against claims that the Dnipro operation has been successful.

There are no positions. There is no such thing as an observation post or position, said Oleksiy. It is impossible to gain a foothold there. Its impossible to move equipment there.

Its not even a fight for survival, he added. Its a suicide mission.

Oleksiy blamed the Ukrainian commanders poor preparation and logistics for decimating his battalion. Wounded men were being left behind because of a lack of boats, he said, and the brutal conditions were degrading morale and soldiers support for each other.

Another Ukrainian interviewed by the Times pointed out that despite the losses, these attacks have unnerved Russian commanders, who brought back an airborne unit from the Zaporizhzhia front to bolster the defense.

Ukrainian artillery and drone units were well placed along the rivers western bank, which has the advantage of having higher elevation than the eastern bank and allows access to supplies, electricity and logistics, that marine told the Times.

https://twitter.com/666_mancer/status/1734473817873924467 https://twitter.com/astraiaintel/status/1734215719162687539

They are very scared that Ukraine this month, or in the spring or the summer, will increase its territory to expand and liberate the east bank, he said, adding that he followed radio intercepts of Russian communications, among other sources of intelligence.

Even small territorial gains would give Ukraine the ability to strike Russias supply routes into Crimea, he said. But for now, the cross-river operation was focused not on a breakthrough but on drawing in and killing as many Russian troops as possible, he said.

How much longer Ukraine, experiencing great battlefield losses in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and even Kharkiv oblasts, can afford to conduct these missions remains to be seen.

Before we head into the latest from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here .

The Latest

Little has changed on the battlefield over the past several days.

Ukrainian forces claimed a small victory in the village of Snivkivka, about two miles northeast of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. The Russians, however, have the initiative across a large front, making small gains in Donetsk, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Here are some key takeaways from the latest Institute for the Study of War assessment :

German outlet BILD stated on December 14 that unspecified intelligence findings and sources indicate that Russia plans to occupy Ukrainian territory beyond the four (illegally) annexed Ukrainian oblasts throughout 2024-2026.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov threateningly urged Ukraine to negotiate with Russia sooner rather than later in framing consistent with the ISW assessment that Russia intends to achieve its maximalist objectives in Ukraine through military means.

Russian forces continued offensive operations near Kupyansk, northeast and near Bakhmut, near Avdiivka, west and southwest of Donetsk City, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and made confirmed advances in several areas.

Kremlin newswire TASS reported on December 14 that Grom special units (elite anti-drug special units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs [MVD]) will fully transition to being subordinated to Rosgvardia in early 2024.

https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1735827390662688956

Ukraine's spy boss on Saturday pushed back against claims that Russia destroyed a Patriot air defense battery recently donated by Germany with 9-S-7760 Kinzhal missile, known in the West as the AS-24 Killjoy, carried by adapted MiG-31K Foxhound-D interceptors.

"It's not true," Lt. Gen. Kyrlylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate, told us about claims made on social media that "a battery of Patriot air defense systems sent by Germany to Ukraine was destroyed by a Kinzhal missile near Zhitomir, west of Kyiv."

On Thursday, Germany announced it sent Ukraine one more Patriot system, spare parts and an unrevealed number of unspecified interceptors. Germany has previously provided Ukraine two Patriot launchers as well as an entire battery in combination with the Netherlands.

https://twitter.com/MyLordBebo/status/1735585877579972910

Weve seen multiple videos of mine-clearing vehicles being used in the Ukrainian war, especially the Russian UR-77 Meteorit that fires a rocket-assisted line charge from a launcher fitted to the vehicles hull. Each line charge is essentially a rope made up of high explosives. They are fired into a desired area and then detonate. The overpressure from the blast then sets off any nearby mines, helping to create a safe corridor for friendly forces to pass through.

A new development in this field, however, is an uncrewed ground vehicle thats similarly equipped for mine-clearing operations. The video below shows a test of the Ukrainian design, with the vehicle trailing behind it a UZP-77 mine-clearing line charge.

Also deployed by the UR-77 Meteorit, the UZP-77 can create a lane through a minefield that is between 80 and 90 meters (262.5 feet and 295 feet) long, respectively, according to a 2016 U.S. Army manual on foreign military capabilities.

The high risk posed to crewed mine-clearance vehicles , especially to drones and drone-delivered munitions, has very likely helped drive the Ukrainian development of uncrewed mine-clearing vehicles like this one.

https://twitter.com/sambendett/status/1735652247793442897

Returning to the battlefield are Ukrainian Leopard 2 tanks that have undergone repairs in Lithuania.

Back in October, we reported about how the first batch of German-made Leopard 2 tanks used by Ukraine had been overhauled in Poland and returned to their units. The work was undertaken at a specialized maintenance and repair hub that was set up in Poland, with German assistance.

According to the Kyiv Independent, the first Leopard 2s processed in Lithuania are expected to reach Ukraine next month.

Lithuanian Minister of Defense Arvydas Anusauskas praised the Lithuanian military and German defense industry for their work on the tanks.

https://twitter.com/lithuanian_mod/status/1735626689797886445

Next up, a scene that would have been entirely unthinkable when the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine started: An M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle is dragged through the snow by a Soviet-era T-64 tank.

The scene in question records a Ukrainian T-64BV, one of the later models of the tank, with upgraded armor, recovering a presumably battle-damaged M2A2 ODS-SA. The date and location have not been recorded, but the weather conditions suggest its likely a recent video.

As we have discussed in the past , the U.S. has promised 186 Bradleys to Ukraine , including 109 M2A2 ODS-SA variants and four BFIST versions .

https://twitter.com/andreibtvt/status/1735653309073981599

Details continue to emerge about Russias extemporized UMPK guided glide-bomb packages , that have been added to standard dumb bombs, reducing the exposure of Russian tactical aircraft to Ukrainian air defenses.

Conflict Armament Research (CAR) investigators working in Ukraine have looked at the wreckage of two of these weapons and discovered that both included components with markings that were deliberately obliterated. This suggests that they were likely foreign-sourced components, which Russia hoped would not be able to be traced  either by foreign intelligence or perhaps also by the manufacturers responsible for making these parts. Overall, this points again to Russias continued reliance on foreign components, especially for high-technology and precision military applications, such as weapon guidance systems, as well as optics.

https://twitter.com/GuyPlopsky/status/1735669541861036277?s=20

The Ukrainian Air Force base at Starokostiantyniv was the probable target of Russian Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles on Thursday.

According to a report from Reuters, the Ukrainian Air Force said that Russian MiG-31K fighters carrying Kinzhal missiles struck targets in central Ukraine just 10 minutes after taking off from Savasleyka airbase in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Ukraine claimed it shot down one Kinzhal missile over the Kyiv region, while another two hit Starokostiantyniv district, where their likely target was the airbase of the same name that has also come under repeated previous attacks.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1735300895821197614?s=20

Another video has appeared showing the Russian Scalpel loitering munition in use in Ukraine. A Russian soldier interviewed about the weapons says We still have issues with the catapult launch. Our drone is cheaper than Lancet and of course, has a more limited function than the Lancet.

As we have described before , the Scalpel is basically a smaller and cheaper version of the Lancet. Accounts on the Telegram messaging app last month claimed that the first batch of these new loitering munitions was ready for use in eastern Ukraine. The same accounts suggested that the Russian Armed Forces has a lack of Lancets, something that the delivery of the Scalpels is intended to help address.

https://twitter.com/sambendett/status/1735306755591086502?s=20

More Russian drones, this time an apparent answer to the Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) that have already been used to great effect against the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Naval warfare analyst H. I. Sutton describes the BBKN Dandelion as reportedly able to reach a speed of 43 knots and with a range of 108 nautical miles.

According to Russian reports, the Dandelion will soon be deployed to the Black Sea.

With little in the way of crewed Ukrainian Navy vessels to target, the Dandelion is presumably intended as a direct counter to Ukrainian USVs, suggesting the imminent possibility of uncrewed surface vessels battling against each other in the Black Sea.

https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1735405399405101139?s=20

The latest in a relative flurry of videos from the perspective of first-person view (FPV) drones is one of the most dramatic to date. It reveals the significant threat that these new weapons pose on the battlefield, the victim in this case being a Russian tank. Despite a low battery, the Ukrainian FPV drone flies directly into the tank via an open turret hatch, and despite an anti-drone screen, or cope cage. It appears likely that the tank had already been abandoned at this point.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1735299296449180018?s=20

An image of a Russian vehicle sporting unusual camouflage was posted by the Ugolok Sith Telegram channel.

"The loaf is in maximum camouflage kit and with an anti-drone visor on the entire roof," it said of the kit, which appears to be strings of dried straw-like material.

https://twitter.com/janr210/status/1736090342691066105

A video appeared yesterday purporting to show a dramatic near-miss, after a pair of Russian Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft overflew a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher just as it was discharging its 122m artillery rockets.

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1735337353365839968

Further details were not immediately forthcoming, but now, it seems, there is a companion video from the cockpit of one of the jets, as well as a recording of the radio chatter between the pilots.

The Grad fired right before the number eight [the tactical callsign for the other aircraft], one pilot is heard to say. Right before. Let them know. This is so wrong. Tell them Im coming to fire at them!

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1735620820938973647?s=20

And finally, meet Ukraine's newest secret weapon, the Trench Kittens.

https://twitter.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1735046441981059293?s=12

Thats it for now. Well update this story when theres more news to report about Ukraine.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
The U.S. issued an intense warning to North Korea over nuclear threats Friday.

In a Friday statement on the second U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Nuclear Consultative Group coming together in Washington, D.C., the White House warned that any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime. The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea.

The United States reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK, backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities including nuclear, the statement said.

The statement comes a few weeks after North Korea said it successfully launched a spy satellite that photographed the White House as well as Naval Station Norfolk and Newport News Shipyard in Virginia.

When the North Korean satellite was launched, the White House said it strongly condemned it, adding that the launch violated United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.

The president and his national security team are assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners, the Biden administration said in a statement. We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on [North Korea] to come to the table for serious negotiations.

North Korea has also warned that any interference with its spy satellite would be a declaration of war.

Any attack on space asset of [the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea] will be deemed declaration of war against it, a statement by a spokesperson for North Koreas defense ministry read, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The top two U.S. military leaders are traveling to Tel Aviv to advise the Israeli government on how to transition from major combat operations against Hamas in Gaza to a more limited campaign and prevent a wider regional war. Their trip comes as Iranian-backed militants on Saturday launched a wave of attack drones against ships in the Red Sea and said they would continue until Israel's aggression ends.

One of the American warships assigned to the Ford carrier strike group, the destroyer USS Carney, successfully engaged 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. Britain reported that a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships.

It was the latest in a series of attacks threatening commercial and U.S. Navy ships in the Red Sea that have escalated after Israel intensified its response to the Hamas' strike against Israel on Oct. 7. Israel is stinging from the deadliest attack ever on its homefront and has pledged that its offensive will not cease until Hamas is destroyed.

U.S. defense leaders are hoping to prevent the risk of wider regional conflict, both through a sustained high level of U.S. military presence and by engaging with the Israelis to get them to move beyond the massive bombardment campaign.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, who are heading to Israel, served in leadership roles as U.S. airpower and ground forces moved from major combat to lower-intensity counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it is not clear how deeply their advice from lessons learned will resonate with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

Their trip highlights the increased efforts by the Biden administration to convince Israel that it should scale back its offensive, which has flattened much of Gaza's northern region, displaced millions and killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Israels push has been complicated by the dense urban population and Hamas' network of tunnels, and the militants are accused of using civilians as human shields. The sustained intensity of Israel's campaign has led President Joe Biden to warn that the U.S. ally is losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing."

U.S. officials have been telling Israel for several weeks that its window is closing for concluding major combat operations in Gaza without risking the loss of even more backing.

In a meeting Thursday, Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, urged Netanyahu to shift to more targeted operations by smaller military teams hunting specific high-value targets, rather than the sustained broad bombardment that has occurred so far. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said his country would continue major combat operations against Hamas for several more months.

There are implications for the tens of thousands of U.S. service members deployed in the region.

Austin on Friday extended the deployment once more of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and a second warship in order to retain a two-carrier presence in the Mediterranean Sea. The ships are seen as vital to deter Iran from widening the Israel-Hamas war into a regional conflict. The approximately 5,000 sailors aboard the Ford were originally due home in early November.

There are 19 U.S. warships in the region, including seven in the eastern Mediterranean. A dozen more stretched down the Red Sea, across the Arabian Sea and up into the Persian Gulf.

The missile and drone attacks have led at least two major shipping companies, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, to order their commercial vessels to temporarily pause transits through the strait.

"This is a worldwide problem that affects Israel, too, Gallant said the Houthis blocking shipping in the Red Sea. We are ready to act. We know what to do. And we will find the right timing to act. We are giving a chance, in the maritime issue, to the international system. If we reach a situation where we are the final option, we will know what to do, he said about a possible military response.

Mohammed Abdel-Salam, the Houthis chief negotiator and spokesman, wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the Houthis would keep targeting Israel-linked vessels until the aggression stops; the siege on Gaza is lifted; and humanitarian aid continues to flow into the Strip.

Austin is expected also to visit Bahrain and Qatar and further work toward establishing a new maritime mission to provide increased security for commercial ships sailing in the southern Red Sea. Bahrain is the home of the U.S. Navys Central Command headquarters and the international maritime task force charged with ensuring safe passage for vessels in the region.

Qatar has been vital in helping keep what has been a deadly localized war from boiling over into a regional conflict and negotiating hostage release.

Earlier in his Army career, Austin oversaw the drawdown of forces in Iraq in 2011. He visited Israel days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and has spoken to Gallant, his Israeli counterpart, more than two dozen times since then.

In his meetings in Israel, he is likely to continue discussions on how Israelis define different military campaign milestones, to be able to assess when they will have sufficiently degraded Hamas to ensure their own security and shift from major combat operations, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters traveling with Austin.

-

Associated Press writer Sam Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.
A US Navy ship shot down 14 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, US Central Command said Saturday.

The unmanned aircraft systems were assessed to be one-way attack drones and were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries, US Central Command posted on X.

This marks the latest instance of drones being shot down in the region as the Houthi rebels, who are funded and trained by Iran, have repeatedly attacked commercial ships with drones and missiles.

The USS Carney shot down at least three Houthi drones headed in the ships direction in the southern Red Sea earlier this month. The Carney also responded to distress calls from commercial vessels in the area that were attacked by ballistic missiles.

Last month, the USS Thomas Hudner shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Yemen. And in another instance, two ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the USS Mason in the Gulf of Aden after it responded to a distress call from another commercial tanker that had come under attack by five armed individuals believed to be Somali.

The US has responded to these attacks in recent months by launching strikes in eastern Syria and Iraq, targeting weapons depots and storage facilities used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxy militia groups.

The US has stopped short in most instances of saying the drones from Houthi areas in Yemen were targeting the various warships, noting only that they have been heading in their direction and were considered enough of a threat to be engaged.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are a Shia political and military organization that have been fighting a civil war against a Saudi Arabia-backed coalition since 2014. They have voiced support for the Palestinians and organized protests in Yemen against Israels offensive in Gaza.

The uptick in activity from the Houthis  as well as attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria by other Iran-backed groups  began after Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

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This image obtained from the US Defense Department shows the American guided-missile destroyer USS Carney as it transited the Suez Canal on November 26, 2023 (Aaron Lau)

An American destroyer on Saturday shot down more than a dozen drones in the Red Sea launched from Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the US military said, as the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreads to global shipping lanes.

"The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS CARNEY... operating in the Red Sea, successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched as a drone wave from Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The aerial vehicles were "assessed to be one-way attack drones and were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," according to the statement.

The operation took place as Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin headed to the Middle East, where he would meet with Bahrain on "US efforts to convene multilateral coalitions to respond to aggression at sea that threatens shipping and the global economy," a Department of Defense statement said.

In Israel, Austin would highlight America's steadfast support of its ally but also "discuss steps Israel is taking to mitigate civilian harm."

He is to meet with Israeli military leaders on "the next steps in the conflict after an eventual cessation of high-intensity ground operations and airstrikes," a senior defense official was quoted as saying.

Austin also is scheduled to visit Qatar, a key mediator in negotiations with Hamas.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting vessels near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait at the southern tip of the Red Sea, saying they are pressuring Israel over its devastating war with Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas militants poured over the border into Israel on October 7, killing around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Around 240 people were kidnapped in the attacks.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive military offensive that the Hamas-run territory's health ministry says has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.

The Huthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip.

Four major shipping firms have said they are suspending passage through the Bab al-Mandab strait, through which 40 percent of the world's international trade flows.

md/bbk/acb/mlm
The U.S. State Department said Friday that the international community will hold Russia accountable for what happens to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in their custody.

We have communicated to the Russian government that they are responsible for what happens to Mr. Navalny in their custody, and they will be held accountable by the international community, a statement by a spokesperson for the State Department reads.

On Monday, a press secretary for Navalny, Kira Yarmysh, posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the prisoner hadnt been heard from in the six days before. Yarmysh also said he didnt show up to court that day.

This is already the sixth day since we dont know where Alexey is or whats happening to him, Yarmysh said.

The White House has expressed its concerns about the situation.

He should be released immediately. He should never have been jailed in the first place, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. Were going to work with our embassy in Moscow to see how much more we can find out.

In their statement, the spokesperson for the State Department also said the U.S. strongly condemns Russias continued malicious targeting of Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and the more than 600 other political prisoners Russia continues to unjustly detain.

We will continue to follow their cases closely and call for the release of all who are unjustly detained, the spokesperson said.

In 2021, Navalny was imprisoned on a nine-year sentence for charges including fraud and contempt of court. This year, he was sentenced to 19 more years for extremism charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has warned North Korea that any nuclear attack against the nation or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime," a joint US-South Korean statement said on Saturday.

"The U.S. side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," the statement said.

The second U.S.-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) convened in Washington on Friday for talks on nuclear deterrence as part of a commitment by the two countries to share more insight into planning in the event of conflict with North Korea. Pyongyang has developed and tested a range of ballistic missiles that can reach targets in South Korea, Japan and the U.S. mainland.

Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea's deputy national security adviser said on Friday that North Korea may test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile this month, which was considered a nuclear threat regardless of its range because it can carry a nuclear warhead.

The third NCG will be convened in Korea next summer.

(Reporting By Lucia Mutikani and Steve Holland; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Diane Craft)
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she intends to run against President Nicolas Maduro next year (Federico PARRA)

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado filed an eleventh-hour court appeal on Friday to overturn a ban on her holding public office, as she seeks to run against President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 elections.

"Maduro will have to decide whether... to comply or not to comply with the agreements he has assumed with actors of the international community,", Machado told journalists as she left the Supreme Court.

Negotiators for Maduro and the opposition struck a deal last month in Barbados to take steps toward a competitive election.

The agreement gave opposition figures until December 15 to challenge bans preventing them from holding public office.

Machado, who won overwhelming support in an opposition primary in October, had declined earlier in the week to seek her political reinstatement at the Supreme Court, which the opposition widely sees as subservient to the Maduro government.

Political disqualifications, ordered by the Comptroller's Office, have been widely used by the Maduro government to sideline possible electoral opposition.

Machado, a former legislator, called her disqualification "a non-existent act," alleging that she was never formally notified of it.

She said her actions at the Supreme Court were part of "a complex negotiation process" with one purpose "to have clean and free elections."

Following the Barbados agreement, the US government eased sanctions on Venezuelan oil, gas and gold for six months, but made the move contingent on the lifting of bans on opposition figures, among other actions.

"We applaud Maria Corina Machado and other candidates for their courage and willingness to appeal their ineligibilities," the US Embassy for Caracas, which operates out of Bogota, posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"Now it is up to the representatives of Nicholas Maduro to demonstrate their commitment to competitive... elections."

Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, controlled by the ruling party, rejected the US statement.

"It is not (an) embassy accredited in our country, but a propaganda office at the service of the darkest interests against the peace of Venezuela," he wrote on X. "Venezuela accepts no directives from anyone."

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LULING, Texas (KXAN)  Family, friends and volunteers gathered near the site where missing college student Jason Landrys car was found three years ago. They lit candles and prayed in his honor, rekindling their hope and efforts to find him.

Texas Attorney General releases update in Jason Landry disappearance

Landry was last seen on Dec. 13, 2020. His car was discovered the next day but Landry was nowhere to be found.

Since then, numerous searches from law enforcement and volunteers have scoured the area Landry is believed to have been last.

In November, the Texas Attorney Generals Office gave an update on Jasons case. It said the offices Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit had reviewed the case, finding that all potential leads identified so far were thoroughly checked over.

The AGs Office said the investigation into Landrys case is ongoing.

At the candlelit vigil Friday evening, Kent Landry, Jasons father, said more searches will resume this weekend. He said the last three years have not been easy, but the support from people that have connected with Jasons story has been meaningful.

These are all volunteers, many of whom never met Jason in real life. And so were just blessed and I think part of that is for whatever reason his story connects with people, Kent Landry said.

He said volunteers will head out Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m. from 2379 Salt Flat Road in Luling to begin their search.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A viral photograph on Reddit claimed to show one of the first photographs taken at Chernobyl after the explosion of the nuclear reactor in Ukraine on April 26, 1986.

The post claimed it was shot 14 hours afterward.

The above photograph was indeed among the first taken just after the disaster occurred. Based on a number of accounts, it was also not the only shot of the site taken on April 26. Igor Kostin, as described by numerous news accounts, shot the picture in question, and by his own retelling was among the first photographers at the scene hours after the disaster.

A flawed nuclear reactor systems test at Chernobyl resulted in massive amounts of radioactive material being released into the environment. As we reported before, the incident, which occurred when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, had wide-ranging effects that lasted for decades in regions that included Belarus, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine. Effects included rising thyroid cancer cases among children and psycho-social impacts, including higher rates of depression, alcoholism and anxiety.

The Guardian shared Kostin's photograph in an online series of images taken in the disaster's aftermath. The story stated photographers arrived on April 27, 1986, and credited Kostin with the image in question:

The first photo to be taken of the reactor, at 4pm, 14 hours after the explosion. This was taken from the first helicopter to fly over the disaster zone to evaluate radiation levels. The view is foggy due to radiation, which also explains why the shot was not taken too close to the window. Later, radiation experts learnt that at 200 metres above the reactor, levels reached 1500 rems [referring to a unit of radiation dosage], despite the fact that their counters did not exceed 500 rems.

The Guardian date, however, contradicts the dates published in The Associated Press and in Kostins own book, which noted that photographers arrived on April 26. The first explosion took place at 1:23 a.m. on April 26. Kostin described getting woken up with a call about the incident on April 26, and leaving his house to take a 45-minute helicopter ride to the site just as the sun was rising.

An Associated Press caption for a different photograph of the reactor taken from an aerial angle by Volodymyr Repik  one of the three photographers at the scene in the helicopter in the immediate aftermath  was also reportedly taken on April 26, 1986, the same day as the explosion. We do not know if this was shot before or after Kostins photograph:

Only three Tass [Russian news agency] photographers were allowed in -- Volodymyr Repik, Igor Kostin and Valery Zufarov. Two later died of radiation-related illnesses and Kostin suffered from the effects for decades before dying in a car accident in 2015. The Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion was only about 60 miles from photographer Efrem Lukatsky's home, but he didnt learn about it until the next morning from a neighbor. Only a few photographers were allowed to cover the destroyed reactor and desperate cleanup efforts, and all of them paid for it with their health.

Kostin detailed the experience in his book Chernobyl: Confessions of a Reporter. He wrote that he was a photographer for Novosti agency not Tass (though they were both state-owned). All of his photographs from that day were damaged with the exception of the above image:

I opened the window, mechanically, as I always do, in order to avoid reflections. I got my camera ready and took a photograph. A big puff of hot air filled the cabin of the helicopter. At once, I wanted to scrape the bottom of my throat. It was a new and strange feeling. I swallowed my saliva with difficulty. Probably the toxic smoke of the fire. I stopped myself from coughing and pointed my lens towards the ground. I made my first shots, about twenty of them. Suddenly, my camera locked. I forced the release button, but nothing. The mechanism had the flu. I was furious. I jammed it fiercely for a few seconds, in vain. The pilot flew one more time over the plant. Unable to take more photos, we flew back without even touching down. All that trouble for only twenty photographs! In Kiev, while developing it, the film was covered with an opaque surface. Almost all the photographs are entirely black, as if the camera had been opened in full light and the film exposed. I did not understand it then, but it was due to the radioactivity. Marie Curie had been confronted by the same experience when she isolated radium. The radiation makes an impression on the film or the photographic plates. Only the first photographs seemed less damaged. Undoubtedly they had been protected by the roll casing. Struggling with the film, I ended up obtaining an acceptable photograph that I sent to Moscow, to the Novosti agency main office. It was not published. But by then I already knew that I was going to return to Chernobyl to take photographs.

The photograph in question can be found on page 6 of the book, which is available on The Internet Archive. The caption stated: This is the only photo in the world taken the same day as the accident.

Yet another photographer was present that day, according to other reports. A 2006 BBC story shared an account by Anatoly Rasskazov, who was a staff photographer at the plant and who was reportedly allowed in on the day of the explosion. Rasskazov described how he shot photographs from the air and on the ground:

There were rumours of a minor accident at the station, but I cleaned the windows of our flat in Pripyat as usual. Then at about 9am I was summoned urgently to the station. No-one believed that something so awful could occur. I went down into the bunker where the authorities were working, and I understood that they did not really know whether the active zone of the reactor was destroyed or not. They wanted pictures taken from above to see what had really happened. In the helicopter, there were two soldiers and two civilians from Atomenergo, who had flown down from Moscow. There was so much ash flying around, it was impossible to take photographs through the glass. I said, "Comrades, we have to open the window." They protested, saying it would contaminate the helicopter. They knew what it was, the material rising up from the reactor. But the window was opened. I leaned out with my camera, a wide-format Kiev-6, and a soldier held my legs to stop me falling. Then I doubled up with a Zenit.

He went on to describe how he took a number of pictures from the ground by driving around in a fire engine and drove up close to the ruins of one of the reactors. However, when he tried to develop his photographs, he faced a similar challenge to Kostin's:

I develop the first film, from the Zenit, and it is black, completely burnt out by radiation - probably from the graphite block. I think, "That's it. It's all over." But the second film, from the other camera was successful, only slightly clouded. When I got to the station the First Department [security] took the prints, numbered them and took the films. "Everything you saw and heard - keep your mouth locked!" they said. From the photographs it was clear that the active zone was badly damaged. Until May, no-one else was allowed to take pictures.

Rasskazov suffered serious health complications in the decades after his time photographing the ruins at Chernobyl. His photographs were eventually published in a book, but he said that he was never credited with them. The photographs can be seen in the BBC article here. Per the Chernobyl Museum website (via Google Translate), we learned he photographed the destroyed power unit around 3 p.m. on April 26.

Anna Korolevska, who was a deputy director for the Chernobyl Museum in Kyiv, Ukraine, told NBC News in 2011 that Rasskazov made a video of the destroyed reactor and submitted it to a special commission working in a bunker close to the plant, and that the Soviet secret police seized his photographs submitted later. Only two of his photographs were published in 1987, without crediting him, according to NBC News.

We reached out to the Chernobyl Museum in Kyiv for more information about Kostin and Rasskazov. We will update this post accordingly.

In short, while Kostin took one of the first photographs of the Chernobyl disaster, other professionals also shot photographs on the day of the incident.

Sources:

Backgrounder on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident. NRC Web, https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/chernobyl-bg.html. Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.

Chernobyl Museum. http://memory.chornobylmuseum.kiev.ua/print.php?id=10410. Accessed 15 Dec. 2023.

"Chernobyl Voices: Anatoly Rasskazov." BBC, Dec. 14, 2006. news.bbc.co.uk, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6177927.stm. Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.

"Igor Kostin, Photographer Who Captured the Chernobyl Disaster, Dies at 78. The Guardian, 10 June 2015. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/10/igor-kostin-photographer-chernobyl-disaster-dies-78. . Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.

Ibrahim, Nur. Does Ukraines Constitution Say State Has Duty To Preserve Gene Pool of Ukrainian People? Snopes, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/ukraines-constitution-gene-pool/. . Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.

Igor Kostin. Igor Kostin Chernobyl Confessions Of A UN Reporter. 2006. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/igorkostinchernobylconfessionsofaunreporter. Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.

Igor Kostin, Photographer Who Captured the Chernobyl Disaster, Dies at 78. The Guardian, 10 June 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/10/igor-kostin-photographer-chernobyl-disaster-dies-78. Accessed 14 Dec. 2023Photographers Recall Chernobyls First Days. NBC News, 24 Apr. 2011, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42738018. Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.

"Ukraine Chernobyl Photographers Story." AP. https://newsroom.ap.org/editorial-photos-videos/detail?itemid=fdaae5da14cc4ef9996e125946b50865&mediatype=photo. Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.
Screenshot: Court TV

Lets be real, white Karens come in varying degrees of extreme, but the most common form seems to be the type of white woman who goes out of her way to weaponize her privilege to cover up her own misdeeds. There was the Karen who went on a racist rampage while trying to steal from a grocery store or even the white woman who called the police on a Black man who was simply birdwatching from Central Park. - Noah A. McGee Read More





Screenshot: KTLA

A Karen cant help being a Kareneven if shes at the happiest place on earth. Last week, this particular one was caught on video saying I hate Mexicans in a Disneyland bathroom. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Read more

What the f-ck did I do wrong!? Christina Pierre is heard asking in a blood-curdling scream throughout the 30 videos released by a North Carolina police department from a now viral arrest. The clip of an officer beating her leg led to suspicions of the abuse of force. - Kalyn Womack Read More





NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 5: Julianna Margulies attends Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust Generation to Generation Gala Dinner at Museum of Jewish Heritage on Dec. 5, 2023, in New York City.



NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 5: Julianna Margulies attends Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust Generation to Generation Gala Dinner at Museum of Jewish Heritage on Dec. 5, 2023, in New York City.

By now, everyone has heard actor Julianna Margulies rant about Black people being brainwashed to hate Jews, during her interview on The Back Room With Andy Ostroy podcast. Although Margulies has since apologized for offending Black and LGBTQIA+ people, the Columbia University student group at the center of her remarks has clarified their position. - Jessica Washington Read More





Screenshot: Montgomery Police Department, Twitter

The Black man seen giving chair shots to white people in those viral Alabama Riverfront brawl videos isnt going to prison after all.



Reggie Bernard Ray pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after being charged in connection to the infamous fight in Montgomery that should go down in Black Twitter history. According to police chief Darryl Albert, the beef started when a cruise ship carrying over 200 people was attempting to dock but a private boat packed with white folks was parked in its space. When dockworker Damien Pickett asked them to move, the white folks responded with racist hostility, and things boiled into an altercation. - Kalyn Womack Read More





Screenshot: WPTV

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. - Kalyn Womack Read More





Photo: John P. Fleenor/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank (Getty Images)

Updated 12/13/2023 at 8:46 a.m. ET:



Although we are nearing the end of 2023, the list of Black celebs weve lost this year continues to grow. From talented athletes to beloved entertainers, here are the Black celebrities weve lost in 2023. - Noah A. McGee Read More





Screenshot: Facebook

Uh ohthings arent looking too good for the Alabama cops connected to the fatal shooting of Steve Perkins, a Black man who was killed in September during a towing dispute. The Alabama police department just served the ultimate punishment to three officers involved in the incident. - Kalyn Womack Read More





Photo: MEGA/GC Images (Getty Images)

Following the bombshell testimony of his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, the second week of Marvel actor Jonathan Majors assault trial continued on Monday and Tuesday with testimony from the driver who witnessed the alleged assault as well as the NYPD officers who arrested the Creed III star. - Stephanie Holland Read More





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Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
SELMA, NC - APRIL 09: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson joins the stage with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022 in Selma, North Carolina. The rally comes about five weeks before North Carolinas primary elections where Trump has thrown his support behind candidates in some key Republican races.



SELMA, NC - APRIL 09: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson joins the stage with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022 in Selma, North Carolina. The rally comes about five weeks before North Carolinas primary elections where Trump has thrown his support behind candidates in some key Republican races.

Former President Donald Trump is known for making grandiose proclamations, but his comments on Tuesday night at Mar-a-Lago might catch a lot of Black people off guard. - Jessica Washington Read More





WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 11: Rudy Giuliani, the former personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman U. S. District Courthouse on December 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. Jury selection begins today in his sentencing in his defamation case brought by Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shane Moss, who successfully sued Giuliani in civil court.



WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 11: Rudy Giuliani, the former personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman U. S. District Courthouse on December 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. Jury selection begins today in his sentencing in his defamation case brought by Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shane Moss, who successfully sued Giuliani in civil court.

Rudy Giulianis damages trial begins on Monday  with millions of dollars in the balance for the former New York City mayor. The Trump loyalist was already found guilty of defaming two Black Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea Shaye Moss, by spreading baseless claims of election interference. - Jessica Washington Read More

Read more





WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 30: U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris arrive for an event about their administrations approach to artificial intelligence in the East Room of the White House on October 30, 2023 in Washington, DC.



WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 30: U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris arrive for an event about their administrations approach to artificial intelligence in the East Room of the White House on October 30, 2023 in Washington, DC.

As the election rapidly approaches, the race to lock down key demographics intensifies. For incumbent President Joe Biden, securing the support of Black voters is essential to his success in reelection. - Jessica Washington Read More





SELMA, NC - APRIL 09: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks before a rally for former U.S. President Donald Trump at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022 in Selma, North Carolina. The rally comes about five weeks before North Carolinas primary elections where Trump has thrown his support behind candidates in some key Republican races.



SELMA, NC - APRIL 09: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks before a rally for former U.S. President Donald Trump at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022 in Selma, North Carolina. The rally comes about five weeks before North Carolinas primary elections where Trump has thrown his support behind candidates in some key Republican races.

Black folks arent a political monolith. However, the existence of Black conservatives has always been a baffling oneespecially now as the Republican party goes out of its way to court and uplift white nationalists. - Candace McDuffie Read More





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.
A woman set her ex-boyfriends bed on fire in Memphis, Tennessee while he was asleep in it with his new girlfriend and her baby, according to police. 19-year-old Derica Wiggins was booked into jail Friday and is set to see a judge Monday on charges of arson, aggravated assault, reckless burning and setting fire to personal property for the incident, which took place in March. No one was hurt in the fire. Wiggins ex boyfriends new squeeze said she heard a lighter outside her bedroom and saw someone peeking through the bedroom. The boyfriend said he put out the fire and confronted Wiggins in his driveway. A Ring video also captured Wiggins entering and leaving his home, police said. The comforter was severely damaged from the fire and the room also reportedly suffered smoke damage.

Read it at News 3 Channel WREG Memphis

Read more at The Daily Beast.
GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A months-long investigation into a house fire that killed a dog led to the indictment and arrest of a Grundy County woman.

On June 14, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said it joined the Altamont Fire Department and the Grundy County Sheriffs Office in investigating a fire at a home along Besstown Road in Beersheba Springs. Over the course of the case, agents learned the fire had been intentionally set.

Tense moments caught on camera as Clarksville tenants told to get out

According to officials, one person and one dog were inside the home at the time of ignition. Even though the person got out of the house, the dog died.

Authorities said the investigation not only identified Melissa Kay Barks as the individual responsible for setting the fire, but also indicated she knew the animal was inside the home when it ignited.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

The TBI said the Grundy County Grand Jury returned indictments in November, charging 53-year-old Barks with one count of aggravated arson, one count of arson, and one count of felony cruelty to animals.

Barks was reportedly arrested on Thursday, Dec. 14, and booked into the Grundy County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Top Chinese diplomat meets diplomatic envoys from ASEAN countries

Xinhua) 09:20, December 16, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in Beijing on Friday, calling for a closer community with a shared future for China and ASEAN.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that over the past 10 years, the China-ASEAN community of shared future has become increasingly close. The two sides have made major achievements in the Belt and Road cooperation, and actively practiced the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in bilateral relations.

As the biggest neighbor of ASEAN, China will continue to be ASEAN's trustworthy and reliable long-term comprehensive strategic cooperative partner to jointly advance Asia's modernization, he said.

China supports ASEAN in playing its due role on the Myanmar issue and is willing to work with ASEAN countries to promote the proper settlement of the Myanmar issue, he said.

Diplomatic envoys of the ASEAN countries said that China has provided great opportunities for ASEAN countries to achieve peace, development and prosperity. ASEAN countries appreciate China's valuable support, and are willing to work with China to further advance Belt and Road cooperation.

ASEAN countries are ready to take the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, build a brighter and more sustainable future for ASEAN-China relations, and contribute to regional peace and development, the envoys added.

The Ambassador of Timor-Leste to China attended the meeting.

Wang also met with the outgoing Cambodian Ambassador to China Khek Caimealy Sysoda separately in Beijing on Friday.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Ukrainian forces shot down 104 of the 112 Shahed "kamikaze" drones launched by Russia over the past week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address on Dec. 16.

Russia began intensifying its attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure as the winter is setting in, echoing the strategy Moscow used last year, although less successfully.

"Every destroyed (Shahed) means saved lives and saved infrastructure. I thank all the soldiers of our mobile fire groups, pilots, engineers of the Air Force, and air defense troops. Well done!" Zelensky said.

Over the past night, Ukrainian defenses downed 30 of 31 drones launched by Russia. The military does not usually report whether the remaining drones hit their targets or what these targets were.

"This week, we also shot down missiles, namely ballistic missiles. Patriot, NASAMS, Gepards, and other systems provided by partners work perfectly," Zelensky extended his thanks to Ukraine's allies.

According to the president, there are already agreements made with partners on additional air defense support.

Germany recently delivered a new Patriot defense system to Ukraine, in addition to the two provided by Berlin and Washington in the spring.

Norway also announced that it is allocating $30.5 million in NASAMS air defense equipment for Ukraine as part of its long-term support plan.

Read also: Zelensky: Ukrainian sky shield more powerful compared to last year

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma calls for a boycott of the ruling African National Congress -- his party for more than six decades -- in elections next year (Kim LUDBROOK)

Former South African president Jacob Zuma on Saturday drove a new split in the ruling African National Congress, calling for a boycott of the party in a landmark 2024 election.

Driven out of office in 2018 over corruption accusations but retaining significant influence, the 81-year-old Zuma launched an angry new attack on his successor President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The ANC, which has ruled the country since Nelson Mandela led it to victory in the first post-apartheid election in 1994, has lost or expelled several top members in recent months.

With South Africa ailing from daily power cuts, repeated corruption scandals, rising crime figures and a somnolent economy, polls say the ANC could score less than 50 percent of the vote for the first time in the anniversary election next year.

It already saw its vote fall below 50 percent in 2021 local elections.

Zuma, who has never hidden his bitterness at the way he was kicked out of office, pointedly told a press conference: "It would be a betrayal to campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa."

- ANC war -

It was "widely expected that the ANC will lose the national election for the first time since 1994", he added in a statement read for him by his daughter Duduzile sat next to him.

Zuma said he would vote for the radical new left-wing Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) party, named after the ANC's old armed wing, and urged all South Africans to reject the ANC.

"I call on all South Africans to join me in taking the important step and to vote for the MK Party and any other progressive party which seeks total liberation," he said.

Zuma slammed what he called "the death of democratically elected structures", "the role of money" in determining votes and "the suspected fraudulent manipulation" of ANC conference decisions.

Zuma, president from 2009 to 2018, said he had been "ready to die" during the ANC's armed campaign against white-minority rule and "I will die a member of the ANC" but added that it had to be "rescued".

He said a return of an ANC government "will lead our people to more misery, poverty, racism, unemployment, deepening load-shedding (power cuts) and a government led by sellouts and apartheid collaborators".

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in June 2021 after refusing to testify to a panel probing financial corruption and cronyism under his presidency.

He was freed on medical parole just two months into his term.

But his jailing sparked protests, riots and looting that left more than 350 dead in South Africa's worst violence since the advent of democracy.

An appeals court later ruled Zuma's release was illegally granted and ordered him back to jail. But on returning to a correctional centre he immediately benefited from a remission of non-violent offenders approved by his arch-rival Ramaphosa.

Besides his 2021 contempt conviction he is facing separate charges of corruption in an arms procurement scandal in the 1990s, when he was vice president.

Ramaphosa has sought to put a calm front on his rivalry with Zuma and attacks from other ANC leaders, including past president Thabo Mbeki.

In August another ANC figurehead, former secretary general Ace Magashule, set up his own party after being kicked out of the Congress in 2021 for corruption.

Asked ahead of Zuma's press conference what he would do if the former president left the party, Ramaphosa told reporters: "We note that, what else can I do."

He said Zuma's attacks were being made "much larger than what it should be". If Zuma does not campaign for the ANC, "that's it, the work goes on".

tw/imm
BEDFORD  Honoring the request from a group of residents in the Somerset Meadows subdivision in the New London area of Bedford County, the board of supervisors unanimously voted Monday to vacate an unopened, unnamed road adjoining the development.

Matthew Smith and his wife, Shannon, filed a petition with the county asking the board to vacate the unopened road located between two lots that connect Colby Drive to the adjoining property to the north of the subdivision near U.S. 460. The road was required pursuant to the countys subdivision ordinance to provide future access to adjoining properties which may be subdivided in the future, according to a staff report to the board.

The adjoining property is slated for single family homes, which according county staff would be limited to 199 homes if only two access points to the development is available. The road was planned as a third access point, which would have allowed just more than 215 homes based on the boards discussion Monday.

Matthew Smith said safety is the main concern and Somerset Meadows was not built for a cut through road. He said he fears having the new road as a cut through could bring much more traffic to the neighborhood and lead to vehicle accidents.

We dont want to stop the development. They can cut through anywhere else, Smith told the board. It wasnt built as a cut through road  Safety first, please consider that.

Shannon Smith said 17 petitioners signed the request in hopes of keeping the neighborhood as private as can be.

Doyle Allen, a partner in the company that adjoins the property and plans to develop new homes, said the Virginia Department of Transportation requires three access points for the size they hope to build out. One access point is U.S. 460 and the other is on Virginia 811, he said.

The development called Readmore Landing is planned for 217 homes and is a by-right project that does not require public hearings through the countys planning commission and board of supervisors, according to the county department of community development.

Allen asked the board to delay a decision and said the company adamantly opposes vacating the road because it will negatively affect those plans.

Weve invested close to $100,000 in design fees already, Allen said. Its not a small matter to us.

Several other residents of Somerset Meadows asked the board to vacate the road based on concerns with additional traffic and keeping the subdivision safe.

County Attorney Patrick J. Skelley II said the county owns the property and the reason for holding a public hearing Monday on the petition is because the county realizes the access road has some bearing on adjoining property slated for development. He said county vacating it means it goes to adjoining landowners in the subdivision.

I dont want to create a hardship to the point where the developer could not develop the property but if the developer is limited to 199 [homes] I dont think I feel all that bad about it, District 4 Supervisor John Sharp said.

District 6 Supervisor Bob Davis said he agrees with the citizens of Somerset Meadows in wanting to keep the neighborhood as safe as possible.

District 3 Supervisor Charla Bansley said the developer can exercise other options besides an access road affecting the Somerset Meadows subdivision. If a third access point is found, the developer could build out the 217 homes, she said.

The bottom line is the developer has options, Bansley said.
OSAKA, Dec 16 ( News On Japan ) - The 'Yassai Hossai' fire festival, dating back to prehistoric times, reached its zenith on Thursday with a stunning fire-walking ritual, exciting hordes of onlookers.

The festival, praying for a good harvest and a bountiful catch, is said to originate from a legend where villagers saved a stranded 'Ebisu-sama' sea god and warmed him with fire.

Among the roaring flames, naked men gather in droves, emitting strange chants as they run around the Ishizu Ota Shrine in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Held annually on December 14, 'Yassai Hossai' has a long history. Even the President of the Festival Preservation Society President, Masakazu Sakaguchi, doesn't know where the name came from.

The main attraction is the fire-walking ritual, where three men, representing this year's 'Ebisu-sama', dash over a collapsed Tonto, a structure erected in the shrine precincts at the start of the festival to mark its beginning.

While the "Yassai Hossai" festival this year was a triumph, it faces challenges ahead.

"Young people are dwindling," a festival goer lamented, "Its hard to continue if we just rely on the older generation."

With depopulation leading to the decline of various local festivals, Yassai Hossai is no exception. To continue preserving the tradition, increasing participation is essential, and the Preservation Society plans to actively promote the festival online, with the president saying, "We aim for even safer and more spectacular celebrations."
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A red object falling out of the sky, a blue-white flash of light, something thin and round hovering above the treetops  these are some of the reports surrounding a decades-old Council Bluffs mystery that remains unsolved today.

On Dec. 17, 1977, reports of an object crashing to the ground in Big Lake Park led to questions from area residents. Sunday marks the 46-year anniversary of the strange incident, for which no certain explanation has ever been found.

Eleven independent witnesses confirmed the sighting, as well as the Council Bluffs police and fire departments.

The first reports of the sighting came from three teenagers who were on their way to the Richman Gordman store on North 16th Street, who say they saw a reddish object 500 to 600 feet in the air, falling straight down.

It disappeared behind the trees of Big Lake Park, followed by a flash of bluish-white light and two arms of fire shooting over 10 feet in the air, suggesting an impact, Richard Warner wrote in an article on the mysterious UFO for the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.

A young couple reported a big round thin hovering in the sky below the treetops, according to the society, while a third couple reported a bright red object rocketing to the ground at Big Lake.

Assistant Fire Chief Jack Moore was called to the scene by one of the couples, according to a Dec. 18, 1977 article from the Nonpareil. At the park, he found a 4-foot by 6-foot grassy area covered with a molten metal substance that was running and boiling down the edges of the levee near Gilberts Pond.

I really dont know what it is, Moore told the Nonpareil. The center of it was way too hot to touch and the grass beneath the mass was burned.

Checks with Eppley Airfield and Offutt Air Force Base offered no leads. Offutt officials didnt seem terribly interested, Moore said.

The Nonpareils longtime astronomy expert Bob Allen visited the scene on Dec. 18, 1977. When taking a look at the scene, he said it couldnt have been a meteor, as there was no cratering where the metal landed.

That wasnt the only sign that contributed to Allens assessment.

The molten state of the material, if it did indeed fall from the sky, goes against the physics of a meteorite when it strikes the earth, he wrote in his Star Gazing column in the Dec. 19, 1977, issue of Nonpareil.

Moore and Allen both harvested pieces of the mass, which were sent to a metallurgist for testing. After an analysis done by the local Griffin Pipe Products Company and review by Iowa State University, the metal was found to be a high-carbon steel that was common in manufacturing. At the time, two area foundries could produce that type of molten metal.

So it wasnt a meteor, it was metal. But how did it get to Big Lake? The answer to that question is what remains unclear today.

While these stories are often the result of overproductive imaginations, what makes this incident unique is its very credible witnesses, Warner told the Nonpareil.

Theres really only two possibilities  somebody either brought it there on the ground or something fell out of the sky, he said.

When the first witnesses arrived on scene, minute after the impact, a small foreign car filled with four teenagers stopped and asked if they had seen something fall out of the sky, too.

One theory is that the teenagers dumped the metal, shooting off a flare to create the illusion of something falling to earth in some sort of elaborate prank.

Im at an impasse, Warner said. How would you transport something that hot?

Rail cars would be able to transport molten metal. At the time, North Western tracks sat on one side of the park and Illinois Central rail ran the other, so the idea of an accidental dump from the railroads wouldn't be impossible, Warner said.

"But, it would've been closer to the tracks and some sort of incident would've been reported," Warner said.

In an interview with the Nonpareil, Warner said one man has even so much as admitted that he was involved in the hoax. He told Warner he and a buddy borrowed a thermite welder from Union Pacific to melt down manhole covers to impress some girls  though it did not.

Theres a bunch of things that are concerning to me, Warner said. One, why would someone wait 45 years to admit this, and second, I wanted to confirm this was even possible.

Warner believes there is more to the story, and he isnt ready to rule the mystery solved just yet. He hopes to further interview his source at a later date.

Still, credible sources swear they saw something fall from the sky.

The UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico, has accumulated information on nine other incidents similar to the one in Council Bluffs.

Allen also raises doubt about the origin of the metal.

"I have checked with the only two foundry's in Council Bluffs which have the expertise to produce molten metal in large volume," Allen wrote in an article for the UFO Examiner shortly after the incident. "They both admit it would be possible to transport molten metal to the spot and dump it, but the 'why' seems to indicate the logistics of transporting the molten metal would be prohibitive."

"After a thorough investigation of the impact area, I feel the object which fell there was a piece of debris from space and not a meteoric impact," Allen wrote.
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. &&
Head of Moroccos National Security and Territorial Surveillance Abdellatif Hammouchi held two working sessions in Rabat with Frances Director-General of Internal Security, Nicolas Lerner, who was on a working visit to the Kingdom.

During these meetings, which took place on Thursday and Friday, the two parties evaluated cooperation in the fields of intelligence and security between Morocco and France. They also examined operational coordination mechanisms related to security issues of common interest, a statement by the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) said.

Hammouchi and Lerner agreed on the importance of promoting security and intelligence cooperation, expanding the scope of technical assistance and operational cooperation between the two parties to ensure the exchange of expertise and experiences. This aims to strengthen common security and address threats and risks facing both countries, the statement said.

The meetings are part of Moroccos commitment to strengthen international cooperation in various security and intelligence domains, the Kingdom being a serious and reliable partner in preserving peace and stability at regional and international levels.

It is worth noting that Nicolas Lerners visit to Morocco comes just two days after that of head of the French national police, Frederic Veaux.

During this visit, Frederic Veaux held on Dec.12 a working session with Abdellatif Hammouchi on several subjects of common interest at the heart of bilateral security cooperation, and discussed ways to strengthen mechanisms of cooperation in different areas, including combating drug trafficking, illegal immigration, terrorist threats, cybercrime, and other forms of transborder crime.

The DGSN had then said in a press release that 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 in 2024.

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.
Spains Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described Spanish top diplomat Jose Manuel Albares visit to Morocco on Wednesday and Thursday as fruitful.

Two fruitful days of visit to Morocco by Minister Albares, wrote the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday in a message posted on its X account, specifying that Madrid and Rabat reaffirmed their strong ties of friendship, neighborliness, and cooperation on this occasion.

The message recalled that the Spanish Foreign Minister, during this first bilateral trip to a foreign country since the beginning of the new legislature, was received by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, before holding talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.

The Spanish Foreign Minister also had a meeting with Moroccan and Spanish economic actors and visited the Colegio Espanol de Rabat .

Albares visit to Morocco is part of the strengthening of the constantly evolving strategic partnership between Morocco and Spain. It reinforces the scope of friendship ties and the serenity and strength of the strategic relations between the two countries.

Moroccan-Spanish relations continue to evolve and be enriched, thanks to the strong impetus given by King Mohammed VI during his meeting with the Spanish Government President Pedro Sanchez, in Rabat on April 7, 2022.
Bob Klein and the late Gale Wicks started preaching no-till in earnest, to dryland farmers, about 50 years ago. They called it ecofarming.

At first their audience was skeptical, but it didnt take long for producers in Nebraska and even neighboring states to come on board.

No-till results in better soil health over time, but the immediate benefits were especially compelling: Farmers could save enough moisture by eliminating tillage, to grow two crops in three years. Producers in semi-arid areas of The Great Plains were used to growing one crop every two years on non-irrigated ground.

Klein is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln cropping systems specialist based at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte. Wicks, who died in 2005, was a long-time weed specialist at the center.

The conventional practice was to use discs, undercutters or other tillage equipment to keep weeds from sapping moisture between crops, allowing moisture to accumulate in the soil.

A wheat crop harvested one year would be followed by a summer fallow period the next year, then another wheat crop that would be harvested the year after that.

But tillage defeats some of the purpose of fallowing, by opening the soil to evaporation. Ecofallow meant using herbicides to keep wheat stubble free of weeds  saving enough additional moisture to grow a corn or milo (grain sorghum) crop the very next year after wheat harvest.

Although it made sense, it wasnt an easy sell  to farmers who were used to tilling the soil and did not have no-till planters or to custom spray applicators who had their own doubts.

Most (fertilizer and herbicide) dealers were skeptical of it, said Dewey Knuth, who owned and operated Trico Fertilizer out of Oxford.

However, Gail Wicks absolutely tutored and nurtured me, in the knowledge and skill to provide the application services ecofallow would require, he said.

Owen Elmer, the owner and operator of Indianola Oil Company who died in May of this year, also became an early advocate of ecofallow.

He even designed a spray boom system with ecofallow in mind. It was held up on the ends by metal skids to keep spray nozzles the right height while going over terraces and through terrace channels. It was fitted with a metal shield all the way across, to reduce wind interference.

Others were not as quick to come on board.

It was off the wall at the time, and I think (Wicks) took a lot of ribbing, like he was going down a rabbit hole, Knuth said.

Along with Wicks, Bob Klein was very influential, in promoting the idea. He located people who would make it work, said farmer Paul Schaffert of Indianola. Klein was a Red Willow County Extension agent at the time.

I was just out of college in 1969. I came home to farm, (but) my dad (Melvin) said, Im not buying any more land. In order to make this farm work were going to have to do things differently.

My dad was very progressive.

They figured ecofallow might help the extended familys farm be successful.

At first, We did one 50 acre field with no till, said Schaffert. Owen Elmer came out and sprayed for us.

I resurrected an old Buffalo planter, and We built slot shoes, to plant into untilled soil. I went to a sale and bought Allis Chalmers no-till coulters to place in front of the shoes, to cut through the wheat stubble. It wasnt perfect, but it got the job done.

My brother-in-law was planting conventional across the road, he said. A five-inch rain that night filled all (his) rows and there was a lot of runoff. All (his) terrace (channels) were full, (and) some broke over.

After seeing that, Schaffert was afraid of what his ecofallow field would look like.

I walked to the top of the first terrace  there was hardly any water in the channel. Next terrace, the same thing, he said.

To Schafferts relief the water had soaked into the stubble-covered soil and the newly planted corn crop was fine.

Schafferts conventionally tilled fields did not fare so well. We had to replant in June. It made 39 bushels per acre. By contrast, the ecofallow made right at 79 bushels.

Schaffert transitioned further into ecofarming. At first, Guys would laugh at us at the coffee house, he said, but not for long.

Soon ecofallow became commonplace across southwest Nebraska. Winter snows that used to blow off of conventionally tilled fields was now being trapped by wheat stubble, to melt later and seep deep into the soil.

In the early springtime, Klein and Wicks would do demonstrations using a long metal rod fitted with a ball bearing on one end and a handle at the other end. They would push the rod into a field to see how deep it would penetrate.

If you have five feet of moisture (in the soil profile) at planting time you can raise 100 bushel corn. That is what Klein used to say, Schaffert said.

With all the advancements in genetics, weed control options, etc., since the 70s, Now you have to have a drought condition to yield below 100 bushels on ecofallow, Knuth said.

He sold Trico to Cargill in 1997 and went back to farming. Nowadays, ecofallow corn in Nebraskia often yields over 150 bushels per acre while irrigated corn often averages above 250 bushels, he said.

As time passed, ecofallow caught on, but there was a learning curve for everyone.

From 1977 through 1995, UNL Extension educators conducted wintertime ecofarming conferences throughout western Nebraska and even spoke in Kansas and Colorado.

Knuth, Elmer, Schaffert and another early adopter, Terry Wollen, also spoke at some of those meetings.

Wollen, who farms near Oxford, had his own incentives for giving ecofallow a try.

I didnt have the (equipment) to manage crop residues, so I opted to go with ecofallow, he said. He soon became a strong believer.

There were already some no-till planters on the market at the time, each with its fine points and drawbacks. Schaffert became a Buffalo Equipment dealer himself. He started Schaffert Manufacturing and Sales, and began designing his own planter modifications.

In the 1970s farmers typically used six or 12 row planters, and planted parallel to terraces. Then planters got bigger, and planting with the terraces became impractical.

However, maintaining consistent seed planting depth over the terraces and through the channels was difficult, Schaffert said.

As a result, A guy planting with a 48 row planter was losing 15 percent of his crop.

In response, We developed a second parallel linkage to control (seed slot) closers, he said.

That, when combined with a spiked closing wheel and other modifications, made a lot of difference, reducing stand loss to only about five percent on terraced fields.

There have been other changes. Many farmers now use stripper heads on their combines, which leave more wheat stubble standing.

Combines come with better straw spreaders. Continued research has prompted advancements in spray equipment, crop variety selection, etc.

There seems to be a lot more options and more diversityas things change over time, said Karen DeBoer, UNL Extension educator based in Sidney. She has been speaking at ecofallow conferences and other educational programs herself, since the early days.

Not tilling as often- youre going to build up the microorganisms. All of that is beneficial, she said. Organic matter increase is a slow process, but anything you can do to preserve the residue will help.

Farmers are still looking for more ways to conserve moisture and raise better crops. At the same time, The emphasis on soil health will continue, DeBoer said. That seems to be the direction people are thinking.
The latest national defense bill given final approval by Congress this week includes $400,000 in cost reimbursements for the Nebraska National Guards vehicle maintenance shop at North Plattes Lee Bird Field.

The funds were part of about $12.6 million provided for four Nebraska Guard projects across the state, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer said Thursday.

Fischer, a senior Senate Armed Forces Committee member, said in a press release that she had worked to include dozens of key national security provisions to support Nebraska and strengthen the nations military.

The $886 billion defense bill, which covers the federal fiscal year that started Oct. 1, secures a pay raise for our troops and supports key defense priorities across the country, including at Offutt Air Force Base, she said.

Fischer, of Valentine, and fellow Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Omaha voted with the 87-13 Senate majority Wednesday to accept a conference committees version of the defense bill.

The House followed suit Thursday morning, voting 310-118 to send the bill to President Joe Biden despite opposition from 45 Democrats and 73 highly conservative Republican lawmakers. Biden is expected to sign the measure, Washington press outlets said.

Nebraska Reps. Adrian Smith of Gering, Mike Flood of Norfolk and Don Bacon of Omaha all voted for final House passage. All are Republicans.

Local, state and Nebraska Guard leaders dedicated the $9.3 million Field Maintenance Shop at the North Platte airport on Oct. 28, 2022. Ricketts, then Nebraska governor, spoke at both the dedication and the projects June 2021 groundbreaking.

Col. Christopher Weskamp, the Nebraska Guards construction and facilities management officer, said Thursday that the $400,000 included in the new defense bill will reimburse the Guard for work done under change orders before the shop was finished.

This is most likely for the additional concrete in the motor pool area, the irrigation and sod out front or the additional road milling and resurfacing of the access road on (the) west end, Weskamp said in an email to The Telegraph.

Completion of the 23,868-square-foot maintenance shop was the first step in shifting the Guards North Platte presence to Lee Bird from its 1955 armory at 1700 N. Jeffers St. A new readiness center there is scheduled to be built late this decade.

Other Nebraska Guard projects in the defense bill include $9.09 million to complete a Bellevue readiness center; $1.9 million to finish collective training unaccompanied housing at Mead Training Site near Wahoo; and $1.2 million to plan and design similar housing at Greenlief Training Site in Hastings, Fischer said.

About $88 million in the defense bill was targeted toward projects at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, she added.
No matter how bitter the weather, North Platte residents can warmly remember their famous World War II Canteen three times each December.

Theres Christmas Day, when it officially opened in 1941. Theres Dec. 17, when the Kansas National Guards Company D  not its North Platte counterpart  received the towns Christmas gifts and treats and sparked a regions 51-month ministry of kindness.

And theres Dec. 19, when the U.S. War Department presented North Plattes core volunteers and regional helpers with a Meritorious Service Award in a nationwide NBC Radio broadcast 80 years ago on Tuesday.

Produced by the then newly renamed KODY-AM, the 15-minute show was the first live coast-to-coast broadcast to originate from North Platte. KODY rebroadcast the program locally later that evening.

No known script, transcript or recording has surfaced. The award itself isnt in the Lincoln County Historical Museums Canteen collection, said Director/Curator Jim Griffin.

But The Telegraph and the original North Platte Daily Bulletin, which merged in 1946, recorded how the Canteen workers got their wartime due after two years of tireless work.

A pre-Christmas gift

News of the award arrived in a Nov. 25, 1943, letter to Canteen Secretary Jessie Hutchens from Lt. Col. Robert W. Reed, public relations chief of the Armys Omaha-based 7th Service Command.

It passed along unit commander Maj. Gen. Frederick E. Uhls appreciation for the outstanding service being rendered by the Canteen.

The work of the organization you represent unquestionably contributes much to the comfort, welfare and morale of the members of the Armed Services, all matters in which he is deeply concerned, Reed wrote.

It is therefore requested that you convey to the undersigned your wishes as to the time and place it may be presented in a simple presentation ceremony, giving three dates.

The Telegraph reported Dec. 15 that Col. Groves B. McGary, commandant of Fort Francis E. Warren in Cheyenne, Wyoming, would present the award on Uhls behalf at 2 p.m. Dec. 19.

Col. McGary is forced to return to Cheyenne on the earliest train, so the time of the presentation cannot be definitely determined but will be brief, The Telegraph wrote.

Christ urged every group or organization that assists with the work at the Canteen to have a representative at the presentation. Without them, it would be impossible to maintain the fine service at the Canteen 

Coast to coast

The Dec. 15 story said KODY would prepare a transcript of the presentation for broadcast after the NBC Army Hour show, which aired Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Those plans would evolve.

KODY was in its first week with a new identity and a nationwide network. Founded as KGNF-AM on July 5, 1930, the station had just been purchased by Omaha NBC affiliate WOW-AM.

Its new owners changed the stations name and frequency Dec. 13, adopting call letters to honor William F. Buffalo Bill Cody. Instead of broadcasting during daylight hours on 1340 AM, it now aired 18 hours a day on 1240 AM  still KODYs frequency today.

Then John J. Gillin Jr., president of both WOW and KODY, found a way to give his new North Platte station a big opening-week splash.

Radio listeners throughout the United States from Maine to California will hear the ceremony at 10:45 Sunday morning in which the world-famed North Platte Canteen will receive a citation for meritorious wartime service, the Daily Bulletin wrote Dec. 18.

That time was NBCs only open Dec. 19 slot, it added. The ceremony would air live on 142 U.S. stations.

Were hoping this program will show the entire country just what wonderful work our Canteen folks have done and are doing every day, Gillin said.

The big day

Canteen leaders called Rae Wilson, who had moved for the wars duration to California after collapsing from exhaustion during the Canteens first months in 1942.

She endeavored to make reservations to come to North Platte by plane and train but was unable to do so, the Bulletin wrote Dec. 15.

But by telephone and telegram, she conveyed her heartfelt interest in the organization that has served uncounted thousands of service men and women during its two years of existence.

Local and nationwide NBC listeners that morning of Dec. 19 first would have heard the North Platte High School band, led by R. Cedric Anderson in its 25th season.

WOW announcer Gene Moser then related the Canteens history, according to The Telegraphs Dec. 20 account.

McGarys words in presenting the award werent recorded. Christ, who accepted it, thanked Gen. Uhl for recognition and to all others who had been so instrumental in making a success of the Canteen.

William M. Jeffers, North Plattes homegrown Union Pacific president, came from Omaha for the event. He told of his keen interest in the Canteen and of the many fine things he has heard about it all over the United States.

Nebraska Gov. Dwight Griswold, who was ill, spoke by telephone from his bed in Lincolns Governors Mansion.

He said the work of and the pleasure received by the workers and supporters of the Canteen reminded him of a Bible passage: Cast Thy Bread on the Waters and it will be returned forthwith, found in Ecclesiastes 11:1.

After another song by the NPHS band, Mayor Sidney P. McFarland introduced representatives from Canteen Honor Roll communities  a list that grew to 125 from Nebraska and Colorado by the Canteens closure on April 1, 1946.

NBC had signed off nationally by then, the Bulletin wrote Dec. 21, but McFarlands introductions were part of the evenings rebroadcast.

So was a fitting coda by 10-year-old Gene Slattery, already famous for selling the shirt off his back and other personal items to raise Canteen funds.

Slattery, who died at age 90 on Aug. 25, 2023, auctioned off another shirt  and Jeffers bought it for a crisp 100-dollar bill, The Telegraph wrote.

The Canteen since has been honored by presidential tributes, a congressional resolution and thousands of letters from grateful customers. Bills are currently pending in Washington, D.C., to jointly award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Canteens volunteers and Honor Roll communities.

But they first were honored as the Canteen happened, nearly halfway through the miracle they wrought.
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An organization based in Auburn has been awarded a grant from the state to provide support for sexual assault victims in East Alabama.

Rape Counselors of East Alabama has received over $130,600 from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to help provide its services in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. Those services include a 24-hour, seven days a week confidential crisis hotline, victim advocates that can help survivors find their medical and legal options and education through community outreach and marketing events.

The grant that RCEA received is part of 13 grants awarded by Ivey totaling over $2.7 million and covering all 67 Alabama counties.

Sexual assault is a hideous and inexcusable crime that even with medical help and counseling can leave long-lasting emotional scars, Ivey said. I commend these agencies for reaching out and providing care and compassion to help victims in their critical time of need.

In serving its five-county area, RCEAs focus is on the survivors of sexual assault as well as their families and friends. RCEA has a team of Victim Advocates that can provide crisis intervention services through the RCEAs 24 hour hotline as well as assisting survivors through advocacy. According to the RCEA website, Victim Advocates have undergone training regarding sexual violence and that makes them prepared to answer any questions and assist with any challenges people may be facing.

RCEAs advocacy includes helping survivors receive medical and legal advocacy, acting as a liaison between the victim and person(s) involved in the investigatory process, assisting survivors in filing for the Alabama Crime Victim Compensation and offering referrals for other services.

RCEA is committed to empowering survivors and eliminating all forms of sexual violence in our community, RCEAs website said. We welcome survivors of all genders, races, religions, incomes, languages, abilities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.

Anyone interested in volunteering with RCEA is asked to fill out a volunteer application, which can be found on the RCEA website.

In addition to RCEA, the following agencies will be receiving funds administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs:

One Place of the Shoals in Florence will receive $101,052 to provide services in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.

Crisis Services of North Alabama Inc. in Huntsville will receive $191,432 to provide services in Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.

Family Services of North Alabama in Guntersville will receive over $146,100 to provide services in DeKalb and Marshall counties.

Crisis Center Inc. in Birmingham will receive over $426,300 to provide services in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair and Walker counties.

The WellHouse in St. Clair County will receive over $516,300 to provide services statewide.

Tuscaloosa Safe Center Inc. in Tuscaloosa will receive over $167,600 to provide services in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.

SAN (Turning Point) in Tuscaloosa will receive over $38,670 to provide services in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.

University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa will receive over $306,800 to provide services in Tuscaloosa County.

SafeHouse of Shelby County Inc. in Pelham will receive nearly $219,000 to provide services in Chilton, Clay, Coosa and Shelby counties.

Montgomery Area Family Violence Program (Family Sunshine Center) in Montgomery will over $228,900 to provide services in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties.

Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. will receive over $188,200 to provide services in Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties.

Baldwin Family Violence Shelter (The Lighthouse) in Robertsdale will receive over $58,400 to provide services in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties.

ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in her support of these agencies that are there at all times to provide comfort and understanding for victims, and we fully endorse the governors tenacity in seeing that offenders are prosecuted, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
There are several ways to become a teacher in Nebraska, but a new option allows people interested in the job to get a certificate online, at your own pace and in under a year.

Nebraskans can now participate in an online teacher certification program called American Board, which was founded in 2001 by the U.S. Department of Education to offer an alternate path for future teachers who didnt go to school for education. It operates in 13 other states, including Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin and North Dakota.

The option was made possible following education legislation passed this spring that gives anyone with a bachelors degree the opportunity to get teaching credentials through an alternative teacher certification program like American Board.

The pathway allows people to get their teaching certificate without attending a traditional in-person teacher preparation program, or even an online program through a college or university.

At American Board, people can get their credentials in under a year and for $1,900 or less, depending on financial aid. The website states it takes the average American Board student 7-10 months to earn their certification, though some students have completed the program in two months.

It all depends on how much time you can devote to studying and learning the material, the website says.

The new legislation requires that any alternative teacher certification program like American Board to be in operation for at least 10 years and in five states. Candidates also have to pass at least two exams and a background check before receiving their certificate.

The legislation was initially introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan to address Nebraskas teacher shortage. It was later amended into a hefty education package of 23 bills at the end of the legislative session.

For years, Nebraska has had alternative ways to get teacher certification. David Jespersen, spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education, said the options were put in place to give future teachers a way to get in the classroom while they finished their schooling. But depending on the persons background, their alternative permit could expire after two years.

With this legislation, it specifically does not call for an expiration of any permit, Jespersen said. The way it is right now, at least, if they got the American Board certificate, they would get an alternative permit to teach and it would not have an expiration.

Jespersen said the departments website will eventually be updated to reflect the new option.

Melanie Olmstead, director of American Board, said the program offers certificates in a variety of areas, including elementary education, special education or specific subjects for grades 7-12 like biology, history, math, English and more. After passing a background check, all participants need is a bachelors degree, no matter the subject, to qualify for the program.

There might be the misunderstanding that its a fast track into the classroom, Olmstead said. But in reality, people who use this program already do have a degree in a subject other than education, and then they use American Boards program to get that additional pedagogical training and demonstrate their competency in the subject area they want to teach.

Olmstead said 50% of the program is the subject area someone wants to teach and participants will spend their time studying online materials, watching webinars and taking practice quizzes. Each person has to pass a final exam in the subject area.

The remainder of the program is pedagogy, which is learning how to teach others, Olmstead said. Participants learn about things like classroom management, instructional design and assessments.

Linehan said one complication of an alternative certification program is that some educators believe its not enough preparation to become a classroom teacher.

The concerns around the quality of these programs is frequently argued, according to a 2017 research brief by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC).

The expansion of expedited alternative preparation programs might be an efficient method for increasing the number of teachers, the report said. But many have questioned whether such a singular focus on efficiency sacrifices quality in terms of teacher skills and knowledge and, ultimately, student learning outcomes.

Research studied in MHECs report found mixed results comparing traditional four-year teacher colleges to streamlined alternative programs with student achievement.

Some studies found that alternative programs were less effective, but others found they were equally effective in specific states, like Texas and New York.

The brief did conclude that traditional preparation offered better instructional knowledge and teacher retention than alternative preparation across all grade levels except kindergarten.

Olmstead said she understood the concerns about the quality of teachers with alternative certification. While American Board doesnt require classroom experience, Olmstead said the average participant is 39 years old and is going into teaching after decades of other lived experiences that can contribute to the job.

What we have heard from employing principals is that theres a trade off when youre trying to fill an open teaching position, and employing principals know that when they hire an American Board teacher there, they dont have that previous classroom experience, Olmstead said. But they bring other things to the table that a younger hire may not have and so its just a bit of a trade off.

Nebraskas alternative certification opportunity was created along with several other efforts put into action this year to improve the states educator shortage, such as the elimination of testing or creation of funding for educators.

Theres been an 114% increase in Nebraska teacher vacancies from 2011 to 2023, according to state data. Last year, there were nearly 769 unfilled educator positions across the state, meaning they were either left vacant or filled by an underqualified employee.

Thats a massive number of classrooms where students are being taught by uncertified or out-of-field teachers, and thats not whats best for kids, Olmstead said. So I think that people whove considered making a change to teaching in the past are more likely to pursue it right now because they see that they can contribute something to their local school.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023
Hundreds gathered at Omaha National Cemetery on Saturday morning to honor all 3,725 veterans buried there by laying a wreath on each and every grave.

The ceremony was part of the Wreaths Across America program, which expected to have over 2 million volunteers and supporters lay wreaths at over 4,000 locations across the country on Saturday, according to the organizations website.

At Omaha National, hundreds of people with loved ones buried at the cemetery and volunteers gathered to lay an evergreen wreath with red ribbons on each grave. The wreaths had been brought in from Maine on Thursday.

Participants were undeterred by the cold and rainy weather. As the event annually takes place in mid-December, it tends to be a frigid day.

Mary Blodgett brought the program to Nebraska over a decade ago and has organized the wreath-laying ceremony at Omaha National Cemetery in Sarpy County since it opened in 2016.

Air Force Col. Aaron Gray, deputy commander of the 55th Wing, thanked those at the event for their support of both veterans and those currently serving in the military.

Its a beautiful sight standing up here today seeing all of you out here, he said.

A veterans wreath is a symbol of honor, respect and victory, Blodgett told the crowd before the laying of the wreaths. The evergreen represents longevity and endurance, the red bow represents great sacrifice, the wreaths forest scent represents purity and simplicity, and its circular shape represents eternity.

When you place a wreath at the veterans grave, you will know it is not just a wreath, it is your personal gift to an American hero, she said.

Charlie Janssen of RTG Medical in Fremont, which sponsored the wreaths for the event, urged those laying wreaths at each grave to take time to learn about the veteran and their service to the country.

They were and are more than just a statistic, he said.

Other Wreaths Across America ceremonies were set to take place Saturday at three other cemeteries in the Omaha metro area: at Prospect Hill Cemetery at 32nd and Parker Streets, Fort Crook Cemetery at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, and Bohemian Cemetery at 52nd and Center Streets.

Janssen, whos also a Navy veteran, said he enjoyed seeing photos of similar ceremonies across the country on social media Saturday morning.

We do it here in Nebraska, too, and we do it right, he said.

Irene Braunger gathered with family to lay a wreath for her husband, Bart Braunger, who died on Christmas Day in 2020. Braunger served eight years in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

The family said its a hard time of year without him, but they take the time to remember the best man ever.

Its bittersweet, Braunger said.

Budge Austin and his family laid a wreath Saturday at the grave of his father, Henry Hank Austin, who served two tours in Vietnam with the Marine Corps. Austin said they participate in the ceremony every year and also visit Hanks grave at other times throughout the year to pay their respects.

I just think during the holidays its an important thing to celebrate the sacrifices others have made for our country, Austin said.

Photos: Wreaths Across America ceremony at Omaha National Cemetery
Nebraskas highest court on Friday affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a Catholic Charities employee who claimed she was harmed by a staged active-shooter attack on her workplace in 2022.

Catholic Charities managers had hired a man to perform the active-shooter drill, complete with gunfire and fake blood, without telling employees that the situation wasnt real.

Sandra Lopez, a former Catholic Charities employee, brought the lawsuit in Douglas County earlier this year after the fake shooting incident allegedly left her with physical and mental injuries. She claimed in the lawsuit that she should be able to hold Catholic Charities civilly liable for assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress because the company had acted with a specific intent to cause her harm.

In April, Douglas County District Court Judge Timothy Burns dismissed the lawsuit, saying that Workers Compensation Court has exclusive jurisdiction to provide remedies for mental and physical workplace injuries under state statute. In its Friday decision, the states Supreme Court agreed with Burns analysis.

Lopez ... primarily asks us to hold that an employee may pursue tort theories of recovery against his or her employer for injuries suffered in the scope of employment if it is shown that the employer acted with a specific intent to injure the employee, the opinion from the court reads. We are unpersuaded by Lopez arguments.

The case arises from a 2022 incident in which Catholic Charities executives hired John Channels, who is now facing a litany of criminal charges in relation to the incident, to provide an active-shooter training to employees. Employees were not notified of the drill, nor were police.

Channels reportedly showed up in a dark hoodie and mask and began banging on the windows and firing shots into the air. One person was seen on the ground covered in what looked to be blood.

Many employees believed that they were in a real-life active-shooter situation. Lopez fled from the building and jumped over a retaining wall, injuring her back in the process. It was only after Lopezs son called her boss to inform them that she was safe that she was told the shooting was play acting.

Lopez was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the staged attack.

As noted in the courts opinion, the Nebraska Supreme Court has previously dismissed cases in which defendants sought an intentional tort exception to workers compensation exclusivity, or a remedy separate from the Workers Compensation Courts in cases where employers intentionally caused harm or injury to their employees. Other states such as Indiana and South Dakota have such exceptions, either due to State Supreme Court decisions or specific language in state statutes.

In Burns initial dismissal, he urged Lopez to turn to the Nebraska Legislature for relief if she wanted to see an intentional tort exception added to the books.

(Lopez) must look to the Legislature for a change in law, if she so desires, Burns wrote. While this court sympathizes with (Lopez), the fact remains, the Nebraska Legislature has not acted to include such an exception as argued.

Channels, the fake gunman hired by Catholic Charities, faces five counts of terroristic threats and use of a firearm to commit a felony in connection with the fake shooting drill. In a separate case, he faces 10 counts of possessing child pornography, 13 counts of sexual assault of a child and multiple other assault charges. He is awaiting trial in both cases.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023
A new endowed scholarship at the University of Nebraska will provide financial support to first-year students who champion LGBTQA+ causes and rights.

On Thursday, Omaha State Sen. John Fredrickson and his husband, Jeff Formanek, announced the Fredrickson-Formanek Scholars Fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

The scholarship fund, which will provide a $2,000 scholarship beginning in the 2024-25 school year, is meant to provide something tangible and concrete for students that they are welcome in Nebraska, Fredrickson said.

Preference will be given to graduates of Nebraska high schools with a demonstrated financial need who enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

The hope is that this sends a strong and clear signal that Nebraska is for everyone, the first-term lawmaker said. It shows actual Nebraskans are investing in Nebraskans regardless of who they are and who they love.

An Omaha native who was elected to represent District 20 in the Legislature in 2022, Fredrickson is a mental health professional. Formanek is the director of the Royal Bank of Canadas Capital Markets division.

The couple said the scholarship fund created through a $50,000 donation is meant to combat divisive rhetoric surrounding LGBTQ issues seen at the Capitol and elsewhere in recent years.

To the young LGBTQ people across Nebraska, were here, we see you, Formanek said in a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. And we want you to know that there are so many people who have your back and want to invest in all the amazing possibilities that the future may hold for you.

Fredrickson said the sharp divides that emerged among senators earlier this year on Legislative Bill 574, prohibiting transgender youths from accessing certain medical procedures and care, are not indicative of the state and its values as a whole.

Instead of focusing on the fight, Fredrickson said the scholarship is meant to help those who will become the future leaders of Nebraska and the U.S.

If we can engage them during these pivotal years when they are furthering their professional trajectories, the hope is we can retain them, he said.

The scholarship is part of the Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our Universitys Future fundraising effort that seeks to raise $3 billion from 150,000 benefactors.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023
WEST POINT, Neb.  Gwen Lindberg sits in her plush beige recliner and listens to the news.

Not from the television, or the radio, but from the loud and clear voice of Gloria Wellman, sitting next to Lindberg and reading from the small-town newspaper that Lindberg devoted decades of her life to.

Wellman is one of 10 volunteer readers around West Point  friends of Lindberg who take turns showing up and reading to the 89-year-old once a week. They relay updates and obituaries from the Imperial Republican, Lindbergs hometown paper. And they read of road closures and Christmas plays and court reports from the West Point News, the weekly paper that she and her husband, Richard Dick Lindberg, published together for 23 years.

Four years ago, the music notes on Lindbergs piano sheet music started blurring together. It was the beginning of macular degeneration that has turned her vision into a blur of colors and shapes, with darkness in the middle. It made it impossible for her to live on her own, and impossible to read the news.

When Lindberg moved into St. Josephs Hillside Villa in March, her daughter-in-law Jody worried: How is Mom going to read the paper? Nurses at the long-term care facility had their jobs to do. None of Lindbergs children live in West Point, roughly 80 miles northwest of Omaha.

Gwen Lindberg and her late husband were newspaper people through and through. The inks in her blood, her daughter-in-law said.

She thought: What if we enlisted her friends?

Jody Lindberg pulled together six people who volunteered to rotate turns reading to her mother-in-law. The roster has since grown to 10, with a few substitutes.

I do it because I love Gwen  who doesnt love Gwen? Wellman said. I wish I could read more often, actually.

Lindbergs life with newspapers started in Imperial, where the teenager who loved diagramming sentences in English class met the guy who worked printing the newspaper across the street from her parents drugstore. Every day, hed come in and buy a Cherry Coke and a Rocky Mountain News.

And thats how I met my husband, Lindberg said.

The couple married in 1952 and moved to Littlefield, Texas, where Dick worked as a printer for the local paper. Gwen Lindberg did a little bit of everything there.

They moved back to Nebraska when Dick got a job at the Ord Quiz. The pair eventually leased and then bought the Sargent Leader in 1956  the first time they owned a paper of their own.

In 1969, they bought the West Point Republican. A few years later, they bought the competing Cuming County Democrat, merging to make the West Point News. The couple also owned papers in Scribner, Lyons, Hooper and Oakland.

For 36 years, Gwen Lindberg wrote the weekly column, Small Talk. On the same page was her husbands column, Nearly News. In the center, an editorial cartoon, often drawn by Lindberg herself.

Lindberg wrote about people around town and the Girl Scout group she was den mother for. Her four sons would make it into her column, but only by nickname  the boys wanted $5 in exchange for each time their names appeared in the paper.

But in a town as small as West Point, population 3,504, loyal readers could still tell which son or resident she was writing about.

Occasionally, her lighthearted column would turn more serious. In 1975, Lindberg sponsored a refugee family of 10 from Vietnam. Before they arrived, she used her column to ask the readers of mostly White West Point to be welcoming to the newcomers.

She once wrote a column about coming out of the closet as a Democrat in her largely conservative town. She didnt worry about whether it made readers mad  God didnt give her a worry gene, she said.

In 2014, Lindberg was inducted into the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame. The plaque is proudly displayed on a shelf filled with family photos.

Now, Lindberg listens to the stories from the paper she and her husband sold in 1992. After 54 years living in West Point, she knows most every person and place mentioned in the pages.

In Lindbergs room, Wellman unfurls this weeks West Point News. She projects with stage presence  she and Lindberg met through West Point Community Theater, where Lindberg accompanied musicals on piano for years.

The 1A story is what Lindberg calls a good happenings story  a newborn baby in town who received a liver transplant. Its something amazing, she said, the kind of story that makes you feel connected to other people.

Its been 31 years since Lindberg and her husband retired from the news industry. Shes watched the paper get thinner and thinner over the years. The switch from using paper boys to mail delivery. There are more pictures on the pages, and theyre in color now.

The West Point News today stays owned by Nebraskans. Enterprise Publishing, based in Blair, bought the paper, and publishes nine weeklies in Nebraska and three in Iowa.

But nationally and throughout Nebraska, newspapers are disappearing. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost nearly 2,900 newspapers, according to a recent report from the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University.

In Nebraska, the number of journalists has nosedived from 880 in 2000 to 510 last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That loss can harm communities, she said.

It unites the community. Its a place where their story can be told, Lindberg said. The more you know about another person, thats a strong thing.

In a small town, its easy to keep up with all the movements, her son Mike said. The local paper is a part of that, he said.

Lindbergs room at the long-term care center can feel rootless, like she could be anywhere.

But every friend that comes to read to her, every hug and chat, every article about marriages, road closures, even deaths, reminds her that shes still here in West Point. Here in the town she brought the news to, and the town that now brings the news to her.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023
LINCOLN  In the months leading up to Nebraskas next legislative session, one issue has emerged as a key subject for lawmakers to focus on: workforce development.

As the state continues to struggle with a labor shortage, lawmakers, business leaders and various other stakeholders from across the political spectrum have mentioned finding ways to recruit and retain more workers as a top priority for 2024. The issue is prevalent enough that Gov. Jim Pillen established a working group in August to brainstorm solutions the state can enact.

Jennifer Creager, who participated in the group on behalf of the Greater Omaha Chamber, said the group has narrowed down four areas where improvements may aid in employee recruitment and retention: housing, child care, education and incentives.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area, another member of the group, said legislation from the group hasnt been formalized yet, but the Governors Office is working on drafting an executive report from the groups discussions.

Many businesses across Nebraska have struggled with staffing shortages for the last three to five years, Creager said, which has led companies to take more drastic measures like reducing their operating hours and overall services.

This has, in part, been due to a large portion of Nebraskas baby boomers retiring from the workforce when there arent as many young people to take their place, Creager said. This was already a building trend several years ago, but she said it was exacerbated through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Were living through some of those pain points right now, Creager said.

State lawmakers have discussed workforce development issues and passed some measures on the topic in past sessions, particularly several bills appropriating funds aimed at addressing teacher shortages.

Now, however, Creager said conversations are shifting into more creative solutions to the problem, rather than simply putting more dollars into it. One example Linehan gave was looking at ways to incentivize businesses to help employees with child care, as that was found to be an effective way to recruit young people with children.

Nebraska Treasurer Tom Briese, who started on the committee as a lawmaker and remained there in a limited role after being appointed treasurer, said another issue that has remained a focus among lawmakers is tax reform. He said he expects multiple tax bills to be proposed in the 2024 session, some of which may stem from Pillens working group.

Taxes are a deterrent for people considering living in Nebraska, Briese said, which makes it more difficult for businesses to recruit new employees. He advocated for the state to contribute excess revenue to support relief efforts.

In 2023, Briese introduced Legislative Bill 16, which includes multiple proposals that could help ease the states workforce problems. Among other things, the bill would make it easier for the states licensing boards to issue licenses to experienced workers outside of Nebraska, and would clarify what criminal offenses would exclude someone from getting a license.

With Briese now out of the Legislature, Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln said shes looking to adopt the bill in 2024. She said licensing reform is a key way to remove existing barriers to employment for people looking for work in Nebraska.

LB 16 was voted out of its committee in 2023 and is currently waiting for its first round of floor debate. Conrad said given this and the fact that most other lawmakers appear to agree that workforce development should be a top focus of 2024, she is hoping the bill sees that debate early.

Its really well positioned for early debate, Conrad said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023
Attorney General Mike Hilgers said Friday that he believes Nebraska cities cannot ban firearms from parks, sidewalks and trails  something Lincoln and Omaha did after a new state law went into effect allowing Nebraskans to carry concealed handguns without a permit.

When Gov. Jim Pillen signed Legislative Bill 77 into law, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert signed executive orders prohibiting firearms at properties owned, leased or managed by the city, including parks and public spaces.

The attorney generals opinion was based on a request from State Sen. Tom Brewer, who sponsored LB 77. After the bill was signed into law, Brewer asked Hilgers for an opinion about the power that cities now have to regulate possession of firearms in so-called quintessential public spaces.

Lincoln City Attorney Yohance Christie issued a statement late Friday saying his office was aware of the decision and was reviewing it.

Hilgers opinion makes a distinction between public buildings such as courthouses, and such quintessential public places as parks, trails and sidewalks.

In buildings, cities can exercise significant common law proprietary authority  similar to rights of other individuals or businesses that own property, he said.

Because municipalities possess proprietary authority, they can ... exercise this fundamental right at or in property they own or control, Hilgers said.

He noted that the Supreme Court has found that in some places  such as courthouses, legislative assemblies, polling places, schools and government buildings  it is constitutionally permissible for possession of weapons to be prohibited, though the precise scope of that doctrine remains unsettled.

But that proprietary authority is limited when it comes to places such as parks, sidewalks and trails, and he noted that the Supreme Court found the Second Amendment guarantees a right to bear arms in public for self-defense.

A blanket ban of firearms in such places infringes on Second Amendment and state constitutional rights, he said.

To the extent some municipal actions, like Lincolns or Omahas executive orders, infringe on that right, it is unconstitutional, his opinion says.

Brewers bill was passed by the Legislature on a 33-14 vote, ending a seven-year effort by the retired U.S. Army colonel to gain sufficient legislative support to pass such a bill.

Lincoln Sen. Jane Raybould said shed asked Hilgers for a similar opinion during debate and he told her there wasnt time. She said such information would have been helpful during debate and his saying there wasnt time seemed disingenuous, since the topic had been debated for so long.

Brewer asked Hilgers whether cities could prohibit firearms in such outdoor places and whether additional legislation was necessary to prevent cities from doing so. Hilgers said no additional legislation was necessary.

There are many obvious and material differences between a courtroom and public park or trail or sidewalk, Hilgers said. That a municipality cannot constitutionally ban the possession of firearms or other weapons in a park or on its sidewalks does not mean that weapons must be allowed in the public gallery of a courtroom or other sensitive place.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023
Chairman of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore has demanded for the immediate sack and arrest of the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele over an alleged N500bn theft carried out by top echelon of the apex bank.

He said the CBN governor, appointed by Goodluck Jonathan, retained by Buharis regime and now approved for a further five years could be distinctly heard in a now viral audio discussing with his deputy for ideas on how to cover up the heinous crime against the people of Nigeria.

Recall that an online news platform had released an audio last weekend in which the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, his deputy Lamatek Adamu and others were on the tape discussing how to cover up the loss of the funds stolen from the CBN towards the end of 2018 in a private investment in Dubai that went bad.

While the CBN had through a statement described the report as false, it didnt deny the audio tape.

According to the CBN, the leak conference call was held in a desperate attempt to understand the banks auditors reason for categorizing the N650bn bail-out loan to 35 states in 2015 as a bad debt.

ALSO READ: Missing N500bn in CBN: CACOL calls for independent investigation

But in a statement signed AACs Director of Media and Communication, Rachel Onamusi-Kpasi on Tuesday, Sowore said the fact this irrefutable evidence is not headline news and the governor still maintaining his position at the helm of the nations financial affairs is damning to the country.

Independent sources at the CBN say Mr. Emefiele and his partners ultimately resolved this issue by diverting funds in possession of the CBN and also printing hard cold cash. The country cannot continue to be led by people who are unconcerned about the plight of the suffering masses and are only creative in covering their perfidious tracks.

This cannot be allowed to continue. The African Action Congress party demands that the governor steps down immediately and a full scale investigations be launched into his actions and financial manipulations during his tenure.

He said both the APC and PDP are the two sides of the same country-crippling coin install that have install their cronies into positions of power and the wholesale embezzlement has continued unabated.
Tension is escalating in the Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria, following the murder of 32-year-old hunter Mr. Joseph Chinedu Aniede by unidentified individuals in Nara community.

Aniede, a native of Isiogbo NaracCommunity, was reportedly killed on November 1, 2023, after he received a call on his mobile phone at about 4 pm.

He reportedly left to meet up with the person who called but didnt return home.

Meanwhile, tension has been mounting as people are afraid that the killing might result in a communal war as residents are already suspecting that the killers of Aniede might be from a neighbouring community.

To forestall a breakdown of law and order, the people of Isiogbo Nara community have called on the Enugu State police commissioner and other security agencies to unravel the mystery surrounding Aniedes murder.

Narrating the tragic death of Aniede, his younger brother, Akachukwu, told journalists in Enugu that his family was shocked and found it hard to believe that he was gone.

He said, On November 1, 2023, someone called Joseph Aniede on his cell number 08144388343 at about 4 pm, and he left to meet up with the person but didnt return home  only for his lifeless body to be found in the pool of blood in a bush near the borders of Isiogbo Nara community of Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State and Isu community of Onitcha LGA of Ebonyi State the next morning.

We are yet to recover from the shock of the sudden and mysterious death of my elder brother.

Isiogbo Nara community is a border town between Enugu and Ebonyi states.

The Chairman of the Isiogbo Nara Neighbourhood Security Watch Group, Success Emeka Eze, said he was notified about Aniedes death by one of the officers of the Enugu State Forest Guard who came to him early that morning (November 2, 2023).

He said that they both went to see the remains of the late Aniede.

He said though the police had since commenced an investigation into the death, the people of the area were living in fear as such a tragic incident had never happened in that community.

According to him, it is shocking because Isiogbo Nara community is not in conflict with any of its neighbours, hence we want to know the source of the crime as nobody knows who is going to be the next.

Some of the natives who spoke on condition of anonymity described the deceased as hard-working and peaceful.

Before his untimely death, he was a hunter and a farmer. He was also a member of the Isiogbo Nara Community Neighborhood Security Watch Group, Michael Udeh stated.

He was the one providing for his mother (a poor widow) and siblings and in this case, the family may not have the resources needed to follow up this matter to its logical conclusion.

But we the concerned Isiogbo citizens are using this medium to call on the general public for help and more especially the Honourable Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command to use his good office to unravel the mystery surrounding this murder and ensure the culprits are brought to book to serve as a deterrence.

As this kind of situation could trigger a communal conflict leading to wanton destruction of lives and property in rapid succession, Ude said, adding that the state government should do something about the incident before it is too late.

Meanwhile, efforts made by SaharaReporters to get the official reaction of the Nigeria Police Force regarding the death were unsuccessful as the Commands spokesman DSP Daniel Ndukwe did not answer his calls.

He also did not reply to text messages sent to him.
Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has taken to her social media page to mock colleagues, Yul Edochie and wife, Judy Austin.

This followed an accusation against them by a real estate company who accused them of lying about the sale of a property.

Yul had announced the sale of a significant property, showcasing his apparent success in the real estate market.

However, a real estate company to to the actors comment section to accuse him of lying.

The company stated that it made the sale and not the actor.

Reacting to the drama, Sarah Martins mocked Yul Edochie and Judy Austin on social media.

Reposting Tosin Silverdems video, she added a clip of herself laughing, disapproving of the couples alleged fake lifestyle. Martins also slammed the blogger for being a gossip lover.

She wrote;

This page does not support fake life.

@tosinsilverdam u too like amebo.

See below;
By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a heart-wrenching ceremony that echoed with sobs and mournful hymns in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, today, as mammoth crowd gathered to bid the last farewell to the slain Anambra politician, late Chief Joseph Ezenwegbu (popularly known as Joe Mohale) as he began his last journey.

Recall that Chief Ezenwegbu (aged 60), a cherished stalwart and Chairman of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) in Nanka Ward 1, was SHOT DEAD by a group of masked gunmen on the evening of Saturday, November 11, 2023, a few minutes after he organised a meeting between the party faithful in Nanka and the member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, who had earlier received death threats from unidentified persons warning her never to come into Nanka again for whatsoever reason.

Be it as it may, Chief Ezenwegbu began his last journey on December 15 in his hometown, Etti Village, Nanka, while police investigation is still ongoing into the matter, to unravel the identities of his murderers and the circumstances surrounding his assassination.

In his homily at the burial mass which held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Nkwoagu Nanka, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Innocent Dim, who cut through the heavy air with the poignant topic Death Is Going Home, navigated through Hebrews 9:27 and other biblical passages to remind the congregation that every soul must die someday, must face judgment someday, and must must either enter heaven or hell someday.

While reflecting on the untimely departure of Late Chief Ezenwegbu, whom, he said, never knew he would be called home sooner; the Catholic cleric urged all present to live their lives in readiness to face their Maker at any moment.

In his remark, Chief Nestor Ezenwegbu, the elder brother to the deceased, shared some reflections, his words tinged with the ache of familial loss, as he gave an overview of his late brothers person and lifestyle, recounting how he just finished reconciling with a person he had issues with few days before his death.

On her own part, the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Chizoba Angel Ezenwegbu, amid the sorrow, expressed her gratitude for the support and consolation received during this challenging time.

The grieving widow, who described her late husband as a very social, forgiving, and easy-going person, added that he always stood for truth justice, and hated seeing people intimidate others, irrespective of who is involved. While expressing optimism that the identities of those behind the heartbreaking murder will definitely be unraveled, Mrs. Ezenwegbu further prayed God to grant the her husbands soul eternal rest in his bosom.

Earlier in a funeral oration, a sister to the deceased and Reverend Sister, Sister Nwanne Ezenwegbu, offered her own reflections, contributing to the mosaic of memories that defined Chief Ezenwegbus life. She further described him as a fearless and upright man who always stood for truth, while also wishing his soul eternal rest.

In a heartfelt message of consolation and commiseration at the burial, the Member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, expressed profound grief over the tragic death of Chief Ezenwegbu, especially the circumstances that led to his death.

Recounting how it all happened, she recalled the selfless and patriotic act of the deceased in facilitating a meeting for her and her supporters in Nanka, a gesture that tragically preceded his assassination shortly afterward. She also recalled how she received ominous warnings and threats from some yet-to-be-identified individuals who, for no cogent reason, threatened her not to step her feet into Nanka community anymore, despite being the representative of the people at the Green Chamber.

Hon. Nnabuife, who could not hold back her tears during the remarks, conveyed her deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, acknowledging the immense sacrifice the deceased made in the line of duty. While pledging and assuring the family of her ceaseless support, especially during this challenging period; the lawmaker also called for justice to prevail in the face of the senseless act of violence, politics of calumny, and the politics of bloodshed that has gradually rooter in the area now, where, she said, such things were so alien and never known for in the past. She further invoked the divine and natural justice upon the masterminders of the assassination, while also praying for divine consolation to the family, especially the widow and her only child left behind by the deceased.

The burial ceremony was also attended by former Member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Okwudili Ezenwankwo; the Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Dr. Josephat Akabuike; among other top dignitaries, who came to commiserate with the Ezenwegbu Family.

As Chief Ezenwegbus coffin got lowered into the cold embrace of the earth, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew hima beacon of resilience in the face of adversity.

Rest in peace Joseph Chukwuafuna Ezenwegbu (Omekachukwuchoro).

More photos from the event:

Related
An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Shem Obafiaye, who made the viral Oga At The Top remark in 2013, has been promoted to the rank of deputy commandant-general.

Obafiaye was the Lagos commandant of the NSCDC when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television and humorously struggled to provide the NSCDC website.

Fast forward to 2023, he alongside two others were decorated as deputy commandants general by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

NSCDC disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, December 14.
BLOOMINGTON  Fire damaged an east Bloomington home Friday night, displacing three residents who escaped without injury, firefighters said.

Firefighters called about 6:41 p.m. to 1224 Dogwood Lane found flames coming from the back of the small, one-story home, Bloomington Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Talley said.

Firefighters attacked the fire from behind the house and had it under control in about 10 minutes, he said. Normal firefighters and Bloomington police were called to the scene to assist.

The fire was on an enclosed porch at the rear of the house and extended into the kitchen and living room, Talley said, giving a preliminary damage estimate of about $40,000. A news release from BFD on Saturday added the house sustained significant fire, smoke and water damage, and crews spent several hours salvaging the victims' belongings. The scene was mostly clear by about 11 p.m.

A house next door also sustained some heat damage to its exterior, the news release said.

The cause of the fire was determined to be improper disposal of smoking materials.

The home was left uninhabitable for the time being, and the American Red Cross was called in to assist the residents, who rent from Core 3 and did not have renters insurance, said fire department spokesperson Frank Friend.

While a property owner's insurance covers the structure, it does not cover a tenant's personal property.
CHICAGO  Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley has apologized to anyone who may have been hurt or offended when she said migrants were rapists and like savages, while branch presidents said they unanimously supported her leadership.

The national NAACP in a statement said Haley had been suspended. "As an internal matter, there will be no additional comment at this time," it said. "The NAACP will continue to foster an environment that is reflective of our mission and respective of our membership."

Haley made the initial comments, which were recorded on video, during a statewide meeting. She objected to migrants receiving shelter and clothing while saying Black people in need have long gone without such assistance.

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 in the video. "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.

On Thursday, Haley wrote in a news release that she loved and valued all community members, including immigrants.

"I have worked tirelessly to advocate for the underserved and the voiceless. I remain focused on denouncing injustices, racism, and discrimination," she wrote. "I am empathetic to the plight of all people, and I proudly serve as a beacon of hope to the hopeless.

I embrace the mission of the NAACP, which is to Achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

Haley made her initial comments during a video conference with other leaders of the state NAACP in November. Former DuPage County NAACP President Patrick Watson released the video Tuesday, while resigning and calling for Haleys resignation.

Watson received an unprecedented and embarrassing vote of no confidence by his branch members Nov. 14, Haleys release stated.

Michael Childress, a DuPage County board member who succeeded Watson as DuPage branch president, said Watson also had been told to undergo training earlier this year after a dispute over the event.

Childress said the NAACP is not a monolith, and has passionate members with differing opinions, so when they have a meeting, they should expect it to remain private. He noted that the FBI tried to undermine Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders by surveilling and recording them.

Illinois law generally prohibits the secret recording of a conversation without the consent of those involved.

Watson responded that Haley first suggested the recording was doctored or out of context, before admitting to it, and now was trying to deflect criticism.

He said he had run-ins with members over questionable business practices he was trying to rein in, and said the recorded meeting involved public figures with no declaration that it was private.

Its unfortunate she would sink to that level to try to make the story about me, Watson said. This story is about her bigoted comments and her ability to twist the truth.

Haley scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. Saturday in Springfield, but then canceled it, citing a request from the national NAACP office.

"Ms. Haley stands by her heartfelt apology and will not provide any further comments at this juncture," the Illinois NAACP said Friday night.

Speaking to the Tribune, Carla Jackson-Campbell, secretary of the state NAACP and first vice president of the Bloomington-Normal branch of the NAACP, said the organization was still gathering information.

Our mission is and always will be to achieve equity and political rights and social inclusion by advancing the needs of Black people," she said. "President Haley does embrace the mission of our beloved NAACP.

Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center
The leading financial services provider, Bayport Savings and Loans Plc, concluded activities marking its 20th anniversary with a dinner and awards ceremony to celebrate customers and partners and to reward some long-serving staff.



The colorful ceremony took place over the weekend in Accra.



The event also served as an occasion to reflect on the company's legacy of delivering seamless payroll lending services to government workers and offering comprehensive savings and investment solutions nationwide.



Chief Executive Officer of Bayport Savings and Loans, Mr. Akwasi Aboagye, in a brief address to shareholders and partners, indicated that the sustained growth of the company has been achieved on the back of strong corporate values that focus on transparency, integrity, customer service, risk management and ethics throughout its evolution and digital transition.



CEO of Bayport Financial Services, Africa, Ms. Nothando Ndebele, also in her brief remarks, applauded the leadership, staff and partners of the company for steering the growth of the business in a rather uncertain financial environment.



A founding member of the company, Mr. Kwame Pianim shared his excitement and optimism about the continual growth of the company over the past two decades, saying it's very refreshing and rewarding when you are part of something that succeeds. I wish you 20 more years of success.



Bayport marked its 20th-anniversary celebrations with several community impact activities including financial literacy workshops in selected Senior High Schools across the country.



The company also donated 200 dual desks to the Bolgatanga Model Preparatory Primary School in the Upper East Region and Nsein Methodist Primary School in the Western Region as part of efforts to promote conducive learning in both schools.



The staff of the company also embarked on voluntary humanitarian initiatives to support underprivileged children of the Haven of Hope Foundation at Medie, Nsawam, and the Nectar Foundation at Krobo Odumase, all in the Eastern Region.



They donated 30 laptops and essential supplies to both institutions, while Joshua Doku Korley, a student of the Nectar Foundation, receiving a full Bayport scholarship covering his four-year tertiary education in technology.



Some long-serving staff who have worked for the company for between 15 to 20 years respectively were duly recognized and rewarded for their commitment and contributions to the growth of the business over the past two decades.

Bayport's mission is to facilitate the dreams of ordinary Ghanaians and it has grown significantly since its foundation in 2003.



The company serves over 180,000 customers across the country, providing funds for various life needs such as education and healthcare.



The company is highlighted as Ghana's leading government employee payroll lender with over a 20 percent market share.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Police with a deep sense of sadness have commiserated with the family of a lady who lost her life during an anti-robbery operation conducted at Pigfarm, a suburb of Accra.



The operation, which has been going on for some time now is targeted at arresting a criminal gang linked to a number of robberies.



On Saturday, 16th December 2023, Police arrested two of the gang members, and the operation is still ongoing to get the remaining members arrested.



Unfortunately, however, during the Saturday morning operation, a stray bullet accidentally, hit a lady. She was taken to the hospital, but sadly, she was pronounced dead on arrival. The body has been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy.



The leadership of the Police Service has visited the bereaved family and will continue to support them through these difficult times.



"Once again, we wish to express our sincerest and deepest condolences to the bereaved family." The police 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
On the issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning and asexual  most Ghanaian politicians tread cautiously to declare their stance despite a handful frowning on the act.



The Anti-LGBTQ+bill is yet to be passed into law in Ghana, but many believe the law will never progress since the argument that gays and lesbians also have their rights.



However, the National Womens Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has thrown a challenge to Ghanas Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to join the Anti-LGBTQ+ campaigners since his religion does not support same-sex marriage or any related activities of the LGBTQ+ community.



Hanna Louisa Bissiw in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show, 'Ghana Montie' accused the Vice President of secretly supporting the LGBTQ+ community for his political gains.



I know Mr Mahama will not support this, but I want to ask Dr Bawumia to tell us his stance on homosexuality. Ghana is not ready for a leader who cannot boldly condemn this act, she said.



Adding that, We need opposite sex to produce babies.





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.

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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:

By Debashis Panda of Imperial College London and others. CC-4.0

Each year at its annual meeting, the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics sponsors a contest for the best images in a variety of categories, all related to the flow of fluids.

This year's Gallery was presented at the Division's 76th meeting in November in Washington, D.C., with 12 artistic videos and images being selected in four different categories. Here are some of the winners.

'Liquid lace'

3D polymer printers require careful adjustment to spool their material out into a substrate. Depositing too much polymer too slowly can lead to pattern-forming kinks or coils in the thread's layout as part of the thread piles up on itself. Piling on top of an existing kinky coil can lead to disorder and structural instabilities (see video).

Here, a team from Princeton University records the pattern when too little material is printed too slowly. The resulting pattern gives layers that are orderly and stable, a kind of "lace" with gaps in part of the structure, using less material and making printing faster.

The gaps in the lace can be controlled by the height of the layer and the rate of printing, which change the density of the final printed structure. Watch the video while enjoying Bach's Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor.

'Drop Medusa'

Inducing vibrations in a small liquid drop in zero gravity creates a startling pattern of "jets" and "craters" that somewhat resemble the husk on the seed of a chestnut tree.

These researchers, who created this image from numerical simulations, liken it to the hair of the Medusa, the Greek goddess who turned onlookers to stone. Hence they call their image the "Drop Medusa" (shown at the start of this article).

Radial vibrations of high amplitude at a regular frequency of 1040 Hertz vibrations lead to chaotic, nonlinear waves where the wave superpositions create the jet and crater effect as the drop bursts apart.

'Hydroelastic'

As a display of the interplay between the hydrodynamics and elasticity ("hydroelasticity") this group photographed objects dropped onto a liquid water surface. If the object enters the water with enough speed, an air cavity forms around it, beneath the surface.

Usually this cavity has smooth walls, but for certain impactors the impact's force creates vibrations that leave a nest of curious wavers or undulations along the walls of the air cavity. Understanding this interplay could, as the authors write, "have implications for biological divers or engineered naval and aerospace structures."

By John Antolik of Brown University and others. CC-4.0

Dynamics of frost propagation

Water droplets form when moisture comes into contact with a cold surface, called "breath figures." The droplets coalesce into larger droplets, with new, smaller droplets forming in the empty spaces between them. In this video a sudden cooling of the underlying surface shows the droplets freezing and releasing latent heat, viewed with an infrared camera.

The droplets freeze from the surface up; frost propagates up the surface of the water condensation figures by freezing individual droplets and forming ice bridges between them, ending with a delightful point atop the frozen droplets. The video here shows some of the beautiful features and movements.

More gallery entries can be found here. The "Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion" exhibition, presented by the American Physical SocietyDivision of Fluid Dynamics, can be seen at the Cultural Program of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS) from October 2, 2023, to February 23, 2024. Titled "Chaosmosis: Assigning Rhythm to the Turbulent," it is at 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., National Academy of Sciences Building, Upstairs Gallery.

More information: Source: Gallery of Fluid Motion, Presented by the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, gfm.aps.org/ Lauren Dreier et al, Video: Liquid lace, 76th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid DynamicsGallery of Fluid Motion (2023). DOI: 10.1103/APS.DFD.2023.GFM.V0087 Debashis Panda et al, Poster: Drop Medusa, 76th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid DynamicsGallery of Fluid Motion (2023). DOI: 10.1103/APS.DFD.2023.GFM.P0030 John Antolik et al, Poster: Hydroelastic, 76th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid DynamicsGallery of Fluid Motion (2023). DOI: 10.1103/APS.DFD.2023.GFM.P0008 David Paulovics et al, Video: Dynamics of Frost Propagation, 76th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid DynamicsGallery of Fluid Motion (2023). DOI: 10.1103/APS.DFD.2023.GFM.V0079

 2023 Science X Network
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

One of the hottest debates in archaeology is how and when humans first arrived in North America. Archaeologists have traditionally argued that people walked through an ice-free corridor that briefly opened between ice sheets an estimated 13,000 years ago.

But a growing number of archaeological and genetic findsincluding human footprints in New Mexico dated to around 23,000 years oldsuggests that people made their way onto the continent much earlier. These early Americans likely traveled along the Pacific coastline from Beringia, the land bridge between Asia and North America that emerged during the last glacial maximum when ice sheets bound up large amounts of water causing sea levels to fall.

Now, in research to be presented Friday, 15 December at the American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting (AGU23) in San Franciso, paleoclimate reconstructions of the Pacific Northwest hint that sea ice may have been one way for people to move farther south.

The idea that early Americans may have traveled along the Pacific Coast isn't new. People were likely south of the massive ice sheets that once covered much of the continent at least 16,000 years ago.

Given that the ice-free corridor wouldn't be open for thousands of years before these early arrivals, scientists instead proposed that people may have moved along a "kelp highway." This theory holds that early Americans slowly traveled down into North America in boats, following the bountiful goods found in coastal waters.

Archaeologists have found evidence of coastal settlements in western Canada dating from as early as 14,000 years ago. But in 2020, researchers noted that freshwater from melting glaciers at the time may have created a strong current that would make it difficult for people to travel along the coast.

Ice highway over dangerous water

To get a fuller picture of ocean conditions during these crucial windows of human migration, Summer Praetorius of the US Geological Survey and her colleagues looked at climate proxies in ocean sediment from the coast. Most of the data came from tiny, fossilized plankton. The abundance and chemistry of these organisms help reconstruct ocean temperatures, salinity, and sea ice cover.

Praetorious' presentation is part of a session on the climate history and geology of Beringia and the North Pacific during the Pleistocene, the current ice age, at AGU23. The week-long conference has brought 24,000 experts from across the spectrum of the Earth and space sciences to San Francisco this year and connected 3,000 online attendees.

Praetorious' team used climate models and found that ocean currents were more than twice the strength they are today during the height of the last glacial maximum around 20,000 years ago due to glacial winds and lower sea levels. While not impossible to paddle against, these conditions would have made traveling by boat very difficult, Praetorius said.

However, the records also showed that much of the area was home to winter sea ice until around 15,000 years ago. As a cold-adapted people, "rather than having to paddle against this horrible glacial current, maybe they were using the sea ice as a platform," Praetorius said.

Arctic people today travel along sea ice on dog sleds and snow mobiles. Early Americans may also have used the 'sea ice highway' to get around and hunt marine mammals, slowly making their way into North America in the process, Praetorius said. The climate data suggest conditions along the coastal route may have been conducive to migration between 24,500 and 22,000 years ago and 16,400-14,800 years ago, possibly aided by the presence of winter sea ice.

While proving that people were using sea ice to travel will be tricky, given most of the archaeological sites are underwater, the theory provides a new framework for understanding how humans may have arrived in North America without a land bridge or easy ocean travel.

And the sea ice highway isn't mutually exclusive with other human migrations further down the line, says Praetorius. The team's models show the Alaskan current had calmed down by 14,000 years ago, making it easier for people to travel by boat along the coast.

"Nothing is off the table," she said. "We will always be surprised by ancient human ingenuity."
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Algeria's Tassili N'Ajjer plateau is Africa's largest national park. Among its vast sandstone formations is perhaps the world's largest art museum. Over 15,000 etchings and paintings are exhibited there, some as much as 11,000 years old according to scientific dating techniques, representing a unique ethnological and climatological record of the region.

Curiously, however, these images do not depict the arid, barren landscape that is present in the Tassili N'Ajjer today. Instead, they portray a vibrant savannah inhabited by elephants, giraffes, rhinos and hippos. This rock art is an important record of the past environmental conditions that prevailed in the Sahara, the world's largest hot desert.

These images depict a period approximately 6,00011,000 years ago called the Green Sahara or North African Humid Period. There is widespread climatological evidence that during this period the Sahara supported wooded savannah ecosystems and numerous rivers and lakes in what are now Libya, Niger, Chad and Mali.

This greening of the Sahara didn't happen once. Using marine and lake sediments, scientists have identified more than 230 of these greenings occurring about every 21,000 years over the past eight million years. These greening events provided vegetated corridors which influenced species' distribution and evolution, including the out-of-Africa migrations of ancient humans.

These dramatic greenings would have required a large-scale reorganization of the atmospheric system to bring rains to this hyper arid region. But most climate models haven't been able to simulate how dramatic these events were.

As a team of climate modelers and anthropologists, we have overcome this obstacle. We developed a climate model that more accurately simulates atmospheric circulation over the Sahara and the impacts of vegetation on rainfall.

We identified why north Africa greened approximately every 21,000 years over the past eight million years. It was caused by changes in the Earth's orbital precessionthe slight wobbling of the planet while rotating. This moves the Northern Hemisphere closer to the sun during the summer months.

This caused warmer summers in the Northern Hemisphere, and warmer air is able to hold more moisture. This intensified the strength of the West African Monsoon system and shifted the African rainbelt northwards. This increased Saharan rainfall, resulting in the spread of savannah and wooded grassland across the desert from the tropics to the Mediterranean, providing a vast habitat for plants and animals.

Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of the Sahara Desert to changes in past climate. They explain how this sensitivity affects rainfall across north Africa. This is important for understanding the implications of present-day climate change (driven by human activities). Warmer temperatures in the future may also enhance monsoon strength, with both local and global impacts.

Earth's changing orbit

The fact that the wetter periods in north Africa have recurred every 21,000 years or so is a big clue about what causes them: variations in Earth's orbit. Due to gravitational influences from the moon and other planets in our solar system, the orbit of the Earth around the sun is not constant. It has cyclic variations on multi-thousand year timescales. These orbital cycles are termed Milankovitch cycles; they influence the amount of energy the Earth receives from the sun.

On 100,000-year cycles, the shape of Earth's orbit (or eccentricity) shifts between circular and oval, and on 41,000 year cycles the tilt of Earth's axis varies (termed obliquity). Eccentricity and obliquity cycles are responsible for driving the ice ages of the past 2.4 million years.

The third Milankovitch cycle is precession. This concerns Earth's wobble on its axis, which varies on a 21,000 year timescale. The similarity between the precession cycle and the timing of the humid periods indicates that precession is their dominant driver. Precession influences seasonal contrasts, increasing them in one hemisphere and reducing them in another. During warmer Northern Hemisphere summers, a consequent increase in north African summer rainfall would have initiated a humid phase, resulting in the spread of vegetation across the region.

Eccentricity and the ice sheets

In our study we also identified that the humid periods did not occur during the ice ages, when large glacial ice sheets covered much of the polar regions. This is because these vast ice sheets cooled the atmosphere. The cooling countered the influence of precession and suppressed the expansion of the African monsoon system.

The ice ages are driven by the eccentricity cycle, which determines how circular Earth's orbit is around the sun. So our findings show that eccentricity indirectly influences the magnitude of the humid periods via its influence on the ice sheets. This highlights, for the first time, a major connection between these distant high latitude and tropical regions.

The Sahara acts as a gate. It controls the dispersal of species between north and sub-Saharan Africa, and in and out of the continent. The gate was open when the Sahara was green and closed when deserts prevailed. Our results reveal the sensitivity of this gate to Earth's orbit around the sun. They also show that high latitude ice sheets may have restricted the dispersal of species during the glacial periods of the last 800,000 years.

Our ability to model the African humid periods helps us understand the alternation of humid and arid phases. This had major consequences for the dispersal and evolution of species, including humans, within and out of Africa. Furthermore, it provides a tool for understanding future greening in response to climate change and its environmental impact.

Refined models may, in the future, be able to identify how climate warming will influence rainfall and vegetation in the Sahara region, and the wider implications for society.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Deep Rajwar from Pexels

Wildfire management systems outfitted with remote sensing technology could improve first responders' ability to predict and respond to the spread of deadly forest fires.

To do this, researchers at The Ohio State University are testing the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar, or SAR, to help with wildfire detection.

For many ecosystems, fires are vital tools that help to clear away plant waste, provide safer habitats for smaller species and burn off disease. Yet as Earth continues to experience warmer, drier conditions, the likelihood and severity of large, uncontrolled fire incidents that result in widespread environmental damage has steadily increased.

Between 2020 and 2023, wildfires across the U.S. burned over 25 million acres of land. At the same time, millions of people who reside near these at-risk areas are likely impacted by plumes of wildfire smoke, heightened flooding risks and property damage.

These effects underscore the need for better detection systems, said Dustin Horton, lead author of a new study on the subject and a doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering at Ohio State. His work revolves around improving traditional strategies for sensing large blazes and improving wildfire-related land management policies.

"There's a variety of prediction models that the government and different agencies use to predict and assess what an area might look like each wildfire season," said Horton. "But a lot of those programs in recent history rely on a variety of remote sensing methods, such as optical sensors that have a lot of inherent disadvantages."

For example, systems that use optical sensors to study targets, like LiDAR, can be occluded by wildfire smoke or other atmospheric changes like clouds or light from the sun. Other passive sensors can be less useful at night. Ultimately, these limitations diminish their effectiveness at collecting accurate measurements during a quickly evolving situation, and such setbacks could have disastrous effects on agencies aiming to gauge the number of resources or emergency service personnel needed to safely handle a large fire, said Horton.

The research was presented in a poster session today (Dec. 15, 2023) at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union. The poster suggests that one technique that could be used to supplement wildfire prediction models like the National Fire Danger Rating System, which allows users to estimate the next few days of fire danger in a given region, is to combine them with SAR.

Unlike optical or satellite infrared sensors, SAR utilizes radar to create high-resolution two-dimensional or three-dimensional reconstructions of terrain, making it an especially effective device for environmental mapping research. Additionally, since SAR remote sensing technologies can operate successfully during the day, night and inclement atmospheric events, it provides scientists the ability to finely measure an area's surface geophysical, hydrological and meteorological properties at key spatial distances with ease, said Horton.

During the presentation, researchers noted that using SAR as an alternative wildfire sensing method also holds much potential for tracking the entire life-cycle and aftermath of a wildfire, as well as discerning and monitoring other factors that may contribute to creating flame-prone areas, such as the level of soil moisture in the region or various kinds of nearby vegetation.

The study concluded by noting how useful aerial SAR-based platforms could be to studying wildfires and other Earth processes across greater scales in the future. One such endeavor, planned to launch in early 2024, is the NISAR mission, a joint collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission's objective will be to map the entire Earth in an effort to provide the public with refined data about the effects of climate change on the planet's crust.

Horton said that his team hopes to use the data the mission collects to continue building on their own wildfire-prediction algorithms, but will continue testing SAR as a next-generation wildfire assessment tool. In the meantime, Horton said that much of the responsibility for better understanding and stopping wildfires lies in combining both new technologies and tried-and-true fire services.

"Scientists can now identify areas with conditions where everything is perfect for a burn, all the models say it will and sometimes it just doesn't," said Horton. "Because the whole wildfire process is extremely complex, a lot of the heavy lifting still relies on the mitigation work of firefighters."

Co-authors of the poster include Joel Johnson and Mohammad Al-Khaldi of Ohio State, Ismail Baris of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Jeonghwan Park of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the Global Science and Technology Inc., and Rajat Bindlish of Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research.
By Ibrahim Tommy

When the Sierra Leone Parliament passed the Local Government Act in 2004, it was meant to, among other things, enhance participation in governance, promote development, and create a space for greater voice at the basic unit of governance across the country. The Act put an end to more than 30 years of centralized system of administration, which had effectively deprived locals from taking ownership of any development programs in their communities. The legislation establishes local councils as the highest political authority in their jurisdiction, and also makes broad provisions for citizens participation in the administration of local councils. Articles 107 and 108 of the Act place an unconditional obligation on local councils and the Ministry of Local Government to ensure transparency and public participation in the administration of councils.

Specifically, Article 107 requires that Local Councils post statements of financial accounts, development plans, and minutes of meetings, among other pertinent documents. These postings must be placed on a notice board, in a conspicuous place on the council premises in each ward for at least twenty-one days per month. Article 108 places an obligation on the Ministry of Local Government to promote participatory processes in local councils and encourage citizens inclusion and involvement in governance. These are significant provisions, but as with many other good ideas, implementation is the key. Unfortunately, implementing the Acts transparency and participation clauses has been lagging by local councils over the last eight years.

In 2010, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) approved a grant for a coalition of Sierra Leonean civil society organizations to monitor the implementation of the transparency and participatory provisions of the Act. Over the last eighteen months, the coalition has organised a number of dialogue sessions with councilors, council administrators, and ordinary citizens across the country to ascertain how council administrators were enforcing these provisions. The coalition also organised monitoring visits to various councils in Sierra Leone, and worked with local media and organized community outreach events to raise public awareness and elicit public opinion regarding the performance of councils. From Makeni in the North to Bo in the South, and from Kailahun in the East to Freetown in the West, the revelations and observations were predominantly the same - Council and Local Government Ministry officials have largely reneged on their legal obligations to administer the councils in ways that promote transparency and local participation.

I did not know that there was a law which obligates the council to inform us about its activities. No councillor or Ward Committee member has ever organised a meeting in my ward. I dont even know the councillors who represent this ward, not to talk about the Ward Committee members, an angry woman said at a community outreach session at Kroo Bay in Freetown.

There are 19 local councils in Sierra Leone. It is regrettable that most of them have generally failed to implement the transparency obligations placed on them by Articles 107 and 108. Here are a few examples to consider: Out of the 20 Wards in the Western Rural District, only five have erected notice boards. Where there are notice boards, they are rarely updated. Also, out of the 49 Wards in the Freetown City Council (FCC), Council officials admitted that there are no more than two FCC-procured notice boards in the entire municipality. Even the two FCC-procured notice boards at its headquarters were largely plastered with obituary and vacancy announcements. At a dialogue session last year, Council officials in Kenema, Kailahun and Kono Districts admitted that there were very few notice boards in their respective jurisdictions, apart from those put up at administrative headquarters. In the same vein, there are very few radio discussion programs sponsored by the councils, and only occasional public notices about upcoming council meetings or Council-funded radio updates. In short, there is no reliable channel of communication between the people and the councils.

Council officials at these events have been typically defensive, blaming their failure to erect and update notice boards on the destructive tendencies of youths and the high level of illiteracy in their communities. Even so, given that radio is the easiest and most accessible means of communication in the country, most participants said it was incomprehensible that the councils have failed to effectively utilize the media. The information and transparency gap between the councils and the people is so large that most communities do not even know where to direct questions on issues affecting them.

There are many more challenges to ponder. Ward Development Committees, which are supposed to provide a link between the councils and the people, are either incompetent or uncommitted to the task. At every dialogue session across the country, people voiced concern that members of the Ward Development Committees (WDCs) rarely convene meetings, and have done very little to keep them posted on development issues. The selection of WDC members has been characterized by nepotism, with councillors mostly hand-picking political cronies and friends. The Local Government Ministry, which is obligated to promote participatory processes in local councils and encourage citizens inclusion and involvement in governance, has done very little in terms of promoting mass participation in development issues at the local level. Even where councils seek the views of the people when preparing annual development plans, residents complain that most of their felt needs have either been ignored or only partially implemented.

To make a bad matter worse, councillors and the council administrators do not get along very well in most places. Most councillors complain that they do not even know the development projects taking place in their respective wards. They accuse heads of councils of deliberately sidelining them in running the councils. There is massive distrust between councillors and the council administrators. Some administrators spoke about instances where councilors concocted minutes of meetings purportedly held at ward levels in order to claim allowances.

Nearly eight years after the Local Government Act was passed, there are several outstanding issues relating to devolution of functions to local councils. The central government has been largely reluctant to devolve functions that attract revenue and massive budgetary allocation. For instance, only 30% of central government budget was transferred to local councils in 2010. In view of the limited amount of tax revenue raised by local councils and the inadequate central government subventions, local councils face serious financial constraints. While this does not fully explain why many Sierra Leoneans are dissatisfied with the general performance of their councils, it definitely raises questions as to why the central government is reluctant to devolve key functions to local councils. At the same time, however, local councils need to think of creative ways of raising funds, as well as efficiently utilizing them.

Making development and increased participation in governance a reality in Sierra Leone was the ultimate objective of the Local Government Act. In a country where corruption in public sector remains a significant challenge, transparency and increased public participation in local government is required to offset any tendencies of wasteful spending. In 2011, the Sierra Leone Government developed a national policy on decentralization to address the anomalies for the smooth implementation of the decentralization process. The policy notes that transfer functions from central government to local councils will be concluded by the end of 2012. Once the transfer of functions is completed, it will impose greater obligation on council administrations to be transparent. It would also require more public participation in the administration of councils. For now, it is fair to suggest that the councils need to do more to foster engagement with the public.

The author is Executive Director, Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) and he wrote this article for OSIWANET
The Glens Falls Business Improvement District is looking to renovate the Warren Street fountain as their next large project. At the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, Tyler Herrick and Dan Burke presented the idea, as well as how they have gone over the idea with the Department of Public Works and Water Department.

Burke said they have found a company out of Amsterdam that can restore and maintain the fountain as well as turn it on and off when seasons change.

Something the people wanted to do is make it as local as possible. If you think about some of the fountains you have seen in your life, theyre often big urns that the water flows out of which is pretty nice, Burke said. Weve tried to incorporate those kinds of things into the fountain.

Burke added that the stones they are looking to put into the fountain would come from local quarries. Additionally, a group at Glens Falls Hospital is interested in dedicating the fountain to health professionals that worked through the COVID-19 pandemic. Water and electricity are already installed for the fountain when it was maintained by the city DPW.

The water will only be about six inches deep, but the designer will be able to make it look much deeper, Burke said.

Another idea of the BID was to add benches near the fountain to make it an enjoyable spot to relax in the sun during summer. There was discussion of adding some landscaping of trees or bushes as well.

The new project was thought of by the committee after the completion of renovations to the City Park band stand and a recent purchase of new Christmas decorations. The band stand saw repairs to the structure itself and to the lighting and electrical system.

Herrick said when he joined the BID about six years ago, that there was a lot of work being done on the city park. With the bandstand being completed, they are looking to continue the pace of starting a larger project every two to three years.

Herrick said that a goal of the BID is to have a project ready to go ever few years and that a small loan to the BID has been paid off, and therefore, the BID can move forward with this project.
WASHINGTON  A jury awarded $148 million in damages on Friday to two former Georgia election workers who sued Rudy Giuliani for defamation over lies he spread about them in 2020 that upended their lives with racist threats and harassment.

The damages verdict follows emotional testimony from Wandrea Shaye Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, who tearfully described becoming the target of a false conspiracy theory pushed by Giuliani and other Republicans as they tried to keep then-President Donald Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election.

There was an audible gasp in the courtroom when the jury foreperson read aloud the $75 million award in punitive damages for the women. Moss and Freeman were each awarded another roughly $36 million in other damages.

Money will never solve all my problems," Freeman told reporters outside Washington's federal courthouse after the verdict. "I can never move back into the house that I call home. I will always have to be careful about where I go and who I choose to share my name with. I miss my home. I miss my neighbors and I miss my name.

Giuliani didn't appear to show any emotion as the verdict was read in Washington's federal courthouse after about 10 hours of deliberations. Moss and Freeman hugged their attorneys after the jury left the courtroom and didn't look at Giuliani as he left with his lawyer.

Giuliani told reporters outside Washington's federal courthouse that he will appeal, saying the absurdity of the number merely underscores the absurdity of the entire proceeding."

It will be reversed so quickly it will make your head spin, and the absurd number that just came in will help that actually, he said.

Giuliani had already been found liable in the case and previously conceded in court documents that he falsely accused the women of ballot fraud. Even so, the former New York City mayor continued to repeat his baseless allegations about the women in comments to reporters outside the Washington, D.C., courthouse this week.

Giulianis lawyer acknowledged that his client was wrong but insisted that Giuliani was not fully responsible for the vitriol the women faced. The defense sought to largely pin the blame on a right-wing website that published the surveillance video of the two women counting ballots.

Giulianis defense rested Thursday morning without calling a single witness after the former mayor reversed course and decided not to take the stand. Giulianis lawyer had told jurors in his opening statement that they would hear from his client. But after Giuliani's comments outside court, the judge barred him from claiming in testimony that his conspiracy theories were right.

The judgment adds to growing financial and legal peril for Giuliani, who was among the loudest proponents of Trumps false claims of election fraud that are now a key part of the criminal cases against the former president.

It's not clear whether Giuliani will ever be able to pay the staggering amount. He had already been showing signs of financial strain as he defends himself against costly lawsuits and investigations stemming from his representation of Trump. In September, his former lawyer sued him, alleging Giuliani had paid only a fraction of nearly $1.6 million in legal fees he racked up. His lawyer suggested that the defamation case could financially ruin the former mayor, saying it would be the end of Mr. Giuliani.

And Giuliani is still facing his biggest test yet: fighting criminal charges in the Georgia case accusing Trump and 18 others of working to subvert the results of the 2020 election, won by Democrat Joe Biden, in that state. Giuliani has pleaded not guilty and characterized the case as politically motivated.

Jurors in the defamation case heard recordings of Giuliani falsely accusing the election workers of sneaking in ballots in suitcases, counting ballots multiple times and tampering with voting machines. Trump also repeated the conspiracy theories through his social media accounts. Lawyers for Moss and Freeman, who are Black, also played for jurors audio recordings of the graphic and racist threats the women received.

The womens lawyers asked for at least $24 million for each woman in defamation damages alone. They also sought compensation for their emotional harm and punitive damages.

On the witness stand, Moss and Freeman described fearing for their lives as hateful messages poured in. Moss told jurors she tried to change her appearance, seldom leaves her home and suffers from panic attacks. Her mother described strangers banging on her door and recounted fleeing her home after people came with bullhorns and the FBI told her she wasnt safe.

Its so scary, anytime I go somewhere, if I have to use my name, Freeman 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.

Defense attorney Joseph Sibley told jurors they should compensate the women for what they are owed, but he urged them to remember this is a great man.

An attorney for Moss and Freeman, in his closing argument, highlighted how Giuliani has not stopped repeating the false conspiracy theory asserting the workers interfered in the November 2020 presidential election. Attorney Michael Gottlieb played a video of Giuliani outside the courthouse on Monday, in which Giuliani falsely claimed the women were engaged in changing votes.

Mr. Giuliani has shown over and over again he will not take our clients names out of his mouth, Gottlieb said. Facts will not stop him. He says he isnt sorry and hes telegraphing he will do this again. Believe him.

The judge overseeing the election workers lawsuit had already ordered Giuliani and his business entities to pay tens of thousands of dollars in attorneys fees. In holding Giuliani liable, the judge ruled that the former mayor gave only lip service to complying with his legal obligations while trying to portray himself as the victim in the case.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Read more:

A look at the 19 people charged in the Georgia indictment connected to Trump's election scheme Key people in the Georgia election fraud case Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani John Eastman Mark Meadows Sidney Powell Kenneth Chesebro Prosecutors have said Chesebro, an attorney, worked with Republicans in numerous swing states Trump lost, including Georgia, in the weeks after the November 2020 election at the direction of Trumps campaign. Chesebro worked on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Jeffrey Clark Jenna Ellis Ray Smith A Georgia-based lawyer, Smith was involved in multiple lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. He also gathered witnesses to provide testimony before Georgia legislative subcommittee hearings held in December 2020 on alleged issues with the states election. Robert Cheeley A Georgia lawyer, Cheeley presented video clips to legislators of election workers at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and alleged the workers were counting votes twice or sometimes three times. He spoke to the lawmakers after Giuliani. Michael Roman A former White House aide who served as the director of Trumps election day operations, Roman was involved in efforts to put forth a set of fake electors after the 2020 election. David Shafer Shawn Still He was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Still was the finance chairman for the state GOP in 2020 and served as a Georgia delegate to the Republican National Convention that year. He was elected to the Georgia state Senate in November 2022 and represents a district in Atlantas suburbs. Stephen Cliffgard Lee Prosecutors say Cliffgard Lee, a pastor, worked with others to try to pressure Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman and her daughter after Trump and his allies falsely accused them of pulling fraudulent ballots from a suitcase during the vote count. Lee allegedly knocked on Freemans door, frightening her and causing her to call 911 three times, prosecutors said in a court filing last year. Harrison William Prescott Floyd Also known as Willie Lewis Floyd III, he served as director of Black Voices for Trump, and is accused of recruiting Lee to arrange a meeting with Freeman and Chicago-based publicist Trevian Kutti. Trevian C. Kutti Prosecutors allege Kutti, a publicist, claimed to have high-level law enforcement connections. They say Freeman met with Kutti at a police precinct, where she brought Floyd into the conversation on a speakerphone. Prosecutors say Kutti presented herself as someone who could help Freeman but then pressured her to falsely confess to election fraud. Cathy Latham Scott Graham Hall An Atlanta-area bail bondsman, Hall was allegedly involved in commandeering voting information that was the property of Dominion Voting Systems from Coffee County, a small south Georgia jurisdiction. Also charged in the scheme were Powell, Latham and former county elections supervisor Misty Hampton. Misty Hampton She was the elections director in Coffee County. Hampton was present in the county elections office on Jan. 7, 2021, when a computer forensics team copied software and data from the countys election equipment. She also allowed two other men who had been active in efforts to question the 2020 election results to access the elections office later that month and to spend hours inside with the equipment. Read the Trump indictment in Georgia Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.
Bay Area professors are offering more courses about AI and its impact on multiple disciplines, while using it to help teach classes and answer student questions. One UC Berkeley professor encourages students to use a chatbot to solve coding problems. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

UPDATE: Two Bay Area lawmakers will play key roles in the push to regulate AI in California

Artificial intelligence is poised to rapidly change everything from how we drive to how we live, work and play. And in the Bay Area, where the nascent industry is largely based, it is already changing how, and what, universities teach.

Professors at schools across the region said they are increasingly using AI to solve classroom tasks and administrative snags while making familiarity with the technology a requirement for their students. And, they said, students across all sorts of disciplines  not just technical fields  are showing much more interest in how AI affects their chosen area of study.

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From Stanford to UC Berkeley, San Francisco State to San Jose State, pupils studying law, philosophy, medicine and other topics are being drawn to understand AI and its effect on their subjects. In response, schools are offering new classes on how to incorporate the technology into everything from accounting to filmmaking to ethics.

San Francisco State computer science professor Dragutin Petkovic has offered a certificate in ethical and explainable AI since 2019, taught alongside courses in philosophy and business. He said the release of ChatGPT last year and the boom in interest in generative programs that can seemingly write and create images has changed who takes his class  and whats discussed.

There is much more interest in the last year, Petkovic said, adding that the class was about half computer science students during the last semester, with the other half a mix of philosophy students and those from other disciplines. This year I have a lawyer, a dissident from Iran, and a former employee of OpenAI, among others, he said.

Even his software engineering courses, which challenge students to come up with and code different kinds of applications, have incorporated generative software to write and edit code, Petkovic said. He allows his students to use the technology to help create their programs, but requires them to author papers on the experience and its comparative benefits versus traditional methods.

One of Petkovics students, John Kongtcheu, used an AI tool called GitHub copilot to help with coding his final project, having used AI programs in the past to work on software projects. I use it like a buddy, Kongtcheu said. He said it was particularly useful to knock out otherwise time-intensive tasks more quickly, and for editing code he has already written.

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San Francisco State University has rolled out classes on the ethics of artificial intelligence and the use of AI and other technologies in fields as diverse as accounting and filmmaking. Chase DiFeliciantonio/The Chronicle

Another of Petkovics students, Brandon Watanabe, said hell sometimes drop a chunk of unfamiliar code into an AI engine and ask what it is for, and get a response written in fluent English instead of having to pull it apart himself or scroll online message boards.

When the AI certificate was first offered four years ago the problem was quite new, said San Francisco State professor Carlos Montemayor, who teaches the philosophy section and just published a book he is also using in his course called The Prospect of a Humanitarian Artificial Intelligence.

The majority of students I had four years ago were a little bit more siloed, Montemayor said. Now, he teaches philosophy students curious about AI  as well as computer science students curious about the philosophy of AI, among others.

Students (know) that if they dont understand it at all, they will be left behind, he added.

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San Francisco State also offered courses this academic year that it did not the year before. Among those were classes on using AI, blockchain technology and automation in accounting, and another called Filmmaking in the Age of AI.

Stanford also has added courses, including one on medical applications of generative AI programs such as ChatGPT and image generator DALL-E, where students pitch and brainstorm applications for the technology in the field to peers and faculty.

New and different course offerings and increased interest in them arent the only changes being wrought by the technology at the university level.

UC Berkeley professor Narges Norouzi started encouraging her computer science students this fall to take advantage of OpenAIs GPT-4, albeit in a limited way, to solve knotty coding challenges. The technologys AI-generated coding hints can help students push through tough problems and get faster results.

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The effort is still in the testing phase, mainly in her introduction to coding class, Norouzi said, and does not give students access to the full-on chatbot. Instead, a program she fashioned using the technology allows students to click a button that then prompts GPT-4 for a hint based on the material they are working on and, increasingly, what the program knows about the class and student learning patterns.

Students have been critiquing the coding hints, which Norouzi said will be incorporated into future versions of the tool through a process called reinforcement learning from human feedback. Over time, it will be able to increasingly understand how students learn and make better prompts.

Another program still in the testing phase that Norouzi hopes to incorporate into classes next year will feed GPT-4 with information from course texts and an online student Q&A portal, called Edison. The goal is for the program to learn from that material and be able to speedily answer many of the thousands of questions students pose to Edison every semester.

One data course has roughly 1,300 students, Norouzi said, and teachers assistants can be heavily burdened with answering every question that pops up on Edison.

Weve been working on how to give the (model) the right context, Norouzi said. That means training it to know whether to reference a course text or a homework description or the syllabus to see if a question has already been asked and answered.

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She said a related tool that she plans to make available to students next semester can perform similar context queries of course materials, but with an eye toward shortening the long waits that can crop up when students sign up for office hours for one-on-one time with professors.

The queues get as long as four hours wait time, Norouzi said. So she has created a chatbot based on GPT-4 versed in the course material that students can converse with, hopefully solving their problem without having to wait in line.

Hopefully this can help us move faster in the queue and help serve more students, especially in larger courses, she said.

Stanford has added a course on medical applications of generative AI programs such as ChatGPT and image generator DALL-E, where students pitch and brainstorm applications for the technology in medicine to peers and faculty. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

San Jose State Professor Ahmed Banafa has made familiarity with artificial intelligence a requirement for graduating from his courses.

The minute ChatGPT came out I realized immediately this is different, said Banafa, who teaches classes in computer networking, operating systems, cybersecurity and other topics.

Banafa said that since ChatGPTs release, he has required undergraduate senior projects and the work of the masters degree students he supervises to have an artificial intelligence component, be it a chatbot to interface with an app a student built or some other kind of integration with OpenAIs software.

I realized my students have to have something to talk about in interviews with companies, and be able to talk about AI, Banafa said.

San Francisco. State senior Cleveland Plonsey, whos one of Petkovics students, said he already uses generative AI at his internship and expects to continue using it in his career. He notes that hes required to document when he uses AI to manipulate code.

Campuses, particularly public universities also have a broader role to play in parsing what it means that AI is likely here to stay, beyond just incorporating the technology into a range of classes.

There is a larger debate that is just starting, said Montemayor, the philosophy professor. While some believe AI should be incorporated into all aspects of life, others are concerned about its ability to concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few executives and large companies and its potential effect on the environment and the workforce of the future, he said.

Most of the people that Ive seen talk at Stanford (about AI) work at Google or are very close to Silicon Valley, and tend to express the dominant voice of the AI industry, Montemayor said.
Amtrak is working to improve their services after four grant awards totaling $2 million in federal funding were passed.

Routes throughout the Northeastern United States will be affected by the new grants. The awards will go toward new rail corridors that will enhance reliability, improve safety and reduce travel times for passengers across the region, according to a press release from U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko's office.

As a lifelong Amtrak passenger, I know firsthand how crucial our public rail system is to improving the everyday life of New Yorkers, said Tonko (D, NY-20). Thats why throughout my career, Ive worked tirelessly alongside my Democratic colleagues to expand and upgrade our nations passenger rail networks. Now, Im thrilled to celebrate this critical infusion of funding that will enhance the safety, reliability and speed of intercity rail service in our Capital Region and beyond.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik's office did not return a request for comment before press time.

The grants include $500,000 to the New York State Department of Transportation for the Empire Corridor project, to provide improvements to the existing Amtrak Empire Service between New York City and Niagara Falls via Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. The project will add frequencies in efforts to reduce travel time, and improve reliability.

The Empire Corridor is a vital transportation route of national significance and is essential to New Yorks economy. Funding from the Corridor ID Program will transform the Empire Corridor into a world-class passenger and freight rail network with broad transportation, economic, and community benefits throughout the northeast, Tonko said in a press release.

Another half million dollars will go to the New York State Department of Transportation for the Adirondack Corridor project, to provide improvements to the existing Amtrak Adirondack service between New York City and Montreal by completing a U.S. Customs Pre-Clearance Facility in Montreal. It will add a second daily round-trip and makes track and infrastructure improvements to increase reliability, reduce trip times, increase safety, and achieve a state of repair.

$500,000 will go to the Vermont Agency of Transportation for the Green Mountain Corridor project. This will enhance service between New York City and Burlington, Vermont, via Albany and Rutland, Vermont. This grant will also provide new services to communities in Southwestern Vermont and east-central NY.

Another $500,000 will go to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the Boston and Albany Corridor project. This will enhance service between Boston and Albany via Springfield. The proposed corridor would provide up to eight daily round-trip passenger trains on an existing alignment that is currently being used by Amtraks long- distance Lake Shore Limited.
It's difficult to think of a holiday filled with more tradition than Christmastime. From the decorations to gift giving and, of course, baking, the holidays are rich in ritual and customs.

With annual cookie swaps, gifting tins of cookies and leaving a plate of cookies for Santa, the holidays are a high point of the year for home bakers. Just the smell of cookies in the oven can put you in the holiday spirit. But while the holidays are rich in cookie tradition, there seems to be as many ways to make the same cookie as there are varieties. There's the no cookie-cutter approach to making a chocolate-chip or sugar cookie, arguably the two most popular types.

I must have six different recipes for sugar cookies," says Roberta Blumenthal, a home baker from Somers Point. Some of them use granulated sugar, some of them use powdered sugar. Some of them use almonds, some of them use vanilla. Just a little bit of a difference.

I like to be creative so I get excited when I come up with a new design for a cookie, says Heidi Toth, of Northfield.

Blumenthal and Toth are serious cookie bakers and they need to be. Both women bake for the annual Christmas Cookie Walk at Grace Lutheran Church in Somers Point, where they will join a small army of home bakers to produce thousands of cookies to be sold on Dec. 9 to benefit the church. Blumenthal, a retired teacher, says she plans on making between 10 to 12 dozen of each of 10 different varieties of cookies this year. Toth will do the same.

We try to have people bake cookies that aren't your typical chocolate chip, oatmeal and peanut butter," explains Toth. So we have different, unusual cookies like Swedish spritz, lebkuchen, pfeffernuss  which is a German little spice cookie  gingerbread, various forms of potato chip cookies, sugar cookies and orange butter cookies.

With so many different variations, many shy away from baking, fearing the process may be too overwhelming. All of our home bakers agreed following the recipe to the letter is paramount to success, so is accurate measuring of ingredients, and maintaining the proper baking time and temperature.

With baking you need to be more accurate in your measuring and the temperature, advises Blumenthal. It's a more accurate science than cooking.

All the ingredients should be at room temperature before you start, adds Peggy Apice, of Absecon. If not, you can really mess up your dough.

She uses a spoon to add ingredients to a measuring cup and then uses a knife to level off the excess. She says it's a more exacting way to get the proper amount of flour, sugar or whatever the ingredient.

Apice and fellow Absecon resident Roe Snyder bake cookies for their family, as gifts for others and for the Christmas bazaar at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Absecon, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Snyder, a retired nurse, has a personal best of making 29 varieties of cookies in one holiday season. And one of her family favorites is pizzelles, the delicate and crispy disc-like Italian cookie with a hint of anise. She makes them every year Her advise for making great pizzelles: You have to have a good pizzelle iron. She says while the process is relatively easy, it can get tiresome since she can only make two at a time.

Apice's favorite cookie is the classic spritz, a German, relatively soft cookie, that is produced using a cookie press gun that gives the baker a choice of shapes. While many bakers suggest chilling the dough before baking, she says you cant refrigerate the dough since it needs to easily flow though the cookie press gun used to make them. She also suggests measuring carefully so the dough is smooth and fluffy.

Chilling the dough is one of several techniques many bakers do not agree on.

Toth believes chilling the dough is an important practice that gives the cookie a better quality of taste and texture. And it also keeps the shape of the dough and prevents it from spreading.

Other areas of dispute include using salted or unsalted butter, and using granular salt over Kosher and sea salt. Our bakers say when in doubt, go with the recipe.

One thing they do agree on is time and temperature. Not every oven is the same, so even if you follow the recipe to the letter, your 350-degree oven may not be the same as the author of the recipe. To get around that, all of our bakers suggest checking the cookies while they're baking at the low end of the suggested baking time. If it says bake for 10 to 12 minutes, check them at the 10 minute mark.

They also agree homemade cookies are the better than store bought.

The bakery cookies are delicious, but it's those homemade cookies, with the butter that are mmm delicious, says Toth.

14 Christmas cookie recipes

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES My mother called them butter balls because they're made with lots and lot of butter," explains Roberta Blumenthal. "You can use walnuts or pecans. It's easy to make. You need to put the powdered sugar on them when they're warm, not hot." Makes: About 4 dozen cookies INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter or margarine (softened)  cup powdered sugar (plus additional for coating) 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour  cup finely chopped nuts  teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix thoroughly butter, sugar???? and vanilla. Work in flour, nuts and salt until the dough holds together (by hand). Shape the dough into small balls. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set, but not brown. While warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool and roll in powdered sugar, again.

AUNT URSULA'S RASPBERRY SCHNITTEN Heidi Toth found her love for baking when she spent time with her aunt in Germany when she was 12 years old and learned to bake from her. I just fell in love with baking cookies, she says of that experience. This German cookie is a variation on a thumb print cookie which can be made in different flavors and is light and fluffy. INGREDIENTS 1 stick ( cup) butter, softened at room temperature  cup sugar 1 egg 2 cups flour  cup finely chopped hazelnuts, toasted and chopped Raspberry jam (see note) DIRECTIONS Beat butter with sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and gradually add flour until blended. Spread hazelnuts on a cookie tray and toast in 350-degree oven until light golden. Meanwhile, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet lined with parchment. Squish the balls with the back of a rounded teaspoon size measuring spoon until a slight indent forms. Fill indent with raspberry jam, careful not to overfill as the jelly tends to spill out when baking. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts. Bake at 350 degrees until golden around the edges, about 15 minutes. Note: We have also used apricot, peach, blueberry and strawberry jam.

LITTLE GRANDMA'S POTATO CHIP COOKIES Heidi Toth offered her family recipe for potato chip cookies, which are similar to a sugar cookie but are light and soft in the center. While she is a believer in chilling the dough before baking, this is one cookie that is best made with dough at room temperature. For her potato chip cookie, chilling the dough would lead to a soggy center. And if you want to keep your cookies crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, she suggests storing the cookies in a tin container, cover with tin foil and placing a slice of white bread over them. What that does, she explains, the cookies absorb the moisture of the bread and they keep moist. INGREDIENTS 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature  cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour  cup finely chopped pecans  cup finely crushed potato chips Colored sugar or powdered sugar (for decorating) DIRECTIONS Beat butter with sugar until creamy and well blended. Add vanilla and beat again until blended. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well until blended. Shape into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment (see note). Squish the balls into rounds. Can either be decorated with colored sugar before baking or sprinkled with powdered sugar after removing from oven and cooled a bit. Bake at 350 degrees until golden around the edges, about 10 to 12 minutes. Note: Do not freeze or refrigerate the unbaked dough or the potato chips will lose their crunch.

CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES At the Toth house they started a tradition of Cookie Day at the start of December when the whole family gathers to help make and decorate cookies from morning to night. And this crowd favorite let's everyone, toddlers to grandparents, have their chance at creating a masterpiece with their choice of decorations from sparkles to candy and everything in between. Heidi Toth finds that when you're baking for several hours and the oven is hot, along with the cookie sheets, the cookies will get done quicker. So keep your eyes on the edges for that golden brown color that let's you know they're perfect. INGREDIENTS 1 sticks ( cups) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature  cups superfine sugar (if you don't have superfine, you can put regular sugar in a food processor) 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour  teaspoon baking powder  teaspoon salt Sugars, sprinkles or royal icing, for decorating DIRECTIONS Beat butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and then vanilla. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until completely incorporated. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (I just leave mine in the bowl and put the lid on it.) Remove from refrigerator and let sit for a few minutes to soften. Roll out in between parchment paper or wax paper to a thickness of  inch. Use cookie cutters to cur out shapes and either decorate with sugars, sprinkles and decorations prior to baking or bake as is and use your favorite recipe for royal icing to ice cookies when cooled. Bake at 350 degrees until golden around the edges, about 10 to 12 minutes.

PEPPERMINT HUGS Roberta Bluemthal says this cookie is relatively easy to make and adds festive holiday color to a Christmas cookie platter. Makes: About 48 cookies INGREDIENTS  cup soft butter 1 Betty Crocker chocolate fudge cake mix 1 egg 2 tablespoons water Peppermint Hershey's Kisses DIRECTIONS Cut butter into cake mix with pastry blender until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in egg and water until combined. Shape into small balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 to 12 minutes. Place peppermint Hug in center of cookie as soon as it comes from the oven. Remove to wire rack and cool completely. Tip: If you freeze the candy first, it doesn't melt and it keeps its shape.

THUMBPRINT COOKIES Thumb print cookies are relatively easy to make, says Roberta Blumenthal, and the recipe is true to what it will produce. "The recipe says you'll get three dozen and that's exactly how many you get. You roll the dough into balls, then roll them in egg white, then put your thumb in it, bake it, then fill it with either icing or jelly, she says. Makes: About 3 dozen cookies INGREDIENTS  cup butter or margarine (softened)  cup shortening  cup brown sugar (packed) 1 egg, separated  teaspoon vanilla 1 cup flour  teaspoon salt Finely chopped nuts Jelly or icing DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Work in flour and salt. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Beat egg white slightly (use a fork). You may need to use more egg whites. Roll ball in egg white then into finely chopped nuts. Place on ungreased baking sheet, 1 inch apart. Press thumb into center of each ball. Bake about 10 minutes. Immediately remove from baking sheet. Cool completely, fill thumbprint with jelly or icing.

S'MORES THUMBPRINT COOKIES Everything is s'mores anymore, says Roberta Blumenthal, who found this recipe and sticks with it. She says they're easy to make and kids love them. She suggests following the recipe for them to turn out with that chocolate and marshmallow combination. "I follow the recipe. I was a kindergarten teacher. I taught kids to follow rules. I'm a rule follower." Makes: 60 cookies INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter, softened  cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup finely ground graham cracker crumbs (16 cracker squares)  teaspoon salt 120 miniature marshmallows (about 1 cups) 60 rectangles milk chocolate (from 4 1.55-ounce bars) DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour, cracker crumbs and salt; on low speed, beat about 1 minute or until stiff dough forms. Shape dough by heaping teaspoonfuls into 60 balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place ball 2 inches apart. With thumb, make indentation in center of each. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are firm and edges are just beginning to brown. Lightly press 2 marshmallows in center of each cookie; bake 2 to 3 minutes longer. Top marshmallows on each cookie with 1 rectangle of chocolate; let stand 2 to 3 minutes. With tip of knife, gently spread chocolate over marshmallows. Let stand until chocolate is set.

CLASSIC SPRITZ COOKIES One of Peggy Apice's favorite cookies is the spritz. On a scale of easy to difficult she says this is medium since you do need to get the hang of using a cookie press. It has a lot of butter in it so it's more like a butter cookies. I like the spitz cookie, but they're too easy to pop them in your mouth. There's a lot of fat there." She says this is one cookie where measurement is really important. "It all comes down to measuring the ingredients. If you scoop the flour out it clumps it together and it's not as light and fluffy. If you spoon it into your cup and level it off you get a lighter consistency. And when you add the flour you want to add it on low speed otherwise it develops the glutton." Makes: 6 to 7 dozen INGREDIENTS 1 cups butter (3 sticks), softened 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour Colored sugar or sprinkles, optional DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed of mixer about 3 minutes or until creamy, scraping down sides, as necessary. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add flour; mix on low speed, just until blended, scraping down sides, as necessary. (Dough will be soft; do not refrigerate.) Fit cookie press with desired disk; fill with dough. Press dough onto cookie sheet, 1 inch apart. Decorate cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool cookies 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Variation: For chocolate spritz cookies. increase sugar to 1 cups. Decrease flour to 3 cups. Combine flour and  cup unsweetened cocoa powder in medium mixing bowl; blend well. Proceed as recipe directs.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES "Chocolate chip cookies are easy," says Peggy Apice. "They're a drop cookie. Basically you just follow directions." Apice, a retired family science teacher, taught her students to make these cookies during one 42-minute period. She adapted a recipe she found on the back of the chocolate morsels bag for her students, reducing the amount it produced and the kids loved them. All the ingredients should be at room temperature before you start. If not you can really mess up your dough," she says. Makes: About 48 cookies INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened  cup granulated sugar  cup brown sugar, packed 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups chocolate chips DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. In separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and salt. On low speed gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned on edges. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.

ANISE PIZZELLES Roe Snyder started making pizzelles for the Italian side of her family. She believes she received her pizzelle iron as a gift so she could make the cookies. She says making them is "easy, but tedious." "It takes a long time. You can only put two in an iron at a time. It takes 30 or 40 seconds to cook, lift the iron off and and put them on a rack to cool, then putting more dough on the pizzelle iron. Meanwhile, while they're cooling you sift some powdered sugar on them. Let them finish cooling. I like to store them in stacks of 12 and put them in aluminum foil to keep them crisp." Makes: About 72 cookies INGREDIENTS 6 eggs 1 cups sugar 1 cup butter melted then cooled 2 tablespoon anise extract (or 1 teaspoon anise oil) 3 cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoons anise seed Confectioners sugar to decorate DIRECTIONS Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add butter and anise extract. Combine flour and baking powder, then stir in anise seed gradually to the dough. Dough will be sticky. If it is too thin, add a tablespoon or two of flour. Preheat pizzelle iron then drop a teaspoon of dough onto the iron. Bake about 30 seconds until light brown. Remove to wire rack to cool and sift confectioners sugar on top. Note: A pizzelle iron is needed to make this cookie.

RASPBERRY WALNUT BUTTER COOOKIES Roe Snyder says this is a bit of a process to produce but is relatively easy. She uses a food processor to grind up the walnuts. "It's an old Betty Crocker recipe. You have to grind the walnuts fine, then make it into a dough, roll them out and I have a little circle to cut them out. Ninety-six circles later you bake them." Makes: 45 sandwich cookies INGREDIENTS 1 cup unsweetened butter softened 2 cups flour  cup sugar 1 cup finely chopped walnuts 10 ounces seedless raspberry jam Confectioners sugar to decorate DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix first 4 ingredients together. Split dough into 2 balls and roll dough to -inch thickness on lightly floured board. Cut out 1 circles and place onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until lightly browned on the edges. Cool then spread jam on half the cookies and add a cookie on top to sandwich and press lightly to seal. Sprinkle cookies with sifted confectioners sugar on top.

PEANUT BUTTER TEMPTATIONS Roberta Blumenthal says this is a fun cookie to make. Make the dough, roll a ball, and as soon as it comes out of the oven smash in a Reese's Cup. It's an easy cookie to make that she found it on the bag of candy. INGREDIENTS 48 mini peanut butter cups (unwrap)  cup butter or margarine  cup white sugar 1 egg 1 cup flour  teaspoon salt  cup peanut butter  cup brown sugar  teaspoon vanilla  teaspoon baking soda DIRECTIONS Cream well butter/margarine, peanut butter, white and brown sugars. Beat egg and vanilla. Blend in flour, baking soda and salt by hand. Dough will be soft. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place into paper-lined mini muffin pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Immediately upon removing from oven, press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie so only the top shows. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

CHEWY TOFFEE ALMOND BARS Roberta Bumenthal found the recipe for these chewy toffee almond bars in a magazine and her family loves them. She said the recipe is adaptable in that she includes coconut with some and not for others to please her two daughters. She says it is a bit complicated to make in that you need to make a crust, and there are several steps in the process. Makes: About 36 bars CRUST INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter, softened  cup sugar 2 cups flour DIRECTIONS Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add flour, beating until well blended. Grease bottom and sides of a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan or dish. Press dough into pan and slightly up the sides (not all the way up). Bake 15 to 20 minutes until edges are slightly browned at 350 degrees. Meanwhile make topping. TOPPING INGREDIENTS 1 cups (10 ounces) Skor bits, Hershey bits or brickle  cup light corn syrup  cup coconut, divided 1 cup sliced almonds, divided DIRECTIONS Combine toffee bits and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly, until toffee bits are melted. This takes 10 to 12 minutes. When toffee is melted, add  cup of almonds and  cup of coconut. Stir. Spread to within  inch of edge of crust. Sprinkle remaining nuts and coconut. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

YUMMY BALLS (NO BAKE) Yummy balls are a 50-year old recipe Roberta Blumenthal got from her mother. "It's easy because it's no bake. You just mix it up in a bowl, make the little balls and roll them. You don't need any talent. You don't have to watch for time or temperature," she says. INGREDIENTS 3 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 bag mini marshmallows 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped into small pieces 1 can Eagle brand milk 1 box (or container) chopped dates 1 cup chopped walnuts Coconut DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Roll into small balls. Roll the balls in coconut
The federally approved label says Ocean City Winery, but it looks like a wine to be made in Upper Township could be first sold in Somers Point.

Mike and Robin Halpern have worked for years to launch a winery in a quiet stretch of the Beesleys Point section of Upper Township, on property that had been a Christmas tree farm for years.

Theyve been met with stiff opposition from neighbors, who have raised concerns about the impact on the quality of life, and have approval for an agricultural use on the land.

The Halperns dropped plans for an event space at the property, and later said there would be no tasting room, the source of much of the concerns raised by the neighborhood. It appears that the fight continues, with an appeal underway of the Cape May County Agricultural Boards approval of the use of the property as a winery.

While that legal tangle unwinds in 2024, the Halperns plan to launch a new business, and potentially a new way to sell their wine. Theyve bought a property at 825 Bay Ave. in Somers Point, close to the Anchorage Tavern, with plans to open it as a bed-and-breakfast to be called BayAire, named for the side street closest to the winery.

The property is in a commercial zone, Halpern said, with bay views.

It seems like a really good fit, he said this week. Weve learned our lesson about neighbors.

On the property is a second building, used as a garage.

Upper Township planners: Board has no authority over winery plan UPPER TOWNSHIP  Several people turned out for the reorganization of the township Planning B

That could be an outlet for the wine, where they could offer tastings and sell by the bottle. As Halpern explained it, this would be different from an on-site tasting room but allow the winery a place to sell its product.

Halpern said the winery has been approved by state authorities for a plenary license, which will allow the wine to be sold in 15 outlets. He said the winery also has federal approval for its first label, a dessert wine called Five Acre White featuring a sunrise over a stormy ocean.

The purchase price for the Somers Point property was $860,000, Halpern said, and there remains work to do to get it ready for guests, as well as lining up the needed city approvals. That business could be open early next year, and the couple still face a process of getting an additional use approved by Somers Point.

In 2020, several neighbors of the Beesleys Point property objected to the possibility of an 80-seat tasting room at the former tree farm, raising the specter of increased traffic, noise and possible intoxication.

But as the Halperns scaled back plans  first promising no events and then nixing the tasting room entirely  opposition remained, with neighbors complaining about the application of pesticides.

One of the issues was over who got to decide on whether the plans would be allowed. The Halperns attorney maintained that under New Jerseys right-to-farm legislation, it was the Cape May County Agricultural Development Board, not the township Planning Board, which got to review and approve those plans.

The farm now has that boards approval, but that is being appealed.

Richard King, an attorney representing the opposing neighbors, did not respond to a request for comment.

Fight continues over Upper Township winery plan UPPER TOWNSHIP  The state Agricultural Development Committee dismissed an appeal related to

In comments at a Township Committee meeting, Halpern has accused the township of siding with the neighbors and working against his business. The township has hired attorney Frank Corrado to represent it in the matter.

Mayor Jay Newman and Deputy Mayor Km Hayes denied the township is taking sides, instead saying the municipality has a responsibility to protect the interests of residents.

The township wants to make sure there is no adverse effect on the neighborhood. Thats the townships principal concern, Corrado said Friday.

He said the appeal of the agriculture boards decision is now with the Office of Administrative Law, and that the parties have agreed to consider a mediated resolution. Corrado said he has sought to make clear that the township is not opposed to the winery proposal.

We want to make sure that the townships land use requirements are taken into account, he said.

Halpern is not convinced.

He plans to keep the name Ocean City Winery, citing the old adage that there is no bad publicity, but said it is possible the winery or the outlet could do business under a different name.

Plans are to be producing wine for sale by the spring, Halpern said.

GALLERY: Ocean City Winery owners plan B&B in Somers Point
ATLANTIC CITY  Superior Court Judge John C. Porto on Friday ordered the Atlantic City Housing Authority to provide all outstanding documents requested by Stanley Holmes Village tenants suing over poor conditions there within 10 days.

Tenants allege a lack of heat and hot water and other deteriorated conditions have resulted in the authority not living up to its contractual obligations as a landlord.

It has been six months since the tenants attorney, Olga Pomar of South Jersey Legal Services, began requesting information on how the authority operates, does maintenance and more, Porto said.

In spite of Pomar following up with many letters continuing to remind the authoritys attorney, Richard DeLucry, of his need to provide the documents, the requests have gone unanswered.

Interrogatories and requests for production of documents were served on defendants counsel on June 23, 2023, and no responses were received, Porto said in his order Friday.

Certified letters were sent to DeLucry Aug. 11, Sept. 6 and Sept. 13 asking about the status of the documents, but DeLucry never answered, Porto wrote.

In addition, individuals associated with the authority did not bring requested discovery documents with them to depositions held in October and November, Porto wrote.

Counsel (Pomar) asserts that discovery ends in approximately sixty (60) days and without the discovery tenants cannot properly prepare for trial, Porto wrote.

It's all been said before, Stanley Holmes residents say after HUD meeting Stanley Holmes Village residents left a meeting with federal Department of Housing and Urban Development representatives Thursday feeling frustrated.

Pomar also filed a motion late Thursday asking Porto to compel the authority to comply with his Nov. 2 order.

ACHA has failed to ... provide updates and bi-weekly reports to Residents counsel and the Court, Pomar wrote in the filing.

Porto had ordered the authority to start submitting those updates and reports Nov. 20.

Without those reports, it makes it impossible to ascertain whether ACHA is taking all necessary measures to ensure that Residents have safe and reliable heat and hot water, and gas service and whether ACHA is proceeding in a timely manner so as to meet all the deadlines set forth in said Order, Pomar wrote.

The authority was also supposed to implement an effective system for reporting, recording and responding to tenant complaints concerning defective conditions in their apartments but has not done so, Pomar argued.

Porto first ordered that system to be implemented early in the case, according to court records.

Authority officials have said they have purchased a computer system to handle the reports but have not been able to implement it yet.

Pomar also asked the judge to force the authority to provide proof that the Stanley Holmes electrical system can handle all the electric space heaters the authority has distributed to tenants recently. Many tenants are relying on those, as the main heating system is not working properly.

Cold weather, lack of heat a bad mix in Atlantic City Housing Authority buildings Residents in the Atlantic City Housing Authority's Inlet Towers are trying to stay warm after almost a month of little to no heat and hot water, but some are doing it in a dangerous way: They are turning on their gas stoves and ovens.

The judge has set a date of Jan. 2 to hear oral argument in the case.

All this is happening as the tenants are awaiting a decision by Porto about how much of a rent abatement they will get from the authority.
CAPE MAY  City resident Christina Clemans presented a check to the East Lynne Theater Company on Friday, launching a $1.2 million capital campaign to establish a new playhouse in the Allen AME Church, with a target opening of June 2025.

The playhouse will be named the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church.

Dave Clemans, the late husband of Christina, supported the arts and historic preservation in Cape May, the theater said in a news release. A longstanding member of the citys Historic Preservation Commission, his last major contribution to the community before his death in August 2022 was helping to save the historic church from demolition following a near-devastating fire.

Its an incredible gift from an incredible couple, said East Lynne President Susan Tischler. Dave and Chris have been so supportive of the arts over the years, and we at East Lynne couldnt be prouder to have the Clemans name on our new playhouse.

The donation, according to Christina Clemans, is an appropriate way to honor Daves legacy. The arts and historic preservation meant everything to him. He was instrumental in helping to save the Allen church building from demolition, so I cant think of a better way to mark his contribution to this community.

The church, built circa 1870, was badly damaged in 2018 after a fire started by electrical wires that were downed after being snagged by a truck. It has remained empty since, and replacing it with a parking lot was among the options discussed for the city-owned property.

The Historic Preservation Committee lobbied for the buildings preservation. Under an agreement with the city, East Lynne will lease the building for 25 years, with an option to renew for an additional 25.

South Jersey theater companies nominated for awards Three local theater companies have been nominated for multiple BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards: East Lynne Theater Company of Cape May, Fool Moon Theatre Company of Margate and Studio;Space of Somers Point.

Although it will no longer be used as a church, the building will remain available for public use outside of East Lynnes season, which typically runs from June through December.

The theater company, which has been operating since 1980, currently stages its shows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hughes Street.

The church has been a wonderful partner for the company, said Tischler, but having our own space will be a game-changer. No longer will we have to dismantle the stage each Saturday night in time for Sunday services and work around events such as funerals and weddings. It will also give us the opportunity to employ more creativity with our set design and offer a wider range of plays.

The renovation of the building will further enhance an area of Cape Mays historic district that had been in disrepair. The Franklin Street School, which once operated as an elementary school for African American children, is being converted into a public library. It sits adjacent to the recently completed firehouse on a block that also includes the home of the Greater Cape May Historical Society and the Harriet Tubman Museum.

The Clemanses long played a role in the citys development. When they arrived in Cape May from Westfield, Union County, in the mid-1980s, they restored their 1867 home, believed to be the oldest in the county. They also renovated two historic whaling cottages on Batts Lane, on the northern tip of the island. The couple later bequeathed those cottages to Cape May MAC. In 2004, Clemans agreed to spearhead a $1.4 million transformation of the former Cape Island Presbyterian Church into Cape May Stages Robert Shackleton Playhouse.

The couple also played a large part in the creation of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival, making contributions that helped the festival book acts such as Wynton Marsalis. More recently, they gave their support to the Tubman museum and Cape May Point Science Center.

Dave would be so proud and excited to see whats in store for the Allen AME church, said Christina Clemans. I cant think of a more fitting tribute to an amazing man.
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Three winters in a row, La Nina conditions brought everything from a record snowless season to multiple blizzards across the state.

This year, however, El Nino is back for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic and will influence our weather across New Jersey.

The first El Nino winter in 4 years is here; here's what that means for NJ's temperatures Three winters in a row, La Nina conditions brought everything from a record snowless season to multiple blizzards across the state. However, El Nino is back for the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and will try to influence our temperatures.

Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasts for Verisk Atmospheric and Environmental Research, said this winter will be mild or wild.

Cohen said the El Nino weather pattern will load the dice to bring numerous storms to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, where New Jersey is. However, enough cold air will need to link up with those storms to actually bring snow. The winter as a whole is favored to have more seasonable or warmer than average days than colder than average ones.

The times most favored for snow and below average cold would be in December. Later February or March could also bring such a stretch.

It could be a sandwich of sorts. ... We had this winter bookend where it was active from a winter (weather) standpoint in the beginning and end and then, in the middle, nothing went on, Cohen said.

Cohen cites the winters of 2009-10 and 2017-18 as possible examples of what this winter in New Jersey could be like. Both of those winters featured a December with a long cold stretch, a snowstorm or both as the polar vortex entered the region.

The polar vortex is a low-pressure system that houses the most significant cold on Earth. The vortex likes to spin atop the North Pole. Sometimes, though, it stretches or splits, drifting into the Northeast.

In winter 2009-10, February saw well above average snowfall from multiple storms, with well below average temperatures. In winter 2017-18, four noreasters hit the state in March.

South Jersey combats fourth nor'easter in March Many schools closed Wednesday, coastal residents moved cars to high ground to avoid flooding

The wild or mild winter Cohen predicts is different from the past three winters. The reason mainly has to do with El Nino

El Nino (Spanish for little boy) is one of three phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation. There also is La Nina (little girl) and a neutral state. New Jersey was in La Nina the previous three years, which contributed to the record low snowfall seen in parts of the state last winter.

What phase the globe is in is based on how Pacific Ocean temperatures off South America near the equator are faring compared to average. Warmer than average water means El Nino, cooler than average brings La Nina and near seasonable water temperatures bring the neutral phase.

The state of the El Nino Southern Oscillation is one of if not the main factor seasonal forecasters use to predict the upcoming winter. However, its influence on New Jersey is generally limited.

El Nino promotes a strong subtropical jet stream. The river of air roughly 30,000 feet above the ground that separates two airmasses can be seen as the storm track.

The warm, moisture-laden weather this type of jet stream brings will be persistent in the southern tier of the United States.

Then theres the polar jet stream, which separates the polar vortex from more seasonable temperatures. In an El Nino, this jet stream will move out of Western Canada toward the Great Lakes. From there, its path is hard to forecast. Sometimes, itll stay in New England, keeping New Jersey seasonable to milder than average. Sometimes, itll move to the Mid-Atlantic, bringing the outer edge of the frigid polar vortex into the state.

If the polar jet stream moves into the Mid-Atlantic, it can link up with the moist subtropical jet stream and develop noreasters. That would give most of New Jersey accumulating snow, potentially heavy snow.

This winter will likely be a strong El Nino. Going back in history, strong El Ninos typically saw few days with snow. However, when it snowed, it accounted for the vast majority of that seasons totals for New Jersey.

Average snowfall totals range from about 15 inches toward Cape May to around 50 inches in the highest peaks in northwestern New Jersey.

Average snowfall for select locations Sussex, Sussex County: 38.7 inches Newark, Essex County: 31.5 inches New Brunswick, Middlesex County: 29.0 inches Trenton, Mercer County: 26.6 inches Atlantic City International Airport, Atlantic County: 17.4 inches Lower Township, Cape May County: 14.8 inches Averages are based on the 1991-2020 climate average. Information via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

However, two snows can bring as much or more than the average. Another way of understanding seasonal snowfall in New Jersey is by looking at the average number of times snow accumulates. This ranges from around five days in Cape May to over a dozen days in places like Newark and Sussex.

Average number of days with measurable snow Sussex, Sussex County: 12.2 days Newark, Essex County: 15.3 days New Brunswick, Middlesex County: 12.8 days Trenton, Mercer County: 10.7 days Atlantic City International Airport, Atlantic County: 8.9 days Lower Township, Cape May County: 4.9 days Averages are based on the 1991-2020 climate average. Information via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Cohen and other forecasters say other factors will be at play this winter.

The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation is a wind roughly 60,000 feet above the surface that flows around the equator. This winter, flow is expected to run east to west, known as the negative phase.

A negative QBO regime tends to support the transport of polar and Arctic air masses toward the mid-latitudes of North America and Europe more often in the winter, Steve DiMartino, owner of NY NJ PA Weather in Freehold, Monmouth County, said in his winter outlook.

That adds confidence for at least one big winter storm in the state.

Snow cover halfway around the world, in Siberia, will also play a role this winter.

In recent years, Cohen has focused on how quickly October snow accumulated in Siberia. The more rapid increase in snowfall cover there, the more likely for snow and cold in the Northeast.

It was a very slow start (to October), but if there was a redeeming part, it was the last week of October, Cohen said about the quick downfall of snow to wrap up the month.

Cohen said the likelihood of average snowfall will be low. Either the subtropical and polar jet streams will link up for a few snowstorms, or they miss each other, leaving New Jersey less snowy than average again.

Taking into account all days between December and March, temperatures will likely be above average.
The European Commission recently recommended opening negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova to join the European Union. Ukraine and much smaller Moldova have a lot in common  both former Soviet republics are turning to the West for help modernizing their militaries. VOAs Carla Babb reports.

Transcript

For nearly 30 years, Moldovas military was an underfunded afterthought.

One of the poorest countries in Europe, the former Soviet republic declared itself a neutral state after gaining independence in 1991; its military membership steadily declining to about 6,000 troops, less than 25% of its Soviet-era levels.

Then Russia invaded Moldovas northern neighbor, Ukraine.

Read the full transcript

Kent Logsdon, US Ambassador to Moldova:

We could hear the first bombs go off in Odesa from Chisinau, because it was a cloudy day and the sound traveled that far. So, all of Chisinau woke up absolutely panicked thinking that there were bombs exploding.

Kent Logsdon began work as U.S. ambassador to Moldova about a week before the February 2022 invasion.

He said the invasion was eye-opening, especially as word spread of atrocities in the Ukrainian city of Bucha.

Kent Logsdon:

Logsdon People here were very shocked. It was not the Russians that they knew, the Russians they had worked with for generations that had lived here.

It kind of drove a wedge between what people thought about Russia and what they thought about Russias view of Moldova was.

Carla Babb, VOA News:

Do you think that having that neutral status is still a guarantee against Russian aggression?

Anatolie Nosatii, Moldovan Minister of Defense:

Nosatii I personally dont think so, because Ukraine was a neutral status state as well.

Moldovan Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii said when members of the pro-Western government in Chisinau saw the invasion of Ukraine and Russian battle plans indicating targets inside Moldova, they realized they needed to accelerate their plans to bring Moldovas military into the 21st century.

Anatolie Nosatii:

As weve seen in their plan, we hear their rhetoric, definitely we was targeted and considered as the next target. Thats why currently we are working very hard in order to enhance operational capability. Ive been in office just two years. however, in this period of time, weve been able to identify the resources to increase the budget.

Carla Babb, VOA News:

How much have you increased the budget?

Anatolie Nosatii:

We started with a budget of 0.3 (percent of GDP). That was one of the lowest in Europe, and I think in the world. Currently we have 0.55, and that allowed us to conduct some acquisitions.

Carla Babb, VOA News:

What do you need most?

Anatolie Nosatii:

About 90% of the equipment is outdated. Maintenance becomes very costly. In certain cases, there is impossibility to find any spare parts because nobody produces them anymore. My priority now is to make a modernization of the equipment, looking to implement NATO standard.

VOA traveled to the military training grounds about an hours drive east of the capital to see firsthand Moldovas defense needs.

We didnt have to go far before we found this old Soviet tank.

(VOA News)

Brig. Gen. Sergiu Cirimpei, Deputy Chief of National Army General Staff:

Cirimpei It provides some protection, but by far it does not provide the protection that the current battlefield requires.

Carla Babb, VOA News:

Would you actually have to use that if you went to war right now?

Brig. Gen. Sergiu Cirimpei:

We would have to use vehicles like that. Yes.

Brigadier General Sergiu Cirimpei is the deputy chief of Moldovas general staff.

Brig. Gen. Sergiu Cirimpei:

When you dont invest in the military for 30 years, its difficult to change it overnight. So, you need time, you need to integrate the equipment, so we are working on all this.

Carla Babb, VOA News:

These are D-20s, artillery pieces dating back to the Soviet era. Ukraine transitioned away from these to the NATO standard howitzer during the war as supplies ran short, and Moldova now wants to modernize to Western howitzers, too.

Since the war in Ukraine began, the United States and the European Union have pledged nearly $90 million dollars in foreign military assistance for Moldova to help get its tiny military up to speed. But upgrading even a small force takes years, so officials say that for now, Moldovan troops will have to rely on what they have.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, neighboring Moldova put its plans to strengthen its military into hyperdrive, with its government and Western allies pouring money into Moldovas small military. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb got an exclusive look at how the United States National Guard is trying to help Moldova and dozens of other militaries across the globe.

Transcript

As Moldovan forces practice firing their Soviet-era D-20 howitzers, U.S. forces are standing by.

Sgt. Joseph Gonzales is not part of the tens of thousands of active duty American forces that surged into Europe following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Sgt. Joseph Gonzales, North Carolina National Guard:

So were here to help with the modernization of their processes to get them out of the kind of Cold War era.

He is part of whats known as the U.S. National Guards State Partnership Program.

Read the full transcript

Kent Logsdon, U.S. Ambassador to Moldova:

Logsdon After the end of the Cold War, the United States looked around and said, What can we do to help militaries? And one of the ideas was the State Partnership Program. So, a number of (U.S.) states stepped forward and were paired up with countries here in this region, and now actually the program is spread around the world.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the State Partnership Program. Using less than 1% of the Pentagons budget, the program has paired National Guard forces from U.S. states and territories with militaries from more than 100 nations.

Kent Logsdon:

Its a very important relationship, and I dont think its ever been as important as now.

The North Carolina-Moldova partnership is one of the oldest.

Major General Todd Hunt, North Carolina National Guard:

Hunt So weve been doing this partnership for 27 years, and the partnership has run the gamut of military-to-military engagements, whether its medical or casualty care to basic unit tactics.

Col. Mark Almond, North Carolina National Guard:

So as the North Carolina State Partnership Program we conduct multiple exercises, about 40 a year.

This years exercises included rare maneuvers outside the familiar confines of Moldovas military bases.

Col. Mark Almond:

This is the first time that weve done that with Moldova.

Carla Babb, VOA News:

Wow, so this is new terrain for you?

Col. Mark Almond:

New terrain for me.

As military convoys drove by, curious Moldovans pulled out their phones. Moldovans, Romanians and American troops from the 101st Airborne Division navigated in fields just a few hundred meters from a town as North Carolina National Guard trainers threw real-life obstacles in their path.

Capt. Ken Vilagos, North Carolina National Guard:

We just experienced an unknown drone flying over our position, so the reaction drill that weve been trying to integrate with the Moldovan forces is to seek cover and lay down. They executed wonderfully, and its a great change from the first rep that we had earlier in the exercise.

Training at night and day culminated in a multi-national live fire drill to retake territory from an enemy.

Every interaction, the militarys deputy chief says, steeped with a sense of purpose.

Cirimpei Brig. Gen. Sergiu Cirimpei, Moldovas Deputy Chief of the General Staff:

We all know that we have a war of aggression right by Moldova, so we have to improve.

A goal now steeped with an increased sense of urgency as the Russia-Ukraine war rages on.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys campaign announced she has accepted the invitation to CNNs GOP presidential debate in Des Moines on Jan. 10.

The criteria for the debate, just five days before the caucuses, will likely limit eligibility to Haley, former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis campaign confirmed it will attend, but Trump is not likely to participate.

The debate will be held at Drake University. To participate in the debate, a candidate needs to receive at least 10% of support in three national and/or Iowa polls.

Haley initially did not commit to the debate, and her campaign said it was fielding multiple offers to debate. DeSantis campaign, though, said it had not received other offers and accused Haley of attempting to dodge what will likely be a one-on-one matchup.

Haley and DeSantis both have called on Trump to participate.

The first four debates have been great for our campaign and for voters, and we look forward to the fifth in Iowa, Haley said. As the debate stage continues to shrink, its getting harder for Donald Trump to hide.

DeSantis to assist man charged with beheading satanic statue

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will support the legal defense of a Mississippi man charged with vandalizing The Satanic Temple's display inside the Iowa State Capitol building.

Michael Cassidy, 35, a former congressional candidate from Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged on Thursday with fourth-degree criminal mischief, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The charge carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $2,560 fine.

Cassidy, a Christian and former military officer, said in an interview with The Republic Sentinel that he tore down and beheaded a statue of Baphomet, a ram-headed figure often used to represent Satan, that was part of an altar erected by the temple inside the Capitol.

The Satanic Temple of Iowa issued a statement on Facebook Thursday saying its display had been destroyed beyond repair.

The display, which was permitted for two weeks under state rules that permit religious installations, has sparked outrage and national debate and calls from Republicans for its removal. Others have argued the display is religious expression protected by the First Amendment.

In a statement Tuesday, Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said she disagrees with the display but implored opponents to engage in speech and prayer, rather than remove the display.

DeSantis posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter: Satan has no place in our society and should not be recognized as a religion by the federal government. I'll chip in to contribute to this veteran's legal defense fund. Good prevails over evil  that's the American spirit.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched for Cassidy's legal fund, which raised more than $20,000 in less than three hours before being paused, and included a $10,000 pledge from conservative activist group Turning Point USA.

Cassidy posted on X that he had reopened the fund after being notified of more potential legal charges.

Cassidy, in his interview with The Sentinel, which said it sponsored the crowdfunding campaign, said he destroyed the satanic altar to "awaken Christians to the anti-Christian acts promoted by our government."

"Anti-Christian values have steadily been mainstreamed more and more in recent decades, and Christians have largely acted like the proverbial frog in the boiling pot of water, he told the publication.

Cassidy previously ran for a Mississippi congressional seat in 2022, losing by a wide margin to Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., in the primary.

The Satanic Temple is a on-theistic religious organization which does not believe in or worship Satan but uses satanic imagery to promote skepticism and curiosity and as a symbol representing "the eternal rebel" against arbitrary authority and social norms, according to its website.

The Satanic Temple says its members believe in reason, empathy, the pursuit of knowledge.

The tenets portrayed on the statue, the group said, advocate for bodily autonomy, a rejection of arbitrary authority, recognizing our own fallibility, and inspiring nobility in thought and action, which we hope enlightens the viewer to our beliefs and inspires one to reflect upon their own approach to the world.

The Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers condemned the vandalism in a news release and accused Republican elected officials, including Reynolds, of encouraging it.

Despite First Amendment protections and a clear-cut case of equal access and protection under the law, the Satanic Temple display was destroyed this week, Jason Benell, president of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, wrote in a statement. Not only was that display targeted, but it was also targeted specifically by Christians, for sectarian religious reasons. This targeting was encouraged by legislators and even had the Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, calling it evil. This is unacceptable.

Benell added: When our leaders make it permissible to destroy religious  or non-religious- displays they find religiously objectionable, they are abdicating their responsibility to safeguard the freedom of expression of the citizens they represent.

Iowa Democrats announce caucus sites for Jan. 15

The Iowa Democratic Party has released precinct locations for the 2024 Democratic presidential caucuses.

Iowa Democrats will caucus at 7 p.m. Jan. 15, 2024, the same day as Republicans.

The current list of caucus locations is available at iowademocrats.org/caucus. The list will continue to be updated between now and Caucus Day.

Iowa Democrats will need to find their regular voting precinct at the Iowa Secretary of State's website. Then, find their caucus site on the Iowa Democratic Party's website.

The party will hold in-person party-organizing caucuses but only to conduct party business unrelated to picking a presidential nominee. Business items include electing unbound delegates and alternate delegates to county conventions and county central committee members, and discussing platform resolutions that can be shared at county conventions.

Iowa Democrats will express their presidential preference using a new mail-in process and wont announce results until March 5. The change came after national Democrats booted the state from its early nominating spot in an effort to better represent the party's demographics.

Democrats will be able to cast their presidential preference through the mail by requesting a preference card at iowademocrats.org/caucus.

The last day to submit a request is Feb. 19. Preference cards will be mailed starting Jan. 12.

For questions, call the IDPs helpline at (515) 216-3893.

Its vital that Iowa Democrats show up to their caucus locations and get involved in our democratic process, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said in a statement. Iowans want to bring balance back to our state and the work to make that happen begins on January 15.
Toro Castano rearranges his tent on Castro Street in San Francisco in August. California's homeless population increased by 6% from 2022 to 2023, according to a national report released Friday. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to the Chronicle

Californias homeless population increased by 6% from 2022 to 2023, according to a national report released Friday, but the number actually shows improvement compared with the U.S. overall and other states such as New York.

The Golden State again, as it has for years, reported the biggest number of unhoused people in the country, 181,399, representing 28% of the nations total. In the prior year, that share was 30% and the states total unhoused count also rose that year by 6%.

The numbers are from counts conducted in January, and compiled in a report released by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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New York state logged the second-biggest total of unhoused people in the 2023 count, at 103,200, or 16% of the nations total.

However, Californias annual homeless total increase was exceeded by several other states, led by New York and Colorado, both at 39%, Massachusetts at 23% and Florida at 18.5%.

And homelessness in the United States rose by 12% over the past year to 653,104 people on any given night. Last years HUD report had the national homeless population at 582,000, or an increase at the time of 0.3% over the previous count.

Area experts were unsurprised, and even a little encouraged, at the new data.

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On one hand, the Bay Area and California have had a high number of unsheltered people for decades, said Ken Kirkey, who coordinates regional efforts to increase housing and reduce homelessness for the nonprofit All Home. On the other hand, theres been progress, and I think thats helped contain the growth of homelessness locally and in the state.

The figures were contained in HUDs annual Point-In-Time count report, compiling figures from January from every major jurisdiction in the United States.

However, the federal count is not entirely up to date, since many jurisdictions  including San Francisco and Alameda County  only do Point-In-Time counts once every two years, the last one being in January 2022. Many shelter-bed counts are available annually, but the intensive task of counting people in the streets only happens biennially, so the January 2022 numbers are mostly what HUD used locally instead of new ones from 2023.

However, enough jurisdictions provided new numbers in 2023 to show that homelessness grew significantly across the country during the past year.

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Point-In-Time counts are also by nature incomplete because many unhoused people can be hard to locate in a single evening count.

San Franciscos homeless count was one of the few in the state that went down in 2022, dropping 3.5% from 2019 to 7,754, the first decline in years. Unsheltered homelessness in the city fell 15%. Like many jurisdictions, the city broke its biennial schedule and skipped doing a count in 2021 because of the pandemic.

The new HUD report mentions San Francisco prominently in only one category: Youth homelessness.

The city had the second highest number of unaccompanied, unhoused youths among the nations big cities, with 1,113. Only Seattle notched a higher count, at 1,177. Of those youths, 81% were not in shelters of some kind.

Alameda County echoed its difficult trend of 2022 with the third-highest percentage of unsheltered homeless people in the country, 73%, a figure matched by Los Angeles and trailing only Santa Clara County at 75%. California overall reported 68% of its unhoused population as being without shelter of any kind.

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Kirkey of All Home attributed progress in San Franciscos numbers to regionwide actions in recent years including shelter additions, hundreds of millions of dollars in affordable and homeless housing bonds, homeless-aid tax measures and Homekey conversions of hotels into homeless housing. San Francisco alone has increased its shelter bed count from 2,429 in 2018 to 3,564 today, and is in the process of adding 300 more.

This report demonstrates that homelessness is a national crisis that will require increased investment from the federal government to address, said San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing spokesperson Emily Cohen. We look forward to working with our elected and appointed officials at the federal level to get the bold political will and financial investment that it will take to address the crisis in San Francisco and communities across the county.

All Home estimated in a major 2021 regional plan that reducing homelessness in the Bay Area over three years by 75% would cost about $6 billion.

Kerry Abbott, director of Alameda Countys Office of Homeless Care and Coordination, said the end of state and federal COVID aid will probably make her staffs task more difficult in the year ahead.

Given the end of the state and federal COVID resources and the end of the eviction moratorium, we are of course concerned that more people are losing housing every day, she said. Alameda County has recently declared a homelessness state of emergency and recognizes the tremendous and ever-increasing needs throughout the county.
A white-haired man in a black leather aviator's coat sat alone Thursday inside the sanctuary of Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities.

Peter Gluck was there to observe a horrifying anniversary.

Like the others who assembled in the church on West Locust Street in Davenport, he joined the Quad-Cities local groups of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, One Human Family and Quad Cities Interfaith to remember the day 11 years ago when a man with a gun killed 20 children and six adults in a school in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

When Gluck spoke, there was evidence of his roots in Yonkers, New York, and a hint of sadness in his voice.

"I'm here because I was a principal in Clinton for 25 years," Gluck said. "And I spent some time after that spent four years in Plainfield, Illinois, as a principal before moving over to the central office there to oversee a group of schools.

"I'll never forget when I got to Plainfield, one of the superintendents told us that we had to prepare our staffs for mass shootings. He told me that it wasn't a matter of if it was going to happen, it's a matter of when."

When is now, Kaleigh Rogers said Thursday. A Bettendorf resident, she heads up the local Moms Demand Action group. She pointed out there have been 37 school shootings in the United States this year, and there were 51 last year.

"The sad thing is that school shootings make up a very small percentage of the gun violence we see today," Rogers said. "Firearms are the number one thing killing kids today. And these deaths are completely preventable."

Before the vigil in the church's sanctuary, Rogers said there are "proven, evidence-based solutions" to prevent the killing of children in schools, homes and on the streets of our cities and towns.

"Group violence intervention can play a huge role, and that's something Davenport is working hard at," Rogers said. "We can close background check loopholes. And we can ban assault weapons."

Rogers paused after she spoke.

"For some reason, banning assault weapons is just to controversial. I don't know why," she said. "Moms Demand Action is a supporter of Second Amendment rights.

"We don't want to ban all guns. We would like to see gun sense. Good laws that are fair and protect people. We want to see gun-safety standards enforced and encouraged."

Rogers paused before she offered what she saw as a common ground where gun owners and non-gun owners can meet.

"The common ground is pretty simple, right? We all want to keep our children safe, right?' she said. "Responsible gun owners are parents and grandparents and brothers and sisters. We all want to protect children.

"So we start with that goal."

During the remembrance the name of every victim at Sandy Hook was read.

"Sandy Hook broke my heart," Gluck said. "But it wasn't the first and it was far from the last. And, really, not much gets done.

"I love kids. You see them in school, where they're innocent and should be safe. Every child deserve an environment where they can be safe and can reach their potential. Gun violence destroys that. It's really that simple."

One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings Other cities have woken up to Denver's example
DECEMBER 20

Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church invites everyone who is grieving, feeling lonely and sad this time of year, when all around is festive and merry. Let us acknowledge our losses and together find comfort and hope in God through music, prayers and reflections. Please join us at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Bethel Wesley UMC, Church Sanctuary, 1201 13th St., Moline.

DECEMBER 31

The Second Baptist and Macedonia Baptist Churches of Rock Island and Trinity Community Baptist of Moline will host their Joint New Years Eve Night Watch Service on Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 p.m. The theme is Night Watch taken from Psalms 119:148, My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Night Watch is a time for reflection, testimony, pray, and song.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate the arrival of the New Year with prayer and praise at Second Baptist Church, 919 6th Avenue, Rock Island on Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 p.m. We pray that it will glorify God and uplift all who attend. At 11:55 p.m. the congregation come together as one of the preachers delivers pray to close out the old year, giving thanks to the Lord for guiding us through another year, and praying in the New Year with great anticipation of what the Lord has planned in the upcoming year.

For more information, please contact the at the church at (309) 788-0677.
A former Crazy Horse School employee was sentenced Friday at the federal courthouse in Rapid City to life in prison for sexually abusing a girl in her childhood and adulthood.

"He has taken something from me that cannot be returned," the victim said at the sentencing hearing.

A jury found Anthony Red Elk guilty on July 21 of one count of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse. Aggravated sexual abuse is rape of a child under 12 years old, and sexual abuse is rape of an adult.

According to the jury's decision and testimony at trial, Red Elk first raped the victim sometime between October 2008 and October 2010. She was about 10 years old at the time. According to her mother, the timeframe of the first incident coincided with the girl becoming withdrawn and avoiding family gatherings.

About a decade later, when the girl was 18 or 19 years old, Red Elk raped her again. The third incident occurred sometime in 2019 when the girl was 21 or 22.

The mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated sexual abuse is 30 years in prison, and the maximum sentence is life. Sexual abuse does not have a minimum sentence, but the maximum is also life.

Federal sentencing guideline calculations  designed to create consistency in sentencing in federal courts across the country  recommended the judge sentence Red Elk to life in prison for his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox asked the court to follow the guideline sentence.

"He's been doing this for a very long time," Knox said.

The prosecutor referenced other sexual abuse allegations against Knox. Throughout the investigation, other people told FBI Special Agent Jeremy Ewan that Red Elk had allegedly assaulted them. Knox said there were more victims "everywhere Agent Ewan turned."

Although those other allegations were not included in the charges for which Red Elk stood trial, the court did consider them relevant information in sentencing.

Red Elk's defense attorney, John Murphy, asked the judge for the mandatory minimum of 30 years.

"A 30-year sentence is more than sufficient to address the conduct that is alleged in this case," Murphy said.

He told the judge that even with the mandatory minimum, Red Elk would be "an old man with almost no prospects" when he would get out of prison.

Murphy argued a life sentence takes away the incentive for someone to improve themselves while incarcerated.

The victim told the Journal she was "relieved" to know Red Elk will be in prison. She said she decided to come forward with her experience after her nephew alleged Red Elk assaulted him.

Red Elk originally faced additional charges for allegedly abusing the boy, but the government dismissed them. Knox said the counts were "severed" from the case. At this point, a separate case has not been filed.

District Court Judge Karen Schreier noted Red Elk has held jobs throughout his life in "places where you are around vulnerable young people." That included Crazy Horse School, where he was fired from after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a student, as well as a juvenile detention center, according to the judge.

Schreier said she saw no grounds or justification for sentencing Red Elk below the guidelines. She told Red Elk he should have been the girl's protector.

The victim  now a 25-year-old mother  echoed that sentiment in her remarks to the court.

"You were supposed to be protecting us, not preying on us," she said.

The woman also noted that she does not consider herself a victim.

"We are not victims of your abuse, we are survivors," she said.
With a topline at just over $886 billion, this year's National Defense Authorization Act brings with its passage the largest pay increase for servicemembers in two decades, reinforces U.S. commitments in countering Chinese aggression, and sets policies aimed at "ending the woke agenda," according to South Dakota's congressional delegation.

The 3,000-plus page document authorizes Department of Defense funding and defines the policy agenda for the coming year. It doesn't appropriate the money, something lawmakers must do by passing their annual funding bills.

Fiscal Year 2024 is up three percent  or $28 billion  from last year.

It's the 63rd consecutive year both parties and chambers of Congress came together to pass the sweeping legislation. The Senate passed the bill Wednesday with an 87-to-13 vote, and the House followed Thursday with a 310-to-118 vote.

South Dakota's all-Republican congressional delegation  Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson  unanimously voted in favor.

"There's nothing else like it in Washington," Johnson told the Journal Friday. "We have partisan food fights over seemingly everything except national defense, and so this is, I think, a real accomplishment of the two parties and the two chambers continuing to work together to take care of job number one: If you don't have a safe country, everything else is just talk."

The third-term Republican congressman was recently named one of The Hill's "changemakers." The report highlights Johnson's presence at the center of every major debate in the House this year, from electing former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in January to averting a government shutdown in September.

Johnson said the work isn't done for recognition, but felt it important South Dakotans know he's continuously trying to get things done.

"Every once in a while, I think my colleagues forget that our job is not to have the hottest take on Twitter that day," he said. "Our job is to govern a country."

State victories

Included among the billions are monies earmarked for projects in South Dakota, including at Ellsworth Air Force Base and for the National Guard.

American servicemembers will see a 5.2% pay increase  the largest in over 20 years  something Rounds, who authored more than 30 provisions in the NDAA, said will help offset the increased cost of living. Another $5.25 million is headed to finish the National Guard Readiness Center in Sioux Falls.

Millions in funding is already flowing as Ellsworth prepares to receive the incoming B-21 Raider mission, with 2023's NDAA slating $335 million for projects like the low-observable restoration hangar and weapons-generation facility.

Congress authorized an additional $269 million for construction projects at the base this go-round, including $2.3 billion to purchase the B-21 aircraft and $66.8 million for the Long-Range Standoff Weapon.

"That [Long-Range Standoff Weapon] will enable the B-21 to provide better conventional and nuclear deterrence in a contested environment, so it's a big part of it," Rounds explained. "We have to have it put together at the same time that the aircraft is ready to go."

The House's version cut the Senate's requested $126 million in funding for the B-21 phase hangar down to $34 million  enough only for the next phase.

"They just couldn't keep the $126 million in over there," Rounds said. "I'm just happy that we got the $34 million out of the House."

Johnson explained he didn't support taking funding out, but instead chose to celebrate the "breathtakingly large" number of wins in the legislation.

South Dakota's delegation has been working to secure a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans organization for several years, with legislation repeatedly introduced in both the House and Senate. Headquartered on the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte, the NAIV advocates for Indigenous veterans nationwide.

Rounds and Johnson both expressed their immense pleasure with NAIV's charter passing as part of this year's NDAA.

"On behalf of the men and women members of the National American Indian Veterans, Inc., I want to say how happy we are that legislation to grant NAIV a federal charter is included in the NDAA, said Don Loudner, national commander of NAIV. "Native veterans have served our country from Valley Forge to Afghanistan and with this action, Congress has shown Native American veterans past and present the respect that is so well-earned."

Ending "wokeness"

The NDAA summary report prepared by the Republican-led House Armed Services Committee includes a page titled "Ending Wokeness in the Military," a bullet-pointed list of agenda items prioritized in this year's legislation.

Among those are provisions prohibiting the teaching, training and promotion of critical race theory; placing a hiring freeze and salary cap on DEI  "diversity, equity, inclusion"  positions; and banning drag shows on military installations.

Rounds characterized DEI and related elements as "toxic policies," lamenting them for "creating a problem where none existed." The military has historically been better and faster at diversity, equity and inclusion than the rest of America, he said, so taking time to do something like identify pronouns is a frustrating distraction creating a morale problem.

"There's a real concern here that we had lost part of the performance-based warfighting capabilities of the military, and instead there had been more emphasis put on a really toxic...or what I guess some people call 'equity agenda' at the DOD," he said.

The meat-and-potatoes basics of keeping America safe, echoed Johnson, are the best way to ensure a functioning military.

"It was a top priority of mine to make sure that the House version of the bill and the final bill kept the real focus on keeping America safe," Johnson said. "And I just don't think drag shows do a lot to keep America safe."

Notably absent from the final NDAA were two related controversial policies aimed at abortion and transgender healthcare, both of which had been included in the defense bill passed by the House in July.

Foreign focus

Two bills led by Rep. Johnson made it into the final defense bill, including legislation banning the use of Chinese-controlled LOGINC technology at U.S. ports.

LOGINC is a logistics public information platform Johnson called "malware." The bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act was introduced in March and prohibits LOGINC's use. It also allows the Federal Maritime Commission to investigate foreign shipping exchanges and establishes a formal process to file complaints to the FMC.

Despite the wins Johnson sees in regard to China, the fight, he explained, isn't over. Johnson, who sits on the bipartisan Select Committee on China, plans to keep countering Chinese Communist Party aggression a top priority in the new year, he said.

As the war in Ukraine continues, funding is running out, according to a letter from the Biden Administration to congressional leaders.

"I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine and to provide equipment from U.S. military stocks. There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money and nearly out of time," wrote Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda D. Young.

But Rounds isn't so sure.

"We know that they would like everybody to believe that Ukraine is in dire need and that there are no resources available," he said. "But they can't show us that."

President Joe Biden's $100-billion-plus foreign aid request was blocked by Senate Republicans earlier this month. The package would have allotted funding for security in Ukraine ($61.4 billion) and Israel ($14.3 billion), as well as humanitarian funding for those impacted by the conflicts ($10 billion) and $7.4 billion in investments to the Indo-Pacific region to counter Chinese influence.

Additionally, Biden laid out $13.6 billion for the U.S. southern border, including $6.4 billion for operations and $3.1 billion for the hiring of patrol agents, asylum officers and immigration judges. Rounds said securing the border is not necessarily a money issue but a policy issue. He and his Republican colleagues want policy changes to stem the flow of migrants and clear evidence of enforcement.

"I think most Americans would agree that if we're going to be sending money over to Israel and to Ukraine to defend their borders, the least we can do is to demand that our borders be secure as well," he said.

Johnson agreed with his Senate counterpart, reiterating they won't pass a multi-billion-dollar package unless there is significant provision for the border, something he said is a matter of national security.

There "is a deal to be had" that balances House Republican priorities on border security with foreign assistance to Ukraine and Israel, Johnson said, but it will require Senate Democratic leadership to acknowledge their concerns.

This year's National Defense Authorization Act now heads to President Joe Biden's desk to be signed. In a Dec. 12 statement, the White House Office of Management and Budget commended the strong bipartisan work and supported the legislation's "swift passage."
Should employers hold events that separate or exclude employees by race, color, gender, religion or other protected characteristics?

Thats what Boston Mayor Michelle Wu did when she instructed her staffer, Denise DosSantos, to invite City Council members to the Mayors (apparently annual) Electeds of Color Holiday Party to be held at a city-owned building in Boston. The invitation was mistakenly sent to all council members, including the white ones, but it was only intended for members of council who were of color.

After realizing the error, a follow-up apology was sent stating she sent it to everyone by accident, and apologized if she offended anyone. She apologized for the confusion.

Several councilmembers commented that there was nothing wrong with the segregation, adding that it was about creating spaces for like-minded individuals to connect and support each other.

But many other people on social media were quick to criticize, noting that people would have been outraged if it was a whites only party.

In an employment context, Wus actions could violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. According to the law, it is an unlawful employment practice to limit, segregate, or classify his employees or applicants for employment in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee, because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

From a technical perspective, a holiday party may not be an employment opportunity or adversely affect an employees status as an employee, unless it does. For example, could access to someone as powerful as the Mayor be a term or condition of employment? And thats the problem.

Next year the United States Supreme Court will decide an employment case where an employee received a lateral transfer that she alleges was based on gender. The lower courts ruled that she suffered no adverse employment action and had no standing to sue. The Supreme Court will decide whether discrimination in any terms or conditions of employment, regardless of whether there is an adverse employment action, amounts to employment discrimination under federal law.

Depending on the Courts ruling, DEI programs will likely be under more scrutiny.

In the Mayors case, she was acting in her official capacity as Mayor and likely using public funds for an event held in a public building. She can invite whoever she wants to a holiday party at her own home in her personal life.

Employers need to mindful of reality and optics in their actions. While sometimes a space for like-minded people (such as employee resource groups) can be beneficial, they should not be exclusionary.

As we head in 2024, employers need to review their DEI programs and make sure they focus on inclusion, not exclusion. Programs that are discriminatory in the name of DEI might still be discriminatory.
A North Carolina man has been sentenced to 18 years after pleading guilty to running a sex trafficking operation that Henrico County police uncovered in major East Coast cities.

Demontray Shadrell Bowman, 41, on Wednesday was sentenced to 58 years in prison, but 40 years of his term were suspended after he pleaded guilty in Henrico Circuit Court to four counts of commercial sex trafficking among other charges.

Police said Bowman oversaw a widespread human trafficking operation from New York to Florida that stopped in most major cities along the I-95 corridor.

Henrico police were first alerted to Bowmans activities in March 2022, when an unidentified adult woman contacted police from the 5300 block of Airport Square Lane and said she was concerned for her safety.

In the course of investigating Bowman, Henrico VICE detectives and Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Terrica Taylor reviewed over 100,000 digital images to positively identify multiple victims of Bowmans operation and secure the cooperation of several witnesses to testify against him, police said.

Bowman was arrested in North Carolina in April 2022 and extradited to Henrico to face 32 charges related to human trafficking, police said. He pleaded guilty to four counts of commercial sex trafficking and four counts of pandering.

Bowmans attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

From the Archives: Old Richmond buildings
Sherrell Brown, 52, of Petersburg, was last seen in her Hanover Street home on Sept. 1.

On Friday  over three months later  the Petersburg Police Department and the NAACP set two goals: One, find the missing grandmother. And two, raise awareness of the high rate at which women of color go missing and the lack of attention their cases often receive from the public.

On the day of her disappearance, Brown had just returned from the hospital for treatment for diabetes and a seizure disorder and had spent the evening watching movies with her grandkids, her family said. She was weak and a little groggy, but there were no indications that anything was seriously wrong. In fact, in a phone call with her cousin at around 7 p.m. that night, Brown made plans to host a cookout over the coming weekend.

But then she vanished without explanation, an act that her family said was completely inconsistent with her character as a family-oriented lady.

I dont know what made her leave, said Browns mother, Brenda Blackwell.

At a news conference outside Browns home on Friday afternoon, the Petersburg police, in partnership with the Petersburg branch of the NAACP, announced the establishment of a dedicated reward fund for any information that leads to Browns return.

Within five minutes, the fund had received over $1,400 in pledges from local leaders, community advocates and Browns family members and friends.

Brown, who is Black, is one of the hundreds of thousands of women reported missing across the U.S. every year. While the National Crime Information Center has not yet released its 2023 figures, the agencys 2022 report counted 271,493 missing women nationally.

Black women go missing at substantially higher rates, according to the NCIC report. While Black women make up roughly 7% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 18% of all missing persons cases and more than a third of missing women in 2022.

Members of the Petersburg NAACP said Browns case is illustrative of a wider problem.

When Black and brown women go missing, theres less emphasis, less attention, less engagement, said Patricia Alli-Hines, who is on the Petersburg NAACPs WIN Committee. The community needs to care, (and) thats the reason why we thought (this case) was so important.

The disparities in funding and media coverage related to missing Black women reflects a need to raise the compassion level, Alli-Hines said.

Petersburg NAACP Secretary Larry Smith agreed.

Many African American women are missing for extended periods, Smith said. And their families are left painfully wondering what has happened to (them).

Greater exposure is a vital key that will ignite change, he added, and the importance of that exposure is what prompted the Petersburg NAACP to highlight Browns case and set up the fund.

Smith and Petersburg Police Chief Travis Christian both said any funds left after the closure of Browns case could go toward solving other similar cases.

(We) encourage community participation (in) locati(ing) Ms. Brown and other missing persons as other needs are identified, Smith said. (The NAACP) will sponsor and support different tactics to aid the police and these families in the search for their missing loved ones.

Christian said representatives of the Petersburg NAACP had approached the department with the idea of establishing the fund for Browns case, and he agreed to set up an account to take in the donations.

(Well do) anything that helps us keep our community safe, he said. Contributions will be made to the Petersburg NAACP, Christian said, and the organization will then provide the funds to the police.

Here at Christmastime, he said, were hoping that ... the donations going toward the reward will spark someone to ... come and give some information for the safe return of Ms. Brown.

Detectives currently do not have any solid leads on Browns whereabouts, but Christian noted that he remains hopeful that she will be located and brought home safe.

We believe that Sherrell is alive ... and well, he said. And were hoping that someone can give us some information as to where she possibly is.

Blackwell said her family previously had received tips that Brown was in Hopewell, but the tips had proved to be a dead end. Other attempts to track her down had also failed, Blackwell said.

We checked her bank accounts; she hasnt taken out any money. She needs medication; she hasnt gone to the pharmacy or her doctor ... weve tried everything, Blackwell said. So we are seeking the publics help. Somebody knows something.

Blackwell said her grief and anxiety caused her to miss Thanksgiving with her family.

Ive been sick, she went on, for the first month, I couldnt eat ... and I cant sleep. I just want to find my daughter.

Close 05-04-1959: Fort Hell 05-05-1949 (cutline): Above, two Lyons perch nonchalantly on the brink of their own private 'Hell." 'Bombproof' is one of the Fort's attractions. 06-05-1966 (cutline): David A. Lyon Jr. at entrance to Fort at Peterburg. Petersburg, Virginia. Gabioned parapet of "Fort Hell". (Fort Sedgwick) Date Created/Published: 1865 Apr. 3. From the Archives: Petersburg Civil War fort was sold and leveled in 1960s Fort Sedgwick or Fort Hell was one of the larger forts of the Union Army during the Civil War with a garrison of 800 men and 17 cannons. The fort occupied the most elevated natural position giving Union troops an unlimited view of their enemy and of Petersburg. The fort earned its nickname from the Confederate troops because of the constant, intense artillery fire from the cannons. The last attack launched from Fort Hell was April 2, 1865, when Union soldiers attacked Confederate lines with a blistering 30-minute bombardment. Despite the repeated bloody attacks by Union troops from Fort Hell, Confederate soldiers held their lines long enough to enable General Robert E. Lee and his men to escapeto Appomattox where Lee ended up surrendering on April 9, 1865. In the decades following the Civil War, the battleground was preserved and even housed a museum that attracted thousands of visitors. However, in 1966 it was announced that the land would be sold and the old trenches and the museum would be leveled. In 1966, David A. Lyon, a spokesperson for the Lyon family, which had owned the property for over 30 years, said the decision to sell the property was due to the fact that business had declined by about one-third. While the historic fortification withstood endless days of pounding from enemy cannons, its ultimate downfall was by the bulldozer. 05-04-1959: Fort Hell 05-05-1949 (cutline): Above, two Lyons perch nonchalantly on the brink of their own private 'Hell." 'Bombproof' is one of the Fort's attractions. 06-05-1966 (cutline): David A. Lyon Jr. at entrance to Fort at Peterburg. Petersburg, Virginia. Gabioned parapet of "Fort Hell". (Fort Sedgwick) Date Created/Published: 1865 Apr. 3.
Five Republicans will be on the ballot for Virginias March 5 presidential primary on Super Tuesday, said Rich Anderson, chairman of the Virginia Republican Party.

The five are former President Donald Trump, former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

The deadline for filing petitions was Thursday, and political parties have until next Tuesday to verify signatures.

To be on the ballot, candidates must gather 5,000 valid signatures of Virginia voters, with at least 200 from each of the states 11 congressional districts.

While Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, and Dallas megachurch pastor Ryan Brinkley filed petitions, the state party did not certify their petitions. Scott formally dropped out of the race last month.

While five Republicans filed for the Virginia primary, the GOP field could narrow before March 5, particularly if one candidate prevails in multiple key early voting states, such as Iowa on Jan. 15, New Hampshire on Jan. 23 and South Carolina on Feb. 24.

Trump leads his closest GOP rivals by more than 30 percentage points in Iowa and more than 25 points in New Hampshire. He also faces multiple indictments. The judge has set a trial date of March 4 in Trumps election interference case, but that trial date could get delayed.

Larry Sabato, head of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said its unlikely all five Republicans will still be in the race by March 5, but you cant rule it out until you see the results in Iowa and New Hampshire.

The Democratic Party must still verify signatures on petitions from President Joe Bide,; Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., and self-help book author Marianne Williamson, all of whom filed petitions by the Thursday deadline.

Virginia is one of 14 states in the GOPs contest on March 5. The others are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont. Alaska will hold its Republican primary on March 5, as well.

In addition, Utah will hold a Democratic primary on that date, while Republicans will run candidate selection caucuses then. Republicans in Alaska vote in their primary.

In 2012, only two candidates qualified for Virginias Republican presidential primary  former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. State lawmakers subsequently cut the signature requirement for ballot access in half  to 5,000 statewide and at least 200 per congressional district. The reduction applies only to presidential primaries.

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The administration expects the proposed 9-million-square-foot Virginia entertainment district to generate a combined $12 billion in economic impact for Virginia and Alexandria in the coming decades and create around 30,000 new jobs, Youngkin's office said in a statement. Subject to legislative approval and sign-off from the Alexandria City Council, it would break ground in 2025 and open in late 2028.

The development would be a major blow for D.C. and a massive win for Youngkin, a former private equity executive and college basketball player who said he had a pre-existing friendship with Leonsis from the business world. To get it over the finish line, he will have to work with Democratic majorities in both General Assembly chambers after his party fell short of its stated expectations in Novembers elections.

Democrats, including incoming House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, were on hand for Wednesdays news conference, along with U.S. Sen. Mark Warner. Other key legislative leaders were not there.

Scott Surovell, who will serve as Senate Democratic leader come January, said in an interview that the project seemed like it could be a good opportunity, but he stopped short of fully endorsing it. Legislators will have questions about transit, taxpayer risk and compensation for the workers who will build the project, he said.

The broad outlines of the proposal call for Monumental to invest $403 million in the $2 billion development. Alexandria will put in $106 million toward the construction of the performing arts venue and the development of underground parking.

The rest of the approximately $1.5 billion would be supported through the authority-issued bonds. Those bonds would be repaid over time through rent paid by the team, parking fees, naming rights and new tax revenues generated by the development.

There is no upfront investment or inclusion of any taxes already being collected by the Commonwealth to repay the bonds and there will be no tax increases for local residents, Youngkin's office said.
Days after the Rev. Tyler C. Millner was celebrated for a legacy that includes preserving the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a woman doused the porch of Kings birth home with gasoline, apparently intent on setting fire to the historic landmark before she was stopped and taken away for a psychological evaluation.

Meanwhile, Americas political right  from private citizens to elected officials to the Supreme Court  have tossed a match on Kings legacy through lawsuits, legislation and court rulings to dismantle affirmative action and gut the Voting Rights Act.

Millner, 77, recently retired as pastor of Martinsvilles Morning Star Holy Church after nearly 33 years. He leaves in his wake a half-century of civic engagement in his native Martinsville and in Richmond, where he spent two decades as project director for Richmonds Community Learning Week, which became a national model for celebrations of the life and legacy of King.

More recently, he prodded the Virginia Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission to research and document the civil rights leaders footprint in Virginia, a narrative that had focused on his trips to Danville and Richmond. The commission embraced his idea to go to every Virginia community King visited  10 in all  to hold Beloved Community Conversations.

Asked during a recent interview about the assault on Kings legacy, Millner paused, with a pained look on his face, before replying, Its disheartening, because it doesnt have to be this way.

Later, he would say of the woman in Atlanta, who is Black: How sad. If she has a medical-mental challenge, that is one thing. As an act of rejection and opposition to Kings thoughts and actions, it shows what hate and racism can cause  no good for anyone. Our nation and world need the message, action and love exemplified in the life and works of Dr. King.

Millner  a former executive vice president at Virginia Union University and former director of Minority Affairs at Virginia Power (now Dominion Energy)  did his part in exemplifying and spreading that message.

He co-founded Community Learning Week with the late Dr. Grace Pleasants in 1979, in partnership with Virginia Union University, seven years before Kings birthday became a national holiday. The celebration featured workshops, seminars and a signature Community Leaders Breakfast populated with clergy, elected officials and corporate movers and shakers.

Speakers over the years included former Rep. Shirley Chisholm, D-New York, Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King III. Millner recalled that Chisholm  the first African American woman in Congress and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the U.S. from one of the two major political parties  told him that she chose Community Learning Week among a dozen invitations shed received to commemorate King. The fundraising, community building and management of the event was satisfying work for a minister whod met King during the mid-1960s as a student leader at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.

Millner stepped down as project director of Community Learning Week in 1998 to devote more time to his family and church. But in Martinsville, as in Richmond, Millner worked to perpetuate Kings memory, organizing churches to sponsor an annual MLK teach-in and otherwise prodding the community to use Kings life and achievements as a source of education and inspiration.

In 1991, he had been installed as pastor at Morning Star, a Pentecostal church that his mother, the Rev. Almeda F. Millner, founded and pastored. Previously, he served as pastor at St. Johns United Holy Church in Richmonds East End. But once he assumed the pulpit at Morning Star, he had no desire to move elsewhere, he said. I had more than enough to do. And I really wasnt looking for fame and fortune.

Millner has a wealth of folks who respect and admire him, if his Dec. 2 retirement sendoff is an indication. Held at Martinsvilles Chatmoss Country Club, its attendees included Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones, Henry County supervisor Garrett Dillard and Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dwight C. Jones, former mayor of the city of Richmond.

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., as well as Reps. Bobby Scott, D-3rd, and Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, submitted written tributes, as did McQuinn, chair of the Virginia Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Commission. She called Millner the guiding force behind the commissions work.

The theme of the ceremony was Finishing the Assignment  Strong, Focused & Invested for the Future. But Millner said stepping down was difficult.

I wanted some time for myself. ... Ive been at this 50-plus years between the church, the community and being an advocate for social justice and civil rights, he said Monday. But in the next breath, he says he knows nothing else. He looks forward to relaxing and spending more time with his wife Rosa M. Millner, two sons, two daughters and 10 grandchildren.

Millners was a community-oriented ministry that could not be contained. He calls what he practices a people-focused practical theology.

Right out the gate, I saw myself in ministry outside of the pulpit, he said. If the church is not represented outside of the pulpit, its questionable whether its representative of the church in the church.

The incident at the King historic site is a fitting metaphor for a nation unwell and intent on destruction. The idea of universal brotherhood seems quaint, its resonance faint in the current national environment.

Folks talk about Black and white together. They dont believe that. If you did, you would do differently. It you really believe it, you would do differently, Millner said.

But Millner  an agitator, but also a bridge builder  invariably cites the need for more collective action and the power of ordinary people to make a difference.

More of us have to sense and believe that its possible and do what represents the beloved community in terms of kindness, in terms of acceptance, in terms of lifting; and not being greedy, not being haughty, and not taking advantage of folks, he said. We just have to start doing that if were going to have a beloved community.

Hes as proud of saving three church families from homelessness as he is of tirelessly promoting Kings vision. Its likely that he sees them as indistinguishable.

I carried out the assignment that I received, Millner said.

We all need to pick up that baton and run with it.

From the archives: In 1960, The Richmond 34 were arrested during a sit-in at the Thalhimers lunch counter
A car was stolen Friday in San Francisco's Ingleside neighborhood while a child slept inside, according to a report from NBC Bay Area. Yolanda M. James/The Chronicle

A car was stolen Friday afternoon in San Franciscos Ingleside neighborhood while a child was sleeping inside, according to a report from NBC Bay Area.

According to the report, the father parked at a market in the Holloway and Ashton avenues area, ran inside to buy something while leaving his daughter to sleep in the car  and then when he returned, someone had driven off with the child still in the car.

Shortly thereafter, police located the car with the child still inside, NBC Bay Area reported. The child was unharmed, but no arrests have been made, per the report.

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The San Francisco Police Department confirmed the basic outlines of the story on Saturday to the Chronicle. They said they responded to the report of a stolen vehicle at around 4:26 p.m., and found the vehicle with the juvenile in it on the 1200 block of Capitol Avenue 11 minutes later.

The suspect had fled the scene and the juvenile appeared to be unharmed and in good physical health, the department said, adding that officers remained in the area to investigate.

A worker at Cool Guys Market, which appears to be the store the father had entered before the car was stolen, told the Chronicle on Saturday that he wasnt at the store during the theft, and only learned of it the next morning.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Police Department at 415-575-4444 or send a text to TIP411 (begin the message with SFPD).

Chronicle staff writer Christian Leonard contributed to this report.
Authorities appeal judicial dismissal after man formally charged in Pinabete mine disaster

Sabinas, Coahuila  A suspect who was officially charged in the Pinabete Mine disaster and had those charges dismissed, has had them reinstated. On Friday, the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) said they won their appeal against the dismissal issued by a judge in July.

In May of 2023, Luis N was officially charged in the Pinabete Mine disaster that left 10 miners dead. He appealed the charges and won in July. However, the FGR appealed the appeal that dismissed the charges and last week, won that appeal.

According to the FGR, Luis N will stand trial for the initial charges of unlawful use of federal property that resulted in the August 3, 2022 death of 10 miners in Coahuila.

The Attorney Generals Office of the Republic (FGR) in its Delegation of Coahuila, through appeal, obtained the revocation of the dismissal decreed in favor of Luis N, allegedly related to the events that occurred at the El Pinabete mine. Therefore, it was ordered to continue with the procedural sequel of the matter.

On May 24, the Public Ministry Federal (MPF) managed to connect this person to the incident due to his probable responsibility in the crime of exploitation unlawful use of property belonging to the nation.

On July 7, Judge Jose Luis Hernandez Hernandez declared a dismissal in favor of Luis N in accordance with the provisions of Section II, of Article 237 of the CNPP, decreeing immediate freedom.

Derived from the above, the FGR, through appeal, appealed against said resolution issued in favor of the accused. The Collegiate Court of Appeal of the Eighth Circuit based in Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, notified the resolution of the criminal case, revoking the dismissal and ordered the continuation with the procedural sequel of the case, the FGR reported in a statement.

Three people were arrested in relation to the mine deaths.

According to the FGR, one was accused of illicit exploitation of a property of the Nation while the other two were identified for allegedly having allowed coal exploitation activities to be carried out illegally.

The accident happened at the El Pinabete mining well in the town of Agujita, Coahuila on August 3 when the miners opened a hole which caused it to flood.

Five workers were able to get out on their own, but rescuers were never able to establish contact with the remaining 10. Due to the complexity of the mine, recovery of the bodies took more than six months.
Authorities continue search for Cancun prison guard hitman

Cancun, Q.R.  Authorities in Cancun continue their search for a lone gunman who shot and killed a prison guard. The shooting happened Friday morning as the female guard was finishing a shift.

The woman had left the Social Rehabilitation Center (Cereso) in SM 99 where she worked and was walking toward a main avenue through a green area when she was attacked.

The deceased guard has been identified as Maricela Jimenez J. She was shot at point blank range before her attacker fled on a waiting motorcycle. A handwrittten threat message was left beside the body. The threats were aimed at the Cereso director as well as other prison guards.

The State Attorney General (FGE) has begun an investigation into the murder.

The woman was shot and killed while walking beside the prison to a main avenue after completing a shift. Photo: December 15, 2023.

The FGE reports that it opened an investigation for the events that occurred Friday when a guard at the Benito Juarez Social Reintegration Center was deprived of her life by gunshots.

The security corporations stationed in this municipality are working in coordination to find the person or persons responsible for this unfortunate event.

Around the same time, the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) said a review operation was carried out at the Cancun Penitentiary Center by elements of the State Police and the Navy in order to detect any object not permitted in the facilities of this penitentiary center.

Everything was kept calm and in order by authorities to guarantee the safety of the inmates as well as the citizens who live in the surrounding area.
Mexicos Tren Maya officially begins first stage passenger service

San Francisco, Campeche  President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has inaugurated the first stage of the Maya Train. The President arrived at the San Francisco Campeche train station Friday from where the inauguration took place.

We are very pleased to be here with you in Campeche on this truly historic day because we are inaugurating this stretch from Campeche to Cancun, he said.

The Maya Train, he said, is a project of the people of Mexico and that is why we are all going to take care of it. It is a project of all Mexicans to greatly help the development of the southeast, he commented adding that it was financed with public investment so it is not a product of credits or additional debt.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

The Maya Train will create opportunities for well-being and development in the five states it will pass through which are Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

For the first time in many years, poverty was reduced in Mexico and where poverty was reduced the most was in the southeast. That is why we should feel very proud, very happy and that is why I say that this is a very special day for the southeast, for Campeche, for Mexico, he stated during the Friday inauguration.

The Maya Train is a unique project achieved in record time of less than five years thanks to the work of thousands of construction workers, the group of Military Engineers of the Secretariat of National Defense and the participating companies ICA, Grupo Carso, Azvindi Ferroviario, Mota-Engil and Alstom.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

In this project, nearly 100,000 construction workers from all over the country were hired, specialized workers, ironworkers, welders, some of the best in the world, that is a comparative advantage in relation to other countries, construction workers from Mexico are some of the best in the world, he stated.

The company Grupo Airport, Railway, Auxiliary and Related Services Olmeca-Maya Mexica, a majority state company sectored to the Secretariat of National Defense, will offer tourist packages at affordable costs, prioritizing national tourism, he explained.

We are going to ensure that there are no high costs, we have already agreed with General Aguila that the fare on the train will always be less than the cost of the bus for Mexicans, for the people of Campeche, Tabasco, and Sonora, he added.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

During the December 1 inauguration, AMLO unveiled a plaque at the San Francisco de Campeche station before hopping aboard the train, which was bound for the city of Cancun.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

Starting December 16, public passenger service began on the first stage of the Maya Train which includes sections 2, 3 and 4 in the states of Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

There are 14 stations located along the route that include San Francisco Campeche, Tenabo, Hecelchakan, Calkini, Maxcanu, Uman, Teya, Tixkokob, Izamal, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Nuevo Xcan, Leona Vicario and Cancun Airport.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

Each one has lobbies, ticket offices, commercial premises, recreation spaces, bathrooms, administrative areas, large parking lots and platforms, harmonized with the landscapes.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), along the finished route there will be 12 archaeological zones Xcalumkin, Oxkintok, Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil simultaneously as well as five Visitor Service Centers (Catvis), which are nearing completion.

The completed route will also include Tren Maya hotels in Nuevo Uxmal and Chichen Itza with the purpose of exalting cultural greatness and promoting tourism in the region, the INAH reported.

Lopez Obrador said there will be family packages available to travel to the southeast by train and vacation in the region.

There are going to be packages so that families can make their reservations in advance, buy their train tickets, book hotels and enjoy this paradise, he remarked.

Photo: Gobierno de Mexico December 15, 2023.

Tren Maya currently has 20 train drivers, 30 railway traffic managers and railway technicians, all certified by the Railway Transport Regulatory Agency.

The Campeche to Cancun route consists of 473 kilometers and takes around five-and-a-half hours to travel. On December 16, a second stage of Tren Maya will open for public transport and then on February 29, 2024, the entire Tren Maya route is scheduled to be complete for public travel.
A woman died in a two-vehicle crash in Botetourt County Friday afternoon, according to Virginia State Police.

The crash occurred Friday, (Dec 15) at 1:52 p.m. on U.S. 220, about a mile south of Burhman Road, according to a state police news release.

A 2007 Dodge Caliber was traveling north on Route 220, when the vehicle crossed the center line and was struck by a 2011 Kenworth tractor trailer which was traveling south. The driver of the Dodge was identified as Kayla Elizabeth Sowers, 24, of Clifton Forge, according to the release. Sowers was wearing her seatbelt and died at the scene, according to the release.

The driver of the Kenworth was not injured.

The state police Crash Reconstruction Team was called to assist with the crash, which remains under investigation, according to the release.
RICHMOND  Officials announced that they will be closing four Virginia prisons and will also end a contract with a private prison company.

The Virginia Department of Corrections sent out a press release on Friday naming the prisons to be closed July 1. The prisons are the Augusta Correctional Center, Sussex II State Prison, Haynesville Correctional Unit No. 17 and Stafford Community Corrections Alternative Program.

These decisions were made to enhance employee, inmate, and probationer safety, to address longstanding staffing challenges, and in consideration of significant ongoing maintenance costs, the press release said.

It was immediately clear what would happen to the inmates at those four facilities.

In addition, the corrections department will also assume control of Lawrenceville Correctional Center, a 1,500-bed jail that the state is currently paying a private contractor, GEO Group, to operate.

The announcement came after the department said in early December that it was putting in place a 90-day hiring freeze to keep the state prison system from sinking financially, saying the freeze was necessary to prevent a major budget shortfall for the $1.5 billion department.

The state prison system faces a critical staffing shortage that officials have struggled to reverse. In December 2020, the agency had an 18% vacancy rate for corrections officers and senior corrections officials. By May 2022, the rate had risen to 32%. As of Dec. 1, the vacancy rate sits at 26%.

Next week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin is expected to outline the details of new budget. The DOC expects additional money to run Lawrenceville in the budget that will have to go to the legislature for approval.

The department has been made aware that [the governor] plans to introduce a budget with additional funding needed for the VADOC to safely assume control of the facility next year, the statement said.

In a statement, GEO Group spokesperson Christopher Ferreira said the company was grateful for frontline employees at Lawrenceville who provided high-quality services, including enhanced rehabilitation programs, to those in our care.

We look forward to working with the Virginia Department of Corrections to ensure a seamless transition, said Ferreira.

In September, Parole Board Chair Chadwick Dotson took over the department from outgoing director Harold Clarke.

Dotson said he was deeply appreciative of Youngkins support for the prison system, and said hes committed to ensuring continuous employment within VADOC if employees at the closing facilities choose.

Virginias corrections department houses some 25,000 inmates in its prisons, and is responsible for probation officers and a range of alternatives to incarceration, as well as for programs to help inmates return to society when they have served their sentences.

Two Democrats in the legislature were quick to praise the move to shut down Lawrenceville.

A joint press release from Del. Irene Shin, D-Fairfax, and State Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, said Friday was a momentous and hopeful day for criminal justice reform in Virginia.

Transitioning operation at Lawrenceville Correctional Center from a for-profit company to VADOC is a positive change that I hope will improve conditions and rehabilitation programs for those incarcerated there, said Boysko.

Shin said she was relieved that the state was cutting ties with the GEO Group, a national company often drawn into controversy over its contracts with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the national agency that detains and deports the undocumented.

Last fall, the facility went under lockdown for more than a month after a string of overdoses and deaths  an issue that plagues many prisons and jails in Virginia.

The lockdown renewed attention from legislators, some of whom had already drafted a bill to abolish private prison management in 2021. That bill, introduced by Adam Ebbin, D-Arlington, did not pass.

Shin said that shes visited the facility several times since she was elected in 2022. She said GEO mismanaged the facility, denying basical needs, medical treatment and religious services to individuals incarcerated there.

I am both happy and relieved to hear that VADOC will be assuming control of Lawrenceville Correctional Center, said Shin. Private prisons that prioritize profits over people have no place in our justice system.
Radford Universitys economic impact on the commonwealth of Virginia was $421.7 million in fiscal year 2022, with $390 million remaining within the region, according to a study commissioned by the school.

University President Bret Danilowicz said in a Friday news release that the studys results would be used to inform future university policy.

As we use this study to understand our strengths and guide future strategies, we expect that great outcomes are on the horizon, Danilowicz said.

The study focused on money exchanged for goods and services by the university, as well as its faculty, staff, students and visitors, along with the indirect impacts of those dollars being re-spent in the local economy.

For every $1 allocated to Radford University during the timeframe, the university returned $6.35 in economic impact to the statewide economy, according to the study.

Radford partnered with the New River Valley Regional Commission for the study, which used a data analytics software called IMPLAN to determine results.

Among other findings, the study indicated that the university had created 1,574 jobs directly, that visitors to the university contributed over $7 million dollars when accounting for food, lodging and other amenities and that 70% of Radford graduates remain in Virginia, contributing more than $2 billion annually.

The study highlights the many ways in which the university contributes to local, regional, and statewide economies, Charlie Jewell, director of economic development and community engagement, said in the release.

University officials could not be reached for further comment Friday on the cost of the study, or on plans to renew the study in the future.

The school has been dealing with declining enrollment in recent years and has announced numerous initiatives over the past several months that it hopes will turn around the trend.
David O'Sullivan and Claire Henry

A Spanish national who attempted to run from gardai in Dublin Airport while he was being extradited has been sentenced to eight months in prison.

Rafik Ben Salah (36), of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Elma Sheahan in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to attempting to escape garda custody while being extradited to Spain on December 9th 2022.

Garda Robert Comerford, attached to the garda extradition unit, told the court that he and colleagues attempted to extradite Salah on December 9th 2022, on the foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

Gda Comerford and several colleagues collected Salah from the Midlands Prison and drove in a van to Dublin Airport.

They handed Salah over to Spanish police near the aircraft that was going to take him to Spain. Gda Comerford was halfway up the stairs to the flight when he heard someone shout, He's running.

He then saw Salah had broken loose of his bonds and was sprinting away. Gardai and the Spanish police officers ran after him in pursuit.

People at the airport pointed in the direction where he ran when they temporarily lost sight of him.

Gda Comerford heard shouting and saw one of the Spanish police officers pointing to a stairwell. He entered and saw a colleague struggling with Salah on the steps.

Salah was resisting violently. He was shouting and kicking out. Three gardai were eventually able to detain him.

At this point, the Spanish police officers refused to take him on the plane to Spain. They boarded it themselves and left the country.

Another extradition order was granted, and on December 22nd 2022, Gda Comerford and colleagues tried again.

Before the second attempt at extradition, gardai checked in on Salah in his cell. They saw he had self-harmed and had cuts across his stomach. The injuries weren't deemed to be serious, and he was considered fit to travel.

Salah was brought to a search area by the aircraft when gardai became aware of a strong smell. They then discovered Salah had defecated himself.

They met with the Spanish police officers, told them of the situation, and the Spanish police spoke with the captain of the flight, which was due to take Salah to Spain. The captain refused to let Salah board, so the Spanish police left Ireland, and the extradition warrant was withdrawn.

Ronan Prendergast BL, defending, said his client came to Europe for work and says his actions speak to someone who was effectively desperate to remain in this jurisdiction.

He said Salah has been in custody for the vast majority of his time in Ireland, and that time has been difficult for him. He said his client was acting out of desperation.

Salah has previous convictions in both Ireland and Germany, including for robbery, theft, unauthorized entry, trafficking of narcotics, assault, harassment, and criminal damage.

He previously served a 21-month sentence in Ireland for assault causing harm to a woman who was seven months pregnant.

In sentencing, Judge Elma Sheahan highlighted that Salah was only at large for a short period of time due to the immediate response of the gardai. She placed the offending at the low end of the scale and set a headline line sentence of ten months.

Judge Sheahan highlighted the guilty plea and that serving time in an Irish prison as a non-national can be difficult as a mitigating factor. She sentenced Salah to eight months in prison backdated to when he went into custody earlier this year.
Netanyahu says Israel is as 'committed as ever' to war after soldiers mistakenly killed 3 hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages in Gaza by Israeli soldiers broke my heart, but there would be no change in Israels military approach
An Israeli strike killed a Palestinian cameraman for the TV network Al Jazeera and wounded its chief Gaza correspondent as they reported at a school in the south of the besieged territory
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Megan Fan Munce is a reporter who joined the San Francisco Chronicle as part of the two-year Hearst Journalism Fellowship, spending her first year of the program at the Houston Chronicle.

Munce grew up in San Jose before attending Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in journalism and a second major in political science.

She previously worked as an audience engagement fellow and a reporting fellow at the Texas Tribune, as well as an audience intelligence intern for KQED.

She can be reached at Megan.Munce@sfchronicle.com.
Lata Murti, PhD., is a professor of sociology at UMass Global and a subscribing life member of the Santa Maria-Lompoc Branch of the NAACP. She is also part of the Core Collective/Colectivx Central of Womens March Santa Maria Valley.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) have been affecting our world since 1981. HIV attacks immune cells, which increases the risk of infections and diseases in the body. If left untreated, HIV advances to AIDS when the immune system becomes badly damaged, making the body extremely susceptible to infections and diseases.

The virus is spread by sharing bodily fluids with a person with HIV through blood, seminal or vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, or breast milk. Two of the major risk factors for transmitting HIV are having unprotected sex or sharing drug needles with someone who has HIV. The virus is NOT spread by toilet seats or by kissing, hugging, touching, or sharing food or drink with someone who has HIV.

Since the 1980s, significant improvements have been made in the treatment and prevention of HIV. Today, there are extremely effective and safe antiretroviral medications for prevention as well as treatment to make the virus undetectable and untransmittable.

Dr. Harmeet Gill, infectious diseases physician at HopeHealth, explains, The sooner someone with HIV gets tested and diagnosed, the sooner treatment can be started resulting in less damage to the body. This will also help in preventing the spread of HIV to other people. With daily antiretroviral meds, the virus stops multiplying, and over time, the virus becomes undetectable and untransmittable. As long as patients take their medicine and regularly follow-up with their medical provider, they can lead normal, healthy lives and not worry about spreading the virus. Antiretroviral medications DO need to be taken consistently for life for the virus to remain undetectable.

Eliminating stigma through awareness and education can help prevent the spread of HIV, promote testing, and help people with the virus live without fear of discrimination.

HopeHealth is a strong advocate for patients with HIV; it began in 1991 as a HIV/AIDS support group called Hope for the Pee Dee. The organization was born in the living room of a woman whose adult children had tested positive for HIV. What began as a support group for those affected by HIV in Florence quickly grew in response to community need. In 1994, Hope for the Pee Dee partnered with CareTeam from Myrtle Beach to staff a weekly clinic providing case management services for patients with HIV.

In 1996, Hope for the Pee Dee was awarded funding  Ryan White Part B and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS  to provide case management services in the wider Pee Dee (Florence, Darlington, Marion, Marlboro, Dillon, and Chesterfield counties). Five years later, Hope for the Pee Dee was recognized as one of only three agencies in South Carolina to be awarded Ryan White part C funding to provide primary care and early intervention services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Now, as a Community Health Center, HopeHealth continues to provide comprehensive and quality medical care, treatment, prevention, and outreach services to all patients, including those impacted by and at-risk for HIV. HopeHealths medical staff, including providers, nurses, medical assistants, case managers, counselors, and other staff provide a team approach to give the best care to every patient. We strive to help patients overcome any barriers including worry or shame, homelessness, or financial hardship that might prevent them from getting tested and taking their HIV medications consistently.

On top of providing care to patients with HIV/AIDS, HopeHealth also continues to advocate for these patients while also providing community education and awareness. The organization does this in many ways, including with an annual AIDSWalk at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza (360 North Irby Street in Florence). The event, held in December in honor of World AIDS Day, includes a program and non-competitive awareness walk. AIDSWalk has been hosted by HopeHealth since 1993 and serves to educate the community on the importance of prevention, treatment, and breaking the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. This year, there will be an additional AIDSWalk hosted at HopeHealth in Aiken (150 University Parkway).

If someone is diagnosed with HIV, they can still live a healthy life without fear of transmitting the virus. Education and awareness are vital steps to stop the stigma, shame, and fear of HIV by educating the public that HIV, like many other medical conditions, can be prevented and treated effectively. For more information about HopeHealth and its infectious diseases department, including HIV testing, education, and treatment, visit us online at hope-health.org or call 843-667-9414.
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 74F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear with gusty winds developing late. Low 51F. S winds shifting to W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
SIOUX CITY  A major $11 million renovation to create apartments in the upper floors of the historic Bay State Block building, 1107-09 Fourth St., is set to begin late next year.

The upper three floors of the four-story building have been empty for probably more than 60 years, said Vickie Perera, who with husband Larry purchased the building in 2012 for $1.14 million. At the time, they operated a bar on the building's ground floor.

Earlier this year, the Pereras announced plans to build 27 apartments -- 24 one-bedrooms and three two-bedrooms -- in the building. The renovations are expected to be finished by the end of 2025.

"Our goal was always to get it fully occupied and restored, it just, at the time we weren't ready, so we had to wait," Perera said. The couple, through their holding company, Lavi Bay Inc., also owns the adjacent Krummann Block, home of the Diving Elk bar, and the Corner Pocket pool hall east of downtown, along with some property in the former Sioux City Stockyards.

Bay State Block Building renovations Peeling plaster is shown near the fourth floor stairwell of the Bay State Block on Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street entertainment district 

The upper floors of the building are completely empty, and the interiors show their age, with paint and plaster crumbling off the ceilings in spots.

"They're just a shell, they're just like 10,000 square feet on each floor, with large beams; that's about all," Perera said of the interiors of the upper floors.

When the Bay State Block was built 133 years ago, its upper floors were used for apartments, Perera said. The ground floor, home to Rebos restaurant and bar and Beer Can Alley, has always been used for commercial space, occupied by a variety of entities.

"The bottom floor has been everything from grocery stores, furniture stores, pool halls, restaurants," she said.

Bay State Block Building renovations Building owner Vickie Perera stands in open space in the fourth floor of the Bay State Block building on Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street e

Bay State Block Building renovations Old windows from the Bay State Block building on Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street entertainment district are shown in storage. Owners Vicki

In November, the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded more than $2.74 million in tax credits to the project, through the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. The federal government is giving the project a little more than $2 million. The project also received $750,000 in grayfield redevelopment tax credits.

The apartments, Perera said, will offer full, modern kitchens with granite countertops, in-unit laundry in each apartment, common space, an exercise room and some parking in the back lot. Efforts will be made to save and rehabilitate the wood floors, which have suffered decades of neglect.

"I mean it's been sitting for so long, it just -- it's in disarray," Perera said of the upper floors.

Bay State Block Building renovations The Bay State Block building, center, on Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street entertainment district is shown. Owners Vickie and Larry Perera a

Bay State Block Building renovations The fourth floor windows of the Bay State Block building on Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street entertainment district is shown. Owners Vickie

The Pereras are working with Nathan Kalaher, of PLaN Architecture, for architectural services on the project; their general contractor, Steve Nelson of Nelson Construction, "has been invaluable" to the project, Perera said.

The Bay State Block was built in 1890 and financed by the Boston Investment Company, a Massachusetts investment firm that was also behind the construction of other Fourth Street buildings of the era. The name Bay State Block refers to Massachusetts, which is the Bay State.

The building was designed by local architect E. W. Loft in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, which was highly popular at the time. Its most recognizable exterior features include rough-cut Ohio gray sandstone, fancy cornices, large storefront windows on the ground floor and cast-iron columns.

Bay State Block Building renovations A door on the second floor of the Bay State Block building on Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street entertainment district is shown. Owners Vick
SIOUX CITY  A lawsuit filed by a Pennsylvania service provider against the trust that owned a now-closed Sioux City nursing home for payment of past due bills has been dismissed.

Attorneys for Healthcare Services Group and the Fred Davenport Jr. Revocable Trust, owner of Indian Hills of Sioux City, which operated Touchstone Healthcare Communities, filed the voluntary dismissal Dec. 6 in U.S. District Court in Sioux City. Each party will pay its own costs.

Elizabeth Meyer, a Des Moines attorney representing the trust, said she could not comment on whether a settlement agreement had been reached and did not have permission from her client to discuss details of the case.

Jessica Board, an attorney representing Healthcare Services Group, or HCSG, said her client has asked her not to comment on the case.

HCSG sued the trust, its successor trustee Larry Book and trust beneficiaries for breach of contract and unjust enrichment in September 2022, saying Indian Hills continued to contract services while having no intention or ability to pay for them and owed more than $344,000 for housekeeping and dining services provided at the 125-bed facility from February 2019 through Aug. 4, 2021. Touchstone closed the facility at 1800 Indian Hills Drive in July 2022 after notifying state regulators it would be unable to financially continue operations, and its 54 residents were moved out.

Prior to closing, Indian Hills operated without substantial capital and sufficient assets to satisfy its debts, the lawsuit said, and it would be "unjust and inequitable" for the Indian Hills owners to escape personal liability for the debts. HCSG said Indian Hills' limited liability protection should be disregarded, and Book and trust beneficiaries held personally liable for payment of the debt.

According to the lawsuit, Davenport, a prominent Sioux City real estate figure, had formed the trust and also was a founding member of Indian Hills Health Care LLC, which owned the nursing home and the land on which it is located, and leased it to Indian Hills of Sioux City. Davenport died in 2013, and as of 2017, Book was the successor trustee of the trust, which owned all membership interests in Indian Hills of Sioux City.

Book died in November, the same month that U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Roberts granted summary judgment dismissing beneficiary defendants from the case.

Prior to closing, Touchstone had been cited for dozens of violations since 2016, was subject to more than $405,000 in federal fines and $3,500 in state fines and had spent 44 months on the Centers for Medicine and Medicaid Services' "Special-Focus Facility List" of care facilities with a high number of deficiencies and other serious problems.

Other creditors have sued Touchstone, and a judge in Woodbury County in March entered a default judgment against Indian Hills Health Care/Touchstone for payment of nearly $125,000 in unpaid bills and attorney fees to Key Rehabilitation Inc.

Touchstone has countersued another of its creditors, a consulting company it says made $2.3 million in transfers and advances not allowed under the two parties' management agreement. That case has been stayed since November 2022, when Indian Hills Health Care/Touchstone filed for bankruptcy.
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ATLANTA  The district attorney prosecuting Donald Trump over efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia says she has a duty to file charges against anyone who violates the law and that its a silly notion that the former presidents case should be paused just because he is running for office.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis declined this week to say whether she or her team has been in touch with U.S. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who has filed federal charges in an election interference case against Trump in Washington. She also raised the possibility that more of Trumps 18 co-defendants in the Georgia case could take plea deals, further paring down the number who could go on trial with him.

Willis is seeking an August trial date for Trump and his co-defendants, a time frame that would put the current front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in court defending himself in the months, weeks and even days leading up to the November general election. Trump's lawyer has said that if Trump is the nominee, that would be the most effective election interference in the history of the United States.

Willis brushed off that idea, pointing out that prosecutors all over the country are always investigating people for various crimes and that they do not stop doing so just because someone runs for office.

If the prosecutor finds that they violated the law, they have an ethical duty to bring forth charges and so this is a silly notion to me that because one runs from office that your criminal case would stop, she said.

Willis has alleged that Trump, lawyer Rudy Giuliani, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and others participated in a wide-ranging scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election after voters elected Democrat Joe Biden as president.

Four of the 19 people charged have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump, Giuliani, Meadows and the others remaining have pleaded not guilty.

Willis and her team have said they want to have a single trial for the rest of the defendants. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who is presiding over the case, has expressed skepticism about the idea of trying too many people at once. He said earlier this month that even 12 people at once could be a stretch.

Willis disagrees with the judge on that. My answer would be it's whittled down now to a size we can try, but I don't know that all 15 will be at the table once they get through the process," she said.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have been exchanging evidence. Pretrial motions for most of the defendants are due early next month.

As they sift through that evidence and once the judge rules on what is permissible for trial, some defense lawyers may advise their clients that a negotiated plea is in their best interest, Willis said.

Asked whether she expects that Trump will spend time behind bars in Georgia once the case runs its course, Willis declined to speak about any particular defendant. But she noted that the indictment includes serious charges, including alleged violations of the states anti-racketeering law, that carry significant prison time.

You can look at the statutes that we charged. It's a very serious case, she said. And there are consequences to violating serious laws.

The case is one of four criminal prosecutions brought against Trump this year, and it has significant overlap with the indictment brought in Washington by Smith.

Willis would not say whether her office had been in contact with Smith, but she seemed to indicate that she had no reason to seek help from him.

A woman in Georgia is able to get evidence, look at the evidence and make charging decisions, and we can actually do it all here in the state of Georgia," said Willis, a Democrat who is up for reelection next year.

Some Republicans have suggested that her case against Trump is politically motivated.

She has been involved in a caustic back-and-forth with U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a close Trump ally. Jordan has demanded that Willis turn over documents, including any communications with the Justice Department or federal executive branch officials related to her investigation.

Closer to home, legislators in Georgia passed a law this year creating a commission to discipline and remove state prosecutors. Willis said she finds it very interesting that while the law was framed as a way to go after prosecutors who were improperly refusing to prosecute certain crimes, some Republicans tried to use it to target her, someone who actually did their job, that did bring forth cases.

Georgia's Supreme Court last month refused to approve rules for the commission, preventing it from acting, for now.

Additionally, a state Senate subcommittee is looking into the problem-plagued Fulton County Jail, where Trump and his co-defendants were booked and processed shortly after they were indicted. One co-defendant, Harrison William Prescott Floyd, spent several days at the jail after failing to negotiate a bond agreement before surrendering.
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo.  The control stations for America's nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles have a sort of 1980s retro look, with computing panels in sea foam green, bad lighting and chunky control switches, including a critical one that says "launch."

Those underground capsules are about to be demolished and the missile silos they control will be completely overhauled. A new nuclear missile is coming, a gigantic ICBM called the Sentinel. It's the largest cultural shift in the land leg of the Air Force's nuclear missile mission in 60 years.

But there are questions as to whether some of the Cold War-era aspects of the Minuteman missiles that the Sentinel will replace should be changed.

Making the silo-launched missile more modern, with complex software and 21st-century connectivity across a vast network, may also mean it's more vulnerable. The Sentinel will need to be well protected from cyberattacks, while its technology will have to cope with frigid winter temperatures in the Western states where the silos are located.

The $96 billion Sentinel overhaul involves 450 silos across five states, their control centers, three nuclear missile bases and several other testing facilities. The project is so ambitious it has raised questions as to whether the Air Force can get it all done at once.

An overhaul is needed.

The silos lose power. Their 60-year old massive mechanical parts break down often. Air Force crews guard them using helicopters that can be traced back to the Vietnam War. Commanders hope the modernization of the Sentinel, and of the trucks, gear and living quarters, will help attract and retain young technology-minded service members who are now asked each day to find ways to keep a very old system running.

Nuclear modernization was delayed for years because the United States deferred spending on new missiles, bombers and submarines in order to support the post 9/11 wars overseas. Now everything is getting modernized at once. The Sentinel work is one leg of a larger, nuclear weapons enterprise-wide $750 billion overhaul that is replacing almost every component of U.S. nuclear defenses, including new stealth bombers, submarines and ICBMs in the country's largest nuclear weapons program since the Manhattan Project.

For the Sentinel, silo work could be underway by lead contractor Northrop Grumman as soon as 2025. That is 80 years after the U.S. last used nuclear weapons in war, the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, which killed an estimated 100,000 in an instant and likely tens of thousands more over time.

For the Pentagon, there are expectations the modern Sentinel will meet threats from rapidly evolving Chinese and Russian missile systems. The Sentinel is expected to stay in service through 2075, so designers are taking an approach that will make it easier to upgrade with new technologies in the coming years. But that's not without risk.

"Sentinel is a software-intensive program with a compressed schedule," the Government Accountability Office reported this summer. "Software development is a high risk due to its scale and complexity and unique requirements of the nuclear deterrence mission."

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has acknowledged the challenges the program is facing.

"It's been a long time since we did an ICBM," Kendall said in November at a Center for New American Security event in Washington. It's "the biggest thing, in some ways, that the Air Force has ever taken on."

"Sentinel, I think quite honestly, is struggling a little bit," he said.

By far, the biggest cultural shift the Sentinel will bring is the connectivity for all those who secure, maintain, operate and support the system. The overhaul touches almost everything, even including new equipment for military chefs who cook for the missile teams. The changes could improve efficiency and quality of life on the bases but may also create vulnerabilities that the analog Minuteman missiles have never faced.

Since the first silo-based Minuteman went on alert at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base on Oct. 27, 1962  the day Cuba shot down a U-2 spy plane at the height of the Cuban missile crisis  the missile has "talked" to its operators through thousands of miles of hard-wiring in cables buried underground.

Those Hardened Intersite Cable Systems, or HICS, cables carry messages back and forth from the missile to the missileer, who receives those messages through a relatively new part of the capsule  a firing control console called REACT, for Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting, that was installed in the mid-1990s.

It's a closed communication loop, and a very secure one that brings its own headaches. Any time the Air Force wants to test one of the missiles, it literally has to dig up the cables and splice them, to isolate that test missile's wiring from the rest. Over decades of testing, there are now hundreds of splices in those critical loops.

But it's also one of the Minuteman's best features. You would need a shovel  and a lot more  to try to hack the system. Even when missile crews update targeting codes, it is a mechanical, manual process.

Minuteman is "a very cyber-resilient platform," said Col. Charles Clegg, the Sentinel system program manager. Clegg said cybersecurity for the software-driven Sentinel has been a top focus of the program, one that has all of their attention.

Even though technology could automate the whole operations process, one critical aspect of missile launch will remain the same. If the day comes that another nuclear weapon must be fired, it will still be teams of missileers validating the orders and activating a launch.

"It's the human in the loop," said Col. Johnny Galbert, commander of the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren. "I think what it comes down to is we want to rely on our airmen, our young officers out there, to make that decision, to be able to interpret what higher headquarters is telling them or directing them to do."

60 historic photos from American military history 60 historic photos from American military history 1868: Sioux Wars 1862: Abraham Lincoln at Antietam during Civil War PhilippineAmerican War 1915: Mexican Border War 1927: US occupation of Nicaragua 1934: US occupation of Haiti 1917: Welcoming 1918: Service for war dead 1918: Newspaper headlines on Armistice Day 1919: Ship of soldiers returning home 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor 1942: Battalion of army engineers Circa 1940s: Women building a bomber 1943: Lockheed P-38 Lightning 1943: Medal of honor 1943: Sailor rescuing pilot from a plane wreck 1944: Paratroopers preparing for D-Day 1944: Operation Overlord 1944: Tuskegee Airmen Circa 1940s: Burial at sea for USS Intrepid casualties 1945: Women's Army Corp 1945: Raising the flag on Iwo Jima 1945: Marine charging during Battle of Okinawa 1945: Sharing food 1945: Leaving Nordhausen 1945: Manhattan skyline 1945: Japan surrenders First Indochina War Circa 1950: Bed of shells 1951: The Mighty Mo 1962: Kennedy and military leaders 1965: US combat unit in Vietnam 1965: US infantry 1965: American soldiers arriving in Vietnam 1967: US Army rifleman charge Viet Cong 1967: Soldiers engaged in long crawl to crest 1968: Soldier shaving colleague's head 1968: Hill Timothy 1969: Naval patrol craft 1975: The fall of Saigon 1975: Evacuation 1989: US soldiers look into a prison cell 1990: Operation Desert Shield 1990: Persian Gulf War 1991: USS America 1991: US soldiers watch oil refinery burn 1991: Kuwaitis with American soldiers 1991: The border Kow in Saudi Arabia 1992: Intervention in Somali Civil War 2003: Shock and awe 2003: Oil fires burn in Iraq 2003: Families mourn soldiers killed during war with Iraq 2003: The fall of Baghdad 2005: 1st Marine division honors comrades killed in Iraq 2006: Marines return after one-year deployment to Iraq 2008: US Army battles Taliban in Kunar Province 2017: United States in Afghanistan 2014: Airstrikes targeting Islamic State group US leaves Afghanistan US sends aid to Ukraine
RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli troops mistakenly shot and killed three hostages Friday in a battle-torn neighborhood of Gaza City, and an Israeli strike killed a Palestinian journalist in the south of the besieged territory, underscoring the toll of Israel's ongoing onslaught.

The deaths were announced as a U.S. envoy tried to persuade the Israelis to scale back their campaign sooner rather than later.

Troops killed the hostages in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants in recent days. The soldiers mistakenly identified the three Israelis as a threat and opened fire on them, said the army's chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

He said it was believed that the three either fled their captors or were abandoned.

"Perhaps in the last few days, or over the past day, we still don't know all the details, they reached this area," Hagari said. He said the army expressed "deep sorrow" and was investigating.

Hamas and other militants abducted more than 240 people in the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war. The hostages' families have led a powerful public campaign calling on the government to do more to bring them home.

Demonstrations in solidarity with the hostages and their families take place almost every day. Late Friday, hundreds of protesters blocked Tel Aviv's main highway in a spontaneous demonstration calling for the the hostages' return.

Israeli political and military leaders often say freeing all the hostages is their top aim in the war alongside destroying Hamas.

Still, in seven weeks since ground troops pushed into northern Gaza, troops have not rescued any hostages. They freed one early in the conflict and found the bodies of several others. Hamas released more than 100 in swaps for Palestinian prisoners last month, and more than 130 are believed to still be in captivity.

The three hostages were identified as young men who were abducted from Israeli communities near the Gaza border.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called their deaths an "unbearable tragedy" and vowed to continue "with a supreme effort to return all the hostages home safely."

In southern Gaza, the Al Jazeera television network said an Israeli strike Friday in the city of Khan Younis killed cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa and wounded its chief correspondent in Gaza, Wael Dahdouh. The two were reporting at a school that was hit by an earlier airstrike when a drone launched a second strike, the network said.

Speaking from a hospital bed, Dahdouh told the network that he managed to walk to an ambulance. Abu Daqqa lay bleeding in the school and died hours later. An ambulance tried to reach the school to evacuate him but had to turn back because roads were blocked by the rubble of destroyed houses, it said.

Dahdouh, a veteran of covering Israel-Gaza wars whose wife and children were killed by an Israeli strike earlier in the war, was wounded by shrapnel in his right arm.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Abu Daqqa is the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict erupted between Hamas and Israel. That number includes 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese journalists.

Israel's offensive flattened much of northern Gaza and drove 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes. Displaced people squeezed into shelters mainly in the south in a spiraling humanitarian crisis.

The offensive has killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Thousands more are missing and feared dead beneath the rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Its latest count did not specify how many were women and minors, but they consistently made up about two-thirds of the dead in previous tallies.

On Friday, Hamas fired rockets from Gaza toward central Israel, setting off sirens in Jerusalem for the first time in weeks but causing no injuries. The group's resilience called into question whether Israel can defeat it without wiping out the entire territory.

Israelis remain strongly supportive of the war and see it as necessary to prevent a repeat of the Hamas attack, in which the Israeli government says militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has expressed unease over Israel's failure to reduce civilian casualties and its plans for the future of Gaza, but the White House continues to offer wholehearted support for Israel with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing.

In meetings with Israeli leaders on Thursday and Friday, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed a timetable for winding down the intense combat phase of the war.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Sullivan that it would take months to destroy Hamas.

Sullivan also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss Gaza's postwar future. A senior U.S. official said one idea being floated is to bring back Palestinian security forces driven from their jobs in Gaza by Hamas in its 2007 takeover.

Any role for Palestinian security forces in Gaza is bound to elicit strong opposition from Israel, which seeks to maintain an open-ended security presence there. Netanyahu has said he will not allow a postwar foothold for the Abbas-led Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The U.S. has said it eventually wants to see the West Bank and Gaza under a " revitalized Palestinian Authority " as a precursor to a Palestinian state  an idea soundly rejected by Netanyahu, who leads a right-wing government that is opposed to Palestinian statehood.

Palestinian officials have said they will consider a postwar role in Gaza only in the context of concrete U.S.-backed steps toward statehood.

Today in history: Dec. 15 1791: The Bill of Rights 1890: Chief Sitting Bull 1939: "Gone with the Wind" 1967: Silver Bridge 1978: Jimmy Carter 1989: Romania 2000: Chernobyl 2001: World Trade Center 2010: The U.N. Security Council 2011: Iraq 2012: Sandy Hook 2013: Nelson Mandela 2016: Charleston, South Carolina 2020: Vladimir Putin 2021: Derek Chauvin
Were one month out from the Iowa caucuses  and Nikki Haley doesnt seem like shes really trying to beat Trump? If she really wants to win, she should be going bananas right now, Republican consultant Sarah Longwell told Ben Mathis-Lilley. He takes stock of the things Haley has going for her heading into the primariesand the opportunities she seems to be passing up.

Plus, in case you missed it: Speaking of Republican presidential hopefuls squandering opportunities, Alexander Sammon took a look at how Ron DeSantis somehow screwed up his debate with Gavin Newsom.

A billionaire with an ax to grind 

Harvard President Claudine Gay is getting attacked by a guy with unresolved angst about his alma mater. Nitish Pahwa takes a closer look at Bill Ackmans ulterior motives.

Where is this war heading? 

A new poll showing an increase in support for Hamas in the West Bank raises new questions about where Israels war in Gaza could end. Fred Kaplan considers the polls findings and other rifts that could shape the course of the war.

Plus, in case you missed it: Palestinian author and editor Atef Abu Saif shared three dispatches from Gaza.

The many faces of Timothee 

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Is Timothee Chalamet a sensitive thespian or a swaggy hypebeast? Is the Wonka actor a French artboi, rap-obsessed millennial, or quintessential New Yorker? Shamira Ibrahim considers his many facets and concludes that there would be no Timothee Chalamet without his relationship with Black culture.

Gift-giving horror stories 

Are you scared about giving the wrong thing this holiday season? These tales of gifts gone wrong might just cheer you up!

(And hey, while were on the subject: You really cant go wrong with a gift from the Slate Shop )

Today, Slate is   WRITING DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF HUH?

 much like reviewers on Goodreads, in their reactions to the novel behind Netflixs mystifying new apocalyptic movie Leave the World Behind. Rebecca Onion parses the book for clues that could explain the films cryptic ending.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend that is not quite so baffling!

Thanks so much for reading, and well see you back here on Monday.
Last week we wrote about Republican New York Rep. Elise Stefanik and the campus antisemitism news cycle she created by grilling the presidents of Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Penn about how theyd punish a hypothetical student who called for genocide against Jews. The presidents primary antagonist in the aftermath of the hearing, though, has been a hedge-fund billionaire named Bill Ackman, who pressed (unsuccessfully) this week for the firing of Harvards Claudine Gay and MITs Sally Kornbluth. (Penns Liz Magill resigned last Saturday.) Who is this Ackman fellow? Well, he went to Harvard and has been angry at the school for years, a Tuesday report in the New York Times said, because of a dispute over how it used some stock he donated. He also got upset with MIT in 2019 because it wasnt doing enough, in his mind, to downplay the connections between his wife (a professor at MITs Media Lab) and MIT donor Jeffrey Epstein. More broadly, as Slates Nitish Pahwa wrote Thursday, Ackman seems to have come to believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and wokeness are undermining the American meritocratic tradition and threatening the state of Israel. In mounting a counteroffensive, hes formed an alliance with MAGA figures like Stefanik and former Trump speechwriter Stephen Millerwho, for their part, have helped promote a number of antisemitic tropes that originated in Americas burgeoning (and notably Nazism-friendly) white nationalist community. Is Ackman, at present, really working in the best interests of Jewish Americans in the long run? The Surge cannot answer that question but does know that strange bedfellows politics stories are usually a little more whimsical and uplifting than this one.
Theres a middleman living in your phone. Tech giants Google and Apple dont just make the phones, they make money when you do various things on them. Take their app stores, which you have to use if you want your phone to do anything fun. If you purchase a game or a fitness app in them, Google and Apple get a slice of your credit card payment. It goes further: If you purchase an app, and then make a purchase within an app, they get a slice of that, tooas much as a whopping 30 percent of your payment.

Its a system that has left the app stores full of junk, says Anil Dash, who runs the coding platform Glitch. On your phone, you can find A.I.generated apps, rip-offs, and kinda-scammy games galore. Whats not junk is often made by a megacorporation; its just too difficult for midsized players to make money to support the development of new and exciting apps. Its a pretty grim space, says Dash.

But now Epic Gamesarguably a tech giant in its own righthas managed to land a blow against this system by winning the sympathies of a jury in San Francisco. The jury found that Google has abused its monopoly power in the app store and in-app billing markets. In January, a federal judge will start deliberating about legal remedies. (Google has also said it will appeal.) While it may be a while before Android users notice any changes, the end of the app economys two-party system is over. A new era of apps is on the horizon.

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Before we dive into what that looks like, let me make sure youre acquainted with Epic Games (which, by the way, in winning an antitrust lawsuit against Google, has successfully done what the U.S. government is also currently attempting to do). Epic Games is nowhere near the size of Google, which is a $1.67 trillion company with more dominant businesses than you can imagine. But Epic is still huge, a $32 billion brand, and ubiquitous with young people around the world. Its crown jewel, the thing really raking in the cash, is Fortnite. The battle royale fighting game is much more than a gameMarshmello, Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, and Eminem have all played virtual concerts there. Within this world, Fortnite sells a virtual currency called V-Bucks that players can use to buy different outfits, dance moves for their avatars, and other fun stuff. But much of that sweet, sweet video game merch moneywhat was spent when users were on iPhones and Android deviceswas subject to Apple and Googles cut.

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Epic didnt like that status quo, so, in the summer of 2020, it broke both companies rules by introducing its own payment system that circumvented those charges. Fortnite was summarily removed from both Apples App Store and Googles Play Store. The gaming company responded by suing under federal antitrust law, which is designed to prevent companies from unfairly hurting competition. Epic (mostly) lost its bench trial against Apple in 2021, but its battle with Google wore onuntil this week. The news that Epic won against Google was shocking to many onlookers. (Its not a David-and-Goliath situation, exactly, because again, Epic is big; its more like Perseus beheading Medusa.)

What happens next? When U.S. District Judge James Donato resumes court proceedings to figure out legal solutions in the new year, hell have options. Epic notably did not seek monetary damages in suing Google, preferring to ask for real changes to how Google operates rather than simply extracting buckets of cash. Epic wants developers to be able to list their apps on the Google Play Storewith lower fees, of coursebut it also wants the freedom to offer users its own app store and billing system.

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Depending on what Donato decides, Android users may one day find that they suddenly have more options for downloading and purchasing from alternative app stores, paying for apps, or making in-app purchases, says Diana Moss, vice president and director of competition policy at the Progressive Policy Institute. That would be a welcome surprise in a world where consumers face two dominant smartphone manufacturers, she says.

In that future, users could shop around for deals or find offerings in categories that are largely taboo for Apple and Googleincluding adult content. OnlyFans could easily be an app store, says Dash.

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Epics win might not immediately and directly usher us to that future, however. Moss says she expects that Donato may opt for the lowest-hanging fruit, perhaps by issuing an injunction against Googles exclusive contracts with prominent app makers like Netflix. Google differs from Apple in that it technically allows third-party app stores and the ability to download mobile software from the web rather than going through the Play Store. But Epic successfully argued that Google was open in name only. If a rival app store cant offer popular apps like Netflix, how is that rival store supposed to have any success? It would be like a bookstore that cant carry romance novels, or anything by Colleen Hoover.

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Related From Slate Is This the Beginning of the End for Google? Read More

A subtle solution, one that still leaves Apple and Google with control (if maybe with some new app stores popping up alongside theirs), might actually be most beneficial to consumers. Apple and Google have argued that cracks in their app stores would mean lower quality and degraded security. Phillip Shoemaker, who helped build Apples App Store, said he agrees entirely with that argument.

This revenue keeps [Apple] with a well-staffed team which spends their days looking at the apps for security and safety concerns, and enables a security team to always be investigating security concerns, according to Shoemaker, who is now the executive director of the digital-identification company Identity.com. Having said that, both of these companies are making more money than necessary to meet the security and safety concerns. Shoemaker thinks that Apple could afford to operate with something like 5 percent for in-app purchases rather than the 1530 percent cut it currently takes for developers. It might, in other words, be a good thing if users dont notice major changes on their phones as a result of this trial.

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Thomas Lenard, a senior fellow at the Technology Policy Institute, basically shares this view. If there is a remedy that fragments the operating system and makes it less secure or less user-friendly in other ways, that obviously is not in the interest of consumers, he says. Similarly, if Google has less of an incentive to keep improving the platform, that would also not benefit consumers.

Brian Albrecht, chief economist at the International Center for Law and Economics, likewise notes that some changes that could hypothetically result from this trial might make the user experience demonstrably worse. Opening up is not necessarily a better thing. People love Apple products because of the ease of not thinking about it, he says. Consumers tend to like things that are more easily integrated.

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A dip in what Apple and Google skim off the top of sales might still remake the app store experience, at least when it comes to what we see on the shelves there. Dash says that many of the most important tech companies right now couldnt be built on todays mobile app infrastructure because the 30 percent margins are so prohibitive. Adobe is a multibillion-dollar companyPhotoshop is a household verband you couldnt build an Adobe on one of the app stores, he says. Nobody has turned a Google Play or App Store app into something that has an enterprise sales team and has its own campus.

Dash thinks that, whether from the Epic decision or the sort of government regulation that has already arrived in some form in South Korea and Europe, the era of centralized control by two firms over the app economy is coming to an end. And with the tech behemoths slightly restrained, subtle changes are almost sure to grace our phones, one way or another.
A response to Suyi Davies Okungbowas Rigland.

It was clear the food drop wasnt going to arrive. Holed up on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, miles from the shore of Ciudad del Carmenan industrial island and major outpost for Mexicos oil industrythere werent many other options. Workers balled up bread for bait and threw lines over the side of the platform. Later, they feasted on ceviche and fried fish. This, one of the women there later told me, delighted the workers. It was among her favorite memories in 11 years working offshore.

When I set out to report on Mexican women working offshore, I expected to focus on harassment, discrimination, and abuse and the grueling labor conditions that facilitate them. Women are in the minority on platformsone interviewee was the only woman among dozens of men; others recounted being in groups of only five or 10 women on an entire platform, outnumbered 1 to 10 or 20. The conditions they face are often punishing: In Mexico, platforms are isolated with limited communication, living situations are dorm-style and sometimes coed, and many workers have short-term contracts with little protection. The work is dangeroustheyre exposed to heavy machinery, harsh weather, and hazardous chemicals.

I heard plenty of stories of these precarious conditionswomen who were spied on while they showered or changed, discriminated against due to pregnancy, and verbally abused. But more often, women shared experiences like the fishing story. They wanted to tell me about spending hours carving tomatoes to look like flowers to make a meal feel more special; about coordinating workers to bring their favorite candies to stuff holiday pinatas so they would all feel less alone; about learning to teach yoga, helping their colleagues relieve the years of work-related pain and exhaustion their bodies had come to carry. They told me these stories not to excuse or brush over the other, darker realities of working offshore but to show me, Look what weve built, despite it all.

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Oil platforms are cities in the sea, designed to extractoil, sure, but also a great personal toll from the people who work on them, and an environmental and social toll from the communities they depend on. Its a paradox, then, that these metal behemoths are also arenas for human resilience.

Suyi Davies Okungbowas Rigland, part of the Future Tense Fiction series, dramatizes this paradox. After his coastal community is forced to evacuate inland, the storys protagonist, Temple, founds a settlement on a defunct oil rig off the Niger Delta. The company that abandoned the rigand whose work put Temples community in its disastrous position, with climate crisischarged superstorms and ensuing oil spillage from damaged infrastructurereturns to charge its new inhabitants rent, or else evict them. But Temple has bigger plans, not just for his rig but for the cluster of abandoned metal cities scattered across the sea. We will take your instruments of death, he tells the companys representatives, and make them beautiful.

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Rigs are, indeed, instruments of death. In August, a rig in transport off the coast of Nigerias Delta State collapsed, reportedly killing six. In July, at least two people died after an oil platform caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico. In February 2022, at least five workers were killed after a Nigerian oil ship exploded. More than 18 months later, the Associated Press recently reported, the ruins of the ship were still visible and appeared to be leaking oil. In September 2020, Bloomberg dubbed Pemex, Mexicos state-owned oil company, the worlds deadliest COVID company314 employees and seven contractors had died from COVID. In the U.S. alone, between 2015 and 2020, the offshore oil and gas industry suffered 19 worker fatalities.

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Because the offshore industry is never separate from the land-bound communities it stretches out from, the health and human consequences onshore are similarly deadlyand even more expansive. A 2013 study found that an average of 240,000 barrels of crude oil are spilled in the Niger [D]elta every year, which researchers determined could lead to a 60% reduction in household food security, along with a long list of other health consequences. From 1976 to 2014, another study estimated that some 3.1 million barrels of crude oil were spilled in the region, containing metals including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, nickel, cadmium, chromium, and lead, and threatening residents with heavy metal intoxication. These oil spills and industry negligence have transformed the Niger Delta into one of the most polluted places on earth, and researchers estimated that in 2012 in Nigeria, oil spills before conception killed around 16,000 infants within the first month of their life. Pregnant women with high levels of exposure to oil pollution are also at a higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage, among other maternal-health risks. In Rigland, years of oil spills and the storm that forced Temples community inlandthe two inextricably linkederase the division between sea and shore. The stormwater levels were so high, the surface so black, Okungbowa writes, that there was no longer any demarcation between where the creeks ended and the land began.

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But rigs are as deceptive as they are deadly, because they promise opportunity where there is little. The leaders in Temples community shook hands with oil companies because they were convinced that doing so would be an investment in the future: Theyll build schools and roads, the leaders thought. Temple decided to work in the industry himselfas an armed bodyguard, employed to foil attacks by local agitators who often trained their sights on midstream pipelineswith a similar hope: that it would be a bridge to a university education.

Related From Slate What the Oil Industry Leaves Behind Read More

While their work was differentthey were doctors, chefs, engineers, waitstaff, and technical assistants, among othersthe women I interviewed in Ciudad del Carmen had similar motivations. They wanted to send their kids to college, buy a car, pay their bills, and use the degrees for which they had studied so hard. They came from cities, dotted along the Gulf of Mexico, whose economies were organized around sending people offshore.

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Those very cities, though, are the frontline victims of a climate crisis exacerbated by the industry that promised to enrich them. Ciudad del Carmen, an island, is battered each year by increasingly powerful hurricanes; last year, 600 people had to evacuate after flooding. The infrastructure investments that could have made the city more resilient to climate threats were made instead to accommodate more oil extraction. One estimate predicts that by 2050, a quarter of the landmass of the neighboring state of Tabasco, Mexicos top oil producer, will be underwater. There (as elsewhere), the oil industry has contributed not only to sea-level rise and extreme weather but also to deadly coastal erosion, the combination of which threatens some 92,500 residents, according to reporting from the Mexican magazine Gatopardo. Imagine a town that has everything: the sea, heat, vegetation; its people have everything they need, a local doctor told Gatopardo. Then one day a company arrives and stains it black, destroying every living thing in its path. And nobody cares.

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Along the Gulf of Mexico, in the Niger Delta, and in oil-producing communities across the world, the promise of oil-forged prosperity quickly morphs into betrayal. The promise remains persuasive because it plays on precarious economic circumstances, creating an artificial conflict between peoples immediate needs and the long-term survival of their communities. We all, ultimately, make choices that privilege one time horizon over the other. But the further were removed from the frontlines, the more choices we haveand the easier it is to pretend were not making a decision at all.

What would it look like, then, to discard that false choice between surviving now and thriving tomorrow? What if we found ways to return power in oil communities to the people who live there, rather than companies who suck them dry, then wash over them?

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The people who know the industry best can show us how. They are experts in reclaiming space. I was surprised, at first, when many of the women I spoke to who worked offshore referred to the platforms where they worked as my platform, rather than the platform. They reminded me that the platforms didnt belong to Pemex or to the long list of private companies pulling resources from the oceannot really. They belonged to the people who lived half their lives there, in 14-day stints, who laughed and cried and celebrated birthdays and fell in love there. The workers, like the characters in Rigland, transformed spaces that were inherently inhospitable and made them theirs. Maybe they always were.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
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Print-on-demand companies follow a dropshipping business model where you contract a print-on-demand provider to help you print books, artwork, t-shirts, mugs, customized items, and handmade items to sell in small batches as needed. You can even have your own brand name attached or your distinctive design printed on each item you sell through your own store online, blog, or social media handle.

In this article, well examine the top 19 best print-on-demand services currently offered so you can choose the best one for your company.

What is Print on Demand?

Print-on-demand (POD) is a business that works with a supplier to customize white-label products such as t-shirts, mugs, covers, notepads, or any other customized merchandise. Once the product is manufactured, you can sell them, on a per-order basis, under your own brand.

Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business ChatGPT Prompts for Business Advertise Your Business Here

This is a great home-based business idea to market your products with your own branding without worrying about inventory while eliminating the need for large print runs and reducing costs, making it ideal for creatives and small businesses.

POD enables businesses to produce high-quality products quickly and cost-effectively while also giving them the flexibility to adjust their production volume as needed. With POD, businesses can offer customers unique and personalized products that can be printed in just a few minutes.

There are two types of print-on-demand companies: print-on-demand marketplaces and print-on-demand service companies. Print-on-demand marketplaces are all-in-one platforms that host your online store on their platform, allowing you to sell the products on your website, build your brand, and grow your own customer base. POD service companies provide production, printing, and shipping services, making them the majority of recommended dropshipping partners.

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Can You Make Money with a Print on Demand Business?

The demand for personalization on the part of consumers has helped the growth of print-on-demand sites. Todays global consumer trends indicate people require more than just functionality and want to buy things that reflect their identities. Everything is tailored to our preferences, including literature, audio, food, cellphone covers, long sleeve t-shirts, and even the information we consume.

Todays consumers demand a completely personalized internet shopping experience from your online store. They dont want a straightforward mass-produced product; they want their purchases to reflect their personalities and print-on-demand sites are trying to meet the demand.

In an ever-connected world where personalization is a major buying decision-making factor, POD offers opportunities to expand your business by playing on the economy of scale and the capability that comes through the dropshipping model. Businesses today no longer need to have physical outlets to thrive.

By offering products tailored to your customers preferences, including books, cellphone covers, clothing, and other merchandising, you can create your very own niche. Additional perks include the ability to reduce expenses by using the made-to-order model to reduce inventory and production costs.

You dont have to worry about managing orders, payments, or shipping because there are so many platforms available. All you have to do is concentrate on creating products that are in high demand.

Heres a quick word from Joe Robert about the best print on demand companies In 2023 on Etsy and Shopify youll want to check out after reading:

How print-on-demand companies work

Simply put, print-on-demand companies offer print-after-ordering services to artists, creatives, or businesses engaged in merchandising. Essentially they take orders for your products designs and handle the production and fulfillment aspects of the enterprise.

All you have to do is create your own designs and list your products, and start marketing them. When a customer buys a copy, the product is manufactured and mailed to them- the items are produced only after they are ordered for them.

This is a great way to market your products without worrying about inventory while eliminating the need for large print runs and reducing costs, making it ideal for creatives and small businesses. In addition, this print-on-demand model helps businesses to produce high-quality products quickly and cost-effectively while also giving them the flexibility to adjust their production volume as needed.

With POD, businesses can offer customers unique and personalized products that can be printed and delivered speedily. With this new system, you can customize and create virtually any product, from apparel to mugs. Thus helping you to quickly establish an e-commerce business or make your side business ideas turn into a reality.

In our pursuit to navigate the vast sea of print-on-demand companies, weve established a set of criteria to dissect and evaluate each service, ensuring that we recommend options that genuinely cater to the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our methodology isnt a secret magic formula but a transparent system that considers the various facets integral to a reliable, cost-effective, and quality print-on-demand service.

Choosing the Best Print on Demand Companies: Our Methodology

In assembling our top picks for print on demand companies, we at Small Business Trends utilized a systematic approach. Our evaluation scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most crucial factor and 1 the least.

Quality of Products (Importance: 9/10) High-quality final products are fundamental. We prioritized POD companies known for delivering excellent print quality and durable items. Range of Products Offered (Importance: 8/10) A diverse product range allows for greater creativity and market appeal, so we valued companies offering a wide variety of items to print on. Ease of Integration (Importance: 7/10) Companies that offer easy integration with popular e-commerce platforms ranked higher for their user-friendliness and efficiency. Pricing and Profit Margins (Importance: 8/10) Competitive pricing and reasonable profit margins are crucial for small businesses to ensure viability and growth. Shipping Efficiency and Costs (Importance: 8/10) We looked for POD companies with reliable and cost-effective shipping options, as this impacts customer satisfaction. Customization Options (Importance: 7/10) Greater customization capabilities allow for more unique and personalized products, adding value for both the business and its customers. User Interface and Design Tools (Importance: 6/10) An intuitive and feature-rich design interface makes the product creation process smoother and more accessible. Customer Support and Service (Importance: 7/10) Accessible and helpful customer support is essential, especially for businesses new to POD services. Brand Consistency and Labeling Options (Importance: 6/10) The ability to maintain brand consistency through custom labeling and packaging was a key consideration. Environmental and Ethical Practices (Importance: 5/10) We also considered the companys commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, which is increasingly important to consumers.

By carefully balancing these aspects, we ensure our recommendations for print-on-demand companies are comprehensive, taking into account the diverse needs and priorities of small businesses and entrepreneurs. This meticulous approach guarantees we bring forward options that dont just look good on paper but perform when it counts.

Which Platform is Best for Print on Demand?

Printify is considered the best print-on-demand business, with over 800 items available in its inventory, including t-shirts, mugs, duvet covers, posters, accessories, and more. Among the services offered include a variety of printing choices, including direct-to-garment printing, cut-and-sew, sublimation, and embroidery.

It also helps businesses produce personalized goods quickly and effectively. It has an easy-to-use UI and is linked with popular online marketplaces like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Wix Stores, eBay, and more, making it easier for businesses to offer their goods.

The 19 Best Print on Demand Companies

When looking for the best print-on-demand companies, you must consider a number of factors. These include quality of products, customer service, price, turnaround time, integration with dropshipping platforms, ease of use, and general satisfaction. Weve compiled a list of the top 19 print-on-demand companies based on these criteria to help you make your choice.

We took into account a variety of factors, including their manufacturing capabilities, customer service, whether they serve a specific niche, turnaround time, and pricing. Each of these best print-on-demand companies provides a wide range of products, such as apparel, books, mugs, and accessories, so you can pick the best one for your requirements.

Most of them provide excellent customer service, so you can get answers to your queries quickly and easily. Whether you want a quick turnaround time or a low cost, these best print-on-demand companies will be able to provide you with the best options.

1. Printify

Printify is considered one of the most popular print-on-demand companies. Printify offers a catalog has over 800 quality products selling everything from t-shirts to mugs, duvet covers to posters, accessories, and more making it easy for businesses to create custom products quickly and efficiently. It comes with an intuitive user interface that allows users to choose a product, personalize it with their own design, and have it shipped directly to their customers.

With Printify, e-commerce companies can offer goods directly on their own site without using other online marketplaces. In addition, it is also integrated with major sales channels such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Wix Stores, eBay, and more making it easier for you to easily sell your products.

Pros: Offers integration with various platforms, comes with a mockup generator, offers shipping calculator, extensive product catalog.

Cons: According to some reviews, a number of customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the response time to their customer support inquiries, claiming that the service took too long to respond.

Pricing: Printify comes with a free plan where you can manage up to five stores and get unlimited product designs. Paid plans start at a monthly subscription of $ 24.99 and let you manage up to 10 stores per account and get up to 20% bulk discount on all products.

2. Printful

Printful is another option for those who are looking for a reliable and cost-effective print-on-demand service. It offers a wide variety of products and services, including custom t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, tote bags, and more.

It offers intuitive design tools that let you create unique pieces, even if you have no design experience, while integrating with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. In addition, it offers a wide range of customization options, including printing, embroidery, and sublimation.

Pros: Offers discounts for bulk orders and monthly volume, promotes eco-friendly products, comes with mockup generator and pre-made designs.

Cons: Offers higher production costs than other print-on-demand companies; the product line on offer is more limited than other print-on-demand sites.

Pricing: Printify comes with a free plan where you pay only for the products you buy or sell after an order is made. If you want more features in addition to the free plan, Printify offers extra fees.

3. Sellfy

Sellfy is an e-commerce platform for creators who want to sell a variety of goods, such as hoodies, shirts, phone cases, bags, and more. In addition to physical products, they also sell digital products. It allows you to quickly launch your online business idea or print-on-demand merchandise store. It has a shopping cart feature that allows you to make more money by enabling your customers to add multiple items to their online shopping carts at once.

Even better, you can design a mobile-friendly checkout process and online store for desktop and mobile users. Additionally, it has some excellent marketing features, such as upselling, email marketing, and discount codes. More than 60,000 creators have used Sellfy to sell their goods since it launched in 2011, generating more than $100M in total revenue.

Pros: Sellfy offers multiple payment options, built-in marketing tools, and customizable online storefronts

Cons: There are a few integrations available.

Pricing: Paid plans start with monthly charges ranging from $19 to $99. There is also a 14-day free trial.

4. SPOD

SPOD is a print-on-demand company that lets you create and sell your print-on-demand products. With it, you can create a custom product line within minutes, print, and ship your merchandise in 48 hours or less, according to SPOD half of its orders ship within 24 hrs. You can start selling, printing, and dropshipping by uploading your designs or creating your own with SPODs free graphic library of over 50,000 designs.

The library lets you create and personalize over 200 print-on-demand merchandise items. SPOD integrates with WooCommerce, Magento, Squarespace, Shopify, and others- it even has its own mobile app.

Pros: 48-hour order fulfillment, vast graphic library, over 200 POD merchandise items

Cons: You cant use it unless you have a Shopify account.

Pricing: When using SPOD, there are no ongoing costs. SPOD charges only the order value and the shipping costs of the items when an order is placed. The cost of shipping is determined by the order value, shipping type, and country.

5. CustomCat

CustomCat helps businesses to create and sell unique products from images they upload, and publish to their store. It allows anyone to create unique and high-quality custom goods whether ordering only one item or 1,000 items while at the same time offering a manual order feature for those without e-commerce experience.

With it, you can sync existing product listings from your online store to CustomCat seamlessly, create product templates and mass publish product listings with bulk tools, manage product listings, view stock status and edit fulfillment settings, and manage all aspects of orders and fulfillment. CustomCat also partners with e-commerce sellers such as Shopify, Etsy, WooComemrce, and BigCommerce and ships products globally.

Pros: CustomCat allows users to create product templates, manage listings, view stock status, and manage orders and fulfillment.

Cons: Most of CustomCat items are limited to apparel, accessories, and housewares.

Pricing: CustomCat is free to sign up for and use. When an order is placed in a store, customers pay for the base cost of the items plus the cost of shipping them to their customers. The PRO subscription comes with a $25 monthly fee and offers users 20-40% off CustomCats custom wholesale prices.

6. TeeLaunch

TeeLaunch is a print-on-demand e-commerce platform for art, prints, apparel, and more. It offers an affordable print-on-demand option for entrepreneurs looking to create unique merchandising. Teelaunch will accept orders from your web store, prints the product, and handles the fulfillment end.

Thanks to its user-friendly interface, it uses the power of Shopify to make mockups, and products and set up automatic order fulfillment in just minutes. Besides integrating with Shopify it also works well with other third-party platforms such as Etsy and WooCommerce.

Pros: There are no monthly costs, it has a simple-to-use interface, offers a good selection of merchandising options.

Cons: Some reviews complain of shipping delays.

Pricing: Teelaunch comes with a free plan where you pay only for the products you buy or sell after an order is made.

7. Zazzle

Zazzles print-on-demand service lets you create, sell, and buy T-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise. With its easy-to-use design interface, you have access to a large selection of templates, apparel designs, colors, and sizes to customize the final product.- even if youre not a designer. Creating an item on Zazzle is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.

To create a design, all you need to do is choose a template and add content. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as through text, and images. Once youve added content, you must choose a price and add your design to your account.

Zazzle however does not have direct integration for third-party e-commerce stores such as Shopify, but you can however use Zazzles Application Programming Interface (API) to integrate with other platforms.

Pros: Delivers good high print quality products, products can be customized by buyers, and affiliate marketing opportunities are available.

Cons: Does not integrate directly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce

Pricing: There is no cost to sign up. Designers can set their prices between 5% and 99% higher than Zazzles basic price.

8. SPOD

SPOD is a print-on-demand service company that lets you create and sell your print-on-demand products. With it, you can create a custom product line within minutes, and print and ship your merchandise in 48 hours or less, according to SPOD half of its orders ship within 24 hrs.

You can start selling, printing, and dropshipping by uploading your designs or creating your own with SPODs free graphic library of over 50,000 designs.

The library lets you create and personalize over 200 print-on-demand merchandise items. SPOD integrates with WooCommerce. Magento, Squarespace, Shopify, and others- it even has its own mobile app.

Pros: 48-hour order fulfillment, vast graphic library, over 200 POD merchandise items

Cons: You cant use it unless you have a Shopify account.

Pricing: When using SPOD, there are no ongoing costs. SPOD charges only the order value and the shipping costs of the items when an order is placed. The cost of shipping is determined by the order value, shipping type, and country.

9. Redbubble

Redbubble is another option for independent artists looking to offer print-on-demand products through their existing website or through marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. This print-on-demand solution gives you an easy-to-use interface with the tools you need to design products and works for artists of all skill levels from novices to experts.

Thanks to its built-in design maker you can create intricate, eye-catching designs and mockups for your products to sell on redbubble. It also offers a wide range of merchandising products from eco-friendly to premium clothing that includes stationery, wall art, home and living, accessories, apparel, and more.

Pros: Large customer base and traffic, anti-piracy features to protect artists artwork, has an affiliate program

Cons: Potential low-profit margins, high competition

Pricing: Redbubble charges a base price which includes a service fee for hosting the marketplace as well as the third-party manufacturers manufacturing fee.

10. GearLaunch

GearLaunch is another choice for a print-on-demand company that offers a dependable and cost-effective solution. It provides a simple, no-hassle printing experience, with no minimum order requirements and a wide range of materials including paper, canvas, and apparel.

GearLaunch functions in a straightforward manner: you create the designs and choose your ideal products and GearLaunch handles the manufacturing and delivery. You only pay the base price for products and if you want to integrate with Shopify you can opt to use its API.

Pros: A good selection of Print on Demand products, no minimum orders

Cons: Does not directly integrate with other platforms besides Shopify

Pricing: The GearLaunch platform is free, and Shopify has a free option as well. There is a $4.99 monthly fee involved with upgrading your Shopify platform.

11. Amazon Merch on Demand

Amazon Merch on Demand helps users sell their branded products created by them to be manufactured, sold, and shipped by Amazon. A key selling point here is that Amazon prints and ships products faster than most other POD fulfillment services. Because Amazon is both a massive marketplace and one of the most popular search engines on the internet, you should be able to reach more customers at Amazon Merch on Demand than anywhere else.

Signing up is easy as Amazon Merch on Demand is free to create an account, upload content, and free to sell on the platform. Amazon also offers Print on Demand and Amazon Custom where customers can buy customized goods. With the help of these services, customers can develop unique products with their own artwork, logos, and text, and have them printed and delivered within a few days.

Pros: Huge reach, high potential for conversion rate, perhaps the fastest shipping service

Cons: Limited branding options, high competition.

Pricing: Amazon Merch is an on-demand printing business where sellers make and list free t-shirt designs on Amazon. There are no out-of-pocket expenses, and you are paid royalties when a client purchases your shirt.

12. Sunfrog

Sunfrog is a print-on-demand service offering a wide range of products from clothing to accessories, flyers, notebooks, mugs, and banners. They offer high-quality prints, with quick turnaround times, and competitive prices offer high- print quality for a wide selection of designs. Once signed in as a seller Sunfrog will make promotional images for you at no cost so that you can promote yourself to your customers.

It also offers users campaign tracking codes to help you get on top of your marketing campaign. In addition, Sunfrog pays a 10% commission on all sales to artists and enables you to set your own prices. Each item, however, has a minimum and maximum price that can be charged. It is also integrated with major sales channels such as Shopify, Big Commerce, and Magento.

Pros: No minimum sales requirement to have the merchandise printed, comes with a featured artist section, to promote your work and increase sales, easy to use dashboard that displays real-time statistics such as traffic, sales, and conversion.

Cons: Initially, profit margins may be modest.

Pricing: SunFrog is completely free to use, and you make money by creating items and earning a 15% commission on sales. If you are an artist, you will also receive a 10% commission on each piece sold.

13. JetPrint

JetPrint is a printondemand company, offering over 400 products from shoes, jewelry, watches, and clothing to bags, rugs, shower curtains, and more. With JetPrints mockup generator, you can automatically create and publish products using youre your artwork or your own custom design and even include your own logo.

You can also process orders automatically and even set a time limit that enables you to make changes or corrections if necessary. JetPrint offers integration with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it simpler and faster to promote and sell your unique merchandise.

Pros: Good selection of merchandising products, good custom design options, availability of payment integrations.

Cons: Lead times for production in some cases could take between three to five days.

Pricing: JetPrint charges a base price.

14. Teespring

Teespring initially began as the best print on demand for selling designed t-shirts. Today it has become a print-on-demand order fulfillment company, producing leggings, hoodies, decor, phone cases, and more.

Teespring is a free platform that allows creators and influencers to develop, promote, and sell products without incurring any costs or risks. Teespring offers order fulfillment, customer service, and shipping. In exchange, creators can determine the selling price and keep 100% of the profit.

Pros: Integration with social media platforms and other marketing channels, free-to-use, easy-to-use design feature.

Cons: Small margins for small volume production, Teespring makes more sense if you have a large volume of orders to fulfill.

Pricing: Spring is completely free to use. You determine the selling price and retain the entire profit.

15. TeeChip

TeeChip is a print-on-demand platform that lets users create their own unique merchandising and sell directly to their fans. With it, you can sell a wide variety of products including posters, mugs, hoodies, gats, phone cases, and t-shirts. Working with TeeChip, there is no risk because there are no upfront costs. When it comes to, the payment TeeChip accepts credit cards, debit cards, wire transfers, and PayPal.

Pros: A good selection of customizable products, simple sign-up procedure with no costs.

Cons: According to Teechip orders are usually shipped within 5-20 working days.

Pricing: TeeChip deducts the base price from the purchase each time you sell and provides you the margin you specify.

16. Printy6

Printy6 is a print-on-demand service that makes it easy for businesses to create and order custom-printed products. Businesses can quickly design their own products with intuitive tools, upload artwork, and order high-quality prints in no time thanks to Printy6s innovative technology and user-friendly platform.

Printy6 integrates with many online stores, including Shopify, Etsy, BigCommerce, Woocommerce, and Amazon. It offers professional-level image rendering services to make your images stand out thanks to its photorealistic rendering feature. It uses premium fabrics and an eco-friendly printing process and provides a money-back guarantee if there are any quality problems.

Pros: Easily integrates with your own online store, offers cheaper product costs compared to other print-on-demand , offers customized brand packaging

Cons: Some reviews complain about longer fulfillment times than other competing print-on-demand sites, and most of its products are focused on apparel.

Pricing: Printy6 app is free to use

17. Gelato

Gelato is a print-on-demand site for a range of products that include clothing, wall art, Mugs, Photobooks, Cards, Stationery, tote bags, and more. With more than 130 production partners spread across 32 nations, it makes it simple for customers to have their products produced and delivered without hassle while lowering their carbon footprint.

The option to select the shipping speed, live order tracking, shipping discounts, and more benefits are included. Additionally, it integrates with all of the leading online shopping carts, including Shopify. Platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and others are integrated with it.

Pros: Offers local production options, affordable pricing, has a mobile app, tracks shipments, and offers basic analytics.

Cons: Limited selection of product options with categories swaying more on apparel and basic stationery

Pricing: Gelato is free to join with no minimum purchases required and get access to integration with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. Paid plans begin at $ 14.00 per month, and you can get millions of stock photos, premium mockups, and 30% off standard shipping as well.

18. Gooten

Gooten is a dropshipping platform that specializes in print-on-demand services. It offers a wide range of products, from fashion and apparel to home decor, to wall art and accessories. It comes with a robust suite of tools and services to help users launch and scale their businesses. Its major selling points include its easy-to-use platform, extensive product catalog, and competitive pricing.

Gooten integrates with Big Commerce, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. Its automated order fulfillment system makes sure that orders are usually processed and shipped within 24 hours. It also offers a loyalty program Very Important Merchant (VIM) where you get more tailored solutions and support to help grow your online business.

Pros: Versatile product catalog, integration with major platforms, and great loyalty program.

Cons: Its product mockups dont look as good as those from other print-on-demand companies.

Pricing: The base cost of the item and the price of printing are both included in the prices listed in Gootens Product Catalog. You can charge and set your own margins, but dont forget to factor in shipping and fulfillment costs.

19. Society6

If you are an independent artist or a creative Society6 can be a great option for a print-on-demand site. With it, you can sell a wide variety of products, including wall art, t-shirts, phone cases, and home furnishings. Users can also upload their own artwork to create truly one-of-a-kind items.

Similarly, Society6 has reasonable prices and a simple website. Its customer service is also well-known for its quick responses. Because of its extensive product selection, low prices, and excellent customer service, Society6 is an excellent choice for those looking for the best print-on-demand companies.

Pros: Great for newly emerging artists, helps to create marketplace visibility for your artwork and offers networking opportunities in its online artist community.

Cons: You are only able to sell your products through the Society6 website as it is unable to integrate with Shopify, Etsy, or other platforms.

Pricing: Society6, does not have any monthly fee, you receive a 10% commission on the base price of your artwork.

How to Choose the Best Print on Demand Company

There are many great print-on-demand companies out there, each offering its own unique services and features. it comes to choosing the right print-on-demand company, theres no one-size-fits-all solution. Each print-on-demand business has its own distinct strengths, weaknesses, and features, but how can one choose the best print-on-demand business? Here are some features to consider:

Offer quality products: For an enterprise to succeed, it will need to create products of the highest quality. So it is important to shortlist a few prospective print-on-demand suppliers and order test samples from them to get a sense of their quality standards.

For an enterprise to succeed, it will need to create products of the highest quality. So it is important to shortlist a few prospective print-on-demand suppliers and order test samples from them to get a sense of their quality standards. Speedy Shipping: Customers expect fast shipping times when shopping online. You will need to deliver on this promise if you want to establish a good reputation and earn repeat business. When choosing a print-on-demand company, it is important to consider the average shipping time. Ideally, customers should receive their products within one week of placing an order.

Customers expect fast shipping times when shopping online. You will need to deliver on this promise if you want to establish a good reputation and earn repeat business. When choosing a print-on-demand company, it is important to consider the average shipping time. Ideally, customers should receive their products within one week of placing an order. Reasonable production costs and shipping: Business is all about generating enough revenues to help your business thrive and grow. Reasonable production costs and shipping rates come in handy for your businesss success. Choosing a print-on-demand company with high product and shipping fees may result in smaller margins, hindering growth. Look for a print-on-demand company that offers a reasonable production cost without compromising quality.

Business is all about generating enough revenues to help your business thrive and grow. Reasonable production costs and shipping rates come in handy for your businesss success. Choosing a print-on-demand company with high product and shipping fees may result in smaller margins, hindering growth. Look for a print-on-demand company that offers a reasonable production cost without compromising quality. Offer Customization and printing options: Good print-on-demand companies will offer different customization and printing options, depending on your needs. Great print-on-demand companies, in addition to this, will offer packaging options that suit your design and branding needs.

Good print-on-demand companies will offer different customization and printing options, depending on your needs. Great print-on-demand companies, in addition to this, will offer packaging options that suit your design and branding needs. Offer Integration with other platforms: Different print-on-demand companies allow you to sell through a variety of channels, such as your own website, Shopify, Etsy, eBay, Amazon, and other platforms. Make sure your print-on-demand company accords you with the means to grow your business by offering you these options.

It is important that you start your selection for the right print-on-demand partner from a pool of likely candidates while making sure not to make too many print-on-demand mistakes. Besides inquiring whether the provider provides the services you require and has a good track record with customers, you should check the companys refund policy. Check to see if they can offer you cutting-edge technology at a reasonable price.

Heres a numbered comparison table for choosing the best print-on-demand company:

iteria Importance Print-on-Demand Company A Print-on-Demand Company B Print-on-Demand Company C 1. Quality Products High ? ? ? 2. Speedy Shipping High ? ? ? 3. Reasonable Costs High ? ? ? 4. Customization & Printing Medium ? ? ? 5. Integration with Platforms Medium ? ? ? 6. Refund Policy Low ? ? ? 7. Cutting-edge Technology Low ? ? ?

Note that a check indicates that the company meets the criteria, while an X indicates that the company does not meet the criteria. The importance levels are subjective and may vary based on individual business needs. Conduct thorough research and compare multiple print-on-demand companies to find the best fit for your specific requirements.

How to Make Money with Print on Demand

If done right, venturing into a print-on-demand business can be lucrative and comes with minimal risks. Print-on-demand offers low startup costs and quick setup without the need for inventory and storage, and is easy to experiment with product designs. It also offers you the ability to customize and sell your unique designs to a global market, scale, and test new products without financial risks.

Lets also not forget that most print-on-demand businesses frequently provide discounts for bigger orders letting you to further increase your profit margins. Most importantly, it can boost your online stores chances of success while at the same time making money by creating your own brand that is distinct.

Ultimately the amount of money you can earn with Print on Demand is dependent on the goods you offer, your target audience, and how well you advertise to them. Some great ways to make money with print-on-demand include:

Partner with platforms that can boost your touch points: There are several platforms that can help you bring to scale your sales and boost your earnings. For example, platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon can increase your reach and help with some of the heavy lifting for you.

There are several platforms that can help you bring to scale your sales and boost your earnings. For example, platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon can increase your reach and help with some of the heavy lifting for you. Make the most of social media marketing: Social media offers a tremendously and powerful instrument for promoting your print-on-demand goods. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter not only increase your customer touch points but also add to your credibility and boost engagement with your target audience. With some effort, you can develop a loyal customer base that will keep coming back for more.

Social media offers a tremendously and powerful instrument for promoting your print-on-demand goods. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter not only increase your customer touch points but also add to your credibility and boost engagement with your target audience. With some effort, you can develop a loyal customer base that will keep coming back for more. Uniqueness and personalization sell: To succeed, you will need to fine-tune youre branding and design so that you represent a distinct personality  this is what will make you stick out from the competition. Consider using unique typefaces and eye-catching graphics. Also, keep an eye on what is trending for print-on-demand goods to stay ahead of the curve.

To succeed, you will need to fine-tune youre branding and design so that you represent a distinct personality  this is what will make you stick out from the competition. Consider using unique typefaces and eye-catching graphics. Also, keep an eye on what is trending for print-on-demand goods to stay ahead of the curve. Create realistic mock-ups: Its always a good idea to make mock-ups of your products on real individuals when offering a print-on-demand product. This enables you to demonstrate your products in real-world settings and doesnt come off as a scam. This is also excellent for sharing on social media.

Its always a good idea to make mock-ups of your products on real individuals when offering a print-on-demand product. This enables you to demonstrate your products in real-world settings and doesnt come off as a scam. This is also excellent for sharing on social media. Harness the power of testimonials and reviews: When it comes to promoting your print-on-demand goods, customer feedback can go a long way in terms of establishing your credibility. If you have satisfied clients who to sing your praises, make sure to clearly display their testimonials on your website or social media sites.

This is an excellent method to establish trust with prospective customers and demonstrate to them that your goods are worthwhile investments. Always remember reviews and testimonials are the new social proof!

Finally, its important to note that success with a POD company often requires patience and consistent effort. While some individuals and businesses have achieved significant success and generated substantial income through POD, others may experience more modest results. Like any business venture, there are risks and uncertainties, but with dedication, creativity, and strategic planning, you can increase your chances of success in the print-on-demand industry.

Best Print on Demand Services FAQ

There are several print-on-demand sites, and the best one for you will be determined by your particular requirements. You will need to consider the kinds of products you want to produce, the quantity required, the quality of the product, the turnaround time, and the expense without any hidden fees.

Can you start print on demand with no money?

Yes, you can start printing on demand with no money. You can build your own online store using a free platform like Shopify, or you can use a free tool offered by many print-on-demand service companies to help you with fulfilling your orders. When it comes to designing, print-on-demand companies come with free mock-up generators as well as free templates and designs online to use for your products.

If you are a creative designer you can offer designs in the form of digital products to others and receive royalties in exchange. In some cases, a good print-on-demand site will even help you calculate your business costs and help set a price to help set prices for a cozy profit margin.

Which print on demand service is most profitable?

There are several print-on-demand service choices available in the market, each with its own set of benefits and disadvantages. Ultimately, the most profitable print-on-demand service will be the one that best meets your particular businesss requirements.

For example, Printful is an excellent choice if you want a print-on-demand service that is quick and simple to use. It also comes with a variety of custom products, so you can choose the ideal product to sell. Zazzle is another well-known print-on-demand business that has a broader selection of products and customization choices.

Is Print-on-Demand Still a Good Business?

Theres no doubt that print-on-demand (POD) continues to open markets for creatives, artists, and small businesses engaged in merchandising. It offers a quick, easy, and affordable way to print and distribute books, artwork, merchandising, and more on a global scale.

It is a great alternative for creatives who want to get their custom products into the hands of their fans without incurring the high costs of traditional printing, storage, and distribution. The major draw for POD is that it allows entrepreneurs much leeway in their manufacturing as production is on an as-needed basis.

What Are the Best Quality T-Shirts for Printing?

There are several factors to consider when looking for the finest quality T-shirts for printing. The first thing to think about is the sort of printing you want to do.

For example, if you want to screen print, youll need to use a material made of a thicker substance to keep the pigment from bleeding through the blouse. And if you want to do digital printing, you would want to opt for a T-shirt made from a thinner material to improve the ink clearly printed on the garment.

Is dropshipping better than print on demand?

Though both dropshipping and print-on-demand share many features print on demand has an edge over drop shipping. Doprshipping companies or eCommerce suppliers offer goods and services to online merchants and are limited to marketing, fulfillment, and transportation. The dropshipping industry is more cutthroat than the print-on-demand market as there is little differentiation among the products that are up for sale.

Print on demand, however, has an element of uniqueness when it comes to the product as they are designed by a particular artist, creative or small business. If you want to build a long-lasting and consistent image with customers and carve out your own niche then print-on-demand can be a good option.

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A reader asks: What does a virtual assistant do? And how can one help my business? I run a small business but the volume of emails and customer inquiries has exploded. Its challenging to stay organized. Yet we cant afford to hire a full-time administrative assistant or office manager  nor do we have the space, because our office is tiny. A colleague suggested I hire a virtual assistant. Can you give me some idea of the types of tasks a virtual assistant can do?  Howard from Albuquerque, New Mexico Howard, this is a great question. Yes, we will explain exactly what a virtual assistant does. Well go one better for you. At the end of this article we outline 53 different tasks a virtual assistant (VA) can do for a small business, so that you have examples to draw on. But first, lets answer some basic information. Small Business Deals What is a Virtual Assistant? A virtual assistant, often shortened to VA, is a professional who operates in a remote working environment, providing assistance in various areas such as administrative tasks, business development initiatives, social media management, marketing campaigns, and much more. These professionals are pivotal in the day-to-day operation of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and managerial roles, offering support by managing recurring tasks and handling administrative work that otherwise consumes valuable time. While these assistants typically operate from their home offices, their geographic location can be anywhere  in the United States or overseas. Virtual assistants have seen an upsurge in their popularity within small businesses in the past decade, primarily due to their flexibility. Depending on your business needs, a VA can be hired part-time or full-time. Whether you require their services for 20 hours, 30 hours, or even a full 40-hour week, VAs provide versatility to cater to your unique requirements. The compensation model for virtual assistants can be quite varied. Some may prefer to be paid by the hour, while others might opt for a fixed weekly or monthly stipend. In many cases, you may find a better value proposition by hiring a full-time virtual assistant for several reasons: Prices can be surprisingly affordable, especially for offshore workers.

Its easier to integrate a full-time assistant into regular workflows and get deeper benefit from the arrangement.

A full-time VA will be better positioned to learn any special software apps you require, develop cordial relationships with co-workers and customers, and grow with you as the business grows. There are two primary types of virtual assistants  independent freelancers and those associated with a company or agency. When you collaborate with a virtual assistant company, you often communicate with a manager who comprehends your needs and ensures you get a VA that is the best fit for your operations. Benefits of a Virtual Assistant In the fast-paced business world, the use of a virtual assistant can significantly amplify your productivity. Consider this  how a business owner or a key manager allocates their time could be the most critical determinant of business success. Thus, it is imperative for them to concentrate on high-value activities and strategic matters, leaving routine and administrative tasks to their reliable virtual assistant. Rob Levin, Chairman of Work Better Now, puts it this way, drawing from his own experience. In order to spend time on high-value activities, it was important for me to spend less time on lower-value activities. This is why I not only hired a virtual assistant 5 years ago but why I co-founded a company, Work Better Now , to provide virtual assistants to other business owners. Levins partner Andrew Cohen and Work Better Nows CEO, says the most common question asked by the companys prospective clients is what can a virtual assistant do for me? To answer that question, Cohen provides a list of 47 tasks a virtual assistant can do. 53 Tasks a Virtual Assistant Can Do A virtual assistant is a highly skilled independent contractor who remotely performs a plethora of tasks. Ranging from scheduling appointments to screening and responding to emails, a VAs duties are far-reaching. Yet, scheduling and emails are just the tip of the iceberg. If a task can be done online, a VA is more than capable of executing it. This resource is your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of virtual assistants, clarifying their roles and highlighting the significant benefits they can bring to your business. Calendar Management The task of managing a calendar, both professional and personal, often poses one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs. Virtual assistants step in here, transforming a daunting task into an effortless process by providing reminders and scheduling appointments. They offer the following services: 1. Coordinate and schedule calls and appointments. A task that can save business owners approximately 10 hours a week, freeing them from doing these tasks they find cumbersome. The key to success here is providing your VA with clear rules about scheduling, including whom and when to schedule. They can also assist in coordinating schedules for other team members. 2. Confirm appointments. Its a best practice to provide your VA with a list of appointments to confirm, particularly for the next day. This practice can prevent time wastage caused by forgotten appointments or last-minute cancellations from the other party. 3. Provide reminders about calls and appointments. It can be easy to forget to make a call, particularly when youre out of the office or in back-to-back meetings. A VA can provide timely reminders, calling or texting you a few minutes before your commitment to ensure you remember. 4. Reschedule calls and appointments. A VA also serves as your communication bridge, informing the other party of any schedule changes and confirming the rescheduled time. 5. Provide notice of schedule changes to others. The virtual assistant will also provide notice to the other party and get the rescheduled time confirmed. 6. Protect time. VAs can also help protect your time from unnecessary interruptions. They can step in and politely decline requests for meetings that may not be a top priority. 7. Send and maintain a pending list. Virtual assistants can provide you with a weekly list of individuals who havent responded to meeting or call requests, alerting you when your intervention may be needed. 8. Inform significant others when you will be out of town. VAs can also keep your loved ones informed about your travel schedule. They can share a calendar invite with the out-of-town dates and your flight and hotel details, ensuring seamless communication.

Email and Contact Management and Communications

In the digital age, a massive volume of emails can inundate your inbox, and maintaining an up-to-date contact list can become a task in itself.

This is where the expertise of a virtual assistant comes into play. By entrusting these tasks to a VA, you can reclaim precious hours of your time. Heres a look at the range of activities a VA can handle:

9. Screen emails. Virtual assistants can manage your inbox based on specific rules set by you. They can perform tasks such as deleting, responding, forwarding emails or flagging critical ones for your attention.

10. Add people to contacts. Every time you engage with someone new, be it a call, meeting, or any other form of interaction, your VA can ensure that the persons details are promptly added to your contacts.

11. Update peoples info to contacts. There could be instances where you dont immediately have access to all of a contacts information. In such cases, a VA can gradually fill in these gaps, adding information to contacts as and when it becomes available, such as details from an email signature.

12. Add contacts to CRM. A key reason small businesses dont leverage their CRM application effectively is the time-consuming data entry involved. Your VA can take on this task, adding to and organizing your CRM system.

Phone Tasks

When you require someone to handle phone interactions or even carry out light receptionist duties without the need for a physical presence, a virtual assistant can rise to the occasion.

13. Perform light receptionist duties. There are instances when you may expect important calls but might not be available to answer them personally. This is where a virtual assistant becomes invaluable.

By redirecting such calls to your VA, you can ensure you dont miss any vital communication, while also being able to focus on your primary tasks at hand without interruptions.

14. Transcribe voicemails. In our fast-paced digital age, most voicemails can be accessed via email. These can be forwarded to your VA who, apart from transcribing the voicemail content, can also conduct any necessary follow-up activities.

This could include reaching out to the caller or setting reminders for you to respond, thereby streamlining your communication processes.

Travel

The task of organizing flights and hotels for business travel can be a surprisingly time-consuming process, often pulling you away from your core business operations. This is where the skills of a virtual assistant can prove indispensable. A VA can handle:

15. Research flights. Given your specific criteria such as preferred airlines, seating arrangements, and timings, a VA can perform a thorough analysis of various flight options.

They can then present you with the best alternatives, ensuring that you not only travel comfortably but also save a considerable amount of time over the course of a year.

16. Research hotels. In a manner similar to flight research, your VA can delve into hotel options based on your unique preferences.

This can include factors like the type of accommodation, location, available amenities, and any special rates you may be entitled to. They can then compile a shortlisted selection, saving you the hassle of browsing through numerous options.

17. Book flights and hotels. With your decisions made and armed with your credit card and frequent flyer information, your VA can take care of the booking process.

This can be a tedious task to handle personally, but a VA can manage this efficiently, saving you time and reducing the likelihood of errors.

18. Research transportation options. This encompasses various possibilities, from rental cars and rideshares to even local public transportation, depending on your preference and the nature of your travel.

19. Book transportation. Once the best options are identified, your VA can take it a step further and handle the bookings, akin to the way they manage your flight and hotel arrangements. This ensures a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

20. Arrange for events. If your trip involves attending or hosting events, your VA can handle the research and make the necessary arrangements. This could include finding a suitable restaurant for a business dinner, booking a meeting space, or even securing tickets for a local concert.

21. Suspend newspaper or mail. When youre away, your VA can ensure regular services at your residence, such as newspaper delivery or mail, are temporarily suspended. This adds another layer of convenience to your travels and ensures your home operations are taken care of in your absence.

Business Development

When it comes to the task of business development, the workload can be substantial and multifaceted.

From researching potential leads on platforms like LinkedIn to finding crucial contact information like email addresses, these activities often entail time-consuming groundwork.

A virtual assistant can take the reins of these tasks, allowing you to devote your focus on the interpersonal interactions pivotal to making successful sales.

22. Research leads on LinkedIn. For B2B businesses, and occasionally B2C operations, maintaining a list of potential clients is an imperative task. After gaining a deep understanding of your requirements, a virtual assistant can conduct a thorough search on LinkedIn, creating an exhaustive list of prospects that align with your ideal client profile.

23. Find email addresses. A VA can skillfully navigate databases and employ effective Google search strategies to locate the email addresses of potential clients youre looking to contact. This not only ensures you have the correct contact information but saves you the time and effort of finding it yourself.

24. Design presentations. Your VA can add a professional touch to your proposals by locating and inserting the prospects logo and matching the text color accordingly. Furthermore, they can enhance the presentation by animating slides as required, giving you an edge in your business development efforts.

Management

As your business grows, it inevitably results in an increased demand for various management functions. This could include tasks like assembling reports for clients, which might require collating vast amounts of existing data.

Or perhaps youre looking to expand your team and need assistance with recruitment activities. Your virtual assistant can shoulder these responsibilities, providing you with the time and flexibility to focus on more strategic aspects of your business

25. Assemble reports. A VA can design and generate reports that track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at predetermined intervals. These reports provide a clear snapshot of your businesss performance, helping you make informed decisions.

26. Help to recruit employees. The struggle to find the right talent can often be as intense as the competition for clients, if not more so.

Your VA can screen LinkedIn profiles based on the criteria you provide, compiling a list of potential candidates that might be a good fit for your team. This not only simplifies your recruitment process but ensures that you have a wider pool of talent to choose from.

Accounting

If managing the financial aspects of your business such as maintaining books or sending out invoices induces a sense of dread in you, it might be time to delegate these tasks to a virtual assistant.

27. Maintain the books. With appropriate training and instructions, your virtual assistant can handle financial tasks such as reviewing and matching transactions, and conducting monthly reconciliations. This ensures a streamlined bookkeeping process and consistent financial records for your business.

28. Create and send invoices. By utilizing invoice templates, a virtual assistant can draft professional invoices and distribute them to your clients. This ensures timely and accurate billing, contributing to healthy cash flow.

29. Chase down payments. Establishing an accounts receivable process is crucial for all businesses. Your VA can follow this process to collect payments that are due, which can include escalating the issue to the business owner or the relevant person when necessary.

Personal Errands

Managing personal life responsibilities alongside a thriving business can be demanding. Tasks such as making restaurant reservations or sending out gifts are integral to maintaining your personal relationships.

However, they can also be time-consuming. By leveraging the services of a virtual assistant, you can navigate these responsibilities more efficiently.

30. Make personal restaurant reservations. With access to your personal preferences and login details for reservation platforms like Open Table, your VA can make restaurant bookings on your behalf and even coordinate with the guests.

31. Make purchases. Sometimes, even platforms like Amazon might not have what you need, or the purchase process can be too tedious. Your VA can help with online shopping to secure the items you need.

32. Research and send gifts. For occasions when a generic gift card doesnt suffice, your assistant can find something distinctive and arrange for its delivery.

33. Manage the logistics for your hobby. Whether its securing a studio for your garage band rehearsals or organizing your book clubs meetings, a VA can alleviate the logistical burdens, allowing you to indulge in your hobbies without stress.

34. Track down problem orders. When an order doesnt arrive on time, your VA can liaise with the supplier, handling hold times and troubleshooting, keeping you informed throughout the process.

35. Manage the family calendar. Scheduling family events and tracking appointments can be seamlessly handled by your virtual assistant, freeing up more of your personal time.

36. Schedule medical appointments. Given relevant details such as birth dates and insurance information, a VA can arrange doctors visits and even start filling out the requisite paperwork.

37. Pay personal bills. For infrequent purchases or vendors who dont offer online payment options, a virtual assistant can manage the bill payments.

38. Call stores to get information. Whether youre hunting for a rare bottle of Scotch or a special gift, your VA can make the necessary calls to find the store stocking the item youre searching for.

Operations

As a small business owner, your focus should be on strategic planning for your companys future, conceptualizing new products and services, and driving initiatives that will elevate your business. Therefore, operational tasks such as filling out online forms and managing files can be delegated to a reliable support system, a virtual assistant.

39. Fill out online forms. Your virtual assistant, equipped with pertinent company details, can fill out various forms, such as those necessary for subscribing to Software as a Service (SaaS) products, saving you precious time.

40. Take notes from webinars. When youre interested in the content of a webinar but cant allocate time to watch it, even if its on-demand, your VA can attend on your behalf, note down key points and provide you with a comprehensive summary.

41. Convert files. If youre in need of a different file format, say, a JPEG instead of a PDF, your VA can handle the conversion for you.

42. Conduct research. Your VA can carry out initial research for crucial decisions, such as evaluating various SaaS products to ascertain which one would be the most suitable for your needs.

43. Set up projects in your project management system. A VA can set up new projects in your project management tool and extend invitations to the relevant participants, ensuring a smooth kick-off.

44. Handle file management. Be it Dropbox or a local server for file storage, your virtual assistant can ensure appropriate file organization with accurate naming conventions. They also ensure access permissions are correctly allocated.

45. Schedule social media. Your virtual assistant can streamline your social media strategy by scheduling your posts according to the process youve outlined.

46. Proofread and edit letters, blogs and presentations. Overwhelming workloads can sometimes lead to inadvertent errors. Your VA can help proofread and edit important communications like letters, blogs, and presentations, ensuring professional and error-free content.

47. Maintain a virtual assistant manual. Business owners often prefer establishing processes over strictly adhering to them. Your VA can keep a manual documenting their tasks, which proves handy, especially during unexpected absences.

Heres a summary of the diverse range of tasks that a Virtual Assistant can handle, all neatly packaged in a convenient comparison table.

Task Category Examples of Tasks a VA Can Perform Calendar Management Scheduling appointments, providing reminders, rescheduling appointments Email and Contact Management Screening emails, updating contacts, adding contacts to CRM Phone Tasks Light receptionist duties, transcribing voicemails Travel Arrangements Researching and booking flights/hotels, arranging transportation, suspending regular services Business Development Researching leads, finding email addresses, designing presentations Management Tasks Assembling reports, helping recruit employees Accounting Maintaining books, creating invoices, managing accounts receivable Personal Errands Making reservations, online shopping, managing personal schedules Operations Filling out forms, taking webinar notes, managing files, scheduling social media Tasks a VA Does Not Perform Varies depending on specific VA services, rules, and boundaries

More Tasks a Virtual Assistant Can Do

Expanding the scope of what a Virtual Assistant (VA) can do for your business opens up even more opportunities for efficiency and growth. Here are additional tasks that showcase the versatility and comprehensive capabilities of a VA:

48. Data Entry and Database Management: A VA can manage and update databases, entering new data, and ensuring that all records are accurate and up-to-date.

49. Online Research for Business Development: A VA can conduct in-depth market research, competitor analysis, or find potential business opportunities and partnerships.

50. Handling Online Purchases and Returns: Managing online transactions, tracking orders, handling returns or exchanges can also be efficiently managed by a VA.

51. Website Maintenance: Basic website updates, content uploading, and monitoring for functionality issues can be assigned to a skilled VA.

52. Managing Affiliate Programs: If your business is involved in affiliate marketing, a VA can manage affiliate relationships, track program performance, and coordinate payouts.

53. Customer Feedback Collection and Analysis: Collecting and compiling customer feedback, conducting surveys, and analyzing the results to provide actionable insights for business improvement.

Things a Virtual Assistant Does Not Do

Of course, there are a few things your virtual assistant wont do. You neednt worry about a virtual assistants attitude if you ask them to do something. A VA does not:

Roll his or her eyes at you. At least you wont see it if it happens! And you wont hear it in any communication.

At least you wont see it if it happens! And you wont hear it in any communication. Require a bigger office or another desk . These folks wont be sharing your office space, so theres no need to make extra room.

. These folks wont be sharing your office space, so theres no need to make extra room. Interject drama. With virtual assistants you wont have big egos to coddle. You wont need to walk on eggshells or worry about gossip overriding professionalism. The nature of the relationship being long distance means office drama is nonexistent.

Next Steps to Get a Virtual Assistant

Identify the tasks in your business that would be best to outsource. Hint: Focus on tasks that do not require your expertise. Ask yourself if the task is the best use of your time or would be better done by someone else?

Once youve identified the tasks best suited for outsourcing, the next step is to find the right VA who can seamlessly integrate into your business operations. Services like Work Better Now can match you with VAs that not only fit your needs but also align with your businesss ethos and culture.

Incorporating a VA into your business strategy is not just about delegating tasks; its about empowering your business to reach its full potential. Whether its scaling up operations, enhancing customer engagement, or simply achieving a better work-life balance, a VA can be a pivotal part of your success story.

Remember, the role of a VA is not just to take tasks off your plate; its also about bringing in new perspectives, efficiency, and skills that you might not possess. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and strategies for your business.

By choosing the right VA, youre not just hiring a virtual assistant; youre investing in a partnership that can drive your business forward. So, take the time to assess your needs, explore your options, and embrace the journey towards more streamlined and effective business operations with the right Virtual Assistant by your side.

For more information about virtual assistants, read:

All answers to reader questions come from the Small Business Trends Editorial Board, with more than 50 years of combined business experience. If you would like to submit a question, please submit it here.
NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory, a spacecraft in high orbit around Earth since 2010, was instrumental in detecting this event.

The observatory, specialized in capturing solar phenomena in extreme ultraviolet light, showcased the flare as a brilliant, intense flash, signaling a surge of energy from our central star.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/surprise-us-family-discovers-152-year-old-shipwreck-in-lake-michigan-during-fishing-trip-1115613178.html

Surprise! 152-Year-Old Shipwreck Discovered in Lake Michigan During Fishing Trip

Surprise! 152-Year-Old Shipwreck Discovered in Lake Michigan During Fishing Trip

In an unexpected twist during a casual fishing trip, a family's sonar detection, initially thought to be an octopus, turns out to be a historic shipwreck missing since 1871 in Lake Michigan.

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Expecting nothing more than a routine day of fishing, Tim Wollack and his daughter Henley were startled when their sonar equipment detected what seemed like an octopus beneath their boat. However, this underwater mystery unveiled a long-lost shipwreck, a discovery confirmed by the Wisconsin Historical Society.The adventure unfolded as the Wollacks fished in Wisconsin waters. Henley's initial guess was a whimsical "Green Bay Octopus," but further investigation by her father hinted at something far more significant. Suspecting they had stumbled upon the Erie L. Hackley, a ship missing for over 150 years, Tim turned to social media for insights.His shared images and queries caught the attention of the Wisconsin Historical Society's Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Program. Collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Mike Neal, the group deployed a Video Ray ROV to examine the site on December 4. Within moments, the underwater exploration revealed a wooden three-masted sailing ship in shallow waters.While the ship's identity remains unconfirmed, the evidence strongly suggests it is the barkentine George L. Newman, a vessel lost over 152 years ago and absent from historical and nautical charts. The George L. Newman, a ship measuring 122 feet in length, met its fate amidst the Great Peshtigo Fire, the deadliest in US history.The Wisconsin Historical Society plans to survey the wreck in spring 2024, assessing its eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/us-jury-orders-rudy-giuliani-to-pay-148mln-for-defaming-georgia-election-workers-1115613444.html

US Jury Orders Rudy Giuliani to Pay $148Mln for Defaming Georgia Election Workers

US Jury Orders Rudy Giuliani to Pay $148Mln for Defaming Georgia Election Workers

A US jury ordered former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani to pay a multimillion-dollar fine for defaming a Georgia election worker, Georgia State Chief Operating Officer Gabriel Sterling said in a statement.

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Sterling said on Friday that the jury ordered Giuliani to pay a total of $148 million to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss. The fine accounts for $75 million in punitive damages, as well as more than $16 million and $20 million each for defamation and emotional distress. Although Giuliani initially indicated he would testify in the case, he ultimately chose against doing so. He told reporters late Friday that he made the decision because he felt as though the presiding judge "was threatening" to hold him in contempt of court.The one-time Trump lawyer told reporters outside the courtroom following the verdict that the fine was "absurd," and emphasized that the decision would be "reversed" once the case is brought before a "fair tribunal."

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/bulgaria-tries-to-stop-russian-gas-supplies-to-eu-by-tax-on-transit--serbias-gas-company-1115617355.html

Bulgaria Tries to Stop Russian Gas Supplies to EU by Tax on Transit  Serbia's Gas Company

Bulgaria Tries to Stop Russian Gas Supplies to EU by Tax on Transit  Serbia's Gas Company

Bulgarian authorities tried to introduce an excise tax on the transit of gas from Russia to stop its gas supplies to Europe, but this is impossible, Dusan Bajatovic, General Director of Serbia's gas company Srbijagaz, told Sputnik.

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"The purpose of the attempt to introduce these additional $100 was that the Russians would refuse to pay, for the rest it would become expensive and, then, they would say - the transit is not paid for, the service cannot be provided. This was invented to stop the supply of Russian gas through the Turkish Stream and the Balkan Stream to Serbia, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia. Another mining of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, as was the case with Nord Stream, would be too suspicious. It would not be possible to justify the fact that another gas pipeline was mined at the bottom of the sea, so this option was invented to stop gas supplies from Russia to Europe," Bajatovic said. He added that the Bulgarian authorities themselves had already withdrawn their proposal, and it was currently being considered by the Bulgarian Constitutional Court.Russian gas supplies to Serbia will increase to 2.4-2.6 billion cubic meters per year in accordance with an agreement until June 2025, Dusan Bajatovic said."We previously agreed with Gazprom to increase supplies from 2 billion cubic meters per year and received, in addition to six million cubic meters per day in winter, an additional two, then another three million cubic meters, for a total of 11 million cubic meters per day. Such terms are under the agreement until June 2025, while the price is calculated based on the oil formula, which makes this gas the cheapest in Europe, currently about $300 per 1,000 cubic meters. In reality, annually, the volume of supplies from Russia will reach 2.4-2.6 billion cubic meters," Bajatovic said.Serbia would like to increase the volume of gas supplies from Russia and underground gas storage facilities and is counting on cooperation with Russian energy giant Gazprom in this regard, Dusan Bajatovic, Bajatovic said in an interview with Sputnik.There is no medium-term or long-term solution for supplying gas to Europe without Russia, Dusan Bajatovic, general director of the Srbijagas natural gas provider said.I can tell you that there is no medium-term and, I think, long-term solution for supplying gas to Europe without Russian gas. Azerbaijan needs gas purchase guarantees for 15 years in order to invest funds and move from 18 billion cubic meters of production annually to 36 billion. The Americans will also demand long-term contracts for the supply of their LNG [liquefied natural gas], they must build new ships, organize new shale gas production. All this takes time," Bajatovic said.Russia's special military operation in Ukraine launched the process of de-dollarization and de-Americanization, Dusan Bajatovic said.Europe has lost the advantage of cheap Russian gas and is moving toward de-industrialization, Bajatovic said.He said production lines in the United States will be supplied with US gas, and in China - with Russian gas.The de-industrialization of Europe is happening, this is a big problem. The advantage of Germany and some other economies was based on cheap Russian gas and other raw materials. This no longer exists. Not because Russia so desired, but in line with the EU's political decisions, Bajatovic said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/enormous-blue-dragon-reigned-pacific-seas-72-billion-years-ago--1115624803.html

Enormous Blue Dragon Reigned Pacific Seas 72 Billion Years Ago

Enormous Blue Dragon Reigned Pacific Seas 72 Billion Years Ago

The discovery of Megapterygius wakayamaensis, a unique 6-meter mosasaur from 72 million years ago, challenges our understanding with its distinct anatomy. This 'Wakayama blue dragon,' unlike any modern marine creature, featured paddle-shaped limbs, a robust tail, and a potential dorsal fin, redefining our knowledge of marine reptile locomotion.

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In 2006, Akihiro Misaki, a paleontologist with the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History, made a remarkable discovery near the Aridagawa River in Wakayama, Japan. He unearthed a nearly intact skeleton of a prehistoric marine dinosaur, a find that took half a decade to excavate completely and revolutionized knowledge of ancient marine life.Uncovered from the depths of history, the Megapterygius wakayamaensis, a six-meter- (20-foot-) long mosasaur as long as a minibus, lived over 72 million years ago. The formal description of this air-breathing marine lizard species posed a new puzzle for paleontologists.Takuya Konishi, a paleontologist from the University of Cincinnati, explained the challenges in understanding the creature's locomotion and hunting strategies. "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," Konishi told a news source.Despite being warm-blooded, Megapterygius was neither a mammal nor a crocodilian  although its head resembled a crocodile's. Its most striking features included dual eyesight, massive paddle-shaped limbs, a robust tail, and potentially a dorsal fin. This combination of attributes was so unique that scientists in Japan named it the Wakayama 'blue dragon,' a mythical creature from Japanese folklore.Mosasaurs were the apex predators of the oceans for about 20 million years. They were formidable creatures, stretching up to 17 meters (55.8 ft), with powerful jaws and sharp teeth capable of preying on a wide range of marine life  including their own kind.The Wakayama blue dragon is notable for its extended rear flippers and spine resembling a dolphin, indicating unique adaptations like a dorsal fin and a distinct swimming method. Unlike other mosasaurs, it likely used its front fins for maneuvering and back fins for diving or surfacing, similar to cetaceans like dolphins. This is distinct from plesiosaurs, which relied on their flippers for propulsion.Konishi said the creature's swimming adaptations highlight the find's significance: "It is a question of just how all five of these hydrodynamic surfaces were used. Which were for steering? Which is for propulsion? It opens a whole can of worms that challenge our understanding of how mosasaurs swim," the paleontologist said.This discovery not only adds a new species to the paleontological record but also invites a re-evaluation of our knowledge about marine reptile locomotion and ecology during the age of the dinosaurs.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231031/two-year-global-photosynthesis-shutdown-killed-dinosaurs-66-million-years-ago-1114624718.html

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Annual targets within reach as China's economic recovery gains momentum

Xinhua) 09:22, December 16, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's economic recovery continued to gather steam in November, with multiple indicators showing strong performances, putting the world's second-largest economy on solid footing to meet its 2023 annual growth targets.

Indicators such as industrial output, services production, consumer spending and exports improved last month, and the country is well-positioned to achieve its full-year growth targets, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) spokesperson Liu Aihua told a press conference on Friday.

The country has set an approximate annual economic growth target of 5 percent for 2023, and its economy grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters.

RECOVERY GAINING MOMENTUM

Value-added industrial output climbed 6.6 percent year on year in November, accelerating from October's 4.6 percent rise and the fastest growth in more than two years.

Retail sales expanded 10.1 percent year on year last month, with the pace of growth accelerating for the fourth consecutive month.

The country's exports in yuan-denominated terms reversed a downward trend, up 1.7 percent year on year in November, rising for the first time since April.

Its services production index increased 9.3 percent year on year in November, with a growth rate 1.6 percentage points faster than the October figure.

Employment remained stable, with the surveyed urban unemployment rate unchanged at 5 percent in November, according to the NBS data.

As the country's macroeconomic policies gradually took effect, the national economy maintained a trend of continuous improvement last month, laying quite a solid foundation for the economy to achieve its full-year targets, Liu said.

The November data came after various international organizations, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank, raised their growth forecasts for China, citing favorable prospects.

"China's stable economic growth has made a significant contribution to global economic recovery," Liu said.

She noted that the country will not experience deflation as the government expects its economy and domestic demand to improve gradually.

Looking forward, Liu warned that the economy still faces lots of unstable and uncertain external factors while domestic demand has remained sluggish, and efforts should be taken to cement the foundation for economic recovery further.

INNOVATION DRIVING GROWTH

China has continued to promote innovation-driven development, with its ranking on the Global Innovation Index, which is released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, climbing from 35th in 2013 to 12th this year.

As the country's economic recovery continued apace, new growth drivers prospered to become bright spots in the economy. Analysts believe this will underpin the country's longer-term development.

Last month, high-tech manufacturing registered a 6.2 percent increase in industrial output, up 4.4 percentage points from October.

High-tech products such as solar cells, services robots and integrated circuits continued to perform phenomenally in November, with output surging 44.5 percent, 33.3 percent and 27.9 percent, respectively.

The production and sales of new energy vehicles totaled 8.43 million units and 8.3 million units during the January-November period, with those figures respectively surging 34.5 percent and 36.7 percent year on year.

Online retail sales of physical goods rose 8.3 percent year on year during the first 11 months, accounting for 27.5 percent of the total retail sales of consumer goods.

FUNDAMENTALS REMAIN SOUND

Despite headwinds from home and abroad, the country's economic development is underpinned by various favorable conditions, including a vast domestic market, a complete industrial system, a large talent pool, deepened reform and opening-up, and ample policy space, Liu said.

"The country's long-term sound fundamentals remain unchanged," she said.

China has built the largest high-speed rail and expressway networks on the planet, as well as world-class ports, and its population of 1.4 billion -- with a 400-million-strong middle-income group -- comprises an enormous market, said Wu Hao, an official of the National Development and Reform Commission.

"If we make full use of the immense market, the potential and vigor of the Chinese economy will be continuously unleashed," Wu said.

In the next 15 years, China's middle-income group is expected to exceed 800 million, driving the development of its enormous market further.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
The new MTT Way commemorative sign is seen outside of the San Francisco Symphony building in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle Mayor London Breed, right, and Michael Tilson Thomas watch the unveiling of the street sign of MTT Way during a ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle San Francisco Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey speaks at the dedication ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street to MTT Way in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle Mayor London Breed at the dedication ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street to MTT Way. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle A protester shouts at Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi during the dedication ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street to MTT Way in San Francisco. Pelosi didnt engage with the protesters chanting Stop the genocide! Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle

Politicians almost never fully agree about anything, but the entire San Francisco Board of Supervisors is evidently of one mind when it comes to Michael Tilson Thomas.

Following a unanimous board vote last month, the block of Grove Street between Franklin Street and Van Ness Avenue has officially been renamed MTT Way in honor of the San Francisco Symphonys music director laureate, who served as the orchestras music director for an unprecedented 25 years before stepping down in 2020.

The decision was made swiftly and without hesitation, according to Mayor London Breeds remarks at a dedication ceremony outside Davies Symphony Hall on Friday, Dec. 15.

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She had introduced legislation for the renaming, which invokes Thomas widely used three-initial nickname, on Oct. 24. The vote came Nov. 28.

Can you imagine if the city could get all of its policies done in MTT time? she said with a laugh. What a better city this would be.

Speaker Emeritas Nancy Pelosi, right, and Michael Tilson Thomas watch the unveiling of the street sign of MTT Way during a ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle

Thomas, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021, appeared physically frail, just as he had during his most recent appearance with the Symphony in October. But he greeted members of the crowd enthusiastically, and made a few impromptu remarks at a reception afterward.

I intend to keep pushing the boundaries, and I hope the board of trustees and the administration will let me get away with it for as long as I can, said Thomas, who turns 79 on Thursday, Dec. 21. Also, I want to suggest that when youre driving near MTT Way, please try to make as many left turns onto it or off of it as you can imagine.

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A crowd of about 100 civic and cultural luminaries gathered for the occasion, which culminated in the unveiling of a street sign pointing west from Van Ness. In addition to Mayor Breed, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey also spoke during the 30-minute ceremony.

Speaker Emeritas Nancy Pelosi, right, and Michael Tilson Thomas and Mayor London Breed watch the unveiling of the street sign of MTT Way during a ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle

Pelosi, a personal friend of Thomas and his husband, Joshua Robison, took the opportunity to reel off a list of Thomas awards and honors, including the National Medal for the Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, a Peabody Award and multiple Grammys. She also let the attendees know about his skills at making chocolate bread pudding.

During the ceremony, however, half a dozen protesters stood to the side with signs rebuking Pelosi for her support of Israel during the ongoing crisis in Gaza. NP Where is your humanity? one sign read.

Were happy to celebrate our musicians here in San Francisco, said protester Laz Ardlana. But in Gaza, we see musicians being blown up, including young, aspiring musicians. So it feels dystopian for us to celebrate musicians here  all credit to them  but to facilitate the killing of musicians abroad.

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Mayor London Breed and Michael Tilson Thomas, right, watch the unveiling of the street sign of MTT Way during a ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle

The choice of the Civic Center block that passes between Davies Hall and the War Memorial Opera House made perfect sense, said longtime Symphony cellist Barbara Bogatin, who attended with her orchestra colleague, trombonist Paul Welcomer.

This is the street that we all live on, she said. The city is honoring him in a very appropriate way.

After the ceremony, Thomas spoke warmly of his relationship with San Francisco audiences, including those who buttonhole him on the street to discuss his programming choices.

Im very honored by the street sign, he said, but whats even more important are the people who show up and care so much about the music that we make.

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Michael Tilson Thomas is seen at the dedication ceremony for the commemorative renaming of Grove Street to Michael Tilson Thomas Way in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 15. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle

James Carroll, a retired stage manager for the Symphony, recalled Thomas debut with the orchestra, performing Mahlers Ninth Symphony in the Opera House in 1974.

He was at the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the time, so he flew in for an afternoon rehearsal here, then back to L.A. that night for their concert, Carroll said. Hes a wonderful man, always a pleasure to work with.

Sydney Mintz, the senior associate rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El, where Thomas and Robison are longtime members, called the dedication a historic moment.

We are at a time of such darkness, the day after Hanukkah and just before Sabbath, and this feels like another light that were lighting for the Jewish people, Mintz said. I have deep pride about the fact that Michael Tilson Thomas has an incredibly rich history in the Jewish tradition as well.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/german-defense-minister-mulls-resumption-of-military-draft-1115630642.html

German Defense Minister Mulls Resumption of Military Draft

German Defense Minister Mulls Resumption of Military Draft

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Saturday suggested possible reintroduction of compulsory military service in the country, calling its suspension a mistake despite the reasons that existed at the time.

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"I'm considering all options ... At one time there were reasons to suspend compulsory military service. But in retrospect, it was a mistake," Pistorius told Germany's Die Welt newspaper in an interview. However, it is hard to return compulsory conscription now due to a number of issues, including legal and political, Pistorius said. At the same time, he is currently considering a Swedish conscription model, where both men and women are considered liable for military service, but only a portion of them are conscripted, Pistorius added. On April 28, Pistorius told Spanish press that Germany had no plans to bring back compulsory military service since Berlin did not have the capacity or funds for this. General conscription in Germany was abolished on July 1, 2011.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/german-media-blasts-berlins-plans-to-send-brigade-on-broomsticks-to-russias-doorstep-1115479843.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/hungary-can-veto-real-not-hypothetical-eu-ukraine-talks---hungarian-fm-szijjarto-1115616356.html

Hungary Can Veto Real, Not Hypothetical EU-Ukraine Talks - Hungarian FM Szijjarto

Hungary Can Veto Real, Not Hypothetical EU-Ukraine Talks - Hungarian FM Szijjarto

Hungary will be able to veto accession talks between the EU and Ukraine when they are real and not hypothetical, as now, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.

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He said resorting to veto would be expedient if, during preparation for real, and not hypothetical, as now, talks, Brussels wants to impose something unfavorable for us. On Thursday, the European Council decided to open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant the EU candidate status to Georgia.Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who did not vote on this decision at the summit, said the European Commission itself, in recommendations dated November 8, admitted that Ukraine had not yet met three conditions for launching membership talks. Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, shortly after Russia launched its special operation. On June 23, 2022, Ukraine and Moldova were granted candidate status. The European Commission recommended in November 2023 that the EU open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/russia-expects-freight-traffic-via-northern-sea-route-to-reach-50bln-tonnes-in-2024-1115623102.html

Russia Expects Freight Traffic Via Northern Sea Route to Reach 50Bln Tonnes in 2024

Russia Expects Freight Traffic Via Northern Sea Route to Reach 50Bln Tonnes in 2024

Freight traffic along the Northern Sea Route via the Arctic is projected to grow from this year's 36 billion tonnes to 50 billion tonnes in 2024, with the infrastructure-related projects drawing interest of Chinese investors, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev told Sputnik.

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On Friday, the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and Northeast China held a meeting of co-chairs in Beijing, where Russia was represented by Trutnev and China by Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing. "This year we plan to reach 36 million tonnes of freight traffic, or probably even a little bit more. Next year, we currently predict freight traffic to be about 50 million tonnes," Trutnev said. He also said that unlike the Suez Canal, the Northern Sea Route would not be rendered impassable by one ship stuck sideways. Trutnev also expressed hope that Chinese firms will be able to provide insurance for ships traveling along the Northern Sea Route, after Western countries stopped doing so. The Northern Sea Route is part of the Northeast Passage, which is a shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans along the Arctic coast, connecting Europe and Asia.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/russian-deputy-fm-egyptian-jordanian-envoys-discuss-palestine-israel-conflict-1115631215.html

Russian Deputy FM, Egyptian, Jordanian Envoys Discuss Palestine-Israel Conflict

Russian Deputy FM, Egyptian, Jordanian Envoys Discuss Palestine-Israel Conflict

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has discussed with Egyptian Ambassador to Russia Nazih el Nagari and Jordanian Ambassador to Russia Khaled Shawabkeh the Palestine-Israel conflict and the issue of an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Saturday.

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"During the conversation, the sides discussed the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and focused on the necessity to continue consolidated efforts in the interests of an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the provision of humanitarian assistance to its population, as well as the situation in the West Bank," the foreign ministry reported. The meeting's agenda also included the issues of strengthening Russian-Arab coordination on key topics of international and regional agenda, including within the framework of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, the statement read. On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip across 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 18,700 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the conflict, according to local authorities.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/scott-ritter-joe-bidens-world-war-iii-fantasy-1115624459.html

Scott Ritter: Joe Biden's World War III Fantasy

Scott Ritter: Joe Biden's World War III Fantasy

On July 13, 2023, US President Joe Biden confidently announced to the world that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has already lost the war.

2023-12-16T13:44+0000

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The war Biden spoke of was Russias Special Military Operation against Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.Bidens bold statement was made during a press conference with Finland's President Sauli Niinisto, following a meeting with Nordic leaders that came on the heels of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.Biden declared that the US and its NATO allies had, through their decision to commit to the military victory of Ukraine over Russia, reached an inflection point in history, adding that This fight is not only a fight for the future of Ukraine, it is about sovereignty, security and freedom itself.The American presidents pronouncements followed similarly themed rhetoric spoken in Vilnius a day prior, where he announced to his NATO colleagues, Our commitment to Ukraine will not weaken, adding that We will stand for liberty and freedom today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.Confronted with a trifecta of bad newsthe calamitous defeat of the NATO-trained and equipped Ukrainian military in the much-hyped summer counteroffensive, a Russian Army that is growing stronger by the day, and the collapse of political will and fiscal ability on the part of Ukraines erstwhile allies in the US and Europe to continue funding Ukraines flagging war effortJoe Biden was compelled to alter his pledge to the cause of Ukrainian and European liberty and freedom to as long as we can, with the modifier contingent upon the US Congress willingness to throw another $60 billion into the $120 billion in aid the US has provided Ukraine since May 2022.To intimidate Congress into yielding to his demands regarding money for Ukraine, Biden undertook a campaign of terror. Frankly, Biden said in a statement delivered at the White House in early December, I think its stunning we have gotten to this point in the first place. Republicans in Congress are willing to give Putin the greatest gift he could hope for and abandon our global leadership.While many Republicans support continued funding of the Ukraine war effort, the issue has become politicized in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election, where domestic issues tend to trump foreign affairs. And, currently, there is no more high-profile domestic policy issue than border security and immigration reform. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina who has been a vociferous supporter of Ukraine, noted that while he would support continued funding of Ukraines war effort, he could not return to his home state of South Carolina to try to explain why I helped Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel and did nothing to secure our own border. I will help all of our allies, but we have got to help ourselves first.Mike Johnson, the new Republican speaker of the House and a hardline conservative, indicated that the objection to continued funding for Ukraine went beyond simply funding issues. What is the objective? Johnson said to reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky earlier this month. What is the endgame in Ukraine? How are we going to have proper oversight of the funds?Both Graham and Johnson had been subjected to a full-court press by Joe Biden and the White House in an effort for the recalcitrant Republicans to reverse course on their objections. We cant let Putin win, Biden pleaded. If Putin takes Ukraine, Biden noted, he wont stop there. The US president said an emboldened Putin would move on to threaten his NATO neighbors. And then, Biden stated, Well have something that we dont seek and that we dont have today: American troops fighting Russian troops.If the threat of a Third World War in the face of Congressional inaction wasnt enough, Biden authorized the Pentagon to declassify and release to CNN an intelligence report that claimed that Russia had suffered enormous casualties in its war with Ukraine, with some 315,000 of an estimated 360,000 troops that made up Russias pre-conflict ground force, having been killed or wounded. The declassified intelligence report also claimed that 2,200 of Russias 3,500 tanks have been lost, along with 4,400 of 13,600 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers.The release of the declassified report was clearly timed to influence the US Congress by emphasizing the very talking points that have been repeatedly made by Senator Graham and others that the US aid was Best money weve ever spent because the Russians are dying.Given the history of the US intelligence community of declassifying intelligence reports for the specific purpose of releasing the information to mainstream media outlets to shape public opinioneven if the intelligence community knows the information contained in the report is wrongone must take the report regarding Russian casualties with a heavy grain of salt. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia currently has some 617,000 troops deployed in the Special Military Operation zone. These forces are on the offensive, actively advancing on several fronts against a Ukrainian Army which is rapidly losing its ability to sustain large-scale ground combat operations. This doesnt sound like the performance of an organization that suffered some 87% casualties, a figure which would make the survivors combat ineffective.The fact is, US and European support for Ukraine is flagging, and Ukraine is facing an existential crisis in the coming weeks and months that it most likely will not be able to resolve in its favor.While Russian troops are taking casualties, it is far more likely than not that the real Russian casualty figures are significantly less than the number reported in the declassified US intelligence report, spread out over the original force and the hundreds of thousands of mobilized reservists and volunteers who have entered the fighting since. These losses pale in comparison to the more than 400,000 dead and nearly one million wounded Ukraine has suffered.Russias combat power grows every day, with fresh troops and equipment being made available for the war effort. Ukraine, on the other hand, has exhausted its reserves, and is left scraping the bottom of its human resources barrel to man whatever units it is able to organize from what is left of Ukraines diminished, and diminishing, arsenal.While the Russian Army is indeed large, and growing, and its capabilities expanding as it becomes more combat experienced, it is an army with a very specific missionthe defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian force structure is currently more than sufficient to defeat the Ukrainians on a frontage that stretches some 2,000 kilometers in length. It is even large enough to secure some additional Ukrainian territory, in addition to liberating the newly absorbed Russian territories of the Kherson, Zaporozhye, Donetsk, and Lugansk regions still held by Ukraine. But there are physical limitations as to what one can accomplish with 617,000 troops and occupying all of Ukraine before invading Poland and/or the Baltics is well beyond the capacity of the Russian forces currently deployed in the Special Military Operation.Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin has never intimated that Russia had any intention to either occupy all of Ukraine or seek to attack NATO  just the opposite. The Russian goals and objectives of the Special Military Operation are spelled out very clearly  demilitarization (the destruction of the Ukrainian Armed Forces), de-Nazification (the elimination of the regime of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the pro-Nazi political element inside Ukraine), and permanent neutrality for Ukraine (i.e., Ukraine will never join NATO). There is no intent to take the war to NATO. Such thinking is a fear-based construct of the Biden administration that is inaccurate and far removed from reality, little more than a fantasy which the sober-minded Russian government, ever mindful of the need to carefully manage escalation because of the Special Military Operation, will pay scant attention to.Joe Biden and his national security team are scrambling to manage the consequences of policy failure. Putin, it seems, has not lost the war with Ukraine. Russia is winning, something no amount of funding by either the US, the Europeans, or both, can reverse. The best thing that could happen to Ukraine is for the congressional Republicans to hold steadfast to their objections and allow Ukraine to be taken off the life support that US funding provides. Ukraine is a terminal case. Continuing to underwrite its failed war effort simply prolongs the agony of its people.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231127/ukraines-blame-game-begins-who-is-responsible-for-kievs-looming-defeat-1115235705.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231214/russian-airborne-forces-ex-commander-nato-counteroffensive-plan-bad-new-ukraine-strategy-worse-1115587473.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/scott-ritter-ukrainian-military-to-crumble-by-mid-2024-1115603833.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/syrian-troops-expel-us-occupation-force-convoy-in-countrys-northeast-1115630942.html

Syrian Troops Expel US Occupation Force Convoy in Country's Northeast

Syrian Troops Expel US Occupation Force Convoy in Country's Northeast

Syrian forces have played a years-long, deadly cat and mouse game with far more heavily armed US troops operating in the countrys oil and food-rich northeastern territories, joining local civilians in the creation of roadblocks and human chains meant to stop or at least slow down the movement of US forces and their allies through the region.

2023-12-16T18:42+0000

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2023-12-16T18:47+0000

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Syrian Arab Army troops manning a checkpoint in the Hasakah countryside managed to expel a joint convoy of US and separatist Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces militia.The incident, which took place on Saturday, saw a convoy of four US armored vehicles and an SDF vehicle attempting to enter the village of Qabur al-Gharajna in Tell Tamer in Hasakahs northwest, an area populated by Assyrian Christians, Arabs and Kurds. Army forces manning the checkpoint managed to prevent the convoy from passing, forcing it to turn around and leave the area.Ak-47-armed Syrian troops and unarmed civilians engaging in standoffs against American MRAP vehicles backed by deadly US airpower often risk their lives doing so, with the tension-filled David vs. Goliath incidents occasionally turning violent.In August 2020, a firefight between a US convoy and Syrian troops left one Syrian soldier dead and two others injured. The Pentagon blamed Damascus for the incident, but in 2021, a redacted US military report revealed that a mentally unstable US soldier instigated the conflict, and later tried to cover up his forces' responsibility.US forces first began rolling into Syria in late 2015, ostensibly going after Daesh (ISIS)* militants which took control of wide swathes of eastern Syria and western Iraq thanks to a regional power vacuum caused by a CIA dirty war against the Assad government, and the US invasion and occupation of Iraq. Once Daesh was vanquished in 2017, US forces stayed behind, to prevent the terrorist groups resurgence, or so they said.Former President Donald Trump revealed the occupations true motivations in 2018 and 2019, stating repeatedly, to his officials horror, that American forces were deployed in the country only for the oil. The Biden administration had subsequently circled back to the preventing Daeshs resurgence justification, with at least 900 soldiers operating in the country today.The lands east of the Euphrates River occupied by US forces and their SDF allies account for upwards of 90 percent of Syrias oil and gas resources, and some of its most fertile farmlands, allowing the Arab Republic to enjoy modest energy and food self-sufficiency before the war began in 2011.Syrian officials have accused the US of continuing its occupation to prevent the countrys reconstruction, and of sitting on top of and siphoning off its energy and food resources through illegal smuggling operations in coordination with crushing sanctions known as the Caesar Act meant to bring the country to its knees.President Bashar Assad has vowed to continue resisting US aggression, and has thanked his Russian and Iranian partners for assisting the war-torn nation with oil and food assistance and preventing the escalation of a humanitarian catastrophe. This past spring, Assad won a major diplomatic coup against US imperialism in the region, restoring relations with many of Syrias neighbors, and overseeing the countrys readmission into the Arab League.* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231210/cost-of-empire-study-says-us-military-intervention-making-americans-less-safe-1115514762.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231122/to-the-last-drop-us-continues-looting-of-syrias-oil-even-amid-attacks-on-illegal-bases-1115145089.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/ukraine-on-brink-of-humanitarian-collapse-authorities-admit-1115617784.html

Ukraine on Brink of Humanitarian Collapse, Authorities Admit

Ukraine on Brink of Humanitarian Collapse, Authorities Admit

Ukraines citizens will have a hard time scraping by next year, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk warned on Telegram, as budget deficit grows.

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Ukrainian citizens will have a hard time scraping by next year, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk warned on Telegram.In a "statement of the obvious," the Ukrainian official admitted that the government will face difficulties fulfilling its social and humanitarian obligations due to the ballooning budget deficit.In 2023, two new factors emerged. Accordingly, we must all adapt quickly, was how Vereshchuk phrased it. According to her, firstly, the conflict "may last longer than we first thought." She added, Secondly, there may be fewer resources for the social and humanitarian spheres than we would like, which means we must endure more and longer for less money.This admission by the Ukrainian deputy prime minister came as the head of the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Tax Committee Daniil Getmantsev earlier underscored that state coffers are critically dependent on assistance from Kievs allies in NATOs proxy war against Russia. By the end of the year, he stated, Ukraine needed to attract about $9.5 billion in financial support in the form of grants and preferential loans. Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal also held out hope of Ukraine receiving financial assistance to a tune of over $30 billion from the EU, US, and IMF, as well as patron states, to cover the country's state budget deficit. Shmyhal said on September 15 that Ukraines government had adopted a draft budget for 2024 that presupposed record military spending worth $45.6 billion. This means there will be a scramble to cover social sphere costs, healthcare, and education. According to Ukraines Finance Ministry, the draft budget for 2024 provides for spending on security and defense at a level of over $48 billion, which constitutes 23% of GDP.Ukraine's financial woes come hand in hand with battlefield disappointments. After the botched summer counteroffensive, Kiev's Western patrons have been facing growing "Ukraine fatigue." Wheedling money out of the US and the EU is becoming ever more challenging for President Volodymyr Zelensky, as his recent lackluster Washington foray showed. Zelensky failed to convince lawmakers in Washington to approve a $61 billion aid package that US President Joe Biden has been pressuring Congress to approve. In Europe, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the European Union from approving a 50 billion aid package for Ukraine, even as he allowed a vote to open accession negotiations for Ukraine in the bloc to go forward.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/zelenskys-in-trouble-ukraine-being-used-as-sacrificial-lamb-for-us-interests--1115615600.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/ukraine-proxy-war-scheme-falls-apart-as-us-congress-dismisses-zelensky-without-funds-1115596090.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/ukraines-accession-to-eu-could-greatly-harm-blocs-agriculture--polish-deputy-minister-1115620296.html

Ukraine's Accession to EU Could Greatly Harm Bloc's Agriculture  Polish Deputy Minister

Ukraine's Accession to EU Could Greatly Harm Bloc's Agriculture  Polish Deputy Minister

Ukraine's accession to the European Union could undermine food security in the bloc, putting European farmers out of business, Polish Deputy Agriculture Minister Michal Kolodziejczak said on Saturday.

2023-12-16T10:14+0000

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On Thursday, the European Council decided to open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. Ukraine's accession to the EU will harm the interests of Polish farmers, as they will be dominated by large Ukrainian agriculture companies, the Polish official continued. He said the entire Ukrainian agriculture was monopolized by about 95 holdings controlling anything from land to railroad. Polish-Ukrainian relations have deteriorated significantly this year due to the influx of Ukrainian grain to the European Union. Poland, alongside Slovakia and Hungary, unilaterally extended a ban on duty-free Ukrainian grain imports after EU-imposed curbs lapsed on September 15. In response, Ukraine filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization. Polish farmers have been protesting for weeks by blocking entry roads to the trucks carrying Ukrainian foods. Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, shortly after Russia launched its special military operation. On June 23, 2022, Ukraine and Moldova were granted candidate status. The European Commission recommended in November 2023 that the EU open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/hungarys-orban-has-at-least-3-good-reasons-to-reject-ukraines-geopolitical-eu-membership-drive-1115609468.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/ukrainian-defense-ministry-posts-pic-of-soldier-with-nazi-eagle-patch-1115626388.html

Ukrainian Defense Ministry Posts Pic of Soldier With Nazi Eagle Patch

Ukrainian Defense Ministry Posts Pic of Soldier With Nazi Eagle Patch

Kiev got its PR message all wrong with its new post on X (formerly Twitter) and was slammed by netizens who spotted yet another Hitler-era symbol on a Ukrainian serviceman.

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A Ukrainian Defense Ministry photo on its official X account showed a man in combat gear against the background of a destroyed building. In apparent reference to the Russian military, the caption read: they can destroy our buildings, but they can't break our spirit!But eagle-eyed twitter users looked closely and spied further proof of what the Kiev regime has been brazenly denying  its deep-rooted love affair with the Third Reich.Nazi Eagle and swastika visible, commented one netizen after another, after spotting the Nazi insignia of an eagle atop a swastika hidden in plain sight in the center of the mans chest.The comments thread gathered steam, with users saying that they could see the Nazi symbol, and that Ukraine was validating Russias special military operation.Denazification coming your way, wrote some riled up by the 'in-your-face' post.Many wondered why the official account of the Ministry was even posting such pics and what they hoped to gain by it. Others criticized the pic as "not good for their PR".One user asked if the Kiev regime could find even one single soldier WITHOUT a swastika, or whether neo-Nazis were all they had left.The eagle carrying a Swastika in its talons is one of the most well-known Nazi symbols. The Parteiadler of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), with its head turned to its left  facing eastward  later became the right-facing Reichsadler, the national emblem of Hitler's Third Reich.Russia has repeatedly ridiculed President Vladimir Zelenskys claim that he does not support neo-Nazis and that there are no members of the notorious Azov* Battalion in the Ukrainian militarys ranks. Ukrainian authorities have turned a blind eye to blatant manifestations of neo-Nazism from the start of the conflict, from marches by neo-Nazi battalions bearing the insignia of Hitler divisions to training of militants at camps under Western supervision.*The Azov Battalion is a terrorist organization banned in Russia.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/unpaid-energy-bills-reach-record-high-level-in-uk-amid-cost-of-living-squeeze-1115624974.html

Unpaid Energy Bills Reach Record-High Level in UK Amid Cost of Living Squeeze

Unpaid Energy Bills Reach Record-High Level in UK Amid Cost of Living Squeeze

British households have not been paying their electricity and gas bills due to the cost of living crisis. The amount owed to energy suppliers has reached 3bn ($3.8 billion), revealed regulator Ofgem.

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A staggering number of British households are unable to pay their electricity and gas bills due to the cost of living crisis.The amount owed to energy suppliers has risen by 400 million since mid-October, reaching 3 billion ($3.8 billion), revealed a report released on Friday.These concerns have prompted the industry regulator Ofgem to propose raising its cap on household bills by 16 or 1.33 a month, for the next financial year from April 2024. That rise is aimed at helping intermediary billing companies offset higher debt costs they say could drive them to bankruptcy.The record level of debt in the system means we must take action to make sure suppliers can recover their reasonable costs, so the market remains resilient, and suppliers are offering consumers support in managing their debts, stated Tim Jarvis, Ofgem's director general for markets.When the West launched its sweeping sanctions campaign against Russia over Ukraine in 2022, the US, European Union, UK started seeking ways to limit Russia's income from gas and oil exports. They also boasted their determination to cut their dependence on cheap and reliable Russian fuel. However, embargoes on Russian energy exports led to a sharp rise in prices. Although the UK gets around half its domestic natural gas from fields in its maritime exclusive economic zone in the North Sea, regional gas boards, electricity generators and consumers must pay the going market rate for supplies.Record high energy prices last year were partly offset by government support payments averaging 2,500 ($3,191) per household last January. Since then, the price cap set by the governments Energy Price Guarantee scheme has fallen to an average of 1,928 for January 2024. However, prices and wider cost of living pressures remain high, as Ofgem acknowledged in its report.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230731/uk-opens-up-north-sea-oil-and-gas-to-counter-russia-ukraine-energy-crisis-1112273326.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/eu-overpaid-185-bln-for-gas-due-to-russia-sanctions--1115419103.html

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Derelle Foster works at the offices of the Coalition on Homelessness in San Francisco. In a lawsuit, the group alleges that the city violates state and federal laws, its own policies and the rights of the unhoused in homeless encampment sweeps. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2019 From left, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Supervisors Joel Engardio, Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman participate in a rally on Aug. 23 outside the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco demanding the court overturn an injunction prohibiting the city from sweeping homeless encampments. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Growing up on the East Coast, before I really knew San Francisco, I would dream about the Castro. Like a lot of young queer kids, the neighborhood seemed like a haven of the boundless, radical inclusivity that so often wasnt present in our lives.

Each June, San Franciscos leaders commemorate the giant pink triangle thats installed on Twin Peaks and note the centrality of the area to the gay rights movement. In doing so, the city tells a story about itself and the Castro  one that reinforces my teenage notions of the neighborhood.

In recent years, however, theres another story about the Castro that Ive come to understand: This former hub of LGBTQ activism doesnt know how to reconcile its reputation with what it really means to be a refuge.

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We have to give hope to that poor runaway kid from San Antonio  They need hope! A piece of the pie! Harvey Milk told a New York Times reporter in 1977.

Implicit in Milk's words was the understanding that, for many, extreme financial precarity and even homelessness were inherent parts of the American LGBTQ experience  born of bigotry and discrimination.

Longtime residents assure me the Castro was once a place that genuinely lived up to Milks entreaty. You could come here with nothing and make a life for yourself as a young, relatively penniless gay waiter-cum-artist by bunking up with a few friends.

Now, the Castro is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. And as red states across the country ramp up their persecution of LGBTQ people, Milks runaway is less likely to wind up with a piece of the pie than in a tent, should they flee to the Castro.

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I think one of the most compelling stories for a lot of older queer people who might have more resources is the young person who comes to San Francisco and is looking for queer Oz and finds themselves on a sidewalk, said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, whose district includes the Castro. Mandelman holds Milks former seat on the Board of Supervisors and found himself standing in opposition to the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club on the issue of sweeping encampments of those who dont accept shelter when its available, which he favors. (On Friday, there were 427 people on the waitlist for shelter in San Francisco.) Notably, the other supervisors who stood with Mandelman, Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio, are also gay men.

Given the history of the Castro, the issue of homelessness may create for queer people a sense of obligation and a desire to help, Mandelman told me. At the same time, any family has to figure out, How much can we do? What is the limit? Because there needs to be some kind of boundaries.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins rightly drew criticism for her recent comments that San Francisco needs to make things uncomfortable for its homeless population. But Jenkins merely said the quiet part out loud. The Castro is among those city neighborhoods that have been making things uncomfortable for decades.

This gap between rhetoric and reality in the Castro was already clear in the late 1990s when young LGBTQ people with nowhere else to go were drawn to the neighborhood. It struggled to house them in places where they were safe from homophobic or transphobic harassment, and efforts to establish even small emergency winter shelters in the Castro and neighboring Noe Valley were stymied by residents.

The pushback from gay homeowners was vitriolic and mean, recounted Tom Ammiano, who was District 9s supervisor at the time, with a total dehumanization of young folks who had been kicked out of their homes. It is a dark stain.

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Around the same time, Jen Reck, now an assistant professor of sociology and sexuality studies at San Francisco State University, sat down with several homeless LGBTQ youth of color  labeled as the Castro Kids by neighbors  to write about their experiences. Some had been physically assaulted and cast out of their homes when their families suspected them of being gay. All sought safety and community in the Castro, either at after-school programs for LGBTQ youth or at the Muni station. Yet they faced regular harassment from neighborhood adults and police.

You would think that people who had gone through all those struggles as young folks would be able to reciprocate that help they were given, one told Reck. They became the people they probably deplored when they were young.

Now, decades later, the Supreme Court may review a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Grants Pass, Ore. The lower court case barred the enforcement of laws against camping on public property when a municipality is unable to make a reasonable offer of shelter. In September, a group of San Francisco businesses, organizations and self-described neighborhood leaders filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case to support what they called common sense public safety laws that would enable punitive responses to actions like sidewalk camping.

I was struck by how many names on the brief were affiliated with the Castro. There was the owner of Midnight Sun and the Edge, two long-standing gay bars; Welcome Castro, a fabulously queer shop; and homeowner and business organizations like the Castro Community Benefit District and Castro Merchants, among others.

How can we balance this with the uncomfortable fact that 38% of San Franciscos homeless youth identify as LGBTQ? According to the 2022 point-in-time count of the unhoused population in the city, 28% are LGBTQ, compared to 12% of San Franciscans, regardless of housing status. How can this city, which embraces and benefits from the populist legacy of Harvey Milk, turn around and treat the same people he spent his life trying to help like criminals?

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A lot of the people who are stepping up and promoting these policies should know better, said Alex Lemberg, a community lawyer in the Castro. It wasnt that long ago that they were fighting for their own rights and truly, to see this less than 10 years after we got nationwide gay marriage is just appalling.

We drifted, Ammiano said. Part of it is denial, part of it, privilege.

Maybe I was a bit naive when I read the friend of the court brief and was surprised. But I believe that small gulf in my cognition indicates just how effective that story about the Castro has been  and why the people listed in the brief made the choice that they did.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/us-airstrikes-on-iraq-25th-anniversary-of-operation-desert-fox-1115620645.html

US Airstrikes on Iraq: 25th Anniversary of Operation Desert Fox

US Airstrikes on Iraq: 25th Anniversary of Operation Desert Fox

In December 1998, the United States and Great Britain conducted a tactical military operation, code-named Operation Desert Fox, against Iraq without the authorization of the UN Security Council. The stated goal of the operation was to deny Iraq the ability to produce and use weapons of mass destruction.

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During Operation Desert Fox, a four-day bombing campaign against Iraq in 1998, there were also reports of civilian casualties. The campaign, led by General Wesley Clark, targeted Iraqi military installations and infrastructure.While the campaign was successful in damaging Iraqi military capabilities, it also resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.Some of the incidents included the bombing of a residential neighborhood in Baghdad, which killed civilians, and the bombing of a power plant near Basra, which disrupted electricity supplies and caused hardships for civilians. These incidents sparked criticism from human rights organizations and some governments, who called for an end to the bombing campaign and a greater emphasis on protecting civilian lives.The bombing began in the midst of a White House scandal, with Republicans questioning whether President Bill Clinton had bluntly ordered the bombing of Iraq to put off the impeachment debate.Take a look at the consequences of the four-day bombing campaign against Iraq in Sputnik's gallery:

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/watch-russian-drone-blow-up-group-of-ukrainian-infiltrators-near-artemovsk-1115619767.html

Watch Russian Drone Blow up Group of Ukrainian Infiltrators Near Artemovsk

Watch Russian Drone Blow up Group of Ukrainian Infiltrators Near Artemovsk

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of reconnaissance drone crews and FPV kamikaze drone operators tracking and destroying a group of Ukrainian infiltrators in the direction of Artemovsk.

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The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of reconnaissance drone crews and FPV kamikaze drone operators tracking and destroying a group of Ukrainian infiltrators in the direction of Artemovsk (Bakhmut).Since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces have been using kamikaze drones, which are designed to explode on impact with a target. Both reconnaissance and kamikaze drones have their own unique advantages and disadvantages in modern warfare. Reconnaissance drones provide valuable intelligence that can inform military decision-making and reduce the risk of casualties by allowing troops to avoid dangerous situations. Kamikaze drones, on the other hand, offer a low-cost alternative to traditional weapons systems for certain types of missions.

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Russian reconnaissance drone crews and FPV drone operators tracked down, trapped, and destroyed a group of Ukrainian infiltrators in the Artemovsk direction Russian reconnaissance drone crews and FPV drone operators tracked down, trapped, and destroyed a group of Ukrainian infiltrators in the Artemovsk direction 2023-12-16T10:25+0000 true PT2M12S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/week-of-disappointment-western-media-admits-ukraine-and-zelensky-losing-ground-1115617993.html

Week of Disappointment: Western Media Admits Ukraine and Zelensky Losing Ground

Week of Disappointment: Western Media Admits Ukraine and Zelensky Losing Ground

This week was a week of disappointment for the Ukrainian leader in terms of financial support.EU leaders "missed the mark" by failing to agree a 50 billion aid package for Ukraine at a summit in Brussels, a Western diplomat told the Financial Times.

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This week was a week of disappointment for the Ukrainian leader in terms of financial support, says the Financial Times. EU leaders "missed the mark" by failing to agree on a 50 billion aid package for Ukraine at a summit in Brussels, a Western diplomat told the news outlet.An EU official said that Kiev has liquidity through January, but after that, it will get "a little tight," which is why Ukraine is "right to be nervous."Michal Baranowski of the German Marshall Fund think tank in Warsaw said the EU summit marked "a bittersweet moment in the EU's relations with Ukraine." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington this week to lobby Congress to approve more aid for Ukraine, as current funding is set to run out at the end of the year. However, legislation to approve more funding for Ukraine is stuck in negotiations, as Republicans refuse to support President Joe Biden's $106 billion supplemental request, which includes $61 billion for Ukraine, until they see "credible" border policy changes added to the bill.US President Joe Biden was forced to downgrade the US pledge of support for Kiev from "as long as it takes" to "as long as we can." Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said his country had blocked 50 billion in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine for 2024-2027. He added that releasing the money to Kiev would hurt Budapest more than EU membership negotiations. In addition, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer opposed the start of negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership under the current conditions. In his opinion, Ukraine should not be favored against the background of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is also negotiating EU membership.

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Matty Athearn makes most of his driving appearances at Saratoga Casino Hotel and Plainridge Park. Last weekend, however, the 25-year-old from Maine made an appearance at Freehold Raceway and made his presence known when he steered Brickyard King to victory and placed second with Uncontrolled.

He returned to the half-mile oval in New Jersey one week later on Friday, Dec. 15 and won for the 1,000th time in his young career. His winning mount was, once again, Brickyard King for owner/trainer Ray Baynes. This time, the pair was 20-1 and paid $43 to win. They left from post six and captured the early lead quite easily, trotting to the first quarter in :29.3 with no pressure. They reached the half in 1:00.4 and faced the first-over challenger, 3-5 favourite Captain Molly C. The challenger clearly underestimated Athearn and his assignment because they could not clear the early leaders and remained parked past the three-quarter pole, which was reached in 1:30.4. In the final turn, Captain Molly C and driver Vinny Ginsburg settled for a spot in second behind Athearn on the rail but broke stride shortly after tucking in. This gave Athearn's charge ample opportunity to trot on and cross the wire 4-1/4 lengths ahead of the next competitor in 2:00.4.

Athearn also had two second-place finishes out of his five drives on the card. He will look to keep building on his win count tonight at The Meadowlands, where he is set to drive in eight races.

Freehold returns with more racing on Saturday, Dec. 16, including the second half of the Rosecroft-Freehold Driving Challenge. The first race is at 12:30 p.m.

(With files from Freehold Raceway)
Northville Downs, which opened in 1944, will be celebrating its 80th anniversary of operations in 2024 and will race 10 days from Jan. 5, 2024 through and including Feb. 3, 2024 with racing to be conducted every Friday and Saturday during this time frame with a first race post time each race night of 7 p.m.

Full card simulcasting from the best harness and Thoroughbred tracks across the country will continue to be available seven days and nights each week from noon to midnight.

Northville Downs will continue to offer its ever popular dollar night at The Ville during each Friday live race night with $1 pop, live programs and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials

As Northville kicks off its final racing season, all employees, horsemen and women and any fans and patrons who enjoyed their last trip to Northville are welcome back to enjoy themselves for one final time to say goodbye to Michigans pioneer harness racetrack in its 80th and final year.

Updates will be posted on the track's website throughout 2024.

For live racing dining reservations for the upcoming meet, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248-924-2073.

(Northville Downs)
The details of a proposed merger between Panhandle Coop and Farmers Coop were outlined at a town hall meeting in Gering Wednesday. The meeting was one of the first steps with membership to make the merger a reality.

Panhandle Coop Board Chairman Doug Olsen said board members had been considering a merger with the Farmers Coop since May.

Both organizations operate in the Panhandle and although there is some overlap, they largely work in different industries. Panhandle Coop operates three grocery stores in the area along with the sale of food and fuel. Many of their producers are cattle ranchers, according to information at the meeting.

Farmers Coop operates grain and feed operations largely focused in the northern counties of the Panhandle with facilities in towns like Alliance and Gordon.

Both co-ops operate agronomy services, which represents the most significant overlap of the services between the two organizations.

The town hall meetings are being held for both members both co-ops in the coming weeks. Olsen said he was excited for the merger, which has been approved by both boards. He said he hoped members would share in that excitement.

Part of this is making sure that we can continue to deliver the goods and services that each of you in this room want, Olsen said.

He did stress to members that the although both organizations maintain equity pools for their stockholders, those two pools will remain separate under the proposed agreement.

If approved the new organization will be referred to as Legacy Cooperative.

This is really to build the future, to build a better tomorrow for our patrons, our customers, our stockholders, Olsen said.

Attendees heard from Farmers Coop Board Chairman John Haas about the companys facilities and business. He spoke about sales and performance statistics to show that the organization was moving in the right direction.

Although the two co-ops operate in different spaces, the two companies are comparable in size and, if combined, would have facilities across the Panhandle along with eastern Wyoming and northern Colorado.

Panhandle Coop CEO Charlie Wright likened the development of the merger to a burgeoning relationship between the two entities.

He also spoke about a habit he has of keeping notebooks to look back at his thoughts from his previous years, one of which he said he had written the phrase, Change the landscape.

I still think thats important to move ahead and this is something thatll certainly change the landscape, Wright said.

He emphasized the potential of the two organizations in combining resources like improvements in talent acquisition or the use of technology.

Farmers CEO Bart Moseman and Wright fielded questions and informed members of what kind of changes they would see.

According to Wright, both organizations are planned to maintain their management teams for their separate divisions. The agronomy division, where there is the most overlap, will be divided between the northern and southern portions of the area.

Wright reassured attendees that there were currently no plans to discontinue any of the two co-ops facilities.

Some attendees expressed reservations about the proposal.

Linda Nichol, a farmer and rancher in Wyoming, had questions about the facilities in Torrington.

Im just not sure about it, Nichol said. I have some concerns about a loss of culture with growth.

The process of informing members will continue for both organizations as Farmers holds its own meetings and Panhandle Coop holds additional meetings before a planned vote by members.

Panhandle Coop will hold an additional town hall meeting at the Rendezvous Center Brand Room in Torrington on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Members should submit their ballots by mail by Jan. 6 or they may submit them in person at the voting meeting on Jan. 11.
For the 20th year, organizers are planning to serve more than 1,000 people during the annual Christmas Dinner in the Valley.

The dinner is organized by Larry Massie and Melissa Turman. Massie said he views the event as an opportunity to share love and hope with their community at a special time of year. The dinner is held at Harvest Valley Church, 743 Winter Creek Dr. in Scottsbluff.

Christmas Dinner in the Valley was started in 2003 after Massie read comments by then-Thanksgiving in the Valley coordinator Kevin Mooney in the Star-Herald, stating that it would be great if someone could run a similar event on Christmas.

So I went to see him the next day, he said. I asked him to bring me up to speed on logistics.

In just three weeks, Massie and a small team put together the first Christmas Dinner in the Valley. At the time, they had no way of knowing whether anyone would even show up or how much food would be necessary.

Turns out we had 400 people show up to eat the meal, and we also had 75 volunteers show up. They gave up their Christmas morning to do that, in what seemed to be a spur of the moment decision, Massie said.

Since then the event has grown dramatically, serving as many as 1,200 meals on a single day. Back then, most components of the meal were entirely homemade, which led to some special moments in the preparation process.

It got to where wed have a potato peeling party on Dec. 23, Massie said. We would have about 400 pounds of potatoes, sweet potatoes and apples, but we had enough volunteers and enthusiasm that wed have it all peeled, chopped and on the stove in less than an hour.

Many churches and community organizations have been or became involved in the meal throughout the years. Northfield Retirement Community has become the sole producer of pies for the meal in recent years. Hiland Dairy has donated milk to the effort since its inaugural year.

In these 20 years, theyve probably given us over 25,000 cartons of milk for free, Massie said. Its great how the communitys gotten behind us.

Something unique about Christmas Dinner in the Valley is the lack of a serving line. Massie said that the structure of the dinner is intended to make guests feel welcome and valued.

We ask them to come in and we wait on them, he said. We bring them their food, bring back seconds or thirds, whatever pies they want, drinks and whatnot. We want them to feel like theyre special.

Much like Thanksgiving in the Valley, the Christmas dinner is valued by volunteers and attendees alike for its efforts to ensure that no one is left alone on a holiday dedicated to quality time with loved ones.

We have a lot of people who are isolated, Massie said. We want them to know that they have value, they have worth and someone is thinking about them. They may not be starving, but they need to be with other people, especially on Christmas.

Special efforts are also made to deliver meals to first responders, emergency room workers and other front line employees who are working on Christmas Day to serve the community. International students at Western Nebraska Community College are also invited to partake, as many of them cannot make trips home to their native countries for the holidays.

The dinner will be held in person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25. Meals can also be picked up during those hours at Harvest Valley Church, or from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the 11 13 Ministries truck at the Guadalupe Center, 1200 E. Ninth St. in Scottsbluff.

Delivered meals are also available. To have a meal delivered to your home, call 308-633-2999 or visit harvestvalleychurch.com and complete the meal delivery form.

Massie said that delivery requests will even be accepted during serving hours, as its not always possible to foresee the need, and no one should be excluded for that reason.

We like to have requests in early so we can set up the routes, but its not always possible and we dont want to turn anyone down, he said.

Massie also encouraged anyone who is aware of a friend or neighbor that might benefit from a Christmas meal to take action and share the news with them.

The whole point is to get people to think about others, he said. There are other people around who have needs, and you might be the tool to meet that need.
If youre a long-time New England Patriots fan you probably still relish their first Super Bowl win. For those of us who forgot, here are the basics: Feb 3, 2002  Super Bowl XXXVI; Pats beat the heavily-favored Rams in the final seconds on a 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri.

Im sure there were some great pahties in Bahston and throughout New England after that huge win. Were only a few months away from the 22nd anniversary of that ginormous victory.

In just a few days well see the 250th anniversary of another big Bahston pahty. Unless youre a history buff, its not likely to appear on your phone calendar. It was, Ill admit, purely by chance and circumstance that I became aware of this anniversary.

A few years ago, during the pandemic, I was helping home-school our fourth-grade grandson. I was his social studies mentor. Around this time, my class (of one) was studying the causes of the Revolutionary War.

Heres a quick review of that famous or infamous, party well over two centuries ago: Dec 16, 1773  Boston Tea Party. The Sons of Liberty boarded three ships and tossed over 300+ crates of tea into Boston Harbor; Winner  The Sons of Liberty; Loser  The British East India Company.

History is written by (the) victors, so said Winston Churchill. Judge Andrew P. Napolitano (definitely not related to Janet) provides a similar view on historical authorship, but from a slightly different perspective with his 2010 book: Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power, and Deception in American History. Here are a few facts about the Tea Party, courtesy of the Victors and the History Channel:

Some well-known members of the Sons of Liberty included Paul Revere, John and Samuel Adams (second cousins), Patrick Henry and John Hancock

The Sons of Liberty boarded three ships  all American-owned

Colonists were not protesting the recently-passed Tea Act so much as the Brits trying to tell them who they could and could not trade with

The Sons of Liberty were clear in their efforts to demonstrate to the ships crews that their act was a protest  i.e., they swept up; no harm was done to the crews and no damage to the ships; a lock was broken, but was replaced the next day

The patriots called themselves the Sons of Liberty, but the stockholders of the British East India Company back in London (owners of the tea),probably called them Sons of Bit*hes, since the 92,000 pounds of tea tossed overboard represented a loss of over a million dollars in todays currency

Not all colonists supported the protest; in fact, Benjamin Franklin offered to make restitution to the British East India Company from his own money

As a further non-violent protest against the Tea Act, many colonists switched to coffee (guess they decided to both switch and fight)

Without opening a really yuge bag of worms, I will assume that most readers have at least a cursory knowledge that different states purchasing the same high school history text book, by the same authors and from the same publisher, can tailor versions more suited to their historical/political/religious views.

The most glaring differences are with Texas and California, but dont forget the Deep South. By sheer coincidence, during the time my class was covering this topic, an article in USA Today noted that Mississippi students were not required to learn about the civil rights movement before 2011. (Not sure if/when theyll get the word about the Civil War!)

Unlike public school text books that are revised every five years or so, we live in an era where revisionists are so involved in revising current events, most cant be bothered with tailoring history books. Besides, its much more lucrative to spin the present. As an aside, during the time that Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos ruled the Philippines, Imelda would not permit the musical, Evita to be performed in the country perhaps she didnt want any comparisons made to Juan and Eva Peron.

Only time will tell as to who will write a definitive history of the U.S. for the first quarter of the 21st century. If the victors do, in fact write it, how much will be based on fact, and how much on myth and deception? Sadly, it seems like weve arrived  a lot of folks are already writing their own view of history, as well as current events. Guess you might call them the Burger King Historians you know, as the jingle says: Have it your way. In a manner of speaking, Mark Twain addressed this situation well over a century ago:

It aint what you dont know that gets you into trouble. Its what you know for sure that just aint so.
Documents filed this week by the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Francisco show how pig butchering texting scams work. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Cellphone users around the country have for months reported a growing barrage of puzzling text messages from people who appear to have the wrong number. Hey, what are you doing Monday? a text might read. Or: I have something to tell you. The message could be even simpler: Im bored or Hello.

Many people have been conditioned to understand such messages as opening salvos in complicated cons, just as they have with phone calls purporting to be from the IRS or emails regarding wealthy heirs stuck in overseas prisons. Yet the texts continue.

Thats because, authorities say, victims keep falling for this particular scheme  which combines aspects of romance and investment scams and is known as pig butchering because marks are fattened up before the kill. And when they fall for it, the haul can be massive.

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Documents filed this week by the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Francisco  during International Fraud Awareness Week  show how the scam works. They describe how a 68-year-old Santa Clara man identified only as RB, who had recently divorced and was struggling through financial problems, received a text message in February from a number he didnt recognize.

When he responded, the stranger said her name was Janey Lee, that she was a Houston clothing designer, and that she had the wrong number. The trap had been set, and Lee kept the conversation going via text before moving it to more secure channels: WhatsApp and Telegram.

RB and Lee discussed personal information: their backgrounds, relationship statuses, businesses, and finances, government attorneys Galen Phillips and Chris Kaltsas wrote in a civil forfeiture complaint, which seeks to recoup some of the lost funds. Within weeks, this budding relationship became romantic in nature, with Lee repeatedly messaging RB about their future together.

Before long, Lee got to work. She (or perhaps he) shifted the conversation to her success in trading cryptocurrency. By March, she had convinced RB to invest, too, helping him to create an account on the well-known trading platform Crypto.com, where he bought digital currency and sent it to XTRA, which appeared to be another legitimate crypto exchange.

Following the initial investment, RB was able to view his fictitious earnings on the XTRA website, which reported a 20% to 30% gain against his initial investment, prosecutors wrote.

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By April 22, RB had invested $260,000 through eight deposits. At that point, his account showed a value of $487,000  an 87% bonanza in a matter of weeks. Three days later, the divorcee tried to withdraw $100,000.

Instead of receiving his withdrawal, the government lawyers wrote, RB received a message from XTRA customer service saying that by May 2, 2023, in order to verify his account, RB needed to send his XTRA account an additional amount worth approximately 20% of his account balance.

Fearing hed been taken, RB called the FBI, but there was only so much investigators could do at that point. Agents raced to try to find the money.

The documents filed this week  which seek to recover less than half of the money from a seized crypto account that had allegedly been used to launder the proceeds  state that the victim was just one of many. At least three other victims, two in Texas and one in Florida, have reported sending a total of $550,000 to the fake crypto exchange. One of them lost half a million dollars.

An investigation of the account revealed that it is part of an ecosystem of fraud that has impacted numerous victims with established losses in aggregate of $1 million, the U.S. Attorneys Office wrote. Within eight months of the subject accounts opening in September 2022, the account had received nearly $18 million in cryptocurrency deposits, though the account holder has never deposited or withdrawn fiat money from the account.

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The government filing mentions no arrests or any suspects.

The Department of Justice says investment fraud is the most costly scam across the country, with $3.31 billion in losses reported in 2022 to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center. Pig butchering and other crypto scams increased 183% from 2021  to $2.57 billion in reported losses last year.

Its human nature. People want company, and online romances have blossomed as more people use dating applications and social media to build relationships, IRS officials said this week in an alert to consumers marking International Fraud Awareness Week that included the slogan Dont. Get. Butchered.
Among the many books in the library at Celeste Henkel Elementary School are several authored by someone the students know and love  their principal Frank Saraco. Saraco has written seven books in the past few years and is currently working on his eighth.

Not only are his books a hit with his students, but many have received awards  including his last three  a trilogy interweaving the three main characters of each book. Those books, Light in the Shadow, Through the Smoke and Life in the Grand Pause, won the Moonbeam Childrens Book Award for Juvenile Fiction.

But its not awards that Saraco is aiming for when he writes. He does it because its a passion and love  ranking just below his passion for the children and staff at Celeste Henkel.

Saraco is a native of New York and actually wrote and illustrated a book at the age of 12.

He said juggling writing with a busy schedule as an elementary school principal is a challenge, but one he embraces.

On Saturdays, I go to a coffee shop with my computer and just start writing, he said.

Saraco said many of the ideas for his books come from things he hears the children say at school, and he also has incorporated some of his own life experiences into his books.

It Could Have Been Us uses experiences some of his family had when immigrating from Italy to New York. A fictional character, Pepino, is excited to be coming to America with his family on a new ocean liner but has to travel on a different ship to accommodate the family. The initial ship was the Andrea Doria which sank after a collision with another ship in 1956.

Saraco said he based the characters in the book on his own family to write It Could Have Been Us.

Just as he based that book on a true story, many of the characters in his novels are products of his observations with the children he sees at school and church. Things that happen at school spark an idea, he said.

The trilogy of books that won the Moonbeam Award involves three children at tumultuous times in their lives, and how their lives intertwine to bring about changes for all three.

Preston, the main character in the first of the trilogy, Life in the Grand Pause, has his entire life uprooted when his father enters the witness protection program. Saddened by having to move and change names, Preston tries to find his place in a new school.

During his school years, he encounters Ella, the main character in Light in the Shadow, and Tyler, the main character in Through the Smoke. Ella, dealing with the death of her beloved older sister, and Tyler, who up until fifth grade was described as a great kid, but begins bullying behavior, and aims that at Preston. Their various backgrounds come together in all three books.

Saraco said his goal with these three books was to show how random acts of kindness can change the trajectory of someones life. The trilogy is aptly titled the Random Kindness Initiative.

Saraco said he believes the characters in his books resonate with children because they can relate to the situations.

His books are primarily written from the point of view of the child, which he thinks makes his novels resonate with kids.

Digging through his desk at Celeste, he pulls out a file folder filled with letters from his students, many telling him how much they liked the books, and their pride at reading something written by their principal.

Saraco said his love of working with children led him to become a teacher and then a principal. Growing up in New York City, his father had other dreams for him. He wanted me to be a doctor, he said.

Instead, he was drawn to education. He moved to Florida, and attended college there, and then decided to move to Australia to teach. After returning to the United States, he visited his brother who had moved to North Carolina.

It was good to be where there are seasons again, he said. So he decided to make North Carolina his home and worked for the Mooresville Graded School District and then at Lakeshore Elementary. The doors just opened for me, he said.

He progressed through the Iredell-Statesville School System, eventually landing as principal at Celeste and has developed a deep connection with the staff, students and the community.

Saraco hopes to connect with the community even more with plans for the observance of the schools 100th birthday in 1926.

But in the meantime, between his duties as principal, Saraco is writing his eighth book, projecting it will be ready next summer.

And while the awards and accolades for his previous seven books are nice, he said, theyre not the reason he writes.

I dont write for the awards. I write because I love it. But it is nice to get validation for what you do, he said.
John Gallina filed his paperwork to be on the Republican primary ballot for North Carolina House of Representatives District 84.

Gallina was wounded in Iraq and received the Purple Heart for his bravery in serving the country. He would later found Purple Heart Homes in 2008 to provide leadership and community-building skills to create an organization that now serves veterans nationwide.

Today, I have formally filed paperwork to be on the Republican Primary ballot, Gallina said. For too long, Iredell County values have been missing in Raleigh. We need conservative leadership who is not afraid to stand up for what is right, even if it goes against the status quo. I have spent my life serving our country and our community. In Raleigh, I will be a voice for consistent conservative leadership that delivers for hardworking North Carolinians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Iredell County deserves a choice, and I intend to give them one. We can either continue down the road of complacency, or we can elect a leader ready to serve and deliver for our community. I will be that conservative leader for change.

Gallinas family has called Iredell County home for generations according to his campaigns news release. Alongside his wife Cori-Anne, a school teacher, they chose to raise their three children in Statesville. Gallina and his family are active members of the Western Avenue Baptist Church.
A Longview man  linked to a string of 2022 drive-by shootings in Longview-Kelso  was the last of his three co-defendants sentenced in Cowlitz County Superior Court; he was sentenced to a decade in prison this week.

Andres Gabriel Gonzalez, 20, entered a plea deal in January for three counts of a drive-by shooting and one count of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Court records show his 10-year sentence was the maximum term allowed by state law for his charges, based on his criminal history.

None of the 13 people located near the gunfire were injured, but a no-contact order was installed for all of them until Dec. 13, 2033. Many of the victims are Micronesian, court records show.

One of the victims told authorities the shootings were likely in retaliation to a break-in at a home associated with one of the suspects: Riki Aron Vasquez-Bracken, 22, of Longview.

Gonzalez, who has five prior felony convictions, along with his three co-defendants, admitted to carrying out three drive-by shootings between 1:13 a.m. and 2:13 a.m. Jan. 16. Two shootings occurred in Kelso and one in Longview.

Law enforcement found 9-millimeter and .40-caliber casings, bullets and bullet fragments from all three crime scenes, and after authorities searched a suspect's Honda, a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson handgun was found, according to a police report.

The first shooting occurred at about 1:13 a.m., Jan. 16 when a person in the back passenger seat of the Honda fired at least three rounds into an occupied home in the 700 block of South Ninth Avenue in Kelso, where a Micronesian family was home, court records show.

About 30 minutes later, a red Dodge Challenger, occupied by four Micronesian people, noticed Mateo Emery Chavez, 20, of Kelso, driving the same Honda at Miller's Market on Washington Way in Longview, the report states. One of the Honda occupants, Peterson Paul Kasa, 20, of Longview, walked up to the Challenger and "threw up his hands gesturing that he wanted to fight," according to court records. The Honda pursued the Challenger, and while at the stoplight near Cowlitz Way and Long Avenue in Kelso, Gonzalez, a passenger, fired two rounds into the victim's car at about 2 a.m.

Later, the Honda was reportedly seen firing shots at the home of the driver of the Challenger in the 4100 block of Ocean Beach Highway in Longview.

The report states authorities pursued the Honda as it sped across the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Rainier, and Chavez attempted to go the wrong way down U.S. Highway 30, until officers were able to block the vehicle to a stop.

Chavez, who has two prior felony convictions, pleaded guilty in October and was sentenced to 15 years in state prison and three years of community custody for count one.

Kasa pleaded guilty in March; he was sentenced to 13.5 years in prison and three years of community custody for one count of first-degree assault. He received about six years in prison for two drive-by shooting charges, and one year and five months of community custody.

Vasquez-Bracken pleaded guilty in July to two counts of first-degree assault and one count of drive-by shooting and was sentenced to 18 years.
Clark County has a long wish list for the upcoming legislative session that includes the Interstate 5 replacement bridge project, infrastructure, public defense, public safety and more. Yet during a meeting Wednesday between the county councilors and local legislators, much of the discussion focused on something not on their list  the need for a third bridge over the Columbia River in Clark County.

The councilors were joined in person and online by Republicans Sen. Lynda Wilson and Rep. Paul Harris from the 17th District, Reps. Stephanie McClintock and Greg Cheney from the 18th District, Sen. John Braun and Rep. Ed Orcutt from the 20th District and Democrats Sen. Annette Cleveland and Reps. Sharon Wylie and Monica Stonier from the 49th District.

We are so far behind. If we dont plan on a third corridor, we are never going to be able to afford the rights-of-way necessary, Councilor Gary Medvigy said.

Medvigy said delays in planning now will only lead to bad decisions being made later.

Wilson said shes proposed a bill to consider a third bridge the past three years but it has failed to gain any traction. She said local lawmakers support the idea, but it will take broader support from other legislators to move forward.

Youre exactly right. If we dont start talking about it now, its going to be another 50 years before another bridge is built, Wilson said.

Orcutt said the need for a third bridge is evident given Clark Countys population growth.

If you look at Cowlitz County, with a population of about 110,000, weve got five bridges across the Cowlitz River with a total of eight lanes in each direction, Orcutt said.

Meanwhile, only seven lanes total cross the Columbia River in Clark County, which has a population of more than 525,000, he added.

That should put into perspective of how great the need is for a third crossing, Orcutt said.

Wylie said Clark Countys legislators understand another bridge is needed, not just wanted. She said Oregon will have a stake in the outcome, and compromises will likely have to be made to get it built.

All of us want another bridge but we have to get the I-5 Bridge built first, Harris said.

Harris said he hopes to bring Oregon into discussions about a third bridge as the I-5 Bridge project moves forward.
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 U.S. map shows counties where residents could (blue) or could not (pink) receive local-specific information about environmental justice issues. Credit: Junghwan Kim.

Virginia Tech researchers have discovered limitations in ChatGPT's capacity to provide location-specific information about environmental justice issues. Their findings, published in the journal Telematics and Informatics, suggest the potential for geographic biases existing in current generative artificial intelligence (AI) models.

ChatGPT is a large-language model developed by OpenAI Inc., an artificial intelligence research organization. ChatGPT is designed to understand questions and generate text responses based on requests from users. The technology has a wide range of applications from content creation and information gathering to data analysis and language translation.

A county-by-county overview

"As a geographer and geospatial data scientist, generative AI is a tool with powerful potential," said Assistant Professor Junghwan Kim of the College of Natural Resources and Environment. "At the same time, we need to investigate the limitations of the technology to ensure that future developers recognize the possibilities of biases. That was the driving motivation of this research."

Utilizing a list of the 3,108 counties in the contiguous United States, the research group asked the ChatGPT interface to answer a prompt asking about the environmental justice issues in each county. The researchers selected environmental justice as a topic to expand the range of questions typically used to test the performance of generative AI tools. Asking questions by county allowed the researchers to measure ChatGPT responses against sociodemographic considerations such as population density and median household income.

Key findings indicate limitations

Surveying counties with populations as varied as Los Angeles County, California, with a population of 10,019,635, and Loving County, Texas, with a population of 83, the generative AI tool showed a capacity to identify location-specific environmental justice challenges in large, high-density population areas. However, the tool was limited in its ability to identify and provide contextualized information on local environmental justice issues.

ChatGPT was able to provide location-specific information about environmental justice issues for just 515 of the 3018 counties entered, or 17 percent.

In rural states such as Idaho and New Hampshire, more than 90 percent of the population lived in counties that could not receive local-specific information.

In states with larger urban populations such as Delaware or California, fewer than 1 percent of the population lived in counties that cannot receive specific information.

Impacts for AI developers and users

With generative AI emerging as a new gateway tool for gaining information, the testing of potential biases in modeling outputs is an important part of improving programs such as ChatGPT.

"While more study is needed, our findings reveal that geographic biases currently exist in the ChatGPT model," said Kim, who teaches in the Department of Geography. "This is a starting point to investigate how programmers and AI developers might be able to anticipate and mitigate the disparity of information between big and small cities, between urban and rural environments."

Kim has previously published a paper on how ChatGPT understands transportation issues and solutions in the U.S. and Canada. His Smart Cities for Good research group explores the use of geospatial data science methods and technology to solve urban social and environmental challenges.

Enhancing future capabilities of the tools

Assistant Professor Ismini Lourentzou of the College of Engineering, a co-author on the paper, cited three areas of further research for large-language models such as ChatGPT:

Refine localized and contextually grounded knowledge, so that geographical biases are reduced

Safeguard large-language models such as ChatGPT against challenging scenarios such as ambiguous user instructions or feedback

Enhance user awareness and policy so that people are better informed of the strengths and weaknesses, particularly around sensitive topics

"There are a lot of issues with the reliability and resiliency of large-language models," said Lourentzou, who teaches in the Department of Computer Science and is an affiliate of the Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. "I hope our research can guide further research on enhancing the capabilities of ChatGPT and other models."

More information: Junghwan Kim et al, Exploring the limitations in how ChatGPT introduces environmental justice issues in the United States: A case study of 3,108 counties, Telematics and Informatics (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2023.102085
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:

Design of the modified normal "n-i-p" configuration for monolithic 2T-hybrid tandem solar cells devices typically free from complicated processes like atomic layer deposition (ALD) and/or a sputtered interconnecting layer (ICLs) and thermally evaporated C60 ETLs JV curves of champion hybrid tandem solar cells based on modified configurations in different scan mode. Credit: Dr. Sawanta S. Mali.

Engineers and material scientists have been working to develop increasingly advanced photovoltaic solutions, to convert as much solar energy as possible into electricity and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to the introduction of various new solar cell designs, including all-perovskite tandem solar cells.

Researchers at Chonnam National University in South Korea recently introduced new monolithic perovskite hybrid tandem solar cells based on all-inorganic halide perovskites. These solar cells, introduced in a paper in Energy & Environmental Science, have achieved promising efficiencies of 23%.

"Single junction solar cell designs have some limitations, such as thermalization loss and transmission loss," Dr. Sawanta S. Mali, first author of the paper, told Tech Xplore. "To resolve these losses, we need to fabricate tandem solar cells, in which two absorbers like wide bandgap (WBG) and narrow bandgap (NBG) materials are stacked together with the help of suitable interconnecting layer (ICL)."

Previously introduced solar cell designs based on WBG materials achieved highly promising efficiencies. However, these cells are typically based on organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, which are not thermally stable and thus compromise their overall performance.

Many of these solar cells are also fabricated using complex processes that would be hard to replicate on a large scale. These include, for instance, intricate sputtering and atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques, which can be both difficult to implement and energy-consuming.

From left Prof. Chang Kook Hong, Dr. Sawanta S. Mali and Dr. Jyoti V. Patil showing the all-inorganic based hybrid tandem solar cells fabricated at the Polymer Energy Materials Laboratory, Chonnam National University, South Korea, which crossing 23% efficiency. Upper right inset shows photograph of fabricated hybrid tandem solar cell Credit: Mr. DaeWoon Park.

"In the case of NBG materials, many researchers previously used Pb-Sn-based NBG, which are suffering from serious degradation issues, such as Sn2+ to Sn4+ formation," Sawanta said.

"To avoid these issues, we developed all-inorganic perovskite-based WBG deposited in ambient conditions using our previously developed hot-air method and polymer bulk heterojunction (BHJ)-based NBG for fabrication of this monolithic two terminal 'n-i-p' hybrid tandem solar cells (2T-HTSCs). These cells can be fabricated using simple ICLs which are free from complicated sputtering or ALD process."

The primary objective of the recent work by Sawanta and his study was to realize thermally stable WBG materials that could be processed in ambient conditions and could be integrated into devices with a simple architecture, such as those with a so-called n-i-p configuration. Ultimately, they realized their all-perovskite materials using a hot-air assisted spin coating technique.

When integrated in hybrid tandem solar cells with an n-i-p architecture, these materials were found to lead to encouraging results. The resulting solar cells attained an efficiency of 23.07%, with an open-circuit voltage of 2.110 V, retaining more than 90% of their initial efficiencies for over 600 hours of operation at their maximum power.

"We implemented n-i-p device configuration and ambient air-processed approach which is simple and suitable for commercialization in the future," Sawanta said. "Since these 2T-HTSCs produce better efficiency than single junction with very high open circuit voltage (>2 V), we are eventually planning to implement these cells in artificial photosynthesis and agri-voltaic applications or Internet of things (IoT)."

In the future, the materials created by Dr. Sawanta S. Mali, Prof. Chang Kook Hong, and colleagues could be integrated in tandem solar cells with other designs, to further assess their potential. In addition, the fabrication approach employed by this team could be used by other teams to create other robust materials for photovoltaic applications.

"As part of our recent study, we only used double junction based tandem solar cells," Mali added. "In our next studies, we are planning to implement this concept in triple or multijunction tandem solar cells (MJ-TSCs) and their upscaling."

More information: Sawanta S. Mali et al, All-inorganic halide perovskites for air-processed "nip" monolithic perovskite/organic hybrid tandem solar cells exceeding 23% efficiency, Energy & Environmental Science (2023). DOI: 10.1039/D3EE02763E. Journal information: Energy & Environmental Science

 2023 Science X Network
The present that Quintero-Mendez family members received Friday wasnt one they could unwrap or put under a tree, but it was special all the same.

BCS Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with Bryan ISD Build Home, dedicated its 313th house in the community and presented the keys to the Quintero-Mendez family alongside Christmas presents to deliver to their three children.

The project, which took almost a year and a half, reached its goal of $80,000 in December 2022, thanks to a $40,000 donation by the Clearfield family in honor of Ruth Clearfield. Students from the Bryan school district worked with Habitat for Humanity volunteers to build the house on Conlee Street near Texas 21, providing lifelong experiences.

Adriana Quintero, who spoke through an English/Spanish translator, said she appreciates the community support and feels extremely grateful for the generosity.

[Were] just so thankful, she said. [We] were here since the house started.

The Quintero-Mendez family will host three generations, including their grandmother, something Quintero said she is extremely grateful for.

Family is [my] treasure, she said. Its the thing [I] love the most in the world and theyre just so special.

The Quintero familys children all attend Bryan schools or, in the case of their youngest, 3-year-old Justin, a soon-to-be Bryan student. Adriana Quintero said she feels blessed having Bryan school district members help build the house.

Weve all worked for this; we fundraised at our school, she said. It was just a beautiful project and to see it all come together, its just amazing.

Bryan superintendent Ginger Carrabine said she is thankful for the investment from the community and believes the experience to be an essential one for both families and students.

With Habitat for Humanity, its a hand-up, not a hand-out, she said. They are a deserving, hard-working family  Were so proud to be a part of that. The life lessons afforded for our children pre-K through high school are immeasurable.

Carrabine said the decision to build a house for a deserving family in Bryan was launched during their staff and faculty convocation in August 2022 where they began funneling time, donations and effort toward making it happen.

We have 16,000 students and 3,000 employees, Carrabine said. At some point in time in the project, all 19,000 people were either promoting it, praying for it, raising money for it or literally showing up to build the house.

Students from the school district assisted in many aspects of the building process, including fundraising, building the walls and painting, Carrabine said.

I can guarantee you this will go to the top of their resume, she said. How many students in high school can say that they raised $80,000 for a home, came forward to build the home and were part of handing the keys over to our new homeowners?

The students are already eager to handle their next big project and Carrabine said she is proud of their leadership and service to the community.

We dont have a plan just yet, but I can promise you every one of those students have asked me when they can build the next house, she said. I think weve started something here and its a great problem to have.

As a student ambassador, Bryan junior Alivia Shearer said she came out to work on the house through terraforming and building the walls.

The construction people running it are some of the best people that you will meet, she said. Ive learned how to build with my hands, but Ive also learned how to work for something other than myself and I really enjoyed that journey.

Many donors and volunteers came together to build the house, Shearer said, making her proud to see the final results of multiple peoples hard work.

You dont see a lot of love for strangers nowadays, she said. It feels nice to know that, even if you dont know the person, theyre going to have your back.

Shearer said she is glad she signed up to work on the house and is already looking forward to the student ambassadors next big project.

We were just saying how we need to find something because we really want to keep on doing what were doing, she said. Maybe there will be another habitat project, but if not, the ambassadors are ready and willing to find a new goal to work towards.
ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 1,079 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $105,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of PM. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. VitalStone Financial LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 950.0% in the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 420 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 380 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Studio Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 33.8% in the 4th quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC now owns 428 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. 79.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have issued reports on PM. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Redburn Atlantic began coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $95.00 target price on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and issued a $114.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $109.27.

Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:PM opened at $94.47 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $146.66 billion, a PE ratio of 18.34, a PEG ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.77. The companys fifty day moving average is $91.96 and its 200 day moving average is $94.20. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $87.23 and a 52 week high of $105.62.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $9.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.21 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.62% and a negative return on equity of 129.48%. The firms revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.53 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 EPS for the current year.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.50%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 100.97%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of Philip Morris International 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 sale, the insider now owns 198,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.13% 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.

Further Reading

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).

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Ukraine has a growing problem with territory contaminated by landmines. This is a major issue with farmland, where a lot of the Russian landmines ended up. Crops cannot be planted in land containing landmines. A solution came from Azerbaijan, a nation, like Ukraine, that was once part of the Soviet Union. While Azerbaijan is smaller than Ukraine, with a population of only ten million, Azerbaijanis are entrepreneurial, have oil fields and have industrialized since the 1990s. One of the items produced in Azerbaijan is the Revival P Mine Removal Vehicle. Production of this device was initially for internal use, as Azerbaijan had lots of territory littered with landmines because of decades of fighting Armenia and Russia. Azerbaijan finally won its war with Armenia in 2020 and now had lots of war-torn territory heavily infested with landmines and in need of considerable mine clearing. At first Azerbaijan used several imported mine clearing devices. Eventually Azerbaijan realized it could design and build a more effective mine clearing vehicle and out of that came the Revival P Mine Removal Vehicle, which Azerbaijan used a lot and continues to use.

In a friendly gesture to a fellow victim of Russian landmine pollution, Azerbaijan donated six Revival P mine removal vehicles, accompanied by instructors, to the Ukrainian State Service for Emergency Situations. These mine removal vehicles will be used by combat engineers (or sappers) in the Poltava region, which is most polluted by landmines. Revival P mine removal vehicles are self-propelled and remotely controlled by an operator that directs the machines into areas where there are mines or unexploded munitions. The Revival system scoops up these items and is designed to survive explosions of most items. Unexploded items are dumped at a collection point as the Revival P mine removal vehicles are checked for damage and their batteries recharged as necessary.

Ukraine has been confronted by a significant mine problem as Russian forces were driven out of occupied Ukrainian territory. There were also a lot of unexploded munitions in these areas as well. All these explosive devices complicated continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian forces. Even when these counter-offensive operations have driven the Russians out, the landmines and unexploded munitions remain and delay Ukraines reconstruction efforts. Initially Ukraine used mine removal equipment donated by NATO nations. The sudden appearance of the Revival P Mine Removal Vehicle was a welcome addition to the mine clearing equipment needed for an effort that Ukraine estimated would require at least 40 mine removal machines for all the combat engineers assigned to the mine clearing effort. Before the arrival of the six Revival P mine removal vehicles, Ukraine had also received 19 other mine removal vehicles from Canada, Switzerland, Estonia, and the United States. Ukraine expects another 18 mine removal systems from South Korea, Canada, Australia, and Britain.

The substantial number of landmines is part of the Russian strategy against Ukraine, which includes more attacks on the Ukrainian economy. This deprives more Ukrainians of jobs and homes and forces more to leave the country. Ukraine has already seen about twenty percent of its population flee the country because of dangers civilians face from the Russian attacks on the economy. This strategy is meant to prolong the war and demoralize Ukraines NATO allies as well as the Ukrainian population. This Russian strategy of attacks on the economy began a few months after the war began and the Russian forces suffered heavy losses. For most of 2022 Russia was deliberately attacking the Ukrainian economy and the result was that Ukrainian GDP declined 30 percent in 2022. The initial Russian attacks concentrated on Ukrainian defense industries, followed by major non-defense industries and agriculture. Russia deliberately attacked power plants, oil refineries and distribution networks for natural gas. The landmines reduced and complicated farming efforts.

It was these attacks on economic targets that prompted NATO nations to send in anti-aircraft systems. Meanwhile Russia was attacking agricultural production by attacking grain storage silos and agricultural infrastructure. Some crop land was intentionally rendered unusable by planting landmines. Russia attacked grain ships operating from Black Sea ports and many of these ships were forced to take shelter in Ukrainian ports. Grain and other foodstuffs are major Ukrainian exports and Russia deliberately sought to shut down these exports. The cost of flour and bread went up worldwide but particularly in countries more dependent on grain imports.

While NATO shipments of weapons to Ukrainian forces receive lots of media attention, there has been an equally large effort to assist the Ukrainian economy. The Ukrainian GDP was $200 billion in 2021 and received $122 billion in foreign military and economic assistance in 2022. Repairing the Ukrainian economy cannot begin on a large scale until the war ends. It was hoped this might happen by the end of 2023, but the Russian strategy is to keep the war going for as long as it takes to weaken NATO resolve and enable Russia to declare some kind of victory. This is a victory of the create a desert and call it peace variety. So far, the destruction is mainly in Ukraine, with Russia threatening to use its nuclear weapons if any large-scale destruction takes place in Russia.

In late 2022 Ukraine estimated that the Russian attacks on the economy would require a reconstruction budget of over $350 billion. As the destruction continues in 2023, reconstruction costs increase as well. That has led to serious proposals to use $350 billion in Russian assets in the West that have been frozen, as in kept from Russian control for the duration of the war, for reconstruction of Ukraine. Russia is also accused of more conventional war crimes committed in Ukraine against civilians. Russia is unmoved by the Western threats and accusations and determined to make Ukraine and the West suffer for its role in defeating Russian efforts to conquer Ukraine. The Russian government describes their attack on Ukraine as an effort to defend Russia from NATO aggression. According to Russia their tactics are justified as part of its defensive measures.
ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:AAVMY  Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 3,600 shares, a growth of 12.5% from the November 15th total of 3,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 24,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

ABN AMRO Bank Price Performance

OTCMKTS:AAVMY opened at $14.71 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $13.71 and its 200 day moving average price is $14.72. ABN AMRO Bank has a 12 month low of $12.71 and a 12 month high of $17.93.

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ABN AMRO Bank N.V. provides various banking products and services to retail, private, and business clients in the Netherlands and internationally. It operates through three segments: Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management, and Corporate Banking. The company provides savings and deposits products; labelled residential mortgage products under the Florius brands; and consumer loans under the Alpha Credit Nederland, Credivance, Defam, Moneyou, and ABN AMRO brands.

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Alberta Investment Management Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 44,800 shares of the consumer goods makers stock, valued at approximately $2,541,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 2.5% in the second quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 15,024 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $852,000 after purchasing an additional 361 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 0.6% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 68,256 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $3,868,000 after buying an additional 392 shares in the last quarter. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust bought a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the second quarter worth approximately $96,594,000. Brookstone Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the second quarter worth approximately $213,000. Finally, Prossimo Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 13.4% in the second quarter. Prossimo Advisors LLC now owns 15,997 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $907,000 after buying an additional 1,895 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 5.53% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on BUD shares. TD Cowen started 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 started coverage on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. HSBC upgraded shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, UBS Group upgraded shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.50.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE BUD opened at $62.52 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $58.88 and a 200-day moving average price of $57.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.43. The stock has a market cap of $108.60 billion, a PE ratio of 20.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.20. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 1 year low of $51.66 and a 1 year high of $67.09.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The consumer goods maker reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.86. The firm had revenue of $15.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.72 billion. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 10.56% and a return on equity of 14.94%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.81 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

(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.

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Shares of Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSE:CVE  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CVE) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the ten ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$32.77.

CVE has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. CIBC boosted their target price on shares of Cenovus Energy from C$31.00 to C$32.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Cenovus Energy from C$33.00 to C$28.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on Cenovus Energy from C$36.00 to C$34.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Desjardins upped their price objective on Cenovus Energy from C$34.00 to C$34.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on Cenovus Energy from C$30.00 to C$31.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th.

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Cenovus Energy Stock Down 3.0 %

TSE:CVE opened at C$21.75 on Wednesday. Cenovus Energy has a twelve month low of C$20.31 and a twelve month high of C$29.18. The company has a market cap of C$40.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.09 and a beta of 2.67. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$25.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$24.96. The company has a current ratio of 1.49, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.59.

Cenovus Energy (TSE:CVE  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CVE) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported C$0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.85 by C$0.12. The firm had revenue of C$14.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$13.34 billion. Cenovus Energy had a return on equity of 14.66% and a net margin of 7.81%. Analysts anticipate that Cenovus Energy will post 4.0580524 EPS for the current year.

Cenovus Energy Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.14 per share. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Cenovus Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.29%.

Cenovus Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Cenovus Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, refines, transports, and markets crude oil and natural gas in Canada and internationally. The company operates through Oil Sands, Conventional, Offshore, Canadian Manufacturing, and U.S. Manufacturing segments. The Oil Sands segment develops and produces bitumen and heavy oil in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

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ageas SA/NV (OTCMKTS:AGESY  Get Free Report) and AXA (OTCMKTS:AXAHY  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 dividends, earnings, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and risk.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for ageas SA/NV and AXA, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ageas SA/NV 1 2 3 0 2.33 AXA 0 0 1 0 3.00

Dividends

Earnings and Valuation

ageas SA/NV pays an annual dividend of $2.23 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.2%. AXA pays an annual dividend of $1.53 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.8%.

This table compares ageas SA/NV and AXAs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio ageas SA/NV $10.94 billion 0.74 $1.07 billion N/A N/A AXA $107.85 billion 0.66 $7.03 billion N/A N/A

AXA has higher revenue and earnings than ageas SA/NV.

Profitability

This table compares ageas SA/NV and AXAs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ageas SA/NV N/A N/A N/A AXA N/A N/A N/A

Risk and Volatility

ageas SA/NV has a beta of 0.72, suggesting that its share price is 28% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, AXA has a beta of 1.22, suggesting that its share price is 22% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

0.1% of AXA shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

AXA beats ageas SA/NV on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About ageas SA/NV

(Get Free Report)

ageas SA/NV, together with its subsidiaries, engages in insurance business in Europe and Asia. The company operates in five segments: Belgium, Europe, Asia, Reinsurance, and General Account. It primarily offers property, casualty, and life insurance products, as well as pension products; and reinsurance products. Its life insurance products include risks related to the life and death of individuals; and non-life insurance products comprise accident and health, motor, fire, and other insurance products, as well as other damages to property covering the risk of property losses or claims liabilities. The company serves private individuals, as well as small, medium-sized, and large companies through independent brokers and the bank channels. ageas SA/NV was founded in 1824 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

About AXA

(Get Free Report)

AXA SA, through its subsidiaries, provides insurance, asset management, and banking services worldwide. The company operates through six segments: France, Europe, Asia, AXA XL, International, and Transversal & Central Holdings. It offers life and savings insurance products, such as savings and retirement, other health, and personal protection products. The company also provides property and casualty insurance products, including car, home, and personal or professional liability to individual and business clients; international insurance for large corporate clients in Europe; and marine and aviation insurance services, as well as property and casualty reinsurance products. In addition, it offers asset management services in the areas of various asset classes, including equities, bonds, hedge funds, private equity, and real estate for the group's insurance companies and their clients, and retail and institutional clients. Further, the company provides health, term life, whole life, universal life, endowment, and other investment-based products for personal/individual and commercial/ group customers. AXA SA was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Paris, France.

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Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) was upgraded by equities researchers at Odeon Capital Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Thursday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm presently has a $37.94 price objective on the financial services providers stock. Odeon Capital Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 13.08% from the companys current price.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Bank of America from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of Bank of America from $31.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Evercore ISI cut their target price on shares of Bank of America from $35.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $34.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.58.

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Bank of America Stock Down 1.1 %

BAC stock opened at $33.55 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $265.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.40, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.40. Bank of America has a 52 week low of $24.96 and a 52 week high of $37.00. The companys 50-day moving average price is $28.63 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.98. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.13 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 18.69% and a return on equity of 12.08%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.81 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Bank of America will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Bank of America 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 shares were sold at an average price of $9.94, for a total transaction 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 currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bank of America

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of BAC. Fortis Group Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of America during the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 75.9% in the second quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC now owns 920 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares during the period. Marquette Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 333.2% in the second quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 953 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 733 shares during the period. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc boosted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 98.1% in the third quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 1,018 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 504 shares during the period. Finally, Castleview Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bank of America in the first quarter valued at $28,000. 68.06% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Bank of America

(Get Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans.

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Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (NYSE:ASR  Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at Bank of America from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a research note issued on Thursday, MarketBeat.com reports.

A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on ASR. Citigroup cut Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a neutral rating to a sell rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $228.00 to $222.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 28th. Scotiabank upgraded Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $238.50.

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Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. Price Performance

ASR stock opened at $294.78 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $226.45 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $256.24. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. has a 12-month low of $165.00 and a 12-month high of $314.48. The company has a current ratio of 2.97, a quick ratio of 2.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The company has a market cap of $8.84 billion, a PE ratio of 15.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 1.05.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (NYSE:ASR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The transportation company reported $5.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.75 by ($0.56). Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. had a net margin of 39.16% and a return on equity of 21.15%. The firm had revenue of $371.57 million for the quarter. As a group, research analysts predict that Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. will post 20.34 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Cerity Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 4.0% in the second quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 993 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $276,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 3.7% in the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 1,092 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $303,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 21.0% in the second quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 248 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 7.1% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 766 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $170,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signaturefd LLC lifted its stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 30.6% in the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 269 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $66,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.05% of the companys stock.

About Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V.

(Get Free Report)

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. holds concessions to operate, maintain, and develop airports in the southeast region of Mexico. The company operates airports that are located in the cities of Cancun, Cozumel, Merida, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Tapachula, and Minatitlan.

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Barclays PLC raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Free Report) by 21.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 389,023 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 67,519 shares during the period. Barclays PLC owned approximately 0.18% of Molson Coors Beverage worth $25,614,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in TAP. Quarry LP acquired a new position in Molson Coors Beverage during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 125.4% in the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 444 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 247 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 85.7% in the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 650 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Hanseatic Management Services Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 96.4% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 760 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 373 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.95% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on TAP shares. TheStreet cut shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $68.00 to $66.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Roth Mkm reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $77.00 price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $72.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $65.65.

Molson Coors Beverage Trading Down 2.0 %

Molson Coors Beverage stock opened at $61.77 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $13.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.71, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.92. Molson Coors Beverage has a fifty-two week low of $48.49 and a fifty-two week high of $70.90. The firms fifty day moving average price is $59.77 and its 200-day moving average price is $63.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.73.

Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $1.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.39. The firm had revenue of $3.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.24 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 9.16%. Equities research analysts forecast that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Molson Coors Beverage Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a $0.41 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.66%. Molson Coors Beverages payout ratio is currently 142.61%.

About Molson Coors Beverage

(Free Report)

Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands.

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PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM  Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Barclays from $95.00 to $120.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the construction companys stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on PHM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $120.00 to $117.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $105.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on PulteGroup from $80.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $85.00 price target on shares of PulteGroup in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price target on PulteGroup from $97.00 to $87.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $93.94.

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PulteGroup Stock Down 2.3 %

Shares of NYSE:PHM opened at $102.49 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.10 billion, a PE ratio of 8.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 1.45. PulteGroup has a 1 year low of $44.40 and a 1 year high of $105.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $83.11 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $79.55.

PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The construction company reported $2.90 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $4 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.05 billion. PulteGroup had a net margin of 16.37% and a return on equity of 28.25%. PulteGroups revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.69 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that PulteGroup will post 11.46 EPS for the current year.

PulteGroup Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 19th will be issued a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.78%. This is a positive change from PulteGroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.16. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 18th. PulteGroups dividend payout ratio is presently 5.20%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PulteGroup

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PHM. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in PulteGroup by 977.7% in the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,697,956 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $26,756,000 after purchasing an additional 4,262,030 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of PulteGroup during the 4th quarter worth about $163,931,000. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 10.8% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 20,885,474 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,622,384,000 after acquiring an additional 2,030,200 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC boosted its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 84.1% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,604,996 shares of the construction companys stock worth $210,099,000 after acquiring an additional 1,646,751 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Putnam Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 14.7% during the 1st quarter. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 11,010,203 shares of the construction companys stock worth $641,675,000 after acquiring an additional 1,406,893 shares in the last quarter. 89.84% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About PulteGroup

(Get Free Report)

PulteGroup, Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. It acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. The company also offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West, and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods brand names.

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Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD  Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) had its target price raised by BMO Capital Markets from C$17.00 to C$18.00 in a report released on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. Stifel Canada raised Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. National Bankshares raised their target price on Eldorado Gold from C$18.00 to C$19.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from C$15.50 to C$16.50 in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their target price on Eldorado Gold from C$16.00 to C$17.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their target price on Eldorado Gold from C$12.20 to C$11.70 in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four 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 C$17.53.

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Eldorado Gold Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of Eldorado Gold stock opened at C$16.93 on Wednesday. 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 cap of C$3.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.33, a P/E/G ratio of 56.20 and a beta of 1.21. Eldorado Gold has a fifty-two week low of C$10.69 and a fifty-two week high of C$18.30. The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$15.30 and a 200 day moving average price of C$13.81.

Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD  Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported C$0.23 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.02 by C$0.21. The company had revenue of C$329.04 million during the quarter. Eldorado Gold had a return on equity of 1.70% and a net margin of 5.88%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Eldorado Gold will post 0.7177585 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Senior Officer Mehmet Yilmaz sold 10,195 shares of Eldorado Gold stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.63, for a total transaction of C$179,737.85. In related news, Senior Officer Karen Christine Aram sold 7,362 shares of Eldorado Gold stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.50, for a total transaction of C$128,840.15. Also, Senior Officer Mehmet Yilmaz sold 10,195 shares of Eldorado Gold stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.63, for a total value of C$179,737.85. Insiders have sold a total of 61,813 shares of company stock valued at $996,636 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.71% of the companys stock.

Eldorado Gold Company Profile

(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.

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NL Industries (NYSE:NL  Get Free Report) and Lithium & Boron Technology (OTCMKTS:LBTI  Get Free Report) are both small-cap basic materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, earnings and valuation.

Volatility & Risk

NL Industries has a beta of 0.73, meaning that its share price is 27% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Lithium & Boron Technology has a beta of 17.77, meaning that its share price is 1,677% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Insider and Institutional Ownership

11.0% of NL Industries shares are held by institutional investors. 0.3% of NL Industries shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.0% of Lithium & Boron Technology shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NL Industries 1 0 0 0 1.00 Lithium & Boron Technology 0 0 0 0 N/A

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for NL Industries and Lithium & Boron Technology, as reported by MarketBeat.

NL Industries currently has a consensus price target of $5.00, indicating a potential downside of 2.91%.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares NL Industries and Lithium & Boron Technologys revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio NL Industries $166.60 million 1.51 $33.84 million ($0.33) -15.61 Lithium & Boron Technology $6.17 million 0.00 -$4.19 million N/A N/A

NL Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Lithium & Boron Technology.

Profitability

This table compares NL Industries and Lithium & Boron Technologys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NL Industries -10.12% -4.08% -2.71% Lithium & Boron Technology N/A N/A N/A

About NL Industries

(Get Free Report)

NL Industries, Inc., through its subsidiary, CompX International Inc., operates in the component products industry in the United States and internationally. The company manufactures and sells mechanical and electronic cabinet locks and other locking mechanisms, including disc tumbler locks; pin tumbler locking mechanisms under KeSet, System 64, TuBar, and Turbine brands; and electronic locks under CompX eLock and StealthLock brands for use in various applications, such as mailboxes, ignition systems, file cabinets, desk drawers, tool storage cabinets, high security medical cabinetry, integrated inventory and access control secured narcotics boxes, electronic circuit panels, storage compartments, gas station security, vending and cash containment machines. It also offers original equipment and aftermarket stainless steel exhaust headers, exhaust pipes, mufflers, and other exhaust components; gauges, such as GPS speedometers and tachometers; mechanical and electronic controls and throttles; wake enhancement devices, trim tabs, steering wheels, and other billet aluminum accessories; dash panels, LED indicators, wire harnesses, and other accessories; and grab handles, pin cleats, and other accessories; primarily for performance and ski/wakeboard and performance boats. The company sells its component products directly to original equipment manufacturers, as well as through distributors. NL Industries, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is based in Dallas, Texas. NL Industries, Inc. is a subsidiary of Valhi, Inc.

About Lithium & Boron Technology

(Get Free Report)

Lithium & Boron Technology, Inc. manufactures and sells boric acid and related compounds for use in industrial and consumer applications in the People's Republic of China. The company was formerly known as SmartHeat Inc. and changed its name to Lithium & Boron Technology, Inc. in October 2019. Lithium & Boron Technology, Inc. was founded in 1954 and is based in Dachaidanzhen, the People's Republic of China.

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Leader Vladimir Putin is not pleased that Russian forces are losing in Ukraine and blames the generals and military staff for not identifying and dealing with the problems. The generals are reluctant to tell Putin that he is the problem. Putin refuses to believe that Russian forces cannot defeat the Ukrainians. Putin also refuses to believe it is the Ukrainian willingness to fight the Russian invaders, and not just all the military aid sent by NATO nations, that causes this. Putin also doesnt want to hear about Russian soldiers avoiding service in Ukraine, refusing to fight once they got there, and often deserting if compelled to fight. Most junior officers agree with their troops but are much less likely to desert or remind their superiors that the Russian situation in Ukraine has become increasingly difficult.

Their subordinates are another matter with large numbers, in one recent case about 60 Russian soldiers, deserting at once. These deserters often leave their weapons behind. This means local police can look for and detain these reluctant soldiers if they can find them.

The low morale of the Russian soldiers is not just about the risks of getting wounded or killed. The Ukrainians have destroyed and disabled Russian forces in Ukraine by successfully blocking or destroying supplies and reinforcements sent to Ukraine. Russian troops complain that they are not able to replace losses or obtain supplies needed to maintain morale and prevent desertion or soldiers refusing to fight. Even the elite Russian units, which comprise about ten percent of Russian forces, are taking a beating and not able to persuade their superiors that the situation is very bad and that most Russian forces are on the defensive and too demoralized by troop losses and lack of supplies to change the situation.

The growing number of Russian soldiers deserting is widely known in Ukraine but mentioning it in Russia can get you arrested, or at least warned to keep quiet about the desertions because the police have more urgent criminal matters to deal with. That includes the growing incidence of robbery, burglary, and assault. Many of these crimes are committed by criminals who got out of jail by agreeing to sign a six month contract to serve in special assault units that tended to suffer heavy casualties. The few survivors of these units leave the military at the end of their contract and often return to a life of crime.

On the other hand, Ukraine presently does not have sufficient forces and munitions to force the Russians out of Ukraine. But there are many ways to reduce the number of Russian troops in Ukraine and the Ukrainians have come up with some clever ways to exploit this desire by Russian soldiers to be anywhere but in Ukraine fighting Ukrainians. Russian soldiers are now taking advantage of the Ukrainian I Want to Live program for Russian soldiers who prefer to sit out the war, even if it is in Ukrainian custody as a prisoner of war. So far over 25,000 Russians have accepted the I Want to Live program and accepted detention for the rest of the war.

For the Russian military all these losses due to desertion or eagerly surrendering at the first opportunity are a major embarrassment. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is outraged at this sort of thing but going public about the situation will only give desertion and the surrender program more attention, and even Putin realizes that Russian military age men would prefer to avoid joining the fighting in Ukraine.
Confluence Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of AerCap Holdings (NYSE:AER  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund purchased 11,281 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $707,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of AerCap during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. WealthPLAN Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of AerCap during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC bought a new position in shares of AerCap during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $41,000. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of AerCap during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $42,000. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of AerCap by 37.9% during the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,229 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $78,000 after acquiring an additional 338 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.00% of the companys stock.

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AerCap Stock Performance

NYSE:AER opened at $73.94 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $65.35 and a 200-day moving average price of $63.23. The company has a market cap of $15.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.84, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.90, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.51. AerCap Holdings has a fifty-two week low of $49.58 and a fifty-two week high of $75.48.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

AerCap ( NYSE:AER Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The financial services provider reported $2.81 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.44 by $0.37. AerCap had a return on equity of 15.03% and a net margin of 33.62%. The company had revenue of $1.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.89 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.21 EPS. AerCaps revenue was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that AerCap Holdings will post 10.15 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several research analysts have recently commented on AER shares. Barclays started coverage on AerCap in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an overweight rating and a $80.00 target price for the company. Citigroup boosted their price target on AerCap from $75.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. StockNews.com started coverage on AerCap in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on AerCap from $77.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $82.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on AER

About AerCap

(Free Report)

AerCap Holdings N.V. engages in the lease, financing, sale, and management of commercial flight equipment in China, Hong Kong, Macau, the United States, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers aircraft asset management services, such as remarketing aircraft and engines; collecting rental and maintenance rent payments, monitoring aircraft maintenance, monitoring and enforcing contract compliance, and accepting delivery and redelivery of aircraft and engines; and conducting ongoing lessee financial performance reviews.

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Confluence Investment Management LLC lowered its holdings in Sendas Distribuidora S.A. (NYSE:ASAI  Free Report) by 10.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,923 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,232 shares during the period. Confluence Investment Management LLCs holdings in Sendas Distribuidora were worth $133,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in ASAI. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Sendas Distribuidora in the second quarter valued at $481,000. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 13.0% during the 2nd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 91,654 shares of the companys stock worth $1,321,000 after buying an additional 10,573 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 62.0% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 9,560 shares of the companys stock worth $138,000 after buying an additional 3,659 shares during the last quarter. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora during the 2nd quarter worth about $791,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 68.3% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 459,029 shares of the companys stock worth $6,615,000 after buying an additional 186,332 shares during the last quarter.

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Sendas Distribuidora Stock Performance

NYSE ASAI opened at $13.03 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $12.35 and a 200-day moving average of $12.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.63, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 0.79. The stock has a market cap of $3.52 billion, a PE ratio of 21.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 1.14. Sendas Distribuidora S.A. has a 52-week low of $10.44 and a 52-week high of $20.98.

Sendas Distribuidora Company Profile

Sendas Distribuidora ( NYSE:ASAI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 30th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.15 by ($0.01). Sendas Distribuidora had a return on equity of 19.80% and a net margin of 1.27%. The business had revenue of $3.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.56 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Sendas Distribuidora S.A. will post 0.57 EPS for the current year.

(Free Report)

Sendas Distribuidora SA engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals.

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Confluence Investment Management LLC lessened its position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX  Free Report) by 7.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,168 shares of the companys stock after selling 273 shares during the period. Confluence Investment Management LLCs holdings in Fomento Economico Mexicano were worth $346,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Schroder Investment Management Group raised its stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 5.6% during the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 4,199,431 shares of the companys stock worth $465,465,000 after buying an additional 223,708 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 11.0% during the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,056,875 shares of the companys stock worth $191,820,000 after buying an additional 302,363 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 4.1% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,687,041 shares of the companys stock worth $186,992,000 after buying an additional 67,086 shares during the last quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. increased its stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 6.0% in the second quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 1,551,523 shares of the companys stock valued at $165,712,000 after purchasing an additional 87,950 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Baillie Gifford & Co. bought a new stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano in the second quarter valued at $126,862,000.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. They issued a neutral rating and a $134.00 price target for the company. Barclays raised shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $115.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Monday, October 30th. HSBC boosted their target price on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from $112.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Finally, Itau BBA Securities downgraded shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $127.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.00.

Fomento Economico Mexicano Stock Down 0.9 %

Fomento Economico Mexicano stock opened at $129.42 on Friday. Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. has a fifty-two week low of $75.65 and a fifty-two week high of $131.33. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $118.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $112.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 1.93.

Fomento Economico Mexicano (NYSE:FMX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The company reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.59. Fomento Economico Mexicano had a net margin of 9.01% and a return on equity of 9.42%. The business had revenue of $10.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.22 billion. Equities analysts forecast that Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. will post 5.69 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Fomento Economico Mexicano

(Free Report)

Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

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BQE Water Inc. (CVE:BQE  Get Free Report) Senior Officer David Kratochvil sold 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$30.00, for a total transaction of C$105,000.00.

BQE Water Trading Up 6.7 %

Shares of CVE BQE opened at C$32.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.18, a quick ratio of 3.70 and a current ratio of 4.76. BQE Water Inc. has a 52-week low of C$24.22 and a 52-week high of C$32.50. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of C$28.13 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$27.22. The stock has a market cap of C$40.32 million, a P/E ratio of 18.93 and a beta of 0.94.

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BQE Water Company Profile

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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.

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Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted its stake in Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) by 6.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 35,080 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 2,069 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADVs holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $1,567,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of D. Tucker Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Dominion Energy during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Operose Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 158.0% in the second quarter. Operose Advisors LLC now owns 516 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 316 shares in the last quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services purchased a new stake in shares of Dominion Energy in the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 379.5% in the second quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 609 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 482 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 49.8% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 394 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. 70.66% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently commented on the stock. Barclays upgraded shares of Dominion Energy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the company from $45.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $55.00 to $50.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Dominion Energy from $51.00 to $46.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Scotiabank cut shares of Dominion Energy from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their target price for the stock from $56.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Dominion Energy from $50.00 to $49.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Dominion Energy currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $50.33.

Dominion Energy Price Performance

Dominion Energy stock opened at $48.48 on Friday. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a 1 year low of $39.18 and a 1 year high of $63.94. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $44.50 and a 200 day moving average price of $48.00. The company has a market cap of $40.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.73, a PEG ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.14.

Dominion Energy (NYSE:D  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.78 by ($0.01). Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 10.94% and a net margin of 9.66%. The business had revenue of $3.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.38 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.11 earnings per share. Dominion Energys quarterly revenue was down 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 2.76 earnings per share for the current year.

Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.6675 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.51%. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 136.23%.

Insider Transactions at Dominion Energy

In other news, COO Diane Leopold sold 6,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.51, for a total transaction of $284,437.50. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 88,126 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,010,614.26. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock.

Dominion Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through four segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Gas Distribution, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Assets. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.7 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding D? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report).

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Farther Finance Advisors LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Brookfield Co. (NYSE:BN  Free Report) by 60.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 5,489 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,326 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLCs holdings in Brookfield were worth $185,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BN. Money Concepts Capital Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Brookfield in the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its position in shares of Brookfield by 32.3% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,349 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 329 shares during the last quarter. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Brookfield in the 1st quarter worth $52,000. WASHINGTON TRUST Co bought a new position in shares of Brookfield in the 1st quarter worth $61,000. Finally, Credit Agricole S A bought a new position in shares of Brookfield in the 2nd quarter worth $65,000. 58.22% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Brookfield Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BN opened at $38.49 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $33.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.24. The company has a market cap of $63.08 billion, a PE ratio of -1,283.00 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37. Brookfield Co. has a twelve month low of $28.25 and a twelve month high of $40.06.

Brookfield Announces Dividend

Brookfield ( NYSE:BN Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $24.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.07 billion. Brookfield had a return on equity of 2.23% and a net margin of 0.12%.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a dividend of $0.07 per share. This represents a $0.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfields dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -933.33%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have weighed in on BN shares. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on Brookfield from $45.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Brookfield from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Brookfield from $48.00 to $43.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. TD Securities boosted their price target on Brookfield from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an action list buy rating in a report on Sunday, November 12th. Finally, CIBC cut their price target on Brookfield from $47.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $43.78.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Brookfield

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Ocm Growth Holdings Llc sold 562,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.06, for a total transaction of $6,783,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 16,742,168 shares in the company, valued at $201,910,546.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Company insiders own 11.00% of the companys stock.

About Brookfield

(Free Report)

Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients.

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Foundations Investment Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 27.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 18,114 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,007 shares during the quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,677,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of PM. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter worth about $37,000. VitalStone Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 950.0% during the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 420 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 380 shares during the period. Finally, Studio Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 33.8% during the 4th quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC now owns 428 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares during the period. 79.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Transactions at Philip Morris International

In other news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of Philip Morris International stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 sale, the insider now owns 198,447 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PM has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $111.00 in a report on Friday, September 29th. Redburn Atlantic initiated coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, November 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $95.00 price target for the company. Stifel Nicolaus reissued a buy rating and set a $114.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $109.27.

View Our Latest Research Report on Philip Morris International

Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.2 %

PM opened at $94.47 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $146.66 billion, a PE ratio of 18.34, a PEG ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.77. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $105.62. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $91.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $94.20.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating 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 analysts expectations of $9.21 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.53 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 EPS for the current year.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.50%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 100.97%.

Philip Morris International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Franco-Nevada (TSE:FNV  Free Report) (NYSE:FNV) had its price objective increased by BMO Capital Markets from C$200.00 to C$203.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports.

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. National Bank Financial dropped their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$215.00 to C$205.00 in a report on Monday, September 25th. National Bankshares dropped their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$205.00 to C$190.00 in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$163.00 to C$162.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. CIBC dropped their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$258.00 to C$250.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$215.00 to C$218.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Franco-Nevada has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$203.31.

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Franco-Nevada Price Performance

Shares of FNV opened at C$148.63 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of C$28.55 billion, a PE ratio of 30.90, a P/E/G ratio of 5.00 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a current ratio of 37.72, a quick ratio of 23.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$167.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$181.81. Franco-Nevada has a 1-year low of C$139.19 and a 1-year high of C$217.70.

Franco-Nevada (TSE:FNV  Get Free Report) (NYSE:FNV) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported C$1.22 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$1.21 by C$0.01. The firm had revenue of C$415.23 million during the quarter. Franco-Nevada had a return on equity of 10.46% and a net margin of 55.19%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Franco-Nevada will post 4.8014113 EPS for the current year.

Franco-Nevada Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 21st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.472 per share. This represents a $1.89 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.27%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 6th. This is an increase from Franco-Nevadas previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Franco-Nevadas dividend payout ratio is 38.46%.

About Franco-Nevada

(Get Free Report)

Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in Latin America, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.

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Fulton Bank N.A. increased its position in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) by 15.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,551 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,016 shares during the quarter. Fulton Bank N.A.s holdings in Novartis were worth $769,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in NVS. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Novartis by 18.3% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,556,539 shares of the companys stock valued at $136,587,000 after purchasing an additional 240,710 shares during the period. Dakota Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of Novartis by 3.9% in the first quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 4,869 shares of the companys stock valued at $427,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Novartis by 42.4% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 10,996 shares of the companys stock valued at $965,000 after purchasing an additional 3,272 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Novartis by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 95,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,379,000 after acquiring an additional 4,122 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its stake in Novartis by 22.8% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 3,528 shares of the companys stock valued at $309,000 after acquiring an additional 655 shares during the last quarter. 7.00% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have commented on NVS. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Novartis from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, September 25th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Novartis in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given 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 price target of $85.00.

Novartis Stock Down 1.5 %

Shares of NYSE:NVS opened at $97.40 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $206.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 0.55. Novartis AG has a 1-year low of $79.98 and a 1-year high of $105.61. The companys fifty day moving average is $95.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $99.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.94.

Novartis (NYSE:NVS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The company reported $1.74 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.70 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $11.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.05 billion. Novartis had a net margin of 15.35% and a return on equity of 28.27%. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.58 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Novartis AG will post 6.54 EPS for the current year.

Novartis Company Profile

(Free Report)

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.

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Thomson Reuters Co. (TSE:TRI  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRI) Director Heather Anne Ohagan sold 735 shares of Thomson Reuters stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$140.27, for a total value of C$103,095.51. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 630 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$88,367.58.

Thomson Reuters Stock Down 1.2 %

TSE:TRI opened at C$185.90 on Friday. Thomson Reuters Co. has a 1 year low of C$151.02 and a 1 year high of C$195.51. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 40.94. The stock has a market cap of C$84.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.78, a PEG ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.40. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$180.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$175.68.

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Thomson Reuters (TSE:TRI  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRI) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported C$1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.91 by C$0.19. The company had revenue of C$2.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$2.15 billion. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 18.53% and a net margin of 33.14%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 4.9805428 earnings per share for the current year.

Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 16th were given a dividend of $0.68 per share. This is a boost from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. This represents a $2.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.46%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 15th. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio is currently 41.80%.

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. National Bank Financial dropped their target price on Thomson Reuters from C$194.00 to C$186.00 in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on Thomson Reuters from C$136.00 to C$133.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. TD Securities dropped their target price on Thomson Reuters from C$190.00 to C$185.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on Thomson Reuters from C$201.00 to C$211.00 in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Finally, National Bankshares dropped their price objective on Thomson Reuters from C$186.00 to C$180.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Thomson Reuters currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$177.14.

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About Thomson Reuters

(Get Free Report)

Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments.

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Russia once more increased orders for its Yasen (Graney) class SSGNs (nuclear-powered cruise missile sub) from nine to twelve. The 2019 decision to build nine Yasens was an increase of three over the original plan to build at least six. Yasen production plans were always unpredictable because the sub was designed at the end of the Cold War and then stagnated for more than a decade after the end of the Cold War in 1991. The first Yasen did not enter service until 2013 and the second and third Yasens didnt appear until 2021. The fourth Yesen entered service in 2023 and was considered free of all earlier design problems and technical flaws. This Yasen was the model for all subsequent Yasens.

It is normal for the first ship of a new class to reveal a lot of potential upgrades that will be added to the second ship of the class which will be the production model for the next four or more ships. The U.S. and China, the only other navies that build large classes of new ships, use a similar technique.

The Yasens were different because they were the first new class of nuclear subs to enter production, in 1993, after the collapse and dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Soon after that the Russian armed forces quickly shrank to 20 percent of its pre-Soviet personnel strength. Procurement budgets shrank even more for the navy because the post-Soviet Union admirals tried to keep more ships in service than the budget and available personnel could support. By the end of the 1990s most of the Soviet era nuclear subs were out of service and were soon dismantled with the assistance of NATO nations who provided billions of dollars in aid and expertise to safely dismantle these potential nuclear disasters. Early on Russia had just scuttled some older nuclear subs off its northern coast, which put a lot of nuclear fuel underwater where it will remain a danger to aquatic life for centuries.

There were other problems with the sharp reduction in nuclear sub construction, mainly that the Soviet era shipyards could no longer get enough qualified workers and managers to build nuclear subs on time and budget or maintain quality standards. Post-Soviet Russia meant skilled workers and managers could no longer be compelled to work where the government wanted them. Shipyard personnel now could seek better paying jobs elsewhere in Russia or, as many did, migrate to the West for better opportunities. For two decades warship construction efforts were a mess, and it was only in the last decade that substantial progress was made in fixing these problems.

All nuclear subs are built in one facility on the north coast: the Sevmash yard in Severodvinsk on the White Sea. This operation now employs 30,000 people with fifteen nuclear subs under construction. While the quality problems have been largely solved, it still takes too long to build each submarine and the current goal is to reduce construction time by at least a year. That means new classes of nuclear subs that are smaller and less expensive to build. The successor to the Yasen class is already being developed and will be closer in size to the American Virginia class SSNs, which are currently being produced at the rate of two a year and are still the world-standard for other nations to strive for. Yasen-M has closed the quality gap with the Virginias. Oddly enough, the latest version of the Virginia, the Block 5 is larger than the 22 already in service and similar to what Russia would call an SSGN, like the Yasen. If these Block 5s work well the U.S. plans to eventually build 70 Virginias, most of them Block 5s which are larger (at 10,200 tons) than the 8,600-ton Yasen M.

Russia developed SSGNs during the Cold War as carrier killers but the new Yasen-Ms are built to carry a lot of cruise missiles, like American SSNs have been doing since the 1990s. The Russian SSGNs carried fewer but larger anti-ship missiles. The U.S. believes that SSGNs are more effective firepower providing ships than anything on the surface, which are vulnerable to a growing number of surface and air based anti-ship missiles. Russia needs more SSNs to protect its SSBN (nuclear powered ballistic missile) subs and provide an effective defense against foreign SSNs carrying out covert peacetime missions to keep an eye on Russian naval bases and naval exercises.

The frequency and effectiveness of these American SSN espionage missions was kept secret throughout the Cold War because the American SSNs were so much quieter than Russian subs and able to evade detection. Russia heard the rumors of such missions before the Cold War ended in 1991, and since then has been making a serious effort to improve submarine detection methods and build quieter nuclear subs so they can snoop on the Americans for a change. The Yasens are quieter and have much better sensors, but they are too large and expensive for this espionage work. The first Yasen replacement is supposed to be in service by the late 2020s and proposed designs are all smaller and similar to Block 1-4 Virginias.

Russia plans to build nine Yasens and in mid-2021 five were still being built. Once the Kazen was launched in 2017, and out of its construction shed for fitting out and sea trials, it was noted that it appeared quite different from the Severodvinsk, the first Yassen. Kazen is nine meters (27 feet) shorter than the 139.2-meter (457 foot) Severodvinsk. The bow is a different shape (sharper) and there are eight torpedo tubes instead of ten. The size and shape of the propeller/rudder system have increased. About half the length reduction is at the expense of crew quarters. That is not a major problem because the crew is smaller, at 63 men, than the Severodvinsk. The length and crew reduction were accomplished with the use of more automation and improved electronics that take up less space and require less maintenance. The revisions were not expensive to implement and were apparently planned before the Severodvinsk was completed. While the Severodvinsk cost $1.6 billion the Kazan cost half that and subsequent boats are expected to cost closer to $700 million each. The navy is confident that the changes in the Yasen design will solve a lot more problems than they cause.

Russia knew it had some serious problems with the Yasens as the lead boat ran into a seemingly endless series of problems. In mid-2014, after two decades of construction effort and nearly six months of acceptance trials, the Russian Navy finally declared the Severodvinsk into service. This boat set some of the wrong kind of records on its way to the fleet. For one thing, the construction of the Severodvinsk began in 1993, based on a Cold War design and a lot of Cold War technology. Then there were the sea trials, which took two years during which the Severodvinsk was at sea 30 percent of the time (222 days) and submerged over a hundred times. There were at least five live firings of its cruise missiles. Sea trials are not supposed to last that long, but the Yasen SSGNs were special in so many ways.

Putting the Severodvinsk into service was delayed twice in 2013. Early on the sea trials revealed that the nuclear reactor did not produce the required power and that the ability of the boat to remain quiet while underwater was not what it should be. An underpowered and noisy sub was not combat ready, and the navy demanded that the builder make it all better before 2014. This proved hard to do because in the 1990s lack of work and money meant that most of the best people left the companies that produced the nuclear subs, and their complex components were gone. Those left behind produced a growing list of embarrassing failures. Earlier, undisclosed problems with the first Yasen postponed it from entering service for years. These problems are not restricted to the Yasens, as other new subs are also encountering numerous construction and design problems.

In early 2011, the crew of the Severodvinsk took their boat to sea, or at least around the harbor, for the first time. Sea trials were to begin three months later but first, the sub took baby steps to ensure that everything worked. These harbor trials were seen as major progress. Things went downhill again after that with a growing number of delays as more and more problems were encountered.

The second Yasen, Kazan was different. Construction of the Kazan began in 2009 and was not completed until 2017. This was two years longer than expected and apparently the result of implementing the design changes. The third Yasen did not begin construction until 2013 and was launched in 2019. That was two years less than Kazan and the fourth Yasen was expected to take the same amount of time and launch during 2021, which it did. The fifth Yasen began construction a year after the fourth boat and is expected to be launched at about the same time.

The Russians appear pretty confident about the redesigned Yasen M, in part because once the Severodvinsk was in service it proved as quiet and capable as expected. The Americans admitted as much when they revealed that, during the first long range cruise of the Severodvinsk in 2018, the U.S. Navy had a very difficult time locating and tracking it. That was unusual for Russian subs, which had previously been noisy enough for U.S. submarine detection systems to keep track of. The Kazan will have its chance to prove it is as quiet and hard to track as the Severodvinsk when, by 2022, it takes a long-range cruise in waters patrolled by American ASW (anti-submarine warfare) aircraft, surface ships, subs and other submarine detection systems.

In the end, the Yasen class boats were a major advance in Russian submarine technology. That was remarkable because Russian submarine building has been on life support since 1991. Many subs under construction at the end of the Cold War were canceled, and few avoided spending a decade or more waiting for enough money to resume construction. The first Yasen crew was put together in 2007 and then spent years training and waiting. The crew got their new boat in 2013, but only after record delays and time spent in the shipyard getting tweaked.

The Yasens all have eight VLS (vertical launch system) tubes that can carry 32 Oniks anti-ship missiles or forty slower Kalibr (similar to the U.S. Tomahawk) missiles, or the more capable Kn-101 cruise missile, as well as the torpedo tubes. The Oniks missiles are designed as carrier killers because their final approach is at high speed and difficult to intercept. The torpedo tubes were originally supposed to be larger so they could use some new torpedo designs. Those designs did not work out as planned so the standard 533mm torpedo tubes were used with older but proven torpedo designs.

The Yasens crew is less than half the 134 needed to run the new U.S. Virginia class boats. The Yasen design is based on the earlier Akula and Alfa class SSNs. Russia had originally planned to build 30 Yasens, but now only nine, recently increased to twelve, are being built and the smaller and cheaper successor is supposed to be produced in large numbers if the procurement budget can handle that. Currently Russia plans to build twelve Yasen-class subs so that six can be stationed with the northern fleet in Murmansk (near the Norwegian border) and the other six on the Pacific coast at a naval base in the Russian Far East.
Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE:HT  Get Free Report) and InnSuites Hospitality Trust (NYSE:IHT  Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, dividends and analyst recommendations.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

57.0% of Hersha Hospitality Trust shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 2.5% of InnSuites Hospitality Trust shares are held by institutional investors. 20.8% of Hersha Hospitality Trust shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 2.0% of InnSuites Hospitality Trust 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.

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Profitability

This table compares Hersha Hospitality Trust and InnSuites Hospitality Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Hersha Hospitality Trust 8.57% 4.17% 2.17% InnSuites Hospitality Trust 6.37% 12.91% 2.83%

Dividends

Earnings and Valuation

Hersha Hospitality Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. InnSuites Hospitality Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. Hersha Hospitality Trust pays out 117.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. InnSuites Hospitality Trust pays out 33.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

This table compares Hersha Hospitality Trust and InnSuites Hospitality Trusts gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Hersha Hospitality Trust $405.87 million 0.99 $146.72 million $0.17 58.76 InnSuites Hospitality Trust $7.15 million 1.79 $520,000.00 $0.06 23.67

Hersha Hospitality Trust has higher revenue and earnings than InnSuites Hospitality Trust. InnSuites Hospitality Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hersha Hospitality Trust, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility & Risk

Hersha Hospitality Trust has a beta of 1.81, indicating that its stock price is 81% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, InnSuites Hospitality Trust has a beta of 0.2, indicating that its stock price is 80% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Hersha Hospitality Trust and InnSuites Hospitality Trust, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Hersha Hospitality Trust 0 10 0 0 2.00 InnSuites Hospitality Trust 0 0 0 0 N/A

Hersha Hospitality Trust currently has a consensus target price of $9.63, indicating a potential downside of 3.65%. Given Hersha Hospitality Trusts higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Hersha Hospitality Trust is more favorable than InnSuites Hospitality Trust.

Summary

Hersha Hospitality Trust beats InnSuites Hospitality Trust on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Hersha Hospitality Trust

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Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) is a self-advised real estate investment trust in the hospitality sector, which owns and operates luxury and lifestyle hotels in coastal gateway and resort markets. The Company's 25 hotels totaling 3,811 rooms are located in New York, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, South Florida, and California. The Company's common shares are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HT.

About InnSuites Hospitality Trust

(Get Free Report)

InnSuites Hospitality Trust (NYSE American symbol: IHT) first listed on the NYSE in 1971 is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona is an unincorporated Ohio Business. Trust that owns and manages hotels under the InnSuites Hotels name. IHT qualifies as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) for tax treatment currently taxed as a corporation with the IRS. IHT has paid dividends each year since 1971 currently at $0.2/year. There are approximately 9 million shares of stock outstanding. In addition, there are approximately 3 million RRF Partnership units convertible 1 to 1 into IHT stock. Total shares and units are approximately 12 million.

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Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 1.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,500 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 65 shares during the quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADVs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $1,036,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S raised its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 293.5% in the 2nd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 29,135 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,288,000 after purchasing an additional 21,730 shares in the last quarter. Core Alternative Capital raised its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 9.3% in the 2nd quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 11,364 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,843,000 after purchasing an additional 967 shares in the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 28.5% in the 2nd quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,340 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $335,000 after purchasing an additional 297 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI raised its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 44.6% in the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 73,596 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $18,440,000 after purchasing an additional 22,701 shares in the last quarter. Finally, One Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter valued at $249,000. 79.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Illinois Tool Works Stock Down 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE:ITW opened at $258.29 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $77.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.05, a PEG ratio of 4.84 and a beta of 1.13. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $236.62 and its 200-day simple moving average is $240.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $214.66 and a fifty-two week high of $264.19.

Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend

Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.55% and a return on equity of 95.68%. The business had revenue of $4.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.10 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.35 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a dividend of $1.40 per share. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is currently 54.32%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently commented on ITW. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $255.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $244.00 to $256.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $238.09.

Read Our Latest Research Report on ITW

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.

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Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF  Free Report) had its price objective raised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $46.00 to $51.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the financial services providers stock.

A number of other analysts have also recently commented on FNF. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $51.00 price target on shares of Fidelity National Financial in a research note on Tuesday, November 14th. Barclays started coverage on shares of Fidelity National Financial in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an equal weight rating and a $44.00 price target on the stock. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Fidelity National Financial from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Fidelity National Financial in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.33.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FNF

Fidelity National Financial Stock Performance

Shares of FNF opened at $48.60 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a current ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $42.79 and a 200 day simple moving average of $40.12. Fidelity National Financial has a 12 month low of $31.84 and a 12 month high of $48.99.

Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The financial services provider reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $2.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.84 billion. Fidelity National Financial had a net margin of 6.01% and a return on equity of 15.99%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 13.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.07 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Fidelity National Financial will post 3.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Fidelity National Financial Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $0.48 dividend. This is an increase from Fidelity National Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Fidelity National Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 74.69%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fidelity National Financial

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky acquired a new stake in shares of Fidelity National Financial in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $2,778,000. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Fidelity National Financial by 107.0% in the 3rd quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 737 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in Fidelity National Financial by 182.5% during the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 926,963 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $38,284,000 after buying an additional 598,847 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in Fidelity National Financial by 78.4% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 26,418 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,091,000 after buying an additional 11,611 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Fidelity National Financial by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 189,031 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,807,000 after buying an additional 910 shares during the period. 77.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Fidelity National Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Fidelity National Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various insurance products in the United States. The company operates through Title, F&G, and Corporate and Other segments. It offers title insurance, escrow, and other title related services, including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty products.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Get Free Report) SVP Kirt P. Karros sold 26,127 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.07, for a total transaction of $419,860.89. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 26,130 shares in the company, valued at $419,909.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Stock Down 2.0 %

HPE stock opened at $16.72 on Friday. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a one year low of $13.65 and a one year high of $18.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.45 billion, a PE ratio of 10.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.87. The company has a fifty day moving average of $16.09 and a 200-day moving average of $16.65.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 28th. The technology company reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.50 by $0.02. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a net margin of 6.95% and a return on equity of 9.83%. The company had revenue of $7.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.36 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.23) EPS. The businesss revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.58 EPS for the current year.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 13th will be paid a $0.13 dividend. This is a boost from Hewlett Packard Enterprises previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 12th. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.11%. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.77%.

Several research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Credit Suisse Group lowered their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $21.00 to $20.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. StockNews.com raised shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Five investment 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 $17.90.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on HPE

Institutional Trading of Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 1.2% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 152,566,180 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,549,380,000 after purchasing an additional 1,824,331 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 3.1% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 135,598,978 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,278,063,000 after acquiring an additional 4,124,642 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 2.9% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 70,328,694 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,183,418,000 after acquiring an additional 1,959,250 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 12.5% during the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 59,288,867 shares of the technology companys stock worth $944,472,000 after acquiring an additional 6,572,347 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 2.8% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 27,804,203 shares of the technology companys stock worth $466,157,000 after acquiring an additional 765,160 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.15% of the companys stock.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Tuesday morning.

Koninklijke Philips Stock Down 1.5 %

Koninklijke Philips stock opened at $21.88 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $20.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -29.97 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The companys 50-day moving average price is $19.94 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $20.62. Koninklijke Philips has a 52 week low of $12.96 and a 52 week high of $23.30.

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Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.18 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $4.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.87 billion. Koninklijke Philips had a negative net margin of 3.28% and a positive return on equity of 13.22%. On average, analysts expect that Koninklijke Philips will post 1.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Koninklijke Philips

Koninklijke Philips Company Profile

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. boosted its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 32.7% during the 1st quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 35,358 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $649,000 after purchasing an additional 8,719 shares in the last quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD boosted its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 19.6% during the 2nd quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD now owns 3,075,529 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $66,708,000 after purchasing an additional 504,869 shares in the last quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC now owns 42,141 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $773,000 after purchasing an additional 488 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 18.5% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,318,805 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $50,293,000 after purchasing an additional 362,720 shares in the last quarter. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI boosted its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 267.4% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 13,554 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $294,000 after purchasing an additional 9,865 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 6.64% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Koninklijke Philips N.V. operates as a health technology company in North America, the Greater China, and internationally. It operates through Diagnosis & Treatment Businesses, Connected Care Businesses, and Personal Health Businesses segments. The company provides diagnostic imaging solutions, includes magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray systems, and computed tomography (CT) systems and software comprising detector-based spectral CT solutions, as well as molecular and hybrid imaging solutions for nuclear medicine; echography solutions focused on diagnosis, treatment planning and guidance for cardiology, general imaging, obstetrics/gynecology, and point-of-care applications; integrated interventional systems, and interventional diagnostic and therapeutic devices to treat coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease; proprietary software to enable diagnostics and intervention; and enterprise diagnostic informatics products and services.

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Susquehanna initiated coverage on shares of Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Free Report) in a research report report published on Friday, Briefing.com reports. The firm issued a positive rating and a $59.00 target price on the casino operators stock.

LVS has been the subject of several other research reports. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 13th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Las Vegas Sands from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $64.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $68.97.

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Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance

Shares of LVS opened at $47.89 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $47.30 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $36.36 billion, a PE ratio of 54.42, a P/E/G ratio of 3.74 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82. Las Vegas Sands has a 52-week low of $43.77 and a 52-week high of $65.58.

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The casino operator reported $0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.55. The firm had revenue of $2.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.72 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 21.05%. Las Vegas Sandss revenue was up 178.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.27) EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Las Vegas Sands will post 1.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Las Vegas Sands Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 7th were given a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.67%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 6th. Las Vegas Sandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 90.91%.

Las Vegas Sands announced that its board has initiated a share repurchase program on Wednesday, October 18th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the casino operator to repurchase up to 5.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Transactions at Las Vegas Sands

In other news, major shareholder Miriam Adelson sold 12,253,628 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.23, for a total value of $529,724,338.44. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 41,134,164 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,778,229,909.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.91% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Las Vegas Sands

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LVS. Spire Wealth Management raised its position in Las Vegas Sands by 197.4% during the second quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 452 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in Las Vegas Sands during the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP bought a new position in Las Vegas Sands during the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new position in Las Vegas Sands during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC raised its position in Las Vegas Sands by 434.7% during the second quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 524 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 426 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 39.16% of the companys stock.

About Las Vegas Sands

(Get Free Report)

Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

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Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Get Free Report) updated its first quarter 2024 earnings guidance on Friday. The company provided EPS guidance of 2.150-2.200 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 2.530. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have commented on LEN. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Lennar from $141.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. UBS Group raised their price target on Lennar from $150.00 to $159.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Barclays lifted their target price on Lennar from $132.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on Lennar from $113.00 to $114.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Lennar from $136.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Lennar has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $134.72.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Lennar

Lennar Price Performance

Shares of NYSE LEN opened at $149.14 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $121.71 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $120.35. The company has a market cap of $42.41 billion, a PE ratio of 11.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 6.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Lennar has a twelve month low of $88.42 and a twelve month high of $156.01.

Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, December 15th. The construction company reported $4.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.59 by $0.23. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.22 billion. Lennar had a return on equity of 16.22% and a net margin of 11.66%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $5.02 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Lennar will post 13.62 EPS for the current year.

Lennar Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were issued a dividend of $0.375 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.01%. Lennars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 11.12%.

Insider Transactions at Lennar

In related news, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 13th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $108.71 per share, for a total transaction of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 10,038 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,091,230.98. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of $108.71 per share, with a total value of $100,013.20. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,038 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,091,230.98. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the vice president now directly owns 37,060 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,817,800. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 20,000 shares of company stock worth $2,350,896. Corporate insiders own 9.53% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lennar

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LEN. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its position in Lennar by 551.1% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,824,684 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $191,793,000 after acquiring an additional 1,544,432 shares in the last quarter. Duquesne Family Office LLC bought a new position in shares of Lennar during the 4th quarter worth approximately $39,991,000. Nomura Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of Lennar by 236.0% during the 1st quarter. Nomura Holdings Inc. now owns 229,341 shares of the construction companys stock worth $24,106,000 after buying an additional 397,951 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in shares of Lennar by 94.1% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 667,414 shares of the construction companys stock worth $60,401,000 after buying an additional 323,531 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Lennar by 65.5% during the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 790,021 shares of the construction companys stock worth $64,127,000 after buying an additional 312,595 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.87% of the companys stock.

About Lennar

(Get 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.

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Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV increased its holdings in Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX  Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 16,439 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 218 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADVs holdings in Quest Diagnostics were worth $2,003,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund boosted its position in Quest Diagnostics by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 6,921 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $947,000 after buying an additional 556 shares during the period. Panagora Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Quest Diagnostics by 97.5% during the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,878 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,078,000 after buying an additional 3,889 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its position in Quest Diagnostics by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 15,923 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,179,000 after buying an additional 525 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. boosted its position in Quest Diagnostics by 21.9% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 191,048 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $26,165,000 after buying an additional 34,364 shares during the period. Finally, Aviva PLC boosted its position in Quest Diagnostics by 22.1% during the 1st quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 68,068 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $9,316,000 after buying an additional 12,298 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.76% of the companys stock.

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Quest Diagnostics Stock Down 1.6 %

NYSE:DGX opened at $135.03 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $15.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.27 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.12. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $119.59 and a fifty-two week high of $158.34. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $131.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $132.98.

Quest Diagnostics Dividend Announcement

Quest Diagnostics ( NYSE:DGX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The medical research company reported $2.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.19 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.27 billion. Quest Diagnostics had a net margin of 8.21% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.36 EPS. Analysts predict that Quest Diagnostics Incorporated will post 8.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 16th. Quest Diagnosticss payout ratio is presently 42.64%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

DGX has been the subject of several research reports. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $148.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Quest Diagnostics from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $140.00 to $160.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Quest Diagnostics from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $147.58.

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Quest Diagnostics Company Profile

(Free Report)

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services.

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Members Trust Co raised its holdings in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 4.6% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 3,341 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 148 shares during the period. Members Trust Cos holdings in Chevron were worth $570,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Chevron by 5.2% during the third quarter. St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLC now owns 11,881 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,937,000 after buying an additional 588 shares during the last quarter. &PARTNERS grew its holdings in shares of Chevron by 3.8% during the third quarter. &PARTNERS now owns 9,838 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,659,000 after buying an additional 363 shares during the last quarter. LifePro Asset Management grew its holdings in shares of Chevron by 1.6% during the third quarter. LifePro Asset Management now owns 8,862 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,494,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Chevron by 6.6% during the third quarter. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC now owns 10,890 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,836,000 after buying an additional 673 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Foundations Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Chevron by 19.0% during the third quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 84,819 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $14,302,000 after buying an additional 13,521 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Chevron Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CVX opened at $149.33 on Friday. Chevron Co. has a 52-week low of $140.72 and a 52-week high of $187.81. The company has a market cap of $281.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.09, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.11. The firms fifty day moving average is $149.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $156.59. 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 Dividend Announcement

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.70 by ($0.65). Chevron had a return on equity of 16.15% and a net margin of 12.11%. The firm had revenue of $54.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $51.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $5.56 earnings per share. Chevrons revenue for the quarter was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Chevron Co. will post 13.28 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.04%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is presently 44.84%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently issued reports on CVX. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Chevron in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Bank of America upgraded shares of Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $190.00 to $200.00 in a report on Monday, October 30th. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of Chevron from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $180.00 target price on shares of Chevron in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $186.50.

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Chevron Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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Park National Corp OH grew its position in shares of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN  Free Report) by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 24,988 shares of the closed-end funds stock after purchasing an additional 761 shares during the quarter. Park National Corp OHs holdings in Franklin Resources were worth $614,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Franklin Resources during the 1st quarter valued at about $55,460,000. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its position in shares of Franklin Resources by 197.0% during the 1st quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 2,598,687 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $70,009,000 after acquiring an additional 1,723,802 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Franklin Resources by 937.6% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,576,101 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $2,781,000 after acquiring an additional 1,424,200 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in shares of Franklin Resources by 202.7% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 2,126,650 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $59,377,000 after acquiring an additional 1,424,044 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ossiam boosted its position in shares of Franklin Resources by 4,609.5% during the 2nd quarter. Ossiam now owns 1,441,344 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $38,498,000 after acquiring an additional 1,410,739 shares during the last quarter. 46.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Franklin Resources

In other news, Director Mariann H. Byerwalter sold 6,011 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.01, for a total transaction of $144,324.11. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,494 shares in the company, valued at $251,960.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Alok Sethi sold 22,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.27, for a total transaction of $643,940.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 70,481 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,062,978.87. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Mariann H. Byerwalter sold 6,011 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.01, for a total value of $144,324.11. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 10,494 shares of the companys stock, valued at $251,960.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 53,011 shares of company stock worth $1,422,764. Insiders own 23.40% of the companys stock.

Franklin Resources Stock Up 0.1 %

BEN stock opened at $29.39 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $24.09 and its 200 day moving average price is $25.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 1.88 and a current ratio of 1.88. Franklin Resources, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $21.88 and a fifty-two week high of $34.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.09 and a beta of 1.34.

Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The closed-end fund reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $1.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.50 billion. Franklin Resources had a net margin of 11.25% and a return on equity of 10.64%. The firms revenue was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.78 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Franklin Resources, Inc. will post 2.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Franklin Resources Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.31 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 2nd. This is a positive change from Franklin Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.22%. Franklin Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 69.77%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have commented on BEN shares. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Franklin Resources from $23.00 to $22.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on shares of Franklin Resources from $26.00 to $24.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Bank of America decreased their target price on shares of Franklin Resources from $24.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Franklin Resources in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Franklin Resources from $26.00 to $24.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have issued a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Franklin Resources currently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $24.75.

Read Our Latest Analysis on BEN

Franklin Resources Profile

(Free Report)

Franklin Resources, Inc is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, institutions, pension plans, trusts, and partnerships. It launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and multi-asset mutual funds through its subsidiaries.

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Pensionfund Sabic decreased its holdings in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 3.4% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 8,400 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 300 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group accounts for about 1.5% of Pensionfund Sabics portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest position. Pensionfund Sabics holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $4,235,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter valued at $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter valued at $39,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, Tucker Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter valued at $48,000. Institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total value of $65,688,578.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 521,818 shares in the company, valued at $282,084,374.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total value of $36,370,321.59. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at $349,788,255.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total transaction of $65,688,578.70. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 521,818 shares in the company, valued at $282,084,374.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072. Corporate insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on UNH shares. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, November 30th. StockNews.com cut UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, October 21st. UBS Group upgraded UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $520.00 to $640.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $591.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $565.00 to $503.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $578.05.

View Our Latest Stock Report on UNH

UnitedHealth Group Price Performance

NYSE:UNH opened at $531.12 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52 week low of $445.68 and a 52 week high of $554.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $491.24 billion, a PE ratio of 23.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.61. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $537.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $506.53.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $91.41 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.58% and a net margin of 6.02%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.79 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 4th were given a dividend of $1.88 per share. This represents a $7.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.42%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 1st. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 32.64%.

About UnitedHealth Group

(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.

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High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC reduced its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 38,640 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 1,625 shares during the period. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $1,282,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of PFE. Quinn Opportunity Partners LLC acquired a new position in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at $10,304,000. Fulton Bank N.A. increased its stake in Pfizer by 4.7% in the third quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 176,239 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $5,846,000 after purchasing an additional 7,991 shares during the period. Portside Wealth Group LLC acquired a new position in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at $2,072,000. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at $220,000. Finally, Atlas Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at $273,000. 68.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Pfizer Trading Up 1.8 %

Shares of NYSE:PFE opened at $26.59 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $150.14 billion, a PE ratio of 14.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.61. The companys 50-day moving average price is $30.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $34.05. Pfizer Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $25.76 and a fifty-two week high of $53.14. The company has a quick ratio of 2.05, a current ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.77 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.30% and a return on equity of 16.72%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.55 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be given a $0.42 dividend. This is an increase from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.32%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 89.62%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $38.00 to $39.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $75.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Monday, November 20th. UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $40.35.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Pfizer

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, December 14th, RTT News reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be paid a dividend of 0.42 per share by the biopharmaceutical company on Friday, March 1st. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.32%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. This is an increase from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41.

Pfizer has increased its dividend payment by an average of 3.6% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 13 consecutive years. Pfizer has a dividend payout ratio of 51.7% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Pfizer to earn $2.15 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.64 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 76.3%.

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Pfizer Trading Up 1.8 %

Shares of NYSE:PFE opened at $26.59 on Friday. Pfizer has a 12-month low of $25.76 and a 12-month high of $53.14. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $30.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $34.05. The company has a market capitalization of $150.14 billion, a PE ratio of 14.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a current ratio of 2.38, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a return on equity of 16.72% and a net margin of 15.30%. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.77 billion. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Pfizer will post 1.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of analysts have commented on the company. TheStreet cut Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Pfizer from $39.00 to $37.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Pfizer from $39.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a report on Monday, November 20th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given 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 $40.35.

Check Out Our Latest Report on PFE

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pfizer

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Menard Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth approximately $217,000. Barnes Pettey Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth approximately $208,000. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 15,841 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $207,000 after purchasing an additional 1,073 shares during the last quarter. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 1st quarter worth approximately $182,000. Finally, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth approximately $145,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

About Pfizer

(Get Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Portside Wealth Group LLC acquired a new stake in West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 2,697 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock, valued at approximately $1,032,000.

Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Advisor OS LLC lifted its stake in West Pharmaceutical Services by 1.0% in the second quarter. Advisor OS LLC now owns 2,858 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,093,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in West Pharmaceutical Services by 8.5% in the first quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 384 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $133,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems lifted its stake in West Pharmaceutical Services by 0.5% in the first quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 5,854 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $2,028,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Profund Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 2.9% during the second quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 1,144 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $438,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SkyOak Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 3.6% during the second quarter. SkyOak Wealth LLC now owns 970 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $371,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.23% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at West Pharmaceutical Services

In related news, CAO Chad Winters sold 1,013 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $349.00, for a total value of $353,537.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 1,270 shares of the companys stock, valued at $443,230. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, VP Charles Witherspoon sold 1,190 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $322.37, for a total value of $383,620.30. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,835 shares of the companys stock, valued at $591,548.95. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Chad Winters sold 1,013 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $349.00, for a total value of $353,537.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,270 shares in the company, valued at approximately $443,230. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have issued reports on WST. KeyCorp increased their target price on West Pharmaceutical Services from $415.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. StockNews.com upgraded West Pharmaceutical Services from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Finally, Stephens dropped their target price on West Pharmaceutical Services from $420.00 to $390.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 27th.

View Our Latest Report on WST

West Pharmaceutical Services Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of WST stock opened at $358.20 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 2.89 and a current ratio of 3.70. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. has a 52-week low of $224.15 and a 52-week high of $415.73. The company has a market capitalization of $26.50 billion, a PE ratio of 48.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.98 and a beta of 1.08. The businesss fifty day moving average is $351.82 and its 200 day moving average is $369.31.

West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.30. West Pharmaceutical Services had a return on equity of 21.86% and a net margin of 19.11%. The company had revenue of $747.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $750.31 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.03 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. will post 8.02 EPS for the current fiscal year.

West Pharmaceutical Services Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 7th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 31st will be given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.22%. West Pharmaceutical Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.80%.

West Pharmaceutical Services Company Profile

(Free Report)

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc designs, manufactures, and sells containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, Proprietary Products and Contract-Manufactured Products.

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Portside Wealth Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 12,082 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $896,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. New York Life Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy by 1.3% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 316,097 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $23,454,000 after purchasing an additional 3,921 shares during the last quarter. Atria Investments Inc boosted its position in shares of NextEra Energy by 1.0% in the second quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 122,920 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $9,121,000 after acquiring an additional 1,250 shares during the last quarter. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltd increased its position in NextEra Energy by 29.6% during the first quarter. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltd now owns 1,202,195 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $92,666,000 after purchasing an additional 274,371 shares during the last quarter. Northwest Capital Management Inc purchased a new position in NextEra Energy during the second quarter worth approximately $120,000. Finally, Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY grew its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY now owns 88,096 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,537,000 after buying an additional 923 shares during the period. 76.48% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Nicole S. Arnaboldi purchased 8,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 8th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $59.59 per share, for a total transaction of $506,515.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 11,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at $686,655.57. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, major shareholder Nextera Energy Inc bought 3,097,524 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 6th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $24.21 per share, with a total value of $74,991,056.04. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 4,097,524 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $99,201,056.04. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Nicole S. Arnaboldi purchased 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $59.59 per share, for a total transaction of $506,515.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 11,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $686,655.57. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.38% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

NEE has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on NextEra Energy from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Scotiabank cut their price target on shares of NextEra Energy from $105.00 to $96.00 in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of NextEra Energy from $91.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 28th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on shares of NextEra Energy from $90.00 to $89.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. Finally, Citigroup assumed coverage on NextEra Energy in a report on Friday, December 8th. They issued a buy rating and a $69.00 price target for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $73.14.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on NextEra Energy

NextEra Energy Price Performance

Shares of NEE stock opened at $61.43 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.50 and a quick ratio of 0.43. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 1-year low of $47.15 and a 1-year high of $86.47. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $56.96 and a two-hundred day moving average of $65.17. The firm has a market cap of $126.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.25, a P/E/G ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.51.

NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The utilities provider reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $7.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.07 billion. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.15% and a net margin of 27.82%. NextEra Energys quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.85 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

NextEra Energy Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 24th were given a dividend of $0.4675 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 22nd. This represents a $1.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.04%. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 49.47%.

NextEra Energy Profile

(Free Report)

NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets.

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Portside Wealth Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 3,128 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $901,000.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Delphi Management Inc. MA purchased a new position in Snap-on during the second quarter worth about $1,439,000. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL purchased a new position in Snap-on during the second quarter worth about $34,262,000. Comerica Bank purchased a new position in Snap-on during the second quarter worth about $4,154,000. BOKF NA raised its holdings in Snap-on by 4.5% during the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 6,105 shares of the companys stock worth $1,759,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in Snap-on by 1.0% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 109,496 shares of the companys stock worth $31,632,000 after purchasing an additional 1,137 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.90% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Tigress Financial increased their target price on shares of Snap-on from $328.00 to $336.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 29th. Roth Mkm reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $324.00 target price on shares of Snap-on in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Snap-on in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Snap-on currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $298.17.

Snap-on Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of SNA opened at $286.28 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 3.67 and a quick ratio of 2.62. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $268.05 and a 200-day simple moving average of $269.15. Snap-on Incorporated has a 1-year low of $220.21 and a 1-year high of $297.26. The stock has a market cap of $15.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.04.

Snap-on (NYSE:SNA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $4.51 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.44 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $1.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.15 billion. Snap-on had a net margin of 21.21% and a return on equity of 21.20%. The companys revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $4.14 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Snap-on Incorporated will post 18.62 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Snap-on Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 21st were issued a $1.86 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 20th. This is an increase from Snap-ons previous quarterly dividend of $1.62. This represents a $7.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.60%. Snap-ons payout ratio is 40.39%.

Insider Transactions at Snap-on

In related news, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 22,078 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.16, for a total value of $5,699,656.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 697,506 shares in the company, valued at $180,068,148.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 22,078 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.16, for a total value of $5,699,656.48. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 697,506 shares in the company, valued at $180,068,148.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Aldo John Pagliari sold 6,769 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.68, for a total transaction of $1,899,922.92. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 90,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,294,600.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 53,940 shares of company stock worth $14,588,892 over the last quarter. 4.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Snap-on

(Free Report)

Snap-on Incorporated manufactures and markets tools, equipment, diagnostics, and repair information and systems solutions for professional users worldwide. It operates through Commercial & Industrial Group, Snap-on Tools Group, Repair Systems & Information Group, and Financial Services segments.

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Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of FMC Co. (NYSE:FMC  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 10,514 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $1,097,000.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in shares of FMC by 13.0% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,742 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $457,000 after purchasing an additional 430 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its position in shares of FMC by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 13,742 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,434,000 after purchasing an additional 833 shares during the last quarter. Speece Thorson Capital Group Inc. raised its position in shares of FMC by 17.0% in the 2nd quarter. Speece Thorson Capital Group Inc. now owns 124,317 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $12,971,000 after purchasing an additional 18,019 shares during the last quarter. HNP Capital LLC raised its position in shares of FMC by 25.7% in the 1st quarter. HNP Capital LLC now owns 13,318 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,627,000 after purchasing an additional 2,721 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. purchased a new position in shares of FMC in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $79,000. 86.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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FMC Price Performance

Shares of NYSE FMC opened at $59.52 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.15, a PEG ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.86. FMC Co. has a 12 month low of $49.49 and a 12 month high of $133.37. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $56.53 and its 200-day simple moving average is $78.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 1.54 and a quick ratio of 0.96.

FMC Announces Dividend

FMC ( NYSE:FMC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by ($0.01). FMC had a net margin of 10.01% and a return on equity of 18.84%. The company had revenue of $981.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.01 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.23 EPS. FMCs revenue was down 28.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that FMC Co. will post 3.84 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 18th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $0.58 dividend. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.90%. FMCs dividend payout ratio is currently 59.03%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently commented on FMC. StockNews.com raised shares of FMC from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Redburn Atlantic reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $71.00 price target on shares of FMC in a report on Monday, September 25th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $63.00 price target on shares of FMC in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Vertical Research upgraded shares of FMC from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $94.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of FMC from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price target for the stock from $80.00 to $63.00 in a report on Thursday. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $85.44.

View Our Latest Research Report on FMC

Insider Activity at FMC

In related news, Director Robert C. Pallash purchased 3,845 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 27th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $52.48 per share, with a total value of $201,785.60. Following the purchase, the director now owns 47,871 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,512,270.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.85% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

FMC Profile

(Free Report)

FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, provides crop protection, plant health, and professional pest and turf management products. It develops, markets, and sells crop protection chemicals that include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides; and biologicals, crop nutrition, and seed treatment products, which are used in agriculture to enhance crop yield and quality by controlling a range of insects, weeds, and diseases, as well as in non-agricultural markets for pest control.

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Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC)  Investment analysts at Desjardins lifted their FY2025 EPS estimates for Manulife Financial in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, December 11th. Desjardins analyst D. Young now anticipates that the financial services provider will post earnings per share of $2.96 for the year, up from their prior forecast of $2.84. The consensus estimate for Manulife Financials current full-year earnings is $2.45 per share.

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Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. TheStreet cut shares of Manulife Financial from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Manulife Financial in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Manulife Financial currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.43.

Manulife Financial Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MFC opened at $21.12 on Thursday. Manulife Financial has a one year low of $17.07 and a one year high of $21.43. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $18.86 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $18.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $38.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.56, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.10.

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.69 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.09. Manulife Financial had a net margin of 10.79% and a return on equity of 15.07%. The business had revenue of $6.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.07 billion.

Manulife Financial Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be paid a dividend of $0.263 per share. This represents a $1.05 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 21st. Manulife Financials payout ratio is currently 52.50%.

Institutional Trading of Manulife Financial

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Wesbanco Bank Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 15.4% during the third quarter. Wesbanco Bank Inc. now owns 14,977 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $274,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Manulife Financial during the third quarter valued at approximately $107,000. Advisory Resource Group increased its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 3.6% during the third quarter. Advisory Resource Group now owns 31,609 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $578,000 after acquiring an additional 1,086 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in Manulife Financial by 9.4% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,255,734 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $22,947,000 after acquiring an additional 107,639 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its position in Manulife Financial by 478.5% in the 3rd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 1,533 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 1,268 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 45.02% of the companys stock.

Manulife Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc cut its holdings in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IJS  Free Report) by 23.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 3,301 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,022 shares during the quarter. Richard P Slaughter Associates Incs holdings in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF were worth $295,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of IJS. Rhumbline Advisers acquired a new position in shares of iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $235,000. Blair William & Co. IL grew its holdings in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF by 12.9% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 10,564 shares of the companys stock worth $1,082,000 after buying an additional 1,208 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. grew its holdings in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF by 43.0% during the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 4,149 shares of the companys stock worth $425,000 after buying an additional 1,247 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF by 3.1% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 334,751 shares of the companys stock worth $34,275,000 after buying an additional 10,014 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its holdings in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF by 10.2% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 14,024 shares of the companys stock worth $1,436,000 after buying an additional 1,295 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF Trading Down 1.2 %

Shares of iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF stock opened at $101.23 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $89.45 and a 200 day simple moving average of $92.57. iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF has a 12-month low of $81.81 and a 12-month high of $106.93. The company has a market capitalization of $7.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.52 and a beta of 1.18.

About iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF

iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics.

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Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Free Report) by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 8,200 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 4,100 shares during the period. Salem Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in Sempra were worth $563,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. WealthPLAN Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sempra during the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. EP Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sempra in the first quarter valued at $29,000. West Tower Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sempra in the second quarter valued at $31,000. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC grew its holdings in shares of Sempra by 3,666.7% in the second quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 226 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Atlas Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Sempra by 842.9% in the second quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 264 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 236 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.83% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Sempra from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Sempra from $95.00 to $89.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Sempra from $91.00 to $82.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Sempra from $75.00 to $73.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Sempra from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $78.00 to $86.00 in a research report on Tuesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $81.65.

Sempra Trading Down 1.6 %

NYSE SRE opened at $75.22 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $71.60 and its 200-day moving average price is $71.90. The company has a current ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. The stock has a market cap of $47.34 billion, a PE ratio of 17.39, a PEG ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.72. Sempra has a 12 month low of $63.75 and a 12 month high of $81.82.

Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $1.08 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.68 billion. Sempra had a net margin of 16.51% and a return on equity of 9.88%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.99 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Sempra will post 4.57 earnings per share for the current year.

Sempra Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 6th will be issued a $0.595 dividend. This represents a $2.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 5th. Sempras payout ratio is presently 55.03%.

About Sempra

(Free Report)

Sempra operates as an energy infrastructure company in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Gas Company, Sempra Texas Utilities, and Sempra Infrastructure. The San Diego Gas & Electric Company segment provides to San Diego and southern Orange counties; and natural gas service to San Diego County.

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MBABANE  Dagga is no longer Swazi Gold but instead, emaSwati seems to have discovered the real gold and there is now a rush to mine it.

This publication has exclusively gathered that illegal miners are now digging for gold in more places than had been previously known. It has been gathered that the mining is being done in areas surrounding the old Piggs Peak Mine as well as many other parts of the northern Hhohho.

The illegal gold mining setup is being done in an open-pit set-up. This means that some of the miners do not go down a mine tunnel, but that the gold is available on the surface.

Though northern Hhohho is known for dagga cultivation, it was gathered that many who once worked in the dagga fields were now involved in illegal gold mining, as it was a quicker way to make money and far more lucrative. *Joko, who confessed to being a Zama Zama, revealed that many people who were involved in dagga had resorted to mininggold because they were making much more money. He revealed that for a gram, they sold their gold at E500.

He said some of the Zama Zamas worked in groups and that they were able to make between E20 000 to over E100 000 from the gold.

Joko said the gold was sold to buyers locally who then transported it to neighbouring South Africa (SA) before it went to other countries. He said he was not sure which was the final destination for the gold, but that they were only interested in the money which they generated from the illegal mining.

He also alleged that the illegal mining was a syndicate that involved many people and allegedly included some officials who were able to transport the soil which contained the gold. Another illegal miner, *Jomo, revealed that the mining of the gold was being done both underground and on the surface. He revealed how old mines had become a target for illegal miners who had found a way of avoiding security personnel. He said one of the mines which was still being used by Zama Zamas was the one situated at the old Piggs Peak town. The mine was abandoned, but it still had gold deposits and had tunnels that go several metres deep into the earth.

Jomo said some of the gold is mined on the outskirts of the existing known mines such as the Lufafa Mountains as well as the outskirts of Piggs Peak. The Lufafa Mountains are situated around Hhelehhele under Ntfonjeni Inkhundla. It is not just the mountains that have gold deposits, but it was gathered from Jomo that some of the homesteads around Hhelehhele do have gold deposits. He revealed that some of the people were aware of the location of the gold deposits, while some were not. Even elderly women were now involved in the illegal mining, he said.

Meanwhile, many residents of Piggs Peak and the surrounding areas are concerned that illegal mining has resulted in other criminal activities including the rise in sex work involving underage girls. This was a concern raised by some residents who called the Times of Eswatini complaining of the high number of illegal activities. Also, there were concerns that most of the Zama Zamas were armed.

The residents wondered why police officers were not taking any action to ensure the safety of residents after noticing the high number of illegal activities. They also alleged that some of the illegal miners were foreigners from countries such as Lesotho, South Africa (SA) and even Botswana. They said some of the foreigners ended up getting stranded while working in the mines and that this forced them to commit other criminal activities such as theft.

Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, who is the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, was called for comment on the matter. She was asked about the increase in crime including the increase in illegal mining, but she said so far, the police had not observed anything. She was then asked about the reports that Zama Zama roamed freely even in Piggs Peak and that the gold mining was taking place in the open. However, she said so far, nothing had been reported to the police. Also, the Eswatini Mining Commissioner Robert Biyela was contacted on the matter, but he said he was not aware of the reports on Zama Zamas. This defunct Piggs Peak gold mine is under the watchful eye of the army, he stated.

Noteworthy, reports on illegal mining are not new in the region, as Zama Zamas targeted green chert, a gemstone used in construction and also making ornaments. At some point, hundreds of South Africans would enter the country illegally to mine the rock situated at Malolotja Game Reserve. However, this has since changed as a new company is currently prospecting the rock and was granted a licence to do so. Further, soldiers and a private security company have been protecting the area, where the rock is situated to keep illegal miners away.
Salem Investment Counselors Inc. decreased its position in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 20.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 777 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 197 shares during the period. Salem Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $318,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. raised its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 100.0% in 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 in the last quarter. CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Alaska Permanent Fund Corp acquired a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.26% of the companys stock.

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Lockheed Martin Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of LMT opened at $441.99 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $109.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.15, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.36. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $446.28 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $445.44. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 52 week low of $393.77 and a 52 week high of $508.10.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 75.46% and a net margin of 10.29%. The firm had revenue of $16.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.73 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $6.87 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.19 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a $3.15 dividend. This is a positive change from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.85%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.04%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

LMT has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup dropped their target price on Lockheed Martin from $555.00 to $540.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. UBS Group began coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. They set a neutral rating and a $470.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on 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. 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 investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Lockheed Martin has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $484.07.

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Lockheed Martin Company 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.

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SiteOne Landscape Supply (NYSE:SITE  Free Report) had its price target boosted by Truist Financial from $158.00 to $170.00 in a report published on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the industrial products companys stock.

A number of other analysts also recently commented on SITE. TheStreet downgraded shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply from $141.00 to $131.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a sell rating and issued a $120.00 target price (down from $123.00) on shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply in a report on Friday, December 8th. UBS Group upgraded shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $145.00 to $200.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 26th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply from $185.00 to $153.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $159.20.

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SiteOne Landscape Supply Stock Down 1.8 %

SITE stock opened at $166.79 on Tuesday. SiteOne Landscape Supply has a 52 week low of $113.25 and a 52 week high of $176.16. The company has a market capitalization of $7.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.43 and a beta of 1.44. The firms 50-day moving average is $141.11 and its two-hundred day moving average is $154.11. The company has a current ratio of 2.40, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33.

SiteOne Landscape Supply (NYSE:SITE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The industrial products company reported $1.25 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by ($0.25). SiteOne Landscape Supply had a return on equity of 12.71% and a net margin of 4.16%. The company had revenue of $1.15 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.15 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.60 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that SiteOne Landscape Supply will post 3.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at SiteOne Landscape Supply

In related news, CEO Doug Black sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $159.16, for a total transaction of $1,273,280.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 562,886 shares of the companys stock, valued at $89,588,935.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 2.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. KLR Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply during the 1st quarter worth $425,000. Rhumbline Advisers increased its stake in shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 50,583 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $6,923,000 after purchasing an additional 2,226 shares during the last quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply during the 1st quarter worth $528,000. EFG Asset Management North America Corp. acquired a new position in shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply during the 2nd quarter worth $1,239,000. Finally, Driehaus Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply by 85.2% during the 2nd quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 337,329 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $56,455,000 after purchasing an additional 155,146 shares during the last quarter.

About SiteOne Landscape Supply

(Get Free Report)

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the wholesale distribution of landscape supplies in the United States and Canada. The company provides a selection of approximately 155,000 stock keeping units, including irrigation supplies, which comprise controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, and irrigation pipes; fertilizer, grass seed, and ice melt products; control products, such as herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and other pesticides; landscape accessories that include mulches, soil amendments, drainage pipes, tools, and sods; nursery goods, which consist of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, ornamental, shade, evergreen trees, field grown and container-grown nursery stock, roses, perennials, annuals, bulbs, and plant species; hardscapes, such as pavers, natural stones, blocks, and other durable materials; and outdoor lighting products that include lighting fixtures, LED lamps, wires, transformers, and accessories.

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ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:BHLB  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 6,816 shares of the savings and loans companys stock, valued at approximately $141,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ bought a new stake in Berkshire Hills Bancorp in the first quarter worth approximately $1,140,000. EA Series Trust acquired a new position in Berkshire Hills Bancorp in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,947,000. Citigroup Inc. grew its stake in Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 166.2% in the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 70,520 shares of the savings and loans companys stock valued at $1,462,000 after buying an additional 44,033 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 39.6% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 17,731 shares of the savings and loans companys stock valued at $368,000 after buying an additional 5,027 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Meitav Investment House Ltd. acquired a new position in Berkshire Hills Bancorp in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,598,000. 82.24% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp Price Performance

NYSE:BHLB opened at $24.86 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $21.06 and a 200-day moving average of $21.32. The company has a market capitalization of $1.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.71 and a beta of 0.93. Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. has a 52 week low of $18.07 and a 52 week high of $31.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Dividend Announcement

Berkshire Hills Bancorp ( NYSE:BHLB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 20th. The savings and loans company reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $109.78 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $109.30 million. Berkshire Hills Bancorp had a net margin of 16.54% and a return on equity of 10.45%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. will post 2.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 16th were issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.90%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 15th. Berkshire Hills Bancorps dividend payout ratio is currently 31.03%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on BHLB. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp from $23.00 to $22.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, October 28th. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn reissued a sell rating on shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have issued a hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Berkshire Hills Bancorp has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $24.50.

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Insider Activity at Berkshire Hills Bancorp

In other news, Director Mary Anne Callahan purchased 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 20th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $19.84 per share, with a total value of $198,400.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $198,400. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.83% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Profile

(Free Report)

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Berkshire Bank that provides various banking products and services. It offers various deposit accounts, including demand deposit, interest-bearing checking, regular savings, money market savings, time certificates of deposit, and retirement deposit accounts; and loans, such as commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, consumer, and residential mortgage loans.

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ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new stake in WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 1,573 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $139,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of WEC. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 563.3% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,320,077 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $131,757,000 after acquiring an additional 1,121,075 shares during the period. Magellan Asset Management Ltd grew its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 17.0% in the 2nd quarter. Magellan Asset Management Ltd now owns 5,316,833 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $469,157,000 after acquiring an additional 772,372 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $51,851,000. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. bought a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $47,400,000. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 8.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 6,276,059 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $594,908,000 after acquiring an additional 487,972 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.75% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently commented on WEC. KeyCorp decreased their price objective on shares of WEC Energy Group from $102.00 to $94.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Bank of America cut shares of WEC Energy Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the stock from $102.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Barclays raised their target price on shares of WEC Energy Group from $81.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. UBS Group cut their target price on shares of WEC Energy Group from $87.00 to $80.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Guggenheim cut their target price on shares of WEC Energy Group from $94.00 to $84.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, WEC Energy Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $89.75.

WEC Energy Group Price Performance

Shares of WEC Energy Group stock opened at $82.42 on Friday. WEC Energy Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $75.47 and a twelve month high of $99.26. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $82.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $85.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.19 and a beta of 0.43.

WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $1.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.03 billion. WEC Energy Group had a net margin of 14.80% and a return on equity of 11.48%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.96 EPS. Analysts forecast that WEC Energy Group, Inc. will post 4.61 EPS for the current year.

WEC Energy Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 14th were given a $0.78 dividend. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.79%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 13th. WEC Energy Groups payout ratio is presently 72.06%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 600 shares of WEC Energy Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.46, for a total transaction of $50,076.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 20,933 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,747,068.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

WEC Energy Group Profile

(Free Report)

WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. The company operates through six segments: Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure, and Corporate and Other.

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ST Germain D J Co. Inc. purchased a new position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (BATS:FLOT  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 1,992 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $101,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 122.7% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 112,302 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,674,000 after acquiring an additional 61,884 shares in the last quarter. Roundview Capital LLC increased its stake in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 19.2% in the 1st quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 121,500 shares of the companys stock worth $6,138,000 after buying an additional 19,580 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. increased its stake in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 976.0% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 3,228 shares of the companys stock worth $163,000 after buying an additional 2,928 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 9.0% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 118,015 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,983,000 after purchasing an additional 9,772 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 126.2% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 81,715 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,128,000 after purchasing an additional 45,589 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Price Performance

FLOT opened at $50.52 on Friday. iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $50.76 and a 52 week high of $51.10. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $50.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $50.72.

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Increases Dividend

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Company Profile

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 3rd were given a $0.247 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 2nd. This is a positive change from iShares Floating Rate Bond ETFs previous dividend of $0.23.

(Free Report)

The iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated, investment-grade floating rate notes with maturities of 0-5 years. FLOT was launched on Jun 14, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new position in shares of Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 11,840 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $118,000.

Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of Amcor by 10.2% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 112,644,781 shares of the companys stock worth $1,276,265,000 after buying an additional 10,472,157 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Amcor by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 56,742,108 shares of the companys stock worth $642,887,000 after buying an additional 358,145 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Amcor by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 31,254,680 shares of the companys stock worth $311,095,000 after buying an additional 409,092 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Amcor by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 30,027,283 shares of the companys stock worth $299,672,000 after buying an additional 1,246,013 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Amcor by 40.9% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 27,078,220 shares of the companys stock worth $306,797,000 after buying an additional 7,854,257 shares in the last quarter. 49.52% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently weighed in on AMCR. TheStreet downgraded shares of Amcor from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Truist Financial cut their target price on shares of Amcor from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $10.40.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Arun Nayar sold 10,261 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.39, for a total transaction of $96,350.79. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 52,527 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $493,228.53. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.69% of the companys stock.

Amcor Trading Down 1.2 %

Shares of AMCR stock opened at $9.60 on Friday. Amcor plc has a twelve month low of $8.45 and a twelve month high of $12.37. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $9.12 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76. The company has a market capitalization of $13.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.54, a PEG ratio of 10.68 and a beta of 0.80.

Amcor (NYSE:AMCR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.02. Amcor had a net margin of 6.72% and a return on equity of 24.92%. The company had revenue of $3.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.35 billion. Research analysts forecast that Amcor plc will post 0.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Amcor Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd were paid a dividend of $0.125 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 21st. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.21%. This is an increase from Amcors previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. Amcors dividend payout ratio is currently 75.76%.

Amcor Company Profile

(Free Report)

Amcor plc develops, produces, and sells packaging products in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions. The company operates through two segments, Flexibles and Rigid Packaging. The Flexibles segment provides flexible and film packaging products in the food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, fresh produce, snack food, personal care, and other industries.

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ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 638 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $114,000.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 99,414.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 23,805,806 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,243,861,000 after purchasing an additional 23,781,884 shares during the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank lifted its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 77.6% during the 1st quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 5,340,797 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $978,543,000 after acquiring an additional 2,333,468 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 67,584.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,037,008 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $515,198,000 after acquiring an additional 3,032,521 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC lifted its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 3,021,047 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $538,562,000 after acquiring an additional 193,438 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 6.4% during the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,628,240 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $290,592,000 after acquiring an additional 98,358 shares during the period. 40.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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SPDR Gold Shares Stock Performance

GLD opened at $187.02 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $183.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $180.37. SPDR Gold Shares has a 1-year low of $165.84 and a 1-year high of $192.40.

SPDR Gold Shares Company 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).

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International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 6.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,446 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after purchasing an additional 613 shares during the quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLCs holdings in TJX Companies were worth $920,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Panagora Asset Management Inc. raised its position in 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 valued at $2,011,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. Adero Partners LLC increased its position in shares of TJX Companies by 4.5% in the second quarter. Adero Partners LLC now owns 2,807 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $238,000 after buying an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. increased its position in shares of TJX Companies by 0.7% in the second quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. now owns 18,064 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $1,532,000 after buying an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Chatham Capital Group Inc. increased its position in shares of TJX Companies by 1.7% in the second quarter. Chatham Capital Group Inc. now owns 7,627 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $647,000 after buying an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Alpha Financial Partners LLC increased its position in shares of TJX Companies by 2.5% in the first quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC now owns 5,337 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $418,000 after buying an additional 129 shares in the last quarter. 89.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 35,907 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.29, for a total value of $3,206,136.03. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 595,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $53,144,604.39. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently commented on TJX shares. Loop Capital boosted their price objective on TJX Companies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on TJX Companies from $99.00 to $101.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on TJX Companies from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Evercore ISI initiated coverage on TJX Companies in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. They set an outperform rating and a $105.00 price target for the company. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on TJX Companies from $90.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $99.75.

Check Out Our Latest Report on TJX Companies

TJX Companies Stock Performance

NYSE TJX opened at $89.29 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $89.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $87.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a current ratio of 1.19. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $72.92 and a fifty-two week high of $93.78.

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data 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 for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.09 billion. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 62.67% and a net margin of 7.85%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.86 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 3.75 earnings per share for the current year.

TJX Companies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a $0.3325 dividend. This represents a $1.33 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 37.68%.

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.

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Webster Bank N. A. raised its holdings in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 21,945 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 217 shares during the quarter. Webster Bank N. A.s holdings in Chevron were worth $3,700,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in CVX. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 100,509.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 426,861,553 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $67,166,665,000 after purchasing an additional 426,437,277 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 12.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 32,906,060 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,906,309,000 after purchasing an additional 3,711,923 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 104,997.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 24,490,824 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,395,858,000 after purchasing an additional 24,467,521 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Chevron by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 23,867,243 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,732,044,000 after acquiring an additional 199,759 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Chevron during the 4th quarter valued at about $3,058,235,000. 68.87% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Chevron Stock Down 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $149.33 on Friday. Chevron Co. has a 52-week low of $140.72 and a 52-week high of $187.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $281.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.09, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.11. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $149.87 and a 200-day moving average price of $156.59.

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 for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.70 by ($0.65). Chevron had a net margin of 12.11% and a return on equity of 16.15%. The company had revenue of $54.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $51.41 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.56 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Chevron Co. will post 13.28 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.51 per share. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 44.84%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Chevron in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. UBS Group dropped their target price on Chevron from $194.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday. Truist Financial dropped their target price on Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Mizuho lowered their price target on Chevron from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 14th. Finally, Bank of America raised Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $190.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $186.50.

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Chevron Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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Webster Bank N. A. lifted its stake in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 0.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 61,939 shares of the retailers stock after purchasing an additional 199 shares during the quarter. Walmart comprises 1.3% of Webster Bank N. A.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 16th biggest holding. Webster Bank N. A.s holdings in Walmart were worth $9,906,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC lifted its stake in shares of Walmart by 1.0% in the second quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC now owns 6,074 shares of the retailers stock worth $955,000 after buying an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Signature Wealth Management Group raised its position in Walmart by 1.9% in the second quarter. Signature Wealth Management Group now owns 3,436 shares of the retailers stock worth $540,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Carmel Capital Partners LLC raised its position in Walmart by 3.7% in the second quarter. Carmel Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,818 shares of the retailers stock worth $286,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in Walmart by 1.1% in the second quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,976 shares of the retailers stock worth $939,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Finally, RB Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Walmart by 0.7% in the second quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 9,770 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,536,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 33.18% of the companys stock.

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Walmart Trading Up 0.4 %

NYSE:WMT opened at $152.83 on Friday. Walmart Inc. has a one year low of $136.09 and a one year high of $169.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market cap of $411.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.34, a P/E/G ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 0.48. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $159.08 and a 200-day simple moving average of $158.35.

Insider Buying and Selling

Walmart ( NYSE:WMT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 16th. The retailer reported $1.53 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.53. The firm had revenue of $160.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $159.65 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 2.55% and a return on equity of 21.20%. Walmarts revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.50 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 90,436 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.90, for a total transaction of $14,098,972.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 234,917,525 shares in the company, valued at approximately $36,623,642,147.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Walmart news, EVP John R. Furner sold 4,375 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.00, for a total transaction of $708,750.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 269,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,597,278. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 90,436 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.90, for a total transaction of $14,098,972.40. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 234,917,525 shares in the company, valued at approximately $36,623,642,147.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 2,990,310 shares of company stock worth $466,515,037 in the last 90 days. 46.51% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $168.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Walmart from $170.00 to $168.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Walmart from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $210.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.44.

View Our Latest Analysis on WMT

Walmart Company Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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MANZINI  Ignorance is a sickness, hence it can only be treated by one applying himself/herself in reading and research.

This statement was made by the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) Head of Transformation Mavela Sigwane, when he was responding to Montigny Investments claims that the former is a terrorist group. Montigny Investments issued the statement with the aforementioned allegations on Thursday December 14, 2023. By definition, FESBC is the Federation of Eswatini Business Community. Our mandate is to advocate for a fair trading environment within the country and outside where indigenous business are trading, Sigwane said.

He added that every country had its own federation of local business community and Eswatinis case was not different. He said that in the country, there were two employer entities; Business Eswatini and FESBC. Therefore, he said labelling of the organisation with any other name amounted to defamatory in its nature and that could not be tolerated. He added that the question of anti-competitiveness allegedly posed by Montigny Investments or anyone else still required a clear response; hence misdirection of efforts towards resolving the trade question would not assist anyone.

He said regarding claims that FESBC in bed with the proscribed political entity  Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the head of transformation said that was not true. He said this was because PUDEMO is a political party, while FESBC is an employers federation, hence their mandates were different.

Sickness

Ignorance is a sickness, hence it can only be treated by one applying himself/herself in reading and research, Sigwane said. On another note, he said the overall impression on these allegations made against FESBC by Montigny Investments were defamatory and criminal in their nature. He said the silence of government in calling these companies to order was noted and would be recorded in the next International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference, which had a potential of getting the country to special paragraph.

He added that mutual respect between FESBC and local businesses would promote domestic trade in the country. He said these were not political concerns, but socio-economic worries, which directly affect both the local employers federation and the employees federations across the country, hence it had to be addressed accordingly. Moreover, he said their posture during the political unrest where issues of stickers and others, were explained and could not be brought up again by an entity, which allegedly has serious questions on fair trade to respond to.

He said Montigny Investments needed to focus just on giving a convincing response to those concerns and comply with the State institution called Eswatini Competition Commission. Otherwise, he said the process would have to be escalated to their markets, where there would be serious deprecations.
Webster Financial Co. (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the eleven ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nine have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $50.83.

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on WBS. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on Webster Financial from $53.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Webster Financial from $50.00 to $42.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on Webster Financial from $53.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Raymond James decreased their target price on Webster Financial from $51.00 to $49.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on Webster Financial from $53.00 to $47.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th.

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Webster Financial Price Performance

WBS opened at $51.07 on Monday. Webster Financial has a 1 year low of $31.03 and a 1 year high of $56.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.79 billion, a PE ratio of 9.78 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The businesss 50-day moving average is $42.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $41.56.

Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.06. Webster Financial had a return on equity of 13.65% and a net margin of 24.45%. The business had revenue of $677.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $686.11 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.46 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Webster Financial will post 5.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Webster Financial Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were issued a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.13%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 2nd. Webster Financials payout ratio is presently 30.65%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of WBS. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky raised its stake in shares of Webster Financial by 54.3% during the 3rd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 81,832 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,299,000 after buying an additional 28,798 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in shares of Webster Financial by 1,773.9% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,324,457 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $53,389,000 after buying an additional 1,253,778 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its stake in shares of Webster Financial by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 21,702 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $875,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Creative Planning raised its stake in shares of Webster Financial by 11.7% during the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 29,691 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,197,000 after buying an additional 3,119 shares during the period. Finally, Tudor Investment Corp Et Al acquired a new position in shares of Webster Financial during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,175,000. 86.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Webster Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides commercial real estate and equipment financing, business banking, asset-based lending, and commercial services; public sector finance; mortgage warehouse financing; treasury management services; credit, deposit, and cash flow management services; and wealth management solutions to business owners and operators, including trust, asset management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, and investment products, as well as derivative, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and trade products and services.

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Western Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED  Free Report) by 1.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,133 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 163 shares during the quarter. Western Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $916,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. IHT Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Consolidated Edison by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,941 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $757,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Lido Advisors LLC grew its stake in Consolidated Edison by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 43,881 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,198,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the period. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC grew its stake in Consolidated Edison by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 4,916 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $444,000 after purchasing an additional 115 shares during the period. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC grew its stake in Consolidated Edison by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC now owns 4,303 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $389,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the period. Finally, Retirement Group LLC grew its stake in Consolidated Edison by 74.8% in the 4th quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 271 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the period. 64.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

ED has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Argus reduced their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $104.00 to $93.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Mizuho cut their price target on Consolidated Edison from $95.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Barclays cut their price target on Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Consolidated Edison from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and cut their price target for the stock from $96.00 to $94.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Consolidated Edison from $71.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $88.08.

Consolidated Edison Stock Performance

NYSE:ED opened at $89.87 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $89.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $90.55. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a twelve month low of $80.46 and a twelve month high of $100.92. The stock has a market cap of $31.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.31, a PEG ratio of 9.39 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98.

Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.58 by $0.04. Consolidated Edison had a return on equity of 8.16% and a net margin of 15.57%. The firm had revenue of $3.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.82 billion. As a group, equities analysts predict that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Consolidated Edison Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th were issued a dividend of $0.81 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $3.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.61%. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio is 48.00%.

About Consolidated Edison

(Free Report)

Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.6 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan.

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Western Wealth Management LLC lowered its stake in STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM  Free Report) by 1.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 12,814 shares of the semiconductor producers stock after selling 245 shares during the period. Western Wealth Management LLCs holdings in STMicroelectronics were worth $641,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in STM. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in shares of STMicroelectronics by 2,911.3% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 134,004 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $6,012,000 after buying an additional 129,554 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in shares of STMicroelectronics by 9.9% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,530,155 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $152,573,000 after buying an additional 318,347 shares during the last quarter. Mariner LLC purchased a new position in shares of STMicroelectronics in the first quarter worth $579,000. Northern Trust Corp raised its holdings in shares of STMicroelectronics by 0.8% in the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 349,772 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $15,117,000 after buying an additional 2,885 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its holdings in shares of STMicroelectronics by 105.8% during the first quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 5,672 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $246,000 after purchasing an additional 103,964 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 5.62% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Susquehanna reduced their target price on shares of STMicroelectronics from $65.00 to $55.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. UBS Group raised shares of STMicroelectronics from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday. StockNews.com cut shares of STMicroelectronics from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Robert W. Baird reissued a neutral rating and set a $35.00 target price (down previously from $50.00) on shares of STMicroelectronics in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised shares of STMicroelectronics from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $53.50.

STMicroelectronics Trading Up 0.6 %

STM stock opened at $50.44 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 2.17 and a current ratio of 2.94. The firms fifty day moving average is $43.92 and its 200 day moving average is $46.21. STMicroelectronics has a one year low of $34.59 and a one year high of $55.85.

STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The semiconductor producer reported $1.16 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.08 by $0.08. STMicroelectronics had a net margin of 25.15% and a return on equity of 30.92%. The company had revenue of $4.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.42 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.16 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that STMicroelectronics will post 4.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About STMicroelectronics

(Free Report)

STMicroelectronics N.V., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through Automotive and Discrete Group; Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group; and Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group segments.

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Wolfe Research assumed coverage on shares of Qiagen (NYSE:QGEN  Free Report) in a report released on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage issued a peer perform rating on the stock.

A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on QGEN. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Qiagen from $55.00 to $50.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. TheStreet cut shares of Qiagen from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Qiagen in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. HSBC lowered their price objective on shares of Qiagen from $64.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of Qiagen in a report on Tuesday, September 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $51.50.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on QGEN

Qiagen Stock Performance

QGEN stock opened at $42.46 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $39.58 and its 200-day moving average is $42.59. The company has a quick ratio of 2.98, a current ratio of 3.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The company has a market cap of $9.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.78 and a beta of 0.43. Qiagen has a twelve month low of $34.74 and a twelve month high of $51.18.

Qiagen (NYSE:QGEN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The company reported $0.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $476.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $469.79 million. Qiagen had a return on equity of 13.15% and a net margin of 17.01%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.53 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Qiagen will post 2.06 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Qiagen

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in shares of Qiagen by 81.0% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 6,054,116 shares of the companys stock worth $245,299,000 after buying an additional 2,709,030 shares during the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board boosted its stake in shares of Qiagen by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 81,315 shares of the companys stock worth $3,295,000 after buying an additional 681 shares during the last quarter. Graham Capital Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Qiagen during the 3rd quarter worth about $577,000. Creative Planning boosted its stake in shares of Qiagen by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 12,887 shares of the companys stock worth $522,000 after buying an additional 381 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tudor Investment Corp Et Al boosted its stake in shares of Qiagen by 11.3% during the 3rd quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Al now owns 99,815 shares of the companys stock worth $4,043,000 after buying an additional 10,120 shares during the last quarter. 57.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Qiagen

(Get Free Report)

QIAGEN N.V. offers sample to insight solutions that transform biological materials into molecular insights worldwide. The company provides primary sample technology consumables, such as nucleic stabilization and purification kits for primary sample materials, manual and automated processing for genotyping, gene expression, and viral and bacterial analysis, as well as silica membranes and magnetic bead technologies; secondary sample technology consumables, including kits and components for purification of nucleic acids from secondary sample materials; and instruments for nucleic acid purification and accessories.

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $81.60 and last traded at $81.45, with a volume of 40472 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $79.25.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research note on Wednesday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $84.00 to $83.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $87.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, HSBC started coverage on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $87.00 target price on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $87.00.

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $6.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.71, a PEG ratio of 7.74 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $75.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $73.51.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $402.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $395.44 million. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had a return on equity of 36.32% and a net margin of 20.98%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.21 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will post 4.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 27th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 13th will be paid a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 12th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.80%. Wyndham Hotels & Resortss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.82%.

Institutional Trading of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 65.5% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 412 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 163 shares during the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its stake in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 139.3% in the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 438 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 255 shares during the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new stake in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Systematic Alpha Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $46,000. 92.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

(Get Free Report)

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc operates as a hotel franchisor worldwide. It operates through Hotel Franchising and Hotel Management segments. The Hotel Franchising segment licenses its lodging brands and provides related services to third-party hotel owners and others. The Hotel Management segment provides hotel management services for full-service hotels.

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Japanese giants Tokyo Gas, Marubeni, Aeon Mall announce Vietnam investments

By Anh Minh Sat, December 16, 2023 | 3:51 pm GMT+7

Corporate giants Tokyo Gas, Marubeni and Aeon Mall were among several dozen Japanese firms that announced new and additional investments in Vietnam Saturday.

Nearly 30 agreements on cooperation and investment were signed at the Vietnam-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who on a four day (December 15-18) visit to Japan to attend the ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit and conduct bilateral activities.

A joint venture between Tokyo Gas, Kyuden International, and Truong Thanh Vietnam Group was handed an investment license to build a $1.99-billion LNG-to-power plant in the northern province of Thai Binh.

Ngo Dong Hai, secretary of Thai Binhs Party Committee hands over an investment license to representatives of Tokyo Gas, Kyuden International, and Truong Thanh Vietnam Group to build a $1.99-billion LNG-to-power plant in the province, Tokyo, Japan, December 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of the governments news portal.

Major Japanese retailer Aeon Mall announced plans to study the establishment of shopping malls in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and the northern province of Bac Giang. The Japanese retail giant aims to expand its network to 25 outlets in Vietnam by 2025, more than four times the current six in operation.

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker Vinfast and Marubeni will join hands in a circular economy project for batteries.

DEEP C Green Energy (Vietnam) Co. will cooperate with Nippon Sanso Vietnam Co. and Mitsubishi Vietnam Co. to carry out a feasibility study on hydrogen production at the DEEP C Hai Phong Industrial Park.

Software maker FPT Group and Yamato Holdings announced an agreement on cooperation in digital transformation, manpower training, and logistics.

Speaking at the forum, PM Chinh stressed the need for Japanese assistance in Vietnams industrialization and modernization process.

He proposed that the Japanese government and businesses support the country with preferential loans, technology transfer, skilled manpower training, governance, and exchanges between localities of the two countries.

He called on Japanese companies to invest in Vietnam to harvest better results, adding, we are thankful for your investments and will be more delighted with your success.

Japan has been falling behind China in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Southeast Asian country. According to Vietnamese government data, FDI commitments from Japan totaled $3.1 billion in Jan-Nov 2023, ranking it Vietnams fifth largest investor, one rank below China. In 2021 and 2022, Japan was one rank ahead of China as the third largest foreign investor in Vietnam.
CARBONDALE  To help house a visionarys dream, a community, a company, and an architect come together to build a future home for the past.

The R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-For-Profit has teamed up with Mighty Buildings  a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art construction company that fabricates building materials with computers and robots  to construct a Visitor Center Museum next door to the Bucky Dome Home.

What you see here on this building are the 3D printed wall panels. Its not made of concrete, said Brian Annechino, a sales and business executive for Mighty Buildings. Its a proprietary material made up of epoxy, resin, polymers, fiber, recycled material. Its a more sustainable building material than almost anything thats out there.

The panels are manufactured using robotics and automation offsite at a production facility in Mexico which, Annechino said, can print enough panels for two to three hundred homes a year.

I think if he was here today watching this, hed be pretty darn proud, Annechino said.

Fuller was a visionary in sustainable architecture and dedicated his career to innovative and environmentally responsible design, said Mighty Buildings Chris Murphy. Our project at the Dome Home, with its use of advanced 3D printed panels and parametric design, embodies his legacy of combining aesthetic beauty with functional efficiency. By integrating Fuller's groundbreaking ideas with our cutting-edge construction technology, we are not only preserving his vision but also evolving it to meet the future demands of sustainable building.

R. Buckminster Fuller was not only an architect. He was a futurist humanist philosophical philanthropist who had a vision to use his wit to the advantage of his fellow humans. World President of Mensa International, the premier IQ society in the world, Fuller employed his gifted intelligence in the betterment of society through technological innovation.

Fuller, who was quirky as he was brilliant, designed many things with the idea of ephemeralization, or trying to do more and more with less and less until eventually you can do everything with nothing. The geodesic dome home was one such invention he developed to put his ideas into practice.

There were advantages to the dome home. Strong for its weight, the triangle pattern of its surface provides a stable structure, and a spherical roof provides the greatest volume for the least surface area. Fuller himself lived in the dome home in Carbondale for eleven years while at SIU, the next-door neighbor to the Visitor Center.

The Bucky Dome was erected in 1960 and took only one day to assemble from a kit. Fast forward to today, and the Visitor Center is following in Fullers footsteps, with little waste and little wasted time building structures to live and work and learn in.

What is so striking about the Visitor Center is how it doesnt look anything like the dome home  yet echoes its esthetic triangularity, creating a complement and contrast that feels right.

Id asked Mighty Buildings just in the Zoom call, Hey, Id like to do some accent panels to reflect the geometry. Two weeks later, they had this design, said Thad Heckman, architect of the Bucky Dome Visitor Center.

The linear mid-century modern look of the Visitor Center structure, Heckman said, is almost the exact inverse shape of the Dome Home, creating a great contrast, especially when the sunlight casts sharp shadows across the facade.

One of the advantages with 3D printing is not only the agility but the flexibility of what you can create, Annechino said. The triangular geometry was designed in collaboration with the Buckminster Fuller team, and our designers and architects at Mighty Buildings, to try to make the connection between the Buckminster Fuller Dome Home and the Visitor Center.

The panels are created through 3D printing, an innovative technology that utilizes robotics and automation to create weather-resistant, fully finished panels ready for installation upon being delivered to the job site. Of the 36 printed panels for the Visitor Center, eight will be triangular in design.

The Visitor Center project has many moving parts and people and groups working together  to keep the Bucky vision alive.

The word that comes to mind is synergy: to put together a project like this, it doesnt take an innovator. It doesnt take the nonprofit foundation. [We] have to come together from the designs, the drawings, the concepts, and to bring into reality was our R&D, our product, our engineers, our assembly team, to figure out how were going to create this, Annechino said.

All the collaboration in the world wont realize a vision without the material support needed to see it through. Heckman says that, though Mighty Buildings has been very generous in giving the Bucky Foundation a great deal on construction costs, the project is still in need of financial support.

Were playing it by ear. Well see how it goes, Heckman said. The goal is the eclipse.

Those wishing to support the Bucky Fuller Dome Home Visitor Center can do so here.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is advising hospitals, long term care facilities, and health departments to increase mitigation efforts like masking and screening as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase in the state.

According to a Friday release from IDPH, 51 counties in Illinois are now at a medium or high level for Covid hospitalizations.

IDPH supports CDCs recommendation of facility-wide masking at healthcare facilities that are in counties rated at high level for COVID-19 hospitalizations or per facility discretion in areas where data shows elevated transmission of other respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV, even if COVID-19 hospitalization levels are not high in those areas, the release read.

According to IDPH, the number of counties listed at a high level for Covid hospitalizations has doubled from five to 10 in central Illinois, reflecting that hospitals in those states have seen more than 20 Covid related hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the last week. Another 41 counties are reportedly at a medium risk level, with between 10 and 20 hospitalizations per 100,000.

According to IDPH, hospitalizations for flu and RSV have been steadily rising as well, with RSV in particular causing a heavy burden of pediatric hospitalizations.

With the alarming rise in respiratory viruses we are seeing across the state and the country, IDPH is recommending healthcare facilities take precautions to reduce the spread of these viruses and protect their patients, staffs and visitors, said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, in a statement included in the release. We are most concerned with healthcare facilities in counties with elevated respiratory virus transmission and hospitalization levels and recommend masking in patient care areas, especially in emergency departments and areas caring for patients who are immunocompromised.

Under guidance released Friday, healthcare facilities are advised to follow CDC guidance and implement facility-wide masking in counties that have high levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations. In addition, in counties with increased incidence of respiratory illness in the community, hospitals are advised to screen staff and visitors for symptoms of respiratory viruses; to remind visitors entering patient rooms about hand hygiene and cough etiquette; and to encourage those with respiratory symptoms (such as fever, cough or sore throat) to defer non-urgent hospital visits and get tested for respiratory viruses before in-person visits or use telehealth services if possible.

Last week IDPH launched a new, weekly Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard that will be updated weekly on Fridays. This report provides the public the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data.

Ahead of the holidays, IDPH is advising Illinoisans to get fully protected with all of the vaccinations they are eligible for, including COVID-19, flu and RSV.

Holiday hosts are urged to enhance the safety of guests by providing proper indoor ventilation, encouraging good hand hygiene, and reminding guests to cover coughs and sneezes. If someone is feeling symptoms of a respiratory virus  such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, a runny nose or fever, IDPH said its best to get tested and stay home so as not to spread illness.

Additionally, the federal government recently announced that every household in the U.S. is eligible to receive four free at-home tests through the COVID.gov website.

For those who are uninsured or under-insured, the CDC this summer launched the Bridge Access Program that will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. The Vaccines for Children Program will cover vaccines for eligible children.

For treatment of COVID-19, Illinoisans who experience symptoms can access no cost-share telehealth services through the SIU School of Medicine Covid Test to Treat services or call (217) 545-5100. An additional option is the NIH Test to Treat line or call 1-800-682-2829 to get access to no-cost care.

The federal government has established a website that provides an all-purpose toolkit with information on how to obtain masks, treatment, vaccines and testing resources for all areas of the country at covid.gov.
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.
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.
Tokyo, Dec 16 (UNI) Tokyo will host a three-day commemorative ASEAN-Japan summit from Saturday to mark 50 years of friendship and cooperation between Japan and the union of 10 Southeast Asian nations.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn of Cambodia will lead a delegation from the ASEAN Secretariat to the December 16-18 summit at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The summit will take stock of the achievements made in ASEAN-Japan relations over the past decades and chart the future direction of a mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership.

Kishida will co-chair the summit together with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He will also host a gala dinner on Sunday and hold bilateral meetings with other Asian leaders.

UNI/SPUTNIK AKS
It was one of the best tributes (eulogies) I saw or heard, and perhaps the best speech Presi
Its a bona fide Christmas classic. Its the one where Chevy Chase uncomfortably lusts after a young woman for absolutely no reason. Its the movie that features four SNL cast members and stars Mae Questel, the voice of Betty Boop  a fact that the internet seems to discover anew every holiday season. Its National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, so let us rapidly recite the Pledge of Allegiance before plowing into this feast of movie trivia.

15 Brought to You By Stanley Kubrick Christmas Vacation was Jeremiah Chechiks directorial debut. He originally worked as a fashion photographer for Vogue before going into commercial directing. I had made these commercials that became quite iconic here in the U.S., Chechik once explained to Den of Geek. They were very dark and sexy and sort of a little bit ahead of their time in terms of style. And what happened was they gained the notice of (Stanley) Kubrick, who had mentioned them as his favorite American filmmaking, ironically, in a New York Times article. It didnt take long for feature film screenplays to start making their way to Chechik.

14 Beverly DAngelo Went Nuts Improvising During the SWAT team scene, Ellen takes the command Freeze as meaning Grab and protect my husbands crotch immediately. Explained DAngelo: I did that spur of the moment and told Chevy, just to see if anyone on set noticed. But we did a couple takes, and no one mentioned it.

13 Based on A (Racist) Short Story The Vacation franchise is based on a couple of short stories John Hughes wrote himself. Christmas Vacation, specifically, was based on Christmas 59 and features a Thai college student named Xgung Wo who, as weve pointed out before, speaks in a cartoonishly offensive accent. National Lampoon

12 Almost Directed by Chris Columbus It turns out that Columbus was set to direct the 1989 slapstick Christmas movie  until he met Chase. Chevy treated me like dirt, Columbus told Chicago magazine, but he needed the job, so he started working on the film anyway. Columbus started off only shooting establishing shots, but after meeting with Chase again, he called Hughes and told him, Theres no way I can do this movie. I know I need to work, but I cant do it with this guy. Two weeks later, Hughes sent Columbus the script for Home Alone. Advertisement Advertisement

11 On Cousin Eddie His most famous character this side of Independence Day, Randy Quaid has said that playing Cousin Eddie really put him on the map. (His fervent, unhinged QAnon beliefs, of course, have completely removed him from it.)

10 Its Tied to Its a Wonderful Life Not only does footage of Its a Wonderful Life feature in the film, but Frank Capras grandson, Frank Capra III, served as assistant director on Christmas Vacation. Advertisement Advertisement

9 Breaking Pinkies It seems Chase got a little carried away while acting out the acting out scene on the lawn with the non-responsive Christmas lights. He went so bonkers that he ended up breaking his finger.

8 Going in Blind I hadnt seen the first two (Vacation films), and so, I wasnt really influenced by anything other than the fact that it was  at the time  their big Christmas movie, and comedy, Chechik told Den of Geek. And I just felt if I could crack this, maybe theres a whole other world of filmmaking for me. Advertisement Advertisement

7 Filled With Cartoon Voices Not only is Aunt Bethany played by the actress who voiced Betty Boop, but Cousin Eddies wife Catherine is played by Miriam Flynn, the voice actress behind Maa the sheep in Babe, Tazs mother in Taz-Mania and The Pinata Lady in The Emperor's New Groove.

6 The Inside of the RV Was Pretty Gross Ellen Hamilton Latzen, who played little Ruby Sue, once told HuffPost that she remembered being really excited about starting out in the RV because I thought it was fun, like a big camper. It turned out, however, that the inside of the RV was pretty filthy. I think it was probably pretty indicative of what it wouldve looked like had the audience been able to go look inside the trailer, the former actress explained. Advertisement Advertisement

5 Some Real Childish Censorship So many people get pissed off at me because I stopped them from seeing boobs, Latzen also explained, because its like right at the point where Marys coming out of the water, and youre about to see her tits, and I say, Santi Claus! instead.

4 The Audience is How Old? There was a big discussion on whether Bill Hickeys cigar should be called a cigar or a stogie, because he says, Get me my stogie, DAngelo revealed during an interview with Rolling Stone. They werent sure people would know what a stogie was, because research showed that our average audience was nine years old or something. I thought, What!? Advertisement Advertisement

3 An Earthquake Was Captured on Screen The movies DVD commentary revealed that Uncle Lewis and Aunt Bethanys arrival at the Griswold home was accompanied by an actual real-life earthquake and that you can supposedly see the camera shaking slightly as Aunt Bethany walks through the door.

2 The Overboard Connection Its been pointed out that the blue pickup truck that tails the Griswolds in the opening of the movie is the same truck Kurt Russell drives in Overboard. Advertisement Advertisement
As winter rolls closer, were brainstorming ways to keep warm. Maybe we can drink brandy, maybe we can set fire to cheese or maybe we should cuddle a dog. Or maybe brainstorming is itself a path toward warmth. The brain consumes some 500 calories a day, and all that energy is converted to heat. Read some facts, simmer some blood and distract yourself from the coming wind.

15 Thrilling Adventure Shoppers distrusted the first escalator, which debuted in London in 1898. To treat customers varying levels of distress, the store stationed a butler at the top, to offer either smelling salts or a drink of brandy.

14 Cursed House Walt Disneys mother suffocated to death. The culprit was a faulty furnace in the home Disney had bought his parents that year for their 50th wedding anniversary.

13 Broken Car The rear windows of cars traditionally did not roll down all the way. This wasnt a safety feature, like some people suppose, or any other intentional choice. The glass pane simply has no room to further descend, thanks to the placement of the rear wheels.

12 Morgue Sandwiches If you happen to spend a lot of time preserving corpses, you may come down with a case of formaldehyde hunger. The preservation fluid enters your system and acts as an appetite stimulant. Advertisement Advertisement

11 Green Energy One town in France generates its electricity from cheese. Albertville has a power plant that grabs whey from cheesemaking and lets bacteria feed on the stuff to release biogas. Markus Schweiss Its enough power for 1,500 people, which is not much but 1,500 more than wed think.

10 Hug Your Dog Sometimes, when a dog has a bad day, it will stay up late at night thinking about it. It will more easily go to sleep if a human is nearby to comfort it. Advertisement Advertisement

9 The Scenic Route America imports a lot of processed chicken meat from China  a lot of processed American chicken meat from China. Its cheaper to ship the stuff to China and back then to pay workers to process the stuff domestically.

8 Agree? You know those surveys that ask how much you like a statement  somewhat agree or disagree, strongly agree or disagree or neutral? Theres a name for that scale: the Likert Scale. Its not named because it tells whether you like-ert but after a man named Rensis Likert. Advertisement Advertisement

7 Too Much Is Not Enough When you drink too much in Russia, they have a word for that: . However, even when you drink more than your body can handle, you may drink less than youd like to. Russians have derived a word for this combination as well: .

6 Diplomatic Faux Pas A Saudi billionaire bought his way into becoming a diplomat for St. Lucia, to escape having to pay an ex a divorce settlement. Unfortunately for him, it turns out diplomatic immunity doesnt have much do to with divorce law. His ploy failed, and he had to pay up. Advertisement Advertisement

5 The Roman Rooster We have lots of kiddie jokes about how the bird Turkey has the same name as the country Turkey. Turkey (the country) itself doesnt call the bird that. They call it Hindi, and several other countries call it Indian bird. In Portugal, the bird is called Peru.

4 The Pendle Witches In England in 1612, a nine-year-old girl sentenced her mother, brother and sister to die as witches. Were not totally sure what happened to the girl next, but years later, someone with her name was also executed for witchcraft. Advertisement Advertisement

3 Cerebral Cryptography Greek history tells of Histiaeus of Miletus sending a secret message to the Greeks by tattooing it on a slaves head. He waited for the slaves hair to grow back before sending him on his journey. This was not a very fast way of sending a message.

2 Sea Star Wasting Syndrome Take comfort in knowing that youre not a starfish. Sometimes, when hit by the right virus, a starfishs legs will spontaneously rip off and walk away from it. Advertisement Advertisement
Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered Friday that Arizona National Guard soldiers be placed near  but not on  the border with Mexico, and not to reopen the Lukeville port of entry.

We are stationing members of the National Guard, embedding them with the law enforcement and DPS (Department of Public Safety) along the Southern Arizona border, not at the border but in Southern Arizona communities to assist and augment law enforcement capabilities in Southern Arizona, Hobbs spokesman Christian Slater said. He had no answers to how many would be placed there.

Hobbs also ordered DPS to boost its presence in Southern Arizona, including near the Lukeville port that U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed indefinitely, starting earlier this month, to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. CPB redirected the ports personnel to help the Border Patrol take migrants into custody during a current surge of arrivals.

None of the soldiers Hobbs is deploying will be used to reopen the border crossing, as she continues to insist the port reopening costs should be paid by the federal government. The Democratic governor asked Dec. 8, to no avail, that the Biden administration send National Guard troops to reopen Lukeville, which is on the direct route taken by many Arizonans headed to the Mexican beach town of Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point).

Soldiers were withdrawn

Fridays moves come less than a month after Major Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck, who heads the Guard in Arizona, told lawmakers the soldiers previously stationed in support roles with local law enforcement in border communities werent needed there  and had been withdrawn in September.

In fact, Muehlenbeck asked on Nov. 22 that lawmakers let her shift funds out of $7.8 million in National Guard funding to instead support the governors program to bus asylum seekers away from the border.

National Guard support to Southern Arizona Law Enforcement has ended and the remaining fund balance of approximately $7,000,000 does not have a planned use, the general wrote in a letter to Republicans who head the Arizona House and Senate Appropriations committees. She also said $800,000 to maintain chain of command resources was no longer needed for the same reason.

This is also playing out as the GOP chairman of a legislative committee that oversees funding requests throws a monkey wrench into Hobbs plans to shift $23 million in already-approved border security funding to other border uses  including earmarking $8 million to continue busing migrants released by federal agents away from Arizona border communities.

Hobbs also asked the committee headed by Rep. David Livingston to boost direct funding for local law enforcement dealing with migration by nearly $5 million and to allocate $10 million to help build a new state emergency operations center in Phoenix.

But Livingston, a Peoria Republican, refused to consider the request even though the money currently being used to bus migrants will soon be depleted. He instead called for a more robust response from Hobbs to the border crisis.

Also, Livingston blamed the decision to remove 100 Guard soldiers for an increase in migration in Yuma and the remote Lukeville border crossing at the Mexican border.

They wont admit that when they pulled off the 100-plus National Guard from the border in those two regions that it had any effect on those two regions or the sheriffs, Livingston said Friday.

They are glossing this over, they are trying to make nice and theyre not addressing the real issue because they are afraid of their radical progressive base, he said. Its just that simple.

Slater, Hobbs spokesman, scoffed at Livingstons contention that removing 100 National Guard troops led to the dramatic increase in immigrants crossing into remote parts of Southern Arizona.

Thats a nonsensical and desperate partisan attack, he said saying Livingston knows better.

Disputes over busing, costs

Livingston said the funding request from the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs does nothing to address the real problem of thousands of immigrants arriving in the state each week. And he accused the Hobbs administration of obscuring the fact that it is actually dropping off many migrants at nonprofit agencies in Tucson and metro Phoenix where few take up offers to be bused to other states.

DEMA provided documents to Livingstons committee saying that more than 38,000 migrants had been bused away from the border since Hobbs took office in January. The agency said it is doing the busing at a dramatically lower cost than for the 3,177 asylum-seekers who were sent to other states in the final year of Republican former Gov. Doug Duceys administration.

The administration says migrants spend a few days at non-governmental organizations in Douglas, Nogales, Yuma, Phoenix, Tucson or New Mexico before continuing on to other states or Washington, D.C.

These funds are being used to transport asylum seekers who have been legally cleared by border patrol to in-state and out of state non-profit humanitarian partners who use separate funds to assist travelers to their final destinations, said Muehlenbeck. Once migrants arrive at non-profit humanitarian partners the vast majority continue to travel out of state.

But the agency also told lawmakers in a memo that it did not know how many actually completed travel out of state, although it is believed that the majority of asylum seekers leave Arizona.

Livingston said fewer than half may do so.

We want results. Im willing to work with them, Livingston said of the Hobbs administration.

But sending them on buses to Tucson and Phoenix where maybe 25% of them end up on a bus out of state is not acceptable, he continued. Thats just moving a problem from one county to the next county, from one city to the next city, and not solving anything.

Muehlenbeck wrote to Livingston and Sen. John Kavanagh that the $23 million would help local law enforcement and local communities deal with increased migration  and said theyve been pleading for the help.

She wants approval to shift money in the current DEMA budget that is now earmarked for reimbursing local border agencies for immigration-related costs, to provide migrants health care and for technology investments  money that currently isnt being requested by local agencies and sits unused.

Hobbs meets with Sonoran gov

Meanwhile, Hobbs met Friday with Alfonso Durazo, the governor of Sonora.

Slater said the meeting was designed to boost cooperation between the two governors. Durazo said in a social media post included discussions about now to reopen the Lukeville crossing.

We agreed to coordinate efforts between both governments to expedite the reopening of the Lukeville-Sonoyta border port, he wrote. We remain committed to always strengthening ties of communication and cooperation for the benefit of the people of Sonora.

Other funding delayed

Aside from the request for more money to bus more asylum seekers elsewhere, Livingston defended delaying the $5 million that would help local sheriffs and police deal with migration and the $10 million requested for a new emergency operations center, saying they were part of the larger issue.

The state has been working to finalize plans for the new facility at the Guards Papago Park facility in east Phoenix, where staff coordinates responses to natural and other disasters and some border issues. Currently, a third of the staff work in temporary trailers at the facility.

But Livingston said the new facility may hit the chopping block.

Maybe we need to stop that, he said. Maybe we need to use those dollars either for the buses or the sheriffs or to fix the budget deficit that we have, which is well over a billion dollars.

Legislative Democrats said Livingston is playing politics with needed funding.

Its pretty clear that Republicans would rather perpetuate the crisis at the border for political purposes rather than take direct action or work together to address the problem, Rep. Lupe Contreras, who leads House Democrats, said Thursday. We should be hearing the Governors request today. But our colleagues across the aisle would rather point fingers and play politics.

Livingston said it is not political for him. Im trying hard to fix this for the state of Arizona and the citizens of Arizona, he said.
Clashes between Sudanese army, paramilitary forces spread to Gezira State in central Sudan

Xinhua) 09:41, December 16, 2023

KHARTOUM, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- As the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) completes its eighth month, the clashes on Friday moved for the first time to Wad Madani, the capital of the Gezira State in central Sudan.

Violent clashes broke out on the day between the SAF and the RSF on the outskirts of Wad Madani, some 136 km south of the Sudanese capital Khartoum.

"The army destroyed an RSF force that attempted to infiltrate the outskirts of Gezira State," the SAF's Spokesman Nabil Abdalla said in a statement, noting the army closed Hantoob Bridge in the state for security measures.

"The RSF militia has suffered hundreds of deaths in Friday's battle east of the Gezira State," added the statement.

For its part, the RSF said the entry of its forces into Wad Madani does not target the civilians in the strategic city.

"The goal of our forces is to destroy the strongholds of the remnants of the former regime," the RSF said in a statement.

In the meantime, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that "a suspension of all humanitarian field missions within and from Gezira State has been put in place as of December 15 until further notice."

The OCHA noted in a statement that Wad Madani has served as a hub for humanitarian operations since fighting broke out in April this year, adding that 57 humanitarian organizations are working in the state, including national and international NGOs and UN agencies.

Shops and markets have reportedly shut down in the city, it added.

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 OCHA.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Fort Johnson, LA (71446)

Today

Partly cloudy. 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%.
SASABE, Sonora  Residents of the besieged Mexican town of Sasabe say they feel abandoned by the government and are looking to one another for support, as they wait for a violent conflict between criminal factions to resolve.

Even as thousands have fled the intense gun battles in the border town, about 100 residents remain. One-third of them are children, two longtime residents told the Arizona Daily Star on Wednesday.

The Mexican National Guard has imposed a curfew of 5 p.m. amid the ongoing conflict between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, battling for control of lucrative human-smuggling routes in the region.

The two residents  who spoke to the Arizona Daily Star close to the port of entry connecting the border town to Sasabe, Arizona  asked that their names not be published, as their lives could be put at risk by speaking publicly.

The schools in Sasabe, Sonora have closed their doors, but children continue to take classes online, using systems set up during the pandemic, said one resident, who is a father.

Residents of Sasabe arent involved with the criminal groups that have taken over, but we are the ones who suffer the consequences, said one woman who has lived in Sasabe, Sonora for 40 years. Shes hoping to wait out the violence.

We have to resist, she said. Our house is the only thing we have.

The residents, speaking in Spanish, told the Star that those who remain in Sasabe all know each other and many check in by phone daily, reporting whether theyve heard gunfire and making sure their neighbors are all right.

In October, hundreds began fleeing Sasabe, Sonora, which previously had a population of about 2,500. Some crossed into Arizona through a gap in the border wall, while others were able to secure humanitarian parole. For many, fleeing to the south was not an option, as criminal groups were stopping cars headed south toward Altar and violently interrogating passengers, former residents told the Star.

Across northwest Sonora, violence has prompted the closure of at least 26 schools, including in Sasabe, Oquitoa, Atil, Tubutama and Saric, according to Caborca-based news outlet Contenido 360.

Reporters focused on cartel activity, including Borderland Beat, say the current battle is between the criminal group that used to control the Altar region, known as the Cazadores  the Hunters  and the groups known as Los Deltas and Los Pelones, who have taken control of the area between Altar and Sonoyta, said Natalia Mendoza. She is an anthropologist and co-founder of the nonprofit Altar Desert Research Center, which documents violence, ecological damage and the overall impact of border militarization.

The latter groups are now one single, incorporated mafia and they have the support of Los Chapitos, the sons of El Chapo Guzman, and theyre trying to eradicate what used to be the cartel from Altar, Mendoza said.

The violence in northwest Sonora appears to be contributing to detours in established human smuggling routes, sending migrants further west, toward Lukeville, Arizona, Mendoza said.

The presence of more authorities in northern Sonora has meant some of the brechas  rough dirt roads  stretching north from Altar have been out of use, she said.

The brecha to Sasabe, which used to be the main corridor, is now empty, Mendoza said. Because of law enforcement they have been using other routes that are a little bit westwards of Altar, so more towards Sonoyta (Sonora), towards Lukeville (Arizona).

Little government presence

Residents still in Sasabe, Sonora say that Mexican National Guard soldiers have not intervened in gun battles that shook the town.

Before the National Guard arrived, residents were left completely alone for a week amid active gunfights, with some barricading themselves in their homes, said Dora Rodriguez, chairwoman of Humane Borders in Tucson and co-founder of Salvavision. The nonprofit runs a migrant-resource center in Sasabe, Sonora that has shut its doors in light of the violence.

Locals were begging authorities to come and help, said Rodriguez, who has helped a number of Sasabe residents escape by securing temporary humanitarian parole in the U.S.

Its been quieter in recent days, with gunfire largely contained to the outskirts of Sasabe, Sonora, residents say. But theyre aware that criminal groups occupying the town are constantly surveilling their movements.

Sasabe, Sonora is part of the municipality of Saric. Officials with the local government, whose listed phone number appears to be out of order, did not respond to emails from the Star.

A spokesman for Sonoran Gov. Alfonso Durazo told the Star that questions related to security issues should be directed to federal security agencies.

A spokesman for SEDENA, the Mexican Secretary of National Defense, said on Thursday that the commander with knowledge of the situation in Sasabe was unavailable.

Humanitarian aid workers in Tucson have been delivering food and supplies to Sasabe, Sonora, taking care to stay close to the port of entry due to safety concerns.

Their deliveries now include bulk bags of donated dog food to help feed the animals that had to be abandoned by those fleeing the violence.

For many, leaving their pets behind was one more heartbreak among many, Rodriguez said. But dogs without proof of vaccination cant enter the U.S.

Some had to leave behind livestock and horses, which now roam the streets, too, residents said.

When you talk to families that are now here (in Tucson), thats one of the things theyre most sad about, leaving their pets behind, Rodriguez said. The destruction of the community didnt happen just for humans.

Sonora in chaos

Violence between organized crime groups is spread throughout the northern Mexican state, resulting in gruesome displays intended as warnings for rivals. In early December, coolers containing dismembered bodies were discovered on the highway between Santa Ana and Altar, El Imparcial newspaper reported.

In Benjamin Hill in late November, a lifeless body was tied up and set on fire by the roadside, along with a note warning that this would happen to anyone who works with a rival group, according to a video circulating on social media.

Sasabe, Sonora was a special place to live before the outbreak of violence, according to one resident who was granted humanitarian parole last month and is now staying in Tucson. She asked to remain anonymous due to the danger of speaking out publicly.

It was the most peaceful community you can imagine, she said in Spanish. You could go out at night and you could sit outside, you could be in the plaza. Our children went to school and we were sure that they would return safely, because there were never any problems like that. Unfortunately the situation changed and it is no longer a safe place for us.

The woman emphasized that she didnt want to leave her home, but her family had to stop living in terror.

Not all people want to come to the United States. Its not easy for people to be in a country totally different from Mexico, but they have no other option, she said.

Moving to other areas of Sonora wasnt an option either; it feels like nowhere is safe, the woman said.

All of Sonora is in chaos, she said.

Aid workers stretched

The arrival of Sasabe residents in Arizona coincides with an ongoing crush of migrant arrivals in the southern borders Tucson sector.

Since the violence started in Sasabe, Sonora, smugglers have also been channeling migrants to an area more than 10 miles east of the Sasabe port of entry, aid workers say.

Hundreds of asylum seekers  mostly from Mexico and Central America, and many with small children  continue to arrive almost daily in this remote location, a few miles east of Cerro de Fresnal on the border, the arrivals ebbing and flowing with each surge in violence, aid workers report.

Humanitarian aid workers have been stretched thin and are calling for more volunteers and donations to help with the cost of providing food, water and blankets to asylum seekers waiting in harsh conditions, sometimes for multiple nights, as border agents struggle to process them.

Humanitarian groups say they are closely coordinating with each other to ensure someone is out in these remote regions every day, with a truckload of food and blankets.

Were all in regular communication with one another to report on what were seeing in the field and to make sure that every day we have people out there, said Laurie Cantillo, water-truck driver and board member of Humane Borders. Its definitely a team effort, all in the name of helping people out in the middle of nowhere.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Border Patrol evacuated humanitarian workers and construction teams from the border wall south of Arivaca, about 75 miles from Tucson, as heavy gunfire raged just south of the border wall.

An increase in migrant arrivals near Lukeville has also been ongoing since the spring, Cantillo said. But the U.S.s recent closure of the Lukeville port of entry, to redirect port officers to the field to help with processing migrants, has drawn national attention to the area, she said.

Its good to raise awareness that we do have a humanitarian crisis on the Arizona-Mexico border. Its happening in multiple places, and its definitely stretching communities and humanitarian groups to the limit, she said. So we need help.

The long drives to the border can be strenuous, and confronting the trauma of asylum seekers is an emotional challenge, too, aid workers say.

You end up getting a lot of hugs and tears, people putting their head on your shoulder and crying and crying, said Gail Kocourek, co-founder of Salvavision and a volunteer with the Tucson Samaritans. When I go home, thats when I cry.
A state lawmaker who is Jewish notified Tucson police Thursday after flyers containing the womans address and words critical of her stance on the Israel-Hamas war were circulated throughout her neighborhood.

Rep. Alma Hernandez said she was dumbstruck when she learned what had been circulated overnight.

Not only were the flyers words startling enough to read, they also included Hernandezs personal information, including her home address.

I dont understand how anyone in their right mind believes this is okay, the Tucson Democratic lawmaker said in a social media message.

Hernandez, an active member of the Jewish community, said she fears for her own safety following the recent events.

The flyers unidentified author alleged Hernandez is actively working to silence pro-Palestinian colleagues on a local and national level.

 We urge you to have conversations with your neighbor about how she might better use her platform for peace, the flyers message said.

Hernandez said she welcomes constituent conversations, just not on her front doorstep. It is the first time in her six years in office that something like this has occurred, but Hernandez said the rise in antisemitism could mean seeing a lot more situations like hers.

She condemned the flyers material, which paints her as someone who supports genocide, among other things.

This behavior needs to be condemned by the so-called peace and pro-Palestinian groups, Hernandez wrote. Add this to the list of 1 million things that will never bring peace, free Palestinians, or force a cease fire.

The mystery flyers, which found their way into the hands of blocks of neighbors, were meant to disparage Hernandez, but had a much larger impact on the state representative, who said she is now terrified to sleep at home and hesitates to leave the house.

According to Hernandez, the Tucson Police Department has been contacted about the situation and offered to beef up security around the Hernandez home.

Politics can be very dirty, but there is a fine line we should never cross, and that is targeting people in their own homes or their families, Hernandez said. We need to do everything we can to say this is wrong.
Groundwater supplies are declining rapidly in five farming-dominated basins across Arizona where pumping isnt regulated, including in Cochise County southeast of Tucson, a new state study shows.

The five sparsely populated areas use about as much water every year as Phoenix and Tucson combined  and the cities get most of their water today from renewable surface water supplies, not from non-renewable groundwater.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources study also projected these fragile aquifers will likely lose water at an even faster pace over the next 50 years. At worst, these five basins could lose more than twice as much groundwater annually to over-pumping by 2075 than was lost over the past 32 years, the study says.

The continued declines in groundwater supplies could also increase the number of wells that dry up, the amount of subsidence  or ground-sinking  of aquifers and the presence of earth fissures in these rural areas, according to the report and to ADWR officials.

Thats even though in two of the five basins, the Douglas Active Management Area southeast of Tucson and the Harquahala Irrigation Non-Expansion Area west of Phoenix, no new crops can be planted on land that hasnt been farmed in the five years before those two areas state-run management areas were created.

But at the same time, the report found the potential for significant or even dramatic increases in cropland in the southeastern Arizona Willcox and the western Arizona McMullen Valley basins.

The report found that the farmers operating and living in these five basins use a combined 418,000 acre-feet of groundwater yearly. To help put that in context, Tucson Waters customers use a total of slightly more than 100,000 acre-feet a year.

The report had to estimate water use by farmers and others in the five basins. Thats because water use in the states rural areas isnt metered, unlike in Tucson and Phoenix.

To estimate farm water use, ADWR relied heavily on estimates done by the U.S. Geological Survey. It bases its figures largely on what crops are grown in an area and how much water such crops typically require. In areas lacking such data, ADWR did its own estimates based on the number of irrigated acres it could detect and the water use of crops grown in such areas.

This report is the first of a series of five that the Arizona Department of Water Resources will be required to produce annually over the next five years under a recently enacted state law. The law requires ADWR to produce estimates of groundwater supplies and demand, and the balance between the two, in all of Arizonas 51 groundwater basins.

This first report examined water demands and supplies in seven rural groundwater basins. In the five this article focuses on, including those in the Willcox and Douglas areas, agriculture uses most if not virtually all of the water. The other three farming-dominated basins  the McMullen Valley, Harquahala and Butler Valley basins  lie in western and west-central Arizona.

The McMullen and Butler valley basins have garnered national media attention as critics say foreign-owned farms, including Saudi and United Arab Emirates farms, are exploiting the unregulated groundwater.

(In the two other basins included in this first state report, the San Bernardino Valley Basin in the states southeast corner and the Tiger Wash Basin in Maricopa County, there is no farming.)

Really challenging

The new report raises questions, as yet unanswered, about how long the agriculture-based economies in the heavily farmed basins can continue flourishing if over-pumping of groundwater continues.

Its findings also show that it will be really challenging for the aquifers in these basins to ever achieve safe yield, the condition in which groundwater pumping no longer exceeds recharge, said Natalie Mast, an ADWR official who oversees production of the supply-demand reports.

Even with some conservation measures imposed on the farms, over-pumping, known as over-drafting, is likely to increase by 2075 in all five basins compared to today, the report shows.

Arizonas 1980 Groundwater Management Act created state-run Active Management Areas for five urban areas, including Tucson, Phoenix and Prescott. In those three cities, safe yield by 2025 was the stated goal, but in Phoenix and Tucson, those goals were established with direct knowledge on officials part that Colorado River water would be arriving in the 1980s and 90s via the Central Arizona Project canal system to offset some local groundwater use, Mast said.

Rural areas, by contrast, mostly depend on groundwater, and they dont have a lot of options to increase supply, she said. That makes it really challenging.

While conservation can reduce demand, in the Douglas area, for instance, a lot has been done to make farming more efficient by replacing much of the areas historic flood irrigation with center pivots, making that area more efficient than agriculture in the rest of the state, Mast said.

Its going to be harder to find that next phase of conservation, she said of the Douglas area. That low-hanging fruit has really been addressed already.

But she declined to say theres no hope of safe yield ever occurring. She added, Its not necessarily in my place to say that.

Mathematically possible is different than practically possible, Mast said. If you got rid of all agriculture in these areas, it might be mathematically possible. But thats not practically possible, because (farming) is important for the economies in those areas.

Mast couldnt say if the declining groundwater supplies in these basins will eventually mean farmers someday cant make a living there. But in general, these declines absolutely could have negative economic impacts, she said.

As you have increased overdraft, as water tables drop, it gets more expensive to get to the water, for drilling wells and pumping water to the surface, Mast said. You get more electricity costs, some wells go dry, its expensive to deepen wells and theres an individual calculus on the part of these farms.

Regulation debate

The report arrives as debate heats up, statewide, over whether and how heavily water use in these and other agriculture-dominated rural areas should be regulated. Under current law, rural water use is unregulated, when its on land outside the five state-run water management areas.

A state water policy council of 38 members, appointed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, is recommending legislation allowing the creation of locally-run, rural water management districts that would have the power to enforce mandatory conservation restrictions within district boundaries. A number of farming groups and their backers, including some top Republican legislators, oppose this idea, saying it would give government too much control and would fail to recognize farmers historic water rights.

Specific findings in the new report include:

Current overdraft and water loss. From 1990 through 2022, groundwater use in the five farming-dominant water basins outran available supplies by a 3 to 1 to a 4 to 1 ratio, depending on the basin. The five basins between them lost about 7.1 million acre-feet over that period.

Future overdraft and water loss. The totals will vary depending on how much additional farming occurs in the basins, on how much conservation occurs in each basin, on how much hotter the future climate gets and on how much additional water-efficient technologies future farmers employ.

But in all five basins, the ratio of groundwater pumping to recharge is projected to be larger by 2075 than in 2022  reaching as high as 5 to 1. At worst, the five basins could lose 27.7 million acre-feet of water to over-pumping by 2075.

Water use trends: Three basins  Willcox, Butler Valley and Douglas  all used more water in 2022 than in 1990. Harquahala farmers used about the same amount and McMullen Valley farmers used less.

Willcox and McMullen Valley farmers are expected to be using much more water in 2075 than in 2023, while the Butler Valley, Douglas and Harquahala farmers are projected to be using roughly the same amount.

Biggest future water loser. Almost certainly, it will be the Willcox Basin. About halfway between the states of Rhode Island and Delaware in size, it contains enough unused state and private land for agricultural water demand to more than double between now and 2075, the report said.

If farmland does double, the basins aquifer could lose up to 13.7 million acre-feet of groundwater by 2075. Under lesser growth projections made in the report, based on factors such as long-term climate heating and future conservation practices, the basin will lose 7.6 million to 7.8 million acre-feet by 2075.

Drying wells. When the water table in a groundwater basin falls below the basins average well depth, the report gives a negative value to the amount of groundwater still stored in the basin. In such cases, peoples wells can or will dry up.

Thats already happened quite regularly in the Willcox Basin, an occurrence that has generated major media attention in Arizona and nationally. Because the water table has fallen below the average well depth, the ADWR report considers the Willcox Basin to have negative storage of groundwater, to the tune of 608,700 acre-feet.

By 2075, Willcoxs negative storage could rise to as much as 14.45 million acre-feet, meaning more wells could dry up. In such circumstances, to continue mining groundwater within the basin, well owners will have to deepen wells or drill new wells at a significant financial cost.

A similar scenario could come to pass by 2075 in the McMullen Valley, where the new study forecasts negative storage values ranging from 847,000 to 3.9 million acre-feet, depending on future trends in climate, water conservation and farming growth, among others. The Harquahala Irrigation Non-Expansion Area could also reach negative storage volumes by 2075, although at much lower levels of at most 274,000 acre-feet.

Less water for us. Under state law, cities such as Phoenix and Tucson can buy and transfer water rights to themselves from the McMullen, Harquahala and Butler Valley Basins. (State law forbids the purchase and transfer of groundwater rights from all but those and two other groundwater basins.)

Indeed, the city of Buckeye this year paid $80 million to buy a single acre in the Harquahala basin to obtain its 5,926 acre-feet pf water rights, for transfer into the city for future use. But if over-drafting in these basins increases, or simply continues, it will leave less water for cities outside them to buy and import.
A Cholla High teacher who has admitted publicly he used physical force to discipline a student at the school kept teaching there after he was charged with child abuse with criminal negligence causing physical injury and endangering the life/health of a minor in the on-campus incident.

Tucson Unified School District officials say the school reported to Tucson police that teacher Anthony Delgado was accused of striking the student, who is his son, on Jan. 13, at Cholla, 2001 W. Starr Pass Blvd. But district officials didnt learn until Aug. 18 that Delgado had been charged on Feb. 1 in the case, according to documents the Arizona Daily Star obtained from TUSD.

District officials say they learned of the charges, which also included disorderly conduct-fighting, only when a Cholla assistant principal was subpoenaed to testify in Delgados court case. TUSD placed Delgado on administrative temporary assignment as of Sept. 8 and at some point suspended him.

On Tuesday night, the TUSD Governing Board voted unanimously to fire Delgado, a career and technical education teacher hired in 2021, for unprofessional conduct for failing to report the charges against him to his employers, which state law requires school district employees to do.

The teachers union president asked the board not to fire him, saying Delgado had claimed to have reported the child abuse charge to his superior  the district says he did not  within 24 hours as required by the law.

In speaking publicly to the board Tuesday night, Tucson Education Association President Jim Byrne never mentioned the nature of the violence allegations.

Asked why by the Star, Byrne responded Friday: Of course, as a union, we dont find it acceptable if any educator were to engage in a physical altercation with a student. That said, TEA, like any labor union, has a duty to fairly represent members to assure they receive fair due process according to state statutes and district policy. That Mr. Delgado received representation in those areas is customary for any union.

Delgado told the Governing Board at Tuesday nights public meeting that what happened Jan. 13 was a disciplinary incident between my son and I.

He said he exercised my God-given, irrefutable right to discipline my son with reasonable force in private, whether I am a teacher or his father.

He said he was still teaching in the classroom as of the beginning of this school year, eight months after the incident.

I went to trial for these charges and was found not guilty on all four counts of the law, glory to God and his son Jesus Christ for saving me, Delgado told the board.

Delgado had a nonjury trial on Nov. 29 in Tucson City Court and was found not guilty of all charges.

In terms of his employment, the acquittal doesnt matter under Arizona law, which states that a school district employee must report charges, other than traffic infractions, within 24 hours. If the employee doesnt, according to the law, they must be immediately dismissed from employment with the school district.

The districts statement of charges and notice of dismissal states that under A.R.S. 15-550 and TUSDs board policy, Delgados failure to report the charges makes him subject to mandatory dismissal and is entirely independent of the outcome of the underlying criminal charges.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

It is not yet 2024 and Donald Trump is accelerating his divisive rhetoric. At recent rallies, he has said that he will root out the Communists, Marxists, Fascists and Radical Left thugs that live like vermin in our country who lie, steal, and cheat on elections, and will do anything possible to destroy America and the American Dream. He has suggested that he will destroy that threat and migrants are poisoning the blood of our country. Under his leadership America will become one people, one glorious nation, and that he will Make America Great Again. None of this is intended to achieve unity. General James Mattis once said Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people  does not even pretend to try.

These extreme claims started around Veterans Day in November 2023. It is significant for a few reasons. Trump uses fear and anger because his followers expect and accept it, and to own the liberals. Also significant is that his language is a virtual copy of what Hitler used to get into power. Hitler promised to get rid of the Communist vermin, and that he would take care of the enemy within, Jews and migrants are poisoning Aryan blood, and that he would create one people, one nation, one leader. And he would make Germany Great Again. Sound familiar?

It is no accident that both of these power-mad individuals have used remarkably similar language to try and achieve autocracy. Hitler removed all guardrails to his dominance and punished those who might have held him accountable. Trump has threatened to do the same. This is designed to appeal to those dissatisfied with the countrys direction and what propaganda they have been fed. Hitler stated that the news media was the lying press. Trump continuously made that claim during his presidency, calling the press the enemy of the people.

Trump has directly attacked Joe Biden, accusing him of destroying democracy and being the most corrupt President in history. This comes from a man with four indictments and 91 charges against him. He tells his followers that the charges are against them. Most of Trumps legal charges result from The Big Lie that the 2020 election was fraudulent and stolen. He relentlessly pushes that message and will never concede.

Trump has threatened retribution against his enemies, or those who have criticized him or tried holding him accountable. That would include William Barr, Generals Kelley, Mattis and Milley, whom Trump implied should be assassinated. His typical reaction is to punish anyone he perceives to be critical or disloyal. Those who remain loyal to his behaviors, no matter how extreme, could possibly be pardoned, no matter how egregious the criminal behavior.

Trump has said that the Democrats have politically weaponized the FBI, the Judiciary and other agencies to keep him from running for the Presidency. He has implied that he will do the same to exact revenge. All this is designed to gain unlimited power.

What kind of country do we want? I believe that most people are well intentioned and want the best for everyone. We are taught to be kind, compassionate, empathetic and truthful. There will always be malcontents whose lives are exercises in futility and believe in conspiracies and mistrust others they have been told to mistrust. Everyone should seek a wide variety of news sources and opinions.

What can we do as individuals to make a difference? We can decide to make life better for others. We can perform random acts of kindness, do favors, compliment others, contact someone valued in our past, just to make their day. The results will be beneficial. Positive energy sent into the world usually comes back many times over. Above all, exercise your right to vote. We can make this the greatest nation.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Related Content Tribal member denied case dismissal on McGirt grounds

A judge Friday, over the city of Tulsas objections, dismissed a federal lawsuit that challenged the citys right to issue a traffic ticket to a tribal member.

But exactly what that means in practice remains to be seen as city officials have given no indication that they intend to stop ticketing tribal citizens.

William P. Johnson, chief U.S. district judge of the District of New Mexico, issued the order closing the case brought by Choctaw citizen Justin Hooper.

After losing at the appellate court level, city officials had hoped to keep the case alive, based on other claims, but opponents said those issues werent raised in a timely fashion.

Johnson telegraphed his decision during a federal court hearing Dec. 4 when attorneys for both sides huddled with the judge over how to proceed following a ruling by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The group met to discuss the ruling by a three-member panel of the appellate court that said the city of Tulsa couldnt use a 19th-century-era law  the Curtis Act  to establish criminal jurisdiction over tribal citizens since the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt ruling, as the city had claimed.

The Tenth Circuit held that  the Curtis Act no longer applies to Tulsa and that therefore Tulsa no longer has jurisdiction over municipal violations committed by its Indian inhabitants, and the district court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over Mr. Hoopers appeal from the municipal court, Johnson wrote in his order.

Johnson suggested during the Dec. 4 hearing that a federal lawsuit brought against the city of Tulsa by the Muscogee Nation in November might be a better vehicle to decide the citys criminal jurisdiction status over tribal citizens.

John Dunn, attorney for Hooper, said Friday that he understands the courts order dismissing the case as a win for his client.

The courts order is pretty clear, Dunn said. We take it as a victory.

Dunn said the courts order, based on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling earlier in the case, is definitive.

The city of Tulsa does not have jurisdiction over Native Americans  thats the courts words, not mine, Dunn said.

City of Tulsa spokeswoman Michelle Brooks declined to comment other than to say in a statement: This is one of several cases currently pending in state and federal courts to address the same issues  .

The Muscogee Nation hailed the dismissal in a statement by Principal Chief David Hill.

We applaud the decision of the court to uphold the law and dismiss this frivolous case, the statement says. The parties behind these politically-driven cases are working to make our state less safe.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. issued a statement on social media following the dismissal of the case.

With this case now dismissed, the Cherokee Nation continues to support collaborative approaches on public safety that respect rather than attack tribal sovereignty, Hoskin said.

Dunn said the city of Tulsa should adopt the same practices that other cities have with tribes since the McGirt ruling, where city officers, who are cross-deputized with tribal governments, continue to issue tickets under agreements with tribal nations. The Cherokee Nation has agreements that permit cities and counties to keep most of the revenue generated from cross-deputized officers and deputies.

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Related Content Attorney claims victory over city after judge dismisses lawsuit challenging city's right to ticket tribal citizens

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals rejected in a 3-2 decision Thursday a Muscogee Nation citizens request to dismiss a criminal case against him based on the McGirt decision.

The decision means the state of Oklahoma can continue to prosecute Billy Zane Deo in Okfuskee County for alleged crimes despite his claim that his tribal status exempts him from prosecution by the state under federal law.

The ruling comes three years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that the Muscogee Nation reservation, where Deo is alleged to have committed the crimes, still exists because Congress never disestablished it.

Since that McGirt ruling, most crimes committed by tribal members within the Muscogee Nation reservation and eight other newly recognized eastern Oklahoma tribal reservations have been prosecuted in either tribal or federal court.

The state appellate court ruling draws on a decision subsequent to the McGirt opinion for some support, Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta.

In Castro-Huerta, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that Oklahoma had co-jurisdiction in cases where a nontribal member victimized a tribal member within a tribal reservation.

State prosecutors point to language in the Castro-Huerta decision that they claim supports their position that Deo can be prosecuted in state court.

While rejecting Deos request that the case against him by the state be dismissed, the opinion nevertheless states that this ruling is not dismantling the McGirt ruling.

To be clear, this case does not confer or recognize a power by the State to prosecute Indians in Indian Country, the 14-page ruling authored by Judge William Musseman states. Nor does it bypass McGirt or address any substantive argument as to preemption, as the dissent alleges.

But two judges who filed dissents of the ruling  Vice Presiding Judge Robert Hudson and Judge David Lewis  claim that the ruling does bypass the McGirt decision.

The majority opinion reinvents Indian country jurisdiction and offers very little that is new or useful, Hudson wrote in his dissent.

The majority does not explain how Oklahomas jurisdiction over the Indian defendant in this case for crimes that occurred in Indian country is proper under federal law, Hudson continued. When Petitioner has not even been convicted of the crimes at issue (he is still serving a deferred sentence with an application to accelerate pending), we must apply McGirt, a new procedural rule, to his case.

Likewise, Lewis wrote in his dissent that states have no jurisdiction of crimes committed by Indians in Indian Country unless it is expressly conferred by Congress.

No jurisdiction means no jurisdiction, no sovereign authority to act, Lewis dissent states. Congress has never conferred criminal jurisdiction over Indians in Indian Country on the State of Oklahoma.

Jason Salsman, press secretary for Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill, echoed some of the dissents sentiments in a statement to the Tulsa World.

The legal gymnastics used to apply Castro Huerta in this decision makes it clear that some courts in Oklahoma may be misinformed, embracing the false rhetoric from the political campaign to overturn the McGirt decision, and in a manner contrary to well-established federal law, Salsman said. These decisions make Oklahomans less safe. The McGirt decision has meant more police, courts, and prosecutors working to keep our communities secure. More is more.

That is why we have been asking Congress to pass legislation to fully empower tribes to prosecute anyone who violates the law on our reservations, and to enhance the ability of the tribes to broaden their law enforcement capabilities within the reservations for all Oklahomans.

Deos case is unusual in some respects.

An enrolled member of the Muscogee Nation, Deo did not invoke McGirt when he pleaded guilty in August 2018 to second-degree burglary in Okfuskee County District Court. While the issue of the Muscogee Nations reservation status had been bouncing around in a federal appellate court when Deo pleaded guilty, the Supreme Courts McGirt ruling was still nearly two years in the future at the time.

As for Deo, sentencing was deferred for seven years. But months later, in December 2018, Deo was charged with grand larceny and knowingly concealing stolen property, to which he pleaded guilty.

But rather than being found guilty, Deo was admitted to drug court in January 2019.

State officials claimed in February 2019 that Deo violated the terms of drug court, and they sought to terminate his participation in the program.

But after the request was filed, the court didnt rule on it for more than three years.

Meanwhile, Deo sought in August 2022 to have the cases against him dismissed, citing his membership in the Muscogee Nation and the location of the alleged crimes being within the nations reservation.

Musseman faulted Deo for not challenging the states right to prosecute him based on jurisdiction earlier.

Deo failed to raise his claim that the trial court lacks subject matter jurisdiction prior to entering his pleas, Musseman wrote.

Therefore, we hold that Oklahoma district courts subject matter jurisdiction is not preempted, and petitioner waived his claim that the trial court lacked any personal or territorial jurisdiction, Musseman wrote.

The two other judges on the bench, Presiding Judge Scott Rowland and Judge Gary Lumpkin, wrote separate opinions concurring with Musseman.

Holding that the subject matter jurisdiction of Oklahoma district courts has not been preempted is consistent with federal precedent and, in my view, is a sound decision that is long overdue, Rowland wrote.

Cherokee Nation Attorney General Chad Harsha issued the following statement regarding the ruling:

It is well established in federal law that the state lacks criminal jurisdiction over Indians in Indian Country, and it was Oklahomas illegal prosecution of Indians in a reservation that led to the McGirt decision, Harsha wrote. Given this history, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals decision today is disappointing and we will carefully review it.

An attorney said to speak on behalf of Deo could not be reached for comment.

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Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Amid widespread school leader concerns about lengthy delays in the states handling of millions of dollars in federal education funding, State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a late Friday memo to legislative leaders blaming the school districts themselves, as well as his predecessor in office.

A week earlier, a state lawmaker with a great deal of say about appropriations to the Oklahoma State Department of Education had said his repeated questions about the status of competitive grants and federal aid programs have gone unanswered or ridiculed by Walters top aides.

Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Education, said the only conclusion he could make is that they are either lying about where the money is going or they are hiding something.

The Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration recently conducted a survey of school districts statewide to gauge the extent of issues in receiving approval and payment of fiscal year 2024 federal program grants, which flow from the federal government through the state Education Department.

Out of 184 Oklahoma school districts that responded to the survey, 72% had not been reimbursed for any of their claims for federal funds by mid-November; 67% reported receiving conflicting and/or delayed information from the state; and 33% said they might have to resort to issuing nonpayable warrants if their federal programs claims were not paid.

The Tulsa World has received tips from employees inside the state Department of Education that monitors or auditors from the U.S. Department of Education were present in the departments Office of Federal Programs in Oklahoma City this week. But the departments spokespeople, Dan Isett and Abby Baerveldt, did not initially respond to the Worlds Thursday inquiry seeking to confirm or deny the veracity of those tips and to specify the scope of the federal officials' work.

Pressed for an answer again Friday evening after the release of Walters' memo, Isett said only: "It was a standard site visit from USDE."

Shortly after the close of business on Friday, they issued a press release sharing a memorandum they said Walters had just sent to state Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, and state House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

Walters memo states that after taking office in January, he installed experienced new leadership in the Office of Federal Programs, which oversees all routine federal funding programs as well as the portion of COVID relief funds allocated directly to school districts, called ESSER II and ESSER III.

He claimed: When these experienced employees assumed charge, they discovered several alarming issues with the distribution of federal funds to school districts and with oversight of the office in general that occurred under the previous administration.

These issues included: the approval of expenses that are not allowed under federal law, double payment of invoices, payment of claims lacking proper documentation, errors in the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System coding and the Use of Funds coding required in ESSER III claims, manual tampering with the state's Grants Management System, erroneous calculation of district allocations, improper documentation of employee time, and a general lack of training of recent hires. 

For the sake of greater accuracy and to ensure compliance with state and federal law, Federal Programs leadership instituted extensive retraining of personnel and adopted a multi-tiered system of application and claim review for the 2023-2024 school year. This is to ensure that tax-payer funds are used appropriately and to shield school districts from inadvertently breaking the law.

Walters also claimed that as of Thursday, all consolidated applications for federal program funds that have been submitted have been reviewed; 465 have received final approval and 43 are in "pre-approved" status; 25 have been reviewed and returned to the school district for changes/corrections; and six districts have not yet submitted a consolidated application for review.

Additionally, he claimed that 179 ESSER III applications have received final approval; another 242 are in "pre-approved" status; 72 ESSER III applications have been reviewed and returned for changes/corrections; seven districts have submitted an application that is in process; and 16 districts have not submitted an ESSER III application.

He did not clarify whether he was referring only to FY 2024 dollars or also FY 2023, but Walters memo concludes by stating that as of Dec. 14, his department has paid out $31.2 million in federal title funding, $40.7 million in federal ESSER funding and $32.7 million in other federal funds.
Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel 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

Claims against the states new private school expense tax credit program may already be pushing against its $150 million cap, based on figures reported by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

The commission said it has received Parental Choice Tax Credit applications for about 30,000 students from 18,000 taxpayers. At $5,000 to $7,500 per student, the total would exceed the amount available.

The credits are essentially first-come, first-served, with households earning $150,000 or less receiving priority. That means some qualified applicants are likely to be left out.

The program, which allows what it calls refundable tax credits of up to $7,500 per student per year beginning Jan. 1, launched earlier this month. Although technically a tax credit, the benefits are actually dispersed to participating schools as checks in the names of beneficiaries and may actually carry a tax liability.

Eligibility is tiered, with the maximum $7,500 per student available to households with a federal adjusted gross income up to $75,000, based on 2022 tax returns.

Households with an AGI over $250,000 may receive up to $5,000 per student.

By way of comparison, 30,000 students at $7,500 each would equal $225 million; 30,000 students at $5,000 each equals $150 million, this years cap.

The cap is scheduled to rise to $200 million in 2025 and $250 million in 2026, barring a significant decline in state revenue.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and supporters of sending taxpayers money to private schools say it provides additional opportunities for students and their families and will encourage additional private school formation.

Opponents say the money would be better spent on public schools, which despite recent gains remain among the lowest funded in the nation. They say the new program will mostly benefit the families of children already attending private schools and will not much help those in lower income brackets.

Reportedly, some private schools have raised tuition and fees in conjunction with the state subsidies. A similar trend has been observed in other states.

The credits are limited to qualifying expenses that essentially flow through the participating schools. These may include tuition and fees, costs for registration, applications, textbooks, technology, activities, testing and assessment, and school uniforms if paid directly to the school.

The amount available to the taxpayer may be reduced by the amount of outstanding taxes, fines and penalties or other liens.

Typically, tax credits are charged against a tax liability at the end of the tax year. Because lawmakers wanted these benefits to be available up front, they are actually arriving at participating schools as checks payable to the taxpayer seeking the credit.

Home school families, though, may not claim the credit for 2024 until they file that years income tax return in 2025.

According to the Q&A section of parentalchoice.ok.gov, those receiving the tax credits may actually have to pay federal and/or state income taxes on them.

Parentialchoice.ok.gov is also the site for information and application materials for the program. The site includes a look-up application for participating schools.

At least 37 Tulsa County private schools are participating, according to the site.

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Video from the Oklahoma Senate debate over tax credit for private school, home school families
Politically involved nonprofits and committees without contribution limits spent $2.3 million to influence Oklahoma voters in 2023, rivaling the $2.95 million candidates put toward campaign expenses.

State ethics rules cap candidate committee contributions at $3,300 per person per election. In contrast, outside groups are allowed to accept and spend unlimited amounts to advocate for or against a candidate or issue so long as they dont coordinate with candidates. State and federal law does not require politically involved nonprofits to disclose their donors.

Approximately 90% of the outside money was spent to support or oppose State Question 820, a ballot initiative proposing legalized recreational marijuana and streamlined expungement of some marijuana-related convictions that appeared before voters on March 7. More than 60% of voters statewide rejected the question.

The Yes on 820 campaign spent $2.07 million in the first quarter of 2023, Ethics Commission records show. Several local and out-of-state groups that support criminal justice reform, including Action Now, Inc., the Just Trust for Action and Schusterman Family Philanthropies, contributed upwards of $100,000.

The Protect Our Kids No 820 campaign spent just $273,000 and relied on donations from individuals and local business advocacy groups.

The vast remainder of outside money was poured into the Oct. 10 Republican primary for State Senate District 32. Several groups spent upwards of $225,000 to air advertisements and send mailers opposing Dusty Deevers, an Elgin pastor and businessman who won the primary and, two months later, the general election.

Dark money spending was not prevalent in the Senate District 32 special election or House District 39 special primary, both held Dec. 12. Ethics commission records show independent expenditures totaled just $2,500 in both races combined.

As outside spending in state elections has accelerated, the Ethics Commission has compiled evidence of outside groups intentionally misleading voters, outgoing director Ashley Kemp told Oklahoma Watch in June.

She said persistent underfunding of the commission could cause campaign violations to go unchecked during the 2024 election cycle. The agency has operated on a flat $687,000 annual budget since Fiscal Year 2017.

You have people coming in and spending a million dollars, which is more than our annual appropriation by a lot, Kemp said. To take a campaign finance case to trial would eat up a significant portion of our budget.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order on Nov. 1 establishing the Campaign Finance and Election Threats Task Force. The nine-member group of election officials, gubernatorial and legislative appointees will issue a report of reform recommendations to the governor by Jan. 15, three weeks before the start of the 2024 legislative session.

Stitt was a frequent critic of dark money advertisements targeting him during the 2022 gubernatorial election. In an October 2022 interview with Oklahoma Watch, he said hed support federal legislation to require politically involved nonprofits to disclose their donors.

I would love for Congress to change those laws or at least make it transparent, Stitt said. If you want to get in and try to influence an election, lets let em know who they are.

Seven election dates are set for 2024, including the March 5 presidential preferential primary election. Candidate filing for legislative seats up for reelection is set for April 8-10.

About Oklahoma Watch Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

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Ignacio Silva Neira in Phenomenal World:

On September 11, 1980seven years after Augusto Pinochet seized power from democratically elected Salvador Allende in a brutal US-backed military coupthe dictatorship passed a constitution that laid the groundwork for one of the worlds earliest and most enduring neoliberal experiments. The results of this experiment have been well documented: with the privatization of education, pensions, health, public transportation, and essential natural resources like water, Chile became one the most economically unequal countries in the OECD.

The protests that erupted over rising transportation fares in October 2019 forced a national reckoning around this political and economic infrastructure. Weeks of mass strikes and public protests reinvigorated discussion about Chiles future. A year later, nearly 80 percent of the countrys citizens voted in favor of a new constitution in a nationwide referendum. With the 2021 election of social democratic candidate Gabriel Borica former student activist who gained prominence through the campaign for a Constitutional Conventionit seemed that a political transformation was underway.

But the path forward has proved meandering and vague. In September 2022, the Conventions proposed constitution, one of the most progressive in history, was rejected by 62 percent of the public. A far-right Constitutional Council, elected in June of this year, has since proposed a new, right-led charter. On December 17, the country will return to vote on this constitutional proposal, marking the culmination of a fierce battle over Chiles identity.

The Boric governments dramatic reversal of fortune is the result of conflict over the position of indigenous communities within the Chilean state, the patriarchal mobilization against feminist demands, and the role of the state in economy and society. On this final point, the ongoing debates on the Chilean constitution reflect deep-rooted divisions that have plagued the country throughout its recent history.

More here.
Vietnam is a safe destination for foreign investors amid global uncertainties, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at a meeting with 10 major Japanese tech firms on Saturday morning.

The Vietnamese government leader arrived in Tokyo on Friday afternoon, commencing his four-day trip to Japan for the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and bilateral activities at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

He affirmed that the Southeast Asian nation remains strong and stands firm with support from its foreign friends and partners, as well as its available forces no matter what difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With its determination to build an independent and self-reliant economy, Vietnam has been ensuring macroeconomic balance, shoring up foreign exchange reserves to over US$100 billion and enjoying a trade surplus of more than $25 billion.

Speaking at the meeting, a representative of SBI Holdings said that SBI is developing some semiconductor production plants in Japan, and is considering setting up a base overseas.

Vietnam and the Middle East are seen as potential destinations, said the SBI representative.

SBI is working with Vietnams tech giant FPT to build an ecosystem in Vietnam.

Apart from its financial business activities, SBI has invested in Vietnamese e-commerce platform Sendo, multifunctional platform Utop, and SBI FPT Company.

Strengthening supply chains is one of the most important factors for business activities, so we realize that deeper cooperation between nations with the same sense of purpose is absolutely crucial, said a representative of DENSO Corporation, Japans leading mobility supplier.

Some participating representatives of Japanese firms also questioned what strengths Vietnam has and what challenges will face Vietnam during its journey of semiconductor development to join the global supply chain.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (C) affirms at a meeting with Japanese firms that Vietnam will be a safe base of foreign firms. Photo: Le Kien / Tuoi Tre

PM Chinh asserted that Vietnam expects to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and join deeply in the Japanese firms supply chains.

We expect to make breakthroughs in chip manufacturing in Vietnam, he said.

To fulfill this expectation, Vietnam has been easing investment and business rules, building more modern infrastructure and focusing on upskilling tech workers.

Besides, the Southeast Asian country is speeding up digitalization.

The government assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to build preferential mechanisms, and incentives related to tax and land use to encourage firms to invest in electronic and chip manufacturing projects.

The Ministry of Education and Training was tasked with boosting the semiconductor workforce.

The Vietnamese prime minister underlined that several firms from the United States and Taiwan are seeking investment opportunities in Vietnam, while an American enterprise has pledged to establish a base in Vietnam to develop the country's semiconductor industry.

PM Chinh also called on Japanese firms to tap the Vietnamese market.

Vietnam is a developing nation, so it is in need of technology transfer, he said.

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The widespread embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning can be a double-edged sword, with debate in academic circles revolving around how AI can be used ethically and in alignment with local academic standards.

Hoang Ngan, a sophomore at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - International School of Business, uses an entire arsenal of AI tools to keep up with her studies, including ChatGPT  a chatbot developed by OpenAI  and Bing Chat  a chatbot developed by Microsoft.

Using these tools, Ngan is able to generate outlines for her essays using just a few keywords.

Once her essay is written, Ngan switches over to AI-powered writing assistant QuillBot to check for lexical and grammatical errors.

Thanh Tung, a marketing major at Van Lang University, is also heavily reliant on AI for his coursework.

Ive found that AI tools are useful for finding articles and research to support my presentations, said Tung, adding that he uses at least five different AI aides on a daily basis.

I use ChatGPT 3.5 because it is free, even though its database is not quite up to date.

While not perfect, it saves me a lot of time.

Tung also uses Bard  a chatbot developed by Google  and Bing Chat to answer questions posed by classmates; memobot  a voice-to-text AI application from Vietnam  to transcribe lectures from school; and American cloud-based typing assistant Grammarly to check for mistakes in his writing assignments.

Limitations abound

In November, a student from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages - Information Technology (HUFLIT) was handed a 50-percent score reduction for submitting an essay written with assistance from ChatGPT.

Nguyen Ngoc Vu, vice principal of HUFLIT, stated that the university had instructed students in the ethical use of AI, emphasizing transparency, responsibility, and awareness of the advantages and limitations of generative models.

According to Vu, the lecturer who gave the student the point deduction had told his classes not to use AI in their writing due to concerns that it might violate the school's code of integrity.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Vu Phi Ho, vice dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University, students who take English courses at Van Lang extensively utilize AI applications to enhance various aspects of their writing, including word choice, sentence structure, and idea expression.

These AI-produced essays, Ho said, often fail to show that students are able to compose a piece of decent piece of writing.

Some essays written by ChatGPT either have a glaring lack of cohesion or repetitive ideas.

Additionally, [ChatGPT] also cant generate an essay that requires too much in-depth knowledge or expertise.

Thats why its easy to tell apart essays written by students and essays written by AI, Ho said.

Students who submit essays written by AI will receive a score corresponding to their lack of effort.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Dien, director of Computational Linguistics Center at the University of Science under Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, acknowledged that chatbots can be a great tool for research, but also noted that they have significant limitations in answering questions about Vietnamese culture and history.

Chatbots often provide incorrect answers to questions about Vietnamese history and culture, Dien said.

Queries regarding the analysis and interpretation of Vietnamese language and poetry also receive responses that are evasive and not directly relevant.

Dien suggested that students be mindful when using AI-assisted learning tools by researching the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, as well as crosschecking information from these tools with more trustworthy resources.

Similarly, Ho suggested that students learn from AI tools by asking follow-up questions and learning from mistakes that AI corrects.

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Catch up on the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrived in Tokyo on Friday afternoon, commencing his four-day trip to Japan for the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and bilateral activities at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

Society

-- Police in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam have announced that they will auction over 23 metric tons of rare earths which had previously been seized in an illegal mining and trading case with a starting price of more than VND1.4 billion (US$57,900).

-- Dozens of public offices and headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City now stand abandoned after the city established Thu Duc City and merged several wards in 2021.

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has issued a dispatch asking relevant units to suspend all works including digging up roads and pavements from December 31 to January 1 next year to ensure the safety of commuters during the upcoming New Year holiday.

Lifestyle

-- More than 2,000 Vietnamese and foreign runners joined a forest trail run that kicked off in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on Friday, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

-- Renowned American boy band Maroon 5 had a one-hour rehearsal on Friday night for their public performance at the 8Wonder Winter Festival, which will take place on Phu Quoc Island off Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam on Saturday evening.

-- Residents and foreign tourists flocked to Ba Kieu Temple in Hanoi on Friday night to enjoy the northwestern regions traditional dances and music performances, as part of the opening ceremony of the Dien Bien Tourism and Culture Week in Hanoi lasting until Sunday.

-- Vietnamese beauty Le Nguyen Ngoc Hang won the second runner-up title of the Miss Intercontinental 2023 during the finale held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on Saturday morning (Vietnam time).

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Long Dai Bridge in Thu Duc City in southern Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City was officially opened to traffic on Saturday morning, connecting two wards of Thu Duc with a travel distance of only 500m instead of 10km as previously.

With a total length of 765m, including two approach sections, and a 14m width, the new bridge was inaugurated after six years of interrupted construction at a cost of nearly VND354 billion (US$14.6 million).

The bridge, with four lanes of traffic, links Long Binh and Long Phuoc Wards and helps cut travel distance between the two locations from some 10km previously to only about 500m now.

Many local residents expressed their joy and excitement at the inauguration of the new facility after years of waiting.

While some other people cheerly took photos or videotaped the bridge, Nguyen Son, who lives in Long Binh, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he, as well as many other locals, had long waited for the bridges completion to shorten both distance and time of travel from there to Long Phuoc and vice versa.

We now just go 500m to reach Long Phuoc instead of going through twisty streets with a total length of 10km. This new bridge will bring great convenience to travelers, help save travel time, and contribute to promoting the citys socio-economic development, Son said excitedly.

According to locals, the bridge will also help ease traffic jams remarkably during rush hours and facilitate travelers to take tours of ecotourist areas in Long Phuoc, which is actually an islet east of Thu Duc, surrounded by three rivers, Dong Nai, Tac and Soai Rap.

The construction of the bridge commenced in 2017 but was later suspended due to some site clearance problems until the end of 2022, when the work was resumed.

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The French government will provide the Hanoi Peoples Committee with over 700,000 euros (US$762,740) in non-refundable aid to conduct a feasibility study on the 120-year-old Long Bien Bridge repair and renovation project.

The French side expects the bridge to be put under repair as soon as the France-sponsored feasibility study is completed.

The French Embassy in Vietnam made this announcement on Friday, saying that the aid is granted when the two nations are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties.

The financial assistance, sourced from Frances Directorate General of the Treasury, is aimed at ensuring the safety of commuters and the sustainability of the historic structure, one of iconic bridges in Hanoi, according to the French Embassy in Vietnam.

Frances consultancy, engineering and project management group Artelia will study the feasibility of the rehabilitation project.

The feasibility study and the renovation project are meant to guarantee the safety of the structure, and turn the iconic bridge into a tourist site that will benefit the citys socioe-conomic growth in the future.

The French Development Agency pledged to support Hanoi agencies to discuss financial assistance for other projects.

Built from 1898 to 1903, Long Bien Bridge has a style of Eiffel Tower, and is an iconic structure for Hanois cityscape and heritage, according to the French Embassy in Vietnam.

Furthermore, the bridge also acts as a symbol of Vietnam - France ties.

However, Long Bien Bridge has seriously deteriorated over time.

The bridge was severely damaged by bombing in 1967.

In 2004, during a visit to Vietnam, late French President Jacques Chirac announced that France would finance the renovation of Long Bien Bridge

Accordingly, several groups of French experts and workers traveled to Vietnam to help the city study the rehabilitation of the bridge.

Over the past decades, the renovation and preservation of Long Bien Bridge has been a hot topic for discussion between local authorities, relevant agencies and experts.

No decisions have yet to be made.

Vietnamese agencies have recently expressed their expectation that they want to turn the bridge into a pedestrian one featuring a cultural space.

The 2,290-meter-long Long Bien Bridge over the Red River connects Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh Districts with Long Bien District.

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Ed Pavlic in Boston Review:

Now we are here not only to mourn those children, who cannot really be mourned, said James Baldwin in his address to a crowd of seven thousand that filled Foley Square in lower Manhattan on September 22, 1963. It was the Sunday following the Sunday morning bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, one of the most heinous hate crimes since the Supreme Courts 1954 decision in Brown v. Board had sparked a modern Black protest movementand with it, a resurgence of white backlash. Over the past year, the traditionally standoffish 16th Street Baptist congregation had increasingly engaged the freedom movement. During protests in April and May of that year the church served as a base from which thousands of marchersmany of them childrendeparted on their way to being intercepted and jailed by police. On the morning of Sunday, September 15, the inaugural Youth Day at the church, a small group of girls had stopped in the womens lounge to attend to their hair and straighten each others outfits between sessions. At 10:22 a.m. a bomb hidden under the stairs the previous night by Klansmen blasted out the wall and stained-glass window of the lounge. Four girls, ages eleven to fourteenAddie Mae Collins, Carole Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, and Carole Robertsonwere killed in the explosion. Later that day, teenagers Johnny Robinson and Virgil Ware were fatally shot in separate racist attacks. In one day, six Black kids in Birmingham were dead.

The crowd to which Baldwin spoke had gathered as part of a National Day of Mourning for the Children of Birmingham, as had crowds in three dozen other cities across the country, from Seattle to Pasadena to Tucson, from Chicago to Shreveport, from Miami to Bridgeport. We are here to begin to achieve the American Revolution, Baldwin continued, warning that if organized mass action wasnt taken, this country will turn out to be in the position, let us say, of Spain, a country which is so tangled and so trapped and so immobilized by its interior dissension that it cant do anything else.

More here.
HA NOI  The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and other agencies are required to carry out necessary tasks to swiftly upgrade the Vietnamese stock market from a frontier to an emerging market, according to an official dispatch issued by the Prime Minister.

In the document, the PM said that the international financial market is expected to experience complicated and unpredictable turbulence in the near future, affecting the domestic capital, currency, and stock markets.

Therefore, the PM has directed the MoF to take the lead and work with other ministries and sectors to swiftly and effectively implement the tasks and solutions outlined in Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP to help the Vietnamese stock market develop in a safe, transparent, efficient, and sustainable manner.

The management of monetary, fiscal, and other macroeconomic policies should be closely coordinated. As a result, this will create favourable conditions to support the development of a safe, transparent, efficient, and sustainable stock market, which serves as an effective channel for medium- and long-term capital allocation in the economy.

In order to promptly execute suitable measures to manage and monitor the stock market in accordance with the situation, the MoF must also actively monitor and closely supervise developments in the domestic and international stock markets as well as capital flows into and out of the market.

The ministry has to take immediate action to raise the standard of products offered in the stock market and boost the effectiveness of securities firms, fund management firms, and market players.

Specifically, it must lead and collaborate with SBV, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and relevant agencies to swiftly enhance the Vietnamese stock market from frontier to emerging status, aiming at attracting foreign and institutional investments.

Authorities also have to step up inspections, exams, and oversight to crack down on stock market violations, follow the laws and rules, while staying alert, issue warnings on time, and have backup plans to handle potential risks, ensuring a secure, reliable, and transparent stock market.

The PM has directly ordered the MoF to work closely with the State Securities Commission (SSC) and the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (VSDC) to thoroughly review and purify investor data, helping boost market safety and transparency.

Additionally, the SBV will collaborate with the MoF and the SSC to manage monetary and fiscal policies, ensuring the development of the stock market and the synchronicity between the money market, capital market and stock market.

Media agencies are required to provide truthful and timely information. Strict measures will be taken against those who violate regulations and negatively impact investor sentiment and market stability.  VNS
BAC GIANG  Positioning industry as the cornerstone of its development, Bac Giang Province has actively promoted and attracted foreign direct investment (FDI), notably from South Korea.

Bac Giang's FDI has consistently ranked among the top 10 provinces and cities nationwide, underscoring its status as a prime destination for numerous enterprises and major corporations.

On September 16, 2023, Hana Micron Vina Co Ltd from South Korea inaugurated the semiconductor production plant project in the Van Trung Industrial Zone. This marks the first semiconductor production project in Northern Vietnam.

Covering a total area of 66,000 square metres, the company completed and put Factory 1 into operation in 2022. On September 16, 2023, Hana Micron Vina officially inaugurated and commenced operations at Factory 2. By 2025, the company plans to increase total investment to over US$1 billion, with projected revenue reaching $800 million and providing employment for around 4,000 workers.

Phan The Tuan, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said that South Korea currently leads in both the number of FDI projects implemented in Bac Giang and the total registered capital. Korean enterprises contribute approximately 25 per cent to the total industrial production value of the province, 30 per cent to the value of import and export, and 21.3 per cent to the local budget.

In recent times, the provinces leaders, along with departments and agencies in Bac Giang, have collaborated with international organisations in Viet Nam, including the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and the country's diplomatic representatives abroad in information exchange and investment promotion efforts to showcase the province's strengths and attract investment.

Tuan shared that Bac Giang's development direction aligns with the green growth trend. To this end, the province has already issued the Green Growth Action Plan for the 2021-30 period. The plan aims to develop crucial economic sectors towards greening, enhance the production and use of renewable energy, focus on investing in the development of sectors to address environmental issues, and contribute to economic restructuring, aligned with a sustainable development model. Additionally, the province prioritises the establishment of smart urban models as a central solution to drive socio-economic development.

Expressing his hope for future cooperation, Tuan emphasised the potential collaboration between Bac Giang and capable, experienced South Korean partners in developing smart cities, green growth, and sustainable investments. He believes this partnership will be mutually beneficial, offering investment opportunities for Korean enterprises in Bac Giang.

According to the provincial People's Committee, by 2030, Bac Giang plans to develop 29 industrial zones covering 7,840 hectares and 65 industrial clusters covering 3,164 hectares. The province aims to achieve a total actual investment of VN246 trillion (US$10.3 billion) during the 2021-25 period and VN613 trillion during the 2026-30 period, accounting for 47-48 per cent of the total social investment.

Efforts to enhance land use efficiency for investment projects are targeted to increase by an average of 6 per cent per year, reaching VN800 million per hectare in 2025 and VN1.1 billion per hectare by 2030. It is envisioned that all investment projects will complete environmental protection procedures before commencing operations. By 2025, 45 per cent of projects are expected to use advanced technology, increasing to 55-60 per cent by 2030.

Bac Giang encourages and attracts globally renowned partners with significant financial capabilities, stable, long-term investment potential, and the ability to invest in the production of supporting products. The province discourages foreign investment projects without a commitment to long-term investment in the region (small projects that lease factories). The focus is on attracting investments based on the global development of specific industries, without being limited to any particular country or partner.

In October 2023, Bac Giang attracted a total converted investment capital of $161 million, 3.4 times higher than October 2022. Consequently, in the first 10 months of 2023, the province attracted a total investment of $2.2 billion, doubling the figure from the same period last year.

Tran Hai Linh, Chairman of the Vietnam-Korea Business and Investment Association, affirmed the association's readiness to accompany Bac Giang in promoting and attracting investment with Korean partners. This includes supporting export activities, collaborating on high-quality human resource development, and recruiting labor for Korean enterprises in Viet Nam.  VNS
Water lily flowers are in full bloom in the Mekong Delta region of ong Thap Muoi (Plain of Reeds) creating a romantic charming beauty attracting visitors from near and far.

The water lily plant which grows in water, often blossoms when the high water season arrives in ong Thap Muoi, usually from September to December each year.

Heavy flows of sediment-rich water from the Mekong River flood the fields, and the seeds remaining from the previous season grow quickly and bloom with beautiful round flowers. This is the time for locals in the region begin their harvest of the water lily flowers.

During this time, water from upstream deposits rich nutritious soil for farmland, along with other products of the high water season such as fishes, shrimps, ien ien (Sesbania sesban) flowers, and especially water lilies.

Water lilies often bloom in early December with vibrant colours of pink, wild purple and pure white. Locals harvest them for decorating their boats to attract tourists to the southwestern area. They can also earn VN200,000-250,000 per day selling the flowers.

In this year's flood season, the water is not so high in aquatic resources, but the beautiful scenery still helps provide jobs for locals, improving their income through tourist services they provide.

Visitors to the region can experience daily life with the locals, catching fish by hand, picking water lilies and sesbania flowers, and enjoying local traditional cuisine with rustic dishes such as roasted snakehead fish with pepper, braised fish served with water lily and chives, Sesbania flowers, and fish hotpot.



In the flooded fields of Moc Hoa District, ong Thap Muoi region, which spans Long An, Tien Giang and ong Thap provinces, tourists love the scenes of women rowing boats to gather water lilies. The flowers are purple, red or white, and have thick stems of 3-5m length when well grown. Wherever the water rises, the flowers will grow accordingly.

Le Thi Kieu Minh, a water lily grower in Moc Hoa District, said she had been growing and collecting the flowers for more than ten years.

In the past, she mainly brought them to the market to sell, but in recent years, she also harvested them as a tourism product.

Minh and other women often fill their boats with water lilies in the afternoon, keeping them fresh to sell to tourists early the next morning.

Tran Thi Ngoc Ha, a tourist from Ben Luc District in the southern province of Long An, which borders HCM City, said in her homeland, there was no high water season like in ong Thap Muoi so she had arranged a trip here.

The scenery did not disappoint her.

I had the experience of rowing a small boat, and taking pictures with water lilies. It is really interesting, rowing at sunset with locals setting nets to catch fish, wading in the fields to wash water lilies with them. I have taken nice pictures from the countryside in floating season," said Ha. VNS
HA NOI - The cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands has yielded very positive results across various aspects. However, there is still much potential for collaboration between the two countries, especially in trade and investment.

On Friday, in Ha Noi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the seminar "50 years of Viet Nam-Netherlands diplomatic relations: Achievements and Prospects."

Speaking at the seminar, Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that after 50 years of diplomatic relations, Viet Nam and the Netherlands had achieved positive outcomes. The high-level leadership of both nations affirmed the relationship as "an exemplar of a dynamic, effective, and practical partnership."

Viet Nam and the Netherlands established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2019 and built a unique and effective model. This comprehensive partnership is based on two strategic pillars: "Strategic Partner in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security" and "Strategic Partner in Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management."

Providing information at the seminar, Le Thi Thanh Minh, Head of the Department of European-American Markets (Ministry of Industry and Trade) informed that in recent years, the Netherlands had consistently been one of Viet Nam's leading trading partners in the EU.

Currently, the Netherlands is Viet Nam's sixth-largest export market globally and second in the EU (after Germany). Conversely, Viet Nam is the second largest export market in ASEAN and 15th globally for the Netherlands.

Over the years, Viet Nam has consistently been a net exporter to the Netherlands. Key export items to the Netherlands include phones, electronics, textiles, footwear, agricultural products, and seafood. Meanwhile, imports from the Netherlands consist of machinery, equipment, components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and dairy products.

The Netherlands is also the largest investor from the EU in Viet and many Dutch products have been ever-present in the daily lives of Vietnamese, such as "Dutch Lady" milk, Heineken, Philips, and Unilever.

According to Tran Toan Thang, Head of the International Cooperation Department, Institute of Development Strategy (Ministry of Planning and Investment), most Dutch investment projects in Viet Nam are of moderate and small scale but are carried out by large corporations and operate effectively.

Conversely, Viet Nam currently has nine investment projects in the Netherlands, covering areas such as the import and distribution of telecommunications equipment, automobiles, components, provision of services related to electric vehicle batteries, e-commerce, food services, agricultural and aquatic product exports.

The prospects for cooperation are promising. According to Thang, the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) presents many collaboration opportunities for Viet Nam and the Netherlands.

Sharing insights on the prospects for cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands, Hang emphasised that Viet Nam highly valued the pioneering role of the EU, including the Netherlands, in promoting the development of a global green and circular economy, contributing to turning current challenges into opportunities for the world economy.

"This is also an area where Viet Nam implements the 'new vision, new thinking, new determination, new action.' In this regard, Viet Nam's consistent development perspective is green and sustainable, harmonising economic development with environmental issues," said Hang

Opening up some directions for future cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands, Le Thi Thu Hang highlighted the need for research and proposals for initiatives, ideas, and projects with a focal point, serving as successful models for green transformation.

Hang also suggested that both sides strengthen cooperation in research and development to make Viet Nam a centre of innovation, a research hub in the region for green transformation, and the formation of a green hydrogen value chain in Viet Nam.

Moreover, Dutch and Vietnamese businesses needed to enhance cooperation, particularly by increasing investment in green and sustainable areas prioritised by Viet Nam, such as high technology, information technology, supporting industries, smart agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure construction, training high-quality human resources, and innovation.

In addition, the business communities of both sides needed to discuss measures to fully utilise the EVFTA, thereby reinforcing and deepening the bilateral trade relations between Viet Nam and the EU in general and Viet Nam and the Netherlands in particular. VNS
TOKYO Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a Viet Nam-Japan labour cooperation forum in Tokyo on December 16, as part of his working trip to take part in the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and bilateral activities.

The forum was co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.

This year, Viet Nam has recorded the highest number of guest workers ever, both in the number of labourers sent annually to Japan, estimated at around 85,000 and the figure of labourers currently working in Japan, standing at over 300,000. Viet Nam is also the biggest source of workers sent to and presently working in Japan, among 15 countries sending apprentices and workers to the East Asian country.

Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said the Vietnamese community in Japan with over 500,000 people, more than 300,000 of them are working there and the number has been on the rise, are contributing to Japans socio-economic development, becoming bridges fostering close ties between the two countries.

He suggested focusing on recruiting and dispatching workers with skills, qualifications, and a desire to learn in certain Japanese industries of strength such as semiconductor, information technology, automation, biotechnology, agricultural technology, underground water treatment and urban environment, towards building a workforce trained through practical jobs in Japan to contribute to the development of those industries in Viet Nam.

Along with the current revision of Japan's legal policies regarding training and reception of foreign labourers, he said Japan should take the lead in training international workforces, including Vietnamese labourers, in order to step up effective, sustainable, and mutually beneficial labour cooperation between the two nations.

He hoped that Japanese agencies, along with the MoLISA and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, would work together effectively to create the best living and working conditions for Vietnamese workers, minimise potential risks so that they could feel secure when studying, working and complying with the host country's laws, ultimately reducing legal violations in Japan.

The Vietnamese leader also proposed the Japanese Government, competent agencies and localities create favourable conditions and simplify visa procedures, aiming to eventually exempt Vietnamese citizens from entry visas, thus further promoting tourism cooperation between the two countries.

He suggested the early launching of study tourism, caring for and creating favourable conditions for the community of nearly 500,000 Vietnamese living, studying, and working in Japan who will serve as bridges to further deepen the bilateral cooperative relationship. VNA/VNS
TOKYO Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Chairman of the Japan - Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance Nikai Toshihiro, Governor of Tokyo Koike Yuriko, and leaders of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) in Tokyo on December 16.

PM Chinh, who has been in Japan to attend the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and have bilateral activities, suggested Nikai and the alliance's members work to enhance cooperation between the two parliaments and leverage the connecting role of friendship parliamentarians' organisations.

He urged them to promote cooperation between the two countries in labour, human resource training, and such new areas as digital transformation, green transition, high-tech agriculture, and education. Specifically, PM Chinh emphasised the need to effectively implement the Viet Nam-Japan University project and support localities extensive cooperation aligning with the two countries freshly-upgraded comprehensive strategic partnership.

The government leader also called for simplifying procedures towards visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens entering Japan, thereby strengthening the two sides tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Nikai said he appreciated the elevation of the Viet Nam-Japan relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership and affirmed the alliances continued support for promoting cooperation with Viet Nam, especially in areas with great potential like labour, agriculture, science-technology, energy, and locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges. He also promised to report the PMs visa exemption suggestion to the Japanese Government.

Japanese Minister of Justice Koizumi Ryuji pledged to make greater efforts in his capacity as the Chief of Office of the Japan - Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance to improve policies for Vietnamese guest workers and apprentices in Japan.

Special Advisor of the Japan - Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance Takebe Tsutomu highlighted his commitment to promoting the Viet Nam-Japan University project, contributing to the enhancement of Vietnams capacity in human resources training.

Governor of Tokyo Koike Yuriko expressed her delight at the increasing exchange of delegations at all levels between Viet Nam and Japan this year to mark the 50th founding anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The Governor said she wants to enhance cooperation between Tokyo and Viet Nam in the fields of delegation exchanges and labour cooperation.

Keidanren President Kubota Masakazu affirmed that Japanese businesses are willing to make contributions to the development of economic ties between the two countries. VNA/VNS
TOKYO Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio in Tokyo on December 16, as part of his trip to attend the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and have bilateral activities in the East Asian country.

This was the sixth talks between the two government leaders in the past two years and the second in 2023.

PM Kishida thanked PM Chinhs attendance at the summit and believed that the Vietnamese delegations active contributions will play a significant role in the general success of the event.

The two leaders agreed to direct ministries and agencies to realise the contents of the Joint Statement on the elevation of the Viet Nam-Japan relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, which was approved by senior leaders of the two countries in late November.

They shared common perceptions on jointly consolidating political trust, increasing annual high-level exchanges and meetings through the Party, Government and National Assembly channels while enhancing practical and effective defence cooperation via the effective implementation of signed cooperation agreements.

Speaking highly of the positive progress in numerous key economic projects between the two countries in recent years, as well as official development assistance (ODA) reaching over 100 billion JPY in 2023 for the first time since 2017, they committed to ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral economic connectivity, ensure economic security, and establish a joint coordinating group between the two governments to step up the progress and efficiency of underway economic projects, including the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex.

PM Chinh proposed Japan continue supplying new-generation ODA loans for strategic infrastructure development projects in Vietnam, such as the North-South high-speed railway project, urban railways, supporting industries, new industrial zones, climate change adaptation, digital transformation, green transition, health care, and more.

He called for support to facilitate Vietnamese businesses' participation in the global supply chains of Japanese enterprises, particularly in the fields of automobile, electronics, health care and apparel; and streamline inspection procedures to open the market for Vietnamese pomelos and Japanese grapes.

PM Kishida, for his part, expressed his wish that the two countries would develop together and contribute to the common development of the region.

Japan will continue assisting Viet Nam in industrialisation and modernisation, and building an independent, self-reliant economy that deeply integrates into the global community, towards successfully realising its industrialisation and modernisation strategy, he noted.

The two PMs agreed to expand cooperation in green transition and climate change adaptation through practical projects.

PM Kishida promised to promote collaboration with Viet Nam in energy transition and emissions reduction through the Asia Zero Emission Community Initiative (AZEC) launched by Japan.

Both leaders agreed to further enhance workforce training collaboration, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, locality-to-locality cooperation, and tourism.

PM Chinh suggested that Japan continue to create favourable conditions, relax entry requirements, and move towards visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens entering Japan.

Meanwhile, PM Kishida affirmed that Viet Nam's workforce, including high-quality labourers and skilled apprentices, is indispensable for Japan's socio-economic development. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the upcoming organisation of a specific skills exam for apprentices in Viet Nam.

The two leaders affirmed their commitments to continue close coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concerns, positively contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. PM Chinh spoke highly of Japan's hosting of a AZEC high-level conference within the framework of the ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit.

On this occasion, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between the two countries, which involved the fourth loan agreement for Ho Chi Minh City's urban railway construction project, the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) project, and the equipment supply project for Viet Nams K Hospital with a total sum of 42.3 billion JPY (nearly 300 million USD).

Also on December 16, PM Chinh received leaders of several leading Japanese economic groups operating in the fields of health, energy and oil and gas.

At a meeting with Takagi Kuninori, Chairman of the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW), the Vietnamese Government leader praised Takagi's efforts in promoting IUHWs cooperation with and support for Viet Nam in healthcare human resources development, which covered effective and practical collaboration projects with Vietnamese healthcare institutions such as the Cho Ray and 108 Military Central Hospitals as well as scholarships granted to Vietnamese medical students. He hoped such cooperation and assistance will continue in the time to come.

Takagi highly lauded Viet Nam's efforts in pandemic prevention, economic recovery, and development. He expressed his wish to continue collaboration with Viet Nam in the field of medical student training in Japan. Additionally, the Japanese group plans to build a big and modern hospital to provide medical examinations, treatment, and healthcare services for Vietnamese people.

Welcoming IUHW's plan, PM Chinh stressed the Vietnamese Government's support for the project. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and local authorities will facilitate the implementation of the project.

The PM also received President and CEO Hidenori Harada and key leaders of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (MOECO)  a global investment and trading conglomerate involved in resource exploitation, energy, equipment, chemicals, food, textiles, and finance. MOECO is one of the investor consortium for Viet Nam's 6.6 billion USD Block B - O Mon gas project.

PM Chinh commended MOECO for its efforts and collaboration over the past 20 years in overcoming challenges related to the gas project. He urged the business to continue close cooperation with its partners to soon put the project into operation, with the latest deadline set for 2026.

PM Chinh suggested MOECO expand its operations in Viet Nam, particularly in the areas of its strength such as equipment manufacturing and step up the transfer of technology to Vietnamese partners to help Viet Nam deeply join global and regional supply chains.

In the afternoon of the same day, PM Chinh hosted a reception for Executive Vice President and CEO Susumu Nibuya and other leaders of Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd., which is a leading energy conglomerate in Japan, currently owning and operating seven oil refinery plants in Japan.

While promising all possible support to Japanese firms and Idemitsu in particular, the PM suggested the Group and partners collaborate on governance, financial and input fuel restructuring along with developing efficient operational processes, applying modern technology and ensuring security, safety and environmental protection. VNA/VNS
PHOENIX (AP)  Arizona's governor on Friday ordered the state's National Guard to the border with Mexico to help federal officials manage an influx of migrants.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs said she issued the executive order because the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border and keep our communities safe.

I am taking action where the federal government wont, Hobbs said.

It was unclear when the troops would arrive at the border and exactly how many would be mobilized.

Hobbs asked President Joe Biden's administration a week ago to mobilize 243 Arizona National Guard troops already in the Border Patrol's Tucson sector that includes Lukeville, Arizona, to help federal officers reopen the border crossing that was indefinitely closed Dec. 4.

Customs and Border Protection has said shutting down the official crossing was necessary to allow personnel stationed there to help Border Patrol agents manage the hundreds of migrants illegally crossing in that area daily.

Although remote, the crossing is a popular route for Arizonans traveling to the Mexican resort of Puerto Penasco, or Rocky Point, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the border on the northern shores of the Sea of Cortez.

Hobbs said the National Guard members will be stationed at multiple locations along the southern border, including around Lukeville.

There, they will support state and local agencies engaged in law enforcement, including interdiction of illegal drugs and human trafficking.

The San Miguel crossing located farther east on the Tohono O'odham Nation is also seeing hundreds of migrant arrivals daily, but tribal officials said the National Guard would not be stationed on the reservation.

We are in close communication with Governor Hobbs on this issue," said Verlon Jose, chairman of the Tohono Oodham Nation. "We made clear that no National Guard would be deployed to the Nation and her office has agreed. Todays action by the Governor is a necessary step in addressing the current crisis at the border.

Hobbs said the Biden administration had not responded to her request that the U.S. government reimburse Arizona for border security spending.

Customs and Border Protection officials said they did not have an immediate response to the governor's decision.

The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, National Guard confirmed Friday afternoon it was activating members.

Major Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, who oversees the Arizona National Guard, noted that in September it wrapped up a 30-month active-duty mission providing support to law enforcement agencies in southern Arizona.

Muehlenbeck said the earlier mission provided logistics, administrative, cyber, and medical support.

U.S. Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, who represents southern Arizona, said he disagreed with Hobbs' executive order.

"But I do appreciate that Governor Hobbs has rejected the brutal and cruel tactics of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott who have taken advantage of this crisis to inhumanely and illegally use migrants as political pawns and to politicize and pander instead of working on real solutions, Grijalva said in a statement.
NEW YORK (AP)  It could be a cold, grim New Year for thousands of migrant families living in New York Citys emergency shelter system. With winter setting in, they are being told they need to clear out, with no guarantee theyll be given a bed elsewhere.

Homeless migrants and their children were limited to 60 days in city housing under an order issued in October by Mayor Eric Adams, a move the Democrat says is necessary to relieve a shelter system overwhelmed by asylum-seekers crossing the southern U.S. border.

That clock is now ticking down for people like Karina Obando, a 38-year-old mother from Ecuador who has been given until Jan. 5 to get out of the former hotel where she has been staying with her two young children.

Where she will end up next is unclear. After that date, she can reapply for admission to the shelter system. A placement might not happen right away. Her family could wind up getting sent to one of the city's huge tent shelters far from where her 11-year-old son goes to school.

I told my son, Take advantage. Enjoy the hotel because we have a roof right now, Obando said in Spanish outside Row NYC, a towering, 1,300-room hotel the city converted into a shelter for migrants in the heart of the theater district. Because theyre going to send us away and were going to be sleeping on the train, or on the street.

A handful of cities across the U.S. dealing with an influx of homeless migrants have imposed their own limits on shelter stays, citing a variety of reasons, including spiraling costs, a lack of space and a desire to put pressure on people to either find housing on their own, or leave town entirely.

Chicago imposed a 60-day shelter limit last month and is poised to start evicting people in early January. In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, has capped the number of migrant families in emergency shelters at 7,500.

Denver had limited migrant families to 37 days but paused the policy this month in recognition of winters onset. Single adults are limited to 14 days.

In New York, the first families were expected to reach their 60-day limits just days after Christmas, but the mayors office said those migrants will receive extensions through early January. Roughly 3,500 families have been issued notices so far.

Unlike most other big cities, New York has a decades-old  right to shelter  obligating the city to provide emergency housing to anyone who asks.

But officials have warned migrants there is no guarantee they will get to stay in the same hotel, or the same city borough, for that matter.

Adult migrants without children are already subject to a shorter limit on shelter stays: 30 days.

Those who get kicked out and still want help are told to head for the city's so-called  reticketing center  that opened in late October in a former Catholic school in Manhattan's East Village.

Dozens of men and women, many with their luggage and other belongings in tow, line up every morning in freezing weather where they must petition for a renewed stay.

They are offered a free, one-way ticket to anywhere in the world. Most people decline.

Some are able to secure another shelter for 30 days, but many others say they leave empty-handed and must line up again the next day to try their luck.

Im scared of dying, sleeping on the street, Barbara Coromoto Monzon Pena, a 22-year-old from Venezuela, said as she spent a second day waiting in line on a recent weekday.

Obando said her eldest son, who is 19, hasnt been able to find a place to rent since he and his wife exhausted their 30 allowed days at the Row NYC hotel.

As a mother, it hurts, she said, breaking down in tears. Hes sleeping on the train, on the street, in the cold. Hes in a lot of pain, and now its our turn. They told me that this country was different, but for me its been hell.

Adams has insisted the city is doing a lot more for migrant families than almost anywhere else. New York is on track to spend billions of dollars opening shelters, paying for hotel rooms, buying meals and offering assistance overcoming bureaucratic hurdles for asylum-seekers.

The mayor also has warned repeatedly that the city's resources are stretched thin, with more than 67,200 migrants still in its care and many more arriving every week.

Were doing everything in our power to treat families as humanely as possible, said Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Adams. We have used every possible corner of New York City and are quite simply out of good options.

She stressed that the administration intends to avoid having families sleeping on the streets and said there will be an orderly process for them to request another 60-day stay.

Advocates for immigrants say the end result will still uproot vulnerable families during the coldest months of the year and disrupt schooling for new students just settling into classes.

Its maybe the most Grinch move, ever, said Liza Schwartzwald, a director at the New York Immigrant Coalition. Sending families with children out like in the middle of winter right after the holiday season is just cruel.

Adams has stressed that migrant children would not be required to change schools when they move. But some kids could potentially face epic commutes if they are placed in new shelters far from their current schools.

Migrant parents say two months simply isnt enough time to find a job, get kids settled into childcare or school and save up enough for rent.

Obando, who arrived in the U.S. three months ago, said that outside of the odd cleaning job, she has struggled to find consistent work because there is no one to care for her 3-year-old daughter with her husband still detained at the border in Arizona.

Its not that we Ecuadorians come to take their jobs or that were lazy, she said. Were good workers. More time, thats all we ask.

For Ana Vasquez, a 22-year-old from Venezuela who is eight months pregnant, the situation is more urgent.

Her baby is due in late December, but she has until Jan. 8 to leave the Row NYC, where she has been staying with her sister and two young nieces for the past four months.

They are going to leave me out in the cold, Vasquez lamented in Spanish one chilly morning this month outside the hotel. We dont have an escape plan. The situation is difficult, even more so with the baby.

Associated Press writer Liset Cruz contributed to this report.

Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo.
Freddys Glass has replaced windshields since 1979, but is quitting that business to focus on residential and commercial glass replacement.

Safelite Group, a national company based in Columbus, Ohio, apparently pestered Freddys Glass into relinquishing its automotive sector. After receiving a third financial offer, the Duron family that owns and operates Freddys Glass decided striking a deal was in its best interest, said Rodney Duron, confirming the sale during an interview Thursday.

Freddys Glass has an incredible local reputation and were honored to continue providing the stellar service their community has come to expect, Safelite President and CEO Renee Cacchillo said in a press release.

Safelite Group will lease the current Freddys Glass location at 4301 Franklin Ave., while the Duron family finalizes a move elsewhere. Freddys Glass has occupied the building 34 years of its 45-year existence.

Well cohabitate for a few more weeks, getting our new facility up and going, Rodney Duron said. Its not far from where we are now. Were going to focus on the nuts and bolts of residential and commercial.

He said 10 technicians trained and experienced in replacing auto glass will join Safelite, while Freddys Glass will keep 10 technicians on its payroll.

Were thrilled to welcome our new associates to the business and to continue growing in the Waco area, Cacchillo said in the press release.

Safelite was founded in 1947, has almost 16,000 employees nationwide and is comprised of two business operations, according to the press release. Safelite AutoGlass repairs, replaces and recalibrates auto glass. Safelite Solutions offers fleet and insurance claims management services for vehicle glass and other claims.

Rodney Duron said the Freddys shop has tried to keep employees informed of the situation, letting them know everything is stable, which is important, especially at this time of year. We dont want to keep anyone in suspense. He said technicians assigned to working with auto glass were not cross-trained to tackle residential and commercial tasks, so joining Safelite makes sense.

Freddys Glass was founded in 1979 by Freddy and Dolores Duron, and now is owned and operated by family members Freddy Jr., Rodney and Russell Duron. David Duron, who once managed the shop, has moved on to own and operate Ultimate Poolscapes. David Druon also has plans to open three Mr. Gattis Pizza locations in Greater Waco, the first being an 1,100-square-foot delivery and carry-out location at Lake Air Mall.

We wish him all the best in the pizza business, Rodney Duron said.

He said replacing glass on vehicles has become more specialized and technically demanding. Freddys Glass has made strides to keep pace with advancements, including exposing its technicians to regular training, but decided relinquishing that niche to Safelite made sense, he said.

Safelite approached us. We turned them down, didnt entertain their offers, Rodney Duron said. When they approached us a third time, we put some thought to it, considered our future and the costs involved in continuing auto glass work. We werent looking to be bought out, but you never know.

He said he wanted to assure customers the company has worked hard to earn a good reputation, and Freddys Glass will remain a name they can trust.

Safelite released a follow-up statement, saying, Safelite and Freddys Glass business philosophies are well-aligned and Safelite will build upon the solid foundation Freddys Glass has built over the past 44 years.

Freddys Glass is being sold to Safelite because Safelites business model provides the opportunity for growth and profitability that is in the best interest of the combined associates and clients. Ultimately, the store will transition to the Safelite brand and we are offering positions to everyone in attendance of the team announcement.

The Institute for Family Business at Baylor University honored Freddys Glass & Mirror with its Founders Award in 2015.
Waco-area health officials are urging residents to take precautions as new COVID-19 cases begin to tick up again in Texas and a spike of respiratory diseases over the winter months is expected.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Texas in the week ending Dec. 9 increased by 10% over the prior week, according to a Texas Department of State Health Services report issued Wednesday.

But the 12,702 cases reported statewide that week is by far the lowest early December number in the past three years, DSHS data show.

Detailed COVID-19 case numbers for McLennan County are no longer reported, but Waco-McLennan County Public Health District officials estimate that the county is seeing about half the number of cases it saw a year ago.

In early December 2022, the health district was reporting 60 to 80 cases per day, according to Tribune-Herald archives.

Waco-based Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center has seen slightly increasing numbers of patients with the big three respiratory illnesses of winter: COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

Patients with the most severe infections of COVID-19 tend to be elderly people over 65 who also have significant other conditions, Dr. Marc Elieson, chief of medicine at Hillcrest said Wednesday.

Elieson recommends that people wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water, wear a mask when visiting a large number of people they dont see often, and get vaccinated.

Simon Haeder, a Texas A&M University public health researcher, said Thursday that he expects a surge across the South in numbers of cases of COVID-19, RSV and flu in January and February when cold weather hits. Haeder recommends vaccines for all three diseases as the best prevention.

When cold weather comes and people want to be indoors, plus no one wants to miss holiday gatherings with their relatives, we will probably have big spikes in all three, Haeder said.

January and February will probably be when the disease burden occurs.

Haeder recently published a study on parental intent to vaccinate children against these three diseases. He found that nearly 41% of parents intend to vaccinate their children for COVID-19, around 63% for flu and around 71% for RSV.

The research on parental attitudes toward vaccines revealed more parents wanting to give their children the brand-new RSV vaccine than those who were willing to give the COVID-19 vaccines that have been around for about 2-1/2 years, Haeder said.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccines are still effective, particularly the newest bivalent vaccine thats designed to counter omicron and the earlier strains, Elieson said. Everyone eligible for a new COVID-19 vaccine should one, he said.

In COVID-19 data voluntarily reported by laboratories in the week ending Dec. 9, the most recent statewide report from Texas Department of State Health Services shows new and probable COVID-19 case increased by 1,130 to 12,702. Some 1,200 patients were hospitalized across the state with COVID-19, up 114 from the prior week.

Hospitalization numbers may be more accurate that new cases, experts say.

RSV, flu and COVID-19 are so common and widespread that many people dont seek treatment when they have them so there is no way to maintain an accurate count of cases, Lara Anton, a DSHS spokesperson said in a Thursday email. Mandatory reporting of COVID-19 ended when the governors disaster declaration expired in June, she said.

The group of voluntary reporters help us to see the trends in the spread of these diseases over time, Anton said.

Recent COVID-19 patients at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest have been admitted with several other conditions as well, Elieson said.

For COVID, typically the patient comes in with several other things and its part of milieu, Elieson said. The current strains of COVID are not as bad as it was.

The current strains are not producing as severe a disease as the alpha and delta strains did at the beginning of the pandemic, he said.

Were not seeing respiratory failure due to COVID, were seeing respiratory failure due to something else, Elieson noted.

He said the sight of patients struggling to breathe on ventilators is much less common now than early in the pandemic, but dangers persist.

COVID wears down the elderly, he said. Theyre not eating, theyre not moving and we see cascade of events, leading to hospitalization.

The highest hospitalization rates for patients with COVID-19 are among people 65 years and over, Elieson said. Most of these elderly patients with the COVID-19 milieu have additional complicating long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or a respiratory ailment.

In treating COVID-19 and keeping people out of hospitals, the antiviral drug Paxlovid is particularly helpful in treating the disease, preventing hospitalization in most cases, according to a May article from The Associated Press.

In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to Paxlovid to treat COVID-19 for adults who face high risks of severe disease. Generally those at highest risk include adults 65 and over and those with additional long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease and obesity.

In the early December reporting period, COVID-19 associated deaths in Texas dropped by 11 from the prior week to 41, according to DSHS.

Were not seeing COVID-19 deaths in the large numbers we saw early in the pandemic, Elieson said.

Baylor Scott & White Health declined to provide exact numbers of current COVID-19 patients or recent COVID-19 related deaths at Hillcrest Hospital.

RSV

Hillcrest is already seeing cases of RSV, flu and COVID-19, Elieson said. But he believes that most people are able to manage at home.

We do have a lot of cases, were seeing a lot of RSV, more cases than I remember seeing last year, he said.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, produces symptoms comparable to a common cold in most people, but it can be severe and even life-threatening for certain older adults at high risk and for very young children, according to the American Lung Association.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates RSV kills 100 to 300 children younger than 5 across the United States each year.

This past summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two vaccines for RSV for the first time, one for older adults and one for pregnant women.

In the most recent statewide RSV surveillance report from DSHS, new RSV positive tests dropped in the report released Dec. 14 continuing a downward trend now in its fourth week.

In Public Health Service Region 7, which includes McLennan County and around 30 counties total, extending from Hill County in the north to Caldwell County in the south, RSV peaked in the week of Nov. 25 with a positive test rate around 23% and around 400 positive tests. In that most recent report containing data through Dec. 9, there were 15% positive results and around 300 to 350 positive results.

RSV data in Texas comes from the same network of testing laboratories that voluntarily report COVID-19 data.

The people who come to the hospital with RSV, flu or COVID-19 tend to be people who have another complicating condition, particularly a respiratory condition, Elieson said.

People with asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) and emphysema are more likely to have severe RSV, Elieson said.

Hillcrest treated a young girl not long ago with RSV who also had asthma, Elieson said.

She was a young girl with asthma, well-controlled with the use of an inhaler, and when she got an RSV infection, she had to go into the hospital for three days, Elieson said. We had to put her on oxygen. She was so short of breath, she couldnt even walk to the bathroom by herself.

While RSV has dropped off recently, flu admissions to Hillcrest Hospital increased by 30% this week over last week, Elieson said.

Flu

From the beginning of the pandemic until now, Texas hasnt really had a traditional flu season, Stephanie Alvey, deputy director of the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District said in a Thursday email.

Haeder, the A&M researcher, said flu season was really early last year.

Were in a more traditional flu season this year, heading into the peak, Haeder said.

A state report on flu surveillance came out Friday showed that so far this year, Thanksgiving had the highest percentage of patients reporting influenza-like illnesses, just over 6 %. The week ending Dec. 2, this percentage dropped the slightly over 5%. The week of Dec. 9, it increased back to nearly 6%.

Also, the percentage of positive flu tests statewide jumped to 15.4% in the most recent week, from 9.9% the before.

Last year statewide, the number of patients reporting influenza-like illness peaked at just under 10% in the middle of November. The year before, the number didnt peak until January at slightly under 6%.

In Waco and McLennan County during this same week last year, there were 572 confirmed cases of flu, Alvey said.

In the most recent reporting week, the district had 180 confirmed cases of flu, Alvey said.

From Oct. 1 through Dec. 9 across Texas there were fewer than 10 deaths due to pneumonia among children 4 and younger, and also less than 10 such deaths among youths ages 5-17. In that time, pneumonia and flu claimed the lives of 89 people between 18 and 49 years as well as 236 people between 50 and 64. During those months, 1,166 Texans 65 years and older died of pneumonia and flu, with total flu deaths during this years flu season so far numbering 1,496.

Prevention

Elieson recommended that all who are eligible for the RSV, flu and COVID-19 vaccines should get them.

The health district has given given slightly more flu vaccines this year compared to this time last year, Alvey said.

However, we have given significantly fewer COVID vaccines compared to this time last year, Alvey said. That is likely due to changes in the vaccine recommendations, which delayed receiving and being able to administer vaccinations this season compared to last year.

Those who are sick with a cough and flu-like or COVID-like symptoms should be tested and stay home from holiday plans and work, Alvey said.

For those who are healthy, Elieson recommends taking preventive measures and continuing with plans.

If youre flying, wear a mask on the airplane and in the airport, Elieson said. Also wear a mask to indoor gatherings with large numbers of people you dont see often, or to outdoor gatherings where youll be standing very close to a lot of people you dont usually see.

He said a mask isnt necessary when in well-ventilated areas and outdoors where people arent standing very close together. He recommended washing hands frequently with warm water and soap as well as covering coughs and sneezes.
The widow of a 32-year-old man killed in a May 2020 workplace incident at Time Manufacturing Co.s Versalift plant in Waco has settled a lawsuit against Time and Dinamic Oil North America Inc., an equipment supplier.

Except for $150,000 annuities for Wesley Allan Reinke and Elizabeth Reinkes two young children, the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed at a hearing Friday before Judge Alan Bennett of Wacos 474th State District Court. Elizabeth Reinke had sought more than $1 million in damages in the suit filed in July 2020.

Elizabeth is happy to close this chapter in her life, her attorney, John Mabry Jr., said after the Friday hearing. Now she and her children can begin to move on with their lives.

The older child will receive monthly payments of about $1,450 from 2032 to 2044, in addition a lump sum of $20,000 in 2032 and 2035, and a lump sum of $25,000 in 2039 and 2044. The younger child will receive monthly payments of about $2,060 from 2037 to 2049, in addition to a lump sum of $20,000 in 2037 and 2040, and a lump sum of $25,000 in 2044 and 2049.

Austin attorney David Boyce, who represented Time, said after the hearing his client is happy to resolve the case. Dallas attorney Jon Melton, who represented Dinamic Oil, appeared by video link and did not comment after the hearing.

Waco attorney Michael Bourland, who was appointed guardian ad litem in the case to see to the welfare and best settlement for the children, said he is pleased with the result for the children.

Elizabeth Reinke sought only exemplary damages from Time and exemplary as well as actual damages from Dinamic Oil. It is unclear which company or insurer paid what portion of the settlement.

Waco attorneys Mabry, John Lewis and J.R. Vicha filed the suit on the familys behalf in July 2020 in Wacos 414th State District Court.

Wesley Reinke, 32, of McGregor, who led a team of welders, was working at the Time plant at 7601 Imperial Drive on May 4, 2020, when a crane fell on him, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleged negligence and gross negligence against the company, charging Time officials failed to provide proper tools and equipment; failed to properly train its employees; failed to properly supervise employees to ensure a safe work environment; failed to properly maintain work equipment; and failed to properly test and inspect work equipment.

Cranes arent supposed to fall on workers, and this family has suffered a catastrophic loss, Mabry said at the time.

The suit also alleged Time failed to warn Reinke of the defective or dangerous condition of the work equipment; failed to reduce work hazards; failed to implement safety guidelines and procedures; and exposed Reinke to dangerous work conditions.

These conditions and activities existed despite the fact that defendant and its agents and/or employees knew or through the exercise of due diligence should have known of the existence of the aforementioned conditions and that there was a likelihood of a person being injured or killed as occurred with Wesley Allan Reinke, the lawsuit said.

At its Imperial Drive facility, Time makes vehicle-mounted aerial lifts used in telephone and power line maintenance sometimes known as bucket trucks or cherry pickers. Dinamic Oil provides gear boxes which Time mounts on the trucks to turn cranes.
Beef industry representatives worry that foot-and-mouth disease could be imported along with meat. (Photo via Canva)

Federal officials did not sufficiently assess the risk posed by a devastating cattle disease when they recently decided to allow beef imports from Paraguay, according to agriculture officials of several top beef-producing states.

A new U.S. Department of Agriculture rule that ended a 25-year prohibition on those imports went into effect Thursday.

The prohibition was the result of the South American countrys struggles to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease, a much-feared affliction that is highly contagious and has the potential to cause huge losses for livestock producers. The USDA estimates that a severe outbreak in the United States has the potential to cost more than $200 billion.

The viral disease causes blisters to form in the mouths and on the feet of infected cattle. It is not often fatal to adult animals but can lessen their food consumption and limit their movement. It does not infect humans.

The disease was eradicated in the United States nearly 100 years ago, according to the USDA. The worst outbreak of the disease was in 1914, when 22 states were quarantined and more than 170,000 cattle and other livestock were destroyed to contain the virus. The virus can infect a range of animals with divided hooves.

Imports of those animals and their meat is generally prohibited from countries where the disease circulates. Paraguays last known outbreak of the disease was about a decade ago, but the USDA does not consider the country free of the disease because its cattle are still routinely vaccinated against it.

The USDA analyzed the risks to domestic livestock posed by the import of chilled or frozen beef from Paraguay  at the countrys request to allow those imports  and proposed a rule to allow the imports in March. That rule was officially codified last month and is now in effect.

Our risk analysis concluded that the overall risk associated with importing fresh beef from Paraguay is low and that Paraguay has the infrastructure and emergency response capabilities needed to effectively report, contain, and eradicate (the disease) in the event of an outbreak and to do so in a timely manner, the USDA wrote in regard to the new rule.

The rule has requirements that the disease has not been detected in the country for at least a year and that the cattle are inspected before and after slaughter for signs of the illness.

Beef groups dispute USDA risk analysis

But beef industry groups and some federal lawmakers have opposed the change, claiming that the risk analysis was based on outdated information. They say the USDAs last visit to Paraguay was more than nine years ago.

The department did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article. Its risk analysis included information provided in recent years by Paraguay.

This week, Iowas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and officials from seven other states asked Tom Vilsack, the U.S. agriculture secretary, to halt the change and review the risks further.

While we are strong proponents of robust trade, we must do so in a manner that does not put our livestock producers at risk, Naig and the others wrote in a letter to Vilsack. We urge USDA to consider pausing the implementation of this rule until a more reliable risk assessment can be completed based on modern visits in Paraguay.

Ag officials in Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming also signed the letter.

Cattlemen claim beef decision based on diplomacy goals

The letter mimicked the criticism that has been leveled for months by the National Cattlemens Beef Association. The association has alleged that the conclusions of the USDAs risk analysis were pre-determined by government officials who wish to bolster international relations with the country.

While winning friends and allies in South America may be part of the long-term interests of U.S. diplomacy, it should not be done on the backs of U.S. cattle producers or by putting at risk the health and livelihood of the safest and most efficient cattle and beef production system in the world, Kent Bacus, an executive of the association, said in a press release last month.

Paraguay is a key U.S. ally in South America, a continent where federal officials have worried about Chinas growing influence. Beef is one of Paraguays major exports.

Congresswoman Maria Salazar, a Florida Republican, called Paraguay the regions most reliably pro-American country in a recent letter to President Joe Biden about an unrelated matter.

At a time when so many countries in Latin America are enhancing their ties with China, Paraguay insists on keeping its strong relationship with the United States, she wrote.

But some federal lawmakers fear that beef imports from Paraguay are too risky. This month, Sens. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, and Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, introduced legislation to suspend the imports.

Also this month, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, an Iowa Republican, joined 13 colleagues in a letter to Vilsack that sought to delay the imports amid further review of the safety risks.

By allowing countries like Paraguay  where foot-and-mouth disease remains prevalent  to sell their beef in the United States, we unnecessarily threaten our domestic herds with disease and jeopardize the financial wellbeing of cattle producers and their families, Feenstra said last week.

Feenstra did not elaborate on why he believes the disease is prevalent in Paraguay, and his spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request to comment.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo woman who was missing since September has been found safe, according to police.

On Friday, law enforcement met with 20-year-old Alaina Erazo-White, and she is no longer considered a missing person.

Family members reported Erazo-White missing in September. Since that time, detectives were able to make contact with her but were unable to meet her in person.

At the time Erazo-White did not indicate she was in trouble and advised she had voluntarily severed ties with friends and family, police said in a prepared statement.

Waterloo police put out a public call for information earlier this week in an effort to establish contact so her health and safety could be checked, authorities said.

Erazo-White did have contact with the Waterloo Police Department shortly after the notification and indicated she is fine and has chosen to remain away from Waterloo. She also posted videos on social media indicating she wasnt missing.

It wasnt until Friday that law enforcement from another agency met with Erazo-White to confirm her wellbeing, Waterloo police said.

She again maintained that she voluntarily left Waterloo and has asked for privacy regarding this matter. This information has been relayed to her family, Waterloo police said.

Photos: Missing children in Iowa Daquan Nelson Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson
WATERLOO  The city could pay another $1.1 million to the company advising it on the municipal fiber network project.

An extension to the professional services agreement with EN Communications LLC for the implementation of the fiber-to-the-home and fiber backbone project will come before the City Council Monday. The meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

The extension would run until the end of the 2024 calendar year. The company, formally known as Magellan Advisors LLC, currently is contracted to perform project management, construction management, inspection services and engineering services for Waterloo Fiber.

In September 2022, more than 84% of residents voted for a $20 million general obligation bond issue for municipal broadband. The bonds are backed by the governments ability to tax property owners, but the city plans to repay them with revenues generated by the broadband utility as well as revenues from utilities, sewer and storm water services.

The entire construction project is expected to be complete in 2026.

The council could also approve a development agreement with PWM Companies LLC for the construction of a commercial building that is at least 83,900 square feet with a minimum assessed value of $4.2 million. The property is located northwest of 3530 Marnie Ave.

The company would receive a tax rebate of 85% for years one through nine, 58% for year 10, and 50% for years 11 through 15. The building would be in the Martin Road Tax Increment Finance District.

The building is being constructed for speculative purposes, according to city documents. The new building and land values will create a new tax base of $5.5 million and could increase.

The council also could approve:

An agreement with Tolemi, a software company that assists cities with data integration, for $47,500. The program is expected to be used to assist with neighborhoods, housing and rental issues in the city.

A professional services agreement with AECOM Technical Services in the amount of $179,800 for the construction administration and project inspection services for the airports passenger terminal building and parking lot canopy project.

Nine hotel-motel tax grant funds in the amount of $90,400.
CEDAR FALLS  Grow Cedar Valley has announced Katy Susong as its new president and chief executive officer. Susong will officially start March 18, while current CEO Cary Darrah will retire after Grow Cedar Valleys annual celebration toward the end of March.

We had more than 150 very qualified applicants, Mike Mallaro, chairperson of the Grow Cedar Valley board of directors and CEO of VGM Group Inc., said in a news release.

Katy stood out because she has great experience as a business leader in this community. As a voracious volunteer with years of personal networking experience, she offers tremendous reach. Plus, her role at Cardinal sets her up well to lead and champion economic development.

Susong has worked as the president and CEO of Cardinal Construction Inc. since 2018. As a strategist with an eye on the big picture, Susong placed a specific emphasis on new business development, process refinement and team development  all skills shell carry forward in her new role as president and CEO of Grow Cedar Valley.

I knew our leadership team would recognize and appoint someone who would continue the positive momentum of the past five to seven years, said Darrah. We have someone who will advance what we started. Katy helped craft that initial strategic plan, and I know our executive committee focused on a successor who would continue that growth.

As a Grow Cedar Valley board member since 2020, Susong has served in various roles including Community Development Council chairperson. Her work with Grow Cedar Valley is part of an extensive array of volunteer and community engagement experience.

She is board chairperson for the Cedar Falls Economic Development Council, an advisory board member of Cedar Falls Community Schools Center for Advanced Professional Studies, a Master Builders of Iowa board member, on the board of directors for House of Hope and a sustainer representative for the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. That list doesnt even include her previous work with organizations such as Construction Safety Services of Iowa, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa and the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

She is very accomplished, said Mallaro. Were thrilled to have this aspirational leader take the helm of Grow Cedar Valley.

For Susong, its an exciting opportunity to go from working in a volunteer capacity to leading the organization.

I have a level of familiarity with Grow Cedar Valley while still bringing in that fresh perspective, said Susong. Im excited to focus on economic development, including how we can collaborate and partner with organizations in the community already doing great work to support quality of life efforts and draw people to the community. Im looking forward to diving in.

That level of excitement is echoed by Darrah who expressed eagerness for the time in which theyll overlap and work together as Darrah passes the baton to Susong.

Leadership and collaboration are essential skills for this role, said Darrah. Katy has the right skillset, and most importantly, she has proven leadership experience and has demonstrated her willingness to collaborate.

Susong was quick to note her appreciation for Darrahs work.

Im so appreciative of Cary and the work she has done, said Susong. Our relationship will allow us to transition seamlessly as we look to the future of the organization.

Susong also noted how her experience in the construction and development industry will translate well to Grow Cedar Valley.

Im excited to represent our greater community to ensure the Cedar Valley is part of the conversation when talking at the greater state and regional levels. I want to share our unique story, and in doing so, drive growth, said Susong.

To find more information about Grow Cedar Valley, go on online to growcedarvalley.com.
WATERLOO  The Salvation Army of Waterloo/Cedar Falls will host its annual Christmas meal from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22. Gym doors will open at 11:15 a.m.

The meal is free and open to anyone in the community. Diners must be present; there are no to-go meals offered.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Salvation Army, visit www.sawaterloo.org or call (319) 235-9358.
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Three Israeli hostages who were mistakenly shot by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip were waving a white flag and were shirtless when they were killed, military officials said Saturday.
After 11 years leading the program, Judge Nancy Buytendorp presided over her final Treatment Court of Winona County hearing Thursday afternoon.

Judge Carmaine Sturino will take over leadership of the program, which Buytendorp has led since its inception in 2012.

Buytendorp, who has worked in law for over three decades, said Thursday that presiding over treatment court "has been the most fulfilling thing I've ever done in my career."

Buytendorp said she decided to step down from her leadership role in the program because of a big caseload in the district court.

Her caseload currently includes the case against Adam Fravel, who is accused of murdering Winona resident Madeline Kingsbury. That case is expected to continue into the later half of 2024, with a fall trial currently expected.

Buytendorp said Sturino was chosen to succeed her in presiding over the treatment court program because she "is very passionate about treatment court as well and always has been."

Buytendorp was praised for her work with the program Thursday by both members of the treatment court team and current and past participants of the program.

Tyler Eldridge, a former participant in treatment court, said without Buytendorp and the program, he wouldnt have anything.

He said he faced a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 158 months for drug offenses and would have been released around this time.

But, Buytendorp and the treatment court program stepped in to help give Eldridge the chance to get clean and sober with the help of structure and accountability, like it has for many others who were in similar situations to him.

She gave me an opportunity I probably shouldnt have been given, Eldridge said about Buytendorp.

Eldridge said Buytendorp always wants the best for treatment court participants.

He said she is a very positive person who shows grace and mercy.

Ive never seen her get angry and shes had plenty of opportunities to be angry," he said.

Without treatment court and Buytendorp helping to keep him out of prison, Eldridge wouldnt have his seven-year-old son, who came with Eldridge on Thursday to the hearing to celebrate Buytendorp.
Beaver Dam had a kick off meeting on Thursday night asking citizens to band together over the spring in committees that will look at the future of Beaver Dam in some key areas.

The meeting was advertised on social media, traditional media and direct emails to city residents, but of the more than 16,000 residents in the city, less than 50 people showed up, or .0025 % of city residents.

This is an exciting opportunity to engage the public in different way, Beaver Dam City Administrator Nathan Thiel said.

Beaver Dam last did its comprehensive plan in 2009, Thiel said.

Its been a while, and you guys have actually done a lot of the objectives and a lot of the goals that were outlined in that plan, Thiel said. But why we revisit it is because after a decade people change, things change and new thoughts percolate into the community. Now that we are in 2023, the hope is to gather the community back together, revisit this comp plan and to entertain a discussion.

Moving into the future

Todd Streeter from Community Collaboration attended the meeting to go over the Community Engagement Processes. Streeter is the principal of Community Collaboration and has more than 20 years of experience working with municipal governments.

This is a rare opportunity for you, Streeter said. Not all communities will trust their community enough to give the keys to the community for four or five months and let them drive around, and think about all the opportunities you can do for Beaver Dam.

Streeter described the comprehensive plan as a business plan for the community for the next 10 to 20 years.

7 key focus areas

There are seven major areas that will need community members to help with plans for the future, Streeter said. Those areas are:

Community Connectivity (Transportation and Infrastructure).

Community Pride (Public Facilities, Safety and Services).

Creating Community (Land Use).

Diversified Living (Housing and Neighborhoods).

Downtown Revitalization (Economic Development).

Economic Prosperity (Economic Development).

Quality of Life (Parks, Trails and Recreation).

The former mayor of Lake St. Croix Beach, Minnesota, Streeter said that over the years he has learned one thing that is needed in municipalities is community feedback. However, all ways of getting community feedback are not equal, and having the community help in making the decisions has many advantages.

The Community Action Plan is a working committee, Streeter said. It is a committee that does the work. There is no planner involved in creating the ideas for this project.

Community members can sign up online in order to help create plans for the future of the city. Streeter said the people will be working amongst themselves and the other subcommittee members and will bring their ideas twice a month to a meeting with the entire committee.

The committee members will continue to work with the City Council and staff after the conclusion of the project in order to attempt to get some of the projects underway, Streeter said.

Community has skills needed

All the people in this room have a special talent that could apply directly to this process, but not all members in the community have the luxury to participate on the committee, Streeter said. When you present your ideas to the community at large, you might find people who love this community and would love to be involved, but cant quite do it. They are waiting for your recommendations and ideas to come forth, and once they do come forth, and they love what they see, they say, Hey I would love to be able to contribute to that project.

The process is not as simple as just complaining about what you do not like in Beaver Dam, Streeter said. Finding solutions is not as simple as that.

Every community has talented people and resources, Streeter said. But nobody asks them to participate, and that is what is different tonight. Beaver Dam is asking you to participate and offer your skills and talent and create that vision.

The hope is for the group come up with ideas and recommendations that are actionable.

Carrying on a tradition

It would not be the first time Beaver Dam has used volunteers to bring their ideas to the forefront, with results such as the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre project, Waterworks Park project and the Rotary Lights in Swan Park.

This is about the big picture in the future, Kim Medelberg said. It is about where you want your community to go. I have only been here since July. I came to Beaver Dam last Christmas to see my son and saw the beautiful Rotary Clubs lights. I fell in love with Beaver Dam.

The process will go on from mid-January until mid-May. Anyone interested in participating can still sign up for the committee on the city of Beaver Dam website under the Live tab.
This photo combo shows three hostages who had been abducted from Israeli communities near the Gaza border, from left, Alon Shamriz, Samer Al-Talalka and Yotam Haim. Israeli troops mistakenly shot the three hostages to death Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants. (Courtesy of the Shamriz, Al-Talalka and Haim families via AP)
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Cover Images/Seth Browarnik Celebrity

The 46-year-old Chicago artist was also recently under fire after wearing a black version of a KKK-style hood when attending his 'Vultures' album listening party.

Dec 16, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kanye West is not done with his anti-Semitic rant. The 46-year-old "Vultures" artist gave an unhinged speech to a crowd of people during an event taking place in Las Vegas on Friday, December 15.

The rapper said that "all the rich f**ks" in the room have their kids in "Zionist schools." He added that his daughter North, whom he shares with ex-wife Kim Kardashian, had destroyed couches in her house so she could join him on tour.

In a video obtained by TMZ, Ye told them, "It's 60 million of us in America, 60 million Jews in the world. 50 percent of our deaths is abortion, 25 per cent of us go to prison... raise your hand if you ever got an abortion. If we were in a Jewish... every mother would raise their hands."

"Who's going to make the hospitals, though? He's a Zionist, [Donald Trump]. This is what I've been trying to tell you. Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye, third party, sponsor that! They can't f**king touch me because God cover me," he continued. Telling the crowd to "shut the f**k up," he said, "I dont give a f**k about life or death, I get visitation with my kids," before adding, "F**k Balenciaga."

"North ripped up the motherf**king couches in the house' to be able to travel with her father on his trip," he further divulged.

Ye was recently under fire after wearing a black version of a KKK-style hood to his "Vultures" album listening party on Monday, December 11. The father of four initially wore a garment covering his face, before changing into the dark pointy black hood as the title track for the album played.

He also addressed allegations of his past anti-Semitic behavior on his song "Vultures", rapping, "How I'm anti-Semitic? I just f**ked a Jewish b***h."

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The 65-year-old actor, who portrayed Sirius Black in the popular fantasy movie, reveals in a new interview how the franchise 'saved' his life following his divorce.

Dec 16, 2023

AceShowbiz - Gary Oldman was "saved" by "Harry Potter". The 65-year-old actor was granted sole custody of sons Gulliver, now 27, and Charlie, 24, after he divorced their mother, third wife Donya Fiorentino, in 2001 and he will always be grateful for his role as Sirius Black because it granted him some stability and a regular income that meant he could keep working while caring for the boys.

Speaking on "The Drew Barrymore Show", Gary said, At 42 years old, I woke up divorced and I had custody of these boys and so that, in itself, was That was hard because there was a shift in the industry where a lot of productions were being [filmed in], it was Hungary, Budapest, Prague, Australia, you know, all of these places."

"So I turned down a lot of work... Thank God for 'Harry Potter'. I tell you, the two, "The Batman" and "Harry Potter", really they saved me, because it meant that I could do the least amount of work for the most amount of money and then be home with the kids."

The "Slow Horses" actor, who also has Alfie, 36, with first wife Lesley Manville, and is stepfather to wife Gisele Schmidt's 15-year-old son William, used to commute from Los Angeles to London to shoot his role as Gotham City Police Department Commissioner Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" trilogy because he didn't want his kids being raised by nannies.

He said, "When we did the first Batman, London doubled for Gotham and I did 27 round trips from LA. I'd fly in for a day, I'd do a shoot a day. To [Nolan's] credit, he stayed on schedule and I would go home for three days, come back for two, go home for a weekend, come back for one day otherwise, I just felt they were being brought up by a nanny."

Gary was determined to be a more hands-on parent after being "not there all the time" for Alfie. He added, "I got the opportunity to have these other two kids and I thought, 'I can't. I've now been given a real gift to be the dad I imagined I could be with the first boy, Alfie, and so I've got a chance to repair this and switch it around.' "

And the "Darkest Hour" star is proud his sons grew up to become "nice people." He said, "My kids are not geniuses, but they're really, really nice people. I think [that we need] more nice people in the world. We've got geniuses, we've done enough of them. We need really kind people. Good heart and not mean-spirited. I think they saved my life."

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An undertaker in charge of the funeral reveals the Hollywood Vampires rocker insisted on carrying his late pal's coffin despite concerns from security, calling the last-minute change 'the right decision.'

Dec 16, 2023

AceShowbiz - Johnny Depp was determined to carry late pal Shane MacGowan's wicker coffin, despite concerns from security. The Hollywood actor, 60, was the Pogues frontman's best man at his wedding to Victoria Mary Clarke in 2018, and the undertaker in charge of the funeral said he's glad they made the last-minute decision in honor of the "Fairytale of New York" hitmaker.

The security at the well-attended celebration of life at St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Tipperary, approached the Hollywood Vampires rocker as it wasn't "part of the plan." Philly Ryan told The Irish Sun, "When I saw the pride on his face as he carried Shane down the church, I knew I'd made the right decision."

"Johnny deserved to carry Shane's coffin. He was his best man. He was there for the right reasons," he added. "A security man rushed over and said, 'Johnny! This is not in the plan!' But Johnny told the security guy, 'No, I'm going to do this.' " Once inside, Johnny read one of the Prayers of the Faithful.

During the reading, "The Rum Diary" star paid his respects and admiration to Shane by labeling him as a musical "maestro." He said, "We pray for a deeper spirit and compassion in the world. May we feel the pain of others, understand their need and reach out to all who suffer in any way with a continuous love that is rooted in faith and peace."

Along with attending the funeral mass on December 8, Johnny was also at the official wake until the early hours of Saturday, December 9 morning at the Thatched Cottage Pub in Ballycommon with around 250 other mourners. He was also among thousands of people who signed the book of condolences on rip.ie, the obituary website dedicated to publishing death notices in Ireland.

Shane's widow has since described Johnny as "the most gracious of angels." Victoria thanked him for his support following the musician's death last month aged 65. In a lengthy and emotional Instagram post, she wrote, "[Johnny] is one of the most gracious of angels and I know that Shane really appreciated the way that he was so completely respectful, and accepting of every aspect of his being."

"[This was] even at times when a lot of people were dismissing him as being a hopeless addict and passed his prime. Seeing the adoration Johnny felt for Shane was a great source of encouragement and strength during some really tough times and I am eternally grateful to him for never seeing Shane as anything less than perfect and brilliant and beautiful."

She described the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor as a "tower of strength" for her during such a tough time. She added. "Thank you JD for being a tower of strength for me during these last few days and bless you from the bottom of my heart."

Victoria also spoke of the importance of "support and friendship" to turn grief into a "celebration of your loved one." She wrote. "People who are loyal and devoted friends will show up for you and they can give you tremendous strength if you let them. In our lives me and [Shane] have been blessed with a great many devoted friends who have helped us in all kinds of ways when we were struggling or we needed a bit of moral support."

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The 27-year-old model and reality TV star's solo appearance seems to fuel speculations that she has called it quits with the Puerto Rican rapper, whom she has been dating for a few months.

Dec 16, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kendall Jenner was seen among the guests at a fashion event in Aspen, Colorado on Thursday evening, December 14. The supermodel, however, hit the bash alone as her boyfriend Bad Bunny was nowhere to be seen.

For the Revolve + FWRD Pop-Up Shop party, Kendall opted for a chic style in a black jacket that perfectly accentuated her tiny waist. "The Kardashians" star paired her stylist look with form-fitting slacks and high heels.

The 27-year-old catwalk star further emphasized her beauty by putting on mauve lipstick. As for the hair, she chose to wear her dark hair down in soft waves.

Kendall's solo appearance appeared to fuel speculations that she had called it quits with Bad Bunny. It was noted that the last time the two were seen together was over a month ago, though the Puerto Rican rapper may head back to his native country to spend the holidays with his family.

That aside, Kendall previously appeared to hint at their breakup in a cryptic message. "What's meant for me, will simply find me," the supermodel wrote in November alongside a picture of a beautiful sunset.

Later in the same month, a source told Deuxmoi that the former star of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and the "Un Serano Vin Ti" artist are "drifting apart" after dating for a few months. Despite that, the gossip blogger said in her podcast that she didn't think the couple has "100%" broken up "because we might see them walking out of Carbone next week."

"Whenever there is a Jenner or a Kardashian or anyone in that world. I'm sorry. It's just the hat that I wear. It's what I do for a living," guest Molly McPherson, who is a PR crisis expert, opined. "I'm always looking at the mutual beneficial part of the relationship that maybe they're just out of sync for the opportunity and the benefit. And again, absolutely could be real and it could be there, but sometimes it just kind of runs its course."

She went on saying, "You can still have a relationship, like a normal relationship where you get together, you're hooking up in a corner. Yeah. You don't want to be seen or photographed, but when when you're in the celebrity realm, you're going to look for opportunities that your relationship brings you," adding that it could be a "campaign" or "buzz online." She stressed, "It's not manipulation," but rather called it an "optimization."

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The Atlanta-born rapper releases the two tracks after he lent his vocals for French Montana's new single, 'Okay', which arrived on Friday, December 8 along with its MV.

Dec 17, 2023

AceShowbiz - Lil Baby has treated fans to new music before closing out 2023. On Friday, December 15, the "My Dawg" hitmaker unleashed two singles titled "350" and "Crazy" as he announced that a new album is coming soon.

Making use of Instagram, the 29-year-old emcee wrote, " '350' & 'Crazy' Both Out Now !!" The rhymer, whose real name is Dominique Armani Jones, went on to exclaim, "Album Coming Soon !!"

On "Crazy", which is co-produced by Money Musik, Hoops, and Str8cash, Baby raps about the adversity he'd faced before finding success. "This for the times we had no lights and no water/ Mama stressing herself to make ends meet," he spits.

"I done went on a sixty month winning streak/ Brodie wanted for murder, this s**t deep/ I be always on go, barely get sleep/ Love my family to death, but we barely speak," he continues. "I be all around the globe, makin' sure we eat (Forever)/ Really know what I'm doin', I'm from the streets."

Meanwhile, on "350", the Quality Control Music artist boasts, "I made six figures sitting in prison, fuck you mean?/ That s**t f**ked up and you free." He goes on, "Every b***h I ever had was f**ked up over me/ Realest n***a ever, I hope one day she can see it."

"Never cry about this s**t, it is what it is/ Lost a dozen handful of the people, I gotta live, yeah," the rap star adds. "Used to wanna run up a dime, that's in the crib now/ All the s**t I put on, you ain't pick up, well, that's your fault."

The new tracks arrived after Baby lent his vocals for French Montana's new single, "Okay". The tune arrived on December 8 along with its official music video.

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74% of Indian financial services and telcos companies surveyed are using cloud for credit risk decisioning.

60% of Indian businesses see open banking as a gateway to new customer-consented data in open finance.

61% of business leaders have established a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) risk management program.

65% believe that AI gives them a competitive advantage.

80% of business leaders surveyed are committed to prioritizing the integration of advanced analytics endowed with AI capabilities.

India demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of a challenging global landscape, according to the World Bank. Robust domestic demand, public infrastructure investments, and the strengthening of the financial sector collectively contribute to Indias performance. As a testament to this resilience, a staggering 77% of business leaders surveyed maintain a positive outlook for the upcoming year. These findings emerge from a comprehensive study conducted by Forrester Consulting, commissioned by Experian, a global information services leader. The study also explores the profound impact of AI on analytics, risk assessment, and customer experience. Notably, India demonstrates impressive AI and Machine Learning (ML), adoption rates, reaching 49% in customer service and 40% in identity verification.

The study highlights Indias leadership in the EMEA and APAC regions, with 85% of surveyed Indian businesses using external cloud providers for analytics. Indias adoption outpaces countries like Germany (66%), New Zealand (70%), and Spain (58%), solidifying its position as a front-runner in cloud, AI, and ML utilisation.

Role of AI in mitigating top risks

The report delves into the transformative potential of AI, the biggest risk priorities, and underscores how AI plays a pivotal role in fortifying resilience. Data privacy (59%) and cyber security (53%) emerge as the top risk concerns for the upcoming year, followed by ESG risk (47%) and credit risk (41%).

Effectively mitigating these risks depends on improving the predictiveness of models and unlocking value from a wide variety of data sources. In this regard, AI, particularly ML, stands out as an instrumental tool with immense potential.

Data integration and cloud investments drive AI success

Achieving AI success requires large volumes of data and the right data infrastructure. Despite an increase in new data sources, the biggest data-related challenge (for 48% of respondents) pertains to the difficulty in effectively sharing data at a large scale while ensuring trust and security. As a result, 86% of business leaders are prioritising investments in new data sources to better understand risk and affordability.

The research shows that the biggest analytics-related challenge for nearly half of respondents (55%) is the ability to seamlessly connect different data assets in a data warehouse that can adequately support AI/ML use cases. To address this issue, 86% are prioritising investments in cloud technology for seamless data integration with 63% agreeing that externally hosted cloud services are the best way to avoid data silos and aggregate data sources.

Unlocking AIs potential: productivity and efficiency enhancements

There are multiple ways in which AI can improve productivity, efficiency, and service delivery. Many organisations are actively exploring AI use cases, with a diverse range of possibilities, including enhanced underwriting with ML-based models, proactive and early identification of vulnerable customers, improved fraud prevention and faster customer service. More than half (65%) of those already using AI find that their productivity gains have offset the initial cost  a clear indication of positive ROI from AI adoption.

AI is currently leading the way in identifying innovative approaches to unlock the power of data, revolutionising business operations and elevating customer experience. As businesses engage with increasingly intricate decisions, AI plays a pivotal role in optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. Embracing the enduring role of AI becomes imperative, providing unparalleled insights for precise decision-making, particularly in critical areas such as risk management and fraud prevention. Simultaneously, it ushers in a new era of operational efficiency through automation, ultimately elevating the customer experience to new heights. said Saikrishnan Srinivasan, Managing Director, Experian.

AI/ML has increasingly emerged as a pivotal catalyst in combating new fraud challenges, automating credit risk processes, and leverage alternative data. AI is rapidly transitioning from a choice to a necessity, driving improved business performance and fostering inclusive financial growth, he further added.

Adding to it Malin Holmberg, CEO, EMEA & APAC, Experian, said, While AI is driving innovation and enhancing analytical performance, it is critical to ensure this technology is used in a responsible and ethical way. It is reassuring that 61% of our respondents have a comprehensive AI risk management program in place and are actively addressing unintentional bias through fully transparent and explainable AI. Businesses that embrace this technology will find themselves at an advantage as they unlock new growth opportunities through process efficiency and greater automation.
Established in 2019 in the US, Doceree, a pharmaceutical advertising & healthcare marketing company, has successfully expanded its global footprint by entering the UK, India, Europe and GCC markets with over 200 pharma associations (out of which eight pharma brands are ranked in the top 10 list globally) in just four years of its operations. Doceree currently precision targets over 850,000 HCPs across the US, over 400,00 in Europe and Asia-Pacific Region, over 20,000 HCPs in the Gulf Cooperation Council and over 370,000 HCPs in other parts of the world. The platforms AI algorithm minutely deciphers the behaviour of doctors, thereby enabling pharma brands to target them in a streamlined manner based on their specialty and demography.

In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Harshit Jain, MD, Founder and Global CEO, Doceree, speaks about Docerees strategy to empower marketers with unparalleled customisation capabilities; the aim to become a pivotal medium for fostering collaboration and synergy in the health tech landscape; developing local relationships, and more.

Could you share the vision and goals that Doceree holds after securing $35 million Series B funding?

Doceree has been constantly adapting to the needs of the industry. We are now looking at transcending our conventional boundaries to emerge as a cutting-edge enterprise technology. Initially recognised for our innovative tools and solutions in the healthcare sector, Doceree will strategically pivot to empower marketers with unparalleled customisation capabilities, going forward. This transformation will position our platform not merely as a service provider, but as a comprehensive enterprise solution, facilitating seamless connectivity between disparate tools within the industry.

By offering marketers the ability to tailor and integrate tools according to their specific needs, Doceree envisions to become a pivotal medium for fostering collaboration and synergy in the health tech landscape. This strategic shift underscores our commitment to adaptability, innovation, and its role as a catalyst for enhanced efficiency and connectivity within the evolving realm of healthcare technology.

Could you provide some insights into the upcoming innovations and strategies that will help upscale Docerees operations, in terms of product development and global expansion?

Doceree is on a mission to revolutionise healthcare in the next five years. Well be introducing a series of AI-powered cutting-edge solutions (five in the year 2024) in areas like predictive messaging, and affordable healthcare, tailored to the countries we work in. Well be focusing on making efficient and optimal use of AI for preventive health, remote tracking, and early detection, all with the goal of making healthcare more accessible and effective. As the pioneers in the space, our aim is to continue to be the leaders in bridging the gap between patients, providers, life sciences manufacturers, and doctors, so we can create a healthier, more connected world.

Establishing a successful start-up in the US is no small feat. What opportunities and challenges did you encounter, especially in comparison to the Indian market, and how did you navigate them?

In the United States, the healthcare sector is highly developed and diverse, with a high level of technological adoption. This had opened up a lot of opportunities for us and our solutions. Due to the intense competition in the region, the only challenge we had to face was to find our niche. On the other hand, in India, we find it to be a more tedious process to start a business in the health tech space due to the lack of awareness, digital adoption, and flexibility in transitioning from the traditional to the digital space. While the funding environment has improved significantly in India, it can still be challenging for start-ups to get funding as investors have different risk-tolerance and are more cautious in health technology.

Could you share the inspiration and observations that led to the establishment of Doceree Inc? What drove you to create a platform that bridges the gap between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and pharmaceutical companies?

Upon completion of my medical degree from Chicagos Northwestern University, I embarked on a career as a physician for a period of almost eight years. As a physician, I became aware of the shortcomings of the healthcare system, particularly in terms of transparency and cost-effectiveness. Driven by creativity, I took on a significant career transition from practicing medicine to a cutting tooth in healthcare advertising. During this time, I gained experience at some of the most prominent healthcare advertising agencies, such as McCann Health, where I held a variety of roles, including Country Head, Marketing Director, and Innovation Lead in Asia, Europe, and America.

Throughout my career, I have gained knowledge in healthcare, having worked on campaigns for a variety of healthcare issues, such as immunisation and Vitamin D deficiency. This knowledge has motivated me to strive for more. This culminated in 2019, when I launched Doceree, a global platform that provides unparalleled solutions for healthcare cost-effectiveness programmatic marketing, utilising exclusive data tools. This platform has seen remarkable growth since its launch, with significant rise in script lifts generated through trigger-driven messaging.

What obstacles have you encountered while normalising the adoption of digital tools within the healthcare fraternity, and how has Doceree overcome them?

In 2019, Doceree launched its services, however, before it could expand its reach, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world. The pandemic had a significant negative effect on many businesses, but for Doceree, it served as a blessing in disguise. The situation of life sciences manufacturers was uncertain, and Docerees offerings provided a solution to the challenges they were facing in terms of regulation and compliance. The life sciences manufacturers were facing a lack of solutions due to their lack of preparedness for such uncertainties. Docerees product provided a ray of hope during a difficult period, as it enabled them to reach healthcare professionals in a way that digital platforms could not. This has significantly reduced the difficulties life sciences manufacturers faced. Hence, for us normalising digital adoption was not a big roadblock.

Indias healthcare infrastructure is continually evolving. In your opinion, where does India need to streamline its healthcare infrastructure, especially when compared to the western world?

Indias healthcare system is undergoing significant transformation, however, there are still areas that require improvement, particularly in comparison to healthcare systems in other countries. Indian healthcare must strive to reduce the disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as between the wealthy and the poor, in order to ensure that all citizens have access to healthcare. Additionally, efforts must be made to expand health insurance coverage, allowing a wider range of people to access healthcare without financial constraints. Strengthening the telemedicine system, the development and implementation of electronic health records, and investing in the healthcare workforce, such as training and upgrading of healthcare professionals and support staff, are all measures that can help to make the healthcare system in India more efficient.

Could you share some success stories or key milestones in Docerees journey, showcasing how the platform has made a positive impact on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry?

Globally, physicians are confronted with an immense amount of information, which they are often unable to access or assimilate due to their time constraints. Physicians are presented with a vast amount of information and are only able to partially utilise it in the delivery of care due to their difficulty in remembering and selecting information. Fraser and Dunstans research has demonstrated that, even within narrow-subspecialty areas like cardiac imaging, it would take trainees over 11 years to become proficient in the field if they read 40 papers per day, five days per week. In addition, a further 82,000 relevant documents would have been published during the same time period, requiring an additional eight years to stay up to date with the latest data, information and trends in the medical field.

This amount of information is simply too much for consumption, and it is physically impossible for HCPs to recall any information from the vast array of messages they receive daily. As a result, HCPs are unable to provide their patients with the most effective care due to a lack of information regarding recent advancements in drugs and therapies. The lack of patient-oriented information or the physicians unrealistic expectations of remembering information was largely due to the lack of access to relevant information that could lead to improved health outcomes.

With Docerees entry into the market, it was no longer possible for healthcare professionals to access information that could be beneficial to their patients. Docerees new solutions have lived up to their reputation for transforming healthcare provider messaging, providing solutions that are essential for an industry that is transitioning to digital media after much hesitation. By simplifying healthcare provider communication on point-of-care, the company has provided relief to healthcare professionals who have been struggling to find the right information to provide better treatment or affordable programs to their patients.

Doceree has been recognised for its employee-centric work culture and policies of diversity and equality. What strategies or initiatives have contributed to creating this positive workplace environment, and why is it important to you as a leader?

In addition to running a successful business, the company has worked hard to create an employee-friendly environment, for which it has been recognised by several organisations, including MM+Ms Best Places to Work for 2022, Great Places to Work in India for 2023, and NMBIZ Best Places to Work 2023. To your question on how we did this  Doceree has recognised that its employees as its people and its greatest asset, providing us with the resources and support we need to succeed.

As we expand and innovate, protecting our poeples identities and interests is of utmost importance. We are committed to creating a secure and healthy workplace environment that promotes productivity and business growth, by fostering an increased flow of ideas, creativity, and decision-making. We have implemented DE&I, a global initiative, which involves a variety of measures to create a unified environment for employees across multiple markets.

With the global expansion of Doceree into the UK, India, Europe, and GCC markets, what were the key strategies that facilitated this growth, and what unique challenges did you face when entering different regions?

While there are significant opportunities in the UK, India, Europe, and the GCC region, our strategy was, since the beginning, to carefully assess and adapt to each markets unique characteristics, regulatory landscapes, and cultural nuances to ensure successful entry and growth. In the UK, we took leverage of the countrys cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and tech-savvy public to innovate and function. The regulatory environment has also supported the uptake of healthcare technology. In India, we understood the power of reach due to its expansive and diverse population and the need to bring in affordability in the healthcare ecosystem with the rise in rural healthcare needs.

Europe, on the other hand, is composed of a multitude of healthcare markets, each of which has its own unique requirements, thus providing an opportunity for tailored solutions. Several European countries have adopted digital health initiatives, providing a platform for companies to offer related solutions. Similarly, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has invested heavily in its healthcare system, providing a platform for the uptake of technology. As the GCC countries transition into a digital economy (with strong push from the Govt.), there is a growing demand for health technology solutions. However, the only challenge being adherence to cultural norms is crucial for successful market entry.

While all of these regions are making great strides in digital healthcare adoption, the only caveat is that data privacy issues remain and must be addressed, particularly in healthcare. Developing local relationships is often difficult, but necessary and beneficial and important for navigating business processes across markets.
MiQ, the leading global programmatic media partner, today announced its transition to 100% of campaigns targeted without the use of cookies across all media channels and platforms in the UK. Following this, attention has now turned to cookieless measurement, with Chromes Privacy Sandbox attribution testing open to all performance campaigns running with MiQ. As the advertising world continues to concentrate on building a privacy-first digital ecosystem, MiQ has given agencies and brands a head start in preparing for a world without cookies.

Across the industry, weve observed solutions that might work in the short term for tech companies, but not necessarily long-term for brands, agencies, publishers and most importantly, consumers, said John Thomson, CRO, MiQ UK. These solutions are either too narrow, not scalable or simply seek to replicate cookies without solving for the core issue of privacy. Were proud to have developed MiQ Connected Audiences as a future-proofed audience solution that provides performance and scale for brands and agencies, whilst delivering on privacy.

MiQ Connected Audiences is the industrys most comprehensive audience dataset. It combines anonymous, authenticated and real-time browser-based publisher data, giving agencies and brands diverse and custom audiences with targeting to any device and channel. However, cookieless media targeting isnt sustainable until theres a solution to measurement.

We are implementing a wide-ranging testing programme for post-cookie measurement, working collaboratively with advertisers and ad tech partners, said Georgie Haig, Global Strategy and Partnerships Director, MiQ. Its imperative for us, as an industry, to understand the implications of integrating emerging privacy technologies, including Privacy Sandbox, and to provide relevant tests to marketers wherever possible. There is no turnkey solution when it comes to cookieless measurement, but our team has not only embraced the onset of regulatory changes, but also pivoted to accommodate these.

Advertisers testing Privacy Sandbox attribution with MiQ will receive:

Real-time audience generation: Using Privacy Sandbox data and AirGrid technology, advertisers working with MiQ will be able to use APIs to build ID-less, custom audiences that can be optimised to conversions based on real-time customer events

Using Privacy Sandbox data and AirGrid technology, advertisers working with MiQ will be able to use APIs to build ID-less, custom audiences that can be optimised to conversions based on real-time customer events Campaign analytics: Powered by the Privacy Sandbox API, this will tie in new signals like Chrome Topics

Powered by the Privacy Sandbox API, this will tie in new signals like Chrome Topics Comparison reporting: Reports illustrating the differences in cookie-based vs cookieless attribution for their campaigns, will support advertisers ability to optimise post-cookie

Our team sees MiQ as a true leader in the identity and cookieless space, said Nick Halas, Global Product Strategy Director, dentsu. MiQ is a key partner to offer cookieless testing for all performance campaigns, making it much more accessible. As we move into 2024, our partnership will deepen as we further customise MiQs cookieless capabilities to better target and measure our own proprietary audiences. Were using the UK as one of our key launch markets to develop the blueprint ahead of global adoption of a cookieless future.

Were encouraged by the industrys continued efforts to test innovative solutions using the building blocks provided by the Privacy Sandbox, said Hanne Tuomisto-Inch, Director, Privacy Sandbox Partnerships EMEA at Google. As we enter 2024, we look forward to working with all parts of the industry as more companies shift towards privacy-centric advertising solutions.

Alongside its measurement testing programmes, MiQ will focus on bolstering its cookieless targeting offering with further testing programmes as we look to reimagine cookieless retargeting for a privacy-first world. Additionally, Chromes Sandbox APIs arent the only solution that advertisers will need to adopt, which is why MiQ is also testing measurement solutions in Edge, Firefox and Safari to further prepare agencies and brands for privacy updates next year and beyond.
Manu Sharma, Vice President and General Manager of consumer technology brand Nothing in India, has announced his resignation after approximately three years with the company. Having played a pivotal role in the growth, business development, and operations of Nothing in the country, Manu shared on LinkedIn that he will continue with the company until January 2024.

Previously, Manu had a distinguished career spanning over two decades with Samsung Mobile and Hewlett-Packard in India. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing regional product strategy, marketing, and sales operations, as well as establishing the brand's India office.
Disrupting the ride-hailing landscape, Rapido recently expanded its services by launching cab services and deploying a fleet of over 60,000 cabs in Delhi NCR. Renowned as India's leading commute app, celebrated for its innovative and affordable bike, auto, and cab services, Rapido has now introduced groundbreaking features: Zero Commission and No Login Fees. Alongside these, the company is rolling out daily and weekly incentives for its auto captains in the national capital. With zero commission and no login fees, auto captains will directly receive what customers are paying. This will contribute to more transparency between Rapido and auto captains. The first 25,000 auto captains stand to benefit significantly from exclusive access to these advantageous features.

In an industry-first approach, Rapido sets itself apart by refraining from imposing any login fees and not charging INR 19 to INR 29 (excluding GST) per day from auto captains. Rapido ensures a more cost-effective and accessible experience for its partners.

Speaking about these industry-first features, Pavan Guntupalli, co-founder of Rapido, emphasized, "At Rapido, we are steadfastly committed to making mobility more affordable and maximizing the earnings of our valued Auto Captains. With zero commissions and no login fees, we believe Rapido has set a new standard in the industry, offering unparalleled benefits to our Auto Captains. We are confident that by empowering our Auto Captains with these advantages, they will deliver the best services to our customers."

Rapido goes beyond conventional earnings by introducing additional daily and weekly incentives designed to maximize the earning potential for auto captains, enabling them to save more with every ride. This initiative aligns with Rapido's commitment to driver welfare and creating an ecosystem where drivers can earn more while enjoying a host of benefits. From a business strategy perspective, the new incentives for the Auto Captains will help Rapido further strengthen its foothold in the auto-hailing services segment in the national capital.
Iran is saying it has executed an Israeli Mossad spy in the countrys southeast, state TV reported Saturday.

The report said the spy was linked to foreign intelligence services, including Mossad, and charged with involvement in releasing classified information. The judiciary body executed the person in a prison in Zahedan, the capital of the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

The report said the spy was linked to foreign intelligence services, including Mossad, and charged with involvement in releasing classified information. The judiciary body executed the person in a prison in Zahedan, the capital of the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

The report did not identify the person.

In April 2022, Iranian intelligence officers arrested three people they said belonged to a group linked to Mossad. It is not clear if the executed person was one of them.

Iran and Israel have accused each other of spying and waging a shadow war for years. Israel views Iran as its greatest threat and has repeatedly threatened to take military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies it is seeking such weapons and has vowed a harsh response to any aggression.

Iran occasionally announces the detention of people it says are spying for foreign countries, including the United States and Israel.

In 2020, Iran executed a man convicted of leaking information to the U.S. and Israel about a prominent Islamic Revolutionary Guard general who was later killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.

Iran does not recognize Israel and supports anti-Israeli armed groups across the region, including Hezbollah and Hamas.
Matthew Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, according to the toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office.

Contributing factors in the Friends actors death included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder). The manner of death was ruled an accident.

Ketamine is an injectable, short-acting anesthetic for use in humans and animals, according to the DEA.

Ketamine can induce a state of sedation (feeling calm and relaxed), immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia (no memory of events while under the influence of the drug) and is abused for the dissociative sensations and hallucinogenic effects.

Perry died on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Authorities arrived at his home in Los Angeles around 4 p.m. and found him in a hot tub, according to the Los Angeles Times. There were no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene. First responders were called for a cardiac arrest, according to TMZ, which first reported the news.

Perry was best known for playing the hilarious, sarcastic Chandler Bing on Friends in the 90s and early 2000s. He starred in more than 200 episodes across 10 seasons

Im so very sad to hear about Matthew Perry. He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after, wrote his co-star Paget Brewster on X after the news of his death. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He wont rest in peace though.. Hes already too busy making everyone laugh up there.

Perry had been outspoken about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction in his career and published his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the big Terrible Thing, in 2022.

In a tribute, Varietys chief correspondent Daniel DAddario wrote: His memoir, published just last year, describes his emerging from a childhood in which he abused alcohol into a TV set on which he was, often, in active crisis. Friends will always be alternately funny and heartwarming, to the many millions on its wavelength. The struggles that Perry went through in order to perform a character whose jockeying wit overlays clear sadness seem, now, all the more apparent.

 2023 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Three Israeli hostages who were mistakenly shot by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip had been waving a white flag and were shirtless when they were killed, military officials said Saturday, in Israels first such acknowledgement of harming any hostages in its war against Hamas.

Anger over the mistaken killings is likely to increase pressure on the Israeli government to renew Qatar-mediated negotiations with Hamas over swapping more of the remaining captives, which Israel says number 129, for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Israeli leaders have said the hostages release can only be achieved through military pressure.

A senior Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, reiterated on Saturday that there will be no further release of hostages before the war ends and Israel accepts Hamas conditions for an exchange. Hamdan, a member of the militant groups decision-making political bureau, said he had no information on unconfirmed reports of a meeting between Israeli and Qatari officials regarding a possible exchange.

Israels account of how the three hostages died raised questions about the conduct of its troops. Palestinians on several occasions have reported that Israeli soldiers opened fire as civilians tried to flee to safety. Hamas has claimed other hostages were previously killed by Israeli fire or airstrikes, without presenting evidence.

An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief reporters in line with military regulations, said it was likely that the hostages had been abandoned by their captors or had escaped. The soldiers behavior was against our rules of engagement, the official said, and was being investigated at the highest level.

The hostages did everything they could to signal they werent a threat, but this shooting was done during fighting and under pressure, Herzi Halevi, chief of the militarys general staff, said in a statement later Saturday.

Halevi added: There may be additional incidents in which hostages will escape or will be abandoned during the fighting. We have the obligation and the responsibility to get them out alive.

The hostages, all in their 20s, were killed Friday in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops are engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants. They had been among more than 240 people taken hostage during an unprecedented raid by Hamas into Israel on Oct. 7 in which around 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians.

The hostages plight has dominated public discourse in Israel. Speaking at a Saturday night rally in Tel Aviv, Rubi Chen, father of 19-year-old hostage Itay Chen, criticized the government for believing hostages could be retrieved through military pressure. Put the the best offer on the table to get the hostages home alive, he said. We dont want them back in bags.

The Israeli military official said the three hostages had emerged from a building close to Israeli soldiers positions. They waved a white flag and were shirtless, possibly trying to signal they posed no threat.

Two were killed immediately, and the third ran back into the building screaming for help in Hebrew. The commander issued an order to cease fire, but another burst of gunfire killed the third man, the official said.

Israeli media gave a more detailed account. The mass circulation daily Yediot Ahronot said that according to an investigation into the incident, soldiers followed the third man and shouted at him to come out, and at least one soldier shot him when he emerged from a staircase.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz gave a similar account, saying the soldiers who followed the third hostage believed he was a Hamas member trying to trick them. Local media reported that soldiers earlier had seen a nearby building marked with SOS and Help! Three hostages but feared it might be a trap.

Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli political analyst, said it was unlikely that the killings would massively alter public support for the war. Most Israelis still have a strong sense of why it is being fought and believe Hamas needs to be defeated, she said.

They feel like theres no other choice, she said.

The killings emphasized the dangers hostages face in areas of house-to-house combat like Shijaiyah, where nine soldiers were killed this week on one of the wars deadliest days for ground forces. The military has said Hamas has booby-trapped buildings and ambushed troops after emerging from a tunnel network it built under Gaza City.

On Saturday, the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum asserted that another hostage, 27-year-old Inbar Hayman, had been killed in Gaza. The group gave no details.

Hamas released over 100 hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a brief cease-fire in November. Nearly all freed on both sides were women and minors. Talks on further swaps broke down.

Hamas said it will only free the remaining hostages if Israel ends the war and releases all Palestinian prisoners. As of late November, Israel held nearly 7,000 Palestinians accused or convicted of security offenses, including hundreds rounded up since the start of the war.

The offensive has killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Thursday. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Its count did not specify how many were women and minors, but they have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead.

It was the ministrys last update before a communications blackout that continued to hamper telephone and internet services in the Gaza Strip. Now 48 hours and counting. The incident is likely to limit reporting and visibility to events on the ground, said Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, a group tracking internet outages.

The war has been deadly for journalists. Dozens of mourners held funeral prayers Saturday for Samer Abu Daqqa, a Palestinian journalist working for broadcaster Al Jazeera who was killed Friday in an Israeli strike in the southern city of Khan Younis. The Committee to Protect Journalists said the cameraman was the 64th journalist to be killed in the conflict: 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese.

The war has flattened much of northern Gaza and driven 85% of the territorys population of 2.3 million from their homes. Displaced people have squeezed into shelters mainly in the south. Only a trickle of aid has been able to enter Gaza. Israel has said it would open a second entry point at Kerem Shalom to speed up deliveries.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said two Christian women at a church compound in Gaza City were killed Saturday by Israeli sniper fire and seven others were wounded. The women were identified as a mother and daughter, with one killed trying to carry the other to safety. Gaza has a small Christian community consisting of about 1,000 people. There was no immediate Israeli comment.

Elsewhere in devastated Gaza City, resident Assad Abu Taha by phone from Shijaiyah reported a violent bombardment. And an Associated Press journalist in southern Gaza reported airstrikes and tank shelling overnight in Khan Younis and Rafah.

The United States, Israels closest ally, has expressed unease over Israels failure to reduce civilian casualties, but the White House continues to offer support with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was traveling to Israel to continue discussions on a timetable for winding down the wars intense combat phase.

___

Jobain reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece contributed to this report.
The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) released a submission form for parents concerned about the appropriateness of some resources available to children and teenagers in the states public libraries on Thursday.

APLS announced the form via Facebook. APLS board member and state Republican party chair John Wahl proposed this form at the September board meeting. The board finalized the specifics of the form at the November board meeting.

This informational list is designed to help guide public librarians in decisions regarding the addition of books to their collections, the APLS said in the post. This list is considered a tool for library professionals and will not be available for viewing by the general public.

When asked why this list wont be made available to the public, communications and public relations manager Ryan Godfrey said in an email that the list is strictly intended to be a tool for public librarians around the state to take into advisement when building their collections.

It is not intended to be a list of books that are to be banned, or even a list of books that should be moved, Godfrey said. The list exists solely to alert librarians of books (or particular passages from books) that some people may find objectionable for children. Its merely a collection development tool exclusively for public librarians to use as they see fit.

Godfrey added that the lists confidentiality also protects librarians safety. Librarians will ultimately decide how to handle the submissions, and the public should not be privy to that information.

This is a tool for libraries to use if they want to use it, said APLS director Dr. Nancy Pack in an email.

The form includes basic information such as the books title, author, and page numbers. The submitter must include a street address and whether or not the submission is on behalf of an organization.

Other vital parts of the form include asking the submitter the books location and if the person has read the entire book. The final question is, Where do you feel this book should be located within the library?
Army Gen. James Dickinson, leader of the U.S. Space Command, announced today that the command has achieved full operational capacity at its startup home in Colorado. The command is ready to take its place in the Pentagons unified command plan, Dickinson said.

As the command has matured, challenges to a safe, secure, stable, and sustainable space domain have significantly increased, Dickinson said. Both the Peoples Republic of China and the Russian Federation are fielding counter space capabilities designed to hold U.S., Allied and partner space assets at risk. And North Korea and Iran are in the early stages of developing their space enterprise.

The major readiness milestone comes as Alabama lawmakers continue to press their case for Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal as the proper home for the commands permanent headquarters. This week, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R) inserted language in the 2024 national defense budget blocking Colorado from being the permanent headquarters.

That bill blocking Colorado as headquarters is awaiting President Bidens signature.

Dickinson said he made the operational capacity announcement after an in-depth evaluation of the commands capabilities. That included the ability to execute its mission on our worst day, when we are needed most, the general said.

The criteria included having the infrastructure needed... the right number of skills across the human capital and the necessary command processes and functions in place, command leaders said.

The headquarters has been in Colorado since the command was started while a review process was under way. That review concluded Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal was the best place for the command and the two states have gone back and forth since then as to whether the headquarters should move.

Since its establishment in 2019, USSPACECOM has been singularly focused on delivering exquisite capability to the joint force to deter conflict, defend our vital interests, and, if necessary, defeat aggression, Dickinson said. Thanks to the disciplined initiative of our people and the support of our joint, combined and partnered team, I can confidently say we have reached full operational capability.

Dickinson made the announcement following what he said was an in-depth evaluation of the commands capabilities including its ability to do its mission on our worst day, when we are needed the most.

The command has completed the very first Secretary of Defense-approved operational plan for space and conducted its first 24/7 tier-I exercise in partnership with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

What the command does is provide commanders on the grounds and water with space capabilities in support of theater operations, including weather monitoring; space control; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; position, navigation and timing; satellite communications; and missile warning.

Reaching full operational capability (FOC) is an important milestone, the announcement said.

Rogers also pointed to the commands importance Thursday. He issued a highlight list of funding measures for various programs and bases in Alabama that led with blocks the move of SPACECOM Headquarters to Colorado.

(This story has been updated to reflect that the president does not have line-item veto power over budget bills)
Authorities responded to a bomb threats sent to several Alabama synagogues Saturday.

The Mobile police bomb squad cleared the scene at Congregation Mayim Chayim on County Road 64 in Daphne around 10 a.m.

Our preliminary investigation has revealed that this threat may be part of a nationwide hoax; however, this incident is still under investigation, the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office said in a press release.

A member of Congregation Mayim Chayims security team told AL.com that one of their rabbis had received an email from an antisemitic group stating that bombs had been placed and would go off in a few hours. That email was sent to other synagogues in Alabama, he said.

Members of the congregation and a representative from Coastal Church, also located on County Road 64, came to show support after the threat was cleared.

The Daphne congregants, the Coastal Church rep told synagogue security, were welcome to use their space to worship if they needed. No services were taking place at the time of the threat.

The Jewish Federation of Central Alabama reports that Temple Emanu-El in Dothan, Temple Mishkan Israel in Selma, Temple Beth Or in Montgomery, Jewish Federation of Central Alabama in Montgomery, Agudath Israel Etz Ahayem in Montgomery and Congregation Beth Shalom in Auburn each received the email.

While it is unfortunate that we must spend resources on a hoax or even give this sort of activity attention, we are sharing this information out of an abundance of caution, the Baldwin County Sheriffs statement said. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of all our citizens.












English News China, Vietnam deepen practical cooperation, benefit two peoples

Alwihda Info | Par pd - 16 Decembre 2023



"China maintains a positive and open attitude toward participating in Vietnam's infrastructure construction. Accelerating the development of transportation infrastructure, especially railway and highway connectivity, is a focus of synergizing the BRI and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy," said Xiong Bo, the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam.

People's Daily China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers. They enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of them.



In recent years, the two countries have brought out the full potential in their geographical proximity and complementarity of industries, and accelerated synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, in a bid to better serve their respective national development and benefit the two peoples.



To the west of Kong Chro District, Gia Lai Province in south-central Vietnam, there stand dozens of huge wind turbines with their blades slowly rotating, providing steady electricity for local production and life.



These belong to a wind power project designed and constructed by China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), which includes two wind farms. So far, all 64 wind turbines of the project have been erected with grid-connected power generation capacity, some of which have been put into use.



According to Lin Lingli, deputy general manager of the new energy division of Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute of CEEC, the project uses internationally advanced onshore wind turbines with large capacity and high towers, which have a large power generation capacity and occupy less land. Compared with coal-fired power plants of similar size, the wind power project can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 897,000 tons annually.



Driven by a series of policies and measures, a number of Chinese enterprises helped develop Vietnam's renewable energy power generation, contributing to the country's energy transition and development. Wind farms invested in or constructed by Chinese enterprises have provided Chinese solutions to alleviating power shortages in Vietnam, offering many families with green electricity.



Long Jiang Industrial Park in south Vietnam's Tien Giang Province enjoys prominent geographical advantages. It's only 50 kilometers away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and also 50 kilometers away from the container terminal of the Saigon Port. A hectic scene could be seen within the industrial park as all kinds of vehicles were running to and fro.



The comprehensive industrial park was invested and built by a Chinese company, and is among the first batch of the overseas economic and trade cooperation zones at the national level accredited by China's Ministry of Commerce. Enterprises in the industrial park are mainly engaged in textile and light industry, machinery and electronics, as well as construction materials and chemicals.



The industrial park has received strong support from both Chinese and Vietnamese governments since it was established in 2007, offering constant impetus to China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation and development.



Up to now, the industrial park has developed over 85 percent of its total area, introducing 53 companies, including 41 Chinese-funded enterprises to invest in the park. Among them, 48 have started production.



According to statistics, the industrial output value of the park accounts for over 35 percent of the annual industrial output value of Tien Giang Province, and over 45 percent of the province's foreign trade volume.



The industrial park has created more than 30,000 jobs for Tien Giang Province and neighboring provinces, significantly improving the life quality of local people.



Deputy general director of the industrial park Tang Zhenyu said that expanding employment is one of the most direct and sustainable ways to improve the life quality of local people.



"We will step up efforts to attract outstanding companies in various fields to the park, providing more job opportunities for young people in Vietnam and making them the main force driving local economic development," Tang said.



Early in the morning of Dec. 7, many students were seen in the carriages of a train on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line in Hanoi. These students, on their way to school, told People's Daily that taking the light rail is safer than taking a motorcycle and faster than taking a bus, so they don't have to worry about being late for class.



The Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line, which was built by China Railway Sixth Group Co., Ltd., is Vietnam's first urban light rail. It is a signature project synergizing the BRI and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy. With a total investment of $868 million, the project started construction in October 2011.



The Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line is one of the main lines in Hanoi's urban rail transit network. It plays a crucial role in alleviating traffic pressure in downtown Hanoi and promoting local economic development.



Besides, the line has become a new landmark of Hanoi attracting many young people and tourists to take photos and enjoy the convenient way of traveling.



According to statistics from Hanoi Metro Company, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line has carried a total of nearly 20 million passengers since it started operation in November 2021.



The Chinese company, while advancing the line project, has cultivated Vietnam's first batch of professionals in light rail driving, operation, and maintenance. This has laid a solid talent foundation for the development of urban rail transit in Vietnam.



"China maintains a positive and open attitude toward participating in Vietnam's infrastructure construction. Accelerating the development of transportation infrastructure, especially railway and highway connectivity, is a focus of synergizing the BRI and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy," said Xiong Bo, the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Full text of President Xi Jinping's 2024 New Year message China's first domestically-made large cruise ship makes commercial maiden voyage China to work with rest of world for common good of humanity Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Before he declared his intention to challenge former president Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, there was a widespread view among conservative commentators that Ron DeSantis was an invaluable, unique example of the principled leadership the country would need to move in the right direction. But why should there be only one?

Reflecting on this point, conservative columnist Daniel Horowitz observed, We only have one Ron DeSantis. Every other governor is horrible on every issue that matters. Echoing this sentiment, MAGA firebrand Kari Lake drew the comparison during her campaign, suggesting she would be the DeSantis of the West.

Now, at a time when House Republicans in Washington show an apparent inability to advance lasting conservative policy reforms on the federal level, perhaps it is an opportune time to return some attention to the idea. Where can we find the next Ron DeSantis?

To begin, the example of Ron DeSantis as governor is worth review insomuch as it reflects what can be accomplished with an effective application of conservative ideals to state level leadership.

Rising to prominence in 2020 for standing firm against federal pressure and authority to oppose long-term, dangerous lockdown measures during the Wuhan coronavirus panic, DeSantis later solidified his notoriety with a series of conservative policy victories.

DeSantis earned praise for challenging left-wing policies being promulgated within youth and adult educational institutions, combating influential corporate cronyism, defunding ESG investments, removing political district attorneys, protecting law enforcement, stopping illegal immigration, defending parental rights, protecting voters from left-leaning gerrymandering, and inspiring other red states, while challenging mainstream media narratives. He so successfully implemented a conservative platform that it even caused CNN to pay attention.

Regardless of ones opinion on his campaign for president, most patriots can appreciate the invaluable example of the America First, conservative leadership DeSantis provides for Republican governors in red states across the country. An obvious goal for the America First movement should be to replicate that success each time an opportunity strikes  if not create these opportunities.

Good news for activists is that conservative principles are so popular within twenty-two states that Republicans hold trifecta control, with strong majorities in the state legislatures and the governorships. The challenge will be to recruit and promote those DeSantis-style governors who are unafraid to fight for the voters against a hostile media establishment; the powerful, ingrained business interests; and federal encroachments.

One such opportunity exists in Missouri, where the Republican Party controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and both chambers of the state legislature  and where, without much ado from most conservative media, there is an ongoing primary for the office of governor.

In this race, the strongest conservative contender for the position appears to be Air Force veteran and state senator Bill Eigel of St. Charles County, cut from the DeSantis-type mold.

Senator Eigel boasts a 94.34% conservative voting record according to the CPAC Center for Legislative Accountability and is willing to stand for conservative values in the face of GOP opposition.

Jack Suntrup at the St. Louis Post Dispatch describes Eigel as regularly on the offensive, jamming up legislative traffic in an attempt to advance the agenda of the Conservative Caucus he helped launch last year. [The Conservative Caucus] routinely needles GOP leadership and others, pushing an agenda that supports charter schools and opposes income taxes and corporate incentives.

When comparing the two conservative leaders on important issues and worldview, it is hard to miss some parallels.

Like DeSantis, Eigel was an early leader in opposing vaccine mandates in the aftermath of the 2020 coronavirus panic.

In another familiar move, the state senator advanced legislation restricting the purchase of farmlands in the state by foreign investors.

Echoing the DeSantis move to reject federal funds and their correspondent regulations pushed by the Biden administration, Bill Eigel advocated for reduced dependence on federal funds while responding to constituent questions in St. Louis.

If we want to have more control over what is happening with the federal government, the first thing we have got to do is stop addicting ourselves to federal dollars coming out of Washington, Eigel explained. We cant act as a sovereign state if we are taking 50% of our budget from Washington, D.C.

And in another move inspired by the DeSantis administration, Eigel proposes tackling an underreported issue for election integrity, by removing Missouri from the Election Registration Information Coalition (ERIC), a third-party out-of-state organization that collects private voter data and causes difficulty maintaining accurate voter rolls.

All in all, Eigel touts a bold conservative platform, including protecting election integrity, reducing oppressive taxes, fostering economic investment, protecting the rights of parents, and reforming education standards within the state. He has also garnered praise and endorsements for his stance on traditional conservative values.

During his most recent re-election campaign, Susan Klein, president of the Missouri Right to Life PAC, said, Bill Eigel is one of the strongest pro-life voices in the Missouri Senate. ... He has consistently fought to protect innocent life and defund Planned Parenthood. Were proud to have endorsed him and encourage pro-life voters to strongly support his campaign.

At the same time, President Rick Inglima, on behalf of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, issued a statement defending Eigel against unfounded attacks. In it the organization said, We proudly endorse him ... [as] a proven champion for our members.

As far as America First patriot governors go, there is only one obvious area where Ron DeSantis would clash with Bill Eigel...and that is his choice for the upcoming presidential election.

If Eigel can overcome the odds and become the next Governor DeSantis, it would be a great step in the right direction for the movement and Missouri. The only issue then will be finding a few more like them for the remaining red states.

Hopefully, in due time, we can find ourselves asking, Where is the next Governor Eigel?

Image: Bill Eigel. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
December 16th marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. This seminal event in American history occurred on December 16, 1773, at Griffins Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts. American colonists who were frustrated and angry with Britain for imposing taxation without representation, dumped 342 chests of tea, imported by the British East India Company, into the Boston harbor. This was the first major act of defiance to British rule by the colonists. Many historians acknowledge this act ultimately galvanized the Colonies and led directly to the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and ultimately the creation of the United States of America.

That night, a large group of menmany were members of the Sons of Liberty disguised themselves as Native Americans, boarded docked British ships, and threw 342 chests of tea into the harbor. Said participant George Hewes:

We then were ordered by our commander to open the hatches and take out all the chests of tea and throw them overboard, and we immediately proceeded to execute his orders, first cutting and splitting the chests with our tomahawks, so as thoroughly to expose them to the effects of the water.

While many important contemporary colonist leaders such as John Adams were thrilled to learn Boston Harbor was covered in tea leaves, others were not.

In June of 1774, George Washington wrote: the cause of Boston  ever will be considered as the cause of America. However, his personal views of the event were far different. Washington, like many of his contemporaries, held private property to be sacrosanct. Benjamin Franklin insisted the British East India Company be reimbursed for the lost tea and even offered to pay for it himself. Unlike today, the participants of the party even swept the ships decks clean before they left!

Little did the colonists realize this symbolic act of defiance of No taxation without representation would lead to the formation of the greatest Republic known to mankindthe United States of America. In creating our system of government, the Founding Fathers were not perfect nor pretended to be, and they were neither gods nor angels but rather complex, prejudiced, yet visionary men who dared to create this great experiment in human governance at the risk of losing their lives and all possessions. They also knew that they were in a race against time because the window of opportunity to launch such an endeavor rarely comes in history and quickly passes.

With the aid of Providence, they took a leap of faith and devised this great experiment we now know today as the United States of America with the hope that each future generation of Americans would use this system of governance to help them advance the human condition. As Americans we are by no means perfect, but we must continue to build upon the foundation that our Founding Fathers laid for us over two hundred years ago and continue to move forward and adjust course as required. May God Bless America!

Image: Public domain.
Conservative media outlet The Blaze, via a FOIA request, discovered that the Biden administration paid numerous major media outlets to promote the COVID vaccines. The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, NBC, CNN, Fox News, and several other news organizations were targeted.

From TheBlaze:

Hundreds of news organizations were paid by the federal government to advertise for the vaccines as part of a comprehensive media campaign, according to documents TheBlaze obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Biden administration purchased ads on TV, radio, in print, and on social media to build vaccine confidence, timing this effort with the increasing availability of the vaccines.

This is tantamount to bribery. Do we now believe it is perfectly O.K. for the federal government to use taxpayer dollars to coerce media outlets to do itsand Big Pharmasbidding? Didnt the outlets get enough money from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson themselves?

This is akin to a unions repulsive usage of the mandatory union dues of its members to donate to the Democrat party and its attendant Super PACs and causes. Youre a conservative Republican? So sorry, bub! Hand over the cash! What other causes will the government surreptitiously pay private free press outlets to promote?

We now know what they assuredly wont promote: a pro-life viewpoint.

Quite the contrary. According to recent reports, Rep. Jamie Raskin and his fellow Democrats want to completely eliminate pro-lifers ability to reach people online. In fact, they apparently wish to control virtually all mainstream sources of information pertaining to abortion and remove all pro-life content.

To this end, House Democrats recently called on Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk to push back on the rapid spread of abortion misinformation and disinformation, by which they mean true information with which they disagree and dont want others to see. This is much like the Hunter Biden laptop scandal.

What is it that they call a nation where one party in government wants to control all the news and informationand the outlets that disseminate it? Democracy? No. Oligarchy? Getting closer. Oh, yeah, a totalitarian state.

Not satisfied with trying to achieve total control of the narrative in the United States, Biden and his team recently told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he should purge conservatives from his governmentif he knows whats good for himbecause they have been insufficiently understanding of the Hamas terror attacks on Israel that have killed and injured 1,200 innocent people. A class act, particularly in their time of crisis and pain. This is effectively political imperialism.

I am sick of these massive government, busybody poke-noses badgering, bullying, and gaslighting usand everybody else. It is what leftists do, however, and they get away with it far too often.

At this moment, the one government that most needs to changeis ours.

Image: Anonymous Gang, via Wikimedia Commons // Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Germany
If the mission objective is to lead America off a cliff under the cover of the green agendaparticularly wind turbines and electric vehiclesthen Joe Biden is definitely the right man for the job, and two news stories sum up Joe Bidens 2023 accomplishments in a very on-brand sort of way. The first is displayed in a video, seen below:

VIDEO: A wind turbine in Texas ignited in flames following a lightning strike. pic.twitter.com/FH1ihhqc3y  Insider Corner (@insiderscorner) December 14, 2023

A wind turbine, spinning slowly but steadily with a single blade engulfed in flames, spewing who knows how many synthetic (and toxic) chemicals from the burning fiberglass into the air, before the fire spreads to the hub of the machine, at which point the smoke turns black, and the whole thing quickly goes kaput.

I mean seriously, a wind turbine at peak destruction can only be an act of Godits providentially symbolic.

Next up, we had this story, from The Washington Free Beacon yesterday:

The Biden administration touted the opening of its first taxpayer-funded electric vehicle charging station as proof that Bidenomics is delivering for Americans. Just days after the opening, the station sat empty. The inaugural stationwhich opened on Dec. 8, two years after the administration allocated $7.5 billion to build electric vehicle chargers across the countryis located in London, Ohio, a small town situated just southwest of Columbus. The station features an Arbys, a Cinnabon, and plenty of merchandise for truckers. It also features few to no users. At about 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, nobody was using the chargers, Inside Climate News reported after visiting the station. The Biden administration has centered its modern American industrial strategy on what it calls a clean energy economy full of blue-collar electric vehicle manufacturing jobs. As part of that push, the administration in 2021 secured $7.5 billion in taxpayer funding to build a national network of EV chargers through its bipartisan infrastructure law. In the two years after President Joe Biden signed that bill, the administration failed to install a single charger, despite sending $2 billion in taxpayer funds to states to build new stations. When the first station finally opened in Ohio, the White House nonetheless said its plan to build a national network of EV chargers  provides a case study for how Bidenomics is delivering for Americans by making smart public investments.

Gee, I wonder why.

According to 2021 data, this little Ohio town had just over ten thousand people; the poverty rate was 13.9%, which was higher than the national average at 11.6%; the median household income didnt even break $59,000 a year, and the median property value measured just over $150,000people in London, like the rest of ordinary America, cant afford an electric vehicle. Not to mention that ten months out of the year, London sees temperatures that, whether on the cold side or the hot side, would greatly affect the performance of an E.V., to the point the car may even become inoperable.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know, Jennifer Granholm drives around in a Cadillac Lyriq, so why arent we little people doing the same? Dont we care about the environment? What kind of a heathen still uses a dirty energy gas-powered vehicle when there are clean options available?? Well, we little people are too busy footing the bill for Granholms ride and paying off Volodomyr Zelenskys luxury Egyptian villa and satisfying the loan agreements for gender studies degrees and scraping pennies together to get a dozen eggs among other things.

Its funny, simply calling something blue-collar doesnt make it so; the people of London, Ohio are actually blue-collar, and clearly, E.V.s dont serve the interests of the blue-collar class. E.V.s havent even been adopted by people who can afford them, let alone the people whose entire yearly income couldnt even pay for the darn thing.

What an asinine place to plop a charging station!

Now, all that information above took me all of three minutes to find, so either the government employees in charge of determining the locations of these taxpayer-funded charging stations are unbelievably incompetent, or the decision to install these toxic hubs of radiation was intentionalto be honest, either option is completely plausible to me.

Congratulations though friend, youve just about survived the third year of the JoeBama regime.

Image from X.
The Democrat mayor of Boston accidentally sent invitations to whites for a party that was intended to be for "people of color."

That led to an uproar. Now she's saying this:

The Democrat mayor of Boston has defended her decision to hold a non-whites only Christmas party. Michelle Wu has come under fire for hosting the electeds of colour event. The segregated celebration has been held for years at an official reception hall in Boston, but this year invitations were accidentally sent to all 13 members of the city council, including white members. The mayors office rescinded the invitations to seven white councillors 15 minutes after they were sent out, leading to a backlash from the citys representatives over the divisive event.

...and then...

The party went ahead on Wednesday after the mayors office apologised for the blanket invitations, which were sent to all councillors in error by Denise DosSantos, Ms Wus aide. Ms DosSantos sent a follow-up email clarifying the event was restricted to non-white councillors.

Why isn't she being accused of being a racist since anyone who would exclude people of color from a party would be properly derided as a racist?

Incidentally, white is a color. We are not clear.

When people pick the color of their car, the most popular color of car is white. The car manufacturer doesn't ask if you want a car with a color or do you want a white car.

At Harvard, you better not be a conservative or use an improper pronoun. Then you might be silenced or expelled.

But if you call for the elimination of Jews and Israel, they are not sure if that is a problem.

Harvard University's president, under fire over testimony she gave about anti-Semitism on campus, will remain in her job after a meeting of the institution's governing body issued a statement backing her on Tuesday. Claudine Gay has been engulfed by criticism after she declined to say unequivocally whether calling for genocide of Jews violated Harvard's code of conduct as she testified before Congress alongside the heads of MIT and the University of Pennsylvania. "It depends on the context," she told lawmakers in one tense exchange.

All of a sudden they say they are very focused on free speech.

It is also O.K. for the president of Harvard to plagiarize as much as she wants.

Harvard President Claudine Gay submitted corrections to two scholarly articles published in 2001 and 2017 following allegations of plagiarism, University spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain told CNN on Friday. Harvard commissioned an independent review of Gays writings following the plagiarism accusations. Gay denied the allegations, saying in a statement last week that she stands by the integrity of her scholarship. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards, she said. The Harvard Corporation, the universitys top governing body, on Tuesday announced that the review revealed inadequate citations in a few instances but no violation of Harvards standards for research misconduct. It said then that Gay would request four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications.

I wonder why so many Harvard students think it is O.K. to cheat.

There are indications that Harvard is intentionally reducing the number of Jewish students, too.

Harvard University might intend to scale back the proportion of Jews in its pupil physique to 1-2%, roughly the Jewish share of the U.S. inhabitants, in accordance to a e-newsletter printed by a brand new group of Jewish alumni of the establishment. In a December update, the newly-formed Harvard Jewish Alumni Alliance reported Friday (authentic emphasis): We have seen knowledge that recommend that the Jewish inhabitants on the College has declined from 20-25% within the Nineties-2000s to 5-7% immediately, however that the majority that decline occurred lately. We have heard from a number of sources on the University that its the official, undisclosed coverage of the varsity to drive down Jewish admissions to 1-2% of the scholar physique, proportionately matching Jews' share of the U.S. inhabitants.

I thought there were laws against religious discrimination:

We have seen data that suggest that the Jewish population at the College has declined from 20-25% in the 1990s-2000s to 5-7% today, but that almost all that decline occurred in recent years. We have heard from multiple sources at the University that it is the official, undisclosed policy of the school to drive down Jewish admissions to 1-2% of the student body, proportionately matching Jews percentage of the U.S. population. This violates basic meritocratic principles and recent Supreme Court jurisprudence. Like the shameful Jewish quotas in Harvards past, current limits mimic the Soviets, who used similar tactics to limit Jewish access to education.

The FBI really is worried about MAGA people, Catholics, and parents.

And it is all-in for DEI:

But it can't be bothered with corrupt Democrats like the Bidens or the Clintons.

They have time to illegally spy on people they don't like.

Lying to the FISA court is perfectly fine.

It seems to have no concern about all the crime at the border or the crime that has come of soft-on-crime D.A.s

It can't locate people who violently destroy crisis pregnancy centers because they do it at night.

But it is really concerned that people use the right pronouns.

Maybe they should add an H to their menu for heterosexual so they cover everyone instead of discriminating.

I wonder why over 70% of the country thinks we are headed in the wrong direction.

Image: Logo, via Wikimedia Commons // fair use
Until recently I thought chants of gas the Jews and signs calling for the final solution of Jews were confined to history books on the Weimar republic. Reality hit me across the face in the weeks since Hamas massacred 1,200 people in the vilest ways imaginable and kidnapped over 200 on October 7. The less egregious forms of anti-Semitism still parrot the murderers slogans  from the river to the sea  or are filled with stomach churning callousness, like tearing down posters of kidnapped Israelis. In what has to be a new definition of absurdity, queers for Palestine signs have appeared, apparently oblivious that this sign is an open invitation to be thrown off a rooftop in Gaza. According to a recent poll, 20% of Americans aged 1829 think the Holocaust is a myth. Almost 30% think Jews have too much power in America.

This should be a wake-up call to all reasonable people that we have deep educational and cultural issues to deal with in our country and in the West. Without understanding the cause, everyday people are at risk of becoming desensitized to the cultural rot, until those shouting the genocidal slogans decide to outdo themselves.

The fact is, our universities are nurturing stations for this form of nihilism because they are hostile to every Enlightenment value. The elevation of unabashed subjectivism, the rejection of objective cognition and truth, multiculturalism that presents every culture from Stalins Russia to the American Republic as on equal footing, are a few examples. Emoting rules the day, not thinking. Facts and logic are dismissed as old-fashioned tools of oppression. With ideas like this, its not surprising that students casually throw out the word genocide to describe Israels self-defensive response to Hamas attacks. Its all semantics, English department professors would say. The only truth the universities seem to agree on is the oppressed/oppressor framework that lazily clumps every group thats rich and successful as the oppressor of those who are not.

If brazen anti-Semitism is the acts, the universities are the voice that make it possible. The infuriating part is that you and I are the amplifier. Thats because universities are publicly funded and supported. Were literally funding our own destruction.

Every year, tens of billions of dollars in subsidies pours into education. Most of this is in the form of student aid. Its been extensively noted how this has ballooned the cost of education, but another deleterious effect is the quality of education. When I get a loan from the bank, its dependent on a reasonable expectation that Im able to pay it back. Government guarantee of loans removes this review process. In a free market, lenders would be hesitant lending to students studying sophistry like gender studies, or to a student going to a school that subordinates merit to DIE (diversity, inclusion, equity) because their productive value in a market is questionable. It aligns the incentives to keep education focused on the goal of productive outcomes.

The heavy hand of government also crowds out any real competition in education. Schools that enroll students using federal aid have to be accredited by an accreditor recognized by the Department of Education. This limits the space for innovators because those accreditors favor the stale four-year model. Regulators have also imposed regulations, like defining what constitutes a credit hour. This is hardly an exhaustive list. There are also indirect ways government limits innovation in education. Licensing laws, for example, demand that employees have a four-year degree.

Free market reforms will not guarantee that colleges adopt pro-reason and Enlightenment-oriented ideas. But unleashing innovation and dynamism in the area of education gives them a chance to take root. When individuals have the freedom to decide where their dollars go, the odds of more pro-reason and freedom-oriented campuses go up dramatically, since schools have to earn your dollars through persuasion and quality of return.

This is a long-term vision thats sure to face opposition from both parties. Theres something we can do today though to initiate change. Stop voluntarily giving money to your alama mater. Its estimated that Harvard will lose $1 billion from donors after the recent anti-Semitism on campus and President Gays wishy-washy refusal to categorically condemn it. Its a start. What I would like to see is that money used to start alternatives to higher education with the backing of more deep pockets.

Theres a fundamental truth that must be confronted when government gets entangled with education. The Founding Fathers were clear how axiomatic freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly are to a flourishing society. The common thread of these is the freedom of thought. They knew that freedom of thought is vital to living a good life. When government entangles itself with education, it erodes freedom of thought. Recapturing it is the most bang for the buck thing we can do for a long-term prosperous and flourishing country.

Image: pasja1000 via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Plan on being cold this winter if you live in Philadelphia.

Why? Because the Philadelphia City Council passed a ban on ski masks, and the reason for that is that it covers the face of potential criminals.

So once again, law-abiding citizens have to pay the price of criminals because leftist politicians wont address the actual problem. Its the same type of thinking that people follow with gun bans. Because a gun, or in this case, a ski mask, can be used by a person to commit a crime, well ban it.

Of course, criminals being such fine examples of obeying laws, they will give up their guns and ski masks, and the crime problem is solved.

Hows that working out?

Just recently, a college professor in Nevada went on a rampage on campus shooting students. Gun control doesnt work and neither will this ban. The bans dont address the root problem and only punish people who have done no wrong.

Despite evidence to the contrary, the Philadelphia City Council voted 13-2 Thursday to pass legislation banning facial coverings in the city.

"We must send a message that masks are of no discernible public or private good when they just create fear and anxiety," Councilmember Anthony Phillips said.

If the mayor signs the bill, the new law will prohibit people from wearing ski masks in parks, schools, and on public transit. Violators can be fined $250 or $2,000 if they commit a crime while wearing a mask.

Interestingly, the bill has exceptions for religious expression and "First Amendment activities," such as protesting.

The city recently saw protesting that turned into rioting targeting downtown businesses. Many of those protesters covered their faces. So would they have been exempted from this new legislation? They were protesting after all.

The problem is that too many of the left-wing protests turn into violent riots. So the city council gave an exemption to one of the leading contributors to violence perpetrated by people wearing masks.

And the city is not the first group to believe that a key to stopping crime is to ban ski mask. The citys transit authority, SEPTA, passed a similar ban months ago. Passengers on city buses and trains must remove masks, or they will be removed from SEPTA property.

The ban came after a 15-year-old high school student was killed on a bus in the city.

Think about that for a moment. The city bans guns on the buses, but the killer had one, despite the ban, and SEPTA somehow thinks another ban on ski masks will make a difference. Why? Because the gun ban is working so well?

Philadelphia officials said there are similar bans in Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Heres an idea. Rather than punishing law-abiding citizens, punish the criminals. Allow the police to arrest them, and make sure district attorneys prosecute them. If they are guilty, punish them appropriately. Do that consistently, and you will reduce crime.

Of course, it makes no sense to leftists to actually do something to address crime that doesnt involve restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens. Or maybe it does make sense, and they are just too afraid of imprisoning so many of their voters that they would endanger their re-election chances.

Michael A. Letts is the CEO and Founder of In-VestUSA, a national grassroots non-profit organization helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs.

Image: Apharr
Readers of classic Superman comics recall the Bizarro World, where everything was backwards. Many consider comics art, and art reflects life. The Bizarro World lives again in Portlands schools, as The Free Beacon reports:

A new collective bargaining agreement between Portland Public Schools and its unionized teachers requires school officials to consider a disruptive student's race, gender identity, and sexual orientation when crafting that student's disciplinary plan. When a student exhibits continuous disruptive behavior, the agreement says, school officials must develop a support plan for the student, which can include disciplinary measures such as detention. That plan must take into consideration the impact of issues related to the student's trauma, race, gender identity/presentation, sexual orientation  and restorative justice as appropriate for the student, according to the agreement. The new disciplinary policy also eliminates mandatory suspensions for students who threaten or harm othersnow, those students may only be removed from their classroom, not from school altogether.

Returning, momentarily, to the real world, lets examine some of the assumptions and terms used in this enlightened policy. The policy assumes the offending student is a victim. Theyve suffered trauma, because of their race, gender identity/presentation and sexual orientation. It also mandates restorative justice, which in practice means little or nousually noconsequences for their misbehavior or crimes. The application of restorative justice usually entails a sort of Marxist struggle session where the students eternal victimization is reinforced. The Parkland killerthe principal was an Obama acolyte--was a beneficiary of repeated restorative justice.

The policy change reflects a broader effort at both the federal and local levels to develop race-conscious disciplinary rules for public school students. Earlier this year, for example, the Biden administration released a memo urging schools to refrain from suspending students for truancy, arguing that significant disparities by race  have persisted in the application of student discipline. School districts in Washington and Illinois, meanwhile, have adopted disciplinary policies that aim to provide a culturally responsive and restorative approach to student discipline.

The overall social justice goal is eliminating actual, if not posterior-covering, discipline for favored minority/eternal victim students, an issue Ive often covered at my home blog. Why would any sane educator want to eliminate discipline? Disparate impact. The mere fact black students break school rules and commit crimes in numbers far greater than their numbers in a school population cant have anything to do with culture, upbringing or their own desires and behaviors, but must be the result of white supremacy, systemic racism, which can only be addressed not by holding them accountable for their behavior, but by restorative justice. The administrative benefit of restorative justice is making a schools misbehavior and crime statistics plummet, giving the illusion the school is under control.

The district's decision to change its disciplinary procedures for students comes after Portland-area students experienced an uptick in fights and behavioral problems after returning to the classroom for the 2021 school year. The district responded by working to build up its restorative justice practices, which district official Char Hutson said aim to shift away from this punitive way of how we respond to student discipline.

In Portland the only socially just way to deal with an increase in fights and behavioral problems is to cover up fights and behavior problems. This is why so many teachers are leaving the profession, often bruised and bloodied.

Unless adults are unquestionably in charge of any school, little or no learning will take place. A single minimally disruptive student rules any class, determining whether any learning will occur. Actively disruptive students destroy any chance for learning.

Criminal students quickly establish an underground authority in their schools, and often, entirely take over. They rob, steal, extort, assault fellow students and teachers, deal and use drugs and inevitably escalate their depredations.

The broken windows policing principle applies to schools. Police officers know if one broken window on a building is not quickly replaced, every window will soon be broken. Ignoring small crimes encourages worse crimes. Allowing students to be rude to teachers, to swear at them, to disrupt their teaching in any way encourages bad actors. If they can get away with swearing at and insulting teachers, theyll escalate to assault and worse.

Knowing the Future Felons Of America are in charge, kids who want to learn will either withdraw from public schools, or theyll take to carrying weapons to protect themselves, both rational responses to anarchy. Teachers, knowing carrying weapons or so much as touching students will send them to jail, quit out of self-preservation.

Why would any sane educator want to eliminate discipline? Sane educators wouldnt, which speaks volumes about Portland.

Mike McDaniel is a retired police officer and high school and college English teacher.

Image: author
Onerous electric vehicle mandates have threatened to crash not only the economy, but our electric grid. Joe Bidens handlers want X% of all vehicles to be electric by X year, which is always an impossibly few years in the future. Gavin Newsom wantslets not go there. Continual exposure to that much crazy is debilitating.

Until recently, American auto manufacturers were politically attuned to the Mummified Meat Puppet Administrations EV/Climate Crisis goals, but even when one is saving the planet through government mandates and deficit spending, reality inevitably catches up. Reality in the form of 4000 dealers writing President Biden to tell him they cant sell or give away the EVs infesting their lots, so perhaps it would be a good idea to please reign in those mandates?

https://www.americanthinker.com/images/bucket/2023-12/250800_5_.jpg Image: author

Another bit of reality is the current average EV sells for $67,000 dollars. When all but a handful of Americans cant afford an EV even if they want oneand most dontEVs arent going to sell, which is the dealers polite point.

For decades the Ford F-150 has been Americas best-selling vehicle, so naturally Ford bet its future on the electric F-150 Lightning. Electric vehicles were going to be 40% of Fords production in the very near future, and thengaspreality struck. Ford admitted losing at least $3.5 billion on EVs in 2023 alone, some $36,000 per vehicle. Ford is cutting Lightning production by half. Fords other EV offering, the Mustang Mach-E, has run into a sales brick wall and is plagued by recalls. Fords multi-billion-dollar joint battery-building venture with China has also gone the way of the Dodo.

The Administration allocated $7.5 billion to build 500,000 EV charging stations across America, and in a stunning display of government know-how and efficiency has produced exactly one, in Ohio, which is kind of out of range of most EVs.

Proterra, the former electric bus company Joe Biden praised as the future, turned out to be the future of bankruptcy, following Solyndra and other green companies in taking untold taxpayer millions with them to the fiscal grave. It seems Proterras busesthey only made about 500didnt have the range for even short urban bus routes, constantly broke down, their monstrously heavy batteries cracked frames and parts were nearly impossible to get. They were not only far more expensive than diesel buses, they had an alarming tendency to spontaneously combust, a feature shared by all EVs, like the Tesla, trying to launch a Jet Ski, that slipped beneath the waves and burned to destruction underwater. At least that one saved the local fire department water.

Imagine the reality smack upside the head of the American hoping to buy a $67,000 dollar EV when he learns he needs an additional $11,000 dollars to install a level two charger in his garage. Then he learns the manufacturer recommends he not charge his shiny new EV in his garage, or near his home, in case it goes up in flames when charging. They also recommend he keep an eye on the vehicle, for the same reason, while it charges, which means if he can only afford a level one charger120 volt currentthats two days or so of outdoors eye keeping.

But how about buying a used EV? There is virtually no used EV market. Who is going to buy a used EV when they realize its going to soon need a battery replacement that will cost at least 1/3 the original purchase price? Another ugly reality is EV repairs run double the cost of conventional vehicles. Insurers are beginning to take notice.

Then theres the whole where does electricity come from? issue. EV cheerleaders seem to have no idea, nor do they seem to care. Lightning is electricity, right? It comes from the sky, from nature, so its sustainable and organic, and probably gluten free too! We can make all manner of EV mandates while simultaneously shuttering our only reliable means of power generation, replacing them with solar and wind power, both of which are unreliable and cant make up for the lost coal, natural gas and nuclear generation capacity.

Even there, reality is beginning to rear its ugly, inevitable head. Even California is delaying the closure of one of its remaining nuclear plants, though the Administration and Washington state are trying to close three power-generating dams in favor of Salmonthe fish. Only Congress can do that, but in a Barack Obama imitation, Joe Biden has a pen and a phone.

Fortunately reality appears to be winning if for no reason other than the Big Threes stockholders are probably threatening massive lawsuits for fiduciary fraud. Ford is supposed to be in business to make money. With the economic survival of Americas families at stake, well take what we can get.
Zelenskys fame and glory in the West are indisputable, and his rise to celebrity status is remarkable. The transition from a comedian who played the piano on stage with his pants down to a politician compared by the media to Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and many other famous politicians will earn him a noted place in history. The big questions are, what will this particular place be, and at what price for achieving it?

Let us start with the price. As the war in Ukraine drags on, it brings new numbers of dead and wounded, additional devastation of cities and villages, and an increasing risk of nuclear WW3.

Presently, the number of Ukrainian victims is estimated at hundreds of thousands to over one million, but for some in Washington, this is acceptable. Cynical politicians like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) and many others from both parties openly declare that supporting a proxy war in Ukraine is a good and cheap investment. Washingtons declared goal is to weaken Russia, and this is achieved by Ukrainian soldiers perishing while Americans are not. At the same time, U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin is threatening members of Congress that he will send your uncles, cousins, and sons to fight Russia if aid to Ukraine is not approved.

Washington Post columnist Lee Hockstader explains that U.S. aid for Ukraine is a bargain, although he admits that nearly half of Americans now say the United States is spending too much on Ukraine.

To prove his point, Hockstader quotes Brown University researchers who studied the cost of Americas post-9/11 conflicts and found that 20 years of fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria drained a whopping $8 trillion from U.S. coffers. He adds that President Biden noted that the Afghan war alone cost taxpayers more than $300 million per day for two decades. Thats about triple what the U.S. has spent daily for Ukraine, so our support here seems like an even better deal.

What Biden and Hockstader conveniently forget to mention is the other math in Browns report, which the number of victims of the U.S. wars in these countries. Here they are: over 940,000 people have died in the post-9/11 wars due to direct war violence. An estimated 3.63.8 million people have died indirectly in post-9/11 war zones, bringing the total death toll to at least 4.54.7 million and counting. Over 432,000 civilians have been killed as a result of the fighting, with 38 million refugees and displaced persons. At least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide as in combat. The wars have been accompanied by violations of human rights and civil liberties, in the U.S. and abroad.

Who cares? Biden, Blinken, Hockstader, McConnell, etc. certainly dont. They and many others in the U.S. and E.U. dont care that the whole country of Ukraine was engaged by the collective West in a proxy war against Russia, with whom for centuries it was bound by close religious, historical, economic, cultural, and family ties. I placed religion first to underscore that those who declare their adherence to Judeo-Christian values have provoked a war between two Christian nations  not to promote democracy, but rather to use Ukrainians as cannon fodder to preserve the geopolitical advantage of the U.S. by weakening Russia.

The biggest lie coming from those who want to continue this war for as long as it takes is that after winning in Ukraine, Putin will move farther West. Fortunately, there are many other honest American experts who state that Russia has no interest, desire, or means to do so, while those who benefit from the wars, like the Military-Industrial Complex, corrupt politicians, think-tanks and the media, keep repeating this lie.

Finally, about Zelenskys place in history. In my opinion, his legacy will be that of a modern version of the 4th-century B.C. Greek vandal Herostratus, known for destroying the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and, concomitantly, seeking fame at any cost. This led to the creation of a damnatio memoriae (condemnation of memory) law forbidding anyone to mention his name, orally or in writing. According to Wikipedia, the law was ultimately ineffective, as evidenced by surviving accounts of his crime. Thus, Herostratus has become an eponym for someone who commits a criminal act in order to become famous.

The Ukrainian people elected Zelensky because he promised to bring them peace. Instead, with the help of his handlers, he brought them horror. Comparing him with Herostratus may not be valid in terms of damage done, but symbolically, I think it is correct.

Image: Volodymyr Zelensky. Credit: COP26 via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
A mother and daughter duo sued Rudy Giuliani in Georgia, alleging that he had defamed them in connection with the Fulton County vote count. They just received a $148,000,000 verdict (and yes, thats the right number of zeroes). But all is not as it seems, and the story is a reminder of the multi-level lawfare being practiced against conservatives, especially Trump supporters.

The headlines are screamers: The jury awarded one plaintiff $16,171,000 in compensatory damages and the other $16,998,000 in compensatory damages. In addition, the jury ordered that Giuliani pay each plaintiff $20,000,000 for intentional infliction of emotional distress and pay an additional $75,000,000 to both as punitive damages. The grand total is $148,169,000. These verdicts arent meant to punish someone; they are meant to destroy him.

But as I said, all is not as it seems. You see, Giulianis case was never actually tried before a jury. No jury saw the videos of the plaintiffs or even heard their or Giulianis testimony before, during, or after a full trial.

Instead, Judge Beryl Howell, an Obama appointee, sanctioned Giuliani for failing to produce documentsand she used the harshest sanction available to a judge, which is an automatic verdict against the party who failed in his or her discovery obligations. What this means is that the only thing tried was the plaintiffs claims about their suffering due to the wrongdoing that Howell mandated had taken place.

In thirty years of practicing law, I never saw a judge apply that sanction, no matter how egregious a partys conduct was. Judges (rightly) will do anything to avoid having a party to a case lose the chance to have due process determine who should prevail.

Image: Rudy Giuliani (edited). YouTube screen grab.

But heres something even worse. It turns out that Giuliani couldnt comply with significant parts (or all?) of the discovery request because the material demanded wasnt in his care, custody, or control (those are legal terms of art). And why wasnt it in his care, custody, or control? Because the FBI confiscated much of it.

The fact that Giuliani never had his case actually tried also means that all the recent headlines about Giuliani refusing to testify in his trial (see here and here, for example) are misleading. They imply that Giuliani refused to testify in his own defense on the substantive charges. In fact, he was already barred from doing so. All that he could do would be to sit in court and listen to the plaintiffs explain why they were entitled to almost $150,000,000 in damages.

Giuliani also said that he was having a hard time paying his attorneys, which affected his ability to respond to discovery, and that possibility leads to a different issue. There is a possibility that his attorneys messed up. I am not saying that they did. Its just something that can happen.

The point about attorneys messing up is an important one because attorneys matter tremendously. The average person cannot navigate through the judicial system without help. Its simply too complicated. Moreover, as my Criminal Law professor said, when students asked him why someone who is even obviously guilty deserves an attorney, no one should have to face the awesome power of the government without a friend at his side.

Shakespeare understood how important lawyers are. People love quoting the line from Henry VI, Part 2, in which he wrote The first thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers. However, the line was spoken by one of Shakespeares villains, who viewed lawyers as a bulwark of law and order, something he wished to destroy.

John Adams understood that, too, for he took the highly unpopular stand of defending the British soldiers charged in the Boston Massacre. As he famously said in his summation, Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.

Bad lawyers are a plague. Good lawyers are the first line of defense in a stable, sane, functional society. And that brings me to a less visible side of the lawfare Democrats and other leftists are waging against conservatives, and thats the war on lawyers.

In Georgia, the Fulton County D.A., Fani Willis, indicted Trumps attorneys for daring to make legal arguments that there was election fraud. One of them, John Eastman, was also subject to FBI, DOJ, and congressional investigations, criminally referred to the DOJ, became the subject of a California State Bar investigation, and lost his job. In Arizona, Kari Lakes attorneys face discipline for supporting her election challenges.

Lawyers are trained to make the most aggressive arguments possible to support their clients cases. If their arguments are bad, they lose. However, if their arguments are colorableif there is a coherent legal argument that can be made on the factsthat should be where it ends.

But as Shakespeares villain understood, when you want to overthrow the government, First thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers. And in modern America, killing lawyers means subjecting them to professional, economic, and even criminal sanctions.

Democrats have effectively weaponized January 6, and this kind of lawfare will not stop unless it is turned against them. Conservatives dont like to sue and prosecute. They should start learning how.
In Israel is detaining civilians in Gaza. Many have disappeared, families say (12/11/23), the Gazans interviewed by the Post claimed that Israel detained their loved ones for essentially no reason at all. Israel is fighting the hardest type of battle  urban warfare. This grueling war becomes more arduous when one takes into account that Hamas fights from tunnels, uses civilians as human shields, and blends into Gaza dressed as civilians.

The heart-wrenching interviews are presented without any additional information the reader needs to know to fully understand this complex situation. Gaza is run by the totalitarian regime Hamas  a recognized terrorist organization. Any official reports, news, and interviews from Gaza must be considered favorable to Hamas and consistent with its extremist message. Any Gazan contradicting Hamass messaging does so with extreme risk to his own life, putting into question the motivations of any news that emanates from the regime territory. And putting out propaganda is part of Hamass war effort. Thats how totalitarian regimes work. The Post omits this repugnant reality and did not corroborate the interviews it published.

Worse, the Post casts suspicion on the veracity of basic information coming out of Israel, a democratic country. It casts doubt on Israels integrity with comments like Israeli forces say theyre looking for members of Hamas and participants in the militant groups Oct. 7 attack. Or that Israel responded with a military campaign the commanders say is aimed at eradicating the militant group as a political and military force in Gaza (emphasis added). In wars, the participants go after the enemy. This wars unmistakable purpose is to rid Hamas from Gaza. Why does the Post need to baselessly insinuate doubt when there is none?

In the article, the Post quotes the Gaza Health Ministry, removing the previously used clarifier Hamas-run Health Ministry. In most articles on the Gaza/Israel war, the Post publishes the casualty count as reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. This count consistently points out the women and children casualty count, yet it excludes Hamas combatants and men of fighting age. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, not one Hamas member has been reported killed! If that is any indication of the caliber of information emanating from the Ministry  which it is  why does the Post bother to report what it has to say? Or at the very least, the Post should add a disclaimer that it is unable to corroborate the numbers. All civilian casualties of war are tragic, and in this war, they are all the fault of Hamas, but the Post makes no attempt to more accurately report these numbers from a reputable source.

Yet the Post is resolute on casting doubt on the credibility of the Israeli viewpoint. The article includes qualifiers such as Israel media outlets reported without citing sources and comments like The Israel Defense Forces referred questions to the Shin Bet, Israels internal security service. The Shin Bet did not respond to requests for comment.

In this utterly difficult situation of urban warfare, Israel has to distinguish between civilian and combatant, and there is ample evidence that it is working above and beyond the norms at that task. Even with that, its actions are being held under a microscope, like in no other war in history. Israel receives no credit, but it is putting its soldiers lives at risk in the effort to minimize Gazan civilian casualties. This is rare in warfare.

There is overwhelming evidence that Israel is being protective of Gazan civilians, more than in any war in history. For the first time in warfare, all of the following has occurred: civilians have been sent leaflets, texts, pings on their rooftops, notifications of where battles will be, and given a corridor to exit away from those sites. Israel is allowing trucks to resupply the Gazans, knowing full well that many of the supplies are ending up in the hands of Hamas terrorists, thereby undercutting Israels war effort.

With all these facts about propaganda coming out of the totalitarian regime and the efforts Israel is making to keep Gazan civilians safe, why is The Washington Post hell-bent on taking the word of terrorists and those who elected them and bashing Israel in the process?

Dr. Michael Berenhaus is a freelance activist who works to combat anti-Israel bias in the media. He has been widely published in news sources such as The Economist, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

Image: Daniel X. O'Neil via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
An Arkansas news publisher is filing a lawsuit against Google for allegedly violating antitrust law. The publisher, Helena World Chronicle, is based in Arkansas and claims that Google uses anticompetitive practices to siphon off news, readers, and ad revenue from the publisher. This wouldnt be the first lawsuit of its kind for Google. Its been in court twice this year for various alleged antitrust violations.

Back in November, it wrapped up its trial with the US Department of Justice. In that trial, Google was alleged to be running an illegal monopoly with Search, and a ruling will be decided in 2024. More recently it wrapped up its trial with Epic Games. This was another lawsuit where Google was claimed to be running an illegal monopoly and violating antitrust law. This time however it revolved around the Play Store and its in-app payment system. Epic has won this case which caused Google to prepare to submit an appeal. But its quite likely Google will have to remedy the situation in some way.

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Its unclear if this new lawsuit will end up going to trial. But it wouldnt be unlikely given Googles recent loss against Epic and the other alleged antitrust violations. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court in D.C. this week. The lawsuit alleges that Google is starving the free press and causing them to lose billions of dollars by sharing the content on Google.

For those unaware, this refers to the snippets of content that Google puts in search results. Which can often show the exact information people are searching for. Which in turn can result in a lost visit to the site where Google is taking the content from. Thus, Google keeps the ad revenue and the readership.

The Arkansas antitrust lawsuit alleges Google AI tools worsen the problem

The lawsuit references two different sets of tools Google uses to capture information. The first is Googles Knowledge Graph tools which it created a little over a decade ago. The Knowledge Graph panels are what you see to the right of search results when you type a query into Google.

The lawsuits complaint states When a user searches for information on a topic, Google displays a Knowledge Panel to the right of the search results. This panel contains a summary of content drawn from the Knowledge Graph database, the complaint states. Google compiled this massive database by extracting information from Publishers websites  what Google calls materials shared across the web and from open source and licensed databases. The Knowledge Graph however is only part of the issue.

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The lawsuit also states Googles new AI technologies are being used to aid in siphoning the content. It notes that Googles Search Generative Experience and Bard AI chatbot are being used to discourage end-users from visiting the websites of Class members who are part of the digital news and publishing line of commerce.

Part of the claim focuses on SGEs methods for distributing results to people who search for information. According to the lawsuit, SGE offers up the information people are searching for in a conversational mode. This allows the searcher to not have to click through to the publishers website. And in turn, the publisher ends up losing traffic, the lawsuit claims. A report from the Wall Street Journal lays out details of the issue of Google rolling its AI tools into Search. That report notes that publishers are worried these AI tools will cause a decline in traffic of anywhere from 20% to 40%.

The lawsuit wants Google to be required to gain consent to use publisher data to train its AI

Its too early to tell how the Arkansas antitrust lawsuit will go for Google. However, it wouldnt be surprising to see Google settle. Its done just that with publishers in Canada and in Germany. The Arkansas lawsuit seeks both damages and an injunction against Google. The injunction, if granted, would require Google to gain consent from publishers to use their data for AI training.

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Currently, Googles Bard AI is claimed to be trained on data from news and media sites. A Washington Post article discovered that news and media were the third largest category being used to train AI. The more that data is used for training, the more likely it is that AI in search results will end up causing more lost traffic. Or at least, thats the fear publishers have. The lawsuit wants Google to have to ask to use that data. But more importantly, not be punished in search results should it opt-out and refuse to allow the use of it.

These are issues that publishers large and small, national and regional, tend to share. Our own Chris Yackulic shares this sentiment. The claims made by the company suing Google are concerns that are own publication has with Google and its parent company Alphabet. The anticompetitive behavior violates U.S. antitrust law. Their search AI products and also Gemini AI have news publishers very worried about their revenue models, Yackulic says.
A few more Samsung Galaxy devices are receiving the December security update in the US. The Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy S20 series are getting the latest SMR (Security Maintenance Release) stateside. The two foldables have already picked up the update in international markets. The 2020 S-series flagships, meanwhile, are starting the journey in North America.

Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 get the December update in the US

Samsung recently released the December SMR for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 in several European and Asia countries. We now have confirmation that the update has reached the US versions of the two foldables. Both carrier-locked and unlocked variants of the duo are picking up the latest security patch stateside. It wont be long before the update reaches all eligible units across the nation.

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The latest update for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with the firmware build numbers F946USQS1BWKI (carrier-locked) and F946U1UES1BWKI (unlocked) in the US. Those for the Galaxy Z Flip 5 are F731USQS1BWKI and F731U1UES1BWKI, respectively. The changelog on Samsungs official update tracker for the foldable duo confirms that the latest release is all about this months security fixes. The phones recently received Android 14.

The December SMR for the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra also doesnt bring anything more than the latest security patches. First reported by Sammyfans, the update introduces firmware version G98*USQS8HWK1 to the 2020 flagship trio. These phones arent eligible for Android 14 or any other major feature updates. They will only get security updates. A global rollout of this months SMR may begin anytime now.

As far as the content of the December security release is concerned, Samsung has fixed more than 60 vulnerabilities. To be precise, most of those are Android OS patches from Google. The Android maker fixed seven critical security issues this month along with dozens of high-severity vulnerabilities. You can go to Settings > Software update > Download and install to check for new updates on your Galaxy device.

More devices will receive these security fixes soon

Samsung will continue to release the December SMR for more eligible devices in the coming days. The company is also readying the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update for more Galaxy phones and tablets, including the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4. They may receive the latest security patch bundled with the impending big update. We will let you know when the rollout begins.
Google Maps is getting a major privacy overhaul, giving users more control over their data and location history. As per a recent announcement, the tech major is making changes to how it controls users data. Starting soon, users will have the right to opt out of sharing their location history. It is turned off by default, but enabling meant Google could store details about your visits and their timestamps on its servers. However, Google will soon phase it out, giving users greater control over their privacy.

It had become a privacy concern and was linked to controversial geofence warrants. These warrants required the tech major to share location history data with local and federal authorities. Forbes reported that the new update will affect geofence warrants. Moreover, starting soon, Google will automatically delete Location History data for new users every 3 months, as opposed to the current 18-month default. This adds an extra layer of control to users hands.

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Google will not store your location history on its servers anymore

Google is discontinuing the storage of location history on its servers. It previously stored details of users past visits on its servers. However, Googles updated privacy policy specifies that it will store data locally rather than on the companys servers. Notably, even when users choose to back up location data, Google will encrypt the data to ensure that neither they nor anyone else can access it. It will roll out next year for both Android and iOS users.

How would Googles updated policy affect geofence warrants?

As we said, Googles upcoming change could potentially block a controversial surveillance technique used by police: geofence warrants, an unnamed company executive confirmed to Forbes. These warrants allowed authorities to gather location data from Maps users near crime scenes, raising privacy concerns. With location data now stored on-device or encrypted, Google wont be able to comply with these warrants, potentially hindering investigations. Nevertheless, its a major win for privacy advocates.
A survivor of the IRA bombing of the Harrods department store in London 40 years ago has said victims suffered in silence while seeking compensation from the UK Government.

Six people were killed and 90 injured when a car bomb ripped through the Hans Crescent entrance to the busy store on December 17 1983.

At 12.45pm the IRA sent a warning that the bomb was imminent, but the area was not evacuated and it exploded at 1.30pm.

Three Metropolitan Police officers, Inspector Stephen Dodd, 34, Sergeant Noel Lane, 28, and Pc Jane Arbuthnot 22, were killed.

Three members of the public, Kenneth Salvesen, 28, Jasmine Cochrane Patrick, 25, and Philip Geddes, 25, were also killed.

Speaking to the PA news agency to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing, Mina Jadeja said she was lucky to survive.

The police operation in Hans Crescent, outside Harrods (PA)

She said the attack was a life-changing experience which left her with severe injuries, chronic pain and affected her working life.

Ms Jadeja was going to Harrods with her sister and nephews that afternoon after promising to buy them presents before she was due to move overseas for work in the new year.

After seeing Father Christmas at the store, the family cut through Hans Crescent to avoid the busy main road outside Harrods.

Ms Jadeja remembers laughing and joking with the boys as they walked along the road.

But suddenly, the car bomb exploded and caused chaos on the streets.

A 1972 blue Austin 1100 saloon with a black vinyl roof similar to the one used in the Harrods car bomb attack (PA)

Initially there was a lot of confusion, a lot of smoke, we couldnt see where we were going.

There was a lot of glass from the windows of the Harrods shop flying around everywhere as well.

She said her first instinct was to protect and cover up her youngest nephew, shielding him from the debris.

Then I felt wet and I realised it was blood coming out of my neck, back and right hand. I was bleeding quite badly and panic set in because I couldnt see and I was confused about the direction I needed to go.

The fear was compounded as she discovered she was no longer with her sister or eldest nephew.

The remains of the Austin 1100 used in the car bomb attack (PA)

Eventually, after walking in what she believed was the right direction, she encountered some medical students.

I dont remember much after that to be honest, I think I must have passed out. The next thing I woke up in St Thomas hospital with my sister on my side bed and my two nephews on the opposite bed.

Ms Jadeja said her right arm was completely shattered and there was shrapnel from the car in her elbow.

Her sister was also very badly injured and she said her eldest nephew was very affected by the bombing.

Luckily my youngest nephew wasnt hurt at all because I covered him up. But he got the most attention because Charles and Lady Diana came to see him. He thought he was quite the adventurer and taking it in his stride.

The Princess of Wales chatted to Ms Jadejas nephew Rajan Parmar (PA)

She said she was not aware of the conflict in Northern Ireland at the time and was shocked to learn it was an IRA bombing.

I thought Who are they, why would they want to hurt us?'

She feels the Harrods incident has not received enough discussion.

Former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi armed the IRA with the powerful Semtex plastic explosive used in multiple Troubles bombings, including the 1983 Harrods attack, the Remembrance Day ceremony in Enniskillen in 1987, Warrington in 1993 and Londons Docklands in 1996.

Victims want the current Libyan authorities to pay compensation but, given the unlikelihood of that happening in the short term, they have urged the Government to instead use the billions of pounds of assets linked to the toppled Gaddafi regime which were frozen in the UK in 2011 under UN sanctions.

During an inquiry into Government support for UK victims of IRA attacks that used Gaddafi-supplied weapons, Ms Jadeja previously complained that the UK Government was not as effective as the US Government in seeking compensation for victims of terrorism.

The scene outside Harrods in Knightsbridge following the explosion (PA)

A 2021 report on the matter compiled by the Foreign Office has remained confidential.

On the 40th anniversary, she still feels the UK put money in front of lives by prioritising trade relations with Libya at the time.

We should have been compensated, but we got nothing. We suffered in silence, basically. It has cost a lot in emotional suffering.

Asked about the pursuit of justice for the attack, Ms Jadeja said: Nobody will be punished for this attack and it was horrendous.

They got away scot-free, basically, no-one is answerable for this.

They wanted to get attention for their cause and they got it at the cost of normal citizens lives.

Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ms Jadeja said that groups like the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) continue to seek justice in the decades since the attack: Their fight for justice is very necessary for victims.

SEFF director Kenny Donaldson said: We support a number of the bereaved and injured survivors of the Harrods bomb and have awareness of others also directly impacted.

The Harrods bomb was a brutal attack carried out in the days running up to Christmas when families and individuals had their guard most down and were engaging in Christmas cheer.

Those six individuals murdered and circa 90 injured came from both policing and civilian backgrounds and also across diverse ethnic, nationality and religious backgrounds.

Just 24 hours earlier the Provisional IRA murdered two members of the Irish states security forces in County Leitrim, Republic of Ireland  Garda Recruit Gary Sheehan and Patrick Kelly  again illustrating that their terror campaign was no respecter of borders, murders and maiming of people committed across these islands and also in mainland Europe.

On this milestone 40th anniversary our thoughts and prayers are with all innocents impacted by the events of Harrods.
A Royal Navy warship has shot down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea, the Defence Secretary has said.

It is the first time in decades that the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger.

Grant Shapps said it was believed merchant shipping in the Red Sea was the intended target, in the latest such incident in the key global shipping route.

The Red Sea lies between north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

The HMS Diamond, the Type 45 destroyer that shot down the suspected drone, was only sent to the region two weeks ago amid growing international concern about the threat to shipping.

One Sea Viper missile fired and successfully destroyed the target, Mr Shapps said in a statement.

The ship recently arrived in the region to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security.

The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea.

The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.

HMS Diamond (MoD/PA)

Earlier this month the US military said the Bahamas-flagged Unity Explorer, owned by a UK company, was among three commercial vessels targeted in an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

On Friday Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

The incident is believed to the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the First Gulf War in 1991.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key said: One sixth of the worlds commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.

The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas.

The Ministry of Defence has not said who was behind the attack.

But Yemens Houthis have been behind the a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel in response to its war against Hamas in Gaza.

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdel-Salam said on Saturday that the rebels have engaged in communications and discussions with international parties, brokered by Oman, on the Houthis attacks on ships in the Red and Arabian seas.

He tweeted that the Houthis would continue targeting Israel-linked vessels until the aggression stops and the siege of Gaza is lifted. He added that any genuine steps responding to the humanitarian situation in Palestine and Gaza through bringing in food and medicine would contribute to reducing the escalation.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has condemned the seemingly deliberate and callous killing of two women at a Gaza church by sniper fire.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said two Christian women at a church compound in Gaza City were killed on Saturday by Israeli sniper fire and seven others were wounded.

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has said that her relatives are among the Christians who have sought shelter in the Holy Family Church.

The women were identified as a mother and daughter, with one killed trying to carry the other to safety. There was no immediate Israeli comment.

MP Layla Moran says her relatives are among those sheltering in the church (James Manning/PA)

Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols said he was heartbroken at the news.

The information provided by the Cardinal, gives a picture of seemingly deliberate and callous killing by IDF soldiers of innocent civilians: an elderly woman and her daughter in the grounds of a church. This killing has to stop. It can never be justified.

I ask all people of faith and goodwill to continue to pray for an end to this conflict by all sides.

The statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, whose territory covers Cyprus, Jordan, Israel and Palestine, said the women were killed in cold blood.

No warning was given, no notification was provided. They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish, where there are no belligerents.

Ms Moran has expressed deep concern about the situation inside the church complex.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, she said: Soldiers are at the gates and there was a fire when they hit one of the (already dysfunctional) generators.

There is no water left. There are 300 people there. We dont know why this is happening. Are they going to be expelled from a church just days before Christmas?
Ellie Leach has become the youngest winner of Strictly Come Dancing with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola.

The 22-year-old TV star beat two other couples  Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin.

Upon winning the glitterball trophy, the former Coronation Street star said: I actually, genuinely cannot believe this.

For once, youre crying more than me, she told Coppola.

She added: This is for you, this is for you.

Talking about their win, Coppola said: I mean this is like the cherry on the cake.

He turned to Leach: You have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are finally, you know, the diamond I was talking (about).

The winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 was decided for by the public.

On the judges scoreboard, provided as a guideline, Williams and Kuzmin had been in the lead with a total of 119 points.

Second to them was Brazier and Buswell who had received 117 points, and they were followed by Leach and Coppola with 115  who cinched the trophy with the help of the public.

Leach and Coppolas first performance of the night was their dramatic paso doble to Insomnia by 2WEI, as chosen for them by the judges.

Head judge Shirley Ballas told the Leach: You, my dear, are the only lady standing and let me tell you, you came down those stairs, you worked that dress, the whole ensemble was spot on.

I have to say, that was a woman in control.

Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

Anton Du Beke added I love this, and Craig Revel Horwood said the dance was absolutely fantastic.

For their show dance, the couple performed a Jennifer Lopez megamix and Leach was praised for taking a risk with a lift that she was unable to execute.

Revel Horwood told Leach: Its a terrible shame with the last lift because really that whole dance routine was just flawless up until that moment.

Thats the sort of beauty of live television, I think, and proving that taking a risk can or cant work out for you.

Their third and final performance, which they chose from their back catalogue of performances, was the American smooth to the song Aint That A Kick In The Head in the style of Robbie Williams.

After the dance, Du Beke said he was getting emotional before he told the soap star he was proud of her.

Winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (Guy Levy/BBC)

During the show, Brazier and Buswell performed their couples choice for the show dance, which was dedicated to the stars mother Jade Goody, who passed away from cervical cancer in 2009.

The dance, which left the actors father Jeff Brazier in tears, was described as extraordinarily beautiful by Ballas.

Other highlights included Williams and Kuzmins quickstep to Puttin On The Ritz, which was the first dance to be awarded full marks from the judges during the series live final.

The series only same-sex couple had also been awarded full marks for their Argentine tango to Tattoo by Loreen.

At the beginning of the show, Amy Dowden had performed an opening dance number alongside the other Strictly professionals, who were dressed in black and white.

The 33-year-old dancer was unable to have a celebrity partner this year on the BBC One show following her diagnosis and subsequent treatment for stage three breast cancer.

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

At the end of the show and before the results were announced, former Family Fortunes host Les Dennis was lifted onto the Strictly dance floor via a giant glittery anchor for the series last group performance.

Elsewhere, broadcaster Angela Rippon showed off one of her famous high leg kicks while the rest of the Strictly professionals and celebrities danced in the background.

Last year, wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin and professional dancer Jowita Przystal won the glitterball trophy.
Police have appealed for information after a man was seriously assaulted with a bladed weapon.

The man was walking his dog in Beville Avenue, Greenock, between 1am and 2am on Saturday, when two men got out of a silver car and approached him.

They assaulted the man, 43, with the bladed weapon before getting back in the car and driving off.

He was taken by ambulance to Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, where he was treated for a serious arm injury.

The first suspect is described as 5ft 11in, of a stocky build, wearing dark clothing and with a face covering.

The second is described as 5ft 8in, skinny and with dark clothing and a face covering.

Police appealed for witnesses, and in particular anyone who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage, to come forward.

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101, quoting incident number 0668 of Saturday December 16, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Rishi Sunak will hold talks with the leaders of Italy and Albania later during a visit to Rome, where illegal migration is expected to top the agenda.

The Prime Minister will meet Italian premier Giorgia Meloni and Albanias Edi Rama during the brief Rome trip. Number 10 said that discussions would focus on joint efforts to tackle illegal immigration and organised crime.

Mr Sunak, who has developed a strong partnership with Ms Meloni, will also make an appearance at a right-wing political gathering organised by the Italian leaders party.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is also expected to attend the Brothers of Italys annual Atreju event, which has been frequented by former Trump ally Steve Bannon and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the past.

The Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama will join a meeting between Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni (Victoria Jones/PA)

Mr Sunak has sought to win support from European allies to help crack down on illegal migration, with both Albania and Italy seen as key partners.

A returns agreement with Albania has been repeatedly touted by the Government as a key achievement in the broader effort to put a stop to small boats crossings in the Channel.

Downing Street said Mr Sunak was clear that illegal migration is a shared global challenge and it is important that countries work together to address it.

The last week in Westminster has been dominated by the Governments bid to push ahead with plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda in a move to curb Channel crossings.

Mr Sunak has indicated he is open to making changes to his Rwanda Bill if they can be backed up by respectable legal arguments, as ministers seek to quell dissent among Tory MPs.
Of all the bargaining goals set out by the United Auto Workers union in the just completed talks, none was more ambitious, or gained less traction in negotiations, than the idea of a four-day, 32-hour work week.

Without a cut in pay, too.

That didnt happen, at least not this round. And it might sound like an impossible dream for most American workers. But UAW President Shawn Fain says that its not just achievable, but a dream that his union forefathers believed in.

I think its a very realistic goal, he said in an interview with CNN Business. He points out that it was a negotiating goal of the union back in the middle of the last century, soon after it won the right to represent workers at the nations automakers.

I dont know what happened over the next 60 or 70 years, but that conversation fell by the wayside, he said. So I felt it was imperative that we get the dialogue going back to, you know, workers reclaiming their lives, he said.

But the idea was dismissed by automakers. Some executives, such as Ford CEO Jim Farley, said agreeing to that would lead to massive losses for the automakers.

If we had done that [four-day week].we would have gone bankrupt many years ago, said Farley to CNN on September 14, the day before the strike started. Wed have to close plants and most people would lose their jobs.

And once the union and automakers started making progress toward the deal that would eventually end the strike, there was little discussion of a four-day week ever again. The union did win a record contract, with an immediate wage gain of at least 11%, an additional 14 percentage points of raises throughout the life of the contract, a return of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and improved retirement benefits, among other gains.

Most hourly workers at GM, Ford and Stellantis will be paid at least $43 an hour by the time the recently ratified contract ends in April 2028. That comes to about $1,700 a week for a 40-hour week. And the COLA is likely to raise it further than that. And while a hypothetical pay structure for an alternate deal featuring a four-day work week may be unknowable, paying that weekly wage for a 32-hour week would increase the hourly wage by about 25%, on top of the just negotiated wage hikes.

Whether the companies would be able to afford that additional increase will depend on a number of factors, including productivity changes, demand for vehicles and the impact that would have on pricing and the cost of raw materials, which ultimately have a far greater impact on the cost of production than labor costs. Labor accounts for only about 7% to 8% of the cost of a vehicle.

A UAW On Strike sign held on a picket line outside the Stellantis Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, shortly before the end of the strike. - Emily Elconin/Bloomberg/Getty Images

But Fain said that he believes the four-day week, with no corresponding decrease in weekly play or increase in the length of the workday, is something that lays ahead for the future. He said talks about new technology, such as artificial intelligence, leading to productivity gains, would make a shorter work week viable.

And he said that the fact that the companies all say they can afford the record deals that were reached is proof that the companies could afford to institute further improvements, such as a four-day week in the future.

You know these companies and the billionaire class choice is they want keep all the profits for themselves at the expense of less and less workers, he said.

Instead of using productivity improvements to cut staff, he argues the companies should use the technology to our advantage. Its a choice. So I believe [a four-day week] is very possible.

He pointed to various pilot programs that some employers around the world are trying that test the idea of a four-day week for workers.

I mean, its happening already. Thats just not happening here, he said. Because in America, weve been inundated with work hard work hard work hard, work, work, work, work, work.

A global four-day work week pilot program was attempted last year, with 33 companies and 903 workers shifted to a four-day week with no loss in pay. At the end, none of the 27 companies that responded to follow-up questions from researchers said they were leaning toward or planning on returning to their former five-day routine. On average they rated their overall experience as a 9 out of 10, based on productivity and performance.

Consumer products giant Unilever, maker of Liptons tea, Dove soap and Ben & Jerrys ice cream, has been offering workers in New Zealand and Australia the choice of which four days they want to work for much of the last two years.

But even a five-day, 40-hour work week is, in large part, thanks to unions.

Unions were a major force in instituting the standard practice of a five-day, 40-hour work week, said Benedict Hunnicutt, professor at the University of Iowa, who has studied the history of the work week.

The first demand of organized labor in the United States was for short hours, he said. Theres no doubt thats the foundation of the American labor movement.

He said legislation was introduced in the 1930s that would have set a 30-hour work week as the standard, and it had widespread support.

President Franklin Roosevelt initially endorsed the 30-hour legislation, Hunnicutt said. Newspapers were saying it was a done deal, he said. Everyone assumed it was going to happen, and that the push for a shorter and shorter week would continue.

Far beyond the goal of a 30- or 32-hour week, economists at that time, like John Maynard Keynes, predicted that by the 1980s, it was inevitable that the 15-hour work week would be the standard.

But Hunnicutt said business pressure against the 30-hour bill killed it. Labor unions, after initially being furious about the bills failure, moved onto other issues.

The unions trade-off was to give up short hours for higher wages, he said.

The Covid pandemic, and the growth of working from home for many workers, has breathed new life into the push for a shorter work week, Hunnicutt said. And Fain said the automakers putting some plants on critical status, working members seven days a week with forced overtime for months at a time, made a shorter work week a growing issue for his members who didnt have the opportunity to work from home. He said the issues of a shorter work week isnt going to go away, even if nothing changed in this contract.

Its not good to have to work seven days a week, or in some cases work 12 hours a day in two or three jobs just to survive, he said. Thats not a life. And, and again, labor has to lead the way.

 CNNs Vanessa Yurkevich and Anna Cooban contributed to this report.

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(Reuters) -Activision Blizzard will pay roughly $50 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit by a California regulator that alleged the videogame maker discriminated against women employees, including denying them promotion opportunities and underpaying them.

California's Civil Rights Department (CRD) had sued the "Call of Duty" maker after two years of investigation over allegations that it routinely underpaid and failed to promote female employees and condoned sexual harassment.

The CRD will withdraw the allegations of systemic sexual harassment, according to the settlement agreement, seen by Reuters. The remaining allegations resolved by the agreement included that Activision discriminated against women, including by denying promotion opportunities and paying them less than men for doing substantially similar work, the CRD said in a statement on Friday.

Activision will take additional steps to ensure fair pay and promotion practices and provide monetary relief to women who were employees or contract workers in California between Oct. 12, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2020, as part of the agreement, which is subject to court approval, the CRD statement said.

"In the settlement agreement, the CRD expressly acknowledged that 'no court or independent investigation has substantiated any allegations that there has been systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard'," the videogame maker said in a statement on Friday.

The company also said that no investigation substantiated that its board or chief executive acted improperly in handling instances of workplace misconduct.

Activision, which was bought in October by Microsoft for nearly $69 billion, agreed in 2021 to pay up to $18 million to settle similar claims made by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

(Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru and Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh, Grant McCool, Leslie Adler and William Mallard)
An Al Jazeera journalist has died after being badly injured during an Israeli attack in southern Gaza and then forced to wait five hours for medical attention, the network told CNN on Friday.

Camera operator Samer Abu Daqqa died of wounds sustained in the attack, the Qatar-based network said, adding that he was bleeding for hours before medical personnel could reach him due to heavy shelling in the city.

Hundreds gathered in southern Gaza to mourn Abu Daqqa on Saturday as his body was laid to rest, with his mother Umm Maher sobbing as she knelt down to pray over her sons grave.

Al Jazeera correspondent and Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh was also injured in the attack, the Qatar-based news network said in a statement to CNN on Friday.

Dahdouh was eventually evacuated to a hospital, but Abu Daqqas injury was too severe to survive, according to Walid Alomari, Al Jazeeras bureau chief for Jerusalem and the West Bank. Too many in Gaza bleed and die because ambulances cant reach them, he said.

The network went on to accuse Israel of systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families.

A statement called on the international community to take immediate action to hold the Israeli government and military accountable.

CNN cannot independently verify the allegations.

Responding to a request for comment from CNN on the networks claim, the press office for the IDF said: The IDF takes all operationally feasible measures to protect both civilians and journalists.

The IDF has never, and will never, deliberately target journalists. Given the ongoing exchanges of fire, remaining in an active combat zone has inherent risks. The IDF will continue to counter threats while persisting to mitigate harm to civilians.

In a later statement in response to CNNs reporting, the IDF said that an ambulance had been dispatched to help Abu Daqqa but it encountered road damage and couldnt reach the scene in time. Once we became aware of an injured individual and received a request to grant permission for an ambulance, COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) granted permission for the ambulance to use a safe passage, the IDF statement read.

However, the ambulance chose a different route, which encountered road damage. The IDF promptly responded by sending a bulldozer to assist in repairing the pathway for the ambulance. Unfortunately, by the time these efforts were completed, it was already too late, it added.

The IDF said it was unable to provide additional detail when asked by CNN how long it took for the ambulance to be granted permission to travel to the site where Abu Daqqa required emergency medical assistance.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) data, Abu Daqqa is the first Al Jazeera journalist to have been killed in the latest Israel-Hamas conflict since October 7.

Four other Al Jazeera journalists have been injured, CPJ says, including three in southern Lebanon and Dahdouh, who had also lost his wife, daughter, son and grandson in an attack on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza late October.

Under fire

Abu Daqqa and Dahdouh were on assignment in the southern city of Khan Younis when they came under fire.

Dahdouh later recounted the moments leading up to the incident. He said it took place when they were heading back to an ambulance belonging to the Palestinian Civil Defense after they were done filming in an area of Khan Younis that was hard to reach.

Suddenly, something happened, a big thing, I couldnt tell what it was, I only felt something big happened and pushed me to the ground, the helmet fell and the microphone, Dahdouh told Al Jazeera while on a hospital bed before being informed his colleague had lost his life.

I saw there was an intense bleeding from my shoulder and arm, and I realized if I stayed, I will be bleeding there in that location, and no one will reach me, he added.

Dahdouh said he was able to reach Civil Defense staff hundreds of meters away but was unable to help Abu Daqqa, fearing they would be targetted.

Al Jazeera said on air that Abu Daqqa was bleeding for five hours and no-one could reach to him due to the situation around him.

At least 17 others were killed and dozens of others were injured early Friday morning after artillery fire struck the citys Haifa school and a residential home in the area.

Three civil defense workers in Gaza whose rescue efforts at the school were being covered by the al Jazeera team were also killed, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Interior.

On Saturday, the body of Abu Daqqa, wrapped in a white cloth, was carried on the shoulders of the assembled crowd from Al-Nasser Medical complex in Khan Younis to a nearby cemetery. On his chest were the press vest and helmet he had been wearing when he was wounded.

Mourners gather around the body of Al Jazeera cameraman Abu Daqqa on Saturday. - Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images

Friends and relatives attended the funeral. - Bassam Masoud/Reuters

The funeral was attended by friends, family and colleagues, many of them wearing their press vests. Abu Daqqas wife and children live in Belgium.

Khan Younis has been heavily bombarded by the Israeli military since a fragile truce between Hamas and Israel broke down on 1 December.

As of December 15, preliminary investigations by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) found at least 64 journalists and media workers were among the thousands killed in Gaza since Israels siege began on October 7, following Hamas deadly terror attacks.

The majority of journalists killed in this war have been Palestinians, alongside four Israeli and three Lebanese members of the press, according to CPJ. Thirteen journalists have also been reported injured, 13 are missing, and 19 have reportedly been arrested, the organization said.

CPJ said Friday it was alarmed by the drone strike that killed Abu Daqqa and wounded Dahdouh and called on international authorities to independently investigate the attack and hold those responsible to account.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, CPJ President Jodie Ginsberg reiterated a call for the protection of journalists and emphasized the importance of their work in Gaza, which she called an unprecedented challenge.

Were really only left with Gaza journalists doing this really important documentation work, she said.

Abu Daqqas colleagues have been paying tribute to his bravery following his death, with Al Jazeera investigative reporter Tamer Al-Mishal describing him as professional and a great cameraman and editor [who] doesnt fear anything.

I spoke to him a few days ago and told him Why dont you join your family abroad? And he told me they will be back soon when this war is over, Al-Mishal said.

Abu Daqqa had decided not to leave Gaza, Al-Mishal added, noting that the cameraman had worked for more than 20 years for Al Jazeera.

Hiba Akila, another colleague of Abu Daqqa, remembered him as a cheerful co-worker.

Samer was not only an optimistic, joyful person who loved life, but he was also a journalist who upholds his journalistic mission, always giving us a boost whenever we felt pain and desperation, said the Al Jazeera correspondent in a broken voice as she reported live from Rafah on Friday night.

When we were supporting and comforting Samer that soon he will meet his family, he would say, I will not go to them, they will come here, and we will be together in Gaza, she added.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the location where Wael Dahdouhs family was killed. It was Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

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TEL AVIV  Mounting anger at the Israeli government spilled onto the streets of Tel Aviv Saturday after it emerged that the countrys military had mistakenly killed three hostages in Gaza who had a stick with a white cloth on it.

In a plaza in downtown Tel Aviv known as Hostage Square, Raz Ben Ami, who was released from captivity late last month, told a crowd of hundreds that she had warned the Israeli government that military operations in Gaza were putting hostages at risk and had unfortunately been proven right.

Emotions were raw a day after news broke that Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka and Alon Shamriz had been killed by soldiers from their own side.

Ben Ami, whose husband, Ohad Ben Ami, remains in captivity, told the crowd that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war Cabinet should present a proposal to free the dozens of people still held by Hamas.

Holding an hourglass, Ruby Chen, whose 19-year-old son Itay Chen is still being held hostage, said the government needs to be active in getting a new deal. He added that it was evident the current strategy wasnt working very well.

He also dies

The protest, which followed another demonstration on Friday night, erupted after an official from the Israel Defense Forces revealed Saturday that the hostages had a stick with a white cloth on it before they were killed.

The hostages were believed to have either been abandoned or escaped Hamas captivity, the official said, adding that a soldier felt threatened and opened fire.

Two are killed immediately, one is injured and runs back into the building, the official said. He added a that cry for help had been heard in Hebrew, but after the battalion commander issued a cease-fire order there was another burst of fire, and he also dies.

A preliminary investigation has been launched at the highest level, the official said, adding that the conduct went against our rules of engagement.

Families of Israeli hostages lift placards depicting their relatives. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP via Getty Images)

His comments came less than 24 hours after Netanyahu offered his condolences to the families of the dead in a post on the social media platform X.

The entire state of Israel will mourn this evening, he said Friday. This is a combat zone where there have been many incidents in recent days. Immediate lessons from the event are now being passed on to all the fighting forces in the field.

Around 1,200 people were killed in Hamas deadly attack on Oct. 7, and Israeli military officials say 116 soldiers have been killed during the countrys ground invasion in Gaza. The Israeli prime ministers office estimated that around 115 of the roughly 240 people taken hostage by Hamas remain alive in the enclave after more than 100 were freed during a pause in fighting at the end of November.

Inside Gaza, more than 18,700 people have been killed, while around 90% of the population has been displaced, with many living in spiraling humanitarian conditions, according to estimates from the United Nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Ronen Zvulun / Pool via AP)

At Saturday's demonstration, Lee Siegel, 71, whose brother remains held captive by Hamas, said he wanted the Israeli government to assure him and others that securing a deal to free hostages is a top priority.

But, he said: I think that if the hostages are indeed the priority then the government has disappointed in a big way."

Keith Siegel, 64, and his wife, Aviva Siegel, 62, were kidnapped from their home on the kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct. 7. Aviva Siegel was released several weeks ago, but Keith Siegel, who is an American-Israeli dual national, remains in Hamas' captivity.

Lee Siegel said he said he believes hostages, including his brother, will only be released when there is not violence."

Lee Siegel stands in 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv holding up a sign with his brother's photo. (Chantal Da Silva)

"I firmly believe Israel needs to come to a government decision that we are back to negotiating and that this is what we're going to do until we get the hostages returned," he said.

But, he said he wasn't convinced that message would be received by Israel's leadership, saying Netanyahu appeared more focused on his "political survival."

Every incentive to keep the war going

U.S. and Israeli officials have told NBC News they fear that some of Netanyahus positions on the war are rooted in a bid to prolong his political survival.

And with a growing sense he will not be able to maintain power once the fighting ends, they said he has a strong motive to prolong Israels offensive in the enclave.

He has every incentive to keep the war going, to ensure his political survival, one U.S. lawmaker, who asked not to be named, said Friday.

Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, also said Netanyahu is likely to have serious concerns about the day after the war.

There, it seems that Netanyahu is not only worried about how to stabilize the security situation the day after, but also how such decisions might affect his political career and how to reinvent his political posturing in the way he manages those discussions, he said.

Polls in recent weeks have also suggested Netanyahu could face a reckoning once the war does come to an end, with the Israeli leaders approval ratings plummeting in recent weeks, while polling also suggests Israelis will demand those at the top take responsibility for this crisis.

People March along a Tel Aviv boulevard in protest (Ahmad Gharabli / AFP via Getty Images)

In a survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute in late November, 72% of the 600 Jewish Israelis and 151 Arab Israelis polled said they believe there will be a wave of mass civil protests demanding those responsible for the failures of October 7 are held to account.

At least 73% of Jewish Israelis held that belief, along with 64% of the smaller pool of Arab Israelis surveyed.

While Israels military and security leaders have taken a share of the blame for the failures that allowed Hamas to launch its attack, Netanyahu has so far avoided publicly claiming any responsibility.

As calls grow for a cease-fire, Plesner said Netanyahu faces the difficulty of negotiating a deal that would see hostages freed without Hamas having to pay a very dear price.

And once the war is over, Plesner said, Netanyahu will face the fresh challenge of convincing Israelis you still need me, regardless of what you think about my responsibility for Oct. 7.
CHICAGO (CBS)  Two cousins who have been incarcerated for more than 40 years were freed after a judge exonerated them on Thursday for two 1981 murders.

James Soto, 62  Jimmy for short  and David Ayala, 60, were tried and convicted before a single jury of the Aug. 16, 1981, shooting that killed Julie Limas and Hector Valeriano in Pietrowksi Park at 31st Street and Keeler Avenue. Valeriano was a U.S. Marine home on leave, according to court records.

There was no physical evidence that tied the cousins to the double murder, and they never confessed. Soto's and Ayala's attorneys said the men were convicted almost solely based on coerced witness testimonies.

"It was wrong always and we're not going to try to think about the past," said Diana Gauna, James' wife. "It's the future and we're going to try and make up for all that lost time. We have so many family members that he hasn't seen."

Soto was released from the Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill Thursday night. Ayala was released from the Cook County Jail, according to his attorney.

Two cousins who have been incarcerated for more than 40 years were expected to be freed after a judge exonerated them on Thursday for two 1981 murders. CBS 2's Shardaa Gray went to the Cook County Jail, where one of the men was set to be released. After the judge exonerated James Soto, 62, and David Ayala, 60, there were tears of joy from family members. / Credit: Provided to CBS

Soto waited 42 years for the hugs he received upon exiting the prison.

"Elated, exuberant - but as I mentioned before, a bit of righteous anger," he said. "It should not have taken 42 years for this to happen."

Soto said the cousins will help each other now that they'll be free.

"I know we can't pick up where we left off, but I will try to do my best to help him, as will help me, to put my life back together," said Soto. "My first step is to go have a nice dinner of steak and lobster."

Soto stayed busy behind bars. In November, he earned a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University's prison education program.

He studied sociology, law, and creative writing.

While in prison, James Soto has helped several men gain new trials and sentence reductions. He even earned his bachelor's degree this year as part of Northwestern University's Prison Education Program. / Credit: Provided to CBS

He now intends on becoming a lawyer to help others who have been wrongfully convicted.

"I want to be able to be that lawyer that could help people just like me," Soto said.

Soto's sister, Pilar More, was just 8 years old when her brother was locked up.

"I can't even tell you all the time lost, and we're going to make up for it," More said. "Unbelievable - I've been pinching myself all day. It feels like I just can't  it's a dream."

Ayala and Soto are believed to be the two longest wrongfully-convicted people in Illinois state history. The cousins were arrested in 1981 at just 18 and 20 years old.

Now, Soto's family is together again, just days before Christmas.

/ Credit: CBS 2

"To have him actually here, and for the holidays - and be able to hug him and kiss him - is just amazing," said Jazmin Ordonez, Soto's niece, "and just very grateful to have him home now."

"Oh man," said Soto. "That makes it all the more sweeter."

Soto said he acknowledges that it will take time for him to transition back to life outside prison  and it will be drastic. He plans on seeking therapy and going back to school, but first he wanted that meal of steak and lobster.

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Reception held to celebrate 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between China, Kenya

Xinhua) 09:51, December 16, 2023

NAIROBI, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- A gala dinner to celebrate six decades of China-Kenya diplomatic relations was held Thursday evening in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with about 500 senior officials, diplomats, industry executives, students, and artists in attendance.

The event, whose key highlights were speeches, musical performances, acrobatic shows, and the launch of a book documenting 60 individuals' stories amid the deepening China-Kenya relations, was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Kenyan government.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian said in his speech that China is willing to work with Kenya to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, embark on a path of cooperation with distinctive features on the journey of national development and revitalization, constantly enrich the China-Kenya comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and jointly build an even closer China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.

Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya's prime cabinet secretary who also doubles up as cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, said that reviewing the development of Kenya-China relations over the past 60 years, the basic principles of equality, mutual trust and respect have made the friendship between the two countries ever stronger.

China is a reliable partner of Kenya in fields including trade, infrastructure construction, science and technology, education, culture, public health, and climate change, said Mudavadi, adding Kenya will continue to promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, carry out win-win cooperation and achieve common prosperity.

A photo exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Kenya was also held on the same day. A total of 71 photos were displayed, reflecting the achievements of cooperation in various fields between the two countries from different perspectives.

On Dec. 14, 1963, the governments of China and Kenya issued a joint communique, formally establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
? Somos los primeros interesados en querer saber la verdad, la presidenta de la Republica, los ministros y la sociedad. Y, para eso, le hemos dado el presupuesto que corresponde a la @FiscaliaPeru", enfatizo la presidenta Dina Boluarte, respecto a las investigaciones sobre las pic.twitter.com/w7iVgIcCNn
WASHINGTON  The days before Christmas are often a last-minute scramble for Congress as members work long hours to strike an annual spending deal before heading home for the holidays. But this time, lawmakers are pushing their biggest battles to the new year.

When Congress resumes work on Jan. 8, theyll have less than two weeks to fund transportation, housing, agriculture and energy programs by Jan. 19. Then they'll have only three additional days with both chambers in session before Feb. 2, when they need to fund all other agencies and avert a government shutdown once again.

However, appropriators in the House and Senate don't agree on how much they want to spend, gumming up the bicameral work necessary to build and pass a budget.

Theyll also have a fight over funding for Ukraine and the border-security policies tied to it. Even as Senate negotiators stay in town to work out a framework deal, divisions remain between both chambers and within the Democratic Party that will make additional aid far from guaranteed.

Here's what you need to know about Congress' unfinished business.

A budget quagmire

As part of the debt ceiling agreement brokered this spring, President Joe Biden and then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed to spend $1.59 trillion on the 2024 fiscal year, which began in October. That deal, codified as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, included an additional $69 billion in nondefense spending that was not included in the law itself.

Since then, the House replaced McCarthy with Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Now, many of the House's most conservative members are pushing Johnson to drop the $69 billion they call gimmicks," but which got many Democrats to sign onto the debt ceiling deal.

Johnson said earlier this week that House Republicans would stick to the $1.59 trillion but reject the $69 billion, which would cut nondefense spending by more than 9% below 2023 levels.

"The Senate has been projecting and writing well above (the FRA) by billions of dollars. That's not what the law says," Johnson said Tuesday. "As the rule-of-law team, we're going to follow the law."

Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., talks to reporters after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington.

That puts the House out of step with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, where they are more aligned on adhering to the original deal struck between McCarthy and Biden. The short timeframe to work out the differences will make it challenging to meet the deadlines Johnson set in the unique "laddered" funding extension approved in November.

If they can't come to an agreement, Johnson has pledged not to pass another short-term extension. Instead, he will support a "full year" extension through the end of the 2024 fiscal year in order to "refocus Washington on fiscal year 2025."

But thats not as simple as it sounds, due to a provision of the debt ceiling deal intended to keep negotiations on track: If Congress can't pass all 12 spending bills by the end of April, there will be an across-the-board government spending cut. It was originally intended to bring both sides to the table, but new budget estimates show the cuts would disproportionately impact nondefense spending.

Johnson has also floated the idea of putting forward a full-year extension that includes some changes that would further hit nondefense spending if the final appropriations bills don't have "good conservative wins."

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Tuesday that Democrats would not support a full-year funding extension to avoid the painful cuts. "Get back to the full deal that you cut, that you voted for, and lets do our jobs," she urged Johnson.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the chief Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, told USA TODAY on Monday that the two sides remained far apart and also urged Republicans to commit to the original deal.

"In the absence of (House Republicans) making a determination to follow the budget agreement the way they did in the Senate," she said, "we are on a trajectory to shutting the government down."

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) arrives for a House Democrat caucus meeting with White House debt negotiators at the U.S. Capitol on May 31, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Foreign aid and border security

While House members are wheels-up for the holidays, the Senate remains in town as a group of leaders negotiate a border security package with the White House.

Earlier this year, Biden proposed an aid package that would include about $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $10 billion for humanitarian assistance and $14 billion for U.S. border policies.

Republicans in both chambers  who include some skeptical of offering additional foreign aid to Ukraine  said they couldn't support the funding without new policies aimed at stemming migration at the southern border, including making it harder for migrants to qualify for asylum and easier to deport people who overstay their visas.

Senators of both parties, representatives from the White House and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have been working to reach a deal on policy changes that could get the funding through the Senate, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York asked the upper chamber to stay in Washington to vote on a shell bill that will carry the supplemental into the new year.

However, Republican senators have said they won't vote to advance a deal with only a framework instead of a full bill. And Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., a member of the negotiating group, said Thursday that Republicans would not put forward a deal that doesn't have the support of a majority of Republican senators.

"It would make no sense," he said. "Similarly, if we had all 50 Democrats vote for it that would be problematic because that means we haven't negotiated to a point where it truly is" securing enough concessions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, with Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), right, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), left, walking to meet with Senators on Dec. 12, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

House Republicans have been insistent that the deal should hew closely to the border security bill they passed earlier this year.

A source close to House leadership told USA TODAY that Johnson doesn't feel he must take up what the Senate agrees to, but that they are looking for substantive immigration changes that can justify aid that many House Republicans oppose.

The debate is coming as battle positions between Ukraine and Russia is cementing and winter is setting in. The Biden administration has warned it is running out of funding to help Ukraine fight off Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops.

"We know the world is watching. We know autocrats like Putin and (Chinese President) Xi (Jinping) are hoping for us to fail," Schumer said Thursday. "So we need to try with everything we have to get the job done."

Contributing: Francesca Chambers

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about the spending fights facing Congress in the new year
Oregon State and Washington State are the only two schools with Pac-12 voting rights. (Photo by Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Washington Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Oregon State and Washington State in their fight for control of the Pac-12.

The court said Friday that it was lifting a stay that it implemented in October after a request by the University of Washington. Both Oregon State and Washington State have been seeking to be the only schools with voting rights in the conference after the 10 other schools left for different conferences.

The stay came earlier this fall via a request from the University of Washington, as the court said it wanted to have a chance to give the battle for the Pac-12 a full review.

Earlier in October, a Washington state court judge gave Oregon State and Washington State control of the conference  and all of its assets, estimated at around $400 million  after the schools were granted a preliminary injunction. The Whitman County Superior Court judge ruled that the two schools should be the only ones making decisions for the conference because four are leaving for the Big Ten, four are leaving for the Big 12 and two are off to the ACC.

OSU president Jayathi Murthy and WSU president Kirk Schulz praised the decision in a joint statement:

"We are pleased with the Washington Supreme Court's decision today. We look forward to continuing our work of charting a path forward for the conference that is in the best interest of student-athletes an our wider university communities."

Fridays ruling upholds that decision and puts OSU and WSU as the only two schools in charge of the Pac-12s revenue and assets. The decision is a significant victory for the two remaining schools, though its ultimately a small one, given what transpired over the past 18 months. Oregon State and Washington State initiated legal action earlier this fall out of fear that the other schools could use their voting power to dissolve the conference and take control of assets before they leave.

We look forward to charting a path forward for the Pac-12 that is in the best interest of the conference and student-athletes, Oregon State said in a statement at the time of the October ruling in its favor. Our intentions are to make reasonable business decisions going forward while continuing to seek collaboration and consultation with the departing universities.

The University of Washington  one of the four schools heading to the Big Ten along with Oregon, UCLA and USC  then went to the state Supreme Court on behalf of the departing members of the conference and asked for a stay.

The two remaining schools argued that the departing schools had forfeited their voting rights when they chose to leave the conference over the summer. UCLA and USC lost their voting rights in the conference after they announced they were heading to the Big Ten in the summer of 2022. The other eight schools found new conferences in the summer of 2023 after the Pac-12 failed to agree to a new media rights agreement.

The Pac-12s current media rights deal expires at the end of the 2023-24 school year and allows for a relatively clean exit for Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah to the Big 12, Oregon and Washington to the Big Ten and Cal and Stanford to the ACC. The four Big 12-bound teams and Oregon and Washington made their decisions first this summer, and Cal and Stanford then moved to find a poor geographic fit in the ACC.
Solo Leveling key art

Crunchyroll has revealed its full slate of Winter 2024 anime season releases, with over 40 new, returning, and continuing series coming to the anime streaming service throughout January. Anime typically releases seasonally, with new releases starting every 2-3 months, and early 2024 is looking like its going to be huge for anime on Crunchyroll.

The headliner is, of course, One Pieces Egghead Island arc, which had its start date revealed a couple weeks ago and is set to start airing on January 6 in the US, or January 7 in Japan. The new story arc will see the Straw Hat crew headed to the futuristic Egghead Island, home of the enigmatic scientist Dr. Vegapunk  creator of the Pacifista and artificial Devil Fruit.

Other high-profile releases include the debut of Metallic Rouge, a new mecha series from Fullmetal Alchemist and Mob Psycho 100 studio Bones, as well as Bucchigiri?!, from Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man studio MAPPA.

Another one to watch out for  because we think its going to be absolutely huge  is Solo Leveling, an adaptation of a South Korean web novel being developed by A-1 Pictures, one of the powerhouses of the anime industry, responsible for Sword Art Online, Black Butler, Fairy Tail, and so much more.

Heres the full list of Winter 2024 Crunchyroll anime releases:

December 29

Burn the Witch #0.8

January 1

Fluffy Paradise

January 3

Classroom of the Elite season 3

Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki season 2

January 5

The Demon Prince of Momochi House

Sasaki and Peeps

The Unwanted Undead Adventurer

The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

January 6

One Piece Egghead Island arc

Solo Leveling

A Sign of Affection

Tales of Wedding Rings

January 7

7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!

Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside season 2

January 8

TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy- season 2

The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil

Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!

HIGH CARD season 2

January 9

Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord

January 10

Metallic Rouge

Songoku Youko

January 11

Delusional Monthly Magazine

January 13

BUCCHIGIRI?!

January 14

Meiji Gekken: 1874

The Fire Hunter season 2

Coming soon (undated)

Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp

MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES season 2

The Witch and the Beast

Continuing series
Based on the nonfiction book by David Grann, Killers of the Flower Moon stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart, a WWI vet who travels to Oklahoma to work for his wealthy uncle, William King Hale, played by Robert De Niro. Its the early 1920s, and this part of Oklahoma sits on lots of oil, whose rights are owned by the Native American Osage and other tribes. They are prosperous, some even rich, and its here that Ernest meets Mollie (Lily Gladstone). They fall in love and marry, but the storys undercurrent throbs with the mysterious death of so many Osage people and the white people assuming their oil rights.

Mollies sisters and mother die, and then Mollie herself gradually gets sicker. Is she being poisoned? Through a narrative rife with exploitation and death, the epic tale tracks the Reign of Terror, a string of murders within the Osage Nation that led to a federal investigation and the birth of the FBI.

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The films team of artisans worked with Martin Scorsese to show how the illness was taking its toll, slowly killing Mollie. It all began with the director, who says his key to capturing Mollie came from spending time with Osage Nation members, including some related to the characters in the film. Scorsese gained insight through many conversations. She was a resister, resisting the new ways that were destroying the culture, he says. She was very sharp and intelligent, but she was in love with Ernest, and he was in love with her. Now I have this love story, and yet [Ernest] is helping people kill her sisters. He may be poisoning her. We were fascinated by how they stayed together, and how they stayed together. Not necessarily why they stayed together.

Hair department head Kay Georgiou began Gladstones transformation by adding volume to the actors hair. Lily has great hair. We put in extensions to make it thicker, luscious, shinier and fuller. Its easier to add and take away, says Georgiou.

Gladstone was a key collaborator along with the artisans. One of the first conversations she had with Georgiou came from a previous relationship that impacted her health. Gladstone says, There was a period in my life when maybe it wasnt the healthiest relationship, but one of the ways my body reacted was that I lost a ton of hair, and the feeling of starting to fade away sets in.

As the poison inexorably weakens Mollie, Georgiou explains, We took the extensions out and put more grease into it to break it down more.

Makeup department head Thomas Nellen created five stages for Mollie that began with her looking healthy. I gradually lay [color] in her under eyes and made them deeper, he says. I added in circles, and we see her get paler.

Gladstone also took three weeks off so she could prepare for those scenes, changing her physical appearance and losing weight. She put herself on a regimen so she could look the part, says Nellen. We used an airbrush to apply makeup when shes really sick and sweaty. That was Martys idea; he wanted her to look really bad and feverish. When Mollie is finally taken to a hospital by the feds, she is at her weakest  eerily pale with hollow eyes. That is all grease in her hair, and she just looks dreadful, adds Georgiou.

Costume designer Jacqueline West captured the tribal dress of the day in concert with Osage consultant Julie OKeefe. Blankets proved an essential part of storytelling, with West procuring more than 1,000 of them from Pendleton and Osage artisans.

While Mollie was Wests prime focus, she and OKeefe also looked at how the characters sisters, Anna Brown (Cara Jade Myers), Reta (JaNae Collins) and Minnie Smith (Jillian Dion) would be portrayed. By contrast, says OKeefe, Mollie was the traditional sister, so Jacqueline put her in traditional clothing  sometimes colorful to counter the inner silence of the character.

Gladstone says, When I got tied into my first broadcloth skirt and gets cinched into that, suddenly youre six inches taller, and you have to hold yourself like a ballerina.

Through speaking with the Osage community, Gladstone and West made sure the blankets were held to demonstrate the patterning which showed what the status of a blanket was, thus honoring the women of the community.

West dressed Mollie in a U.S. military coat from the 1800s for her wedding scene. It was adorned with all things authentically Osage: ribbon work, embroidery and a finger-weaving belt, she says. The top hat was important to American mens dress and was reappropriated as part of the ceremonial nuptial dress for Osage women, who took feathers and made it their own to convey who they were. Its almost a rebelliousness against the American military.

OKeefe notes that wedding coats were an important symbol of wealth showing that brides came from a family of prominent chiefs. As for using traditional colors, the only archival photos West had to go on were in black-and-white, so she had to get creative. As things get darker for Mollie, so does her wardrobe, West says. I try to dress people from the inside out. I looked at what she would choose on a certain day, such as going to trial or when she makes a physical comeback. I tried to show that all in her palette was changing to reflect her mood.

As Mollies health deteriorates, she becomes bedridden, and set decorator Adam Willis created a bedroom that felt very lived in. We wanted it to feel like she spent a lot of time there, he says. It was dark but at the same time warm and inviting.

Production designer Jack Fisk elaborates: It was set-dressed so that the kids and everyone were sleeping upstairs. The dressing was minimal, which puts your focus on Mollie, and we didnt show a lot of comfort in the tapestries or stuff that would be around her.

In framing Mollie, cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto was careful to keep things as objective as possible. But as the story unfolds, audiences get more and more drawn into Mollies perspective and mind. All through the shoot, he wanted to ensure a visual distinction between the European settlers and the Osage, and so his visual language was inspired by old-school photography and Technicolor techniques. The DP, who has worked on several Scorsese films, was inspired here by the Autochrome Lumiere technique, a photographic process developed in 1903 by the Lumiere brothers. For everything that has to do with Ernest Burkhart and his uncle and the mastermind behind the exploitation of the Osage, William King Hale, I used a LUT [lookup table] that emulated the beginning of color and still photography. But shooting each scene and player is a custom process. When Ernest arrives, that is the way you see the environment, through those colors. Its all relatively subdued, Prieto says. But when Mollie is performing her longstanding dawn rituals, everything was as naturalistic as possible. Then as events escalate, so do the films visual motifs. Once [Mollies] sisters house explodes, the whole look of the movie changes, for everybody. It changes to a much higher-contrast, desaturated and grainy look. With Mollies health rapidly declining, she goes to Washington, D.C., with the Osage delegation to call attention to the deaths and certainly illegal appropriation of Osage Nation land rights.

Prieto underscores that Mollie feels as if she wants to kill her familys killers. Its a subjective point of view, he says. Theyre looking at the camera. Were directly in front and tracking with her  its almost a bit surreal. We had all this smoke blowing, and we get into her psyche.

Once Ernest is taken away and Mollie receives medical attention, her journey to recovery begins. But not without one last confrontation and she asks him what hes been giving her. She saw it as an opportunity to bookmark the Sho-Mee-Kah-See/ Coyote story. Gladstone says,  Ultimately, the broad scope of the whole film feels and plays out like a trickster story. In the beginning, Mollie calls Ernest out but keeps it playful and light, but shes got his number.

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A bird flu resurgence sent egg prices through the roof this past year  and it could happen again next year.

As of December 11th, data from the US Department of Agriculture shows that 426 commercial chicken flocks and 586 backyard flocks have tested positive for HPAI in the last 30 days. More than 72.5 million birds have died in 2022 and 2023.

That compares to the last major bird flu outbreak in the US in 2015, which resulted in the death of more than 50 million birds according to a 2016 report by the USDA.

The disease, which is highly contagious among birds, has the potential to kill entire flocks in less than 48 hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and could send chicken and egg prices higher if it crimps supply enough while demand remains high.

Since October, the number of bird deaths has grown. In October 1.37 million birds died, then 8 million in November, and now 4.33 million so far in December.

Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer and distributor in the United States, reported on Tuesday that one of its facilities in Kansas tested positive for HPAI. The company said in a news release that 684,000 laying hens or 1.6% of the companys total flock tested positive as a result of the outbreak.

Production at the facility has stopped. The company says it is following USDA protocols and shifting production to other facilities. Cal-Maine has not reported outbreaks at any of its other facilities and said it is taking strict protocols to ensure the disease doesnt spread elsewhere like its nearby complex that houses over one million hens.

Last Thursday, 2.6 million chickens were slaughtered in Hardin County, Ohio, at Trillium Farms as a result of bird flu. That comes less than a month after 1.3 million chickens were slaughtered elsewhere in Ohio, in Union County over another outbreak of bird flu.

Could history repeat itself?

Americans adjusted to prices that got as high as $5.46 per dozen last December. But companies increased inventories to keep up with demand, and egg prices crashed as bird flu instances fell, and the egg industry oversupplied grocery stores.

High prices resulted in sweeping profits for companies like Cal-Maine, prompting criticism and even calls for a Federal Trade Commission probe into alleged price gouging from some Senate Democrats.

Rising bird flu cases causes shortages again, its unclear how high prices could go and for how long they may remain high.

Urner Barrys benchmark Midwest Large eggs increased by 32 cents since Tuesday to $2.10, an increase of 18%. Much of the inspiration behind how egg producers plan their flocks has to do with what demand looks like around the holiday season.

Karyn Rispoli, Egg Analyst and Editor at poultry market intelligence firm Urner Barry said in an email to CNN that demand for eggs rose alongside the Thanksgiving holiday, as is often the case. She noted demand sometimes fluctuates between the holidays but increases closer to Christmas.

Wholesale prices of chicken eggs and eggs for fresh use both spiked in November, rising 58.8% and 71.2%, respectively, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics latest Producer Price Index data released this week. Those monthly increases were some of the largest jumps on record, BLS data shows.

Monthly data, especially commodity data, can be volatile and is frequently revised.

As for why egg producers increased their inventory, its because they are planning flocks around their three strongest demand periods: Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

People may not think of Thanksgiving and Christmas as an egg holiday as they do with Easter, but demand at this time of year is every bit as strong  if not stronger because eggs are a key component in most holiday baking recipes, said Rispoli.

CNNs Alicia Wallace and Danielle Wiener-Bronner contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Goin' Band from Raiderland carrying the band's banner in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 23 in New York City, New York.

From Lubbock to the Big Apple, 417 members of the Goin' Band from Raiderland had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on one of the biggest stages in the United States this Thanksgiving.

Waking up early Monday morning to catch their flight to NYC, band president Kaitlin Werner said she got a seat on the second story of the plane and got to see out the window as Texas Tech fans gathered at Lubbock's airport to send them off.

"It showed how much community support we have for Texas Tech to make this so surreal for students, for alumni, which is something that Texas Tech is very proud of," she said.

Little did they know their schedule would be nonstop and a copious amount of adrenaline would be running through their veins.

"By the time we got to New York, we had enough time to put our luggage away, change, and go to the rocket show that night," Joel Pagan, Goin' Band director, said. "We got back the next day people got up and had a whole day in New York. Early morning, Wednesday, early morning, Thursday."

The Goin' Band from Raiderland band members boarded nine busses Monday morning, to make the journey to New York to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The band left in a Boeing 747 for the four day trip.

Broadway to Broadway

After making four appearances on NBC's Today Show at Studio 1A early Wednesday morning, the band took their show to Times Square.

Performing in front of hundreds of Tech fans who had flocked to the Big Apple to celebrate them and their alma mater, assistant drum major Reilly Ledbetter said it was a surreal moment.

"You see Times Square all the time in like TV and media, so to be there, first off, was really really cool just to know that it's like actually a real place," she said. "They had one huge billboard that went to the centennial and so it was like Texas Tech all over in Times Square."

From Werner's position at the pep rally, she said she could see another billboard that displayed photos of her bandmates but was also next to parents who traveled to see their children play.

Goin' Band from Raiderland members show their "Guns Up" in New York City

"I had the parents taking so many videos telling us after or in between songs and just be like, 'I'm so excited that I'm here to watch you', and they'll take pictures of me," she said. "Some of them knew my mom and would send them to my mom, who couldn't be there."

Pagan said it had been cloudy during their time in Times Square, but the clouds seemingly knew to part when the band played God Bless America and The Matador Song.

Ledbetter also said when they played, she could hear the echo of the Matador Song and the Fight Song reverberating off the billboard as the band "completely filled up the space of Times Square."

Performing at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Having to wake up early and meet in the hotel lobby at 2:20 a.m., the Goin' Band loaded onto their buses and headed to the parade route for their 4 a.m. rehearsal.

"The rehearsal was at about a 10 to 15-minute rehearsal, and they just needed enough time for the NBC cameraman to kind of track what our movements are so they can make notes because the next time you do this is live," Pagan said.

Being confined to a 42-foot front-to-back green carpet in front of Macy's flagship store, Pagan said during the first run-through the band overshot its performance by three feet.

The Goin' Band's drums have "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" on their drums during the Texas Tech game against UCF, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Both Ledbetter and Werner said it was difficult practicing beforehand because the band is so used to permanent fixtures on the ground  such as field markings  that they could use to spot. But after a few more run-throughs, the band got it down and was ready to debut its newest school song.

After eating breakfast at Margaritaville, the band took its place behind Uncle Dan, a character from the Illumination film Migration.

""I just hear the announcer announce our name and then it all began. I could just hear everyone cheering, and I could see the view of New York," Werner said. "My favorite Texas Tech tradition is playing March Grandioso going into Jones (AT&T Stadium) and having that different feeling just gave me goosebumps all up my arm, playing it and hearing the echo from the skyscrapers."

For two and a half miles, the band marched past millions of people - and millions more watching at home - until they ended up on the green carpet to perform Wreck Em' Fanfare.

Written by Goin' Band alumnus Gabe Musella, Wreck Em' Fanfare can only be described as 75 seconds of iconic Texas Tech songs such as the Fight Song, Macarena, March Grandioso, the Horse Song and more all mixed together.

Goin' Band from Raiderland marching in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with their "Guns Up" on Nov. 23 in New York City, New York.

"I know a lot of the alumni loved it, too," Ledbetter said. "They were like picking out all of our little tunes and they were finding it and they got so excited about it."

Once the performance was done, Ledbetter said her adrenaline was still going.

"When we did our rehearsal beforehand rehearsal, I was exhausted after that, like I was completely shot but then we marched two and a half miles and then did the exact same thing afterward, and I still had energy to go - like I was ready to go like run a mile or something," Ledbetter said.

Warner said she hopes the performance in New York inspires others to keep pursuing music in college while also connecting it also creating closer connections with her bandmates.

"Those friendships last forever," she said. "They last a lifetime. All of my parent's friends that they still have now, we're all their friends from Goin' Band. That's something that I really like to be a part of and continue."

For those interested in learning more about the Goin' Band, visit www.depts.ttu.edu/music/GoinBand.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech Goin' Band from Raiderland members recall marching in NYC
The National Weather Service defines a white Christmas as having 1 inch of snow on the ground on the morning of Dec. 25.

Christmas Day is less than 10 days away, so forecasters are making predictions about whether there will be snow for the big holiday.

Unfortunately, for fans of a white Christmas, AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok warns that a "green Christmas" could be a common sight instead as the sun rises on Monday, Dec. 25.

Meteorologists at Weather.com agree, noting that "the weather pattern approaching Christmas suggests that warmer-than-average temperatures and drier conditions across the northern tier may limit snow blanketing the ground Christmas morning."

In fact, Pacific air streaming from west to east across the country will put a lid on the potential for intrusions of Arctic air or widespread snow events in the week before Christmas, potentially stunting the odds for a white Christmas for many, said Bill Deger, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

A family is determined to keep the tradition of cutting down their perfect Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving alive at Chanticleer Farms, on, Nov. 26, 2021, in Pittsfield, Mass.

Where will there be a white Christmas?

The best chances for a white Christmas are for folks who live in the higher elevations of the West, Weather.com meteorologists said.

There is also a chance of a white Christmas near the Canadian border from North Dakota to Maine, as well as in the mountains of West Virginia.

This map shows the historic probability of there being at least 1 inch of snow on the ground at weather stations across the United States on December 25 based on the latest (1991-2020) U.S. climate normals.

What is a white Christmas?

The National Weather Service defines a white Christmas as having 1 inch of snow on the ground on the morning of Dec. 25.

It need not snow on Dec. 25 to fit the weather service's definition of a white Christmas, but some flurries would certainly help put folks in the holiday spirit.

This year, as of Dec. 15, only 18% of the contiguous U.S. is snow-covered, the lowest percentage for the date since 2006, according to the National Weather Service. This time last year, the nation was 42% snow-covered.

Above-normal temperatures are likely for most of the country heading into the holidays, with El Nino promoting warmer maritime flow from the Pacific. This pattern would make for fewer holiday travel headaches for many! https://t.co/OmuELOiYIspic.twitter.com/LE23cX4sTz  NWS Climate Prediction Center (@NWSCPC) December 11, 2023

What are the typical odds for a white Christmas?

About 40% of the 48 contiguous states are typically snow-covered by Christmas, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NOAA said there are the parts of the United States where weather history suggests you want to be if you're looking for the best chance of a white Christmas: Head north to states or areas such as Minnesota, Maine, upstate New York, or the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, NOAA said.

Heading West is also a good idea, NOAA reports. "Practically anywhere in Idaho. And of course, the Rockies or the Sierra Nevada Mountains."

Some of the biggest cities with the best probability for a white Christmas, based on historical averages, include Minneapolis, Green Bay, Buffalo, and Burlington, Vermont, according to AccuWeather.

But this year, those cities could all be snowless, or nearly so. As of Dec. 15, of those four cities, only Burlington had any measurable snow on the ground, and that was a paltry 2 inches, the weather service reported.

The USA's fascination with a white Christmas dates to 1942, when Bing Crosby first crooned the wistful song in the film Holiday Inn.

Blame Bing?

The USA's fascination with a white Christmas dates back to 1942, when Bing Crosby first crooned the wistful song in the film Holiday Inn. Written by Irving Berlin, the song's lyrics bring out a romanticized image of Christmases past, "just like the ones I used to know."

"White Christmas," another movie featuring Crosby and the song, came out in 1954.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White Christmas snow forecast: What the chances across US?
A tiny town in Arizona is feeling the impact of a record number of migrants crossing the U.S. border, and the limited resources available to both U.S. and Mexican law enforcement to stem the flow.

The Lukeville, Arizona, border crossing, which was used daily by tourists headed to Mexican beaches and family members trading visits, has been closed since Dec. 4.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed the Lukeville Port of Entry to redeploy its officers to help agents on the front lines apprehend and process the more than 500 migrants who try to cross the border into the U.S. daily in this remote area.

On Wednesday, more than 3,000 undocumented migrants crossed in the Tucson sector, which includes Lukeville. On Thursday, NBC News witnessed hundreds of migrants, most of whom turned themselves in to claim asylum, being processed by CBP under tents in the Arizona desert, just off the highway running through Lukeville.

While major commercial trade was not affected by the closure of the port, nearby businesses that depend on the port for their livelihood are losing customers and worry they may soon have to cut staff or close.

Bernadette Nez, the general manager of the Why Not Travel Store in Why, Arizona, 20 miles north of the crossing, said she used to see over 100 customers a day. Now shes lucky if 15 people come to the store or buy gas.

Our sales had dropped down dramatically. Last week we made $5,000, which is what we usually would make in an eight-hour shift, Nez said. We had to cut hours for some of the employees as well. If this continues, well have to cut down the days that we are open. That impacts your staff right around the holidays.

A server in a nearby taco shop spoke with tears in her eyes as she talked about her fears that the store may have to close and she wont be able to see her mother in Mexico for Christmas. Getting to her mothers house, normally a 25-minute drive, could take seven hours if she has to use a different crossing, she said, and shes worried about affording gas and presents.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, wrote President Joe Biden on Dec. 8, saying that the federal government must act immediately to solve the unmitigated crisis caused by the Lukeville Port of Entry closure. She suggested that National Guard members who are currently on federal active duty could be reassigned to help CBP so it would have the manpower to reopen the crossing.

A White House spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the letter.

On Friday, Hobbs signed an executive order directing the state's National Guard to the border, saying the federal government's decision to close the Lukeville port had led to "an unmitigated humanitarian crisis" and "put Arizona's safety and commerce at risk."

Immigrants line up at a remote U.S. Border Patrol processing center after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Lukeville, Ariz. (John Moore / Getty Images )

Mexico and money

Data obtained by NBC News shows that the processing centers in the Tucson sector are over their capacity, at more than 130% full. Many migrants are coming from Mexico, Venezuela and Central America, but many are also coming from outside the Western Hemisphere, like Senegal.

One reason for the surge along the southwest border is Mexicos shortage of funds, said one U.S. and one Mexican official. Millions of migrants have been intercepted, arrested, held or deported on their way to the U.S. The funding for the National Institute of Migration (INM), Mexicos equivalent of CBP, typically runs low at the end of the year, and it is especially low after a year of record border crossings, the two officials said.

For more than five years, Mexico has been absorbing much of the strain of all migration north from Latin America to the U.S. Former President Donald Trumps "Remain in Mexico" policy, the Covid-19 policy known as Title 42 and more recent asylum restrictions under the Biden administration have all allowed U.S. border officials to push millions of migrants back into Mexico, even if they are not from Mexico.

The decline in funds has contributed to understaffing and a drop in interdiction at the southern border, where northbound migrants enter Mexico. Up north, it has made Mexico less able to accept migrants pushed back across its northern border by the U.S.

Mexicos INM has 35,000 agents, while the U.S. has 20,000 Border Patrol agents. The U.S. continues to send funding to Mexico to interdict illegal drugs and irregular migration, but Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has maintained that Mexico is under no mandate to take migrants back from the U.S. and has been doing so as a matter of cooperation.

In Lukeville, migrants keep coming, and they often show the effects of a long journey through rugged terrain. One mother told Telemundo she had to carry her daughter through the mountains to keep up with her group. Some migrants in thin jackets huddled together and even built fires by the border wall to keep warm as temperatures plunged to 40 degrees Fahrenheit overnight.

We knew this was going to be hard. We do it for our families, a man who recently crossed in Lukeville said.

Lukeville crossing remains closed, with no date for a reopening. On Dec. 9, another crossing closed near San Diego for the same reasons.
Matthew Perry

In the wake of Matthew Perry's autopsy report finally revealing the Friends actor's cause of death, a doctor is weighing in on the role of ketamine in his untimely passing.

Parade recently spoke with Dr. Peter Grinspoon, M.D., a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, instructor at Harvard Medical School and author of the memoir Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction.

In an email interview, Grinspoonwho did not treat Perry or examine his body after his deathoffered his insight about the results of Perry's autopsy report, which revealed the actor died from "the acute effects of ketamine."

Ketamine is a drug used for anesthesia and treatment-resistant depression, and it has a number of medical benefits. However, it's also "widely used recreationally and in the 'gray market,'" Grinspoon noted.

"Mr. Perry had a ketamine infusion a week and a half before he died, but ketamine has a relatively short half-life (a few hours), so there wouldn't have been enough ketamine in his system to cause symptoms," the physician explained. "It appears that he was supplementing this ketamine treatment on the side."

But what are the side effects of ketamine, exactly?

Grinspoon told Parade: "Ketamine can cause severe dissociation (temporary break from reality) and euphoria. People experience the 'K-hole' with a high enough dose. You can be very out of it."

In Perry's autopsy report, other contributing factors to his death included: "drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder)."

Grinspoon described buprenorphine as an "opioid that is phenomenally effective in helping people stay in recovery from opioid use disorder." However, it's still an opioidmeaning "it can contribute to respiratory depression, which is how people die, for example, from fentanyl overdoses."

When mixed with ketamine, buprenorphine can contribute to respiratory depression and "just being so high, dissociated, sedated and out of it that you shouldn't be alone, especially around water," Grinspoon noted.

Taking into account the ketamine and buprenorphine in Perry's systemcombined with his medical conditions, COPD and coronary artery diseaseGrinspoon explained: "It's not hard to imagine his falling in the water, or trying to swim/enjoy the hot tub, in a highly impaired condition (similar to as if someone were really drunk), while aloneit is a perfect storm!"

Next: Remembering the Stars and Legends We've Lost In 2023
In March of 2012, I posted my first blog for the Tallahassee Democrat. It was part of an effort to involve local citizens representing various segments of our community life in contributing to the newspaper. I remember it as being a response to the mantra at the time, all news is local.

As I recall, there were a number of us volunteers writing about faith, or volunteering, or community events, or gardening, or cooking, or health, or business. After consulting my daughter about just what a blog might be, I was thrilled to be asked to write. And ultimately this facet of my ministry became extremely important to me.

Since my assignment from the Tallahassee Democrat was the faith section, and because I wanted to represent it with a broad lens, I discovered an online calendar upon which I have relied through the years to stay aware of important holy days in religions.

The Interfaith Religion Calendar, which includes primary holy times for world religions and serves the global community, has been the site that I find most inclusive and reliable of the many interfaith or diversity calendars available online.

Calendar omission

So, imagine my shock when I consulted this site this week and could not find Hanukkah. I thought that it must be a mistake in the month of December. But when I scrolled through the months of the year 2023, I did not find a single entry for the many rich holy days and celebrations that Judaism holds sacred.

I checked the archives to see if I might be mistaken about Jewish exclusion. But in 2022, and prior years, the Jewish faith is represented. I wondered if Islam might also be excluded in 2023 and in checking the month of Ramadan did not find it, either.

I am not a journalist or a detective and feel uncertain about how to discover the reasoning behind the exclusion of these two major world religions in a calendar that has always included them. What comes to heart and mind immediately is the brutal war between Hamas and Israel that is continuing, threatening not only those in the region of the war, but all of us.

What also comes to heart and mind is that religion, for those who adhere to it in its many forms, is perhaps most important to the faithful in times of conflict and persecution.

Candles of hope

Lighting the candles of Hanukkah is perhaps more important this year than any in recent memory. Beginning on Dec. 7 at sunset and ending on Dec. 15 at sunset this year, Hannukah reminds those who observe it of a miracle that happened more than 2,000 years ago, when the Jewish people were surrounded by the darkness of larger armies and enemies imposing their Hellenistic views on the Jewish people and desecrating their temple.

The Maccabees, a priestly family of Jews, rebelled against the rulers of the known world and the Jews were able to reclaim their temple. While having only enough undefiled oil for one night of the eight required to properly dedicate the temple, the oil miraculously lasted.

This year, as the horrors of Oct. 7 and the ongoing hope of hostage release is foremost in the hearts of the Jewish people, Hanukkah is a reminder of the power of light over darkness, and the reality of miracles both centuries ago and now, in the midst of their darkness and suffering.

Since Oct. 7, when the terrorist group Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel, the Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism said it found a disturbing 388% year-over-year increase in reported antisemitic incidents across the United States, with 2,031 antisemitic incidents.

During the same time frame, there has been a surge in anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias that has been staggering, according to Corey Saylor, research and advocacy director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, with 2,171 registered complaints with anti-Muslim or anti-Palestinian hate.

Prayers for peace

Those celebrating Hanukkah and the miracles of oil and light include in their observance prayers for the miracle of peace and healing for all the innocent victims of this war, Israeli and Palestinian alike, as do all people of goodwill.

The "Project Menorah" website offers several printable Menorahs for non-Jews to print and place in their windows in solidarity with Jewish friends and neighbors.

I am moved that among these statistics of increased hate there are also stories of love and hope. A father who wanted his son to celebrate his Jewish heritage but was concerned about putting a menorah in his window was assured by a friend miles away who was not Jewish that she would light a menorah in her window in solidarity.

From this, a grassroots movement, Project Menorah, has been born, and people in at least eight countries around the world, including our own, have joined in.

For the first time ever a German chancellor, Chancellor Olaf Schultz, attended a public menorah candle lighting. It was the largest European menorah at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, where he lit the first candle. His historic attendance and participation send a powerful message of solidarity with Germanys Jewish community, as well as with Jews around the world.

'Our futures are entwined'

The largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel, Standing Together, has prioritized six initiatives in response to the war, including: solidarity conventions promoting peace, de-escalation and solidarity within Israel, support for victims of discrimination and political persecution, student support, release of the hostages, and public campaigns to impact discourse.

In a New York Times article dated Nov. 17, reporter Tayla Minsberg writes about a recent trip by the founders of Standing Together, Sally Abed, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, and Alon-Lee Green, a Jewish citizen of Israel, to New York.

Upon arrival they were skeptical of how they would be received based on the ways in which many in America have made the choice between the two groups a binary one, offering the simple comfort of pro or con, or right or wrong. Cara Raich, a conflict adviser based in New York, says that this is a false binary, a fallacy based on the premise that erroneously limits the options to two choices.

The Standing Together message was thankfully well-received in the U.S. because it offers a different kind of simplicity than choosing one of two sides.

Libby Lenkinski, a vice president at the New Israel Fund, an organization that funds and supports Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups, and moderator for the recent Standing Together talks in New York, Washington, and Boston says, This isnt, Kumbaya, lets all hold hands and love each other. Its: Theres actually no way that one side is going to win. Our futures are intertwined and the only way that we can keep ourselves alive is by keeping each other alive.

These talks, their mission, is to encourage us all to take the side of peace.

As I reflect further on why the Jewish and Islamic holy days are not among those in the interfaith calendar this year, I wonder if it is to protect them both from any hate that might be shown against them on their holy days.

It is my prayer in this season of light in the darkness and prayers for peace among many religious and spiritual practices, that we can find a way to see our interconnectedness as humans and practice loving-kindness as we seek peace. May it be so.

The Rev. Candace McKibben

The Rev. Candace McKibben is an ordained minister and pastor of Tallahassee Fellowship.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Working on a miracle: Peace and healing for innocent victims
Ministerial Resolution No. 000508-2023-MC, published in the Official Gazette El Peruano last Thursday, strengthens the sustainable use of this cultural space and provides a regulatory tool that allows for implementing concrete actions to adequately monitor the flow of visitors to Machu Picchu.

#COMUNICADO ?? | El Ministerio de Cultura da a conocer al publico lo siguiente: pic.twitter.com/X0QjKdsYcV
Wreckage of Pan Am Flight 103

Thirty-five years ago this week the deadliest terror attack in British history took place when Pan Am flight 103 from London to New York exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie.

Short presentational grey line

In a prison cell in the United States, 72-year-old Abu Agila Masud is waiting to stand trial, accused of making the bomb that destroyed the US airliner.

The prospect of the Libyan's trial has been accompanied by a renewed surge of interest in the events of 21 December 1988.

At its heart lies an atrocity which killed 270 men, women and children from 21 countries. Entire families died on the plane and on the ground.

An account of the investigation that followed reads like the ultimate true crime detective story.

Everyone on board Pan Am Flight 103 that night was killed; 259 passengers and crew. The oldest was 82, the youngest was a two-month-old baby.

Two thirds of the victims were Americans. It was the worst terror attack on the US until 9/11.

Another 11 people perished when the wreckage fell on their homes in Lockerbie. In total, 44 UK citizens were killed. It remains the worst act of mass murder in British legal history.

'You couldn't make this up'

Megrahi was found guilty of playing a central role in the bombing

There will always be competing theories about who was responsible but only one version of events has been accepted by a court of law and upheld on appeal.

In 2001, a Scottish court sitting in the neutral Netherlands ruled it was an act of state-sponsored terrorism carried out by the Libyan intelligence service.

Three judges decided Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was part of the plot and convicted him of playing a central role in the bombing.

He became known as "the Lockerbie bomber" but he was always accused of acting along with other Libyan conspirators, including Abu Agila Masud, the man now facing trial in the US.

The case put before that court more than 20 years ago followed an international investigation that extended to 70 countries.

Almost every piece of key evidence has been debated and disputed, to the exasperation of the Scots and Americans who investigated Lockerbie.

Responding to accusations that Libya and Megrahi were framed, a former chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary once declared: "You couldn't make this up. How on earth can you set up a chain of evidence like that? It's nonsense."

The story of that chain of evidence starts in the streets of Lockerbie and the surrounding countryside.

The world's biggest crime scene

Wreckage of Pan Am Flight 103

The Boeing 747 Maid of the Seas broke up at 31,000 feet as it flew from Heathrow to New York, four days before Christmas.

Approximately 319 tons of wreckage were scattered over 845 square miles - the largest crime scene in history.

A town that would normally have four police officers on duty found itself at the centre of a massive recovery operation and investigation.

By the morning of 22 December, about 1,100 police officers were involved, along with 1,000 personnel from the military, emergency services, local authorities and voluntary groups.

In the weeks that followed, a painstaking search recovered wreckage as far away as the coast of Northumberland on the other side of the country.

Investigators found signs of an explosion on one of the baggage containers from the forward hold.

Scottish police and FBI agents established the bomb had been concealed in a Toshiba radio cassette player in a Samsonsite suitcase.

Initially, suspicion fell on Iran and a Syrian-backed Palestinian militant group.

On 3 July 1988, a US Navy cruiser USS Vincennes had mistakenly shot down an Iranian airliner over the Gulf, killing all 290 men, women and children on board. Iran swore revenge.

Three months before the Lockerbie bombing, in an operation titled Autumn Leaves, West German police had raided flats in Frankfurt and arrested members of the Syrian-backed Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine General Command (PFLP-GC).

The group had been preparing bombs in radio cassette players. By December 1988, most had been released.

The feeder flight for Pam Am 103, Pan Am 103a, had left from Frankfurt.

Months were spent investigating the PFLP-GC group but the search for evidence then took the inquiry in a different direction - to an island in the Mediterranean.

The Maltese connection

A babygro from the suitcase containing the bomb had been made in Malta. Another charred fragment from a pair of trousers bore a Yorkie label. With the input of the FBI, the inquiry traced the Yorkie brand to a Maltese clothes manufacturer.

Scottish detectives visited the firm and were told Yorkie trousers had been sold to a small shop in a side street in Sliema.

The officers listened in astonishment when the owner of Mary's House recalled selling Yorkie trousers to a man in the weeks before the Lockerbie bombing.

It was an unusually lucrative piece of business Tony Gauci remembered well, even though it had happened nine months before.

Tony Gauci's clothes shop, Mary"s House, was in the seaside suburb of Sliema

He said the customer had bought a seemingly random collection of clothes and an umbrella.

Mr Gauci was certain he was Libyan and in February 1991, shown a photograph of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi supplied by the Czech intelligence service, he said it looked similar to the man who'd come into his shop.

His identification of Megrahi was never absolute but records showed the Libyan was on Malta on the date Mr Gauci was alleged to have sold him the clothes.

All of this was vigorously disputed at Megrahi's trial and has been ever since, but to this day that cornerstone of the prosecution case remains in place.

Fragment of a bomb timer

In January 1989, detectives searching near the countryside 30 miles from Lockerbie had found another scrap of cloth.

Embedded in the charred neckband of a shirt was a fragment of a green-coloured circuit board.

With the help of the CIA, the FBI matched it to MST-13 bomb timers which had been seized in the African country of Togo.

Then with the assistance of German police and the authorities in Switzerland, the trail led to a company called Mebo.

The first interviews with the company revealed it had sold MST-13 timers to Libya. One of its owners, Edwin Bollier, knew Megrahi, who had an office next to his in Zurich.

Back in Malta, an exhaustive search of immigration records established Megrahi had arrived on the island from Libya on 20 December 1988, the day before the bombing, using a false passport supplied by the Libyan intelligence services.

He travelled back to Libya on the 21st, accompanied, it was alleged, by the suspect now in that American jail - Abu Agila Masud.

In November 1991, Scottish and American prosecutors announced charges which alleged that Megrahi and another Libyan, Al Amin Khalifa Fhimah, were members of their country's intelligence service.

Megrahi had been head of security at Libyan Arab Airlines. Fhimah was the former station manager for Libyan Arab Airlines at Luqa Airport on Malta.

They were accused of placing the suitcase containing the bomb into the luggage system at Luqa for a flight from Malta to Frankfurt.

Computer records printed off by a baggage handler at Frankfurt Airport after the bombing showed an unaccompanied suitcase had arrived on a flight from Malta and was loaded onto the feeder flight Pan Am 103a.

The prosecution case was that it transferred onto board Pan Am 103 at Heathrow.

The first Lockerbie trial

Interviewed in Libya, Megrahi and Fhimah protested their innocence. Megrahi said he hadn't been in Malta on the day of the bombing but the fake passport proved otherwise.

Libya's leader Colonel Gaddafi refused to hand the men over.

Years of deadlock and sanctions followed, until the involvement of Nelson Mandela and a UN-brokered deal led to a trial in a Scottish court at Camp Zeist, a former US airbase in the Netherlands.

After 84 days of evidence, Fhimah was cleared. Megrahi was convicted of mass murder, lost his first appeal and was flown to Scotland to serve a life sentence.

Many relatives of the American victims were furious that Colonel Gaddafi had not been in the dock with the pair.

But some relatives of the British victims, led by the English GP Dr Jim Swire, believed and still believe that Megrahi was innocent, and the real culprits were Iran and the Palestinians.

In 2003, lawyers acting for the victims announced they had reached agreement with Libya over a 1.7bn compensation fund.

Libya accepted responsibility for the actions of its officials, although years later Colonel Gaddafi's son claimed it had only done so for sanctions to be lifted.

Doubts over the conviction

Dr Jim Swire - who believed Megrahi was innocent - at Camp Zeist

In 2007, the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission referred the case back to the appeal court.

It said it had found nothing to suggest evidence had been tampered with - a longstanding accusation from Megrahi's supporters - but believed he might have been the victim of a miscarriage of justice, principally over Tony Gauci's identification of him as the man who bought the clothes for the suitcase that held the bomb.

The case was slowly working its way through the courts when Megrahi was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2008.

He abandoned his second appeal in 2009 and was released on compassionate grounds by the Scottish government after doctors advised he had three months to live.

The decision was supported by Dr Swire and some of the other British relatives, but it is still the cause of great bitterness among many relatives of the American victims.

Megrahi outlived Colonel Gaddafi, who was killed after an uprising toppled his regime in 2011. The man called the Lockerbie bomber died in 2012, three years after his release.

New suspects

Gaddafi's demise gave investigators fresh hope that new light could be shed on Lockerbie. Contact was made with the new Libyan authorities and Scottish and American investigators and prosecutors travelled to North Africa to meet them.

In 2015, Scotland's Crown Office and the US Attorney General announced they had evidence to treat two Libyans as suspects and were requesting permission from Libya to interview them.

The suspects were Abu Agila Masud and Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, who had picked up Megrahi at the airport in Tripoli when he arrived home from Scotland six years before.

What appeared to be a major development was derailed when Libya descended into civil war but lines of communication with Libyan officials were maintained despite the bloodshed and chaos.

A third appeal

Megrahi died in 2012, three years after his release

In 2017, five years after his death, Megrahi's family lodged a new bid to clear his name.

It was being considered when Scotland's national police force announced the results of Operation Sandwood - an investigation into allegations from Megrahi's supporters.

Police Scotland said they had found no evidence of criminality in relation to the handling of the investigation and prosecution of the case.

What they had found was new information which they passed to the Crown Office and the Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission which was looking at the case a second time.

In 2020, the commission sent Megrahi's conviction back to the appeal court, having concluded that: "No reasonable trial court, relying on the evidence led at trial, could have held the case against Mr Megrahi was proved beyond reasonable doubt."

As ever with Lockerbie, it wasn't that simple.

The commission also said it had obtained new information which, if believed, pointed at Libya and Megrahi as being responsible for bombing Pan Am 103.

A cycle of retribution and revenge

Lockerbie memorial

On the 32nd anniversary of the bombing, the US announced charges against Abu Agila Masud, who was serving a jail sentence in Libya for targeting anti-Gaddafi forces back in 2011.

The FBI criminal complaint said Masud had confessed to making the bomb that brought down Pan Am 103, and had acted in concert with Megrahi and Fhimah, the Libyan cleared at Camp Zeist.

The Americans alleged Masud was an ex-Libyan intelligence operative and had admitted carrying out the attack on the orders of Colonel Gaddafi, who, he said, congratulated him afterwards.

Masud was also said to have admitted making the bomb used in an attack on a disco in Berlin in 1986.

American and Scottish investigators believe that was the incident that triggered the whole terrible cycle of retribution and revenge that led to Lockerbie.

Libya and the US were at loggerheads in the 1970s and 80s. The bombing at the La Belle disco killed two US servicemen and a Turkish woman, and injured another 229 people, 79 of them American.

The then US president Ronald Reagan said Libya was responsible and 10 days later, the US air force bombed the Libyan capital Tripoli and the city of Benghazi.

Widely seen as an attempt to assassinate Colonel Gaddafi, who survived, the operation killed his adopted baby daughter along with at least 15 civilians.

The bombing of Libya after the bombing of the disco has been put forward as the motive for the bombing of Pan Am 103.

Another theory is that Libya took on the "task" of avenging the shooting down of the Iranian airliner after the Palestinian cell was discovered in West Germany.

A month after the charges against Masud had been made public, Scottish judges rejected Megrahi's posthumous appeal and upheld the verdict delivered at Camp Zeist 20 years earlier.

Will there be another trial?

Abu Agila Masud is accused of making the bomb

In December 2022, a few weeks before the 34th anniversary of the bombing, came the news that Masud had been handed over to American custody.

The exact circumstances have not yet been explained but the head of Scotland's prosecution service has said the process was lawful.

Masud's family claimed he had been dragged from his sick bed by armed militia and was a religious man who wouldn't kill anyone.

Named in court papers as Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi, the Libyan has pled not guilty to two counts of destruction of an aircraft resulting in death and a count of destruction of a vehicle resulting in death.

Assuming his trial goes ahead, the case built by Scottish and American investigators over decades will be put before a jury in a US federal court.

The provenance of the alleged confession is sure to be contested by the defence.

Will the trial happen? Masud is a long way from home and facing the possibility of ending his days in a foreign jail.

If he does know what happened at Lockerbie, would it be in his interests to co-operate with the US authorities?

As for Gaddafi's former spy chief, Abdullah Senussi, he's still alive in Libya.

The prospect of him ever standing trial over Lockerbie seems far-fetched, but this case has a long history of unexpected twists and turns.

Thirty-five years on, there are more chapters in this story to come.
Volvo withdrew its EX30 electric vehicle from competition for the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award in the past week.

Thats fine. The announcement is the act of a mature, responsible management team. Delaying a vehicle shouldnt be an embarrassment, not a shameful secret. Repeated, lengthy delays that leave buyers in the dark are another matter.

This was a good decision for Volvo, its customers, the NACTOY awards, good for me, and  surprisingly  good for Hyundai.

Volvo didnt reveal the reason, simply saying, We are always evaluating our production timelines and volumes and make adjustments according to a variety of inputs.

Prices for the 2025 Volvo EX30 electric subcompact SUV will start at $34,950.

Volvo now expects deliveries in the U.S. and Canada to begin by summer, past the time of eligibility for the awards.

The EX30, a compact electric SUV, is expected to be one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S., with prices starting at $34,950, in the U.S. European sales recently began. Volvo builds it in Chengdu, China, and is already adding production at a factory in Ghent, Belgium, to meet demand.

Volvo hasnt said when Chinese sales will begin, but you can expect strong demand from the worlds most incentivized EV market.

This doesnt take away from Volvos potential success with the EX30, S&P Global Mobility associate director Stephanie Brinley said.

More: The game-changing $35K 2025 Volvo EX30 may be America's next hit EV

More: The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV might put a charge into GMs ambitious electric vehicle plan

Get it right

I initially drove the EX30 at its global introduction in Barcelona, covering about 150 miles from the crowded metropolis to seaside cliffs, inland hills, twisting country roads and highways.

I was impressed by its value, engineering and design. Volvo reps told me theyd deliver vehicles to owners in the U.S. in January.

This past week, a note from North American Car and Truck of the Year jury president Jeff Gilbert  the voice of CBS News automotive coverage on WWJ-AM (950) in Detroit  informed me and my fellow jurors the first vehicles will not be delivered to customers until well into 2024, perhaps not until summer.

The award for the 2023 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards sits on the AMD stage during the 2022 North American International Auto Show at Huntington Place convention center in Detroit on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022.

The EX30 may be considered for next years award. More immediately, the Hyundai Kona was promoted from fourth place vote-getter to third as a finalist, alongside the Kia EV9 and Genesis GV70 Electrified.

All three finalists now come from Hyundai-Kia, the South Korean giant that was already establishing itself as a leader in the burgeoning EV market. Thats great news for HK, and cause for consternation at other automakers.

Its also a credit to Volvos transparency. Unlike many automakers, who cash the deposit check immediately but go mum when it comes to a delivery date, Volvo respected its most enthusiastic customers enough to give them options: Maybe extend a lease till summer, maybe buy a different vehicle. It was a responsible decision, respectful of its customers, and Ill bet people whove ordered EX30s reward it.

2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV at the automaker's proving ground in the Mojave Desert

Maybe the delays due to heavy demand from Europe. Maybe its a shortage of parts or a just-discovered glitch. The reason wont matter in the long run, as long as the EX30s are right when they roll off the boat into American driveways.

Enough about you; lets talk about me

I hope the decision also plays well with my compatriots on the NACTOY jury. In the past, automakers have tried to game the system to get a vehicle on the ballot when it really didnt belong there. Our eligibility rules are fairly simple: The vehicle must have gone on sale in the U.S. and Canada this year. We add January to provide a margin for the exigencies of production and shipping.

In the past automakers have insisted their vehicle qualified, but not told us they only delivered two to customers. Other companies have moved heaven and earth to get preproduction vehicles into our hands, and failed to get make the finals because they were clearly not ready for prime time.

I need more driving time to be sure how I feel about the he Volvo EX30's unusual dispaly and controls.

Dont insult my intelligence. Like buses, theres always another award coming. If your vehicle isnt ready, tell us itll be eligible next year.

If it makes the ballot, itll have a better chance of getting my vote. I liked everything I could determine about the EX30 in the brief drives I had. Liked it a lot.

But it wasnt going to get my vote, because I hadnt lived with one for long enough to be confident in the design of its controls and gauges, which dispense with convention in favor of a single touch screen in the middle of the dash. Volvo said most owners will use its Google speech recognition for most functions. Maybe, but I havent used them enough to be convinced. By this time next year, I will have. I also need to experience its battery range and charging in everyday use.

Welcome to the party, Hyundai Kona

Full disclosure: The Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV was No. 3 on my ballot for NACTOY finalists, behind the EX30 and Kia EV9. (Not necessarily in that order; you have to wait until we reveal Free Press vehicles of the year Jan. 31 to find out how I voted.) Ive got nothing against the Genesis GV70 Electrified, a luxury SUV built on an architecture cleverly designed to accommodate both conventional and electric power trains. I just like the Konas affordability. It also offers a choice of either EV or a gasoline engine, and it costs thousands less than the Genesis.

So Im looking forward to driving a Kona one more time before I cast my vote. But not every juror necessarily has time for that, the holidays are busy and fraught. Through no fault of its own, the Kona could be disadvantaged by its late addition.

2024 Hyundai Kona EV

I hope thats not the case, and I hope NACTOYs officers EX30 make the little Volvo eligible next year.

They both deserve a shot at the auto industry's top award.

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Im glad Volvo pulled the EX30 EV from SUV of the Year ballot
Erling Haaland missed Manchester Citys trip to Luton last weekend (REUTERS)

Manchester City will hope to build on a win at Luton as they welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiolas side ended a run of four games without a Premier League win as they secured victory at Kenilworth Road last Sunday, even with Erling Haaland absent.

Crystal Palace impressed in their last league fixture, but conceded twice late on to Liverpool to let victory slip.

Defeat nonetheless kept the pressure on Roy Hodgson with the club having slipped to 15th in the table.

Heres everything you need to know. Get the latest Manchester City vs Crystal Palace odds and tips here.

When is Manchester City vs Crystal Palace?

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace is due to kick off at 3pm GMT on Saturday 16 December at the Etihad Stadium.

Is it on TV?

The match will not be shown live in the United Kingdom. Extended highlights will be shown on Match of the Day, which starts on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer at 10.25pm GMT.

Team news

Erling Haaland is set to again be absent for Manchester City as the striker battles a foot injury, while Jeremy Doku is also a a major doubt. Kevin de Bruyne continues to recover from a hamstring issue.

Roy Hodgson is facing something of an availability crisis after four issues cropped up in the defeat to Liverpool. Jordan Ayew will serve a suspension after being sent off last weekend, while Sam Johnstone, Jefferson Lerma and Odsonne Edouard all appeared to suffer injuries in that game. With Johnstone joining Dean Henderson on the sidelines, Remi Matthews is set for a first start in goal.

Predicted line-ups

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias Ake; Stones, Rodri; Foden, Silva, Kovacic, Grealish; Alvarez.

Crystal Palace XI: Matthews; Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Clyne; Olise, Richards, Ahamada, Hughes, Schlupp; Mateta.

Odds

Manchester City win 2/11

Draw 7/1

Crystal Palace win 16/1

Get the latest football betting site offers here

Prediction

A comfortable victory for Manchester City. Manchester City 3-1 Crystal Palace.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has named Mark A. Welsh III the flagship university's 27th president.

The regents unanimously voted Tuesday to approve Welsh, a retired U.S. Air Force general, as Texas A&M's president. Welsh had been serving as the interim president since July, after President M. Katherine Banks resigned amid backlash from the controversial botched hiring of University of Texas professor Kathleen McElroy.

Texas A&M initially offered McElroy a position with the possibility of tenure to revive the university's journalism program but backtracked the offer to a one-year post with no tenure after the announcement sparked backlash from conservatives and complaints from university regents. McElroy, who is Black and has published research on newsrooms' diversity, equity and inclusion, told The Texas Tribune that she was told she was caught up in the "DEI hysteria."

During the regular legislative session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 17, which bans DEI offices in public universities. Texas A&M and McElroy reached a $1 million settlement in August over the botched hiring.

Before taking his interim position as the school's top administrator, Welsh had served as dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service. He also spent 40 years in the U.S. Air Force, including as the 20th chief of staff. Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp named Welsh a finalist Nov. 17, praising him as "an experienced leader in our midst who supports our Aggie core values."

Texas A&M President Mark Welsh

Welsh is coming into the position at a time when colleges in Texas are working to meet the state's workforce needs and research aspirations. Texas A&M is also navigating recruitment challenges stemming from the McElroy hiring scandal and implementing new rules to meet the state's deadline for Senate Bill 17, a state law set to go into effect Jan. 1 that outlaws diversity, equity and inclusion offices.

Welsh said Wednesday that he will start his term by continuing to focus on Texas A&M's research identity, academic direction and students, including launching a student experience survey.

"The heart of A&M has always been the experience the students have while they're here across the entire spectrum of activities in Aggieland, and we don't want them leaving here with frustrations instead of great memories," he said. "Before that starts to be a problem we're going to try and get ahead of it."

Welsh also confirmed that some departments have expressed concern about being unable to attract the same number of job candidates as they did before McElroy's hiring was botched, but it isn't universal across all departments. He said he believes Texas A&M is a wonderful place and would tell anyone that.

"If we have a job that's open at the university where I'm involved in the search, what I'm going to tell people is A&M is the same great place it was before last summer," he said. "I would also tell anybody who really wants to learn about A&M, come here and take a look for yourself and don't believe what you might hear from somebody who's telling you about the place. Come make up your own mind."

Welsh also said they will study the effects of the "pretty rapid growth" in the student population. U.S. News reported that Texas A&M's fall 2022 enrollment was more than 74,000 students. He expects the study will last from January to May or June and will aim to stabilize the student population through then.

"After we've done that, we'll then go about right-sizing A&M for about an 80,000-student university," he said. "Make sure we have the right kind of facilities, make sure we have the right numbers of faculty and the right size staff, we're providing the right kind of services so that our students have a wonderful experience. And then at that point, we can take a look at 'OK, can we get bigger? 

When it comes to being a college leader at a time when college presidents are under scrutiny for how they handle the Israel-Hamas war's effect on campuses, and Gov. Greg Abbott's call for college leaders to denounce antisemitism at their institutions, Welsh said he feels "privileged" to guide his campus through these challenges.

"I feel a responsibility to do everything in my power to not just take care of but to promote, develop and benefit everybody here  faculty, staff or students," Welsh said, adding that he is "very, very proud" of the way both Jewish and Palestinian students on campus have reacted, peacefully demonstrated and respected different opinions on campus.

He also said Texas A&M will fully comply with SB 17, and that he agrees with and respects the anti-DEI law. He said he does not believe it will affect inclusion on campus.

"When you step on our campus as a member of the faculty, the staff or the student body, you become a member of this family," Welsh said. "And you should always be treated with respect."

Welsh also served as commander of the United States Air Force Academy and the associate director of military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency, according to Texas A&M. He joined the university in 2016 as the Bush government school's dean.

His starting salary as president will be $1.1 million, according to media reports.

Welsh said his whole family is made up of Aggies and that Texas A&M is a "remarkable place."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Higher education: Mark Welsh tapped as Texas A&M's president
Five people have been charged as part of an ongoing human trafficking investigation, according a news release from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

On Dec. 7, SLED charged Rebecca Melanie Perry, 29, of Fayettesville, North Carolina, with trafficking people younger than 18.

From Feb. 18 to Feb. 21, Perry recruited, harbored, isolated and transported a victim under the age of 18 for the purposes of sex trafficking, according to an affidavit. It began at a Super 8 Motel in Augusta, Georgia and continued at the HomeTown Studios and Suites Columbiana at 350 Columbiana Drive in Richland County, where commercial sex acts took place, law enforcement said.

According to affidavits, SLED arrested the four others earlier this year for allegedly trafficking people out of the same Richland County Hotel.

Jared H. Pease, 56, of Darlington, was charged Nov. 9 with three counts of advertising three minors for the purpose of performing sexual acts for compensation, according to affidavits.

Antonio Marquis Nicholson, 32, of West Columbia, was charged July 26 with four counts of recruiting, harboring, isolating and transporting a victim under the age of 18 for sex trafficking, according to an affidavit. Terrell Counts, 32, of Columbia, and Monesha Tatayana Lapri Gary, 24, of Laurens were also charged with recruiting, harboring, isolating and transporting a victim under the age of 18 for sex trafficking in May.

The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office will prosecute the case.

The Richland County Sheriffs Department, the Columbia Police Department, the West Columbia Police Department, the Darlington County Sheriffs Office, the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office, the Horry County Sheriffs Office, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations continue to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information that could involve human trafficking is encouraged to contact SLED via their tip email, tips@sled.sc.gov.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force and the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network have resources on their websites, http://www.scag.gov/human-trafficking and http://www.scvan.org/.
The Activision Blizzard Booth during the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Activision Blizzard and California's Civil Rights Department have reached a roughly $50-million settlement agreement to resolve a sexual harassment and discrimination case against the gaming giant, the Los Angeles Times confirmed Friday.

The Civil Rights Department sued the Santa Monica-based "Call of Duty" maker in 2021, alleging that women at the company were regularly subjected to sexual harassment, paid less, denied promotions and met with retaliation when they raised concerns with managers.

Activision Blizzard has long denied those claims.

A copy of the settlement  signed by both parties and reviewed by The Times  states that "no court or any independent investigation has substantiated any allegations that: there has been systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard," or that "Activision Blizzard senior executives ignored, condoned, or tolerated a culture of systemic, harassment, retaliation, or discrimination."

As part of the agreement, Activision Blizzard has agreed to pay up to $46.75 million, which will be used to compensate women who worked for the company in California from Oct. 12, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2020.

The company also agreed to pay $9.1 million to cover the Civil Rights Department's attorneys fees and costs.

Representatives for Activision Blizzard did not have an immediate comment.

In a statement, California CRD Director Kevin Kish said the state is "deeply committed to promoting and enforcing the civil rights of women in the workplace."

"If approved by the court, this settlement agreement represents a major step forward and will bring direct relief to Activision Blizzard workers," Kish said.

Women who worked as employees or contract workers for Activision Blizzard in California between October 12, 2015, and December 31, 2020, may be eligible to receive compensation, the CRD said.

Tech giant Microsoft in October closed its $69-billion purchase of Activision Blizzard after clearing a number of regulatory hurdles around the world, including in the U.S. and the U.K. Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan opposed the deal but was overruled by a federal judge, and Britain's Competition and Markets Authority initially blocked the acquisition.

Read more:Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard in $69-billion gaming deal

The Microsoft deal came after a protracted series of labor disputes in which Activision Blizzard employees alleged that the company harbored a hostile, sexist, discriminatory workplace, which Activision Blizzard forcefully disputed.

A settlement with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission led Activision to establish an $18-million fund for workers who experienced sexual harassment or discrimination at the company, among other types of workplace misconduct. The company denied all wrongdoing.

Microsoft has expressed ambitions to change that aspect of the gaming companys culture after taking a different tack with labor and recognizing a union of quality assurance workers formed under the Communication Workers of America.

Times staff writers Sam Dean and Carly Olson contributed to this report.

Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
British teenager Alex Batty, found in France after six years missing, is expected to return home to the UK in the coming hours.

Alex vanished in 2017 on a holiday in Spain with his mother and grandfather.

His mother does not have parental guardianship of the 17-year-old and her current whereabouts are unknown.

Alex was found on Wednesday by a motorist, who spotted him on a road in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, near Toulouse.

The Agence France-Presse news agency reported British police officers will accompany the boy on a flight from France, citing French prosecutor Antoine Leroy.

Alex is believed to have been living a nomadic lifestyle in spiritual communities with his mother and grandfather for the past few years.

French officials said he decided to leave when his mother wanted to go to Finland.

Alex is believed to have walked through the mountainous terrain of southern France for four days before being found by a delivery driver in the middle of the night.

The driver, Fabien Accidini, said he lent the teenager his phone and let him use his Facebook account to contact his grandmother, Susan Caruana.

Ms Caruana, who is the teenager's legal guardian based in Oldham, said she can't wait to be reunited with him.

Alex's grandmother Susan Caruana, pictured in 2019, spoke of her relief and happiness

"I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well," she said in a statement issued on Friday by Greater Manchester Police.

She added it was "so good to hear his voice and see his face again".

She requested privacy for the family, so that they could "make his return as comforting as possible".

The BBC has spoken to residents of the small hamlet of La Bastide in the Pyrenees.

Locals said Alex had been staying at a guesthouse there on and off for the past two years.

The guesthouse in the Pyrenees where locals say Alex was living

They said he was living with his grandfather, who did odd jobs in the area, and his mother was in the neighbouring region.

The residents added while his French wasn't great, he was always polite.

French police said Alex told them his grandfather died about six months ago.

Three locals, however, have told the BBC his grandfather was seen alive as recently as last week.

Additional reporting by Chris Bockman and Lisa Louis
Yemen's coastguard - which backs the government - has been patrolling waters near the Bab El Mandeb strait

Two cargo ships in the Red Sea have been attacked by missiles fired from territory in Yemen, the US says.

One was hit with a drone and another by missiles, both launched from a part of Yemen controlled by the Houthis - a rebel movement backed by Iran.

The Houthis did not confirm the drone strike, but said they did fire missiles at the second boat - and a third one.

It is the latest attack on foreign ships in the area since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthis - who seized power nine years ago - have declared their support for Hamas and say they are targeting ships travelling to Israel.

The vessels came under attack in the Bab El Mandab - a narrow strait of water that is vital for global trade.

Referring to the alleged drone attack, a US defence official told AFP news agency on Friday: "We are aware that something launched from a Houthi-controlled region of Yemen struck this vessel which was damaged, and there was a report of a fire."

That container ship, called the Al Jasrah, is owned by German transport company Hapag-Lloyd, and flagged to Liberia in West Africa.

A Hapag-Lloyd spokesman told AFP that the ship was on its way to Singapore from the Greek port of Piraeus. There were no casualties and the ship is now continuing towards its destination, he added.

Second ship attacked

The Houthis gave no acknowledgement of a hit on the Al Jasrah, but said they had targeted the MSC Palatium and MSC Alanya with missiles.

Giving their own account of a missile strike on a vessel - which they did not name - a US defence official said the hit caused a fire and a US Navy destroyer was on its way to put it out.

The US is under pressure from Israel to do something about these attacks but Washington is reluctant to target the Houthi missile sites for fear of widening the Israel-Hamas conflict and triggering retaliation by Iran.

Instead, it is more likely there would be a multinational naval coalition forming to protect shipping and shoot down any incoming missiles and drones.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan - who is on a trip to the Middle East - said the Houthis were a "material threat" to shipping and commerce in the region.

He said Iran bore ultimate responsibility for the attacks, adding: "While the Houthis are pulling the trigger, so to speak, they're being handed the gun by Iran.

"Iran has a responsibility to take steps themselves to cease these attacks, because these attacks, as I said before, are a fundamental threat to international law and international peace and security."

More incidents were also reported in the region on Friday - including a separate report elsewhere that another ship had been hijacked.

The UK's maritime trade operations agency said it had received a report that a crew of a ship further east in the Arabian Sea was no longer in control of a vessel, and it was heading towards Somalia.

"At present all crew are reported as safe" the UKMTO said.

The latest attacks follow several earlier ones in the southern Red Sea, pushing up insurance premiums and potentially making some ships go all the way round Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to avoid the Red Sea.

The Houthis - who are fighting Yemen's Saudi-backed government - have declared themselves part of an "axis of resistance" of Iran-affiliated groups opposing Israel, the US, and the wider West.

They have already attacked several commercial ships this month, prompting a US destroyer to intervene, and in November they successfully hijacked a cargo ship..

US, French and British warships have been patrolling the Red Sea area and have shot several missiles out of the sky.

The Bab El Mandeb Strait is a 20-mile wide channel that separates Eritrea and Djibouti on the African side from Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula.

About 17,000 ships and 10% of global trade pass through it every year. Any ship passing through the Suez Canal to or from the Indian Ocean has to come this way.
BEIJING (Reuters) -China on Friday proposed a four-tier classification to help it respond to data security incidents, highlighting Beijing's concern with large-scale data leaks and hacking within its borders.

The contingency plan comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions with the United States and its allies and follows an incident last year when a hacker claimed to have procured a trove of personal information on one billion Chinese from the Shanghai police.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published a detailed draft plan laying out how local governments and companies should assess and respond to incidents.

The plan, which is currently soliciting opinions from the public, proposes a four-tier, colour-coded system depending on the degree of harm inflicted upon national security, a company's online and information network, or the running of the economy.

According to the plan, incidents that involve losses surpassing 1 billion yuan ($141 million) and affect the personal information of over 100 million people, or the "sensitive" information of over 10 million people, will be classed as "especially grave", to which a red warning must be issued.

The plan demands that in response to red and orange warnings, the involved companies and relevant local regulatory authorities must establish a 24-hour work rota to address the incident and MIIT must be notified of the data breach within ten minutes of the incident happening, among other measures.

"If the incident is judged to be grave... it should be immediately reported to the local industry regulatory department, no late reporting, false reporting, concealment or omission of reporting is allowed," MIIT said.

($1 = 7.1070 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Mark Potter)
Cities across the Eastern U.S. are preparing for a major storm system that will dampen weekend plans when it brings torrential rain, high winds and severe thunderstorms to the East Coast.

The system will develop in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and become a prolific rain and wind maker as it travels toward the Eastern Seaboard, with impacts expected to last through Monday.

There are already flood and wind alerts for portions of Florida. The severe weather could bring a few possible tornadoes, The Weather Channel said Saturday morning in a post on X.

Florida Power & Light Co., the largest power utility in the state, said it was responding to outages caused by the storm.

We are safely and quickly responding to outages caused by severe weather impacting parts of Florida, including heavy rain and wind gusts near tropical-storm-force strength, the company said in a post on X, telling people to stay away from downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment.

Just over 7,000 customers were without electricity as of late Saturday morning, according to PowerOutage.us.

On Sunday, torrential rain is expected for nearly the entire state of Florida. Severe thunderstorms that could bring isolated nocturnal tornadoes in parts of the state, including Tampa and Orlando, are also possible.

Throughout Sunday, the storm will move up the East Coast as it intensifies. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected on the mid-Atlantic coast.

In New York, rain will begin late Sunday morning and last through Monday night. The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch Saturday for Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, coastal Connecticut and New London County, the NWS said in a post on X.

Wind advisories were issued for Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, southern Westchester and most of interior southern Connecticut, the NWS said.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services urged everyone to be prepared for a weather system this weekend that could produce up to three inches of rain & cause flooding in parts of the Mid-Hudson Valley, including the eastern Catskills, southern Capital Region & potentially parts of Long Island.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said her office will be closely monitoring conditions and will be ready to assist local governments should flooding occur.

Over in Boston, it was a sunny but cloudy day on Saturday, the National Weather Service for Boston said in a post on X. The NWS warned, however, that conditions will begin to deteriorate late Sunday into Monday, when the storm brings drenching precipitation and gusty winds to southern New England.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has discussed the prospects of the normalization process with Armenia during a meeting with the new United States Ambassador to Baku Mark W. Libby.

According to a readout issued by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Bayramov and Libby discussed the bilateral and multilateral cooperation agenda between the two countries, the situation in the region, as well as the prospects of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

According to the readout, FM Bayramov said that Azerbaijan is interested in the establishment of peace and stability in the region.
The DUP leader has insisted he will not be "sidetracked by calendar-led initiatives" when it comes to deciding whether to return to Stormont.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson made the remark in an email to party members on Saturday about government talks.

It comes amid speculation a decision is nearing after his 12 most senior members, known as the party officers, met on Friday.

But Mr Donaldson said in the email that work was ongoing.

He said the party would not be "distracted by hype, spin and sometimes ill-founded claims".

The DUP collapsed the executive 22 months ago in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements.

It has been involved in talks on this and separately with other parties about future Stormont finances.

On Thursday, Sir Jeffrey said it was "approaching the time" for a decision.

What did the email say?

Although there is no formal deadline in the talks, the government has been working to secure agreement before parliament breaks for Christmas on Tuesday.

The parties are due at Hillsborough Castle on Monday to hold separate talks on a proposed financial offer from the government, which is dependent on Stormont's return.

Sir Jeffrey in his email, seen by BBC News NI, said of the package that much of it "does not deal with our long-term challenges".

"More work will be required and I have no doubt the government will want to advance on their offer on Monday.

"They will ultimately need to move on a substantive change to our funding formula."

In blocking a functioning assembly and executive, the DUP - Stormont's second largest party - has demonstrated against the Northern Ireland Protocol, and later the Windsor Framework, each setting out how Northern Ireland trades with Great Britain.

The DUP has argued they undermine Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market by introducing additional checks on the movement of goods.

In his email, the DUP leader said he had been able to identify "legislative measures and potential actions that would be in keeping with our negotiating objectives".

But he said they would be "measured against the tests in our manifesto, and that work for Northern Ireland and our place within the United Kingdom".

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the government was ready to legislate to protect Northern Ireland's position and would work "at pace".
Warning: This story contains spoilers for "Leave The World Behind."

"Leave The World Behind," Netflixs apocalyptic thriller, has been a smash hit since its release on the streaming service.

The adaptation that left fans on a cliff-hanger with its ominous ending, stars Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke and Mahershala Ali, depicting two families who seek refuge together during what looks to be a cyberattack against the United States.

With its growing popularity, some fans of the film were surprised to learn that a former U.S. president and first lady were involved in its creation.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, the movie's writer and director, Sam Esmail, reflected on Barack and Michelle Obama's participation as executive producers for the psychological thriller, which was adapted by Rumaan Alam's 2020 novel of the same name. The film is also produced by the couple's company, Higher Ground Productions.

Leave the World Behind (Netflix)

Alam's critically-acclaimed novel was on former President Obama's 2021 summer reading list, and Esmail shared that as the film was adapted into a suspenseful screenplay, the American politician offered useful feedback.

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, Esmail says to Vanity Fair.

The filmmaker also talks about his fear of working with the former president and receiving his critiques.

He had a lot notes about the characters and the empathy we would have for them, Esmail says. He continues, 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.

Leave the World Behind (Netflix)

Esmail tells Vanity Fair that the film sends a message about compassion and humanity to its viewers when managing a crisis.

"We shouldnt wait around until the catastrophe happens  the work begins now," he said while adding that he believes the former commander-in-chief would ultimately "say the same thing."

While the story's plot leaves fans with a lot of unanswered questions, that hasn't stopped them from speculating whether the film is foreshadowing our current world, given that war is a prevalent theme throughout its duration.

In the film, we see G.H. (Mahershala Ali) come to the conclusion that a foreign force is attempting to create discord inside the U.S. and spark a civil war. His thesis is that the country will implode and Americans will begin to turn against each other.

Given that the United States is currently facing conflict inside and outside of the country, many fans of the film are weighing in on how it draws parallels to reality.

"It is happening. They even told us the countries. Come on now. Were at the scramble the enemy stage. See Palestine vs. Israel, Russia vs. Ukraine, Liz Cheney vs. the GOP, antifa vs fascists, 2nd civil war, its a big list," says one X user.

Another X user writes, "Have yall watched 'Leave the world behind"? I feel so uneasy because this can easily happen TOMORROW."

Fans of the film also strongly believe that the movie is a warning from the Obamas given the similarities. TODAY.com reached out to the Obamas and their production company for comment but did not get a response.

"Forget tomorrow, were pretty much on step 2. Step 3 is coming and the Obamas are mocking all of us who dont live in the Hamptons as they warn us its coming," another user quips.

"The movie Leave the World Behind is definitely a message to whats happening and whats to come. Its very much in line with what weve been saying for years: Stock up on none perishables and water. Also, the fact that the Obamas are exec proders is making my dog ears go up," says one X user.

LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND is a very strange film for a former united states president to have a producing credit on, ill say that lol  jourdain searles (@judysquirrels) December 10, 2023

Another X user writes, "'Leave the world behind' is produced by the Obamas. Interesting."

Despite fans' fears of the supposed hidden messages within the film, there is also some lighthearted commentary on the political couple's involvement.

You can tell The Obamas were involved with Leave The World Behind because some of those song choices had me like. #LeaveTheWorldBehind #Netflix pic.twitter.com/c5R9GAbCC4  Hyrule   (@AkiraTwin) December 9, 2023

One fan on X lightheartedly jokes, "You can tell The Obamas were involved with Leave The World Behind because some of those song choices had me like."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Local resident Wayne Cox and friend Irma Parrilla, visiting from Orlando, brave gusty winds and drizzling rain to visit Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables, Fla., Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in Florida on Saturday.

A potent storm will lash the East Coast Saturday into Monday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and possible flooding all the way from Florida to Maine.

Florida will bear the brunt of the storm Saturday afternoon before the bad weather moves up the coast Sunday, forecasters said. By Sunday, slow travel will be likely along portions of the East Coast due to flooded roads, airline delays and flight cancellations, AccuWeather predicted.

Fortunately, the one ingredient that's missing in the storm is cold air, which means heavy snow won't be a factor for most areas.

.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}

Bad weather in Florida: Stormy sunshine state

With Saturday afternoon into evening expected to be stormy over most of Florida, outdoor holiday parties have been canceled and outside decorations that arent battened down might just blow away, the Associated Press said.

Strong thunderstorms could rumble across much of Florida Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, AccuWeather said. Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville could all experience damaging storms.

Flordia Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida State Guard on Friday.

The Storm Prediction Center said "strong thunderstorms may impact the Florida Peninsula and Keys Saturday night, with a few possibly becoming severe and posing a risk for tornadoes and damaging wind gusts."

In Volusia County, emergency management director Jim Judge urged local residents to make sure Christmas decorations were secured for the storm.

Just take the normal precautions you would have with a tropical storm, and even though were not looking at anything near that way, if you take those precautions, then youll be able to weather this event, Judge said.

.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}

Soggy Sunday

Rain will be heavy, potentially record-breaking in some areas on Sunday, the National Weather Service said: "The latest rainfall forecast from the Weather Prediction Center through Sunday evening shows the potential for widespread 2-4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts especially along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts, increasing the threat for flooding and flash flooding.

"Some of these rainfall amounts could also approach or exceed daily rainfall records for mid-December," the weather service said.

Wind also an issue

Along the Carolinas and farther north along the coast in the mid-Atlantic and New England, wind gusts will range between 40 and 60 mph, resulting in power outages across the area from Sunday to Monday, AccuWeather warned.

Beach erosion will occur, and some damage to dunes and other beach structures is possible.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: East Coast storm expected over the weekend
Quaker Oats recalled several of its granola products on on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, including granola bars and cereals, saying the foods could be contaminated with salmonella. Credit - Rebecca F. MillerThe Gazette/AP

The Quaker Oats Company recalled several granola bars and cereals over a potential risk of contamination with Salmonella, the Food and Drug Administration warned on Dec. 15.

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in a healthy person and serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, seniors or others with weakened immune systems, the FDA said. As of Dec. 15, Quaker had received no confirmed reports of illnesses related to the recalled products, the FDA reported.

The recalled products include dozens of kinds of Chewy Bars, puffed granola and granola oats cereals and granola bars included in snack boxes. Popular flavors including Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin are among the recalled items. The recall list does not include the companys Capn Crunch cereal.

The nationwide recall has taken effect immediately. Consumers have been encouraged to throw away any of the products they have in their pantries. The FDA has said consumers can contact Quaker Consumer Relations (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time from Monday to Friday) at 1-800-492-9322 or visit www.quakergranolarecall.com regarding product reimbursement.

TIME has reached out to Quaker Oats Company for further information.

In much smaller-scale recalls in recent years, Quaker recalled a pancake mix in Puerto Rico in October and a specific flavor of rice crisps in some states in 2021, both because of undeclared soy allergens.

The FDA released a detailed list, including the sizes of boxes and best-by dates, of the currently recalled products on its website.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Santa Charles Graves is deaf, and travels the U.S. to give Deaf and nonspeaking children the opportunity to share their wishes with the North Pole squad

Anthony Mowl Santa Charles and a 3-year-old named Gisele in Austin in 2021

Growing up, Charles Graves never had the opportunity to tell Santa what I wanted for Christmas, he says.

Graves, 53, is deaf, and tells PEOPLE that his family didn't sign when he was a child (not an uncommon situation, according to the National Association of the Deaf).

"My Christmas memories consist of watching my siblings chat with Santa Claus while all I got was a thumbs up and a pat on the back," he recalls. "That reality is true for children all over the world."

To help solve that problem, Graves and his wife Kari, 47, who is also deaf, now travel the U.S. as Santa and Mrs. Claus to spread holiday cheer to children, signing in American Sign Language.

"Each child deserves to see a Santa Claus that they can understand and relate to," says Graves.

RELATED: More Stories to Make You Smile



Gaylord National Resort near Washington, D.C., is one of Graves' stops each year, in addition to a handful of other Gaylord resorts and some spots in his home state of Texas. "We are grateful there's enough acceptance out there to outweigh the 'nos,' " he says of booking jobs each season.

Anthony Mowl Santa Charles with Keivonn Woodard and his mother April Jackson-Woodard at Gaylord National Resort in 2023

Like many of his colleagues, Graves  who is also an educator at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin  attended "Santa School," and says he's busy thinking about Christmas "when nobody else is" ahead of each holiday season.

However, "at the very end of the day, when I sit with the children and connect with them, that's why I do this," he says.

It's particularly meaningful to do it alongside his wife, he adds. "I could never be Santa Claus without my Mrs. Claus," he says.

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.

While he enjoys "every interaction" he has with the kids he meets, Graves says he loves to see parents react when he clicks with their children.

"When I see the joy on parents' faces surpass the awe in the children's eyes," he says, "I know we're etching a core memory."



Have a story that makes you smile? Send it to storiestomakeyousmile@people.com.



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Read the original article on People.
The UK and Italy will jointly finance a plan to return migrants in Tunisia to their home countries, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned of the threat of migration to overwhelm European states.

Mr Sunak used a gathering of Italian conservatives and right-wingers to issue a stark warning of the threat posed by illegal migration, as he suggested that changes to global refugee rules might be needed.

During the day-long trip to Rome Mr Sunak met Italian prime minster Giorgia Meloni, with whom he has developed a strong partnership.

They also held talks with Albanias prime minister Edi Rama, another ally in their efforts to crack down on illegal migration.

Number 10 said that after the talks Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni had agreed to co-fund a project that would see the two countries promote and assist the voluntary return of migrants currently stuck in Tunisia.

Tunisia neighbours Italy just across the Mediterranean and attracts many migrants from several African countries who begin their journey to Europe there.

In a speech to the Atreju event organised by Ms Melonis Brothers of Italy party, Mr Sunak said radical solutions, such as his Rwanda plan, were needed to protect countries borders.

Saying that enemies want to use migration as a weapon, he added: If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most.

If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that.

Because if we dont fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.

The rhetoric comes as hardliners on the Tory right push Mr Sunak to block interference from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the UN Refugee Convention amid efforts to stop Channel crossings.

Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni and Rishi Sunak in Rome (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

He had warm praise too for Ms Meloni, as Downing Street confirmed that the UK would join her Rome Process alliance of Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa countries aimed at tackling the root causes of migration.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk was among those at the Atreju event, which has been attended by former Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon and Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in the past.

Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni embraced as Mr Sunak prime minister left the stage, to loud applause from the audience.

Touching on their shared admiration of long-serving Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher, he said I can only guess what first attracted Giorgia to the strong female leader who was prepared to challenge the consensus, take on stale thinking and revive her country both domestically and on the international stage.

He said that Baroness Thatchers radicalism and drive had to be applied to the issue of illegal migration, as he warned: It is a fundamental tenet of sovereignty that it is us who should decide who comes to our countries and not criminal gangs.

If we cannot deliver on that, our voters will lose patience with us and the way in which their countries are run and rightly so.

The speech came in a week in which Mr Sunak moved a step forward in his efforts to revive the Rwanda scheme, declared unlawful by the Supreme Court.

Despite speculation of a major rebellion by Tory MPs, the Prime Minister comfortably won a key Commons vote on legislation designed to insulate the scheme from legal challenges.

Stopping small boat crossings in the Channel is one of the prime ministers main priorities. Some 292 people made the crossing in seven boats on Friday, according to Home Office figures published on Saturday.

It was confirmed a migrant died and another was left in a critical condition during an incident on Friday.

Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said it was not too late for the prime minister to ditch the Rwanda plan, accusing him of ramping up the rhetoric but failing to get a grip.

He said: After a week in which the Prime Minister has failed to convince many of his own backbenchers that he has a workable plan to end dangerous boat crossings, we hit a new grim milestone  far from stopping the boats, on Rishi Sunaks watch this year 600 boats have crossed.

Its not too late to change direction.

In a statement, Downing Street said that Mr Sunak, Ms Meloni and Mr Rama agreed on the vital importance of tackling the scourge of illegal migration and the shared sense of urgency that they feel on this issue.

They agreed that innovative structural solutions, like the UKs Rwanda policy, were necessary to break the model of people smugglers and regain control of movement into and across Europe.
The strike action is due to due to finish at midnight

Businesses and shoppers across Northern Ireland faced a day of disruption on Saturday as bus and train staff staged strike action over pay.

It was the second consecutive day of industrial action by Translink staff and the third walk out this month.

Union leaders said members had no alternative but to strike due to attempts to "instigate a pay freeze".

Public transport was brought to a halt, with Translink apologising for "any inconvenience" caused.

It said it did not receive a budget for a pay offer from the Department for Infrastructure and therefore could not strike a deal with workers.

The strike ended at midnight.

Trade union members from Unite, GMB and Siptu voted in favour of the walk out in November.

Bus driver Paul Shields, who was on a picket line in Belfast on Saturday, said that the strike "would go on as long as needs be".

"At the end of the day, there is a cost of living crisis, loads of us are really struggling including myself," he said.

Mr Shields said workers were feeling the pinch, but that the strike was "a sacrifice they had to make".

Unions have called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to fund a pay rise for transport staff to avoid strike action.

He has been engaged in talks with Stormont's largest parties this week about the restoration of the executive, with a 2.5bn financial package on offer from the UK government.

This would include provision for public sector pay increases.

Bus driver Paul Shields said workers want a fair pay offer

GMB regional organiser for Translink, Peter Macklin, said: "The reality is that Mr Heaton-Harris is now openly seeking to weaponise the suffering of public sector workers and the general public to blackmail the parties to do a deal."

Colin Neill, of Hospitality Ulster, said the strikes were "severely damaging the industry".

"We have appealed to the unions relentlessly to call off the strike, particularly when the dynamic and the politics have changed so much.

"We have all the parties in Hillsborough talking so there's hope that we might get our politicians back in the assembly and that will mean that Translink get a budget and the unions get a pay negotiation."

Takings down in Bangor

Colin Smyth, whose confectionery shop is near the bus depot in Bangor, County Down, said he was at least 50% down in terms of his "normal takings" over the last three days.

"It is affecting me a lot," he said.

Colin Smyth from Bangor, County Down, said his business had seen a reduction in takings

"They have a right to strike, but I think January would have been a better month.

"Christmas is a big time for a lot of retailers and you need that money coming in to make you survive through January."

The Europa bus centre in Belfast was deserted on Saturday morning

Conor Neeson, reporting from Belfast city centre

The weekend before Christmas is normally one of the busiest shopping periods in Belfast but the transport strike has put a spanner in the works.

Those who have braved the journey in by car will have to fork out for parking, with those I spoke to saying it has limited the amount of time they are prepared to spend in the town.

Some are here out of necessity picking up the last of the Christmas presents, while others have tried to take advantage of a quieter city centre.

Is it the calm before the storm or will it remain a silent night?

Nick Clough from Belfast's Fish City said they had lost 60% of their bookings for Friday and Saturday.

"It's quite difficult at this time because December is normally the period where you are at your busiest."

Lesa McCann at the Cellar Bar said there had been 25 cancellations and a lot fewer walk-ins

Meanwhile in Lurgan, Lesa McCann at the Cellar Bar said there were 25 cancellations and a lot fewer walk-ins on Friday.

"You've people that would come in to go the Credit Union, that come in to go to their bakery, their butcher, the post office.

"On their way home they would call in for a coffee, a wee bit to eat and then they'll go on home, so we have lost out on that."

Davy Thompson from Unite said the action being taken was "both proportionate and reasonable".

He said that strike action was a "very last resort", adding: "The secretary of state with the stroke of a pen could fix this."

Another day of industrial action is planned for 22 December.
Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy is increasingly talking about conspiracy theories, a move that some experts say is a last-ditch effort to boost his poll numbers.

The biotech entrepreneur called the January 2021 Capitol riot an "inside job" during a CNN town hall event this week.

It comes after the Republican candidate repeated a series of fringe ideas during presidential debates.

Mr Ramaswamy says he's battling government lies.

But the debunked, sometimes confusing ideas he embraces are more common on far-right message boards than presidential debate stages.

On the CNN broadcast, he asserted Capitol rioters were victims of "entrapment".

"If you had told me three years ago...in any way that January 6 was an inside job, the subject of government entrapment, I would have told you that was crazy talk, fringe conspiracy-theory nonsense," he said.

"I can tell you now, having gone somewhat deep in this, it's not."

He then repeated a false narrative found in far-right spaces online: protesters were "invited" into the Capitol and the riot was somehow staged or instigated by federal agents rather than happening as a chaotic outburst by Donald Trump's supporters.

Debate stage

Experts say his conspiracy thinking marks a potential point of difference between the political newcomer and his more established rivals - at least the ones that he has so far been debating.

With a month to go until the first primary contests, most polls put him in a distant fourth place for the Republican nomination, behind Mr Trump, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.

Mr Ramaswamy's latest CNN appearance continued along the lines of themes he previously brought up during a Republican debate last week.

"Why am I the only person on the stage at least who can say that January 6th now does look like it was an inside job?" he asked.

Then he switched over to another far-right idea about immigration promoted by white supremacists.

"The 'great replacement' theory is not some grand right-wing conspiracy theory, but a basic statement of the Democratic Party's platform," he contended.

He also said: "The 2020 election was indeed stolen by Big Tech."

It is unclear what Mr Ramaswamy meant by some of those statements, but the phrases he used do have specific meanings.

"Great replacement" is the far-right idea that a cabal of people - often named as "globalists", "elites" or Jews - is deliberately plotting to change the demographics of Western countries. The theory alleges this is being done through immigration, interracial marriage, reducing the birth rate and other means.

It is a version of the "white genocide" conspiracy theory that there is a plot to entirely "eliminate" white people. That idea has been mentioned in documents left behind by several racially motivated attackers, including mass shooters in El Paso, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, as well as Christchurch, New Zealand.

Whether Mr Ramaswamy is aware of that background is unclear. His campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Following the debate, however, the unorthodox candidate reposted a message from a popular white nationalist account on X and vaguely commented that "the left" was "intentionally facilitating mass illegal migration".

Capitol riot misinformation

The false contention that federal authorities somehow planned or executed the Capitol riot is a mainstay of far-right spaces online.

Despite more than 1,000 arrests and hundreds of convictions, Mr Ramaswamy, like many conspiracy theorists, has claimed that the presence of confidential law enforcement sources among some of the extremist groups in the crowd proves the government had a hand in orchestrating the unrest.

Conspiracy believers often muddle the idea of confidential sources with law enforcement agents and ignore both the huge amount of evidence introduced during one of the biggest investigations in US history and the large volume of social media videos and photos showing demonstrators in pitched battles with police.

Mr Ramaswamy alternatively claims that the protesters were goaded into rioting as victims of "entrapment" and that they were "invited" into the Capitol building.

Why now?

Mr Ramaswamy's statements have won him the support of a number of influential characters on the far right, who see any attention as an advancement of their cause.

There also could be a political advantage in talking up ideas that allegedly aren't covered by the "mainstream media."

Cynthia Wang, a professor at Northwestern University and expert in conspiratorial beliefs, says Mr Ramaswamy's open discussion of conspiracy storylines is to be expected in the current political climate.

"He might actually believe in these theories, but there is also a benefit in using them, because it helps people - his potential supporters - make sense of the world," she says. "Using this powerful language is actually very attractive for people during uncertain times More rational explanations don't have the same punch."

Mike Rothschild, a journalist and author of the book Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories, says Mr Ramaswamy - who enjoyed a spike in presidential polling before stalling in recent months - is looking beyond the primaries.

"He knows the clock is running out on his presidential campaign, but it's just starting on a bigger career in media that revolves around building a fan base that believes in conspiracy theories," he says.

Mr Ramaswamy has used his campaign podcast to cultivate that fan base. During a recent chat with notorious conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, he expressed sympathy for Mr Jones losing a defamation lawsuit brought by Sandy Hook school shooting victims.

Ms Wang says Mr Ramaswamy has little to lose by bringing up fringe ideas in a race where the frontrunner - Mr Trump - promotes conspiracy theories.

"I can see this as a Hail Mary, but if it doesn't work and he does lose, he's still supporting the overall cause in the Republican Party," she says, "because a lot of what he is saying aligns with what Trump is saying."

With reporting by Shayan Sardarizadeh
Bottles of abortion pills mifepristone.

A judge in Wyoming was expected to decide, as soon as this week, whether to strike down, affirm or hold a trial over the state's abortion bans, including its first-in-the-nation explicit prohibition on the use of medication to end pregnancy.

Also, in Idaho, an Ada County judge said on Thursday he would decide within the next month whether to dismiss a lawsuit filed by four women and two physicians against the state of Idaho challenging the scope of the medical exceptions in the states abortion ban.

Meanwhile, a coalition of businesses said that ambiguities in Texass abortion ban are making it harder for businesses in the state to recruit workers.

Several U.S. states have de facto bans, but Wyoming's explicit ban on abortion medication would be the first of its kind in the country.

The decision will more than likely be appealed to the state Supreme Court, and that is expected to set up yet another statewide showdown over abortion regulations.

SEE MORE: Questions about abortion pill's future as Supreme Court hearing looms

In Idaho, several women and physicians have filed a lawsuit challenging the state's near-total ban on abortion.

Similar to Texas, Idaho only permits abortions in the case of medical emergencies, but the lawsuit states that the "so-called exceptions simply do not function as such in practice."

Idaho's attorney general has called for the case to be dismissed.

In Texas, at least 51 businesses signed an amicus brief supporting the expansion of medical exceptions to the state's abortion ban rules.

Companies like Bumble, SXSW, and several restaurants, law firms and real estate groups said the Texas ban is costing the state economy money, to the tune of $14.5 billion dollars each year.

The online dating company Bumble said in a statement announcing its support that it stands against the regression of women's rights. The case in question, Zurawski v. Texas, seeks to expand and clarify the medical emergency exception to abortion bans.
A New York appeals court denied Donald Trumps challenge of a gag order in his civil fraud case, ruling that his attorneys did not seek the proper legal remedy for overturning the ban.

Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over the former presidents civil fraud case, restricted him and his attorneys from commenting on his legal staff. That followed attacks by Trump on the judges law clerk. Engoron eventually fined Trump $15,000 for violating the order, and extended its reach to his attorneys.

More from Deadline

The appeals court ruled that Trumps request for a writ of prohibition is not the proper vehicle for challenging the Gag Order and Contempt Orders.

To the extent there may have been appealable issues with respect to any of the procedures the court implemented in imposing the financial sanctions, the proper method of review would be to move to

vacate the Contempt Orders, and then to take an appeal from the denial of those motions, the judicial panel wrote.

Read the Trump gag order ruling.

Last month, the appeals court reinstated Engorons gag order, which had been sidelined as Trump and his legal team challenged it.

New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that Trump and his companies inflated the value of his wealth for the purposes of gaining more favorable loan terms. Trump has denied the charges, but Engoron already has found liable for fraud. The bench trial itself largely is to determine damages.

Last week, a federal appeals court upheld a gag order imposed on Trump in his criminal election conspiracy trial. But the judges narrowed the scope of the order imposed by Judge Tanya Chutkan. That federal criminal trial is scheduled to start in early March, but pre-trial proceedings are on hold as the Supreme Court weighs whether to take up Trumps challenge of the charges on presidential immunity grounds.

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Ahead of the ceremony, Sharma offered prayers at the Govind Devji temple in the state capital

New Delhi/Jaipur: The BJP top brass, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and some others, as well as party president J.P. Nadda and several Union ministers and the chief ministers of the party-ruled states, attended the swearing-in ceremony of new Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in Jaipur.

Along with Mr Sharma, Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, the two new deputy chief ministers of Rajasthan, also took the oath at the ceremony in front of the iconic Albert Hall at noon. Governor Kalraj Mishra administered the oath of office to the three.

Former Rajasthan chief minister and Congress stalwart Ashok Gehlot also shared the dais with the BJP leaders, including Nitin Gadkari, Bishweshwar Tudu, among others, at the ceremony.

Incidentally, it was also the birthday of the new chief minister, whom Mr Modi in his birthday wishes described as a dedicated party karyakarta who has made commendable efforts to strengthen the BJP across the state.

Birthday greetings to Rajasthans CM Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma Ji. A dedicated party karyakarta for years, he has made commendable efforts to strengthen the BJP across the state. As he embarks on his chief ministerial journey, I wish him the very best in fulfilling peoples aspirations, the PM said on X.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his wishes to the two deputy chief ministers and expressed confidence that Rajasthan, known for its brave people, will set new standards in good governance, prosperity and development under their leadership.

Ahead of the ceremony, Mr Sharma offered prayers at the Govind Devji temple in the state capital and fed cows at the Pinjrapol Gaushala on Tonk road. His family members and supporters also accompanied him. Mr Sharma visited another temple after this.

The BJP leader then went to his residence at Balaji Tower near the Jawahar Circle, where he sought the blessings of his parents. He also visited a Shiv temple on the premises before leaving for the oath-taking ceremony. Massive security and seating arrangements were made at the venue.

All main roads leading to the venue were decorated with posters and banners of various Central government welfare schemes as well as the leaders cutouts.

The BJP won 115 seats in the November 25 Assembly elections, while the Congress got 69 seats. Polling was held in 199 of the 200 Assembly seats in the state.

Mr Sharma, a first-time MLA, was announced as the chief minister-designate during a BJP legislature party meeting on Tuesday in the presence of the partys central observers  Rajnath Singh, Saroj Pandey and Vinod Tawde. At the meeting, Ms Kumari (MLA from Vidhyadhar Nagar) and Mr Bairwa (MLA from Dudu) were announced as the picks for deputy chief ministers. Ajmer North MLA Vasudev Devnani picked as the Speaker of the Assembly.
The interaction with the visiting students of the Harvard University took place in Delhi on Friday

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with Harvard University students from across the world on Friday and asserted that he is determined to ensure that every Indian student gets the exposure and opportunity needed to become global ambassadors."Had a wonderful and engaging chat with a diverse community of Harvard students from across the world.

"The students were curious about a wide range of topics -- about India, the rise of authoritarianism and challenges to democratic politics, geopolitical challenges posed by China, and new technology such as AI," Gandhi said on X after the meeting.

The interaction with the visiting students of the Harvard University took place in Delhi on Friday.

The former Congress chief also shared pictures of his interaction with the students on X.

"I explained my views, especially on democratic production model, the power of listening, and India's philosophical and spiritual traditions," he said.

"Listening to these bright, confident minds made me more determined to fight to give every Indian student the same exposure and opportunity to become global ambassadors," Gandhi asserted.

The Congress leader has been interacting with students in universities in the country as well as in prominent universities across the world during his visits abroad.
Its been over two months since October 7, 2023, when Hamas rockets attacked Israel, killing 1400 people

Its been over two months since October 7, 2023, when Hamas rockets attacked Israel, killing 1400 people. This sent the world into a tizzy and Israel into full revenge mode. The evils of terrorism, the suffering of innocent Israeli civilians enjoying their music festivals and parties and regular lives, the problems of the area, the threat posed by the very existence of Palestinians  these were discussed in the western media. Have you condemned Hamas was the refrain which thundered through the halls of the democratic West  in governments, legislatures, TV studios. A story emerged of 40 Israeli babies beheaded by Hamas terrorists. The shock and horror were palpable across the world. The chants of Have you condemned Hamas became more strident.

Since then, the number of Israelis killed by Hamas on October 7 has been reduced  by Israeli  to 200. The additional 200 were probably killed by the Israeli forces themselves. Shh. Not a word about that. Have you condemned Hamas yet? As for those babies, that ghastly blood-curdling incident, it appears to have vanished into hearsay and he said and she said. How awful if it were true and somehow it has only become a talking point of Have you condemned Hamas yet without any need for proof. And the reality of those babies is lost in rhetoric and falsehood. And what has happened since? Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces. At least 5000 of those are children. Since the refrain Have you condemned Hamas yet has not yet died down, one can only infer that 40 Israeli babies are worth more than 5000 Palestinian babies. I am no good at maths, so you can work out the ratios yourself. The rich and powerful are too busy condemning Hamas.

The new world order, as seen by the worlds most powerful democracies  initially the US, the UK, France, Germany, Canada  is that Israel can do whatever it wants to defend itself from the evil Hamas, which must be condemned always. That almost 20000 Palestinians have been killed in just over two months in Gaza alone is the fault of those Palestinians for being of the same nationality as Hamas.

It is the fault of other nations of the world who want the atrocities to end. They are also Hamas. It is the fault of the United Nations and its agencies who have tried to help Palestinians. They are also Hamas. It is the fault of journalists who have tried to cover the plight of Palestinians in Gaza under attack. They are also Hamas. It is the fault of doctors who try to treat the wounded and the sick. They are also Hamas. It is the fault of students at western universities who want the attacks on Palestine to stop. They are also Hamas. It is the fault of Jews who do not believe in Zionism and want the attacks on Palestinians to stop. They are also Hamas.

In fact, the whole world bar Israel and a Big Few are Hamas. That is why Israel is well within its rights to kill everyone it so desires. Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, invoked Article 99 to call upon the Security Council to act on the deepening catastrophe in Gaza. The US used its veto power to turn down the plea for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. Israel accused Guterres of being Hamas.

Heads of American Ivy League universities have had to resign because they are unable to stop their students from protesting in favour of a ceasefire. Students are all Hamas. This week, 153 members of the United Nations voted for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, Presumably we are all Hamas, except for the 23 who abstained and 10 who voted against. The 10 who want the devastation of Palestine to continue are: Austria, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and of course the United States and Israel.

Earlier outright supporters of Israels tactics like the UK and Germany chose to abstain this time. France and Canada voted for a ceasefire. India which had abstained in the last vote has now also voted for a ceasefire. Is sanity keeping its head above the water? Do not hold your breath quite yet. From the time that Israel began its killing spree (but have you condemned Hamas), the world has been appalled. But the world is not as powerful as these nations of colonial and imperial riches and predatory policies. The world has not mattered because powerful western democracies said that only Israel was correct morally and geopolitically. Palestine was Hamas. And since it directly countered Israels right to exist  according to Israel  Palestine was dispensable. As for Palestinians themselves, why didnt they just go somewhere else?

There is a word here which is used worldwide but it can get you into trouble. In your workplace, on social media. The word starts with g and ends with e. It has eight letters. This could be random order or actual order, but the other letters could be e, n, o, c, i and d. This word accurately describes what is being done to Palestinians in Gaza by Israeli forces. But it is a deeply upsetting word for white supremacist democracies which not only coined the word but acted it out to the fullest extent possible in the lands that they conquered.

For the past century, these white supremacist democracies have built themselves a large pedestal which they claimed gave them moral superiority. They sat on top of their own pedestal and proclaimed judgment on the rest of the world  barbaric, uncivilised, pitiable, unable to appreciate fine contexts and nuances of ethical behaviour.

On October 7, 2023, in the eyes of the world, that pedestal came crumbling down. They dont know it yet. But we see it. We see them. We see them justifying the unconscionable deaths of almost 20,000 Palestinians. We see them paying to kill the Palestinians. We see them supporting the killers. We see them accepting every excuse by the killers. We see the lies of the killers exposed, and we see them covering up the lies. We know that most of those accused by Israel are not Hamas. And we can see who the real terrorists are. Today its 153 nations plus 23 cowardly abstainers against 10 enablers of genocide.

Hallo there. Can you see us?
Today's news: To protect women from abuse, Afghan Taliban locks them in prison; Over19,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza, Israeli army mistakenly kills three hostages while Tehran executes "a Mossad agent"; Record number of bullying cases in Seoul schools; Tokyo sanctions Russian entities for war in Ukraine; Iranian woman to serve 13 years in prison for social posts regarding the killing of her son in protests over Mahsa Amini.

MYANMAR - CHINA

The six-week offensive by rebel groups against the Burmese coup army has dealt a severe blow to the economy on the border between Myanmar and China. According to some estimates, losses in the Shan State area already amount to over 500 million euros. Some entrepreneurs and traders confirm that trade is blocked in Muse and Chinshwehaw, two key border towns.

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban locks women in prison to prevent gender-based violence. The practice is denounced by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama), which also denounces the closure of the 23 state centers once used to protect victims of abuse or family violence. Behind the choice is the fact that "women's shelters are a Western concept" for Koranic students.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

The Israeli army admitted to having killed three hostages seized by Hamas in the October 7 assault and so far held in Gaza, recovering their bodies and triggering street protests today in Tel Aviv, while the number of Palestinian deaths exceeds quota 19 thousand, dozens of these in air raids in the last few hours in the Strip. Meanwhile, international pressure for a truce is growing, from the United States to the trio of China, Saudi Arabia and Iran who yesterday called for an "immediate cessation" of operations. Tehran executed a man in Sistan-Baluchistan accused of being a Mossad agent.

SOUTH KOREA

The percentage of students victims of bullying in the capital's schools is the highest in the last 10 years. This was revealed by a survey by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (Smoe), according to which of 486,729 students between the fourth grade and final year of high school, 2.2% had been subject to some form of mistreatment at school. The figure increased by 2% compared to 2022.

INDONESIA

President Joko Widodo has asked the army to help farmers increase rice production, while the arrival of El Nino - which causes drought in some areas of the continent - and export limitations by the main supplier, l 'India, they are restricting supply. According to models, this year El Nino threatens to become one of the most intense events in history.

JAPAN - RUSSIA

Japan has issued specific sanctions against two Russian scientific research institutes and four machinery factories in the Rostov and Volgograd regions, deemed particularly responsible for the war against Ukraine. Tokyo has banned any economic operations with these groups, blocking any of their material or financial assets in the country.

IRAN

Mahsa Yazdani, mother of a young man killed during last year's riots linked to the killing of Mahsa Amini, must report to prison by December 17 and serve a 13-year sentence. Behind the conviction, the comments left on her social networks by the woman regarding the death of her son, defined by a Tribunal of the Islamic Revolution as "propaganda against the system" and "insulting".

TURKMENISTAN

The imams of Turkmenistan, especially in the velayat of Balkan, are intensifying their homilies and appeals against New Year celebrations, which are contrary to Islamic customs. In Lebap they also managed to have most of the trees with decorations installed on the streets removed at the expense of state employees, who were not reimbursed for this.
by Stefano Caprio

December 12 celebrated the 30th anniversary of the post-Soviet Constitution, approved by Yeltsin. Charter traced by Putin back to Stalinist totalitarianism, though without imposing a new one in his name. Even in the major revision of 2020 (over 200 amendments) the charade of "democratic Russia" remains. With the March 17 vote, the president intends to usher in "year zero of the new era."

On 12 December, Russia celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the post-Soviet Constitution, approved by Boris Yeltsin at a time of great enthusiasm for the democratic and liberal reforms of the first years after the end of the communist regime.

In reality, already in that year the openings to the new economic and political system had begun to go into crisis with the revolt of parliamentarians, which forced Yeltsin to bomb the Moscow White House to defend the "new democracy"; but the fundamental law became a symbol of not only formal change, for the construction of a future that Russia had never truly known.

The first contact with the "power of the people" for the Russians occurred when the "Westernist" tsar Peter the Great: in his early twenties, in 1698 he wanted to tour Europe with the "great embassy" to visit the shipyards of Denmark, Holland and Great Britain being attracted to ship building.

In London he was warmly welcomed by King William III of Orange, the first monarch in the world to cede part of his powers to the House of Lords, whose session the young tsar attended, spying through a small window.

At the end, Peter excitedly commented that "it is very fascinating when the people tell the truth to their king, but then it is he who decides." On the way back to Moscow, Peter also wanted to meet the philosopher Gottfried Leibnitz, who explained to him that he had to establish the Senate and other institutions of a true European state.

Peter the Great brought many innovations with him to his homeland, starting with smoking and vodka which earned him the qualification of "Antichrist" by the Orthodox Church, as well as naval and architectural techniques which he wanted to concentrate in the new capital of St. Petersburg.

The "City of Saint Peter", in honor of him and above all "new Rome", built in a few years and inaugurated in 1703, with canals and palaces similar to Venice and Copenhagen. In the "northern capital" he wanted to exalt the symbols of the new Europeanized Russian nobility and above all the magnificent Senate building, in which the oberprokurory sat, the Russian ministers so called according to Leibnitz's notes.

They counted for nothing, except the "minister of worship" who controlled the Church in place of the suppressed patriarch, the only one who retained the title of oberprokuror, also known as oko gosudarevo, "the eye of the sovereign" until the revolution.

The illusion of democratic institutions remained such for the two centuries of the Petersburg empire, with an attempt to establish a Parliament, the State Duma ("thinking") only at the beginning of the twentieth century, a few years before the revolution, without however obtaining credible results.

Even in the months that elapsed between the two revolutions of February and October of 1917, after the abdication of the tsar, Russian politicians were unable to agree to reunite the constituent assembly and begin a new democratic era.

Vladimir Lenin did it at the beginning of 1918, but since the assembly saw its clear defeat in the votes, he decided to dissolve it and move directly to the "dictatorship of the proletariat", in fact of the party and its leaders, as he understood better than anyone Secretary Joseph Stalin.

Yeltsin's pseudo-liberal Constitution was therefore traced back by Putin to Stalinist totalitarianism, having the foresight not to impose a new one in his name as the Soviet leaders did, but to proceed with subsequent "modifications and corrections".

Even in the great revision of 2020, with over 200 changes, we wanted to remain in the farce of "democratic Russia", indeed the only truly democratic country in the world, as Putin himself reiterated in recent days in the self-celebratory press conference, first since the start of the war in Ukraine.

In truth, the text revised in the unfortunate year of Covid, which had overshadowed the glorification of the new tsar, is the magna charta of Putin's ideology, and is called the "Constitution of zeroing", as it is associated with starting the mandates from scratch presidential elections and is the premise of Putin's attempt to consecrate himself in the March 17 elections.

If a new dark epidemic does not break out, which in any case the Russians would see as a plot by the Western devil, and the Ukro-Nazis are unable to reconquer Crimea and Donbass, as Putin assured the adoring public with a mocking smile, then the thirty-year post -Soviet will finally be archived, proclaiming year zero of the new era.

Pupils in Russian schools are therefore forced these days to learn by heart the articles of the Constitution, the gospel of Russia's superiority and victory over every enemy, to be repeated during "conversations on important things", the religious hours of the creed Putinian.

The Moses-Putin law guarantees freedom of speech, even if to know something different from state propaganda you need to know how to use sophisticated VPN systems. Freedom of movement is also functional to the common mission, so if a person is needed to wage war, his passport is confiscated to prevent him from fleeing.

Religious freedom is guaranteed at the highest level, that is, if one believes in State Orthodoxy, and it disintegrates by descending onto the steps of "less traditional" religions to be totally dispersed in unacceptable "destructive sects", such as the poor Jehovah's Witnesses, of which over 500 languish in prison as extremists.

The charter therefore proposes an "ethical democracy", a new model of which Russia is the bearer for the good of humanity, which ensures the superiority of "traditional values" - God, Homeland, Family and Holy War - against all moral degradation and the sexual deviances that the West wanted to inoculate even in the flesh of the Russians.

The contagion had reached Ukraine, but as the supreme guarantor of the constitution reiterated, the land of the Baptism of Kiev will soon be definitively de-Nazified and reconsecrated.

Moreover, one of the changes approved in 2020 establishes that the president of Russia must have been a permanent resident in Russia for at least 25 years, while when he was elected in 2000 Putin had only returned from the GDR for about ten years, but Soviet Germany was not a foreign country, it was a part of the Russian World liberated by the victors over Nazism, and today awaits new redemption.

A flaw already present in Yeltsin's 1993 constitution was the ambiguity in the definition of presidential mandates, which was unclear whether they should be limited to two absolutely, or just two consecutive ones.

So at the end of the second mandate, in 2008, Putin decided to try the "dualist monarchy", placing the dolphin Dmitry Medvedev on the throne and occupying the seat of prime minister, then returned to the dolphin himself for the following two terms from 2012 to 2018, at least until the trusty Dimon succumbed to the thrill of power to the point of replacing him with other extras.

The "zeroing" modification of 2020 put an end to the problems of succession to the throne, those that prevented Peter the Great from guaranteeing the development of the eighteenth-century empire, which got bogged down in the "realms of lovers" of the tsarinas.

At least until the arrival of Catherine the Great, a German prophetically "de-Nazified" and Russified more than the Russians themselves, who celebrated the true greatness of Russia at the end of the 18th century by invading Crimea and swallowing up Poland, Belarus and Ukraine, divided with Austria and Prussia.

Now there is no longer any need to find heirs and descendants: the fundamental law establishes the continuity of power "without separation or confusion", as stated in the dogma of Chalcedon on the union of the two natures of Christ, in the Council (Sobor in Russian) in which the Church universal definition of "Orthodoxy" was attributed to itself. There will be nothing but Putin, whatever his incarnation and revelation, supported by the authentic exegesis of the Orthodox patriarchy, immune from any external contagion.

Back in 1993 the approval of the Constitution did not take place in a "referendum," but was called a "vote of the whole people," vsenarodnoe golosovanie, although in reality about 30 percent went to vote.

Equally, the upcoming presidential elections in March will not be real elections, except to show the world Russia's "democratic" superiority even and especially in times of war.

Ukraine has in fact decided to postpone the vote until more peaceful times, and from the elections in Europe and America good news is expected for the Russians, giving every people on earth the Putin they are waiting for, or at least the one they deserve.

RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
by Nirmala Carvalho

This was stipulated in a Sonbhadra court ruling granting freedom on bail. They were part of a group of 42 people arrested Nov. 29 on charges of converting the poor by fraudulent means. Fr. Anand Mathew: ongoing "severe persecution" characterized by "false narratives" in media and social media.

Delhi (AsiaNews) - "Propagating religion and promoting positive elements about religion is not a crime," states a sentence issued this week by a court in the district of Sonbhadra, in Uttar Pradesh, granting release on bail to six defendants accused of converting lower caste people and marginalized members of the Hindu community to Christianity.

The charge was of (alleged) proselytism perpetrated through enticements and promises of incentives in the event of a change of professed faith.The freed people are part of a larger group of 42 elements arrested by the police on November 29 in the Sonbhadra district, for having - at least according to the prosecution - attracted poor and tribal populations, inviting them to convert to Christianity through fraudulent means.

At the time of the arrest, the police declared that they had recovered a large quantity of religious books, propaganda material and laptops. Following a complaint from Nar Singh, a member of the Hindu nationalist Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), officers arrested 42 people under sections 3 and 5 (1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

The aforementioned anti-conversion law punishes cases of conversion to another faith through misinformation, the prospect of compensation or other gain, force or coercion, with a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

A government lawyer opposed the six Christians' bail application, accusing them of converting many people in the district's predominantly tribal locality through false promises, including miraculous healings. The Christians, however, have denied any wrongdoing, saying that the accusations made against them are baseless.

Fr Anand Mathew, of the Indian Missionary Society (IMS) based in Varanasi, explains to AsiaNews: "It is very unfortunate that in recent months innocent shepherds who spend time with Jesus' faithful in prayer are accused of forced conversion. Christians in Uttar Pradesh - he continues - are facing serious persecution. The press, media and social media spread false narratives. Pastors and leaders of the Christian community are depicted as crazy people who convert and convert by force. The Holy Bible is called propaganda material. Prayer meetings in which neither baptism nor conversion take place - concludes the priest - are defined as conversion meetings (dharmaantaran sabha)".

In the past, the Chief Minister of the State had issued a specific directive to all police forces, ordering them to arrest anyone accused of conversion by members of Hindu organizations, even if the accusation is clearly unfounded. Currently almost 95 faithful and pastors, including a Catholic priest, are in prison in Uttar Pradesh.

In the anti-conversion law promulgated in 2020 there is a clause according to which a complaint can only be filed by the victim himself or close relatives. But the police and the judiciary arrest anyone accused of violating the law, even without a complaint from the alleged victim.
With a wave of Aussies expected to cool down whatever way they can during what is predicted to be a scorching summer, one council is warning residents to make sure they're not responsible for shutting down their local pool.

Sydney's Camden Council says water parks could be shut for up to 24 hours if a 'Code Brown' is detected, urging residents, particularly parents, to be "mindful and responsible" in the coming months.

And according to locals, the unfortunate health hazard of faecal matter entering public pools and splash parks happens "far too often".

Water parks go through a rigorous water testing process following a 'Code Brown'. Source: Camden Council

"I have seen some pretty disgusting things here," one person said in response to the warning on social media.

In a council video, employee Jordan from the open spaces and parks division explains the problem can have huge repercussions for the public.

"It's really important to make sure children's nappies are on properly because otherwise we could shut down the park for up to 24 hours to make sure the water is safe," he explained, adding soiled nappies should be disposed of properly in the sanitary bins provided.

Faeces in public water requires extensive cleaning

Camden Council explained there is an intensive cleaning process and parks can only be reopen if water samples pass rigorous safety testing.

Infants must wear a swim nappy, a rule which one resident claimed is routinely broken. "Regular nappies which are fully soaked in water will hold nothing, and will fall apart if a kid slips and squashes it," they said.

Camden Council also prohibits parents from changing nappies besides water areas.

For Jordan, the message is simple. "Code brown means shut down," he reminded locals.

Story continues

The warning comes two months after a P&O cruise ship was forced to close its pool after a 'Code Brown' from an infant. P&O confirmed to Yahoo it does not allow children even in swim nappies to enter its pools.

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Toyota has recently published the owner's manual for the redesigned Tacoma, which comes with 2.4-liter turbo muscle. Codenamed T24A-FTS, the four-cylinder lump requires 87 octane or higher.

Photo: Toyota

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma owner's manual also reveals a fuel tank capacity of 18.2 gallons, meaning 69 liters in the metric system. 0W-20 engine oil is the best choice for good fuel economy and starting in cold weather, although 5W-20 may be used as well. Oil capacity ranges between 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) without the filter to 5.9 quarts (5.6 liters) with it.The cooling system takes anything between 12.6 and 12.8 quarts (11.9 to 12.1 liters) of Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. As per said manual, the iridium-tipped spark plugs are listed with a gap of 0.027 inches (0.7 millimeters). 2024 Tacoma vehicles equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission take WS fluid.As for the rev-matching stick shift, Toyota recommends GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil with a recommended viscosity of 75W-90. The transfer case is listed with a capacity of 1.2 quarts (1.1 liters). Toyota recommends using Genuine Transfer Gear Oil LF 75W exclusively.What about differential oil? On four-wheel-drive trucks, the front diff requires 1.4 quarts (1.3 liters) of Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 or similar. Out back, manual-equipped trucks need 5.0 quarts (4.8 liters) as opposed to 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) for those specified with the eight-speed automatic.Brake fluid comes in the form of either DOT 3 or DOT 4. While DOT 4 boasts higher boiling points, bear in mind that DOT 3 will absorb less water than DOT 4 brake fluid over time. As per the maintenance booklet, the engine oil and filter need to be replaced every 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) or 12 months. In case of special operating conditions, namely towing or driving on dirt roads or dusty roads, Toyota says 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) or 6 months.Truth be told, you should never exceed 5,000 miles or 6 months on a turbocharged engine. What's more, you should allow the said engine to idle after high-speed driving or hill climbing. What kind of speed? Page number 187 of the owner's manual reads 1 minute of idling time after continuous driving at 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) or hill climbing.To extend the life of your brand-new Tacoma , you should avoid sudden stops in the first 200 miles (300 kilometers). Toyota's break-in guide further states no towing in the first 500 miles (800 kilometers). Last but certainly not least, avoid sudden acceleration, driving at constant speeds for extended periods, and driving in low gears for extended periods in the first 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) of the vehicle.Twinned with the V6-only Tundra on the TNGA-F platform, the all-new Tacoma is currently available to order in i-FORCE flavor. The i-FORCE MAX is expected to enter production in April 2024.
ICE

EV

SUV

This debacle can be traced down to a couple of significant flaws. For starters, people still haven't forgotten the Dieselgate scandal and the fact that Volkswagen not only lied but also acted cocky about it. Additionally, it seems that  unlike rivals such as Toyota  VW AG never seemed to grasp the lifestyle of the North American region, at least as far as its namesake brand is concerned.That's how we are left stranded with models like Taos, Tiguan, and Atlas  they're all pretty good in their segments but also dull as hell. Plus, although VW likes to brag about its surge in electrified sales, the truth is that ID. models have nothing on Tesla's best-sellers like Model 3 and Model Y. Hopefully, the ID. Buzz will represent a quirky departure from the norm  but still, don't expect the retro-flavored model to have the same impact as its-powered predecessor. As such, it is no wonder that VW is trying to flank the US car market with the upcoming Scout revival.The company hopes that after it develops a Scout pickup truck and SUV  both withpowertrains  it will become a force to be reckoned with by the Rivian R1S and R1T, GMC Hummer EV, and Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, Ram 1500 Ramcharger and REV, plus the all-mighty Tesla Cybertruck.However, some people also think that VW's own ID. series could have a chance to join and conquer the EV pickup truck segment. Not to clash with the upcoming Scouts, though, this ID. EV pickup truck would function more like a lifestyle choice rather than a rugged and terrain-conquering model. This sounds nice, but the virtual artist could be biased, too.Meet the Volkswagen ID. Gaia  an EV pickup truck based on the MEB platform that doesn't exist  and probably never will, no matter how enticing and clever it looks like. Instead, this is a semi-official virtual project from sean_oh_design, a car design student that just wrapped a big internship program at Volkswagen AG. The pixel master designed three initial projects for the company, by the way.The original trilogy is composed of the ID. Oase, ID. Orb, and ID. Prism  but now the CGI expert has 'graduated' to the flagship idea. Suppose you think that the ID. Gaia is not far from looking like a futuristic Amarok; you are probably not too far away from the truth  this looks more like a mid-size EV pickup truck rather than a full-sizer. And if you think it's cool, we do, too!
Have you ever wondered where fake designer goods seized my authorities end up? Authorities in many countries destroy the items, but for one police force, the option of wasting a giant haul recovered in a recent raid seemed a little counter-intuitive.

Instead, officers in the UK city of Manchester donated 1,000 tonnes of fake designer clothing to the homeless following a large-scale operation.

Dubbed Operation Vulcan, police shut down more than 100 fake designer shops in the city. Many of the shops were selling fake designer clothes, Rolex watches and even house cannabis farms.

Officers retrieve some of the counterfeit goods. Source: Jam Press

Almost 1,000 tonnes of counterfeit items were recovered and have now been repurposed or recycled, with the counterfeit designer labels removed to debrand them. Items that are unsuitable or unsafe were shredded to create new items such as bedding or blankets.

Packaging and boxes that the items are sold in have even been recycled into insulation for houses.

Greater Manchester Police donated hundreds of items of clothes to a local anti-poverty charity that works to combat poverty, inequality, and homelessness in Manchester.

The clothing has been warmly welcomed by a local charity. Source: Jam Press

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," Inspector Dan Cullum 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," the charity the Mustard Tree said.

We cant thank them enough.

Homelessness is on the rise in the UK thanks to the cost-of-living crisis, and more and more people can be found living on the streets in Australia as rental costs continue to rise.

Story continues

Disturbing video from Brisbane's West End last week revealed dozens of tents lining the river path, with experts saying the rental crisis has reached "disaster levels".

- Jam Press

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Ten years ago, I felt like kids no longer cared about cars. But that is different today. More and more youngsters are interested in getting cool vehicles from 20 years ago, and I'm especially aware of this phenomenon regarding the Mazda RX-8.

Purple Passion

Photo: eBay/User jaybird8325

1967 Camaro

1958 Corvette

Photo: eBay/User patchac83

1957 Chevy

'56 Flashsider

Photo: eBay/User anno1975

'34 3-Window

Photo: eBay/User karsjk

The same is happening with Hot Wheels cars. I've seen plenty of teenagers taking up the hobby, but only time will tell how many will stick with it. They mostly turn to modern mainline models if they have to rely on their daily allowance. But, some are determined to dig deeper and find unique items from the past. I hope my classic Treasure Hunt reviews will help you determine the next step for your collection!I've gone as far back as 2006 by now, so let's keep going and look at Mattel's 2005 collection of upgraded diecast cars. I'll give you a few pointers if you need help remembering what that year was like. YouTube came into existence that year and is now the second-biggest website. Fernando Alonso won his first F1 title despite the fierce competition coming from Kimi Raikkonen. Valentino Rossi was still unstoppable in MotoGP, while Daniel Pedrosa won the 250 CC class racing against future stars like Casey Stoner, Andrea Dovizioso, and Jorge Lorenzo!Meanwhile, Marco Simoncelli, Aleix Espargaro, and Andrea Iannone were still part of the 125 cc class. Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" topped the Billboard 100 chart that year if you'd like some non-motorsport-related memories. Hollywood productions were still pretty good then; consider Star Wars Episode III, Batman Begins, and V For Vendetta. I initially planned on doing a single story on the 2005 Treasure Hunt series, but I was surprised to see such a strong line-up of cars, so this will be a two-part review. The common link between the first six models is that Larry Wood designed all these castings!Despite its name, the Purple Passion draws inspiration from a custom '49 Mercury . So it's certainly not a fantasy casting. It made its debut in 1990 in the Mainline series. The First Edition featured a Metallic Purple finish and White Wall wheels. The latter would be the go-to option for more than a dozen variations throughout the '90s.In 1994, the casting was part of the FAO Schwarz Gold Collection, with only 3,000 units made. The following year, Mattel used it in the first edition of the Treasure Hunt series alongside models like the Olds 442 and the Rolls Royce Phantom II. This casting was so popular that it even has several Collectors Convention releases, and it was also part of the HWC.com debut series in 2002.It's hard to keep track of all the Purple Passion variations that used Real Riders wheels, and the 2005 Treasure Hunt edition only added to that list. This one featured a Flat Black finish and a flaming livery all around. The Deep Dish RR wheels are just what you'd expect from a vehicle like this, but this is still one of the least exciting TH items of 2005. So, it is no surprise that some people are willing to sell theirs for less than $10.The '67 Camaro debuted in 1983, and as was the case with many of Mattel's castings back then, it had a metal base. The initial design is even better because it also features an opening hood. Surprisingly, only three iterations emerged in the '80s, with the fourth one coming out in 1991. There was another hiatus until 1995, when the '67 Camaro also helped launch the new Treasure Hunt series. I'm a big fan of the iterations with Goodyear tires, such as the 1996 Hill's Exclusive variant.In 2002, Mattel chose it as the RLC Membership car, releasing three variations adding up to 25,000 units. Believe it or not, the 2005 Treasure Hunt Camaro was the 75th variation of this casting, which is simply wild to think of. And if you think that's impressive, Mattel released 90 more iterations, and there is one more on the way for 2024. As for the special edition from 2005, there are two slightly different variations if you pay close attention to the wheels: one has the Redline design, while the other uses plain Real Riders.It would been a lot better without the Hot Wheels TH 10th Anniversary decals on the side, but it's not a total deal breaker. Someone has listed an error model (car facing the other side) for $8,000 on eBay, but that's just ludicrous. Meanwhile, you'll see the 1995 TH for as much as $4,500, which is absurd. I've seen the 2005 model listed for anywhere between $20 to $150, so it's ultimately up to you how much you'd like to pay.The '58 Corvette Coupe debuted in the 1995 Model Series, and we last saw a new variation in 2013. Still, that was enough time for over 60 iterations, several of which were Treasure Hunt models. The 1996 FAO Schwarz Corvette had an opening hood and was the first to use Real Riders wheels. The livery and overall choice of colors for the 2005 TH could have been more inspired.This model might have been wholly forgotten among all the realistic releases over the years if not for the RR rims. But don't take my word for it; look at the online listings for this model.In most cases, its market value hovers around the $20 mark. For some reason, all the iterations of the '58 Corvette I've ever seen cost less than $100. So, at least this collection won't break your bank account like the '67 Camaro would. If you want my opinion on the best Hot Wheels '58 Corvette, I'd opt for one of the two 100% Preferred models that showed up in 2003. What can I say? I'm a big fan of the Mag-style Real Riders.The fourth TH item for 2005 is also the third Chevrolet casting of the series. And it's the oldest one, too, as it debuted in 1977 in the Flying Colors series. But the one with the exposed engine arrived slightly later, in 1984. Mattel featured this vehicle in the 1996 Treasure Hunt series, and it looked spectacular in Metalflake Purple with no overcomplicated livery to ruin the day.Later 1998, it appeared in the Long Haulers series, which might have served as a prototype for the current Team Transport collection. For 2005, people could collect two slightly different Treasure Hunt variations. Both featured the same flat black finish and Al & Matt Mackay-Smith Racing livery but used other wheels.You'll see a wide range of prices for the two TH items, ranging from $15 to $100. There are plenty of different variations that will cost twice as much. You also have to remember that there are almost 90 iterations of the exposed-engine '57 Chevy to collect, so it will take some time and resources to get them all under the same roof.Despite its name, the '56 Flashsider resembles a Chevrolet Task Force pickup truck. Mattel launched this casting in 1992 and pulled the plug on the project in 2015. There are over 50 variations to look for, plus an additional four 4x4 Lifted iterations if you're into that kind of design. In 1995, the diecast manufacturer released The Toy Club version of the Flashsider, which had Gold Chrome Goodyear Real Riders wheels and was rare at only 7,000 units.The 1997 Treasure Hunt series featured the '56 Flashsider in Metallic Teal, but sadly, with just basic 5-spoke wheels on. The people in El Segundo didn't make the same mistake for the 2005 TH release, and the Deep Dish RR rims in red were attractive enough. I've mixed feelings about the two-tone paint job and the flames on the hood, though.The most expensive '56 Flashsider Treasure Hunt I've seen on eBay has an asking price of $70, but some people are willing to let go of theirs for less than $10. Other, more expensive variations of this truck can sell for about $150, but that's rarely the case.The last item for today's story is the '34 3-Window, and there are other replicas of this Ford model in Mattel 's portfolio. Following its 1980 debut, it already received Real Riders wheels in 1983. The diecast manufacturer removed the adjustable rear-axle feature for the 1987 Mainline release, and it was probably for the better. The '34 3-Window had a Long Haulers appearance in 1999, featuring a matching paint job with its hauler.The 2002 Star Spangled model with the Sawblade Wheels is the first version that feels even remotely exciting. But an even better one was next for 2003, as part of the Hall of Fame: Greatest Rides series. The 2004 Collectors Convention 3-Window was a solid 8/10, much more than I can say about the 2005 Treasure Hunt model. How can a mix of flat red and gray ever be exciting?The black Deep Dish RR wheels didn't add flavor to the design, which explains why this is one of the cheapest Treasure Hunt collectibles from 2005. I'll be back with six more items from that series soon!
16 December 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Asim Aliyev Read more

The UN Climate Change Conference is today the highest negotiating body for implementing the provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the Paris Agreement (PA). These events started in 1995 and were initially small working sessions. Over time, they have become one of the largest forums convened under the auspices of the UN and other international organizations.

Negotiations at the Conferences have become increasingly multifaceted and have a very rich agenda. The number of official government delegations from around the world, experts of various levels, civil society representatives and the media is growing.

Climate change includes both global warming caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale changes in weather patterns. Since the mid-twentieth century, humans have affected the Earth's climate system to an unprecedented degree and this has caused changes on a global scale. A major contributor to warming is greenhouse gas emissions, more than 90% of which are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. One of the main sources of these emissions is the burning of natural fuels (coal, oil, and gas) for energy consumption, agriculture, and logging. When greenhouse gas concentrations increase, the global surface temperature of the Earth also rises.

Climate change can lead to environmental disasters such as rising temperatures, increased storms, droughts, species extinction, food shortages, increased health risks and rising sea levels. Therefore, all countries in the world should do their best to prevent environmental disasters by considering the above-mentioned factors.

To prevent environmental disasters and climate change, the world's oil and gas producing countries must reduce their use of oil and gas and accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources. In this context, the COP28 conference assessed the renewable energy potential of the participating countries and exchanged views.

It should be noted that the Azerbaijani delegation also took part in the COP28 event held in Dubai this year.

The main goal of the Azerbaijani delegation was to share best practices in the field of climate change and promote discussion on sustainable approaches in the field of humanitarian demining, as well as to draw attention to the importance of protecting ecosystems while ensuring the security of communities.

We would like to note that despite the end of the 44-day war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there are still difficulties related to demining Garabagh. The planted landmines in the territory of Garabagh have had a serious impact on the environment of Azerbaijan. Among these impacts, the main factor has been serious damage to agriculture. The main purpose of the presentation at this conference was to discuss and address the problem of mined areas in Azerbaijan.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan is one of the countries that has a high potential for renewable energy sources. Thus, the potential of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan amounts to 200 GW.

Even though Azerbaijan is rich in energy resources, i.e. oil and gas, and the country is known as an energy exporter in the world, the use of renewable energy sources has always been at the center of attention. Energy security and diversifying it with the help of green energy has been one of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's main goals. For this purpose, he signed a decree on establishing the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources on September 22, 2020. In addition, legislation, laws, and regulations have been adopted in the country for the development of the renewable energy sector.

Speaking at the COP28 event, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov noted that Azerbaijan has already started cooperation in the field of green energy with seven international companies. Becoming a green developing country and achieving a clean environment by 2030 has been identified as one of the national priorities for socio-economic development. Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov held a meeting with Vice President of Vestas Company Morten Dyrholm.

The minister noted that Azerbaijan's projects and plans for green energy were discussed at the meeting. In addition, the parties considered the possibility of the production of wind turbines in Azerbaijan. Parviz Shahbazov said that the production of turbines by Vestas in Azerbaijan will accelerate the transition to the use of wind energy.

The representative of SOCAR in his speech at the COP28 conference also stated that the main goals of the company are to reduce to zero flaring in the process of gas production and reduce the intensity of waste.

One of the steps that demonstrates how much Azerbaijan attaches importance to environmental issues and green energy is its eagerness to hold COP29 in Baku. The said event will be a good opportunity for Azerbaijan and other countries to come together once again not only for negotiations but also for action. I think that COP29 will become a conference not only for discussion but also for decisions and actions.

Besides, holding COP29, one of the largest and most important interstate conferences in Azerbaijan in 2024, is another triumphant victory of President Ilham Aliyev. It is one of the biggest successes of our foreign policy. At the same time, it is a solid response to some circles that have been waging a dirty campaign against Azerbaijan lately.

In addition, the conference will further enhance Azerbaijan's reputation. It should be noted that many international conferences have been held in Azerbaijan in recent years. Azerbaijan is a member of a number of international organizations such as United Nations Organization - UNO, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe - OSCE, Non-Alignment Movement - NAM, Organization of Turkic-Speaking States - OTS, Council of Europe - CE, Organization of Islamic Cooperation - OIC, UNESCO, ISESCO, Commonwealth of Independent States - CIS and so on. This indicates that Azerbaijan is rapidly developing and integrating into the world community.

Today, the political and economic potential of the Republic of Azerbaijan has increased, our country has become a political and economic center in the region, and its influence and position in the international political arena have been further strengthened. These successes are the logical result of the political course once defined by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and now successfully pursued by President Ilham Aliyev.

Regarding COP29, President Ilham Aliyev chaired a meeting on December 15, 2023, which once again confirmes the seriousness that Baku attaches to the issue. As the President said the decision to hold the conference in Baku had been taken by countries all over the world a few days ago, and thus Azerbaijan was once again given great trust and respect.

"We deserve it, as a result of our policy we have taken very strong positions in the world. Respect for Azerbaijan in the international arena is growing day by day, and we have earned this respect with our deeds, work and policy. Our independent policy, principled position, adherence to international law, loyalty and at the same time restoration of sovereignty on the territory of the country have further increased respect for us," President Ilham Aliyev said.

At COP29, 10 thousand foreign delegates will come to Azerbaijan. According to some estimates, about 70-80 thousand foreign guests will visit the country. Needless to say, like other events, Azerbaijan will hold COP29 at a high level and it will be another great success.

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16 December 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

A major 170-kilometer (105-mile) portion of a security wall in eastern Turkiye along the border with Iran has partly been completed to prevent illegal crossings, smuggling, and terrorist infiltration, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Construction of the entire security wall and observation towers in the eastern province of Van, as well as the excavation of trenches, is ongoing to ensure the security of the entire 295-km (183-mi) border with Iran and to prevent illegal activities.

Teams constructing the security wall, particularly to prevent the irregular migration of individuals from Iran to Turkiye, have so far completed 170 km.

Special teams from the capital Ankara first clear mines along the border to make the wall safer and help dig trenches. Then concrete blocks are laid on the border area, which has been prepared in advance with heavy machinery.

Security measures are tight to prevent the illegal crossing of irregular migrants, curb smuggling, and prevent the infiltration of terrorists.

Security forces utilizing the full range of technology employ domestic and national capabilities developed by Turkish defense giant Aselsan.

Unmanned aerial vehicles are also used in reconnaissance and surveillance efforts. Security forces, guided by the principle that "the border is sacred," intervene to stop any illegal incidents along the border.

Operating day and night, security forces on duty prevent irregular migrants trying to cross the border through patrol missions.

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16 December 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

The doors of the 3+3 format, which includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Turkiye and Iran, are still available to Georgia, provided that the country expresses its readiness to join, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told journalists, Azernews reports.

For our Georgian neighbors, the doors are always open in the 3+3 format. When and if they feel ready to participate in this format, all the other five countries, I am generally sure, will welcome this, in fact, he noted Galuzin.

He also noted that Russia continues to actively participate in this format, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation to solve regional problems.

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16 December 2023 10:32 (UTC+04:00)

Kings College London hosted a conference on the outcome of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, Azernews reports.

The event, organised by Britain's Diplomat magazine together with the Institute of Politics and the Zero Emissions Mission Coalition, was attended by prominent British politicians and leading climate experts, including former Prime Minister Theresa May, shadow minister for energy security and zero emissions Ed Miliband, former UK minister for business, energy and industry Chris Skidmore, representatives of academia and diplomatic corps accredited in London.

The Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK reports that Theresa May, speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, spoke about the environmental and economic benefits of "green" energy and informed about the work and plans of the UK aimed at achieving the goal of zero emission.

She called on countries to implement the decisions taken at COP28 without wasting time.

Within the framework of the event, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Britain Elin Suleymanov, speaking at the panel session on "What should be the ambition for COP", noted that Armenia, along with other countries in the East European Group, supported Azerbaijan's candidature for COP29, which is a historic event.

Emphasising that this was possible as a result of direct bilateral negotiations, Elin Suleymanov added: "It is gratifying that efforts related to the transition to green energy also contribute to sustainable peace in the region."

According to him, the unanimous support of Azerbaijan's candidature by the East European Group member states, including Armenia, is the result of the trust placed in the country.

This is a success not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the whole region, as Azerbaijan, having become the organiser of the next COP event, will represent the whole region.

The Ambassador said that Azerbaijan is a leader in the region in efforts related to the transition to alternative energy and is expanding its activities in this direction day by day.

Since 2019, Azerbaijan has successfully presided over the Non-Aligned Movement, which unites 120 member countries, which demonstrates the country's ability to consolidate the interests of multiple parties and achieve consensus.

Referring to Azerbaijan's concrete steps related to the transition to green energy, Suleymanov noted that ensuring that developing countries have access to the necessary technologies and investments is important for achieving the goals set out in the COP framework.

Citing as an example the successful experience of Azerbaijan as the chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement in the field of ensuring equitable access of developing countries to vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic, the diplomat stressed that Azerbaijan within the framework of COP29, along with other issues, can promote the issue of providing developing countries with necessary technologies. The Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan, which will host the COP29 event, is ready to work with all partners to make a positive contribution to the process and turn it into a successful experience.

Speaking at the panel session, former British Minister for Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment Lord Goldsmith, focusing on issues such as biodiversity and nature conservation, said it is desirable that concrete steps be taken at the next COP conference organised by Azerbaijan.

The speakers assessed as important progress the agreement on the transition from traditional fuels in the documents adopted as a result of the COP28 event.

The speakers also emphasised the relevance of involving the private sector in the COP process, addressing nature conservation and biodiversity issues at the upcoming COP events, and considering climate change as one of the priority problems causing damage to health.

Noting that mitigation of climate change directly depends on the implementation of decisions taken at the events held so far, the speakers said that in this context they have great expectations from the forthcoming COP29 conference in Azerbaijan.

Concluding the meeting, Ed Miliband emphasised Britain's commitment to the process and said that the work to be done over the next two years, including the event in Azerbaijan, will be crucial in terms of achieving the goals set by the states to mitigate climate change.

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16 December 2023 11:28 (UTC+04:00)

In accordance with the approved action plan for 2023, within the framework of NATO's Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) programme, a Level-2 Self-Evaluation Level-2 (SEL-2) exercise of a pair of Azerbaijani Air Force Mi-17-1B helicopters was conducted in one of the military units of the Azerbaijani Air Force, Azernews reports.

First, the participants were briefed on the scenario, progress, safety rules and evaluation of the exercise. The upcoming objectives were announced.

During the exercise, the airlift capabilities and capacities (cargo and troop transport, casualty evacuation) of the Mi-17-1B helicopter pair and associated units were tested and evaluated.

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16 December 2023 12:26 (UTC+04:00)

An international scientific-practical conference on "National environmental priorities and global economic threats, new challenges, opportunities and prospects" dedicated to the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev is being held in the city of Ganja, Azernews reports.

Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, Head of Executive Power of Ganja city, Consul General of Turkiye in Ganja, Rector of Belarusian State Economic University, Rectors of Ganja State University and a number of state officials of the departments attended the conference.

Conference participants first laid wreaths and bouquets of flowers at the monument erected in front of the centre named after Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. They viewed the exhibition consisting of books, paintings, organic food products and startups.

A minute of silence will honour the memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev and heroes who died for territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and after watching a short film on national leader Heydar Aliyev, the conference will start its work.

After the conference, a tree planting action and fish release ceremony will be held at the lakes located in the Goygol National Park.

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16 December 2023 11:24 (UTC+04:00)

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on 16 December, Azernews reports.

To His Majesty Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain.

Your Majesty,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to convey my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Bahrain, and expand our cooperation of mutual interest both on bilateral and multilateral formats.

On such a remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your activities, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Bahrain.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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16 December 2023 12:05 (UTC+04:00)

An enlarged meeting of the board of the Yeni Azerbaijan Party (YAP) was held today at the Heydar Aliyev Centre, Azernews reports.

Heydar Aliyev, founder of the modern independent state of Azerbaijan, founder of the Yeni Azerbaijan Party, national leader of our people, and martyrs who gave their lives for territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, addressed the meeting. His dear memory was honoured with a minute of silence. Then the National Anthem was sounded.

Deputy Chairman of YAP, Head of the Central Office Tahir Budagov, who opened the meeting with an introductory speech, noted that 2023 is a very significant year in the history of the people and state of Azerbaijan. He said a number of events were held in Azerbaijan and abroad this year in connection with the 100th anniversary of the birth of great leader Heydar Aliyev. At the same time, by the Decree of Head of State Ilham Aliyev the election of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan is scheduled for 7 February 2024.

The YAP Deputy Chairman said great successes have been achieved under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev over the past 20 years, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan has been ensured, which is the most important task for our state and people:

"There is an idea that Azerbaijan national Leader brilliantly said: 'Time will come, Azerbaijan will become a world. It will rise like the sun". Today, President Ilham Aliyev has built modern, sovereign, integral and new Azerbaijan on the solid foundation created by great leader Heydar Aliyev. I think the continuation of this Victory March depends largely on the upcoming elections."

Later Tahir Budagov provided information about the agenda of the meeting. The creation of the Central Election Headquarters of the Yeni Azerbaijan Party and approval of its composition were also discussed. After discussions, it was decided to establish YAP Central Election Headquarters with 21 members.

The members of the YAP Central Election Headquarters were approved in the following composition:

1. Budagov Tahir Yagub oglu - Deputy Chairman of YAP- Head of the Central Apparatus

2. Akhmedov Ali Javad oglu - Deputy Chairman of YAP. 2.

3. Ragimzade Arif Gafar oglu - Chairman of YAP Veterans Council, member of the Board of Directors.

4. Gurbanly Mubariz Kahraman oglu - YAP Board member.

5. Muradova Bahar Avaz gizi - member of the Board of YAP.

6. Huseynova Sevindzh Amirahmed gizi - Chairperson of the Inspection Commission of YAP.

7. Islamov Bakhtiyar Gabil oglu - Chairman of Youth Union of YAP.

8. Tagiyev Ahliman Safalan oglu - deputy head of PEA Central Office.

9. Novruzov Siyavush Dunyamaly oglu - deputy of Milli Majlis, chairman of Milli Majlis Committee on Regional Affairs.

10. Kalandarov Nurlan Veli oglu - Head of Information Technologies and Public Relations Department of YAP Central Office.

11. Huseynov Nazim Meikhosh oglu - Head of Financial and Economic Department of the Central Office of the YAP.

12. Badalova Ramila Alkhan gizi - Head of Documents and Statistics Department of the Central Office of the People's Republic of Azerbaijan.

13. Imamaliyev Asif Agalar oglu - Deputy Head of the Department of Political Analysis, Education and Elections of the Central Office of the YAP.

14. Gulmamedov Rafael Shirmamed oglu - Deputy Head of Organisational Department of the Central Office of YAP.

15. Musaeva Zakiya Balaga gizi - Deputy Head of Gender Policy and Youth Work Department of YAP central office.

16. Mammadli Hyulya Gunduz gizi - Deputy Head of International Relations and Humanitarian Issues Department of YAP Central Office.

17. Magomed Yusif oglu Magomed - Chairman of Trade Union Committee of YAP.

18. Musayev Algish Hasan oglu - editor-in-chief of "Yeni Azerbaijan" newspaper. 19.

19. Guliyev Bahruz Vagif oglu - editor-in-chief of "Ses" newspaper

20. Rahimzade Vugar Ganjali oglu - chairman of Khatai district organisation of YAP, editor-in-chief of "Iki Sahil" newspaper

21. Velibekov Ramil Vagif oglu - Chairman of Nizami district organisation of YAP.

Concluding the meeting, Tahir Budagov, deputy chairman and head of the YAP central office, spoke about the upcoming tasks for the successful conduct of the election campaign and wished success to the party members in this honourable and responsible work.

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16 December 2023 13:44 (UTC+04:00)

A delegation headed by Rector of Baku State University (BSU) Elchin Babayev visited Tongzhi University in Shanghai, People's Republic of China (PRC), Azernews reports.

According to the university's press service, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two universities was signed at the meeting. According to the memorandum, at the initial stage it is planned to exchange students, as well as short-term and long-term internships of doctoral students.

The agreement stipulates that the next stage will involve the exchange of students at the master's and bachelor's levels. Integration is planned in basic sciences, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, materials science, engineering and artificial intelligence, as well as the development and implementation of dual degree programmes.

The memorandum also provides for the exchange of scientific staff and researchers. This will ensure further expansion of bilateral ties.

The BSU delegation then familiarised themselves with the campus and the University's College of Design and Innovation.

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A brow and lash technician has banned customers from using their phones in her salon, putting the blame on Aussie men who don't allow their partners to enjoy any time to themselves. Chelsea Valentino struck a nerve with women everywhere when she aired her frustrations about clients having to field calls from their "needy" husbands, who constantly phone up to ask for help with basic tasks.

Chelsea told Yahoo News Australia that during her 15-year career in the beauty industry, she's experienced "hundreds if not thousands of situations" where men have "interrupted their partner's 'me time'," which is only 30 to 60 minutes out of their day.

Chelsea Valentino has banned phones in her salon to give women a break from the 'ridiculous' demands of their partners. Photo: TikTok/@chelsea_valentino

After seeing someone else address the issue on social media, the Perth resident called out men for not letting their partners get through a short appointment without pestering them about "something so f**king ridiculous" as a household chore or child-minding tip. "I saw a video come up on my TikTok stream and I immediately knew I had to respond to it," Chelsea said.

Her thoughts on the "infuriating" subject have since resonated with thousands of women. "I'm a hairdresser, the amount of men who hung around the salon with the kids because they didn't know what to do with them... Makes me so angry," one viewer responded.

"I think they do it on purpose to 'punish' the wife for being away," another wrote.

Chelsea wasn't surprised by the response to her video. "The comments have reinforced that this is a very big issue. Women sharing their experiences and recognising this behaviour in their dads, brothers, friends partners... To me, this emphasises how universal this unpleasant experience is for women," she said.

Story continues

'Weaponised incompetence'

Many viewers described the behaviour as "weaponised incompetence", which is when a person pretends to be bad at a task or not know how to do it to avoid unwanted responsibility. "The term is new but the behaviour is not," says Jayashri Kulkarni, Professor of Psychiatry at Monash University.

"It's a passive-aggressive behaviour that prevents someone from having time away or gets them to do more in a relationship. And despite whether someone does it to control another or because they're feeling insecure in themselves, it can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem," Kulkarni explained to Yahoo.

But women are rising up. "I finally left my helpless, man-toddler husband a few months ago and he still did this. I blocked him and it felt incredible," one TikTok user commented on Chelsea's video. "I had forgotten how to relax and my health (mental and physical) has improved tenfold."

Salon owner's message to Aussie men

Chelsea acknowledges there are plenty of men who aren't a burden on their wives, but wants people to learn from her message. "While some  mostly men  accused me of man bashing for opening up this conversation, I see it as an opportunity for men to reflect on their behaviour and consider how this impacts the women in their lives and how women are sick of this type of needy, manipulative and incompetent behaviour," she told Yahoo.

"For women, I hope this gives them a chance to reflect on this inappropriate behaviour, to consider how this is impacting them and know that they don't have to settle for this. Hopefully, they will start implementing better boundaries."

Kulkarni says couples dealing with this issue can improve their relationship by committing to change and being accountable. "Talking frankly and calmly is essential to explore the reason behind the incompetence and how to overcome it," she advised. "Once you understand what is behind the behaviour, you can come to an agreement on what's acceptable when you're each having personal time."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
16 December 2023 15:26 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting on the results of 2023 with military attaches of foreign states accredited in Azerbaijan has been held. The meeting was held at the Department of International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, Azernews reports.

The meeting discussed the work done in Azerbaijan in 2023 within the framework of military cooperation. Detailed information was provided on the activities, including promising plans to be implemented in this sphere in the coming year.

At the end of the meeting, the questions of the military attaches were answered.

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16 December 2023 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

The Police Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) hosted an international scientific-practical conference on "Criminal-legal, criminal-procedural and criminalistic aspects of investigation of crimes committed against property", Azernews reports.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the event was attended by members of the Milli Majlis, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court and the Ministry of Justice.

Representatives of the Forensic Expertise Centre, as well as a number of state institutions and higher education institutions, trainees and students participated. Representatives of 14 higher education institutions from Turkiye, Russia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Georgia and Kazakhstan took part in the conference in online format.

The participants of the event first laid flowers at the monument to the National Leader. Then they honoured the memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan martyrs who fell for territorial integrity of Azerbaijan with a minute of silence, and the National Anthem was played.

Head of the Police Academy of the Interior Ministry Police Major-General Djanpolad Daanov, who opened the Conference with an introductory speech, greeted the participants of the event and wished success to the work of the Conference, as well as expressed his opinion on its importance and purpose.

The head of the Academy noted that the main purpose of holding the international conference on this topic is to study topical and problematic issues and identify solutions, to achieve the unity of theoretical knowledge with practical skills, to increase attention to the problems at the legal level, as well as to study international experience and expand ties.

Afterwards, speeches of other guests and presentations related to the theme of the conference were heard. At the end of the event, printed materials of the conference were handed over to the participants.

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16 December 2023 15:15 (UTC+04:00)

Speaker of Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik within the framework of her official visit to Morocco, Azernews reports.

In the course of the meeting, the sides noted Azerbaijan's constant efforts to strengthen solidarity and mutual respect between Muslim countries, successful cooperation within the framework of the "Baku Process", highly appreciated the Organization's performance as the main partner of the World Forums of Intercultural Dialogue held in our country on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev.

Speaker of Milli Majlis said Azerbaijan is interested in continuing cooperation with ISESCO in such spheres as education, preservation and restoration of cultural heritage. Confidence was expressed in further expansion of cooperation with the start of activity of the organisation's Regional Office in Baku.

The ISESCO Director General said the organisation headed by him is interested in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan, and noted that the action plan signed with Azerbaijan will contribute to further deepening of cooperation. He also highly valued the work of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the sphere of education, science and culture in the Islamic world.

Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik congratulated Azerbaijan on holding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) next year, as well as on declaring the city of Shusha "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" for 2024.

Other issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.

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16 December 2023 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov left today on a working visit to the Russian Federation, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers.

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16 December 2023 19:03 (UTC+04:00)

The General Assembly of the Pacific Conference of Churches has expressed support for New Caledonia's struggle for independence from France, Azernews reports, citing the outcome documents of the 12th General Assembly.

Support French Polynesia and New Caledonia in their sacred struggle for self-determination. We call for an end to the militarisation of these territories. At the same time, we call on the current and former colonial powers to undertake regional ratification of nuclear weapons.

The outcome documents of the 12th General Assembly stated.

"We must ensure equity through employment, responsible leadership and efficient use of resources. There is need to reduce the financial burden of its members by turning church lands into projects for the benefit of the people, and to warn leaders who do not prioritise the needs of the people. We call on all Pacific churches to adopt policies that provide safe places where women and children can worship God and find comfort and support in times of need. We also call on churches to provide access to places of worship for those in need," the document said.

The militarisation of the Pacific remains an issue of concern, according to the General Assembly document.

"As guardians of the Pacific, we call on the governments of Australia, China, France, France, India, Indonesia, the UK and the US to free our region from the proliferation of nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction and military bases. We insist on our call for regional ratification of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Rarotonga Treaty). We condemn the release of nuclear and other wastes, and call on Japan to stop dumping polluted water into the ocean. We call on the US, UK and France to accept responsibility for ocean degradation caused by nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, the land now called Australia and Maohi Nui," the document said.

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16 December 2023 17:53 (UTC+04:00)

Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov said at today's meeting of the Central Election Commission that the CEC of Azerbaijan will soon start the process of registration of candidates for the extraordinary presidential election, Azernews reports.

The chairman noted that the documents required by the candidates are ready.

Recall that on 7 December President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on the announcement of extraordinary presidential elections in Azerbaijan. According to the order, extraordinary presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 7 February.

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16 December 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

The delegations of Russia and China discussed implementation of the Power of Siberia 2 project, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said after the meeting of the intergovernmental commission on energy cooperation between Russia and China, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

"We have discussed this project today, discussed the current status, the development status, the feasibility study already completed, and performance of front end engineering design work," the deputy prime minister noted.

Discussions of the commercial contract continue, Novak added.

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16 December 2023 22:10 (UTC+04:00)

Iran has executed a man convicted of spying for foreign intelligence services, including the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

Azernews reports with reference to ISNA that the death sentence was carried out in the morning of 16 December.

It is reported that a court in Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan province sentenced him to death for co-operating with foreign intelligence services. Iran's Supreme Court upheld the sentence.

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16 December 2023 22:40 (UTC+04:00)

The world's largest container carrier, the Danish company Maersk, has announced that all its vessels whose route runs through the southern Red Sea will stop operating in that direction from Friday, 15 December, due to attacks by Husitic militants, Azernews reports, citing Bloomberg news agency.

"Following yesterday's incident with Maersk Gibraltar and another attack on a container ship, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area that are due to pass through the Bab el-Mandab Strait to suspend their traffic until further notice from 15 December,"

The statement noted that militants have been attacking commercial ships linked to Israel in response to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The attacks are taking place in a narrow section of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea. This route provides access through the Suez Canal towards Egypt and further north. Three container ships have been attacked or damaged near Yemen in the past 24 hours. The company did not specify when its ships would return to the region.

Stop transportations through the Red Sea decided and the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, explaining that this measure will be valid until 18 December, after which it will be decided whether to resume its traffic. Earlier, a container ship operated by Hapag-Lloyd was shelled from Yemen by the Houthis.

Attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea by the Houthi group Ansar Allah, which have become regular since November, have forced the US and its allies to seek a military response. The Houthis said on 13 December that they would attack all ships bound for Israel.

Traffic through the Red Sea accounts for 10 to 12 per cent of the world's maritime traffic and about 5 per cent of the world's oil transport.

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16 December 2023 13:06 (UTC+04:00)

Hundreds of Yazidis holding US citizenship have taken legal action against the French cement giant Lafarge, accusing the company of bankrolling ISIS, as reported by various international media outlets, Azernews reports, citing Trend.

Many of the complainants fled Iraq during the ISIS-led massacre of Yazidis in 2014.

The lawsuit contends that Lafarge "actively supported and incited acts of international terrorism by ISIS, conspired with ISIS and its intermediaries, and must provide compensation to the survivors".

Meanwhile, back in October 2022, Lafarge had already been found culpable of funneling funds to both ISIS and "Jabhat al-Nusra". The company shelled out approximately $6 mln in "monthly contributions" to ensure the uninterrupted operation of its cement plant in Northern Syria (which was under militant control at the time). Consequently, the company was slapped with a hefty fine of $777.78 mln.

France is gaining notoriety for not just morally, but financially backing terrorism. The Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA), a terrorist organization, is undergoing rehabilitation within France, backed by French intelligence and special services. Reports suggest that specialized French schools are carrying out terrorist training for potential Armenian extremists.

ASALA came into existence in Beirut back in 1975 with the help of Agop Agopian. They pulled off a series of terrorist attacks targeting Turkish diplomats. Lebanon was ASALA's go-to spot for about 7 years, and during that time, the organization grew. However, when Beirut fell under Israeli control in 1982, the decline of ASALA began. With no support left, the terrorist group had to leave the Middle East. That's when France extended a so-called "helping hand", offering refuge to the organization.

Can a country actively endorsing international terrorism cut it among the so-called "civilized" nations in the UN Security Council? Certainly not. The current leadership of France has essentially lumped the country in with states that actively sponsor terrorism.

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"Gorgeous." "Cute." They're just two of the online responses to a koala photographed at a petrol station off a busy highway in Victoria's southwest.

It's an all too common reaction across Australia when the iconic marsupial is spotted in everyday settings. But for wildlife advocates in the area, the assessment from those gazing on in delight, after the photo was widely shared on Facebook, couldn't be further from the truth.

"I just look at that picture and I think just how sad it is," local resident and koala activist Helen Oakley told Yahoo News Australia. In the photo a man and young girl stand nearby, while a man fills up his car. All three seem unconcerned about the koala's location.

The photo of the koala has sparked two very different reactions. Source: Facebook

Helen said the encounter was in fact tragic, and those who believed the koala was leisurely sauntering through town were naive about the grave problems koalas were facing in the region.

She said there has been a vast removal of koala habitat in the town of Portland over the last several years, leading to more and more koala sightings in public places and sadly by busy roads. She says it's led to a significant drop in koala numbers in the area and called on the local council and state government to do more to protect those that remain.

Despite widespread harvesting of koala-inhabited plantations across the state, koalas in Victoria are not yet listed as endangered like they are in NSW and Queensland.

Australians need to see 'the bigger picture'

Helen says some wrongly believe if they're seeing koalas out and about in the street, they must be thriving.

"They're on the ground looking for their tree that's been chainsawed," she told Yahoo. "It's really hard for people to see the bigger picture. They just go 'oh, there's a cute little koala let's take photos'," she said.

Story continues

The petrol station is next to a busy highway, with trucks regularly passing. Source: Helen Oakley

Helen recalled one incident where she spotted a group of people taking photos of a koala in the middle of a road. "They waved me on saying they had it all under control. I pulled a big doona from my boot and carried the koala to the side of the road."

Last year, Helen took video of a koala up a power pole after nearby trees had been chopped down by council. Glenelg Council said the trees were removed due to structural concerns and would be replaced at a later date. Helen revealed the trees installed were ornamental pear trees and were not suitable habitat for koalas.

There are fears the approval of a new Bunnings store in the town, located near to the petrol station where the koala was photographed, could lead to the displacement of more koalas.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

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16 December 2023 21:35 (UTC+04:00)

Judge Tigran Poladyan has been arrested in Armenia, accused of taking a bribe on a particularly large scale says press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia, Azernews reports.

"The Prosecutor General's Office submitted a petition for Poladyan's arrest, which was satisfied," the office said.

Poladyan is accused of taking a bribe on a particularly large scale (more than $20,000).

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16 December 2023 21:00 (UTC+04:00)

The US Congress has approved a bill drafted by representatives of both parties in the Senate - Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican Mark Rubio, according to which the President of the United States will be banned from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO, Azernews reports.

It is expected that the bill will be signed by Joe Biden.

It is worth noting at once that the document was adopted solely for the purpose of tying the hands of Donald Trump in case of his return to the White House. The politician has repeatedly talked about the possibility of leaving the alliance because of too high costs of the United States compared to other countries of the bloc.

Notably, Rubio and Kaine failed to pass the same bill when Trump was in power. Now the congressmen have secured its approval as part of the Pentagon's annual budget.

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Many thanks to bill berry, jr., Lisa Brennan, and aaduna for the invitation to share in the organizations gala word/fundraiser on November 9, 2023. It was a full night of music and poetry, smiles and laughter, and deeply listening. The event featured three women poets: Cyd Charisse Fulton, Karen Faris, and me, along with special guests, Doug Curry and Howard Nelson and vibes on the keyboard from Berny Williford. It was indeed a fierce lineup with a wide range of poetry, subject matter, and styles of presentation. There were moments when I was moved to tears by the subject matter: Bessie Smith, Tammy Terrell, lamentations of love lost, cries for healing and reparations, even a scolding from Mother Earth.

I can track my beginnings with aaduna via an email from Keith Leonard on November 8, 2010 inviting me to submit poetry in consideration of the premier issue to be launched in February of 2011. The invitation was a welcomed surprise and I responded. Since that time, I have had several poems published via aaduna, work that I did not think anyone would ever publish because of the controversial nature of the content. aaduna would nominate my work for a Pushcart Prize in 2010. Later I would accept the invitation to work as a contributing editor in poetry for the publication. My relationship with aaduna also included a rendezvous with an international guest from Turkey, and events for colleges and community programs, such as the one that took place last week. I had not attended an aaduna event since November 2019.

During Fierce! Revisited! while sharing remarks, bill mentioned that aaduna has always been about history and legacy. Having 13 years of experience with the organization, I observed that aaduna is also committed to emergence. The organization has often taken risks mentoring and highlighting the work of emerging artists and writers. I am one of them. To say that I have grown and developed from my relationship with aaduna is an understatement. I have been held and supported in more ways than I could have imagined. aaduna and bill entered my life when I had lost a very deep and abiding friendship with a fellow writer and mentor in the arts. I was devastated to say the least. Remaining engaged with my art was critical medicine during the mourning process. I am most grateful.

During the program last week, I witnessed the growth of each of us as writers and artists. It was obvious that each writer was committed to the craft and skill of writing and poetry, not just the content. Each writer was also committed to service beyond the art, raising awareness of community issues and honoring those who might not be able to speak for themselves. I was humbled to be among these poets and artists and participate in this event once again.

I have since ruminated a bit on aadunas commitment to history, legacy, and emergence. Honoring history is a way for us to inform ourselves while honoring our ancestors and their sacrifices. Being committed to legacy is intentional living and growth to serve those around us and those who come after us. Nurturing emergence is strengthening and securing the growth of new ideas, new pathways, and new vision. It is midwifery of nascence lending to healthy evolution. This is not only a mission for aaduna but a challenge for us all.

Many thanks to aaduna for its commitment and tireless efforts to inform, shape, and shift the world around us. It is an honor to be a part of this history, legacy, and emergence! Happy 13th anniversary, aaduna!

Blessings, peace, and poetry!
Last-Minute, Same-Day Reservations Now At All Oregon Coast, Inland State Campgrounds

Published 12/12/23 at 5:45 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast)  Those wanting to make a last-minute camping reservation on the Oregon coast  or anywhere in Oregon's state park system  will soon get to do so. (Above: Cape Lookout State Park near Oceanside)

Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) recently announced it will have same-day booking as of January 1, 2024. 40 state campgrounds will have the new system, allowing you to check out a prospective park campsite online and then book it that day and actually straight away grab your camping spot.

OPRD said the same-day reservation system offers up a flexibility to travel at the last minute if you find there's a site available. This provides a sense of security knowing you'll have a place to stay that night as you head down the highway.

The new reservation system was originally a pilot program back in the summer, and OPRD found it worked well.

As of January 1, 2024:



South Beach State Park

Tent and RV campsites will be available for same-day online reservations right up until 11:59 p.m. the day you arrive. That means if you're in Salem or Ashland and are about to head out to the Oregon coast, you can make your reservation and arrive just before midnight.

You can also make the reservation as you're inside the park with your cell device in many circumstances, but not all.

Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks' free, limited Wi-Fi is available, OPRD said. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7.

Connectivity can vary greatly by park. Consequently, OPRD still recommends making those reservations before you arrive, which could be any Wi-Fi hotspot in the surrounding area.

There is no $8 reservation fee for same-day bookings.

Go to https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com and click on "Advanced Search" to find your park.

For yurts and cabins, these still need to be reserved before 6 p.m. on the day of arrival because they require staff to assist with keys or codes.

All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Oregon's coastline is by far the busiest in the Oregon State Parks system, serving up some 1.9 million camper nights each year  across a mere 17 campgrounds. Those stats are based on one camper counting as one camper night, while a group of four staying two nights counts as eight camper nights.

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Horsfall Beach, courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

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Keywords: Oregon coast, Camping, Port Orford, Bandon, Coos Bay, state parks, Florence, Yachats, Newport, Depoe Bay, Lincoln City, Pacific City, Oceanside, Tillamook, Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach, Nehalem, Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Seaside, Warrenton
Stranded and Cold-Stunned, Olive Ridley Turtle Gets a Happier Ending | Newport, Oregon Coast News

Published 12/13/23 at 6:25 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

Newport, Oregon  Usually, when a sea turtle strands on the chilly Oregon coast, it does not end well. However, one Olive Ridley turtle that came ashore near Waldport, Oregon a couple of weeks ago looks like it's going to make it after Oregon Coast Aquarium staff rescued it. Not only did it survive the initial stranding  which most don't  but it has improved its condition and is now on the way to SeaWorld San Diego for more rehabilitation and a likely release back into the wild. (Photos Jeremy Burke, Oregon Coast Aquarium)

Oregon Coast Aquarium's (OCA) Courtney Klug said the turtle made landfall at Beachside State Recreational Site near Waldport, found in a cold-stunned state and with an alarming temperature of 60 degrees. They're supposed to be about 80 degrees.

He was nicknamed Sir Acha for what staff called hi "spicy" personality, Klug said, and required care all hours of the day and night.

Cold-stunning occurs when sea turtles are exposed to cold temperatures, rendering them weak and inactive, Klug said. These turtles are at the mercy of the waves until they wash ashore.

Staff placed Acha into increasingly warmer baths in order to raise his temperature, doing so gently as to not shock the turtle's system. A variety of tests were done, including bloodwork and x-rays, with the goal of getting him out of triage and into a full rehabilitation at SeaWorld San Diego.

This week, Acha was carefully packed up in a special container, covered in lubrication to prevent dehydration and then strapped into a custom stretcher that keeps him warm.

Staff wished him the best as they loaded him on board, Klug said.

His flight from Newport was paid for by the non-profit organization Turtles Fly Too, which has a network of aircraft and volunteer pilots that assist the transport of endangered species.

SeaWorld staff will continue to assess Sir Acha and work toward his eventual release. Olive Ridley sea turtles are currently listed under the Endangered Species Act; the reintroduction of even one turtle is enough to impact the overall population.

"Thanks to the combined efforts of dedicated volunteers and staff, this individual has a second chance at survival," Klug said.

If you find a sea turtle on the beach, immediately note its location, remain nearby to observe it, and contact the Oregon State Police Tipline at 800-452-7888 or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network (MMSN) in Oregon, Washington, and California at 1-866-767-6114.

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Lib Campbell: Above

Mrs. Russell, social climbing wife of a Railroad robber baron, is scolding her son. Larry is having an affair with a rich Newport widow for whom he is redesigning a house. The said widow is twice Larry's age. Mrs. Russell thinks this affair will tarnish the household, slowing her rise to the top of New York aristocracy.she says,The value of the good name reaches beyond The Gilded Age in which the Russells live.I hear my own mother's voice in my head.A good name had value in the gilded age, in my youth of the 50s and 60s, and today.We don't know how the incivility started; maybe when Cain killed Abel. People feel they can say or do most anything to another person and it's their First Amendment, free speech right. The sad thing is that the very ones who kill others softly with their words (thank you, Roberta Flack), don't lose much of anything, even their good names.Erwin Cheminsky writes about theUgly rhetoric and bad behavior are as frequently rewarded as they are punished. One needs to look no further than Donald Trump to know this truth. His words are alarming, dangerous, and cruel. Yet histhe Trump name, is gold. Still, despite all attempts to hold him accountable, he delights in casting the strongman image. He must have small hands after all!It's the little people who suffer the consequences and lose their reputations in their work with the strongman. Good names become the butt of jokes, laughing stocks in the public square. The loss of a good name is a terrible price to pay for bad choices and equally bad actions. Many a good name has been ruined as we think we can get away with something, when all we get is caught.Addressing the consequences of our expressions has led to a new cottage industry. The television ad says,Then it lists the company name, Reputation Defender. Like a bad credit report, a bad reputation report follows us into every job application, every college application, becoming a ball and chain around our ankle. But fear not, relief from the reputational damage is on the way... and it will only cost you a small fortune.While few thrive in the garbage they spew, many skulk into the ether sphere, never to be heard from again. Sadly, in this age of cellphone video recorders, you can't get away with much. Just ask the January 6th defendants.Our words and the online pictures of our misdeeds provide a record that before technology were relegated to journals or letters, or the pulling of ears by an angry father, mother or spouse.The expense of losing a good name is a cost to all of us. As America reels in chaos and division, we see world opinion shifting on their feelings of America as the hope of the world. We see the stock market rattle and bump in the face of a potential government shutdown. Moody's threatens credit downgrades. Our economic engine runs on the good name of an America that pays its bills, treats its people with dignity and respect, and spreads good will across the globe.It is increasingly evident we are having an affair with autocracy. I don't know any autocrats who give a hoot about a good name. Their world is driven in crushing the dreams of a people who want to live freely, safely, and hopefully.We are on a very short timetable for retaining our good name. We have a year to reckon with the ugliness that fills our discourse. We must redesign our house with lots of room for the goodness to flourish and thrive. To live in the risk and expense of losing a good name is dangerous, for us and for the world.Mrs. Russell, scold us to remember who we are.
Understanding that there are two firm positions concerning the Open Border Crises, but many realties regarding its current, and, or projected real impacts to the functioning, sustainability of this Constitutional Republic: What position below best represents what you know to be true regarding this impactful policy?

0% The United States' must continue the Executive initiative of Open Borders until a Democratic Congress can codify full Demographic Inclusion by keeping the Biden /Harris Open Borders policy in place.34.62% Our United States' borders are sovereign just as are our self-governed citizens, where borders must be maintained, monitored and defended, which is the position of core Republicans.3.85% I am in favor of Open Borders to make my America more of a global community; however, the federal government must now fix problems that "Red State" governors have caused in our cities.61.54% I do NOT favor the Democratic Socialists' disruption of the cultural fabric of my Representative Republic, and there will be Treasonous Hell to Pay when the certain calamity begins in earnest.
A growing number of hospitals, health systems and ASCs are dropping Medicare Advantage contracts for prior authorization denials and slow payments, among other reasons.

Patrick McEneaney, DPM, owner and CEO of Crystal Lake-based Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, joined Becker's to discuss why he is worried about Medicare Advantage in 2024.

Editor's note: This response was edited lightly for clarity and length.

Dr. Patrick McEneaney: The healthcare trend that I'm most worried about in 2024 is the increasing number of patients who are signing up for Medicare Advantage Plans. I have found that my most vulnerable patients are picking up these plans. These are patients who have multiple comorbidities, are at high risk for exacerbations of their medical conditions and/or those who have insecurities with their socioeconomic situations.

These plans are touted by brokers promising extended benefits and significant cost savings. However, the savings are often only on the front end of the program at the time they sign up. Many patients don't realize that these plans may have copays, coinsurance and deductibles, which often cost the patients more in the long run. I see patients skipping visits, treatments or diagnostic testing in fear of the costs associated with these plans, which leads to poorer outcomes. The aggressive advertisements and monetization of these patients' lives to brokers' commissions have led to a significant amount of misunderstanding from patients.
The music, food and accommodation proved to be stand-out features during a recent eventful trip to Liverpool, writes Michael McCready

The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, Rod Stewart are just some of the legendary names who have graced the world famous Cavern Club and now Im in the same space that the Fab Four performed in 292 times.

This world-renowned old club was one of the many special places we visited on a memorable trip to Liverpool.

After a short flight from Belfast to Liverpool via easyJet we made our way to our hotel  the Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village.

This was the perfect spot to see around the city and not only that, it was a wonderful hotel from top to bottom  all 16 floors of it.

The staff were so friendly and helpful, every need was taken care of and it just made our stay even more special.

The hotel itself is superb, a brand spanking new building that is a sight to behold, even with my critical eye on, I couldnt find fault.

The rooms are spacious, spotless and have everything you could need for your stay.

After getting settled, it was time to check out Liverpool and the first place on our map was the aforementioned Cavern Club.

Located in Mathew Street, the area is a hive of activity, with music playing in a number of bars around the Cavern Club and people out enjoying the atmosphere  and this was during the day.

The Cavern Club in Liverpool

Inside, the walls are adorned with pictures of some of the famous faces who have played there  you will find yourself spending some time looking at all the memorabilia on show and forgetting there is an actual band playing in the background.

And from around 11am until night time they have acts playing and the ones we heard were top notch.

We were also lucky enough to be there the day that Now and Then by The Beatles was played for the first time. If you have been living under a rock, this is the final song by The Beatles with the first bars written by John Lennon in 1978 and the song finally completed last year, with the help of AI.

Before we left, we added our names to the millions that have signed the walls over the seven decades it has been in existence (not sure if I have just admitted to vandalism).

After getting our music fix, it was time to head for something to eat, so we made our way to Casa Italia in Stanley Street.

The fact it has been about for nearly half a century would be a strong indicator that the food was fantastic, but for me, the proof would be in the pudding, or should that be pizza. The queues outside were also another indicator of its popularity.

The Casa Italia restaurant in Liverpool

Its a beautiful restaurant, that has a real traditional Italian feel to it but where it really excels is the food and the staff.

For a start, it was really busy but at no point did we feel neglected (which can happen in a busy restaurant) or feel the staff were under pressure (which can happen in a busy restaurant).

They were all polite, efficient and really helpful.

As for the food, well you just have to try it for yourself.

The pizzas and spaghetti were outstanding, full of flavour and extremely satisfying. It was the type of place where you kept eating even after you were full.

I would also recommend the Calamari Fritti  deep-fried squid with garlic mayonnaise.

Im not the biggest lover of fish but these were so tasty I was tempted to order them for a main meal after having them for starters.

After a wonderful dinner, it was time to go back to the hotel to rest up and get ready for the next day.

The following day kicked off with tasty breakfast at the Novotel following a fantastic nights sleep, the perfect combination to get ready for another busy day in the city.

We took a trip into the town centre (theres public transport right on the doorstep while getting a taxi to make the short journey is extremely easy).

Liverpools town centre is buzzing  plenty of shops and lots of people wandering around  theres a really nice atmosphere about the place, with the people being really friendly and helpful.

A lot of the shops are in close proximity to each other, so you dont have to get your step count up too much to make your way around the place.

After pounding the pavements for a few hours it was time to grab something to eat. This time we made our way to another Italian restaurant, Villa Romana in Wood Street.

This is a wonderful looking restaurant, with tiled floored, exposed brick and artwork that wouldnt look out of place in a gallery in Rome.

Villa Romana in Liverpool

The service was superb  there was no time at all between the food being ordered and it arriving at our table.

For the main, I went for the Canneloni Villa Romana which is tubes filled with spicy minced beef in tomato and bechamel sauces topped with mozzarella and then baked.

It was delicious, the flavours were exquisite, with the spice adding to the dish rather than overpowering it.

Again, this is another top notch Italian restaurant in Liverpool  they really are spoilt for choice. You simply couldnt find a fault.

After the meal it was time to take a trip on the world famous Mersey Ferry. Its a great way to see the city and it runs seamlessly.

You can just sit back and watch the world go by, while taking in the scenes, which, even on a cold, wet day, are still a sight to behold.

Another busy day was coming to a close and it was time to head back to the hotel to Kensington Restaurant for one last meal in Liverpool.

After having two fantastic meals so far, surely the standard would have to drop at some point?

Thankfully not.

The Mersey Ferry

It seems to be a recurring theme, with outstanding service, top quality food and a wonderful setting.

Theres a lovely relaxed atmosphere, where you dont feel under pressure to either order or get up and go after you have finished your meal.

I went for the steak, which came with peppercorn sauce and a side of French fries. It was cooked to perfection, which for me was medium to well-done and was beautifully soft and got the taste buds going.

As for the French fries, they were honestly some of the best I have ever tasted.

Being a thinner type of chip, French fries have a tendency to really lack flavour unless saturated in salt.

These, however, were full of flavour, a real buttery taste that left you wanting more.

After a wonderful meal it was time to wind down and get ready for the flight home  leaving Liverpool with plenty of happy memories, between the great music, the superb accommodation and the outstanding food.
The remains of the Austin 1100 used in the car bomb attack (PA)

A survivor of the IRA bombing of the Harrods department store in London 40 years ago has said victims suffered in silence while seeking compensation from the UK Government.

Six people were killed and 90 injured when a car bomb ripped through the Hans Crescent entrance to the busy store on December 17 1983.

At 12.45pm the IRA sent a warning that the bomb was imminent, but the area was not evacuated and it exploded at 1.30pm.

Three Metropolitan Police officers, Inspector Stephen Dodd, 34, Sergeant Noel Lane, 28, and Pc Jane Arbuthnot 22, were killed.

Three members of the public, Kenneth Salvesen, 28, Jasmine Cochrane Patrick, 25, and Philip Geddes, 25, were also killed.

Speaking to the PA news agency to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing, Mina Jadeja said she was lucky to survive.

The police operation in Hans Crescent, outside Harrods (PA)

She said the attack was a life-changing experience which left her with severe injuries, chronic pain and affected her working life.

Ms Jadeja was going to Harrods with her sister and nephews that afternoon after promising to buy them presents before she was due to move overseas for work in the new year.

After seeing Father Christmas at the store, the family cut through Hans Crescent to avoid the busy main road outside Harrods.

Ms Jadeja remembers laughing and joking with the boys as they walked along the road.

But suddenly, the car bomb exploded and caused chaos on the streets.

A 1972 blue Austin 1100 saloon with a black vinyl roof similar to the one used in the Harrods car bomb attack (PA)

Initially there was a lot of confusion, a lot of smoke, we couldnt see where we were going.

There was a lot of glass from the windows of the Harrods shop flying around everywhere as well.

She said her first instinct was to protect and cover up her youngest nephew, shielding him from the debris.

Then I felt wet and I realised it was blood coming out of my neck, back and right hand. I was bleeding quite badly and panic set in because I couldnt see and I was confused about the direction I needed to go.

The fear was compounded as she discovered she was no longer with her sister or eldest nephew.

The remains of the Austin 1100 used in the car bomb attack (PA)

Eventually, after walking in what she believed was the right direction, she encountered some medical students.

I dont remember much after that to be honest, I think I must have passed out. The next thing I woke up in St Thomas hospital with my sister on my side bed and my two nephews on the opposite bed.

Ms Jadeja said her right arm was completely shattered and there was shrapnel from the car in her elbow.

Her sister was also very badly injured and she said her eldest nephew was very affected by the bombing.

Luckily my youngest nephew wasnt hurt at all because I covered him up. But he got the most attention because Charles and Lady Diana came to see him. He thought he was quite the adventurer and taking it in his stride.

The Princess of Wales chatted to Ms Jadejas nephew Rajan Parmar (PA)

She said she was not aware of the conflict in Northern Ireland at the time and was shocked to learn it was an IRA bombing.

I thought Who are they, why would they want to hurt us?'

She feels the Harrods incident has not received enough discussion.

Former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi armed the IRA with the powerful Semtex plastic explosive used in multiple Troubles bombings, including the 1983 Harrods attack, the Remembrance Day ceremony in Enniskillen in 1987, Warrington in 1993 and Londons Docklands in 1996.

Victims want the current Libyan authorities to pay compensation but, given the unlikelihood of that happening in the short term, they have urged the Government to instead use the billions of pounds of assets linked to the toppled Gaddafi regime which were frozen in the UK in 2011 under UN sanctions.

During an inquiry into Government support for UK victims of IRA attacks that used Gaddafi-supplied weapons, Ms Jadeja previously complained that the UK Government was not as effective as the US Government in seeking compensation for victims of terrorism.

The scene outside Harrods in Knightsbridge following the explosion (PA)

A 2021 report on the matter compiled by the Foreign Office has remained confidential.

On the 40th anniversary, she still feels the UK put money in front of lives by prioritising trade relations with Libya at the time.

We should have been compensated, but we got nothing. We suffered in silence, basically. It has cost a lot in emotional suffering.

Asked about the pursuit of justice for the attack, Ms Jadeja said: Nobody will be punished for this attack and it was horrendous.

They got away scot-free, basically, no-one is answerable for this.

They wanted to get attention for their cause and they got it at the cost of normal citizens lives.

Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ms Jadeja said that groups like the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) continue to seek justice in the decades since the attack: Their fight for justice is very necessary for victims.

SEFF director Kenny Donaldson said: We support a number of the bereaved and injured survivors of the Harrods bomb and have awareness of others also directly impacted.

The Harrods bomb was a brutal attack carried out in the days running up to Christmas when families and individuals had their guard most down and were engaging in Christmas cheer.

Those six individuals murdered and circa 90 injured came from both policing and civilian backgrounds and also across diverse ethnic, nationality and religious backgrounds.

Just 24 hours earlier the Provisional IRA murdered two members of the Irish states security forces in County Leitrim, Republic of Ireland  Garda Recruit Gary Sheehan and Patrick Kelly  again illustrating that their terror campaign was no respecter of borders, murders and maiming of people committed across these islands and also in mainland Europe.

On this milestone 40th anniversary our thoughts and prayers are with all innocents impacted by the events of Harrods.
Return of Stormont now hangs in the balance though further talks with the government are planned

The DUP held a secretive crunch meeting of party officers yesterday as hopes of a deal to restore Stormont before Christmas fade.

Time is very much against the party, as Parliament goes into recess from Tuesday, but further talks with the Government are to be held on Monday.

Three days of talks with the Stormont parties, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris and Northern Ireland Office officials were held this week, during which the government offered a 2.5bn financial package to support the return of the institutions.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also said that London is prepared to introduce legislation to protect NIs place in the UK and the UK internal market. Mr Sunak said the government could do so at pace if Stormont was restored. If this happens, Tuesday will be the last day any legislation could be laid in the Commons before Christmas.

The DUPs powerful 12-person officer board met yesterday to discuss progress towards any potential deal, but the timing and location of the meeting was kept tightly under wraps.

Made up of MLAs, MPs and Peers, including Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, deputy leader Gavin Robinson and Lord Nigel Dodds, the board makes the key decisions for the party collectively.

One source said that Monday will be D-Day for the DUP if there is a deal to be had before Christmas, while another source said those hoping for an agreement before then are being overambitious.

When the funding package emerged earlier this week, the Stormont parties said it would not be adequate to put Northern Ireland on a stable financial footing, while the government indicated the package could be negotiated.

It is understood Monday could see an enhanced offer from the Treasury put before the parties.

If the DUP gives the green light on Monday, the nomination of a Stormont speaker and Executive ministers would swiftly follow.

On Thursday, Sir Jeffrey said that it was approaching the time for a decision on a potential return to Stormont.

He said he hasnt come this far to plan for failure, adding: There are still some [issues] were engaged with the government on  but undoubtedly were approaching the time when we will be able to examine where weve got to, the progress thats been made and perhaps come to some decisions.

Im planning to get the outcome that we need to see Northern Ireland on a sustainable footing, an outcome that delivers for everyone in Northern Ireland.

The DUP have made their position clear and that position is shared right across the party, that we want to see the political institutions restored on a sustainable basis.

That means, weve got to not only deal with the issues related to the NI Protocol to restore Northern Irelands place within the UK and its internal market, but also we have got to restore the cross-community consensus that ensures power-sharing can work.

My focus is resolving the issues related to the NI Protocol, thats the outcome I want to get to, thats the outcome we need, and then perhaps an agreement can be reached with the government on budgetary matters.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Michael Quill could've gone anywhere in the world. He had a job offer to work on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

But, as Dorothy says in "The Wizard of Oz," there's no place like home.

Quill returned to Auburn and never left. On Dec. 31, he will finish his fourth term and 16th year as mayor. He is tied with Paul Lattimore as the city's longest-serving mayor.

Quill's four terms as mayor are a capstone to a career of service, beginning with his stint in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. When he was discharged and decided to come home, he worked some odd jobs. His mother encouraged him to take the test to become a firefighter. He joined the Auburn Fire Department and worked under his father, who was an assistant chief.

In 32 years with the department, Quill rose up the ranks. He retired as fire chief in 2006.

With his firefighting career behind him, Quill told The Citizen he wanted to run for a city council seat in 2007.

"I was all set to do that," he said. "But there was not a slot, so they talked me into running for mayor."

Democrats endorsed Quill over David Dempsey, a city councilor. Quill won the Democratic primary to secure the nomination and set up a three-way general election contest against Dempsey, who ran on an independent line, and Republican Mayor Tim Lattimore.

Quill narrowly defeated Lattimore by 42 votes, 2,913 to 2,871. Dempsey received 700 votes.

When Quill was reelected in 2011, 2015 and 2019, he won by wider margins over Lattimore, who challenged him in every election.

Quill is proud of downtown's resurgence during his tenure as mayor. There were new businesses, including a hotel and award-winning brewery, and the city won a $10 million state grant to spur additional development. The projects supported by that funding are nearing completion.

Across from city hall on South Street, the Equal Rights Heritage Center was built in 2018. Before the building's addition to the downtown area, the property was a municipal parking lot.

"Downtown has progressed," Quill said. "There are many new buildings going up or being remodeled. I really believe that we're on the right track."

Quill praised the city's staff, namely Jeff Dygert. He said Dygert is the best city manager he worked with during his 16 years as mayor.

Dygert, a former fire chief like Quill, has served as city manager since 2016.

Quill also thanked those he has served with on the city council and the residents of Auburn.

"I hope and I feel that we're in a better place than we were 16 years ago," he said.

As Quill reflects on his career during his final days as mayor, he recalled that he and his wife, Joan, had one grandchild when he was first elected. Now, they have four. The oldest grandchild is looking at colleges, he said.

Quill admits that, early in his life, he had no intention of staying in his hometown. The aforementioned job in the South was one potential opportunity. But what he realized after being discharged from the Marine Corps and spending time with family is that Auburn is home.

"Once I got here, I never left," he said. "I don't regret it."
A pipe bomb exploded in the garden of a house in Dunmurry on Friday.

Detectives are investigating the attack in Sunnymede Park, which was reported shortly after 11.30pm.

The pipe bomb had partially exploded and a number of people were evacuated from their homes as a precaution while police and ammunition technical officers examined the scene.

A controlled explosion was carried out on the device at nearby playing fields and it was taken for forensic examination.

Residents have since returned to their homes and the road has reopened.

Police said a possible link to a car found burning in The Green area of Dunmurry, Belfast, minutes after the attack, is being explored.

Anyone with information or who may have captured any footage in the area on Friday is asked to contact police on 101 and quote reference 2052 15/12/23.

Information can also be provided online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or, via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
But party officer team leaning towards supporting a return to Stormont in new year

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has warned the time for a decision on a return to Stormont is approaching.

A deal paving the way for the DUP to return to Stormont is extremely unlikely before Christmas, party sources have suggested.

However, they revealed progress is being made towards an agreement that could see power-sharing restored in the new year.

Crucially, the DUPs influential group of party officers is understood to be leaning towards a return.

On Thursday, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said it was "approaching the time" for a decision.

The Assembly and Executive have been effectively collapsed for almost two years amid DUP protest action over unionist concerns around post-Brexit trading arrangements.

The Government has offered a 2.5bn financial package to address Northern Irelands financial crisis dependent on power-sharing being restored.

DUP insiders said that no vote was taken at the meeting of party officers on Friday.

They suggested Sir Jeffrey has a majority supporting him, although some on the group are said to be far from convinced.

The party expects the Government to table an improved financial package during further talks on Monday.

The DUP has indicated that concessions on the Windsor Framework have also become a lot better in recent weeks.

While the government has been working to secure agreement before parliament breaks for Christmas on Tuesday, DUP sources indicated that, at this stage, a deal is extremely unlikely before then.

In a letter to party members at the weekend, Sir Jeffrey confirmed he expects Westminster to "advance" its current offer and work towards "substantive change" in Northern Ireland's funding model.

The Government has offered the lump sum to settle outstanding public sector pay demands and a new fiscal floor for Northern Ireland, provided the Executive is restored.

Sir Jeffrey said the DUP took the lead in arguing that Stormont could only be restored on the basis of sustainable funding and protecting the union, adding: "Others would have been back long ago without any of these requirements being met."

Sir Jeffrey said there needs to be a change in the formula that calculates the amount of money Northern Ireland receives compared with other regions in the UK.

"That situation can only change when we secure a new long-term funding model for Northern Ireland that is needs-based.

"Additionally, I have been making the argument that any future Northern Ireland Executive must be able to deliver on transforming our health system, a focus on getting waiting lists down, investing in our schools for the benefit of the next generation, and be able to help hard-pressed families with childcare."

Although acknowledging progress on restructuring the funding for Northern Ireland, Sir Jeffrey said "much more will be required" to secure future transformation.

"While some have focused on adding the numbers on the pages given to the parties by Government, we know that much of what is proposed does not deal with our long-term challenges.

"More work will be required and I have no doubt the Government will want to advance on their offer on Monday. They will ultimately need to move on a substantive change to our funding formula."

Sir Jeffrey added: In negotiations with the Government across a range of issues, we have been able to identify legislative measures and potential actions that would be in keeping with our negotiating objectives.

"This is important work and we will not allow ourselves to be distracted by hype, spin and sometimes ill-founded claims as we seek to deliver long-term solutions, measured against the tests in our manifesto, and that work for Northern Ireland and our place within the United Kingdom."
A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Nearly 300 migrants arrived in the UK on the same day a person died when a boat sank in the English Channel, latest figures show.

Some 292 people made the crossing in seven boats on Friday, according to Home Office figures published on Saturday.

The data comes after it was confirmed a migrant died and another was left in a critical condition during an incident on Friday.

More than 60 people were on board a boat as it began to deflate about five miles off the northern coast of France in the early hours of the morning, the French coastguard said.

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dungeness, Kent, in November (Gareth Fuller/PA)

The first group of people were pulled from the water at 1.15am local time (12.15am GMT) in the French-led operation, with 66 rescued and taken to safety within an hour.

The crossings were the first to take place in a fortnight, with the Government last recording arrivals on December 3, when 118 people entered the country.

Saturdays figures bring the total number of people arriving via the English Channel this year to 29,382, compared with 45,195 people last year on this date.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Home Secretary James Cleverly described the migrants death as a horrific reminder of the people smugglers brutality.

About 25,000 people have been averted from crossing this year  but we must and will do more, he said, adding: My thanks to all those involved in the rescue. Every boat stopped is a potential life saved.
Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah has died at the age of 86, Kuwait state TV has said (AP Photo/Nasser Waggi, File)

Kuwait state television broke into programming with Quranic verses just before a sombre official made the announcement.

With great sadness and sorrow, we  the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world  mourn the late His Highness the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today, said Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, who read the brief statement.

Authorities gave no cause of death.

Kuwaits deputy ruler and his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, now 83, had been the worlds oldest crown prince. The state-run Kuna news agency said Sheikh Meshal, a long-time leader in the countrys security services, had been named emir on Saturday afternoon and is now one of the Gulf Arab countries last octogenarian leaders.

The national flag flying at half mast after the death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah in Kuwait (AP Photo/Jaber Abdulkhaleg)

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to a hospital for an unspecified illness. In the time since, Kuwait had been waiting for news about his health. State-run news previously reported that he travelled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.

The health of Kuwaits leaders remains a sensitive matter in the Middle Eastern nation bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which has seen internal power struggles behind palace doors.

Those from Sheikh Nawafs lifetime, born before oil fully transformed Kuwait from a trading hub into a petrostate, have been fading away with age. That, as well as other Gulf Arab nations putting younger and more assertive rulers in power, has increasingly put more pressure on the Al Sabah to pass power onto the next generation.

In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, King Salman, 87, is widely believed to have placed day-to-day rule of his nation in the hands of his 38-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Day-to-day ruling of Saudi Arabia is widely believed to have been passed down to Mohammed bin Salman (Sergei Savostyanov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as emir in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, following the death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The breadth and depth of emotion over the loss of Sheikh Sabah, known for his diplomacy and peacemaking, was felt across the region.

Sheikh Nawaf previously served as Kuwaits interior and defence minister. His political fortunes were never certain despite being part of the ruling Al Sabah family. As defence minister, Sheikh Nawaf oversaw the rapid collapse of his forces during Iraqi dictator Saddam Husseins invasion of his country in August 1990. He faced widespread criticism for his decisions during the war.

A letter reportedly sent to the countrys ruler at the time alleged that Sheikh Nawaf ordered tank crews not to fire on the approaching Iraqi forces. The reasoning behind the alleged order remains unclear. Iraqs battle-hardened forces, after years at war with Iran, easily overwhelmed the country.

A US-led, multinational force later expelled the Iraqis from Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. The Al Sabah never published the findings of its investigations into the governments actions around the invasion.

Our main target is the liberation. After we return, we will repair our own house, Sheikh Nawaf said in 1991. You have to reform yourself and correct any previous mistakes.

US President Joe Biden said he was saddened by the death.

Sheikh Nawaf was a valued partner and true friend of the United States throughout his decades of service, Mr Biden said in a statement.

We honour his life and the vision we shared for greater peace and stability across the Middle East, he said. We will continue to strengthen the long-standing ties between the governments and people of the United States and Kuwait as we pursue that future together.

Sheikh Nawaf faced a demotion and then did not hold a Cabinet-level position for about a decade afterwards, serving as a deputy chief of the countrys National Guard. Even on his return, analysts viewed him as not particularly active in government, though his low-key approach later appealed to some Kuwaitis who ultimately moved on from his wartime performance.

During his term, he had been focused on domestic issues as the nation struggled through political disputes  including the overhaul of Kuwaits welfare system  which prevented the sheikhdom from taking on debt. That has left it with little in its coffers to pay bloated public sector salaries, despite generating immense wealth from its oil reserves.

In 2021, Sheikh Nawaf issued a long-awaited amnesty decree, pardoning and reducing the sentences of nearly three dozen Kuwaiti dissidents in a move aimed at defusing a major government stand-off. He issued another just before his illness, aiming to resolve that political impasse that also saw Kuwait hold three separate parliamentary elections under his rule.

He earned his title  he has a nickname here, they call him the emir of pardons, said Bader al-Saif, an assistant professor of history at Kuwait University. No-one in modern Kuwaiti history has gone this far to reach out to the other side, to open up.

Kuwait is perceived as having the Gulfs freest parliament that comparatively allows for dissent.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Co-operation Council states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, restored ties after years of a boycott of Doha, easing regional tensions and allowing Sheikh Nawaf to focus on issues at home.
No matter what new and innovative technology arrives, it seems Northern Ireland still applies the oldest practices in the book  wipe it, lose it, dump it, wreck it. Stormont ministers and senior civil servants during the Covid crisis have since had their government-issued electronic devices wiped, thus erasing all official information amassed in discussions via WhatsApp  a scandal exposed when the UK Covid Inquiry wanted to examine the data.

Alliance leader Naomi Long said that it was standard policy that when ministers returned our devices they were to be put to factory setting. But the permanent secretaries of all devolved departments were contacted in 2021 to ensure no material of potential relevance was destroyed. More than two years later, it squeaks out of Stormont that, er, the messages are all gone.
Jayne Brady was brought in to fix the Civil Service but WhatsApp issue shows lessons of RHI have not been learned

The public was told the shocking practices revealed by cash for ash had been stopped  its now clear that at least some of them have continued, with no one being held to account

Jayne Brady, Arlene Foster and Michelle ONeill

Sam McBride Sat 16 Dec 2023 at 08:00

Back when Northern Ireland was governed by ministers, Arlene Foster and her special adviser devised a means of communicating politically sensitive messages without leaving a trace in government files.
This is the man due to stand trial on more than 30 charges relating to alleged organised badger baiting.

Jason Lee Kennedy appeared in the dock of Enniskillen Magistrates Court last week where the lengthy list of alleged offences were put to him.

The 35-year-old is accused of not only causing unnecessary suffering to badgers by instigating six different animal fights but he is also said to have supplied recordings of animal fights to others on four separate occasions.

Kennedy, of Ross Road in Enniskillen, is further accused of causing unnecessary suffering to cats along with a single count of killing a badger.

He is also alleged to have possessed badgers or parts of badgers and to have been in possession of a dead badger or part of one.

In total Kennedy faces 36 charges under the Welfare of Animals Act and the Wildlife Order allegedly committed between June 28 and July 4 last year.

At last weeks court hearing he confirmed he understood the charges and District Judge Alana McSorley agreed to send the case to Dungannon Crown Court for Kennedy to formally enter pleas to the charges.

Read more Drunk banned driver stole car while owner delivered takeaway

The case will be heard at that court for the first time on January 16, with Kennedy freed on continuing bail.

Kennedy first appeared in court in March this year following an investigation into suspected badger baiting centred around the Derrylin area of Fermanagh.

At the crown court, the offences with which Kennedy is charged carry a prison sentence of up to two years and a maximum fine of 20,000.

Although you are allowed to hunt animals with dogs in Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK where it remains legal, badgers are classed as a protected species.

While the use of a dog to hunt an unprotected species, such as a fox, is lawful the welfare of the dog or dogs used remains the responsibility of its keeper.

The USPCA has consistently called for all hunting with dogs to be made illegal in line with the legislation in the rest of the UK. In December 2021 a bill which would have outlawed the practice failed at the Assembly by 45 votes to 38.

The private members bill was brought by Alliance MLA John Blair and came with the support of not only the USPCA but a public consultation of more than 18,000 respondents, of which 80% were in favour of a ban.
A former Labour MP feared Peter Mandelsons camp, mocking style would not be well received by unionists when he was made secretary of state.

Mr Mandelson took over from Mo Mowlam in 1999, little over a year after the Good Friday Agreement.

Denis MacShane, the minister of state for Europe from 2002 to 2005, said in his newly published diaries it was a great job for him.

In an entry dated October 11, 1999, he questioned if Mr Mandelsons sexuality would be a factor in his work.

He wrote: I recall conversations with David Trimble in which he revealed himself as being quite homophobic, so I wonder if that will appear and influence their relationship.

I cant quite see Peter giving up his camp, mocking style... adorable as that is, it wont go down with the rigid Orangemen of Ulster Protestantism, who probably still believe God created the world in 4004 BC.

It shows how desperately dependent Blair is on Mandy.

In his book Labour Takes Power: The Denis MacShane Diaries 19972001, the 75-year-old also said former MP Clare Short told him Ms Mowlan did nearly everything in keeping the peace process on track.

He said she told him: My uncle Paddy lives in Crossmaglen, and he says that the republicans want peace and all this talk of a split in the republican movement is nonsense.

Its that hunger for peace thats driving it forward, and Mo is the person whos actually putting it all together.

I dont disagree with her estimation of Mos importance for a second, but the fact is that Blair used all his authority to open the doors of 10 Downing Street to the IRA and allow no excuse for the peace process to break down on the basis that a British government was not serious in negotiating.

Mr MacShane was forced to resign his seat as the MP for Rotherham in 2012 in the wake of the expenses scandal, and a year later was jailed for six months for false accounting in relation to the claims.
China, Russia hold meeting on regional development cooperation

Xinhua) 09:58, December 16, 2023

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-hosts the chairpersons' meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Cooperation of Northeast China and the Far East and Baikal Region of Russia, together with Yury Trutnev, Russian deputy prime minister and the presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing on Friday co-hosted the chairpersons' meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Cooperation of Northeast China and the Far East and Baikal Region of Russia, together with Yury Trutnev, Russian deputy prime minister and the presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia "Northeast-Far East" cooperation has achieved fruitful results.

He said that China is willing to work with Russia to follow through on the important common understanding reached between the two heads of state, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, upgrade connectivity, expand trade and investment, develop tourism cooperation, promote the high-quality development of China-Russia "Northeast-Far East" cooperation, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

Trutnev said that the Russian side is full of confidence in the prospects of Russia-China "Far East-Northeast" cooperation and is willing to make joint efforts with China to promote cooperation in various fields to achieve more substantial results.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
The House of Representatives finished its work for the year by passing an $874 billion defense bill that provides the largest raise for military servicemembers in more than two decades.

The vote on the National Defense Authorization Act was 310-118. Most Democrats and Republicans, including U.S. Reps. Claudia Tenney and Brandon Williams, voted for the annual defense policy bill. The opponents included 73 Republicans and 45 Democrats.

Tenney, R-Cleveland, explained her vote by noting the $16 billion increase for defense programs and the 5.2% pay increase for servicemembers. The bill included two Tenney-sponsored amendments requiring reports on the U.S. Central Command's capability gaps and the threat of unmanned aircraft to military bases.

"I am eager to continue advocating for all our servicemembers and their families, especially those stationed at Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the New York's 24th Congressional District," Tenney said.

David Zembiec, who chairs the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization (known as Advocate Drum), said in a statement provided by Tenney's office that the NDAA is "great news for Fort Drum."

"Installation resiliency is a key factor in determining military value, and the well-field expansion project certainly contributes to Fort Drum's resiliency," Zembiec said. "We're pleased as well that our local schools will continue to receive impact aid under the NDAA, which reduces school taxes in those impacted districts."

With the House's passage of the NDAA, it will be sent to President Joe Biden for his review. The White House has indicated he will sign the bill.

In a statement of administration policy, the White House lauded Congress for its bipartisan work to finalize the NDAA that "continues to strengthen our national defense, supports our dedicated troops and their families, and reinforces our alliances and partnerships around the world."

Other votes in the House this week:

 Tenney and Williams joined House Republicans in voting for a resolution to authorize an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The final vote was 220-212.

 A resolution condemning antisemitism on college campuses passed 303-126, with Tenney and Williams voting for the measure.

 A bill requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement a national plan to prevent and cure Parkinson's disease passed by a 407-9 vote. Tenney and Williams supported its passage.

 The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed 330-99, with Tenney and Williams voting for the bill.

The legislation would revise U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations to allow whole milk to be served in schools.

 By a 218-203 vote, the House passed the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act. Tenney and Williams were among 215 Republicans and three Democrats who voted for the bill's passage.

The legislation would require agency rules to be issued by officials appointed by the president and subject to Senate confirmation.

 The Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act passed 386-37. Tenney and Williams joined the supermajority in supporting the bill.

The legislation renews grants and programs to address substance abuse. The reauthorization would be through the 2028 fiscal year. Other provisions in the bill include placing xylazine on schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act  the sedative has been mixed with fentanyl and linked to overdose cases  and requiring Medicaid to cover medication-assisted treatments for individuals with substance use disorders.

 Tenney and Williams supported passage of the Foreign Affiliates Sharing Pilot Program Extension Act, which passed the House by a 396-28 vote.

The pilot program aims to have financial institutions share suspicious activity reports with foreign affiliates, according to the bill's summary. However, the program has not been implemented and the authorization is due to expire Jan. 1. The three-year extension will allow the Department of the Treasury to implement the pilot.

 The Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act passed 420-1. According to the bill's summary, it would revise requirements for small businesses to report beneficial ownership information, such as the identity of individuals behind corporate entities. It also extends the deadline for companies to report ownership information to the Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Tenney and Williams supported the bill.

 The Duck Stamp Modernization Act passed 403-20, with Tenney and Williams voting for its passage.

The bill, which will go to President Joe Biden for his review, aims to bring duck hunting into the 21st century. Hunters would allowed to have an electronic duck stamp on their smartphones to meet a federal requirement for hunting migratory birds.

 By a 376-15 vote, the House approved a temporary extension of Federal Aviation Administration programs through March 8, 2024. The extension covers several programs for essential air service, unmanned aircraft systems and weather reporting.

Tenney and Williams voted for the legislation.

 There was bipartisan support for the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. The bill passed 320-71, with 166 Republicans and 154 Democrats voting for its passage. The opposition included 40 Republicans and 31 Democrats.

Tenney and Williams voted for the bill. Some of the main provisions of the legislation include making health care price information public and lowering out-of-pocket costs for medication dispensed to seniors at outpatient facilities owned by hospitals.

 The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Extension Act passed 394-0. Tenney and Williams supported the bill, which extends congressional authorization of the Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Cloudy. Snow showers developing this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

A few snow showers scattered about the area this evening, otherwise a good deal of clouds. Low 32F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming the federal government gives people who enter the U.S. illegally a cellphone, a domestic plane ticket to a location of their choosing and a $5,000 Visa gift card.
The Israeli military says it has mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages during its ground operation in the Gaza Strip
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CHICOPEE  U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob "Jake" Galliher has returned to Western Massachusetts, and a procession of law enforcement officials and family members brought him home to Pittsfield.

With the sun setting and a cold breeze blowing across Westover Air Reserve Base on Friday afternoon, an honor guard of six officers boarded the giant cargo plane carrying his remains at 4:04 p.m.

Officers stood at attention and saluted as Gallihers flag-draped casket was carried to a waiting hearse with American flags over its front wheels.

After the hearse and family procession, led by law enforcement officers on motorcycles, had pulled away, Gov. Maura Healey and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, praised Galliher for his service, and for his character.

"It is with deep sadness that we welcome Jake Galliher home to Massachusetts today," said Neal, standing alongside the governor.

"I think we're fortunate in America that Jake Galliher wanted to join the military," Neal said. "And I think he's an example of the best of it."

Galliher, a 2017 Taconic High School graduate and military linguist, was among eight airmen killed when a CV-22 Osprey crashed off the coast of Japan on Nov. 29 during a training mission. He was 24.

Neal declined a question about the Osprey, an aircraft known to have equipment problems that had caused previous fatal crashes. He said he wanted the focus to be on Galliher and his family.

"But we'll have something to say on it in the future," he added.

"It was an honor to be here today, on behalf of the commonwealth of Massachusetts and so many families whose hearts go out to Jake Galliher and his family," Healey said. "I think today drives home the poignancy of what military service is all about, and how we as Americans need to make sure that every single day of the year we are looking to take care of our military families and all of those who have taken care of us and served."

She said she was moved by "watching the casket come down from the C-17 to the tarmac, and be taken to service members to the hearse, the American flag draping the casket.

"And Jake Galliher represents everything that is good about this country," she said.

A procession of 17 cars and SUVs, led by 10 Pittsfield police and Berkshire and Hampden sheriff's deputies on motorcycle, had arrived at the massive air base at 2:30 p.m. to take Galliher home to the Berkshires. They were greeted by blue skies with a few wispy clouds and a stiff wind that grew chillier as the sun descended.

The motorcade pulled up to the flight line, at the edge of massive runways built to handle massive cargo planes that are still part of the air bases mission. Ten motorcycles in rows of two led the way, followed by the hearse, two limousine vans carrying family and friends, and unmarked and marked police vehicles.

Law enforcement officers dismounted their bikes as one, and mourners filed into a building near the flight line. It appeared Galliher's two young children  a young boy and a baby in an infant carrier  were among those who had traveled about 53 miles east of Pittsfield.

The C-17 carrying his remains touched down at 3:30 p.m. It had turned a wide circle around the base, then looped back around and landed from out of the east. It glided in with barely a twitch and taxied out of sight, and when its nose reappeared, the police from the motorcade snapped to attention and saluted.

About 15 minutes later the hearse and limos carrying family members pulled onto the tarmac behind the giant plane.

The honor guard of six Air Force officers, clad in blue service dress uniform and white gloves, trailed by a seventh officer in command, proceeded to the plane and its rear cargo ramp.

Pittsfield police and firefighters, and sheriff's deputies from Berkshire and Hampden counties, stood at attention.

Family members and officers in dress uniform then walked out onto the tarmac in a long line.

The Air Force officers and airmen formed rank on either side of the ramp, and the law enforcement officers who led the procession took their place behind him. The jet engines were silenced, and slowly and purposefully, the honor guard carried the flag-draped casket as the officers stood at attention and saluted.

Police then filed back to their motorcycles and vehicles. The procession left the base at 4:25 p.m. as the sun set. As the hearse pulled away, the stars and stripes of the flag adorning the casket could be seen in the rear window.

Other than the jet engines and the click of camera shutters, there was silence.
Williams College is investigating an incident Wednesday night in which someone drew anti-Israeli messages on posters advocating for the return of Israeli hostages. It was the latest in a series of incidents at the college and across the Berkshires stemming from the Israel-Hamas war.
Lenox native James Brooke has traveled to about 100 countries reporting for The New York Times, Bloomberg and Voice of America. He reported from Russia for eight years and from Ukraine for six years.
Honda is all set to conclude the production of the Honda e electric hatchback in Japan and Europe. Honda has ceased accepting new orders for the offering while the company's Japanese website has also announced the end of production. The Honda e was first introduced in 2019 as one of the first EVs from the automaker on an all-new platform. It was also crowned the 2021 World Urban Car of the Year.

The Honda e was impressive with its compact proportions, quirky styling and tech-enabled interior. The cute design was particularly a highlight on the offering but it also offered a low range of 220 km on a single charge via its 37.5 kWh battery pack.

Also Read : Honda unveils electric SUV concept at Indonesia Motor Show.

A statement released on Hondas Japanese website states, "Production of the Honda e will come to an end in January 2024. Once the production run is sold out, the Honda e will be discontinued."

Also check these Cars Find more Cars Honda City Hybrid 1498.0 Multiple Automatic  18.89 - 20.39 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Honda Elevate EV  18 Lakhs View Details Honda Amaze 1498.0 cc Multiple Both  6.32 - 11.15 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING MG RC-6 1498.0 cc Diesel Manual  18 Lakhs View Details Honda Elevate 1498 cc Petrol Both  11 - 16 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Thar 2184 cc Multiple Both  10.98 - 16.94 Lakhs Compare View Offers

Honda has not released an official statement on why its discontinued the e. However, the Honda e was also expected to be a brand builder and attract new customers to the automaker, which wouldve made it more of a halo offering. That said, the Honda e electric hatchbacks demise does not put a dent in the carmakers EV plans for the future.

Also Read : Honda announces 5 new SUVs for India by 2030, Elevate Electric to arrive in 2026.

Honda has already unveiled the e:Ny1 electric SUV for European markets, while the company plans to bring a host of new models in the coming years. In India, Honda has confirmed that the Elevate SUV-based electric SUV is set to arrive by 2026, which will most likely be exported globally, much like its ICE sibling. Itll be tough to not miss the quirkiness of the Honda e though.

First Published Date:
Is a president above the law?

Its a question bearing on not just a high-profile criminal case against former President Donald Trump but the integrity of American democracy and rule of law. With the dueling deadlines of that federal case and a high-stakes presidential election, Special Prosecutor Jack Smith has asked the Supreme Court for an expedient answer.

Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, faces four criminal indictments, including an election interference case in D.C. regarding his actions leading up to and during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. That case concerns a day of national infamy when an attempted insurrection by a mob of Mr. Trumps backers sought to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and overturn a free and fair election. Its also a case from which Mr. Trumps legal team seeks to defend him not on the facts of the case but a technicality: The charges should be dismissed, Mr. Trumps lawyers have argued, because of executive immunity  a sweeping claim suggesting that a president cannot be prosecuted for criminal actions even after he or she leaves office.

U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is handling the case, rejected that argument. Predictably, Mr. Trumps lawyers appealed, taking their argument to a federal appeals court while also asking to freeze the case while the appeal is heard. Mr. Trump certainly would like these charges dismissed, but theres another element of strategy here: an attempt to run out the clock. Weve said before on this page that this particular trial, which goes to how much of a hand Mr. Trump had in holding a dagger to the throat of democracy on Jan. 6, must proceed expediently so that American voters can see the evidence and truth play out in a court of law well before the 2024 election season reaches its feverish final stretch. It certainly must happen before the election itself if we are to protect the gears of our justice system from the grinding erosion of autocratic impulse. If elected, Mr. Trump could simply order the federal charges against himself dismissed  an outcome wed hope even his backers would admit amounts to an end-run on the rule of law that no criminal defendant facing such heinous charges and mountainous evidence should be allowed.

Whether the federal appeals court also rules against or finds in favor of Mr. Trumps immunity claim, the matter inevitably would be appealed to the Supreme Court. Even expedited reviews from both courts could delay this case beyond the currently slated March 4 trial date and well into summer 2024 or even later.

That cant be allowed to happen. Mr. Smith, the special prosecutor in both of the former presidents federal trials (including the document-hoarding case in Florida), argues that we need a straight answer from the highest court in the land, and we need it sooner rather than later. Hes right. The country should not lose valuable time while a federal appeals court weighs a decision inevitably bound for the Supreme Courts lap, and if the justice system is worth its name, it shouldnt allow Mr. Trumps delay tactics to succeed. Like Mr. Trump himself, his most cultish backers are unlikely to accept that he is responsible for anything, much less a day when he helped drag American democracy to the brink.

But both undecided voters and the record of public truth deserve to see Mr. Trump answer to the evidence in a court of law  as we should expect of anyone facing such serious and substantiated criminal indictments.

While it was not only unprecedented but perhaps unthinkable to consider the possibility of a former president on trial for alleged crimes against the democratic institutions he swore to serve, Mr. Trump has once again dragged us into dark and uncharted waters. As such, the constitutional question of whether a former president enjoys absolute immunity from federal prosecution is a timely case of first impression that demands a similarly timely answer. The Supreme Court this week asked Mr. Trumps legal team to respond to Mr. Smiths request by Dec. 20. While its not a clear signal of whether the high court will take up the issue, at least the court is moving with haste and purpose in its consideration.

As we argued at the outset, this is not just about Mr. Trump and the dangers he poses if unchained from present and future accountability. Its also about the precedent it would set for any chief executive going forward. Would Mr. Trumps backers and the Republican Party concede that current President Joe Biden or other Democratic commanders in chief be given permanent, blanket immunity for criminal actions while in office? If not, then why is Mr. Trump entitled to it?

If we care about democracy and the rule of law, the only real answer is that he isnt entitled because no one should be. In fact, Mr. Trumps volatile presidency, unhinged behavior and indifference to the rule of law makes him the poster child for why granting such sweeping executive immunity is a pitfall from which our republic might not escape. Even Trump-backing Republicans who have not yet traded in all of their scruples seem to agree. After all, when Sen. Mitch McConnell voted to acquit then-President Trump of impeachment in the aftermath of Jan. 6, Sen. McConnell defended his vote on the Senate floor by arguing that Mr. Trump could  and, implicitly, should  be held responsible in the criminal justice system.

Mr. Trumps devotees will claim that the numerous trials and charges he faces  and in fact any effort to hold him accountable for anything  are machinations of a conspiratorial deep state plot against him. So why does the former president so adamantly maintain an argument from executive immunity that he shouldnt get his day in court? Exactly how is it draining the swamp to content that neither Mr. Trump nor any former president can be held responsible for criminal actions in the highest office of public service? Whatever perceived fix Mr. Trumps backers are worried about, its Mr. Trump and his legal team thats conspiring against justice here, attempting to run out the clock with specious immunity claims that he might deprive the public of the truth this trial would offer at a critical juncture for our democracy.

Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is right to pursue certiorari before judgment and call on the Supreme Court to do its due diligence sooner rather than later. Now, its up to the high court to swiftly take up this matter and establish a precedent that neither politics nor power puts anyone above the law.
Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah

But though Jerusalem should be besieged and taken, and the land of Judea laid waste, yet, before all this should be, the Messiah should be born in Bethlehem, of which this is a prophecy, as is evident from ( Matthew 2:4-6 ) ; the place is called by both the names it went by, to point it out the more distinctly, and with the greater certainty, ( Genesis 35:19 ) ; the former signifies "the house of bread", and a proper place for Christ to be born in, who is the bread of life; and it has the name of the latter from its fruitfulness, being a place of pasture, and as we find it was at the time of our Lord's birth; for near it shepherds were then watching over their flocks; and it is here added, to distinguish it from another Bethlehem in the tribe of Zebulun, ( Joshua 19:15 ) ; from which tribe the Messiah was not to come, but from the tribe of Judah; and in which this Bethlehem was, and therefore called, by Matthew, Bethlehem in the land of Judah; as it appears this was, from ( Ruth 1:1 Ruth 1:2 ) ; and from the Septuagint version of ( Joshua 15:60 ) , where, as Jerom observes, it was added by the Greek interpreters, or erased out of the Hebrew text by the wickedness of the Jews: the former seems most correct; [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah;

this supplement of ours is according to Kimchi's reading and sense of the words; which, in some measure, accounts for the difference between the prophet and the Evangelist Matthew, by whom this place is said to be "not the least", ( Matthew 2:6 ) , as it might, and yet be little; besides, it might be little at one time, in Micah's time, yet not little at another time; in Matthew's; it might be little with respect to some circumstances, as to pompous buildings, and number of inhabitants, and yet not little on account of its being the birth place of great men, as Jesse, David, and especially the Messiah: or the words may be rendered with an interrogation, "art thou little?" &c. F4; thou art not: or thus, it is a "little [thing] to be among the thousands of Judah" F5; a greater honour shall be put upon thee, by being the place of the Messiah's birth. Moreover, Mr, Pocock has shown out of R. Tanchum, both in his commentary on this place, and elsewhere F6, that the word (ryeu) signifies both "little" and "great", or of great note and esteem. The tribes of Israel were divided into tens, hundreds, and thousands, over which there was a head or prince; hence, in Matthew, these are called "the princes of Judah", ( Matthew 2:6 ) ; [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in

Israel;

not Hezekiah, who very probably was now born at the time of this prophecy; nor was he born at Bethlehem, nor a ruler in Israel, only king of Judah: nor Zerubbabel, who was born in Babylon, as his name shows, was governor of Judah, but not of Israel; nor can it be said of him, or any mere man, what is said in the next clause: but the Messiah is intended, as the Targum, Jarchi, and Kimchi confess, and other Jewish writers. The Targum is,

``out of thee shall come forth before me the Messiah, that he may exercise dominion over Israel.''

``out of thee shall come forth unto me Messiah, the son of David;''

Psalms 118:22

``although thou art little among the thousands of Judah, of thee shall come forth unto me a Judge, to be ruler in Israel, and this is the King Messiah.''

F7

Micah 4:13

``this speaks concerning the business of the King Messiah, who shall reign over them, and shall be the Prince of their army; and it is plain that he shall be of the house of David: and it is said, "O thou, Bethlehem Ephratah", which was a small city, in the midst of the cities of Judah; and "although thou art little in the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto me" a man, a ruler in Israel, "whose goings forth are from the days of old"; the meaning is, the goings forth of the family of that ruler are from the days of old; that is, from the seed of David, and a rod from the stem of Jesse, who was of Bethlehem Judah.''

F8

``out of thee shall come forth unto me a Judge, that is to be ruler in Israel, and this is the King Messiah; for because he is to be of the seed of David, from Bethlehem he will be.''

F9

1 Samuel 17:12

Genesis 10:14

Matthew 2:8

Matthew 2:11

Luke 2:1-6

Luke 2:11

Luke 2:15

Luke 2:16

F11

F12

Matthew 2:4-6

John 7:41

John 7:42

Genesis 35:19

Genesis 35:21

Genesis 35:19

F13

``the King Messiah is born; he replied to him, what is his name? he answered, Menachem (the Comforter) is his name; he asked him, what is his father's name? he replied, Hezekiah; he said to him, from whence is he? he answered, from the palace of the king of Bethlehem Judah.''

F14

``the Redeemer of the Jews is both; he said to him, what is his name? he replied, Menachem is his name; and what is his father's name? he answered, Hezekiah; and where do they dwell? (he and his father;) he replied, in Birath Arba, in Bethlehem Judah.''

Psalms 72:17

F15

Jarchi's note is,and so he says, "the stone which the builders refused" () ; plainly suggesting that that passage also belongs to the Messiah, as it certainly does. Kimchi's paraphrase is,And Abarbinel, mentioning those words in () ; "arise, and thresh, O daughter of Zion", observes,So Abendana, a more modern Jew, paraphrases the words thus,To which may be added R. Isaac, who, having cited this passage, observes, and, he, the ruler in Israel, is the King Messiah, who shall come forth from the seed of David the king; who was of Bethlehem Judah, as in () . Wherefore Lyra, having quoted Jarchi, and given his sense of the passage, remarks, hence it is plain that some Catholics, explaining this Scripture of King Hezekiah, "judaize" more than the Hebrews. Though some of them object the application of it to Jesus, who they say ruled not over Israel, but Israel over him, and put him to death; which it is true they did; but God exalted him to be a Prince, as well as a Saviour, unto Israel, notwithstanding that, and declared him to be Lord and Christ; besides, previous to his death, and in the land of Israel, he gave abundant proof of his power and rule over universal nature, earth, air, and sea; over angels, good and bad; and over men and beasts: all creatures obeyed him; though indeed his kingdom is not of this world, but of a spiritual nature, and is over the spiritual Israel of God; and there is a time coming when he will be King over all the earth. Now out of Bethlehem was the King Messiah, the ruler in Israel, to come forth; that is, here he was to be born, as the phrase signifies; see () ; and here our Jesus, the true Messiah, was born, as appears from () () ; and this is not only certain from the evangelic history, but the Jews themselves acknowledge it. One of their chronologersaffirms that Jesus the Nazarene was born at Bethlehem Judah, a parsa and a half from Jerusalem; that is, about six miles from it, which was the distance between them: and even the author of a blasphemous book, pretending to give the life of Jesus, owns that Bethlehem Judah was the place of his nativity: and it is clear not only that the Jews in the times of Jesus expected the Messiah to come from hence, even both the chief priests and scribes of the people, who, in answer to Herod's question about the place of the Messiah's birth, direct him to this, according to Micah's prophecy, () ; and the common people, who thought to have confronted the Messiahship of Jesus with it, () ; but others also, at other times. The tower of Edar being a place near to Bethlehem Ephratah, () ; Jonathan ben Uzziel, in his Targum of () , says of the tower of Edar, this is the place from whence the King Messiah shall be revealed in the end of days; nay, some of them say he is born already, and was born at Bethlehem. An Arabian, they say, told a Jew,This same story is told elsewhere, with some little variation, thus, that the Arabian should say to the Jew,These things show their sense of this prophecy, and the convictions of their minds as to the births of the Messiah, and the place of it. The words "unto me" are thought by some to be redundant and superfluous; but contain in them the glory and Gospel of the text, whether considered as the words of God the Father; and then the sense is, that Christ was to come forth in this place in human nature, or become incarnate, agreeably to the purpose which God purposed in himself; to the covenant made with him, before the world was; to an order he had given him as Mediator, and to his promise concerning him; and he came forth to him, and answered to all these; as well as this was in order to do his will and work, by fulfilling the law; preaching the Gospel; doing miracles; performing the work of redemption and salvation; by becoming a sacrifice for sin, and suffering death; and likewise it was for the glorifying of all the divine perfections: or whether as the words of the prophet, in the name of the church and people of God, to and for whom he was born, or became incarnate; he came forth unto them, to be their Mediator in general; to be the Redeemer and Saviour of them in particular; to execute each of his offices of Prophet, Priest, and King; and to answer and fill up all relations he stands in to them, of Father, Brother, Head, and Husband;which is said of him, not because his extraction was from David, who lived many ages before him; for admitting he was "in [him], in his loins", as to his human nature, so long ago, yet his "goings forth" were not from thence: nor because he was prophesied of and promised very early, as he was from the beginning of the world; but neither a prophecy nor promise of him can be called his "going forth"; which was only foretold and spoken of, but not in actual being; nor because it was decreed from eternity that he should come forth from Bethlehem, or be born there in time; for this is saying no more than what might be said of everyone that was to be born in Bethlehem, and was born there: nor is this to be understood of his manifestations or appearances in a human form to the patriarchs, in the several ages of time; since to these, as to other of the above things, the phrase "from everlasting" cannot be ascribed: but either of his going forth in a way of grace towards his people, in acts of love to them, delighting in those sons of men before the world was; in applying to his Father on their account, asking them of him, and betrothing them to himself; in becoming their surety, entering into a covenant with his Father for them, and being the head of election to them, receiving all blessings and promises of grace for them: or else of his eternal generation and sonship, as commonly interpreted; who the only begotten of the Father, of the same nature with him, and a distinct person from him; the eternal Word that went forth from him, and was with him from eternity, and is truly God. The phrases are expressive of the eternity of his divine nature and person; Jarchi compares them with () ; "before the sun was, his name was Jinnon"; that is, the Son, the Son of God; so as the former part of the text sets forth his human birth, this his divine generation; which, cause of the excellency and ineffableness of it, is expressed in the plural number, "goings forth". So Eliezer, along with the above mentioned passage in the Psalms, produces this to prove the name of the Messiah before the world was, whose "goings forth [were] from everlasting", when as yet the world was not created.
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No committee was formed to review the different tenets of the Bill: AIMED

Consumer Patient groups, Healthcare Providers have joined manufacturers associations in expressing profound dismay as the Centre reportedly prepares to table the New Drugs, Cosmetics & Medical Device Bill, 2023 in Parliament without adequately addressing their concerns.

The proposed legislation, aimed at regulating the medical device sector, had earlier garnered widespread apprehension from industry stakeholders who feel that their input has been overlooked.

Despite recent consultations, industry leaders argue that key issues such as regulatory complexities, the potential impact on innovation, and the need for a conducive business environment have yet to be adequately assured by redressal in the bill.

The lack of alignment with industry expectations has raised fears of stifling growth and hindering technological advancements in the medical device sector and continued import dependence as it is easier to import high end medical devices than to get regulatory approval for domestic manufacturers.

As the Bill is reported to move forward, there is a palpable sense of frustration among industry leaders who were hopeful for a more collaborative and responsive approach from the government.

Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AIMED) Forum Coordinator Rajiv Nath, while expressing his disappointment, said, "NITI Aayog had drafted an excellent Medical Devices (Safety, Effectiveness and Innovation) Bill, 2019 but in vain and we keep going in circles. Who gains from putting Indian manufacturers at a disadvantage over imports and by Drug pharmacists weighed biased regulatory controls? Even the impactful recent progressive legislations in countries like Canada, UK, EU, Brazil, Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia were not studied. Who blocked that progressive visionary Bill?

Discussing the potential impact of the Bill, which appears to favour foreign players, Dr Giridhar Gyani, Direcor General of the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), said, "In the national interest, it is crucial for us to highlight that if the Bill is passed as is, the healthcare providers sector, heavily reliant on medical devices and advocating for increased availability of affordable, high-quality, made-in-India medical devices, may once again face challenges in management of supply chain, leading to crisis and country wide lockdown similar to the onset of Covid. Domestic manufacturers might lose their capacity to swiftly address domestic demand, especially in the event of a pandemic

K L Sharma, former Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI (2014-17), who coordinated the creation of Medical Devices Rules, 2017 stated, "Treating medical devices at par with drugs for regulatory purposes is fraught with danger for various reasons including the fact that such an arrangement puts unnecessary burden on medical device manufacturers in terms of compliances and leaves out more vital aspects that are crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices."

Gaurav Agarwal, Managing Director, Innvolution Healthcare that produces cardiac imaging equipment said If food can have FSSAI we need a separate regulatory framework too if we aspire to be global leaders. 

Interestingly the Parliamentarians in the Health Committee had initially responded specifically that instead of drafting a combined legislation for Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics, the Ministry should formulate a separate legislation for Medical Devices.

The Committee had reiterated its earlier recommendations that the new legislation should set up a new set of regulators at different levels for regulating the Medical Devices industry. Unlike the present structure, the proposed National regulator should license the manufacturing of medical devices like FSSAI, and the state regulators be supervised by the National Regulatory Authority to help harmonise the regulatory process throughout the country.
May 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts in the second half of game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is getting in trouble so often these days, the media literally cant keep up.

Greens latest on-court malpractice, a punch he delivered to Phoenix Suns star Jusuf Nurkics head Tuesday night, resulted in an indefinite suspension by the NBA.

No one saw that incident coming, considering Green had just recently returned from a five-game suspension for putting Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold. Greens latest drama completely surprised ESPN and Ramona Shelburne, who was getting ready to publish a story on Greens return from the Gobert suspension when he pulled his latest stunt.

According to TheBigLead.com, the incident happened right before ESPN was set to publish a story by Ramona Shelburne about how Green wasnt going to hurt his team again.

Had Green not punched an opponent this week, Shelburnes piece would have been your standard image rehab story, The Big Leads Stephen Douglas noted. Shelburne quickly updated the story to reflect Green suspension. ESPN published the revised piece Thursday.

Greens comments, given what we now know, are unintentionally hilarious.

When Im not on the floor, it hurts my team, Green said. So for me, its going to be more about, What do you have to do as a leader to save this team? You got to put your ego aside. You got to put your pride aside. You got to put, even, in a sense, you as a human being aside.

Literally days after saying that, Green found himself in trouble again.

Another quote that aged poorly, given that readers know what Green didnt see coming: You dont become what Ive become if you cant control your emotions.

This is certainly not intended as a knock on Shelburnes Draymond Green apologizes piece. Its not even a knock on Green. At age 33, he is what he is at this point. Its asking too much to expect more. TNT analyst Kenny Smith recently called out Green for his immaturity.

At 22, 23, 24 years old, you can keep apologizing, Smith said. But at this stage of his career, and a champion, we should be out of the apology stages in his career.

[TheBigLead.com]
A rapid test for the qualitative detection and differentiation of five common carbapenemase enzymes

Mumbai-based HiMedia  HiGenoMB has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for importing NG-Test CARBA 5 kit from NG Biotech, a France based company.

HiMedia  HiGenoMB in joint collaboration with NG Biotech are making this rapid kit available to Indian market. The kit is a rapid test for the qualitative detection and differentiation of five common carbapenemase enzymes (KPC (K), OXA-48-like (O), IMP (I), VIM (V), NDM (N)) in bacterial colonies.

These carbapenemases producing bacteria are mainly detected in hospital settings and are responsible for most of the nosocomial infections, raising major global health problems since their presence can be difficult to detect. The kit is easy to use, portable, and requires minimal training to operate, making it especially useful in resource-constrained settings where diagnostic facilities are limited.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajas Warke, Director (Molecular Biology) of HiMedia Labs said, "It is a rapid test that aids in early detection of AMR bacteria, which is a global public health concern. This kit will play a crucial role in helping healthcare providers to diagnose and treat patients quickly & accurately, ultimately improving patient outcomes."

The NG-Test CARBA 5 kit is a result of HiMedia Labs expertise in the field of molecular diagnostics and commitment to providing the latest in diagnostic testing solutions. This approval from CDSCO is a testament to their strong reputation and credibility as a reliable provider of high-quality diagnostic products.
Ares Holdings, the rapidly expanding apparel and footwear distribution company, continues its growth trajectory for 2023 by claiming the distribution of Hey Dude for the Southern African market.

The introduction of Hey Dude to the stable will focus primarily on DTC (direct to consumer) channels with a fully integrated e-commerce platform and two owned and operated retail stores, Canal Walk in Cape Town and Ballito Junction in KZN, all before the close of 2023.

Image supplied

Born in the summer of 2008, Hey Dude emerged as lightweight, comfortable, stylish, and yet affordable and well-made shoes designed to become the standard and not the exception. The brand, launched into the US market in 2010 and subsequently enjoyed the fastest growth of any footwear brand to date, turning their site towards global expansion.

Gareth Kemp, founder and CEO of Ares Holdings, shared his rationale behind acquiring Hey Dude within the Ares portfolio, "We are thrilled to welcome Hey Dude (operating under Hestia Brands) to the Ares family; it aligns with our commitment to offering the SA consumer a diverse range of high-quality global brands in easy-to-shop environments. Hey Dude's emphasis on both extreme comfort and unique style resonates with the SA consumer, making it a perfect addition to our portfolio."

Kemp continued, "As Ares Holdings, we are not just about products; we are intent on building a longer-term partnership between consumers and brand that drives a sustainable brand and business ecosystem. The launch of stand-alone Hey Dude stores in Canal Walk and Ballito Junction as well as the e-commerce platform is a testament to our commitment to offering South Africans direct access to global trends, hot products and service excellence that truly enhances their lifestyle."

Ares Holdings, established in Cape Town in 2015, has rapidly evolved into a prominent player within the sector holding exclusive distribution rights to Under Armour, Birkenstock, Vans, Crocs and 2XU. Managing brands through a multi-channel approach with 45 brick-and-mortar stores, four online platforms and collaboration with key retailer partners, further extending the reach of the brands throughout Southern Africa.

The Hey Dude stores are set to launch their e-commerce platform and open their doors in Canal Walk and Ballito Junction by mid-December 2023, providing South African consumers with a first-hand experience of Hey Dude's iconic footwear and accessories.
Lesaka is pleased to announce that Nomaxabiso Norma Teyise has joined the team as group human capital executive.

Nomaxabiso brings with her deep experience in leading teams and initiatives across multiple industries, developing practices that enable and empower people to create sustainable businesses that drive a positive societal impact.

As a people and empowerment practitioner, Nomaxabiso is on a personal mission to help build a more inclusive society. She joins Lesaka from the Takealot Group, where she led the human capital function as group executive of people and transformation.

In her previous roles, Nomaxabiso has led the establishment and development of leadership and organisational capabilities that have helped to attract and develop key talent while enabling business scalability. She has also spearheaded and facilitated change efforts geared at driving strong, enabling cultures of diversity and inclusion. Nomaxabiso recently earned recognition at the Standard Bank Top Women awards for 2022, with Takealot winning the corporate citizenship category and runner up in the diversity, equity and inclusion category.

Commenting on the appointment, Lincoln Mali, Lesaka CEO Southern Africa, said: We are thrilled to welcome human capital leader, Nomaxabiso to our team. Throughout her career she has excelled in delivering meaningful improvements in HR and transformation, and we look forward to her contribution in supporting the success of Lesakas mission of delivering financial inclusion across previously underserved communities.
The GOP hand-selected African-Israeli immigrant Mazi Malesa Pilip, a registered Democrat, to run for the New York House seat left vacant by George Santos' ouster.



From The New York Daily News, "Republicans pick trailblazing Democratic Israeli immigrant to run for Rep. George Santos seat":

Republicans Thursday picked a trailblazing Black Israeli immigrant to run for the seat left vacant by the expulsion of disgraced ex-GOP Rep. George Santos, a source familiar with the decision told the Daily News.



Mazi Malesa Pilip, an Ethiopian-born Orthodox Jew and Israeli military veteran, will get the Republican and Conservative party nods even though she has long been registered as a Democrat.



Pilip will face off in a Feb. 13 special election against former Rep. Tom Suozzi, the moderate Democrat who held the seat until giving it up to run for governor in 2022, opening the door for Santos to win in a shocking midterms upset.

The winner will serve out the remainder of Santos original two-year term, which expires at the end of next year.



Suozzi will go into the race as the favorite given he won the seat three times previously and is far better known.

Former GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said recently in a speech at Oxford that the GOP was too white and he set out to diversify the party to keep it from "extincting."





[Embed starts at 6:57]



"When you look at the Democrats, they actually look like America," McCarthy said. "When I look at my party, we look like the most restrictive country club in America."



McCarthy boasted that even though the GOP lost the presidency to Joe Biden they "elected the most women, the most minorities in the history of the Republican party."



"Even if you're not conservative that's a good thing, you could applaud that, it's okay," he told the liberal audience.



The Democrats held off what was widely expected to be a "red wave" by nominating a bunch of white guys and having them run as traditional Democrats without all the "woke" baggage that has characterized their party. They're sticking to the same plan now by putting forward moderate Democrat Tom Suozzi.



The Republicans are now the "woke" party, nominating Israeli Democrats (and folks like George Santos and Solomon Pena) for diversity points and demanding speech critical of Israel be outlawed and labeled "hate speech."



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Czech news server Novinky.cz has fired a journalist for publishing an interview with a Czech-Palestinian

16. 12. 2023

cas cteni 2 minuty





They told me that the interview was pro-Palestinian and that they didn't want me to continue writing for them," the young woman told Voxpot. They explained that the text did not match the 'unity' of their reporting. They specifically used this word," she said. (see the Czech tweet below)





The interview was available on Novinky.cz for two hours, then it was taken down:









Czech media ignore information about the Israeli massacring of civilians, women and children, in Gaza.

On 12th December, the Czech Republic was only one of two European countries that voted against a cease fire in the United Nations.





Rekli mi, ze ten rozhovor byl propalestinsky a ze nechteji, abych pro ne dal psala, rekla mlada zena Voxpotu ve stredu. Vysvetlili to tak, ze se text neshoduje s jednotnosti zpravodajstvi. Pouzili konkretne tohle slovo, zduraznila. https://t.co/5LOhf9FsOW  Jan Bierhanzl (@JBierhanzl) December 15, 2023

Novinky.cz fired journalist Magdalena Matouskova, who prepared an interview with Yara Abu Aataya, a Czech-Palestinian designer living in Prague. It's an absolute scandal.The interview with Yara Abu Aataya, entitled "People choose selectively to whom they will grant compassion", was republished in Britske listy and is available (in Czech) here In the Interview, Yara Abu Ataya says things like these:







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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
The reason why a concert by rapper Travis Scott was cancelled in the United States on Friday night could lie in Ireland.

The well-known record producer, who is the ex-boyfriend of Kylie Jenner, was forced to cancel his concert in Chicago after his private jet was left grounded in Ireland.

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Scott was due to perform at the United Center in Chicago on Friday night as part of his Utopia World Tour, inspired by his number one album of the same name.

After performing in Detroit on Tuesday night, Scott flew to Saudi Arabia where he headlined the first day of the Soundstorm 2023 music festival. His private jet made a refuelling stop in Shannon on the way to the event.

While it has not been possible to confirm whether the chart-topping rapper was on board the flight, his Embraer Lineage 1000 jet arrived in Shannon from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on a refuelling stop at around 1.50pm on Friday before it was due to continue onto the US a short time later.

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However, it is understood that the crew reported a technical issue with the aircraft which they had to investigate. As a result, the flights departure was delayed.

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After the issue had been apparently resolved, the flight departed from Shannon again at around 4.20pm. The estimated eight-hour flight would have seen his jet land in Chicago at around 6.20pm local time, less than two hours before his concert was due to begin.

Soon the flight departed, using its registration N713TS as its callsign, air traffic controllers asked the crew why they had deviated from their original departure instructions. The crew reported they were given different instructions. Controllers confirmed they would have to make a report on the matter.

About 15 minutes after departure, the crew advised controllers they would have to return to Shannon. It is understood the crew reported an issue with their flight management system.

The flight crew confirmed they would have to burn off fuel before landing at Shannon. This was to ensure the aircraft touched down within safe landing weight limits. The jet entered a holding pattern over East Clare for a time before commencing an approach to Shannon.

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The crew also confirmed they did not require any assistance on arrival and the flight landed safely at 5.18pm.

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After over five hours on the ground, the flight departed Shannon again at 10.40pm but flew to Stansted Airport in England.

While the flight could be tracked on some aircraft tracking apps, the identity and other details about the aircraft and flight were not available. This is often done at the request of the owner/operator of the aircraft.

In the US meanwhile, where Scott was due to be on stage, thousands of fans were left bewildered when the concert was cancelled with just hours to go.

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There was no comment from Scott about the cancellation on his social media accounts as of Friday evening.

According to the venues X (formerly Twitter) account: Travis Scott's show at United Center scheduled for tonight has been postponed. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date once announced. More information will be posted here and emailed to ticketholders directly when available.

The reason for the postponement was not specified.

One person on X said: Doing 2 shows in 2 days across the world from each other was never gonna work out, was it.

Another disappointed fan said: Thanks for canceling a few hours before the show!! Real nice of you to do Travis!

Scott posted a cryptic message on X at 12.49am (Irish time). It read, IM SOOOOOO FUCKKKKKINGGGGG HOTTTTTTTTTTT.

A fan responded: Thats all you have to say to the fans who came to Chicago to see you???
A homeless shelter carer, who allegedly pursued and twice rammed a garda car in Dublin city centre resulting in two officers being hospitalised, has been granted bail with a range of strict conditions.

The gardai were taken to the Mater University Hospital after the incident on Friday just after midday and were discharged that night.

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Investigating gardai arrested Declan Murphy (48), of The Orchard, Greenwood, Ayrfield, Dublin, and he was detained at Mountjoy Garda Station, where he was charged with two counts of criminal damage and one for dangerous driving at North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.

The accused was then held and brought before Judge Brendan Toale at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Garda Sergeant Nigel Petrie told Judge Toale that Mr Murphy replied "no comment" when each charge was put to him.

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He objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case and possible witness interference.

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Garda Sergeant Petrie alleged that at about 12.20pm, the accused approached a patrol car carrying Garda Philip Carroll and Garda Shane Barrett, who was driving.

The patrol car had been stopped at traffic lights when the accused attempted an "unwanted approach" and interaction with Garda Barrett, who knew him and declined. The court heard he told the accused to speak to his sergeant.

It was alleged Mr Murphy said, "Wait and see what happens so," and the garda car moved on when the lights turned green.

The contested bail hearing was told that the driver of a black 2020-reg Renault Clio intentionally rammed the garda car from the rear before, pursued it, and rammed it again on the driver's side.

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The court heard it caused "significant damage", and the two officers were taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment for neck and back pain.

Sergeant Petrie said the collisions pushed the garda car onto the path, and he feared for the safety of gardai and members of the public.

Garda Carroll told the bail hearing he heard loud revving, and there was a collision from the rear, which "flung" him forward before a second ramming.

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Garda Carroll described it as "an attempt to stop us and get us off the road". He claimed the two cars "became interlocked.

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He said he got out, enquired about what happened, and alleged that the accused "pointed at my colleague and said, 'Ask him'."

Both officers told the bail hearing that they were in a lot of pain afterwards and prescribed medication, and Garda Carroll also said he had whiplash.

Garda Barrett told Judge Toale that 15 to 20 seconds after he drove on, he heard revving behind and saw the Renault Clio "ramming us from the rear".

The accused waited at the scene and gave gardai his licence.

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The judge also heard there had been an ongoing issue between the accused and Garda Barrett, and it was feared he could approach him again.

The accused could face additional charges.

Mr Murphy did not address the court, but his solicitor, Sean McCormack, said his client, who works part-time, would abide by any conditions.

He also told the court, "My instructions are it will be a matter that will be contested".

Judge Toale granted bail in his bond of 100 and ordered him to provide his phone number to gardai, sign on daily at Raheny Garda Station, stay out of parts of north Dublin except for work or visits to his parents and have no contact with Garda Barrett, directly or indirectly.

He ordered him to appear again on January 4th, pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Dublin hero Caio Benicio has enjoyed an emotional reunion with his family after flying back to his native Brazil to spend Christmas and New Year with them.

The Deliveroo driver embraced his 12-year-old son Breno after touching down at Rio de Janeiros main international airport before kissing his wife Clara Biscaia and daughter Lara (18).

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Mr Benicio was one of the first on the scene to disarm a knife-wielding attacker in the November 23rd attack in Dublin, which left three children and their teacher injured.

He was gifted nearly 370,000 from the public via a GoFundMe appeal set up after the stabbing attack.

View this post on Instagram Advertisement A post shared by Caio Benicio (@caiobenicio80)

The 43-year-old jumped off his motorbike and used his crash helmet as a makeshift weapon.

Seeing her husband for the first time in six months, Clara said: We missed you so much, we were so looking forward to this reunion.

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In an emotional social media post in Portuguese and English alongside a photo of him with his loved ones at the airport taken moments after their reunion, former restaurant owner Mr Benicio said: We're all back together.

After a bunch of things happened, I came to get some strength from being with them - my family. Love you all. And, big thanks to the Irish folks. I'll be back soon.

Mr Benicio, whose last trip back to Brazil had been in June to combine a holiday with knee surgery, said he will return to Dublin in the New Year.

Ireland Dublin stabbings and riots: A visual guide to how... Read More

After his dads brave actions, Breno said: My dad is my hero. He doesnt use a cape but he uses a helmet.

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His daughter Lara added: For us as his children, it was very emotional to see my dad performing such a wonderful deed because he put his own life at risk to save the lives of others.

The parents of the little girl who was seriously injured in last month's attack described her as a warrior in an update posted online last week and said they hoped she would be moved out of an intensive care ward before the end of the year.

It was reported earlier this month that creche worker Leanne Flynn Keogh, who was also seriously injured in the attack as she shielded children in her care, had been moved out of intensive care.
Yemen's Houthis have been targeting vessels in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in attacks that the Iran-aligned group says aim to support the Palestinians as Israel and Hamas wage war.

Danish shipping company Maersk said on Thursday its ship Maersk Gibraltar was targeted by a missile while travelling from Oman to Saudi Arabia, but it subsequently denied that it was hit. The Houthis had claimed responsibility for a drone strike against the tanker.

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Timeline of the recent Houthi attacks

November 19th: Israel says Houthis seized a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship in the southern Red Sea.

December 3rd: The US military says three commercial vessels came under attack in international waters in the southern Red Sea, as Houthis claimed drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels in the area.

December 9th: Houthis warn they will target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warn all international shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports.

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December 12th: Houthi spokesman says the group targeted the Norwegian commercial tanker STRINDA. The attack took place about 111km north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait at about 9pm GMT, a US official tells Reuters.

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December 15th: Maersk denies a claim by the Houthi movement that the militia carried out a drone strike on a Maersk vessel sailing towards Israel, but says the tanker was targeted by a missile. Shipping sources said on Thursday that Maersk Tankers vessels have the option to re-route via the Cape of Good Hope due to the worsening security situation in the Red Sea.

December 15th: A projectile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes the Liberia-flagged, German-owned, Al Jasrah ship, causing a fire but no injuries, a US defence official says.

What is the Bab al-Mandab?

Bab al-Mandab, or the Gate of Tears, named for its perilous navigation, is the southern outlet of the Red Sea, between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast.

It is one of the world's most important routes for global seaborne commodity shipments, particularly crude oil and fuel from the Gulf bound for the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal or SUMED pipeline, as well as commodities bound for Asia, including Russian oil.

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The Bab al-Mandab was the site of a naval blockade of Israel by Egypt in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The Bab al-Mandab is 18 miles wide at its narrowest point, making tanker traffic difficult and limited to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, divided by the island of Perim.

Around 7.80 million barrels per day of crude and fuel shipments transited the strait in the first 11 months of 2023, up from 6.60 million bpd throughout 2022, according to oil analytics firm Vortexa. On average, Vortexa tracked 27 tankers carrying crude or fuel each day in 2023, up from 20 last year.

According to the Energy Information Administration, 12 per cent of total seaborne-traded oil in the first half of 2023 as well as 8 per cent of LNG trade passed through Bab al-Mandab, the SUMED pipeline and the Suez Canal.

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Naval protection?

The US Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, told Reuters on Thursday that Washington wanted the "broadest possible" maritime coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea, and signal to the Houthis that attacks would not be tolerated.

Sources told Reuters, however, that Saudi Arabia  seeking to contain spillover from the Hamas-Israel war  has asked the United States to show restraint in responding to attacks in the Red Sea.

The international community has had a history of using naval forces to protect navigation from piracy off the Horn of Africa, especially as Somali piracy surged in the 2005-2011 period.

In December 2008, the European Union launched "Operation Atalanta" to tackle attacks by Somali pirates on cargo ships. Nato's Operation Ocean Shield as well as a multinational naval force known as Combined Task Force 151 have also been involved in anti-piracy protection.
The turkey is the crowning glory of most Christmas lunch tables  and carving it is an important job.

But how do you cut and serve up such a large bird, in perfectly-spaced slices, while also keeping the meat tender?

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We asked turkey farmer Tom Copas  whose family has been breeding free-range, high-welfare turkeys in England for more than 65 years  for his carving tips.

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1. Let it rest

Remove the bird from the tray, drain the cooking juices and then leave it to stand for 30 minutes before carving.

The meat needs at least 30 minutes out of the oven to relax and for the heat to evenly disperse throughout the bird, says Copas. Also, it frees up the oven to get your roast potatoes finished off.

2. Ensure your knife is sharp

This is key. We always sharpen our knife. A blunt knife is dangerous, doesnt do a good job and makes a real mess! We recommend a 23cm carving knife to give even, full slices. Remember to remove the string too.

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Turkey farmer Tom Copas (Copas/PA)

3. Carve off the legs first

Lots of people start with the breast, but cutting the legs and wings off first is key, says Copas. It makes it so much easier. Remove the entire thigh, not just the drumstick.

Carve the leg meat off the bone on a separate board or plate.

4. Remove the wings

Pull them away from the bird. If they dont come off with a twist, run your knife through the middle of the joint, suggests Copas.

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Place the wings whole on the serving platter, or, if youre not going to eat them, add them to your gravy to add even more flavour, he says.

(Matt Austin/PA)

5. Finally, carve the breast

Cut across the breast or across the grain as this means the meat holds together better. Going with the grain means it can flake apart, says Copas.

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The thickness of the slices is a personal preference. It depends on how many are eating, and your appetite, he says.

You can remove the whole breast and slice it like a loaf of bread in thick slices or leave on the bone and cut thinner slices.

6. Only carve what you need for that sitting

It keeps its moisture when kept on the bones, says Copas. Always keep on the bone and never carve the whole bird unless youre eating it all in one go.
Alex Batty has returned to the UK six years after disappearing on holiday in Spain with his mother and grandfather, the PA news agency understands.

The 17-year-old, who was aged 11 when he went missing, has returned from France as detectives prepare to hold a press conference at Greater Manchester Polices headquarters.

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He was found by chiropody student Fabien Accidini while walking alone near Toulouse in the early hours of Wednesday.

His grandmother and legal guardian Susan Caruana previously said she cant wait to see him when he returns.

Alex Batty was 11 when he went missing (Oldham Times/PA)

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Ms Caruana, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, added on Friday: I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I cant wait to see him when were reunited.

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The main thing is that hes safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

I would ask that our family are given privacy as we welcome Alex back, so we can make this process as comforting as possible.

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Alex Battys guardian and grandmother Susan Caruana said she cant wait to see him (Oldham Times/PA)

It is thought Alex had been living an alternative lifestyle with his mother and grandfather across Spain, Morocco and France while he was missing.

Mr Accidini said the teenager told him he had been hiking in nearby mountains for more than four days in an attempt to return to England.

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On Friday, French prosecutors said the teenagers mother, Melanie Batty, who is wanted in connection with his disappearance, may be in Finland, while his grandfather David Batty has died.

Antoine Leroy told reporters Alex had said he knew his way of life with his mother had to stop after she announced an intention to move to Finland.

This led him to walk for four days and four nights across the Pyrenees, the prosecutor said.

On the whereabouts of Alexs mother and grandfather, Mr Leroy said: It is possible that the mother at this time has in fact gone to Finland, as she planned.

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The grandfather, who has always been with his daughter and grandson, is said to have died approximately six months ago.

Alex was described as tired but in good health after being checked over by French officials and seemed intelligent even though he had not attended school for six years.

The prosecutor also said the boy did not appear to have been subjected to any physical violence.

Greater Manchester Police said Alex had been well cared for by the French authorities and had a video call with his grandmother on Thursday.
Former president Jacob Zuma has denounced the governing African National Congress and announced he will vote for a newly-formed political party in South Africas general election next year.

Mr Zuma, who was president of the ANC from 2007 to 2017, said he is backing the newly-formed Umkhonto we Sizwe party that is named after the ANCs now-defunct military wing, which was disbanded after the liberation struggle.

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Mr Zuma, 81, called on other South Africans to vote for the new formation, saying it would be a betrayal to vote for the ANC of President Cyril Ramaphosa.



Mr Zuma speaking during a press conference in Soweto on Saturday (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

The countrys general election scheduled for 2024 is expected to be highly contested, because the ruling ANC, which has governed the country since Nelson Mandela became South Africas first democratically-elected leader in 1994, faces a myriad of challenges.

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Recent polls have suggested the ANC could for the first time garner less than 50% of the national vote in next years election and may need to form a coalition government to remain in power.

Briefing journalists in Johannesburgs Soweto township on Saturday, Mr Zuma described the ANC and Mr Ramaphosa as a proxy for white monopoly capital, and he described his decision as part of rescuing the ANC.

I have decided that I cannot and will not campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa in 2024. My conscience will not allow me to lie to the people of South Africa and to pretend that the ANC of Ramaphosa is the ANC of Luthuli, Tambo and Mandela, said Mr Zuma, referring to previous leaders of the ANC.

Mr Zuma was ousted as the countrys president by Mr Ramaphosa in 2018 amid wide-ranging allegations of corruption in government and state-owned companies during his presidential tenure from 2009 to 2018.

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Mr Zuma, centre, speaks as his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla listens during a press conference where he denounced his former party the ANC (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Since his departure from the countrys highest office, Mr Zuma has been facing legal battles.

He was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear before a judicial commission of inquiry, which was investigating corruption allegations against him and other high-profile politicians and businesspeople during his time in office.

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He has also pleaded not guilty to corruption charges related to South Africas 1999 arms procurement deal in a trial that has faced major delays.

The ANC is expected to face fierce competition from the opposition parties Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, but smaller parties and independent candidates could be crucial in case of coalition negotiations.

The ANC indicated this week that they will legally challenge the use of the name Umkhonto we Sizwe by the new political formation because the name belonged to the party.
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Eating outTrends Sydneys It cuisine of 2024? Korean is coming in hot (and heres where to go) With three new modern Korean restaurants opening in the CBD, Sydneys love for banchan and barbecue is set to grow even stronger. Scott Bolles and Callan Boys December 16, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Sydneys surge of new Korean restaurants in the CBD shows no signs of dissipating. Upmarket Soul Dining opened near Wynyard Station earlier this week, and two high-end Korean restaurants, Matkim and Allta, are coming soon to Circular Quay. They join Soot, Funda and Hansang, all of which have opened in the city in the past seven months. The new site of hatted Korean restaurant Soul Dining near Wynyard Station. Jiwon Kim Its a significant market shift for Korean restaurants, which have traditionally opened in the suburbs  places like Strathfield and Eastwood. A new generation of Korean restaurateurs is also keen to show Sydneysiders different layers of their cuisine. In Sydney, that first generation [of Korean] food was more home-style cooking, says Illa Kim, co-owner at Soul Dining, which was awarded a Good Food Guide hat at its former location in Surry Hills.

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Kims partner at Soul Dining, chef Daero Lee, won a scholarship to Italy early in his training and returned to South Korea more open to exploring new ideas and techniques. This means his prawn tteokbokki rice cake dish includes the spicy Italian salami spread nduja, for instance, while Chinese pork buns inspired Soul Dinings ox-tongue doughnut. Soul Dinings husband-and-wife owners Illa Kim and Daero Lee in their just-opened new restaurant. James Brickwood When Lee arrived in Sydney, Korean restaurants all had similar menus: barbecue and fried chicken, he says. I wanted to show something different, a little more refined. A spokesperson for the eight-seat Matkim, which starts trials this month, says the restaurant aims to be Firedoor for Korean, referencing Surry Hills acclaimed wood-fuelled fine-diner. Helmed by chef Jacob Lee, the Korean barbecue omakase will open to the public on January 3. Towards the end of January, 12-seat Korean omakase Allta will open on the corner of Bridge and Pitt streets. Jung-su Chang, a former executive chef at two-Michelin-starred restaurant Jungsik in Seoul, will head the kitchen. Allta will be attached to Funda, which launched in September with disco lights, DJs, and scallop mousse-stuffed fried seaweed rolls.

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Fundas fried seaweed rolls. Wolter Peeters Shona Yang is the founder of Kozzicom (a mash-up of Korean and Aussie), an online platform that celebrates the Korean-Australian community. She says the rising popularity of Korean food in Sydney isnt limited to the CBD. Korean restaurants have been around for yonks in Strathfield, Eastwood, Campsie and Canterbury  anywhere where there are lots of Korean immigrants, she says. But in recent years weve seen trendier Korean restaurants opening in the suburbs, too, and a lot of non-Koreans are seeking them out. Yang says there are many reasons for Sydneys new interest in Korean dining. The easy answer is to say its linked to the global rise in popularity of Korean culture through [pop] music and Netflix shows such as The Glory and Squid Game. However, I think its more multifaceted than that.

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The communal nature of dining is something Korea is really good at  gathering together, sharing banchan [small side dishes] together, even grilling meat together. I think theres an element of people craving communal-style dining post-lockdowns. Premium barbecue restaurant Soot at Barangaroo. Tim Cavanna A big part of Korean culture is also the nightlife, says Yang, and late-night Korean bars such as 2135 Vibe in Strathfield, with their neon lights, beer and boozy soju shots, are appealing to Generation Z. The interactive nature of many Korean dishes is also prime content for social media. You certainly cant overlook the rise of Instagram and TikTok as a research tool for where to eat, says Yang. I recently saw a non-Korean food influencer post a video about Dae Jang Kum, an Eastwood barbecue restaurant that my parents love. The post blew up online with hundreds of views, and I thought, Wow, this is such an easy way to spread knowledge of local pockets of Korean restaurants to a wider audience.

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Its been awesome to see Korean food become cool because it really wasnt when I was in school. Other students would be like, Why are you eating [rice bowl] bibimbap for lunch? Now it seems everyone wants bibimbap! Korean 101 Banchan

A selection of tiny side dishes  often fermented, and very seasonal  served with meals. Bibimbap

Rice bowl with toppings, mixed by the diner. Doenjang

The Korean version of miso, this fermented soybean paste is a byproduct of making soy sauce.

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Gochugaru

Korean chilli flakes, which are warm and rounded in flavour, rather than especially spicy. Gochujang

A spicy fermented soybean paste. Kimchi

Classically made with cabbage, kimchi is a fermented vegetable condiment that is in every Korean pantry and on every dining table. Dani Valent Melbournes riding a new Korean food wave (and here are the best places to try it)

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The federal government has quietly closed its dedicated COVID-19 hotline, as more Australians seek booster shots ahead of the Christmas break.

The Department of Health and Aged Care confirmed that the National Coronavirus Helpline was shuttered on December 4, as part of the end of funding for Healthdirects Living with COVID service.

The number of COVID-19 cases has been elevated over the past few weeks. Credit: iStock

On pages of the departments website, still live last week, the Living with COVID service was billed as a comprehensive support service that provides clear pathways to connect people who test positive for COVID-19 with health advice and safe and effective clinical care, based on individual risk assessment and triage.

Callers to the hotline since December 4 have heard a pre-recorded message, directing them to instead call Healthdirects general triage phone number.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When Leonard Janiszewski began a masters in history he was interested in studying Australias diverse population  its First Nations people and migrants. After meeting Effy Alexakis, a photographer and his partner in life and

work since the early 1980s, Janiszewski, a social historian and curator with Macquarie University, told a senior academic he wanted to record the history of the Greek contribution to Australia. Dont look at that, he was told. If you really want to become a professional historian, go off to Great Britain. Yeah, nah! The couple went to Greece where they found Australian history in the ruins. Homes and entire villages had been abandoned in the chain of migration. People had locked up their houses, and left, said Alexakis. Some thought they were going for five years, but never came back. Leonard Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis are Australias experts on Greek cafes, and the contribution of Greek migrants to Australia. Most Greek cafes/milk bars in Sydney are closed now, some remain in country towns. Here Leonard and Effy are pictured in a former greek cafe that retained the shop front and has been turned into a modern bar. Credit: James Brickwood We went into the houses, and we found photos and letters from Dubbo and other places  with letterheads  telling relatives to come; Theres work, she said. Some whole villages had been deserted because they had all migrated. So there were, like, social history museums rotting away.

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Among the discoveries was a trunk in an abandoned home in Kythera, one of three islands where most Greek Australians came from. It contained a scrap of a map with Australia and New Zealand outlined, an Australian magazine Walkabout dated December 1, 1937, and a formal portrait of a young man by Australian photographer J. Check in 1926. Over the years they took photos, recorded oral histories, interviewed Greek Australians in Australia and the families they left behind in Greece, and wrote books, academic publications and exhibited their work. Alexakis said many Greeks had been stuck in limbo, going back and forward between Australia, not quite fitting in anywhere. Together, the couple have documented a history of Greek Australians that is far older and more diverse than the occupational stereotype of the Greek cafe owner. The first Greeks to arrive in Australia were seven sailors, convicted of piracy by the British and given a life sentence. They arrived on the Norfolk in 1829. Five returned to Greek after being pardoned. Two remained. They were Georgios Vasilakis, Gikas Voulgaris, Georgios Laritsos, Antonis Manolis, Damianos Ninis, Nikolaos Papandreas and Konstantinos Strompolis.

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Writing in the Greek City Times, Alexakis and Janiszweski said the next big wave was those who came for the gold rush and stayed for other opportunities. So many migrated that an area of Hill End was known as Greektown. Its residents were cared for by Dr Pericles, the second Greek educated doctor to migrate. Others brought Greek sultanas to cultivate in Mildura. In Queensland, Greeks migrated to cut cane, and ended up controlling the industry and owning sugar cane fields. Others cultivated rice, cotton and ran cattle and sheep. As Greeks sought a new life in Australia they abandoned personal documents, homes and whole villages. Credit: Effy Alexakis Greek doctors and dentists and other professionals followed too. Many who came for gold ended up in food service, and anglicised their names. For example, in Sydney, John Capatchos (Kapazzo/Kapazzos), became an oyster saloon keeper. Others became fishmongers, fruiterers, publicans and cafe proprietors. This year, Alexakis and Janiszewski published a retrospective of Alexakis photos: Forty Photographs: A Year at a Time.

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The first photo, taken in 1982, is of her parents Maria and Spiros Alexakis, who ran a fish and chip shop, Nitas Seafoods, in Padstow. Alexakis often photographed her parents at work  her mother frying, her father at the fish markets. But I was not to know that this would be the last photo taken of them together in their shop, she wrote. The unexpected death of her middle-aged father  soon after the photo was taken  was the catalyst for the photographers search to understand her fathers move to Australia and the sense of Greekness that he retained in his new country. The last photo of Effy Alexakis parents Maria and Spiros Alexakis together in their shop in Padstow. Credit: Effy Alexakis His death turned her interest in elevating awareness of Greeks in Australia beyond a footnote in history into an obsession, Janiszewski says. Like young lovers do, they made a pact back then. Us against the myopia of misrepresentation, he wrote. Four decades later, the alliance has remained steadfast. The couple wanted to combat the pervasive stereotype of Greek Australians as cafe-owning-dancing-wearers-of-colourful- traditional costumes. (Dont mention plate smashing.)

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They deliberately chose to delay publishing what Alexakis acknowledges is their best-known book, Greek Cafes and Milk Bars of Australia, until after theyd completed two books detailing the history and diversity of Greeks in Australia. This month they launched their fifth book, The Heart of Giving. Its a collection of photos by Alexakis that pays homage to the Greek Orthodox priest Father Nektarios Zorbalas and the soup kitchen he operated thanks to volunteers for the homeless. Its a more personal book than their others. Started in lockdown, when Alexakis visited the kitchen once a week, its a return to the idea of food, generosity and hospitality that they documented in their book on Greek cafes. For this interview, Alexakis and Janiszewski suggested we meet at the only cafe in Sydney with signs of its former Hellenic life. George Poulos, the late owner of the Rio, a Greek cafe in Summer Hill. Credit: Effy Alexakis The Rio in Summer Hill was operated by George Poulos, a former cane cutter who died in 2015 aged 92. Now a wine bar, it has some original features, but not much else from its heyday when it had a jukebox and booths. The couple have been together for so long that they finish each others sentences, sometimes making it difficult to hear who said, We finish each others sentences. 

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Queenslands new premier has remained tight-lipped on whether Attorney-General Yvette DAth will stay in her role, as ministers were expected to be briefed on their portfolios over the weekend ahead of their swearing-in on Monday.

Steven Miles was sworn in as premier on Friday where he used his first speech to make commitments to boost the states climate action plans, tackle youth crime, and manage other government priorities, including cost of living.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles speaking on Saturday.

Miles told reporters on Saturday morning he and now Deputy Premier Cameron Dick would meet with ministers over the weekend to speak with them about their roles.

We have five new fresh faces and that will mean that we need to make some changes to the ministry and theyre the kinds of decisions well be making today, tomorrow, in time for Monday when they will be sworn in, he said.
Lagos is set to become one of the worlds most populous cities in the worlds third-most-populous nation, Nigeria, by 2100. Credit: Getty Images

So how will the worlds population change this century? Where will all the people be? And how will this affect Australia?

In Britain, where birth rates have dropped to their lowest level in two decades, demographer Paul Morland has controversially called for a tax on those who dont have offspring. This may seem unfair on those who cant or wont have children, he wrote in The Sunday Times . But it recognises that we all rely on there being a next generation and that everyone should contribute to the cost of creating that generation.

On the other hand, fears about not enough people are perennial too, now keenly felt by an increasing number of nations as low birth rates provoke warnings of a population winter. In Hungary, radical measures are afoot to get women having babies.

There have long been fears about too many people on the planet. Unchecked population leads to poverty, misery and war, if you follow the line of thought of 18th-century British economist Thomas Malthus. Malthusian pessimism regularly surfaces, particularly in the era of climate change.

Such forecasts might seem abstract, but population counts: it shapes cultures, affects economies and influences political clout. Thats why its a perennial source of public anxiety, whether its going up or down.

Its 2050 and the world is home to 10 billion people. India remains the population colossus with a head count of 1.67 billion, more than China and the United States combined. Africa is the population juggernaut with a quarter of the worlds people and its largest workforce. Nations in Europe and Asia are still ageing and shrinking. Australia has managed to hold its own, barely moving in the rankings as other nations shuffle around it.

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Other forecasts differ, although mostly over timing rather than the overall trend. Modelling by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) at Washington University, for example, forecasts the worlds population to top out at 9.7 billion in 2064 then drop. In that study, published by The Lancet in 2020 , the worlds population will be 8.8 billion in 2100, almost 2 billion fewer than the UNs central projection.

The trend is like a slowing vehicle, says associate professor Udoy Saikia. I tell my students that, Yes, we are still driving the car forward but as we move forward, the speed will be less and less and less, says Saikia, a population expert at Flinders University.

Since the mid-1970s, the world has been adding an extra billion people roughly every 12 years. But if you reckon the worlds population is on a never-ending upward spiral, think again. The rate of population growth peaked in the early 1960s; in 2020, it dipped under 1 per cent for the first time since 1950. We will reach peak human in 2086, according to the UN, when the worlds population hits 10.4 billion. Population growth is expected to have been easing to 0.5 per cent a year by 2050 and will sink into the negative by 2100.

Every two years the United Nations Population Division updates its projections. The first report, in 1951, put the population of the Earth in round numbers at 2.4 billion. The head count passed 8 billion in November 2022.

Some low-income countries, especially in Africa, still have relatively high fertility rates. The West African nation of Niger topped the list in 2019 with 6.9 followed by Somalia (6.5) and Chad (6.4). But even in those nations, rates are trending lower. In Botswana, the fertility rate has dropped to around 2.8 children per woman. In Namibia, its 3.3; in Zimbabwe 3.5, according to the World Bank. All three nations had a fertility rate hovering around 7 in 1970.

Fertility rates have fallen even in places associated with rapid population growth, such as Asian megacities. Take a city like Kolkata in India, for example, says Saikia. There the fertility rate is now much lower even than in Australia.

More people will be dying than are being born. Since 1950, the global fertility rate has fallen from five children per woman to 2.3.

Already, the share of nations with very low fertility rates has jumped. Most people in the world, including in its 15 biggest economies (measured in US dollars), live in nations with a fertility rate below the 2.1 replacement level, including China and India. In Australia in 1970, the rate was about three children per woman. Now its 1.63.

The fertility rate measures the average number of children a woman can be expected to have during her lifetime. Since 1950 the global rate has fallen from around five to 2.3. By 2050, it is projected to reach 2.1. It so happens that a fertility rate of 2.1 is deemed to be the replacement level at which the number of births and deaths are roughly in balance, ensuring a stable population (excluding migration). Then the rate is expected to drop further.

When that happens, more people will be dying than are being born.

Saikia says considerable declines in fertility rates recently, especially in huge nations such as China, India and Bangladesh, make it plausible the worlds population will peak earlier than the UN has predicted.

Delhi will have the most people of any city by 2030, overtaking Tokyo. Credit: Getty Images

Meanwhile, people are living longer. In 1900, a baby could expect to make it to 32, on average globally. The figure was 72.8 years in 2019 and the UN predicts it will get to 77 by 2050. Longer life spans and fewer babies means the worlds population is ageing. Saikia says that by 2050, there will be twice as many people aged over 65 than those aged under five. The median age of a person on Earth is 31.5 years. That will climb to 42.3 years by 2100, UN forecasts show. And there are big differences in the age structure of world regions. The median age in Europe is now 42.5 years now while in sub-Saharan Africa it is 18.7 years (more on that later).

The second of Parrs unknowns stems from the end of Chinas one-child policy, which lasted from 1980 until 2016. The United Nations projections assume quite a substantial recovery in the birth rates for China, says Parr. So far, there hasnt really been a recovery despite the move from a one-child policy to a two-child policy and now to a three-child policy.

Macquarie University demographer Professor Nick Parr warns two big unknowns cloud the longer-term outlook. The first is how quickly fertility rates decline in sub-Saharan Africa  the change has been slow and uneven, and past predictions of decreases have been proven wrong.

Five of those countries are in what is known as sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for 46 of Africas 55 countries. By 2050, remember, it will be home to a quarter of the worlds people, up from 17 per cent now. Its largest economy, Nigeria, is projected to become the third most populous country by 2050. The former British colony is rich in natural resources, including minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel used in electric cars. Its most populous city, Lagos, renowned for its music and traffic jams, is forecast to have more than 20 million residents by the end of this decade alone.

The UN population projections for nations extend to the end of the century. This year, India overtook China as the most populous nation. India will still have the most people in 2050 when the global headcount is forecast to reach 9.7 billion. More than half of the projected population increase between now and that time will be concentrated in just eight countries: India, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Tokyo will be overtaken by Indias capital, Delhi, by 2030. Another Indian city, the home of Bollywood, seaside Mumbai, is in the top 10 in 2030 too. China has two entrants: Shanghai and Beijing. The newest top 10 entry by 2030 will be Kinshasa in the Congo. (Nigerias Lagos ranks 11.)

More than half of the worlds people live in cities. By 2050, its expected to be more than two-thirds. UN projections for specific city populations extend only as far as 2030, but they signal longer-term trends. In 1970, New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris all ranked among the worlds 10 biggest cities; in 2023, no city from North America or Europe is on that list.

Africa is entering a period of truly staggering change, Edward Paice, the director of the Africa Research Institute in London, told The New York Times. By 2100, sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to be the worlds most populated region with more than 3 billion people. Europe, North America, South America and East and South-East Asia are all expected to have fewer people than they do now.

Watch the changes in this animated chart.

By the 2040s, Africa will account for two out of every five children born on the planet. For some nations in the region having a large, relatively youthful population will likely translate to more economic and political clout on the world stage. Yet more people can mean more problems too. Nearly two-thirds of Nigerias 213 million people live on less than $3 a day.

In our neighbourhood, its Indonesia thats exploding: projected to reach 300 million  from todays 277 million  by 2100. Which is one reason its president, Joko Widodo, wants to relocate Indonesias capital from congested and flood-prone Jakarta (population 11.2 million) to the new-build city of Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

Here are the changes in a different format.

And Australia? The UN forecasts we will have the 58th largest population in 2100 with 38.1 million people, a little lower than what the federal government forecast in its 2023 intergenerational report (40.5 million in 2063).

Why arent people having babies?



One reason is the uptake in education, particularly for girls. In Angola, according to The Economist, women with tertiary education have an average of 2.3 children, compared to 7.8 children born to women without any schooling.

Wealth must also play a role, as the richest nations have the lowest fertility rates, but its effect is a little more complicated. Being truly wealthy means you can afford more children and the support network necessary to raise them in (your) comfort (ask Elon Musk, father of 11). Yet being relatively wealthy but still struggling to keep up with the Joneses can make having children a lower priority in cities such as Seoul or Tokyo (or Melbourne or Sydney, for that matter) where real estate is prohibitively expensive for many.

Its no myth that television soap operas, called novelas, have played a significant role in dropping Brazils fertility rate.

The availability of contraception is another clear factor. Other reasons tend to be more particular to each nation.

Its no myth, for example, that television soap operas, called novelas, have played a significant role in dropping Brazils fertility rate from around six children per woman in 1960 to 1.6 in 2021. A 2012 paper that cross-referenced the regional availability of a particular format of soap opera with birth rates and childrens naming patterns (named after characters on the shows) found these viewing habits led to significantly lower fertility. The authors suggested this was largely because the shows main female characters were typically childless or had only one child.

Demographic experts in Indias Kolkata, meanwhile, have attributed the drop in the fertility rate there, more prosaically, to the widespread adoption of contraception, financial pressures and a trend away from traditionally preferring sons over daughters. (The population is still vast, a shade over 15 million.)

Hungarys president, Viktor Oban, blames climate science  and fear of armageddon  for at least some of his countrys low fertility rate, which remains stable at a shade over 1.5 children per woman. This is despite some aggressive government incentives to procreate. such as low-interest loans and income tax exemptions for people with four or more children.

South Korean high-school students cheer for their senior classmates, among the half a million taking the rigorous College Scholastic Ability Test in Seoul 2019. Credit: Getty Images

South Korea has one of the lowest fertility rates. The IHME predicts it will be among 23 countries where the population will halve between 2017 and 2100. Others include Japan, Thailand, Italy and Spain. Another 34 countries are forecast to have population falls of between a quarter and half, including China (down 48 per cent).

So concerned is Seouls government, it sent a delegation to study the improbable community of Nagi, on Japans Honshu island, where local authorities have bucked the countrys overall birth rate trend with innovative incentives. Childcare is inexpensive, parents get kickbacks for every year their child remains in high school and a job-matching system helps part-time workers balance work and family life.

But social attitudes are harder to shift. In South Korea, experts point to a rebellion against traditional gender norms and a growing divide between men and women, exacerbated by a male anti-feminist campaign. The pushback against this began with 2018s escape the corset movement, which saw Korean women cut their hair short and go barefaced, then escalated into the four nos: bihon, the refusal of heterosexual marriage; bichulsan, refusal of childbirth; biyeonae, saying no to dating; and bisekseu, the rejection of heterosexual sexual relationships.

Other disincentives in South Korea include a hyper-competitive education system and some decidedly family-unfriendly laws  restaurants, museums and even the national library can bar children from entering. A survey of 15,000 people aged 19 to 34 this year found barely half of women intended to have children while 70 per cent of men said they would be willing. The birth strike is womens revenge on a society that puts impossible burdens on us and doesnt respect us, Seoul office worker Jiny Kim, 30, told The New York Times.



The UN says more family-friendly policies, including more generous parental leave and affordable childcare, will be needed worldwide to build demographic resilience. Italy, whose fertility rate had dropped to 1.24 by 2020, recently increased benefits, particularly for families with more than three children, and extended maternity leave.

Yet, the evidence that such policies work is mixed. Poland introduced a monthly family benefit in 2016 to encourage families to try for two or more children but has yet to see an increase in the number of babies born, reports The Economist. Singapore offers paid maternity leave, childcare subsidies, tax relief and rebates, one-time cash gifts, and grants for companies that implement flexible work arrangements, yet its fertility rate still dropped to 1.12 in 2022. Many young people are deferring dating to focus on career, writes Poh Lin Tan of the National University of Singapore, and most married couples stop at one or two children, owing to high education-related expenses and the desire to invest more in each child.

As the problem becomes more acute, the IHME study warns, some nations might resort to coercive policies. A very real danger exists that, in the face of declining population, some states might consider adopting policies that restrict female reproductive health rights and access to services, the study warned. Low fertility in these settings might become a major challenge to progress for females freedom and rights.

Residents of an aged-care facility meet a remote-controlled humanoid robot in Natori, Japan. Credit: Getty Images

Arent fewer people good for the planet?

Economist Thomas Robert Malthus made some revolutionary predictions in his 1798 treatise An Essay on the Principle of Population, not least that human beings would reproduce exponentially to the point of starvation. The worlds population at that time was poised to reach its first billion. And, yes, if it had grown as Malthus had warned, we would be over-run today. The power of population is so superior to the power of the Earth to produce subsistence for man, that premature death must in some shape or other visit the human race, Malthus foresaw. Yet, as the rather less intellectual but possibly more insightful Yogi Berra intoned, Its hard to make predictions, especially about the future.

A decline in global population is potentially good news for the environment and climate change. Fewer people on the planet could lower carbon emissions, reduce competition for natural resources and ease pressures on global food supplies.

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But while size is one matter, the dramatic shift in the age structure in many nations will have other sweeping, and often negative, consequences. The size of a nations working-age population is a key economic driver (along with productivity growth, fuelled by innovation, and workforce participation). With far more elderly people and a shrinking pool of workers and taxpayers, some nations will struggle to generate the revenue needed to fund aged care, social security and healthcare. The UN, declaring ageing one of the most significant world trends of the 21st century, has called for governments to address the needs and interests of older people.

Ageing is the population bomb, write David Bloom and Leo Zucker for the International Monetary Fund. The potential consequences of inaction are dramatic: a dwindling workforce straining to support burgeoning numbers of retirees, a concomitant explosion of age-related morbidity and associated healthcare costs, and a declining quality of life among older people for lack of human, financial and institutional resources.

Fewer than 3 per cent of Nigerians were over 65 in 2021; in Japan, it was a quarter of people. Japan offers an extreme snapshot: economic stagnation, emptied-out villages and workers staying on the job into their 70s. We are approaching an era of acute labour shortages in much of the world  and robots are not yet ready to come to our assistance, demographer Paul Morland told this masthead last year.

Eligibility for the old-age pension has already been creeping up in many countries as governments attempt to lift workforce participation and limit the costs of supporting a growing cohort of retirees  which may be fiscally sensible but is rarely popular. When French leader Emmanuel Macron pushed through a change to pension eligibility from 62 to 64 (for those born after 1967) this year he triggered widespread violent protests. In Australia, workforce participation by those aged 65 and over has risen steadily during the past two decades, making that group an increasingly important contributor to the economy.

Australia will keep its place in the world population rankings by 2100 even as other nations shift around it. Credit: Tanya Lake

What do these trends mean for Australia?

Debates about global population trends are likely to be radically different in the second half of this century, says Saikia. When our grandchildren become the policymakers, they are likely to be talking about how to increase population rather than getting worried about a rising population, he says.

Saikia predicts many nations will be forced to rely more on overseas migration to stave off the damaging effects of a population decline. Migration sending countries will play a vital future role in the economies of other countries, especially developed countries including Australia, he says.

Since the 1970s, Australias fertility rate has been below the 2.1 replacement level, but our population has continued to grow at a steady rate thanks to strong migration. We now rank the worlds 55th most populated country.

Nations that sustain their working-age populations over the long term through migration would fare well.

Net overseas migration has accounted for more than 60 per cent of Australias population growth during the past decade, but that is forecast to reach 75 per cent by the 2060s. The federal governments 2023 intergenerational report projected the national head count to rise from 26.5 million to 40.5 million by 2063, an increase of 53 per cent.

The IHME study says Australias liberal migration policies and ability to attract new arrivals will allow the nation to maintain a relatively stable working-age population and various economic, social, and geopolitical benefits that come with it throughout this century. Nations that sustain their working-age populations over the long term through migration, such as Canada, Australia, and the USA, would fare well, the report says.

It forecasts Australia to climb the global economic rankings as a result. In 2017, Australia was ranked the worlds 12th-largest economy (when measured in US dollars), says the IHME paper, which forecasts it to rise to 11th largest in 2050 and eighth largest in 2100.

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Immigration policy is always fiercely contested, a fact underscored most recently by the political combat that has flared in late 2023. A temporary migration boom following the COVID-19 pandemic stoked public anxiety about housing supply shortages and pressures on infrastructure and essential services.

In December, the Albanese Government announced a sweeping overhaul to bring migration back down to sustainable, normal levels including a lower intake and more stringent rules for overseas students. Our mission is clear, said Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil, to build a migration system that earns the trust and confidence of our citizens and secures a safe and prosperous future for every Australian.

Striking the right balance on migration will challenge Australias political leaders as the dynamics of the global population shift, even if our numbers are a small part of the planets story. We account for about 0.33 per cent of the worlds people.

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Loading We will help cover the rent for as long as possible, Jenkins says. Rather than being in direct competition with current traders, the idea is to bring in an eclectic mix of businesses to complement existing stores. We have a certain methodology and that is to introduce tenants who are different from the usual mix and have just needed support to test a concept in a physical space, Jenkin says. Earlier this year, Acland Street replaced Melbournes struggling Bridge Road in Richmond as the citys ugly duckling, after it reported the highest vacancy of any retail strip in 20 years, with a blowout to 27.5 per cent.

Jenkins has helped oversee similar plans in other parts of Melbourne, including one for the City of Melbourne, which secured 40 vacant spaces and offered new traders free rent. More than half of those traders transitioned to a long-term lease after the program. Melbourne needs all the support it can get, having undertaken one of the most strenuous coronavirus lockdown globally, Jenkins said. Jason Kerr and Conor Shortt enjoying a drink at Jimmy ONeills in Acland Street, St Kilda. Credit: Penny Stephens What we are finding is that these kinds of programs are necessary whether it be in the CBD, suburbs, regional areas  the way consumers, shop, work and live has changed as a result of the pandemic. Andriotakis says he can already see the magic returning to the street as new tenants arrive.

Loading Its been exciting, he says. Youve got a new yoghurt shop, an acai shop and some great pop-up shops. While there has been a perception of crime on Acland Street, statistics show overall crime is hovering at 23.5 per cent below pre-pandemic levels. Much has been done to fix this perception, including police blitzes and a council clean-up of graffiti. Janet Rosenberg, who heads Acland Street Village Business Association and has owned homewares store Chakra on the strip for more than 30 years, said the pandemic was not solely to blame for the streets demise, citing years of soaring rents and other issues, such as issues with parking. Vacancy rates on Melbournes prime strips have fallen from 12.8 per cent to 11.3 per cent over the past year.

Hobsons Bay Council is facing the same battle and has hired consultants in a bid to revive struggling main shopping strips in Williamstown, as traders blamed sky-high rents, soaring costs, low foot traffic and a lack of parking, for a demise in the beachside suburb in Melbournes south-west. In 2021, temporary rent-free leases were also offered to Fitzroy Street in St Kilda after foot traffic there plummeted during the pandemic. Acland Street drew in the crowds on Saturday. Credit: Penny Stephens When The Sunday Age visited Acland Street on Saturday several shops were vacant, including a shuttered souvlaki restaurant. But the warm summer weather had drawn in crowds of people, who filled outdoor tables enjoying a slice of cake, a meal or an ice-cream. In the new year, the Sunset Market (an offshoot of the Esplanade Market) will open at Acland Plaza and Rosenberg cant wait to see a plan to light up all the palm trees along the strip in full flight.
This is our last weekend before Christmas  Its been a bit of a roller coaster year, but I think its been a roller coaster the last couple of years. Post COVID I think itd be nice to get some steadiness. It was one of 1006 auctions scheduled for Saturday. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 59.2 per cent from 786 reported results, while 130 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate. In Hawthorn, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a sought-after building sold for $860,000. The Agencys Luke Saville listed the property at 22/1 Domville Avenue for sale with a quoted price range of $740,000 to $780,000.

He said four bidders took part, but had been shy at the start of the auction. Loading The first half of the auction was like pulling teeth, he said. It started at $720,000, and it took a good 10 minutes to get it up to $770,000. Once that third bidder got involved in it, the bidding was strong after that. It took off, and it was done in five minutes. Saville said most of the buyers had been particularly invested in the building and the surrounding neighbourhood.

The final two bidders really love it and didnt want to be anywhere else. Theres not much like it in that part of west Hawthorn. Its a building thats aged really well. Its pretty popular, lots of people say theyd love to get an apartment in that building. In Glen Iris, a family home sold for $2,472,000, after topping its advertised reserve price on the first bid. The four-bedroom house at 60 Dent Street featured a classic 1930s art-deco style, and had been renovated throughout.

Belle Property listing agent Tony Doh had advertised a reserve price of $2.15 million, which he said was welcomed by the five bidders. Loading I think buyers appreciated that it was transparent, and it was laid out before them, so there was no confusion. The first bid was at the reserve, and Doh said the price steadily increased from there. The bidders were a mix of couples, families and downsizers, but the house sold to a buyers advocate whom Doh said had viewed the property for the first time that morning.

He did not know the new owner but believed they were an owner-occupier. Doh said the sale was a great way to end the year. The vendors are very happy. It was a win-win for everyone really. In Carlton North, a terrace sold for more than its reserve price in a post-auction contest, after two parties of first home buyers let their nerves get the better of them on the auction floor.

Nelson Alexanders Charlie Barham had the listing for the two-bedroom house at 132 Lee Street; he said he passed the property in after no one topped his vendor bid of $1.1 million. Loading He had listed the house for sale with a quoted price range of $1.1 million to $1.2 million. The reserve was at the top of the range. The two parties that had an interest, they went to and fro, and we had an auction after the auction, he said. For one reason or another they chose not to bid. We get that from time to time. We find in the first home buyer pool, bidding can be a nerve-wracking thing.
Clarksville, Tennessee: A four-month-old boy has survived after a tornado sucked him up from his familys mobile home, which was demolished in the storm, his mother said.

Sydney Moore told WSMV-TV that, when the tornado hit their home in Clarksville, Tennessee, it ripped off the roof and lifted the bassinet with her son inside.

Sydney Moore with her baby after the tornado sucked him out of the familys mobile home. Credit: Nine News

Her boyfriend, the childs father, tried to grab the bassinet but was spun up into the twister as well, Moore said.

He was just holding on to the bassinet the whole time, and they went into circles, he said, and then they got thrown, Moore said.
The COVID-19 breathalyzer test can deliver results within three minutes. (Photo: Photo by Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash)

China's National Health Commission announced on Friday evening that seven cases of the COVID-19 JN.1 variant have been detected domestically as of December 10. Although currently at a low prevalence, the variant, influenced by international strains and imported cases, could potentially become dominant in China. Europe has the highest proportion of cases, with rapid growth also seen in the Americas. The predominant strains in China are still EG.5 and its sub-branches.

Identified as a second-generation sub-branch of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant, JN.1 has spread to at least 40 countries/regions globally since its first detection in Luxembourg on August 25. On November 21, the World Health Organization upgraded it from a "Variant Under Monitoring" (VUM) to a "Variant of Interest" (VOI).

JN.1 has recently garnered attention, especially in Asia, where it has become the dominant strain in Singapore. The Singapore Ministry of Health reported that COVID-19 cases jumped from over 22,000 to 32,035 in the week ending December 2, with 60% of these cases being the JN.1 variant. The ministry attributes the increase to various factors, including waning immunity and increased travel and social interactions during the year-end holidays. There is no indication yet that the new variant is more transmissible or causes more severe illness. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes JN.1's persistence suggests it may be more transmissible or better at evading the immune system.

Amid rising infections and neighboring countries reinstating some pandemic measures, rumors circulated online in Singapore about a potential return to "circuit breaker" measures, prompting officials to debunk these as misinformation. On Monday, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat refuted these rumors on social media.

Other countries have responded more cautiously. According to The Straits Times, Indonesia has reinstalled temperature scanners at some border checkpoints, including Jakarta's main international airport, three entry points in Bali, and the Batam Island ferry terminal. The Indonesian Ministry of Health has urged people to postpone travel to areas with surging cases, complete vaccination, wear masks, wash hands frequently, and stay home if sick.

As of December 13, Jakarta alone reported over 300 new cases, including two deaths, with Omicron EG.5 remaining the main variant. The health ministry has issued alerts as cases have risen in 21 provinces over the past few weeks, with significant surges in four provinces on Sulawesi Island.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo confirmed an increase in cases ahead of Christmas and New Year but has not decided on mandatory mask-wearing. He has instructed the health minister to monitor the situation closely.

Malaysia also saw a near doubling of cases within a week. Authorities reported 6,796 confirmed cases for the week ending December 2, compared to 3,626 the previous week. However, the Malaysian government stated that the situation is under control and not burdening medical facilities.

In the U.S., JN.1 is showing a growing advantage. CDC data indicates that in the two weeks ending December 9, JN.1 was the second most prevalent strain in the country but the fastest-growing variant, accounting for over one-fifth of all infections.

First detected in the U.S. in September, JN.1's proportion was less than 0.1% by late October but reached 15%-29% by December 8. The CDC stated that JN.1's continued growth suggests either higher transmissibility or better immune evasion. However, there is no evidence yet that JN.1 poses a greater public health risk compared to other prevalent strains.

With the onset of the winter respiratory infection peak, COVID-19 infection rates are rising in the U.S. Although the country no longer tracks total case numbers, early indicators like test positivity rates are increasing. Last week's CDC data showed an 11.5% rise in test positivity over the previous week. NBC News analysis also indicated a 13% increase in hospitalizations and a 9% rise in ICU admissions over the past two weeks.

Experts note that with the U.S. entering the winter and respiratory virus season, COVID-19 activity is expected to rise. However, symptoms of COVID-19 are difficult to distinguish from those of other circulating viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and rhinoviruses, which cause common cold-like symptoms.

In Europe, there has been less focus on individual COVID-19 variants. The region's concentrated public reports on JN.1 were mostly from early last month, with sporadic warnings about its spread in Europe but lacking specific data.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's latest report on Friday indicated a surge in acute respiratory infections in Northern Hemisphere countries this winter, caused by multiple pathogens, including COVID-19, influenza, syncytial virus, and other seasonal viruses and bacteria.

Since early autumn, seasonal influenza activity and hospitalizations have been increasing in most parts of the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. also observed a slight increase in pediatric pneumonia cases caused by a range of respiratory pathogens, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but overall pneumonia incidence remains consistent with pre-pandemic levels.

In early November, China reported a nationwide increase in respiratory diseases, mainly affecting children, attributed to the co-circulation of multiple known pathogens, particularly Mycoplasma pneumoniae. South Korea observed an increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections to levels similar to pre-pandemic seasonal patterns. Japan also reported an increase in influenza-like cases, starting earlier this season compared to previous years, including pre-pandemic seasons.
HomeLane, an expert in bespoke home interior solutions, announces the grand opening of its inaugural DOOWUP store in Kolkata, in a strategic partnership with LKG Homes. This launch marks a significant expansion of DOOWUP By HomeLane's footprint, introducing its novel DOOWUP concept to Kolkata's vibrant market.Located in the heart of Kolkata, the new DOOWUP store spans across 700 square feet, offering a unique and interactive shopping experience in home interiors. This store is set to become a landmark for those seeking innovative and personalized home decor solutions in the city.Saumya Singha Roy, business head at HomeLane, shares: "The opening of our first DOOWUP store in Kolkata, in collaboration with LKG Homes, is a milestone for us. Kolkata, with its rich heritage and dynamic modernity, presents the perfect canvas for DOOWUP's innovative approach to home interiors.Mr. Mrinmoy Ghosh, owner of LKG Homes, said, We are excited to blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary design, offering our customers in Kolkata a truly unique and personalized home decor experience."This collaboration aims to enhance the home interior shopping experience in Kolkata, combining LKG Homes' local expertise with DOOWUP's innovative design approach. The Kolkata community is invited to visit the new DOOWUP store and discover a world where traditional charm meets modern elegance in home interiors.
The event, drawing significant international media attention, brought together policymakers, journalists, academics, and experts from various sectors. Ten public sessions and eight roundtable meetings delved into diverse topics, such as global cooperation, leadership, peace diplomacy, food security, energy crises, climate change, migration, Islamophobia, and media and digitalization.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212575266/en/

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan with children at the TRT World Forum 2023 (Photo: Business Wire)

The inaugural day featured speeches from President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun, and TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobac. A poignant moment occurred with screening a short film featuring children from war-affected regions, symbolizing the quest for global peace. The children presented President Erdogan with a symbolic "key to peace," showcasing Turkiye's commitment to world peace. Additionally, a painting representing the '100th Year' logo was presented to President Erdogan by TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobac.

The forum's first session, "Vision of Turkiyes Century," highlighted Turkiye's values and aspirations in its centennial year. The public session topics included: Vision of Turkiyes Century: Turkiye as a System-Building Actor, Israel's War in Gaza, The Return of Geopolitics, Public Broadcasting in the Digital Era, Remaking the Global Economy, All-Knowing AI, Dis/United Nations, Empowering Humanity, and The Critical Nexus of Food, Water and Energy Security.

Distinguished speakers at the forum included Former Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Awn Al-Khasawneh, Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond, Former Secretary of State for Europe in Portugal Dr. Bruno Macaes, Former Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar Dr. Hessa bint Sultan Al Jaber, Former Foreign Minister of Mexico Jorge Castaneda, Director of CeSPI Observatory on Turkiye Valeria Giannotta, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN Dr. Riyadh H. Mansour, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum Mirek Dusek and United Nations World Food Programme Turkiye Director and Country Representative Stephen Cahill among others.

TRT World Forum 2023 provided a platform for robust discussions, proposals for solutions and fostering an understanding of critical global challenges. With diverse and influential participants, the forum solidified its position as a vital international gathering addressing the pulse of the world agenda.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212575266/en/
BOB Senior Manager Recruitment 2023 has been published on the Bank of Baroda's official website @bankofbaroda.in for a total of 250 positions. The online application window for the Bank of Baroda Senior Manager Recruitment 2023 commenced on December 6, 2023, and will remain open until December 26, 2023.

Notification PDF

The Bank of Baroda Sr. Manager Notification PDF 2023 includes all of the required information about senior manager recruitment, such as age limit, academic qualification, apply online link, application, fees, and so on. The PDF notification contains all of the information about the 250 Senior Manager openings. Interested candidates can view the Bank of Baroda Sr. Manager Notification PDF on the organization's official website.

Steps for submitting an online application for BOB Senior Manager Recruitment 2023:

visit https://ibpsonline.ibps.in/bobsmnov23/.

Select the "Registration" link.

Provide necessary information such as your name, email address, mobile number, etc., and complete the registration form.

Log in using the credentials established during the registration process.

Input essential details regarding your basic information and educational qualifications.

Access the upload section on the dashboard and submit the necessary documents, including photographs and signature.

Age

Minimum age limit of 28 years and the maximum age limit should be 37 years.

Educational background

Prospective candidates for the Senior Manager - MSME Relationship position must meet the following educational requirements:

A Bachelor's degree in any discipline with an outstanding academic record, including a minimum of 60% in all semesters/years.

Candidates with a Postgraduate degree or MBA in Marketing and Finance, or an equivalent professional qualification, may also apply.

Salary

Rs. 63840 x 1990 (5) - 73790 x 2220 (2) - 78230
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will hold the CA Foundation December session mock exam paper 2023 series II from December 15 to 19, 2023. Candidates studying for the test can obtain the Chartered Accountant (CA) Foundation MTP papers from the official website, boslive.icai.org.

How to Register for the CA Foundation 2023?

Mock Exam Candidates can register for the CA Foundation mock test 2023 by following the steps outlined below:

icai.org is the official website. Go to bosactivities.icai.org and fill out the registration form.

Sign with your name, phone number, email address, and ICAI registration number. Choose the CA Foundation 2023 course and paper medium.

Pay the Rs 1,000 online registration fee using a debit/credit/net banking payment option.

For future reference, download and print the payment receipt.

Exam Schedule
(Construction) - Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation has embraced the power of artificial intelligence to streamline its architectural design processes. In March 2022, the company unveiled the AI-assisted design tool, "AiCorb," aimed at optimizing design tasks.

Following continuous enhancements, the tool commenced full-scale operations in July. AiCorb allows users to set specific parameters and generate building designs from simple hand-drawn sketches, contributing to creative support in architectural design. The tool has generated approximately 1,000 images to date.

Developed in collaboration with the California-based research institution SRI International, AiCorb enables the proposal of various facade designs based on sketches and 3D models. The collaboration with the design platform "Hypar" from the US-based startup company Hypar allows for a comprehensive design approach, including volume design.

Japanese construction company Obayashi corporation introduces AI Design Tool for enhanced efficiency

AiCorb proves especially beneficial in the early stages of design, reducing the time required to create design proposals for clients. However, Obayashi Corporation emphasizes that the tool is intended for idea exploration, intending to facilitate consensus-building discussions. Leveraging three-dimensional information, which may be challenging to convey through images alone, is expected to expedite consensus-building and enhance overall efficiency.

The company acknowledges "education" as a key challenge associated with AI integration. With potential risks of copyright infringement, Obayashi stresses the importance of correct and responsible usage. They foresee a significant productivity gap between companies that effectively educate their workforce on AI utilization and those that do not. As AI expands the scope and depth of design exploration, Obayashi believes that investing in AI education is imperative for future success. The corporation anticipates that AI integration will undoubtedly provide a competitive advantage by broadening the possibilities and themes in design exploration. (2023/12/05)
Earlier Friday, a small group of students at Red Bank High School staged a protest outside the school in relation to an incident that happened earlier this week. The students were voicing concerns about the situation, school officials said.

A statement from the County Schools said, "On Tuesday, a RBHS student reported he was engaged by other students and touched inappropriately over his clothes. The student immediately reported the situation, and multiple steps were taken by school administrators.

"The SRD on duty was contacted, as was the Red Bank Police Department. A police investigation was started, and the school filed a report with the Department of Childrens Services. A Title IX investigation is also underway. The school is providing supports to the student who filed the complaint.

"As a result of initial investigations, three students received school discipline appropriate for the reported offense and are not at school."
Hamilton County officials are seeking rezoning for McDonald Farm in Sale Creek, indicating that a portion of the sprawling property will be kept as parkland and a larger section used for industrial development.

The request includes 871 acres for development and 238.4 for parks.

The rezoning case goes before the County Commission in January.

Officials of Croy Engineering said, "In December 2021, Hamilton County purchased property in northern Hamilton County commonly referred to as the McDonald Farm. The property includes approximately 2,027 total acres, primarily consisting of agriculture and wooded land. Approximately 1,442 acres are located within Hamilton County, while the remainder is in Rhea County. The property has historically been used for agricultural and farming purposes and is currently zoned A-1 with a corridor along US-27 zoned R-2A.



"This request addresses partial rezoning for the property within Hamilton County, west of US-27. While the property also extends to the east side of US-27, there is currently no request for rezoning on the east side of US-27. Rezoning the property from A-1 and R-2A to C-2 and M-1 will allow Hamilton County to properly develop the property for Hamilton County Parks and Recreation use (C-2) and for potential manufacturing and industrial businesses (M-1) to locate to the site.



"For the partial rezoning to C-2, as part of Hamilton Countys vision, they are planning to rezone 238.4 acres for parks & recreation activities and use. Hamilton County Parks & Recreation could potentially have office space on the old homestead site and would entertain the need for an onsite restaurant. This area could also host the County Fair annually.



"For the partial rezoning of 871 acres to M-1, Hamilton County has applied for a portion of the property to become a Certified Site through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The site certification committee has stated that the site cannot be certified without proper zoning for potential companies to locate on the property. Rezoning to M-1 for portions of the site would potentially allow for the State of Tennessee to invest millions of dollars to provide water, wastewater, and

other infrastructure improvements for economic development to the site and the region."


The royal family has a big spread for lunch on Christmas Day, which, per former royal chef Darren McGrady, is 'the same meal every year.'

They may have festive decorations and two days of celebrating, but the British royal familys pretty boring when it comes to food on Christmas Day. According to a former palace chef, the royal familys Christmas dinner is always the same. Ahead, details on the royals Christmas menu. Plus, what they eat on Christmas Eve.

Turkey is the centerpiece of the royal familys Christmas lunch

Think Thanksgiving. Thats kind of how the royal family approaches Christmas dinner at Sandringham, King Charles IIIs country home in Norfolk, England. At least where the main course is concerned. As former royal chef Darren McGrady told My London, the familys centerpiece on December 25 is, without fail, turkey.

It was the same meal every year, McGrady, who worked for the royal family from 1982 to 1998, said. Theyre actually boring when it comes to festivities. They didnt do hams or anything, just traditional turkeys.

We did three turkeys for the queen [Elizabeth II] and her family in the royal dining room, one for the childrens nursery, and then more for the 100 or so staff. So everyone had a Christmas lunch.

The sides are also reminiscent of an American Thanksgiving. The turkey is served with mashed and roast potatoes, chestnut or sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, and bread sauce, the chef added. Vegetables include brussels sprouts, carrots, and roast parsnips.

Instead of, say, pumpkin pie for dessert in keeping with the Thanksgiving-type menu, the royal family has a Christmas pudding. Spoiler: Its not the late queens beloved chocolate cake.

McGrady described it to Mail on Sunday as being decorated in holly and doused in brandy, sometimes even taking the kitchen staff months to prepare. A special touch is the presentation, involving the palace steward carrying it into the royal dining room and lighting it in front of everyone.

With dessert, which is served at 2 p.m., theres also brandy butter and brandy sauce.

Christmas Day also includes 2 different breakfasts for royals

Want something light to start off December 25? Or how about heartier fare? British royals are treated to both. According to McGrady, women in the royal family typically go for a light breakfast, such as sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast, and coffee delivered to their rooms.

The men in the royal family head downstairs to the dining room for a big breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Christmas Day. Their menu consists of eggs, bacon, mushrooms, and more, all to set them up for the traditional 11 a.m. walk to church at St. Mary Magdalene.

When everyone gets back from church, pre-lunch drinks signal the big Christmas lunch is about to get underway.

What the royal family eats on Christmas Eve

Rewind to Dec. 24 when the royal familys just getting started on the festivities. According to McGrady, the first time royals all get together on Christmas Eve is over tea at 4 p.m., typically in the Sandringham saloon.

Theres a large cake  often ginger or honey and creak  as well as small cakes, scones, and finger sandwiches served alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea.

After tea, its time for the royal family to open presents, as is their tradition. Finally, Christmas Eve ends with a standard black-tie dinner in the dining room.

Christmas 2023 is already underway for the royal family. They kicked off December with Kate Middletons carol concert at Westminster Abbey, followed by the release of the Wales familys Christmas card.
Lily Gladstone poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in New York. Gladstone has been named one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023.
On September 15th, National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, officially began. Its the perfect time to learn about the lives of Hispanic women who fought to make America a better country for all.

One of those women was Luisa Moreno, a labor organizer who fought for workers rights in America for decades.

Luisa was born in Guatemala in the early 1900s. She had a spirit for activism and social reform from a young age, as by the time she was a teenager, she was organizing social justice groups to fight against the countrys misogynistic laws surrounding education.

During her later teenage years, Luisa briefly worked as a journalist. But in the 1920s, when she was 20 years old, she moved to New York City with her husband. While living in New York, she had a daughter and worked hard to support her family.

Luisas passion for activism was reignited after moving to the United States when she was exposed to the horrors of police brutality against Latin protestors and the poor working conditions laborers faced.

So, in 1930, Luisa joined the Communist Party and became a professional organizer for the American Federation of Labor in 1935.

She began visiting states outside of New York, including Florida, Louisiana, and California, to organize labor unions, draw attention to the deplorable and unfair working conditions in America, and highlight the additional hardships being placed upon Mexican-American and Latino workers.

In 1938, she founded the El Congreso del Pueblo de Habla Espanola or National Congress of Spanish-Speaking Peoples in California. It was considered to be one of the first American organizations that worked to unite people from Spanish-speaking countries and get them to fight for better treatment and working conditions for laborers.

Despite the American government making efforts to deport Luisa, she stayed strong and held her ground, organizing laborers, representing unions, and leading protests for decades.

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Sometimes, students nurse crushes on their teachers. On the other hand, teachers might also lust after their pupils. TikToker Natalie (@babydelreyy) is talking about how she fell in love with her college professor and the circumstances that led to their relationship.

It all started six years ago when Natalie first took her class. Immediately, she developed a huge crush on her. She took her English class for a semester, and during that time, nothing happened between them. So, she decided to make something happen.

A couple of years later, she took the next class she needed to fulfill her English requirements over the summer. Again, nothing happened, but Natalie did manage to borrow some books from her. She knew she needed to take advantage of the opportunity.

When the class was over, she emailed her professor, asking for her availability so she could return the books in person and make her move.

She told her just to leave them in her office. Natalie then said that she wanted to hand them to her personally so she could thank her for all her help during the semester. When she arrived to return the books, her professor was teaching a class. After the class ended, they got to chat and had the best conversation.

Their conversation lasted for an hour and a half. By its conclusion, she told Natalie not to be a stranger and to feel free to visit whenever. Of course, Natalie was going to take her up on her offer. The next day, she visited again, and they had another lengthy conversation.

As they were walking out of the classroom and back to their cars, Natalie tried to gather enough courage to ask for her phone number and invite her out to get some coffee.

She was way too scared, but luckily, her professor swept in, asking if they could exchange phone numbers and meet up at a coffee shop sometime. It was a while before they would actually hang out, but they texted each other consistently, sending pictures of their cats back and forth.

Eventually, they decided to go to a coffee shop. The vibes remained friendly, but Natalie got her hopes up when she moved a piece of hair out of her face.

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One of the most magical occasions of someones life is the moment when theyre getting proposed to. But sometimes, the question is popped in the absolute worst way. This womans experience with someone requesting her hand in marriage was far from the fairytale that most people dream of.

TikToker Ashley Johanna Sweat (@ashleyjosweat) is recounting the time when a guy she met once in China asked her to marry him, and after she turned him down, he stalked her repeatedly and threatened to harm her.

Back in 2008, Ashley was living in China at 18-years-old. She was there to teach English with her sister, who was a couple of years older, and they didnt speak a word of Chinese. So, whenever they came across any other foreigners who knew English, they would always chat with them.

One day, they met two guys at a bakery in a part of town that they often visited. The men approached them, started chatting with them, and sat down at their table. They were from somewhere in northwestern Africa.

Ashley and her sister invited them to a pub they were going to that night. Her sister gave them the number on the phone they both shared. Then, they left the bakery and went back to their apartments. While they were playing card games with the other English teachers, they received a call from a man who asked to speak to Ashley.

He told her that he had wanted to propose to her from the very first moment he laid eyes on her. Ashley was confused, thinking that he just wanted to go out with her sometime, but then he clarified that he meant a marriage proposal.

Ashley said that she didnt really know him well enough to get married. She explained that where she was from, people usually would get to know each other first, become friends, go on dates, and then get married.

He scoffed at the idea and continued with the proposal, saying that he wanted to take her to Africa with him. She informed him that she was headed back to America in a month. Previously, she had told him she was from Utah. So, he stated that he would travel to Utah to retrieve her so she could be his wife.

During the conversation, Ashley was laughing because the whole situation was so bizarre. When he asked once more if she would accept his proposal, she turned him down. In response, he said that if she didnt accept, he would bang her head in with a gun.

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A Christian woman charged under Nigerias blasphemy law has been released on bail after 19 months, but she faces the threat of 10 years in prison for allegedly sharing a social media post about the murder of a Christian woman, sources said.

Rhoda Jatau, a 45-year-old mother of five, was released on bail on Saturday (Dec. 9) following pressure from Nigerian Christian leaders and international rights advocates. Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF) is supporting her Nigerian defense attorney.

After 19 long months in prison, we are happy that Rhoda finally has been released on bail, ADF Internationals allied lawyer in Nigeria said in a press statement. We thank all who have been praying for Rhoda, and we ask for your continued prayers as her case continues.

A judge of the Bauchi State High Court of Justice granted bail after Jatau was jailed in May 2022 for allegedly sharing a video on WhatsApp condemning the killing of Deborah Emmanuel Samuel, a Nigerian university student who was set on fire and killed by her classmates for sharing her Christian faith.

Jatau had been repeatedly denied bail and detained incommunicado, with only intermittent access to legal counsel and family members during court appearances, according to ADF International.

We are glad to see that Rhoda Jatau finally has been granted bail after being denied it for so long, Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International, said in a press statement. No person should be punished for peaceful expression, and international religious freedom advocates must continue to speak up on Rhodas behalf. We will continue to seek justice for Rhoda, and we are hopeful that the unjust charges against her will be dropped completely.

Previously a judge in Bauchi state had refused to dismiss the case after a no case submission filed by Jataus lawyers, who argued that prosecutors had not established the basic elements of their case against her.

In response to appeals from ADF International and other religious freedom advocacy organizations, United Nations officials sent a joint allegation letter to the Nigerian government earlier this year. The letter emphasized the danger of blasphemy laws as a violation of international human rights and called attention to Jataus unjust imprisonment, according to ADF International.

Jataus trial was scheduled to resume on Tuesday (Dec. 19), but holiday schedules could push the next court date into 2024, according to ADF International.

Along with appeals from ADF, the United Nations and other advocacy organizations, Christian leaders in Bauchi state worked on her behalf, said the Rev. Abraham Damina Dumus, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State.

The leadership of CAN in Bauchi were invited on Dec. 8 to meet with state government officials and authorities of security agencies, where we discussed the case extensively, and it was resolved that the state attorney general should handle the issue and grant the woman bail, Dumas said. And on Dec. 9, her lawyer was invited by the courts registrar, and it was at this point that she was granted bail.

Christian leaders in Bauchi state had made prior efforts to obtain her release. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) had requested her release since the alleged offenses were bailable offenses, but the court declined, Dumas said.

This caused an uproar from Christians across the country, and we Christian leaders were indicted by Christians for not doing enough to get Rhoda Jatau released from detention, Dumas said. However, many didnt know we were silently working in all fronts to get her released.

After meeting with national CAN leaders, Christian leaders in Nigeria on Dec. 4 wrote to the Bauchi state governor requesting his intervention for bail, he said.

A Bauchi attorney who has been following the case, Catherine Yila Kwaltings, told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that efforts to obtain Jataus release on bail suffered a setback when her previous attorney from the Christian Lawyers Association of Nigeria died in June from a brain tumor.

Jatau was charged with religious insult and public disturbance. A copy of the court charges against her states that on May 20, 2022, she posted a video which disparages Allah, Prophet Muhammad, his parents and the entire Muslim community to a Warji group (WhatsApp) of Primary Healthcare Authority of Warji Local Government Area with the intent to cause religious crisis. You, therefore, committed the aforestated offense contrary to Sections 114, 210 of the Penal Code Law and Section 24 subsection 15(b) of Cybercrime Prohibition Prevention Act 2015 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The charges are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, Kwaltings said.

Jatau was working as head of Primary Healthcare Centre in Warji, where she was part of her employers WhatsApp group when Christian student Samuel was killed on May 12, 2022 in Sokoto, which prompted a national and global outcry against violence against Christians, Dumas said.

A video clip emanated from a person in Ghana, a West African country, condemning the killing of Deborah Samuel, Dumas said. The video was widely circulated on WhatsApp. Someone sent this video clip to Rhoda Jataus WhatsApp account.

Jataus daughter took her phone to a roadside shop to be charged, as there was power outage in Warji, he said.

It is suspected that a local Muslim in whose shop the phone was taken for charging saw the video clip in Rhoda Jataus phone, and then mischievously sent the video clip to other peoples WhatsApp platforms using Rhoda Jataus phone, Dumas said. The video clip caused an uproar in Warji town, leading to Muslims accusing Rhoda Jatau of blasphemy against the prophet of Islam, Muhammad.

Jataus Muslim colleagues at her workplace viewed the video clip and saw an opportunity to accuse her, since they were upset that a Christian woman headed a health facility whose staff members were mainly Muslim men working under her, Dumas said.

These Muslims at her workplace were the ones who instigated other local Muslims in Warji town against her, he said. The Muslims attacked the ECWA [Evangelical Church Winning All] local congregation where Rhoda Jatau was in worship service with other Christian members of the church. She was eventually rescued and taken away from the town.

The ECWA church building was destroyed along with homes of other Christians in Warji town, and some Christians were injured, he said, adding that Jatau was arrested by personnel of the Department of State Services, the governments secret service.

The DSS Bauchi state director called me and notified me about her arrest, Dumas said. He said Rhoda Jatau was being kept in protective custody, as the issue had created tensions across Bauchi state. They said they were detaining her for her safety and that of other Christians. Rhoda Jatau was eventually taken to a State High Court here in Bauchi for trial.

At this writing neither Dumas nor attorney Kwaltings knew of Jataus whereabouts following her release, though Kwaltings said that she was transferred from Warji Local Government Area.

Dumus said Jatau has an excellent reputation among her colleagues and patients under her care.

We have received positive testimonies about her from her place of work and even from some other Muslims about her person, he told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Shes diligent and humble. A lot of her patients in the hospital where she works were crying over her plight, and surprisingly, most of these patients are Muslims.

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.

In a country of more than 200 million split nearly evenly between Christians and Muslims, blasphemy laws are a significant driver of societal tensions, according to ADF International.

These laws punish the innocent for expressing their beliefs, silence people from sharing their faith, and perpetuate societal violence, according to an ADF International statement. Blasphemy laws throughout Nigeria encourage brutal mob violence and inflict severe harm on minority Muslims, Christian converts, and others.
When Benjamin Netanyahu announced the launch of ground operations in Gaza on October 28, weeks after Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 civilians and abducted 240 hostages on October 7, he summoned the memory of an ancient foe.

Remember what Amalek did to you, the Israeli prime minister stated. We remember and we fight.

It was a reference his audience would understand.

In the Exodus narrative, the Amalekites attack the Hebrew people in the wilderness and are defeated in a dramatic conflict where Moses raises his arms over the battlefield. Later, in Deuteronomy 25:1719, Moses exhorts the Israelites to remember what the Amalekites did to you and, after they have come into possession of the Promised Land, to blot out the name of Amalek under heaven. Finally, in 1 Samuel 15, God ordered King Saul to totally destroy the Amalekites, including women, children, and infants. Saul defeats the enemy, but is condemned for sparing their king and cattle.

Rabbinic commentary came to identify Amalek as a kind of paradigm for any enemy of the Jews that seeks their total destruction. Netanyahu had previously hinted the new Amalek could be a nuclear-armed Iran, and one of his advisors explained the word is used as a stand-in for existential threat. It has been invoked in reference to the Romans, the Nazis, and the Soviets.

Christians made the biblical comparison with Hamas even before Netanyahu, however, prompting discussion of responsible biblical interpretation in the midst of war.

Shortly after October 7, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) said the Hamas attack was rooted in the demonic realm as a manifestation of the Spirit of Amalek. The ICEJ invited Christians around the world to ascend to our spiritual vantage point and join in this battle, just as Moses prayed while Joshua was fighting Amalek on the ground.

Some Messianic Jewish leaders have agreed.

In every generation the hatred of Amalek rises up in an attempt to annihilate the Israelites, said Ariel Rudolph, director of operations for Jerusalem Seminary, citing Exodus 17:16. Once one understands the spirit of hatred for Gods chosen, that originates from Satan, one understands that evil of hatred must be eradicated.

Rudolph criticized Christians who call for mercy on Hamas and the salvation of terrorists as failing to recognize the biblical principle to eliminate any threat that would wipe out the people of Israel.

Other Messianic Jewish leaders are more conflicted.

On the one hand, something must be done to prevent Hamas from repeating anything like what happened on October 7, said Ray Pritz, a retired pastor of a Messianic Jewish congregation between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. But on the other hand, the great loss of life in Gaza is sad beyond words.

With a PhD in early Jewish Christianity from Hebrew University, Pritz clearly critiqued Hamass equation with Amalek. Anyone making the connection must rely heavily on interpretation, he said. With a preconception and a concordance, it is possible to prove almost anything you want from the Bible.

The text does not say that Amalek sought to wipe out Israel, he said. But even if this is assumed, the conditions of the Book of Exodus are not applicable today. By Gods promise or otherwise, the people are in the land. And despite Hamass intentions, Pritz said, there is no likelihood that the Jewish nationmuch less the Jewish people as a wholewill be eliminated.

Noam Hendren, however, said the Bible presents Amalek as an archetypal enemy, representing all who seek the destruction of Gods people.

Leader of a Messianic Jewish congregation in north central Israel, Hendren has a ThM in Old Testament and Semitics from Dallas Theological Seminary. The from generation to generation language of Exodus 17, he said, implies a continuing threat even though the Amalekites have disappeared. He connects Gods oath to destroy Amalek with the Genesis 12:3 promise to curse those who curse Israel, which applies to all who oppose Gods plan for world redemption through the Jews.

It cannot be applied, he said, to the residents of Gaza collectively.

The genocidal atrocities committed by Hamas certainly qualify them to be considered Amalek in its reincarnation, said Hendren. But any attempt to identify an entire people group with Amaleksuch as Palestiniansis false.

A few have tried.

In 1980, rabbi Israel Hess wrote an article entitled Genocide: A Commandment of the Torah, using Amalek as an example of Palestinian displacement. Hess was dismissed from his position at Bar Ilan University as a result.

In 1994, extremist Baruch Goldstein massacred 29 Muslims praying in Hebron, believing they represented the Deuteronomic enemy. The government of Israel condemned the movement he represented as terrorists and banned them from government; however, Goldstein became a kind of folk hero in some far-right circles, especially among the settler movement.

One admirer, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has become Israels minister of national security.

According to Jill Jacobs, head of Truah, a rabbinical human rights organization, the overwhelming history of Jewish interpretation sees Amalek as metaphorical, with the most common application being the encouragement to eliminate evil within oneself.

The biblical text has been employed to justify wars for far too long, and no one should tolerate such use anymore, agreed Myrto Theocharous. Any interpretation that encourages self-examination and repentance would be preferred.

Theocharous, professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at the Athens-based Greek Bible College in Athens, recalls hearing the metaphorical interpretation of Amalek at a synagogue last year during Purim, when Jews traditionally read the Deuteronomy passage.

The holiday, described in the Old Testament Book of Esther, commemorates when the Jews in Persia faced an existential threat at the hands of Haman, described as an Agagite, presumably a descendent of the last Amalekite king. But the biblical queens courage reversed the heart of the king, and with his authorization, the Jews killed over 75,000 people who had plotted to kill them (Esther 9:16).

Hormoz Shariat, founder of Iran Alive Ministries, called it clear self-defense.

Noting that God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, he said that God was at work behind the scenes. Israel had a spiritual calling to produce the Messiah, and Satanthen as nowhas a supernatural and demonic hatred against the Jews.

Whenever there is a big mission, Shariat said, there is an escalated level of spiritual warfare. And whether against Amalek, Haman, or modern Arab nation-states, he said, God has protected Israel.

Hendren cited Psalm 83, where the Amalekites are listed with the Edomites, Ishmaelites, Philistines, and others plotting against Gods people to destroy them as a nation, so that Israels name is remembered no more.

The proper response, Hendren said, is the absolute necessity of alignment with God and his people. To spiritualize the conflict between Israel and Amalekinto an allegory of the believers struggle against sin, or the churchs struggle against evil in societyeffectively does what Amalek intended: denying Israel the fulfillment of Gods promises.

Israels role in Gods plan, he said, did not end with the birth of the Messiah.

Editors note: A selection of CTs Israel-Hamas war coverage is now available in Arabic , among eight other languages

[ This article is also available in Francais. ]
Home Education Fairfax County School Board member sworn in on stack of pornographic books: 'Disgraceful' 'More proof that wokeness is a religion'

A member of the Fairfax County School Board in Virginia was sworn in earlier this week on a stack of pornographic books that have stoked outrage among parents who object to such material being used in public schools.

Karl Frisch, a Democrat who serves as vice chair on the Fairfax County School Board and has pronouns in his X bio, opted to be sworn in Wednesday for his second term on books that reportedlyincludedThe Perks Of Being A Wallflower,Lawn Boy,All Boys Arent Blue,Gender Queer: A Memoir, and Flamer.

Frisch did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

Four of the books Frisch featured during the ceremony are among the top five most banned books, according to the American Library Association, and have been at the center of a political firestorm that has engulfed the largest school district in the U.S. for years.

A graphic novel by self-identified nonbinary author Maia Kobabe, Gender Queer: A Memoir details the author's struggles with gender confusion and contains violent nudity and graphic descriptions of various sex acts.

Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison depicts scenes where an older man grooms an underage boy, prompting critics to allege that it effectively promotes pedophilia.

Flamer by Mark Curato featured during a school board meeting in Dearborn, Michigan, last year, when a mother readexplicit passages from it that referred to ejaculation.

All Boys Arent Blue by George M. Johnson contains graphic descriptions of homosexual sex, excerpts from which Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., recently read during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on alleged "book bans."

After a school board meeting in 2021 during which an outraged mother read aloud from the sexually explicit content in Gender Queer: A MemoirandLawn Boy, Frisch tweeted in apparent defense of the material, writing: "Its not every week the School Board receives two exorcisms during public comment. To be clear, nothing will disrupt our Boards commitment to LGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff. Nothing."

After his swearing-in, Frisch said: "Fairfax County residents want safe and inclusive schools with exceptional, well-compensated educators and equitable access to the rigorous academic and enrichment opportunities every student needs to succeed."

"I am grateful for the trust Providence District families have placed in me, and with tonights Oath, I commit to standing strong for these values and advancing these priorities with my new and returning colleagues," he added.

The video of Frisch's swearing-in was widely panned by users on X, with some describing the swearing-in ceremony as "demonic."

"We have never before seen American figures publicly mock God like this," Christian author Eric Metaxas tweeted. "It is a chilling thing. Pray for this nation every day. We are in a spiritual war between good and evil. God deliver us."

"Karl Frisch getting sworn-in on a stack of kiddie porn he wants kids to access without [parents'] knowledge or approval is perfectly on brand for the Fairfax County School Board," radio host Larry O'Connor wrote.

Former White House strategic senior advisor Mercedes Schlapp called the gesture "disgusting," adding that the "leftist goal is to sexualize the children at a young age."

"They are more obsessed with promoting sex and gender confusion than they are in teaching them how to read," she added.

"Just disgraceful," Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen said.

"This is the Lefts new thing," radio host Chris Stigall said. "The new Central Bucks Pa School District President did the same. Its not just shoving graphic materials in kids faces, its also extending a middle finger to believers at the same time."
Home U.S. Street evangelist 'making progress' after being shot while preaching: 'A miracle in itself'

A Christian evangelist who was shot in the head while preaching on an Arizona street is "making progress" as he remains hospitalized, his wife has said.

Zulya Schmidt, the wife of Hans Schmidt, took to social media this week to tell supporters that her husband is "working hard" daily in his recovery after being shot on Nov. 15 while street preaching before a Wednesday night service at Victory Chapel First Phoenix.

"The fact he is here is a miracle in itself. Hans is fighting and working really hard every day," she stated in a Facebook post. "Your prayers are not in vain. God is working behind the scenes and is using all of this for His glory. Hans is making progress. We have a long road ahead. But, we will gladly take it. God is good. Please continue to pray for us."

"I can't thank everyone enough for your thoughts, prayers, and donations," she wrote. "Thank you guys so much. God is moving. He has been with us every step of the way. We are still believing and contending for a supernatural recovery."

An up to $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who comes forward with information surrounding the shooting of the 26-year-old church outreach director.

Schmidt, a recently married military medic with two young children, was mysteriously shot on the corner of 51st Avenue and Peoria Avenue, which is a typically busy intersection. Investigators are desperate for information as it is unclear if the perpetrator of the shooting was on foot or in a car.

Gina Winn, the public information officer for the Glendale Police Department, said during a November press conference that officers answered a call for service about a male who visited a local hospital due to a severe head injury.

"Initially, it was believed this was due to an assault, but it was later determined the subject had sustained a gunshot wound," Winn said.

"We are seeking the public's assistance in obtaining any information regarding what could have happened," she added. "This is a horrible, horrible offense. It is imperative that the public reach out if you do have information so that we can bring justice to Hans and his family."

The church continues to pray for Schmidt during its services on Wednesday and Sunday. During Wednesday night's service, Pastor Gary Marsh told the congregation that Schmidt is "making some progress," which garnered some claps from the crowd. But he cautioned that "it's not over yet."

"We want to continue to pray and bring him before the Lord on a regular basis," Marsh said.

Schmidt's father, Eric, told ABC 15 earlier this month that his son was moved out of the intensive care unit and into a long-term care facility within the hospital.
Home Entertainment Matthew Perry's death ruled an accident from acute effects of ketamine

Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom "Friends," died accidentally due to the "acute effects of ketamine," which is used as a therapy for mental health problems, according to the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner.

The 54-year-old actor was found unresponsive in his hot tub on Oct. 28. The post-mortem examination revealed that apart from ketamine, other contributing factors leading to his death included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, an opioid-like drug used to treat drug addiction and for pain.

According to a statement released by the medical examiner's office, the 54-year-old's death was ruled an accident.

Raffi Djabourian, senior deputy medical examiner, said that high levels of ketamine in Perry's post-mortem blood specimens led to lethal "cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression." The drowning was a contributing factor, likely due to unconsciousness and submersion in the pool, Djabourian added.

"Drowning contributes due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine induced myocardial effects on the heart," Djabourian wrote.

The autopsy report also highlighted Perry's struggle with coronary artery disease, exacerbated by the effects of ketamine.

Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, with his last treatment about one-and-a-half weeks before his death. The medical examiner clarified that the ketamine found in his system at the time of death was not from this therapy, but the exact method of intake remained unspecified.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, ketamine is a "dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects." The drug "distorts the perception of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control."

"It is referred to as a 'dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen' because it makes patients feel detached from their pain and environment," the DEA states.

Perry had reportedly been clean from drug use for 19 months prior to his death, the autopsy report states, according to People.

Throughout his life, Perry was candid about his battles with substance abuse and addiction.

In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, Perry discussed receiving ketamine treatments at a rehab center in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Independent.

"They'd bring me into a room, sit me down, put headphones on me so I could listen to music, blindfold me, and put an IV in," Perry wrote.

"As the music played and the K ran through me, it all became about the ego, and the death of the ego. And I often thought that I was dying during that hour. Oh, I thought, this is what happens when you die," he continued.

Perryestablished a sober living facility for men facing similar challenges with addiction. The Matthew Perry Foundation was founded to assist those struggling with addiction.

Born in Massachusetts, Perry began his television career as a child actor in 1979 with a role in "240-Robert." He gained fame as Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom "Friends" from 1994 to 2004. His film career included roles in "Fools Rush In" and "The Whole Nine Yards." Perry's final film appearance was in the 2009 Disney movie "17 Again." He was also part of the 2021 HBO Max special "Friends: The Reunion."

The actor received several accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination and four Primetime Emmy nominations.

Hospitalized for a burst colon due to opioid abuse, Perry revealed on HBO's "Real Time" last November that he was given a 2% survival chance. Perry stated he never intended to die but acknowledged his resilience in his sobriety journey.

On the show, the outspoken atheist Bill Maher joked that God "must be a fan" of Perry's, to which the actor replied that he knows Maher's belief about the Creator, but he does, in fact, believe in a "higher power."

"I believe there is a higher power," Perry testified. "I have a very close relationship with Him that's helped me a lot."

In interviews, Perry openly discussed pivotal moments, including the first time he prayed for fame and the euphoria he felt after his first bottle of wine at age 14. Perry believed fame would cure his addiction but later realized it worsened it.

In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer in November 2022, Perry said anything could be done to him so long as he became famous.

"That was the first time I ever prayed. And I look back at it as a dumb prayer, like a prayer of a really young person," he told Sawyer.

Perry, who moved from Ottawa, Canada, to Los Angeles at a young age, struggled with addiction from his teenage years. Despite these challenges, he believed his book and openness about his struggles would help others battling addiction. His second to last social media post emphasized mental health awareness, reflecting his commitment to helping others in similar situations.
Home World Christian mother of 5 released on bail after 19 months in Nigerian prison

After being imprisoned for over 500 days in Nigeria, a Christian mother of five has been released on bail and awaits a trial that could land her up to five more years behind bars if she is found guilty of "blasphemy."

Devout Nigerian believer Rhoda Jatau is reportedly safe after spending 19 months in prison. According to ADF International, she is currently in an undisclosed location while she awaits trial for allegedly sharing a video that condemned the lynching of Christian college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, which critics called "blasphemous."

Yakubu was a college student who attended a university in the northwestern Sokoto state who was falsely accused of blaspheming Islam after she posted a message on social media thanking Jesus for helping her pass an exam.

Following her post, the college student was targeted, set on fire and murdered by classmates for sharing her Christian faith.

Outraged by the killing of a Christian college student, Jatau took to WhatsApp to condemn the murder of Yakubu in 2022.

In response to her outward expression, a mob targeted the mother of five and had her arrested for "blasphemy." Jatau was put in prison in May 2022.

Although she has previously been denied bail multiple times, a judge in Bauchi state recently granted bail to Jatau following an international outcry over her imprisonment.

Jatau's trial will likely resume on Dec. 19. But due to holiday schedules, her trial start date might be pushed into 2024.

ADF International, a Christian legal advocacy group that describes itself as working to "contend for the truth in law, policy and the public square," is supporting Jatau.

The Christian mother is being charged under sections 114 (public disturbance) and 210 (religious insult) of the Bauchi state penal code.

"We are glad to see that Rhoda Jatau finally has been granted bail after being denied it for so long," Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International, said in a statement.

"No person should be punished for peaceful expression, and international religious freedom advocates must continue to speak up on Rhoda's behalf. We will continue to seek justice for Rhoda, and we are hopeful that the unjust charges against her will be dropped completely."

A Nigerian ADF International allied lawyer serving as lead counsel on Jatau's case is happy to see Jatau receive bail after 19 months.

"We thank all who have been praying for Rhoda, and we ask for your continued prayers as her case continues," the lawyer, whose full name has not been disclosed, said.

Considering the prevalence of blasphemy cases like Jatau and Yakhubu in northern Nigeria, United Nations experts issued a letter to the Nigerian government in October warning that blasphemy laws infringe on international human rights standards. The letter came in response to appeals from religious freedom advocacy organizations.

In the letter, which is signed by five special rapporteurs, the U.N. emphasized Jatau's imprisonment as being an "unjust violation of human rights."

The ADF report also shared that cases such as Jatau's and Yakubu's are not isolated occurrences in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions where there is widespread violence against religious minorities.

The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is increasingly severe, with over 90% of the 5,500 Christians who were killed worldwide for their faith last year being Nigerian, according to persecution watchdog Open Doors.

"The criminalization of blasphemy in Nigeria carries with it dangerous implications for the country as a whole. In a country of more than 200 million, split nearly evenly between Christians and Muslims, blasphemy laws are a significant driver of societal tensions," ADF summarized in its report.

"These laws punish the innocent for expressing their beliefs, silence people from sharing their faith and perpetuate societal violence. Blasphemy laws throughout Nigeria encourage brutal mob violence and inflict severe harm on minority Muslims, Christian converts and others."

ADF International is also supporting the legal defense of another Nigerian man, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi Muslim musician who was sentenced to death by hanging after sharing song lyrics that were allegedly "blasphemous" on WhatsApp.

With ADF International's backing and support, Sharif-Aminu is appealing his case to the Supreme Court of Nigeria with the hope of overturning the death penalty blasphemy laws in Nigeria.

Yahaya remains behind bars in a prison as he awaits his appeal. He has been imprisoned for more than 3.5 years.

"Yahaya's treatment violates both the Nigerian Constitution and international law. No one should be sentenced to death for freely expressing their religious views, and we are working to ensure that Yahaya is released and the blasphemy law ended. It cannot stand," said Yahaya's lawyer in his case, Kola Alapinni, in a statement.
Home Church & Ministries Arkansas pastor apologizes for not telling congregation ex-church employee accused of child abuse

Steven W. Smith, pastor of the more than century-old Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, apologized to his congregation Sunday for not disclosing that a former church official charged with guiding children had been credibly accused of abusing minors at the church while their parents were busy with worship.

The revelation was made hours after the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published an article about the previously undisclosed allegations against the former church official, Patrick Stephen Miller. Miller served as Immanuel Baptist Church's assistant director of children's ministry until he left the job in January 2016, a year before Smith became pastor of the congregation, the publication reported.

Miller, now 37, was accused of taking a child into a dark closet in 2015 and abusing her. He allegedly sat her on his lap, placed his hands down her pants and beneath her shirt, and sexually assaulted her, the Democrat-Gazette added. He was not arrested until December 2018. In January 2019 he was charged with second-degree sexual assault, a felony, but he only pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment in January 2022, which happens when a defendant "strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person, subjects that person to offensive physical contact or attempts or threatens to do so."

Immanuel reportedly first learned of the allegation in March 2016. Church officials reportedly called the state child abuse hotline and their insurance company, but they did not inform the congregation, according to police records. In 2018, after the child highlighted more details of the allegations, the child abuse hotline was informed again, and the police started an investigation.

"I wish we would have told you about these crimes sooner," Smith said, according to a recording of his remarks cited by the Democrat-Gazette.

"We recognize the importance of treating abuse behavior seriously. We intend to honor Christ in the way we care for anyone who's experienced past abuse," Smith added. "If you have knowledge of any inappropriate behavior with children at Immanuel or anywhere else, please call the abuse hotline of the Little Rock Police Department."

For his crime, Miller received a one-year suspended sentence and wasn't required to register as a sex offender court records show.

In 2022, after learning that Miller was seeking to permanently seal his criminal record, a second child came forward alleging that Miller had abused her, too, but the congregation was not informed.

Joseph Gates, a father of three girls and Sunday School teacher at Immanuel Baptist Church and an attorney representing both of Millers accusers, objected to Millers motion to seal his criminal record on behalf of his clients on Nov. 9.

"During Sunday night and Wednesday night services, he routinely played 'hide and seek' with his class. This would include Defendant Miller hiding in a darkened and locked closet with one of the students. During these 'hiding' sessions in a darkened and locked closet, Defendant Miller would tickle, grope, and molest the young adolescents he was charged to teach," Gates stated noting that it is likely that Miller will reoffend.

On Monday, Courtney Reissig, another former employee of Immanuel Baptist Church who resigned in September revealed in a statement on Facebook that she resigned over a separate incident of abuse involving a female adult and a male minor that was not disclosed by church leaders.

In September 2023 I resigned from my role at Immanuel Baptist Church. At the time, I wanted to do it quietly and not cause any harm to the church that I loved. But in light of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette news articles from Sunday and Monday, and the increasing attention to what is happening there, I want to be clear that I am no longer on staff at Immanuel, she explained.

Our family began attending Immanuel in September 2019 and I came on staff as Discipleship Content Director in October 2021. Despite my daily and weekly interactions with Doug Pigg and Steven Smith, they never disclosed to me the circumstances of the abuse disclosure from 2022 from the second victim of Patrick Stephen Miller. I was not told of the abuse by him that led to a criminal prosecution, which occurred before my time on staff, she added.

As someone on ministry staff, I was not informed about this instance of abuse. My resignation was over other mishandling of situations that were equally troubling. I only found out about these two victims of Patrick Stephen Miller after my resignation and departure. But had I known, I would have stood with these victims. And I stand with them now. The truth must come to light, she said. The churchs one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. I believed it every day I served there and believe it now. He will preserve his people.
Home U.S. Planned Parenthood received nearly $2B in taxpayer money, $90M in COVID loans

Planned Parenthood received nearly $2 billion in federal taxpayer money over the course of three years, and the corporation's affiliates received $90 million in relief funds intended for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, a government report shows.

According to a Government Accountability Office report released in response to a request from Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the country's leading abortion provider received $1.78 billion between the fiscal years of 2019 and 2021.

The International Planned Parenthood Federation, which advocates for global abortion and contraceptive access, received $2.03 million.

Other abortion providers, such as MSI Reproductive Choices (formerly Marie Stopes International), received $1.35 million, and four domestic, regional abortion providers received $107.74 million, according to the report.

In January 2022, Sen. Blackburn and 142 congressional lawmakers requested that the GAO release a report detailing the federal funding for Planned Parenthood and federally qualified health centers.

The GAO report found that 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates received 44 Paycheck Protection Program loans between April 3, 2020, and May 31, 2021. As the document noted, the amount ranged from approximately $500,000 to $10 million.

"In total, Planned Parenthood affiliates received approximately $89 million in loans, of which the entire amount  including interest  had been forgiven as of May 1, 2023," the report stated.

The report also found that the Department of Health and Human Services' obligations to Planned Parenthood went from $5.71 million to $27.06 million between 2021 and 2022. This increase is likely due to the Biden administration overturning the previous administration's Protect Life Rule.

Under the rule, recipients of Title IX funds were required to establish a "strict physical and financial separation between abortion-related activities and Title X project activities." The Trump-era regulation was intended to prevent "the use of Title X funds to perform, promote, refer for, or support abortion as a method of family planning."

Blackburn called it "appalling" that abortion providers like Planned Parenthood and other organizations continue to receive federal taxpayer funding.

"While small businesses struggled to make ends meet during the pandemic, Planned Parenthood illegally siphoned over $90 million from the Paycheck Protection Program, specifically designed to help our mom and pop shops keep their doors open," the senator claimed in a statement provided to CP.

"The American people want their tax dollars spent responsibly and in line with our nation's values  not on the Left's abortion-on-demand agenda. I will never stop fighting to protect the unborn and end taxpayer-funded support for the abortion industry," she continued.

Republicans have maintained that Planned Parenthood shouldn't receive federal funding under the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funds from being used for abortion. Planned Parenthood has maintained that its Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are for other services it offers besides abortion, such as cancer screenings.

Under the Trump administration, Planned Parenthood was not eligible to receive PPP loans meant for small businesses as its affiliates employ over 16,000 people nationwide.

Rep. Smith, co-chair of the Congressional Pro-life Caucus, said it is "unforgivable" that Planned Parenthood received $1.78 billion at a time when many businesses were struggling to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This included $90.14 million in forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program  money that could have gone to struggling small businesses, many of which were forced to close," the congressman stated, declaring that federal taxpayer dollars should not go toward funding corporations like Planned Parenthood.

According to Planned Parenthood's 2019-2021 annual report, the corporation's affiliate centers conducted 354,871 abortions between Oct. 1, 2018, and Sept. 30, 2019.

Planned Parenthood's annual report for 2021-2022 report shows the corporation performed 374,155 abortions for the year ending on June 30, 2022, while collecting $670.4 million in government grants and reimbursements. The abortion total was the second-highest yearly total and was approximately 40% of the abortions conducted in the U.S. during that time.
Yellowstone County prosecutors have filed criminal charges after a spray of bullets erupted in the Billings Heights late Thursday night.

Although nobody was injured in the shooting, Robert William Cross-McChristy is facing felony counts of criminal endangerment and criminal mischief in Yellowstone County District Court. The 26-year-old was allegedly targeting a parked pickup truck, but several of the rounds fired put nearby homes in danger.

Officers with the Billings Police Department responded Thursday to calls of gunfire on the 900 block of Yellowstone River Road. One witness told police about an SUV leaving the area after the shooting. At the scene, police found a Ford pickup truck dotted with bullet holes, court documents said. Investigators counted about eight holes punched into the drivers side of the truck and into the engine compartment. They also recovered 13 spent shell casings.

A resident told police she had previously been subjected to threats from Cross-McChristy in the past, according to charging documents, and the two used to be co-workers. When she saw what happened to the truck that night, she allegedly called Cross-McChristy, who responded by calling her names and hanging up. She and other witnesses told police Cross-McChristy drove a red SUV. Police also spoke with a mutual acquaintance of the two, court documents said, who shared a string of text messages on their phone from a Robert on Dec. 9.

Just know Im sorry for what Im about to do, one of the messages said.

While investigating the scene, one BPD officer traced the trajectory of some of the fired bullets as in the direction of occupied homes behind the truck. Those bullets, created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to numerous residents in the area, court documents said.

The same night of the shooting, police stopped an SUV matching the description given by witnesses. Cross-McChristy was allegedly at the wheel, and agreed to let officers search the vehicle. Inside, they found a loaded semi-automatic handgun and a revolver, according to court documents. He denied having any part in the shooting.

Cross-McChristy, currently in custody at Yellowstone County Detention Facility, is scheduled to be arraigned in court Monday. If convicted of criminal endangerment or criminal mischief, he could be sentenced up to 10 years in Montana State Prison.

Late last month, a Yellowstone County jury convicted a woman of attempted deliberate homicide after she shot a man in the arm and abdomen last year. Kylee Jo Tushka, 19, was also convicted of tampering with evidence after she ditched the gun she used to fire three rounds through the doorway into the victims home in September 2022.

Within the past two weeks, police have made several arrests after shootings in the South Side and North Side, with most of the suspects still in their teens. On Dec. 6, BPD officers arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of carrying out a drive-by shooting on the 2100 block of 10th Avenue North.

On Wednesday, an 18-year-old man pleaded not guilty to accusations of firing a handgun apparently at random in a neighborhood on the 300 block of Jackson Street. He was one of three suspects arrested, with the other two being 13 and 15-year-old boys.

Complaints of weapons being fired with the city limits increased dramatically in 2021, going from 31 cases the previous year to 121. Last year, police responded to 119 calls for guns fired in the city, according to BPD data.
Home U.S. Police arrest 13-year-old who planned mass shooting at Ohio Synagogue

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested after he posted a detailed plan online to commit a mass shooting at a synagogue in Canton, Ohio, according to court documents.

The boy  whose name has not been made public due to his age  has been charged with inducing panic and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. The teenager is expected to appear for a pretrial hearing on Dec. 20 in Stark County Family Court.

According to a WKYC report updated Thursday, court documents obtained by the outlet show that the Stark County Sheriff's Office responded to a Sept. 7 report of a teenage boy making threats on social media about the Temple Israel in Canton.

"[Name redacted] did create a detailed plan to complete a mass shooting at the Temple Israel on the Discord platform which was reported to law enforcement and required an immediate investigatory response and notification of public individuals and agencies including the school system in which caused significant public alarm within those agencies," the document stated.

Members of the boy's family declined to appear on camera, but they described the boy as a "good, smart kid" who regularly attended church, according to WKYC. The family believes the teenager was "most definitely influenced" by older men on Discord, a social platform that allows communication through voice calls, video calls and text messages.

Employees for Discord tipped off the FBI about the boy's online discussions, where he stated that he had plans to burn down or shoot up the house of worship, according to The Canton Repository. The boy was reportedly conspiring with an unknown person in Washington state.

The Cleveland Anti-Defamation League reacted to the story in a Wednesday X post, expressing horror that a young teen would plan a mass shooting at a synagogue. It thanked law enforcement for its investigation.

"And for young people like this suspect, we hope this can be a teachable moment. Hate and threats on social media, as in real life, cannot and will not be tolerated," the group wrote in a follow-up post.

Since Hamas terrorists launched a surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing at least 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others, the ADL documented 832 antisemitic incidents between the day of the attack and Nov. 7, 2023. This represents a 316% increase in antisemitic incidents from the 200 incidents that ADL reported in the same time period in 2022.

Some have been critical of Israel's response to the Oct. 7 massacre, while others believe that the actions Hamas committed when it broke through the border were an act of resistance.

In response to the October terror attack, Israel launched a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip to eradicate the terror group and secure the release of the hostages. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says over 18,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began; however, these numbers don't distinguish between civilians and members of Hamas.

Regarding the number of antisemitic incidents on college campuses, the ADL tracked 124 such events since Oct. 7, but only 12 last year.

"Of the 832 incidents, ADL recorded 632 acts of harassment, 170 instances of vandalism, and 30 assaults," the ADL reported.

"ADL's data shows that at least 200 of the 653 anti-Israel rallies held across the U.S. since Oct. 7 featured explicit or strong implicit support for Hamas and/or violence against Jews in Israel," the group continued. "These rallies are included in ADL's tally of antisemitic incidents under the harassment category."

In the last few months, protests have erupted worldwide, with some demonstrators chanting "Gas the Jews." Other incidents on college campuses include pro-Palestine protestors chanting "Free Palestine" as Jewish students were studying in a library.

"As we have seen repeatedly, when conflict arises in the Middle East, particularly when Israel exercises its right to self-defense, antisemitic incidents increase here in the U.S. and around the world," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said.

"These include violent assaults on pro-Israeli students on college campuses, anti-Israel protests openly expressing support for terrorist organizations, as well as white supremacists distributing antisemitic fliers and banners blaming Jews for the war," he continued.
Home Church & Ministries Vatican asserts single mothers should be 'encouraged' to receive communion

The Vatican's doctrinal office said Thursday that single mothers who have confessed their sins should receive the Eucharist.

Theguidance, which was approved by Pope Francies and signed Wednesday by Argentine Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, was in response to an inquiry from the Dominican Republic's Bishop Ramon Alfredo de la Cruz Baldera.

The bishop asked the Holy See to clarify its teaching for women who "abstain from communion out of fear of the rigorism of the clergy and community leaders."

Fernandez wrote that women in such a situation who "have chosen life and who lead a very complex existence because of this choice should be encouraged to have access to the healing and consoling power of the sacraments."

Fernandez cited a 2012 homily from Pope Francis when he was cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires and still known as Jorge Bergoglio.

"There are priests who do not baptize the children of single mothers because [the children] were not conceived in the sanctity of marriage. They are the hypocrites of today," Bergoglio said at the time.

"They have clericalized the Church. They turn God's people away from salvation. And that poor girl who could have sent her child back to the sender but had the courage to bring him into the world goes on pilgrimage from parish to parish to have him baptized."

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith advised that "pastoral work" should be done in local churches to ensure that single mothers who have confessed their sins are not considered ineligible to receive the Eucharist.

Referencing the story of the woman caught in adultery in the Gospel of John, the Vatican noted Jesus Christ's emphasis that she "sin no more."

"Certainly, Jesus always invites us to change our lives, to respond more faithfully to God's will, and to live with greater dignity," Fernandez wrote. "However, this phrase does not constitute the central message of this Gospel pericope, which is simply the invitation to recognize that no one can cast the first stone."

"For this reason, Pope Francis, referring to mothers who must raise their children alone, reminds us that 'in such difficult situations of need, the Church must be particularly concerned to offer understanding, comfort, and acceptance, rather than imposing straightaway a set of rules that only lead people to feel judged and abandoned by the very Mother called to show them God's mercy,'" Fernandez added.

Fernandez urged the necessity of remembering Pope Francis' emphasis on what he described as "the feminine and maternal face of the Church."

"[The pope] denounced the 'machismo and dictatorial attitudes' of those ministers who 'go too far in their service and mistreat the people of God.' It is up to you to ensure that this type of behavior does not occur in your local Church," he said.

The guidance from the dicastery is the latest in a series of recent clarifications to Catholic doctrine in response to "dubia" or questions from bishops worldwide.

Inguidance issued last month, Fernandez stipulated that people who have undergone transgender surgical procedures or taken cross-sex hormones can be baptized, provided "there are no situations in which there is a risk of generating public scandal or disorientation among the faithful."
Christian women stage climate protest at National Gallery

Five Christian women staged a climate change protest with a nativity theme inside London's National Gallery on Friday.

The women stood before a 15th-century painting by Filippino Lippi, portraying the Virgin and Christ Child being worshipped, with an altered poster of the artwork.

The poster depicted a climate-devastated environment in which the Virgin and Christ are surrounded by flood waters.

It displayed the words, "For today's children, the reality is climate injustice. No future in fossil fuels."

As part of their protest, the women sang the traditional Christmas carol, "Silent Night", with modified words about the suffering of children due to war and climate injustice.

They also distributed postcards featuring their version of the painting to gallery visitors before they were interrupted by security.

The women all belong to Christian Climate Action (CCA) who said that the painting was not touched during the protest.

Sue Hampton, 67, said that their altered version of Lippi's work "shows the terrifying reality children face".

"As Christians we celebrate the birth of Jesus, born in poverty as a refugee, to show us the way of love and peace, and justice which is love in action," she said.

"Christmas is still for the children. But today, world leaders are failing them. Babies born in the Global South still waiting for climate reparations and most at risk of unliveable heat, hunger, drought, flooding and displacement."

She continued, "Sentiment, tradition and festivity won't save us. The science is clear that new gas, oil or coal will accelerate climate breakdown. We can't serve God unless we serve that truth, unless we work for life, justice and peace  with love."

Church minister Sarah MacDonald, 56, said: "At Christmas, Christians celebrate the gift of life. We need to honour and protect all life - the lives of all our children - now more than ever."

Judith Russenberger, 61, an Anglican from East Sheen, London, said: "It is too easy to forget the plight of most children in the world when we are wrapped up in our Christmas celebrations."
High Court upholds criminalisation of prayer and Bible reading outside abortion clinic

The High Court has ruled that it is legal to criminalise activities like prayer and reading from the Bible within a buffer zone around an abortion clinic in Bournemouth.

A legal challenge against the buffer zone was brought by Christian Concern and Livia Tossici-Bolt, a volunteer with 40 Days for Life Bournemouth, with support from the Christian Legal Centre (CLC).

They contested the validity of the 150-metre exclusion zone imposed last October around the abortion facility by Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

The PSPO was brought in under Section 67 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It criminalises vigils, offers of support and prayers within 150 metres of the clinic run by the British Pregnancy Advisory Group (BPAS), and breaching the PSPO could result in a fine and up to six months in prison.

Uniquely, the restrictions imposed within the Bournemouth buffer zone extend to both public spaces and private homes. Lawyers at the hearing contended that this could lead to residents being sent to prison for praying against abortion within the confines of their own home.

Mrs Tossici-Bolt said she was "very disappointed" by the ruling.

"Everyone must have the freedom to pray quietly in a public place," she said.

"Everyone must have the freedom to give and to receive information. I, and my group of volunteers, would never dream of doing something that causes intimidation and harassment and I find it extremely concerning that unfounded accusations of such reprehensible behaviour have been used for ideological gains to discredit genuine humanitarian endeavours.

"We have already been intimidated out of exercising our freedom of thought and of expression, but have continued to defend these fundamental rights with a peaceful conduct."

The unsuccessful legal challenge had also alleged that the measures were forced through by the local council following an "unlawful" public consultation, and that the restrictions extended police powers within the zone beyond the scope of the 2014 Act.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said they will appeal the ruling. She called on MPs and the government to "turn back the introduction of oppressive buffer zones" across the UK.

"Peaceful witness near abortion centres are helpful to many women in crisis pregnancies, offering genuine choice by providing support. Whatever the guidance or law says, arresting peaceful pro-lifers in these zones clearly breaches their human rights," she said.

"The measures brought in by Bournemouth Council are disturbing in that they prevent women from being given access to alternatives to abortion. We see women choosing life for their children because of the presence of groups like 40 Days for Life outside clinics.

"There is no evidence whatsoever to show that anyone is being harassed outside abortion clinics. The truth is quite the opposite. It is the abortion supporters who intimidate and harass and do not permit the viewpoint that shows the women a pathway of life and hope.

"Following the introduction of Pills by Post at home abortions, the offer of help to women outside abortion clinics is one of the few lifelines left to those who feel helpless and coerced into going through with an abortion.

"Buffer zones are an oppressive part of the current culture which force consent and silence dissent. The saddest thing of all is that we are actually talking about human lives."
Prime Minister sends greetings as Christians take to the streets to 'shine their light'

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has extended his best wishes as Christians take to the streets this weekend for the Shine Your Light campaign.

Thousands of Christians are taking part in outdoor events in what is believed to be the largest Christmas outreach by the UK Church.

Over 400 events are taking place in public spaces like high streets, shopping centres, country parks and housing estates, ranging from open air Christingle services, to nativities and flashmob carols.

The aim of the weekend-long campaign is to share the true message of Christmas with people beyond the reach of the church who would never consider attending a service or event.

Thanking churches for shining their light, the Prime Minister said: "I was delighted to read about your campaign to share the message of hope and joy across the country this Christmas.

"I anticipate that many churches across our nations will participate in brightening up the country like a Christmas tree, bringing the spirit of Christmas to our communities.

"I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone involved in Shine Your Light. I hope your campaign is a great success."

Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship, which is leading the Shine Your Light campaign, said, "To see Christians recognised for taking the message of hope and joy to our communities from the Prime Minister is so encouraging.

"The church has a unique opportunity this weekend in towns, villages and cities to bring the Christ in Christmas to many who need to hear the message of joy to the world."

To find out about local Shine Your Light events in your community, visit: www.shineyourlight.org.uk
Chinese bicycle brand introduces a number of electric models

Xinhua) 10:00, December 16, 2023

A worker assembles a bicycle at a factory of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A man visits a cultural museum of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A visitor tries a bicycle at a cultural museum of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

This photo shows a bicycle using cloisonne technique in wheels displayed at a cultural museum of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A worker assembles a bicycle at a factory of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A worker arranges electric bicycles at a factory of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A worker arranges bicycle components at a factory of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

People visit the DIY area at a cultural museum of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

People visit the booth of Flying Pigeon during the 21st China North International Bicycle &E-bike Exhibition in Tianjin, north China, March 30, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Visitors look at bicycles at a cultural museum of Flying Pigeon in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. Flying Pigeon, an iconic Chinese bicycle brand based in Tianjin, facilitated generations of Chinese people's daily travel, with more than 300 million classic models of total output. Now, it has initiated a transformation by introducing a number of electric models. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
State program earns awards

The North Dakota Teachers Fund for Retirement pension program has earned the 2023 Public Pension Standards Awards for Plan Funding and for Plan Administration from the Public Pension Coordinating Council.

This is the seventh year that the Teachers Fund for Retirement program has received both Public Pension Coordinating Council awards, said Chad Roberts, deputy executive director and chief retirement officer of the state Retirement and Investment Office.

To receive the funding award, a program must certify that it meets the requirements for funding adequacy, either a 100% funded ratio or an actual contribution rate at a level equal to or greater than the actuarially determined contribution.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  The former pueblo leader nominated by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to head the states Indian Affairs Department is leaving that post less than a year into the job to take on a new role as a policy adviser to the governor.

James Mountain's new role as senior policy adviser for tribal affairs was confirmed by the governor's office in a statement.

Josett Monette will take the reins of the Indian Affairs Department, after serving previously in roles as deputy director and general counsel at the agency. Monette is affiliated with the North Dakota-based Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa.

Mountains appointment in February as cabinet secretary immediately fueled anger among Native American advocates who worked to address violence and missing persons cases within their communities. They pointed to sexual assault charges against Mountain, saying he wasnt the right person to lead the state agency.

Lujan Grishams office pointed out that charges against Mountain were dismissed in 2010 after prosecutors said they didnt have enough evidence to go to trial, and it urged those raising concerns about his past to respect the judicial process and acknowledge the results.

The governor also had highlighted Mountains history as a leader at San Ildefonso Pueblo and his expertise in state and tribal relations, as she pushed for a Senate committee to hold a confirmation hearing so Mountain could be vetted like other cabinet members.

But the governors office never forwarded his nomination to the committee for consideration  and did not answered questions about whether it sought input from Native American communities when choosing Mountain as a successor for Lynn Trujillo, who stepped down as secretary in November 2022 before taking a job with the U.S. Interior Department.

In March, protesters gathered at the state capitol to call for greater accountability in the system for vetting state-appointed positions that serve Indigenous communities.

Mountain never directly addressed the concerns about his nomination. In a letter to state lawmakers, his daughter, Leah Mountain, described him as a devoted father who instilled cultural identity, confidence and aspiration in her after her mother left. She said the allegations against him are false.

Mountain served as governor at San Ildefonso Pueblo from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2015 to 2017. He oversaw the completion of the Aamodt Water Settlement, concerning the pueblos water rights, and the Indian Land Claims Settlement in 2006. He also ran his own state-tribal affairs consulting firm in recent years.
We are combining and re-branding our Fundraising Live and Charity Technology conferences in response to seismic shifts in the fundraising, digital and technology spaces. The ELEVATE programme will be carefully designed to help and inspire charities looking to take their fundraising to the next level.

The programme will feature 22 sessions to choose from across the following four streams:

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COLUMBUS, Ohio  The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed an appeal in the case against the states heartbeat abortion ban late Friday afternoon, citing a change in law just a week after an abortion rights amendment to the state constitution took effect.

The significance of the dismissal wasnt immediately clear. The heartbeat law has been on a temporary hold for more than a year under a Hamilton County judges order after abortion providers sued to stop enforcement.

UPDATE: With Supreme Court dismissal, abortion heartbeat ban now back in lower court

The law took effect shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down decades of abortion precedent by overturning Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Under the heartbeat law, abortion was illegal once a fetal heart tone could be detected, as early as six weeks gestation and before many women know theyre pregnant.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost had appealed the ruling of the Ohio 1st District Court of Appeals that refused to review the preliminary injunction that blocked enforcement of the law. He also asked the court to rule on whether the clinics and doctors have standing to challenge the law.

But abortion providers told the supreme court that they would be amending their complaint in Hamilton County to seek the permanent dismissal of the heartbeat law, arguing that it violates the Ohio Constitution. They filed that complaint this week.

In November, 57% of Ohio voters approved a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights. The amendment became effective on Dec. 7, but it will be up to courts to interpret whether existing Ohio laws are in conflict with it.

The amendment guarantees a right to an abortion until fetal viability, around 22 to 24 weeks. After that, state law can regulate reproductive decisions. But women would still be allowed to get an abortion after viability if in the professional judgement of her physician its needed to protect her health.
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded $8.2 billion for 10 passenger rail projects across the country that will impact every region nationwide.

One of the projects, known as Amtraks North Coast Hiawatha and overseen by the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, aims to restore an Amtrak route discontinued in 1979 and reconnect North Dakota cities along Interstate 94 to Chicago and the Pacific Northwest.

This will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in recent history in North Dakota and Montana, said David Strohmaier, a county commissioner in Missoula, Montana, and chairman of the rail authority.

The investment builds on a $16.4 billion investment announced last month for 25 projects along Americas busiest rail corridor, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In total, the funding adds up to nearly $30 billion in investments to the national rail system. It is a part of President Joe Bidens Bidenomics strategy included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Biden-Harris Administration is building out a pipeline of passenger rail projects in every region of the country in order to achieve the Presidents vision of world-class passenger rail, the White House announced.

While there have been multiple attempts to restore the North Coast Hiawatha route since its closing -- including a lengthy Amtrak study completed in 2009 that estimated a total cost of more than $1 billion -- the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, which stretches from North Dakota to Idaho, is focused on the restoration of the North Coast Hiawatha route, Strohmaier said.

Will the route reopen?

I think so. What the timeline will be is another story. I cant emphasize enough that we are in a place we have never been to move this project forward. Weve made more progress in the past three years in reestablishing this route than in the past 44 years combined, Strohmaier said.

Amtrak is part of the National Railroad Passenger Corp., a government-run entity.

With the North Coast Hiawatha line being the only long-distance route proposed for restoration, each of the 10 lines is being granted $500,000 to develop an estimated cost for a service development plan, according to the federal Transportation Department.

At this time, the North Dakota Department of Transportation is not involved in the restoration work, said David Finley, an agency spokesperson.

The Department of Transportation doesnt have anything to do with the project; Amtrak will be responsible for maintaining it, and we dont know anything beyond what we saw in the PDFs, he said.

But the department, along with tourism bureaus and even North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, have all expressed support.

And the North Dakota Department of Transportation will have a role to play in the project, Strohmaier said.

U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., wrote a letter to federal Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in April expressing his support.

Reinstating service on Amtraks NCH route would provide additional transportation options to travelers within North Dakota and communities across the Midwest and Northwest regions. These additional travel options could also help bolster visitors from across the country and provide significant economic benefits to the states tourism industry, Cramer wrote.

In a video message to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, Burgum said North Dakota would never have been built if not for the railroad infrastructure created in the 1880s, and that the re-creation of the North Coast Hiawatha received bipartisan support.

As a kid growing up, my mom's brother lived in Billings, Montana. They had seven kids. The way we got to see our cousins every summer was getting on the Hiawatha and riding across the state. Those memories are fantastic, he said.

We fully support your efforts to explore the possible restoration of the former North Coast Hiawatha rail line that once served North Dakota communities along Interstate 94, Burgum said.

It is too early to estimate restoration costs, Strohmaier said.

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is currently in the planning phase of the project, which will then move to a service development plan receiving input from stakeholders and communities, and then in a year or two is engineering work," Strohmaier said, which will get us all the way to the point of actual construction and project implementation.

Now, Strohmaier is finishing up the station assessment analysis, looking at which stations existed in 1979, their condition and whether they could be reused in the future.

But in addition, we will also be asking the question, 'Are there places that didnt have stations, but in 2024 should have a station? Strohmaier said.

Cities and towns that could see a railway station in North Dakota are Fargo, Valley City, Jamestown, Bismarck, Mandan, Dickinson and Medora, Strohmaier said.

Were especially interested in a place like Medora because the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will be there and will be a prominent place for many to stop, he said.

The library will be an additional attraction in the area of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the addition of a train station was an idea that Burgum expressed enthusiasm for during his recorded speech.

Were just trying to get the doggone train moving, Strohmaier said.

Speed and carbon footprint

Strohmaier is aware of reducing the projects carbon footprint, and said the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is looking into alternative methods of implementing the system including electric trains or hydrogen-powered locomotives.

While the rail line will not be high-speed, Strohmaier is also focused on making sure that passenger and freight lines can travel safely at the same time without interruptions and delays.

We will ensure two trains can pass in opposite directions. The speed -- the more unimpeded your route is, the faster you can go, and the better condition the rail is, the faster you can go, Strohmaier said.

He anticipated that many will ask if there will be a train stop in their county.

Its too early to say right now, he said. My hope is we can include as many communities as possible, but the more times the train stops, the longer it will take to reach a destination.

Possible route, economic benefits

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021, allows for federal investments of $1.2 trillion over the next five years. The bill also provided a historic, unprecedented level of funding for the improvement and expansion of intercity passenger rail service.

With a total of less than $30 billion going into railroad services, the most current plan seeks to deliver a high-speed rail service in California; create a new high-speed railway between Las Vegas and Southern California; make upgrades to existing railways across the nation; improve services in Maine, Montana and Alaska; and invest in the Chicago Union Station, a step toward future improvements in the Midwest hub.

The railway route through Fargo may restore connections between Chicago to Seattle or Portland and go through Milwaukee, LaCrosse and Eau Claire in Wisconsin; St. Paul in Minnesota; then Fargo, Bismarck and Dickinson; and westward in the Montana cities of Glendive, Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Missoula, St. Regis and Standpoint; then on to Spokane and Pasco in Washington.

The 2009 Amtrak study reported direct benefits would flow from the jobs created, primarily in construction, manufacturing and material supply, during the duration of the infrastructure and station capital investment projects, and from the creation of approximately 269 permanent Amtrak jobs.

Topping out at speeds between 79 and 125 mph, the North Coast Hiawatha route would split from the route of Amtraks Empire Builder route at Fargo, and then continue west over the plains to Bismarck, Dickinson and possibly Medora. The Empire Builder line currently serves the northern portion of the state.

Before 1971, the 2,300-mile route was called North Pacifics North Coast Limited and Milwaukee Roads Olympian Hiawatha, and it changed to become Amtraks North Coast Hiawatha, according to Amtrak.
Microsoft -owned Activision Blizzard has agreed to settle a case from a California state agency that alleged the video game publisher discriminated against women, including denying them promotion opportunities and paying them less.

California's Civil Rights Department said in a statement on Friday that as part of a proposed settlement agreement, Activision Blizzard will pay nearly $55 million to provide relief to female employees and contractors from October 2015 to December 2020 and cover legal fees. About $46 million of the total will go to the fund for affected women, the agency said in the statement.

The news comes almost two years after Activision Blizzard settled a case from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which pointed to sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. As a result, the company agreed to form an $18 million fund to pay victims.

In 2021, the agency, then known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, filed a suit against the company, presenting allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation. Months later, the Wall Street Journal reported that while Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was aware of allegations of misconduct inside the company, he didn't share all relevant information with its board.

Shares fell, and Microsoft subsequently began talks to acquire Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty.

The $69 billion deal closed in October after regulators in the U.S. and Europe looked carefully at it. The Federal Trade Commission argued in San Francisco appellate court last week that a federal judge made mistakes in rejecting the regulatory agency's attempt to stop the companies from completing the transaction.

The Los Angeles County Superior Court must approve Activision's settlement with the state agency, according to the statement. The agency will file a new complaint that excludes prior harassment allegations, according to the proposed settlement agreement, which CNBC viewed.

The agreement would require Activision to keep up efforts around inclusion of underrepresented people in recruiting. Except when compensation is non-negotiable, the company would have to tell job applicants in writing at the start of hiring and promotion processes that they can negotiate their pay.

"We appreciate the importance of the issues addressed in this agreement and we are dedicated to fully implementing all the new obligations we have assumed as part of it," Activision said in a statement to CNBC.

WATCH: Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick: We always believed the deal would get through
Bernstein analysts named a slew of tech stocks as its best ideas in 2024. These companies are firing on all cylinders and have more room to run, the analysts said. CNBC Pro combed through Bernstein research to find the firm's favorite tech stocks in 2024. They include: Broadcom , Uber, PDD , Taiwan Semiconductor and Grab . Grab Shares of the the Southeast Asia ride-hailing and delivery food company have lagged some peers in the United States, but that's not stopping analyst Venugopal Garre from naming the stock as a top tech pick heading into next year. The firm said it sees an "attractive risk reward with continuous profitability improvement." In a slide presentation to clients, Garre listed several catalysts ahead including a pick-up in ride hailing momentum and a bottom in food delivery. On-demand services are gaining share, too, he wrote, while Grab has "reached industry leading reported margins in Food/Ride," the firm added. Grab is also poised to be a player in M & A activity as food delivery players consolidate in some Asian countries, according to Garre. "Overall, we believe that the risk-reward profile for Grab is favorable," he concluded. Broadcom "This is a phenomenal business," analyst Stacy Rasgon said of the semiconductor company. Now, its business is about to get even better with the completion of its VMWare acquisition, the firm said. "Broadcom's stock has historically shown strong returns post-deal close as accretion flows in," he said. In addition, Rasgon noted, Broadcom is one of the "few 'real' AI stories in the space." AI represents about 25% of the company's semiconductor revenue, according to Bernstein. Meanwhile, the stock is relatively inexpensive despite shares being up 88% this year. "AVGO's valuation remains attractive, sitting at a sharp discount to the sector despite the run the stock has had this year," he wrote. Uber "From cash burn to cash build  UBER is now a real company," analyst Nikhil Devnani said of the ride-hailing giant. The firm said Uber is "still a growth business" with further ability to take share in delivery and ride-sharing. "Delivery is proving to be sticky  and is increasingly profitable  people like convenience," he wrote. The firm said management is executing and the advent of new products is paying off. Devnani also likes the opportunity for free-cash flow growth, which he calls "compelling." "UBER has the capacity to return significant amounts of capital over time given organic cash build and monetizable assets," he added. The stock is up 150% this year with more room to run, according to the firm. "The core business is hitting its stride, with scale and cross-sell benefits driving market share gains," he said. PDD "PDD continues to gain share within the domestic e-commerce market - we think the recent gains go beyond poor macro and consumers down trading. ... PDD has won close to a 40% share of incremental industry [gross merchandise value] in the past year; we're optimistic this can continue. ... PDD continues to outperform in China e-commerce. ... We think PDD's take rate has room to go higher." Taiwan Semiconductor "We Believe TSMC Will Remain Ahead of Intel and Will Be Producing Some Compute Tiles From Intel. .... We project this adds 1-3% of incremental revenue to TSMC in late 2024 and more in 2025, and helps make Intel contribute ~10% of TSMC's total revenue. ... We reiterate Outperform and choose TSMC as our Best Idea for 2024." Uber "From cash burn to cash build  UBER is now a real company ... still a growth business. ... The core business is hitting its stride, with scale & cross-sell benefits driving market share gains. ... Delivery is proving to be sticky  & is increasingly profitable - people like convenience!. ... Compelling FCF growth at a reasonable price. ... UBER has the capacity to return significant amounts of capital over time given organic cash build & monetizable assets." Broadcom "Combines a phenomenal core narrative with one of the few truly meaningful AI stories in the space. ... First things first  this is a phenomenal business  Broadcom's stock has historically shown strong returns post-deal close as accretion flows in. ... AVGO's valuation remains attractive, sitting at a sharp discount to the sector despite the run the stock has had this year." Grab "Attractive risk reward with continuous profitability improvement. ... Grab has reached industry leading reported margins in Food/Ride. ... Grab is also considering purchase of Foodpanda asset. If Grab acquires it and gets regulatory approval, it will be a key catalyst if the acquisition price is considered good. ... Overall, we believe hat the risk-reward profile for Grab is favorable."
Activist Commentary: Jana is a very experienced activist investor founded in 2001 by Barry Rosenstein. They made their name taking deeply researched activist positions with well-conceived plans for long term value. Rosenstein called his activist strategy "V cubed". The three "Vs" were" (i) Value: buying at the right price; (ii) Votes: knowing whether you have the votes before commencing a proxy fight; and (iii) Variety of ways to win: having more than one strategy to enhance value and exit an investment. Since 2008, they have gradually shifted that strategy to one which we characterize as the three "Ss" (i) Stock price  buying at the right price; (ii) Strategic activism  sale of company or spinoff of a business; and (iii) Star advisors/nominees  aligning with top industry executives to advise them and take board seats if necessary.

On December 11, 2023, JANA Partners announced that they have taken a position in Trimble Inc and are calling on the Company to cease M&A activities and instead focus on organic growth in its existing businesses

Trimble started in 1978 as a GPS technology company, primarily for agriculture. In the 2000s it entered the construction industry with its acquisition of Spectra Precision. It continued growing through acquisition and over the past 10 years has spent $5 billion on acquisitions, primarily buying software businesses with the goal of providing an interconnected hardware and software product. In 2012, they acquired the 3D modeling software package SketchUp from Google and continued to expand their Building Information Modeling portfolio with the acquisition of Tekla in 2014. In 2016, Trimble acquired Sefaira, a software for sustainability analysis including energy modeling and daylight visualization. More recently, in 2018, Trimble acquired Viewpoint (a leading provider of construction management software) from Bain Capital for $1.2 billion, and in 2019 launched Trimble MAPS, consolidating several of its previous acquisitions. They now offer hardware and software solutions in under-tech served industries such as construction, transportation, forestry and agriculture.

The company's multiple software acquisitions have led to their mix changing in a very positive way. In 2011, 16% of their revenue came from software and services that are by their nature recurring and higher multiple revenue. In 2024, it will be more than half. However, while the business mix has transformed for the better, during this time the stock has significantly underperformed  over the past three years, the stock has underperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 50%.

A lot of this underperformance can be tied to their recent history of software M&A activity. They have been buying companies for 30 to 40 times EBITDA and the acquired companies are being valued at Trimble's EBITDA multiple of 14 times EBITDA inside of Trimble. The market understands this and as a result, has reacted negatively to their acquisitions, as recently evidenced by their April 2023 acquisition of Transporeon (a cloud-based transportation management platform) for 30 times EBITDA. After the deal was announced, the company's stock dropped 6.5%. Trimble is not getting credit for their new product mix with a re-rating to a higher software multiple. This does not mean 30 to 40 times EBITDA, but industrial technology peers trade in the mid-teens to mid-20s. If they can get in line with peers, Jana sees a stock upside of over 40%.

The first thing Jana would like the company to do is cease M&A activity and focus on the core business. To do this, the board should tie executive compensation to return on invested capital, instead of the current compensation structure which incentivizes revenue growth targets. Second, Jana sees an opportunity for the company to focus on improving operations and profit margins. Over the past eight years of increasing software product mix the company has expanded its gross margins by approximately 800 basis points, yet they have expanded their EBITDA margins by only 500 basis points (1 basis point equals 0.01%). There is an opportunity to better integrate these acquisitions and improve operating margins. Lastly, this is a complicated business structure that could benefit from a simplification. This past September, Trimble announced that it entered a joint venture with AGCO Corporation (AGCO) (a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery and Precision Ag technology), whereby AGCO will acquire an 85% interest in Trimble's portfolio of Ag assets and technologies for $2.0 billion. This got the opposite market reaction than when Trimble acquires companies, sending Trimble's stock price up 6.5%.

While their primary objective here is to have the company stick to the core business and cease their M&A activity, there is another ironic opportunity here, and that is the M&A opportunity created by the company's history of value destroying M&A. Trimble could be an attractive acquisition target for a larger industrial company who also wants a product mix with more software but has the discipline not to pay 30 to 40 times EBITDA for software companies. With a greater than 50% software mix and a much lower EBITDA multiple, Trimble would be an attractive asset for many large industrial companies.

Jana often launches activist campaigns with a team of experienced industry executives ready to be board nominees if necessary. While we assume they have connections to such executives, there has been no announcement that they have recruited any, which means to us that it is too early to tell if this will be escalated. However, we will not have to wait that long. The director nomination window opens on February 2, 2024, at which time we will have more clarity on which road this campaign will take.

Ken Squire is the founder and president of 13D Monitor, an institutional research service on shareholder activism, and the founder and portfolio manager of the 13D Activist Fund, a mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of activist 13D investments.
Those who have had the experience of traveling on a passenger train know how enjoyable it can be. Unfortunately, for many North Dakotans catching a train hasnt been a viable option.

Amtraks Empire Builder goes from Fargo to Minot and than to the West Coast, but theres no service in the central part of the state. The North Coast Hiawatha train once went from Fargo through Bismarck, Mandan and Dickinson to the coast, but it was discontinued by Amtrak in 1979.

The Hiawatha may be returning because of Federal Railroad Administration funding for 10 passenger rail projects in the country. Part of the $8.2 billion available will go to considering the revival of the Hiawatha route through North Dakota, Montana and Idaho to Washington state.

The project is being overseen by the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority. David Strohmaier, a county commissioner in Missoula, Montana, is chairman of Big Sky.

He put the project in perspective in an interview with The Forum of Fargo: This will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in recent history in North Dakota and Montana.

Theres no timeline yet for starting service since its not guaranteed the Hiawatha will be revived. Strohmaier is confident it will happen, and hes gotten endorsements from Gov. Doug Burgum, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Possible rail stops in the state besides Fargo are Valley City, Jamestown, Bismarck, Mandan, Dickinson and Medora.

A stop in Medora would fit nicely with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library when it opens. Medora could be part of tourism packages along the route.

Overall, considering other projects, $30 billion will be poured into the nations railway system. Reviving the Hiawatha would take some time. The status of former depots at possible stops would have to be determined and safety issues reviewed.

Big Sky estimates that the Hiawatha would bring $270 million into seven states along with new jobs. Strohmaier told The Forum that Big Sky is aware of the potential carbon footprint and will consider electric trains or hydrogen-powered locomotives.

Traveling by train isnt for everyone since its slower. Its like a moving hotel where you can get meals and sleeping quarters, and enjoy the scenery. More than 30 million people traveled by Amtrak last year.

Going by train wont recapture the popularity that it had in the 1930s and 1940s when travel options were more limited. But it can become something different to do or for a special occasion.

The Tribune Editorial Board believes reviving the route could be an economic boost for the states involved. Hopefully, Big Sky can pull it off.
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (R) shakes hands with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the start of their bilateral meeting at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on December 16, 2023. (Photo by Franck ROBICHON / POOL / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK ROBICHON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)



Japan and Malaysia signed a security assistance deal on Saturday including a grant of 400 million yen ($2.8 million) to boost Malaysia's maritime security, as Asian nations seek to counter an increasingly assertive China.

Japan will provide equipment such as rescue boats and supplies under the official security assistance deal, signed by the two countries' foreign ministers on the sidelines of a Tokyo summit marking 50 years of ties between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the elevation of the Japan-Malaysia relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," Japan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

In addition to Malaysia, ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of the South China Sea disputed by China, which claims almost all of the waterway that is a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis.

China and Japan last week accused each other of maritime incursions after a confrontation between their coast guards in waters around islands they both claim in the East China Sea.
High schools are increasingly offering real-world financial lessons to students  and soon more than half of U.S. high schoolers will be required to take a personal finance course before graduation.

This week, Pennsylvania became the 25th state to guarantee a personal finance course for high school students. Starting in the fall of 2026, Pennsylvania schools will provide a mandatory course in personal financial literacy for students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades. On Wednesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law an omnibus bill that included this provision.

"As a result of this legislation, more than half of high school students in the U.S.  53%  will have guaranteed access to a standalone personal finance course," said Yanely Espinal, Director of Educational Outreach at Next Gen Personal Finance, a non-profit financial education advocacy organization. Eight states currently guarantee that students will take a personal finance course and 17 states are implementing these policies.

The momentum for financial education in schools has picked up significant steam this year. Eight states have adopted policies in 2023 guaranteeing students will take a personal finance course before graduation.

Earlier this month, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill that requires high school students to take a personal finance literacy course to graduate, starting with the class of 2028. "We have to make sure our kids have the tools and skills to make smart financial and budgeting decisions to prepare for their future, so ensuring our kids have strong financial literacy is essential to setting them up for success as adults," Evers said in a press release.

The latest "report card" from the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, shows seven states  Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia  made the top grade. They earned an "A" because, in those states, high school graduates in the class of 2023 were required to have taken a personal finance course before graduation.

By 2028, when new laws and policy changes are fully implemented, 25 states are projected to earn an "A," said Pelletier of the Center for Financial Literacy. "Tremendous change is on the horizon. States are rapidly passing laws and changing regulations."

High school personal finance courses generally teach students real-world lessons about earning income, spending and savings, credit and credit scores, investing, and managing risk, among other topics. These are financial lessons for life.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the most senior Catholic Church official ever to stand trial before a Vatican criminal court, was convicted on Saturday of embezzlement and sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail.

The Italian prelate's lawyer, Fabio Viglione, told reporters in the courtroom that he would appeal, saying his client was innocent. Becciu, who lives in the Vatican, was expected to remain free for the time being.

In all, 10 defendants were accused of crimes including fraud, abuse of office and money laundering. All had denied wrongdoing.

It took Court President Giuseppe Pignatone 25 minutes to read all the verdicts and sentences.

Becciu, like most of the other defendants, was convicted on some counts and acquitted of others. Only one was acquitted of all charges.

The trial, which exposed infighting and intrigue in the highest echelons of the Vatican, lasted for 86 sessions over two-and-a-half years.

It revolved mostly around the messy purchase of a building in London by the Secretariat of State, the Vatican's key administrative and diplomatic department.

Becciu held the number two position there in 2014 when it began investing in a fund managed by Italian financier Raffaele Mincione, securing about 45% of the building at 60 Sloane Avenue, in an upmarket district.

Mincione was also found guilty of embezzlement and given the same sentence as Becciu.

In 2018, with Becciu in another Vatican job, the Secretariat of State felt it was being deceived by Mincione and turned to another financier, Gianluigi Torzi, for help in squeezing Mincione out and buying the rest of the building.

Torzi also fleeced the Vatican, according to prosecutors. He was found guilty of fraud and extortion and sentenced to six years.

The Vatican sold the building last year under a cloud of embarrassment, taking an estimated loss of about 140 million euros ($150 million).

Becciu, who was fired by Pope Francis from his next job in 2020 for alleged nepotism, but remains a cardinal, was also found guilty of one embezzlement for funnelling money and contracts to companies or charities controlled by his brothers on their native island of Sardinia.

Another accusation involved his hiring of Cecilia Marogna, a self-styled security analyst, also from Sardinia, as part of a secret project to help win freedom for a nun who had been kidnapped in Mali.

Marogna, 46, received 575,000 euros from the Secretariat of State in 2018-2019. The money was sent to a company she had set up in Slovenia and she received some in cash, prosecutors told the court.

Italian police said Marogna had spent much of the money on luxury clothing and health spas. Both she and Becciu were found guilty of charges related to the transfer of money.

The other six defendants included the former president and director of the Vatican's Financial Intelligence unit, the cardinal's former secretary, Father Mauro Carlino, and three former Vatican employees.
Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to spread.

A U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea on Saturday, and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships, the British and American militaries said.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) sets sail in the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, July 14, 2019.

U.S. Central Command said that the destroyer USS Carney "successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems" launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The drones "were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," Central Command tweeted.

U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was "targeting merchant shipping." The overnight action is the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the 1991 Gulf War.

Shapps said attacks on commercial ships in the global trade artery by Yemen's Houthi rebels "represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security."

"The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade," he said in a statement.

HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the U.S., France and other countries.

Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which like the Houthis is backed by Iran.

Houthi rebels said they fired a barrage of drones on Saturday toward the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. The announcement came hours after Egypt's state-run media reported that Egyptian air defense had shot down a "flying object" off the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea.

Israeli-linked vessels also have been targeted, but the threat to trade has grown as container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia have been attacked or drawn missile fire while traversing the waterway between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Earlier this month, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. A U.S. warship shot down three drones during the assault, the U.S. military said.

French container shipping line CMA CGM said Saturday it had ordered all its vessels scheduled to pass through the Red Sea to "pause their journey in safe waters with immediate effect until further notice."

On Friday Maersk, the world's biggest shipping company, also told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to stop their journeys after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship. German-based shipper Hapag-Lloyd said it was pausing all its container ship traffic through the Red Sea until Monday.
A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8, official sources said on December 16.

The sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned a positive result in an RT-PCR test on November 18, they said, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had recovered from COVID-19.

More than 90% of the COVID-19 cases in India at present are mild and they are in home isolation, the sources said.

Earlier, an Indian traveller was also detected with JN.1 sub-variant in Singapore. The person was a native of Tamil Nadus Tiruchirapalli district and had travelled to Singapore on October 25.

No increase in cases was observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other places in Tamil Nadu following the strain being detected in them.

No other case of JN.1 variant has been detected in India," the source said.

The JN.1 sub-variant -- first identified in Luxembourg and since spreading to several countries -- is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86).

It contains a significant number of unique mutations, particularly in the spike protein, that may contribute to increased infectivity and immune evasion, a source explained.

However, initial data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments will still offer protection against JN.1 sub-strain, the source stated.

This sub-variant's resemblance to earlier sub-strains with distinct spike proteins is also noteworthy.

Most of the changes in JN.1 sub-variant are found in the spike protein, which likely correlates to increases in infectivity and immune evasion.

Globally, 3,608 cases of BA.2.86 and its sub-variants have been reported mostly from Europe and North America.

Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Singapore , with the country's health ministry Friday estimating that the number of cases from December 3 to 9 increased to 56,043, a 75% jump compared with 32,035 cases in the previous week.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, said initial data suggest that updated COVID-19 vaccines will help protect against JN.1 sub-strain.

It also said an analysis from the federal government's SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group suggests treatments and testing will remain effective, they said.
After Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Kenya, Iran has become the fifth country to waive visa requirements for Indian passport holders. In a significant move, the Iranian government on December 14 that it had decided to cancel visa requirements for visitors from 33 countries. Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami said that the decision was made to boost tourism arrivals and attract visitors from more nations.

The list of countries benefiting from the visa waiver includes Russia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Indonesia, Darussalam, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Belarus, as reported by IRNA news. This new initiative adds to the existing visa waivers Iran had in place for Turkey, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.

The Iranian tourism minister emphasised that the move aligns with efforts to counter Iranophobia campaigns, projecting a more welcoming image of the country. Recent statistics reveal a substantial increase in foreign arrivals to Iran, reaching 4.4 million during the first eight months of the current Iranian year, marking a 48.5% surge compared to the corresponding period last year.

Also read:

The fast-growing Indian outbound tourism market, projected to reach 13 million tourists by 2022 according to McKinsey analysis, has spurred countries like Vietnam to propose short-term visa waivers for Indian and Chinese travelers, aiming to boost economic recovery.

The unique case of Sri Lanka , heavily reliant on tourism for its GDP, faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and poorly implemented agricultural reforms. The nation, now in crisis, underscores the vital role tourism plays in sustaining economies and the need for collaborative efforts to revive the sector.

In November, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that his country will start visa-free entry for citizens of India and China visiting the country from December 1 for 30 days. However, the issuance of a visa will be subject to security checks.

Before Malaysia, three countries - Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand - announced visa-free entry for Indian citizens to boost the tourism sector and promote economic development. India has one of the fastest-growing markets for outbound tourism with a McKinsey analysis showing 13 million Indian tourists travelled to other countries in 2022.

Vietnamese Tourism Minister Nguyn Van Jung has proposed short-term visa waivers for travellers from China and India to boost the recovery of the country's economic sector. Similarly, South Africa's Tourism minister too has proposed a similar waiver for Indian travellers.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 15)  The Maharlika Investment Fund could be tapped as one of the ways to bankroll big-ticket public-private partnership projects (PPP) under the Marcos administration, officials of the PPP Center said on Friday.

Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) President and CEO Rafael Consing met with PPP Center officials as the two agencies explore a close partnership to make PPP projects in the pipeline more viable and bankable, according to PPP Center Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey Manalo.

We see a very close partnership with the MIC in terms of making sure that their pipeline or the PPP pipeline could support some of the pillars identified by MIC, Manalo said.

The multibillion-peso Maharlika fund  the Philippines first sovereign wealth fund  adds to the growing financing tool for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s infrastructure program that is currently being funded through a mix of official development assistance, private sector money and the national budget.

Funding PPP projects will also be in parallel with one of MICs investment pillars directed at large-scale agro-industrial parks  which in turn jibes with the plan of the PPP Center to unlock idle assets of state universities and package them as a PPP project.

The newly enacted PPP Code created the PPP Governing Board that includes the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a member, as lawmakers  led by Albay Representative Joey Salceda  underscored the role of the CHED in harnessing some 56,000 hectares of landbank held by state universities and colleges.

In his previous TV interviews and press briefings, Consing had said that he is on the lookout for spaces for agro-industrial clusters and peri-urban agriculture projects where the Maharlika fund can be parked.

PPP Centers Manalo said the financing structures would depend on the project.

I understand Maharlika will have their own approvals process on which track to go on a per-project basis, he said.

There are already two projects under the PPP mode that involve state university land  the University of the Philippines Los Banos agro-industrial IT park (15.20 billion) and the UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH) cancer research institute (21.30 billion).

Those two projects involving UP land assets are among the 109 PPP projects in the pipeline.

The new law, which takes effect on Dec. 23, also allows faster approval of PPP projects by raising the threshold to 15 billion  from 300 million previously - the value of projects that will need the approval of President Bongbong Marcos who sits as the chairperson of the NEDA Board.

Of the 109 PPP projects in the pipeline, 22 are above the 15-billion threshold.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  Following the success of its internal Sustainability Academy, Globe has extended a dedicated bespoke learning platform to its supply chain as part of its strategic commitment to sustainable development. The learning sessions were designed to equip its supply chain, especially the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with foundational ESG principles and practices, with the goal of collectively creating a positive and greater impact on society.

Currently, only publicly-listed companies in the Philippines are mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to measure and monitor their contributions towards achieving global sustainability targets. On the other hand, MSMEs, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), account for 99.59% of total business establishments in the Philippines. This prompted Globe to engage and enable its MSME suppliers in the shift towards sustainability.

Globe piloted the Globe Sustainability Academy for Supply Chain through the SME Sustainability Accelerator of the Makati Business Club (MBC), a private non-profit business association in the Philippines that aims to promote the role of the business sector in national development efforts. This program is also a joint effort with the Center for International and Private Enterprise (CIPE) and SustainablePH. The CIPE works towards strengthening global democracy through private enterprises and market-oriented reforms. Meanwhile, SustainablePH is a volunteer-led organization committed to raising sustainability leaders in the country.

"To be able to fully support the country's sustainable development, we will need all hands on deck. We want our suppliers to be knowledgeable and equipped with basic sustainability principles and ESG practices. Some suppliers might not be aware that they are already practicing some sustainability programs, and Globe is here to help and guide them towards that journey," said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer of the Globe Group.

Five local MSMEs representing various sectors, including printing services, advertising materials, telecom subscriber line installation, facility maintenance, and civil works, were included in the pilot program.

The training covered topics such as the following: foundational knowledge on sustainability; circularity; diversity, equity, inclusion; belonging (DEIB); anti-corruption; and the importance of sustainability reporting. After the training, the participants are expected to share what they learned within their organizations and to embed the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics into their business strategies.

"The sustainability academy is an integral part of our sustainable supply chain engagement program as this underscores our commitment to responsible supply chain governance by encouraging our partners to share in this commitment," said Jerry Cabiles, Globe Vice President of Supply Chain.

The establishment of the Globe Sustainability Academy for Supply Chain is one of Globe's strategic moves toward sustainable development. This upskilling program, along with the recently updated Supplier Code of Ethics and new Sustainable Supply Chain Policy Commitment, highlights Globe's mission to establish a sustainable supply chain and encourages suppliers to join in this collective effort towards sustainability.

For more information and updates on Globe's sustainability initiatives, please visit www.globe.com.ph.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16)  The 15 Filipino seafarers onboard the container ship that was attacked in Red Sea are all safe, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Saturday.

DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said the Al Jasrah vessel was the subject of a drone attack on Friday.

All 15 [Filipino] seafarers on board the container ship Al Jasrah are safe and unharmed, said Cacdac in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

According to the United States Central Command, the Iran-backed rebel group Houthis struck Al Jasrah and another Liberian-flagged commercial ship.

The Al Jasrah vessel immediately broadcast a mayday signal that said the crew was fighting a fire caused by the attack.

The US CENTCOM said the fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported by any of the attacked ships.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16)  Three people were killed in a fire that hit a residential area in Molo district, Iloilo City early Saturday morning. The fire also displaced dozens of families, the local government said.

The Iloilo City government reported that 72 families have been affected by the blaze which engulfed Zone 3 in Barangay Salvacion, Habog-Habog before 5 a.m.

It reached the fourth alarm before fire out was declared at 6:59 a.m.

Authorities said 66 structures were damaged, of which 64 were totally destroyed. They noted that the houses were made of light materials, causing the fire to spread quickly.

No injuries have so far been reported.

The city government appealed to the public for donations for the victims, who are staying at the evacuation site at the Baluarte Elementary School.

Their immediate needs are clothes, food items, utensils, water, and undergarments, the local government said in a social media post.

For those who want to extend their help and donate, you may directly contact the Iloilo City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) personnel at the evacuation center, it also wrote.
Shokuhin sampuru is a Japanese portmanteau of the kanji characters  (food) augmented with the katakana characters  (sample), which is the name for the replica food displays commonly found near the entrance of restaurants, combinis, department stores, food vending machines, etcetera.

Previously on Boing Boing, Mark posted a video showing a Gujo Hachiman artisan demonstrating the wax technique while creating a head of cabbage and shrimp tempura shokuhin sampuru; and after reading Al Williams' Hacking Fake Food article on Hackaday, we return to this technique with Shigeharu Takeuchi of Idea-Sample located in Nisshin, Aichi prefecture Japan. 53 years of experience enables Shigeharu Takeuchi to make objects magically materialize from a mixture of paint, molten wax and skill plied with the hands of a master who began his journey at the age of 18. The glee Shigeharu Takeuchi expresses while fabricating shokuhin sampuru, highlights the Japanese spirit where the devout yearn for joy earned by whole heartedly embracing the task at hand to attain mastery earned over years of dedication necessary to ascend to the highest levels.

Over the years, shokuhin sampuru has evolved with the changing technological landscape, and while the wax based method employed by Shigeharu Takeuchi has steadily been replaced with more durable PVC and resin based molded replicas, the newer techniques are equally impressive as shown in the video below.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16)  Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday said she will preside as chairperson of the Executive Committee meetings in Davao City while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Japan for the 50th ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Summit.

In a brief statement, the vice president said she will hold office at the Department of Education National Educators Academy of the Philippines Davao and Office of the Vice President Davao Satellite office.

Marcos on Friday left for Tokyo along with his economic team and will return on Monday, Oct. 18.

Among the presidents agenda in Japan is to convince other Asian leaders, particularly the members of the Asia Zero Emission Community, to invest in the countrys renewable energy industry.
Money is a funny thing. It rarely ever goes away. It you spend $2,000 on a giant sack of deer shit, and you have absolutely no use for deer shit, the money isnt lost. It went to someone, who came away thinking this was an awesome deal for them.

The entire construction industry may work this way, with people getting rich off projects regardless of whether the resulting structures serve any purpose. Still, you tend to hope that such structures do get used. The following ones didnt.

5 The Church Still Under Construction After 140 Years In the 19th century, a Spaniard named Jose Maria Bocabella decided to build a church in Barcelona. He wanted to model it after a shrine hed seen in Italy, one with all kinds of history (angels lifted it up during the Crusades, according to legend) but which looked fairly reasonably easy to replicate. Within a year of construction, the architect quit, and the new one brought a new plan. The new Sagrada Familia church would be gothic and fancy and huge. My client is not in a hurry, said the architect, referring not to Bocabella but to God. He died in 1926 (the architect, not God), run over by a tram. The church was at this point a quarter complete (at most) after almost 50 years of work. Baldomer Gili i Roig So theyre paying you every year to make this thing?

Or to not make it, whatever. More complications delayed construction as the decades passed. In the 1930s, Spain had a bit of a civil war that killed half a million people. Most of the citys churches were burned, with most of the priests and nuns murdered or displayed dead in public. The only reason no one burned down Sagrada Familia was there wasnt enough finished to destroy. Revolutionaries did burn the crypt and destroyed the construction plans they found of the church. It took another 16 years to piece those plans together and figure out what to do next. Construction crawled forward throughout the rest of the 20th century. When the 21st century got going, planners set a new target. Theyd open the church in 2026, the centennial of the architects death. That sounds like a joke, targeting 100 years after the architect died, and it was a target they realized they couldnt meet, thanks to a new issue that eventually popped up: COVID. Yes, they had to stop in 2020  which might seem like just one hiccup out of many in this churchs long history, but this was in fact the first total halt in construction since that civil war almost a century earlier. Makah Charles They didn't even pause when Oasis broke up. Advertisement When will the church be done? It could be in 2030, 2035, 2040, said the director general. Still, youre welcome to visit the incomplete building. You can even attend church services there. You can also attend church services outdoors. God is everywhere and has no special love of towers; this is the message of the first book of the Bible.

4 Chicagos $400 Million Abandoned Subway Station If youre in Chicago and want to take public transport to the airport, you could take the L to the Washington Library then walk to Jackson and switch to the Blue Line and fall asleep, then discover service is down between Logan and Belmont, forcing you to get down and find a shuttle bus. Instead, what if the city had a superstation, which shot nonstop trains to each of the citys two airports? Chicago Transit Authority Brilliant! This solves everything! Advertisement Advertisement Of course, youd still need to get to the superstation, which will require a whole bunch of additional infrastructure. Surely you realized that, after a few milliseconds of thinking. Chicago apparently did not. They sank $400 million into constructing their superstation before calculating that all the additional ancillary construction would cost another billion or more. They figured this plan was worth a crazy amount of money but not a stupid crazy amount of money, so they gave up on attaching any way to access this station. That was after theyd built this station that will never open, and people in Chicago are still paying for it. Such ventures arent unheard of in the world of the underground. For example, have you heard of the Cincinnati Subway? Maybe not, since the city doesnt have an active subway system (its metro system consists entirely of buses). Still, they did start building a subway back in the 1910s. They needed to build one since the city was relying on streetcars, and even at the time, people were convinced the word streetcar sounded offensively old-timey. Jonathan Warren Or like something you use to pick up streetwalkers. Advertisement Then came World War I, which wasnt a great time for giant projects. Far worse was the Great Depression, during which the city could no longer afford to oil the barrels everyone now wore in lieu of clothes, much less build a subway system. They never got back to finishing it. The tunnels remain there today, carrying no trains. Feel free to break your way in there and explore. If police officers catch you, punch them, right in the nose. Underground, there is no law.

3 Fort Blunder, to Protect Us Against Canadians Canada has always been Americas biggest enemy. For proof, look to the previous sentence, which was a joke, or to the War of 1812, which was so embarrassing that several states currently forbid it to be taught to children. By 1818, America had wised up. For starters, they zeroed in on a weak point: Lake Champlain. This body of water between Vermont and New York had repeatedly proven a path for naval ships from the north. Nagaraju.ramanna/Wiki Commons Picture this, except instead of sunset, it shows war. Advertisement Advertisement The solution was to build fortifications on the north side of the lake. The fort would be an octagon, which was the strategic shape for combat, according to experts from the world of mixed martial arts. It would sport 125 cannons. If those Brits from Canada came by, America would blast them out of the water. Then wed play the 1812 Overture, punctuated by cannons, as soon as someone wrote that piece, about a different 1812 war. The military spent the 19th-century equivalent of $7 million on building this fort. Then, two years into the project, they realized they had actually been building this new installation north of the Canadian border. They werent in their own country and could not operate a fort here. Everyone immediately dropped what they were doing and walked away, whistling innocently. Library of Congress We werent doin nothin but fishin, honest. Advertisement That proto-fort, built with great expense, totally fell to looters, who carted away all those nifty stones. Today, however, the United States has a different fort at the same site, named Fort Montgomery. They were able to build this because they went and moved the U.S.-Canada border so this spot became American soil after all. This is a simple solution for all problems. We recommend using it at every opportunity.

2 New Yorks $6 Billion Nuclear Plant We know weve been throwing around a lot of dollar figures today, so lets quickly emphasize that $6 billion is a large sum of money. Lets put it this way  you know one billion dollars? This is more than twice that. Or, lets put it another way: In 1965, the Long Island Lighting Company announced that they would build a nuclear power plant for about $65 million. By the time the project was done, the actual cost had grown to almost a hundred times that. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Just a little nuclear science-level math there for you. Advertisement Advertisement The Shoreham plant, once construction completed, connected to the electric grid in 1986. You might remember this as the year of the Chernobyl disaster. That kerfuffle wasnt great for public attitudes toward nuclear power, and in New York, it increased the anti-nuclear attitudes that had been around since the Three Mile Island accident in 1979. People near Shoreham did not want their plant to ever open. This mattered because peoples consent was necessary for the plant to open. That was how the law worked: A nuclear plant had to work with communities to draft evacuation plans for the unlikely event of an accident, and if communities refused to draft plans, the plant couldnt open. You might think this could prevent a plant from ever being constructed, but in Shorehams case, it merely stopped it from opening  after theyd already spent $6 billion and two decades to build it. Its like that old proverb, A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit, except their children pass a law against anyone sitting under the tree. Paul Searing That tree could fall and kill us all! Advertisement The plant had been built with borrowed money, and the task of paying off the debt fell on the public, through a 3 percent surcharge on their energy bills for the next 30 years. They didnt get any energy out of the plant, of course. Though, in 2004, New York unveiled a set of wind turbines at the site. It will take 35,000 times as many turbines to generate as much daily power as the Shoreham plant would have.
New rule: Bill Mahers rules are made to be broken.

At the end of every Real Time with Bill Maher, the centrist satirist delivers his closing editorials about whichever issue he feels most strongly about that week directly into the camera in a segment known as his New Rules. On Mahers show, his opinions are somehow considered unimpeachable, but, in print, his closing remarks have been criticized as callous, uninformed and a litany of other labels. Like most political comedians who have convinced themselves that everyone to their left or right on the political spectrum is a special kind of stupid, Maher is typically unwilling to walk back any of his assertions when added context and additional information missing from his editorials contradicts his claims  that is, until he began writing his upcoming book, the fittingly self-winkingly titled, What This Comedian Said Will Shock You.

The only way that this book could shock me is if theres an electric current running through every page that features the word woke.

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Some of the smartest commentary about whats happening in America is coming from a comedian  this comedian being Bill Maher, publisher Simon & Schuster wrote about the man who famously praised the 9/11 hijackers for their bravery. If you want to understand whats wrong with this country, it turns out that one of the best informed (sic) and most thought-provoking analysts is this very funny pothead. The publisher says that Maher reviewed more than a decade of his editorials, rewriting, reimagining and updating them, and adding new material to speak exactly to the moment were in to ensure that his latest book is his most well-researched and accurate entry yet.

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Its a shame that Maher, who has been an important voice in the vaccine skepticism community since long before the breakout of COVID-19, couldnt have devoted the same time he spent rehashing his own opinions on researching the established facts of science and history that contradict so many of the editorials that hes remastered. From the description his publisher put out, this book is looking to be less of a heres what I got wrong and how my opinion has changed kind of compilation and more of a lets add more modern pop-culture references to my takes on comic book movies update.
At Confer Plastics in North Tonawanda, immigrants and refugees make up nearly a quarter of the workforce, hailing from a dozen different countries.

Bob Confer, the manufacturers president, praises their work ethic and attendance. Their turnover rate is also incredibly low, saving the company money in training costs and lost productivity, he said.

When you invest in them, theyre going to invest in you, Confer said.

As employers across the region struggle to find workers to fill job openings with the local unemployment rate at 3.7%, some employers are taking a closer look at hiring refugees and immigrants who have moved to the area and bolstered the regions population.

Advocates believe refugees and immigrants could help fill a yawning gap in the regions workforce, where a shortage of qualified workers has dampened hiring, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past decade, the Buffalo Niagara workforce has shrunk by almost 9,000 people  around 1.5%  but the number of unemployed workers has been cut in half, according to state Labor Department data.

It doesnt come without challenges, though. In some cases, there are language barriers for the workers and employer to overcome. And employers have to create a welcoming setting for people who are new to the country, to acclimate them to the workplace.

But employers and advocates say investing the time and money is worth it  and can pay dividends for the regions economy, by allowing companies to tap into their growth potential. For the people who are hired, theres the reward of earning a paycheck in their new home, as they get settled into Buffalo.

To have a steady increase in people coming here who are ready to work right away on day one would have a huge impact for people to have growth, said Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, executive director of the International Institute of Buffalo. Buffalo has been growing now for the first time in the last decade [according to census data], and we dont want to lose momentum on that.

Immigration reform remains a hot-button topic. Dozens of asylum-seekers  who are in a different classification, since they have not been legally recognized as refugees while their cases are pending  were transported to Buffalo from New York City over the summer, to help alleviate the strain on New York City. Two of those asylum-seekers were subsequently charged with sex crimes, leading Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to demand New York Citys mayor pause further transport of asylum-seekers to the county.

Asylum-seekers face an additional hurdle to getting jobs. Federal law requires them to wait about six months after filing an asylum application before they can obtain a work permit. An exception was made for asylum-seekers from Venezuela, allowing them to apply for work permits more quickly and to remain in the United States legally for 18 months.

While debate swirls at the federal level about immigration reform, employers and resettlement agencies in Buffalo are focusing on a more immediate issue: helping refugees and immigrants find jobs.

The number of refugees admitted to the United States each year can fluctuate, driven by who occupies the White House. And actual admissions tend to fall short of the maximum allowed.

After President Donald Trump drastically lowered the ceiling for the number of refugees that could be admitted to the United States each year, President Biden has raised the ceiling since taking office.

For the 2023 fiscal year  which ended Sept. 30  the ceiling was 125,000. But only about 60,000 refugees were admitted to the United States during that time, according to federal data. The year before, about 25,000 refugees were admitted to the United States, representing only about 20% of the 125,000 maximum. For the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, the Biden administration has again set a ceiling of 125,000. After 2024, the ceiling could change, depending on the outcome of the presidential election.

In the past fiscal year, there were 1,201 refugee arrivals in Buffalo, according to the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. In the first month and a half of the current fiscal year, there were 202 refugee arrivals in Buffalo.

Resettlement agencies expect the number of refugee arrivals to rise in the current fiscal year from last year. And those figures dont include secondary migrants, which refers to people who move here from other parts of the United States to be closer to family here, or asylum-seekers.

Tapping into Buffalos pool of refugees and immigrants is deeply rooted in Buffalos history, said Wooksoo Kim, co-founder and director of the University at Buffalo School of Social Works Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute.

Buffalo, like many other Rust Belt cities, we have learned that economic development goes hand in hand with immigration population, Kim said at a recent panel discussion organized by Joblio, which connects migrants and employers with jobs. We have a very good reason and a motivation for adopting more initiatives and policies to accept newcomers.

Confer said immigrants and refugees are valuable members of his companys workforce, especially as enrollment at city school districts in Niagara County have fallen in the past two decades.

When you look at those [enrollment] numbers, thats the pipeline, Confer said. Those students ultimately become the workers. So where do you find the new workers, where do you find that new opportunity? Thats where immigration fits the bill, refugees. Its been a godsend for us.

The refugees and immigrants he has hired are fiercely dedicated about showing up for work. Confer recalled an instance where an employee from Vietnam had a heart problem on the job and had to be taken to the hospital.

As we got him out of the factory, he waved to me and apologized and had to leave, even though he had that ailment, Confer said.

Rizzo-Choi said immigration resettlement agencies have found good results in placing refugees and immigrants in certain types of jobs.

We have a lot of success with light industrial work, because thats the type of thing where you learn a narrow skill and a narrow set of language and it will work even if youre not at a high English proficiency level, she said.

Jobs involving bookkeeping also tend to be a good fit, because math is a universal language, she said.

Another category where refugees and immigrants are finding job opportunities: housekeeping positions.

Thats been true for Canterbury Woods, which recently received an employer of the year award from the Refugee Partnership of Western New York. The partnership consists of five agencies serving refugees and immigrants.

Canterbury Woods employs 15 refugees and immigrants from seven countries at its two retirement communities. The employees have proven to be exceptional workers and they are an essential part of our workforce, said Rob Wallace, the president and CEO.

Most of our positions, particularly in support areas like dining services, housekeeping and maintenance, are now full compared to where we were a year ago, he said. That, in turn, means that we are able provide the quality services and environment that our residents expect and deserve.

The partnerships Canterbury Woods has formed with the local refugee resettlement agencies have become a central focus of our recruiting and hiring efforts, Wallace said. Without them, we would likely continue to battle the same workforce challenges that have been pervasive for the past few years, particularly in the health care field.

Two of the people who work as housekeepers at Canterbury Woods are pursuing their certified nursing assistant certifications, he said.

They are taking the opportunity to build a life and a career that otherwise may not have been within their reach, Wallace said. Others have referred friends, who are also immigrants, to Canterbury Woods for job opportunities. That is the highest compliment we can get as an employer.

Other industries are showing interest, too. At a recent meeting of the New York State Restaurant Associations local chapter, the International Institute provided an overview of the proper procedures for hiring immigrant workers.

And some refugees and immigrants are launching their own businesses, bringing an entrepreneurial spirit to the community. A new and expanded West Side Bazaar has opened on Niagara Street.

For employers who have not hired immigrants and refugees before, the language barrier might be an obstacle to taking that step. Rizzo-Choi said one solution is to hire multiple workers, instead of just one, so that they feel more comfortable in a workplace. And one member of the group might be able to act as an interpreter for others, she said.

Employers that have hired a couple of refugees through us almost always come back and look for more, she said. What Id say is, the big hurdle is the first placement, because its a huge adaptation.

Rizzo-Choi said it should come as no surprise that immigrants and refugees show such dedication to their jobs.

To come here and be able to make a paycheck and pay for your family and buy your house and know youre going to be safe and what you earn is yours, you cant replace that in work ethic with anyone who hasnt had that experience, she said.
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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A federal judge has rejected a request from Oregon Republican state senators who boycotted the Legislature to be allowed on the ballot after their terms end.

U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken issued the decision Wednesday.

State Sens. Dennis Linthicum, Brian Boquist and Cedric Hayden were among the plaintiffs who filed the federal lawsuit to challenge their disqualification from running for reelection under Measure 113. The voter-approved constitutional amendment, which passed by a wide margin last year, bars legislators from seeking reelection after 10 or more unexcused absences.

Each of the three senators racked up more than 10 absences during a record six-week walkout that paralyzed the 2023 legislative session. The boycott stemmed from bills on abortion, transgender health care and guns.

The lawmakers sought, among other things, a preliminary injunction to prevent the secretary of states office from enforcing their disqualification from the ballot. The office in September disqualified Linthicum and Boquist from the 2024 ballot, court filings show. Haydens term ends in January 2027.

The senators argued that walkouts are a form of political protest protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Senators were punished solely for exercising their First Amendment rights, their attorneys said in court filings.

Aiken disagreed with their claims in her opinion.

"However, these walkouts were not simply protests  they were an exercise of the Senator Plaintiffs official power and were meant to deprive the legislature of the power to conduct business, she wrote.

"Their subsequent disqualification is the effect of Measure 113 working as intended by the voters of Oregon, she added.

The Oregon Senate and House of Representatives must have two-thirds of their members present in order to have a quorum and conduct business. In recent years, Republicans have protested against Democratic policies by walking out of the Legislature and denying a quorum in a bid to stall bills.

The federal suit named Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade and Democratic Senate President Rob Wagner as defendants. The senators claimed, among other things, that Wagner violated their First Amendment right to freedom of expression and their Fourteenth Amendment right to due process by marking their absences as unexcused.

Attorneys from Oregon's justice department representing Griffin-Valade and Wagner argued the First Amendment does not protect legislators' refusal to attend legislative floor sessions.

Under Oregon law, a senators absence has an important legal effect: without the attendance of the two-thirds of senators needed to achieve a quorum, the Senate cannot legislate, they wrote in court filings.

The federal court decision was issued one day before the Oregon Supreme Court heard a separate challenge to the measure. In oral arguments before the state's high court in Salem Thursday, a lawyer for a different group of Republican state senators argued that confusion over the wording of the constitutional amendment means that legislators whose terms end in January can run in 2024.

Griffin-Valade, the secretary of state, is also a defendant in that lawsuit. Earlier this year, she said the boycotting senators were disqualified from seeking reelection in 2024. She directed her offices elections division to implement an administrative rule to clarify the stance. She said the rule reflected the intent of voters when they approved the measure last year.

All parties in the suit are seeking clarity on the issue before the March 2024 filing deadline for candidates who want to run in next years election.
Buffalo man admits to charges in cases involving police, security officers

A man accused in two incidents involving security officers has pleaded guilty to charges in both cases, Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn reported.

Treviaco D. Calhoun, 30, of Buffalo, entered a plea before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens to second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, stemming from a confrontation about 6 a.m. Feb. 26 in which a public safety manager at Erie County Medical Center was punched in the face and placed in a chokehold.

Calhoun also admitted to a charge of third-degree falsely reporting an incident, a Class A misdemeanor, for claiming that he was manhandled by a Buffalo Police officer.

In that incident, Calhoun filed a complaint by phone with the police departments Internal Affairs Division, saying he was punched and body slammed Aug. 19, 2022, while he was being arrested following a disorderly conduct incident.

Flynn noted that an investigation by his department and Buffalo Police determined that information given by Calhoun in a sworn statement was false.

Calhoun faces a maximum of seven years in prison when he returns Jan. 22 for sentencing. He continues to be held without bail.

- Dale Anderson
Driver in fatal crash pleads guilty to 8 counts of vehicular homicide

The driver who caused a crash that took the lives of two people in another vehicle in Buffalo last year has pleaded guilty to eight counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced.

Marcus D. Edwards, 30, of Buffalo, faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he returns for sentencing Feb. 2 before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek. He continues to be held without bail.

Prosecutors said Edwards was drunk about 1 a.m. on July 31, 2022, when the Jeep Grand Cherokee he was driving sped through the intersection of Broadway and Bailey Avenue on Buffalos East Side and collided with a Jeep Liberty, which had the right of way as it turned onto Broadway.

The driver of the Jeep Liberty, Nathaniel Robinson Sr., 68, of Buffalo, and his passenger, Sherry L. Lewis, 35, were killed in the crash.

- Dale Anderson
Three generations from the Clements family gather at the gravesite of Peter and Rose Clements at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville. Left to right, great grandaughter, Olivia Blond, granddaughter, Amy Acerra, and daughter, Sharon Clements, all of Mechanicville.

Three generations from the Clements family gather at the gravesite of Peter and Rose Clements at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville. Left to right, great grandaughter, Olivia Blond, granddaughter, Amy Acerra, and daughter, Sharon Clements, all of Mechanicville.

Wreaths lay adjacent to garden niches gravesites in front of the columbarium walls at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

Wreaths are placed at every grave by family and volunteers during the 13th annual Wreaths Across America event at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville December 15, 2018.

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Wreaths Across America 2023

Members of the public place holiday wreaths at the base at gravesites at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, part of the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

Dana Flanagan, left,, of Stillwater and Kristine Kinderman, of Hamburg, take a photo, after laying a wreath at the base of their parents gravesite, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, part of the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville. Family members were the first to place wreaths during the annual ceremony Saturday.

Ted Peltier of Queensbury visits the gravesite of his parents, Theodore and Kathleen Peltier at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, prior to the the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

Bill Schaaf, captain Patriot Guard Riders of New York gives direction prior to the laying of wreaths to the gathered crowds at Section 7 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, part of the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

A view of gravesites in Section 7 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, prior to the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

A view of gravesites in Section 7 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

Wreaths lay at the base of the columbarium walls at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

Wreaths lay adjacent to garden niches gravesites in front of the columbarium walls at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville.

Three generations from the Clements family gather at the gravesite of Peter and Rose Clements at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville. Left to right, great grandaughter, Olivia Blond, granddaughter, Amy Acerra, and daughter, Sharon Clements, all of Mechanicville.

Three generations from the Clements family gather at the gravesite of Peter and Rose Clements at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, following the the annual Wreaths Across America event held locally in Schuylerville. Left to right, great grandaughter, Olivia Blond, granddaughter, Amy Acerra, and daughter, Sharon Clements, all of Mechanicville.

What began from a boyhood memory over three decades ago has become a holiday event to honor service men and women nationwide.

The tradition began 31 years ago on a much smaller scale with a patriotic man from Maine who has a wreath business.

In 1992, Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, had an abundance of holiday wreaths. As a young boy, he remembered visiting Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., seeing the many graves of servicemen and women honored at Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

With the help of then-Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe, the abundance of wreaths was shipped to Washington, and each arrangement was placed upon a grave within one of Arlingtons older, less visited sections. For more than a decade, the practice went on privately but honorably.

In 2005, however, a photo of the wreaths in place and covered in snow went viral.

Requests came in by the thousands, looking to purchase more wreaths for Arlington so more could be honored; requests to perform the same honor also came in from other national cemeteries.

Unable to fulfill each request, Worcester began shipping seven wreaths to every state, a wreath for each military branch, and one for POW/MIAs to be placed at the states site.

With 45 volunteer groups adding up to 2,000 volunteers, wreaths will be in place at Saratoga National Cemetery in less than 60 minutes on Saturday.

The organizing committees get together in the middle of September, and we're fortunate that we have organizations in place that have experience doing this, said Bill Schaaf, captain of Patriot Guard Riders New York. We have drawn up a standard operating procedure that flows from there.

Schaaf served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971  reaching the rank of sergeant. His involvement with Saturdays event began in 2009.

The simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies sparked by Worcester were first held In 2006, with the help of the Civic Air Patrol and other civic organizations, at more than 150 locations across the country.

Through a nonprofit created by Worcester, sponsorships and nonprofit organizations were offered the opportunity to earn $5 for each sponsored wreath.

This year, more than 19,000 wreaths were sponsored for Saturdays event.

What will most likely happen is that well use what we need and treat the overage as a carryover for next year, Schaaf said of the plans in Saratoga. Were fortunate to be the largest sponsorship of Wreaths Across America in New York state  6,000 of the 16,100 wreaths. Were proud of the response the community has to our sponsorship.

Wreath laying will begin locally at 11 a.m., and a ceremony will be held at noon at Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville.
Suspect charged with starting tire fire on railroad tracks in Farnham

A suspect has been arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with setting a tire fire that stopped train traffic on railroad tracks in the Village of Farnham last June, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross reported.

Michael B. Benitez, 33, made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder Jr. on a charge of arson of property used in interstate commerce and was released on conditions. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.

According to the complaint, Benitez is accused of setting fire to several tires on railroad tracks just west of the Railroad Avenue crossing in Farnham early in the morning of June 14. Trains were held up while the blaze was being extinguished.

Ross noted that investigators from the Norfolk Southern Police Department discovered a path in freshly trampled grass from tracks to a house where Benitez was living. Investigators also received video apparently showing someone leaving and returning to the residence around the time of the fire.

- Dale Anderson
"That's how much this is not being taken advantage of," said Dean Hale, a training specialist with the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, whose job includes processing the tax-credit applications.

But out of the $6 million available to qualified for-profit employers since the credit was created in 2019, the state has given away just $6,000.

WEIGHING IN - In the three years that New York has offered its first-in-the-nation, recovery-friendly workplace tax credit , the state could have given away a total of $6 million.

Its an application process Hale said can be completed in under 10 minutes.

The goal of the tax credit, with $2 million available statewide per year, is to help reduce stigma around addiction, offering financial incentive for employers to hire workers who are in recovery from substance use disorders. The up to $2,000 per year for each qualified new hire in recovery is meant to make the idea of a recovery-ready or recovery-friendly workplace more ubiquitous across New York.

That was also the goal of the inaugural Recovery Ready Workplace New York Symposium, put on by the New York State Coalition to Prevent Addiction and Support Recovery in Employment earlier this month in Albany.

That symposium was where Hale made his remarks about the tax credits, which I later verified with OASAS.

And while the name of the coalition composed of mental health specialists, researchers, policymakers and others is a mouthful, its mission is fairly uncomplicated. The coalition, which formed in February of 2022, wants to foster a workplace culture in New York that supports, rather than shuns, people who are in recovery from substance use disorder.

It would be a significant cultural shift, but its one that is already proving to make inroads on substance use disorders afflicting our nation.

Recovery-friendly workplaces are not only meant to benefit those in recovery, they are meant to benefit employers, too, by helping workplaces retain workers. Between 2009 and 2015, nearly 226,000 New Yorkers were unable to work due to opioids, translating to $179.4 billion in lost economic output, according to the American Action Forum, a center-right think tank.

But unless more employers embrace the concept, the recovery-friendly workplace idea wont take off in New York, even as more than half of all states have undertaken similar initiatives.

Maybe its simply that $2,000 isnt enough incentive to some employers  it probably isnt. Regardless, the fact that the state has only given away a thousandth of its allotted free money in the form of tax credits is a clear indicator of just how much more advocacy is needed.

Hopefully, the inaugural state Recovery Ready Workplace conference that included representatives from both the New York State Department of Health and the National Institutes of Health can help the concept of recovery-ready workplaces gain momentum.

Simply put, the coalition needs more Mike Carpenters.

Carpenter is president of The Northeast Group, a distribution company that he describes as a microsize version of Amazon based in Plattsburgh that employs between 60 and 120 people, depending on the season.

Carpenter has been running what amounts to a recovery-ready workplace since the mid-1990s  long before the concept even existed. And hes one of the few business owners to have taken advantage of the recovery-ready tax credit.

His employment philosophy came out of his own addiction, which included multiple arrests on drug charges and DWIs when he was in his 20s and early 30s.

After completing treatment at the Conifer Park rehabilitation center in Glenville in 1989, Carpenter said, he was finally able to stay sober.

As he was looking for work, I realized how difficult it was even to prepare a resume because I had huge gaps in time when I didnt work, Carpenter told me by phone following the symposium. So youre trying to change your life and live this honest lifestyle, but youre walking into employers and kind of lying to them about your history so that they will hire you.

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So when he took over the family company, he and his team decided theyd hire people like them  people in recovery.

We were struggling to find workers. We didnt think of it in terms of giving them opportunity. We were just like if they are good workers like us, were probably going to have a good business.

Decades later, Carpenter runs a profitable company where the majority of people he employs are in recovery.

Were embracing recovery. Were not shying away from it, were not telling people you did something wrong and you should keep it to yourself, he said.

Few seem to doubt that substance use disorder is a major issue, with the opioid epidemic continuing to explode. Between 1999 and 2021, nearly 645,000 people died of opioid overdose, according to Centers for Disease Control data. Startlingly, the number of people who died from drug overdose overall in 2021 was six times greater than 1999s figure.

In New York, there were 4,233 overdose deaths in 2020  four times the 1,074 such deaths in 2010, state numbers show. And in one particularly bad rash of deaths in Schenectady, eight people died of suspected overdoses in a span of eight days in July.

Yet, even as people accept that addiction  and specifically opioid addiction  is an urgent health crisis, far fewer seem willing to accept that workplaces can provide critical support.

Work is central to peoples lives. Its where many of us spend the majority of our waking hours, its how we support ourselves financially and it often offers a source of purpose. For all of those reasons, having a job can help someone in recovery stay out of active addiction.

Why do we need recovery-ready workplaces? Because people need that support to maintain recovery from addiction, Theresa Knorr, the director of Recovery Education and Training at Friends of Recovery New York, said during the symposium.

Yet our society tends to view addiction as a problem that can be bandaged up and then forgotten, rather than as a lifelong illness that must be managed like any other chronic disease.

We seem to want to bury the fact that 1 in 12 workers has a substance-use disorder, according to the National Safety Council, with professions such as construction and service work having an even higher incidence.

We want to pretend that workplaces really can be drug free, rather than acknowledging that more than 10 million people with addiction have full-time jobs, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Rather than sweeping addiction under the company carpet, recovery-friendly workplaces approach addiction more openly. Instead of avoiding hiring employees who are in recovery from addiction, a recovery-ready workplace may go out of its way to hire people in recovery. That workplace would also commit to supporting people in recovery.

For Carpenters Northeast Group, being recovery ready means connecting people in recovery with doctors and transportation and regularly accommodating employees appointments with counselors or medication-assisted treatment providers.

Were working around the people who are in recovery, around their schedules and giving them time off, but were not giving them less responsibility, Carpenter said.

The company does this by being outcomes-focused. Say every employee is responsible for processing 100 pieces. Some may accomplish this in an eight-hour shift, others may have to break up the day.

The flexible and welcoming culture helps Carpenter attract and keep employees, and it helps the employees who are in recovery stay out of active addiction, which, in turn, makes them better employees, Carpenter said.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, workers in active addiction take nearly twice as many days of unscheduled leave compared to other workers and have an average annual turnover rate thats 44% higher. Workers in recovery, by contrast, average nearly 10% fewer days of unscheduled leave per year than the average worker, and their turnover rate is 12% below the overall average.

The New York Prevent Addiction and Support Recovery in Employment coalition has drafted legislation, which is expected to be introduced next year, that aims to provide a structure and resources to support recovery-ready workplaces. Part of the goal is standardizing what it means to be a recovery-friendly workplace in New York.

In all of this, the coalition is advocating for more support, including from labor groups and private employers.

Encouragingly, labor groups seem receptive.

The union movement has long led the fight to assist workers struggling with addiction both through direct services, as well as our contracts and statute. Recovery-ready workplace legislation has the potential to be an important step in that tradition, Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, responded to me in a written statement. We look forward to reviewing the legislation when it is introduced and discussing it with our affiliated unions.

But in addition to labor, the coalition will need the support of private companies, and it was telling that only a handful of attendees at this months symposium were employers.

Carpenter doesnt think every workplace needs to be a recovery-ready workplace. But Carpenter does think more businesses should embrace the concept, especially as unemployment rates drop and companies struggle to hire.

Its a pool of people that you might not otherwise think of, Carpenter said.

Carpenter finds that, with support, people in recovery often make even better employees than people not in recovery because they are motivated and grateful.

So in the end, even if being a recovery-friendly workplace is driven primarily by a desire to show compassion and help, Carpenter doesnt do it entirely out of the goodness of his heart.

Maybe it sounds like Im noble, but its self-serving on some level, he told me. Because the more [employees] are healthy when they are not at work, the better employee they are going to be when they are at work.

Thats more or less Carpenters pitch when he tries to sell other New York business owners on recovery-friendly practices.

Plus, he makes a point of mentioning the tax credits.
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It was Napoleon who supposedly counselled that one should never interrupt your opponent while they're making mistakes.

As the faction-ridden Tories lurch from crisis to crisis, Sir Keir Starmer seems to have adopted that maxim as a political strategy.

He clearly hopes Labour can ride into Downing Street on a wave of anger at the Conservatives without having to set out a single policy worth the name.

But that position will be impossible to maintain. Before casting their votes, the public will want to know what he'd actually do if he got his hands on the levers of power.

On the economy, health and much else, there is a gaping void. Yesterday, however, the mask slipped and we got a chilling glimpse of life under a Labour government.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer reacting during Prime Ministers' Questions on December 13

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer (right) walks with shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband, as they attend Cop28 in Dubai

It emerged the party may revert to type by imposing eye-watering new taxes for a 28billion-a-year splurge on 'green' projects.

A further windfall tax on the oil and gas giants may be popular.

But treating these companies as pariahs would be economically illiterate, costing investment and jobs in Britain, reducing tax receipts, and meaning they had billions less to sink into a market-led development of renewables.

Even more terrifying are reports that Labour's leader is an adherent to Milibandism  the worldview of hapless Ed Miliband.

This election loser is an unashamed believer in high taxes, trade union power, class warfare, open borders, the EU, eco-fundamentalism and wokery.

Hard as Sir Keir tries to reassure voters that his party is in moderate hands, the truth is he shares this political DNA.

Sadly, unless the Tories up their game, Labour will win the election at a canter  and leave us with the ugly face of militant Leftism.

End the Channel evil

After a week dominated by the unedifying posturing and squabbles of British politicians over the Rwanda scheme, we got a harrowing reminder of why it is so urgently required.

The latest tragedy in the Channel, when at least one migrant perished after a flimsy dinghy capsized, underscored the pressing need to end this dreadful traffic.

Despite Britain handing them 500million, the French authorities are unable  or unwilling  to do anything to stop criminal gangs launching small boats from their shores.

That's why the Prime Minister's plan to deter illegal migrants by sending them to Rwanda is the best chance to end this evil trade.

When the legislation returns to Parliament, warring Tory MPs must overcome their differences and unite behind the scheme. It may flop. But if we don't try, we'll never know.

Migrants rescued by the French coast guard following a tragedy near Calais this morning

As ever, Sir Keir Starmer has nothing to offer. Absurdly, he would scrap the deportation flights  even if they worked.

By wringing their hands on this issue and opposing the Government's strategy as illiberal, the Left is helping perpetuate this vile criminal enterprise  and its callous disregard for human life.

Time to deliver justice

The persecution of thousands of innocent postmasters wrongly accused of theft and false accounting by the Post Office is one of the worst miscarriages of justice in modern times.

Over 15 years, these decent people were financially ruined. Marriages and livelihoods destroyed, reputations shredded. Some went to jail. At least four were driven to suicide.

Yet there had been no dishonesty. The financial discrepancies were down to disastrous faults in the Post Office's Horizon computer system, which executives knew about but cynically covered up.

Of more than 900 postmasters receiving convictions, only 93 have so far had them quashed.

Now the independent board overseeing compensation has called for them all to be officially cleared. Until then, it says, 'we cannot put this scandal behind us'. Ministers should act.

Nothing can ever make up for all the postmasters have suffered. But at least this is a chance to restore their good name.
Don't miss our brilliant new podcast, The Crown: Fact or Fiction with Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone. Listen now on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts

It was the moment that Kate Middleton thought it was all over - and that five years of close relationship with Prince William had come to nothing.

Catherine was 25 and working as a fashion buyer for Jigsaw when, according to author Tina Brown, her world blew up.

And it happened one spring day - in a car park.

The pair had first met in 2001 at the University of St Andrews, but by 2007, with William pursuing his career in the military, they were spending more time apart.

In the Spring of 2007, Kate and William decided to break up after needing some time apart. Pictured: The couple at the Cheltenham Festival Race Meeting in March 2007

Kate pictured leaving her London home before heading off to work as a fashion buyer for Jigsaw

The Jigsaw headquarters car park where Kate received the heartbreaking call from Prince William in 2007

'In an awful 'let's get it over with' phone call in April to Kate while she was at the Jigsaw office, he dropped the break-up bomb,' writes Brown in her best-selling Palace Papers.

'She had to excuse herself from a meeting and pace around the parking lot for an hour-long heart-to-heart that left her in pieces.'

Jigsaw gave her compassionate leave and Kate fled back home to Bucklebury.

Fortunately, her mother, Carole, was on hand to help.

She whisked Kate off to a friend's art show in Dublin.

Then, on their return, there was a job waiting for her compiling and editing catalogues for Party Pieces.

Her younger sister Pippa, a recent graduate from Edinburgh University, was enlisted to get Kate out on the town.

The sisters would be 'exuding the vibes of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun",' according to Brown.

Kate, then 25, was determined to show everyone  and one person in particular  that she was living life to the fullest, wearing thigh-high dresses and skirts to press her point home.

Pippa and Kate Middleton attend the book launch party of 'The Young Stalin: The Adventurous Early Life Of The Dictator' at London in May 2007

The future queen taking part in a training session with the Sisterhood cross Channel rowing team on the River Thames in August 2007

Pippa and Kate Middleton partying the night away at Mahiki Club in London in February 2007

Kate was also invited by a close friend to join an all-women rowing team called The Sisterhood.

The 21 girls challenged all-boy's team The Brotherhood to race across the Channel in a dragon boat for charity.

Standing at the helm, Kate cut a striking figure as the group trained three times a week on the Thames. (Although she would eventually pull out).

If the aim was to create a little jealousy in William, it appears to have worked.

By June, it started to down on William that his ex was as much of a catch as he was, suggests Brown.

'Beautiful, self-assured and embossed now with a royal sheen, Kate could have become the wife of a duke or a billionaire in a Highgrove minute.'

Thankfully, their break-up was short-lived and the couple reconciled a few months later in June.

Reports surfaced at the time that William had reconnected with Kate at Sam Waley-Cohen's 25th birthday party at his familys Oxford mansion, during which they reportedly shared a passionate kiss.

Prince William pictured leaving Mahiki Club in London with his royal detective in April 2007, shortly after his split from Kate

Prince William and his girlfriend Kate at the Central Flying School at RAF Cranwell for his RAF wings graduation ceremony in April 2008

Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton during The Concert For Diana held at Wembley Stadium, London, in July 2007

Kate was also spotted at the memorial concert for his mother, Princess Diana, at Wembley Stadium the following week.

Speaking during the couple's engagement interview in 2010, Kate reflected on their time apart. 'At the time I wasn't very happy about it, but it made me a stronger person,' she said.

'You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn't realized, I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you are younger and I really valued that time for me, although I didn't think it at the time.'

William also added that it was 'just a bit of space' as the pair were growing up.
A woman who took on several fake identities scammed people out of money

Being sued by your Airbnb guests because they couldn't stand to be around a disabled person sounds too cruel to be real.

However, this is exactly what one woman, Carrie Jade Williams, an Englishwoman based in Ireland, claimed had happened to her last year.

In a video that exploded on social media, Carrie, who said she had been diagnosed with the terminal illness Huntington's Disease, said her Airbnb guests had demanded a refund and were attempting to sue her for 450,000 euros.

Why? She said they'd told her that 'being around her as a disabled person' had caused them 'trauma'.

The story sparked outrage, with the hashtag #thisworldcanbeaccessible trending in minutes. People were desperate to help Carrie and find the heartless guests, and one of those people was VICE journalist Kat Denkinson.

However, what Kat found was a much darker truth - the story wasn't real... and shockingly, neither was Carrie.

Carrie Jade Williams, originally from England but living in Ireland, professed to be a disability activist and went viral last year on social media after she claimed she was being sued by her Airbnb guests for being disabled

However, while there was an outpouring of sympathy for Carrie's story; some people on social media became suspicious and a VICE journalist set to work finding out who she really was

In an investigation that first took her to Kenmare in Ireland, Kat discovered that Carrie Jade Williams was in fact a woman called Samantha Cookes, who had a history of compulsive lying alongside a tragic backstory of child loss.

Cookes disappeared from her home in Kenmare last year and hasn't been heard of since.

However, 'Carrie Jade' wasn't Samantha's only alias. As Kat set about uncovering more of her several fake identities, she also found years of cruel scams.

The journalist found that Samantha had adopted a pattern of infiltrating small communities and embedding herself in the lives of vulnerable families by posing as someone qualified to look after children - only to then attempt to scam them out of money. In some cases, Samantha even received suspended prison sentences for fraud.

Each time Samantha's lies began to unravel and people grew suspicious of her, she would pack up, disappear and resurface elsewhere under a new name.

Before she was disability activist Carrie Jade, Samantha was Rebecca Fitzgerald, the autism therapist. And before that she was domestic violence refuge owner Lucy Fitzwilliam, au pair Lucy Hart and a surrogate mother called Claudia.

The baffling story was first revealed by VICE in December 2022 and has since been turned into a podcast called Carrie Jade Does Not Exist - hosted by Kat and comedian Sue Perkins.

But what did Samantha do while under these false names? And who is she really?

The terminal illness sufferer: Carrie Jade Williams

Carrie first made headlines when she won the Bodley Head Financial Times literary award in 2020 - a prestigious essay competition with a 1,000 prize. She went on to host writing workshops online

Carrie Jade Williams is an English woman in her 30s who claimed to have Huntington's disease, a rare and terminal neurological condition.

She arrived in Cahersiveen, County Kerry, in 2019 rather out of the blue and soon befriended a woman whose daughter had died.

She first made headlines when she won the Bodley Head Financial Times literary award in 2020 - a prestigious essay competition with a 1,000 prize.

In a video that exploded on social media, Carrie, who claimed to suffer from Huntington's disease, said her Airbnb guests demanded a refund and attempted to sue her for 450,000 euros for the 'trauma' caused by 'being around her as a disabled person'

Her compelling and emotional essay called: 'My brain is in a battle it will lose' told the story of her diagnosis with Huntington's and how she could no longer write or hold a pen. The essay was said to have been written using assistive technology.

After winning the prize and having the essay published in a national newspaper, Carrie garnered a huge platform and everyone wanted to interview the terminally ill chemical engineer-turned star writer.

She began hosting virtual writing workshops during the pandemic and told those who had joined that she would help them get bursaries of up to 10,000 to kick-start their literary careers. Carrie claimed the money was coming from a literary app she was set to launch.

But as time went on, the app never launched and the group attendees never saw any money. Growing suspicious of Carrie, people began to question her and after months of stringing them along, Carrie said she was going to the US for life-saving surgery and soon ghosted the group completely.

Yet she continued to build on her platform following the win, and made YouTube videos detailing her horror diagnosis. Her story captured the public's heart.

But in 2022, high on her success as an online disability activist, Carrie told a lie that would eventually unravel her lies. She posted a TikTok calling out Airbnb for allegedly siding with guests who had complained about having to use her accessible doorbell.

'I know able-ism exists, and I've experienced it,' she said in a teary video.

Carrie claimed the guests, who had stayed at her home, were so 'traumatised by being around her as a disabled person' they had complained to Airbnb - and that Airbnb had instructed her to refund them as a result.

The video went viral as people were horrified by the overt display of able-ism and Carrie soon posted a follow-up video - where she claimed the guests were now suing her for 450,000 euros for the trauma caused. They also allegedly slapped her with a list of 13 bizarre demands to cope with the trauma, including an emotional support animal and 25 adult colouring books a year for the remainder of their lives.

However on October 5, 2022, someone on Reddit posted links to articles about a convicted fraudster - who they claimed was Carrie.

Carrie issued a statement saying this was in fact her sister who had struggled with mental health problems and that it was defamatory for anyone to link the pair.

This led journalist Kat to investigate the story and over the course of two months, she uncovered the truth. Carrie Jade did not exist.

The autism expert: Rebecca Fitzgerald

The woman's real name was Samantha Cookes, but she lived under several fake identities and names, including Rebecca Fitzgerald, Lucy Fitzwilliam, Lucy Hart and Carrie Jade Williams

In 2017, 29-year-old au pair and 'autism therapist' Rebecca Fitzgerald moved to Fermoy, a town near Cork, Ireland.

She lived and worked with a local family and formed relationships with parents in the community, advertising herself as a qualified autism therapist who could 'teach non-speaking autistic kids to talk in just two months'.

Parents in the local area described her as kind, empathetic and the 'perfect person' and she was soon invited into their homes to help their children. Rebecca began working at Fermoy's kids community centre and school.

It is not possible to reverse non-speaking autism in two months, Rebecca had no qualifications and she was not a child therapist.

Julie Lee, a mother in her 50s originally from Johannesburg and a taxi driver who often drove Rebecca from house to house, clocked that she was a fraud.

Rebecca would have no money when arriving at the houses of these families, Julie said, and yet when she picked her up she would have hundreds of pounds. 'That's how I knew what she was doing.'

During the drives, Rebecca told Julie she was opening a clinic for children and families and tried to recruit Julie to work there, before asking for a copy of her passport and money. Having recruited other people in the area, one woman even quit her job as an au pair to work for Rebecca.

'That's when I realised it was a scam,' Julie said. 'An unqualified person doing that, then looking for passport copies, then money.'

People at the school started to ask questions about the qualifications of their child's new therapist. The school headteacher contacted the Garda [police] but they never followed up.

Julie also reported Rebecca, and the Garda told her they had a thick folder on Rebecca, and had been keeping track of her.

Officers were sent to Rebecca's home and shortly after, she disappeared.

The speech therapist: Lucy Fitzwilliam

A year earlier, in 2016, bright and bushy tailed Lucy Fitzwilliam, 28, moved to County Geery, Ireland.

She introduced herself to the locals as a speech and language therapist who also ran a domestic violence refuge and quickly became a beloved member of the community.

Lucy met Lynn, not her real name for anonymity, a single parent and domestic abuse survivor whose youngest daughter has Rett syndrome, a genetic neurological disorder that affects the way the brain develops. Lucy offered to be her carer.

Lynn declined the offer but Lucy was persistent and instead said she could do art therapy with Lynn's oldest daughter Sofia, eight, who had witnessed her father's abuse.

The family became close with Lucy, and after months of 'therapy' she offered them a trip to Lapland. This was apparently being organised by the church who were covering half the cost.

Lucy said she needed a 500 deposit to secure the trip - which would be raising money for the domestic abuse refuge she claimed to run. The community rallied and Lynn's mother made up 400-500 euros worth of food packages for the refuge.

As the Lapland trip drew nearer, Lynn said she had been trying to find a specialist nurse to care for her youngest daughter. It was at this point Lucy said she would take Sofia to Lapland alone and Lynn and her youngest could join them later once care was organised.

All Lucy needed was Sofia's passport and birth certificate, Lynn said.

'She had zoned in on my Sofia and I still to this day believe she looked for a signature from me so she could bring Sofia herself to Lapland.'

Suspicions in the community escalated when one of Lynn's friends, a woman called Pauline whose son is autistic, said Lucy had also tried to convince her to hand over her son's passport.

Lucy was reported to the Garda for trying to scam families in the community out of money and passports, but she was let go without charge. She packed up and left County Geery that same night.

The au pair: Lucy Hart

Two years before there was Lucy Fitzwilliam, there was a 26-year-old woman called Lucy Hart.

Bonnie, not her real name for anonymity, a woman in her 40s from Tullamore, had been looking an au pair to help look after her children.

She came across Lucy on an au pair website in 2014. Lucy said she was experienced in childcare and following a quick video call, Bonnie hired her.

'She was so convincing, and really lovely in the interview we had,' said Bonnie.

In a video for the ALS ice bucket challenge, Lucy nominated her mother 'Jane' to take part and her employer Bonnie's children poured the water over her head

Bonnie and her children 'loved' Lucy and she quickly became part of the family - regaling them with her interesting stories about her previous au pair jobs and her own family. Lucy said she was adopted and that her mother Jane Hart lived in the United States. She said her mother was the 'main supplier for sandpaper for B&Q'.

In a video for the ALS ice bucket challenge, Lucy nominated her mother 'Jane' and Bonnie's children poured the water over her head.

Lucy soon opened up to Bonnie about her love life, saying she was dating a man in the UK who had two children from a previous relationship.

Bonnie also received an insight into Lucy's tragic past, as she told her that her previous fiance Liam had had motor neuron disease and killed himself by hanging.

Lucy said she had found him.

The pair's friendship grew but things changed during Christmas in 2014 - when Lucy accused Bonnie's children of stealing her money and engagement ring. Bonnie did not believe her children would do such a thing and the relationship began to break down.

Bonnie went back over many of Lucy's elaborate stories and found they did not add up, so one day challenged her au pair as she launched into yet another tale. Kind and smiley Lucy was quickly replaced with an angry woman who accused Bonnie of attacking her and stormed out of the room.

Things remained tense until one day in January when Lucy said she was going on a writing retreat and disappeared.

After a few weeks, Bonnie accepted Lucy was not coming back and went into the room she had been staying in. In the wardrobe she found piles of documents and one truly chilling letter that made her 'blood run cold'.

Among shopping lists and legal documents was a statement about visitation rights for Lucy's child - a child whose name matched the one she claimed was her boyfriend's from another relationship.

More chilling still, Bonnie came across a statement.

The statement read: 'I stand shoulder to shoulder with the coroner and I did not murder my daughter. I pray she is at peace.'

Her real identity: Samantha Cookes

Behind all of the aliases is a real woman - Samantha Cookes.

Born in 1988, Samantha grew up in Gloucestershire, before moving to Shropshire with her mother and her new husband after her parents divorced.

Samantha had a reputation for being a liar, her friend from school said. Her lies included her mother having cancer and her being pregnant and miscarrying.

Aged 18, Samantha was dating a boy called Liam. She went as far as to set up a website to plan their 'wedding'. There was no wedding.

The pair split up some time later and aged 20, Samantha started a degree in Occupational Therapy at York University.

However, Samantha later discovered she was pregnant and left university in her first year, returning home to Shropshire. She gave birth to a daughter called Martha in 2008.

Tragically, just four months later, Martha died.

A five-month inquest found Martha had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - a result which appeared to vindicate Samantha, who seemed to have taken the inquest as an accusation.

It was at this point Samantha made the statement later found by Bonnie in Tullamore six years later.

'I stand shoulder to shoulder with the coroner, and I did not murder my daughter,' it read. 'I pray she is at peace.'

Born in 1988, Samantha Cookes grew up in Gloucestershire, before moving to Shropshire with her mother and her new husband after her parents divorced

Samantha did not return to university as she chose not to fill out criminal records check forms.

Two years later in 2010, Samantha started a relationship with a man, whose identity is not being revealed to protect him and his family. The pair had a child.

The same year, 23-year-old Samantha offered her services as a surrogate on Facebook.

After making contact with a couple about being their surrogate, Samantha passed on the contact of a woman called Claudia, who had previously used her as a surrogate. Claudia gave the excited couple a glowing review of Samantha.

Having never met her face to face, the couple gave Samantha 1,200 out of their savings to cover the cost of the insemination kit, legal fees and other expenses.

Sadly the baby never came, and as both Samantha and Claudia avoided the couple's messages, they realised they had been duped. The police were contacted and a 23-year-old woman was arrested at her home in Shropshire.

The case came to trial in 2011 and Samantha pleaded guilty to fraud. She received a suspended sentence of 9 months' imprisonment and a fine of 1890 to be paid to the couple.

But what the trial also revealed was that Samantha and Claudia were the same person. Claudia did not exist.

A year later, Samantha gave birth to a second child with the man she had been dating but due to mental health problems, the father was given sole custody. In 2013 she became pregnant with her third child with the same man.

Determined not to lose custody of this unborn child, Samantha fled to Ireland in the winter of 2013. She gave birth in January 2014.

However, a neighbour reported her to Irish social services and the child was taken into care. After appearing at Irish family court, the father was again given custody and the baby was transported back to the UK.

Samantha had permanently lost custody of her third child by August 2014.

A month later she had changed her name to Lucy Hart and was working for Bonnie as an au pair. In January 2015, she left Bonnie's home.

In 2016, Samantha moved to County Geery and became Lucy Fitzwilliam and in 2017, Rebecca Fitzgerald arrived in Fermoy.

When Samantha arrived in Cahersiveen, County Kerry, in 2019, she became someone else - Carrie Jade Williams.
The Orchard Park planning office at first thought the email about Nepalese officials wanting to attend a Planning Board meeting was a prank.

Then someone from the International Institute of Buffalo left a voicemail message.

Planning Board Chairman Harold Fabinsky checked the number and returned the call.

I said Oh my goodness, this is real,  he said. It was just so out of the ordinary.

It turns out its not.

The visit was part of a program run by the International Institute of Buffalo that brings people from around the world to Western New York. The goal is threefold: to see how politics and government work in the United States; to promote inclusivity and representation; and to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.

The visit from the Nepalese group is one of their three stops in the United States, and one of 21 similar visits to Buffalo this year. In 2023, nearly 149 visitors from 46 countries  Algeria, Germany, Gabon and Tajikistan, among them  have visited Buffalo as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program.

The program, initially managed by Buffalo Niagara World Connect, was taken over by the International Institute in 2005 when the two entities merged.

Cities that are interested in the project send in proposals listing resources in the area to the American Councils for International Education in Washington, D.C. This year, the Nepalese officials traveled from Washington, D.C., to Pensacola, Fla. Buffalo was their third and final stop.

Their agenda included visiting State Sen. Tim Kennedy, Common Council Member David Rivera and Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick, and attending the Orchard Park Planning Board meeting, where they learned about how state and local governance function in Buffalo.

At the Friday meeting with Rivera, Sanjay Kumar Yadav said the 10-day trip has helped further their understanding of the federal structure in America, the coordination among the federal, state and local governments to rule people better.

The most important thing we learned here is how to generate policy, implement policy and how the Council members gather concerns of the local people as their main priority and they discuss them, Yadav added. We have to learn and practice that in our country. And this small thing makes maximum difference, he added. Thats the practice we will implement in our country.

Both Yadav and Sarswoti Gurung said they were impressed with the freedom of speech and expression in the United States. Nepal is a relatively nascent federal republic since 2008; Nepalese monarchs quashed proposals for parliamentary democracy in 1960 and 2005. The Nepalese Civil War led to the establishment of the federal republic in 2008. A new constitution was promulgated in 2015. However, it has only been in effect since 2017, said Aman Kumar Maskey.

The Nepalese officials said they are actively trying to derive lessons from American governance.

The three pillars of a good society are health, education and court system. We saw that here in America, said Lalita Sunar.

Jennifer Schuster, associate deputy comptroller for Erie County, said her office tailors a presentation based on what the visitors are looking for.

We have had groups who are interested in discussing corruption. But other times, theyre looking for things like entrepreneurship advice, or small business, how government can help small business, etc., she said.

These exchange programs have plenty of benefits, said Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, executive director of International Institute of Buffalo, including economic ones. She estimated that the visits pump $8 million into the local economy.

The other benefits come from helping representatives from countries that have strategic ties with the United States to understand how the government functions on various levels, she said.
King Charles has been wearing his cherished tweed coat for over 35 years

When it comes to his outerwear attire, King Charles has long channelled two of the titles he has earned during almost 60 years of public service: best-dressed man and climate campaigner.

While the King, who topped men's magazine Esquire's best-dressed list in 2009 - beating the likes of Roger Federer and Barack Obama to the number one spot - cuts a dashing figure in his bespoke tweed overcoat, its longevity points to something more profound than Charles's style credentials.

For the King has owned the coat in question - a tweed, double-breasted number with deep pockets and a turn-back cuff - not for a few years but for a few decades, betraying a rejection of fast fashion and its negative impact on the planet.

Charles has long been a keen advocate of make do and mend, although that's perhaps a little easier to do if your clothes are made on Savile Row.

One of the first times the then-Prince of Wales wore his tweed coat was for a photocall at Sandringham on 3 January 1988 with Princess Diana and a three-year-old Prince Harry. Harry and Diana are also dressed for the winter weather with the young prince wearing a powder blue peacoat by Catherine Walker and his mother dressed in a cashmere and wool coat with synthetic beaver fur by Arabella Pollen

Cut by the Mayfair-based tailor Anderson & Sheppard and clearly made to last, Charles's coat was a mainstay of his wardrobe when he was married to Princess Diana.

And, photographed in it on 26 November of this year while attending the Sunday service at St. Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham, the King has been wearing his tweed coat on a regular basis for over 35 years.

While it's unclear what the then Prince Charles would have paid for the coat originally, if the King wanted to replace it now, a spokesperson told MailOnline a similar coat would cost 6,894.

On 20 March 1988, Charles arrived at Zurich airport looking dapper in the Anderson & Sheppard number paired with polished brogues

Staple: Accompanied by Prince William and Prince Harry, Charles wore his tweed coat to the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church on 25 December 1998

One of the first times Charles was seen in the tweed coat was on 3 January 1988 at a photocall at Sandringham with Princess Diana and a three-year-old Prince Harry.

The young Prince Harry is dressed in a powder blue peacoat by Catherine Walker while his mother is wearing a cashmere and wool coat with synthetic beaver fur by designer Arabella Pollen.

Charles was again seen in his tweed coat on Christmas Day in 1998 when he was accompanied by both Prince William and Prince Harry at the annual service at Sandringham Church.

Charles continued to wear the coat to public engagements throughout the 2000s and beyond, once pairing it with a hi-vis vest while viewing renovation work at Llwynywormwood in Wales, a property bought by the Duchy of Cornwall for Charles and Camilla, in February 2008.

Later, in 2015, Charles was pictured in it again, while visiting the victims of flooding caused by Storm Desmond in Carlisle.

But, while it's undoubtedly one of the King's most distinctive items of clothing, the tweed coat isn't the only item that Charles has managed to keep hold of for decades.

In 2018, Charles revealed that he was still walking around in a pair of shoes that he bought 47 years previously in 1971.

Although it is unclear which pair of shoes had stood the test of time, Charles has worn a pair of mahogany brogues consistently from 1971.

The then-Prince of Wales wore his tweed coat with a pair of mahogany brogues, which he has also been pictured in since 1971, whilst visiting victims of the flooding caused by Storm Desmond in Carlisle on 21 December 2015

And King Charles was photographed wearing his tweed coat earlier this year. On 26 November, he wore it while attending the Sunday service at St. Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham with Rev Canon Paul Williams

In February 2008, the then-Prince of Wales paired his coat with a hi-vis vest whilst overseeing renovations at at Llwynywormwood in Wales, a property bought by the Duchy of Cornwall for Charles and Camilla

He made the admission in a rare question and answer session with the Australian Financial Review Magazine, which was published online.

Charles said: 'I have always believed in trying to keep as many of my clothes and shoes going for as long as possible (some go back to 1971 and one jacket to 1969!) - through patches and repairs - and in this way I tend to be in fashion once every 25 years.

'It is extraordinary how fashions change and, speaking as someone who, on the whole, hates throwing away things without finding another use for them or mending them, I couldn't be more delighted if, at last, there is a growing awareness of the urgent need to get away from the 'throwaway society' and to move towards a more 'circular economy'.'

And, true to form, in May 2021 Charles appeared on the cover of Country Life magazine wearing a jacket that was not only faded but had undergone a number of repairs.

Writing for FEMAIL, Liz Jones noted: 'The collar, originally dark brown velvet or cord, is now fawn. And while the pockets still have their stud fastenings, they have clearly been patched up (and even the patches now have holes).'

Indeed, if most people who profess to be climate-conscious manage to recycle an item of clothing for a few years, Charles has shown himself to be much more committed to the cause.
A man who spent two weeks living in Slab City - an off-grid community with no laws, which is populated by homeless and jobless squatters, and former felons - has lifted a lid on what really goes on in the notorious society.

Ranger Rick, a filmmaker from Louisiana, has visited a slew of 'abandoned places' across the globe and documented each one for his YouTube channel, where he has racked up more than 137,000 subscribers.

Last month, he headed to a remote area in the Californian desert known as Slab City, which has earned a fierce reputation due to its allegedly dangerous tenants and lack of police force.

But Rick was surprised to find that the area was filled with 'individuals from all walks of life' who, despite most of them having a criminal past, had 'come together to form a tight-knit community that values independence, self-expression, and the pursuit of simple pleasures.'

A man who spent two weeks living in Slab City - an off-grid community with no laws, which is populated by squatters and felons - has lifted a lid on what goes on in the notorious society

Ranger Rick, from Louisiana, headed to Slab City - which has earned a fierce reputation due to its allegedly dangerous tenants and lack of police force

But Rick found that the area was filled with 'individuals from all walks of life' who, despite most having a criminal past, had 'come together to form a tight-knit community.' A resident is seen

He described the residents as 'unconventional souls' who bonded over wanting 'an alternative way of life' free from 'societal conventions.'

'Nestled away in the California desert, Slab City is a vibrant and eclectic community where unconventional souls find solace and freedom from societal conventions,' he began in his video.

'Here, individuals from all walks of life come together to form a tight-knit community that values independence, self-expression, and the pursuit of simple pleasures.'

Rick explained that amid the lack of rules and regulations, the residents have learned to 'take matters into their own hands' if someone misbehaves - by setting their trailers ablaze.

'Slab City is definitely not for the faint of heart,' he said. 'You have to earn your stripes around here to stay and live in peace.

'Police rarely come out this way so residents usually take matters into their own hands. If [you do something to anger the community], they'll burn your house down.'

During his time there, Rick talked to a slew of people who call Slab City their home. One resident, named Kevin, told him, 'There's no police driving around, there's nobody checking on us, but it's a lot safer than you'd think.

'One of the challenges out here is, if you make an enemy, they might come burn your camp down.

Located in an abandoned World War II Marine Corps base, about 200 miles from Los Angeles in the Californian desert, only about 150 people call Slab City their home year round

Rick explained that amid the lack of rules and regulations, the residents have learned to 'take matters into their own hands' if someone misbehaves - by setting their trailers ablaze

One resident, named Kevin, told him, 'If you make an enemy or if you're doing something you shouldn't be doing, people might come burn your camp down'

'If you're doing something you shouldn't be doing and people want to get rid of you, they burn your camp.'

Another Slab City tenant, who goes by Agent K, explained, 'We're all mentally wounded, we all have mental problems.

'That's why most people are here. Or some people are here because they can't afford an apartment. Or some are here because they cannot live out there.'

Another Slab City tenant, who goes by Agent K, explained, 'If you have nothing, if you cannot live in society, if you been beaten or abused, if you're a felon, this is the place [for you]'

Agent K said he had lived in Slab City for nine years and felt 'totally safe.'

'Like everywhere else, if you don't keep your things safe and somebody needs or wants something, they're going to take it. But that's everywhere,' he added.

'It's not a bad place. If you have nothing, if you been beaten or abused, if you're a felon, this is the place 'cause we are all felons here. If you cannot live in society, here, we don't give a s**t if you're a felon.'

Rick added that no one 'gives a damn' about your past, 'what you look like,' or your 'social status' - and that all that matters is you 'treat others with respect.'

'If you pull your own weight around here by helping people out, you become an elder, which means you gain seniority and respect,' he continued.

'In other words, word gets around very quickly at The Slabs so people stick up for you and watch out for you.'

Another person who lives in Slab City, named Charlie, revealed, 'If you're a man and want to come here and be a woman, ain't nobody going to give you no hard time about it.

Rick added that no one 'gives a damn' about your past, 'what you look like,' or your 'social status' - and that all that matters is you 'treat others with respect'

Another person who lives in Slab City, named Charlie, revealed, 'If you're a man and want to come here and be a woman, ain't nobody going to give you no hard time about it'

Another guy, called Dr. Spencer, said he moved to Slab City seven years ago after he became 'tired of the bureaucracy' and 'all the rules and regulations and permits'

He added: 'There's no rent, no mortgage, no property taxes, and no building restrictions. It's about the freest place and I've been'

'You can come here and wear women's clothes, we don't care. We don't care about color, you never hear the n-word here ever. Everybody's welcome to come here, we don't care.'

Located in an abandoned World War II Marine Corps base, about 200 miles from Los Angeles, only about 150 people call Slab City their home year round due to the blazing temperatures (during the summer months, it can get as hot as 120F), severe living conditions and lack of structure.

What does draw people in is the immensely low living cost, as well as the 'freedom' to do what you want.

'Slab City is known to be the last free place on Earth,' Rick said. 'You are free to do whatever you want [there].'

Another guy, called Dr. Spencer, said he moved to Slab City seven years ago after he retired from his job as an acupuncturist.

'I was tired of the bureaucracy out there - all the rules and regulations and permits,' he shared.

'I got overwhelmed by all of that and I said I want to live in a place where it's as free as you could possibly be.

'There's no rent, no mortgage, no property taxes, and no building restrictions. It's about the freest place and I've been.'

According to Rick, people who want to move in simply pick an area that appeals to them, set up their home, and 'define their border with whatever they can find.'

According to Rick, people who want to move in simply pick an area that appeals to them, set up their home, and 'define their border with whatever they can find'

But the lack of government involvement also means the area doesn't have many vital services. There's no running water, electricity, or sewages in the community

That means there's also no 'trash pickup' - so mounds of garbage have piled up around the area

'It really does remind you of something out of a post-apocalyptic world,' Rick reflected of Slab City. 'It's all about adapting, being self-sufficient, how good you are with your skills'

But the lack of government involvement also means the area doesn't have many vital services.

There's no running water, electricity, or sewages in the community and unfortunately, that means there's also no 'trash pickup' - so mounds of garbage have piled up around the area.

Rick explained that the people have 'adapted' by becoming completely 'self-sufficient.'

'It really does remind you of something out of a post-apocalyptic world where you literally have to start from scratch,' he reflected of Slab City.

'This lifestyle isn't for everyone. Most modern-day people would be lost out here because most people wouldn't even know what to do first.

'It's all about adapting, being self-sufficient, how good you are with your skills to start over and survive.'

He said most of the people of Slab City live in old and run-down trailers and use anything they can find as furniture - turning old tires into chairs and transforming a beer keg into a cooking pot.

Money is pretty much non-existent there and most people survive off 'donations.'

One guy in town, who refers to himself as Water Boy, runs a soup kitchen out of an RV, which is where the residents get most of their meals.

Water Boy told Rick that he received the ingredients from nearby food pantries, cooks dishes on a propane gas stove, and hands them out to others in town.

He said most of the people of Slab City live in old and run-down trailers and use anything they can find as furniture

One person turned old tires into chairs and another transformed a beer keg into a cooking pot

One guy in town, who refers to himself as Water Boy, runs a soup kitchen out of an RV, which is where the residents get most of their meals

Water Boy told Rick that he receives the ingredients from nearby food pantries, cooks dishes on a propane gas stove, and hands them out to others in town. His trailer is seen

'You can think of Water Boy as being the caretaker for everyone here at The Slabs, or I guess you can call him the town chef,' Rick explained.

'He does it out of the good of his own heart, because it makes him feel good to take care of everyone else.'

Water Boy revealed that he had an extremely rough childhood, and recalled living on the 'streets' from a young age.

He said he went through periods where he was starving, which is why he now makes sure that everyone in town gets fed.

'I've been hungry. I was a kid on the streets, I was in group homes, foster care. I've been really, really hungry,' he said.

Most Slab City residents don't have cars, cell phones, internet, or cable. So what do they do for fun?

Many are fiercely passionate about art, using other people's trash as their tools.

'A lot of people here are involved in art, they go through the trash and collect things that can potentially be reused in their art,' Kevin explained.

'A lot of the camps are made out of everything you can find, you know, bad pieces and bicycles. Everything kind of gets repurposed.'

In the town, there's also a library with donated books and magazines, a bar that usually has live performances from the tenants, and a skate part.

Most Slab City residents don't have cars, cell phones, internet, or cable. So what do they do for fun? Many are fiercely passionate about art, using other people's trash as their tools

In the town, there's also a library with donated books and magazines and a bar that usually has live performances from the tenants

There's also a skate park (seen) and one internet cafe where residents can go to use Wi-Fi if they need it, but many are uninterested in the web

There's one internet cafe where residents can go to use Wi-Fi if they need it, but many are uninterested in the web.

One resident named Dot, a former computer programmer, explained that she moved to the area after growing 'sick and tired of all the hustle and bustle' that came with 'living the city life.'

Dot explained that she loves to collect 'road kill animal carcasses,' which she turns into 'immersion style art pieces.'

One resident named Dot, a former computer programmer, explained that she moved to the area after growing 'sick and tired of all the hustle and bustle' that came with 'living the city life'

And what she loves about living in Slab City is that she doesn't face any judgement over her 'weird' obsession with the dead animals.

'I look at things a little bit differently from other people,' she admitted to Rick. 'And [here], people are starting to appreciate it.

'I think that's probably my favorite thing, like, getting this voice that I didn't even think anyone wanted to listen to.'

When asked about the downsides to residing in Slab City, she said she hated the 'judgment' that the residents faced from the outside world.

'People think the people that live here are less. Everyone who lives here is looked down on,' she said.

'No one who lives here is looked at from the outside as a fine upstanding citizen and a lot of us actually are.

Dot explained that she loved to collect 'road kill animal carcasses,' which she turned into 'immersion style art pieces'

And what she loves about living in Slab City is that she doesn't face any judgement over her 'weird' obsession with the dead animals

'I look at things a little bit differently from other people,' she admitted to Rick. 'And [here], people are starting to appreciate it'

'I would just like people to stop being so judgmental about everybody else and realize that everyone is a human being, every single one of us has our own little things that we to deal with.'

Dot's best friend Magda hasn't officially moved to Slab City but she comes to visit almost every weekend.

Dot's best friend, Magda, hasn't officially moved to Slab City but she comes to visit almost every weekend. She said: 'You're stripped away of everything here'

'I felt like I was suffocating in LA. I heard about Slab City so I showed up here in 2017 and I felt energy and excitement on a [new] level, it's so much fun,' she explained, when asked why she loved to spend time there.

'Nobody gives a f**k what you drive, who you know, how many followers you have. You're stripped away of everything.

'It's so good, you're stripped free of any f**king anxiety or any [pressure] of like what you're supposed to act like or be like. Nobody gives a f**k, that's what I love.'

Tourists can take a trip to Slab City if they want, as some residents own extra trailers that they list on Airbnb. Costs range from about $18 a night to $40 a night.

The accommodations offered include a 'single bed open to the sky, walled in with stacked hay bales,' 'primitive campsites' where you can either 'bring your own tent or borrow one of theirs,' or RVs.

Tourists can take a trip to Slab City if they want, as some residents own extra trailers that they list on Airbnb. A nearby art sculpture is seen

Costs range from $18 to $40 a night. The accommodations offered include a 'bed open to the sky, walled in with stacked hay bales,' 'primitive campsites' or RVs. One RV for rent is seen

'I came to Slab City because I was curious, and I ended up making lots of friends,' Rick concluded. 'This quirky community is a refuge for those seeking an alternative way of life'

He said: 'With colorful murals adoring the walls, Slab City is a place where I can truly be myself and live life on my own terms surrounded by a community of like-minded people'

One listing promises: 'There is a solar powered shower and two [Porta Potty] toilets available on the property as well as a community kitchen for cooking.'

'I came to Slab City because I was curious, and I ended up making lots of friends,' Rick concluded in his video.

'Hidden away from the prying eyes of society, this quirky community is a refuge for those seeking an alternative way of life.

'Among its inhabitants were people with stories as diverse and misunderstood as the land they call home.

'With colorful murals adoring the walls, Slab City is a place where I can truly be myself and live life on my own terms surrounded by a community of like-minded people who embrace all people and celebrate the beauty of simplicity.

'It fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, making it truly feel like I'm home.'
How can you tell if you're being told the truth, or are simply being fed a very convincing lie?

Some people can be frighteningly good at doling out deception and it might feel almost impossible to tell the truth from fiction - but one expert says there are some surefire ways to spot a deceit.

London-based forensic psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das, 44, has a YouTube channel called A Psych for Sore Minds, where he covers a range of mental health and crime-related topics.

The NHS doctor's broadcasts see him discuss what he's learned from some of the cases that he's encountered, with one episode focusing on 'common cues of deception'.

A forensic scientist has lifted the lid on how to spot a liar in the midst; but admits deceptive cues can vary - and often be super subtle (stock image)

Dr Sohom Das (pictured) is a London-based forensic psychiatrist who also makes YouTube content on his channel A Psych for Sore Minds

In the video, Dr Das outlines a few key signs to look out for that might mean someone's not telling you the truth.

Just looking shifty might be a sign, he explains, saying: 'generally speaking, liars look more anxious'.

Press for facts too, he advises, because liars will often seem less certain about the detail, going for broad stroke info instead.

And thirdly, Dr Das says that liars 'generally won't correct themselves with little details' - they'll stick to their story and won't deviate.

He explains: 'And that's because they overcompensate, and they paradoxically think that by correcting themselves, they make themselves look more guilty.'

In reality, he says: 'a slight degree of self-correction and self doubt is natural and in line with truthful thoughts'.

He points out that it's not always easy to know when a person is lying - as subtlety is often a trick used by good fibbers.

Dr Das discusses how poker players might convince a fellow player they're not a threat around a card table - using very slight cues of deception, which can be very vague.

Dr Sohom Das can be found on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as YouTube.
A catastrophic injury and death lawyer from the US, who 'deals with some of the worst stuff on a daily basis' has revealed the three toys he would never buy for children.

Tom Bosworth from Philadelipha, who goes by Tommy the Lawyer on TikTok, often shares legal tips and advice to his 210,000 followers.

In a recent video, he talked about how he 'knows people are out there doing their holiday shopping' so wanted to issue a warning.

He shared the three kids toys that he would 'absolutely never use or buy, under any circumstance'.

The clip has been seen by a huge 5.1 million people in less than a week, with viewers talking about their own experiences in the comments - read on to find out what the lawyer advises you avoid.

A catastrophic injury and death lawyer from the US, who 'deals with some of the worst stuff on a daily basis' has revealed the three toys he would never buy for children

Water beads

He shared that the number one toy he would never buy for his children would be water beads.

Earlier this year a Wisconsin mother called for water beads to be banned as bath toys following the tragic death of her 10-month-old daughter when she accidentally ate one without her parents' knowledge.

The lawyer said: 'A common brand name for these is Orbeez. They're these really really tiny plastic beads and the problem with them is that they expand exponentially when they're put in water.

'They're supposed to be used for kids to get tactile strength and learn texture and colours and stuff.

'But there have been reports that multiple kids even just swallowing or ingesting one of these has caused intestinal obstructions, blockages and resulted in multiple deaths of children.'

Orbeez have been approached for comment.

Toys with button batteries

Tommy continued: 'Number two would be any toy with button batteries.'

Making a penny size with his fingers, he warned, 'If you've ever seen those little tiny batteries that are about this big and round and circular, they're in lots of different toys.

Tom Bosworth from Philadelphia, who goes by Tommy the Lawyer on TikTok , often shares legal tips and advice to his 210,000 followers

'Those things are crazy dangerous because what happens is if a child swallows them by accident, they got lodged in their esophagus or in their wind pipe'.

He explained: 'Due to the chemical mixture within the batteries, these button batteries specifically, they can erode the esophagus and burn a hole through the child's airpipe or esophagus in a matter of seconds or minutes'.

Incline sleeper devices

Finally, the American lawyer warns against any incline sleeper devices.

He tells viewers: These are things that are often sold in stores. They're anything that's marketed that your baby can sleep in, that's not a completely flat angle - anything at an incline.

'Luckily there have been recalls of these in recent years, but some of the companies have gotten creative and they don't market them as incline sleeper devices anymore, they call them bouncer or whatever else.

'The bottom line is baby should always be sleeping flat on their back like this and not at an incline'.

One commenter agreed: 'As an infant teacher, incline bouncers are nice to have, but they are NOT for sleeping under any circumstances'.

Another shocked user revealed: 'Crazy that both my kids slept in an inclined sleeper as babies. I had no idea!'

Someone else asked, 'Can anyone explain why incline sleeping is bad if they are buckled in? I know some babies hate lying flat so just curious,' to which other commenters replied, 'positional asphyxiation' and 'their heads can lean forward causing their airway to block'.

One furious mother chimed in with: 'Orbeez NEED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE SHELVES!!'

Someone else questioned, 'Who thought orbeez was a good idea?!? Its caused so much harm'

Others penned: 'I was taught only with button batteries if they are literally screwed in, so you need tools to change them' and 'Button batteries are one of my biggest fears as a mom of five'.
The Watergate Salad that rose to fame in the 1970s is back en vogue thanks to the sweet side dish's surprising renaissance on TikTok.

Mysteriously named after the Watergate scandal, the vintage classic is a combination of pistachio pudding mix, canned pineapple, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and chopped nuts.

Kelly McDuff, 26, from Dallas, Texas, went viral on TikTok last month after sharing how she made the 'salad' for her office's Thanksgiving potluck.

'It's just a staple of our Thanksgiving,' she told The New York Times. 'So I thought it was a staple at everybody's.'

'And then,' she added, 'I realized it wasn't.'

Watergate Salad is a sweet side dish from the 1970s that is a combination of pistachio pudding mix, canned pineapple, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and chopped nuts

Kelly McDuff, 26, from Dallas, Texas, went viral on TikTok last month after sharing how she made the 'salad' for her office's Thanksgiving potluck

The video has been viewed 18.1 million times and has received more than 56,000 comments, including plenty of questions about her contribution.

'Kelly what on earth is Watergate Salad,' one person asked.

'Watergate Salad is insane,' another responded.

Watergate Salad likely originated with the launch of the Jell-O brand's pistachio pudding mix in 1976, two years after President Richard Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal, NPR reported.

Originally called pineapple pistachio delight, Kraft  Jell-O's parent company  later added marshmallows to the recipe and renamed it the Watergate Salad in 1993.

There were rumors that the salad was served at the Watergate Hotel's restaurant, but there was no evidence of that, according to NPR.

The outlet deduced that the name was likely derived from the Watergate Cake, which is also made with pistachio pudding mix.

Watergate Salad  a relative of the Ambrosia Salad  is best known in the South and Midwest, where families serve it as a dinner side along with ham and turkey.

McDuff reported in a follow-up video that her local grocery store was almost sold out of Jell-O's pistachio pudding mix - the side dish's prime ingredient

The viral intrigue surrounding the mint-green concoction has contributed to its recent revival as curious foodies set out to make it for themselves.

McDuff reported in a follow-up video posted a few days before Thanksgiving that her local grocery store was almost sold out of Jell-O's pistachio pudding mix  the side dish's prime ingredient.

Tara Candelario, 34, was inspired to make a heaping bowl of Watergate Salad for her family after seeing it trending on TikTok.

She served it to her in-laws, who are not from the United States, and filmed their hilarious reactions to the bizarre side.

Tara Candelario, 34, was inspired to make a heaping bowl of Watergate Salad for her in-laws and film their hilarious reactions to the bizarre side

Influencer Remi Cruz, 27, also put the Watergate Salad to the test in a recent video, but despite her initial optimism, she was not a fan

'No,' she said after taking a bite. 'I hated it. It's really sweet, and I feel like the flavors and textures do not go well together at all'

'Why is it green?' one relative asked, before taking a bite and bursting into laughter.

'They said it "wasn't bad," but I mean, they went back for thirds,' Candelario told The Times, adding that they also took home leftovers.

Influencer Remi Cruz, 27, also put the Watergate Salad to the test in a recent video, but despite her initial optimism, she was not a fan.

She took a bite, grimaced, and shook her head before dropping her spoon on the kitchen counter.

'No,' she said. 'I hated it. It's really sweet, and I feel like the flavors and textures do not go well together at all... I'm never going to make this again.'

Kyra Oriana had a different take after trying the dish, which she described as being 'super sweet' and tasting 'like sugar cookies'

'Okay, y'all wanna know my honest opinion?' she asked. 'It ain't that bad'

Ashlee Harrison was admittedly shocked that the dish her grandma forced her to eat when she was growing up was going viral

However, Kyra Oriana had a different take after trying the dish, which she described as being 'super sweet' and tasting 'like sugar cookies.'

'Okay, y'all wanna know my honest opinion?' she asked, licking the mixture off of her finger. 'It ain't that bad.'

Others who grew up eating the weird side were admittedly stunned that it was suddenly trending on TikTok.

'I'm mind blown that the dish my grandma has forced me to eat for my whole life is going viral,' Ashlee Harrison captioned her video.

'I've been calling it "the green stuff" since I was four years old. I'm shocked.
A couple who were unknowingly baptized beside each other as babies have opened up about how they got married in the same spot 27 years later.

Savannah and Isaac Montoya, both 31, were six and three months old when they were baptized at San Miguel Church in their hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1992.

Their families didn't know each other, but they ended up at the same church because it specialized in group baptisms.

Unbeknown to them, their baptized babies would later cross paths, fall in love, and get engaged in November 2018.

Savannah and Isaac Montoya, both 31, wed at San Miguel Church in their hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico, in September 2019

The couple were unknowingly baptized side by side at the church in 1992

Savannah was in the midst of wedding planning when she came across old photographs and noticed a familiar face in the background of her baptism - her fiance

Savannah, a banker, was in the midst of wedding planning when she came across old photographs and noticed a familiar face in the background of her baptism - her fiance.

Shocked and overjoyed, the couple realized they had 'met' each other years earlier when they were baptized side by side.

'Locking in a church was one of the final pieces of our wedding puzzle,' Savannah explained.

'That's why we decided to pull out our baptism photos, and sure as day, there was Isaac and [me] side by side.

'I immediately burst into happy tears. We couldn't believe it, and neither could our families.

'Growing up in the same area means a crossover is bound to happen, but it's rare there's one as close as this.'

The couple shared that the surprise connection made their nuptials 'extra special because it was meant to be.'

'I was already ecstatic to marry my husband, but this made it 10 times more exciting, and we shared the news with our guests ahead of the wedding,' Savannah said.

Savannah and Isaac's paths didn't cross again until they found themselves in the same friend group in 2011. They were both 20 when they started to date a year later (pictured in 2012)

'One day, I saw Isaac differently. I thought, "Oh, maybe I do like him,"' Savannah said. 'Luckily, he agreed, and we started dating'

After six years of dating, Isaac, a heavy equipment operator, popped the question to Savannah, and they got engaged in November 2018

'I always used to be a little skeptical of the invisible string theory, but our story goes to show it exists.'

Despite going to the same primary school, Savannah and Isaac's paths didn't cross again until they found themselves in the same friend group in 2011.

They were both 20 and single when they started to date a year later.

'One day, I saw Isaac differently. I thought, "Oh, maybe I do like him,"' Savannah said. 'Luckily, he agreed, and we started dating.

'We were both keen travelers and very family-orientated, and that's how we both knew that it was for keeps.'

After six years of dating, Isaac, a heavy equipment operator, popped the question to Savannah, and they got engaged in November 2018.

Over the moon, they swiftly got to wedding planning and discovered the magical photo of their first meeting as babies.

In September 2019, Savannah and Isaac tied the knot in front of 350 guests in the same month and church they were baptized 27 years before

The couple told their guests how they had first 'met' at the church. 'It made walking down the aisle extra special, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house,' Savannah said

In June 2023, four years after they married, the couple welcomed their first child, Isaac Matthew Montoya, now six months old

'We are going to get him baptized, hopefully in the same church, as we'd love to carry on the tradition,' Savannah said

In September 2019, Savannah and Isaac tied the knot in front of 350 guests in the same month and church they were baptized 27 years before.

'It made walking down the aisle extra special, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house,' Savannah said. 'But after the ceremony, it was party time.

'We had a traditional Mexican wedding, which includes the reception, after party, and then the after-after party the day after.'

In June 2023, four years after they married, the couple welcomed their first child, Isaac Matthew Montoya, now six months old.

'We are going to get him baptized, hopefully in the same church, as we'd love to carry on the tradition,' Savannah said.

'Safe to say, if we do, I'll be taking so many pictures.

'Who knows? Maybe Issac will meet his future spouse.'
They spent nine months renovating the mansion, which is now worth $900,000

The North Carolina couple were told they were crazy - but they loved the home

Despite being run down and abandoned, when Trey and Abby Brothers first saw the falling down brick manor in North Carolina, they knew it was their forever home.

Abby, 33, and her husband Trey, 35, transformed the old mansion into an incredible, modern home - adding a massive $745,000 of value to their once dilapidated house.

The couple, who share two children, purchased the rundown property for $155,000 in June 2018 after spotting it online.

They spent nine months completely renovating the mansion and moved in right before the birth of their son in December 2020.

When Trey and Abby Brothers first saw their dilapidated and abandoned brick manor in North Carolina, they knew it was their forever home

The couple bought the property for $155,000 in June 2018, and their extensive renovations added $745,000 in value to their once rundown house

The mansion, which was built in 1913, had sat untouched for over 30 years, and they knew it would take a lot of hard work to repair it.

'When we saw the home in person we knew it was our home, but it looked so sad and dilapidated,' Abby, a registered nurse, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.

'Many people told us we were crazy for buying a home of this size that needed that much work,' she admitted.

The huge 6,000-square-foot space is located in Aberdeen, North Carolina. The colonial revival brick manor boasts six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large foyer with a grand staircase, as well as a kitchen that opens up to the dining room, a study, a living room, and a large attic.

The house was originally built for a family, and the Brothers wanted to keep it that way.

'We wanted to restore our home into just that - a home,' Abby said.

However, the task ahead of them was a huge undertaking with everything needing to be updated. The plumbing, electricity, windows, and walls were all from 1913.

'There was no central air conditioning, which is crucial for the hot North Carolina summers. There was radiator heat, but it was extremely difficult to heat the home, so this was also replaced and the radiators removed,' Abby explained.

The couple shared their DIY journey on Instagram (@turningthepagemansion), where they now have over 24,500 followers.

The couple, who share two children, were told they were 'crazy' for buying a home that 'needed so much work'

The Brothers spent nine months completely renovating the mansion that was built in 1913 (pictured before the renovation)

A couple transformed the abandoned mansion into an incredible, modern home (pictured after the renovation)

The house was originally built for a family, and the couple wanted to keep it that way

They did a lot of the renovations themselves with the help of family and friends

The couple shared their DIY journey on Instagram (@turningthepagemansion), where they now have over 24,500 followers

There was also a lot of damage to the property after years of disuse, with some rooms completely unusable.

'[The house] had many leaks in the roof, which led to serious water damage, the worst being in the dining room,' the mom-of-two recalled.

RAGS TO RICHES: THE COST BREAKDOWN OF THE BROTHERS' MANSION REVIVAL Masonry: $5,000 Siding: $3,600 Roof: $27,900 Windows: $22,800 Partition Wall: $24,100 Plaster/drywall: $32,000) Wood trim: $2,500 Wood floors: $28,200 Plumbing: $26,600 Electrical: $30,000 Heating: $44,800 Insulation: $13,000 Cleanup: $10,700 Miscellaneous: $2,000 Total: $268,400 Advertisement

'We couldn't walk into the dining room completely because the floor had given way and was in the basement, therefore this entire side of the home required new floor joist and flooring and the roof was repaired and replaced,' she added.

With the help of family and friends, the couple did as much of the renovations by themselves as possible.

'We helped with the demo and we also had our hand in every project, in some form or fashion,' she said.

'Trey refinished the terrazzo floors in the bathrooms and made the concrete countertops in the kitchen/pantry,' she continued.

'Trey, his mom, and stepdad laid all of the tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, with the exception of one bathroom. My family and I laid the tile and that was enough tile laying for me, but we have done all of the interior painting ourselves.

In total, they spent $268,494 on renovations, with the property now worth $900,000.

The family is thrilled with their 'warm and cozy' home, despite still having some work to do.

'Our home is priceless to us. We loved our home when it was falling apart, but that love has grown even more,' Abby gushed.

'Because we live here, we see all of the flaws, but to know how far our home has come, the flaws can be overlooked,' the mom said proudly.

The family is excited to spend Christmas in the home, and they decorated the sprawling space with four large trees and two small ones.

'We have put lights up the staircases, in the windows, and even around the porch,' the mom said.

'When the holidays are over we have some more work to do, but for now, we're just enjoying the festive season as a family.'
Every morning when Sarah de Lagarde wakes up there is a split second when she believes that she is the same woman she was 15 months ago. In that briefest of moments, the devastating events of a dark, wet night last year are all just a nightmare.

And then she remembers.

'You move and feel that your limbs are missing, you know you can't rub your feet together, you can't hold your own hand; it is such a horrific moment, and it happens every morning,' says Sarah softly.

'My limbs will never grow back, this is life-changing and permanent and that's really, really tough.'

There are many things that are remarkable about Sarah de Lagarde and the journey she has been on since that fateful evening when she slipped and fell on to the tracks of the Northern line, where she was hit by two Underground trains, losing her right arm and leg below the knee.

There are many things that are remarkable about Sarah de Lagarde and the journey she has been on since that fateful evening when she slipped and fell on to the tracks of the Northern line, where she was hit by two Underground trains

Not least there's the fact that she can sit at the kitchen table of her home in Camden, North London, talking with a total absence of self-pity about how her life has changed.

Even as she speaks of the lowest of lows and her burning frustration that so little has changed on London transport's network since her accident, this 45-year old-mother of two daughters, aged nine and 13, radiates positivity.

In September last year she was brimming with positivity, too. A month earlier, she had reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, a tough but rewarding trek alongside her husband, Jeremy  a belated 40th birthday celebration for them both.

September 30 was a Friday, perhaps an unusual day to work late, but Sarah was frantically tying up loose ends in her role as a communications director at City investment firm Janus Henderson, before flying to Germany the following morning to celebrate her dad's 70th birthday.

It was dark and raining heavily, and Sarah, who was weary after recovering from a bout of Covid, wanted to take a taxi home, but so did everyone else. Rather than wait in the wet, she made a 'split-second decision' that 'will haunt me for ever'  and decided to take the Tube.

Wearing a vivid pink coat and carrying her large, brown shoulder bag, complete with laptop, she boarded a train at Moorgate at 9.17pm where, in the damp heat of the carriage, fatigue took hold. She fell asleep and missed her station, Camden Town, only waking as the train jolted to its final stop in the suburb of High Barnet.

'I remember thinking 'Where am I? What am I doing?' then getting off and understanding I needed to get back into London, so I turned around,' says Sarah.

Disaster struck in the most unexpected way. 'The memory that is so crystal clear in my head is that I slipped in a puddle of water. I remember how the light reflected in the water as I lost my footing,' she says.

It took more than six months for Transport for London (TfL) to provide it, but Sarah has watched the CCTV footage that shows her  petite and with platinum blonde hair  slipping at 9.54pm and disappearing down the gap between the train and platform.

Early reports, she says, suggested she had been wearing high heels; they also spoke of an 'intoxicated female'. Both were incorrect; she was in flat shoes and was sober.

Her face hit the side of the carriage as she fell, breaking her nose and her front teeth, before she plunged out of sight on to the track below.

What happened next was a catalogue of missed opportunities, which still haunt her.

'What is so harrowing is knowing that I could have been saved, at every stage,' Sarah says.

The driver got off the train for a convenience break, then back on again, finding Sarah's bag still sitting between the platform and carriage. What if he had looked down into the gap beneath it? But he didn't.

Did she call out then? Sarah can't be sure, but knows that she blacked out for a short period.

While her memory of the six minutes that elapsed between her fall and the train departing are patchy, what followed next is agonisingly vivid.

'I remember quite clearly hearing the beeping sound before the doors closed and panicking, thinking: 'I shouldn't be here,' ' she says.

She recalls the flash of searing pain as the train departed.

'I remember trying to get up, but my right side didn't move, and at that point I remember looking at my right arm and thinking 'That arm is gone' and calling out 'Help me, my name is Sarah and I don't want to die', and I shouted that over and over and over again.' After the train had left she spotted her phone, its neon orange case glowing between the tracks, a short distance away.

With superhuman strength she dragged herself to retrieve it, keenly aware of the risk of electrocution. Her face was so damaged facial recognition software failed, and the screen was too wet to respond to her desperate attempts to unlock it with her left hand.

And then, at 10.05pm, Sarah heard the relentless grind of a second train arriving, this time crushing her right leg. How that driver did not see her  bright pink coat, dazzling blonde hair  in the beam of the train's lights, she still cannot understand.

It was two agonising minutes before a third driver on the opposite platform heard Sarah's screams and went to investigate, finding her still trapped under the train. 'It felt really, really long. I knew something was terribly wrong with my right side, but I didn't know about the leg,' she says. 'That was a nasty surprise in hospital.'

She adds: '[As I lay there] it felt like there was a block of ice in my chest, spreading to my limbs, or what was remaining of them, and I really felt like 'I'm going to die now'. But I remember seeing the faces of my children in my mind's eye saying: 'Mummy, what are you doing? You need to come home.'

'If you have children, you understand that there is this [extraordinary] strength that we have. We all know the story about the mother who lifts the car up to retrieve the toddler trapped underneath. I always thought it was a little bit of an exaggeration, but actually now I believe it.'

TfL took more than six months to investigate and concluded that the catastrophic accident had been a 'series of unfortunate and unique events', which did not breach any safety legislation, and that all staff had performed their duties exceptionally and in line with training and procedure.

Sarah, who is taking legal action against TfL and has gathered nearly 30,000 signatures in a petition calling for an urgent review of its safety procedure, finds this incomprehensible. She talks about the driver who found her but couldn't read the number of the line controller on the emergency platform phone in the rain, so instead called his station supervisor; then he tried the controller again from his radio, but couldn't hear properly.

And all the while precious minutes were slipping by.

It is testament to Sarah's resolve, not just the air ambulance crew and medical teams she calls her heroes, that she is here today.

She talks about the calm that descended as emergency services fought to free her, her life hanging by a thread (she's been told she should have died ten times that night). But there was, she admits, a flash of anger.

She gives a wry chuckle as she says: 'I thought: 'I didn't climb Kilimanjaro to die in a dirty ditch in High Barnet  there's no glamorous death there.' '

And so Sarah focused on breathing slowly, which she'd had to do in the thin air of her mountain trek, which in turn slowed her heartbeat and the flow of blood  and helped preserve her life.

Incredibly, she also remembers asking medics not to cut up her new pink coat to apply tourniquets  thankfully they ignored her and she was finally pulled from beneath the train at 10.58pm  and during the journey to hospital she managed to phone her husband to tell him what had happened.

It is testament to Sarah's resolve, not just the air ambulance crew and medical teams she calls her heroes, that she is here today

Courage and determination characterised her whole recovery. Two days later, and after two rounds of lengthy surgery, she called a colleague to say: 'I got hit by two trains  I'm not coming in on Monday and here are the outstanding parts of the project that need to go live.'

Sarah insists: 'I credit my fast recovery to my daughters and my husband. It must have been four days in, I still had my broken teeth, they had just fixed my nose and I received a FaceTime call from my daughter, then eight.

'She was in floods of tears and said: 'I think, Mummy, you're never coming home.'

'That broke my heart into a thousand pieces and I vowed there and then I'd be home for Christmas. At that point, I was still on morphine; I couldn't go to the bathroom by myself, I couldn't get out of bed. I was completely immobile and I thought: 'I need to speed up the process and get out of here.' '

Sarah spent four weeks on the trauma ward, six weeks in a rehabilitation unit and then walked out of the door on her first prosthetic leg on December 1, surprising her daughters, who had been expecting her home the next day.

Christmas for the family was, indeed, the 'best ever'.

But for all of Sarah's smiles and super-human strength, there's been a cost, and not just financial.

'Coming home was a magical moment, but then you sit on the sofa and you calculate the steps you need to take to get to the dining table. And then you calculate the steps it takes to go to the toilet, because you only have that many steps in you per day before the leg [her below-the-knee prosthetic] gives up and becomes too painful to use.'

She is fiercely proud that she has since chalked up 10,000 steps in one day. But, still, there's pain and blisters.

Sarah says her bionic prosthetic arm (the result of a crowdfunder that makes her weep when she contemplates the generosity of others), which can read the slightest twitching of muscles via 16 electrodes, has been a total life-changer.

She was one of the first patients in the UK to be fitted with the 250,000 device, which can respond to instructions from her brain, allowing her to make a coffee, to pinch, to lift.

Her dream is that one day it will allow her to drive a car. She jokes she is 20 per cent robot and is immensely grateful to be a pioneer for new prosthetic technology.

'If I look at myself in the mirror, I feel like a cripple,' she says. 'I see this ugly, maimed, diminished person  and then I put on my prosthetics and I regain stature. I can stand, I regain balance, I feel powerful. It gives me a sense of being complete again.'

But she still grieves for what she can't do, and the prosthetic arm is heavy and tiring to wear.

'I used to zip up the coats of my children and now they zip up my coat,' she says. 'I was meant to provide financially for my children and to secure their future, now I probably will rely on their care.

'If my prosthetics don't fit, I can't do anything and I used to be so independent . . .'

During the October half-term she boarded a train for the first time since the accident  not a Tube, she's not ready for that  but the Eurostar to take her daughters to Disneyland Paris.

'The children were holding my hand and my husband was there supporting me, and I had a full-blown panic attack  tears, I couldn't breathe. I thought I was going to die,' she says.

But Sarah is not easily cowed. She is propelled to embark on the challenge of Disney or holiday on mountainous Madeira (next year's summer trip) for her daughters, just as it is they who are motivating her to push TfL for change.

According to TfL, there were 2,516 incidents of people falling between the train and the platform while getting on or off Underground trains between 2006 and 2018  a figure that amounts to around 17 a month.

But that, of course, is only what is reported. As Sarah points out: 'Since I've been talking publicly, I have received hundreds of messages from people who tell me stories like: 'Oh, I had a near-miss like that.' '

Sarah at the seaside with her family, her husband Jeremy and their children in August this year

As far as she is concerned, any fall is one too many.

Nick Dent, director of customer operations at London Underground, said: 'Our thoughts continue to be with Sarah de Lagarde and her family following the devastating incident at High Barnet station last year.

'We have offered her direct support through our Sarah Hope Line [an incident support service] and we remain receptive to her views about the network.

'Safety is our top priority, and we continue to take every possible measure to learn from any incident and put in place appropriate improvements.'

Sarah says: 'I think when you stare death in the eye and say 'not today', the repercussion is that you start thinking: 'This is not just about me. This is about others.'

'This is about my daughters being safe; but it's also about two million commuters a day who use the Underground, because nothing has changed.'

What Sarah doesn't want is to be 'a freak event', a statistic: 'So I sacrificed my arm and my leg and nothing comes of it? As a solution-seeker myself, I find that unacceptable.'
Millions of Brits are waiting more than a month to see their GP, with many patients heading to A&E instead or giving up entirely as delays hit record levels, new figures show.

Some 14.9 million appointments took place more than 28 days after being booked in the first ten months of this year, an investigation by The Times found.

The stark figure is already significantly higher than the 12.8 million waits for the whole of last year and is on track to exceed the previous record of 15.2 million in 2019.

In October, some 2.6 million appointments were reported more than 28 days after booking, which works out as one in 13. The figure is almost a million more than the same month pre-pandemic, while it is 700,000 more than October 2022.

There were also 28,000 excess deaths from January to June this year, with the biggest rise noted in adults aged 50 to 64. Many were dying from preventable conditions including diabetes and heart disease.

Private health insurers have also reported a rising demand for GP appointments. Vitality said a staggering 40 per cent of claims related to private healthcare consultations, up from 4 per cent in 2015.

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Rishi Sunak has vowed to cut NHS waiting lists but millions of Brits are facing month-long waits to see their GP

Spire Healthcare said its network of private GPs had carried out 41 per cent more appointments than last year.

READ MORE: NHS waiting list FINALLY shrinks but Rishi Sunak warns massive backlog of 7.7million ops will still grow this winter amid looming threat of strikes Advertisement

Experts have blamed the GP appointment crisis on a rising population and shrinking workforce.

Many family doctors are choosing to retire in their 50s, move abroad or leave to work in the private sector because of complaints about soaring demand, paperwork and a toxic environment.

The latest junior doctor strike, which will see disgruntled workers walk out for a total of nine days in the run-up to Christmas and in January, will also impact NHS waiting lists, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.

He has urged the medics, who earn up to 60,000, to 'do the right thing' and call off the industrial action, which will rock hospitals during what is typically their busiest time of year.

The NHS waiting list stands at 7.7million, with hundreds of thousands of patients who have been stuck in the system for over a year. However, the figure for October is down 65,000 on last month in a sign that waiting lists are shrinking slowly but surely.

The IPPR think tank found this year that around one in eight who failed to get a GP appointment resorted to A&E instead, which is up from about one in 13 two years ago.

Steve Brine, the Tory chair of the Commons health select committee said it has been a 'concern for a while' that young people are choosing online private subscription services in favour of NHS general practice.

He raised the question of whether anything can be done to entice them back into the standard system.

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

The Times found that Ronald Leslie Harris, from Hereford, killed himself in June after waiting weeks to see a GP over mental health troubles.

READ MORE: Junior doctors vow to strike for NINE days before Christmas and in the New Year in huge blow to beleaguered NHS at its busiest time of year Fact-box text Advertisement

Meanwhile, Kaine Carlon, 34, was found dead at home in January. He had undiagnosed type 1 diabetes and was unable to make a GP appointment, his flatmate revealed.

Although most of the 34.2million patients in October were seen within a week, 4.8million were forced to wait between 15 and 28 days.

Louise Ansari, national director at Healthwatch England, said getting GP appointments was the main reason why patients approach the watchdog.

She said that challenges with long phone queues or online tools meant some patients 'no longer try to book appointments at all'.

NHS England data shows that the waiting list fell 0.8 per cent in October.

However, the 7.71million toll still marks one of the highest figures logged since NHS records began in August 2007 and a rise of 490,000 on October 2022.

For comparison, around 4.4million were stuck in the system when the pandemic reached the UK.

Some 377,618 patients were forced to wait at least one year, which is down slightly on the 391,122 one month earlier.

Louise Ansari, national director at Healthwatch England, said getting GP appointments was the main reason why patients approach the watchdog. (File image)

The NHS has been told to eliminate all waits of more than a year by March 2025.

Figures also show 190 patients had been queuing for more than two years by September, down from 227 one month earlier.

The NHS was told to eliminate two-year waits by July 2022, apart from for patients who chose to wait longer, did not want to travel to be seen faster, or for very complex cases requiring specialist treatment.

Questioned on whether he had failed to on the Government's pledge to cut NHS waiting lists by the end of the year, Mr Sunak said the NHS has 'made progress' by bringing down the backlog for the longest waiters.

However, he said that industrial action by NHS staff 'has made that difficult'.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We are making it easier for patients to see and contact their GP. There are now 44 more appointments on average in every GP practice, per working day compared to October 2019 and the government has met its manifesto commitment to deliver over 50 million more appointments every day.'
Research team launches project to preserve images of Great Wall and ensure sustainable use of data

Xinhua) 10:01, December 16, 2023

Li Zhe prepares to fly a drone during a field survey in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023.

Li Zhe, 45, guest researcher at the School of Architecture at Tianjin University, dedicates his time to preserving images of the Great Wall, a cultural relic.

In an effort to preserve the images of the Great Wall and ensure the sustainable use of the data, a research team with the School of Architecture at Tianjin University initiated a project in late 2018 that involves the use of the latest technology as drones to collect "the most complete possible real-scene three-dimensional images of the Great Wall". By capturing successive scanning-quality images and utilizing software to create three-dimensional models, this project produces indepth revelation of the relic site that can be applied in various research fields as discovery of hidden resources, showcasing cultural relics, investigating areas of damage, and analyzing the causes of harm.

Over the past four years, Li Zhe and his team members have generated 40 terabyte of data consisting of more than three million high-definition images captured during a 20,000-kilometer drone flight. Using centimeter-definition images, the team has documented over 90 percent of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall.

In early 2023, the team organized an exhibition in Tianjin Museum showcasing the digital outcomes of their efforts through immersive multimedia displays, 3D printed objects, and historical scene restoration.

"The Great Wall is a monumental epic of the Chinese people," said Li Zhe. "We hope that our research will not only provide support for the protection and monitoring of the Great Wall, but also showcase a more authentic and well-preserved Great Wall, enhancing its cultural allure." (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Li Zhe monitors as he uses a drone to take photos of the Jiankou Great Wall section in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Li Zhe and a student conduct a field survey in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Li Zhe presents a computer-generated model of the Great Wall's beacon system at their workshop in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023.(Xinhua/Li Ran)

Li Zhe and his team members discuss the progress of their project at their workshop in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023.(Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Li Zhe (2nd R) elaborates a structure of the Great Wall as visitors listen during an achievement exhibition on their researches at the Tianjin Museum in Tianjin, north China, Feb. 12, 2023.(Xinhua/Li Ran)

Li Zhe (R) holds a 3D-printed model of the Great Wall's fortified tower while talking with the director of the research team Zhang Yukun in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Li Zhe (back) talks with a student about the progress of their project at their workshop in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Li Zhe (L) talks with the director of the research team Zhang Yukun in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Li Zhe shows an image realized through AR technologies at their workshop in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Li Zhe (R) and a student conduct a field survey in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023.(Xinhua/Li Ran)

Li Zhe uses a drone to take photos of the Jiankou Great Wall section in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Li Zhe prepares to fly a drone during a field survey in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Li Zhe (front) and a student walk to the Jiankou Great Wall section in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Li Zhe (L) and a student make records during the achievement exhibition on their research at the Tianjin Museum in Tianjin, north China, July 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Li Zhe (R) talks with a student about images of the Great Wall at their workshop in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Li Zhe (4th L) and a student have a discussion at their workshop in Tianjin, north China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Li Zhe and a student conduct a field survey in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
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This is the way it starts.

Sean Kirst: Niagara's historian reflects on its past, its future and its soul Paul Gromosiak, at 75, the great student of Niagara history, remains a bottomless source of information about Niagara, for visitors and journalists from around the world.

My sister, a fellow writer and a born-and-raised Western New Yorker, moved to Ohio with her family years ago. As it is for so many of us, old loyalties never die, and she wrote an autumn note on Facebook about giving her husband a box of peanut sticks from DiCamillos Bakery as a birthday talisman from home.

I asked how such a thing came to be. She replied that she had reached out to DiCamillos in Niagara Falls and was transferred to Betty, a wonderfully helpful person and a DiCamillo by birth. She mentioned offhandedly that she is 90 years old.

For a columnist, thats like: Say no more.

I called DiCamillos, the 103-year-old bakery institution in the North End of Niagara Falls. I was soon speaking with an enthusiastic Michael DiCamillo, whose specialty is marketing but who said the best way to explain how much Betty DiCamillo King matters to their operation is by taking a look at the picture.

He referred to a family photograph from 1934, the bedrock of DiCamillo tradition, built around the late Tomasso and Addolorata DiCamillo  immigrants from the Abruzzo region of Italy and founders of the business. In the image, the couple is at the 14th Street address that used to be their Niagara Falls grocery store, bakery and residence, surrounded by their 12 children, their childrens spouses and several grandchildren.

Behind them in that crowd is their son Thomas and his wife, Laurina, who holds a toddler: Betty. Michael, her first cousin, said the death of their aunt Angelica at 97, in 2020, left Betty as the only surviving family member from everyone in that photograph.

Most important, she is a vibrant daily presence in 2023, when she still shows up every morning at the bakery. Shes the last one standing, said her daughter, Laura, who grew up watching her mom and grandmother rolling pasta on a marble table.

Shes my muse, Michael said, and my number one consultant.

By that, he means: More than a half-century ago, he left Niagara Falls after college to settle in the New York City area, where he became a schoolteacher. He was also waiting tables in a fancy restaurant, and his dream was opening a place of his own.

When he called his father to tell him about that vision of doing something special, his dad replied:

Come home, and do something special here.

On a gut level, the old man sensed what the son helped bring about. DiCamillos had a product that has gradually established a nationwide demand. Thats why the little company museum has a shelf packed with national awards, and the reason all the DiCamillos say their business was a player in a national biscotti boom.

Now its Christmas, when all the cousins who collectively help run the place hustle to keep up with shipping orders for ornate biscotti jars, elaborate tins of cookies, gift baskets of various sweets or the Niagara of requests for delivery of fresh bread and pasta, all of which is where Betty comes in.

She has a couple of spots  her nooks, as Michael calls them  where she spends a lot of her day gracefully tying what her cousin describes as every freaking ribbon on outgoing packages. But Michael said shes also a driving force in gift deliveries, lending her decorating instinct to various family plans and proposals.

David DiCamillo, another cousin and longtime president, died in February. Direction of day-to-day operations is now being handled by Francis Skip DiCamillo and his sons, Matt and Dan, who both came out this week for a quick handshake.

Yet it was clear they wanted the spotlight to belong to Betty, who brings such historical knowledge of the business, as Dan put it.

If you walk in with any preconceptions about age, the DiCamillos shatter them. Betty is not that much older than her cousins and colleagues Jimmy, 79, or Michael, 73, or Tom, 82  who did graduate work in Russian studies at Niagara University and returned from the Army to immerse himself in baking bread.

Quite simply, whatever it means to look and act young, they do  for which they offer a collective explanation:

The bread, they say as one. Most of them eat it at each meal with butter, which in excess might seem the antithesis of health, but restraint  as in all things  is the key.

Tom, still in charge of the baking operation, said he prefers to dip his bread in olive oil. He drew his fingers along the speckled crust of a fresh-baked Scaletta loaf to explain how it is all handmade, and it is meant to be broken, meaning you should tear it with your fingers as you share it.

He is a thoughtful guy with deep knowledge of world cuisine, and he said he still shows up to put his face before hot ovens because at the end of each day you have these beautiful loaves of bread, and the feeling is immediate.

Youve done something. Tom cannot imagine life without it.

Betty, as her cousins noted with pride, also has an intense connection to another form of art: Walk out the door of the bakery and you can see a sequence of murals on the upper floors of the old Jenss department store, once the centerpiece of a booming North End commercial district.

That area, like so much of the Falls, fell into an era of desertion and loss. The DiCamillos sounded a particularly wistful note two years ago when they closed a longtime shop on nearby Pine Avenue, another business area, after several robberies.

Niagara Heritage Gateways aims to turn area near Niagara Falls park into an attraction for tourists and residents The $12 million Niagara Heritage Gateways project is the first phase of a larger Downtown Niagara Falls Heritage Walk that will connect downtown Niagara Falls with Niagara Falls State Park in an attempt to rebuild a strong neighborhood for locals and keep tourists in the region longer.

When Betty was young  when her parents would magically put up their tree in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve  the city was humming at the Yuletide. That included the Wellesley dress shop, operated by her future husband, Don.

But the North End has struggled for decades, and the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, a cultural association, recently assembled an outdoor exhibit there of intimate meaning to Betty and Don:

Bettys mother-in-law, the late Polly King, was a prolific artist. She lived next door to Betty and Don on Chilton Avenue, in a house now entirely transformed into a museum  a house where you see her artwork on even the floors, walls and window shades.

From the 1920s until she died 30 years ago, she painted portraits of hundreds of local women, as part of a vast treasury of work. One of them, Sandra Rutkowski, is a retired nurse whos spent decades trying to identify as many of those women as she can, moving toward including the portraits in a book.

Since November, the old Jenss store has become a kind of giant outdoor gallery for those Women of Niagara, windows holding more than 80 portraits in a project coordinated by the National Heritage Area. Rutkowski is up there. So is a young Betty DiCamillo King, in the headband she often wore.

Ally Spongr DeGon, the heritage areas director of public art, said the goal is using that remembrance as momentum for what we want to do in the future in a district thats gone through hard times, despite being within walking distance of the awe of the Niagara Gorge.

About 20 of the portraits remain unidentified, which leaves Rutkowski hoping visitors might recognize and identify some of the women. A related exhibit of Polly Kings work is also open on Thursdays and Saturdays at a gallery at 2351 Whirlpool Ave.

As for Betty, at 90, she sees the simmering potential of her city in a vision that comforts her, on both sides of her family.

Polly, Betty said, saw beauty everywhere, understanding the Falls  for all its hardships  is civic caretaker of a natural masterwork of grandeur, a gift that was enough to keep Polly there for life.

With the DiCamillos, as Bettys cousin Tom says so perfectly, they still find grace, purpose and renewal in every loaf of bread.

Those traditions, to Betty, affirm a simple point: Change can only happen when someone of deep loyalty sticks around and tries, especially if surrounded by even a few others of similar belief.

At Christmas, she sees the proof all day, then ties the ribbon.
Most personal care products that claim to be hypoallergenic still contain ingredients that can cause uncomfortable skin conditions, a major study has found.

The term is used by firms to advertise products, such as shampoos and deodorants, which are deemed safe for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

It means the item does not contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, and most pharmacies now stock ranges of cosmetics, shaving foams and body washes labelled as hypoallergenic.

But a report by researchers at Wrexham Maelor Hospital found that out of 208 hypoallergenic products sold in the UK, nearly three-quarters contained an ingredient that triggers allergies.

Experts say the findings raise serious questions about the liberal use of the term.

Researchers tested 208 hypoallergenic products on sale in Britain and found three quarters contained ingredients linked to skin complaints

One in five British people suffer with some form of skin complaint, research has shown

'Companies are increasingly advertising their products as hypoallergenic, meaning 'reduced allergy',' write the study authors. 'Marketing may not reflect the products' true allergenicity.'

Research suggests that about a fifth of the UK population experience allergic skin reactions to certain products, such as the condition dermatitis. Meanwhile surveys suggest that around two-thirds of people in the UK report having sensitive skin.

The research, published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, found that the most common allergen in hypoallergenic products was a fragrance, present in 40 per cent of products tested.

Earlier this year, the British Association of Dermatologists issued a warning to patients with skin conditions concerning the unregulated nature of products labelled hypoallergenic.

'It's important that consumers are aware that it is not unusual for products to contain common allergens,' said Prof Mabs Chowdhury, president of the association. 'There is no official standard for what constitutes a hypoallergenic product. However, it is reasonable for users to expect these products will be unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.'
Thousands of women with advanced ovarian cancer will soon be offered a tablet which slashes the risk of death by nearly two-thirds.

The new treatment, called olaparib, will be given in tandem with existing cancer drugs to reduce the risk of tumours returning after surgery.

Experts say the therapy, which will be available to women with a common genetic form of the disease, has shown in trials to significantly reduce the risk of the cancer returning, and has even cured some patients.

The NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), has now approved the pill on the back of these results.

One patient who has already benefited from olaparib is Florence Wilks, 59, from London, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010. She was told the drug could buy her a further two years, although she remains healthy six years on

Some 7,500 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. As few symptoms arise during the early stages, it's usually detected once the disease in advanced and has spread around the body. At this point treatment is unlikely to cure the disease, so doctors look for ways to slow down its progress  buying patients vital time with loved ones

'This is a really significant new treatment,' says Prof Iain McNeish, an oncologist at Imperial College London and director of the Ovarian Cancer Action research centre. 'For the past two decades we've relied on surgery and chemo to treat ovarian cancer, but unfortunately a large proportion of patients will relapse and ultimately die of the disease.'

About two-thirds of sufferers see their disease return, and less than half survive for longer than five years.

Prof McNeish adds: 'Trials show, for a large group of patients, olaparib can not only delay the return of the cancer by several years but can completely cure patients, which is very exciting.'

Some 7,500 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. As few symptoms arise during the early stages, it's usually detected once the disease in advanced and has spread around the body. At this point treatment is unlikely to cure the disease, so doctors look for ways to slow down its progress  buying patients vital time with loved ones.

About 4,000 Britons die from ovarian cancer every year.

Current NHS treatment for most women typically involves surgery, chemotherapy and then an immunotherapy drug called bevacizumab, given as an injection every three weeks. However, recent research has suggested that adding olaparib could benefit women with certain genetic mutations.

The drug is a PARP inhibitor, which works by blocking a protein that some types of cancer cells rely on to repair themselves. Without it, the cancer cells die. It is given as a twice-daily pill 12 hours apart.

It has historically been offered only to women with a faulty BRCA gene linked to cancer  dubbed 'the Jolie gene' after Hollywood star Angelina Jolie discovered she carried it. Ovarian cancer killed her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, aged 56 in 2007. BRCA gene mutations increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and Jolie had a preventative double mastectomy in 2013, and surgical removal of her ovaries two years later. However nine in ten women with ovarian cancer do not have these gene faults.

New data last year revealed that women with HRD-positive cancer cells  which struggle to repair themselves  also benefit from olaparib.

The findings, published by the drug's manufacturer AstraZeneca, found 65 per cent of HRD-positive patients who took olaparib were still alive five years after their treatment began, compared with just 48 per cent who did not.

The trial concluded that HRD-positive patients on olaparib were 67 per cent less likely to die of cancer compared with those not on the drug.

Crucially about half of all women with advanced ovarian cancer have the HRD-positive form. This means that some 2,500 patients will be eligible for the new treatment every year. These will be sufferers who have finished chemo and will take olaparib daily while it remains effective alongside their bevacizumab injections.

One patient who has already benefited from olaparib is Florence Wilks, 59, from London, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010.

'For two years I'd been feeling fatigued and had back pain, but the doctors never ran the right blood tests and instead put my symptoms down to stress,' the former teacher says. 'By the time they found it, the cancer had spread into my abdomen, and I was given 18 months to live.'

Since then the mother-of-two has undergone chemotherapy four times and surgery to remove the cancer twice. However, it has continued to return.

In 2016, Florence  whose cancer is HRD-positive  was enrolled on an olaparib trial. Unlike newly diagnosed patients, she does not take it alongside any other treatment. While the pills do trigger some side effects  such as insomnia and fatigue  Florence says she credits the drug with her life.

'I was told that it would buy me two years, but here I am six years later and my cancer is still in remission,' she says. 'In that time I've made the most of life. I volunteer with Ovarian Cancer Action, paint and spend time with my amazing children.

'There are such poor treatment options for ovarian cancer patients currently, so it's huge to have a new effective drug.'
Scare stories and misinformation about the harms of vaping could be triggering a rise in young people smoking, experts have warned.

Last week a report revealed that a decades-long decline in the number of smokers in England had flatlined since the Covid pandemic. Researchers suggested this was likely due to more young people starting to smoke.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health told this newspaper that she believes misinformation about the dangers of vapes is partly to blame. 'All the negative press around vaping hasn't helped,' she said. 'Suggestions that vapes need to be in plain packaging, branded with health warnings and kept out of sight, like tobacco, just give the impression that both are equally harmful when that's not the case.'

In October, Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said a Labour Government would ban the commercial sale of vapes, making the products prescription-only. He cited the need to stop a 'generation of children' becoming addicted to nicotine. The plans mirror those of Australia where vapes are only available on prescription.

Research suggests one in five UK children in 2023 have tried a vape, a 30 per cent increase on last year. But experts say demonising vaping is likely to increase the number of smokers, not reduce it

Dr Sarah Jackson, a behavioural science expert at University College London and lead author of the latest report into UK smoking figures, also said that 'inaccurate' media headlines about the risks of vaping were a possible reason why more young people were taking up smoking. 'People now think that vaping is more harmful than smoking, which is wrong,' she said

Research suggests one in five UK children in 2023 have tried a vape, a 30 per cent increase on last year. But experts say demonising vaping is likely to increase the number of smokers, not reduce it.

'In Australia, where you need a prescription for vapes, they've seen smoking rates going up because it's just easier to get hold of cigarettes,' says Ms Arnott.

Dr Sarah Jackson, a behavioural science expert at University College London and lead author of the latest report into UK smoking figures, also said that 'inaccurate' media headlines about the risks of vaping were a possible reason why more young people were taking up smoking. 'People now think that vaping is more harmful than smoking, which is wrong,' she said.

Last year, a King's College London report found that vaping poses a 'small fraction of the health risks of smoking' in the short-to-medium term.

'There are some toxic chemicals present in vapes which have been linked to long-term health problems but the level is significantly lower than in cigarettes,' says Dr Jackson. 'We don't want people to needlessly take up vaping, but getting people who smoke to switch to vapes would improve the health of thousands.'
Women at high risk from a type of genetic heart disease that affects 250,000 Britons may have the severity of their condition 'underestimated' by doctors, researchers have claimed.

A study has found that women with dilated cardiomyopathy  which causes the chambers of the heart to stretch, hindering its pumping action  are twice as likely as men to be hospitalised or need a heart transplant within two years of diagnosis. The findings came despite tests at the start of the study showing the female participants were healthier overall. Experts say this would understandably lead doctors to be 'falsely reassured' that the women had a milder form of the disease, requiring fewer follow-up appointments and less medication.

But the study shows women with a high risk of complications from the condition  including potentially fatal heart failure  are flying under the radar.

A study has found that women with dilated cardiomyopathy  which causes the chambers of the heart to stretch, hindering its pumping action  are twice as likely as men to be hospitalised or need a heart transplant within two years of diagnosis

Dr Paz Tayal, a cardiologist at Imperial College London who led the research, says: 'My worry is we may be missing higher-risk patients. By rights we'd expect these women to do well when we followed them up, but what we found was the opposite. That paradox is the real puzzle.'

She adds: 'Despite what looked like a better starting point, the women had twice as many complications  particularly heart failure-related problems  compared with male patients. And it happens quite early.

'Doctors should not necessarily be reassured by what looks like a milder disease in female patients. They may need to be followed up more often and doctors should make sure they're on the full range of appropriate drugs.'

In a third of cases, dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by faulty genes, but it can also be triggered by viruses, an unhealthy lifestyle, medical problems such as high blood pressure or, rarely, from pregnancy. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue and fluid accumulating in the legs. Most people can manage the condition with medication, and for about half of patients the heart will return to a normal size.

But one in five will end up developing serious complications including fluid in the lungs, dangerous heart rhythms, heart failure  when the organ becomes irreversibly damaged and progressively less able to pump properly  or death within five years of diagnosis. Some may need a heart transplant or to be fitted with an pump called a ventricular assist device that helps the heart beat properly.

The latest study is the first to conclusively show women are more likely to suffer these complications within the first two years of diagnosis. It found 8.6 per cent of female participants were admitted to hospital for these problems compared with 4.4 per cent of men. However, because they appeared healthier, they were less likely to raise red flags for doctors.

The latest study is the first to conclusively show women are more likely to suffer these complications within the first two years of diagnosis. It found 8.6 per cent of female participants were admitted to hospital for these problems compared with 4.4 per cent of men. However, because they appeared healthier, they were less likely to raise red flags for doctors

The women's hearts were less enlarged than the men's, they had less scarring, known as fibrosis, in the walls of the heart  which can predict a poorer outlook  and they also had lower levels of troponin, a protein which can indicate a problem with the heart's function.

The results were found to be the same regardless of whether women had a genetic trigger for the disease or if it developed for other reasons.

'We don't yet know what is driving this but we think it's specifically something to do with female biology,' Dr Tayal adds. 'We need to do more research but it's important women with the condition and doctors, too, recognise their risks may be greater than expected.'

The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting women experience heart problems differently to men and need to be treated differently.

Women suffering a heart attack, for instance, are more likely to experience fatigue and back pain rather than crushing chest pain. Heart disease  the leading cause of a heart attack  is the biggest killer of women in the UK.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is diagnosed via a test to measure a protein called BNP in the blood, as well as an MRI or electrocardiogram scan. A genetic test may be performed if a family history of heart problems is evident. If the results are positive, screening is offered.

Four types of medication are given, including beta blockers and ACE inhibitors along with drugs that help reduce fluid retention and treat heart failure.

Dr Tayal claims the 'vast majority' of patients with the condition responded well to treatment, adding: 'But we need to work out early who those people at greatest risk of complications are going to be, and do more work to find out not only why women are affected differently but what we can do about it.'
I developed a slight tremor in my right arm and hand 18 months ago. After several visits to my GP, as well as seeing a neurology consultant privately, I was diagnosed with benign essential tremor. I was told it's not sinister but is untreatable  and it's gradually getting worse. Can I do anything to improve it?

Benign essential tremor (BET), which can occur at any age, is a neurological condition that usually affects both hands equally, causing them to shake rhythmically. We don't know what causes it but it seems to be hereditary.

People often notice that an essential tremor is made worse with stress, a lack of sleep and coffee but, interestingly, can often improve after a small amount of alcohol.

An essential tremor doesn't just affect the hands  some patients report problems with their head and neck, too.

Today's reader has asked DR ELLIE CANNON about a slight tremor in her arm which has developed over the past 18 months

At the beginning the shaking tends to be sporadic, but often worsens with time.

Patients are not usually offered treatment at the outset. This is perfectly fine if the tremor is mild and doesn't affect your eating and drinking, for instance.

As the tremor can vary in different people, it is key you keep a symptom diary to see if any obvious triggers, such as caffeine, become apparent. It would then be worth considering whether avoiding these is a practical and worthwhile option.

Some treatments do help reduce the tremor and patients usually opt to take them intermittently. This would involve taking a beta blocker  a drug that reduces blood pressure  prior to certain activities or before socialising, for example.

This isn't just reserved for more severe tremors and it is reasonable to use for relief at any stage.

I am 75 and generally healthy but have suffered from bacterial cellulitis for a long time. I have antibiotics at the ready for flare-ups  when my leg swells and I get a high temperature. The most recent episode has been severe after five days on tablets, my leg is still red and warm but now subsiding. Should I see an expert?

Cellulitis is an infection and inflammation of the skin and the layers of tissue beneath it, often occurring in the legs. The infection enters the body via a break in the skin, such as an insect bite or a wound.

Write to Dr Ellie Do you have a question for Dr Ellie Cannon? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk Dr Cannon cannot enter into personal correspondence and her replies should be taken in a general context Advertisement

For some it can become a chronic issue. This often happens in people who generally suffer with swollen legs through a condition called lymphoedema, diabetes, or skin conditions such as eczema or leg ulcers.

Urgent antibiotic treatment is essential as it can rapidly worsen and trigger sepsis, which is a potentially fatal immune system reaction to an infection.

It is not uncommon for sufferers to require intravenous antibiotics in hospital.

The symptoms of cellulitis are usually easy to spot. The leg becomes red, hot and swollen and it is common to feel unwell with a fever or flu-like symptoms.

Having recurrent episodes of cellulitis is likely caused by an underlying condition, such as circulation problems in the lower leg. This would usually be managed by a GP but patients may require input from the vascular team at the hospital, too.

Leg clubs are also helpful  these are community groups for people with lower-limb problems, such as difficulties walking, swelling, ulcers and infections including cellulitis. Meeting others who are in the same situation can be a great support, and nurses are also on site to advise on treatment.

I had an emergency operation in August to remove part of my bowel, and suffered an infection soon after. I am still in discomfort, especially when I cough or laugh, and I have what looks like two belly buttons. Is the tenderness normal, and can I do anything for the way I look?

Recovery from abdominal surgery takes time.

The muscles of the abdominal wall are complex and are involved in many minor and major movements  when we cough and laugh, as well as changes of posture and opening the bowels. Healing can take even longer if patients suffer a post-operative infection.

The muscles of the abdominal wall are complex and are involved in many minor and major movements  when we cough and laugh, as well as changes of posture and opening the bowels. Healing can take even longer if patients suffer a post-operative infection

Scar tissue is not like muscle  it is fibrous and will not share the same movement or flexibility. Areas with scarring can often feel tight and may limit movements that were previously normal.

Post-operative abdominal exercises would help to gently stretch the abdominal scarring and improve matters. This should be done under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure the wounds are protected while the muscles are being worked.

A consultation with the GP would be important for anyone after emergency surgery. They can help with pain relief, a referral for physiotherapist and provide emotional support.

Situations such as these can be traumatic, and I always think it's beneficial to try to explain to patients what has happened and why. The GP can also examine the wounds to check everything is healing correctly and whether a further referral is required for scar revision  a surgical procedure to alter the appearance of the scar for cosmetic reasons or to restore movement.

Is this the end of morning sickness?

A cure for morning sickness could be close at hand.

The condition affects as many as two-thirds of pregnant women, who are hit with waves of nausea and vomiting. Mothers-to-be can also develop hyperemesis gravidarum  when vomiting is so relentless they have to be hospitalised as they can become dangerously dehydrated.

It had been unclear what causes morning sickness, but University of Cambridge researchers say they have found the source  a hormone produced by the foetus called GDF15. The scientists say that gently exposing women to increasing levels of the hormone ahead of pregnancy could help resilience and reduce symptoms.

It's early days, though. There will have to be rigorous testing before women are given it, but it's something I'll be keeping a close eye on as, if successful, it could be game-changing.
Wash and wow

To combat the effects of my hair constantly being blow-dried and straightened for work, I apply leave-in masks by Aussie or Olaplex. I use a different shampoo every time I wash my hair as I pick them up in the supermarket, so Im always discovering new ones. I buy beauty products there, too  it started in lockdown when a trip to the supermarket felt like a spa day. For styling, I have a curling wand, but I can only do my right side  the left side looks diabolical.

Keep-fit favourites

I set my alarm at 6.30am  20 minutes earlier than everyone else  have a cup of tea and then do a bit of stretching. Sometimes its just eight minutes, but I feel like Ive done something good for myself. When it comes to exercise, Id rather not break a sweat and instead enjoy yoga, which I discovered when I was modelling in New York in the mid-1990s. Sometimes Ill lift light weights, which I keep behind the sofa, while watching Netflix. I have a skipping rope in the kitchen. I like to exercise in short bursts.

Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, 133, sisley-paris.com

Hydration heroes

Matt skin is my enemy  Im all about moisture. My favourite mask ever is Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask (right), but its super expensive, so one for my Christmas list! Im obsessed with No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum and, for parched skin, Weleda Skin Food. Facials arent my thing  I dont like having products stroked on then scraped off. Instead I have a Thai massage every few weeks because its wonderful for getting rid of all the toxins and boosting the lymphatic system.

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, 25, boots.com

Top glow-tos

Im anti anything powdered or matt. Day to day its all about tinted moisturiser and cream blush. For a dewy glow, I use Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Tint and Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm (right). One product Ive used for 20 years is Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream  its in my handbag. I use it on my eyes and lips. Ive recently discovered Avon Exxtravert Mascara  its awesome. Sometimes Ill go for a few false lashes on the outer corner of my eyes to open them up a bit. Ive just bought an Hourglass eyebrow pencil  so expensive, but it lasts all day. I also love Dove Gradual Tanning Lotion, which doesnt smell and gives you a great glow.

Health kicks

Ive always been into eating well and love how your fridge can be like your own pharmacy. Im obsessed with ginger because its antiviral and boosts immunity, and put it into juices and make tea with it. However, I also love cake and chocolate. People sometimes ask: Do you not eat sweets? And I say: Are you kidding! Ill have cheeky snacks, but thats fine because I do it in moderation. And Im too busy to be unwell, so I take a vitamin gummy daily.
Delight guests this festive season with unique wines from unusual grapes and lesser-known regions. The gems below promise something different  at great prices. Fans of white Burgundy should check out my Aligote discovery. Penchant for Pinot Grigio? Youll love my crisp Lugana find. Dive into bold reds with a Georgian Saperavi or Spanish Monastrell. And for superb value sweet, head to the French region of Jurancon.

Teliani Valley Saperavi 2021 (13%), 13.50, woodwinters.com.

Uncover this deep magenta-hued vino made from Georgias flagship grape, Saperavi, with an enticing exotic perfume and layers of wild berry fruit.

Taste the Difference, Bourgogne Aligote 2022 (12%), 14, Sainsburys.

The Aligote grape, which accounts for six per cent of Burgundys vines, is enjoying a renaissance  here it delivers a rounded texture with sunny citrus and mineral notes.

Bodegas Volver Tarima Monastrell 2022 (14.5%), 9.99, majestic.co.uk.

Spains affordable alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with robust, rich beef wellington and other Christmas classics.

Lugana Italian White 2022 (13%), 10, Asda

From scenic vineyards near Lake Garda, this unoaked white crafted from the Turbiana grape really hits the spot with its refreshing lemony quality.

Domaine Lasserre Jurancon 2020 (12%), 7.25 (37.5cl), Co-op.

Heres a lighter style of sweet wine: best served fridge-cold to complement its inviting notes of honeysuckle and mango with a hint of lime. One to match with fruity desserts.
In early 2003, I was a few months away from my 32nd birthday and felt more lost than I ever had in my life. Id published my first two novels and, while theyd received good reviews, they hadnt sold well. A draft of my third book had just been turned down by my then publisher. It seemed as if my career was over before it had even begun.

Worse, I was heartbroken over the end of a relationship. We had been on and off since August 2000  the very week my debut novel was published  but things had now, definitively, ended. I had started taking antidepressants and was mixing them far too often with alcohol.

Id spent the past seven years working in a bookshop in Dublin. It was normally a sanctuary in times of trouble, but almost a year earlier Id been promoted to assistant manager and an unfortunate sequence of events left me and a colleague in charge of a staff of 40. The pressure became too much.

Payday was 20 January and, after I locked up the shop, a group of us went for drinks; we were all, myself included, unaware that I had already served my last customer. We sat in our usual booth and, as the beer flowed, my colleagues began complaining about their salaries, berating head-office policies and slating the customers. I grew angry and frustrated and, without planning to, settled my pint on the table and started talking.

I told my colleagues how their incessant complaining made working in the shop a nightmare. How I hated the fact that, when I walked through the doors in the morning, I couldnt even get my coat off before one of them attacked me over something trivial. I called them out on their laziness, their bullying and (for the boys) their misogynistic treatment of any new female staff member. I asked them why, if they hated their jobs so much, didnt they just quit? I carried on for about ten minutes without a break and, when I was finally finished, I was greeted with total silence.

I didnt give anyone a chance to reply. Instead, reaching into my bag, I found the shop keys and threw them on the table. Its all yours, I said to no one in particular, standing up and putting on my coat. Im done. I quit. Im out.

I emailed my manager to tell her that I was resigning with immediate effect. One angry monologue  that probably could have earned me a scholarship to Rada  and seven years of my life came to an abrupt end.

My childhood summer holidays were spent in Wexford, on the Southeast coast of Ireland, and they remain among the happiest days of my life. So, within 48 hours I relocated there, using my savings to rent a house on the beach. It was enormous. Four bedrooms, a large attic space, acres of land, greenhouses, even an orangery. And, amazingly, it was cheap as chips. Suddenly, I was lord of a manor, albeit with no one to wait on me.

It was the first time since the age of four that I had no routine...it was scary but liberating

Having gone from school to university to a masters degree to the bookshop, it was the first time since the age of four that I had no routine. This was scary but enormously liberating.

I went on long walks and swims. (Trust me, until youve plunged into the Irish Sea twice daily in winter, you dont know what cold is.) I made some friends through a local bookshop. They wondered what had brought me there but I tried to remain mysterious, not wanting to discuss the past. It was an opportunity to reinvent myself, and the new friends allowed me to be whoever I wanted. We drank, talked, went to local gigs and had fun. There were no agendas. No dramas.

It took most of that year for me to rebuild my life, but only a few weeks to recognise that there was only one thing that truly made me happy  writing  and that I couldnt abandon it, even if Id hit a roadblock. And so I returned to work on my rejected third novel  Crippen  and by the end of the year, I had sold it to Penguin.

As Christmas approached, I moved back to Dublin, healthier, happier, and committed to never letting things slip from my grasp again.

We live in a world where everything we do is played out for an audience. Social media puts us on display, like mannequins in a shop window, affording us little chance of privacy. When I went to Wexford in 2003, however, that toxic wasteland had yet to be invented. I could go off the radar in a way that would be impossible today. It gave me the space to read, write and think about my future without interruption. I was solitary but not lonely.

We live in a world where everything we do is played out for an audience.

Of course, for anyone with family, friends, jobs and responsibilities, its difficult simply to walk away from life but it can also be crucial in times of crisis. I look back on that year in Wexford and can recognise how important it was. Its 20 years later now and Im certain that everything Ive achieved since then depended on me taking that time out to focus entirely on myself.

When I returned to Dublin in 2003, I focused on writing novels and started teaching creative writing at the Irish Writers Centre, while reviewing books for The Irish Times. I was building my life around words. (And, only four months later, an image would pop into my head of two boys sitting on either side of a fence at a concentration camp. It was the start of the novel that changed my career and life: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.)

I never again entered the doors of the shop I had left  until the morning of my wedding, in February 2015, when it was no longer a bookshop but a record store, and all the ghosts of the past had evaporated. The ceremony was taking place only a short walk away and I went there deliberately to lay those ghosts to rest.

My new book, Water, is the first of a quartet of novellas that will collectively be titled The Elements. Following a traumatic moment in her life, the narrator Willow, like me, also flees Dublin but, in her case, she travels to an island off the West coast of Ireland, needing time and space to consider her part in disturbing events that have torn her family apart. As I wrote it, I drew deeply on my own experiences in Wexford all those years before.

Like Willow in Water, we have to understand that sometimes, in order to be happy, its necessary to leave the familiar behind. I still do it. Every year, on 27 December once Christmas with my family has come to an end  I board a flight for Australia and remain there, travelling around my favourite country, until the end of March. I bring the draft of the book Im working on and, again, I walk, I swim, I read and I write.

Some would call what I did in 2003, and what Willow does in Water, running away, but I prefer to see it as running towards something. Towards a clearing of the mind and a future that might not be there if we dont take the time to be alone and appreciate life. To block out the noise. To embrace solitude and the beauty of your own existence. Perhaps running away for a time is the only way to find your way home.

Water by John Boyne is published by Doubleday, 12.99; Earth; Fire and Air will follow at six-monthly intervals. To order a copy for 11.04 until 31 December, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK deliveries on orders over 25
You dont have to be young, slim and supple to learn to dance. The Silver Swans programme is helping over-55s spread their wings, says Jan Masters.

When Angela Rippon performed those standing splits on the first live show of this years Strictly, a sofa-seated nation gasped. How does anyone do that so gracefully and effortlesslyparticularly when theyre 79?

Angela Rippon with a flock of silver swan dancers

The answer lies partly in the stars lifelong devotion to ballet. So when Rippon watched 200 Silver Swans from all over Europe flock to the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London this October, she described the celebration as a joy to behold. The Silver Swans programme offers ballet classes to a global community of over-55s, regardless of their ability or experience, and Rippon is its ambassador.

Dont panic! Silver Swans (or Boomer Ballet, as some like to call it) arent expected to execute anything so advanced. In fact, you wont be expected to have any dance background at all, although if youve had some training, even if you were ten at the time, thats fine, too. It was my childhood experience of ballet that persuaded me to dip a pointed toe back into the water later in life.

Recently, ballets popularity has surged among older adults. In 2017 the RAD, one of the worlds most influential ballet-education and teacher-training bodies, created Silver Swans to safely teach students aged 55-plus. There are now over 1,000 certified teachers, operating in more than 50 countries.

From the age of six to 16, I attended classes above the Co-op in the suburban village of New Haw, Surrey, run by the formidable Mrs Gray, with Mrs Bungard on the piano. Each year an examiner from the RAD would descend from London, sit at a felt-topped table and ring a little bell to beckon me into the hall, scribbling notes as she scrutinised my plies and pirouettes.

I did well but threw in the legwarmers when the fifth-form boys peered through the window and sniggered. I was silly to pack it in and later I regretted it. Which is why one Christmas, when I was in my 40s, living solo in Sutton and touched by the frosted fabulousness of Nutcracker season, I pulled on my ballet slippers and gave it another go.

Now Im 61, and Ive taken various classes ever since. For me, they tick many boxes. First, as the gym leaves me cold, dance keeps me in shape. Im nowhere near as supple as Ms Rippon, but the exercises help build muscle strength and flexibility whatever your level. Teachers also offer workarounds if you have a dodgy knee or a stiff shoulder.

Second, I find ballet reassuring, maybe because its foundations are built on a series of fundamental steps  the same steps I learned as a kid above the Co-op. They form a universal language, so while they can combine in any number of simple or complicated ways, you could go to a basic ballet class anywhere in the world and pretty much follow it. And even if nobody knew each other, youd all have that in common.

Angela with Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing

Its meditative, too, as it requires focus. You must watch and listen to the teacher intently, so youre forced to leave your worries at the studio door. And after enjoying the freedom of moving across the floor to such uplifting piano music, whether its Tchaikovsky or a classical rendition of Eye of the Tiger (trust me, it happens), you might clean forget to pick them up on your way out.

Then there are the people. Clearly none of us is of an age or standard to be cast as Odette at the Royal Opera House, which makes room for fun. It matters not a jot what you do  or did  for a living. Your gender is irrelevant. Your shape is, too. As for age, its immaterial, if you love to dance. Which is why there have been many times in my life that ballet has kept me fit, sane and connected.

One of the schools Ive been to most is Ballet4Life in Chiswick, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. The founder is Donna Schoenherr, who trained in New York and performed professionally with companies such as the Cleveland Ballet, before moving to the UK. In 2004, after the birth of her son, she had a dream to offer ballet to all ages: proper tuition in proper studios.

By 2011, older community members were opening up to her. Many told me theyd love to try it but felt theyd be too embarrassed standing alongside reed-slim youngsters. Or wearing tights, says Schoenherr. She devised a 50-plus class, no special hosiery required. It was, and still is, a big success.

Likewise, RADs initiative was a response to demand, as well as research from its Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project. Ballet organisations have provided classes for older learners for many years, says Gia Gray, head of dance school at the RAD. What is changing is the perception of ballet. It is seen as more accessible to mature beginners. This, with the growing focus on health and wellbeing, is why its becoming popular.

Schoenherr agrees. There are so many benefits: improved balance, coordination, strength. It also sharpens mental acuity as you have to remember the steps. And it gets the endorphins going. My dancers also feel more empowered as theyre embracing their physicality and realising they can express themselves without judgment. Its lovely.

Research shows dancing is associated with greater longevity and quality of life. One study showed that people over 40 who took part in regular dancing for over a decade (any dance that gets you sweaty and out of breath) almost halved their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, compared to non-dancers. In another study, dancing a few times a week bestowed a 76 per cent lower risk of dementia.

Ballet goes to the top. Queen Camilla is a Silver Swan and sent a message to Rippon and the dancers. As a devoted, if slightly creaky, Silver Swan myself, I very much wanted to send you my warmest wishes for a wonderful day of fellowship and fun, celebrating the huge benefits that ballet has brought to our lives. To borrow a quote Keep Dancing! Or, if youve never tried ballet before, Id add, Enter stage right and give it a try.

Grab your slippers and get started

 Silver Swans is a trademark of the RAD and its classes are delivered exclusively by Silver Swans Licensees who have trained to adapt ballet techniques safely for older adults. These operate in over 50 countries (and growing) around the world.

 Classes are for both novice and experienced dancers, with the age of 55-plus a guide, not a rigid rule.

 Silver Swans teachers do not follow a syllabus; their training means they not only understand safe practice but can adapt lessons for a diverse class.

 You will need a pair of ballet slippers (flats). Theres no need to sew on ribbons as they come with elastic.

 There is no set uniform, although you must be able to move freely. The RAD has dancewear on its website specifically designed for Silver Swans.

 Find a Silver Swans class near you or online at atroyalacademyofdance.org/ dance-with-us

 Many ballet schools and professional companies offer classes for older and/or inexperienced dancers within their communities, so its always worth doing your own research.
In this series, we bust the jargon and explain a popular investing term or theme. Here it's SPIVA.

What's this?

SPIVA stands for S&P Indices versus Active. The SVIPA Scorecard is a report that's been published every six months for the past 20 years by S&P Dow Indices. It compares the performance of active share and bond funds against their index fund equivalents  vital information for the millions who have entrusted their savings to these schemes.

What's the difference between the two sorts of funds?

Active funds are managed by humans who select shares and bonds with the potential to appreciate. Index or 'passive' funds replicate the make-up of a specific market index with only modest amounts of human intervention. For this reason, they tend to be much cheaper.

Why is the Scorecard necessary?

In the $100 trillion asset management industry, the active v passive debate has been raging for a while in a man-versus-machine tussle. Passives tend to outperform active funds over the long-term.

But in periods when the markets are more volatile, active managers ought to be able to show their star quality. Some managers make the most of these chances, delighting their investors. Others try hard, but fail to do so.

Vital information: The Scorecard is a report that's been published every six months for the past 20 years by S&P Dow Indices

Give me an illustration of this

In 2022, the Scorecard shows that 49 per cent of large-cap US funds outperformed the S&P 500 index. This may not sound very impressive, but in 2021 only 15 per cent managed to do so. During that year, the index was being driven upwards by the surge in the share prices of the tech giants which are overweighted in the indices reflecting their size. Managers struggled to compete.

The European mid-2023 Scorecard shows that 71 per cent of active UK-based American funds underperformed during the first half of the year. Over the same period, however, active UK large and mid cap funds had a good start, with only 47 per cent underperforming.

Why is this in the news?

The rise of passive exchange traded funds (ETFs)  which can be traded throughout the day and so are more liquid  is winning more and more investors to the passive cause. They are deserting the active management groups, pulling out billions.

This has squeezed these managers' margins, sometimes to the point of pain.

In the autumn, Steve Bird, chief executive of Abrdn, sought to sell the group's investment management arm, but was blocked by the board.

Is there a chance that active funds could perform better in 2024?

It's easy to see passive as a near-certain bet. But some observers believe that conditions could be more propitious in the year ahead, although it must be said that such hopes have been dashed before.

As always, it makes sense to regularly check that any funds you hold are on the best buy lists compiled by the investment platforms AJ Bell, Bestinvest, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor.

It is worth also taking a look at Bestinvest's Spot The Dog report which names the funds that have consistently undershot their benchmark. If you are paying higher active fees, the least you deserve is a manager that delivers returns.
NEW YORK  Even before anyone has cast a vote in a 2024 presidential primary, the attention of many political journalists has shifted to Jan. 20, 2025.

There has been a flurry of recent stories about the implications of a potential second presidency for Donald Trump, and his team's planning for Inauguration Day and beyond. Polls show his continued dominance over Republican rivals and the likelihood of a close general election.

The New York Times reporting team of Charlie Savage, Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman has been mining that topic since the summer, and last week wrote in depth about the former president's authoritarian impulses, and the possibility of fewer checks on his power. On Sunday, they examined whether Trump would leave NATO.

A special issue of The Atlantic magazine released last week collected essays by 24 writers on how a Trump presidency would affect things like foreign policy, immigration, journalism and climate change. Editor Jeffrey Goldberg wrote that people should read every one, "though perhaps not in one sitting, for reasons of mental hygiene."

Among several other pieces:

1. The Washington Post outlined plans by Trump and allies to use the federal government to punish opponents, and Editor-at-large Robert Kagan suggested that a Trump dictatorship was "increasingly inevitable."

2. The Associated Press has written extensively about the implications of Trump's campaign rhetoric. Also, detailed planning by conservative groups for a second Trump term was outlined by AP.

3. Politico's Jack Shafer wrote about Trump's "recipe for a shockingly raw power grab."

4. Axios collected speculation on the possible staffing of a second Trump administration. Can you say Vice President Tucker Carlson?

TOO MUCH? EVEN TRUMP'S PEOPLE PRESCRIBE CAUTION

The volume of stories had reached the point where the Trump campaign at the end of last week sent a memo calling on allies and former aides to cool it, saying messages about a potential second term from anyone but the former president and his team were "an unwelcomed distraction."

"The stakes are high," said David Halbfinger, politics editor at the Times. "We saw on Jan. 6 of 2021, when we cover politics, we don't just cover elections. We cover democracy now. Everybody has to take their jobs seriously, and it's good to see that everybody is."

For decades, journalists have been criticized for concentrating too much on the "horse race" aspect of politics: who's winning, who's losing and the machinations of campaigns. With the Republican and Democratic nomination processes uncompetitive so far, there's less taste for it.

Much of the recent reporting is an emphatic example of what New York University journalism professor Jay Rosen calls "stakes journalism," or examining the potential consequences of an election.

As Trump talks about retribution and his challengers fail to dent his popularity, the story line about threats to democracy "becomes more and more plausible," Rosen said. "Horse race coverage feels more and more trivial. At least it does to me."

At the same time, reporters have discovered the extent to which Trump allies have been specifically planning for a return to power, Halbfinger said. Journalists have learned  or should learn  to take seriously what the former president says while campaigning.

"The skeptics who might have consoled themselves about the first term of Trump, saying that he's too incompetent to get things done, they can't console themselves by saying Trump and his people don't know what they're doing this time," he said. "They've learned a lot and they're preparing."

Goldberg said in an interview that he began thinking of The Atlantic's special issue when reporting this summer for a piece on General Mark Milley's actions in the waning days of the Trump administration. He said he saw the value of putting in one place all of the potential impacts of Trump 2.0  in what The Atlantic labels "a warning."

While he has no specific metrics about reader response, Goldberg said "I didn't think it would be so galvanizing."

MORE SUCH COVERAGE? OR IS IT BIASED?

Rosen and Margaret Sullivan, who hosts the podcast "American Crisis: Can Journalism Save Democracy?", have repeatedly urged for more of this coverage. Journalists should report "with far more vigor  and repetition  than they do about Biden being 80 years old," Sullivan wrote last month in a column for The Guardian.

Both Sullivan and Rosen said they were encouraged by the recent reporting. Not surprisingly, that's not the case among Trump supporters.

Jordan Boyd said in the Federalist last week that corporate media was trying to "gaslight Americans" and are leading a coordinated effort to paint a potential 2024 Trump victory as the beginning of a cruel and unyielding dictatorship.

There's a "whole new level of panic" in the media about polls that have shown Trump matching up well against President Joe Biden, said Tim Graham, director of media analysis at the conservative watchdog group Media Research Center.

"There's a frustration with, 'Why can't we destroy this guy?'" Graham said. "I think everyone figured that 91 indictments would do the trick and it did the opposite."

The question remains whether the new reporting will be noticed by people who rely mostly on conservative media.

"I'm just not sure it's sinking in to the public in general," said Sullivan, incoming executive director of a journalism ethics center at Columbia University. "There's a lot of people who understand there's a threat to democracy that comes with a second Trump presidency and there are a lot of people who continue to think that it's a normal presidential contest. I don't think that's the case."

Goldberg said he hopes people hand a copy of The Atlantic to "their on-the-fence uncle" over the holidays.

"We have to do whatever we think is right and we have to try as hard as we can to advance the ideas that we think are true and good," he said. "If people listen, great. And if people don't listen, we still have to do it. That's our role. We also want to be able to tell our grandchildren that we tried hard."

___

The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced Donald Trump, Republican Nikki Haley, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Marianne Williamson, Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Independent Larry Elder, Republican (dropped out) President Joe Biden, Democrat Asa Hutchinson, Republican Tim Scott, Republican (dropped out) Ron DeSantis, Republican Mike Pence, Republican (dropped out) Chris Christie, Republican Doug Burgum, Republican (dropped out) Francis Suarez, Republican (dropped out) Will Hurd, Republican (dropped out)
Pearson's largest shareholder has called for the company to move its listing to the US, in another blow to the London stock market.

Cevian Capital has singled out the FTSE 100 educational publisher as the next company in its portfolio that should make a move to New York.

The activist investor argues that the shift would be better for the business and comes just months after it managed to convince Irish building products group CRH to move their primary listing across the Atlantic.

But the upheaval would be yet another setback to the Square Mile, which has endured snubs from British chip designer Arm, as well as UK commodities broker Marex last week.

Christer Gardell, the founder of Cevian Capital, Europe's largest activist investor, said that joining the increasing number of London-listed companies moving out of the FTSE would be an 'easy and effortless way' to increase Pearson's value.

Moving: Cevian Capital has singled out Pearson as the next company in its portfolio that should make a move to New York

Pearson, which once owned the Financial Times, has seen its shares flatline, climbing less than 1 per cent in the past five years.

'Pearson is a US company with the majority of sales and executives there,' said Gardell, the managing partner of the Stockholm-based investor which holds a 12 per cent stake in Pearson.

'It is only due to historical reasons it is still listed in the UK.'

Gardell, 63, is a formidable figure whose aggressive style has earned him the nickname 'the Butcher' in the Swedish press. Pearson, which specialises in higher education tools and language learning, makes almost two-thirds of its 3.8billion revenues in the US.

There is a worrying trend of companies falling out of love with London.

Gambling giant Flutter is gearing up for a secondary listing in the US in January as its American business explodes.

Many commentators have seen this as a transition to making a more permanent move for its primary one. George Osborne, former Chancellor and partner at boutique finance house Robey Warshaw, has said this backdrop had caused 'quite a lot of paranoia in the financial community of whether London is losing its status as the global centre of capital markets'.

Speaking on his podcast Political Currency this week, the former Chancellor said: 'It was the case maybe ten or 15 years ago when people said London was going to eclipse New York.

Paranoia: Former Chancellor George Osborne

'But that is definitely not the case now.'

He said shareholder attitudes were largely to blame, which made it difficult for London to keep hold of innovative companies or attract big tech firms such as Amazon and Google. These make up the so-called Magnificent Seven with Apple, Nvidia, Facebook-owner Meta, Microsoft and Tesla.

Instead he said the London market was filled with companies that have 'been around for quite a few decades,' including HSBC, BP and Shell. Earlier this year Pearson bosses suggested it would consider a move to the US if it were in the best interest of stakeholders. Sally Johnson, chief financial officer, said in March: 'We don't have any plans at the moment but where anything makes sense for our stakeholder groups, of course we consider it.'

Victoria Scholar, analyst at Interactive Investor, said: 'The allure of New York as a key destination for listings is clear  it offers attractive valuations and high trading volumes.'

A Pearson spokesman said: 'We are proud of our London listing and the access that it provides for investors around the world.'
Under fire: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has been criticised for 'not doing enough' over the make-up of its top ranks

A top accountancy body is under fire for failing to appoint black and minority ethnic directors to its board.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, one of the industry's most prestigious professional bodies, has been criticised for 'not doing enough' over the make-up of its top ranks.

The row comes after the organisation's biggest auditors were blasted for not spotting problems at a string of companies that went bust.

The institute's board is dominated by white directors despite the fact that a third of staff at the Big Four accounting groups  PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY  come from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

The proportion of non-white partners and senior managers at the top of those firms is lower.

In recent years the accounting profession has successfully recruited more entrants from diverse backgrounds. But two senior professors of accountancy from Asian backgrounds told The Mail on Sunday that the organisation is falling short on appointing black and minority ethnic candidates to its upper echelons.

Atul Shah, professor of accounting at City University, said: 'The ICAEW has not been doing enough to fix this issue. At best it is a box-ticking exercise.'

Critics point out that many non-white trainees entering the profession are struggling to advance.

Prem Sikka, a Labour peer and professor of accounting at the University of Essex, said some young accountants from black and ethnic minority backgrounds set up their own firms to avoid discrimination.

'I hear from many of my former students that there was no opportunity to progress,' he said. 'The only way they could get on was to get out.'

An ICAEW spokesman said: 'Ensuring the chartered accountancy profession reflects the communities it serves is a key part of our ten-year strategy.

'We're working hard to increase access to the profession, boost social mobility and to give members the tools they need to encourage an inclusive profession, and this will continue to be a priority.'

Allegations that ethnic minorities are disadvantaged come after a series of scandals over the audits of companies that later collapsed.

PwC and EY, which audited retail chain Wilko, were quizzed by MPs last month following accusations that they did not do enough to investigate its finances before it went under.
Activist shareholders claim they have support from more than a quarter of investors to oust a British energy firm's leaders.

A group led by Kamran Sattar of Portillion Capital  which has previously tried to take over Reabold Resources  has said the board is 'untrustworthy' and slammed its decision to invest in a gas project in Italy.

Reabold recently received a cash payment from Shell, which bought its stake in a firm called Corallian Energy.

Coup: Activist shareholders claim they have support from more than a quarter of investors to oust Reabold's leaders

The activists want to remove chief executive Sachin Oza and bosses. Sattar has proposed he becomes chairman.

A spokesman for the group said: 'We are confident of winning this time and saving the company from what seems like evident destruction.'

A Reabold spokesman said: 'This is an opportunistic attempt to seize control of the company, its assets and cash without paying a control premium to all shareholders.'
Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump's sweeping coastal estate in Palm Beach, Florida, has 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms and sits on 17 acres of land. A judge at the former president's ongoing tax fraud trial has said the property is worth around $18 million.

Less than a mile away, one of Trump's neighbors on the sun-soaked strip dubbed 'billionaire's row' recently sold their comparatively modest home at 845 S County Road. The mansion has five bedrooms, nine bathrooms and sits on a two-acre lot.

The property changed hands on May 22 for $63,431,750 - more than triple Mar-a-Lago's supposed price tag.

It's one of dozens of transactions in Palm Beach this year of properties far smaller than Mar-a-Lago fetching sums far greater than the judge's valuation of Trump's club.

Others include a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom property on a half-acre lot which sold in January for $45 million and a five-bedroom, six-bathroom home on 0.4 acres which fetched $41.3 million in May.

A DailyMail.com review of property sales in Palm Beach this year reveals homes far smaller than Mar-a-Lago have sold for far more than the $18 million valuation given to Trump's resort

Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate is seen Aug. 10, 2022, in Palm Beach, Florida. A judge at the former president's ongoing tax fraud trial has said the property is worth around $18 million. Experts believe it's worth at least $500million

This five-bedroom property on a two-acre plot at 845 S County Road sold in May for $63.5M - more than double what the judge in Trump's fraud trial said Mar-a-Lago is worth

Realtors who work in Palm Beach's multi-billion dollar property market say the 2023 sales records reviewed by DailyMail.com prove Mar-a-Lago has been 'insanely undervalued' - a move which threatens to undermine the broader case against Trump.

Mar-a-Lago's valuation is a central element of the fraud case filed in New York against Trump and his companies. The case led by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges he vastly overvalued his assets in financial statements that were used to secure bank loans.

In one statement, Trump claimed Mar-a-Lago is worth $739 million.

James' case has used the valuation by the Palm Beach county tax appraiser, which said Mar-a-Lago is worth between $18 million and $27 million, to argue that Trump hugely inflated the price of the resort.

The appraiser's valuation is based on Mar-a-Lago's income as a private club, which has a $200,000 initiation fee and $20,000-a-year fees, rather than its market value as a property.

In financial statements used to secure bank loans, Trump valued Mar-a-Lago at as much as $739 million. The judge in his fraud trial said that was around 2,300% of the real value

Judge Arthur Engoron sided with the attorney general's claim that Mar-a-Lago is worth between $18 million and $27 million, figures from the Palm Beach county tax appraiser

Ivana Trump's former Palm Beach home at 102 Jungle Road, one mile north of Mar-a-Lago, sold last year for $72.9 million. The mansion, which has nine bedrooms and ten bathrooms, was bought by Trump's late ex-wife in 1992 and she sold it in 2014 for $16.6 million

From its 17-acre plot, Mar-a-Lago towers over surrounding homes in Palm Beach. The property was completed in 1927 and realtors say there is nothing else like it in the area

The presiding judge, Arthur Engoron, agreed with that assessor's amount - which is used to determine how much property tax is paid - and said it meant Trump had overvalued Mar-a-Lago by as much as 2,300 percent.

'That Mar a Lago would be worth $18 million is so absurd. It's beyond comprehension. How they can say that's realistic. It's just laughable,' said Rob Thomson, a prominent Palm Beach realtor whose total sales volume exceeds $3.5 billion.

Thompson said it would fetch 'hundreds of millions of dollars'.

Mar-a-Lago is difficult to value accurately because there are no other properties like it in Palm Beach.

Built for Marjorie Merriweather Post and completed in 1927, it occupies a lot far larger than any other properties, has National Historic Landmark Status and was built before planning laws were introduced that mean a similar development in the area would be impossible today.

Crucially, deed restrictions also mean it must also maintain its club use, so it would be incredibly difficult for a buyer to turn the entire property into a private residence.

But realtors say that restriction is nowhere near enough to bring the valuation down to the tax assessor's range. A new owner could maintain a private residence there, just like Trump does, while still operating the club.

Listings for properties currently for sale in Palm Beach also indicate Mar-a-Lago's valuation is too low. This six-bedroom home just a few minutes' walk from Trump's property has a $40 million price tag

Thomson's firm, Waterfront Properties, is currently selling the six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home at 500 Regents Park Road, which is a stone's throw from Mar-a-Lago, for $40 million

How '$27' Mar-a-Lago compares to recently- sold Palm Beach homes Mar a Lago - 58 bedrooms -33 bathrooms -17 acres -Valuation: $27M 550 Ocean Boulevard -5 bedrooms -7 bathrooms -0.49 acres -Sale price: $45M 125 Gulfstream Rd -5 bedrooms -5 bathrooms -0.24 acres -Sale price: $15M 135 Gulfstream Rd -3 bedroom -3 bathrooms -0.39 acres -Sale price: $29M 854 S County Rd -5 bedrooms -8 bathrooms -2 acres -Sale price: $63M 930 S Ocean Boulevard -5 bedrooms -6 bathrooms -0.44 acres -Sale price: $41M 240 Clarke Ave -4 bedrooms -5 bathrooms -0.41 acres -Sale price: $32M 102 Jungle Road -9 bedrooms -9 bathrooms -0.73 acres -Sale price: $73M Advertisement

Thomson told DailyMail.com any sale would trigger a billionaires' bidding war.

'Mega billionaires would absolutely fight over Mar-a-Lago if it went up for sale,' he said.

At Trump's trial, fellow Palm Beach real estate mogul Lawrence Moens testified that Mar-a-Lago could be worth in excess of $1 billion.

From the witness stand, he told Judge Engoron that 'kings, emperors, heads of state' and billionaires 'from Elon Musk to Bill Gates' would line up to purchase the property in the highly unlikely event Trump decided to sell.

Last year, Moens brokered the sale of Ivana Trump's former Palm Beach home at 102 Jungle Road, one mile north of Mar-a-Lago, for $72.9 million. The mansion, which has nine bedrooms and ten bathrooms, was bought by Trump's late ex-wife in 1992 and she sold it in 2014 for $16.6 million.

Moens also recently oversaw the sale of a five-bedroom, six-bathroom property at 930 S Ocean Beach, according to listings. That home changed hands on May 30, 2023 for $41,382,500.

Listings for properties currently for sale in Palm Beach also lay bare the huge discrepancy between Judge Engoron's ruling and the real estate market in the area.

Thomson's firm, Waterfront Properties, is currently selling a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home at 500 Regents Park Road, which is a stone's throw from Mar-a-Lago, for $40 million.

Trump's lawyers rested his defense in the fraud trial on Tuesday and also asked Engoron to cut the trial short and issue a verdict clearing Trump, his company and top executives of wrongdoing.

Engoron immediately rejected the request - the second by Trump's team - and reiterated his feeling that state lawyers had met their legal burden for seeing the three-month trial through to its conclusion.

New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges Trump duped banks, insurers and others by inflating his wealth on financial statements used in securing loans and make deals. Engoron has already ruled on James' top claim that he committed fraud.

Engoron previously rejected the defense's request for a mistrial, denying its claims that he was politically biased and had irreparably harmed Trump's right to a fair trial through 'astonishing departures from ordinary standards of impartiality.'

The state's case involved six weeks of testimony from about two-dozen witnesses, including Trump, his eldest sons Eric and Donald Jr., daughter Ivanka, outside accountants and Trump Organization executives.

Closing arguments are scheduled to begin on January 11 and a ruling by the judge is expected a few weeks later.
Has Annie Kilner pulled off the ultimate revenge on her cheating husband? After rumours of TWO kids with Lauryn Goodman, years of humiliation and mystery over 2.5m house for his ex, is Kyle Walker's wife of two years now set for battle over 27m fortune?
A British pensioner is fighting a furious battle to kick a squatter out of her Spanish holiday home after they moved in two years ago and refused to pay a penny in rent since.

Irene Cox is desperate to get rid of former tenant Carmen Bonnici after she allegedly racked up nearly 1,800 in unpaid utilities.

Artist Ms Bonnici moved into the cottage in Arriate, near Ronda in December 2021, and after transferring one month's deposit, has refused to pay up.

The squatter has repeatedly claimed the 90,000 house is not fit to live in, but has allegedly failed to let builders in to undertake repairs.

Mrs Cox, from Worcester, told MailOnline: 'I'm worried my home is going to be trashed, all the stuff she was complaining about was outrageous.'

Irene Cox, a retired English teacher, is forced to pay for the electricity, water and other bills of her tenant who refuses to pay her

Carmen Bonnici, is refusing to pay rent, claiming the house has been inhabitable since she moved in - a claim the owners deny

The artist rented the cottage in Arriate, near Ronda (pictured), in December 2021, and after paying one month's deposit has refused to pay anything since

Meanwhile videos from Ms Bonnici's Instagram account show her dancing around and smiling inside the home.

She has also now declared herself as a 'vulnerable adult', making eviction all the more difficult under Spanish law.

According to her website her artworks sell for thousands of euros each, although it is not known if she has sold any recently.

In an email seen by MailOnline, she wrote to her landlord: 'I know my rights. I know the law unless you give me back my money now you can both go f*** yourselves.

'As for the builders, if they set foot on this property as long as I'm living here then they are trespassing if they come I will call the Guardia Civil.'

It comes after MailOnline this year revealed how criminal gangs of squatters are targeting second homes of British people in Spain, with some even using children as 'props' to try and shield themselves from eviction.

Article 47 of the Spanish Constitution states that 'all Spaniards have the right to enjoy decent and adequate housing' - a sentiment which has caused a legal loophole, making it extremely difficult for homeowners to remove squatters who have entered their properties.

Under Spanish law, squatters who have occupied a home for more than 48 hours and are deemed to have no other adequate housing in which to live cannot be evicted without a court order.

This process takes an average of 18 months, and can prove particularly costly with plaintiffs having to shell out for legal representation and bailiffs.

Brit Ms Bonnici dances around the home in a video posted to her Instagram account

Ms Bonnici is demanding money for 'damaged artwork' from termites and water leakage

In the interim, the only way to remove squatters is to pay squatter removal firms, many of whom charge thousands of pounds to forcibly evict them.

Mrs Cox and her estate agent husband are now at their wits' end after an attempt to pay her to leave also failed.

Despite taking fellow Brit Ms Bonnici to court to evict her, no date for a trial has yet been set.

To complicate matters, the tenant is demanding money from them for alleged 'damaged artwork' from termites and water leakage.

Mrs Cox said: 'She's obviously out to get everything she can.

'As soon as she moved in she started making a list of complaints, the truth is the home was incredibly clean and in a good condition, our former tenant was there for years without a complaint.'

The former teacher continued: 'She won't allow us in, she actually refuses to open the door.'

Ms Bonnici said the house was 'simply not habitable' and that she was advised by police and the town hall to 'stop paying rent'

Ms Bonnici claimed there are holes in the roof, dangerous wires and no functioning toilet or hot water

When contacted, Ms Bonnici said the house was 'simply not habitable' and that she was advised by police and the town hall to 'stop paying rent.'

She claimed there are holes in the roof, dangerous wires and no functioning toilet or hot water.

When asked why, if it was so bad, she had stayed for two years, she added: 'The landlord hasn't given my money back so I can't leave.

'They said they would give it to me after I leave the house, but I know they won't.

'Since time has gone by, more artwork has been damaged. They've never offered to fix the termite infestation that has eaten most of my clothes.

'I'm in a vulnerable situation, I can't move, I'm not financially able to, I don't have any money.

'You can go from selling art for thousands of dollars to selling nothing.'
Marcia Langton has accused Peter Dutton of cementing 'race hate' into the fibre of Australia in an extraordinary assessment of the failed referendum.

The professor, who was one of the original signatories to the Uluru Statement of the Heart, gave her first detailed response to the failed referendum at the University of South Australia earlier this month.

She called on the Albanese government to push forward with regional and local voices despite 60 per cent of Australians voting not to constitutionally enshrine the advisory body in the constitution.

The outspoken Indigenous rights advocate's new proposal references the 272-page Calma-Langton report she co-authored recommended 35 regional and local voices that were supposed to work alongside the constitutionally-enshrined Voice.

There are suggestions these local voices - which would not require a referendum or even legislation - could be in full swing as early as 2024.

In her address to the annual Hawke Lecture, Professor Langton blamed the Opposition leader, as well as shadow Indigenous Australians minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Warren Mundine for the defeat of the Voice.

Not only did she accuse them of cementing 'race hate' into the 'fibre of Australia', but of lying about the details of the Voice, confusing the Australian public and 'further entrenching structural racism in our lives' - and then 'gloating' about it.

In an address to the University of South Australia earlier this month, Professor Langton called on the government to begin implementing regional voices in spite of the referendum defeat

'They did so with disgusting glee and arrogance,' she told the crowd, who gave her a standing ovation.

Professor Langton invited Yes voters to 'stand behind us', but warned 'they too face a bleak future' where 'the dark heart of White Australia policy will be no whisper but a slogan'.

'Reconciliation is dead,' she said.

'Not because we failed to pursue it, but because the majority of Australians rejected it, led along by a deceitful campaign aimed at dehumanising us.'

She argued the No vote meant Australia could no longer be considered the land of the fair go, and that everyday Australians had squandered an opportunity to be absolved of the guilt of our ancestors.

Despite her disappointment, she credited Anthony Albanese for keeping his word and holding the referendum.

While initial polling showed the majority of Australians supported the proposal, but by the time October 14 arrived, every pollster had been predicting a failure for months.

But Professor Langton said the 'outcome of the referendum was deeply shocking to those of us familiar' with it, who wholeheartedly believed the proposal was based on 'contemporary human rights standards'.

Initial polling showed the majority of Australians supported the proposal, but by the time October 14 arrived, every pollster had been predicting a failure for months

Echoing the recommendations made in her initial report, Professor Langton said Indigenous people 'want the federal government to establish a legislated representative body' through 'regional Voice structures'.

'In addition to legislated representative bodies... Indigenous people have been very clear they want treaties and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission.'

Professor Langton said First Nations people also want governments and institutions to take steps toward 'truth-telling' - the third pillar of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Despite her calls for the government to progress with treaties, truth-telling and legislated voices, Professor Langton claimed Australia's rejection of a constitutionally enshrined Voice marked 'the end of reconciliation'.

'We are left with the wit and determination of indigenous people themselves to find another way to live alongside those who hold us in contempt,' she said.

Professor Langton also said the 'primary attribute of Yes voters was a high standard of education'.

She placed the blame squarely at the feet of the most effective No campaigners - Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Shadow Indigenous Australians Minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, and Warren Mundine

'It is difficult to convey how damaging the No campaigners were to me personally,' she said. 'The damage to our prospects of living healthy, worthwhile lives in our own country is profound.

'Make no mistake, the damage is permanent.'

Professor Langton failed to mention that much of the opposition to the Voice came came from the failings of the Yes campaign.

She sparked controversy herself when she branded the No case 'racist and stupid' and accused 'hard No voters' of 'spewing racism'.

The Yes campaign wasn't helped by commentary by Thomas Mayo or TV legend Ray Martin.

Martin called No voters 'd**kheads and dinosaurs' at a crucial part of the campaign, while Mayo's ambitions of a Voice leading to treaty and reparations derailed the message early on.

Professor Langton said the 'outcome of the referendum was deeply shocking to those of us familiar' with it, who wholeheartedly believed the proposal was based on 'contemporary human rights standards'

The crowd gave Professor Langton a standing ovation

Mr Albanese and his cabinet have frequently referred back to the Calma-Langton Report - both throughout the election campaign and during the last 19 months in government.

The report was handed to the then-Coalition government in July 2021 calling for 36 Voice bodies.

While the national Voice will not go ahead, there are suggestions the government is considering using the Empowered Communities program to from local and regional Indigenous voices.

The program gives First Nations leaders and community representatives from regional and remote areas direct access to decision-makers in government to make suggestions and advocate for their communities.

Professor Langton called for a 'strong, resilient and flexible system which ... will be part of a genuine shared decision-making with governments at the local and regional level'.

Mr Albanese and his cabinet have frequently referred back to the Calma-Langton Report - both throughout their election campaign and during the last 19 months in government

The report called for the national Voice to be comprised of 24 members, two from each state and territory (one male, one female), and an additional five people representing remote regions. One person would be selected to represent Torres Strait Islander peoples on mainland Australia

While the federal Government has not adopted the recommendations of the report, Mr Albanese frequently urged Australians to read it when he was asked about further details about the Voice.

And in the absence of a renewed commitment to the Makarrata Commission in the wake of the referendum defeat, it is becoming increasingly likely that this suggestion could form part of the Labor government's Indigenous affairs policy for the remainder of their term.

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said in February she would seek to establish a network of regional Voices with state and territory governments.

'Those things are very important,' she told The West Australian.

'We will obviously work with those States and Territories in the best way to pursue a network of voices across this country.'

READ MORE: Winners and losers after Voice defeat Advertisement

The Calma-Langton says '35 regions across Australia would be necessary to accommodate the complexities of implementing the Indigenous Voice proposals'.

It also says each region should be able to 'decide how best to draw its Voice members', whether it be via election, nomination, expressions of interest or another form of selection.

The report suggested these methods would 'drawing on structures based in traditional law and custom, or a combination'.

The group would also have the freedom to determine 'how many Voice members there will be'.

Professor Langton and her co-author wrote these regional Voices should be able to provide direct advice to the national Voice, creating a 'two-way flow of advice and communication' on 'systemic issues associated with national policies and programs, and matters of national importance'.

Additionally, they sought for the local and regional Voices to be able to advise non-government sectors within communities, such as businesses and corporate entities.

Read the full Calma-Langton report here
It is one of the most prestigious addresses in London, with a prized view across the Thames to the twinkling lights of Albert Bridge and iconic towers of Battersea Power Station.

For centuries, Cheyne Walk in Chelsea has been the privileged preserve of the powerful, rich and famous, a neighbourhood where houses sell for tens of millions of pounds.

But MailOnline can reveal today that a homeless Iranian in his 40s, who arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker and doesn't speak English, has audaciously set up a home there for himself - by secretly erecting his own weather-proofed wooded home for 300 on the north bank of the Thames under Battersea Bridge.

Shahoo Amini has revealed that he built the 8ft by 4ft shed himself in August this year because he always wanted a 'place by the water'.

He told MailOnline: 'I did a lot of searches on Google for houses close to river or the sea and got my inspiration from these. My place is very beautiful. It's very cold at night but the view is amazing.'

Across the street in one direction from his shed, his immediate near-neighbours are Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, fellow rocker Bryan Adams and billionaire Tetra Pax heir Hans Rausing. And even nearer is Crosby Hall, the sprawling and magnificent 150million-plus Tudor-style mansion owned by property mogul Dr Christopher Moran. King Richard III, Catherine of Aragon, Thomas More and Sir Walter Raleigh all lived in homes on the site.

Mr Amini said: 'Nobody bothers me and to be honest, you can't even see my shed from the road because it's hidden away. I love my little place. It's wonderful opening the windows, looking out at the Thames and letting the fresh air in. I'd rather be here than sleeping rough on the streets.'

Shahoo Amini has built a shed to live in by the Thames because he always wanted a 'place by the water'

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Amini said that he arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker

Shahoo built the shed himself for 300 - and the top half is where he sleeps, complete with a window overlooking the water

Shahoo slept rough under bridges but has now got a shed stashed under Battersea Bridge (circled), one of the most exclusive areas of London

The sensational view of the Thames, Albert Bridge and iconic towers of Battersea Power Station

The shack was built to fit snuggly by the stairs down to the Embankment

Mr Amini said that he previously lived in a flat in Victoria but was evicted for rent arrears in March 2023 following a motorbike accident a year earlier which caused him to lose the majority of his memory and his job as a courier rider.

Shahoo, who says he is not on benefits but doesnt work and relies on his savings, had slept rough under bridges and on the streets of the capital before building the shack with one of the best views in London.

He said: 'I wasn't able to work but to be honest I can't remember too much. The accident caused me a lot of physical and mental damage, especially to my long term memory. Then I got evicted and was on the streets living homeless but I can't remember where'

He sleeps in the top section of the custom-built shed, which has a small window allowing him to wake up with a view of the Thames.

When the weather is good he dines and relaxes al fresco, sitting in a Union Jack fold-out camping chair admiring sweeping views of the river and Albert Bridge, which is loved for its 4,000 lights.

He has been seen preparing elaborate meals - chopping up fresh vegetables, herbs and meats on a table for stews and curries - before finishing his cooking on his stove.

Mr Amini was born in the Iranian city of Mariwan and came to the UK as an asylum seeker in 2013. He speaks little English and was speaking to MailOnline via an interpreter. He said he has no family here and no recollection of his previous life in Iran.

He added: 'It's all gone. My head is not the same since this accident and I don't remember most things about my life.'

He said the shed cost him around 300 to build and he bought the materials from a builders yard. His home has no heating and he relies on a hot water bottle for warmth.

Traffic rushes over the bridge above. The shed cost around 300 to build from Shahoo's savings

Mr Amini said: 'I did a lot of searches on Google for houses close to river or the sea and got my inspiration from these'

When the weather is good he sits in his chair and cooks Iranian stews and curries

Shahoo says he is not on benefits and uses savings to get by

All his possessions in the shed after her was evicted from a flat in March

Across the street in one direction from his shed, his immediate near-neighbours are Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, fellow rocker Bryan Adams and billionaire Tetra Pax heir Hans Rausing

The shed has sweeping views of the river and Albert Bridge, which is loved for its 4,000 lights

Mr Amini says he only cooks once a day on an oil burner. He sleeps on a hard wooden board raised above the ground which also acts as a table and a place for him to store his belongings.

His shed also has two makeshift windows and a pitched roof covered with a plastic sheet. He showers once a week in a nearby gym and uses the toilet of a local bus station.

Responsibility for this part of the Embankment and Battersea Bridge falls to Transport for London, but it appears that Sadiq Khan's transport body has no immediate plans to remove the shed or ask him to leave.

The lack of action raises questions about whether Shahoo has found a loophole allowing him to build a small home in one of the capital's most exclusive postcodes.

No one should be sleeping rough on Londons streets. TfL is working with the housing and rough sleeping outreach service at Kensington and Chelsea Council to help the person staying in a shed on the Battersea Bridge structure Transport for London

Locals believe he was first seen living rough under Albert Bridge, a few hundred yards along the river to the east. But several months ago, he suddenly decided to up-sticks and move into relatively more comfortable accommodation under Battersea Bridge.

There, he swiftly and secretly erected the pre-packed shed overnight and snuggly positioned it in the void between the stairs to the bridge and the Embankment river wall.

The shed is split into two sections. On the upper deck is his bedding and clothes and below is storage for his possessions and cooking equipment and utensils.

Shahoo swiftly and secretly put up the shed

Mr Amini's outdoor kitchen

The shed has a raised apex roof with an asphalt covering, as well as a plastic sheet for extra protection from the harsh elements that inevitably blow from the river. The roof extends to an impressive 12ft to provide an overhang from the rain. The upper sleeping area even has a little window that opens to add ventilation and a view of the river.

Chelsea locals and passersby have been welcoming to Shahoo, who is friendly and polite. Hence, no complaints have been raised to the local council, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

One local resident told MailOnline: 'The man looks perfectly at home here. We often see him making dinner on a camping stove. He has a little table and a fold-out camping chair. Hes clearly a good cook because he makes stews and curries that smell delicious. He even invited me to share this food and dine with him one evening.

'He looks very relaxed and always plays music from his mobile phone on a blue tooth speaker. Since the weather has turned colder he puts on a white beanie hat to keep warm. He says that the shed is fine, but that that traffic is very noisy. That seems to be a small piece to pay because people living nearby have paid many millions to enjoy the view hes got.

No one knows what is going to happen, but surely he cannot stay there. It would be a shame for his shed to be pulled down, but it is quite big and is clearly being used for storage as well as a place to sleep. What is to stop other homeless people creating homes like this anywhere?

The authoritiers have said they will reach out to support him.

A TfL spokesman said: No one should be sleeping rough on Londons streets. TfL is working with the housing and rough sleeping outreach service at Kensington and Chelsea Council to help the person staying in a shed on the Battersea Bridge structure. Rough sleepers need specialist support from dedicated outreach services, to help them find a permanent route off the streets. We continue to work with outreach services to help safeguard those sleeping rough or seeking refuge on our network.

A spokesman for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council added: We cannot comment on individual cases. Our first priority is to support rough sleepers into accessing benefits, housing and other support services based on their individual needs so they have an alternative to living on the streets. Our outreach team carries out night shifts multiple times a week to identify rough sleepers and help them as quickly as possible. It is a complex issue and this support is dependent on individuals wanting to work with us.
Jade Goody's mum Jackiey Budden has 'an absolute right' to watch grandson Bobby Brazier at the Strictly final live tonight, her ex-husband has said.

Jack Tweed said Jade would want her mum to be at the studio to watch the 20-year-old dance on one of the biggest television events of the year.

But Jackiey is banned amid an ongoing feud with Bobby's dad Jeff Brazier - who she said had been a 'c**k for nine years' in an interview with Mail Online earlier this month.

The 66-year-old has not been to any of the Strictly shows and is due to miss the final when Bobby takes to the stage with dance partner Dianne Buswell tonight.

EastEnders star Bobby will be battling it all out for the Glitterball trophy against Layton Williams and Nikita Kumzin and Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.

Jade Goody and ex-husband Jack Tweed (pictured, in 2008) were married until her death from cancer aged 27 in 2009

EastEnders star Bobby Brazier declared his love for his dancing partner Dianne Buswell after the pair landed in the dreaded dance off on Sunday

Jade's mother Jackiey Budden appeared heartbroken as she visited the late star's grave in Epping Forest, Essex on Wednesday

Bobby was the bookies' favourite to win Strictly but has since dropped behind Coronation Street star Ellie.

Jack, 36, who helped bring up Bobby with mum Jade before she died of cancer aged just 27, has now called for Jackiey to be allowed to watch.

He told MailOnline: 'I think it's only right Jackiey can go to the final. She has played a big part in Bobby's childhood.

'I know it's what Jade would want. She would want peace and everybody to get along.

'I know Jackiey can be outspoken. She speaks before she thinks and Jade was exactly the same.

'That will never change and it never has. She is who she is and we all know that.

'But she has an absolute right to be there. It'd be very sad if she isn't.

'She is Bobby's nan at the end of the day. Jackiey would not claim and has never claimed to be perfect.'

Jack urged Bobby to let her watch.

He added: 'I think it's the right thing.

'I think there's a good chance he will win on Saturday night and it would be very special if she could be there.'

Jackiey refused to comment when approached on Friday.

But was pictured looking heartbroken as she visited Jade's grave at a cemetery in Epping Forest, Essex earlier this week.

Jackiey sobbed as she polished the headstone and lay images of the reality star with Bobby and his younger brother, Freddie, 19.

One of the images she placed on the grave showed Bobby and dance partner Diane, 34, dancing on Strictly with the words: 'Doing Jade proud' laid on top, while she also left childhood shots of the boys.

Because of her falling-out with TV presenter Jeff, maternal grandmother Jackiey has watched him from her home in Bermondsey, south London.

Tensions flared after Jackiey has repeatedly slammed Jeff calling him a 'c***' when watching Bobby pick up a gong at the NTA's and later in an exclusive chat with MailOnline.

Speaking outside her flat earlier this month, Jackiey fumed: 'When I came out for the NTA Awards, I'm loud and it's the drink and someone went 'oh I bet you're really proud' and 'how do you get on with Jeff Brazier' and I said 'he's a c**k'.

Strictly and EastEnders star Bobby with dad Jeff after he won an award at the NTA ceremony

Bobby was the bookies' favourite to win Strictly but has dropped behind Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and her dance partner Vito Coppola

Jackiey at Jade's home in Essex with her grandchildren Freddie and Bobby in 2009

Jackiey was weeping while speaking to her late daughter at the grave this week

'Next minute I'm on the internet and all over the papers. As I came out of the O2, someone overheard me say it, so they sold the story.'

When asked if she said it and why, Jackiey fumed: 'Of course I said it. I haven't got a problem with (calling him that).

'He's been a c**k for f****** nine years.

'Bobby doesn't need that stress on his head. He's my grandson.'

But Jack, who was married to Big Brother star Jade when she died, said his ex-wife would have been horrified by the comments.

He said: 'Jade would not want that. She would just want peace for everybody. That is what is important.'

Unlike Jackiey, Jack, who now shies away from the limelight and works as an electrician with his dad, enjoys a good relationship with Jeff.

He said: 'I get on with Jeff. We're not close mates and we don't speak all the time but it's all very civil and that is the main thing.'

Jack is still in touch with Bobby and Freddie who he spent time with as children before their mother Jade passed away in March 2009.

He gushed: 'Bobby is absolutely amazing. I see a lot of Jade in him. He has fantastic stage presence and lights up the room and the television when he is on.

Bobby's grandmother Jackiey has been banned from Strictly after a fierce row with his dad Jeff Brazier (pictured, Jeff with Jade in 2002)

Jade and Jack outside her home in Waltham Abbey, Essex on February 2009

Jade and mum Jackiey when they appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2007

'He has that unique and cheeky personality that Jade had. He's smashing it and I am very proud of him.

'It's the first time I have ever watched Strictly. Jade would be over the moon to see him do so well and would be at every show I am sure.

'It's great to see. She would be immensely proud. In the house when he was very young, the music was always on, Jade was always dancing and I am sure he picked up some of it from that.

'He's a very confident lad and always has been and I can see Jade in him a lot.

'He looks like her and carries himself like she does in a cheeky and loveable way.

'He lights up the room you can tell.'

But Jack has issued a warning to Bobby about life in the limelight after drawing on his own experience and those of Jade.

The pair entered Celebrity Big Brother in 2007 and Jack said 'snakes' tried to get close to Jade.

He described show business as a 'rough game'.

He added: 'I would say to Bobby to be careful, especially the more successful he gets.

'I know he has good people around him and he has a good head on his shoulders and his dad Jeff is looking after him.

'It's very hard to trust people in that industry. I found people constantly trying to turn you over and out to get you for their own benefit.

'It's the nature of the beast. A lot of people were going behind Jade's back to make money from her.

'It's about greed. That world is full of snakes. Bobby I am sure will be careful of that. It is a rough game and I have told him that.

'Jade had a lot of fake people around her. They were trying to be her mates but did not have her best interests at heart at all.

'Bobby needs to be careful of that. But he has good people around him and that is what is important.

'He has the world at his feet.'
Ex-tropical cyclone Jasper is slowly moving away into The Gulf of Carpentaria, but one weather guru has warned Australians they are not yet out of the woods, with a chance the system could 'reintensify' and remerge as another cyclone next week.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines delivered the stark news in a weather update from Saturday afternoon, warning the remnants of Jasper could soon return with force.

'The risk of re-intensification does increase,' he said.

'We have a moderate chance that Jasper will turn back into a tropical cyclone, through the second half of the next week, through Wednesday until Friday.

'If it does so, there are a number of paths that the system could take.

'It may affect parts of the Top End of the Northern Territory or it could even double back and affect Far North Queensland through the second half of next week and into next weekend.'

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts Jasper (above) to move into The Gulf of Carpentaria and then possibly develop into a cyclone again from next Wednesday into the weekend

Meanwhile, most of Australia is set to swelter through a heatwave this weekend (pictured, temperatures across Australia on Saturday afternoon)

The Jasper system will likely be a tropical low as it moves away from the Cape York region of Far North Queensland and enters the warm waters of The Gulf of Carpentaria from Sunday through to Tuesday.

Mr Hines asked residents in the vast stretch of Australia to keep note of weather forecasts to see how the system evolves over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Australians are fronting a weekend of weather extremes, as widespread heatwaves envelop much of the country while northern Queensland braces for 'life-threatening' flash flooding.

The weather bureau expects temperatures to reach brutal highs of mid-40 degrees over the weekend in interior and mining regions of Western Australia, while Sydney will battle top temperatures of 37 degrees.

'Hot, dry, fire weather is the key story,' Mr Hines said on Saturday morning.

Heatwave warnings are in place for large swathes of WA, southeastern Queensland, coastal and northern NSW, and parts of the Northern Territory.

'Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,' a statement from BOM warned.

'Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.'

Weekend weather update: Here's what to expect across Australia over the weekend. Latest: https://t.co/jlOoTZLz8d or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/RYZv4z6uG5  Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) December 15, 2023

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines warned Cyclone Jasper could 'reintensify' and remerge as another cyclone (pictured, flooding in Cairns)

Mr Hines also warned of 'elevated fire danger' as high temperatures and dry, gusty winds sweep through Saturday.

Metro Sydney, The Central Coast and Northern NSW are at particular risk.

'Extreme Fire Danger is forecast for the following fire weather districts: Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes and North Western,' the BOM states.

In Western Australia, extreme fire danger is forecast for the Midwest Coast, Midwest Inland, Lesueur, Yarra Yarra, Swan Inland South and Capes districts.

In the Northern Territory, elevated fire danger is forecast for the Barkly North district.

But even as millions of Australians swelter through dry gusty winds and heat, it's a different story for North Queenslanders as Jasper brings the threat of rain and life-threatening flash flood risks.

'Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper is currently located approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Kowanyama and is expected to remain slow-moving today,' the bureau said.

'At this stage, Jasper is forecast to shift into The Gulf of Carpentaria during Sunday, although uncertainty exists on when exactly this will occur.'

There is a risk of flash flooding as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the southern Peninsula, Gulf Country and far northern Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders over the weekend.

Senior meteorologist Angus Hines warned the remnants of Jasper could soon return with force (pictured, damage in Cairns)

Bureau of Meteorology warns intense rainfall will hit parts of North Queensland (above) on Saturday

'Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 140mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals up to 200mm, particularly on the eastern side of the system centre,' the bureau said.

'Locally intense rainfall which, may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is also possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 200mm, particularly with thunderstorms.'

Southern parts of the country are set to see milder conditions, with temperatures maxing out in the low 20s for Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide.
A frisky Congressional staffer has been accused of filming an amateur gay porn video inside a Senate hearing room.

The employee had sex with an unknown man within the confines of the politically significant building, according to the Daily Caller.

A video obtained by the outlet shows the staffer allegedly engaging in sex acts within what appears to be a conference room in the Hart Senate Office Building.

The staffer is seen in a separate picture naked and on all fours on a table where Senators often sit and ask questions during hearings.

The Congressional staffer is accused of filming an amateur gay porn video inside a Senate hearing room

Congressman Mike Collins reacted to the video on social media and hit out at the actions of the alleged staffer

Footage of the explicit scene initially shows the staffer allegedly having sex with an unknown man.

It then pans to show off the interior of the clearly identifiable Senate hearing room.

A separate photo published by the Daily Caller shows the man on his hands and knees facing the camera while only wearing a jock strap.

The content was allegedly shared in a private group for gay men in the political scene.

A video obtained by the outlet shows the staffer allegedly engaging in sex acts within what appears to be a conference room in the Hart Senate Office Building

A public account on X regularly shows the young man, who identifies as a 'twink', engaging in sex acts with his older 'bear' partner.

The images and videos are explicit in nature and contain his face, according to The Spectator.

Congressman Mike Collins reacted to the video on social media and hit out at the actions of the alleged staffer.

'Heck of a week for the Left,' he wrote. 'Gay porn in the Senate, swearing in ceremony on child porn in Virginia, t****y tap dancers in the White House, and Satanic statues in Iowa. What else am I missing?'
The California homeless woman charged with murdering social justice advocate Michael Latt has appeared in court in Los Angeles.

Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, appeared before Judge Kimberly Baker Guillemet at the Los Angeles Superior Court charged with the murder of Hollywood social justice advocate Michael Latt.

Latt was shot last month at his LA home and was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

Michl was arrested at the scene and has been charged with his murder.

Prosecutors have alleged prosecutors have alleged she had been motivated to kill him because of his friendship with a female director she'd been stalking.

Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, a California homeless woman charged with murdering social justice advocate Michael Latt has appeared in court in Los Angeles

Michl appeared before Judge Kimberly Baker Guillemet in Los Angeles Superior Court f

During Friday's hearing, she was remanded in custody on $3 million bail.

Michl, who had been living out of her car, was obsessed with Latt's friend, female director A.V. Rockwell, and had been stalking her, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.

She had previously threatened Rockwell, telling her she would kill herself unless Rockwell engaged with her and leaving handwritten letters at her home including one in which she threatened: 'My glock is loaded.'

Michael Latt (right) with director A.V. Rockwell (center) and his mother, Michelle Satter. Latt's alleged killer was obsessed with Rockwell, according to police

Michl was remanded back to jail with a $3 million dollar bail

This was the scene at Latt's home last month when he was shot dead

The pair knew each other because Michl once appeared as an extra in Rockwell's movie A Thousand and One.

Rockwell was so disturbed by Michl that she had a restraining order taken out against her. She begged police to help, telling them she couldn't eat or sleep for fear that Michl would strike.

Michl is said to have called her repeatedly, left letters at her home and sent numerous texts and emails.

In one letter, she said: 'One pull of the trigger and Ill be free.'

She also threatened to kill herself at Griffith Park.

It remains unclear why she was not arrested, or whether any steps were taken to strip her of any weapons she owned.

Michael Latt, who founded the Lead with Love charity, was fatally shot by a female intruder at his Los Angeles home last month

The homeless woman reportedly stayed at the scene following the shooting

Soon after his death, LA County DA George Gascon mourned Latt's loss without taking any responsibility for the fact his killer was known to police and free to roam the streets.

'Our hearts ache for the loss of a passionate advocate who believed in the principles of justice and equity within our criminal legal system.

'It is devastating to see a life cut short, especially one dedicated to fighting for a more just society,' Gascon said.

Latt's family have yet to weigh any kind of public criticism against police and prosecutors.

In their tribute to him, they said: 'Our beloved son Michael Latt fell victim to a tragic act of violence.

'Michael devoted his career to supporting artists, championing organizations that raised up artists of color, & leveraged storytelling for enduring change.

'We celebrate his legacy, love & compassion.'
Border patrol agents have been warned to be vigilant after Mexico's military seized ten improvised explosive devices at the Arizona border

The border crossing a Lukeville was shut down following record breaking border crossing in the Tucson sector and has created a humanitarian crisis

Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order deploying members of the National Guard to Arizona's southern border

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order deploying the National Guard to her states overwhelmed southern border, which is seeing record numbers of migrant crossings.

Hobbs, a Democrat, issued the order Friday sighting the federal government's decision to shut down the Lukeville, Arizona port of entry which she said has caused an 'unmitigated humanitarian crisis' in the area.

The governor has accused President Joe Biden of failing to secure the southern border, and is seeking half a billion dollars in federal reimbursement for the state's spending on the crisis.

'Yet again, the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border and keep our communities safe,' Hobbs said.

'With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government wont. But we cant stand alone, Arizona needs resources and manpower to reopen the Lukeville crossing, manage the flow of migrants, and maintain a secure, orderly and humane border.'

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order deploying the National Guard to her states overwhelmed southern border

Hobbs said the recent closure of the Lukeville crossing (pictured) has caused a humanitarian crisis

Hobbs said, 'Despite continued requests for assistance, the Biden administration has refused to deliver desperately needed resources to Arizonas border.'

In the executive order, the governor said there are already approximately 2,500 National Guard members on the southern border, 243 of which are in the Tucson sector.

However, the federal government has denied prior request to move more members to Arizona and help reopen Lukeville.

It is not specified how many National Guard members the governor is requesting. AZ Family reported the members will be stationed at multiple border locations, including Lukeville and the San Miguel crossing.

The Tucson area, which Lukeville is part of, saw a record breaking 12,000 migrant crossings in one day last week.

Migrants at the border crossing in Lukeville, Arizona. A huge surge of mostly African migrants has overwhelmed the town

Migrants warm themselves by the fire in Lukeville, Arizona. The Tucson area, which Lukeville is part of, saw a record breaking 12,000 migrant crossings in one day last week

Which led to 17,500 encounters in a single week - the highest weekly total ever recorded.

US Customs and Border Protection data reported 253,315 southwest land border encounters in December so far.

Border patrol agents have been warned to be vigilant after Mexico's military seized ten improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the border with Arizona as the US continues to see a surge of migrants.

In an internal officer safety alert seen by Fox Business, border agents were told to 'exercise extreme caution and report any possible armed subjects with possible explosive devices.'

It comes after Mexican officials found the IEDs on Wednesday after being alerted by US officials to a cartel turf war gunfight south of the border. The cartels are reportedly fighting for control of a gap in the border wall used for drug and human smuggling.

Border patrol agents have been warned after Mexican officials seized 10 IEDs at the Arizona-Mexico border. In September, border patrol agents found an abandoned backpack stuffed with a cannonball-sized IEDs and ammunition.

In May, US officials found an IED at the Arizona point of entry. The device was used made an M&M container wrapped with electrical tape

Prior to the IEDs finding, US authorities had arrested a man on the US side who was armed with a loaded AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK magazines, loose rounds and a handgun.

In September, border patrol agents found an abandoned backpack stuffed with a cannonball-sized IEDs and ammunition, as reported by News Nation. There were no migrants found at the scene.

In May, US officials found an IED at the Arizona point of entry. The device was used made an M&M container wrapped with electrical tape.

Human smugglers have been recently using a remote part of the Arizona desert to get migrants to the US.

A shift in smuggling routes has brought an influx of migrants here from countries as far away as Senegal, Bangladesh and China, prompting the Border Patrol to seek help from other federal agencies and drawing scrutiny to an issue critical in next years presidential elections.
A man has been charged after allegedly leaving an infant with critical injuries in remote northwest Queensland.

Police allege the child, who was only 18-months-old, presented to Mount Isa Hospital with head injuries on January 30.

The shocking injuries sparked a months-long investigation by local police and specialists from the Child Trauma Unit.

After almost a year, police arrested a 34-year-old man on December 9 in relation to the alleged incident.

The man has since been charged with one count of domestic violence-related grievous bodily harm.

Police allege the child, who was only 18-months-old, presented to Mount Isa Hospital (pictured) with head injuries on January 30

He was remanded into custody to appear before Mount Isa Magistrates Court on February 14, 2024.

Acting OIC at Mount Isa Child Protection and Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Nathaniel Carlton welcomed the result.

He said the arrest was a "great showcase" of the detectives commitment to investigate any incident in the local community.

"This result is only achieved by a fantastic collaborative effort between Mount Isa and specialist officers in such tragic circumstances," he said.

"We will continue to do whatever it takes to investigate and hold those accountable that place children in the community in harm's way."
The chief initially refused the offer insisting Igor remain with the force and that city laws forbade his release - but the rules have since been amended

A loyal Ohio K-9 police dog will be allowed to live out his days with his handler of five years after his police chief bowed to pressure from outraged members of the public, demanding the service animal be reunited with his police officer partner.

On Friday afternoon, Officer Chad Hagen was reunited with his K-9, a six-year-old German shepherd named Igor.

Hagen had worked alongside his faithful companion for five years at the City of Shaker Heights Police Department, but just before Thanksgiving he resigned having secured a new job closer to home.

Hagen offered $10,000 of his own money to the force so that he might be allowed to take his K-9 along with him, but Police Chief Wayne Hudson insisted Igor stay, noting how he had several years of service left to give the community.

The decision was a crushing blow to the officer who had developed a unique bond with the dog, who spent most of his time with his human officer, even living at home with his wife and young child.

K-9 Igor and his handler Officer Chad Hagen were reunited after spending weeks apart

Officer Hagen has been granted permission by his former chief to take his K-9 partner, Igor, along with him, for $16,500

Officer Chad Hagen had initially offered $10,000 having worked alongside one another for five years at the City of Shaker Heights Police Department

Igor is pictured alongside Officer Hagen on their ride home from the kennels on Friday

On Facebook on Friday afternoon, Danielle Hagan, Chad's wife, posted a message of joy

The dog was then placed into kennels, where he stayed for two weeks until finally being released on Friday.

Following a social media campaign in which a Change.org petition generated 37,000 signatures and GoFundMe campaign raised $17,000, Igor has been allowed to stay with Hagen, with the officer agreeing to fork over $16,500 to his former force.

Posting on Facebook on Friday afternoon, Danielle Hagan, Chad's wife, shared a message of joy.

'OUR IGOR MAN IS COMING HOME! From the bottom of our hearts, we can not thank all of you enough. I truly believe we would have not had this outcome without the help and support we have received. Between the messages, prayers, petition, and gofundme, we have been overwhelmed with love. We honestly can not say thank you enough.

'Igor will be picked up in a few hours when the kennel opens and there will be many pictures and videos taken. I promise to post them and of course send updates of Igor! He has a warm bath, steak dinner, and all the love and cuddles coming his way tonight. We are over the moon excited.'

The $16,500 will be used by the police department to purchase a new K-9 dog and provide training for the dog and a police officer handler.

'The City of Shaker Heights has reached agreement with a former Shaker Heights Police Department (SHPD) officer made possible by a change in City law enacted in which the City agreed to transfer ownership of the SHPD police dog to the officer who was his handler, and the City will be compensated by the funding of a replacement police dog, and training for the dog and another officer, through a police dog kennel,' the police department explained in a statement on Friday.

Igor was heard howling for joy as he rode alongside his longtime partner of five years

The pair restored their bonds with one another and played a game of fetch outside

Officer Hagen proved that Igor still listens to his human counterpart when instructed to sit

Igor poses with his partner's baby

Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss, pictured, defended the council's earlier decision not to release Igor stating that Hagen knew the rules - but clearly underestimated the bond formed between the pair

'The new amendment of the City law provides that an SHPD officer who leaves the City's canine unit while their canine partner is still fit for duty, may be permitted to take ownership of their canine upon providing sufficient compensation... as determined by the chief of police and finance director of the City.'

The city council defended their earlier decision not to release Igor stating that Hagen knew the rules - but they clearly underestimating the bond formed between the pair.

'We genuinely appreciate the love of animals that has inspired so many people from across the country and beyond to share their thoughts on this situation,' said Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss.

'Our ordinance, which reflects long-standing state law and was known to Officer Hagan, did not provide the authority to address situations when a police officer leaves the department in advance of the retirement of their canine. Today's Council action to amend the ordinance enables the amicable resolution reached today.' f

Shaker Heights Police Chief Wayne Hudson has come in for criticism over the past week which the mayor also blasted.

'The City has been working in good faith on this issue and it is unfortunate and disappointing that some people took this as an opportunity to post vile, racist, hate speech online directed at the City's first black chief of police,' the mayor said.

Last week, Ohio police officer Chad Hagen moved to a new force but his chief initially denied his request to take his K-9 partner, Igor, along with him, despite offering $10,000

Chad is pictured together with his wife, Danielle, and Igor the German Shepherd K-9 officer

Officer Hagen released a statement expressing their joy the matter has been resolved

Speaking before the agreement was reached Danielle had devastated by the prospect of never seeing the dog again.

'He's been with us through our first home, our forever home, marriage, having a baby. Been with us through everything. We're the only family that he knows.'

Hagen is leaving the force to move to another job in law enforcement closer to where he lives and did not believe his request and subsequent offer of cash was unreasonable.

When Officer Hagen gave his two-weeks notice on Thanksgiving he was instructed turn Igor in at a local kennel - all at local taxpayers' expense.

'The first thing that was said to him by the chief was, 'We need to figure out what we're going to do with Igor.' That kind of struck Chad the wrong way. He wasn't saying he was leaving. So, when that happened he was like 'Well wow ... that kind of a slap in the face,'' Danielle Hagen explained.

'We offered $10,000 of our own money and to be honest, I guarantee Chad would have paid more than that. But, the chief came back and said no financial number will be considered,' she said.

The City of Shaker Heights said at the time that the administration did not have the authority to sell the dog but at a council meeting this week, local laws were amended in order that Igor might be allowed to be 'purchased' by Hagen.

Officer Chad and Danielle say Igor, left, has been a part of their family for more than five years

'He's been with us through our first home, our forever home, marriage, having a baby. Been with us through everything,' Danielle Hagan, Chad's wife, said

Hagen's family believed the chief was being spiteful in refusing to allow the dog to leave with him. Igor, left is pictured alongside 'his little human sister'

Police Chief Wayne Hudson came in for a huge amount of criticism over the past week

Chief Hudson had initially stated: 'It (K9 Igor) is a tool and there is no financial amount that would be considered.'

The chief had earlier offered Hagen a deal: stay with Shaker Police for two more years and only then, upon Hagen's leaving, could Igor could retire.

But Officer Hagan rejected the offer and proposed purchasing the K-9 instead.

'The bond that Officer Hagan and K9 Igor have is beyond what anyone could ever imagine. K9 Igor has saved Officer Hagan's life on multiple occasions. K9 Igor is not a 'tool'. He is a beloved member of the Hagan family and Officer Hagan's best friend. This is truly the worst heart break this family has ever been through. '

Last week the city insisted that the police department was simply sticking to the rules - but those rules have now been reworked to allow the officer to take Igor home for good.

Some police departments have been known to allow their handlers to purchase their partners for a nominal charge of $1 - but not Shaker Heights who now want $16,500 for Igor

Igor features in many of the family's photographs over the years

When Officer Hagen gave his two-weeks notice on Thanksgiving he was instructed turn Igor, left, in at a local kennel all at the taxpayers' expense

It would have been difficult to retrain Igor to bond with a new handler after Officer Hagen left

Officer Chad Hagen and K-9 Igor share a unique bond having worked alongside one another for five years at the City of Shaker Heights Police Department

'Officer Hagan proposed purchasing Igor however according to the city's laws, the city's administration including the chief, has no authority to sell the dog.'

Despite the chief's earlier belief Igor could continue working for some time, Danielle said she believed the K-9 had slowed down and may realistically only work in law enforcement for another 18 months to two years.

She also cited other police forces including Cleveland Heights that have allowed their officers to buy their canine partners after just four years of service for a little as one dollar.

'Bring him home, let him live out the rest of his happy years with his brother and his sister and fetching the ball in the backyard,' said Brittany Santiago, a family friend, to News5Cleveland.

'It's hard. It's been difficult. There's a lot of emotions, a lot at stake,' said Santiago.

Those signing the petition have left words of advice for the police chief.

An online petition has been set up which has garnered more than 3,600 signatures

Officer Hagen and Igor are seen on patrol in the city of Shaker Heights, Ohio

Igor has been placed in kennels while the police force decides what to do with him

'Chief Wayne Hudson, you should be ashamed of yourself. Less than a year with this department and you bring this kind of disgrace. Do what is right for this loyal K9 officer, his handler and family and let him live out the rest of his years with the family that raised and loved him,' wrote Leigh Ann Cook.

'Igor has served his city, it's time for him to retire and enjoy the family life after years of hard work! Outrageous they are using him in a game of power. Bring him home!!' demanded Makenzie Olivares.

'That's just pathetic they have poor Igor sitting in a kennel when all the officer wants to do is take him home and even offered money for a new K9. Why wouldn't you just let the officer take his partner home. Gotta love the ones making that decision. SAD,' stated Cindy Lichty.

'Enough of the abuse of power. This dog is not only Officer Hagan's partner but a part of his family. Let Igor retire with the ONLY family he knows and loves,' added Crystal Blasinsky.

Last week the police department responded to allegations of vindictiveness on behalf of the chief in a lengthy statement.

'Rather than acting out of vindictiveness, Chief Hudson is following the requirements of the law, and acting in the best interests of the residents of Shaker Heights to protect the considerable investment the City has made in Igor, the police dog,' the department explained.

'While Chief Hudson is empathetic to Officer Hagan and his family's feelings about Igor, Officer Hagan understood when he became a K-9 officer, as do all K-9 officers, that the dogs they work with are a highly trained integral part of the Shaker Heights Police Department that provide a service in protecting the community.

'It is the responsibility and priority of the Chief and the City's administration to protect the safety of the citizens of the City. Any attack on the judgment and character of the Chief on this issue is unwarranted and unjust.'
Flight timetables were thrown into chaos at a major Australian airport after a destructive storm ripped through south-east Queensland on Friday night.

Shortly before 8am on Saturday there were at least 18 cancelled domestic flights into Brisbane Airport while many more, including international flights, have been thrown into disarray with delays lasting well into Saturday afternoon.

The disruptions followed heavy rain, hail, and gale force winds as strong as a category 3 cyclone lashing the city overnight.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Shane Kennedy said the storm was 'quite vicious' and winds up to 169km/h had left downed trees and electrical lines through the city.

Stephen Beckett, a Brisbane Airport spokesperson, said the weather event impacted multiple flights departing and arriving from the city and many passengers were directed to other airports and had to then make their way to Brisbane.

Schedules are expected to slowly return to normal over the course of the day.

Brisbane Airport is slowly getting back on schedule after a massive storm caused widespread flight cancellations and redirections on Friday night and delays well into Saturday (file image)

A Qatar Airways flight into Brisbane on Friday night was redirected to Sydney because of the wild storm, with passengers having to make their way to Brisbane

'A number of flights were redirected to other airports including Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Maroochydore,' Mr Beckett told The Courier Mail.

'As we wake up this morning there are lots of planes in the wrong location,' he said.

'For example Qatar airlines coming into Brisbane were forced to land in Sydney,' he said.

He advised passengers to monitor their flight schedules with the airline directly and also Brisbane Airport to make sure they have the latest information.

He said the airport was 'doing its best' to support passengers to arrive at their intended destinations heading into the festive season.
A British pro-Palestinian activist living in Berlin has been accused of organising Hamas networks in Europe following the arrests of four people believed to be planning attacks on Jewish targets within Germany.

The German interior ministry said in an internal document the Briton has been identified as the 'person in charge of Germany for Hamas', that he has links to the top of Hamas' leadership, and that he was involved in organising 'activities' in several European countries, as reported by The Times.

German authorities on Friday arrested four suspected Hamas members linked to an alleged plot to attack Jewish sites, following raids on five apartments and a restaurant in the capital. Prosecutors said the suspects were planning to hide weapons in Berlin to use in a potential future terror attack.

'The weapons were due to be taken to Berlin and kept in a state of readiness in view of potential terrorist attacks against Jewish institutions in Europe,' German prosecutors said.

Abdelhamid Al A., Mohamed B. and Ibrahim El-R were arrested in Berlin while Nazih R. was detained in The Netherlands. Abdelhamid Al A. was tasked with finding a weapons depot in Europe which Hamas had constructed in secret, the BBC reported.

Federal Police officers lead two suspects out from the helicopter for their arraignment at the Federal Supreme Court (BGH) in Karlsruhe, Germany, 15 December 2023

A Federal Police officer stands during the landing of a helicopter carrying two suspects for their arraignment at the Federal Supreme Court (BGH) in Karlsruhe, Germany, December 15

In a statement following the arrests of two Lebanese and one Egyptian nationals in Berlin, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said: 'The protection of Jews is our top priority.

'We use all constitutional means against those who threaten the lives of Jews and the existence of the state of Israel.'

READ MORE: Fury on the streets of Tel Aviv over IDF shooting of Israeli hostages: Families of civilians kidnapped by Hamas stage demo after army admitted killing three it mistook for terrorists in Gaza fighting Advertisement

Germany formally banned all pro-Hamas activity nationwide on November 2, vowing to crack down on those who voice support for terror acts amid a rising incidence of anti-Semtism.

Its intelligence agencies believe as many as 450 Hamas members live within Germany's borders today.

German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann added that law enforcement is working 'flat out' to ensure Jews do not have to worry for their safety.

'Following the terrible attacks by Hamas on the Israeli population, attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions have also increased in our country in recent weeks,' he acknowledged. as reported by CNN. 'This is shameful and shocking.'

The fourth suspect, arrested in The Netherlands, was described only as a Dutch national.

Denmark also said on Friday that it had separately arrested three people accused of planning an attack on civilians in Europe.

The country's intelligence agency told CNN there was no connection between the arrests in Denmark and those in Germany.

But Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the threat was 'as serious as it gets'.

'There are people who live in Denmark who do not wish us well. Who are against Danish society and everything we believe in. Happiness. Democracy. Freedom. Equality,' he told Danish broadcaster TV 2.

Ch Insp Flemming Drejer of the Danish police said all three would be charged with terror offences.

A helicopter of the Federal Police lands with two suspects for their arraignment at the Federal Supreme Court (BGH) in Karlsruhe, Germany, 15 December 2023

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Dec. 15, 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the seven arrested were 'acting on behalf of Hamas'.

A Hamas official denied those held were connected to the group, per Reuters.

Hamas has a formal structure, overseen by a Politburo of 15 members responsible for setting policy and led by political chief Ismail Haniyeh.

A council responsible for electing the Politburo has four divisions, tackling West Bank affairs, Gazan affairs, imprisoned members' affairs and diaspora affairs.

Yahya Sinwar oversees Hamas in the Gaza Strip and is considered the second most powerful figure within the group.

Responsibilities here split again into a social welfare system, with Hamas collecting tax and using funding to help the poor, build schools and run medical centres.

The group also has a military branch, the IQB, which is commanded by Marwan Issa and Mohammed Deif.

Writing in 1997, Professor Ilana Kass described the relationship between Hamas and its military brigades as being similar to the relationship between Sinn Fein and the military arm of the IRA.

Palestinians check a half destroyed building following Israeli bombardment on Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on December 15, 2023

Israeli tanks are deployed in southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on December 15, 2023

A senior Hamas leader told Kass that the IQB 'is a separate armed military wing, which has its own leaders who do not take their orders from [Hamas] and do not tell us of their plans in advance'.

In 2015, Al-Monitor warned that the military branch of Hamas was 'gradually taking even stronger control of the movement's institutions' and dictating the movement's policies.
News / Local

by Stephen Jakes

BULAWAYO MAYOR Senator David Coltart will be holding Christmas Visits to the Hospitals and a Mayor's Christmas Cheer fund lunch with Sandra Jones on Monday, 18 December 2023The council in a notice to stakeholders that the Christmas Visits to Hospitals and Homes will start from am and the targeted institutions are Ingutsheni Hospital, St Francis Children's Home, Mater Dei Hospital, CURE Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals, Mpilo Hospital, Thorngrove Hospital and Flexi Clinic, Lobengula.The council said the lunch of the mayor's Christmas Cheerfund at Sandra Jones Children's Home at 12:00hrs.
Postal workers have accused the Royal Mail of misleading the public after the company denied claims it is prioritising lucrative parcels over letters.

A senior Royal Mail executive this week rejected suggestions that parcels are being given preference after the Daily Mail published extraordinary claims from posties that households are missing out on important letters in favour of trivial packages.

Hard-working postmen have now hit back at the Royal Mail's denials  and this newspaper has heard a recording of a depot manager allegedly telling a postie to 'definitely' prioritise parcels over letters.

'It's just straight-up lies,' said the south-east postman, who wishes to remain anonymous out of fear of losing his job.

'I'm sick of it. I just want to get these letters out to all of these people that are suffering over Christmas, but we've been told not to.'

A senior Royal Mail executive this week rejected suggestions that parcels are being given preference after the Daily Mail published extraordinary claims from posties that households are missing out on important letters in favour of trivial packages

Hard-working postmen have now hit back at the Royal Mail's denials  and this newspaper has heard a recording of a depot manager allegedly telling a postie to 'definitely' prioritise parcels over letters

On Monday Nick Landon, chief commercial officer for Royal Mail, denied that parcels are being given priority, telling the BBC: 'Absolutely I can say, I sit on the board, we are not prioritising parcels over letters.

'Clearly in terms of investment, letters are decreasing worldwide every year. Parcels are increasing really rapidly, so a big focus on making sure we can cope with that growth in parcels we have across the network,' he said.

Mr Landon made the comments while standing in a large Royal Mail hub dedicated to parcels.

One postman pointed out: 'He wouldn't go to a mail centre [for an interview] because it would be stuffed to the rafters, it would be messy and dirty.' Under the Universal Service Obligation, the Royal Mail is legally required to deliver letters to every address in the UK, six days a week, and parcels five days a week.

But postal workers say they have been struggling to fulfil the legal obligation for months as depot managers are more concerned with delivering tracked parcels quickly, meaning letters are sacrificed.

In a statement last night, Royal Mail said: 'We will always do our utmost to ensure both letters and parcels are delivered on time.

'We have been clear that at busy times such as Christmas it may be logistically necessary to clear parcels first to avoid network issues.'
Jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny could be murdered by the Kremlin after suddenly vanishing from his penal colony, his allies fear.

The outspoken opposition leader, currently serving a 19-year sentence following fraud convictions, was last seen by his lawyers on December 6, prompting allies to raise the alarm.

Bizarrely, the Kremlin maintains it has 'no information' on Navalny since he was moved from a penal colony in the Vladimir region of Russia, about 140 miles east of Moscow.

Prison authorities have not said where he was transfered to - though a Russian media outlet claimed recently Navalny has been taken to a correctional facility outside of the region.

Maria Pevchikh, the head of Navalny's FBK anti-corruption group in Russia, said: 'We are worried for his life. He's in the hands of the very smae people who tried to kill him before.

'If they once got an authorisation to murder Navalny, do they have another one now or is the last one still valid? Navalny's life is constantly at a high risk.'

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the IK-2 corrective penal colony in Pokrov before a court hearing to consider an appeal against his sentence, May 17, 2022

Navalny's spokeswoman concurred on Friday that Navalny had been removed from the prison and taken to an undisclosed location.

Kira Yarmysh said she was told that Navalny was removed from the Vladimir region near Moscow on December 11, signalling a potential prison transfer.

'It is not known where exactly' he was taken, Yarmysh added.

'I want to remind you that lawyers have not seen Alexei since December 6. Why they were not allowed to meet with him, if Alexei was still in IK-6, we do not know,' she said, referring to the penal colony where he was last seen.

The Kremlin this week criticised what it called 'interference' by the United States in the case after Washington said it was 'deeply concerned' by Navalny's team saying they have had no access to him for almost a week.

'We consider any interference, including by the United States, inadmissible,' Kremlin spokesperson said in a conference call with reporters on December 12, the day after Navalny was allegedly transferred.

Asked where Navalny is, Peskov snapped that 'we have neither the intention nor the ability to track the fate of prisoners and the process of their stay in the relevant institutions.'

France on Friday added its voice to the growing chorus of international concern over the lack of news about Navalny.

'France considers Russia responsible for the health of its detainees, in particular political prisoners,' said French foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine.

'The lack of news for the past several days is very worrying,' he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during his speech at the 4th Congress of Russian Railway Workers, on December 15, 2023 in Moscow, Russia

Navalny is serving the long jail term on extremism charges, and a court this summer ruled that he be moved to a more secure, harsh prison.

The lawyer-turned politician has been in jail since 2021, when he returned to Russia after recovering from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin.

A year later, a Russian judge gave him another nine years in prison on fraud and embezzlement charges.
On the night of her election as Boston's first Asian mayor, Michelle Wu proclaimed defiantly: 'We are ready to become a Boston for everyone. We're ready to become a Boston that doesn't push people out, but welcomes all who call our city home.'

It was a rallying cry for unity and inclusion from a young, idealistic politician who was determined the capital city of New England should shed its conservative image and embrace its increasing ethnic diversity.

But two years later, Wu is in the extraordinary position of herself being accused of racism after hosting a Christmas party on Wednesday night exclusively for 'non-white' members of the city council.

Her decision has stoked a nationwide row over 'reverse racism' and exposed once again a deeply polarised American electorate that once put Donald Trump in the White House because they shared his contempt for wokeness, and may well do so again.

The debacle began on Tuesday when the director of city council relations, Denise DosSantos, sent an email invitation  on behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu  to an 'Electeds of Colour Holiday Party' on December 13 at the historic, city-owned Parkman House.

Two years after being elected as Boston's first Asian mayor, Michelle Wu is in the extraordinary position of herself being accused of racism after hosting a Christmas party on Wednesday night exclusively for 'non-white' members of the city council

Seeing as the email had been sent to all 13 Boston city councillors, including seven white members, the invite caused all sorts of confusion. But all would become clear just 15 minutes later when another email from DosSantos landed in councillors' inboxes.

'I wanted to apologise for my previous email regarding a Holiday Party for tomorrow,' wrote DosSantos, a black woman herself. 'I did send that to everyone by accident, and I apologise if my email may have offended or came across as so. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.'

And so it dawned on the seven white councillors that not only had they been disinvited to the bash, but they were never supposed to be there in the first place due to the colour of their skin.

Unfazed by the embarrassing faux pas, Mayor Wu went ahead with the event the following day, even stopping outside the venue to speak to the assembled Press. 'I assure you, everyone on the Boston City Council has got an invitation to multiple types of events and holiday parties,' Wu gushed.

Earlier in the day she had described the erroneous email as an 'honest' mistake, apologising for the mix-up but not for the party itself.

Pressed by reporters, Wu's calm demeanour appeared to crack and she became more defensive: 'We celebrate all kinds of connection and identity and culture and heritage in the city,' she pleaded.

'Just yesterday we hosted our official City Hall Hanukkah lighting.

'We have had tree lightings, and we want to be a city where everyone's identity is embraced, and where there are spaces and communities we can help support.'

In many corners of America  and her own council  Wu's words sounded more like a desperate bid to save face than a conciliatory explanation.

Wu, 38, a child of Taiwanese immigrants, was educated locally at America's top university  and bastion of wokeness  Harvard. Its embattled president Claudine Gay is currently facing claims she plagiarised her PhD dissertation and only got the top job because she is a black woman.

Furthermore, she has been criticised for failing to say whether students calling for a genocide of Jewish people should be disciplined. Wu, herself a champion of transgender rights, has been tipped as her successor.

All but one of the city's white councillors have been loath to criticise Wu and risk being labelled racially insensitive  or worse.

However, city councillor Frank Baker, who is white and about to step down anyway, was not impressed. He told the Boston Herald he wasn't sure what reasoning lay behind the mayor having a separate party based on racial lines, but described it as 'unfortunate and divisive'.

Given recent tensions on the council, sparked to some degree when white members were accused of racism for suspending a Hispanic colleague accused of sex offences, it wasn't a 'good move', he said.

Baker's sentiments were echoed by former five-term Boston city councillor, Michael McCormack, who argued that Wu's predecessors would never have hosted such an exclusionary event. 'It's not something that anyone in the mayor's office should be proud of,' he added.

However, the fallout continued with black council colleagues rushing to defend their mayor, claiming it had been her 'turn' to host the party for an organisation that has been operating for at least a decade. Some even insisted there was no need for her even to apologise.

'Your email should not offend anyone and there is absolutely no confusion,' said black councillor Tania Fernandes Anderson, before adding that the party was 'not about excluding anyone' but 'about creating spaces for like-minded individuals to connect'.

Unfazed by the embarrassing faux pas, Mayor Wu went ahead with the event the following day, even stopping outside the venue to speak to the assembled Press

To many, Anderson's rhetoric perfectly illustrates the double standards over race that are increasingly common in America.

For one can only imagine the outrage of politicians like Wu and Anderson had a white mayor thrown a party just for his white colleagues.

Many on social media responded by mocking Wu and her non-white allies. 'Mayor Wu is NOT dreaming of a white Christmas,' joked local radio talk show host Howie Carr. 'And she will NOT be serving white wine tonight. Or white-meat chicken.'

However, for others the hypocrisy sweeping the U.S. is no laughing matter. A country where racial discrimination is technically illegal is seeing an increasing number of schools, universities and large businesses creating 'safe spaces' where ethnic minorities can 'escape white oppression'.

There have even been calls for black people to get racially-segregated 'safe spaces' outdoors so they can enjoy activities such as hiking and camping without suffering 'harassment' and 'trauma' from white people, while also subverting stereotypes that African-Americans don't enjoy such pursuits.

Critics counter that safe spaces amount to racial segregation and some parents have even launched legal challenges against safe spaces in schools, claiming they violate the Civil Rights Act.

At the same time, white Americans increasingly feel that they are the ones suffering discrimination.

In recent years, successive polls have shown that while both blacks and whites believe discrimination against African-Americans has declined over the past few decades, a majority of whites (some 57 per cent according to a major 2019 survey) believe that discrimination against them is now at least as bad as it is against black people.

And not only is it common, some add, but, as far as much of the U.S. academia, media and political classes are concerned, anti-white discrimination is not only acceptable but even laudable.

In fact, the term 'racial equality' is now considered outdated on the Left. All the way up to President Biden, Left-wingers are instead talking about racial 'equity' defined as 'the condition that would be achieved if racial identity no longer predicted, in a statistical sense, how people fare'.

If the rules and institutions of U.S. society are intrinsically racist, so the theory goes, discrimination against privileged groups  namely whites  is fine. In other words, racial 'equity' permits excluding white people in order to compensate for institutional racism.

In the words of one Boston 'anti-racist' academic, Ibram X Kendi, (whose work on deeply divisive 'critical race theory' is studied religiously in schools and colleges): 'The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination. The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination.'

In short, it's entirely fair or 'equitable' that the boot is now on the other foot. It's OK to be racist against white people.

Conservatives say Michelle Wu's exclusionary Christmas party is just one example of this theory in action. But there are many others.

In 2021, a school district in Wellesley, Massachusetts, reportedly excluded white students from a 'healing space' after shootings in which eight students  six of them Asian-Americans  were killed. The email announcing the event read: '*Note: This is a safe space for our Asian/Asian-American and Students of Color, *not* for students who identify only as White.'

In the same year, black mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot  under huge pressure over her city's appalling black-on-black murder rate  announced she wouldn't allow white journalists to interview her on the two-year anniversary of her inauguration.

Insisting she wanted to address a racial imbalance in the media, Lightfoot said she'd only talk to 'black or brown' reporters, and not even Asian-Americans.

Democrat congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard called on her party leaders, up to Joe Biden, to condemn the 'blatant anti-white racism' and force Lightfoot to resign, adding: 'Our leaders must condemn all racism, including anti-white'. But there was silence from Washington.

And there are far uglier examples of such shameless double standards. In 2018, for example, South Korea-born technology writer Sarah Jeong was hired by the Left-wing New York Times as a member of its prestigious 'editorial board' of senior writers.

But then critics found some of her old tweets on white people and they weren't a pretty sight. 'Are white people genetically predisposed to burn faster in the sun, thus logically being only fit to live underground like grovelling goblins,' she wrote.

In another, she confided: 'It's kind of sick how much joy I get out of being cruel to old white men.'

Others included '#cancelwhitepeople', 'f*** white women lol' and 'White people have stopped breeding. You'll all go extinct soon. This was my plan all along.'

As outrage grew about what could surely only be interpreted as horrendously racist comments, the Times shockingly insisted it had known about them before hiring her and had accepted her claim that she'd simply been responding to harassment from online trolls by imitating them.

Opponents snorted with derision. Try substituting 'whites' in her tweets for 'Jews' or 'blacks', they said, and imagine what the famously self-important newspaper's response would have been.

Jeong's career would have gone down in flames (as indeed did another Times journalist, sacked within hours of her bosses learning she'd retweeted a slur about African-Americans). Instead, Jeong nowadays writes columns for the New York Times and the Guardian in the UK.

Also still doing very nicely is U.S. academic James Livingston whose historic offences  criticism of which was again dismissed by the Left as an invidious attack on free speech  included saying on Facebook that he 'hated white people' invading his black neighbourhood in New York's Harlem.

His favourite restaurant, he whined, had been 'overrun with little Caucasian assholes who know their parents will approve of everything they do . . . f**k these people'.

Such are the lunatic extremes of wokeness in American academia that nobody was too shocked to learn Livingston himself is white.

He later wrote an article insisting he couldn't be accused of anti-white racism as it didn't exist. 'Racism is the exclusive property of white, mostly European people in this part of the world (the Western hemisphere),' he intoned.

Protesters hold up a Black Lives Matter banner in a demonstration in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd

His university, Rutgers in New Jersey, initially ruled that his comments had been 'reverse racist' but later rowed back on its decision to sanction Livingston, who remains emeritus professor of history there.

Nearly 60 years after racial integration became law in the U.S., segregation is getting worse.

According to a study by the University of California, more than 80 per cent of large metropolitan areas in America were more segregated in 2019 than they were 33 years ago in 1990. It found, for instance, that while the city of Detroit was 80 per cent black, the adjoining suburb of Grosse Point was 90 per cent white.

Michelle Wu's Christmas fiasco clearly speaks to a wider trend across America.

Whatever sanitised image of integration Hollywood puts out to the world, this is a country divided: across state lines, income disparities and, without doubt, by a racially-charged culture war.

More and more Americans believe it's okay to be racist against WHITE people - and segregation is getting worse
Staff at one of Australia's most famous zoos are frantically searching for an animal that escaped its enclosure in the early hours of the morning through a drain.

The wallaby managed to make a getaway on Saturday from the Australia Zoo, founded by the family of the late Steve Irwin, near Beerwah on Queensland's Sunshine Coast around 6.30am.

The animal is understood to have escaped through the main drain at the facility with staff on the hunt for the animal.

Staff seen outside the grounds of the zoo searching for the animal's whereabouts.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Australia Zoo for comment.

A Wallaby has escaped from the Australia Zoo (pictured) on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in the early hours of Saturday morning

Officers from Queensland Police were called to Steve Irwin Way to respond to an 'animal related' traffic hazard.

A spokesperson from Queensland Police told Daily Mail officers are in the area to monitor traffic.

'Police were called...to assist in locating an escaped wallaby from a zoo along Steve Irwin Way this morning,' the spokesperson said.

'The wallaby escaped the zoo and headed west towards Steve Irwin Way.'

Police have advised anyone who spots the animal to contact the zoo as soon as possible.

The wallaby is believed to have escaped through a main drain at the facility with staff at the zoo seen outside the grounds of the facility searching for the animal (pictured stock image of wallabies)

Australia Zoo - formerly known as the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park - was made famous by crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.

Mr Irwin's family founded the popular park in the 1970s where it became home to dozens of native wildlife.

The park is visited by around 700,000 tourists and locals annually, and features wildlife tours, various exhibits and around 1,200 animals.
Vandals have smashed public menorahs in north London during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

The bulbs of one in Queen's Park were stolen and it was plastered with Pro-Palestinian stickers  the day after it was put up by Jewish community group the Chabad of West Hampstead. The menorah was targeted again on Thursday and this time it was completely destroyed.

Hanukkah is the eight-day Festival of Lights which celebrates the victory of a group of Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees over the ancient Greeks. The menorah  a nine-branched candelabra  is lit and fried food is eaten to mark the festival.

In Islington Green, hooligans tore down and smashed a menorah which had been put up by the Chabad of Islington and lit last weekend. An eyewitness described seeing a man 'run up and smash the menorah' at about 9.30am on Thursday before he fled.

Both incidents are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

In Islington Green, hooligans tore down and smashed a menorah which had been put up by the Chabad of Islington and lit last weekend

Officers are keeping an 'open mind' about the reasons behind the vandalism, a spokesman told the Times. No arrests have been made.

A relighting ceremony was hastily organised next to Islington's damaged menorah later that day.

Emily Thornberry, the constituency's MP, handed out flyers encouraging residents to attend the event and as a way to express support and 'solidarity' with the area's Jewish community.

Those attending lighting ceremonies across London have also been harassed and verbally abused by passers-by.

In Oxford Street, four men circled those gathered, shined laser pointers into their faces and tried to blow out the candles, forcing security guards to intervene.

Dave Price, the director of anti-Semitism charity CST, said: 'A group of passers-by saw the event going on and started behaving in a hostile and threatening manner.'

On the first night of Hanukkah, passers-by in West Hampstead yelled 'Free Palestine' at members of the community who had gathered near the station to light candles, eat doughnuts and celebrate the festival.

The damaged menorah on Islington Green. An eyewitness described seeing a man 'run up and smash the menorah' at about 9.30am on Thursday before he fled

Victoria Protnoi, the chairman of Brondesbury Park Synagogue, said: 'The community is absolutely devastated that Hanukkah has been targeted.'

But she stressed that more than 100 lighting ceremonies had been organised in London this year, reflecting the 'strength and resilience of the community'.

The synagogue's Rabbi Baruch Levin, added: 'Given the increase in anti-Semitism in this country arising from the conflict in the Middle East, events like this are particularly offensive because they strike at a goodwill symbol that only seeks to share light.'

Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, described the destruction of menorahs as 'just awful'.

Since the October 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas, CST has recorded at least 2,093 anti-Semitic incidents across the UK  the highest number reported to the charity across a 68-day period.

They include assaults, damage and desecration to Jewish property and threatening behaviour.
Rapper Meek Mill became emotional talking about his personal experience on probation while at the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signing of a new probation reform bill.

The bill instructs judges that minor technical violations should not be a reason to send someone on probation back to jail - which resonates with the Philadelphia born rapper.

Mill, 36, spent years on probation following his 2008 conviction of drug and weapons charges, and said he spent years risking going back to jail to due technical violations.

'Every time I crossed the Ben Franklin to go pick my mom up to take my son to school in New Jersey, I was actually committing a crime the whole time from technical violations,' said Mill.

'I thought that it was either I go to jail and I take my son to school and I ended up taking my son to school so I want to thank you guys here today. I dont want to get emotional because its a lot.'

Rapper Meek Mill cried while talking about his personal experience on probation at a signing of a Pennsylvania probation reform bill

The Philadelphia born rapper spent years on probation said he spent years risking going back to jail to due technical violations like taking his son to school across state lines

The new legislation signed by Governor Josh Shapiro (center) instructs judges that minor technical violations should not be a reason to send someone on probation back to jail

After wiping away his tears Mill said, 'We all grew up in the streets and we tried to be better, but they labeled us as felons and sent us back to jail. I had to fight against that the whole time to gain my respect and be who I am today and Im proud of that.'

In 2008, Mill was convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon.

He was sentenced to 11 to 23 months in prison and eight years probation by a Philadelphia County Superior Court. He was released after seven months in early 2009 under a five-year probation agreement.

In 2012, he was arrested for suspected marijuana used and violated his parole for traveling for concerts in the same year, according to Rolling Stone.

Mill claimed his 2012 arrest caused him to miss out tens of thousands of dollars from performing and he lost out on money from endorsement deals, reported The Philadelphia Inquirer.

He was again sentenced to prison time in 2017 for violating his parole after he was arrested in New York for reckless endangerment when he was recorded popping wheelies on a dirt bike without a helmet. He served five months at a different at a Pennsylvania State Correction Institution.

In January 2023, Mill was pardoned from the 2008 charges by outgoing Governor Tom Wolf, reported the Associated Press.

Mill posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the signing: 'I dont know how I cried on the news I aint even cry in my cell! I needed that!'

Following his stints behind bars and various run ins with the law over the years, Mill, along with other famous names including Jay-Z and Robert Kraft, established the REFORM Alliance, an organization that aims to 'transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing.'

REFORM Alliance co-chair Michael Rubin said, 'This is now our 18th bill in our 11th state, but for me its the most meaningful one since founding REFORM because this is where it started and what inspired all of us.'

'Sitting in that courtroom with Meek in 2017 watching a judge sentence him to 2-4 years for NOT committing a crime was the most out of body experience I had in my life and from that moment on I truly understood how broken the criminal justice system is.'

In Pennsylvania, this bill called the Comprehensive Probation Reform requires mandatory probation review conferences after 2 years or 50 percent of the probation sentence, whichever is sooner, and felony probation reviews to 4 years of 50 percent of the probation sentence, whichever is sooner.

In 2008, Mill was convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon. He was again sentenced to prison time in 2017 for violating his parole

Meek Mill with his son Rihmeek 'Papi' Williams after an appeals court hearing in 2019. Mill was pardoned for the 2008 charge in January 2023 by outgoing Governor Tom Wolf

It instructs judges to have a 'presumption against confinement' for minor technical violations, meaning people on probation should only be sent back to jail if commit a serious violation, fail to complete a court mandated treatment or are threat to public safety.

Minor technical violations like showing up late to an appointment, returning home after curfew or visiting family out of state without permission can no longer be a reason to send someone back to prison.

Shapiro said, 'Were showing that we believe in second chances here in Pennsylvania  and when someone gets a second chance, that should be a real opportunity to start over and succeed.'

'Were taking commonsense steps to remove unnecessary barriers for Pennsylvanians who want to rebuild their lives and meaningfully contribute to our communities.'

The governor said, 'Because of this bill, more people will get to spend the holidays with their families, more parents will get that job they wanted, and more people will get back on their feet.'
Hong Kong has offered a 100,000 bounty for the arrest of a British consulate worker who fled the city after being tortured, sparking a diplomatic row between London and Beijing.

Local authorities in the former British crown colony on Thursday announced the hefty incentives for helping catch Simon Cheng, 33, and four other activists accused of national security crimes.

The bounties, the second batch of rewards offered by Hong Kong police pursuing fugitives, have been met with condemnation from Britain and the United States, with London calling them 'a threat to our democracy and fundamental human rights'.

Mr Cheng, along with Frances Hui, Joey Siu, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da, fled Hong Kong after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the financial hub in 2020 to quash dissent after massive pro-democracy protests.

The former employee of the UK's Hong Kong consulate has claimed that he was detained for 15 days in mainland China and tortured - and later granted asylum in the United Kingdom following a closely-watched case back in 2019.

China maintained the bounty was 'necessary and legitimate'. 'By cheering on these anti-China individuals that are bringing havoc to Hong Kong, the United States and Britain are exposing their malicious intentions in messing up Hong Kong,' Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said.

Simon Cheng worked for the UK government for nearly two years and was detained for 15 days on a trip to mainland China

China's President Xi Jinping and Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron drink a pint of beer during a visit to the The Plough pub on October 22, 2015 in Princes Risborough, England

A day earlier, Hong Kong police accused five overseas-based activists of violating the National Security Law imposed by Beijing and offered rewards for their arrests.

Police Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah said the five were suspected of incitement to secession, incitement to subversion, and foreign collusion.

'All of them, who have already fled overseas, have continued to commit offences under the national security law that seriously endangers national security,' Mr Li said.

Ms Mao said they had 'endangered national security by destabilising Hong Kong under the guise of democracy and human rights'.

Mr Cheng was detained in 2019 for 'soliciting prostitutes' - an allegation his family said was a 'joke'.

The activist, who spent two years working for the UK government, told the BBC the same year that he had been tortured in China and accused of inciting political unrest in Hong Kong.

He says he was detained for 15 days in China in August 2019 where he was 'shackled, blindfolded and hooded'.

UK government sources said at the time they believed his claims were credible.

With news of Hong Kong issuing a bounty for Mr Cheng's capture, David Cameron, the new foreign secretary, has called on British officials in Hong Kong, Beijing and London to 'raise this issue as a matter of urgency'.

It is a marked departure from longstanding efforts by Lord Cameron to build bridges between China and Britain during his tenure as Prime Minister - heralded as a 'golden age' for Sino-Anglo relations.

Only on Tuesday, Lord Cameron was again pressed as he stood with the son of democracy campaigner and British citizen Jimmy Lai, 76, who faces trial in Hong Kong for his work as a peaceful pro-democracy supporter.

Mr Lai faces life in prison if convicted by the draconian Hong Kong Court under the National Security Law, brought in in 2020.

Following the meeting with Lord Cameron, son Sebastien Lai said: 'I understand why Lord Cameron was unable to make any immediate commitments, but I left the meeting feeling hopeful that the UK will shortly add its voice to calls for my Dad's immediate and unconditional release.

'It really gave me hope that I will see my Dad again soon.''

Exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law attends the Oslo Freedom Forum in Taipei on November 3, 2022

Joey Siu, pro-democracy activist and policy advisor at Hong Kong Watch, testifies on 'The Assault on Freedom of Expression in Asia' in Washington, DC, March 30, 2022

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken on Friday also decried Hong Kong's 'transnational repression' and 'the deterioration of that city's once proud tradition of respecting the rule of law.'

'We strongly oppose any efforts to intimidate and silence individuals who choose to make the United States their home and will not waver in standing up for those who are targeted simply for exercising their human rights,' he said in a statement.

Hong Kong was a crown colony of Britain for 156 years until the handover in 1997. It was then established as a special administrative region of China, an arrangement to last 50 years.

Under this agreement, it would maintain its own economic and administrative systems. However, Beijing has increasingly exerted its influence over the region since the passing of the 2020 National Security Law, itself introduced to put down anti-extradition protests.
French media have been gushing over Prince George's charm and good looks after he appeared in the Wales family's 2023 Christmas card photo.

Prince William and Kate Middleton's eldest son, 10, was seen earlier this week posing up in a black-and-white family portrait on the front of their Christmas card this year.

After attracting the attention of Royal fans across the world, the young Prince has now caught the eye of Le Figaro Madame columnist Chloe Friedmann who described him as a 'budding James Bond'.

She added that he appeared 'self-assured', no longer appearing as a 'naughty schoolboy' but rather as an 'apprentice gentleman'.

The image, which was shared on the family's Instagram account, shows William and Kate smiling alongside Prince George, Prince Louis, five and Princess Charlotte, eight, who is sat in a chair at the front of the group.

French media have been gushing over Prince George's charm and good looks after he appeared in the Wales family's 2023 Christmas card photo

Prince William and Kate Middleton's eldest son, 10, was seen earlier this week posing up in a black-and-white family portrait on the front of their Christmas card this year

After attracting the attention of Royal fans across the world, the young Prince has now caught the attention of Le Figaro Madame columnist Chloe Friedmann who described him as a 'budding James Bond

In the article, Friedmann described how George was no longer a 'diligent little boy, sometimes a rascal' but had now become 'a serious pre-teen, nearly as tall as his mother on the royal card'.

She went on: 'The budding James Bond has opted for a relaxed posture. He thus appears with his hand in his pocket, in an open Ralph Lauren shirt and his hair impeccably styled.

'He seems, moreover, very self-assured, wonderfully mastering the art of the sideways glance. The elder Wales son has certainly just crossed a threshold.'

Friedmann also pointed out the resemblance George has to his father William: 'Observing him like this, we say to ourselves that the little prince definitely takes after his father, quick to conquer the crowds.'

Such a remark was echoed by royals fans earlier in the week who were quick to point out how the young royal bears a striking resemblance to his father at the same age.

William, Kate and their children photographed at Windsor earlier this year by acclaimed photographer Josh Shinner.

This year's card, while less formal than that issued by the King, shows more restraint than some of their previously issued season's greetings.

William and Kate's first card as Prince and Princess of Wales was a relaxed affair - showed the couple with George, Charlotte and Louis, all in trainers, on a stroll in Sandringham Estate, Norfolk.

The Prince and Princess of Wales' card last year (above) was a very relaxed affair - though the 2023 card remains far less formal than that distributed by the Prince's father, King Charles

The Princess of Wales was joined by her three children at Westminster Abbey on Friday, each holding candles ahead of her Together at Christmas carol service

It was shot by one of their favourite, and most trusted, photographers, Matt Porteous - and showed a relaxed Kate in jeans, a broderie anglaise shirt and Superga pumps.

William and George wore shirts and polo shirts from Ralph Lauren, and while the Prince of Wales opted for Jeans both George and Louis were dressed in chino shorts. Charlotte wore a denim playsuit embossed with decorations of strawberries.

Previous cards issued during their tenure as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were similarly relaxed and often colourful affairs, such as their 2018 card, in which they sat on a tree trunk in Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

It also continues a tradition of relaxed festive greetings by the Prince of Wales - cards issued by Charles and Diana were similarly informal affairs.

With its subtle backdrop, this year's card bears a remarkable similarity to that issued by Charles and Diana 1984 - complete with a cheeky Prince William and a tiny Prince Harry, who was born in September that year.
Town halls were last night accused of insulting taxpayers by spending thousands of pounds on awards ceremonies.

An audit reveals that 100 councils have together spent almost 350,000 on events celebrating their work.

Some sent dozens of staff to the glitzy dinners, which this year were hosted by BBC star Huw Edwards just before he was suspended. Other local authority employees travelled by plane or first-class train to ceremonies and judging sessions and stayed at four-star hotels.

One council that splashed out more than 1,200 on this year's MJ Awards ceremony, having received a prize for its excellence last year, has since declared itself bankrupt.

Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Nothing will insult taxpayers more than back-slapping, booze-fuelled award ceremonies to celebrate years of failure.

The biggest spender to send staff to the MJ awards was the City of Wolverhampton Council, which sent 48 employees at a cost of 13,404

'Town hall after town hall has had to fess up to wrecking their finances, while almost every council in the land has hiked rates year after year.

'Next time a council receives a nomination, they should consider whether their residents would really be happy to foot the bill for them to accept it in person.'

The pressure group asked hundreds of councils whether they had spent public money on sending staff to the MJ Awards, held annually by the Hemming Group, a business publisher.

In total 100 replied, providing details of 347,344 paid out between 2019 and 2023. The biggest spender was the City of Wolverhampton Council, which sent 48 employees at a cost of 13,404.

In 2021 it paid out 1,530 to put staff up at a Hilton hotel and last year spent 5,590 on tables for 18 guests to enjoy the ceremony.

A spokesman said: 'We have significantly reduced what we spend on these awards, spending just 89 in 2023 thanks to securing sponsorship to fund much of the cost.'

Second was Isle of Wight Council, which spent 11,600 including thousands when the event was held virtually during Covid in 2020.

In 2019 it spent 625 on accommodation at the New Linden Hotel and on travel costs, including 'flights to Manchester for three officers to attend the judging day', as well as ferries to the mainland.

A spokesman said: 'The Isle of Wight Council has not attended the MJ Awards since 2021. The costs highlighted in the referenced FoI document are of a historic nature and also a one-off expenditure. They do not impact on the current budget-setting process.'

Essex County Council came third, spending 11,281 over two years. Last year 25 delegates attended the event  at which Essex's health and care services team won an award  and this year seven went.

A spokesman said: 'Being nominated for a national award recognises the excellence of our services and celebrates the hard work and achievements of our employees.

'Last year, a very small number of employees attended the MJ Awards, at a cost which was less than 0.0008 per cent of the council's budget. This year's awards cost just 0.0002 per cent of our budget.'

And fourth was Rushcliffe, a small borough council in Nottinghamshire, which spent 9,597 sending 25 delegates this year. A spokesman said it was important to recognise the hard work of staff.

Nottingham City Council, which recently went bust, spent 1,255.

Hemming Group said that its awards 'recognise the work of frontline council staff and managers across the UK.'
News / Local

by Staff reporter

U don't dictate 2 me how I answer any question I choose to answer. But I will answer your question even though I believe that you are a team member of the trolls set up by the Emperor to push others out of the party.  Prof. Welshman Ncube (@Welshman_Ncube) December 16, 2023

Former MDC Alliance vice president Welshman Ncube has claimed there is a team of the trolls set up by the Emperor to push others out of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.Professor Ncube revealed this after a certain W. Zambezi Snr asked him whether he was "involved in Tshabangu illegal recalls?" which required a Yes or No answer.Professor Ncube responded telling Zambezi that he cannot dictate how he should answer the question, adding that he believes that Zambezi is a team member of the trolls set up by the Emperor to push others out of the party.Wrote Ncube on X (formally Twitter), "U don't dictate 2 me how I answer any question I choose to answer. But I will answer your question even though I believe that you are a team member of the trolls set up by the Emperor to push others out of the party."Professor Ncube is the second senior member of the CCC after Tendai Biti to finger activists linked to party president Nelson Chamisa for creating parody social media accounts to link them to self-imposed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu.This comes after there have been allegations of a web of "sell-outs" within the opposition party, with some senior officials being accused of trying to divide the party.Biti last week spoke after a parody post on social media platform X, in Tshabangu's name claimed that the two had met to discuss the party's pertinent issues."I'm not interested. That account must be parody account that was created by Chamisa and his team. Just check it. I have not met Tshabangu and let me repeat that I am not interested," Biti said yesterday.The tweet claimed that Tshabangu had met Biti at a top hotel in Harare."Just after my interview on ZBC, I had dinner with one of our decorated change champions and learned man Hon Biti at Crowne Plaza, as he is a victim of dictatorship, we deliberated on pertinent issues that will add value to our struggle for democracy, transparency and constitutionalism," the account claimed.Tshabangu's spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni also disowned the account saying it was fake."I would think it's a fake account," Phugeni said.The development also comes after Harare councillor Denford Ngadziore reportedly blocked former mayor Jacob Mafume from entering a councillors' caucus meeting at Town House before the election of Lovejoy Chitengu.Chitengu was elected mayor after Ian Makone was recalled by Tshabangu in the recent spate of recalls that have affected several MPs, Senators and councillors across Zimbabwe.It is understood that Mafume is fearing for his life after he was threatened with unspecified action.Mafume told NewsDay yesterday that he never wronged anyone, saying what happened at caucus meetings will remain regrettable."We are ready for service delivery of the residents and council if asked to do so. So, my conscience is clear even during the period when l was mayor," Mafume said."I wronged no one except those who want to take Harare. What happened at caucus meeting stays at the caucus meeting."According to reports, CCC provincial taskforce chairperson for Harare Eric Murai and an official Matsunga Machuma bulldozed their way into chambers to ensure that councillors voted according to Chamisa's instructions.Murai and Machuma allegedly asked the councillors to show their ballots before casting their votes.Ngadziore could neither confirm nor deny the scuffle when contacted for comment."l do not want to comment because it was an internal issue," he said.Chitengu yesterday said he was not in a position to comment on the matter.There were, however, fears that Mafume who has remained the favourite might return as he commands respect within council.CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi denounced Tshabangu as a Zanu-PF impostor."It is unwise for anybody who purports to be a democratic to associate themselves with Tshabangu," Mkwananzi said.However, while Tshabangu is being accused for imposing himself as CCC interim secretary-general, he recently told NewsDay that Zanu-PF had nothing to do with what is happening in CCC."The internal problems in the CCC are now common knowledge. The candidate selection was heavily manipulated. The party constitution, party processes, and organs were set aside by a group around President Chamisa, which is inherently driven by self-interest," he said."This group of people around the president (CCC leader Nelson Chamisa) replaced party values and ethos with fear and reliance on bribes. We are cleansing CCC of this uncouth culture. Where does Zanu-PF come in?"He said the problems in the CCC were countrywide."Party members across the country were disenfranchised, injured by the unjust processes engineered by the criminals around the party president."Not only were the so-called monkeys' affected. We need to bring justice to all our members, and the party must revert to its foundational values."
A popular carmaker could be forced to fork out millions after it admitted to falsely telling customers at three service centres the businesses were going to be shut down.

Federal Court Justice Nathan Moshinsky on Friday recommended Honda pay $6 million after it was sued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The Japanese automaker admitted in court to calling, texting, and emailing more than 1,000 customers with false claims three former Honda dealers were closing.

In his judgement, Justice Moshinsky said Honda had contravened consumer law and may have 'caused loss to the (dealers) by way of loss of business' to the dealers.

'Although the contraventions were not deliberate, they were nevertheless serious. The number of contraventions is large (and) took place over a period of months,' he said.

'Honda is a large company; a large penalty is therefore required to achieve specific and general deterrence. Honda's co-operation with the ACCC reduces the penalty.'

The Japanese automaker admitted in court to calling, texting, and emailing more than 1,000 customers with false claims three former Honda dealers were closing

The lawsuit brought by the consumer watchdog centred around three former Honda dealers; Astoria in Victoria, Tynan Motors in NSW, and Burswood in Western Australia.

The three centres were operating as franchised dealers for Honda before a strategic review in March 2020 determined the car company would abandon the franchise model.

As a result, the dealer agreements struck between Honda and dealerships nationwide were terminated, and only a select few were offered a chance to stay on with the carmaker.

The court was told many dealerships ceased all operations as a result of the termination, while others - including the three in the suit - became independent service centres.

The two-day hearing heard from some of Honda Australia's senior management, including the company's director, Carolyn McMahon.

The executives gave evidence about concerns raised by the dealers as to the wording of customer correspondence, as well as the use of a media campaign to promote Honda dealers.

In one call in January 2021, a customer asked if the Astoria dealer in Brighton was 'going to still remain'.

'No ... that dealership is closing down,' a Honda agent replied.

Emails sent to customers at the Astoria and Tynan dealers stated they were 'now closed'. Later emails alternatively stated they were no longer authorised Honda dealers.

Federal Court Justice Nathan Moshinsky on Friday recommended Honda pay $6 million after it was sued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Justice Moshinsky said the 'misleading' emails were mitigated to some extent by communications from Astoria and Tynan to their customers which clarified they were not closing.

He went on to state that while Honda may have derived benefit by retaining customers in its own network, he was unable to 'form a concluded view on the issue'.

Justice Moshinsky also dismissed claims by the ACCC that further emails, statements on the Honda website, and one call centre communication were also contraventions of consumer law.

Honda and the ACCC were ordered to reply to the court within two days as to agreement on costs, or to reappear on Monday for a hearing into the fee to be paid by Honda.
Do YOU know what happened?

Do YOU know what happened? Email jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk

A school is being investigated after its teaching material asked pupils if Hamas' terror attack on Israel was 'fair'.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said she was left horrified to see educational material attempt to 'justify' the murderous attacks on October 7 which left more than 1,400 dead and hundreds kidnapped.

In slides that were shared on Mumsnet, pupils at the unnnamed school were asked if it was 'fair for Hamas to attack' the Jewish state, and were then invited to give their opinions on the conflict.

Do YOU know what happened? Email jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk

Ms Keegan said: 'I'm horrified to see this. Hamas are terrorists. Their actions are indefensible and anyone encouraging support for them should feel the full force of the law.'

In slides that were shared on Mumsnet , pupils at the unnnamed school were asked if it was 'fair for Hamas to attack' the Jewish state, and were then invited to give their opinions on the conflict

The Education Secretary added: 'Extremism has no place in education and I have launched an urgent review.'

The Mumsnet user who first shared the material said their child was shown 11 slides on Israel taking land and Palestinian suffering.

In posts seen by MailOnline, the parent claimed the material built up a very 'one-sided' picture of the conflict.

'By contrast, there is one line on the Holocaust and two lines on the October 7 attacks.', they added.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan (pictured) said she was horrified

They then claimed to have demanded a meeting with the head, adding: 'To me, this is inviting students to justify terrorism.'

Ms Keegan has previously been dragged into discussing the issues surrounding the war in Gaza after pupils were found to have missed lessons and were instead participating in protests backing a ceasefire.

The Education Secretary said schools should treat such classroom absences 'with the utmost seriousness'.
Kanye West has returned to Elon Musk's X to advertise his $200 foldable 'sock boots' almost five months after his account was reinstated.

The rapper, 46, was initially booted off the app in December 2022 following a series of offensive and anti-Semitic posts - one of which appeared to show a symbol combining a swastika and the Star of David.

His account was then restored in July but he is now active on the platform again.

West used one of his first posts to praise his 'liberation from Adidas' after the retailer ended its partnership, estimated to be worth $1.5billion, with him over his anti-Semitic rants.

The Grammy-winning artist also unveiled his first Yeezy product since the agreement ended and announced it was put on presale on Friday.

Kanye West has returned to Elon Musk 's X to advertise his $200 foldable 'sock boots' almost five months after his account was reinstated

The rapper, 46, was initially booted off the app in December 2022 following a series of offensive and anti-Semitic posts. His account was then restored in July but he is now active on the platform again

The Grammy-winning artist used X to unveil his first Yeezy product since the agreement ended and announced it was put on presale on Friday

West's first post back on X on Wednesday was to share news that he recruited Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy as the company's head of design.

He returned to the platform the next day with a message for Nicki Minaj in which he said: 'Hi, it's Ye. May I call you about clearing new body on the new album.'

The rapper then announced on Friday that his first Yeezy product, since the partnership with Adidas ended, was put on presale.

'Yeezy debuts the foldable future of footwear, YZY POD,' his statement read.

'Our first product since liberation from Adidas goes on presale today, $200 at yeezy.com. Accept no limitations.'

The calf-high boot features a sock-like design which has a foldable knit upper and can be easily stored when not in use. It is only available in three sizes and in the color black.

West's last post before his account was initially suspended was on December 1, 2022.

In the months leading up to his suspension, he made repeated anti-Semitic remarks in a series of offensive posts.

He was kicked off 'for incitement to violence' after the rapper posted the picture of the swastika - the symbol of the Nazi party - along with the Jewish holy symbol.

The post came hours after an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, when West sparked outrage by declaring his 'love' of Nazis and his admiration for Adolf Hitler.

West's account was initially locked for 12 hours, preventing him from posting, and he was later suspended.

Musk, who purchased the platform in October 2022 and was known for taking a more relaxed stance on content moderation, told West: 'Sorry, but you have gone too far. This is not love', in a text message shared by the rapper before the ban.

West responded: 'Who made you the judge.'

'I tried my best' Musk wrote in a post after X deleted his offensive message and temporarily locked his account.

'Despite that, he again violated our rule against incitement to violence. Account will be suspended.'

West pictured wearing his latest Yeezy product since the partnership with Adidas ended

West used one of his first posts to praise his 'liberation from Adidas' after the retailer ended its partnership, estimated to be worth $1.5billion, with him over his anti-Semitic rants

West's last post before his account was initially suspended was on December 1, 2022

Subsequently, his X and Instagram accounts were blocked and lucrative deals fell through.

After West's string of vile anti-Semitic comments, his reputation was left in tatters and causing brands - including Adidas, Balenciaga, Vogue and GAP - to drop him in droves.

The performer was unrepentant, refusing in multiple interviews to apologize.

As a result, his net worth plummeted. His divorce from ex-wife Kim Kardashian also finalized the same week.

In October 2022, after being censored on Instagram, West returned to X with a post suggesting he would be 'going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.'

He added: 'The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.'

West previously suggested he would be 'going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE' while bringing back his 'White Lives Matter' T-shirt

'I tried my best' Musk wrote in a tweet after X deleted West's offensive message and temporarily locked his account

West posted screenshots of his furious text exchange with Elon Musk, who warned him, 'you have gone too far' after he posted an image of a swastika in a Star of David

That renewed attack on Jewish people came just a day after sharing screenshots on Instagram revealing messages sent to Diddy in which West accused the rapper of being controlled by Jewish people for trying to silence his 'White Lives Matter' message.

The post resulted in his Instagram account being suspended.

West's profile on X was reinstated back in July but he was not eligible to monetize and adverts did not appear next to his posts.

X reinstated Ye's account after receiving reassurance that he wouldn't use the platform to share anti-Semitic or otherwise harmful language.

Musk had previously reinstated former U.S. President Donald Trump's account after some 14.8 million X users had voted in favor of the reinstatement.

While right-wing conspiracy theorist Jones' account was allowed back on to the platform on Sunday following a poll.

Close to 2 million votes were cast by the time the poll closed, with about 70 percent voting in favor of his reinstatement.
Advertisement

An advert advocating for stricter gun control entitled 'Thoughts & Prayers' is causing a stir with its controversial message.

The 'Thoughts & Prayers' advert placed by Mothers Against Greg Abbott PAC, in collaboration with Mothers for Democracy was designed to highlight the issue of gun violence. It was released on December 14th, 2024 - the 11th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in which 26 women and children were killed.

The term 'thoughts and prayers' is a common expression frequently used to convey sympathy or condolences particularly in response to a mass shooting - but the gun control lobby believe such sentiments to be just empty words rather than action towards making things safer.

During the one-minute clip, a young girl is seen sitting at the edge of a pool reaching out for a flamingo floatie before accidentally falling into the water.

A woman quickly runs to the pool, but rather than jumping in to rescue the child, she drops to her knees, clasps her hands, and begins to pray: 'Please God, save her. Do something. Save her.'

A advert advocating for stricter gun control entitled 'Thoughts & Prayers' is causing a stir with its controversial message

During the one-minute clip, a young girl is seen sitting at the edge of a pool reaching out for a flamingo floatie before accidentally falling into the water.

As the lifeless child floats in the background, several individuals approach the woman to express their condolences with such as: 'My thoughts and prayers are with you.'

Driving the point home further, another scene sees a couple enjoying drinks in the same pool whilst a neighbor continues to mow his lawn while shouting, 'thoughts and prayers.' None take any action to save the drowning girl.

The advert notes: 'The number one killer of children in the United States is not drowning, car wrecks, or cancer. The #1 killer of children in the U.S. is gun violence. Thoughts and prayers are meaningless when you can act.'

The clip has been shared on X garnering more than 4 million views with a further 16,000 reposts.

In response to the powerful video, Mothers for Democracy issued a statement, highlighting how the video 'exposes the hypocrisy of those who offer 'thoughts and prayers' while continuing with their lives as if nothing has occurred. They would rather utter 'thoughts and prayers' than take action to save children's lives.'

Online the video appeared to spark some sharp reactions.

The video appeared to generate some sharp criticism on social media

'18 year olds are not kids. Guns are not the number one killer of kids. Guns don't kill people. This video is disgusting. You grifters are horrible,' wrote one X user.

'This ad is ultimately mocking God and your belief in God. There is a special place for them,' wrote Will Johnson.

'This doesnt make sense but is on brand divisive while blaming Christians Hateful Should be embarrassed, make a legal or political argument instead of using fear and blame while mocking religion,' argued one social media user.

'It's in the constitution and it's not going to change. Fix the root cause of the violence first. That would make more sense,' added another.

'Pure Baloney! The #1 killer of children in the United States is abortion There, I said it If you don't get it... pray for wisdom,' said another unconvinced view.

Texas already has a strong gun culture with some of the least restrictive gun control laws in the nation compared to some other states.

It's not the first time the term 'thought and prayers' has come in for criticism.

The advert was released on Thursday, the 11th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in which 26 women and children were killed. Pictured, Sandy Hook elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, was later demolished after the massacre

A gunman took out 21 at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas in 2022. He had legally bought the firearm he used days before

Earlier this year, Rep. Keith Self, a Texas Republican, seen left, expressed his belief in the power of prayer, stating that those who doubt its effectiveness do not believe in an almighty God

Earlier this year, a Republican Texas Congressman questioned the faith of critics who said that prayer is not enough after the a mass shooting in his state took eight lives, including children.

Rep. Keith Self suggested that God has complete control over our lives, and people who don't believe in the power of prayer following a mass shooting aren't true believers.

Self's comments came hours after a gunman opened fire at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, a small suburb north of Dallas, killing eight people including children as young as five.

The shooting led to the usual call for 'thoughts and prayers' for those affected but during an interview on CNN it was put to Rep. Self, who represents Texas' 3rd Congressional District that includes Allen, that such sentiments are no longer enough.

'You know congressman, that is a common refrain after mass shootings, but many people argue that prayers are not cutting it. Prayers are not preventing the next mass shooting. What is your response to that criticism?' the anchor on CNN asked.

But the Congressman appeared to have a prepared response

Video footage and eyewitness accounts provide some semblance of the horror shoppers faced following a shooting at a mall in Allen, Texas in May of this year

'Those are people that don't believe in an almighty God who is absolutely in control of our lives.'

'I'm a Christian. I believe that he is,' Self said assuredly. 'We have people with mental health that we are not taking care of.'

Self suggested that prayers did indeed have their place following violence and continued to offer up his own.

'We should be focused on the families. Prayers are important. Prayer is powerful in lives of those people who are devastated right now,' he said.

Self said that he did not want to turn the tragedy into a political point but noted how there was violence in 'big [Democrat] cities' after being asked if he was concerned about the rise of violent incidents across the US.

Congressman Self gave the example of the city of Chicago that saw crime spike in 2022, while Allen, Texas, where the shooting occurred was by his definition a 'very safe area.'
A teenager has died in a horrifying crash after his car struck a guardrail on a major motorway before the vehicle burst into flames.

The 17-year-old boy was driving along the M5 Motorway near Revesby in Sydney's south-west before he lost control of the car on Friday around 11:30pm.

The Mitsubishi Evo crashed into the barrier on the motorway before the sedan went up in flames on impact.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but the boy could not be saved.

There were no passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

A teenager has died in a fiery crash on the M5 Motorway (stock image) after he lost control of his car

The horrifying collision set alight nearby grass and tress before fire fighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service arrived to douse the flames.

NSW Police set up a crime scene and closed eastbound lanes on the motorway following the incident.

A report is expected to be prepared for the coroner as investigations into the fatal crash continue.

Police have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage of the crash to come forward.

The teenager's death comes after another man died in a motorcycle crash in a separate incident around an hour later in the state's north on Saturday.

Paramedics along with fire fighters rushed to the scene after the vehicle burst into flames when it hit a guardrail (stock image)

Fire fighters quickly doused the flames which also set alight grass and trees nearby after the crash claimed the life of the teenager (stock image of a NSW Rural Fire Service fighting a bushfire)

Police were called to Haussman Driver, near Thornton about 26 kilometres west of Newcastle around 12:30am following reports of a single vehicle crash.

The 26-year-old man died at the scene after he lost control of his bike while he was approaching a bend in the road.

He was flung from the motorcycle before he hit a tree.

Police established a crime with investigations into the crash ongoing.
According to Green there are currently between 12,000 to 14,000 units legally rented on a short-term basis

He said there were 6,297 residents still living in hotels more than four months after the historic wildfire that killed at least 97 people in Maui

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said he wants 3,000 vacation rentals converted to long-term housing for displaced wildfire survivors who are currently still living in hotels, four months after the horrific blaze swept Maui.

Green said he is prepared to use the 'hammer' of post-fire emergency orders to make sure owners of short-term vacation rentals extend them to long-term units if enough spaces aren't converted voluntarily by mid-January.

As of Thursday, the governor said there were 6,297 residents still living in hotels more than four months after the August 8 wildfire wiped out historic Lahaina and killed at least 97 people - the deadliest wildfire in modern US history.

The vast majority of residents don't have anywhere else to go given the extreme housing shortage on Maui. There are currently between 12,000 to 14,000 units legally rented on a short-term basis on Maui, according to Green. Including illegal ones, he estimated there could be nearly 25,000.

The lack of stable housing has been a source of stress for Lahaina residents, some of whom have had to switch hotel rooms multiple times since the fire. One group is camping out on Kaanapali Beach in front of resort hotels, vowing to stay there until short-term rentals are converted for the use of residents.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green (pictured) said on Friday he wants 3,000 vacation rentals converted to long-term housing for displaced wildfire survivors

On August 8 a wildfire wiped out historic Lahaina and killed at least 97 people - the deadliest wildfire in modern US history

Around 86 percent of the roughly 2,200 ruined buildings were residential and the value of wrecked property has been estimated at more than $5 billion

The blaze that swept into centuries-old Lahaina destroyed nearly every building in the town of 13,000.

Around 86 percent of the roughly 2,200 ruined buildings were residential and the value of wrecked property has been estimated at more than $5 billion.

Green said a combination of county tax incentives and generous rent subsidies offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency should help.

FEMA on Monday sent letters to 13,000 short-term rental operators across Maui informing them the agency would offer to pay them the same rent they earned during the previous year for their units, Green said.

In addition, the Maui County Council is currently considering legislation for property tax breaks promoted by the mayor.

'So there is no reason at all for people not to take this opportunity provided they want to be a helpful part of the solution,' Green said.

Green said he aims for these measures to provide interim housing for two years while more housing is built on Maui.

'So we really only need to get about 10 percent, maybe 12 percent, of all the available short term units on Maui,' he said.

As of Thursday, the governor said there were 6,297 residents still living in hotels more than four months after the fire destroyed their homes

A destroyed junkyard in Lahaina. There are currently between 12,000 to 14,000 units legally rented on a short-term basis on Maui, according to Green

People standing outside a burned affordable housing complex in Lahaina. The Maui County Council is also considering legislation for property tax breaks for owners who convert

Ideally, officials could rent out an entire building or an entire timeshare property, he said.

FEMA will pay for units rented to about 2,000 families. The state of Hawaii and private philanthropists will cover rent for the remaining 1,000 families who are undocumented or are citizens from so-called Compact of Free Association states and who aren't eligible for FEMA aid, Green said.

He didn't have an estimate for how much this would cost, saying it would depend on how many rentals become available.

The governor plans to release details of his new budget proposals at a news conference on Monday.

On December 11, the heart of Lahaina reopened to residents and business holding day passes. Although authorities are recommending that people entering scorched lots wear protective gear to shield them from hazards.
But it has been slammed by the families of the Gilgo Beach victims as 'evil' and they claim the documentary series will 're-victimize' and 're-traumatize' them

The $1million documentary deal signed by the wife of Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann is in jeopardy as lawmakers rush to introduce new bills to stop the relatives of defendants profiting off crimes.

Asa Ellerup filed for divorce six days after Heuermann, 60, was charged with the murder of three sex workers whose bodies were among 11 found on the desolate stretch of coastline close to their Long Island Home between 2010 and 2011.

She agreed to participate in the mega-deal with NBC's streaming service Peacock, which will feature a crew filming her family throughout her husband's trial that is slated to begin next year.

The deal has been slammed by the families of the Gilgo Beach victims as 'evil' and they claim the documentary series will 're-victimize' and 're-traumatize' them.

It has prompted two new bills aiming to amend New York's Son of Sam law, which stops the families of suspects from cashing in on crimes. If it is passed it would take effect immediately and plunge Ellerup's agreement into doubt.

The $1million documentary deal signed by the wife of Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann is in jeopardy as lawmakers rush to introduce new bills to stop the relatives of defendants profiting off crimes

Asa Ellerup filed for divorce six days after Heuermann, 60, was charged with the murder of three sex workers whose bodies were among 11 found on the desolate stretch of coastline close to their Long Island Home between 2010 and 2011

Ellerup agreed to participate in the mega-deal with NBC's streaming service Peacock, which will feature a crew filming her family throughout her husband's trial. Pictured: Television crew outside Suffolk County Supreme Court where Heuermann had a hearing on November 15

Film crews were seen trailing Heuermann's estranged wife, 59, and two children Victoria and Christopher as they attended his arraignment last month.

Authorities have said that Ellerup wasn't aware of her husband's alleged killings and the money earned from the show will not be going to his defense because New York law prohibits defendants from selling their story to the media.

But two bills have been proposed to amend the state's Son of Sam law and stop the families of suspects from profiting off crimes.

'The amount of money that's being thrown here while victims' families get nothing is just horrible,' State senator Kevin Thomas told CBS News.

'They're just exploiting their pain for profit.' He added that his bill will shut this loophole.

State Senator Fred Thiele Jr. said: 'Why should the family or the former spouse profit from this crime either? It's an insult, I think, to the victim.'

The Son of Sam law was initially ruled as unconstitutional and amended.

The victims of crimes are now notified about movie and book deals to allow them to sue for the profits.

Ellerup arrived in court in November to hear the evidence presented as her estranged husband faces murder charges over the deaths of three sex workers

Their son Christopher and daughter Victoria leaving the family home last month

Attorney John Ray, who represents the families of the Gilgo Beach victims, has praised the proposals.

'[Ellerup] is a ghoul and she's feeding on the dead by using their memory and the circumstances that her husband caused and she may have a part in,' he said.

But Ellerup's attorney Robert Macadonio said: 'It's a sad day in America when people are willing to trample on the constitution to get press coverage.

'The next thing they will attempt is to control media coverage.'

Hofstra law professor Fred Klein added: 'To the extent that the law is going to apply to a family member, who may not have done anything wrong, you've probably got a significant First Amendment problem there.'

A Peacock spokesman said Ellerup 'was not paid for her participation, but was paid a licensing fee for use of her archive materials'.

It said it 'reached out to all victims families to appear in the documentary, all of whom either did not respond or declined.'

Sherre Gilbert, the sister of Shannan Gilbert, whose remains were found in 2010 and led to the discovery of other victims, went to social media to express her shock, using the words: 'disappointed...disgusted... flabbergasted...frustrated.'

'The way that the media will buy stories to further re-victimize, re-traumatize, and exploit the families & victims of serial killers is evil!,' she said.

Heuermann is currently being held at a Suffolk County prison in connection to three murders.

In July, he was charged with killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, who disappeared in 2009 and 2010.

Authorities said he is also the 'prime suspect' in the killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

The first victim, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, was discovered by Suffolk County Police on December 11, 2010. The body of Megan Waterman, 22, was found two days later

Maureen Brainard-Barnes was 25 years old when she went missing (left). Amber Lynn Costello was 27 years old. Their bodies were found near Barthelemy's the same day

Cops have released a laundry list of 'red flags' that they say led them to Heuermann as a suspect, with the first piece of evidence being a Chevrolet Avalanche owned by him that was linked to the murder of Costello by a witness.

According to documents filed in Suffolk County court, investigators were then able to link that car to Heuermann's cellphone records, which tied him to locations related to the murders, which eventually led them to obtain a DNA sample.

Police say that Heuermann used Melissa Barthelemy's phone to make taunting phone calls to her family from the victim's phone, calls that were made steps from his Manhattan office.

Following the identification of Heuermann as the owner of the Chevrolet, cops issued over 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain further evidence.

Ellerup visited the Manhattan architect in jail for the first time last month, and has been seen attending court to 'see for herself what is presented in court.'

In August, she was accused by attorney Ray of being involved in the grisly killings.

Police have not indicated any link involving Ellerup or the couple's children with the murders, however Ray claims to have witnesses who he says can confirm her presence when Heuermann would bring home sex workers.

He said that her alleged presence when he would do so suggests she may have had knowledge of the killings, a claim refused by Macedonio who said his client and her children are not under any suspicion by investigators.

Macedonio said Ellerup was not in the region at the time her husband was allegedly carrying out the killings.
Rocker Tommy Lee has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a helicopter as they flew from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2003.

The woman said, in court documents obtained by TMZ, that she was a friend of the pilot, and he invited her to go on a trip.

But when she got to the tarmac, she found Tommy Lee, the Motley Crue drummer, waiting to board the helicopter with them.

It is not clear whether she knew Lee before the February 2003 encounter.

She claims that Lee, now 61, and the pilot drank, snorted cocaine and smoked marijuana during the flight.

Tommy Lee, seen in September 2021, has been accused of sexual assault by an unnamed woman, occurring February 2003

Lee is seen with Pamela Anderson, his third wife. They were married from 1995-98. He married influencer Brittany Furlan, 37, in 2019

Lee is seen drumming on November 14 in Melbourne, Australia

She said that Lee - who had divorced his third wife, Pamela Anderson, in 1998 - then grabbed her and forced her to sit on his lap.

The woman said Lee groped and kissed her, and when she tried to pull away he grabbed her and yanked her back to him. She said he then penetrated her with his fingers and groped her breasts.

She said Lee took down his pants and attempted to force her head into his groin, but she wrestled free.

On landing in Los Angeles, Lee hugged her then left, and the woman and pilot flew back to San Diego in silence.

She said she never went to the police because she did not think she would be believed.

Lee has not responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

Since Motley Crue's rise to fame in the 1980s, Lee and his bandmates are celebrated for being one of the biggest rock bands but also remembered for their extreme exploits and iniquities; Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars, Tommy Lee, Vince Neil seen in 1985

Over the years, he had also been accused of having controlling tendencies amongst other darker issues, which emerged during his whirlwind romance with his then-wife, Anderson. He famously served six months in jail for battering the actress when she was holding their two-month-old son Dylan  for which she ultimately filed for divorce and pressed charges

At the height and heady days of Motley Crue's fame, he admitted he used drink around two gallons of vodka every single day

Since Motley Crue's rise to fame in the 1980s, Lee and his bandmates are celebrated for being one of the biggest rock bands but also remembered for their extreme exploits and iniquities.

Recently, Lee gave an interview about how he and his bandmates had no control over their alcohol and drug intake.

Over the years, he had also been accused of having controlling tendencies amongst other darker issues, which emerged during his whirlwind romance with his then-wife, Anderson.

He famously served six months in jail for battering the actress when she was holding their two-month-old son Dylan  for which she ultimately filed for divorce and pressed charges.

At the height and heady days of Motley Crue's fame, he admitted he used drink around two gallons of vodka every single day.

In an episode of comedian Bill Maher's Club Random podcast released in October, Lee recalled drinking very heavily and doing cocaine.

He said when he and his bandmate, Nikki Sixx, ran out of cocaine, they would resort to injecting Jack Daniels with a syringe to continue partying.

'It was quick, faster, louder and harder,' he recalled and explained. 'We would do this s*** all the time.'

In an episode of comedian Bill Maher's Club Random podcast released in October, Lee recalled drinking very heavily and doing cocaine. He said when he and his bandmate, Nikki Sixx, ran out of cocaine, they would resort to injecting Jack Daniels with a syringe to continue partying; Sixx and Lee seen in 1990

In his band's autobiography The Dirt, he and his bandmates also candidly opened up about their drug, drink and sex-fuelled lives; Lee, Mars, Neil, and Sixx seen in 2004

In his band's autobiography The Dirt, he and his bandmates also candidly opened up about their drug, drink and sex-fuelled lives.

In one particular passage, Motley Crue's bassist Nikki Sixx talked about an incident involving Lee and admitted to 'pretty much' raping a woman  a confession he has since retracted and apologized for making in a statement released to Rolling Stone.

His recollection in the book stated that he tricked a woman into believing she was having sex with him in a dark closest at a party but it was actually Lee.

Later, the woman reported being raped that night in a separate incident when she left the party and attempted to hitchhike home.

The 'embellished' story did not lead to any charges, but Motley Crue as a whole did accrue a rap sheet riddled with many instances of arrests.

Lee served just over two years of a possible three-year term after a gun possession conviction in 2021.

Most infamously, he was spared state prison but spent 180 days in jail in 1998 after he was charged with a spousal abuse felony involving Anderson.

The charge involved an incident in that past February when the authorities received a domestic disturbance call from the Baywatch star, according to MTV.

Most infamously, he was spared state prison but spent 180 days in jail in 1998 after he was charged with a spousal abuse felony involving Anderson. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that from the altercation with Lee, she sustained a broken fingernail on her right hand, a bloody hand as well as bruises on her back.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that from the altercation with Lee, she sustained a broken fingernail on her right hand, a bloody hand as well as bruises on her back.

Additionally, he was sentenced to three years of probation and directed to not come within 100 yards of Anderson.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and to pay a $5,000 fine to the Santa Monica Battered Women's Association.

Earlier that same year, he was also involved in another case and pleaded innocent to a misdemeanor assault charge after he had an altercation with a security guard during a concert at the America West Arena in Phoenix.
A child struck by lightning during a violent storm sweeping across southeast Queensland is fighting for life in hospital.

The ten-year-old girl was struck during the storm at a private property on Clarkes Road in Beerwah, on the Sunshine Coast, at about 2.30pm on Saturday.

Critical care paramedics rushed her to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition where she remains.

It comes as record-breaking damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain continue to wreak havoc across Queensland's southeast.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued several severe weather warnings since the storms began moving over the region on Friday.

A child is in critical condition after being struck by lightning amid severe storms in southeast Queensland (pictured, a forecast of storms for Saturday)

An alert at 3.20pm on Saturday warned Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Brisbane City, Moreton Bay and Gympie council areas could see severe thunderstorms, damaging wind, hail, heavy rain and flash flooding.

Hail stones four centimetres large fell over Beaudesert, to the west of the Gold Coast, at about 4pm.

It follows freak storms on Friday night which caused widespread damage across the region.

BOM senior meteorologist Shane Kennedy said winds recorded in Archerfield, south Brisbane, were the strongest recorded in more than 75 years.

'169km/h in Archerfield was a record from 143km/h back in 1946,' he said.

'That's the kind of thing we only see every few years or so.'

The storms on Friday claimed the life of a 30-year-old man who was discovered unconscious near fallen powerlines in Murrarie.

He was found by emergency services at about 5pm following calls from the public and was declared dead at the scene.

SES volunteers have responded to upwards of 180 distress calls since Friday afternoon and more than 9,500 properties have lost power.

Hail measuring four-centimetres large was seen in Beaudesert (above) on Saturday afternoon ahead of more storms

'Energex received over 250 reports of powerlines down through those storms yesterday and most of that was caused by things like trees, roofing iron, other debris being blown or falling onto those power lines,' Rob Stork from Energex told the ABC.

'So it has really caused some extensive damage, which is going to take some time to repair.

'Our crews have been hard at it overnight, and certainly made some good gains, but [there's] a lot more work to be done today.'
News / Local

by Staff reporter

A DECLARATION of a new State thousands of kilometres from Zimbabwe's outlying rural area of Hurungwe into the Pacific Ocean may sound fictitious and strange.But, alas, reveals the existence of the new State.Zimbabwean-born academic, professor Webiston Jokonya, on September 5 made history after declaring a new sovereign State at the heart of the world's waters.The new State is called United Republic of Delvin (URD) and has only 36 registered citizens so far.URD was formed from what was known as Howland Island, located just north of the Equator in the Central Pacific Ocean, about 1 700 nautical miles southwest of Honolulu.It is just 160 hectares big and also lies almost halfway between Hawaii and Australia.It was unclaimed and uninhabited until 2023 when it was declared a country or sovereign State by Jokonya.Jokonya (45) was born and raised in Hurungwe, under Chief Kazangarare, about 70km north of Karoi.In his declaration speech, Jokonya, as the first Prime Minister of URD, said his dream had come to reality, adding that investors were welcome into the new nation."The URD welcomes all investors and as a new government we want to make diplomatic ties with the global world," Jokonya said."We have one international seaport called Port Howland located on the South East Pole and one biggest city called Nashville city, where the international airport of Amelia International Airport is located.".URD is characterised by an equatorial climate with scant rainfall, constant wind and intense sunshine.Its natural resources include guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic.Guano is a naturally occurring substance primarily made from the excrement of wild bats and birds. It is commonly used as a fertiliser and is typically high in nitrogen, phosphate and potassium.It can be found where colonies of seabirds dwell, such as islands near coasts and subtropical latitudes where there is little rain, or in caves.However, the island has no fresh water resource and the new State is set to work on innovation for the precious liquid, Jokonya said.The island was established as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1974."It is good for investors to come as we want to build a new nation together," said Jokonya, who boasts various academic achievements.Jokonya was born on November 9, 1978 at Kazangarare Clinic in Manyati Village, Hurungwe in Mashonaland West province.He enrolled at local schools under Chief Kazangarare from 1986 to 1994 until completing his O level studies.In 2001, he moved from rural Kazangarare to Karoi seeking employment and worked at several companies up to 2004.He ventured into commercial courses like bookkeeping, electronics, computer application, computer repairs and many more.He then formed his company as a computer technician at Karoi Outdoor Living Center, popularly known as Tsotsi Complex in November 2010.As an academic, Jokonya holds a PhD in Information Technology (GEPEA University, Portugal), PhD in Physical Education (World University of Sports, Iran) PhD in Mass Communication (Anjad University, Pakistan) and Doctor of Business Administration.He is a visiting professor at different universities globally.It was during one of his academic research tours that he came across the uninhabited territory.He recalled how it all began during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic."I started carrying research on how a country can be created or how to start a country in order to try to rescue my family tree from COVID-19," he recalled."I discovered that a country can be started even by two people, who are permanent residents or permanent citizens in an unclaimed land, for example an island."So from there, I started carrying out research while looking for unclaimed islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, where I came across this island that I later called Delvin."Delvin is the name of my last born, who was born during the COVID-19 lockdown period."So from there, I started planning strategies on how to start to develop that island as a family territory or a small country since it was unclaimed and uninhabited until in September when I declared it a sovereign state and renaming it as the URD."According to the Montevideo Convention (1933), a State must possess a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to conduct international relations.As congratulatory messages trickle in for the new State, Jokonya is hopeful that the economy of his country will soon tick and make it a darling for all globally.Although Rome was not built in one day, Jokonya's dream could come true as he moves into the island in January to lead a State, which the United States also claims to be in its territory."We are running around in order to acquire a passenger ferry ship and at least one cargo ship to start moving some of the materials for road construction and erections of housing cottages," he said."Some investors are interested in the project."The first registered 36 residents in URD are drawn from different countries, mainly Asia and Europe. URD has since been listed as a micro-nation.
A woman from Oklahoma has been left outraged after scammers listed her four-bedroom home on Zillow for just $10,000.

She discovered her property, estimated to be worth $420,000, being advertised to first-time buyers on the real estate website.

The scammers claimed to be part of a rich family who owned 'many homes across the US' and were selling the house for $10,800 as a charitable favor.

The unnamed woman immediately contacted the authorities for help. Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein told Koco News: 'Someone had listed her house and taken possession of it on the Zillow page and was advertising it.'

He called the number on the listing and was told 'How does it feel to be scammed?' before the person hung up.

A woman from Oklahoma has been left outraged after scammers listed her four-bedroom home on Zillow for just $10,000

Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein called the number on the listing and was told 'How does it feel to be scammed?' before the person hung up

The property owner was shocked when she saw her home listed on Zillow for a fraction of what it is worth.

She then went to the county assessor to see what she could do about the unusual situation.

The scammers were looking for a cash buyer and made it clear it did not want interest from realtors or lenders.

'For a first time buyer, for a cash sale of $10,800,' the listing read. 'Selling my home because my family and I own many homes across the US.

'Once a year we sell one or a few of our homes to first time buyers for under $25,000.

'This is done to bless a family or individual that needs it but also as a tax write off for us.

'Not interested in anyone with representation or anyone that has previously owned a home. '

The property owner was shocked when she saw her home listed on Zillow for a fraction of what it is worth

County Assessor Larry Stein said: 'It was almost like it was a charitable group.

'It was like we want to sell five or 25 of our houses that we own nationwide because we do this for first-time home buyers, and it's a blessing for us.'

He decided to call the number on the listing and left a message to say he had called the District Attorney's office and 'every authority I can to stop this'.

Stein received a call back and was shocked at the reply he received.

He said: 'After I told her that, she said, "We're not gonna stop. We're making a lot of money off of this deal. How does it feel to be scammed?"

'She hung up, and I thought to myself, "That's outrageous."'

Stein is now calling on people to stay vigilant and not to fall for scams like this.

'If you think it's too good to be true, it is,' he said. 'You send $8,800, and I'll sell you the house.

'No, I'm going to be out $8,800, and it's going to be a nightmare before Christmas for me and my family. So, I need to be careful.'

The Oklahoma County Assessor's Office said it told the district attorney about the incident and hopes to find out more information and potentially file charges.

DailyMail.com has contacted the Oklahoma City Police Department and Zillow for comment.
Cars that would be scrapped under Sadiq Khan's Ulez rules can't be sent to the Ukraine frontline, it emerged today.

Drivers have been offered a one-off payment of 2,000 if they scrap a vehicle that does not comply with the controversial low emission scheme.

It was hoped that some of these, particularly 4x4s and pick-up trucks, could be offered to Ukraine to boost its war efforts against Russia.

However, the London Mayor wrote in a letter to his counterpart in Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, that legislation said tweaking the scrappage scheme 'for the purposes of exporting vehicles to Ukraine would not meet the legal threshold of demonstrating the benefit to Londoners from an economic, social or environmental perspective'.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: 'Sadiq wants to support Ukraine in any way he can and is deeply frustrated that sending Londoners' non-compliant ULEZ vehicles to Ukraine via the scrappage scheme is not within his legal powers.

Cars that would be scrapped under Sadiq Khan 's Ulez rules can't be sent to the Ukraine frontline, it emerged today

Drivers have been offered a one-off payment of 2,000 if they scrap a vehicle that does not comply with the controversial low emission scheme

'So instead he has set up a website enabling Londoners who have a suitable non-compliant vehicle to donate their vehicles directly to Ukraine.

'He's also asked the GLA to work with TfL, London Fire Brigade and the Met to see whether they can send any suitable vehicles to Ukraine - and a number of London fire engines have already gone to help the cause.'

The spokesperson added: 'The Mayor is utterly appalled by Russia's ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine and the capital stands in solidarity with the millions of Ukrainians affected by this awful war.

'Unfortunately, altering the ULEZ scheme for the purpose of exporting vehicles to Ukraine is not possible within the current limits of the GLA Act.

'However Sadiq has asked his officials to work directly with Mayor Klitschko's team to see how we can help promote this initiative from Ukrainian charities and the GLA also continues to work with its functional bodies and will support them in any vehicle donations that they can make through national donation schemes.'

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for mayor of London, described the move to block vehicles as 'absurd'.

She told The Telegraph: 'Londoners who choose to scrap their cars should have the freedom to decide for themselves if they want their car sent to support Ukraine.

'Standing with Ukraine against tyrants like Putin is not only a moral imperative but also in the best interest of all Londoners and the global community.'

Richard Lofthouse, who works with Car for Ukraine, which deliver 4x4s and trucks to the war effort, slammed Mr Khan for showing a 'lack of political courage'.

The news comes after it was revealed that Mr Khan's controversial Ulez expansion generated 5.3million in its first week with 300,000 extra drivers charged for driving non-compliant vehicles within Greater London.

More than 425,000 ULEZ charges were paid in the week following the extension, compared to just 140,000 the week before.

At the start of the month, it was revealed that Kent MP Gareth Johnson was attempting to get the Greater London Low Emission Zone Charging (Amendment) Bill into law to reserve what he said was an 'unfair stealth tax' on his constituents.

Mr Johnson said: 'This is an unfair stealth tax on the people of Dartford and across the south east, hitting the poorest the hardest. The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan has no mandate for this.'
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New footage of missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord's last known moments has been revealed this morning as her distraught daughter took to social media to confirm the tragic news that a woman's body had been found.

Until now, it was understood that Mrs Lord, 55, headed directly from Norwich city centre to Wensum Park, where her clothing and belongings, including her spectacles, jewellery and mobile phone, were found last Friday evening.

Previously, the most recent CCTV image released by the police, described as the last view of the mother-of-three on December 8, showed her walking up St Augustine's Street, which leads onto Aylsham Road, and then onto Drayton Road to reach Wensum Park at 4.01pm.

But the new video obtained by MailOnline shows that a short time later she made an unexpected diversion off St Augustine's Street for some reason, passing along a short pedestrianised stretch into Bakers Road, after being caught by a camera at the corner.

It comes as her daughter, clothing brand owner Charlotte Lord, shared an update from Norfolk Police after specialist divers made the tragic find in the River Wensum in Wensum Park, Norfolk on Friday.

Clothing brand owner Charlotte Lord shared the tragic update with friends on Friday

Mrs Lord was caught on CCTV walking up Bakers Road at 4.03pm on December 8

The mother-of-three (pictured) walked out of her workplace over an hour before her shift was due to end and hurried through the streets of Norwich

In the video, timed at 4:03pm, which only shows her from the back in her olive coat with the belt hanging loose, she appears to be walking purposely.

As she walks to the furthest limit of the camera's range, she appears to stop for a few seconds, just as the timer ticks over to 4:04pm.

The source of the CCTV, the owner of a business on the road, confirmed to MailOnline that Mrs Lord did not return the same way.

After her daughter shared the devastating news that the body of a woman had been discovered, friends were quick to offer their support, with one writing: 'I am so sorry to read this Charlotte. Have been thinking of you and your family non-stop the last few days.'

A second said: 'No words. Just so sorry and sending much love to you and your family.'

A childhood friend added: 'So sorry to hear this Charlotte. We all have really fond memories of spending time with your family growing up. Thinking of you all.'

It came as friends of Mrs Lord's husband Clive told the Times he has been left 'totally lost' by the discovery.

'He doesn't understand at all what's happened', they added.

And Julie Muddel, who is married to Mrs Lord's first husband, Paul, said: 'My stepson told me Gaynor was the best she had been for a long time. She loved her job, she absolutely loved it. She was making new friends, and she was the happiest she'd been for a long time.'

Local MP Clive Lewis also commented on the discovery, saying: 'This is awful news whether it's Gaynor they've found or not. Someone has lost their life and their loved ones will be in pieces. My heart goes out to them, and I wish them comfort and strength.'

Confirming the discovery on Friday, a Norfolk Police spokesperson said: 'Specialist divers from Lincolnshire Police's underwater search team found the body of a woman in the River Wensum this morning following several days of detailed and methodical searches.

Police search teams on the River Wensum in Wensum Park, Norwich, on Friday

Gaynor Lord was last seen on December 8 as she left work early from Norwich city centre

'Formal identification is yet to take place but Gaynor's family were immediately informed of developments and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.'

A post-mortem is due to be carried out, but police say at this stage they have no evidence of any third-party involvement and do not believe Mrs Lord met anyone prior to entering the park.

Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley said that Mrs Lord's case remains a missing person's inquiry and they do not believe she met anyone on the way to Wensum Park, where her belongings were found exactly a week ago.

He said: 'While we establish the woman's identity, our thoughts remain with Gaynor's family at this difficult and distressing time. We have specialist family liaison officers supporting and keeping them updated with our work.

'We remain open minded to the circumstances surrounding Gaynor's disappearance and will continue to pursue lines of enquiry to understand why she went missing. I am keen to say this remains a missing person investigation.

'We've been able to trace Gaynor's movements through CCTV in the city and at this stage, we're satisfied there is no evidence that Gaynor met anybody on the way to the park.

Police vehicles seen at the bank of the River Wensum in Norwich on Friday

This timeline shows what we know so far about how Gaynor Lord's disappearance unfolded

Police divers yesterday found a body in the river, marking the location with an orange buoy before retrieving it from the water

'While this is not the outcome we wished for, our search has always predominantly focused on the river and the park.

Timeline of Gaynor Lord's movements before going missing FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 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 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 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 12pm - Police divers pull a body from the river Advertisement

'A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death, however I would reiterate that at this stage there is no evidence of third-party involvement. Nothing in our enquiries so far has changed this position.'

He also told reporters: 'We remain open-minded to the circumstances of Gaynor's disappearance, and we'll continue to pursue all lines of inquiry to ascertain why she went missing. I'm keen to say this remains a missing person inquiry at this stage.

'I am also satisfied at the moment, based on the evidence that we have, that Gaynor did not meet anyone on the way to the park, and we now have a better understanding of her movements through the city centre.'

The officer added: 'I would reiterate at this stage that there is no evidence of third party involvement. Nothing in our inquiries have changed this position.'

Specialist police divers were seen searching an area of the River Wensum on Friday morning before finding a body, which they then pulled out of the water in a black bag.

Police yesterday revealed that they have 'some indications' as to why Mrs Lord left work early on the day she vanished, but also admitted they have not been able to establish her state of mind when she went missing with 'any degree of confidence'.

It came after Mrs Gaynor's friend Julie Butcher shared her 'regret' after being forced to hang up on the mother-of-three on the day she went missing in order to answer a work call.

She promised to phone her back, but when she did five minutes later, there was no answer.

Ms Butcher told Sky News: 'I wish I hadn't have answered that call. [I] Really wish I hadn't have answered that call. And then she may have talked to me a bit more or I might have found out the reason why she was calling me.

'I just wish I'd have kept her on the phone and not taken that phone call because you never know, she might have said something.'

Speaking about the last time she saw Mrs Lord, she said: 'She was happy on Tuesday and we had a few gins with her and the last time I saw her she gave me a hug.'

She said she was 'upbeat' and talking about Christmas just days before she disappeared.

Wensum Park currently remains closed to the public.
French authorities missed an opportunity to return abducted Alex Batty to Britain when he tried to enroll in at a school in south-west France last month, it emerged today.

The youngster was taken to the Gendarmerie in Quillan  the nearest town to the remote farmhouse where he had been living with his grandfather  when he could not provide any identity papers.

But a 'glitch' between the French and the British authorities has been blamed for the failure to identify the teenager as the subject of an international man-hunt, according to regional newspaper La Depeche Du Midi.

It comes as it emerged that Alex, who has spent the last six years living in a 'nomadic spiritual community' with his mother, told a delivery driver who found him walking along the side of a rural road: 'I need a future.'

La Depeche Du Midi reported: 'According to our sources, the young man of 17 years should have been the subject of an investigation in the month of November. His presence was established in the district of Quillan, in the department of Aude, at that time.

'Alex Batty wanted to enroll in a school in the town to take [eductional] courses.

Alex Batty, from Oldham, Lancashire, was just 11 when he did not return from a holiday to Spain with his mother Melanie, then 37, and grandfather David, then 58, in 2017. He has now been found six years later

Alex flew to Malaga in September 2017 before being taken to a 'spiritual community' in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Investigators believe Alex escaped the rural community in southern France and spent days trekking across the French Pyrenees before being picked up by a trucker who took him to a police station in Revel, near Toulouse

Alex Batty pictured with his mother Melanie and grandfather David in a newly-released image

Alex Batty's Grandmother Susan Caruana answers her door to reporters at her home in Oldham, Greater Manchester on Friday

'[But] Having no identity document on him, the young Englishman was entrusted to the police.

'The [French] police apparently tried to contact the British authorities.

'[But] It was then, according to our information, there was a 'glitch' which did not allow the report to be followed up.

'The collaboration would have made it possible to establish a link between the presence of Alex Batty in Quillan and the [Greater Manchester Police] missing persons alert seven years earlier in England.'

Yesterday French authorities tried to play down the significance of the blunder which could have returned the teenager to his grandmother, Susan Caruana in Oldham.

Investigating Magistrate Antoine Leroy, the deputy public prosecutor:

'The investigation will allow the reconstruction of [Alex Batty] journey [to Quillan, Aude].

'We must look into whether the gendarmes were able to be informed [about the circumstances of Alex Batty], which is far from certain.'

Travelling by night, and sleeping rough in gardens by day, Alex spent four long days trekking more than 30 miles, across muddy, rain-lashed, mountainous terrain in his bid for freedom.

It's the sort of walk that would challenge a seasoned traveller, with professional camping equipment plus a smart phone and GPS to guide their way.

To think that this journey was undertaken by a naive 17-year-old, with nothing but a rucksack, torch and his beloved skateboard for company, beggars belief.

But that shows how desperate Alex was to get back to 'normal' life in Britain  far from the nomadic, technology-eschewing community with whom he said he'd been living for the past six years with his mother and grandfather.

Alex, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was just 11 when he failed to return from a holiday to Spain with his mother Melanie, then 37, and grandfather David, then 58, in 2017.

His grandmother and legal guardian, Susan Caruana, said at the time that she believed her daughter and ex-husband, David, had taken him abroad to live an 'alternative lifestyle'. Her suspicions were correct.

Alex Batty (pictured left) - a British boy who said he was kidnapped and taken to a 'spiritual commune' by his mother Melanie (centre) and grandfather David (right) six years ago - was 'brainwashed' while living with them, his family in England have said

Gite de la Bastide, remote part of the Pyrenees where teenager Alex Batty was living with his Grandfather David Batty

Surrounded by high peaks, thick forests and fast-flowing rivers, the tiny hamlet of La Bastide  population 15  proved the ideal hiding place for the Britons

On Wednesday, Alex was picked up in a stroke of blind luck by a French student, out doing his part-time delivery job in the early hours of the morning, in the small, largely deserted rural towns in the foothills of the French Pyrenees.

Freezing cold, soaked to the skin  and with only 100 euros in his pocket  Alex claimed that his last six years had been spent with a New Age group, drifting from place to place, country to country.

Never staying more than a couple of weeks anywhere before moving on, the community had lived off the land and whatever money they could scrape together doing various odd jobs.

With his 18th birthday approaching in March  and with no qualifications, no plan, no permanent address and no future  last week it seemed that Alex had decided he'd had enough.

At a Press conference yesterday, Toulouse Assistant Public Prosecutor Antoine Leroy, who is leading the investigation in France, said Alex had told officers that after six years of travelling from Morocco to Spain and then on to France, it was his mother's announcement that she was planning to move them to Finland that had prompted him to go.

'When his mother indicated that she was going to leave with him to Finland, this young man understood that this had to stop,' Leroy said. 'So then he decided to leave the place where he was with his mother and walked for four days and four nights.'

The French police also said that Alex had told them his grandfather David, who was 64, had died six months ago and that the teenager took part in a 'meditation' ceremony at the time of his death. Whether or not David Batty received a proper burial  or, indeed, whether he is actually dead  remains unclear.

For there are myriad questions that prosecutors  and, of course, Alex's family  will want answers to in the difficult days ahead. One thing is clear: Alex Batty has been living an extraordinarily secretive life over the past few years.

For another version of events has emerged of Alex's life over the period he was away.

Far from a life on the road, it's claimed that the family have, in fact, been living on an isolated, rural farm, high in the Pyrenees for the past two years.

Surrounded by high peaks, thick forests and fast-flowing rivers, the tiny hamlet of La Bastide  population 15  proved the ideal hiding place for the Britons.

Today, the mayor of this rural idyll, who knows the teenager, described him as a 'happy and polite' young man, but added: 'He'll be happy to be back with his grandmother.'

The farm in the tiny hamlet of La Bastide. Today, the mayor of this rural idyll, who knows the teenager, described him as a 'happy and polite' young man, but added: 'He'll be happy to be back with his grandmother'

Alex Batty, from Oldham, Lancashire, was just 11 when he did not return from a holiday to Spain with his mother Melanie (left), then 37, and grandfather David (right), then 58, in 2017

Mayor Rolande Alibert, 73, told the Mail: 'He is a lovely young man, always polite and nice. He didn't speak French, neither of them did, but they always said 'Bonjour'. We knew the boy as Zak and his grandfather as Peter, and it was only after I read about them in the newspaper that I learned the truth.'

She said he'd last seen Alex carrying a suitcase, but he hadn't disclosed where he was going.

It's claimed David Batty and Alex  his mother's whereabouts remain unclear  arrived in the tiny hamlet, about an hour's drive from the city of Carcassonne, some two years ago.

They had been taken on at a local gite doing odd-jobs and looking after guests in return for their board and lodgings. Today, the owner of the gite, known only as Fred, declined to comment on his former employees.

However, Veronique, a part-time waitress at the gite, told the Mail: 'Of course, I know him, but to us he was not Alex he was Zak.

'He lived at a gite on the other side of the mountain with his grandfather, who said his name was Peter. Now I recognise him from the pictures on the news. They were living at the gite for about two years.

'I got to know Zak  he could speak some French but not that much. I told him he should learn more. That was part of the reason he left, I think.

'He was stuck in the middle of nowhere. He did not have [identity] papers, so he could not get on with his life. He was a lovely young man. We danced together at the summer fetes.'

Far from the high-tech city lifestyles of Paris and Toulouse, the remote valleys of the Pyrenees are dotted with 'alternative' communities. Craftsmen and organic farmers leave their high-mountain properties early on Saturday and Sunday mornings to sell their wares at artisan markets.

Dreadlocked hitch-hikers stand in pairs at the side of the few roads that traverse the mountains.

Abandoned camper vans and caravans can be seen in fields and in parking spaces. Brightly painted signs lead the way up dirt roads to mountain retreats.

Alex hasn't disclosed to French authorities whether he warned his mother that he was leaving.

They say he doesn't seem to fully comprehend the impact of his disappearance, or international efforts to trace him.

He is currently being looked after by French social services while police have said they are working hard to 'bring him back to Britain as soon as possible'. However, the repatriation is being held up by the need for a new passport, because children's documentation is valid for only five years and so Alex's will have expired.

At a Press conference on Friday, Toulouse Assistant Public Prosecutor Antoine Leroy, who is leading the investigation in France, said Alex had told officers that after six years of travelling from Morocco to Spain and then on to France, it was his mother's announcement that she was planning to move them to Finland that had prompted him to go

It's claimed David Batty and Alex  his mother's whereabouts remain unclear  arrived in the tiny hamlet, about an hour's drive from the city of Carcassonne, some two years ago

Police sources said that a passport application for the teenager is being 'expedited', but he is not expected to return to the UK before next weekend.

Greater Manchester Police have declined to state whether Melanie  or David  were suspects in the investigation into Alex's disappearance, although Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes told reporters: 'Obviously his mother is part of that conversation and investigation.'

A newly resurfaced interview with grandmother Susan, done in the years after Alex vanished, in which she was desperate to spread word about the boy's disappearance, describes how Melanie and her father, David, had become caught up in an alternative lifestyle. She revealed how Melanie had gone from being a law student to a 'chaotic' bohemian in a few short years. She described her daughter as a rebellious teenager who had 'partied hard', leaving her parents struggling to cope.

When she gave birth to Alex in 2006  the identity of his father hasn't been disclosed  Susan stepped in to help, looking after her grandson and lending her daughter money. However, she says Melanie simply 'blew the lot'.

It was around this time that David developed some unspecified health issues, for which he received therapy and 'changed dramatically', becoming deeply spiritual and rejecting work  beliefs his daughter embraced fully.

Melanie began travelling abroad with her young son. 'Melanie didn't believe in school or education. I was really worried about them,' Susan added.

In 2014, Melanie took the then eight-year-old Alex to live in a commune in Morocco, where her father soon joined them.

A panic-stricken Susan paid for Alex to fly home, and he began living with his grandmother full-time.

'I got Alex into a local school in Oldham and he was really settled and happy. He was so pleased to have a home,' she said.

Susan applied to the courts for guardianship of Alex, which she was awarded in 2016, but Melanie refused to attend the court hearing or recognise its ruling.

In October 2017, Melanie asked if she could take Alex away on holiday to the Spanish resort of Marbella. Reluctantly, Susan agreed he could go.

'During the holiday, Alex called me, and said he was on the beach. But in the background, I heard his mum shout: 'Switch the phone off. No more contact!' My heart dropped. I was frantic.'

Melanie then sent a video message, saying Alex would not be returning to the UK because she wanted him to follow her lifestyle.

And then the trail went cold . . . until Wednesday night, when a big-hearted young delivery driver spotted the strapping young teenager trudging through the rain and took pity on him.

Speaking to local news reporters of the moment he had picked up the teenager, chiropractic student Fabien Accidini, said: 'He was walking while the rain fell in heavy drops. The second time I passed him, I decided to offer to drop him off somewhere. His attitude gave me confidence. He ended up getting into my van.'

Fabien said Alex had told him that his mother was 'a little crazy', but insisted that she had never imprisoned him and he could 'leave when he wanted'.

'He lived with his mother in a spiritual community, far away from normal life.

'He had no animosity towards her, but he really wanted to find his grandmother  he really missed his grandmother,' Fabien told reporters.

'When he explained his situation to me, I gave him my phone because he never had a means of communication.'

Alex's grandmother Susan Caruana said: 'I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found'

The farm in La Bastide. Far from the high-tech city lifestyles of Paris and Toulouse, the remote valleys of the Pyrenees are dotted with 'alternative' communities

Alex sent a message to his grandmother on Facebook, saying: 'Hello grandma, it's me, Alex, I am in France . . . I really hope that you receive this message, I love you. I want to come home.'

Yesterday, Susan was still trying to process the news that her grandson had finally been located.

In a statement issued via the police last night, Mrs Caruana said: 'I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found.

'I spoke with him [on Thursday night] and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I can't wait to see him when we are reunited.

'The main thing is that he's safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.'

The rest of the family was also adjusting to the news that Alex had been located at last.

His cousin, Stephen Devine, said it would be 'a big adjustment' for him to be home, while great aunt Raisa Devine said she was 'very pleased' that he had turned up safe and well.

'He was very settled with his grandma and she was devastated when he disappeared,' she said.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police are not currently being sent out to join the hunt for his mother and grandfather, it is understood, with detectives liaising with their French counterparts on the ground.

Assistant Chief Constable Sykes said of Alex's wider family: 'They are obviously massively relieved and a whole host of emotions are going through their minds at the moment as they come to terms with this good news.'
It was revealed last night that Friends star Matthew Perry died from the 'acute effects' of the drug ketamine and drowning.

Mr Perry, 54, was found face-down in the hot tub which adjoins the swimming pool at his Los Angeles home at 4.17pm on October 28.

His autopsy revealed that he had similar quantities of ketamine in his system as a hospital patient would have under a general anaesthetic.

And now, many people are asking what the 'acute effects' of ketamine are, what it is and why it has become a more popular drug amongst British youngsters in recent years.

Friends star Matthew Perry (pictured on October 3 in LA), 54, died from the 'acute effects' of the drug ketamine and drowning

Ketamine is a Class B drug that is used as an anesthetic for humans and animals, which informs one of its monikers, horse tranquiliser

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a Class B drug that is used as an anesthetic for humans and animals, which informs one of its monikers, horse tranquiliser.

The narcotic is also known by users as ket, special K, super K and vitamin K, according to the government's anti-drug advisory service FRANK.

When used for legal medical purposes, ketamine is a clear liquid.

But it is usually sold by illegal drug dealers as a grainy white or light brown powder that looks similar to cocaine - but its effects are very different. It is less commonly sold in tablet form.

It has an unpleasant and bitter taste.

What are the 'acute effects' of ketamine?

Ketamine is a general anaesthetic so it reduces sensations in the body. And its effects can last for a couple of hours.

READ MORE: Matthew Perry cause of death: Friends star had as much ketamine in his system as a person under general anesthetic when he was found drowned in hot tub after claiming he had been clean for 19 months Advertisement

According to FRANK, users can feel dream-like and detached, chilled, relaxed and happy or confused and nauseated.

Ketamine can also alter your perception of time and space and cause hallucinations, stop users feeling pain, putting them at risk of hurting themselves without noticing.

If users use too much ketamine they can go into a 'k-hole', meaning they lose the ability to move. The 'scary experience' feels like an out of body experience that you cannot control.

If you take too much ketamine you may lose the ability to move and go into a 'k-hole'. This feels like your mind and body have separated and you can't to do anything about it  which can be a very scary experience.

Ketamine is a very powerful anesthetic that can cause serious harm or be fatal, particularly if it is mixed with other drugs.

It can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make you confused, agitated, delirious and disconnected from reality. It can make you feel sick, and it can cause damage to your short- and long-term memory.

Symptoms of a ketamine overdose can include sedation or decreased consciousness, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), periods of stopped breathing (apnea), low blood pressure, slow heart rate, cardiac arrest, seizure, stupor and coma, according to American Addiction Centres.

Matthew Perry had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy as treatment for depression, the medical examiner reported - but the last session was a week and a half before he died, and the ketamine is only in your system for three to four hours, which means it did not lead directly to his death.

'At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression,' the medical examiner, Raffi Djabourian, concluded.

Ketamine is a drug that has seen increasing use in Britain's clubbing scene (stock photo)

What are the long term effects of ketamine?

Long term effects of regular ketamine use can cause agitation, panic attacks, damage to short- and long-term memory and depression, if taken frequently.

There is also emerging evidence that regular and heavy ketamine use can cause liver damage. The liver has a range of important functions, such as cleaning your blood and removing toxic substances.

Long term use can also carries risks to mental health including flashback,s memory loss and problems with concentration.

Regular use can can cause depression and, occasionally, psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. Ketamine can also worsen existing mental health problems.

Ketamine can also be addictive, with regular users having the possibility of developing a tolerance, meaning they need to take more to get the same effect they want.

There are no physical withdrawal symptoms with ketamine, so ketamine addiction is sometimes called a psychological dependence.

Is ketamine illegal in the UK?

Ketamine is a Class B drug in the UK which means it's illegal to possess, give away or sell.

Possession can come with a sentence of up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Supplying the drug to someone else can get you up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you're caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.

If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.

Why has ketamine become more used in the UK?

Record amounts of ketamine were seized by police and border forces in the UK in the year to March 2022, rising by nearly 900 per cent from 208kg to 1,837kg.

The usage is also on the rise, with one in 20 young people admitting to having taken ketamine, according to TimeOut.

It is most popular in the cities of Manchester and Bristol, with London also being one of the top spots.

While ketamine has a two-decades long history as part of rave and clubbing culture, its usage has significantly changed since the pandemic.

It used to be used as a drug to take at the end of a night out, but because during lockdown, people were looking for mind-altering experiences that were not an 'upper', they turned to the tranquilising effects of ketamine, an expert claimed.

Adam Waugh, of drug charity The Loop told TimeOut that ketamine is 'an anesthetic drug so it knocks people into a dissociative state' which 'could be desirable at home'.

The drug is also significantly cheaper than other drugs used in the rave scene, at around 20 a gram compared to 40 a gram for MDMA and 100 for cocaine.
Ukrainian armed forces struck a major Russian-controlled oil depot while pro-Kyiv saboteurs exploded a train carrying ammunition and fuel in occupied territory.

A huge blast and fire was seen at the oil facility in the Budennovsky district of occupied Donetsk region after intense shelling.

The exploded oil was intended for use by Russian troops, said reports.

There were four large oil tanks at the facility.

'It is difficult to assess the damage to the oil depot, but extensive fire indicates damage to the reservoir or underground storage,' said a military Telegram channel report.

A huge blast and fire was seen at the oil facility in the Budennovsky district of occupied Donetsk region after intense shelling

The exploded oil was intended for use by Russian troops, said reports. There were four large oil tanks at the facility

Separately, partisans blew up a train used to carry fuel and ammunition from annexed Crimea to Melitopol and Dniprorudne, both in Zaporizhzhia region

On its return journey, this train was used to convey ore, grain and damaged equipment from the temporarily occupied territories

This was the 11th sabotage attack this year on Russian trains linked to Vladimir Putin's war, said the Ukrainians

Separately, partisans blew up a train used to carry fuel and ammunition from annexed Crimea to Melitopol and Dniprorudne, both in Zaporizhzhia region.

On its return journey, this train was used to convey ore, grain and damaged equipment from the temporarily occupied territories.

'As a result of the controlled explosion, the railway and a locomotive with wagons were damaged,' said the Ukrainian centre of national resistance.

'The explosion itself happened at 8amthe occupiers have surrounded the place of the explosion and are searching the surrounding area.'

'Thanks to the heroes of the underground, the train finally completed its movement.'

Tributes were paid to the partisans seen as responsible for disrupting Putin's grip on occupied territories.

This was the 11th sabotage attack this year on Russian trains linked to Vladimir Putin's war, said the Ukrainians.

'The current sabotage is far from the last,' said a statement.

Russia has not admitted to losing the key rail link.
Euston station has been branded a 'petri dish of chaos' by furious passengers after reams of delays and cancellations today - which train bosses have now admitted is because too many staff are on holiday.

The concourse at the central London railway hub was rammed with crowds of people seething at the delays who were desperately trying to get home to see their families for the Christmas holidays.

One fuming traveller posted a photo of people packed in like sardines on the Euston concourse on X, formerly Twitter, at around midday calling it a 'petri dish of chaos' that costs more than equivalent services in countries such as France and Spain.

Dozens of Avanti West Coast services to and from Euston were cancelled at short notice today, primarily due to staffing shortages which the rail firm admitted were caused by 'historic leave agreements'.

This comes at one of the busiest times of the year for the rail network as huge numbers of Britons the long train road home to see their families over the festive period.

Euston station has been branded a 'petri dish of chaos' by furious passengers with after reams of delays and cancellations today

Crowds of people struggle to exit from the platforms and on to the concourse at Euston Railway Station

Passengers packed at a busy Euston station late this morning after reams of delays and cancellations

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We have been seeing some short-notice cancellations on our network.

'These service changes are a result of resourcing challenges where we have seen a shortage of train crew due to historic leave agreements.

'We are working hard to make sure we can minimise these cancellations, but we know it's not good enough.

'There has also delays on the network as a result of disruption.

'We would like to apologise to our customers travelling today who have been affected.'

It came after major disruption to services between London Euston and Milton Keynes yesterday afternoon which lasted until the in the early hours of this morning after a person was hit by a train and overhead wires were damaged.

There were further delays after a railway tunnel near Milton Keynes flooded this morning. The flooding at Kilsby Tunnel is now believed to have been cleared by Network Rail.

At least 26 Avanti West Coast services to and from Euston have been cancelled since just before 9am this morning.

The services should have between London and Preston, Wolverhampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blackpool, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.

A 'shortage of train crew' was the cause of at least 23 cancellations, according to Avanti West Coast's live tracker.

When asked about the last-minute cancellations, an Avanti spokesperson blamed staff shortages which were caused by 'historic leave agreements'.

Other cancellations were caused by faults on the train and a few more were cancelled because 'more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time', according to Avanti online status tracker.

A further eight Avanti services to and from Euston have been delayed, mostly due to the flooding in the train tunnel.

It is understood that the heaving conditions at Euston from around 11am were partly due to four delayed trains arriving at the station at around the same time.

Passenger Elly Blake, 30, from London, was caught up in the chaos at around 12.30pm after her train from Euston to Rugby - where she was heading to see family - was cancelled about an hour before it was due.

'We had to get on the next one and the station was absolutely heaving,' she told MailOnline. 'We had about 10 minutes and had to try and run to the platform but it was near impossible.

'We managed to get our other train with a few minutes to spare, which of course was packed too. It was very very stressful in the run up to Christmas!'

Tweeting at around midday today, traveller Claire McDonald expressed her frustration at Avanti, asking: '@AvantiWestCoast any chance of a train today? 11.16 cancelled, 11.33 cancelled- waiting for the 11.40 so I can change at Birmingham to Wolverhampton but nothing at Euston is moving and the place is heaving.'

She shared a picture of the rammed concourse to the social media platform.

Another social media, Akash Nayee, shared a picture of the concourse from around midday saying: 'Genuinely don't think I've seen Euston as bad.

'Feel for all the staff trying to manage the flow of passengers.'

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: 'We're sorry to passengers who were affected by disruption at London Euston this morning. Unfortunately, owing to emergency services responding to an incident on the line last night and flooding at a railway tunnel in Northamptonshire, some services were disrupted this morning.

'The impact from these incidents has been cleared and the majority of services are running as normal.'
A Second World War RAF hero who survived a mid-air collision and 30 bombing missions over Hitler's Nazi Germany has died aged 100.

Pilot Officer Russell 'Rusty' Waughman was previously praised by King Charles for his efforts during the most intense periods of the war.

His son Pete Waughman said Rusty died peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, earlier this week.

Earlier this year, the King met Rusty and other Bomber Command veterans at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on a visit to honour the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters raid.

He told the audience: 'Thank God for all these men - people like you who looked after us.'

Pilot Officer Russell 'Rusty' Waughman, who has been praised by King Charles, has died at the age of 100

Rusty, originally from Shotley Bridge, County Durham, was aged just 20 when he began flying operations with 101 Squadron in November 1943

Rusty was part of 101 Squadron which did special operations and had one of the highest casualty rates in Bomber Command.

Upon completing his tour of 30 operations in June 1944, his group captain told his crew they were the first to achieve this in six months.

The lifespan of a typical airman at the time was just a handful of sorties.

In one raid on Leipzig, 76 aircraft were lost and in a subsequent operation to Haselt he collided with another Lancaster Bomber in the sky over Belgium.

Miraculously, Rusty was able to bring the Lancaster home and crash-land it back at base, with his crew unscathed. The other Lancaster crew all perished.

Rusty later survived an operation to Munich having lost part of their port wing and made it back from a disastrous raid on Nuremburg in March 1944 when 97 aircraft were lost.

In the run-up to D-Day, he carried out bombing operations on railway yards in Nazi-occupied France and the tank depot at Mailly-le-Camp, where his Lancaster was blown upside down.

His final sortie took place on June 5, 1944, the day before D-Day, when they used their ABC Radio Countermeasure Equipment to listen to German fighter controls transmission and jam their broadcasts.

Rusty was involved in the Berlin Airlift after the war ended and became an instructor and examiner on 30 Squadron Transport Command.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Force Cross before resigning his commission in 1952 to look after his sick wife, staying on in the Reserve of Officers until 1960.

He spent his final years in Kenilworth, and was heavily involved in Bomber Command commemorations, once receiving a 10 minute standing ovation after a moving speech.

Pete said: 'It was very unusual for someone in Bomber Command to complete a tour as the attrition rate was so high.

'Dad considered himself very lucky but I think you make your own luck.

'From talking to him and his crew when they were alive you could see how close they were and how much they trusted each other.

'He loved his family and we are all very proud of him.

'It was a peaceful end for him surrounded by his family.'

Rusty was described as a 'wonderful gentleman' by members of the Bomber Command veterans community.

The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Pilot Officer Russell 'Rusty' Waughman DFM, AFM and Ld'H, who passed away last night at the age of 100.

'We send our sincere condolences to his sons Ian and Peter and the rest of the family.

'Rusty was a much-loved friend and supporter of the IBCC.

'He had visited the centre and memorial on many occasions, and it was always a great pleasure to spend time with him.

'We were delighted when Rusty agreed to be our guest speaker at the Bomber Command Day Dinner in July 2022.

'His 10-minute standing ovation from the guests was a testament to the quality of his speech, which he delivered without notes.

'We thank you, for all you did for your country, and for your support to the IBCC.

'Such a wonderful gentleman and we will miss you greatly. Lest We Forget.'

His son Pete Waughman said Rusty died peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, earlier this week

Aviation historian Steve Darlow said it was 'testament to his skill' that Rusty completed a tour in such trying circumstances.

He said: 'Rusty was operational during one of the most important periods during World War Two, the Battle of Berlin, at which point Bomber Command were sending out hundreds of aircraft every night who contended with German night fighters, searchlights, flak and enemy defences.

'It was quite an accomplishment to survive it. He said it was down to luck but I think it was testament to his skill.

'He said the raid at Nuremburg, when so many aircraft were lost, stayed with him forever.

'In the run up to D-Day he bombed railway yards and tank depots, and he was later involved in the Berlin Airlift.

'Rusty was such a generous, warm man and always wanted to know about you, when everyone wanted to know about him.'

Sywell Aviation Museum said: 'We are saddened to learn that Flt Lt Russell Rusty Waughman DFC AFC sadly passed away just shy of his 101st birthday.

'He completed a tour of operations, which began during the Battle of Berlin, where they did several operations.

'Surviving a mid-air collision, only to write the aircraft off on landing, Rusty and his crew on a subsequent flight had a miraculous escape when their aircraft was blown upside down, over the target, at Mailly-le-Camp.

'They also survived the Nuremberg raid on 30th March 1944, when 97 aircraft were lost - including about one quarter of 101 Sqn strength that night.

'Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Blue skies Rusty.'

Of the 135,000 aircrew who served in Bomber Command during World War Two, 55,000 were killed, a 44 per cent fatality rate.

Rusty, originally from Shotley Bridge, County Durham, was aged just 20 when he began flying operations with 101 Squadron in November 1943.
Kuwait's ruling emir, the 86-year-old Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, has died, the country's state television reported today.

Kuwait TV broke into programming with verses from the Koran just before making the announcement.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital for an unspecified illness.

In the time since, the tiny, oil-rich nation had been waiting for news about his health.

State-run news previously reported that he travelled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.

Kuwait's ruling emir, the 86-year-old Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, has died, the country's state television reported today

Kuwait, a nation home to about 4.2 million people which is slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey, has the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves. Pictured: Flags lowered to half-mast today

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital for an unspecified illness. In the time since, the tiny, oil-rich nation had been waiting for news about his health

The health of Kuwait's leaders remains a sensitive matter in the Middle Eastern nation bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which has seen internal power struggles behind palace doors.

Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as emir following the 2020 death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah.

The breadth and depth of emotion over the loss of Sheikh Sabah, known for his diplomacy and peacemaking, was felt across the region.

Sheikh Nawaf previously served as Kuwait's interior and defence minister but was not seen as particularly active in government outside those terms.

However, he was largely an uncontroversial choice for emir, though his advancing age led analysts to suggest his tenure would be short.

Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, now 83, is believed to be the world's oldest crown prince. He is in line to take over as Kuwait's ruler.

Kuwait, a nation home to about 4.2 million people which is slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey, has the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves.

It has been a staunch US ally since the 1991 Gulf War expelled the occupying Iraqi forces of Saddam Hussein.

Kuwait hosts some 13,500 American troops in the country, as well as the forward headquarters of the US Army in the Middle East.
It's a case that has North Yorkshire Police tied up in knots and the owners of a seaside town pub properly wound up.

A sculpture of an Egyptian-style mummy has been swiped from a watering hole in Whitby, North Yorkshire - and police have issued CCTV of the theft in a bid to track down two people they say can help reunite it with its owners.

A woman and man in black clothing were caught on camera eyeing up the seated prop - complete with a decaying, mummified face - at The Endeavour in Whitby during Whitby Goth Weekend.

When the male suggested taking the prop home with them, his female companion allegedly protested  but he grabbed it anyway and ran out the pub.

Police are now investigating the bizarre Halloween theft from the bar in Church Street, Whitby, at about 10pm on October 31.

The missing mummy, which has been swiped from a pub in Whitby, north Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Police want to speak to the man and woman pictured above, who they believe can help return the mummy to its rightful owners

The man was seen picking up the statue and carrying it out the pub, despite the protests of his female companion

Landlady Maria Limbert said it formed part of a display staff laid on for the biannual Whitby Goth Weekend.

As police released CCTV images of two people they were keen to speak to about the theft, the licensee said: 'I want it back. It's very frustrating.'

North Yorkshire Police said the man was seen on CCTV picking up the mummy and running out. A woman tried to get the man to bring it back, but he fled, the force said.

The man is white, aged 20-25, thin, with short blond hair and was wearing a black tuxedo.

The woman was similar age, of medium build, with long black hair and was wearing black clothing.

Ms Limbert said: 'I had hoped the person who took it would bring it back, but that chance has long passed.

'Businesses go to a lot of effort for Whitby Goth Weekend and Halloween. Whitby doesn't do tacky.'

Due to the Goth Weekend running into Halloween, the mummy prop had been left out.

She bought two of the mummies five years ago from a couple who were retiring from the pub trade.

The Whitby Goth Weekend was inspired by the town's links with Bram Stoker's novel Dracula.

It began in 1994 as a one-off meeting of friends in The Elsinore pub, but is now held in April and October and attracts thousands of visitors.

Police said: 'We want to speak to the two people caught on camera as they may have information that could help the investigation.

'Anyone else with information about what happened is also urged to get in touch with North Yorkshire Police.'
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has started allocating vending bays to registered informal traders at Egodini Mall as the first phase of the project nears completion.More than 500 vending bays are being constructed at Egodini Mall under phase one of the project.Bulawayo mayor David Coltart confirmed the allocation of vending bays, adding that the city council would review progress of the project today."The criteria of allocation of vending bays were stated in the letter distributed by the council on our website and tomorrow (today) we will review the progress of phase 1 construction of Egodini," he said.In a letter dated December 12, 2023, Bulawayo town clerk Christopher Dube said the vending bays would be allocated to informal traders who were relocated from the site and those who were on the waiting list."Members of the public are advised that allocation of informal trading bays will be in the following preference, informal traders who were relocated from Egodini and are on the council's registry and informal traders who are on the council waiting list," Dube said.He noted that there are individuals who wanted to politicise the allocation of vending bays."Allocation of the informal trading bays at Egodini and in any other designated informal trading space in the city is done strictly by council officials and in line with relevant policies and procedures, there is no political involvement and interference in the process as it is purely administrative," Dube said.Project construction started in 2012 but the contractor is still working on the civil works while the bus terminus and vendors' market are yet to be completed.Terracotta (Private) Limited estimated the cost of the project at US$25 million.
A Royal Navy destroyer's surface-to-air missile has shot down a suspected attack drone targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps revealed that HMS Diamond 'successfully destroyed' the target using a Sea Viper missile.

It is the first time the missile - which travels at three times the speed of sound - has been used in combat by the Navy.

Reports suggested the drone was fired from Yemen by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have carried out attacks on at least 10 merchant vessels since November 19.

The Red Sea lies between north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps revealed that HMS Diamond 'successfully destroyed' the target using a Sea Viper missile

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps revealed that HMS Diamond 'successfully destroyed' the target using a Sea Viper missile

HMS Diamond, one of the Navy's most advanced warships, was only sent to the region two weeks ago amid growing international concern about the threat to shipping.

Sources said the ship was being sent to thwart Iranian attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important passages of water.

Her deployment came days after Houthi rebels descended by helicopter and seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship.

READ MORE: Royal Navy sends lethal warship HMS Diamond to the Gulf to protect international vessels from Iranian terror attacks in wake of Gaza war Advertisement

And earlier that week, Tehran released footage of one of its drones flying over the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier which was sailing in the Strait.

Both incidents were thought to be related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and raised fears of increased regional tensions.

Mr Shapps said in a statement: 'Overnight, HMS Diamond shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

'One Sea Viper missile was fired and successfully destroyed the target.

'The ship recently arrived in the region to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security.

'The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea.

'The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.'

On Friday Maersk, the world's biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to 'pause their journey until further notice' after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

The incident is believed to the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the First Gulf War in 1991.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key said: 'One sixth of the world's commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.

'The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas.'

The Ministry of Defence has not said who was behind the attack.

The Sea Viper was launched from HMS Defender in a test back in June. This is the first time the missile has been used in combat

HMS Diamond (pictured) is equipped with a host of cutting-edge weapons

Footage filmed by Iran-backed rebels shows them approaching the Bahaman-flagged 'Galaxy Leader' ship in the southern Red Sea via helicopter

A helicopter approached the Galaxy Leader and dropped off several Houthi fighters

The Sea Viper was used in a test of naval defences in June, when it was fired from the Navy's 1bn HMS Defender to destroy a jet drone.

Petty Officer Cameron McDonnell controlled the missile fired from Defender at the drone, which travels at hundreds of miles an hour, and successfully downed the 'Bruiser'.

HMS Diamond, known as a jewel of the Royal Navy, is a Type 45 destroyer packed with cutting-edge military sensors, such as Sampson radar, and sophisticated weapons. Due to her sleek design she is also almost invisible on enemy radar.

Her Sea Viper anti-air missile system will protect commercial and military ships including the Royal Navy's HMS Lancaster and three UK mine-hunting ships, HMS Bangor, HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Middleton already deployed there.

Portsmouth-based HMS Diamond has a crew of up to 200 sailors and is equipped with a Wildcat helicopter, which can be used by Royal Marine commandos to board hostile ships.

More than 150 commercial vessels carrying an estimated 6billion in goods pass through the strait every day, underlining its importance to the global economy.

These ships are vulnerable to attack due to the narrowness of the strait, just 30 miles in places. The strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Israel condemned last month's attack on the Galaxy Leader which was en route from Turkey to India when it was seized off Yemen.

Reports suggested it is owned by an Israeli billionaire. Her 25 crew of various nationalities were taken hostage.

Terrifying footage from the hijacking showed armed gunmen swooping in on the tanker by helicopter before storming the bridge and capturing the vessel.

HMS Diamond, known as a jewel of the Royal Navy, is a Type 45 destroyer packed with cutting-edge military sensors, such as Sampson radar, and sophisticated weapons

Portsmouth-based HMS Diamond has a crew of up to 200 sailors and is equipped with a Wildcat helicopter, which can be used by Royal Marine commandos to board hostile ships

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement that the UK 'remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade'

The ship had been chartered by a Japanese group, and was flying the flag of the Bahamas at the time of the raid.

A photographer said the Galaxy Leader was anchored at the rebel-controlled Hodeida port in northwest Yemen and was closely guarded. It was now flying the Yemeni and Palestinian flags.

The Houthis have declared themselves part of the 'axis of resistance' of Iran's allies and proxies, and have also launched a series of drones and missiles towards Israel.

In a chilling threat following the raid, the Iran-backed terror group declared: 'All ships belonging to the Israeli enemy or that deal with it will become legitimate targets.'
These are the three men suspected of spraying anti-Semitic graffiti on Labour MP Feryal Clark's north London office.

The Met Police described the vandalism as 'targeted' and 'intimidation' as they hunt for the suspected criminals.

The perpetrators were branded 'cowards' by the furious Labour MP for Enfield North after the attack at 11.05pm on the evening of Tuesday November 21.

All wearing black hoodies, the three male suspects appear to be walking through a train station as they are pictured.

PC Louis Blackburne-Maze, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Everyone has the right to protest and to have their voice heard, but when that crosses the line into criminality, as it clearly did in this incident, we will take action.

All wearing black hoodies, the three men appear to be walking through a train station as they are pictured

The criminals were branded 'cowards' by the furious Labour MP for Enfield North after the attack at 11.05pm on the evening of Tuesday November 21

In November Enfield North MP Ms Clark shared a picture of the graffiti on X, formerly known as Twitter

'Elected representatives have an important role to play and they expect to be held to account, but that should not involve feeling unsafe.

'Neither they nor their staff should have to face targeted attacks and intimidation.

'Officers investigating this incident have examined CCTV footage from the local area and we have identified three suspects that we would like to speak to.

'I would urge anyone reading this appeal who recognises them to get in touch.'

In the photos two wear their hoods up with one also warmed by a large green puffer jacket.

The third is the only one who is clean shaven and appears to have shaggy brown hair and carries a rucksack.

In November Enfield North MP Ms Clark shared a picture of the graffiti on X, formerly known as Twitter, with the caption: 'The cowards who sprayed graffiti on my office shutters, the police have CCTV footage and the paint will be removed today.

'Next time, just try emailing!'

Antisemitic crime in the UK has risen sharply amid the renewed conflict in Gaza, with more than 1,000 incidents logged by Jewish charity the Community Security Trust since the attack by Hamas on October 7.

In the month after the raid offences have soared in London by more than 1,353 per cent from the year before and the Union of Jewish student's welfare hotline received more than 150 calls since October 7, from people reporting offences including verbal abuse and intimidation.

Islamophobic offences during the same period rose 140 per cent, from 42 last year to 101.
A Vatican court has sentenced a once-powerful Italian cardinal to five years and six months in prison for embezzlement in a historic fraud trial focused on an opaque London property deal.

Angelo Becciu, 75, a former advisor to Pope Francis who was once considered a papal contender himself, is the most senior clergyman in the Catholic Church to face a Vatican criminal court.

He and nine other defendants, including financiers, lawyers and ex-Vatican employees, were on trial for a string of accusations, from fraud, embezzlement and money laundering to extortion, corruption and abuse of office.

Court president Giuseppe Pignatone read out the verdict Saturday, with Becciu accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering. He was acquitted of the latter two charges.

His lawyer, Fabio Viglione, said they respected the sentence but would 'certainly' appeal. He was also handed a fine of 8,000 euros.

Pope Francis has sought to clean up the Holy See's murky finances since taking the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013

Angelo Becciu, 75, a former advisor to Pope Francis who was once considered a papal contender himself, is the most senior clergyman in the Catholic Church to face a Vatican criminal court

At the heart of the trial is the 350-million-euro purchase of a luxury property in London (pictured)

At the heart of the trial was the 350-million-euro purchase of a luxury property in London, as part of an investment that began in 2014 and ended up costing the Vatican tens of millions of euros until they sold the property in 2018.

After the verdict, Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi said the outcome 'showed we were correct.'

Becciu held the number two position at the Secretariat of State in 2014 when it began investing in a fund managed by Italian financier Raffaele Mincione, securing about 45 percent of the building at 60 Sloane Avenue, in an upmarket district.

Mincione was also found guilty of embezzlement and given the same sentence as Becciu.

In 2018, with Becciu in another Vatican job, the Secretariat of State felt it was being deceived by Mincione and turned to another financier, Gianluigi Torzi, for help in squeezing Mincione out and buying the rest of the building.

Torzi also fleeced the Vatican, according to prosecutors. He was found guilty of fraud and extortion and sentenced to six years.

The Vatican sold the building last year under a cloud of embarrassment, taking an estimated loss of about 140 million euros ($150 million).

Becciu, who was fired by Pope Francis from his next job in 2020 for alleged nepotism, but remains a cardinal, was also found guilty of one embezzlement for funnelling money and contracts to companies or charities controlled by his brothers on their native island of Sardinia.

Another accusation involved his hiring of Cecilia Marogna, a self-styled security analyst, also from Sardinia, as part of a secret project to help win freedom for a nun who had been kidnapped in Mali.

Marogna, 46, received 575,000 euros from the Secretariat of State in 2018-2019. The money was sent to a company she had set up in Slovenia and she received some in cash, prosecutors told the court.

Italian police said Marogna had spent much of the money on luxury clothing and health spas. Both she and Becciu were found guilty of charges related to the transfer of money.

The other six defendants included the former president and director of the Vatican's Financial Intelligence unit, the cardinal's former secretary, Father Mauro Carlino, and three former Vatican employees.

The trial, which began in July 2021, has shone a light on the Holy See's murky finances, which Pope Francis has sought to clean up since taking the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013 - making it a test of his reforms.

The London real estate deal dates to 2014 and is said to have involved a 300 million euro purchase

Just weeks before the trial, Francis gave the Vatican's civilian courts the power to try cardinals and bishops, where previously they were judged by a court presided over by cardinals.

Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had requested seven years and three months in jail for Becciu, and between almost four and 13 years for the others.

Becciu has always strongly protested his innocence, denouncing the accusations against him as 'totally unfounded' and insisting he never took a cent.

The panel of three lay judges met on Saturday morning, before retiring ahead of the verdict on Saturday afternoon.

Court president Giuseppe Pignatone read out a note of thanks to those involved, acknowledging the 'complexity' of the case.

Since the trial opened, there have been more than 80 hearings in the dedicated room within the Vatican Museums, where a portrait of a smiling Pope Francis hangs on the wall.

The process has been mired by procedural wrangling, with defence lawyers complaining about a lack of access to key evidence.

Becciu, a globe-trotting former Vatican diplomat, has been a near constant presence in the courtroom.

He was number two in the Secretariat of State, the Vatican department that works most closely with the pope, from 2011 to 2018.

He was moved to lead the department that deals with the creation of saints, before abruptly resigning in September 2020, after being informed of an investigation against him.

Initially, he told the trial, this was about a probe into 125,000 euros of Vatican money he donated to a charity in his native Sardinia, which prosecutors claim benefitted his brother, who ran the organisation.

But he was later drawn into investigations into the purchase and sale of the property on London's Sloane Avenue - resulting in losses that, according to the Vatican, dipped into resources intended for charitable causes.

When the trial opened, prosecutors painted a picture of risky investments with little or no oversight and double-dealing by both outside consultants and insiders.

For its part, the Holy See views itself as 'an offended party' and has asked through Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for the court to 'punish all crimes'.

Four Vatican entities are civil parties. They have requested compensation from the defendants, including 177 million euros for moral and reputational damage.

Last year it was revealed the Vatican could also face English courts for the first time in its 2,000-year history as UK judges probed the property investment deal it made with British financier Mincione.

The property was sold by the Vatican on July 1, 2018, for 186 million, which represents a loss for them of around 140 million, insiders say.

But Mr Mincione denies the allegations and stands by the property valuation which he says was provided by independent experts. He also says the Vatican has provided no evidence of his alleged wrongdoings or of its monetary loss.

He wanted to bring civil action in the UK in order to counter publicity and protect his reputation, court documents show.

Vatican lawyers argued that any UK hearing could interfere with criminal proceedings and 'legitimate acts of a foreign state'.

But Mr Mincione won a significant victory in the Court of Appeal, which has agreed that English courts have the right to examine a property transaction and rule whether he and his company, WRM, acted in good faith.

The Court of Appeal found that any English civil case would not interfere with the criminal proceedings in Vatican City.
A 13-year-old autistic boy tragically died after he got hold of a lighter and set fire to the Christmas tree at his family's North Carolina home.

Brenda Contreras Juarez, 30, has been left heartbroken following her son Brandon's death on Tuesday.

A caregiver was looking after the teenager, who lived with autism, and a five-year-old girl at the time of the disaster at 6:30 pm, myfox8 reported.

Family members said he somehow got his hands on a lighter and set their family Christmas tree ablaze, causing a fire to quickly spread through the house.

The caregiver and little girl managed to escape the catastrophe - but Brandon got stuck in the flames and, despite rescue efforts from his caregiver, died in the fire.

Brandon, a 13-year-old autistic boy (pictured), tragically died after her set fire to the Christmas tree at his family's North Carolina home after getting hold of a lighter

The family lost everything in the fire - but the most devastating loss of all was of Brandon, the oldest of his siblings

Brenda Contreras Juarez, 30 (pictured), is left heartbroken after her son Brandon died in a house fire on Tuesday

His caregiver suffered minor injuries from her efforts to save Brandon's life - she is now recovering in hospital.

The family lost everything in the fire - but the most devastating loss of all was of Brandon, the oldest of his siblings.

'It's been three days of tortures  I miss him so much, and I am dying of sadness,' his grief-stricken mother said.

'We lost all the material things  The most difficult thing is that we can't recover what hurts us the most,' Brenda's aunt Noelia Juarez added.

The house where Brenda lived alone with her three children, located on Fanning Pointe Lane, was completely destroyed by the fire.

Family members set up a GoFundMe page to collect money to help with funeral costs - it has raised $5,255 so far.

'On behalf of Family Contreras Juarez, we are making this page to whomever would like to kindly donate in memory of Brandon Gonzalez, since he lost his life in a house fire,' Noelia Juarez wrote on the page.

'They lost everything, their home, and 13- year-old Brandon's life. We ask for your help for what you can for funeral costs and to build a new home.'

Juarez said 'he always made me happy with his smile. He was my world.'

It was especially heartbreaking for the family to lose the young boy during the Holiday season, just weeks before Brandon's birthday.

Family members said he somehow got his hands on a lighter and set their family Christmas tree ablaze, causing a fire to quickly spread through the house

The autistic teenager was being taken care of by a caregiver along with another five-year-old girl at the time of the disaster - they both managed to escape

Family members set up a GoFundMe page to collect money to help with funeral costs - it has raised $5,255 so far

Neighbors of the family witnessed the disaster and reported that it was the caregiver was a grandmother and it was her and her grandchild that managed to escape the fire.

'It makes me very very sad. I instantly started praying when I came out here. I was just praying for comfort. [I was] just thinking when the mom pulled up to see her house on fire, knowing that her child was in there. It's just a sad, sad situation,' Neighbor Latonya Park told WLTX.

'I heard fire trucks coming, and I wanted to go check outside to see what happened. The first thing I saw was the house on fire; it was really bad,' Neighbor Jazmin Verde said.

'She does talk to them a lot. She said they are a nice family and they have nice kids,' Verde continued.
Justice Alito hatched a secret plot to galvanize the Supreme Court's conservative justices to vote down the constitutional right to an abortion, a new report suggests.

The Supreme Court last year voted to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe V Wade ruling that made abortion care legal and state abortion bans unconstitutional.

On June 24 2022 that right was overturned when a majority voted in the Mississippi case of Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization to state that there was not constitutional protection for abortion.

Within hours of the announcement, abortion clinics in some states were forced to close.

Since the court's ruling 21 states have banned or restricted access to abortion.

The Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v Wade in June 2022

Justice Alito hatched a secret plot to galvanize the Supreme Court 's conservative justices to vote down the constitutional right to an abortion, a new report suggests

The 98 page draft option by Justice Alito in the case was signed off by Justice Neil Gorsuch, Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Justice Brett Kavanaugh with no revisions.

The draft was leaked causing widespread protests against the country but became law months later.

However, Justice Barrett, selected by Donald Trump to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg to deliver a conservative supermajority and pass the vote, didn't even want to hear the case, The New York Times has reported.

When the jurists were debating Mississippi's request to hear it, she first voted in favor but later switched to a no, sources told the Times.

The driving forced behind the other justice's voting to hear the longshot case in May 2021 was Justice Alito, who had worked to craft legal strategy against abortion rights since his time as a Regan administration lawyer, according to sources and internal documents seen by the Times.

Sensing the opportunity to uproot access to abortion in America, according to the Times, Alito encouraged the other male conservatives on the bench to vote to hear the case.

Alito also circulated a draft preview opinion in February 2022 to his fellow conservatives before the rest of the bench, in an effort to cement the conservative coalition out of the sight of his liberal colleagues, and thus pregame the result, according to the report.

The court delayed announcing that it would hear the case so as not to appear to be capitalizing on the death of Bader Ginsburg, the court's foremost defender of abortion rights.

Jackson Women's Health Organization Mississippi was sued by the state to prevent its abortion care in a case that led to the downfall of Roe v Wade

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the court's foremost defender of abortion rights, died in 2020

A 98-page initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito was circulated inside the court

After Ginsburg's death, likely to be under President Trump's administration, it was understood the Republican president would seize the opportunity to install a conservative justice and fulfil the conservative right's fifty-year campaign to end abortion rights.

Whilst Justice Barrett was getting settled and allowing for an appropriate period of time after Justice Bader Ginsburg's death Alito was helping to reschedule the Mississippi case again and again to keep it available for judgement, the Times reported.

Alito was also instrumental in allowing Mississippi to perform a 'bait and switch' which turned the case from a more narrow attempt to restrict abortion in the state while Ginsburg was alive, to a full assault on the constitutional ruling of Roe after her death.

The court 'barreled over each of its normal procedural guardrails,' Richard M. Re, a University of Virginia law professor and former Kavanaugh clerk on a federal appellate court wrote.

'The court compromised its own deliberative process' in stepping away from the abortion debate and intending to 'return that authority to the people and their elected representatives' he added.

Chief Justice John Roberts Jr, a conservative, along with the liberal Justice Stephen G. Breyer, worked to prevent or at least limit the outcome.

Justice Breyer even considered trying to save Roe v. Wade by significantly eroding it, according to the Times.

The leak of Justice Alito's draft leak to Politico helped to lock in the result as it undercut Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Breyer's attempts at compromise, the paper states.

Pending votes were secret in part to allow justices to change their minds, and making the draft public had effectively cemented the votes.

Since the court's ruling 21 states have banned or restricted access to abortion

A pro-abortion protestor outside the the Jackson Women's Health Organization clinic in June 2022

In his draft, Justice Alito wrote that Roe and Casey were legally unsound, that abortion rights had only a limited history in the United States and that abortion destroyed what the Mississippi law called the life of an 'unborn human being.'

'Roe was egregiously wrong from the start,' he wrote.

Adding: 'It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives.'

Following the leak Alito worked hard to maintain the five votes in favor of overturning Roe, knowing that it would stall the conservative movement against abortion if one vote was lost.

This became pressingly clear when Justice Thomas was hospitalized with an infection for a weak, driving home fears that the conservative supermajority would not last forever.

Furthermore, Chief Justice Roberts continued trying to crack the coalition, advocating compromise in a last-ditch effort to save Roe.

Liberal Justice Breyer even considered joining the chief and Kavanaugh in a compromise that would restrict abortion after 15 weeks while maintaining the constitutional protection, limiting Roe in order to save it, according to the Times.

Since Roe was overturned, laws limiting abortion have increasingly been seen as an albatross around Republican lawmakers' necks.

The GOP have lost an abortion rights initiative election in Ohio, a governor's race in Kentucky and state legislative contest in Virginia where abortion right have played a central role.

Since the overturn of Roe abortion rights advocates have won seven state ballot initiatives to make access to abortion a state right.

These include in the swing state of Michigan and the red states of Ohio, Montana, Kansas and Kentucky.

In Ohio 57 percent of voters approved the single issue ballot effectively override a GOP-passed ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

In Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear won re-election largely by focusing his campaign on attacking his Republican rival's support for the state's no-exemption abortion ban.
Nearly 300 migrants arrived in the UK on the same day a person died when a boat sank in the English Channel, latest figures show.

Some 292 people made the crossing in seven boats on Friday, according to Home Office figures published on Saturday.

The data comes after it was confirmed a migrant died and another was left in a critical condition during an incident on Friday.

More than 60 people were on board a boat as it began to deflate about five miles off the northern coast of France in the early hours of the morning, the French coastguard said.

The first group of people were pulled from the water at 1.15am local time (12.15am GMT) in the French-led operation, with 66 rescued and taken to safety within an hour.

Migrants rescued by the French coast guard following a tragedy near Calais this yesterday morning

A child is picked up by a firefighter after escaping a sinking vessel at Sangatte yesterday

The crossings were the first to take place in a fortnight, with the Government last recording arrivals on December 3, when 118 people entered the country.

Saturday's figures bring the total number of people arriving via the English Channel this year to 29,382, compared with 45,195 people last year on this date.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Home Secretary James Cleverly described the migrant's death as a 'horrific reminder of the people smugglers' brutality'.

About 25,000 people have been 'averted from crossing this year - but we must and will do more', he said, adding: 'My thanks to all those involved in the rescue. Every boat stopped is a potential life saved.'

On Friday, two UK-bound migrants died in separate small boat disasters in the English Channel.

READ MORE: Search continues for two more missing migrants after asylum seeker died when inflatable dinghy packed with 66 people started sinking in English Channel Advertisement

Separately, a 25-year-old Sudanese man died of cardiac arrest following clashes with French riot police after a vessel sank at the Sangatte beach in Calais around 8:30am. He was declared dead at midday

'The boat was sinking just after 7.30am, while it was still dark,' said an investigating source. 'There was chaos when riot police arrived on the beach, and tear gas was used to restrain dozens of people who had been on the boat.'

Downing Street said the tragedy near Grand Fort Philippe underlines the importance of Rishi Sunak to stop small boat crossings from France to Britain.

'It serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous these crossings are and just how crucial it is that we work together to stop the boats and clamp down on the organised criminal gangs that are fuelling it,' a spokesperson said.

In the earlier incident, French rescue vessels including the Apollo Moon and Notre Dame de Flandres responded to a Mayday appeal and 59 people out of around 80 were plucked out of the water by 2.15am.

'Two of the rescued were found unconscious,' said a spokesman for the emergency services.

'One of them could not be resuscitated and died. Another victim, whose life is in danger, was evacuated by helicopter to Calais hospital.'

Helicopters were involved in a search-and-rescue operation, and everybody was accounted for by around 11am.

None of the victims in either incident were identified, but all are thought to be from the Middle East and Africa.

They were taking part in the first attempted crossings by small boats for 11 days because of poor weather in the Channel.

Both had been organised by people smugglers, meaning a criminal enquiry was launched into the tragedies.

In the second incident, local police said five were arrested 'including a suspected people smuggler'.

A source from humanitarian association Utopia 56 said children were found in a 'state of hypothermia' in Sangatte this morning, the water falling to just 12C.

Some 730 people attempted the crossing from France to England in the first three days of December, when the sea was calm.

And 29,000 people have reached the UK in small boats this year, despite the British government saying 'stopping the boats' is a priority.

Emergency services attend the site of a small boat crossing disaster in the Channel today

Rescue ship Esvagt Charlie was deployed by French coastguard authority Premar to help those stuck in the water off the coast of Grand Fort Philippe

The government is pushing ahead with a plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda, despite the London Supreme Court ruling that the policy is unlawful.

The English Channel is one of the busiest and most dangerous shipping lanes in the world.

In August, six people died after a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel off the French coast.

And in November 2021, at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK - the highest recorded number of deaths from a single incident.
Rishi Sunak said today that illegal migrants will overwhelm Britain unless global refugee laws change, as he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.

The PM warned failing to tackle the issue would 'destroy the public's faith' in politicians and governments.

He was speaking at an event organised by Ms Meloni's right-wing party which has previously been attended by Hungary's Viktor Orban and ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon.

Downing Street said in the days leading up to the summit that Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni were 'likeminded' on immigration.

The pair have appeared close in previous meetings and were again pictured today looking very friendly, as they smiled and shared a warm embrace.

Rishi Sunak said today that illegal migrants will overwhelm Britain unless global refugee laws change, as he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome

Downing Street said in the days leading up to the summit that Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni were 'likeminded' on immigration

The pair have appeared close in previous meetings and were again pictured today looking very friendly, as they smiled and shared a warm embrace

The PM warned failing to tackle the issue would 'destroy the public's faith' in politicians and governments

He was speaking at an event organised by Ms Meloni's right-wing party which has previously been attended by Hungary's Viktor Orban and ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon

Mr Sunak told the gathering of Italian conservatives and right-wingers that 'enemies' want to use migration as a 'weapon' and are 'deliberately driving people to our shores to try to destabilise our society'.

He added: 'If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most.

'If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that.

'Because if we don't fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.'

He had warm praise for Ms Meloni, at whose Brothers of Italy annual Atreju event he was speaking.

Ms Meloni is another prime minister who has sought to lead tough action on migrants arriving across the Mediterranean, and the two leaders have developed a close partnership in recent months.

Rishi Sunak speaks to Girorgia Meloni during their meeting in the Italian capital today

The pair were all smiles as they greeted each other on stage at the political festival in Rome

The pair, who have appeared close in previous meetings, were seen today holding hands

The pair also met Albania's prime minister Edi Rama for talks on illegal migration

While in Rome on the one-day trip, Mr Sunak also met Ms Meloni and Albania's prime minister Edi Rama for talks on illegal migration.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk was also present at the Atreju event.

Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni embraced as Mr Sunak prime minister left the stage, to loud applause from the audience.

Touching on their shared admiration of long-serving Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher, he said 'I can only guess what first attracted Giorgia to the strong female leader who was prepared to challenge the consensus, take on stale thinking and revive her country both domestically and on the international stage.'

He said that Baroness Thatcher's 'radicalism and drive' had to be applied to the issue of illegal migration, as he warned: 'It is a fundamental tenet of sovereignty that it is us who should decide who comes to our countries and not criminal gangs.

'If we cannot deliver on that, our voters will lose patience with us and the way in which their countries are run and rightly so.'

Number 10 said that after the talks Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni had agreed to co-fund a project that would see the two countries 'promote and assist the voluntary return' of migrants currently stuck in Tunisia.

Tunisia neighbours Italy just across the Mediterranean and attracts many migrants from several African countries who begin their journey to Europe there.

Mr Sunak also stressed the need for schemes like the Rwanda plan, which dominated the agenda at Westminster this week as Mr Sunak sought to win a crunch vote on the legislation.

Some 292 people made the crossing in seven boats on Friday, according to Home Office figures published on Saturday.

It was confirmed a migrant died and another was left in a critical condition during an incident on Friday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni kisses British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the cheek

The pair were deep in thought as they appeared at the gathering of right-wing supporters

More than 29,000 people have crossed the English Channel to reach the UK so far this year - more than the same time in 2021, but fewer than last year

Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said it was 'not too late' for the prime minister to change direction.

He said: 'After a week in which the Prime Minister has failed to convince many of his own backbenchers that he has a workable plan to end dangerous boat crossings, we hit a new grim milestone - far from stopping the boats, on Rishi Sunak's watch this year 600 boats have crossed.

'It's not too late to change direction.

'At the political summit he's attending today in Italy, the Prime Minister should commit to stop wasting time on the Rwanda gimmick and adopt Labour's plan to invest in a cross-border policing unit to crack down on the criminal smuggling gangs making millions in the channel, put stronger powers in place and get a new security agreement including working with Europol so that we can tackle the problem at source.'

The trip to Rome comes as Mr Sunak has sought to win support from European allies to help crack down on illegal migration, with Albania and Italy seen as among the key partners.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Gospel musician Mambo Dhuterere, real name Darlington Mutseta, says deliberate attempts to inflict harm on his marriage through manipulation and damaging of his character online will not destroy his marriage.In October Mambo Dhuterere made headlines after he was found at the centre of controversy, with allegations of infidelity and cheating.However, the Dzikisa Munyengetero hit maker denied the allegations affirming that it was one of those many social media gossips.Speaking at the St John Apostolic Church of the Whole World's annual gathering to mark the end of the year big Sunday, which was attended by nearly 3 000 congregants, Mambo Dhuterere reiterated that no amount of cyber-bullying will deter him from respecting, committing and valuing his marriage."I would like to set the record straight and tell you that, not even a single day did I beat my wife since we got married," he said."That's trash, which deserves to be denounced or condemned; and let me tell you that we also laugh at lies they peddle on social media."Like some of you, we are also victims of social media falsehoods and that will not stop us from rising against such ills despite their unfounded claims."Not even data bundles, hotspotting or any social media hype will deter us from rebuking criminals."You hear the lies that we divorced with my wife and she has since left for Botswana, which is totally disgusting and far away from the truth."Now look (holding his wife's shoulder) who is by my side right now waiting to praise and worship through music?Mambo Dhuterere said their music was crafted in a way that exposes socio-cultural immorality, abuses and realities which exist in societies."Perpetrators of crimes that we denounce when we sing are the ones that try to fight back through spreading falsehoods on social media," he said."However, we don't have energy to entertain them, but denounce them because we are the voice of the voiceless."He took a swipe at perpetrators of gender-based violence and appealed to law enforcement agents to bring culprits to book.The musician expressed gratitude over the support he is getting from his church and fans.He later joined forces with his wife to treat the 3 000 plus congregants with hits from his rich discography.
Harris hired Brian Fallon, known for his ageism against politicians and criticism of Biden, as her Campaign Communications Director

Kamala Harris is suspected to be pushing President Biden off the 2024 ticket so she can swoop in after the Vice President hired a notorious Biden critic as a senior aide.

Vice President Harris hired Brian Fallon as her Campaign Communications Director for the upcoming election.

Fallon served as national press secretary to Hillary Clinton during her run for President and worked under Senator Chuck Schumer until 2013.

The veteran aide has not held back in expressing ageist views and explicitly criticizing Biden - who at 81 is the oldest president in history.

Fallon rallied for a campaign that pushed then-Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer to step down because of his old age.

Kamala Harris is suspected to be pushing President Biden off the 2024 ticket so she can swoop in after the Vice President hired a firm Biden critic for her campaign

Vice President Harris hired Brian Fallon (pictured) as her Campaign Communications Director for the upcoming election

The veteran aide has not held back in expressing ageist views and explicitly criticizing Biden

The Harvard-graduate mocked Biden for his cognitive state during a 2019 Democratic primary debate - saying 'Biden trying to complete an answer is a tender moment' in a post on X.

In another post, Fallon expressed that he thought Biden was given a 'pass' for an incoherent answer the then-Presidential candidate gave on the matter of slavery during a 2019 debate.

'A lot of people seem to be giving Biden a pass for that answer on slavery,' he posted.

Fallon's Biden-bashing went beyond his campaign leading up to the 2020 election - in 2021 he openly criticized the President for neglecting the interests of black people.

'Hes test-driving Ford F-150s. Hes not going to Selma to talk about voting rights,' he told the Washington Post.

Harris's new hire has prompted people to believe she is trying to edge Biden out of the Presidential race so she can replace him as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 election.

Fallon served as national press secretary to Hillary Clinton during her run for President and worked under Senator Chuck Schumer until 2013

The Harvard-graduate mocked Biden for his cognitive state during a 2019 Democratic primary debate - saying 'Biden trying to complete an answer is a tender moment'

Harris's new hire has prompted people to believe she is trying to edge Biden out of the Presidential race so she can replace him as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 election

Last month, Reuters reported that Democrats have 'no Biden backup plan for 2024,' making room for the obvious option to be his second-in-command.

The Washington Free Beacon pointed out that anybody who challenges Harris would be quickly denounced as racist for trying to stop a woman of color from becoming President.

But she is unpopular with voters and has polled exceptionally poorly, leaving Democrats terrified about their back-up option should the elderly president become incapacitated.

Speculation concerning Harris's Presidential ambitions come a month after the Vice President admitted that she and Biden will have to 'earn' re-election.

Harris flew to South Carolina on November 10 to file for her and Biden to appear on the state's Democratic primary election ballot as the President continues to brush-off concerns about his dismal polling.

'We're going to have to earn our reelect, there's no doubt about it,' Harris told CNN after spending about an hour in South Carolina to officially file Biden for the Democratic presidential primary there.
The death of a British university student who accidentally drowned in a swimming pool in the US remains a mystery after a coroner described the incident as 'inexplicable'.

Jack Chisholm, 21, was found unresponsive at the home of a friend in Bokeelia, Florida, where he had been staying for a month while he was working at a tortoise sanctuary during the university holidays.

Jack, who was described as a 'very happy chap' and a strong swimmer, was a student at Newcastle University and lived with his family in Burford, Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter heard that an investigation by US detectives concluded Jack had drowned but that there was no third party involvement.

Mr Salter said: 'There was uncertainty as to how and why Jack entered the water. It is to an extent inexplicable how he ended up in the water and how he could not get himself out.'

Jack Chisholm (pictured), 21, was found unresponsive at the home of a friend in Bokeelia, Florida

Jack's body was flown home for a funeral following the tragedy which happened on June 9.

READ MORE: British man dies after being pulled unconscious from the sea in front of his horrified partner in Cyprus Advertisement

The inquest was told how Jack was staying with a family friend for a month-long work experience placement at a tortoise sanctuary.

Mr Salter read a narrative conclusion to the Chisholm's family, due to the mysterious nature regarding the manner of Jack's death.

He said: 'Jack Chisholm was a student at Newcastle University and was visiting Florida for few weeks at a tortoise sanctuary.

'On the afternoon of June 9 he was alone at the swimming pool and had a siesta and swim after lunch.

'Jack was last seen at approximately 1:30pm but was discovered at 6pm submerged in the pool. It is not known how he entered the water or what caused the difficulty as he was a good swimmer - but there was no third-party involvement.'

A post-mortem examination carried out on Jack's body found a haemorrhage to the left trapezius muscle and some abrasion on his left eye. However, these were deemed to be minor injuries.

The local US Sheriff's department concluded the incident as a drowning in the manner of an accident.

At the Oxford inquest into Jack's (pictured) death, the coroner branded the incident as 'inexplicable'

The inquest in Oxford heard that Jack's body was found in the pool by Stephanie Derby who shouted to her sister Brooke Derby for help as she carried out CPR to try to revive the 21-year-old.

Martin and Tania Chisholm, Jack's parents, spoke glowingly of their son in a written statement read by Mr Salter.

They said: 'Jack was going to go out to Florida for month for a nice experience. He was a very happy chap with a young and happy life.

'We believe in our hearts that it is a tragic accident.'
A chilling recording of a Florida honors student allegedly confessing to stabbing his mom to death as his baby sister slept next to her was played to a shocked courtroom.

Derek Rosa, 13, has pleaded not guilty to stabbing his mom Irina Garcia, 39, over 40 times and slashing her neck on October 12. No motive has been offered over the grisly killing.

However on Friday, a pre-trial hearing saw prosecutors play a recording of Rosa speaking to a detective directly after the stabbing, where he said: 'I woke up, I grabbed one of the kitchen knives and I went to her room... I killed her.'

After hearing the disturbing tape, Miami Dade Circuit Judge Richard Hersch ordered the teen to be held in an adult jail, the Miami-Dade Metro West detention center, until his unscheduled trial commences.

While denying the teen's motion for bail, the judge remarked on harsh conditions he has reportedly been kept in, adding: 'I am disturbed by the relatively small amount of time the child is permitted outside his cell.'

Derek Rosa, 13, (pictured at a previous hearing) was heard in a chilling recording telling a detective he 'killed her' after he allegedly stabbed his mother 46 times when she slept

Rosa is accused of killing his mother, Irina Garcia, 39 (pictured) on October 12 before sending photos of her body to a friend on social media

Rosa, with his hands covered in blood, is seen making a 'hang loose' surfer gesture of friendship. The photo is believed to be the one he sent to his friend, with the word: 'Goodbye'. He then called 911 to allegedly say he had murdered his mother

At a separate hearing last week, prosecutors shared harrowing babycam footage showing Rosa standing over his sleeping mother in her bed, moments before he allegedly stabbed her 46 times.

The 13-year-old was seen in eerie black and white images looming over his mom with a time stamp at 11pm. Rosa called 911 to report the murder around 11:30pm.

Another haunting photo released by investigators shows Garcia in her bed, cradling her 14-day-old baby, at 10:23pm the same evening. Investigators believe she was fast asleep when the attack began.

Officers have detailed finding a grisly scene when they arrived at the home, with Garcia left splayed on the floor with dozens of knife wounds, including a slashed artery in her neck.

Laying near to the deceased mother was her two-week-old baby still laying in her crib.

Rosa is also accused of taking a smiling selfie to a friend directly after the killing, where he was sticking his tongue out with what appears to be blood smeared on his hands.

Police said after taking the pictures, Rosa asked a dispatcher if the move was 'bad'.

He also allegedly claimed that he found two guns owned by his stepfather after the stabbing, and planned to commit suicide but didn't go through with the plan.

His family have expressed their shock at the alleged murder, saying Rosa was a 'good kid' and that 'no one could imagine this would ever happen'.

Rosa's family say he is a 'good kid' and that 'no one could imagine this would ever happen'. He is pictured with his mother and stepfather

Crime scene photos show Rosa standing over his mother's bed at 11pm, before he allegedly fatally stabbed her. His newborn baby sister's crib is by her bed

In another image released to the court, Irina Garcia is seen lying on the bed at 10:23pm on the night of the murder, cradling her 14-day-old daughter

The knife is seen at the crime scene in Hialeah, Florida. Rosa has been charged as an adult with the killing

Prosecutors released the photo of the bloodied kitchen knife allegedly used in the crazed stabbing

His attorneys have not argued any mental health issues contributed to their client's mindset at the time of the killing.

The pink-handled knife covered with blood that prosecutors say was used in the crazed attack were also shown to the court.

He was initially held in Miami-Dade's juvenile detention center for two weeks after his arrest on October 12, until his charged were upgraded to first-degree murder by a grand jury and he was transferred to Metro West.

The denial of the teenager's bail on Friday came after a six-week long hearing process to determine where he will be held until trial, as it was ruled he will be housed in an adult jail.

As Judge Hersch admitted he was disappointed to see Rosa's living conditions, he denied the motion as he had 'not found a clear violation of his constitutional rights.'

The detective who interviewed Rosa after he allegedly carried out the murder, Hialeah Police officer Joseph Elosegui, said on Friday that investigators found additional evidence after looking through Rosa's internet activity.

He claimed the 13-year-old researched the best way to kill someone and whether a small knife would be able to cut through bone.

Elosegui said the friend Rosa allegedly sent the selfie to was identified as named 'Sweden', and he also sent two pictures of his mother, reports the Miami Herald.

Rosa (seen in his mugshot after his arrest) is only out of his cell for around 20 hours a week and is being served breakfast between 1am and 2am, according to his lawyers

The apartments where Rosa lived in Hialeah, Florida, where he allegedly stabbed his mom to death on October 12

The detective was heard in the chilling recording of Rosa's alleged confession telling him 'it's okay, you can say it', before the teen was heard allegedly admitting to the killing.

As the recording was played, Rosa buried his head in his handcuffed hands and grew emotional as his attorneys comforted him, after their requests to keep the recording sealed were also rejected.

Their motion argued that it was unconstitutional to keep Rosa in an adult cell, claiming he is kept in unsustainable conditions and is only outside the cell for 20 hours a week.

They claim he is served breakfast between 1am and 2am, can't access his glasses without direct request, and he is not on any specific educational class schedule.

Attorney Armando Luis said he has had 'no contact with his father, no contact with his grandmother or family', and has not done so for over 30 days.

However their request was criticized by Assistant State Attorney Rachel Morales-Gellis in her closing argument, saying: 'The defense keeps making reference to adult-sized sweaters... I don't think that would rise to a constitutional issue.'

Hersch also rejected their claims in the motion, reportedly arguing the defense failed to prove he was in any danger in the adult jail either physically or psychologically, nor that he was left without any education.

His instructors previously testified that he will receive six lessons a week in math, science, social studies and reading, each lasting between 90 minutes and 2-and-a-half-hours.

Guards also testified that he is the only child in Metro West who has a security detail outside his cell at all times, and he is heavily protected anytime he does leave.
Blacknell bragged about being a looter back in 1992 amidst BLM protests and told those worried about the violent looting: 'Cry me a river'

George Gascon promoted Tiffiny Blacknell - an outspoken hater of the police who has openly called LAPD officers barbarians

Los Angeles' woke District Attorney has selected a proud looter to serve as his chief of staff in the new year

Los Angeles' District Attorney George Gascon has promoted a self-professed looter to serve as Chief of Staff for the largest prosecutorial office in the country.

George Gascon, who's famed for his progressive views, announced on Friday that he will be assigning Tiffiny Blacknell to the Chief of Staff position in his office.

Blacknell, a former public defender, regularly speaks of her support of defunding the police - referring to LAPD officers as 'barbarians' and claiming they are an 'occupying army'.

The anti-police activist has posed wearing T-shirts saying bold statements like 'the police are trained to kill us' and 'they can't kill us all' in selfies taken for her social media.

The Los Angeles native proudly admitted in a 2020 Facebook post to being a part of LA's notorious 1992 Rodney King riots against police brutality, writing: 'I was a looter in 1992.'

Los Angeles ' woke District Attorney George Gascon announced he will be promoting a self-professed looter to serve as Chief of Staff for the largest prosecutorial office in the country

George Gascon announced on Friday that he will be assigning Tiffiny Blacknell to the Chief of Staff position in his office

The anti-police activist has frequently posed wearing T-shirts saying bold statements like 'the police are trained to kill us' and 'they can't kill us all' in selfies taken for her social media

Blacknell is outspoken in her support of defunding the police - even referring to LAPD officers as 'barbarians' and claiming they are an 'occupying army'

'When the opportunity arose, we took some sh*t. It was one of the most formative moments of my life,' Blacknell confessed.

In her confession, which came amid 2020's Black Lives Matter protests, Blacknell told those who were upset about the rampant looting in Santa Monica and West Hollywood: 'Cry me a river!'

'Please don't come on my page complaining about protestors or looters. Don't text me SH*T about the Whole Foods in West Hollywood and your beloved Santa Monica.'

Blacknell is also against prisons - stating 'prison is obsolete. We need to reimagine America without it.'

Her career has been riddled with controversy, and includes a 2020 incident in which she went behind the backs of the prosecutor and victim's family in a gang murder case to negotiate a 'sweetheart' plea deal with the defendant.

Gascon's choice of chief of staff is not surprising.

In May it was revealed that Gascon was accused of letting 10,000 cases pile up and driving scores of prosecutors to quit, with the City of Angels fast-developing a reputation for soaring crime, leaving its residents terrified.

The Los Angeles native explicitly and proudly admitted to looting during 1992 riots: 'I was a looter in 1992,' she said in a 2020 Facebook post

'When the opportunity arose, we took some sh*t. It was one of the most formative moments of my life,' Blacknell confessed

Blacknell's entire career has been riddled with controversy, including a 2020 incident in which she went behind the backs of the prosecutor and victim's family in a gang murder case to negotiate a 'sweetheart' plea deal with the defendant

Described as an 'authoritarian' and 'toxic' manager, Gascon is said to have driven talent away, demoted top lawyers and fought anyone with opposing views, multiple sources who have worked with the DA said.

Gascon's 'woke' policies have caused public distrust, according to a former LA prosecutor - who said generous plea deals are allowing criminals to get out of jail without serving hard time or crimes are not being prosecuted at all.

He attempted to save face and prove he's a tough guy by making an example or Tory Lanez in August by demanding increase on the maximum sentence available for the Canadian musician who was jailed for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.

Gascons office had urged a 13-year sentence, claiming any less would endanger the public, but was accused of singling out the musician to save his own embattled career.
About 26,000 migrants arrived in the city by buses since August last year

Chicago has spent $138million over the past 14 months to address the city's migrant crisis, as 26,000 migrants arrived through hundreds of buses.

Official records seen by CBS reveal that Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration has spent more money on migrants than the budgeted amount for the Chicago Public Library in 2024.

The city has paid out funds to various vendors, with the largest recipient being Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a private healthcare staffing company based in New York City.

Records indicate that the firm has received $93million since October of last year, constituting 68 percent of the total spending on migrant care.

Other vendors include Equitable Social Solutions, a company specializing in homelessness prevention and housing support, which got $19million, and Open Kitchens, a family-owned foodservice company that received $15million.

Chicago has spent $138million over the past 14 months to address the city's migrant crisis, as records revealed that the city spent almost a million on the shuttered migrant camp at a Brighton Park lot (pictured)

Official records show that the city has spent more money on migrants than the budgeted amount for the Chicago Public Library(pictured) in 2024.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration has paid out funds to various vendors, with the largest recipient being Favorite Healthcare Staffing

The staggering fund is the latest indication of the city grappling with a massive influx of asylum seekers, as more than 26,000 migrants have entered the city by crossing the Mexican border since last year.

Earlier this week, records revealed that the city spent almost a million on the shuttered migrant camp at a Brighton Park lot - despite warnings that the site was not safe and outrage by locals.

The $985,000 bill is not much compared to the total expected cost of the camp, which was mostly financed by the state government under a $125million contract with a private contractor.

The state put up $65 million for the tent camp and for permanent structures at a site in the Little Village neighborhood. Together, they would house 2,200 migrants.

But the state stepped in on December 5, putting an end to the controversial project over environmental concerns at the former industrial site.

Progressive Mayor Johnson claimed taxpayer money was not lost on the camp because the lot 'has been assessed and further prepared for future use.'

As Chicago deals with the migrant crisis, officials have begun impounding buses who arrive without previous approval. On Tuesday several migrant buses were turned away from Cicero, a Chicago suburb, seen above

Residents protested in Brighton Park against the proposed migrant camp to accommodate the influx of migrants

Governor JB Pritzker claimed the company knew 'it was possible that the environmental report wouldn't allow the completion of the shelter.'

'They understood that and they were willing to take that liability through the state's contract,' the Democrat said.

It comes as desperate Chicago officials voted on Wednesday to allow the city to begin impounding buses dropping off migrants without previous approval or outside designated times and zones.

The first 'rogue' bus from Texas was impounded the same night after trying to drop off 49 migrants.

Those who violate the revised rules will now also face $3,000 in fines, plus towing and storage fees.

On Tuesday several migrant buses were turned away from Cicero and Rosement near Chicago after officials in Cicero approved a $750 fine per immigrant that is dropped off on the street.

Police reportedly allowed the migrants to descend from the buses on Tuesday if they had someone waiting for them, but threatened to impound the bus and arrest the driver for endangering the passengers if he let them out, Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens said.

'It's wrong to drop people on the street with nowhere to go,' Cicero spokesman Ray Hanania said. 'We think every community should do this to prevent this. They need to force the state to come up with a better plan for homeless people.'

Asylum-seekers sleep in the lobby of the District 5 police station in Chicago

O'Hare International Airport accommodated hundreds of migrants in a screened off area as the crisis gathered steam this summer

There are currently more than 13,000 migrants staying in Chicago's shelter system and the city has spent more than $138million handling the crisis since October of last year.

It's not much when compared to the $4billion spent by New York City's government, as the mayors of Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and New York headed to DC last month to beg the Biden administration for a staggering $5 billion in federal funds to deal with the migrant crisis.

'Our cities need additional resources that far exceed the amount proposed in order to properly care for the asylum seekers entering our communities,' they wrote.

'Relying on municipal budgets is not sustainable and has forced us to cut essential city services.'

Johnson accused his opponents of 'meanness' and claimed a public vote on sanctuary status would do nothing to address the strain from migrants.

'This is a crisis, and as I've said, it's not going to go away because people are upset,' he told reporters on Wednesday.

'Now unfortunately, you have individuals that have used this as a way to execute its meanness.

'That type of meanness has caused the type of strife that we're experiencing now.'

Chicago has used commercial space, hotels, and park district fieldhouses as shelters once migrants are moved from police stations and the O'Hare International airport.
Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni have been getting very friendly with each other during a meeting in Rome today.

The Prime Minister and his Italian counterpart were delighted to get touchy-feely with one another as they met in the country's capital, which is known for being synonymous with romance, for an event organised by Ms Meloni's right-wing party.

The pair have appeared close in previous meetings and were again pictured getting intimate as they shared a warm embrace and a peck on the cheek multiple times during their meeting.

Ms Meloni, separated from her partner Viviana Guglielmi, 46, earlier this year after he made a number of sleazy comments towards another woman.

Mr Sunak, who shares two daughters Krishna, 11, and Anoushka, 10, with his wife Akshata Murty, has developed a close partnership with Ms Meloni over their shared desire for tougher action on migrants in Europe.

Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni have been getting very friendly with each other during a meeting in Rome today

The Prime Minister and his Italian counterpart were delighted to get touchy-feely with one another as they met in the country's capital

The pair were pictured today getting intimate as they shared a warm embrace and a peck on the cheek multiple times during their meeting

It come as Sunak said today that illegal migrants will overwhelm Britain unless global refugee laws change.

The PM warned failing to tackle the issue would 'destroy the public's faith' in politicians and governments.

He told the gathering of Italian conservatives and right-wingers that 'enemies' want to use migration as a 'weapon' and are 'deliberately driving people to our shores to try to destabilise our society'.

He added: 'If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most.

'If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that.

'Because if we don't fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.'

While in Rome on the one-day trip, Mr Sunak also met Ms Meloni and Albania's prime minister Edi Rama for talks on illegal migration.

Ms Meloni, seperated from her partner Viviana Guglielmi, 46, earlier this year after he made a number of sleazy comments towards another woman

Mr Sunak has developed a close partnership with Ms Meloni over their shared desire for tougher action on migrants in Europe

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk was also present at the Atreju event.

Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni embraced as Mr Sunak prime minister left the stage, to loud applause from the audience.

Touching on their shared admiration of long-serving Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher, he said 'I can only guess what first attracted Giorgia to the strong female leader who was prepared to challenge the consensus, take on stale thinking and revive her country both domestically and on the international stage.'

He had warm praise for Ms Meloni, at whose Brothers of Italy annual Atreju event he was speaking.
Pro-Palestinian protestors demonstrated outside the home of the Israeli ambassador to the UK this evening, chanting 'From the river to the sea' and 'shame on you!'

Hundreds gathered outside the Camden home of Tzipi Hotovely and chanted 'de-decolonise' and 'ceasefire now', with passing cars honking their horns in support.

It comes as Hotovely faces wide criticism for rejecting a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine in a video interview with Sky News this week.

One man with a megaphone in north London said: 'Many of you have seen the ambassador of Israel and concluded she is not a very nice person.

'So she may not be a very nice person but what we object to is that she is calling for a genocide.'

Protests around Europe have been suspended after demonstrators made reference to 'from the river to the sea', a slogan some say insinuates the total removal of Israel.

Pro-Palestine protesters gather outside the residence of Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely after she made comments rejecting the two-state solution, December 16, 2023

Protestors called for a ceasefire outside the Camden home of Ms Hotovely this evening

Through a megaphone, a speaker said, 'what we object to is that she is calling for a genocide'

Protestors were also seen with Socialist Worker signs printed with 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'

File photo shows Tzipi Hotovley, the Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Hotovely explicitly rejected the idea of a two-state solution in an interview with Sky News on Thursday.

When pressed whether the Palestinians could have their own state, she said resolutely: 'Absolutely no.'

What were the Oslo Accords? The Oslo Accords were a pair of agreements signed in 1993 and 1995 between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, a body internationally recognised as the official representative of the Palestinian people seeking Arab statehood in occupied Palestinian territories. The Accords began a peace process aimed at fulfilling the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and led to the creation of the Palestinian National Authority - a new body tasked with helping govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiators came close to creating a deal enshrined in law that would create two separate states and appease both the Palestinians and the Israelis - but issues over land and the right of refugees who fled Palestine to return became sticking points. PLO chief and Fatah founder Yasser Arafat had accepted the premise of a two state solution in 1988 but pulled out of a deal in 2000. That year, Palestinians expelled all Israelis from the Gaza Strip in the Second Intifada - but Fatah steadily lost support with accusations of corruption. Hamas ousted Fatah in the Battle of Gaza after campaigning as a viable alternative in the 2006 legislative elections Advertisement

Mark Austin asked the ambassador how there could be peace without a Palestinian state, to which Hotovely replied: 'Israel knows today, and the world should know now that the Palestinians never wanted to have a state next to Israel.

'They want to have a state from the river to the sea. They are saying it loud and clear.'

She also expressed her opposition to the idea of a second ceasefire - which pro-Palestinian activists and many families of Israeli hostages have been calling for for weeks.

'Ceasefire - no. It just basically means we would like to welcome another attack of 7 October. This is the only thing it means.'

'The reason the Oslo Accords 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,' she says.

New Foreign Secretary David Cameron described the interview as 'disappointing'.

Lord Cameron said he believes such an outcome remains possible but 'very, very difficult' as he suggested the remarks should not have 'too much weight' attached to them.

He added that Israel has a 'right to exist', but said the Palestinian people should also have an independent state.

'I believe in Israel as a homeland for Jewish people, I believe in its right to exist, to thrive, to defend itself and all the rest of it  long-term security I think requires there to be a state for Palestine as well.'

Hamas has expressed its desire to see Palestine demarcated along the lines of its pre-Six Day War 1967 borders - a conflict that saw Israel suddenly occupy lands inhabited by thousands of Palestinian Arabs.

Such a deal would see Israel cede strategic territories like the Golan Heights - a plateau contested by neighbouring factions for millennia.

In 2016, Netanyahu said the annexed heights would 'for ever' remain under Israeli control - a statement rejected by the UN Security Council.

Some pro-Palestinian groups have called for larger concessions from Israel. The phrase 'From the river to the sea' refers to the Jordan River - in Jordan, east of Israel - and the Mediterranean Sea, bordering the Gaza Strip.

The PLO under Yasser Arafat initially called for a single state literally spanning from the river to the sea - though he accepted the creation of a two-state solution in principle many years later.

Some suggest the call for such a state implicitly suggests the eradication of Israel altogether. Germany has banned the phrase altogether, and Vienna, Austria shut down a pro-Palestinian demonstration in October after the phrase was mentioned in invitations. Local authorities said it was a call to violence

Pro-Palestine protesters gather outside a fundraiser for Israel at the Royal Society for Arts attended by Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, December 14

Pro-Palestinian protestors call for a ceasefire outside the Park Plaza Hotel on December 12

A protester holds a 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' placard during the demonstration next to Green Park on November 25

Pro-Palestine and climate activists from the group Fossil Free London block the entrances to the headquarters of fossil fuel giant BP in Central London, December 14

The families of hostages held in Gaza today called on Israel to stop fighting and make a deal to secure their release after the army admitted 'mistakenly' killing three captives in the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli army has said the three hostages killed by troops on Friday were carrying a white flag and had cried for help in Hebrew.

The news of their killing has sparked protests in Israel, and the relatives of the remaining hostages are terrified their loved ones could be next.

'We only receive dead bodies. We want you to stop the fight and start negotiations,' Noam Perry, daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

'We feel like we're in a Russian roulette game (finding out) who will be next in line to be told the death of their loved one,' said Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old soldier Itai, who is among the captives.
A California ski resort park announced its plans to erect a massive statue of the Virgin Mary in honor of one of its owners - but has sparked outrage from locals.

Owner of Mount Shasta Ski Park, Robin Merlo, plans to build a 20-foot statue of the Virgin Mary in honor of her dead husband and co-owner Ray Merlo.

The memorial statue will be installed at the top of the Douglas Butte chairlift on Mount Shasta.

In a statement, the resort said the project was 'a shared goal' for the couple.

They also clarified that the statue was not a 'focus on any one religion but to acknowledge and honor the beauty and spiritual power of the mountain'.

Owner of Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Robin Merlo plans to build a 20-foot statue of the Virgin Mary in honor of her dead husband and co-owner Ray Merlo

The statue will be installed at the top of the Douglas Butte chairlift as a memorial to him

The statement read: 'We are in the process of building a 20ft tall Virgin Mary Statue at the top of Douglas. This season, you will see what will be the Statue's platform, and the statue itself will be in place by next summer.

'The installation of this statue is very important to our owner as this was a shared goal with her late husband and business partner, Ray Merlo.

'They have dedicated their resources to improving the Ski Park over the last few years and in the words of Robin Merlo, this statue is a promise fulfilled and a true representation of the dedication to family that we all value so much here at the Ski Park.

'The goal is not to focus on any one religion but to acknowledge and honor the beauty and spiritual power of the mountain we all love so much.'

'The goal is not to focus on any one religion but to acknowledge and honor the beauty and spiritual power of the mountain we all love so much'

Despite their claim that the statue is not meant to focus on only one religion, many locals have expressed their disapproval.

One Instagram user wrote: 'Honoring the spirituality of the mountain could and should be more inclusive than a 20-foot statue of Mary, especially given the stated goal of 'not focusing on one religion.

'Please consider a different approach that fosters belonging for everyone.'

One user even said a statue honoring the mountain's indigenous history should be built instead.

'Maybe erect a statue showing respect to the native folks killed by religion who were there long before y'all owned the mountain,' they said.

Evidence of a Native American camp on the north side of Mt. Shasta in northern California dates back to at least 600 BCE and possibly 2500 BC.

The mountain was home to the Shasta, the Modoc, the Wintu and the Ajumawi/Atsuwegi tribe and was known by them as 'Sastise'.

Evidence of a Native American camp on the north side of Mt. Shasta in northern California dates back to at least 600 BCE and possibly 2500 BC

The mountain was hometo the Shasta, the Modoc, the Wintu and the Ajumawi/Atsuwegi tribe and was known by them as 'Sastise'

The backlash has reached the extent that a resident named Joe Skibum has launched a change.org petition

The backlash reached to the extent of a resident, using the name 'Joe Skibum', has launched a change.org petition.

The petition is titled 'Stop the Construction of a Religious Statue at Our Local Ski Park' and calls the ski park a 'community gathering spot.'

It also states that the statue will alienate their diverse community members who follow religions other than Christianity.

'The ski park is not just an outdoor space; it's our community's gathering spot. It is where we teach our children to ski and meet with friends and family during the winter months,' the petition read.

'The religious icon currently under construction threatens to alienate members of our diverse community who do not share the same religious beliefs. Local gathering places, whether private or not, should remain neutral spaces that promote inclusivity and respect for all visitors.

'We ask the owners of Mount Shasta Ski Park to cease and desist this construction project immediately.

'Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving the unity, diversity, and natural beauty of Mount Shasta's local ski park'

'We ask the US Forest Service, with whom the ski park holds use permits, to insist that Mount Shasta Ski Park discontinue this project.

'We suggest donating the money allocated for this project toward something that might actually benefit the community in a real way, such as a much-needed homeless shelter or detox facility.

'Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving the unity, diversity, and natural beauty of Mount Shasta's local ski park.'

According to Ski magazine, the US Forest Service owns the upper slopes of the ski park and leases them to the resort.

But the ski parks online employee handbook says it has special permits for Forest Service land adjacent to privately owned park property.

The petition has reached 1,635 signatures and has a goal set at 2,500 at the time of publishing.
Hate preacher Abu Hamza has urged US courts to grant his freedom so he can return to the UK, eight years after he was extradited on terrorism charges.

The hook-handed 65-year-old has applied to end his life sentence in the US immediately so he can make his return.

Hamza wishes to be sent back on compassionate grounds after submitting hundreds of pages of evidence to support his application.

In documents submitted on Friday, his lawyers 'ask the court to modify Mr Mostafa's (Hamza's) sentence to time-served plus the imposition of a five-year term of supervised release,' The Mirror reports.

Across 76 pages, they detail how Hamza should be freed from Colorado's supermax prison ADX Florence where he is in solitary confinement.

Meanwhile, Hamza's wife, Najat Chaffe, sought to portray him as a loving family man in letters submitted to the court.

'Our family has been deeply distressed by his absence, as he has left an irreplaceable void that no one can fill,' she wrote.

'The yearning to have him back in our lives has only intensified over time, and his grandchildren, myself, and our children have missed him dearly.'

Hamza wishes to be sent back on compassionate grounds after submitting hundreds of pages of evidence to support his application (File Photo)

Across 76 pages, Hamza's laywers detail how he should be freed from Colorado 's supermax prison ADX Florence where he is in solitary confinement (File Photo)

'I have spent countless years alone, shouldering the immense responsibility of raising our children and providing for their day-to-day needs,' she continued.

'The toll it has taken on me, both mentally and physically, has been overwhelming.

'My heart longs for the support and companionship Mr Mostafa would offer during my difficult moments. It is now time for him to come back home to his family, where he truly belongs.'

His son, Imran Mostafa Kamel, wrote: 'I am in desperate need of his presence, love, and unwavering support. To witness his reunion with our precious grandchildren and to enjoy quality time together as a family would be a dream come true.

'I firmly believe that his return is not just a personal desire but a necessary step towards healing and rebuilding what we have lost during these unbearable years.'

The documents submitted by the detainee's lawyers highlight the grim conditions he has endured, with his lawyers accusing wardens of 'using the existence of the prostheses as an excuse not to provide the necessary accommodations and assistance it promised the extradition courts'.

They say his false arms harnesses 'are being held together by shoestring'. His legal team states he was first kept in 'Cell 300', which is 'a modified large storeroom'.

'While the cell has two windows, one is blocked by the shower that was installed, and the other is an interior window,' his appeal states.

'Mr Mostafa had no natural light. The other cell in which Mr Mostafa has been confined does not have a proper toilet for his disabilities, nor a shower or sink with hands-free access to water, which he also requires.'

In Cell 300, prison staff welded sharp round metal discs to the faucets, 'to make it easy' for him, but 'the discs cut into his stumps and caused bleeding', the appeal states, according to the newspaper.

Hamza's feet are in such a poor state of repair that he suffers from 'frequent bleeding in his feet from sharp or overgrown toenails', it continues, adding that he has to 'spend his entire day, every day, in solitary confinement without assistance from anyone'.

The legal papers also note: 'As a result of the lack of accommodations and care, Mr Mostafa has lost almost all of his teeth, suffers from multiple infections, and has consistently been without the medical care considered reasonable to any civilised society.'

Abu Hamza addressing devotees at the Rally for Islam at Trafalgar Square in central London, on August 25, 2002

Colorado's supermax prison ADX Florence

Hamza was convicted in 2015 in New York after being extradited from Britain on US terrorism charges over his role in the 1998 kidnapping in Yemen of 16 foreign tourists, of whom four were killed, and of conspiring to set up a terrorist training camp in Bly, Oregon, in 1999.

He was also accused of sending a disciple to fight with al-Qaeda in Afghanistan in 2000 and providing support for the Taliban.

He was sentenced to life in prison and told by the judge that he would die behind bars.

Hamza's appeal documents argue that he has not accessed the recreation yard for two years due to his condition and is awoken 'every 30 minutes by the opening and closing of a gate and the frequent use of a flashlight'.

His lawyers argue British courts allowed his 2012 extradition to the US only because they had been given assurances he would be held in humane conditions.

They say a large number of promises have been broken by the US Bureau of Prisons.

His legal team note that Hamza has been severed from his family while in prison in the US and 'has not been permitted to speak to, or communicate with, any of his sons or his stepson.'

The appeal continues: 'Besides legal visits, the only people permitted to visit Mr Mostafa are his wife and his daughter; neither travel alone and thus none have been able to visit him even once since his transfer to BOP custody.'

His legal team say it takes six months for him to get a response to letters posted to his family.

Abu Hamza al-Masri, as he arrives with a masked bodyguard to conduct Friday prayers in the street outside the closed Finsbury Park Mosque in London

The terrorist's bid for compassionate release was first raised three years ago but was held up by another ongoing appeal claiming that his trial and appeal lawyers gave him 'ineffective assistance'.

At his sentencing in New York the judge branded his actions as 'barbaric, misguided and wrong'. She said he was not remorseful and argued that if at 'any time he is released, the world will not be safe'.

An attempt to appeal his extradition to the US had failed when the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2012 that 'conditions at ADX would not amount to ill-treatment'.

It said: 'Having fully considered all the evidence from both parties, including specifically prepared statements by officials at ADX Florence as well as letters provided by the US Department of Justice, the court held that conditions at ADX would not amount to ill-treatment.

'As concerned ADX's restrictive conditions and lack of human contact, the court found that, if the applicants were convicted as charged, the US authorities would be justified in considering them a significant security risk and in imposing strict limitations on their ability to communicate with the outside world.'
Bill Maher slammed pro-Palestine extremists peddling the 'myth' that Israel could be wiped out in the war with Hamas, arguing that over the course of history, 'things change.'

Inflammatory chant 'from the river to the sea' has been heard in protests across the West after the conflict broke out on October 7, with many seeing it as a call to eradicate the nation of Israel entirely.

But Maher, 67, who is Jewish but identifies as an atheist, said the chant ignores 'reality', and suggested that Palestinians 'come to an accommodation' to end the decades-long crisis in the Middle East, as other societies have done throughout history.

He began by citing how Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christianity, was '86 percent Christian' in 1950, but is now 'overwhelmingly Muslim'.

'That's my point tonight: things change.'

Bill Maher, 67, slammed the pro-Palestine movement for the 'myth' that Israel could be eradicated in the war with Hamas

'To 2.3 billion Christians, there could be no more sacred site than where their savior was born, but they dont have it anymore. And yet no crusader army has geared up to take it back,' Maher continued.

'Things change - countries, boundaries, empires.'

Maher implied that Palestine, which has seen over 19,000 deaths since Israel launched retaliatory sieges in response to Hamas' October 7 attack, has already been hit by dramatic geopolitical swings in the past.

'Palestine was under the Ottoman Empire for 400 years,' he said. 'But today, an Ottoman is something youve put under your feet.'

Feeling that 'eventually, everybody comes to an accommodation, except for the Palestinians', Maher said the hostile scenes and fervent antisemitism seen in the pro-Palestine were uncalled for as the nation's situation is 'not rare.'

'Was it unjust that even a single Arab family was forced to move upon the founding of the Jewish State? Yes, but its also not rare,' he said. 'Happening all through history all over the world. And mostly what people do is make the best of it.'

He noted that after World War Two, 12 million Germans were displaced from Russia, Poland and Czechoslovakia 'because Germany had become kind of unpopular.'

Maher also cited a million Greeks displaced from Turkey in 1923, a million Ghanaians out of Nigeria in 1983, almost a million French from Algeria in 1962, and nearly a million Syrian refugees moved to Germany eight years ago - questioning, 'Was that a perfect fit?'

Maher's opposition to the chant 'from the river to the sea' comes as its use at protests has caused mounting backlash, with Palestinian supporter and Democratic commentator Cenk Uygur recently deeming it 'counterproductive' to the movement.

Maher argued that Jewish populations have been the most oppressed group in Arab nations in recent history, and used a chart showing population declines as he made the point that 'no one knows more about being pushed off land than the Jews.'

All wars end with negotiation, but it's hard to negotiate when the other side's bargaining position is "you all die and disappear." pic.twitter.com/x72h9Zlqjy  Bill Maher (@billmaher) December 16, 2023

Maher used a chart showing dramatic declines in the Jewish population of Arab nations to argue that 'no one knows more about being pushed off land than the Jews'

The comedian said hostile movements across the West are being fueled by 'useful idiots' as he criticized 'TikTok fans' for a lack of information

Making the point that 'history is brutal and humans are not good people, the HBO host added: 'Yes, TikTok fans, ethnically cleansing happened both ways.'

'Historys sad and full of wrongs but you cant make them unhappen because a paraglider isnt a time machine,' he continued.

'People get moved, and yes, colonized. Nobody was a bigger colonizer than the Muslim army that swept out of the Arabian desert and took over much of the world in a single century. And they didnt do it by asking.'

'Theres a reason Saudi Arabias flag is a sword. Kosovo was the cradle of Christian Serbia, then it became Muslim. They fought a war about it in the 90s but stopped. They didnt keep it going for 75 years.'

Maher stressed that struggling societies 'coped' throughout history, and made the comparison to the Jewish family from 'Fiddler on the Roof' repeatedly fleeing from the pogroms.

Protests across the West were filled with demonstrators demand Israel and Hamas agree to an urgent ceasefire.

But Maher appeared to lay the blame for the decades-long crisis in the Middle East on Palestine and its leaders for turning down peace agreements with Israel, as he also took a shot at embattled university presidents.

'The Palestinian people should know your leaders and the useful idiots on college campuses who are their allies are not doing any favors by keeping alive the river to the sea myth,' he said.

'I mean, where do you think Israel is going? Spoiler alert: nowhere.

'Its one of the most powerful countries in the world with a $500 billion economy, the worlds second-largest tech sector after Silicon Valley and nuclear weapons. Theyre here, they like their bagel with a schmear, getting used to it.'

He concluded that all 'war ends through negotiation', and said the conflict will not end so long as Palestine's position is 'you will die and disappear.'

'Whats happening to Palestinians today is horrible. And not just in Gaza, in the West Bank too,' he added.

The comedian brought up a map to make his final point on the 'from the river to the sea' chant, pointing from either side 'here's the river, here's the sea.

'Oh, I see. It means you get all of it. Not just the West Bank, which was basically the original UN-partition deal you rejected because you wanted all of it and always have, even though its indisputably also the Jews ancestral homeland.

'So you attacked and lost. And attacked again and lost. And attacked again and lost.'

Maher indicated that Palestine could go the way of Mexico, which previously had a border to the top of California, until it 'got real' and 'chose a different path', to today owning the world's 14th largest economy.

'If I give you the benefit of the doubt and say your plan for a completely-Jewless Palestine isnt that all the Jews should die, what is the only other option? They move. You move all the Jews.

'Where are we moving this entire country, Texas? Sure they have room. I guess we could put the Wailing Wall on the border and kill two birds with one stone. Or we could just get serious.'
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

HARARE residents are suing Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, over some defective flyovers, which are posing a serious safety risk to inhabitants of the capital city.The residents through their association, Harare Residents Trust (HRT) recently filed an application at Harare High Court seeking an order to compel Mhona to rectify the defects on three of the capital city's flyovers located along Simon Mazorodze road, Lytton road and Fidel Castro road within 90 days of the granting of the court order so as to ensure that the flyovers are safe for use by road users.HRT also wants the High Court to declare that Mhona's conduct in failing to rectify the defects on the three flyovers to be a contravention of residents' right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being as enshrined in section 73(1) of the Constitution.Through the application, which was filed on 8 December 2023 by Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, HRT together with Loreen Mupesa, a resident of Harare, who said she frequently uses roads located on the flyovers, argued that as the official responsible for maintenance and rehabilitation of roads in Zimbabwe, Hon. Mhona has a duty to safeguard people's lives by ensuring that roads are safe in the country.HRT and Mupesa protested that Hon. Mhona had not attended to fixing the defects, which were noted on the flyovers several years ago and this had exposed the flyovers to the risk of collapse and thereby endangering the lives of members of the public.HRT and Mupesa said with each day passing, the flyovers had increasingly become dangerous and unsafe to use.According to HRT and Mupesa, the defects on the three flyovers were identified by officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and City of Harare, who conducted a joint inspection and these are contained in a report, which the officials produced on 27 July 2012.Some of the defects, which were noted and are listed in the joint report include spalling of concrete on bottom flanges of beams on edges, severe corrosion to reinforcement steel, visible cracks along the centreline deck, severely damaged expansion joints, excessive vibration of superstructure, poor drainage of super structure, water leaking on expansion joints and longitudinal cracks.HRT and Mupesa argued that while Hon. Mhona's ministry had in 2021 acknowledged the existence of the defects on the flyovers and had undertook to rectify them, he had since 2021 not fixed them hence the residents now want the Minister to be compelled by the High Court to repair them and help eliminate the danger, which they pose to motorists and other road users.
David Cameron has joined forces with Germany's foreign minister to call for a 'sustainable ceasefire' between Israel and Hamas.

Lord Cameron has published a piece in The Sunday Times today along with German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, signalling a landmark change in the UK Government's stance towards the conflict in Gaza.

The pair said they 'share the view that this conflict cannot drag on and on' and advocated for an 'end the endless cycle of violence', but stated they were not calling for an 'immediate' ceasefire.

They wrote: 'But our goal cannot simply be an end to fighting today. It must be peace lasting for days, years, generations. We therefore support a ceasefire, but only if it is sustainable.'

It comes as Israel's offensive in response to Hamas' October 7 attack, has flattened much of Gaza's northern region, displaced millions and killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

David Cameron has joined forces with Germany's foreign minister to call for a 'sustainable ceasefire' between Israel and Hamas

Lord Cameron has published a piece in The Sunday Times today along with German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, signalling a landmark change in the UK Government's stance towards the conflict in Gaza

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel on December 16

Lord Cameron, who is a member of the Conservative party, and Mrs Baerbock, who is part of the German Green Party, said the need for a 'sustainable ceasefire' was 'urgent' and would hoepfully lead to a 'sustainable peace'.

They added that Israel 'have a right to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas' but highlighted that it 'must abide by international humanitarian law'.

READ MORE: Israeli hostages shot dead by IDF troops in Gaza were holding up WHITE FLAG and stripped to the waist when they were mistaken for Hamas terrorists Advertisement

'We know many in the region and beyond have been calling for an immediate ceasefire. We recognise what motivates these heartfelt calls,' Lord Cameron and Ms Baerbock wrote.

'It is an understandable reaction to such intense suffering, and we share the view that this conflict cannot drag on and on. That is why we supported the recent humanitarian pauses.'

The foreign ministers continued: 'But let us be clear. We do not believe that calling right now for a general and immediate ceasefire, hoping it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward.

'It ignores why Israel is forced to defend itself: Hamas barbarically attacked Israel and still fires rockets to kill Israeli citizens every day. Hamas must lay down its arms.

Last month there was a pause in the fighting for week after a truce was agreed by the two sides in an effort to free some of the hostages that Hamas had captured during its October 7 assault into Israel.

Over 100 women and children were freed during the ceasefire, which saw three Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli jails for every one hostage handed back.

About 250 people were snatched during Hamas' October 7 attacks in Israel, which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

Cameron and Baerbock added that they are 'pushing the diplomatic effort to agree further pauses' to allow more aid into the region and to free more hostages.

Smoke rises after Israeli attacks over residential buildings in Rafah, Gaza on December 16

A view of partially destroyed building belonging to Beshir family and located on Salah al-Din Road after Israeli attacks in Gaza City, Gaza on December 16

Residents try to collect some belongings and inspect the site near a partially destroyed building in Gaza City, Gaza on December 16

It was yesterday revealed the Israel Defence Force (IDF) shot dead three Israeli hostages who had been holding up a white flag on a stick and were shirtless when they were mistaken for Hamas terrorists.

Seemingly addressing this news, Cameron and Baerbock wrote: 'The Israeli government should do more to discriminate sufficiently between terrorists and civilians, ensuring its campaign targets Hamas leaders and operatives.'

The foreign ministers then ended the piece by saying: 'We need to guarantee that the violence we are seeing is never repeated. That is the only route to lasting peace.

'During such a crisis, it can seem difficult to think of such a seemingly distant endpoint. But we must.

'We want fighting to cease not just today, but in the future. We want an end to the killing not just today, but in the future. We want peace for Israeli and Palestinian children, today and in the future.'

Meanwhile in an interview with the same paper, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggested such an approach would see 'hostages released, rockets stop flowing and there's actually a political process in place to make sure that we get to the day after'.

'I'm very concerned about potentially more people dying through illness and sickness than die through even the effects of the kinetic action of the war,' he said.
Harvard received its lowest number of early admission applications in years following a spew of controversies surrounding anti-Semitism and plagiarism.

The Ivy League university saw a 17 percent drop in applications from students applying through early admission with 7,921 total candidates, compared to last year's 9,553.

The decline doesn't come as a shock to many following the scandals that the prestigious institution has been wrapped up in over the past few months.

Jewish students, families and alumni have accused the school of tolerating antisemitism, especially in statements by pro-Palestinian demonstrators since the Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed around 1,200.

Harvard President Claudine Gay was accused of plagiarizing multiple sections of her Ph.D. thesis amid mounting pressure to step down after her disastrous congressional hearing regarding freedom of speech on campus in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Harvard received its lowest number of early admission application in years following a spew of controversies surrounding anti-Semitism and plagiarism

Jewish students, families and alumni have accused the school of tolerating antisemitism , especially in statements by pro-Palestinian demonstrators since the Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed around 1,200

Presidents of Harvard, MIT and UPenn faced heated questioning from committee chair Congresswoman Elise Stefanik at the recent congressional hearing

Harvard President Claudine Gay was accused of plagiarizing multiple sections of her Ph.D. thesis amid mounting pressure to step down after her disastrous congressional hearing regarding freedom of speech on campus in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza

Harvard launched a probe into claims that president Claudine Gay plagiarized some of her academic work in October - months before the accusations publicly emerged, the Ivy League revealed.

Early admissions applications were due on November 1 - a month prior to Gay's dreadful testimony at the December 5 congressional hearing.

This year's early admission application period is the first since the Supreme Court ruled to prohibit race-based admissions in higher education in June.

Harvards dean of admissions and financial aid, William Fitzsimmons, said he was excited about the 692 students the school accepted early.

'Its exciting to see that so many of the nations and the worlds most promising students have been admitted early to the Class of 2028,' Fitzsimmons said.

'Their extraordinary range of talent and many contributions to their communities will add immeasurably to Harvard over the next four years and beyond.'

The Ivy League university saw a 17 percent drop in applications from students applying through early admission with 7,921 total candidates, compared to last year's 9,553

Presidents of the prestigious universities - including Claudine Gay of Harvard - failed to assert that calls for genocide against Jews on campus would definitively constitute harassment during the recent congressional hearing

Harvard launched a probe into claims that president Claudine Gay plagiarized some of her academic work in October - months before the accusations publicly emerged, the Ivy League revealed

Meanwhile - two of Harvard's Ivy League competitors saw steady increases in their early admissions numbers.

Yale University counted 7,856 early applications this year - a 1.4 percent increase from last year and the second highest number in the school's history.

The University of Pennsylvania saw 500 more applications come in this year than last year - bumping from 8,000 up to 8,500.

UPenn's president Liz Magill resigned after her congressional testimony over antisemitism on campus last week.

Magill was summoned before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce by lawmakers alongside the presidents of Harvard and MIT concerned by reports of a rise in antisemitism at leading universities.

They faced heated questioning from committee chair Congresswoman Elise Stefanik but failed to assert that calls for genocide against Jews on campus would definitively constitute harassment.

Following international outcry, including more than 70 lawmakers calling for her resignation, Magill stood down from her role.
Sir Tony Blair has ruled out 'doing a David Cameron' and returning to the frontline of British politics as a peer amid speculation Keir Starmer could hand him a seat in the House of Lords should Labour win the next general election.

A spokesperson for the former Prime Minister told MailOnline this evening : 'It's not something he would consider. He is happy doing work with his Institute, which takes up the vast majority of his time, and informs the debate on the right policy solutions for the country.'

Since retiring from politics, Sir Tony has focused on his work with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a non-profit aimed at fighting religious and political extremism worldwide.

Fellow ex-PM David Cameron meanwhile made a shock return to politics as the new Foreign Secretary last month, displacing James Cleverly who has since taken over from Suella Braverman in the Home Office.

Lord Cameron remains a popular figure abroad, ranked the 10th most popular foreign politician according to YouGov - but is surpassed by Sir Tony in fourth place.

Sir Keir Starmer with former PM Tony Blair (right) in St James' Palace, September 10, 2022

UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron attends a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, on November 28

Despite his relative popularity abroad, Tony Blair's legacy in the UK is still marred by the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Some 55 per cent of YouGov respondents said they disliked the former Prime Minister, while 33 per cent liked him and 27 per cent were neutral on the matter.

The divisive tenure of Tony Blair, who held on to power from his landslide victory in 1997 until 2010, saw the former Prime Minister ranked both the best and worst leader of the Labour Party in a 2013 poll of British adults.

A more recent poll by Ipsos echoed the sentiment; 36 per cent of the British public said Sir Tony did a 'good job' in 2021 - placing him behind only Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher - as Prime Minister, but 36 per cent also said he did a bad job - behind Theresa May, David Cameron and Gordon Brown.

Blair remains popular among younger people, having pushed for swathes of society to go through higher education and develop marketable skills.

Critics argued it would lead to those with low academic ability undertaking unsuitable courses.

Last year he issued a call for 70 per cent of young people to go to university, saying it was key for the UK to be able to compete with high-innovation economies.

Blair also campaigned on tackling crime - and Britain did see a fall in the number of incidents from 16.7mn in 1997 to 10.7mn in 2008.

In 2004, then-Tory leader Michael Howard told the then-Prime Minister during PMQs that violent crime had risen by 64 per cent since 1998, however.

On his return to politics, David Cameron has already faced his fair share of challenges as Foreign Secretary. This week he has been involved in a diplomatic dispute with China over Beijing issuing of a bounty for the return of five who fled Hong Kong in 2020.

Simon Cheng, who worked for the UK government for two years in the British consulate, alleged he was tortured by China after the imposition of harsh security laws in 2020.

He fled along with Frances Hui, Joey Siu, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da after the sweeping national security law was brought in to quash dissent after massive pro-democracy protests.

David Cameron then called on British officials in Hong Kong, Beijing and London to 'raise this issue as a matter of urgency'.

It was a marked departure from longstanding efforts by Lord Cameron to build bridges between China and Britain during his tenure as Prime Minister - heralded as a 'golden age' for Sino-Anglo relations.

Only on Tuesday, Lord Cameron was again pressed as he stood with the son of democracy campaigner and British citizen Jimmy Lai, 76, who faces trial in Hong Kong for his work as a peaceful pro-democracy supporter.

Mr Lai faces life in prison if convicted by the draconian Hong Kong Court under the National Security Law, brought in in 2020.

Following the meeting with Lord Cameron, son Sebastien Lai said: 'I understand why Lord Cameron was unable to make any immediate commitments, but I left the meeting feeling hopeful that the UK will shortly add its voice to calls for my Dad's immediate and unconditional release.

Tony Blair, is hugged by his wife Cherie outside No. 10 Downing Street in London, shortly after his election win, Friday May 2, 1997

Front row from left, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Prime Ministers Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major attend the annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in London, Sunday, Nov. 12

In late November, bookies reported David Cameron still faced 12/1 odds to become the next Tory leader.

Nigel Farage's odds were slashed from 40/1 to 20/1 following an appearance on I'm a Celebrity.

Kemi Badenoch was MegaDice's favourite to lead after Rishi Sunak, with Suella Braverman trailing at 6/1 and Boris Johnson at 28/1.

The Sun on Sunday reported comments from the Tony Blair Institute this evening.
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is facing a recall amid a surge of violent crime in the city

An Oakland restaurant owner was robbed by multiple suspects after his vehicle crashed and flipped upside-down in a Mad Max-style car chase.

The harrowing event occurred early Friday morning on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland, California - a city likened to a hellscape in the Mad Max film series, where gangs roam in packs of vehicles in search of fuel.

Photos and videos captured the victim's Honda Accord flipping and landing on the Lake Merritt walking trail, as witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots after the crash.

The car chase started at International Plaza, a strip mall in the Little Saigon neighborhood that has been targeted by burglars in the past, as KTVU reported.

The victim, who has not been identified, noticed three cars tailing him and tried to drive away before the alleged robbers pointed a gun at him and stole his belongings.

'The front car flipped and crashed. (The) following cars stopped and several (people) dressed in black jumped out and started to surround the crashed car,' a videographer who witnessed the incident told KRON 4.

An Oakland restaurant owner was robbed by multiple suspects after his vehicle crashed and flipped upside-down in a Mad Max-style car chase on Friday morning

The victim, who has not been identified, noticed three cars tailing him and tried to drive away before the alleged robbers pointed a gun at him and stole his belongings

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is facing a recall amid a surge of violent crime in the city

Surveillance video obtained by police shows the victim was chased by a Dodge Charger, a Cadillac and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk on Lakeshore Avenue for about a mile.

'One of the vehicles collided with the victim's vehicle, causing the victim's vehicle to rollover,' Oakland police officer Rosalia Lopez wrote.

The victim ended up flipping over near Lake Merritt and finding himself surrounded by the suspects, including one who alleged pointed a gun at him.

His wife, who was 'scared and frustrated' by the robbery, said: 'He noticed that there's four cars driving in, so he drove off.

'They point a gun at him. They took his gun and money. It's a small handgun to protect himself,' she added.

Authorities said that suspects fired multiple gunshots as they fled the scene, but the victim was not hit.

Officer Lopez said: 'An armed individual exited one of the vehicles and took the victims personal belongings before fleeing the area.

'As the three vehicles were fleeing the area, the victim (heard) gunshots. The victim was not struck by gunfire during the incident.'

The harrowing event occurred on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland, California - a city often likened to a hellscape in the Mad Max film series (pictured), where gangs roam in packs of vehicles in search of fuel

Both witnesses and the victim reported being put on hold when they dialed 911 during the car chase and the robbery.

The videographer said, 'While all of this was going on, myself and at least four other people had dialed 911 and were on hold.'

'I was on the call with 911 while they was chasing me!' the victim told witnesses.

The suspects were last seen in cars on Lakeshore Avenue toward Interstate 580, authorities said.

The Mad Max-style car robbery occurred less than a week after a Oakland 7-Eleven security guard was shot dead during a store robbery.

James Johnson, 59, was shot by a suspect inside the convenience store as the security guard tried to stop the suspect from stealing merchandise last week.

James Johnson, 59, was shot dead by a suspect inside a 7-Eleven in Oakland last week after he tired to stop them from stealing merchandize

Johnson worked at the 7-Eleven in the Adams Point neighborhood for about two years and lived in a house behind the store

The Oakland DA was elected in 2022 and has faced major criticism as the crime rate in Oakland and the entire Bay Area has rapidly increased

Johnson's daughter who went by the name Snow said her father worked at the store for approximately two years and that he lived in the building behind it in the Adams Point neighborhood.

'He was protecting the family at 7-Eleven, 'cause I know how my father is. He would do that for anyone he cared and loved,' Snow tearfully said to KPIX 5 News.

Investigators said they have surveillance video that captured the crime but have not arrested the suspect.

As Snow broke down in front of the store, she revealed she and her father recently lost her mother, Julie Johnson, just ten months ago.

'She died four days before my birthday and I just found out from my little brother that my dad died,' Snow said.

Violent crime is running rampant across the Dem-led Californian city, with business owners now comparing the area to a 'battleground' akin to wartime Vietnam.

Residents have to to leave their car windows down to prevent the glass from being shattered when thieves break in.

There have been 3,469 robberies including 1,554 that had firearms involved this year in Oakland, a 36 percent increase from the previous year.

In August Oakland NAACP leaders called for a state of emergency over the soaring crime rate and blamed Price for it

Restaurants in Oakland have been losing thousands a week as diners have their cars and jewelry robbed mid meal - with locals now avoiding the city's downtown area.

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is facing a recall as a result, with hundreds of locals forming a group, named Save Alameda for Everyone, in a bid to oust Price from her position because of her soft-on-crime approach.

In October, volunteers took to the streets in East Oakland in an effort to recall Price, who was elected in 2022 as the district attorney of Alameda County.

And back in August, Oakland NAACP leaders called for a state of emergency over the soaring crime rate, as they attributed it to the defund the police movement and Price.
Experts have claimed they were 'duped' into appearing in Baroness Michelle Mone's documentary amid an ongoing investigation into the PPE Medpro firm.

The Conservative peer and Ultimo bra tycoon starred in the film as part of her public defence over the controversy surrounding 'Covid VIP lane' contracts that were awarded to the company during the pandemic.

She gave an interview where she denied any 'role or function' in PPE Medpro, which was awarded more than 200 million to supply the Government with personal protective equipment after Lady Mone recommended it to ministers.

The documentary, which was funded by PPE Medpro, according to the Sunday Telegraph, also heard from experts discussing the use of PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic and the wider scandal in general.

However, they have now said they were unaware of Baroness Mone's involvement or that it had been paid for by the firm, with one claiming he had been 'used' to add 'respectability and seriousness' to the now 'discredited' film.

Experts have claimed they were 'duped' into appearing in Baroness Michelle Mone's (pictured) documentary amid an ongoing investigation into the PPE Medpro firm.

PPE Medpro was awarded Government contracts worth more than 200 million to supply personal protective equipment after Lady Mone recommended it to ministers

She gave an interview where she denied any 'role or function' in PPE Medpro, which was awarded than 200 million to supply the Government with personal protective equipment after Lady Mone recommended it to ministers

The National Crime Agency (NCA), confirmed it has been investigating Ms Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman's role in the scandal since May 2021.

PPE Medpro was awarded Government contracts worth more than 200 million to supply personal protective equipment after Lady Mone recommended it to ministers.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has since issued breach of contract proceedings over the 2020 deal on the supply of gowns.

She and her husband broke their silence in the documentary where they spoke to Mark Williams-Thomas, an investigative journalist who is best known for exposing Jimmy Saville as a paedophile in The Other Side of Jimmy Saville, a television documentary he presented in 2012.

David Oliver, a former president of the Royal College of Physicians, also appeared in the film to discuss PPE shortages in hospitals during the pandemic.

Mr Oliver, 57, said he was initially approached in August by Mr Williams-Thomas's assistant, and he understood that the film would focus on PPE supplies during Covid rather than the scandal itself.

He told The Sunday Times: 'At no point was it mentioned by the production team that they would be receiving funding from PPE Medpro or any other PPE supplier  let alone that they would be using my interview in a documentary that also gave a platform to Baroness Mone.

'If either of these things had been made clear to me at any point, I would have refused to be interviewed or have my interview used.

The National Crime Agency (NCA), confirmed it has been investigating her and her husband Doug Barrowman's (pictured together) role in the scandal since May 2021

Baroness Mone in the House of Lords before the State Opening Of Parliament at Houses of Parliament in 2017

'I do not think Mr Williams-Thomas has behaved with integrity, transparency or full disclosure. It is disappointing to be used in that way, to try and provide an appearance of respectability and seriousness to a documentary that has been discredited as a piece of independent investigative journalism due to its funding and Michelle Mone using it as a platform for her self-defence.'

Another expert, Nadra Ahmed, chairman of the National Care Association, said she was also unaware that Baroness Mone would appear in the film and that it was funded by PPE Medpro.

She told The Sunday Times she was interviewed by Mr Williams-Thomas in September for what she thought was a documentary about PPE. She only recently discovered that it would feature an 'exclusive interview with Baroness Mone'.

Ms Ahmed told the newspaper: 'I was told it was a documentary about PPE, because I would not have got involved with anything where there was a third party involved unless I knew who they were.

'Im disturbed to hear it, definitely. Im a bit annoyed to say the least that this person did not tell me this was being funded by people who were trying to defend themselves, whether theyre right or wrong, I dont really care. I feel they should have been upfront.'

Lady Mone had initially denied having any links to PPE Medpro but admitted in the film: 'I made an error in what I said to the press.

'I regret not saying to the press straight away, "Yes, I am involved." And the Government knew I was involved.'

Lady Mone, who was made a peer by Lord David Cameron in 2015, claimed it is '100% a lie' to suggest she was not transparent with officials, and her husband claimed a 'DHSC negotiator' suggested the case could 'go away' for the right sum.

Doug Barrowman (left) pictured with Baroness Michelle Mone (right) at Cheltenham in 2019

She said in the documentary: 'It's 100 per cent a lie. It's not true. I wanted the guys to succeed, I wanted the NHS to succeed. I wanted a win-win situation.'

When asked what she felt when the pandemic hit, she said: 'I thought I could fix it. I could fix it by getting quality PPE on time at the best prices.'

The Baroness said she broke her silence on the controversy as she 'just can't take it anymore'.

She claimed she has received messages from people calling for her to be put in jail, for her to be 'put in an orange jumpsuit' and even someone who wrote 'I'm going to throw acid on her'.

The scandal has negatively affected her mental health, as she admitted she is seeing a doctor and is on medicine currently.

She said: 'I'm not doing well at the moment with my mental health. I don't want people to feel sorry for me but I'm in a lot of pain and I'm struggling.

'It's been a real fight. But we will win because we've done nothing wrong. It's cruel and it's nasty but we will win.'

Lady Mone argued she is being used as a scapegoat by the Government for its own Covid failings.

'I am ashamed of being a Conservative peer given what this Government has done to us,' she told The Telegraph.

Baroness Mone and Douglas Barrowman at 'Dining With The Stars' charity dinner in 2019

The couple pictured at Casa Do Lago restaurant in Quinta do Lago, in February this year

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, who allegedly had involvement in the contract process, insisted that 'ministers did not take individual decisions' on pandemic contracts.

Mr Gove told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'Those decisions were taken after a painstaking process by teams of civil servants who assess the worthiness of any contract that's put forward.

'So the suggestion, which some have put forward, that somehow ministers were seeking deliberately to do favours, or line the pockets of other individuals, I think is totally unjustified because the decisions were only taken after a proper, coherent and fair procurement process.

'As with any procurement process, might it sometimes be the case that the goods which have been bought turn out to not to be adequate - that is deeply regrettable but that is a consequence of what happened at pressure.'

Matt Hancock and Mr Gove were both questioned by NCA as part of their investigation.

Others questioned include Lord Bethell, a former Health Minister, and Lord Agnew, who served in the Cabinet Office.

Former Health Secretary Hancock has previously claimed the Baroness sent him 'aggressive' emails.

In response, she said in the film: 'I can sometimes come across as feisty, but I'm not aggressive, I'm not abusive. To be honest, I'm not a fan of his anyway.'

Mr Hancock was responsible for four companies being referred to the VIP contracts scheme.

One of them was Excalibur Healthcare Services, a medical company run by a Labour donor that was asked to provide ventilators.

The firm charged 135 million, or 50,000 each, to supply 2,700 ventilators. Three weeks earlier another company had provided the same model of VG70 ventilator for 8,800, according to the Times.

A DHSC spokesman said: 'We do not comment on ongoing legal cases.'
A Democrat congressional aide who was fired for filming a gay sex tape in the Senate is facing possible criminal charges after his X-rated clip swept the internet.

Aidan Maese-Czeropski, 24, was fired by Maryland Senator Ben Cardin Saturday afternoon, less than a day after a lewd video showing two men having sex in a Senate hearing room was exposed.

The Capitol Police are reportedly now investigating the explicit incident, which occurred in the same room where Supreme Court justice nominees are grilled by senators.

The aide, who appeared in a 2020 campaign video with Joe Biden, already sparked backlash as he released his own statement on LinkedIn on Friday night, alleging that he is being 'attacked for who I love to pursue a political agenda.'

'While some of my actions in the past have shown poor judgement, I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace,' he said.

'Any attempts to characterize my actions otherwise are fabricated and I will be exploring what legal options are available to me in these matters.'

While the embattled staffer says he is considering legal action, he may be joined by Capitol Police as they are reportedly looking into whether he broke any laws. Those could include trespassing and obscenity.

Senate staffer Aidan Maese-Czeropski could face a criminal investigation after a clip of two men filming themselves having sex in the US Senate went viral

Maese-Czeropski offended some with his response, where he claimed the allegations against him were only because he is being ' attacked for who I love to pursue a political agenda'

The footage was reportedly intended to be shared to a private group of gay individuals in Washington, before it surfaced online and circulated rapidly

Contacted by DailyMail.com Saturday morning, shortly before his firing was confirmed, Maese-Czeropski's mother Magdalena Rivera Maese implied her son had been left distraught by what had happened, saying: 'You don't want to know how he's doing.'

But his fortunes may worsen as an investigation has reportedly been launched into the video, which was said to be initially shared in a private group chat for gay men on The Hill.

According to attorney Jonathan Turley, there are a number of laws that could potentially have been broken, including whether an unofficial use of the hearing room could be considered trespassing.

He added that the footage could land the staffer in legal hot water if it was shot in the public room to make revenue, or if it could constitute a lewd, indecent or obscene act.

There is also reportedly a question mark over whether he misused or damaged government property.

Just days before the videos surfaced, Jewish Congressman Max Miller told the Washington Free Beacon Maese-Czeropski confronted him and screamed 'Free Palestine' in his face.

Maese-Czeropski said of those allegations: 'As for the accusations regarding Congressman Max Miller, I have never seen the congressman and had no opportunity or cause to yell or confront him.'

The aide has worked for Maryland Senator Ben Cardin (pictured) since October 2021, particularly focusing on foreign policy, tax and trade, according to his LinkedIn

Footage of the fling, first exposed by the Daily Caller, shows a young looking male staffer bent over a conference room in the Hart Senate Office Building.

Another man stands behind him, filming the sex act they're performing in X-rated detail.

The staffer is seen in a separate picture naked and on all fours on a table where Senators often sit and ask questions during hearings.

The footage was allegedly shared in a private group for gay men in the political scene, and reportedly appeared on a since-deleted account on X.

Its owner identifies himself s a 'twink' (young, smooth-bodied gay man) engaging in sex acts with his older 'bear' partner.

According to his LinkedIn, Maese-Czeropski has worked in Cardin's office since October 2021, and previously worked as a field organizer for the Democratic Party in Virginia and as a climate researcher for charity Friends of the Earth.

Cardin announced his retirement at the end of his current term in May, and his office has not commented on the allegations against his staffer. Maese-Czeropski did not immediately respond to attempts to contact him.

The Congressional staffer is accused of filming the explicit footage in a hearing room inside the Hart Senate Office Building (pictured)

Congressman Mike Collins reacted to the video on social media and hit out at the actions of the alleged staffer.

'Heck of a week for the Left,' he wrote. 'Gay porn in the Senate, swearing in ceremony on child porn in Virginia, t****y tap dancers in the White House, and Satanic statues in Iowa. What else am I missing?'

The aide once appeared in a campaign video for President Biden in a 'thank you' message days after he won the 2020 election, briefly speaking with Biden in the montage clip.

A woman claiming to be his mother thanked the newly-elected President on X after seeing her son in the promo, saying her son has 'worked tirelessly with the DNC of Virginia - congratulations to all!'

Maese-Czeropski allegedly caused a separate incident just days before the explicit videos surfaced, as Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller accused him of confronting him over his support for Israel.

Jewish Congressman Max Miller, a former aide to Donald Trump, accused Maese-Czeropski of confronting him in Congress just days before the lewd footage surfaced, claiming the aide screamed 'free Palestine' at him

Maese-Czeropski appeared alongside President Biden in a campaign video from November 2020, as the campaign thanked supporters for the Democrat's victory

From the bottom of my heart: thank you. pic.twitter.com/s76oHFkr66  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 8, 2020

Miller claimed to the Washington Free Beacon that Maese-Czeropski marched towards him outside a coffee shop in the Cannon House Office Building on Wednesday, as he was mid-interview with NBC News' Ali Vitali.

Miller said the aide was 'visibly shaking' as he made a beeline towards him, feeling the staffer was 'very upset in my presence because he's a snowflake.'

'And he just comes right back up to me and was like, Free Palestine'', Miller said.

'And I was like, okay'... I'm not going to give him a reaction because that's what he wants.'

Miller claimed that Vitali was stunned at the exchange and branded it 'blatant antisemitism.'

Vitali didn't go as far in her own remarks on the incident, saying on X: 'A House staffer just passed by GOP Rep. Max Miller who is Jewish and has been supportive of sending aide to Israel and said free Palestine.

'Pretty rare and stunning to see staff challenge members to their faces this way.'

The aide denied the allegations in his statement to LinkedIn, claiming he has 'never seen the congressman and had no opportunity or cause to yell or confront him.'
Trump told his MAGA groupies that migrants from 'all over the world' are 'poisoning the blood of our country' - a phrase he copied from Hitler.

At a rally in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump stood in front of a crowd of MAGA Republicans and said that illegal immigrants 'poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world'.

Although he didn't elaborate on how migrants are 'poisoning' mental institutions and prisons - Trump's words resemble those of Adolf Hitler, who famously used the same phrase in his book Mein Kampf.

'All great cultures of the past perished only because the originally creative race died out from blood poisoning,' the German dictator wrote in his 1925 manifesto.

Trump told his MAGA groupies that migrants from 'all over the world' are 'poisoning the blood of our country' - a phrase he copied from Hitler

At a rally in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump stood in front of a crowd of MAGA Republicans and said that illegal immigrants 'poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world'

Trump's words resemble those of Adolf Hitler, who famously used the same phrase in his book Mein Kampf: ''All great cultures of the past perished only because the originally creative race died out from blood poisoning'

Trump also told his followers: 'We've got a lot of work to do - you know, when they let, I think the real number is 15, 16 million people into our country. When they do that - we've got a lot of work to do.'

It's unclear where he got this figure from because the U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that three million migrants have crossed the border in 2023 - not 15 or 16 million, as Trump claimed.

He elaborated that the migrants had 'poisoned' mental institutions and prisons 'all over the world' - not just in South America and not just the 'three or four countries that we think about'.

Trump said immigrants are 'pouring into our country' from Africa, Asia and all over the world. He even claimed that 'nobody is even looking at them, they just come in'.

The former President then incoherently ranted: 'The crime is going to tremendous, the terrorism is going to be, terrorism is going to be... and we built a tremendous piece of the wall and then we're going to build more and the election was rigged.

'We didn't do it but I figured they'd just throw it up - it was all built, it was all ready to be just hoisted up. The exact wall that the border patrol who are incredible, Brandon Judd and all of the people at border patrol - that's exactly what they designed.'

By the time Biden took office in January 2021 only 452 miles of wall had been constructed and only 40 miles of that wall was brand new, most of it replaced old fencing - so Trump's claims that the wall was 'all built' are not accurate.

This 458 miles is a fraction of the 1,954 mile border between the US and Mexico, POLITICO reported.

This isn't the first time Trump has been likened to the leader of the Nazis - Hillary Clinton made a direct comparison between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler as she claimed the former president winning in 2024 would lead to 'almost unimaginable wreckage' for America.

She drew parallels between how the Nazi leader became a dictator and what she claimed were Trump's 'dictatorial, authoritarian tendencies' which would lead to the 'end of our country as we know it'.

Trump told his fans that immigrants are 'pouring into our country' from Africa, Asia and all over the world. He even claimed that 'nobody is even looking at them, they just come in'

The former President then incoherently ranted: 'The crime is going to tremendous, the terrorism is going to be, terrorism is going to be... and we built a tremendous piece of the wall and then we're going to build more and the election was rigged'

Trump used the same phrase back in October - prompting former Fox News host Geraldo Rivera to denounce the former President for claiming migrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country,' and expressing his shock at the 'extraordinary, hateful, Hitler-like quote.'

Trump drew astonished backlash from critics after making the remark in an October video interview where he repeated his prior claims that migrants are criminals, insane, terrorists and diseased.

'Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from. We know they come from mental institutions and insane asylums. We know they're terrorists,' Trump said in the interview with The National Pulse, a right-leaning website.

'It's poisoning the blood of our country. It's so bad, and people are coming in with disease. People are coming in with every possible thing that you could have,' said Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination.

Rivera, a veteran journalist and commentator, slammed the comment as 'disgusting' in a post on X, adding: 'Not only does it harken back to the Nazi-era, it is also part of the shameful, vile, centuries old tradition of claiming falsely that immigrants carry diseases.'
Viewers are being encouraged to participate in the dumping by yelling 'Huzzah!' as the actors dramatically destroy pounds of tea

The event began at 4pm and will go on till 8pm and tea for the reenactment is being supplied by the East India Company

Patriotic Bostonians are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Tea Party with an elaborative re-enactment today.

The Tea Party is considered a pivotal event leading the Revolutionary War against British rule.

The commemoration of the Boston Tea Party included scheduled reenactments of throwing tea leaves into the city's harbor and community meetings that preceded the defiant act on Dec. 16, 1773.

City officials expect to see thousands of visitors arrive at the celebration.

'It's a reminder for all of us, not just here in the United States but all over the world, that democracy is in action: Doing whats right, no matter the odds, for our friends, our families, our homes, our future,' Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said at a news conference Friday previewing the anniversary.

Tea for the reenactment is being supplied by the East India Company, the same British company at the center of the raucous dispute.

Patriotic Bostonians are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Tea Party with reenactments of throwing tea leaves into the city's harbor and community meetings

According to the schedule, the live re-enactment will begin at 4pm at Faneuil Hall. While tickets are sold out for seats, people can still gather outside and watch screenings of what's going on inside

According to the schedule, the live re-enactment began at 4pm at Faneuil Hall. While tickets are sold out for seats, people can still gather outside and watch screenings of what's going on inside.

Around 6pm at Downtown Crossing, a town crier will deliver news to the crowds of 'Patriots and Loyalists' gathered outside of re-enacted events simmering inside the Old South Meeting House.

The website explains: 'This free outdoor event features citizens of colonial Boston as they take the state to discuss the news of the tea crisis and ramifications for their families, businesses, and the American colonies.'

Between 6.15 pm and 7.15 pm, crows are expected to gather at Old South Meeting House, where on the night of the dumping 250 years ago, 5,000 men gathered for a final meeting about the controversial tea tax and Samuel Adams gave the signal that would start the riot.

At 7.30pm, a rolling rally led by fife and drum corps will march toward Harborwalk. The procession is free and open to the public.

At 8pm, re-enactors will board two replica ships and prepare to throw tea into the water.

At 7.30pm, a rolling rally led by fife and drum corps will march toward Harborwalk. The procession is free and open to the public

In 1773, the revolutionaries had dumped some 92,000 pounds of tea worth nearly $2 million today into the murky waters of Boston Harbor

The December 16th group said 'more than 2,000 donations of loose tea have been received from all 50 states and from all around the globe in addition to 250 pounds from London's East India Company.'

Viewers are being encouraged to participate in the dumping by yelling 'Huzzah!' as the actors dramatically destroy pounds of tea

In 1773, the revolutionaries had dumped some 92,000 pounds of tea worth nearly $2 million today into the murky waters of Boston Harbor.

Some tea types included Bohea, Congou, Hyson, Singlo and Souchong.

At the time, the British responded with military rule and other sanctions on Massachusetts, stoking American opposition to colonial rule.
Labour has been accused of hypocrisy for selecting a candidate who runs a business organising children's holidays to Rwanda  while the party opposes Rishi Sunak's policy of sending illegal migrants there on the grounds it is unsafe.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Sam Rushworth, who is standing to be MP in the target seat of Bishop Auckland in County Durham, is the founder of a company called African Dreams, which specialises in sending children as young as 13 to Rwanda.

Describing the country as a 'safe and supporting environment' for children, it promises to 'give your teenager an unforgettable summer of action and adventure'. The company also offers a 'paradise package' in the central African nation, charging 1,999 per person for a ten-day holiday.

Yet Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has branded the Government's plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda as 'shameful', and 'deeply unethical', saying it 'goes against core British values, standards of decency and basic duty of care'.

Mr Rushworth has also publicly criticised the Rwanda scheme  while also using it to advertise his business.

Labour has been accused of hypocrisy for selecting a candidate who runs a business organising children's holidays to Rwanda  while the party opposes Rishi Sunak's policy of sending illegal migrants there on the grounds it is unsafe

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Sam Rushworth, who is standing to be MP in the target seat of Bishop Auckland in County Durham, is the founder of a company called African Dreams, which specialises in sending children as young as 13 to Rwanda

In 2022, while he was chairman of the local Labour Party, he told MPs discussing the plans that he 'recommends' using Africa Dreams to visit Rwanda and tweeted a link to his company's website  without declaring his interest in it.

He has also said that he would 'love dual citizenship' with Rwanda, and said on social media that people should go there 'to escape the UK winter'.

Mr Rushworth founded African Dreams in 2018 and co-owns the Bishop Auckland-based company with his wife. He has described it as 'Rwanda's No 1 tour company'.

Advertising its Camp Rwanda package for schoolchildren, the company said: 'Give your teenager an unforgettable summer of action and adventure at our all inclusive summer camp. For the same price as most domestic summer camps we offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore Rwanda's wealth of wildlife and culturally enriching activities, in a safe and supportive environment, while making friends from around the world.'

Rishi Sunak last week oversaw a potential Commons rebellion to introduce legislation to designate Rwanda a safe country  after the Supreme Court ruled his proposals to send asylum seekers there unlawful.

Last week Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would scrap the scheme if he becomes Prime Minister and described it as a 'gimmick' and 'political performance art'.

Mr Rushworth told the MoS last night that the profits from African Dreams go to Rwandan charities and that he does not take a salary or dividends from the company. He added that he was 'proud' to have set up a business to 'provide opportunities for people in Rwanda where all the profits remained in Rwanda'.

Mr Rushworth said that Covid had affected the business and that it is not currently organising tours, but plans to start up again. He said he had not declared the business in his 2022 tweet because he was not yet an MP. He has since taken the website down.

Conservative party chairman Richard Holden said: 'The level of sheer hypocrisy from Sir Keir Starmer's hand-picked Labour candidate is utterly staggering

Bishop Auckland is a 'red wall' seat which fell to the Tories at the 2019 Election with a 7,962 majority  after almost 85 years as a Labour constituency.

Conservative party chairman Richard Holden said: 'The level of sheer hypocrisy from Sir Keir Starmer's hand-picked Labour candidate is utterly staggering.

'Labour have voted more than 60 times to block our plans to tackle illegal immigration with flights to Rwanda pretending it's not safe  yet one of their top candidates is selling children's holidays there! It's unbelievable hypocrisy.'

Michael Tomlinson, newly appointed Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, said: 'The hypocrisy of the Labour Party has been exposed  every time Labour chooses to play political games, trying to block the Conservatives' plan to stop the boats, rather than doing the right thing for the country. As The Mail on Sunday has revealed, Labour's candidate thinks Rwanda is so safe he's been sending children there for holidays yet his party take every opportunity to stop illegal migrants being sent there.'

A Labour spokesman said last night: 'This is desperate stuff even by the Tories own standards. It's ludicrous to try and compare a school trip with subcontracting our asylum system to Rwanda.

'It was the UK courts, not the Labour Party, that determined Rwanda wasn't an appropriate place for the Government to send asylum seekers to.

'The Tories should stop wasting millions of taxpayers' money on this Rwanda gimmick and deliver Labour's plan to smash the gangs which is the only thing that will work to stop the channel crossings.'
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

In a surprising and significant announcement on Saturday, former South African President Jacob Zuma declared that he will not campaign for the African National Congress (ANC) in the upcoming 2024 elections. Zuma cited a misalignment of values with the current ANC leadership under President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressing concerns that the party has deviated from its historical roots.Zuma, a key figure in the ANC and the anti-apartheid struggle, asserted, "My conscience will not allow me to lie to the people of South Africa and to pretend that the ANC of Ramaphosa is the ANC of Luthuli, Tambo, and Mandela. It is not the ANC that I joined and went to jail for."Aligning himself with other former ANC leaders, including Thabo Mbeki, Zuma argued that supporting the ANC under Ramaphosa would be a betrayal of the party's founding principles.However, Zuma didn't stop at distancing himself from the ANC; he also revealed his decision to vote for the Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) Party in the 2024 elections. The MK Party, registered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) with Zuma's approval, aims to address the concerns raised by Zuma and others who believe that the ANC has strayed from its original mission.Zuma urged all South Africans to join him in voting for the MK Party and any other progressive parties that seek total liberation and the return of land to its rightful owners, the African people. He emphasized the need for unity among both young and older leaders to navigate the challenges facing the country.In recent months, Zuma revealed that he has engaged in discussions with leaders of various progressive political parties, aiming to foster unity among the historically oppressed and dispossessed in South Africa. These discussions include talks about the formation of a Patriotic Front and a voting bloc following the 2024 election to pursue a minimum consensus program."The single aim is to steer the ship of total liberation from colonialism back on course by uniting Africans across the country, the African continent, and the African diaspora behind the battle for land, justice, and radical transformation towards economic freedom," Zuma stated.Zuma's announcement adds a new dimension to the political landscape in South Africa, setting the stage for a potentially significant realignment of political forces ahead of the 2024 elections. The endorsement of the MK Party and the call for unity underscore the deep-seated concerns about the direction of the nation's politics and the quest for a more just and equitable future.
A Belgian municipality on Saturday stripped French actor Gerard Depardieu of the title of honorary citizen over misogynistic comments broadcast in a French documentary earlier this month.

Depardieu, 74, was charged with rape in 2020 and has also faced 13 accusations of sexual harassment or assault, all of which he denies.

The documentary, 'The Fall of the Ogre', aired on French public television on December 7, showed clips of the actor during a 2018 trip to North Korea.

He repeatedly makes explicit sexual comments in the presence of a female interpreter, sexualising a small girl riding a horse.

The actor's lawyers criticised the documentary in a statement Saturday, saying that it was 'a contested and questionable programme which broadcast a montage of images captured in the intimate and private sphere'.

Depardieu, 74, was charged with rape in 2020 and has also faced 13 accusations of sexual harassment or assault, all of which he denies (File Photo)

But the Belgium municipality of Estaimpuis announced it was revoking the title given to Depardieu when he lived there in 2013.

The local authorities said the actor's comments broadcast on television 'run counter to the values promoted by the municipality of Estaimpuis'.

The Belgian decision comes a day after France's culture minister denounced Depardieu's behaviour.

Rima Abdul Malak said a 'disciplinary procedure' was being launched to decide whether to strip him of the country's top honour, the Legion of Honour.

The French film star's lawyers told AFP on Saturday that he was putting his Legion of Honour award at the disposal of the minister.

However, Depardieu's lawyers, Beatrice Geissmann Achille and Christian Saint-Palais, suggested in a statement that such a move could deal 'a further blow to an already dying presumption of innocence'.

They also questioned whether it was part of Abdul Malak's role to participate 'so actively in the manhunt' and 'media lynching' to which they believe their client is being subjected.

Depardieu was awarded with the Legion of Honour at the Elysee Palace, in Paris on May 2, 1996

The actor - who has more than 200 roles to his name, including in the 1990 comedy 'Green Card' and the Netflix series 'Marseille' - has denied any wrongdoing.

In the face of the growing controversy in France, Belgian media has reported that Depardieu has returned to live in the country in a village close to the French border.

Depardieu's initial move to Belgium back in 2012 was heavily criticised in his homeland as it was viewed as a way of dodging the French tax system.

The Canadian province of Quebec on Wednesday stripped Depardieu of its top honour over his 'scandalous' comments against women in the France 2 report.

'The scandalous remarks made by Gerard Depardieu in front of the cameras shocked the international public, with good reason. His behavior tarnishes the reputation of the members of the National Order of Quebec,' Francois Legault, the leader of the Canadian province, said in a statement.

'I therefore took the decision to order his removal from the Order, effective immediately,' he said.
A second person has been stuck by lightning after wild weather battered southeast Queensland and left a ten-year-old girl fighting for life.

Paramedics rushed a man to the Gold Coast University Hospital after he was struck by lightning at a home in the city's north after 4pm on Saturday.

The man, aged in his 60s, is in a stable condition after being hit at Biggera Waters on the northern Gold Coast.

Emergency services said the man was alert and speaking when they arrived.

It comes after a ten-year-old girl was struck by lightning at a private property on Clarkes Road in Beerwah, on the Sunshine Coast, at about 2.30pm the same day.

A man in his 60s was on Saturday afternoon struck by lightning at Biggera Waters on the northern Gold Coast (stock image pictured)

Emergency services rushed the girl to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition where she remains.

Residents said the effects of the storm were not as severe as what was experienced on Friday night.

'It just really started to rain, the wind went crazy,' Wilson Timbers general manager Caleb Woolridge told 9News.

It comes as record-breaking damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain wreaked havoc across Queensland's southeast.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued several severe weather warnings since the storms began moving over the region on Friday.

An alert at 3.20pm on Saturday warned Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Brisbane City, Moreton Bay and Gympie council areas could see severe thunderstorms, damaging wind, hail, heavy rain and flash flooding.

Hail stones four centimetres large fell over Beaudesert, to the west of the Gold Coast, at about 4pm.

It follows freak storms on Friday night which caused widespread damage across the region.

A child is in critical condition after being struck by lightning amid severe storms in southeast Queensland (pictured, a forecast of storms for Saturday)

Record-breaking damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain continue to wreak havoc across Queensland 's southeast

BOM senior meteorologist Shane Kennedy said winds recorded in Archerfield, south Brisbane, were the strongest recorded in more than 75 years.

'169km/h in Archerfield was a record from 143km/h back in 1946,' he said.

'That's the kind of thing we only see every few years or so.'

The storms on Friday claimed the life of a 30-year-old man who was discovered unconscious near fallen powerlines in Murrarie.

He was found by emergency services at about 5pm following calls from the public and was declared dead at the scene.

SES volunteers have responded to upwards of 180 distress calls since Friday afternoon and more than 9,500 properties have lost power.

'Energex received over 250 reports of powerlines down through those storms yesterday and most of that was caused by things like trees, roofing iron, other debris being blown or falling onto those power lines,' Rob Stork from Energex told the ABC.

'So it has really caused some extensive damage, which is going to take some time to repair.

'Our crews have been hard at it overnight, and certainly made some good gains, but [there's] a lot more work to be done today.'

Meanwhile, further north, ex-tropical cyclone Jasper is slowly moving into the Gulf of Carpenteria.

Hail measuring four-centimetres large was seen in Beaudesert (above) on Saturday afternoon ahead of more storms

One weather guru has warned Australians in the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland they are not yet out of the woods, with a chance the system could 'reintensify' and remerge as another cyclone.

BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines delivered the alarming news in a weather update from Saturday afternoon, warning the remnants of Jasper could soon return with force.

'The risk of re intensification does increase,' he said.

'We have a moderate chance that Jasper will turn back into a tropical cyclone, through the second half of the next week, through Wednesday until Friday.

'If it does so, there are a number of paths that the system could take.

'It may affect parts of the Top End of the Northern Territory or it could even double back and affect Far North Queensland through the second half of next week and into next weekend.'

The Jasper system will likely be a tropical low as it moves away from the Cape York region of Far North Queensland and enters the warms waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria from Sunday through to Tuesday.
Labor's traditional working class vote is deserting the Albanese government, according to a new poll.

In an even more concerning development for besieged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, voters with vocational and TAFE educations are not defecting to progressive parties, such as the Greens or Teals, but directly to the Coalition.

The exodus was reported by Victorian-based pollster Redbridge, which found blue collar support for the government had slumped from 36 per cent to 30.

This sees the Government's two-party preferred support with this group drop from 57 down to 48 per cent.

There are worrying polling signs for the Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

More than half of those polled (53 per cent) said Labor is focused on the right priorities, with only 30 per cent thinking they the government had the right focus.

The dip in support from blue collared workers comes despite Mr Albanese's strong ties to the working class.

Mr Albanese continuously revisited stories from his childhood during his election campaign - recalling how he was raised by a single mother in commission housing.

The Prime Minister even labelled himself a 'working class boy from public housing'.

READ MORE: Anthony Albanese is called out over his holiday to a West Australian winery with Jodie Haydon where he had a glass from a $500 bottle of red amid cost of living crisis Advertisement

Mr Albanese had promised to 'get wages moving' and usher in sweeping industrial relations reforms. Among the promises was closing loopholes used by bosses to undercut pay and work conditions.

The cost-of-living crisis has turned many voters against Mr Albanese who was recently photographed enjoying a glass from a $500 bottle of wine - making him appear out of touch with his humble roots.

In another ominous sign for Labor, for the first time a majority of voters think Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Coalition are ready to govern.

RedBridge Director Tony Bary said the trends were not good for Labor.

'A lot of the lead indicator numbers in our polling is moving away from Albanese and will start to drag his vote down if he doesn't take strong remedial action,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

'The Albanese Government's capacity for navel gazing on issues that aren't personally relevant to most voters is starting to become a big political problem.'

On an overall two-party preferred basis the result is almost the same to last year's election with Labor ahead 52.1 to 47.9 per cent.

Labor's primary vote is almost identical at 33 per cent, while the Coalition at 35 per cent lags the 41. per cent it registered under Scott Morrison.

Previous polling by Redbridge in marginal Queensland and South Australian federal seats found Mr Albanese was not viewed favourably in focus groups.

New polling shows that voters in trades and other blue collar occupations are deserting federal Labor

Participants labeled him a 'beta male' who wasn't fixing their preoccupying concern of rising cost of living

'He hasn't really addressed cost-of-living and I get there's global factors at play but I don't think he's done much concrete action on it,' one participant said.

'I just don't see a lot of action on cost-of-living pressures. He's missing in action and now he's running off overseas again,' one said.

In its latest polling Redbridge also tested views on immigration and found that a whopping 70 per cent of respondents thought Australian cities were overcrowded.

Forty six per cent believed immigration should be cut with only 8 per cent saying it should increase.

'Voters now readily recognise there is a housing supply and demand issue and they are making a link between that problem, supporting infrastructure and immigration levels,' Mr Bary said.

Australia took in a record 400,000 migrants last financial year leading to concerted pressure on the government to cut the intake.

In a belated response Mr Albanese earlier this month admitted the immigration system was 'broken' and vowed to fix it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the army's killing of three hostages in Gaza in a case of mistaken identity was heart-breaking, but 'military pressure is necessary' to bring the other captives home.

'It broke my heart. It broke the whole nation's heart,' he said of the deaths, while adding: 'With all the deep sorrow, I want to clarify: the military pressure is necessary both for the return of the kidnapped and for achieving victory over our enemies.'

The news of their killing has sparked furious protests on the streets of Tel Aviv, with the families of hostages held in Gaza calling on the government to make an urgent deal to secure their release amid concern that their loved ones could be next.

'All we get again and again are dead hostages,' Noam Perry, daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

'Our demand is not a fight (with the government). It's a call that anyone would have made if it had been their father. Take us into consideration and come up with a plan now (for negotiation).'

Netanyahu appeared to confirm on Saturday that new negotiations were underway to recover hostages held by Hamas, after a source said Israel's intelligence chief met the prime minister of Qatar, a country mediating in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a press conference, Netanyahu called the conflict an existential war that must be fought until victory, despite pressure and costs, and said Gaza would be demilitarised and placed under Israeli security control.

Netanyahu said: 'With all the deep sorrow, I want to clarify: the military pressure is necessary both for the return of the kidnapped and for achieving victory over our enemies'

Three Israeli hostages killed mistakenly in Gaza by Israeli forces had been holding up a white flag. Left to right: Alon Shamriz, Samer El-Talalka and Yotam Haim

People use bullhorns as they protest following an announcement by Israel's military that they had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages being held in Gaza by terrorist group Hamas, at a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 15, 2023

'It broke my heart. It broke the whole nation's heart,' Netanyahu said of the deaths

He said Israel's offensive in Gaza had helped clinch a partial hostage release deal in November and vowed to maintain intense military pressure on Hamas, the terrorist group that runs Gaza and that he has vowed to destroy.

'The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing,' he said.

Netanyahu spoke after the head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe late on Friday, according to a source with knowledge of the matter, and attention turned to a possible new Gaza truce and a prisoner and hostage deal.

Netanyahu sidestepped a question about the meeting, but confirmed he had given instructions to the negotiating team.

'We have serious criticisms of Qatar... but right now we are trying to complete the recovery of our hostages,' he said, alluding to the gas-rich Gulf state's ties to Hamas and Israel's arch-foe Iran.

A Hamas statement said the group 'affirms its position not to open any negotiations to exchange prisoners unless the aggression against our people stops once and for all,' adding: 'The movement communicated this position to all mediators.'

Families of the hostages set up tents to sleep in after marching to the Kirya on December 16, 2023

The death of the three hostages sparked anger in Israel, with protesters marching last night to share their anguish and fury. Pictured: Relatives and supporters of hostages held by Palestinian militants demonstrate outside the Israeli ministry of defence in Tel Aviv

Recently released hostage Agam Goldstein Almog speaks at a rally outside The Museum of Art known as the 'The Hostages and Missing Square' on December 16, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel

Recently released hostage Daniel Aloni speaks at a rally outside The Museum of Art known as the 'The Hostages and Missing Square' on December 16, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel

Recently released hostage Maya Regev attends at a rally outside The Museum of Art known as the 'The Hostages and Missing Square' on December 16, 2023

Recently released hostages Itai Regev (R) and Maya Regev holds hands alongside their father at a rally outside The Museum of Art known as the 'The Hostages and Missing Square' on December 16, 2023

People rally for the release of hostages kidnapped on the deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 16, 2023

People rally for the release of hostages kidnapped on the deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 16, 2023

People hold signs as they protest following an announcement by Israel's military that they had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 15, 2023

People hold signs as they protest following an announcement by Israel's military that they had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages being held in Gaza by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 15, 2023

An Israeli flag is covered in red paint as relatives of hostages held by Hamas demonstrate outside the Israeli ministry of defence in Tel Aviv on December 15, 2023

Ruby Chen, father of Israeli hostage Itay, held in Gaza since the October 7 attack, at the rally in Tel Aviv on December 16, 2023

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza attend a rally calling for their return, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 16, 2023

Members of the Abducted and Missing Families Forum, established by the families of the Israeli hostages, gather at Hostages' Square to stage a protest against the Israeli government demanding hostage deal after three Israeli hostages were killed by IDF, in Tel Aviv, Israeli on December 16, 2023

It comes as the Israeli army said the three hostages killed by troops in Gaza on Friday were carrying a white flag and had cried for help in Hebrew.

Yotam Haim, 28, Alon Shamriz, 26, and Samer El-Talalka, 22, were tragically gunned down during Israeli operations in Gaza City, it was revealed on Friday.

The incident happened in an area of intense combat where Hamas operate in civilian clothing and use deception tactics.

READ MORE: Fury on the streets of Tel Aviv over IDF shooting of Israeli hostages: Families of civilians kidnapped by Hamas stage demo after army admitted killing three it mistook for terrorists in Gaza fighting Advertisement

The hostages were fired upon against Israel's rules of engagement, a military official confirmed.

The Israeli military said a soldier saw the hostages emerging tens of metres from Israeli forces in the area of Shejaiya. The IDF previously said the three men had been wrongly identified as a threat.

Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old soldier Itai, who is among the hostages taken by Hamas, said: 'We feel like we're in a Russian roulette game (finding out) who will be next in line to be told the death of their loved one.'

'They explained to us first that the ground operation would bring back the abductees,' he said.

'It doesn't work. Because since then, abductees have been seen returning, but not so much alive. It's time to change this assumption,' he added.

Recently released hostages Agam Goldstein Almog, 17, Maya Regev, 21, Itai Regev, 18, and Daniel Aloni, 44, spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening.

Around 250 people were taken hostage during Palestinian terrorist group Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel, which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement that has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins.

The territory's Hamas government says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.
It was the defining moment of Sir Winston Churchill's state funeral in 1965. In a poignant tribute, as a barge carrying the wartime leader's coffin sailed slowly down the River Thames, dock workers lowered their cranes.

But now, The Mail on Sunday can reveal, the wooden survey vessel on which Britain's greatest statesman was borne on his final journey could be lost to the nation.

Havengore, first launched in 1956, has been put on sale to international bidders after its owner failed to find a British buyer. It means the iconic teak and brass vessel could be taken overseas and used as a pleasure boat.

Last night Boris Johnson, who has written a biography of Churchill, led a chorus of voices calling for the historic vessel to be saved. The former Prime Minister said: 'This boat is part of the history of our country and it deserves to remain here.'

Broadcaster and historian Jonathan Dimbleby, whose father Richard provided stirring commentary for the BBC's coverage of the funeral, also said he hoped the vessel would remain in the UK.

Winston Churchill (pictured), who was the British Prime Minister during the Second World War, passed away in 1965

Havengore, first launched in 1956, has been put on sale to international bidders after its owner failed to find a British buyer

The wooden survey vessel on which Britain's greatest statesman was borne on his final journey could be lost to the nation

Richard Dimbleby's immortal words  'And so Havengore sails into history  not even the Golden Hind has borne so great a man'  are included on a plaque mounted on the ship.

Jonathan Dimbleby said: 'I think it would be wonderful if this iconic barge, which is in so many memories as we mourned the final departure of Winston Churchill along the Thames, could be retained in this country and that the funds could be raised to make that possible.'

Havengore, an 85ft former Port of London Authority hydrographic survey vessel, was mainly used to map changes to the seabed in the Thames Estuary.

In 1965, however, it achieved global prominence when  in front of a then record TV audience of 350 million  it was tasked with carrying Churchill's coffin from his funeral at St Paul's Cathedral to Waterloo Station, from where a train took him to the family burial plot in Oxfordshire.

Chris Ryland, 75, bought the vessel for 780,000 in 2006, and it is now on sale for 800,000  down from the 2 million asking price initially suggested by a yacht broker.

'I've been trying to sell her for 18 months, but I haven't been able to find a buyer in Britain,' Mr Ryland said. 'It's got to the point where I've had to put her on the international market.

'I'm devastated, but things have to change. I've reached a certain age and was recently diagnosed with cancer. Someone else needs to step in and take the project on.'

Military historian and Churchill biographer Anthony Tucker-Jones called on a national museum to step in and buy the vessel for Britain.

'I think it would be good if someone like the Imperial War Museum were to take it over and display it on the Thames next to HMS Belfast,' he said. 'It is part of our heritage and it does have historic significance.'

The Havengore, pictured here undergoing refurbishment at Chatham Dock in Kent, it is now on sale for 800,000

Grenadier Guard Bearers with the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill on the River Thames heading for the Festival Hall Pier

Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry, a retired Royal Navy officer, suggested National Lottery funding should be used. 'It has symbolic and historic value. It's unique and should be saved for Britain.

'The asking price is peanuts when it comes to Lottery funding. Money could also be raised via crowdsourcing. We need to invest in the structural value of our heritage, because if we don't we won't have any.'

Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham, former deputy chief of defence staff, added: 'I remember the moment well  the barge moving up the river and the cranes dipping  and it would be a pity if it were to be lost to the country.'

Ted Gradosielski, the Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames, said he hoped the Havengore would go to a British buyer.

'It would be marvellous if someone could buy it and keep it in England, especially in London,' he said. 'It's a historic boat and its involvement with Churchill's funeral means a lot of people will have seen it  it's got a real link with history.'

Havengore, which is currently moored at St Katharine Docks in East London, also sailed down the Thames during celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

It has been a stalwart of the national Armistice Day commemorations every November, when it sails to Westminster to lay wreaths in the Thames.

Mr Ryland's son-in-law, Mike Ryland-Epton, said: 'It's one more thing for Chris to worry about, and his focus needs to be on getting better, hence we really need to sell the vessel to save its future as well.

'She could go anywhere in the world, and I have been advised that at this price she will sell.'
She is one of our greatest-ever Olympians and now Victoria Pendleton is to make history by becoming an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines.

The 43-year-old sportswoman will become the first woman to wear the elite regiment's famous green beret as the Marines have yet to have a female successfully pass their gruelling recruitment course.

It is hoped Pendleton, a nine-time world champion track cyclist who won gold medals at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, will inspire young women to pick the Marines as a career choice.

Last week she joined commandos on a 30-mile march across Dartmoor before presenting successful recruits with their coveted green berets.

The Marines remain the only infantry force in the UK to have never had a female serve in their ranks.

Victoria Pendleton is to make history by becoming an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines. Pictured: Victoria on Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins

The 43-year-old sportswoman will become the first woman to wear the elite regiment's famous green beret

More than 20 women have applied but only two have managed to start the notoriously tough 36-week training course  and both failed. Five Army female soldiers have passed a less demanding six-week course.

A senior Marines source told the MoS: 'Victoria has experienced hardship through her training and has represented Great Britain at the highest level of sporting achievement. She is an inspiration to young men and women.'

Pendleton's new role will be announced early next year as the Marines celebrate their 360th anniversary.

It is hoped Pendleton, a nine-time world champion track cyclist, will inspire young women to pick the Marines as a career choice

The cyclist is no stranger to the military. Her partner, Louis Tinsley, is a former Special Forces soldier and she took part in the arduous television series SAS Who Dares Wins in 2019.

Earlier this year she won high praise for her role in the Stand Up To Cancer programme Don't Look Down, walking a 300ft high wire above London alongside comic Paddy McGuinness, Coronation Street star Beverley Callard and Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.

Her decision to take part in the programme came after the loss of her twin brother Alex, who died of a brain tumour in June.

While Victoria will be the first to wear an honorary green beret she will not be the first woman to serve in the Corps. In 1774, Hannah Snell disguised herself as 'James Gray' and joined the Marines serving on the warship HMS Swallow.

Col Pendleton will take up her duties alongside TV adventurer Bear Grylls, another honorary colonel; and Col Baron Sir Mark Sedwill, the former Cabinet secretary, who is President of the Special Forces Club.
EXCLUSIVE

The devastated sister of a teenage boy who died in a fiery car crash in Sydney's south-west has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her baby brother.

Mahee Uddin, 17, was driving east along the M5 Motorway near Revesby about 11.30pm on Friday when he lost control and struck a guardrail.

His Mitsubishi Evo burst into flames, sparking a bushfire in the nearby trees and grass. He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.

Tasnia Uddin shared the sad news with friends and loved ones in a Facebook post on Saturday.

Mahee Uddin, 17, (pictured) was killed in a fiery crash in Sydney's south-west on Friday

'With the deepest heart, I want to let you all know my baby brother, has passed away,' she said.

'Lets all remember his humour, his heart and his generosity.

'Rest easy Mahee, I will love you forever.'

Family friend Syeda Faria said the teenage boy had just finished school for the year on the day he died.

'Yesterday was the last day of the school term and Mahees last day of school for the year,' she said.

'The thought is chilling. It was his last day. His last morning, his last night, his last goodbye to his mother as he walked out the door.

'Mahee, the boy who would always be compared in height to my own brother. Let me see if you are taller than me my dad would say to him.

'I am still feeling waves of shock and reality over what has happened.'

Another grieving loved one said they were struggling to accept the tragedy.

'Why this beautiful flower, we have lost so early? Why this innocent face..? This most perfect gentleman?' Karim Mostafil said.

Mr Uddin has been remembered for his 'heart, humour and generosity'

'[He was] so innocent, so humorous, so honest.

'Our eyes full with tears, We do not want to accept it.

'We are shocked, our heart broken.'

Mostafiz Rahman said he was devastated he would no longer get another chance to have fun with Mr Uddin.

'He was the most adorable and kind hearted fun loving kid any parents can wish for,' he said.

'He will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers!'

Mr Uddin was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.

Firefighters were called to the site to douse out the flames in the nearby shrubbery as police closed off the eastbound lanes and set up a crime scene.

As investigations into the fatal crash continue, police have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.
1 Deliver passenger and baggage to the same airport at the same time. And bend over backwards to help out when this does not happen.

2 Hire sensible, middle-aged women with a sense of humour as cabin crew rather than Love Island wannabes. (Who would you rather come to the rescue in an emergency?)

3 Ban anyone who continues shouting into his or her phone even when the seat belt sign is on and the plane is ready for take-off.

4 Reinstate the 'basics and brilliance' service mantra which epitomised their top-to-bottom attention to detail, but that was shelved a few years ago.

5 Offer decent, hearty food on short-haul flights to show you are different from no-frills airlines.

British Airways has embarked on massive 7billion overhaul in a bid to leapfrog rivals and regain its claim to be the 'world's favourite airline'

Mark Palmer: 'Hire sensible, middle-aged women with a sense of humour as cabin crew rather than Love Island wannabes'

Bosses have identified more than 600 areas where it needs to improve after years of decline and a series of mass cancellations due to IT failures

Executives have drawn up plans for a total overhaul of the airline in the next three years that will cost 7 billion to implement.

6 Pay for decent slots at airports so passengers never have to take a bus from the gate to the plane.

7 Bring back newspapers in business lounges and offer a choice of newspaper on board.

8 Have real people answer the customer service telephone lines within ten minutes. Always.

9 Make the CEO travel at the back of the plane like the rest of us  incognito  so he can understand what it's really like.

10 Give us more than one ice cube in a gin and tonic.

11 Stop cancelling flights at short notice  and when it happens make someone accountable. And ensure that the process of getting a refund is easier.

12 The BA app is a disaster and often does not work at all outside the UK. Fix this, and bring in a tech genius to make the stone-age website the fastest and most passenger-friendly on the planet.

13 Let food and wine experts, rather than accountants, come up with the menus.

14 Extend the holiday season so we can fly to sunny European hotspots in late autumn.

15 If people can be sent to the moon, it must be possible to make a decent cup of coffee on board.

16 Remind crew that passengers are paying more to fly with BA  and so expect more from them.

17 Offer Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce as standard when a passenger asks for a Bloody Mary.

18 Get around to repairing shabby seats or better still install 21st-century seating.

19 Stop taking away hard-earned frequent-flyer points without warning and make it easier to use Avios points on flights passengers actually want to take.

Mark Palmer: 'Bring back the 'world's favourite airline' advert  so we can all celebrate what BA has achieved'

20 When travelling in business class it should be possible to get a quick bite to eat shortly after take-off for those who want to curl up and sleep. At the moment, it's a whole performance, which takes more than an hour.

21 Lead on innovation rather than always lagging behind other airlines, especially those in the Middle East.

22 Politely ask passengers not to get up and start getting their bags from overhead lockers until their turn comes. This worked well during the pandemic.

23 Bring back sleeper suits in business class.

24 Bring back the 'world's favourite airline' advert  so we can all celebrate what BA has achieved.

25 Above all, strive to make flying glamorous and fun.
An American woman living in France has documented the moment she took her French boyfriend to Costco - as she shared the moment he branded the store 'so big and so gross' and munched on a hot dog.

Nina Cretan - better known on social media by her stage name Soldana - moved from California to France in 2020, and has previously spoken about how the location change helped her become a 'skincare girly.'

Recently, in a viral video, which has so far amassed more than 125,400 views, Nina took her boyfriend, Toma, to Costco and shared his reaction.

In the clip, she took her French lover to the American grocery store and 'introduced' him to the concept of buying in bulk.

Nina Cretan, from California, is an American woman living in France who has documented the moment she took her French boyfriend to Costco

She shared the moment he branded the store 'so big and so gross' and munched on a hot dog

In the clip, she took her French lover to the American grocery store and 'introduced' him to the concept of buying in bulk

She captioned the video: 'Introducing my French boyfriend to American grocery stores and the concept of buying in bulk. Long live capitalism.'

Nina added it was his 'first time' at the retailer.

As they walked through the grocery chain, Nina told her boyfriend that he could take a sample.

'Nice croissant,' her boyfriend added as they walked through the pastry aisle.

While grabbing a bulk supply of batteries, he said: 'It's for a lifetime.'

He then grabbed an 18-pack of Mac and Cheese, he said: 'So big and gross.'

Then, the duo headed over to the food court to grab a hot dog.

While paying for the hot dog, he said shockingly: '$1.50?'

As they walked through the grocery chain, Nina told her boyfriend that he could take a sample

People flooded the comments section and shared their shock at his reaction to the grocery chain

He then branded the meal, 'Okay.'

People flooded the comments section and shared their shock at his reaction to the grocery chain.

One person said: 'Costco hotdogs are elite. His "ok" was not acceptable.'

Another user added: 'The way he's eating the hot dog is even French.'

Someone else commented: 'He always looks confused.'

'Haha I did this with my French husband and he was so excited,' a fourth person wrote.
China urges relevant countries to stop provocations in South China Sea

Xinhua) 10:18, December 16, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Friday called on relevant countries to immediately stop infringement and provocations involving China's Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding recent moves by the Philippines and the United States regarding Ren'ai Jiao.

On Dec. 10, the Philippine side, ignoring China's repeated dissuades and warnings, sent ships to intrude into waters near Ren'ai Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao (the Nansha Islands), in an attempt to deliver construction materials to the military vessel illegally "grounded" at the reef, Zhang said, adding that during that process, the Philippine side took dangerous actions and deliberately try to collide with a China Coast Guard vessel, which led to scrapes.

Moreover, some personnel from the Philippine military sneaked aboard the illegally "grounded" vessel and trumpeted the move.

The China Coast Guard took necessary control measures in accordance with the law, behaving in a professional, restrained, reasonable and legitimate manner, Zhang said, while also noting that the Chinese military side had lodged solemn representations with the Philippine side and expressed strong protest.

China holds indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao and the adjacent waters, and the Philippine side's intentional provocation and its playing up of the issue had seriously violated the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, undermining peace and stability in the area, Zhang said.

Zhang further warned that a certain country outside the region, motivated by bad intentions, has been stirring up trouble and creating divisions on this issue.

"We urge relevant countries to immediately stop infringement and provocations to avoid further escalation and deterioration of the situation," the spokesperson said.

He also said China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF MPs pressed finance minister Mthuli Ncube to raise their salaries and commit to give them houses and Toyota Land Cruisers before passing his budget on Thursday.Comparing themselves to ministers, MPs complained that the US$60,000 budget for each MP's vehicle was too little.CCC MPs missed the sitting which passed the Z$59 trillion budget after they were expelled for singing and heckling Mabvuku Tafara MP Scott Sakupwanya, who became a lawmaker after a CCC candidate was banned by a court from standing.Murewa South MP Noah Mangondo said: "If you look at it, a minister has cabinet allowance, housing allowance, salary, workers who are paid by the government, telephone bills, fuel and everything. What about an MP?"Vehicles that were discussed here, my constituency Murehwa South, from one end to the other, I travel 60km on a dirt road, with no gravel. I was issued with a Toyota GD6 vehicle by my party, it is now a wreck, just in a space of four months. GD6 is not useful to me, I need a Toyota Land Cruiser for me to be able to move from one point to another"We need to sit down to discuss this issue. If there is need to have a committee of MPs who can present our issues and not to be given small amounts which do not help us; it is not acceptable."Shurugwi South MP Wilson Mhuri added: "The motor vehicles that we use are not in good condition since most of our vehicles broke down during campaigns. What motor vehicle does he (Ncube) have in mind?"I am not looking down upon the vehicle scheme, but vehicles for US$60,000 are not befitting of the stature of an Honourable Member of Parliament."Insiza South MP Spare Sithole demanded that MPs who were in the ninth parliament should get the difference between the value of cars they were told they could import, and what they were eventually permitted.He said: "In the previous arliament, the 5th session, you promised us vehicles which were at US$80,000 but at the end of the session you said the vehicles were now US$50,000 so there was a difference of US$30,000 which we thought we would be given as cash."So as we are passing this budget, are we going to be given that difference?"Edmore Samambwa, MP for Zhombe, asked if the new MPs would also get US$40,000 loans like their predecessors."We also want to know before we pass this budget that, is duty free still applicable in the 10th parliament as it was in the previous parliament? We also want to know if Members of the 9th parliament got US$40,000 loans, are we also going to get them?"Ompile Marupi, MP for Gwanda South, added: "Why is there a selective application in terms of loan amounts? For example, ministers get US$500,000, deputy ministers get US$350,000 and the Member of Parliament gets US$40,000?"Ncube told the MPs he had increased the budget for parliament by Z$225 billion to bring it to Z$700 billion in response to some of the concerns by MPs.He added: "There was a question specifically about vehicles, we have budgeted Z$132 billion at the current exchange rate, it converts to about US$60,000 per vehicle This is the duty-free prices and not the full price, which is probably about US$100,000 or so. Again, I think this is quite okay."Overally, when we did the increase by Z$225 billion to Z$700 billion, the percentage increase is actually 47 percent. We all feel that this will go a long way in addressing the budgetary demands and imperatives for parliament."We cannot afford the US$30,000 (difference in vehicle prices from last parliament). We extended US$40,000 loans to members of the 9th parliament for accommodation or purchase of a vehicle and then we also extended duty free status for a second vehicle. So, within government we feel that we will be unable, budget-wise, to support US$30,000 pay back for the previous parliament."The MPs also pressed Ncube on funding the construction of constituency offices and staffing them, as well as raising their salaries to meet regional standards, with Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa saying they were currently earning US$300 per month.Said Mangondo (Murewa South): "Ministers have an Act which provides for special packages. One of the provisions is that whenever the salaries of civil servants and allowances are reviewed, automatically theirs are reviewed. The judiciary in terms of the judges, have the Judicial Service Commission which looks at the welfare of judges. MPs don't have any Act. They cannot bargain."There are a lot of things  if you look at a director in the civil service, they have got perks which an MP does not have, yet the MP oversees more than 35,000 constituents. This is where our problem emanates from."Even when we look at this parliament, there are no offices for MPs. In other parliaments, MPs have offices at parliament and they have their staff there. In our constituencies, the issue of constituency information centres no longer exist. We don't have staff, even computers. The best way is to look for a framework that Parliament has its budget that looks at what is happening in other countries and bring it home."Being an MP is a full-time job. We come here on Monday up to Thursday, we do not have time to augment our salaries, but when it comes to benefits, we are not considered."Masvingo South MP Tanatswa Mukomberi said MPs were so poor very few could afford decent clothes."In our Standing Rules, we are all supposed to be formerly dressed. As MPs, we should not put on a worn-out suit, we cannot put on a suit similar to that of a herd boy," he said."An MP needs a good quality suit and they need dry cleaning. The suit might cost up to US$300 before even buying shoes. Some members might end up absconding from attending parliament business because they don't have the required attire. The suits that we are wearing now were bought using some other sources before we came here. At times you wonder whether you made a wrong choice to represent the people of your area."Sithole (Insiza South) said: "May we also have a benchmarking analysis like in South Africa in terms of Honourable Members' remuneration? May we also be given the privilege of bringing our spouses so that we stay together in the hotels?"Mberengwa East MP Tasara Hungwe said: "We want to know the amount that we are going to receive as increment on our salaries in US dollars even if we are to receive at interbank rate."Zhombe MP Edmore Samambwa said MPs "have become a laughing stock in the villages because our salaries are the same as those being paid to ZESA interns."In response to the MPs, Ncube said: "On the issue of remuneration of MPs, parliament and treasury are working together to review the framework and improve the salaries of MPs The target salary for parliament is US$2,000. We said this about two years ago and we are working towards that target. I am hopeful that we will get there."Midlands proportional representative Tsitsi Zhou said lawmakers should also get loans to buy houses to ease their accommodation woes." We are being offered poor services (by hotels) to the extent that at one point, I was bitten by mosquitos. May the minister have a dialogue with the central bank so that we get loans to buy houses for our accommodation instead of being accommodated in hotels? At a decent accommodation, we can cook healthy food and we are also able to provide ourselves self-service," she said.Bindura South MP Remigious Matangira said: "When we go back for elections for re-election, some of us are not going to be coming back. If they do not come back to parliament, then they deserve a roof over their heads."Ncube said they would find the best model to deal with the issue of accommodation for MPs."We can identify land and once that land has been identified, we take some amount and deposit with the building society and build accommodation for Members of Parliament. They are given a key and they use that during the duration of parliament. That is what South Africa does. That is the arrangement," Ncube said."These are just ideas which are emerging now. I am not proposing, but I am merely responding to say, I am hearing some ideas. There may be better ideas with backbenchers and that is fine. That is what should come to the welfare committee for discussion so that we all agree on the best model and government stands ready to support. I agree with you that we need to do something with accommodation."
Maya Jama clearly believes love is worth a second shot.

The presenter, 29, was separated from rapper boyfriend Stormzy, 30, four years before they reconciled in October.

And now she's hoping former Love Island stars will follow by her example, signing up to date in front of the nation for a second time in the ultimate quest for romance.

Dressed in a sizzling couture gown that morphs into a red carpet, Maya stars in glamorous behind-the-scenes photographs taken on set of the new Love Island: All Stars advert, which airs for the first time on Saturday night.

She is the epitome of Hollywood glamour in a busty black dress as she pouts in a Marilyn Monroe mirror ahead of the launch of a brand-new Love Island series.

Maya Jama clearly believes love is worth a second shot... The presenter was separated from rapper boyfriend Stormzy four years before they reconciled in October

Now she's hoping former Love Island stars will follow by her example, signing up to date in front of the nation for a second time in the ultimate quest for romance

Dressed in a sizzling couture gown that morphs into a red carpet, Maya stars in glamorous behind-the-scenes photographs taken on set of the new Love Island: All Stars advert

Smiling for the camera, the Love Island host struts on stage as sparkling spotlights light up a runway to the musical accompaniment of Frank Sinatra's The Second Time Around.

The lyrics, 'Love is lovelier the second time around, just as wonderful with both feet on the ground', is a poignant message to the Islanders returning for the All Stars series.

In a cheeky reference to the show's infamous loyalty test, Maya teases: 'For the first time, we're bringing back all star Islanders for a second chance at love, the question is who will be back for Amor?'

Love Island: All Stars launches on ITV2 in the New Year and will feature a cast of hopeful singletons who are still searching for romance following their first appearance on the series.

The lineup is yet to be announced although Love Island 2019 contestant Ovie Soko, Paige Thorne from the 2022 series, and Georgia Steel, who found fame on the 2018 season, are all reportedly taking part.

Stars of the show will live together at a villa in South Africa, escaping the cold winter months in their hope of finding long-lasting love.

And their experience as former Islanders will hopefully give their chance at finding a relationship a boost because they already know their turn ons, icks, and who they want to be whispering sweet nothings to in the Hideaway.

As with the past summer series, there will be bombshell arrivals, shock eliminations, and heartbreak as well as brand new love stories.

Maya stunned in a new black and white image from the Love Island show's high fashion shoot, wearing a white dressing gown as a member of her glam team curled her hair

Maya and Stormzy split four years before they reconciled in October, delighting fans with photos confirming that their romance is back on track (pictured in December)

Maya returns as Love Island presenter after recently hosting the show's first challenge series in Fiji, Love Island Games.

In recent months she has moved into a new property in an affluent area of London, co-hosted the Fashion Awards, and become the new face of the designer brand Dolce & Gabbana.

Fans were thrilled after she confirmed that her relationship with Stormzy was back on following their 2019 breakup.

The Brit Award winner was reportedly unfaithful to Maya, which led to their four-year separation.

In his song Lessons, Stormzy apologised to Maya, saying that the 'disrespect' he showed her during their relationship was his 'biggest of regrets.'

Speaking about the track from his album Heavy Is the Head, Stormzy said: 'I will say it 100 per cent loud and clear that's a brilliant woman  we shared something very deep, and she loved me wholeheartedly. And man went out and disrespected.'

Love Island: All Stars is coming to ITV2 and ITVX in January 2024

The Brit Award winner was reportedly unfaithful to Maya, which led to their separation in 2019
Soap star Nigel Harman has shared an update on his well-being as he recuperates from a fractured rib incurred during this years Strictly Come Dancing.

Despite being one of the show's favourites, the actor, 50, had to withdraw from the competition last month after sustaining the injury during dance rehearsals.

Nigel, who was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones, 34, expressed his disappointment at seeing his Strictly journey abruptly end just weeks before the final.

However, fans can anticipate his return for the grand finale this weekend, with Nigel returning to the Strictly studios in North London.

Appearing on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Friday night, Nigel revealed whilst he won't be performing routines, he will be present in the ballroom alongside other former stars to witness the crowning of Bobby Brazier, 20, Ellie Leach, 22, or Layton Williams, 29, as the Glitterball Trophy winner.

Nigel Harman appeared on It Takes Two on Friday night alongside Strictly professional Amy Dowden and actor Adam Thomas to share an update on his fractured rib

The actor appeared in good spirits as he announced he would be attending this years finale on the weekend alongside other former stars to witness the crowning of this years winner

During a segment with professional dancer Amy Dowden, Nigel, alongside fellow former competitors Adam Thomas, 35, and Annabel Croft, 57, provided an update into his recovery.

He said: 'It's progressing well. I'm a bit achy. I have about another month of recovery, but aside from that, I'm fine.'

Adding a touch of humour, he quipped: 'Just looking at Adam makes it feel so much better.'

Engaging in the banter, Adam playfully embraced Nigel and joked: 'I have that effect, I really do. I just make people feel good. That's what I do.'

Asked about his return to the studio, Nigel expressed: 'It's genuinely heartwarming to be back, to see our friends, and not to be dancing but just having a good time.'

Nigel's return to the show comes after it was also revealed that the crew at the BBC were 'relieved' after Nigel's unexpected departure from the show.

Following his exit, it was reported how the star would often have 'mood swings' causing bad feelings amongst the staff backstage.

A source told The Sun how the actor 'takes himself very seriously' as a performer and throws himself into his routines fully.

The duo had to pull out of the dancing competition last month due to unfortunate incident and were visibly upset during the live show with Katya saying she loved every moment of creating magic on the dancefloor

Nigel and professional dancer Katya Jones were fan favourites before their Strictly journey abruptly ended just weeks before the final

Going on to say: 'So obviously he's very emotional if things don't go as he hoped. That often means that he can be like a bear with a sore head backstage.

'Viewers got a glimpse of that when he received disappointing scores for their quickstep in Blackpool'.

Before adding: 'The crew and pros on the show are like a close family and the celebrities are welcomed into that. But if someone upsets that long-standing dynamic it can create bad feeling'.

In response to the claims, a BBC source hit back by saying: 'It is always sad when a contestant leaves the show, particularly when an injury is sustained.

'Nigel will be well missed by those who have worked alongside him on the show and everyone wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him at the final on Saturday 16th December.'

The Casualty actor and Katya were gearing up to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Mary Poppins for musicals week, but had to pull out of the BBC dance contest at the last minute on medical grounds after he sustained the injury.

The duo, visibly emotional, explained the unfortunate incident during the live show.

Detailing the mishap, Nigel said: 'I was leaping off a platform, about to be caught by some very handsome men, and as I landed, I "Peter Panned", and I ended up in A&E.

'So, I've done something to my rib, and it's quite painful. I'm a little bit high on painkillers, but I'm having a lovely time.'

Katya was full of praise for Nigel's hard work on the show and looked emotional at the thought of them no longer getting to perform together.

She said: 'I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on the dancefloor.

'I know the reasons he did this were for your daughter and your parents and I know your parents will be very proud of you. I hope you've got something out of this that you will cherish forever in your broken rib.'

Nigel replied: 'The only reason I'm standing here is because of all the work you've put in. You challenge me, you push me, you support me. Most of all, you're just part of me now.' Becoming emotional, he added: 'I can't even look at you!'
Offset partied through the night on Thursday to celebrate his 32nd birthday as his estranged wife Cardi B sat home mourning the state of their marriage.

That night, Cardi B broke down in tears during an emotional Instagram Live rant about Offset, in which she furiously denounced him for toying with her emotions at her 'most vulnerable time.'

But Offset brushed aside the drama of his crumbling marriage to spend the night with his friends and a fleet of busty bombshells.

He and his entourage whirled through venue after venue, first to Coco Miami in the Design District and then to Playa in South Beach.

Offset and his pals remained at the first venue until 3am before dashing off to the South Beach nightspot until 5am, per TMZ.

Offset partied through the night on Thursday to celebrate his 32nd birthday as his estranged wife Cardi B sat home bewailing the state of their marriage.

That night, as he partied with an entourage including a number of women (pictured), Cardi B broke down in tears during an emotional Instagram Live rant about Offset

Amid Offset's night out with a large number of acquaintances (pictured), Cardi furiously denounced him for toying with her emotions at her 'most vulnerable time'

But Offset brushed aside the drama of his crumbling marriage to spend the night with his friends and a fleet of busty bombshells

His birthday party was a star-studded affair, with a slew of boldface names hopping aboard Offset's night out including Diddy's son Justin Combs.

A couple of members of the Miami Heat were also reportedly on hand for the festivities, including one man who distinctly resembled Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Offset's nearest and dearest - minus his wife - pulled out the stops for his big night, even creating large sign with the birthday boy's face painted on it.

He himself threw himself into the festive atmosphere with brio, standing up and dancing with his friends at the nightclubs.

Ladies galore were included in the party, and at one point a claque of women in party dresses was seen spilling out of a sprinter van.

Offset could be spotted sauntering into one of his haunts for the evening, surrounded by a group of pals that included Southside from 808 Mafia.

Meanwhile, during an Instagram Live that night, Cardi called out her former partner, 32, for being deceitful in a profanity-ridden tirade.

'A muthaf**ka will play in your f**king face over and over and over and over again,' Cardi said. 'This n***a really like to play games with me when I'm at my most vulnerable time. When I'm not the most confident. He like to play games with me because he knows I'm not an easy girl.'

He himself threw himself into the festive atmosphere with brio, standing up and dancing with his friends at the nightclubs

Meanwhile, during an Instagram Live that night, Cardi called out her former partner, 32, for being deceitful in a profanity-ridden tirade

'A muthaf**ka will play in your f**king face over and over and over and over again,' Cardi fumed as Offset partied

Offset could be spotted sauntering into one of his haunts for the evening, surrounded by a group of pals that included Southside from 808 Mafia

Ladies galore were included in the party, and at one point a claque of women in party dresses was seen spilling out of a sprinter van

He and his entourage whirled through venue after venue, first to Coco Miami in the Design District and then to Playa in South Beach

Offset and his pals remained at the first venue until 3am before dashing off to the South Beach nightspot until 5am, per TMZ

His birthday party was a star-studded affair, with a slew of boldface names hopping aboard Offset's night out including Diddy 's son Justin Combs

A couple of members of the Miami Heat were also reportedly on hand for the festivities, including one man who distinctly resembled Jaime Jaquez Jr

Two women were seen apparently locked in an intimate conversation as Jaime leaned back against a wall amid the rollicking night of revelry

Jaime was Miami chic in a black sweater over a trendily baggy pair of khaki trousers

The WAP hitmaker proceeded to claim Offset had been doing her 'dirty' for 'so many f**king years' while she helped his 'motherf**king a**'

Offset's nearest and dearest - minus his wife - pulled out the stops for his big night, even creating large sign with the birthday boy's face painted on it

Offset has yet to publicly respond to her fiery rant, which was reposted on Baller Alert's Instagram

On Sunday night, Cardi confirmed that she had separated from Offset during another Instagram Live session

She continued: 'Yesterday, I could have been out. I could have been chilling. I could have been this and that. He knows I'm in my house. He knows that I'm chilling. He knows I'm not doing the most, and I really been sparing you. I really been sparing you.'

The WAP hitmaker proceeded to claim Offset had been doing her 'dirty' for 'so many f**king years' while she helped his 'motherf**king a**.'

'Not even a f**king thank you that I got from you b**ch a**. And it's so crazy that I gotta go to the f**king internet because whenever the f**k I tell you something you don't take s**t seriously,' she concluded.

Offset has yet to publicly respond to her fiery rant, which was reposted on Baller Alert's Instagram.

The disturbing outburst prompted sympathy from fans and concerns over her welfare, as one person wrote: 'She is hurting and nothing about this is funny.'

'This woman is hurting!! Men will literally embarrass you.. praying for her healing!' one fan commented.

Another wrote: 'She has nobody to talk to thats why she turns to the internet and its unfortunate. She is hurt and its not okay.'

A third pointed out the 'little crack in her voice' as she emotionally aired out her grievances.

On Sunday night, Cardi confirmed that she had separated from Offset during another Instagram Live session.

'Cause you a f**king talk to a n***a and a muthaf**ka will play in your f**king face over and over and over and over again,' Cardi said. 'And still be like, 'watch. Watch what I'm about to do. Watch what I'm about to say.' And it's so f**king sad that a n***a-yo this n***a really like to play games with me when I'm at my most vulnerable time. When I'm not the most confident. He like to play games with me because he knows I'm not an easy girl' (seen in September 2023)

Devastating: The disturbing outburst prompted sympathy from fans and concerns over her welfare, as one person wrote: 'She is hurting and nothing about this is funny'

'This is sad,' one commenter wrote

Another commented: 'She has nobody to talk to thats why she turns to the internet and its unfortunate. She is hurt and its not okay'

Mixed reactions: Others questioned why she was taking to 'the internet to vent' versus a loved one

Yikes: Others predicted they would 'be back together' just like their last split

According to E! News, the Grammy winner told her fans that she had 'been single for a minute now' and admitted that her hesitation to reveal the news was because she did not 'know how to tell the world.'

The performer - whose estranged husband was alleged to have cheated on her with Chrisean Rock - remained optimistic about her future, however, and told her fans that she was 'curious for a new life, for a new beginning.'

The Bodak Yellow rapper then stated that she was 'excited' about her new stage in life.

Last week, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Cardi (born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) and Offset (born Kiari Kendrell Cephus) both unfollowed each other.

Parting ways: On Sunday night, Cardi confirmed that she had separated from Offset during another Instagram Live session; seen in 2020

The news came just a week after the rapper shared a rather cryptic Instagram story post where she revealed, 'You know sometimes you just outgrow relationships'

The rapper also recently shared a cryptic Instagram story post where she revealed, 'You know sometimes you just outgrow relationships.'

She added in the next story post, 'I'm tired of protecting people's feelings... I GOTTA PUT MYSELF FIRST.'

Just days earlier she was seen at a Balenciaga party in West Hollywood, just hours after making her fashion runway debut at the brand's Fall 2024 Fashion Show.

Just an hour before Cardi's cryptic posts, Offset added one of his own, sharing a clip from the 1983 Al Pacino classic Scarface.

The title character is alone in a huge bathtub as the clip begins with him saying, 'Hey, f**k you, man! Who put this thing together? Me. That's who. Who do I trust? Me.'

While it's unclear if that was aimed at Cardi, he hasn't posted anything since his wife's IG story posts.

This certainly wouldn't be the first time the couple has been on the outs throughout their tumultuous relationship.

The couple reportedly met at an 'industry event' in 2016, with Cardi B recalling in a November 2017 Twitter video, 'He was very consistent. He really wanted to talk to me.'

They reportedly started dating in January 2017, the same month they released a song together called Lick.

Cardi shared a photo of them on her Instagram during the Super Bowl, referring to the Migos rapper as, 'my friend you know what Im saying?'

Offset later revealed that the Super Bowl was their first real date, with the couple sharing a kissing Instagram snap on Valentine's Day 2017.

This certainly wouldn't be the first time the couple has been on the outs throughout their tumultuous relationship; seen in May

They reportedly started dating in January 2017, the same month they released a song together called Lick; pictured in September

While Cardi refused to confirm she was even dating Offset that summer, she dropped some not-so-subtle marriage hints at the VMAs in late August 2017.

Less than a month later, the couple secretly married in Fulton County, Georgia, though it was not publicly revealed until June 2018.

Offset proposed to Cardi on stage in October 2017 - despite already being legally married - though in January 2018, rumors surfaced that not only had Offset cheated on Cardi, but he had made a sex tape with another woman.

Cardi defended her decision to stay with Offset in February 2018, stating, 'Its not right, what he f***ing didbut people dont know what I did, cause I aint no angel.'

Pregnancy rumors swirled just weeks later, with Cardi confirming she's expecting while performing on Saturday Night Live, with the couple welcoming their first child Kulture in June 2018.

After months of cheating rumors, Cardi revealed in December 2018 that she had split with Offset, even denying rumors their entire relationship was 'fake.'

Later that month, while Cardi was performing at Rolling Loud, Offset took over her set in an effort to win her back, with signs reading, 'Take Me Back Cardi.'

A month later they had reconciled, with the couple in attendance at the Grammy's where Cardi became the first solo female artist to win Best Rap Album.

Less than a month later, the couple secretly married in Fulton County, Georgia, though it was not publicly revealed until June 2018; seen in September

Cardi confirmed Offset had cheated on her in December 2019, though the couple seemed to be going strong into 2020, before Cardi surprisingly filed for divorce in September 2020.

They seemingly got back together just months later, with each giving each other expensive cars for their respective birthdays, before welcoming their second child Wave Set in September 2021.

While the couple has seemingly been going strong since, she admitted in September that she didn't think they'd actually get married.

They celebrated their six-year wedding anniversary this past September as well.
Jake Gyllenhaal showed off his love for his family as he hosted a screening for his brother-in-law's film.

The Oscar nominee, 42, was spotted supporting Peter Sarsgaard -- who is married to Jake's sister Maggie Gyllenhaal -- and Jessica Chastain with a viewing of their new movie Memory at the NeueHouse Cinema in New York City on Thursday.

The two leads actors of the buzzed-about drama drew a star-studded crowd, as Chloe Moretz, Edie Falco and David Krumholtz atteneded the special event.

Jake was dressed in an all-black ensemble as he posed with Peter and Jessica ahead of the screening.

The proud brother-in-law moment comes after Jake previously gave Peter a shout out for his best actor win at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival for the film in September.

Jake Gyllenhaal was spotted supporting Peter Sarsgaard -- who is married to Jake's sister Maggie Gyllenhaal -- and Jessica Chastain with a viewing of their new movie Memory at the NeueHouse Cinema in New York City on Thursday

The proud brother-in-law moment comes after Jake previously gave Peter a shout out for his best actor win at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival for the film in September

Alongside a photo of Peter with his award, Jake's wrote: 'Congratulations to my incredible (and incredibly talented) brother in law @gaardsars for winning Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival!'

He added, 'Couldnt be happier for this extraordinary human. Love you brother.'

Maggie, 45, also paid tribute on Instagram, writing, 'My husband @gaardsars won the #volpicup BEST ACTOR at the Venice Film Festival last night. His performance was astonishing. Vulnerable, feet on the ground/heart in the heavens.'

Jake and Maggie's godmother Jamie Lee Curtis also chimed in with a celebratory message, posting, 'SUCH A GOOD MAN, HUSBAND, PARTNER, FATHER, ARTIST!'

Peter -- who shares 16-year-old Ramona and 11-year-old Gloria Ray with Maggie -- took home the award for his role of Saul, a man struggling to come to terms with his early onset dementia.

The movie also revolves around Saul's former classmate Sylvia, played by Chastain, who is struggling herself as she was sexually assaulted as a child and is 13 years into sobriety.

Jake and Peter also have a project they worked on together coming out in 2024: David E. Kelleys miniseries Presumed Innocent.

Nearly two decades after their initial collaboration on Jarhead, the project has given an opportunity for the two to share more screen time than the military movie allowed.

Chloe Grace Moretz and a friend

David Byrne and David Krumholtz arrived at Gyllenhaal's event

Edia

Edia Falco kept it casual in stripes

Peter, Jake and Maggie converse at the 11th Annual Hamilton Behind The Camera Awards in 2021

'At that time Id been dating his sister for a couple years and I was really doing the movie to spend time with my future brother-in-law,' Peter told The Hollywood Reporter in November.

'I was pretty grumpy on that set because it was a big time commitment for not very much stuff to do,' he added.

'It was a lot of rifle-cleaning, which my ego did not enjoy.'
Channel Seven presenter Gemma Acton has tied the knot just one month after welcoming her second daughter.

The 41-year-old married investment banker Jack Dwyer in Sydney's Palm Beach on Friday.

She wore a strapless fishtail wedding gown by designer Vera Wang, reports 7News.

The blonde beauty kept her accessorises simple and elegant with diamond drop earrings and little else.

Her banker beau Jack wore a white tuxedo jacket over a formal white dress shirt, with a black bowtie and matching trousers.

Channel Seven presenter Gemma Acton married investment banker Jack Dwyer in Sydney's Palm Beach on Friday

The star donned a strapless fishtail wedding gown by designer Vera Wang

A handful of Channel Seven staffers and personalities were in attendance, including Acton's on-air colleague Michael Usher.

At one point, the happy couple posed for a sweet photo with their newborn daughter Electra.

Gemma and Jack welcomed the little one in mid-November.

The 7News Finance reporter beamed in a slew of photos at the time alongside her older daughter Olympia, now two.

At one point, the happy couple posed for a sweet photo with their newborn daughter Electra

A handful of Channel Seven staffers and personalities were in attendance, including Acton's on-air colleague Michael Usher (left)

'A few snaps of the best day of our lives On Olympia's 2nd birthday we got her a baby sister!' Gemma wrote, lovingly.

'Electra Grace Acton-Dwyer, 15th November 2023 (2.6kg),' she added.

Gemma went on to explain the Greek heritage of the name, adding Electra means 'shining, radiant, luminous soul.'

Gemma and Jack welcomed their second daughter Electra in mid-November

'A Greek name to match her sister Olympia and her cousin Artemis - and in honour of our father who is a classicist,' she said.

A handful of photos showed Gemma with her two daughters. Another showed Jack with a big grin while holding little Electra.

Gemma is the Finance Editor of Seven News, while husband Jack is the CEO of a major investment management firm.
Brad Pitt is quietly celebrating after a French taxman unwittingly gave him a powerful new weapon in his legal battle against ex-wife Angelina Jolie.

Fight Club star Pitt, who turns 60 on Monday, is facing a 1.3million bill for back taxes after inspectors found his Chateau Miraval vineyard in Provence has increased in value by around 16million.

While this may seem like bad news, friends say Pitt is privately delighted  because it proves his investments in the property have paid off. He believes the ruling will help crush a separate legal claim from Maleficent star Ms Jolie, 48, who says he has squandered money on vanity projects, including a pool and an ornate staircase.

The two have been embroiled in a long-running bitter legal fight over the chateau, which they bought together in 2008. A source close to Pitt said last night: 'Brad built this business from the ground up through blood, sweat and tears with his business partner Marc Perrin. Angelina may be one of the world's most recognisable women, but you couldn't say entrepreneurship is her strong point. She couldn't run a bath, let alone a wine estate.

Brad Pitt believes the ruling will help crush a separate legal claim from Maleficent star Angelina Jolie, 48, who says he has squandered money on vanity projects, including a pool and an ornate staircase

The two have been embroiled in a long-running bitter legal fight over the chateau, which they bought together in 2008

Friends say Pitt is privately delighted  because it proves his investments in the property have paid off

'The court has ruled that, far from spending money recklessly, every euro invested in Chateau Miraval has translated into an increase in value of the same amount.'

Through his holding company Mondo Bongo, Pitt is wrestling for control of the vineyard he built into a booming empire after Ms Jolie 'secretly' sold her half to Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler in 2021.

Last month the French tax court ruled the chateau is liable for 1.3million in retrospective taxes from 2012-15, when Ms Jolie was co-owner. However, there has never been any allegation of tax evasion or criminality.
David Tennant, 52, looked dapper in a colourful shirt to attend the after party for his new stage production of Macbeth.

David, of course, plays the title role in what is said to be William Shakespeare's darkest play.

The adaptation is directed by Max Webster, also known for Life Of Pi and Henry V.

Making sure he stood out from the crowd, David's Friday night ensemble consisted of a bold shirt, which he left unbuttoned at the top and wore with tan trousers.

David Tennant , 52, looked dapper in a colourful shirt to attend the after party for his new stage production of Macbeth

He was joined by his glamorous co-star Cush Jumbo, 38, who plays Lady Macbeth in the extraordinary psychological drama

The actor posed next to his co-star Cush Jambo, 38.

Cush, who plays Lady Macbeth in the psychological drama, looked the epitome of chic in a low cut floral dress, that boasted lilac lace detailing around the bust area.

She wore open toe black sandals and a dark palette of eye makeup.

Her blonde buzz cut showed off her striking features as she cosied up to the former Doctor Who star.

The Good Wife actress is a heavyweight theatre star as she previously starred in Hamlet at the Young Vic a few years back - after what she was described by the former New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley as radiating 'that unquantifiable force of hunger, drive, talent usually called star power'.

According to the synopsis of Max Webster's Macbeth, the production is a 'spellbinding story of love and murder, the renewing power of nature, and of the internal struggles of a damaged man as he tries to control his destiny'.

TimeOut revealed that the production - which is set to continue for the whole winter season - will use binaural technology to create 'an intense and unnerving 3D sound world'.

Making sure he stood out from the crowd, David's Friday night ensemble consisted of a bold shirt, which he left unbuttoned at the top and wore with tan trousers

Meanwhile Cush looked the epitome of chic in a low cut floral dress and sported a dark palette of eye makeup that highlighted her striking features

David Tennant is currently starring at the Donmar Warehouse's stage as Macbeth alongside Cush Jumbo

On Friday the duo showcased their acting skills as they put on a moving performance for a revival of Shakespeare's most extraordinary psychological drama

According to the description the gory play portrays a 'spellbinding story of love and murder, the renewing power of nature, and of the internal struggles of a damaged man as he tries to control his destiny'

Chatting to The Guardian, David said of his latest work: 'I thought I knew this play very well and that it was, unlike any other Shakespeare I can remember rehearsing, straightforward.

'But each time I come to a scene, it goes in a direction I wasn't expecting. It has such muscle to it, it powers along. Plot-wise, it's more front-footed than any Shakespeare play I've done.'

Talking about her character Lady Macbeth, Cush said: 'She is deeply ingrained in our culture. Everyone thinks they know who she is. Most people studied the play at school. I did  I hated it. It was so boring but that's because Shakespeare's plays aren't meant to be read, they're meant to be acted.

'People think they know Lady Macbeth as a type  the strong, controlling woman who pushed him to do it. She does things women shouldn't do. The greatest misconception is that we have stopped seeing Lady Macbeth as a human being.'

Earlier this week Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has revealed that there are 'no plans' for David Tennant to return in the new series.

The actor reprised his role as the Time Lord for a trio of Specials to celebrate the BBC show's 60th Anniversary, with a twist in the third and final episode leaving The Fourteenth Doctor to embrace a new life on Earth.
Alessandra Ambrosio proved she can turn any sidewalk into her own personal runway while Christmas shopping on Friday.

The 42-year-old supermodel  who stole the spotlight at Art Basel  traded in her swimsuits for some casual wear as she was spotted in a simple yet chic ensemble of sweater and jeans in Pacific Palisades.

She wore a black cardigan over the plunging taupe sweater as she added a bit of drama with the flared denim leg.

Her trademark brunette tresses were kept long and loose as she added a bit of bling with her silver necklace and bangle bracelets.

The holiday shopping spree comes after Alessandra opened up about her art collection ahead of her appearance at the annual art fair Art Basel.

Alessandra Ambrosio proved she can turn any sidewalk into her own personal runway while Christmas shopping in LA on Friday

She wore a black cardigan over the plunging taupe sweater as she added a bit of drama with the flared denim leg

'My collection mainly consists of black-and-white photos. Some are by photographers such as Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Patrick Demarchelier and Ellen von Unwerth,' she explained to Ocean Drive magazine.

'I also treasure my guitar, which was painted by the Gemeos brothers. They are the most amazing Brazilian street artists that I genuinely adore. Each piece holds a special place in my heart!'

Alessandra went on to say she also appreciates artists Damien Hirst, Mr. Brainwash and Andy Warhol, 'and I have pieces from them that are remarkable.

'Their ability to perfectly capture a moment or emotion is just so special,' she added.

The model spent 13 years as a Victoria's Secret Angel and earned recognition as one of the highest-paid models globally.

'Over the years, the industry has seen evolution, but theres more work ahead,' she said of the fashion world. 'I feel it needs to be more inclusive and representative of the amazing, diverse beauty we see in real life.'

She also revealed what is most important to her in life these days. 'Three things I cant live without are love, family and my friends.'

As for her style icons, Alessandra previously told Harper's Bazaar: 'Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, because they carried themselves with confidence and a sense of fun. They also embraced a timeless look.'

Alessandra showed of her impeccable figure in eye-catching ensembles as she promoted the new PatBO x Alessandra capsule collection on Instagram in December

The Brazilian supermodel shared a reel on her main Instagram page to show off a few pieces from the latest collaboration

The mother-of-two was seen donning a hot pink, floral bikini top with beaded details and is currently priced at $725

The beauty also divulged how her relationship with her appearance has changed over the years.

'I think Ive developed an inner confidence. I didnt expect modelling to last, but here I am still doing it and loving it.

'So, that has made me feel that I can embrace my look at every stage of my life.'
If police decide he has criminal culpability, they'll pass the case to prosecutors

Now the LAPD is trying to determine if he was behind the wheel in response

Michael B. Jordan is reportedly being investigation by the Los Angles Police Department in response to a shocking car crash earlier this month that was caught on video.

The 36-year-old actor was previously reported to have crash his $429,000 Ferrari into the side of a parked Kia SUV, but the investigation appears to have ramped up after video emerged on Thursday.

Now law enforcement sources have told TMZ that they are investigating the circumstances of the crash in order to determine if Jordan was the one behind the wheel.

DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Jordan requesting comment.

According to the sources, if they are able to confirm that Jordan was the driver, they will then contact him for an interview.

Michael B. Jordan is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department after crashing his $400K Ferrari in the a parked car, law enforcement sources told TMZ on Friday; seen in March 2023 in Beverly Hills

According to the sources, the investigation began after video emerged on Thursday that purportedly shows Jordan driving and then crashing into the parked car (pictured)

That will give the Black Panther star a chance to share his side of what led up to the crash.

Part of the reason that is necessary is that Jordan appears to have provided few details when speaking to police at the scene of the crash.

The sources added that if the investigation officers determine Jordan is criminally culpable, then the case would be passed on to prosecutors to determine whether he should be charged with a crime.

The video in questions shows what is believed to be Jordan's Ferrari, a blue 812 Superfast, racing down Sunset Boulevard against a red Ferrari in the left lane.

The car that is believed to be Jordan's appears to briefly swerve unsteadily, at which point the driver hits the breaks, but the car then serves even more dramatically to the right, hitting the parked Kia SUV.

The collision reportedly damaged both Jordan's car and the parked car, with the Ferrari losing its front passenger-side tire, according to KTLA, which first obtained the video.

After the crash, a reporter for LA-OC.tv said that when he tried to film the car and its occupants speaking to police, a security guard for the actor 'tried to run me off.'

Law enforcement sources added that police at the scene found no indication that the actor was impaired by drugs or alcohol, though that doesn't mean he couldn't still be charged with a crime.

They also reportedly did not perform a field sobriety test at the time.

Jordan reportedly offered few details about the crash to police who initially arrived at the scene, so if they determine he was the driver then police will attempt to interview him again; seen December 11 in West Hollywood

The video in questions shows what is believed to be Jordan's Ferrari, a blue 812 Superfast, racing down Sunset Boulevard against a red Ferrari in the left lane

The car believed to be Jordan's briefly swerves unsteadily, at which point the driver hits the breaks, but the car then serves even more dramatically to the right, hitting the parked Kia SUV

If police determine Jordan has criminal culpability, the matter will be referred to prosecutors to determine if he should be charged. An insider told DailyMail.com that he was 'embarrassed' over the crash and 'annoyed that he ruined his car'; seen December 31, 2022 in England

Law enforcement officers have not released the names of anyone at the scene, as no one was initially charged in connection with the case.

An insider in Jordan's camp told DailyMail.com that he was 'embarrassed' over the shocking crash.

'It was an actual accident,' they said. 'Michael was annoyed that he ruined his car, but that can get fixed. He was, and is, embarrassed about it all as he accidentally had his foot on the gas and didn't brake in time.

'One thing lead to another and the parked car was where it was, and all the puzzle pieces just landed in an unfortunate way. He is happy nobody was hurt,' they added.
Netflix was always 'adamant' for The Crown to end with the events of 2005 it's been revealed, due to the 'true story' of more recent happenings still yet to emerge.

Following the final episodes being released this week specialist researcher on the award-winning drama Annie Sulzberger explained how the team needed time to properly investigate happenings in the royal household.

The show concluded with William and Kate's blossoming romance, the late Queen's Golden Jubilee and Charles and Camilla finally tying the knot.

Speaking on the History Extra Podcast, she said: 'What we feel very adamant about  this is one of the reasons why our show stops in 2005,'

'You need to allow the true story of those moments and the history to emerge so that it's not actually on the ground reporting'.

Netflix was always 'adamant' for The Crown to end with the events of 2005 it's been revealed, due to the 'true story' of more recent happenings still yet to emerge

Following the final episodes being released this week specialist researcher on the award-winning drama Annie Sulzberger explained how the team needed time to properly investigate happenings in the royal household

Going on to say: 'If we were still doing it in 2023 we would only have today's newspapers or interviews to help us shape the story'.

Using Princess Diana's fatal 1997 car crash, which features in the series, as an example she said: 'Most of the information for that did not come out till 2008'.

'We needed those ten years of investigations to take us through to get to the actual fundamental material with which to build our story.'

As the infamous drama about the Royal Family was brought to a close, viewers were quick to take to social media to admit they were 'heartbroken'.

They shared their upset that The Crown had finally come to a close after six series and told how the closing scenes were 'so sad'.

Taking to X - formerly known as Twitter - one wrote: 'I just finished The Crown season 6 part 2. oh my god. wow.'

A second said: 'OK this is really sad,' while a third commented: 'The Crown finale is so sad.'

A third tweeted: 'The final episodes are out.. [broken heart emoji],' and another wrote: 'The Ritz episode. Heartbreaking. And absolutely beautiful.'

The show concluded with William and Kate's blossoming romance, the late Queen's Golden Jubilee and Charles and Camilla finally tying the knot (pictured)

She said: 'You need to allow the true story of those moments and the history to emerge so that it's not actually on the ground reporting'

Using Princess Diana's fatal 1997 car crash, which features in the series, as an example she said: 'Most of the information for that did not come out till 2008'

Going on to say: 'If we were still doing it in 2023 we would only have today's newspapers or interviews to help us shape the story' (Harry and Meghan pictured in 2017)

Another added: 'This show was absolutely magnificent and so well done. I'll miss it so much. Thank you Peter Morgan.'

Viewers also praised the show for briefly bringing back former stars Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in the earlier series.

The poignant scene saw the two actresses appear at the shoulder of Imelda Staunton, the final actress to take the role, in the closing moments of the drama.

However, the second half of series six has received a very mixed reaction from reviewers, with the introduction of Kate (Meg Bellamy) and William (Ed McVey) in St Andrews received a lukewarm reception.

Some were also critical of the depiction of Carole Middleton's desperate attempts to make a match for her daughter.

However, critics also praised the scenes with Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville), seeing her role as a way to hark back to the more historical elements of the earlier seasons.

The show's last episodes debuted on the streaming platform on December 14, weeks after the first half of series six was released last month

As the infamous drama about the Royal family was brought to a close, viewers were quick to take to social media to admit they were 'heartbroken'

Viewers also praised the show for briefly bringing back former stars Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in the earlier series

The Independent's Katie Rosseinsky gave the show a mere two stars and was one of those who saw the end as a far cry from its successful beginnings.

FOR MORE ON THE CROWN Did Prince William really blame his father for Dianas death? Find out in the new episode of our unmissable podcast The Crown: Fact of Fiction And keep listening to find out the truth about Harrys Nazi costume Advertisement

She wrote: 'When it comes to The Crown and what-ifs, the biggest one is this: what if this juggernaut of a show hadn't squandered its once-golden potential?

'As the final six episodes arrive on Netflix, bringing a saga spanning half a century to a close, Morgan's drama is haunted by the ghost of past glories.'

The mainly scathing review added that some of William and Harry's lines appear that they were written by an 'AI bot', and though she praised The Queen's (Imelda Staunton) final scenes, she added they come 'too little too late'.

Anita Singh of The Telegraph agreed, arguing that a 'once fine drama abdicates with a miserable whimper'.

The Times appeared more positive by offering three stars, calling it a 'middling end to a royal epic', adding it was 'quite dull' and felt like it was 'running out of power like a Duracell advert'.

The i and Radio Times however were far more complimentary of the new season, giving it four stars apiece.

The i's Francesca Steele called it a 'near perfect ending against all odds': 'If you've missed what you used to think of as The Crown  that elegant, strangely nostalgic (even for things you don't remember) examination of changing national identity  good news. It's back!

Reviewers had mixed reactions to The Crown's final episodes, particularly the introductions of Kate (Meg Bellamy) and William (Ed McVey)

Critics also praised the scenes with Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville), seeing her role as a way to hark back to the more historical elements of the earlier seasons

'After 54 episodes and 143 awards since its 2017 premiere, and with six episodes to go following a shoddy first part of the final series, creator Peter Morgan has gone back to basics. It's a joy.'

While James Hibbs of Radio Times sees Ed McVey as the key success figure of the final series.

Hibbs writes: 'It may not be the series at its best, but this final batch of episodes succeeds by taking things back to basics.'
Jackie 'O' Henderson has been enjoying her new figure after slimming down the past year.

The KIIS DM radio host looked trim and terrific on Saturday as she headed out to go Christmas shopping with her daughter Kitty.

The 48-year-old and her 12-year-old daughter called into the Venroy clothing store in Sydney's trendy Paddington.

Jackie wore a flowing boho mini dress paired with a bucket hat and designer cats eye sunglasses.

She appeared to have on minimal makeup and tucked her blonde locks underneath her headwear.

Jackie 'O' Henderson has been enjoying her new figure after slimming down and losing 18 kilos. Pictured with her daughter

The KIIS DM radio host looked trim and terrific on Saturday as she headed out to go Christmas shopping with her daughter Kitty

The 48-year-old and her 12-year-old daughter called into the Venroy clothing store in Sydney's trendy Paddington

Jackie carried a cream tote bag with a black graphic design throughout and completed her ensemble with a pair of black leather sandals.

It comes after Jackie was once again been forced to deny that Ozempic is behind her spectacular 18kg slim down.

Ozempic, an appetite suppressant previously used to treat Diabetes type II, has seen an increase in prescriptions for obesity in recent years and is now used by many celebrities to keep a trim figure.

Jackie has always insisted she achieved her weight loss by going on WW (Weight Watchers), which she was an official ambassador for.

But now the speculation has kicked off again after WW, under the leadership of CEO Sima Sistani, has started to embrace semaglutide drugs like Ozempic.

Jackie wore a flowing boho mini dress paired with a bucket hat and designer cats eye sunglasses

She appeared to have on minimal makeup and tucked her blonde locks underneath her headwear

Jackie carried a cream tote bag with a black graphic design throughout and completed her ensemble with a pair of black leather sandals

It comes after Jackie was once again been forced to deny that Ozempic is behind her spectacular 18kg slim down

Jackie has always insisted she achieved her weight loss by going on WW (Weight Watchers), which she was an official ambassador for

Reacting to the news on the The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Jackie exclaimed, 'That makes it look like I was definitely on Ozempic!'

She jokingly added, 'I was like a guinea pig in that experiment.'

Newsreader Brooklyn Ross then asked Jackie if she was 'annoyed' she had to lose weight 'the hard way' instead of just using a semaglutide for a quick fix.

'I mean, they make a good point and I'm really impressed that they're with the times,' she said.

'You see so many people doing it and being successful and it not really being that hard for them.'

The mother and daughter picked out some clothes to try on

Jackie appeared to be shopping for a dress for Kitty for Christmas
Kate Lawler showcased her jaw-dropping figure in a sizzling bikini snap she shared on Friday evening.

The former Big Brother star, 43, has escaped the frosty British weather with a pre-Christmas trip to Antigua.

In snaps shared to Instagram on Friday, Kate looked incredible as she slipped into a blue two-piece that highlighted her toned midriff and endless pins.

The reality star made the most of her time away by doing a safari tour as she filmed for ITV's competition prizes.

In one snap, the star wore a multi-coloured patterned maxi dress which she paired with gold hoop earrings.

Kate Lawler showcased her jaw-dropping figure in a sizzling bikini snap she shared on Friday evening

The former Big Brother star, 43, has escaped the frosty British weather with a pre-Christmas trip to Antigua

In one snap, the star wore a multi-coloured patterned maxi dress which she paired with gold hoop earrings

Alongside the post, she wrote: 'I've never travelled anywhere this hot so close to Christmas and I keep forgetting that it's only 15 days away.

'(I got confused with it being 15th Dec and 10 days away BRILLIENNNNT) Seeing Christmas trees dotted about this tropical island is so strange but thankfully it's constantly reminding me I need to start buying some presents.'

The outing comes after Kate hit back at a troll who mum-shamed her on Instagram after learning that her daughter Noa still sleeps in a cot.

A video of Noa, who will turn three in February, singing under the mattress of her cot evoked some invited comments from one follower.

Leaving not one, but two comments, the user commented: 'To be fair a bed would be better hun!!'

Kate simply replied: 'Shed never be able to lift a bed mattress though. So no.' [on a video of her lifting her tiny mattress]

The follower commented again: 'Shes out grow that think (sic) and she will feel a bigger girl in a little bed!!!!

Kate clapped back: 'She doesnt need a bed to feel like a "bigger girl", please dont tell others how their children will feel when you dont know them.

The outing comes after Kate hit back at a troll who mum-shamed her on Instagram after learning that her daughter Noa still sleeps in a cot

A video of Noa (pictured in November), in her cot on Instagram evoked some uninvited opinions from one of Kate's followers

'Also this wasnt a post to ask for advice on Noas sleeping arrangements. She is the most content when we say goodnight and leave her room, extremely happy in her cot, sleeps through the night, never wakes us up and sleeps until 7-8am.

'Why on earth would I change her to a bed? When shes not got enough room to sleep or move I will buy her a bed.'

The rest of Kate's fans supported her and shared stories of their own children acting strangely in their cots.

Kate argued with the fan and told her: 'please don't tell others how their children will feel when you don't know them'

In an earlier November video, a restless Noa threw items out of her cot, and the most-liked comments suggested Kate buy her a bed

Noa (pictured in November) got comfortable under her mattress and sang the nursery rhyme Frere Jacques

In December 2022, Kate shocked the internet when she shared a video of then-22-month-old Noa identifying different breeds of dog.

Kate gave birth to her first child Noa Daisy Ilse in February 2021 and Kate admitted she was worried she wouldn't be able to conceive due to her low egg count.

Noa's father is Martin Bojtos, a podcast producer, whom Kate married in 2022 after nine years together.

Kate became the first female winner of Big Brother in 2002 when she won the show's third series.
Shanina Shaik and her boyfriend Matthew Adesuyan enjoyed a rare date in Los Angeles on Friday.

The couple, who are proud parents to their son Zac, 15 months, took time off from parenting duties to head out for dinner.

Shanina, 32, showed off her model figure in a red bodycon ribbed midi dress and $2,220 Givenchy Shark Lock leather knee-high boots.

The model shrugged a chic black trench coat over her shoulders and slicked her hair back into a bun.

Matthew cut a casual figure in a grey beanie, green zip-up jumper and jeans.

Shanina Shaik and her boyfriend Matthew Adesuyan enjoyed a rare date in Los Angeles on Friday

The couple, who are proud parents to their son Zac, 15 months, took time out from parenting duties to head out for dinner

The couple are back in the US after a enjoying a luxury holiday to the Maldives last month.

Shanina took to Instagram to share a series of stunning snaps.

The Australian model flaunted her slender physique in a white silky dress which had a sexy thigh-split.

She gave a sultry look down the lens with the breathtaking view of the Maldives' crystalline waters in the background.

The holiday came as a welcome break for Shanina who announced the release of their podcast called Eight Twenty earlier this year with Georgia Sinclair.

The Los Angeles-based duo share their celebrity filled lives with listener and discuss all things wellness, beauty, body image, relationships and dating.

'We are all seeking balance in life, sometimes we get it right, other times we dont,' they told the Daily Telegraph in July.

'Our aim is to give people tools and knowledge from people who have really busy and successful lives and industry leaders to help them achieve their version of 80/20.'

Shanina, 32, showed off her model figure in a red bodycon ribbed midi dress and $2,220 Givenchy Shark Lock leather knee-high boots

The model shrugged a chic black trench coat over her shoulders and slicked her hair back into a bun

The couple are back in the US after a enjoying a luxury holiday to the Maldives last month

The couple are back in the US after a enjoying a luxury holiday to the Maldives last month. Shanina took to Instagram to share a series of stunning snaps

Shanina and Matthew have been in a relationship since 2020. They went public with their relationship on Valentine's Day 2021.

The model was previously married to DJ Ruckus, whose real name is Gregory Andrews, from 2018 to 2019.

The model previously shared Matthew was 'so happy' about becoming a father, noting, 'He's so supportive.'

'He's just excited to share this experience together as well,' she told People. 'We're very much in love, and to bring a beautiful life into this world is quite special.'
Davina McCall showed off her age-defying figure as she enjoyed an outdoor workout in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday.

The presenter, 56, looked trim and toned as she worked up a sweat in a orange crop top and red gym shorts.

Davina has flown out to Australia to visit her daughter Tilly, 20, and made the most of the sunny weather by heading out on a run.

The TV star's six-pack was on display as she pounded the pavement before stopping to gather her breath and check her phone.

Davina took to Instagram earlier this week to share an insight into her trip.

Davina McCall showed off her age-defying figure as she enjoyed an outdoor workout in Sydney, Australia on Thursday

The presenter, 56, looked trim and toned as she worked up a sweat in a orange crop top and red gym shorts

She wrote: 'Im a bit quiet on here atm coz Im in Australia seeing Tilly !!! Yayyyyy! ( my youngest daughter).

'And my family. Had terrible jet lag this am but a run sorted me out  running by the sea is EPIC!!! Back soon x whats happening?' (sic).

Back in September, Davina gave a comprehensive insight into the disciplined health regime that helped her develop the physique of someone half her age.

The mother-of-three is in the shape of her life after devoting herself to ritualistic daily workouts - but its not your average hour in a local gym.

Speaking to The Mirror, the My Mum, Your Dad presenter revealed she sets her alarm for 6:15am each day and immediately pulls on her Lycra workout gear, because it motivates her to exercise, even when she doesn't want to.

'I just put on a workout outfit because it means that Im always ready,' she said. 'If I start my day in civvies I am not going to work out, its never going to happen.'

After breakfast comes a brisk dog walk with family pooch Bo, a regular presence on her Instagram account - but it comes with the added burden of weighted gloves.

'I use them for walks, for all my exercise  even if Im using dumbbells, Ill still wear them,' she said. 'Theyre just half a kilogram, but youll feel it. Theyre the single greatest piece of kit Ive ever used.'

Davina has flown out to Australia to visit her daughter Tilly, 20, and made the most of the sunny weather by heading for a run outdoors

The TV star's six-pack was on display as she pounded the pavement before stopping to gather her breath and check her phone

DAVINA'S DAILY PLAN 1. Wake at 6:15am 2 Shower, apply doctor prescribed gels and patches to help with 'brain fog to libido' and dress (always in Lycra workout clothes) 3. Breakfast (powdered bovine collagen and granola with milk) 4. Brisk dog walk (with weighted gloves) 5. Regular daily workout, to be changed periodically (again with weighted gloves) 6. Main meal at lunchtime ('usually something like pasta or courgetti or eggs with something') Advertisement

The presenter also restructures her daily workouts on a regular basis, meaning she's never doing the same routine for too long - a tactic that 'challenges and shocks' the body.

Mealtimes have also been tailored around her healthy lifestyle, with the presenter opting to eat her main meal at lunchtime instead of the more conventional early evening.

And Davina, who has been teetotal since her twenties after an early struggle with drugs and alcohol, says her approach to health and fitness has helped her overcome the menopause.

'I know you must think its a faff, but I do feel normal again and dare I say, sometimes I feel better than I have done in years and years,' she said. 'So for me, the faff is worth it.'

Davina recently insisted that you don't have to 'give up on intimacy and sex' as you age.

The presenter is fronting a new dating show My Mum, Your Dad for middle-aged parents looking to find love again.

And she reflected on passion in later in life saying that once kids have flown the nest it can be the perfect time for things to be reignited.

She told The Sun: 'What I like about the show is it's a nice reminder to society that you don't give up on intimacy and sex when you're in your forties, fifties and sixties.

'Actually, they could be the sexiest time of your life, when the baggage of kids is gone, they've all flown the nest, and you can actually go for it again!

'With kids it's like, "Shh. Oh my Gosh, they could walk in at any moment." So when you do have time to yourself and they are around less, that is an amazing time to try to rekindle something.'

Davina took to Instagram earlier this week to share an insight into her trip

She wrote: 'Im a bit quiet on here atm coz Im in Australia seeing Tilly !!! Yayyyyy! ( my youngest daughter)'

Davina herself knows all too well about finding love again when that little bit older.

In 2017, she announced her separation from Matthew Robertson, her husband of 17 years who she shares three children with Holly, 22, Tilly and 17-year-old Chester.

Two years later she went public with her romance with hairdresser Michael Douglas, 48, who she is still happily dating.
Ellie Simmonds has been hospitalised with a mystery health scare.

The Paralympic swimmer, 29, took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal she has spent days at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Ellie didn't share what she was in hospital for but the scare appears to have come on suddenly.

Ellie shared a photo of her hand attached to an IV drip and wrote: 'Never would of thought spent days in December and lead up to Christmas in hospital.

'Huge thank you to all the nurses, doctors and staff at Walsall Manor NHS Hospital for looking after me.'

Ellie Simmonds has been hospitalised with a mystery health scare. The Olympic swimmer, 29, took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal she has spent days at Walsall Manor Hospital

Ellie didn't share what she was in hospital for but the scare appears to have come on suddenly

MailOnline has contacted Ellie's representatives for comment.

It's been a rough few months for Ellie as she recently split from her boyfriend Matt Dean after two years of dating.

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Ellie and Matt have sadly split but it was amicable on both sides and there remains a lot of love there.

'They preferred to keep their relationship out of the public eye and it was the same with the break up, but both are doing OK.'

The former couple first met when they were toddlers and started dating two years ago.

Matt was spotted in the audience supporting Ellie as she competed on Strictly Come Dancing last year.

When she signed up for Strictly, she credited Matt, who like Ellie, has dwarfism, for encouraging her.

She told The Sun: 'I was like shall I, shall I not. Then I spoke to my other half Matt, and he was like 'go for it Ellie, take that leap of faith, you don't know unless you try.'

It's been a rough few months for Ellie as she recently split from her boyfriend Matt Dean after two years of dating

'Now I'm so happy I said yes. As soon as I did we were bouncing around the kitchen like yay! Like little buzzing bees.'

Meanwhile, Ellie - who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia - recently made a documentary exploring her search for her birth mother after discovering she was put up for adoption.

In the ITV programme, the Paralympian was heartbroken to find out medical professionals had told her mother that Ellie could be bullied and viewed as 'evil' and 'stupid'.

However, Ellie - who has won five gold medals competing at Paralympic Games held in Beijing, London and Rio - did not let this discovery stop her from embarking on a successful journey to track down the woman who brought her into the world.

According to the Daily Mirror, she said: 'Until now, it's never emotionally affected me.

'It never made me feel rejected or ask why do my birth parents not want me. I've been so focused on the future and never thought about it.'

Ellie has often gushed about how her adoptive parents Steve and Val - who have four other kids - are some of her biggest supporters but did not know that she was not their biological daughter.

However, soon 'questions started to bubble up' and she went on an adventure to find her birth story.
Christine Lampard and Charlotte Hawkins both looked incredible as they led the guests at Piers Morgan's star-studded Christmas party on Friday evening.

The Talk TV host, 58, gathered some of his closest showbiz pals for a bash at Kensington's Scarsdale Tavern in London.

Christine, 44, who attended the event with her husband Frank, cut a chic figure in a black blazer and matching skinny jeans.

Adding height to her frame with matching ankle boots, the Loose Women host also wore a burgundy blouse.

Styling her brunette locks into an updo, Christine completed her look fort he evening with a black handbag.

Christine Lampard and her husband Frank led the celebrity arrivals at Piers Morgan's star-studded Christmas party on Friday evening

Charlotte Hawkins (right) appeared in good spirits as she arrived at the venue in a sparkly animal print top and a black mini skirt

Christine cut a chic figure in a black blazer and matching skinny jeans

Christine's husband Frank Lampard opted for smart casual attire as he joined his wife at the bash

Piers cut a casual figure for the festivities as he donned a navy shirt along with a pair of matching chinos

Piers was joined by his wife Celia Walden who looked sensational in a daring leather mini dress along with a pair of black boots

Piers' son Spencer Morgan work an all black outfit for the evening, wearing a light-weight jumper and a pair of jeans

Charlotte, 48, appeared in good spirits as she arrived at the venue in a sparkly animal print top and a black mini skirt.

Wrapping up in a black leather jacket, the Good Morning Britain star also wore a pair of matching knee-high boots.

Piers cut a casual figure for the festivities as he donned a navy shirt along with a pair of matching chinos.

The TalkTV presenter was all smiles as he puffed on a cigar and chatted with his guests outside the venue.

Piers was joined by his wife Celia Walden who looked sensational in a daring leather mini dress along with a pair of black boots.

Also in attendance was Kirsty Gallacher who opted for an all black look in a matching blazer, top and trousers.

The presenter styled her locks into a sleek ponytail and completed her outfit with a black handbag.

Sky News host Kay Burley was all smiles as she arrived to the event in a black jacket with a red collar paired with a dark red top.

Also in attendance was Kirsty Gallacher who opted for an all black look in a matching blazer, top and trousers

Sky News host Kay Burley was all smiles as she arrived to the event in a black jacket with a red collar paired with a dark red top

Kelly Hoppen opted for a black vest top which she wore with a black blazer and matching trousers

The businesswoman wore some glitzy jewellery for the evening and carried a white clutch purse with her

Rachel Johnson put on an animated display as she arrived to the venue in a black jumper and matching leather trousers

Former politician Stanley Johnson wore an orange jacket over a navy blue jumper and a matching pair of trousers

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne cut a casual figure in a navy jumper, blue jeans and a dark jacket

Bruno Tonioli went with a more laid back look as he wore a long-sleeved white top along with khaki trousers and dark brown shoes

Gary Lineker attended the event alongside his son George with the pair seen posing for a snap with Piers and his son Spencer

Gary sported a black jacket with a matching turtle neck jumper and grey jumpers

David Seaman looked in good spirits as he attended the bash with his wife Frankie Poultney

Eamonn Holmes also made an appearance where he was seen catching up with Virgin Radio UK's newest host Ryan Tubridy

Eamonn appeared in good spirits as he arrived at the party, wearing a black suit and a white shirt

Richard Madeley was see arriving in a grey jacket and a white top which he teamed with a pair of denim jeans

Journalist Andrew Marr wore a charcoal grey suit which he wore with a striped shirt and a pair of comfortable trainers

Broadcaster Jeremy Kyle (left) was seen arriving with former SAS: Who Dares Wins Ant Middleton (right)

The broadcaster added to her look with a pair of black trousers and matching heels.

Kelly Hoppen opted for a black vest top which she wore with a black blazer and matching trousers.

The businesswoman wore some glitzy jewellery for the evening and carried a white clutch purse with her

Bruno Tonioli went with a more laid back look as he wore a long-sleeved white top along with khaki trousers and dark brown shoes.

Gary Lineker attended the event alongside his son George with the pair seen posing for a snap with Piers and his son Spencer.

CNBC host Tania Bryer (left) looked stylish in a black jumpsuit and matching coat

Meanwhile, former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne cut a casual figure in a navy jumper, blue jeans and a dark jacket.

Rachel Johnson put on an animated display as she arrived to the venue in a black jumper and matching leather trousers.

The journalist looked in good spirits at the bash where she was joined by her father Stanley.

Eamonn Holmes also made an appearance where he was seen catching up with Virgin Radio UK's newest host Ryan Tubridy.
Jerry O'Connell has revealed how his wife Rebecca Romjin felt about her 'betrayal' in her ex-husband John Stamos ' juicy new memoir.

His remarks come after the Full House star, 60, penned a scathing portrayal of his past marriage to Romjin, 51, in his book, If You Would Have Told Me, released in October.

While promoting the project, the father-of-one even told Howard Stern he felt 'emasculated' while his first wife's career eclipsed his and by the end of their marriage he 'couldn't believe how much' he 'hated her.'

In response to Stamos' declarations, O'Connell gave an interview saying his swipes at Romjin were 'a little scary.'

''You know, its not my place to comment on how do I feel about it, you know? I can tell you how my wife felt about it, okay?' he told TMZ. 'And from what I observed my wife was bummed out. I think it was a bummer for my wife.'

Jerry O'Connell has revealed how is wife Rebecca Romjin felt about her 'betrayal' in her ex-husband John Stamos ' juicy new memoir

Entitled If You Would Have Told Me, the book was published in October and contained a scathing portrayal of John and Rebecca's marriage; John and Rebecca pictured 2003

He was equally frank while promoting the book (pictured), telling Howard Stern he felt 'emasculated' while Rebecca's career eclipsed his

He iterated: 'I cant speak on my wifes emotions, I can just tell you what I observed and I think my wife was disappointed.'

His interviewers compared Romjin's situation to that of Justin Timberlake, who was recently trashed in Britney Spears' memoir The Woman In Me.

Looking at the situation broadly, Jerry acknowledged that 'that Timberlake-Britney Spears stuff, it sells books. I mean, this is  were all in a business.'

He pointed to members of the British Royal Family, including the King and Prince William, whom Prince Harry raked over the coals in his book Spare.

'How do all these people feel? Theyre bummed out. I think its shock. I think its a betrayal,' said the 49-year-old Sliders actor.

Jerry previously said the remarks about Rebecca in John's book struck him as 'a little scary.

'My family was recently mentioned in a tell-all and you know its a little scary, but I mean people got to make a living, I guess, it just happens,' O'Connell told TMZ, in a separate interview, on Thursday. 'We live in a time where people just want to know these things.

'I dont think I will ever write a tell-all - I think Im gonna take some secrets to the grave - but people love them.'

The Crossing Jordan star and Berkeley, California-born beauty, 51, tied the knot two years after her split from Stamos, 60, who she was wed to from 1998 to 2005.

Jerry previously said the inflammatory remarks about Rebecca in John's book struck him as 'a little scary,' and that he doesn't think he'll ever pen one himself

Stamos spoke negatively about his marriage to Romijn in If You Would Have Told Me, the memoir he released in October. Pictured last week in Miami Beach, Florida

O'Connell and Romijn are parents to 14-year-old twin daughters Charlie Tamara Tulip and Dolly Rebecca Rose, who celebrate their birthdays later this month.

The actor, who has been seen in films including Jerry Maguire and Stand By Me, was asked by the outlet if people who write tell-alls should give advance notice to the people they are mentioning in the book.

'Someone that my wife was previously married to wrote a book and we did not get a heads-up,' he said, without mentioning Stamos' name. 'Should they give someone a heads-up?'

'I have never been previously married so I cant speak from experience, but lets just say God forbid, my wife and I split up and I wrote a tell-all about my wife ... there wouldnt be anything to tell, were older and it would be pretty boring.'

He joked that the content of a book about their lives would be about how they stop their children from vaping or failing geometry, adding, 'You want to read that in a tell-all?'

O'Connell said he 'would probably' alert Romijn to whatever he said if he did pen a tell-all.

During an appearance on the CBS' show, The Talk, last month, OConnell refrained from getting into detail about Stamos' comments about Romijn because 'there are children involved.'

He said: 'My wife's ex-husband recently wrote a biography, and it referred to my wife in a negative manner. And a lot of people have asked me about that in press, and it would be easy for me to say, "Screw you, how dare you ask me that?"'

O'Connell said, 'My family was recently mentioned in a tell-all and you know its a little scary, but I mean people got to make a living, I guess, it just happens'

OConnell, speaking on the CBS show The Talk November 13, said that he's refrained from getting into detail about Stamos' comments about Romijn because 'there are children involved'

OConnell and Romijn, 51, tied the knot in 2007, two years after her split from Stamos, 60, who she was wed to from 1998 to 2005

OConnell said that commenting on the Stamos remarks would 'be bringing the attention to a situation that I don't want to feed into.

'There's children involved, teenage children who read everything on the Internet; so you don't want to feed that fire,' OConnell said, receiving applause from the studio audience.

In an interview with People on October 19 while promoting his new memoir, If You Would Have Told Me, Stamos said he was embittered toward Romijn during the end of their marriage.

'In my mind back then, she was the Devil, and I just hated her,' Stamos told the publication. 'I couldn't believe how much I hated her, and it ruined my life.'

He later added: 'It was very much the opinion that she dumped me because her career was going great and mine wasn't, and that's humiliating.

'I don't blame her for it. It was just the perception that people took, and maybe they weren't wrong. She was doing great at that time and I wasn't.'

Last month, O'Connell revealed that he and his spouse did not get warning from the Full House star before he wrote about them in his new memoir.

While appearing on Access Hollywood in October, O'Connell told hosts Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover that he and his wife found out about the book after it was already released.

The actor said that he's refrained from getting into detail about Stamos' comments about Romijn because 'there are children involved,' as and he and Romijn are parents to 14-year-old twin daughters Charlie Tamara Tulip and Dolly Rebecca Rose

'We don't get any warning,' he said. 'We find out just like anyone else.'

O'Connell then declined to comment on whether or not his wife was shocked by the comments Stamos made about their divorce in his book - which was released October 24.

'It's not really my place to say,' he said in response to the question. 'I would rather my wife talk about that. My wife and I are getting along so well today.'

In his new memoir, Stamos spoke candidly about his 'failed' first marriage with the former model.

In the People interview, Stamos also revealed that he was 'shattered' after they ended their seven-year marriage and said he 'hated her' during their divorce.

The General Hospital vet confessed: 'My first marriage was shattering to me. I was shattered for way too long, too.

'I mean, a year, okay, good,' he continued. 'But it went on [for] years and years.'

Stamos said following their split, he relied heavily on alcohol as a coping mechanism and only worked through his resentment towards her after going through the steps in AA.

O'Connell and Romijn were pictured in April at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, DC

In his new memoir, Stamos spoke candidly about his 'failed' first marriage with the former model. Pictured last week in Miami Beach, Florida

In his new memoir, he spoke candidly about his 'failed' first marriage with the former model. Pictured in LA in 2000

During promotions for the book, Stamos also revealed that he was 'shattered' after they ended their seven-year marriage and said he 'hated her' during their divorce. Pictured in LA in 2000

Stamos also revealed that he has kept a special gift that his ex-wife had given him while they were together.

In Stamos' bombshell memoir, he opens up about his alcoholism and going to rehab.

He also talked about finding out his late friend and Full House costar, Bob Saget, had passed away.

The Emmy nominee also spoke about being sexually assaulted and revealed he had multiple rhinoplasties early in his career.

In February 2018, he went on to marry actress Caitlin McHugh, who is 23 years his junior, after meeting on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Two months later, they welcomed their son, Billy.
Susan Lucci honored her late husband as she accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award Friday at the Daytime Emmy Awards in New York.

The actress, 76, best known for her role as Erica Kane on the long-running soap opera All My Children, began her speech by raving that it was 'the icing on the cake' that her and Susan Lucci's son, Andreas, 36, was in the audience.

'It means so much to me to have you here with me,' she said as she accepted the honor,' she said to him from the stage. 'I feel your dad's presence here with us tonight too.

She continued: I thank my husband, Helmet Huber, because he has everything to do with me standing up here tonight and receiving this incredible award.'

Susan Lucci, 76, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in New York Friday

Lucci's husband of nearly 53 years passed away in March 2022 at age 84. The two met while they were both working at a hotel and got engaged after three weeks of dating. They tied tied the knot in September 1969.

She and the Austrian-born writer and producer shared two children Andreas, 36, and Liza, 48.

Huber acted as Lucci's manager throughout much of her career and was the CEO of their production company, Pine Valley Productions, named for the fictional town where All My Children took place.

Lucci played Erica Kane beginning in 1970 and continued to portray they spunky character until All My Children ended in 2011.

Erica was popular with the fans, and Lucci was nominated for 19 Best Actress awards until she finally received one in 1999.

Shemar Moore, 53, who opened the envelope when Lucci finally won the long coveted honor, was there Friday, to present her with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

'She's been in TV series as well as film and stage... she's been ranked as one of the 50 greatest television stars of all time and I couldn't agree more,' the S.W.A.T. star said.

When Lucci won in 1999, Moore excitedly announced 'the streak is over,' before calling her name.

Lucci began her run as Erica Kane on All My Children in 1970. She continued to portray' "naughty girl in town' until the soap opera ended in 2011

The actress met her husband of nearly 53 years, Helmut Huber, when both were working at a hotel. They got engaged after three weeks of dating and married in September 1969 and remained together until his death in 2022 at age 84 (Pictured in New York in November 2017)

The couple had two children, Liza, 48, and Andreas, 36 (seen in Los Angeles in January 2005)

In her acceptance speech, Lucci said 'I thank my husband Helmet Huber because he has everything to do with me standing up here tonight and receiving this incredible award' (Pictured in New York in February 2020)

A tribute video included clips from both of her children, All My Children alums Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, pal Andy Cohen and Carol Burnett, 90, who has appeared on the show several times as different characters.

As she accepted her statuette, the veteran actress, who looked stunning in a strapless orange and silver gown told the audience, 'How lucky am I to dream my dreams of becoming an actress and grow up and have my dreams come true? There were obstacles and there were roadblocks  they were wannabe obstacles and roadblocks  but tonight's a night to celebrate.'

When she received her 1999 award, Lucci recalled she began her speech 'began by thanking God for the many blessings, I begin there again tonight, starting with my parents for their love.'

'I thank them for the example they set for me,' she continued, 'for telling me I could shoot for the moon and the stars, and to never be afraid.

She also expressed her gratitude to her her teachers for 'giving me the tools to be the kind of actress I wanted to be,' and singling out All My Children creator Agnes Nixon, who died in 2016.

Shemar Moore, who opened the envelope when Lucci finally one her only Daytime Emmy in 1999, was there to present the Lifetime Achievement Award Friday

'She was a trailblazer, visionary storyteller who gave me the part of the lifetime, the fabulously flawed Erica Kane,' whom Lucci called the "naughty girl in town,' saying, 'she had spirit.'

Of course, Erica would not have had that long a life in TV land if it were not for the fans and the beloved actress thanked them for their support.

'I am eternally grateful to the fans for loving Erica Kane, even when she wasn't so lovable," she continued. "Thanks to them, I got to continue to play her again and again.'

Fans can stream the Daytime Emmy Awards on CBS.com or Paramount+
Made In Chelsea's Maeva D'Ascanio and James Taylor enjoyed a second wedding ceremony on Saturday after marrying at at Chelsea Registry Office in London last month.

Their MIC co-star Tristan Phipps took to Instagram this weekend to share a picture of the couple's order of service as they said 'I do' once more at mansion Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire, with the nuptials being filmed for their Channel 4 reality show.

The front of the programme of events for the ceremony featured both Maeva and James' names, along with the date and the name of the venue.

While Tristan gave a very small glimpse at the day, both Maeva, 31, and James, 28, opted to remain silent on social media.

They looked every inch the happy couple as they officially tied the knot at Chelsea Registry Office last month.

Made In Chelsea's Maeva D'Ascanio and James Taylor enjoyed a second wedding ceremony on Saturday after marrying at at Chelsea Registry Office in London last month

Their MIC co-star Tristan Phipps took to Instagram to share a picture of the couple's order of service as they said 'I do' once more at mansion Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire (James and Maeva pictured)

They were joined by the cast and crew of Made In Chelsea at Hedsor House (pictured) where the second ceremony was filmed for the show

Maeva looked elegant in a silk white wedding dress which she wore with a fur coat and platform heels. James looked dapper in a blue blazer.

A source told MailOnline at the time that the newlyweds were 'alone and got into a car' after leaving the secret ceremony.

Maeva and James have been together for three years and welcomed a baby boy named Beau Christian Taylor last year.

The couple got engaged last April while visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome and previously said they are looking forward to a festive wedding.

James proposed with a 2.5-carat pear-shaped diamond engagement ring which he designed and had already asked Maeva's father for permission to marry her last year.

He said: 'It feels like I have everything I have ever wanted - it's that secure feeling that this is my woman, forever.'

His-wife-to-be said: 'I feel protected - being engaged to the man of my dreams is amazing. It's a different love, it's stronger, it's deeper. I feel safe.'

Previously Maeva told Johnny Seifert on the Secure The Insecure podcast : 'The plans are for a Christmas wedding but that's it for now. It's going be here in England. We're just waiting to actually start the process of organising the wedding.

Maeva and James ooked every inch the happy couple as they officially tied the knot at Chelsea Registry Office in London last month

Maeva and James have been together for three years and welcomed a baby boy named Beau Christian Taylor last year

'Right now we're trying to be focused on the baby. Otherwise, it's too much to think about.'

James previously revealed that they had secured the wedding venue and confirmed they would be staying in the UK, despite Maeve being born in France.

He said: 'We went to view a place in England. It'll be an English winter wedding, with friends, family and people from the show.'

Speaking on FUBAR Radio, Maeva said 'we'll see' when asked if they were planning to show their wedding on MIC, while James replied 'we need to work that one out' as he said a few friends and family members are 'camera shy' and 'we don't want to be reshooting the magic moment'.

In a later interview with OK! Magazine, it seemed more as though the couple wanted to say yes to filming, reflecting on how 'beautiful' it was when their co-stars Ollie Locke and his husband Gareth did it. 'We're swinging towards saying yes,' James told the publication.

Back in March, Maeva revealed she had 'found the perfect dress' as she tried on a number of wedding gowns ahead of her big day.

Back in March, Maeva revealed she had 'found the perfect dress' as she tried on a number of wedding gowns ahead of her big day

She looked simply stunning as she shared a video montage to Instagram of herself in the bridal store ahead of tying the knot.

Maeva wowed in a figure hugging backless silk gown in one clip as she showcased different styles of dresses.

In another, Maeva looked nothing short of sensational in a princess-style dress which cascaded behind her as she looked in the mirror in the shop.

The beauty made sure she found the 'perfect dress' by also opted to try a high necked lace gown which boasted a daring thigh high split.
Nicki Minaj is spreading joy this holiday season by supporting less fortunate children across the nation.

On Friday night, the 41-year-old rapper presented a $50,000 pink check to the program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve while appearing on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.

'Thank you to you guys for allowing me to do this on your show. It was something that meant a lot to me,' the mother-of-one told Cohen, before making the exciting announcement.

She continued: ''I would like to donate $50,000 to Toys for Tots because I love this organization. I love what it stands for. It means the world to me, and God bless all the children in the world.'

Generous: Nicki Minaj is spreading joy this holiday season by supporting less fortunate children across the nation with a generous $50,000 donation to Toys for Tots

Three representatives from Toys for Tots stood behind the Bravo star's bar, and clapped while the news was announced to the live studio audience.

When asked about his reaction, Toys for Tots' N.Y.C. coordinator Raul Pillco raved that he was 'incredibly speechless.'

'It means the absolute world to be able to give back to the New York City community and just for the children across the nation,' Pillco gushed. 'So, with somebody with such a superstar status like you, it means the absolute world.'

Her donation comes just weeks after she dropped her fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2, on her 41st birthday.

Pink Friday 2 is the sequel to Nicki's debut album Pink Friday, which came out in 2010, and is the rapper's first album in five years.

The album has 22 tracks and features artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne, and Future. One of its songs is produced by Finneas, Billie Eilish's brother.

Fans of the rapper called 'Barbz', short for Barbie, because Nicki often refers to herself as one, flooded Twitter with praise for the album.

'Thank you to you guys for allowing me to do this on your show. It was something that meant a lot to me,' the mother-of-one told Cohen while presenting a large pink check to the program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve

Over the moon: When asked about his reaction, Toys for Tots' N.Y.C. coordinator Raul Pillco raved that he was 'incredibly speechless'

Exciting: Minaj made the annoucement on Bravo's late-night talk show, Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen

'Just finished #PinkFriday2 and Nicki ate every SONG. My house is now in shambles Barb for life,' one fan wrote.

Another said: 'SHE'S BAAAAAACK!!!!! The queen of rap is back and it's no skips over here I'm afraid #PinkFriday2.'

'Pink friday 2 is a VIBE, like that was an enjoyable experience for me personally & this is just on first listen. ICONIC #PinkFriday2.'

'Nicki released an album that sounds nothing like what the female rappers are releasing these days, I love that for my sister. #PinkFriday2.'

'Number 1 on Apple Music albums??? Good morning #PinkFriday2,' wrote another, providing a photo of the top four albums on the app.

'Wow just finished listening to PF2 in full & it definitely has the essence of Pink Friday. Almost like a tribute to the album that started it all.' Wrote a Barb.

He continued: 'At the same time, her growth as a writer & lyricist are on full display. She really delivered. Im kinda gagged. #PinkFriday2.'

A final fan shared: 'Just finished #PinkFriday2 and its a masterpiece. 10/10. No skips, all hits and vibes. My ears have been blessed.'

Fans flooded Twitter with praise for the album, which followed a fragrance of the same name released in November

Nicki posted pink visuals of a plane and the new album's track listing on a phone to Instagram. Big Differences, a song on the album, played in the background

Pink Friday 2 was first teased back in June of 2020 when Nicki tweeted, and quickly deleted: 'PF2'

Pink Friday 2 was first teased back in June of 2020 when Nicki tweeted, and quickly deleted: 'PF2'. It was initially scheduled for a 20 October 2023 release, but this was pushed back to 17 November, then finally 8 December.

The album's lead single, Super Freaky Girl, was released in August and went straight to number one, the first time a solo female rap song had done this since Lauren Hill's Doo Wop in (That Thing) in 1998.

Pink Friday 2 follows 2012's Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, 2014's The Pinkprint, and 2018's Queen, as well as three mixtapes.

In November, Nicki released Pink Friday 2, her ninth fragrance, which was supposed to coincide with the album's released.
Jeff Brazier was spotted as he arrived to support son Bobby at the Strictly Come Dancing Final on Saturday evening.

The TV host, 44, was joined by youngest lad Freddie, 19, and wife Kate Dwyer but there was no sign of Jade Goody's mother Jackiey Budden, 66, after she was banned from attending.

Jeff looked smart in a tweed blazer and scarf as he strolled arm-in-arm with his wife who put on a leggy display in a chic black mini dress.

Freddie also wore a tailored jacket over a crisp white shirt as the family but on a united front for Bobby's big night.

Jade mum Jackiey has 'an absolute right' to watch her grandson at the Strictly final, her ex-husband husband told MailOnline.

Jeff Brazier, 44, was spotted as he arrived to support son Bobby at the Strictly Come Dancing Final on Saturday evening (pictured with wife Kate Dwyer and son Freddie, 19)

Jeff, was joined by youngest lad Freddie, 19, and wife Kate Dwyer but there was no sign of Jade Goody's mother Jackiey Budden, 66, (pictured) after she was banned from attending the show

Jack Tweed said Jade would want her mum to be at the studio to watch Bobby dance on one of the biggest television events of the year.

But Jackiey is banned amid an ongoing feud with Bobby's dad Jeff Brazier - who she said had been a 'c**k for nine years' in an interview with Mail Online earlier this month.

She has not been to any of the Strictly shows and is due to miss the final when Bobby takes to the stage with dance partner Dianne Buswell tonight.

EastEnders star Bobby will be battling it all out for the Glitterball trophy against Layton Williams and Nikita Kumzin and Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.

Bobby was the bookies' favourite to win Strictly but has since dropped behind Coronation Street star Ellie.

Jack, 36, who helped bring up Bobby with mum Jade before she died of cancer aged just 27, has now called for Jackiey to be allowed to watch.

He told MailOnline: 'I think it's only right Jackiey can go to the final. She has played a big part in Bobby's childhood.

'I know it's what Jade would want. She would want peace and everybody to get along.

Jeff looked smart in a tweed blazer and scarf as he strolled arm-in-arm with his wife who put on a leggy display in a chic black mini dress

Jade mum Jackiey has 'an absolute right' to watch her grandson at the Strictly final, her ex-husband husband told MailOnline (Jackiey pictured at her daughter's grave on Wednesday)

Jack Tweed said Jade would want her mum to be at the studio to watch Bobby dance on one of the biggest television events of the year (Jack and Jade pictured in 2008)

EastEnders star Bobby Brazier declared his love for his dancing partner Dianne Buswell after the pair landed in the dreaded dance off on Sunday

'I know Jackiey can be outspoken. She speaks before she thinks and Jade was exactly the same.

'That will never change and it never has. She is who she is and we all know that.

'But she has an absolute right to be there. It'd be very sad if she isn't.

'She is Bobby's nan at the end of the day. Jackiey would not claim and has never claimed to be perfect.'

Jack urged Bobby to let her watch.

He added: 'I think it's the right thing.

'I think there's a good chance he will win on Saturday night and it would be very special if she could be there.'

Jackiey refused to comment when approached on Friday.

But was pictured looking heartbroken as she visited Jade's grave at a cemetery in Epping Forest, Essex earlier this week.

Jackiey sobbed as she polished the headstone and lay images of the reality star with Bobby and his younger brother, Freddie, 19.

One of the images she placed on the grave showed Bobby and dance partner Diane, 34, dancing on Strictly with the words: 'Doing Jade proud' laid on top, while she also left childhood shots of the boys.

Because of her falling-out with TV presenter Jeff, maternal grandmother Jackiey has watched him from her home in Bermondsey, south London.

Tensions flared after Jackiey has repeatedly slammed Jeff calling him a 'c***' when watching Bobby pick up a gong at the NTA's and later in an exclusive chat with MailOnline.

Speaking outside her flat earlier this month, Jackiey fumed: 'When I came out for the NTA Awards, I'm loud and it's the drink and someone went 'oh I bet you're really proud' and 'how do you get on with Jeff Brazier' and I said 'he's a c**k'.

Strictly and EastEnders star Bobby with dad Jeff after he won an award at the NTA ceremony

Bobby was the bookies' favourite to win Strictly but has dropped behind Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and her dance partner Vito Coppola

Jackiey at Jade's home in Essex with her grandchildren Freddie and Bobby in 2009

Jackiey was weeping while speaking to her late daughter at the grave this week

'Next minute I'm on the internet and all over the papers. As I came out of the O2, someone overheard me say it, so they sold the story.'

When asked if she said it and why, Jackiey fumed: 'Of course I said it. I haven't got a problem with (calling him that).

'He's been a c**k for f****** nine years.

'Bobby doesn't need that stress on his head. He's my grandson.'

But Jack, who was married to Big Brother star Jade when she died, said his ex-wife would have been horrified by the comments.

He said: 'Jade would not want that. She would just want peace for everybody. That is what is important.'

Unlike Jackiey, Jack, who now shies away from the limelight and works as an electrician with his dad, enjoys a good relationship with Jeff.

He said: 'I get on with Jeff. We're not close mates and we don't speak all the time but it's all very civil and that is the main thing.'

Jack is still in touch with Bobby and Freddie who he spent time with as children before their mother Jade passed away in March 2009.

He gushed: 'Bobby is absolutely amazing. I see a lot of Jade in him. He has fantastic stage presence and lights up the room and the television when he is on.

Bobby's grandmother Jackiey has been banned from Strictly after a fierce row with his dad Jeff Brazier (pictured, Jeff with Jade in 2002)

Jade and Jack outside her home in Waltham Abbey, Essex on February 2009

Jade and mum Jackiey when they appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2007

'He has that unique and cheeky personality that Jade had. He's smashing it and I am very proud of him.

'It's the first time I have ever watched Strictly. Jade would be over the moon to see him do so well and would be at every show I am sure.

'It's great to see. She would be immensely proud. In the house when he was very young, the music was always on, Jade was always dancing and I am sure he picked up some of it from that.

'He's a very confident lad and always has been and I can see Jade in him a lot.

'He looks like her and carries himself like she does in a cheeky and loveable way.

'He lights up the room you can tell.'

But Jack has issued a warning to Bobby about life in the limelight after drawing on his own experience and those of Jade.

Strictly 2023 Final: The Leaderboard Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Favourite Dance - Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen -(10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Quickstep to Puttin On The Ritz by Gregory Porter - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Total: 119 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola Favourite Dance - American Smooth to Aint That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Jennifer Lopez Megamix - (9+9+9+9) = 36 Judges Pick - Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 115 Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell Favourite Dance - Couples Choice to This Womans Work by Maxwell - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Show Dance - La La Land Medley - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 117 Advertisement

The pair entered Celebrity Big Brother in 2007 and Jack said 'snakes' tried to get close to Jade.

He described show business as a 'rough game'.

He added: 'I would say to Bobby to be careful, especially the more successful he gets.

'I know he has good people around him and he has a good head on his shoulders and his dad Jeff is looking after him.

'It's very hard to trust people in that industry. I found people constantly trying to turn you over and out to get you for their own benefit.

'It's the nature of the beast. A lot of people were going behind Jade's back to make money from her.

'It's about greed. That world is full of snakes. Bobby I am sure will be careful of that. It is a rough game and I have told him that.

'Jade had a lot of fake people around her. They were trying to be her mates but did not have her best interests at heart at all.

'Bobby needs to be careful of that. But he has good people around him and that is what is important.

'He has the world at his feet.'
Strictly Come Dancing winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola bagged a perfect score for their final routine during the last episode of the 2023 series on Saturday, while Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin also got a full 40 out of 40.

Former Coronation Street actress Ellie, 22, impressed throughout the episode and took to the floor three times before finally dancing an American Smooth to Aint That A Kick In The Head with professional dancer Vito, 31.

The routine was branded 'flawless' and saw Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all score them 10 points each.

Earlier in the episode actor Layton Williams, 29, was also awarded full marks for his incredible first performance with his pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, after the pair took to the floor with a lively quickstep which they previously performed in week two.

EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, and Diane Buswell, 34, also impressed the judges with their Samba but they just missed out on full marks, scoring a 39 out of 40 for their performance.

Strictly Come Dancing 's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola bagged a perfect score for their final routine during the last episode of the 2023 series on Saturday

Strictly Come Dancing 's Layton Williams was awarded a perfect score for his incredible first performance on Saturday (pictured with partner Nikita Kuzmin)

Ellie looked sensational in a sparkly red gown during her American Smooth as the judges gushed over her 'growth' and blossoming confidence over the series.

The routine was branded 'flawless' and saw Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke score them 10 points each.

Later speaking with co-host Claudia Winkleman the pair struggled to contain their emotions with Vito saying: 'For me, Ellie is Strictly.'

The pair then wrapped their arms around each other, before Vito said: 'She is my winner anyway!'

Earlier in the episode Layton was also awarded full marks for his incredible first performance.

He has come under fire amid claims his West End experience has given him an unfair advantage in the competition.

Layton and pro partner Nikita took to the floor with a lively quickstep after they previously performed it in week two.

The judges gave him a standing ovation, saying how Layton had inspired young boys at home to dance.

The pair impressed throughout the episode and took to the floor three times before finally dancing an American Smooth to Aint That A Kick In The Head

Ellie looked sensational in a sparkly red gown as the judges gushed over her 'growth' and blossoming confidence over the series

Later speaking with co-host Claudia Winkleman the pair struggled to contain their emotions with Vito saying: 'For me, Ellie is Strictly'

The actor, 29, has come under fire amid claims his West End experience has given him an unfair advantage in the competition

Judges Judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood gushed and even gave a standing ovation, saying how Layton had inspired young boys at home to dance

Branding the performance 'perfect' and 'amazing' with notoriously hard to please Craig even scored a 10, seeing the duo walk away with the full 40 points.

Ellie and Vito became the first couple taking to the floor at the top of the show with very steamy Paso Doble.

The duo, who are rumoured to be an item, sizzled in their skimpy costumes before bagging nearly a perfect score and earned a standing ovation.

The judges were full of praise as they revelled in the former soap stars improvement throughout the series.

'Everything was absolutely spot on,' Shirley gushed while Anton said the dance made him emotional.

Ellie and Vito were then left speechless as their first dance of the evening earned them 39 point out of a possible 40.

Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell also impressed with the EastEnders actor even being tipped for Hollywood.

Ellie and Vito became the first couple taking to the floor at the top of the show with very steamy Paso Doble

The duo, who are rumoured to be an item , sizzled in their skimpy costumes before bagging nearly a perfect score

Judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood all praised the routine, which they previously performed earlier in the series, and revelled in the former soap star s improvement throughout the series

Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell also impressed the judges with the soap actor being tipped for Hollywood by the judges

Following their Samba Anton branded Bobby a 'legend' as pointed out his 'snake hips' with the dance earning a score of 39 out of 40

Following their Samba Anton branded Bobby a 'legend' as pointed out his 'snake hips' with the dance earning a score of 39 out of 40.

Later in the show he left fans in tears as he recreated his Couples Choice in honour of later mum Jade Goody.

Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009.

His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44, single-handedly raised him and younger brother Freddie, 19, with the pair both shedding some tears as they watched on from the audience.

Bobby chose to perform the routine again in this weekend's final after it was first shown on the show last month, with the screen star also leaving judges Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse close to tears as they gave their comments.

Emotional viewers took to Twitter after the dance, with one person writing: 'Have to say, seeing Bobby and his family with tears, made me ball my eyes out. Jade would be so proud.

While a second said: 'I dont think theres a time where Bobby dance wont get me in tears. Cancer is horrible and I know exactly how he feels. Its horrible. Well done Bobby'.

And: 'Not going to lie, Bobby's last dance certainly had me in tears. You can tell how much it means to him'.

Later in the show he left fans in tears as he recreated his Couples Choice in honour of later mum Jade Goody

Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009

Meanwhile Ellie and Vito's second trip around the floor proved a little less unsuccessful that saw a few mistakes and a failed lift.

'Do you know what's amazing' Shirley said of the tumble, 'How how you saved it, you didn't panic'.

As the couple then joined host Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly for the scores they were awarded 36 out of 40.

It comes after viewers were moved to tears as Amy Dowden made her return to the show's dance floor during the final.

The professional dancer, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July, taking this year off from the show while she underwent treatment.

Ellie and Vito's second trip around the floor proved a little less unsuccessful that saw a few mistakes and a failed lift

'Do you know what's amazing' Shirley said of the tumble, 'How how you saved it, you didn't panic'

Strictly 2023 Final: The Leaderboard Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Favourite Dance - Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen -(10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Quickstep to Puttin On The Ritz by Gregory Porter - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Total: 119 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola Favourite Dance - American Smooth to Aint That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Jennifer Lopez Megamix - (9+9+9+9) = 36 Judges Pick - Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 115 Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell Favourite Dance - Couples Choice to This Womans Work by Maxwell - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Show Dance - La La Land Medley - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 117 Advertisement

While she has made appearances on the programme and its spin-off It Takes Two, she had not danced with her fellow professionals before the final.

But on Saturday she took to the dance floor once again, opting to go without a wig having lost her hair following her chemotherapy.

The professional dancer, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July, taking this year off from the show while she underwent treatment.

While she has made appearances on the programme and its spin-off It Takes Two, she had not danced with her fellow professionals before the final.

But on Saturday she took to the dance floor once again, opting to go without a wig having lost her hair following her chemotherapy.

The moment left viewers feeling emotional, with many taking to Twitter to express their joy at seeing her on screen.

Strictly Come Dancing's 2023 final kicked off in incredible style on Saturday with a showstopping group routine

And viewers were left in 'floods' of tears as professional dancer Amy Dowden made her surprise return to the floor amid her cancer battle

Fans were quick to take to social media after the dancer take centre stage and strut her stuff

One viewer wrote: 'Tearing up at seeing Amy Dowden dancing in the #StrictlyFinal Lets have her back on #strictly soon!'

Someone else shared: 'That Amy Dowden reveal was a MOMENT.'

'@AmyDowden is dancing!!! Oh my gosh thats so good to see. Leaky eyes moment,' shared another viewer.

While someone else posted: 'OMG #Strictly A minute in and bawling seeing gorgeous #AmyDowden dancing.'

Another show fan commented: 'Amy Dowden dancing without a wig is the energy everyone needs.'

While someone else shared: 'Great to see Amy Dowden in the opening routine!!'
Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola shared an emotional moment during the final on Saturday after she suffered a blunder during their second routine on the show.

Former Coronation Street actress Ellie, 22, and professional dancer Vito, 31, competed in the final against actor Layton Williams, 29, and his partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, and his partner Dianne Buswell, 34.

Ellie and Vito attempted to execute a number of lifts as they performed their show dance to a Jennifer Lopez megamix.

But as she tried to leap onto the Italian's shoulders Ellie slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor.

Ex soap star Ellie looked upset at the mistake, with Vito putting his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in a bid to comfort her.

Strictly Come Dancing 's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola shared an emotional moment during the final on Saturday after she suffered a blunder during their second routine on the show

Ellie and Vito attempted to execute a number of lifts as they performed their show dance to a Jennifer Lopez megamix

As Ellie tried to leap onto the Italian's shoulders she slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor

Ellie and Vito have been at the centre of romance rumours throughout this year's series after their on-screen chemistry caught the eyes of fans of the show.

Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month.

The pair have been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.

Things between the screen actress and the dancer are 'genuine' - a source told the Mirror.

Vito reportedly has visited Ellie's home several times outside of training while she has confided in friends about her new relationship with him.

'Initially, they were friendly but as the weeks went on, their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,' said the friend.

'She's not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a showmance isn't her style  what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and unsure. Now she's radiating confidence, which is lovely.'

A second source detailed how the duo's increasing closeness has become obvious not only backstage but also while promoting the show together.

Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month (pictured on Strictly this month)

They said: 'Ellie and Vito have become so close that they're often seen all over each other, and the chemistry is striking. The rumour they're more than friends isn't openly discussed, but it's widely understood.'

Ellie Leach became the youngest winner of Strictly Come Dancing with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola on Saturday

The 22-year-old TV star beat two other couples - Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin.

Upon winning the glitterball trophy, the former Coronation Street star said: 'I actually, genuinely cannot believe this.'

'For once, you're crying more than me,' she told Vito.

She added: 'This is for you, this is for you.'

Talking about their win, Vito said: 'I mean this is like the cherry on the cake.'

He turned to Ellie: 'You have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are finally, you know, the diamond I was talking (about).'

Strictly Come Dancing 's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been crowned winners following Saturday's nail-bitting final

The former Coronation Street actress, 22, pipped Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post each couple performed three dances for the judges

Strictly 2023 Final: The Leaderboard Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Favourite Dance - Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen -(10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Quickstep to Puttin On The Ritz by Gregory Porter - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Total: 119 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola Favourite Dance - American Smooth to Aint That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Jennifer Lopez Megamix - (9+9+9+9) = 36 Judges Pick - Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 115 Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell Favourite Dance - Couples Choice to This Womans Work by Maxwell - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Show Dance - La La Land Medley - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 117 Advertisement

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 kicked off in September, hosted once again by Tess Daly (right) and Claudia Winkleman (left) (pictured during the final on Saturday)

Judges (L-R) Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood returned for this year's series

The winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 was decided by the public.

On the judges' scoreboard, provided as a guideline, Layton and Nikita had been in the lead with a total of 119 points.

Second to them was Bobby and Dianne who had received 117 points, and they were followed by Ellie and Vito with 115 - who cinched the trophy with the help of the public.

Ellie and Vito's first performance of the night was their dramatic paso doble to Insomnia by 2WEI, as chosen for them by the judges.

Head judge Shirley Ballas told the Ellie: 'You, my dear, are the only lady standing and let me tell you, you came down those stairs, you worked that dress, the whole ensemble... was spot on.

Strictly Come Dancing 's Bobby Brazier 's emotional tribute dance to his late mother Jade Goody left his father Jeff and brother Freddie sobbing during Saturday's final

His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44 (centre), single-handedly raised him and younger brother Freddie, 19 (left), with the pair both shedding some tears as they watched on from the audience

'I have to say, that was a woman in control.'

Anton Du Beke added: 'I love this', and Craig Revel Horwood said the dance 'was absolutely fantastic'.

Their third and final performance, which they chose from their back catalogue of performances, was the American smooth to the song Ain't That A Kick In The Head in the style of Robbie Williams.

After the dance, Anton said he was 'getting emotional' before he told the soap star he was proud of her.

During the show, Bobby and Dianne performed their couple's choice for the show dance, which was dedicated to the star's mother Jade Goody, who passed away from cervical cancer in 2009.

Actor Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009

The dance, which left the actor's father Jeff Brazier in tears, was described as 'extraordinarily beautiful' by Shirley.

Other highlights included Layton and Nikita's quickstep to Puttin' On The Ritz, which was the first dance to be awarded full marks from the judges during the series' live final.

The series' only same-sex couple had also been awarded full marks for their Argentine tango to Tattoo by Loreen.

Last year, wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin and professional dancer Jowita Przystal won the glitterball trophy.
In celebration of Taylor Swift's 34th birthday on Wednesday, her birthplace, Reading Hospital, handed out beaded friendship bracelets to parents that welcomed babies.

The accessories, which were passed out to the infants and their overjoyed families, featured various sayings, including 'Newborn Era,' 'Fierce,' 'Fearless' and 'Loved.'

'In celebration of Berks County native Taylor Swift's birthday, our babies are marking their newborn era today with adorable friendship bracelets from our staff!' the hospital announced on Instagram earlier this week. 'Here's to celebrating the spirit of connection and the beginning of many cherished bonds among our newest stars.'

The hospital's public relations manager Jessica Belzer told Fox News Digital that they passed out approximately '60 bracelets' to 'families of babies in maternity, NICU families and some staff members who are Swifties and couldn't resist.'

Sweet: In celebration of Taylor Swift's 34th birthday on Wednesday, her birthplace, Reading Hospital, handed out beaded friendship bracelets to parents that welcomed babies; seen on December 6

'In celebration of Berks County native Taylor Swift's birthday, our babies are marking their newborn era today with adorable friendship bracelets from our staff!' the hospital announced on Instagram. 'Here's to celebrating the spirit of connection and the beginning of many cherished bonds among our newest stars'

Reading Hospital obstetrics section chief, Dr. K. Ashley Brandt, added: 'The ERAS-style friendship bracelets were such a fun way to celebrate the shared birthdays between Taylor Swift and our babies.'

'While I obviously don't know Taylor personally, I would hope she'd approve of the way we honored her legacy and mutual birthday with our newborns,' Brandt continued.

Charles F. Barbera, MD, President and CEO of Reading Hospital, to People: 'It was a fun moment to provide families with a keepsake for their baby books.'

'Our maternal and NICU staff members are incredible. They are truly like family. Each day, they go above and beyond to care for the babies born here. We appreciate the recognition they are receiving for their hard work and for their dedication to making sure every family feels loved and cared for while at Reading Hospital,' Barbera noted.

In the comment section, one fan wrote: 'Starting a new generation of Taylor fans! What a great idea! These will be special treasures for sure!'

Another gushed: 'This was so nice, a whole new generation of hopeful Swifties.'

Swift sparked a bracelet craze with a lyric in her track, You're On Your Own, Kid, off her 2022 album, Midnights.

In one verse, she sings her fans to 'So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it / You've got no reason to be afraid.'

Adorable: The bracelets, which were passed out to the infants and their overjoyed families, featured various sayings, including 'Newborn Era,' 'Fierce,' 'Fearless' and 'Loved'

Spreading the love: The hospital's public relations manager Jessica Belzer told Fox News Digital that they passed out approximately '60 bracelets' to 'families of babies in maternity, NICU families and some staff members who are Swifties and couldn't resist'

The line sent listeners straight to crafts stores, like Michaels, who reported that her 'large and loyal bunch' had a profound impact on sales of jewelry for the company.

'Overall, sales in our jewelry category, including jewelry-making kits, are up more than 40% chainwide since mid-April, when the friendship bracelet-making trend really began to take off John Gehre, the chief merchandising officer of Michaels Stores, told USA TODAY in August.

At Swift's shows, fans exchanged friendship bracelets with each other, which often feature different lyrics from her ten albums.

While attending her concert, Swift's pals and celebrity acquaintances, like Jennifer Garner Selena Gomez, Mariska Hargitay, Halsey and Kyle Richards, all arrived with bracelets and received more from other concertgoers.

Her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, also received copious amounts of friendship bracelets from Swifties at the Eras Tour in Kansas City over the summer and in Argentina, last month.
In the Crown she portrays the late Queen partying as a teenager on VE Day with her sister Princess Margaret.

But in real life, a night out for rising star Viola Prettejohn is even more lively.

The 20-year-old adopted what she called a 'disco cowgirl' look for a wild night out in Cardiff  ripped denim miniskirt, sparkly top and a lumberjack shirt.

She was joined at party bar Revolution by three friends, also in fancy dress, before posting their antics on Instagram.

Miss Prettejohn was educated at the 30,000-a-year St Paul's Girls' School in West London  although she may have missed a spelling class or two as she captioned the photos: 'A disco cowgirl, a scarlett witch, a saloon wench and a baby guinness walk into a bar...'

In the Crown she portrays the late Queen partying as a teenager on VE Day with her sister Princess Margaret

But in real life, a night out for rising star Viola Prettejohn is even more lively

The actress has made no secret about her love of a booze-fuelled bar crawl in the Welsh capital, where she has been filming a gory new Channel 4 zombie series called Generation Z. 'It's a really good, trashy night out, which I love,' she told City AM earlier this month. 'I like starting with nice cocktails and then slowly going more divey until I'm really at a trash place.'

It might not be regal behaviour, but Miss Prettejohn has been hailed the 'saviour' of the final series of The Crown, following a string of controversies about the way the Netflix series has portrayed reality.

In the drama, she plays the 19-year-old Queen Elizabeth, who sneaked out of Buckingham Palace on VE Day with Princess Margaret to join the crowds celebrating the end of the Second World War.

Forty years later, the late Queen recalled the evening as 'one of the most memorable nights of my life', describing how people filled Whitehall, 'swept along on a tide of happiness and relief'.

Miss Prettejohn  who admits 'I've never had any strong opinions about the royals'  auditioned four times for The Crown after talent agents came to her school.

The daughter of TSB chairman Nick Prettejohn, she grew up in a 3.8 million townhouse in Kensington, West London, where she still lives.

She said she 'never intended to be an actor' until her drama teacher put her up for auditions aged 14.
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Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been crowned this year's winners following Saturday's glitzy live final.

The former Coronation Street actress, 22, became the show's youngest ever winner as she pipped Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post after each couple performed three dances for the judges.

Ellie and Vito, who are rumoured to be an item, were both gobsmacked when their names were announced with the soap star's family breaking down in tears as they watched from the studio audience.

The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they embraced before speaking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

'I actually, genuinely cannot believe this,' a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry.

Strictly Come Dancing 's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been crowned winners following Saturday's nail-bitting final

The former Coronation Street actress, 22, pipped Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post each couple performed three dances for the judges

Ellie and Vito were both gobsmacked when their names were announced with the soap star's family breaking down in tears as they watched from the studio audience

'This is for you!' Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the 'cherry on the top' before branding her a 'diamond'.

They raised the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors.

The pair had impressed throughout the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.

The final of the three bagged them full 40 marks with the judges gushing over the actress' 'growth' and blossoming confidence during her time on the show.

The routine was branded 'flawless' and saw Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all score it 10 points each.

Later speaking with co-host Claudia they struggled to contain their emotions with Vito saying: 'For me, Ellie is Strictly' before he wrapped his arms around her and said: 'She is my winner anyway!'.

Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the sizzled in skimpy costumes earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points - as well as standing ovation.

Again the judges were full of praise as they revelled in the former soap stars improvement throughout the series.

They raised the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors

The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they embraced before speaking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

'I actually, genuinely cannot believe this,' a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry

'This is for you!' Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the 'cherry on the top' before branding her a 'diamond'

The pair couldn't wipe the smiles from their faces as they posed with the shiny trophy

The pair had impressed throughout the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth (pictured)

The final of the three bagged them full 40 marks with the judges gushing over the actress' 'growth' and blossoming confidence during her time on the show

Everything was absolutely spot on,' Shirley gushed while Anton said the dance had made him emotional

Fellow finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell (right) and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (left) watched on as Ellie took the crown

Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the sizzled in skimpy costumes earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points - as well as standing ovation

Again the judges were full of praise as they revelled in the former soap star s improvement throughout the series

The pair smouldered during the sexy routine

But the evening was smooth sailing for the pair after their Show Dance proved a little less unsuccessful that saw the pair make few mistakes and a fail lift.

As Ellie tried to leap onto the Italian's shoulders Ellie slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor.

She looked upset at the mistake, with Vito putting his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in a bid to comfort her.

'Do you know what's amazing' judge Shirley said of the tumble, 'How how you saved it, you didn't panic'.

As the couple then joined host Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly for the scores they were awarded 36 out of 40.

Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month.

The pair have been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.

Things between the screen actress and the dancer are 'genuine' - a source told the Mirror.

Vito reportedly has visited Ellie's home several times outside of training while she has confided in friends about her new relationship with him.

But the evening was smooth sailing for the pair after their Show Dance proved a little less unsuccessful that saw the pair make few mistakes and a fail lift (pictured)

As Ellie tried to leap onto the Italian's shoulders she slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor

She looked upset at the mistake, with Vito putting his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in a bid to comfort her

Ellie and Vito have been at the centre of romance rumours throughout this year's series after their on-screen chemistry caught the eyes of fans of the show

Strictly 2023 Final: The Leaderboard Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Favourite Dance - Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen -(10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Quickstep to Puttin On The Ritz by Gregory Porter - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Total: 119 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola Favourite Dance - American Smooth to Aint That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams - (10+10+10+10) = 40 Show Dance - Jennifer Lopez Megamix - (9+9+9+9) = 36 Judges Pick - Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 115 Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell Favourite Dance - Couples Choice to This Womans Work by Maxwell - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Show Dance - La La Land Medley - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Judges Pick - Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton - (9+10+10+10) = 39 Total: 117 Advertisement

'Initially, they were friendly but as the weeks went on, their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,' said the friend.

'She's not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a showmance isn't her style  what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and unsure. Now she's radiating confidence, which is lovely.'

There was stiff competition on the night with Layton, 29, also awarded full marks for his incredible first performance with his pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, after the pair took to the floor with a lively quickstep which they previously performed in week two.

The judges gave him a standing ovation, saying how Layton had inspired young boys at home to dance.

The actor has come under fire amid claims his West End experience has given him an unfair advantage in the competition.

They also performed a showdance to Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo and their favourite dance, the Tango to Tattoo by Loreen.

Meanwhile EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, and Dianne Buswell, 34, also impressed with their Samba but they just missed out on full marks, scoring a 39 out of 40 for their performance.

Later in the show he left fans in tears as he recreated his Couples Choice in honour of later mum Jade Goody.

Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009.

There was stiff competition on the night with Layton , 29, also awarded full marks for his incredible first performance with his pro partner Nikita Kuzmin , 25, after the pair took to the floor with a lively quickstep which they previously performed in week two

The judges gave him a standing ovation, saying how Layton had inspired young boys at home to dance

The actor has come under fire amid claims his West End experience has given him an unfair advantage in the competition

They also performed a showdance to Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo (pictured) and their favourite dance, the Tango to Tattoo by Loreen

The competition was anyone's to win as everyone showcased their talents

His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44, single-handedly raised him and younger brother Freddie, 19, with the pair both shedding some tears as they watched on from the audience.

Bobby chose to perform the routine again in this weekend's final after it was first shown on the show last month, with the screen star also leaving judges Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse close to tears as they gave their comments.

Emotional viewers took to Twitter after the dance, with one person writing: 'Have to say, seeing Bobby and his family with tears, made me ball my eyes out. Jade would be so proud.

While a second said: 'I dont think theres a time where Bobby dance wont get me in tears. Cancer is horrible and I know exactly how he feels. Its horrible. Well done Bobby'.

And: 'Not going to lie, Bobby's last dance certainly had me in tears. You can tell how much it means to him'.

'I cant stop crying over Bobby, plus the judges comments,' noted someone else.

While someone else wrote: 'Oh Bobby and Dianne. That was lovely. I'm crying. Love you Bobby.'

Meanwhile EastEnders star Bobby Brazier , 20, and Dianne Buswell, 34, also impressed with their Samba but they just missed out on full marks, scoring a 39 out of 40 for their performance

Later in the show he left fans in tears as he recreated his Couples Choice in honour of later mum Jade Goody

His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44 (centre), single-handedly raised him and younger brother Freddie, 19 (left), with the pair both shedding some tears as they watched on from the audience

The screen star also leaving judges Anton Du Beke (pictured) and Motsi Mabuse close to tears as they gave their comments

EastEnders star Bobby chose to perform the routine again with his professional partner Dianne Buswell , 34, in this weekend's final

Actor Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009

Jade (right) was a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002 (pictured with Big Brother host Davina McCall, left)

Emotional viewers took to Twitter after the dance, with one person writing: 'Have to say, seeing Bobby and his family with tears, made me ball my eyes out. Jade would be so proud

Another person wrote:'Im not crying you are. Youre mum would be so proud of you Bobby.'

Before dancing the routine earlier in the series, Bobby said of his mother's death: 'It changed my life completely, I'd love to spend a day with her just to see where I get my smile from.'

In the emotional VT before Bobby's performance with his partner Dianne last month, Jeff paid tribute to Jade and how proud she would be of their son.

He told the camera: 'As a family we are very tight, we have had to be as loss has made us grow closer.' Bobby added his love for his dad by saying: 'To be someone that my dad is proud of is everything.'

Breaking down in tears Jeff called himself 'the lucky one', explaining: 'I'm the one who gets to bring the boys up I'm the one who gets to watch him on Strictly and it brings so much joy to my life, I'm very, very grateful for that.'

Viewers were again moved to tears earlier in the episode when Amy Dowden made her return to the show's dance floor.

Viewers were again moved to tears earlier in the episode when Amy Dowden made her return to the show's dance floor

And viewers were left in 'floods' of tears as professional dancer Amy Dowden made her surprise return to the floor amid her cancer battle

Fans were quick to take to social media after the dancer take centre stage and strut her stuff

The professional dancer, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July, taking this year off from the show while she underwent treatment.

While she has made appearances on the programme and its spin-off It Takes Two, she had not danced with her fellow professionals before the final.

But on Saturday she took to the dance floor once again, opting to go without a wig having lost her hair following her chemotherapy.

The moment left viewers feeling emotional, with many taking to Twitter to express their joy at seeing her on screen.

One viewer wrote: 'Tearing up at seeing Amy Dowden dancing in the #StrictlyFinal Lets have her back on #strictly soon!'

Someone else shared: 'That Amy Dowden reveal was a MOMENT.'

'@AmyDowden is dancing!!! Oh my gosh thats so good to see. Leaky eyes moment,' shared another viewer.

While someone else posted: 'OMG #Strictly A minute in and bawling seeing gorgeous #AmyDowden dancing.'

Another show fan commented: 'Amy Dowden dancing without a wig is the energy everyone needs.'

While someone else shared: 'Great to see Amy Dowden in the opening routine!!'
Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack.

Derek, 56, has been plagued with health woes after contracting Covid in 2020 and is now said to be in critical condition after being taken dangerously ill last Monday.

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate, 56, is reportedly holding a 24/7 vigil by his bedside and has cancelled all work commitments while his family 'pray for a miracle'.

A source told The Sun: 'It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.

'This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him. Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.

'Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.'

Kate Garraway 's husband Derek Draper is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack. (pictured in ITV documentary Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek)

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate, 56, is reportedly holding a 24/7 vigil by Derek's bedside and has cancelled all work commitments, while his family 'pray for a miracle' (pictured in 2019)

Derek has been in and out of hospital after he fell seriously ill with coronavirus at the very start of the pandemic in March 2020, and was left with lasting damage to his organs.

Doctors put him in a medically induced coma and he became the longest-suffering coronavirus patient in the UK after spending 13 months in hospital, apart from Kate and their two children - Darcey, 16 and Billy, 13.

However, he has readmitted several times with numerous health issues, including kidney failure, brain inflammation and liver damage.

MailOnline has contacted Kate's representatives for comment.

Kate recently revealed her family are 'adjusting to a new normal' as Derek battles to get better and shared a 'promising' update on Derek's health, hoping it could lead to an improvement.

Speaking to OK! magazine, Kate shared: 'Derek's in hospital having some treatment. It's not an emergency thing, it's not a dramatic rush back into intensive care, thank goodness. It's something that started last year that we hope will lead to improvement.

'I've managed to get it in before the end of the year. It's something we were trying to do in the summer, but there are referrals and time and all of those things.

'Every day we wait and see. There isn't a dramatic improvement but touch wood things haven't gone backwards either. So we're just adjusting to a new normal.'

While Kate tries to stay as positive as she can, she also feels like Derek is never 'safe'.

Earlier this year, Kate revealed she was planning to take Derek to Mexico for a second bout of experimental treatment in a desperate bid to save him from the devastating effects of Covid.

Following a previously 'gruelling' trip to Mexico at the beginning of 2022, Kate shared her hopes at flying Derek back for an additional round of treatment.

Kate told The Sun: 'The effort required to get him there is extraordinary, and obviously we are relying on the grace of these specialists to help him.

'I can't thank all those involved in getting him to Mexico enough because without them he wouldn't have the chance of this potentially life-changing treatment.'

She added: 'The plan is to go back for another round of treatment and continue the trial in a way that is financially viable.'

Although Kate insisted that they'd had 'wonderful treatment' from the NHS, which were essential in keeping her husband alive, the foreign trips offer 'potentially life saving treatment'.

As well as the trip, the Smooth Radio presenter has had to spend 'tens of thousands of pounds' adapting the family home in London for Derek, which included the installation of ramps, a downstairs wet room and a makeshift downstairs bedroom.

Derek, 56, has been plagued with health woes after contracting Covid in 2020 and is now said to be in critical condition after being taken dangerously ill last Monda (pictured in April)

Doctors put him in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator and he was in hospital for 13 months before being discharged in April 2021. However, he has been readmitted several times

Kate was recognised with an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity (pictured with Kate's parents Marilyn and Gordon)

Due to the severity of his illness and length of time spent in hospital he remains unable to walk and has developed debilitating symptoms.

In summer last year Derek developed sepsis and was again rushed to hospital, where the severe condition nearly killed him.

She shared the 'heartbreak' she feels over Derek's health while on new podcast Emotionally Speaking with host Peter Leonard.

She explained: 'He is living in the world of the unknown, when he wakes u pin the morning it is heartbreaking because it feels as though you are watching someone who may have been inhabiting his old life in his dreams and then he wakes up and you see the cloud descend of the battle he has ahead.

'But if you look back, there is some progress, he has more words now and his voice is stronger. You occasionally get a little bit of a Chorley accent in there so it feels like he is more present, but he still can't sit up without assistant and his life isn't his own.

'His brain had always been his allay and friend, but now it is his enemy. I think he's had a big emotional struggle.

Kate added: 'One of the challenges with Derek is we've never felt like he is safe, so every infection and rush back to hospital might be the moment he is taken from us. We are still hopeful he will improve but we have no clear timeline on this.

It comes after Kate appeared on Heart Breakfast in September alongside Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston where she spoke about her husband's health problems and how it impacts the family.

Kate and Derek share daughter Darcey, 17, and son William, 14.

Jamie asked: 'How are the kids feeling, that adjustment must be tricky especially at their age?'

Kate replied: 'Well, yeah I think it's been quite interesting. I think some of what I've been writing about in the book, is the fact that you have adrenaline, don't you, when something dramatic happens.

'I talk about what I think is adrenaline, it's a bit of a frenemy. One level it's fantastic, it gets you through the crisis, and then as time goes on, it's not great for your own health.

'Derek himself has been living on a version of adrenaline as well. And the kids have too in their own way, so I think the last year and a half really, has been coming to terms with the fact that we're not in a 'one week' 'two week' 'three month' drama.

'Were in something ongoing and I think weirdly, thats how it's felt for everybody beyond the pandemic.

Kate spoke about how her and Derek's daughter Darcey, 17, and son William, 14, are dealing with their father's illness, gushing that they were 'navigating it brilliantly' (pictured in 2021)

Kate appeared on Heart Breakfast in September with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston where she spoke about her husband's health problems and how it impacts the family

'We still dont know, just how much better Derek can get, or worse. So really every time he has a rush into hospital, were still in that adrenaline phase of 'is this the moment where he could be taken from us'.

'But also, theres so many spikes of progression, that no ones giving up hope that there isnt going to be a movement forward, so its managing that rollercoaster. Sorry that wasnt particularly clear.'

'But also, theres so many spikes of progression, that no ones giving up hope that there isnt going to be a movement forward. So its managing that rollercoaster.'

Kate has made two documentaries detailing her life as Derek battles the long-term effects of Covid-19, with both winning National Television Awards in the authored documentary category.

She was recognised with an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
She was once part of the notoriously hard-drinking Primrose Hill set  and was the first of the gang to sober up.

But loo roll heiress Davinia Taylor has revealed she did not exactly relish going to rehab. In fact, she got so drunk while flying out to the clinic in 2009, she blacked out  earning herself a lifetime ban from British Airways.

The 46-year-old actress says she wanted to have 'one final hurrah' on the flight, after her late mother Lynne made her clean up her act.

Speaking to former Downing Street press chief Andy Coulson on his podcast Crisis What Crisis?, she said: 'I got a ban from British Airways for my behaviour on the plane flying down to South Africa.'

Loo roll heiress Davinia Taylor has revealed she did not exactly relish going to rehab. In fact, she got so drunk while flying out to the clinic in 2009, she blacked out  earning herself a lifetime ban from British Airways

The 46-year-old actress says she wanted to have 'one final hurrah' on the flight, after her late mother Lynne made her clean up her act

Asked what she did, she replied: 'I don't know, I was in blackout. Obviously they had alcohol on the plane so I thought, right, final hurrah.

'As anyone who has gone through addiction will understand, that is what your brain will tell you to do, just one final hurrah, this is it. It is so crazy.

'Instead of going, 'OK we will pull the plaster off now and sit on the plane', oh no, no, no, I'm going to make it a little bit harder for myself.'

Ms Taylor, who used to party with the likes of Kate Moss, Sadie Frost and Jude Law, says that she turned up at the rehab centre in a 'completely dishevelled state', so addled that she wrote her name backwards, which she describes as 'insane'.

During her time there she was forced to hand over custody of her baby son Grey to her estranged husband Dave Gardner, David Beckham's best friend. The couple divorced the following year. She has not drunk alcohol since her stay, and went on to have three more sons.

Ms Taylor, a former Hollyoaks star whose father Alan made millions from the AM Paper empire, is now a wellness entrepreneur. She also said she has ADHD, which she combats with what she calls 'biohacks' such as sunlight and cold showers.

Listen to Davina Taylor speak on the podcast Crisis, what crisis? hosted by Andy Coulson here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/78-davinia-taylor-on-addiction-losing-custody-of-her/id1517015748?i=1000637875960
And he says demand for his services is increasing among ordinary Americans

Hubert Klein has been practicing in the industry for over 35 years

Forensic accountants are increasingly showing up in American courtrooms, including in Kevin Costner's divorce and the case against Sam Bankman-Fried

Whenever forensic accountant Hubert Klein takes on a new client, there is one question he has to answer first: is there a genuine grievance or are they just angry?

Klein is increasingly hired for divorce cases where he trawls through reams of information to see if a spouse is hiding assets from their ex - meaning emotions are often running high.

And the New York practitioner, with over 35 years' experience, has seen it all. His cases have involved partners who burnt through the marital assets on sex and gambling addictions, stay-at-home parents who have spent years siphoning money away and he has even had his life threatened by a disgruntled ex-husband.

'Divorce is an emotion-driven process and people are desperate to stick pins in each other,' Klein, who works for EisnerAmper, told DailyMail.com. 'People will come to us and say 'he's stolen all the money' or 'she's stolen all the money' and it's our job to listen very carefully and find out the truth.'

Hubert Klein, pictured, has over 35 years of experience as a forensic accountant. He increasingly deals with divorce cases

Forensic accountants are increasingly showing up in American courtrooms, with their help enlisted in a series of high-profile cases from Kevin Costner's divorce to the trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) - which regulates the profession - the number of accredited examiners has ballooned by 18 percent to 68,000 since 2018.

But Klein says it is no longer just the rich and famous seeking out his services. Instead, a good bulk of his clients are 'run-of-the-mill' couples who work as teachers and union workers.

He said: 'People have more assets than they did when I first started this work. They have 401(K)s and properties - all assets that need to be split.'

A forensic accountant is somebody trained in accounting and investigative techniques to comb through the records of an individual or business to trace funds that may have been hidden.

Couples getting a divorce may go to one if the split is acrimonious and there is a complex asset of portfolios at stake. Often, one party is suspicious the true extent of the finances is being hidden. In the case of Costner and his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, both parties employed their own to assess the family accounts.

They can charge thousands of dollars an hour for their service. As a partner, Klein charges an hourly rate of $635.

Forensic accountants are increasingly showing up in American courtrooms, with their help enlisted in a series of high-profile cases from Kevin Costner 's divorce. He is pictured with ex-wife Christine Baumgartner in 2015

In the case of the Yellowstone star, both parties employed their own to assess the family accounts. They are pictured in 2019

He said: 'I will meet with every client that wants to meet with me. But sometimes people come to me so convinced their partner is lying to them.

'When actually I can see right there it's not worth them spending thousands of dollars on my services.'

And many of the cases can be extremely complicated making it difficult to prove allegations.

He recalls one situation whereby a man had hired his mistress through his company - meaning joint assets were being paid towards his new partner. Klein could only prove the case by showing highlighting how inexperienced the mistress was for the role she was being asked to do.

In many cases, he adds the non-breadwinner in the couple has been squirreling money away for years to save for their future life.

Klein said: 'Marriages don't break up overnight. It takes people a little while to fall in love and it take s them a while to fall out of it. So we see a lot of that 'divorce planning.'

Divorce laws in the US vary state-by-state. Some 41 states abide by the 'Equitable Distribution' rule which requires spouses to split all their assets, earnings, personal property and debts in a division that is fair - but not necessarily equal.

Forensic accountants have also been deployed in the case of disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. He is pictured arriving in court in August this year

A judge will assess factors such as the length of the marriage and whether there are any children involved.

But nine states - including California, Idaho and Texas - abide by the 'Community Property' rule where all shared assets in the marriage are split exactly 50/50.

A small number - including Tennessee and Florida - may allow spouses to opt into this framework if they meet certain requirements.

As Klein notes, by the time a divorce is initiated, emotions are so strong partners are reluctant to share their assets.

In one of his first cases straight out of college he recalls a husband following him out of the court and threatening his life.

'A judge once pulled me aside and said 'look, there's no shortage of miserable people in this world, we'll always have money coming in,' he said.

'The hardest part of the job is making sure you don't become jaded about relationships.'
Costco has sold a staggering $100 million of gold in just three months, its finance chief has revealed.

The retailer caused a stir in September when it announced it was selling 1-ounce bars for $1,950 - and such was demand they sold out in minutes.

Given the total amount sold, it means its members snapped up more than 50,000 gold bars.

And the good news is the buyers should all now be in the money - since gold has gone up in value by around 10 percent since.

In fact, the retailer has had to up the price it currently sells them for in light of gold's surge in value.

The 1-ounce gold bars were listed on Costco's website for $2,070 on Friday - marginally higher than the current spot price of $2,045, according to APMEX. That is because the retailer has to make a small profit, plus there is the cost of manufacturing and shipping the bars.

Costco's 1-ounce gold bars were listed on its website for around $2,070 on Friday, 6 percent more than in late September

Costco sold more than $100 million worth of gold in just three months, its chief financial officer told investors this week. Pictured is a Costco in Sheridan, Colorado

Those that bought the bars in September for $1,950 will therefore have made a profit, having paid significantly less than the current spot price.

'You've probably read about the fact that we're selling gold 1-ounce gold bars,' CFO Richard Galanti said during an earnings call on Thursday. 'We sold over $100 million of gold during the quarter.'

Since each member is limited to buying just two bars, at least 25,000 made the investment - but was it a good one?

The spot price is the approximate amount a bullion dealer would pay for gold. Between the end of September and Friday, the spot price of gold has increased by more than 9 percent - more than Costco has hiked its price.

Everett Millman, a precious metals specialist at coin dealer Gainesville Coins, told DailyMail.com in September it's normal to pay more than spot price for such items.

'The price you are going to pay for a piece of precious metal will always be the spot price plus some small premium,' said Millman. 'That premium will be for the cost of making the bar, as well as the dealer's profit margin.'

In this case Costco is the dealer, which he suggested was unusual.

'You don't often hear gold bars being sold at a place that doesn't specialize in them,' said Millman, noting that ordinarily those that sell gold are dealers so will also buy it back.

But Costco's website indicates the gold bars are non-refundable.

Costco CFO Richard Galanti told analysts on Thursday that the company has sold more than $100 of gold in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024

'Generally [the seller] would go to a bullion dealer. They almost always operate in a two-way market. They will always buy back the products they sell, but they are always going to pay a small percentage below what they sold it for,' he said.

'It tended to be between 1 and 2 percent, that was always the standard, but since about 2020 or 2021, when the price for the metal started going higher, that profit margin has increase to closer to 5 percent,' he added.

Millman suggested Costco's ability to place enticing products in front of consumers - paired with ongoing economic uncertainty in the US - could be what's driving the craze.

'The way that I would explain the demand is that people for much of the year have been fearful about the stability of the banking system, we've had a lot of concern that monetary policy could push the world into a recession,' he said.

'Anytime there's fear or anxiety in the financial market, investors turn to gold as a safe haven.'
Cab gets notice for not carry para shooter

New Delhi: The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities issued notice to Ola Cabs for ill-treatment meted out to a para shooter, Wing Commander Shantanu, a person with 80 per cent locomotor disability. In his complaint to the CCPD, the former Air Force officer stated that he booked an Ola cab to travel a small distance from Karni Singh Shooting Range, where he came to participate in the 1st Khelo India Para Games, to a location 3 kms away on Tuesday, the 12th December 2023. As there was no space in the rear boot space which was occupied by a CNG kit, his wife requested the driver to put the folded wheelchair in the back seat, which most of the sedan cab drivers allow. However, the driver aggressively behaved and asked the couple to get out of the cab as he wouldnt keep and carry the wheelchair in his car. Aggrieved and humiliated by this rude behaviour and crude language, the air force veteran approached the CCPD for action against the driver.

noted authors get awards

Kattankulathur: BJP state President K Annamalai presented awards and citations worth Rs. 13 lakh to 11 Tamil writers and poets at the SRM Tamil Perayam event held at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur.

In his chief guest address, Annamalai said, SRMIST aims at promoting the Tamil language. This event celebrates Tamil writers who have contributed significantly to the language. It is important that we come together to support and appreciate their work in a forum like this.

Addressing thousands of students the BJP State President said, My vision and aspiration for students is to excel in the field of technology. I encourage you not only to work in the tech industry but also to establish start-ups and provide employment opportunities. This will help India become a Superpower.

ONGC Shared Finance Services launched

New Delhi: Energy Maharatna ONGC launched a significant business process initiative today with the inauguration of the ONGC Shared Finance Services in collaboration with IBM Consulting. This will centralise and standardise all vendor payments of ONGC, accelerating the processes for an enhanced 360-degree vendor experience. ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh, inaugurated the Centre at Noida in the presence of ONGC Director (Finance) Pomila Jaspal, and IBM Consulting India/South Asia Country Managing Partner Kamal Singhani on 14 December 2023. The event also witnessed participation of MD OVL Rajarshi Gupta, ONGC Director (Exploration) Sushma Rawat, Director (Human Resources) Manish Patil, CVO ONGC Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Director (Finance) OVL Anupam Aggarwal, MRPL Director (Finance) Vivek Tongaonkar and senior leadership team of IBM.

Nippon Paint acquires VIBGYOR Paints

New Delhi: Nippon Paint, the leading paint and coatings company in Asia on Friday announced the 100 per cent acquisition of VIBGYOR Paints and Chemicals Pondicherry, a major supplier of paints and coatings in South India. After this acquisition, VIBGYOR Paints and Chemicals Pondicherry, with its established reputation and expertise in supplying high-quality paints to Indian Railways, will become a division of Nippon Paint India, leveraging its resources and reach to further its growth and market leadership. Sharad Malhotra, Director and President (Automotive Refinishes), Nippon Paint India, said the acquisition of VIBGYOR Paints and Chemicals marks a step forward in our India growth strategy. Besides helping us gain a strong foothold in the Indian Railways, this acquisition also enables us to expand our commercial vehicles and industrial paints business in the country.
The government has reviewed the steel import situation amid concerns raised by the domestic industry over the increased inward shipments, according to an industry official.

Steel players have been raising concerns with various ministries including steel and commerce over the surge in steel imports from select countries like China and Vietnam.

The Ministry of Steel on Wednesday held a meeting to review the import situation in the country, an industry executive said.

The meeting was chaired by steel secretary Nagendra Nath Sinha and attended by representatives of various steel companies. Several ministry officials also participated in the hour-long meeting, he said.

Steel makers informed the ministry that there has been a continuous surge in imports from countries like China and Vietnam despite the same type of steel being available in India, a Steel Ministry official said.

When asked about the steps, the official said any action can be initiated only after the study of details submitted by the steel industry to the ministry. They have also suggested a few measures including elimination of some duty cuts and tariff rate quota where prescribed limits are set for duty free inbound shipments.

The matter would also be discussed with the ministries of Commerce and Finance accordingly.

According to SteelMint, steel imports in November were higher at 1.19 million tonnes (MT) against an export of 0.32 MT.

In October also, Indias steel imports were higher at 0.46 MT in October 2023, compared to exports of 0.24 MT.

Last month, Tata Steel CEO and MD T V Narendran had described the situation as a matter of concern as India became the net importer of steel in October.
Insist on a caretaker government conducting the elections expecting that it would not be able to squash violence before and during the polling

Elections to Bangladeshs Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), scheduled to be held on January 7, have attracted global attention. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the principal political opponent of the ruling Awami League led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has announced that it will boycott the elections because these are not being held under an independent caretaker government. In a despatch, Reuters Ruma Paul has quoted the BNPs Senior Joint Secretary-General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, as saying, We reject with utter disgust the schedule announced by the spineless Election Commission to take away democracy and the voting rights of the people through another farce (sic) election like in the past at the behest of Sheikh Hasina.

According to the BNP, its boycott will deprive the elections of legitimacy. The fact is that the decision not to contest has been the BNPs: the Awami League government did not prevent it from participating. These elections will, therefore, lack legitimacy only if the grounds for the BNPs boycott are justified. Hence, a further question: are there genuine reasons for believing that the elections will not be free and fair unless conducted by a caretaker government?

Consider the results of the last three general elections. The parliamentary elections of 2014 and 2019 were held under Awami League governments. The BNP contested in the former but not in the latter. In 2014, the Awami League and its allies won 245 out of the 300 directly elected seats in the parliament, with the Awami League winning 234. In 2019, the Awami League-led alliance won 288 of the 300 seats, with the Awami League winning 259. The BNP and its allies have alleged that both elections were rigged, with many arguing that Sheikh Hasinas party and its allies could not otherwise have won such massive majorities.

The argument falls flat if one considers the results of the 2008 parliamentary elections held under a caretaker government. The Awami League and its allies had won 263 out of the 300 seats at stake, with the Awami League victorious in 230. One may argue that things have changed since then and that the Awami League government, which has lost popularity, has unleashed a wave of repression, arresting a huge number of BNP workers, and even some top leaders, to cripple the partys campaign machinery. These arrests, however, have to be seen in their context. For over two decades, Bangladesh has been in the throes of large-scale violence unleashed by the BNP and its fundamentalist Islamist allies---including first the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, and then its reincarnation, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Simultaneously, there was a surge in fundamentalist Islamist terrorist strikes. The Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami-Bangladesh (HUJIB), Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB), terrorist organisations all, had grown very strong when the BNP-Jamaat coalition government was in power from 2001 to 2006. Their suppression following intense international pressure, has been followed by the rise of two other terrorist organisations-- Ansar-al Islam, earlier known as Ansarullah Bangla Team, affiliated to Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), and Daesh, affiliated to the parent Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). They have played a major role in the murder of bloggers, which began with the killing of Ahmed Rajib Haider in Dhaka on February 15, 2013. Other killings followed. Those murdered included not only bloggers but LGBT activists, Shias, Hindus and academics  indeed, all opposed to religious bigotry and supportive of humanism, secularism and rationalism.

The fundamentalist Islamist terrorist groups are bitterly opposed to Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League for acting resolutely against terrorism, particularly after the dastardly attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on July 1, 2016, in which 20 persons, including 18 foreigners and women, were savagely killed along with five terrorists killed by Bangladeshi Army commandos. There is reason to believe that these elements have been active in the violence the BNP has unleashed, demanding that the forthcoming elections be held under a caretaker government. In the absence of strong action, those responsible for the violence who remain active can create widespread disorder on January 7 to intimidate people, particularly Hindus, into not voting. The resultant poor percentage of voting can then be cited to claim that people have boycotted the elections, which, therefore, have been farcical. The success of their efforts would depend on how strongly Bangladeshs Election Commission, which will conduct the elections, deals with their violence. Firm action would doubtless trigger loud allegations of democracy being slaughtered. These have to be ignored if elections are to be free and fair.

Finally, did the BNP insist on a caretaker government conducting the elections expecting that the latter would not be able to squash violence before and during the polling? It might have thought that the caretaker government, under pressure to show that it was independent and not favouring the Awami League, would hesitate to take strong action. It might also have been believed that the United States announcement that it will impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshis responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh, may inhibit it from acting with the necessary firmness. All this is doubtless speculation. But speculations sometimes lead to facts.

(The writer is a consultant editor with the Pioneer, views are personal)
Jim Goudie, deputy minister of lands and natural resources for the Nunatsiavut government, says he'd like to see more effort into bringing seal products to Asian markets. (Nunatsiavut Government - image credit)

Jim Goudie, deputy minister of lands and natural resources for the Nunatsiavut government, says he'd like to see more effort into bringing seal products to Asian markets.

Jim Goudie, deputy minister of lands and natural resources for the Nunatsiavut government, says he'd like to see more effort into bringing seal products to Asian markets. (Nunatsiavut Government)

Seal products have sustained Labrador communities for generations, but getting them to market's outside of Canada can be a challenge with importation bans.

But Jim Goudie, deputy minister of lands and natural resources for the Nunatsiavut government, says there are other markets to look toward.

Seal products have been banned from European Union markets since 2009, though there is an exemption for Indigenous sourced materials, and the U.S. prohibits the purchase through its Marine Mammal Protection Act.

"In terms of culture and socially they're very important.  We've been connected to seals for time immemorial. [It's] ingrained very, very deeply into our culture. Who we are as a people," Goudie told CBC News.

"In terms of trade and commercial viability at this point, [it's] not very important."

Last month, St. John's hosted the Canada-EU summit, where president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she believed the EU seal product ban's exemption for Indigenous sealers was going well.

However, Doug Chiasson, executive director of the Fur Institute of Canada, said the exemption was still keeping Indigenous harvested seal products out.

From what Goudie knows, no Nunatsiavut seal products have gotten through that process, adding the ban is confusing and limited.

Pauline Carrier says she saw at least a thousand harp seal out her living room window on Tuesday.

The EU has banned seal products since 2009 but there is supposed to be an exemption for Indigenous sealers. (Submitted by Pauline Carrier)

"When it was developed there wasn't any kind of clear segue into how we make this work. There was a lot of things that the Nunatsiavut government had to consider, if we were going to try to put the effort in to make our way into the European market," said Goudie.

Story continues

Still, Goudie said the ban isn't a major economic blow to Nunatsiavut, as the European market wasn't a big seal buyer before the ban. If the ban disappeared he doesn't think a massive European market for seal pelts would open.

Rather, he'd prefer to target emerging markets, pointing to examples like India or making more inroads with China because they're very populous regions.

"I think if we're going to put any emphasis or any money into kind of developing this, then that's where we should be targeting," said Goudie.

Bans impact visitors

Inez Shiwak, arts program coordinator with the Nunatsiavut government who also makes and sells seal skin products, said it isn't easy to get into other countries. Her bracelets have gone as far as Australia, a county that doesn't have a seal ban.

But she sees potential in markets like the European Union and U.S., which both have bans in place.

Inez Shiwak is a resident of Rigolet, N.L., and has participated in climate change research in her community.

Inez Shiwak is the arts program coordinator with the Nunatsiavut government and also makes and sells seal skin products. (Jean-Francois Bisson/CBC)

"There's so much potential to sell all of our products, all of our seal products, outside of Canada. It's just that the EU ban affects so many things," said Shiwak, pointing to cruise ships as an example.

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors coming off cruise ships looking at local seal products wouldn't necessarily want to bring them back home, she said. As a result, she said artisans adapted, making items from things like cowhide and rabbit fur.

"It's crazy the amount of, like, profits or funds that people would be making if we could sell directly to people who are going back to the EU," said Shiwak.

Shiwak said she'd like visitors to the region to be able to buy whatever products they like and that ban puts a damper on what artists create, but she adds artists were likely more economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic than the EU ban on seal.

Goudie would like to see the government keep pushing for seal products abroad. He'd also like to see "solid numbers" on where the markets are and how to develop them, especially on the commercial viability for seal pelts.

"It needs to be a market that makes sense for sealers, for Nunatsiavut Inuit," he said. "I'd like to see Canada continue the push."

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The Battle of Plassey in 1757 resulted in the establishment of British colonial dominance in the Indian subcontinent, writes SAUNAK MOOKERJEE

The year 1757 is significant in the history of Bengal because of the emergence of British rule in this region and the beginning of the anticipated decline of the Mughal Empire in the East. Although a lot has been written about Nawab of Murshidabad Siraj ud Daulas defeat by the British representative Robert Clive of the British East India Company by Western historians such as Vincent Smith, very little is known about the historical accounts by Bengali regional historians, who detail the positive attributes, intelligence and skills of a regional king called Raja Krishnachandra of Nadia, a district in the state of West Bengal with a highly influential cultural history.

It is located about a hundred kilometres from Kolkata and over ninety kilometres from Murshidabad. Vincent Smith in his famous work The Oxford History of India (first published in 1919 by Oxford Clarendon Press) mentions characters such as Siraj ud Daula, Clive, Amin Chand, and Mir Jafar as principal figures while Kumudnath Mullick, a Bengali regional historian, through his work makes it clear that without having King Krishnachandra as the chief of the conspiracy assembly, chosen by Murshidabad elites, to negotiate with the English, it would have been a difficult task to defeat Nawab in the battle of Plassey.

The Bengali historian Kumudnath Mullick informs: Siraj ud Daula ascended the throne in 1756 after the death of the famous Nawab of Bengal Alivardi Khan. Unlike his grandfather, Alivardi, Siraj was rude to his well-wishers, ministers or officials at prominent positions in his kingdom. As a result, they became his enemy and decided to hatch a conspiracy by taking sides with the British. Meanwhile, Siraj had given shelter to the ruler of Dhaka Rajballab. Rajballabs family was also given shelter in Murshidabad by the Nawab.

Rajballab rose against the East India Company and this was appreciated by Nawab. The information of Rajaballabs shelter reached British East India. The intention of spreading the information was to overthrow Siraj ud Daula and appoint Sirajs uncle Mir Jafar as the Nawab of Murshidabad. It is said that the conspiracy was hatched at Jagat Seths house. The plan to replace Siraj with Mir Jafar was supported by rich merchants and significant people of Murshidabad such as Jagat Seth, Raja Mahendra (Durlabhram), Raja Ramnarayan and Raja Krishnadas. Since the decision to overthrow Nawab resulted in debate, they took advice from Raja Krishnachandra, the ruler of Nadia. A letter was sent to King Krishnachandra. King Krishnachandra immediately called upon suggestions from the distinguished ministers in his court such as Kaliprasad Singha. The information in the letter read: The cruelty inflicted by Nawab of Murshidabad has resulted in people leaving their house and property in fear of Nawab. Nawab does not take suggestions from anyone. As the situation at Murshidabad is worrisome we thus approach you for a solution. We hope that you will be able to offer us a solution but this will be possible if your Majesty can meet us at Murshidabad. Kaliprasad was nominated to attend the meeting.

Krishnachandra decided to travel to Murshidabad only after the return of Kaliprasad. He was invited at Jagat Seths house in Murshidabad where prominent people of the assembly gathered and Raja Krishnachandra was made the chief.

Initially, some Muslim elites of the assembly offered him several suggestions but the farsighted and able ruler Krishnachandra arrived at a decision- In my opinion, we need to unite our armies and they must be led by capable generals. We must also unite with the English as they are powerful and their support will help us to overthrow the present Nawab and thus accomplish our mission. Moreover, I maintain a cordial relationship with the English, hence I can attempt to persuade them to accept our proposal. This information has not been mentioned in any historical account or texts but it has been known through word of mouth among the people living in Nadia that Krishnachandra, after discussions at Murshidabad, arrived at Kalighat in Kolkata to worship Goddess Kali and also met the British. This meeting was the first step towards the freedom of the people living in oppression under Siraj at Murshidabad. The meeting resulted in the establishment of trust between the English and Mir Jafar. Jafar was provided three thousand soldiers for the Battle of Plassey against Nawab. These soldiers were sent to Nadia where they were stationed for a while and later were joined by Krishnachandras soldiers. The name of this regiment came to be known as Lal Paltan.

On 22nd June 1757, the soldiers reached Murshidabad after crossing the river Bhagirathi and jungle Lakshabag near the river. The Bengali term for Plassey is Polashi since the adjoining region where the battle was fought had several Polash trees. Nawab reached with thirty-five thousand soldiers, fifty thousand horsemen and forty cannons. However, the number did not matter to the enemy soldiers as most of them were led by Nawabs generals, Mir Jafar and Durlabhram.

On Thursday 23rd June 1757 both the forces met each other at Plassey. Amid the heavy firing of cannons, neighing of horses and brutal killing it seemed for a while that Mir Jafar did not keep up the trust of the British. They anticipated that if Jafar did not keep up the promise then they either win over Bengal or leave it having been badly defeated and crushed.

However, the anticipated outcomes of the battle are much different from what Smith provides. A gist of his account: Clive has been praised as a soldier turned statesman. His real claim to fame is neither as a statesman nor soldier but as a dynamic leader of men.

He had, says Roberts, a certain rough-hewn, almost elemental force and tireless energy which made him a true pioneer of empire. He had the gift of inspiring others, the ability to improvise and the strength to persevere in all the circumstances. Mir Jafar became a party to the Seths and Hindu officers and Clive took action.

There followed the treaty by which Mir Jafar promised to confirm the Companys privileges, to pay a million pounds as compensation for the loss of Calcutta and half a million pounds to its European inhabitants. By private agreement, in addition, there were to be large consolations for the Chief Company officers.

Clive left Calcutta on 22nd June: his army of eight hundred Europeans and two thousand two hundred Indians faced the Nawabs motley and disaffected fifty thousand. Despite previous South Indian experience Clive was doubtful of the issue and showed on the eve of the battle almost the only sign of the irresolution in his life.

The battle was little more than a cannonade and was settled first by Kilpatricks unauthorized advance and then by Sirajs headlong fight.

Mir Jafar, like Stanley of Bosworth, looked on from a distance, appearing cautiously the next day to reap the expensive fruits of his circumspect treachery. On the 28th Clive installed him on the mansard at Murshidabad and four days later Siraj, captured by the new Nawabs (Mir Jafar) son Miran, was executed. A new era had begun.

(The author is a freelance writer, views are personal)
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad High Courts decision allowing a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah adjoining the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura on an oral plea by the Muslim side and asked them to challenge the order by way of an appeal.

The high court had on Thursday allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah and agreed to the appointment of an advocate commissioner to oversee the survey of the mosque premises.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti deferred until January 9 the hearing on a plea filed by the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah challenging the May 26 order of the high court transferring to itself all matters related to the dispute pending before a Mathura court.

List the special leave petition on January 9. All the contentions and issues will be considered on the said date. In case petitioners have any grievance, it will be open to them to file a challenge in accordance with law, the bench ordered.

The bench told senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the mosque committee, who said the high court has been considering interlocutory applications having far reaching ramifications in the matter and passing orders, that the order of the high court passed on Thursday has not been formally challenged before it.

Ahmadi said the high court is entertaining application after application even as the issue of its jurisdiction to transfer to itself all matters related to the dispute is under challenge before the apex court.

Justice Khanna, while refusing to interfere with the high court order passed on Thursday said, How can we stay the order which is not before us? You challenge the order, then we will see.

Ahmadi said the high court order was uploaded on its website late Thursday evening and hence they could not file an appeal.

When Ahmadi pointed out the Supreme Court is going on a winter break from Monday and the high court may pass orders in the matter, Justice Khanna said, Please tell the high court that this matter is listed on January 9 in the Supreme Court. That will be enough.

Justice Khanna said if the petitioners still have any grievances related to the dispute, they can mention them for urgent listing even during the winter break after following the due process.

You know the procedure for mentioning the matter during vacations if any adverse order is passed, Justice Khanna told Ahmadi.

The Supreme Court will be on winter break from December 18 to January 1, 2024.

On November 10, the top court had refused to stay the proceedings before the high court on suits related to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, saying it will not be appropriate for it to interfere with the high court order without hearing both sides.

In Mathura, Bal Krishna through Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta and others had filed a suit in the court of Civil Judge Senior Division (III) for shifting of the Shahi Masjid Idgah, which they claim was constructed on a part of the 13.37 acre land of the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust.
A prominent Indian-American Sikh leader has said that there is no support for the Khalistan movement in the US, neither in the government nor in the community. Jassee Singh from the Sikhs of America organisation also urged the Modi Government to provide a comprehensive developmental package for Punjab to address key challenges being faced by the State, including the problem of illicit drugs among the youths.

Modi Governments relationship with the Sikhs and the things that he has done for this community is unprecedented as compared to the previous governments. There is no doubt about that, Singh told PTI in an interview.

At the same time, there are several Sikh issues that need to be addressed. This includes the atrocities against the Sikhs in the 1984 riots. No Sikhs would forget this, Singh said.

The Modi Government has tried its best to address the concerns of the Sikhs, but there are a number of issues that he still needs to address, he said adding that the PM needs to establish a direct relationship with the Sikh community in India and the world and not through middlemen like the Akalis and the Badals.

Responding to a question he said, No. The majority of Sikhs dont support the Khalistan movement.

Observing that Indias growth story makes every overseas Indian proud, Singh said it is time that the Centre gives some better package for the State of Punjab, its youth and its people. More should be done for the youth of Punjab, he said. There is a need to stop the migration of youth outside India and provide them with employment and business opportunities, he said.

Responding to a question on the recent American allegations that an Indian official was involved in a plot to assassinate a separatist Sikh leader, a US national, in the United States, Singh said in the long term this is unlikely to have an impact on the bilateral ties.

US federal prosecutors last month charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh extremist who is an American and Canadian citizen. An unnamed Indian official also appeared in an indictment along with the Indian national, who the Department of Justice alleges hired someone in the US to assassinate Pannun.

Everybody knows what has been going on in the past few weeks, with the Department of Justice filing a charge sheet against Nikhil Gupta and accusing the government of India. But this should not be seen as a support for a separatist Khalistani movement in the US, Singh said.

This was an action taken by the US government to protect their own citizens. The separatist happens to be a US citizen, so they came in defence of a US citizen for extrajudicial killings, he said.
The tiff between the BJP-ruled Centre and Congress-led Opposition parties escalated on Friday, with the latter not allowing the functioning of Parliament, even as the former asserted that the high-level probe on the Parliament security breach is underway. The functioning of the Lok Sabha and THE Rajya Sabha was completely washed out as Opposition MPs continued with their protest, demanding a statement on the issue from Home Minister Amit Shah and a discussion in both Houses.

The treasury bench had low attendance as most of the BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet members, were in Jaipur to attend the oath ceremony of the new Chief Minister.

Sources informed The Pioneer that several rounds of high-level meetings at the Secretary and MHA levels were conducted to prepare a comprehensive report on the incident and to strategise ways to prevent similar incidents at key government buildings.

The Opposition members also protested the suspension of their 14 MP colleagues after they raised their demand for a statement from Shah on the security breach and a discussion thereafter on Thursday.

The protest was also joined by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Amid demands from Opposition leaders for a statement from the Home Minister on the incident, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi stated that both Parliament buildings fall under the purview of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Both the buildings are under the speakers purview. We are following the speakers order. A high-level enquiry is going on. Saying that we will not allow the House to function... They (opposition) should behave responsibly, he said.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur hit out at the Opposition parties, saying they are trying to politicise the Parliament security breach matter and using it as an excuse to halt House proceedings.

After losing the elections in three States, the Opposition is trying to find an excuse to halt the proceedings of the House. They are creating obstacles, even as the Speaker of the House spoke to the representatives of the Opposition parties, took their suggestions, and also assured improvement in security. It can be clearly seen that they are trying to do politics, Thakur said.

Asked about the Oppositions allegation that the Centre is trying to suppress its voice, Joshi said, No one is trying to suppress anyones voice; it is their opinion. I want to say, come and debate. Two bills are listed today. On Monday, there are three important bills to replace the IPC, the CrPC, and the Evidence Act. We want a detailed discussion. We have allotted 15 hours.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on Wednesday, two men jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during the Zero Hour, released yellow-colored smoke from canisters, and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha said the Opposition leaders are ready to wait for the probe report, but the home minister should come to the House and make a statement on the incident.

I believe not just the opposition, but those on the treasury benches should also urge the home minister to make a statement. On one hand, they say they will get back PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), Aksai Chin, and they cannot even protect Parliament, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) said. According to sources, during their floor coordination meeting on Friday morning, leaders of the INDIA parties decided to continue their aggressive stance in Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha.
The Delhi Assembly was adjourned on Friday after AAP MLAs trooped down to the well of the House raising slogans against the BJP for allegedly opposing the regularisation of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) workers.

After the House resumed post lunch, there was a short-duration discussion under rule 55 of the Delhi Assembly on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allegedly obstructing the regularisation of the workers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Earlier, BJP MLAs were marshalled out of the Delhi Assembly on Friday, after they alleged that 203 homeless people have died in the city during the winter season so far and demanded that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal speak on the issue in the House. Later, BJP MLAs protested at the premises of the Assembly, raising slogans against the Kejriwal.

Speaking in the House, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and MCD in-charge Durgesh Pathak said, "What the BJP could not do when it was in power in the MCD for 15 years was accomplished by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in just six months."

Pathak highlighted the achievements of the AAP-led MCD, including regularisation of the civic body's workers and disbursal of salaries on the first day of the month.

"The MCD workers used to earlier protest at the Civic Centre, Jantar Mantar, Mayor House. They did not get their salaries for eight months. It was in August, within six months of the AAP coming to power, that the workers got their salaries on time. This happened after 13 years," he said while alleging that the BJP is opposed to MCD workers' regularisation and has even approached the court over the issue.

Earlier, responding to a query by an MLA about the number of trees planted and the decrease in pollution levels in the last five years, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the national capital has the largest green belt at 23.6 per cent among big metro cities, and asserted that pollution levels in the city have reduced since 2014 through sustained efforts. On the issue of pollution, Rai shared the data on PM10 and PM2.5 levels, saying on average there has been a 31 per cent reduction in pollution levels since the formation of the AAP government.

Consequent to recent Parliament breach, the Delhi Assembly was placed under a heavy layer of security on Friday with curbs on movement and a thorough checking of vehicles and passes.

The passes were issued after proper authorisation and verification through the Directorate of Information and Publicity.

"Adequate number of Delhi Police and para military personnel were deployed. They were monitoring movement of people and vehicles outside the Vidhan Sabha.
In the wake of widespread public criticism, the Bathinda District Administration on Friday swiftly reversed its controversial decision to shut down six schools and make arrangements for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's security personnel. At the same time, show-cause notices had been issued to the responsible education officers  DEO (elementary) Shivpal, and DEO (secondary) Bhupinder Kaur.

The district education officers' written order, issued on December 14, raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among parents, educators, and the public.

The directive, which mandated the evacuation of selected government schools in Maur to accommodate the security team for an upcoming political rally, drew sharp condemnation for its apparent disregard for the educational disruptions it would cause.

The affected schools were directed to vacate premises and ensure facilities for Manns security personnel, with the head teachers overseeing the arrangements until December 17.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the order was withdrawn on Friday by Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray, who clarified that the education officers had issued the directive at their own level without consulting him.

Parray further stated that alternate security arrangements would be made for the Chief Minister's security, and the schools would proceed with their scheduled activities, including a mega Parent Teacher Meeting (PTM) on December 16.

Expressing his disapproval of the unilateral decision, the Deputy Commissioner said: They issued the order without any consultation with me, and it stands withdrawn. The schools will hold PTM as scheduled.

Parray also confirmed that show-cause notices had been issued to the responsible education officers, DEO (elementary) Shivpal, and DEO (secondary) Bhupinder Kaur.
The BJP and the AAP Government indulged in a war of words on Friday after the saffron party alleged that 203 homeless people have died in the city this winter so far and demanded that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal speak on the issue in the House.

The issue resonated inside the Delhi Assembly and even outside it. The BJP cited a report from Delhi Police, which said during the past month, 203 homeless people have died on the streets of the national capital.

Hitting back, Delhi Urban Development minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said the photos (of the deceased) are from November when winter was yet to begin here.

"Also, these photos clearly show marks of serious injuries, which proves that they were either killed in accidents or were murdered," Bharadwaj said after the House proceedings were adjourned for the day. After the Delhi Assembly resumed post-lunch, a short-duration discussion under Rule 55 commenced during which it was alleged that the BJP was obstructing the regularisation of the sanitation workers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri gave a notice for a calling-attention motion on the alleged death of 203 homeless people in Delhi during the ongoing winter season.

"We demand that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal provide answers on the issue in the House," Bidhuri said.

Speaker Ram Niwas Goel rejected the calling-attention motion given by Bidhuri and said he would look into the Delhi Police report and then take a decision. He directed that the BJP MLAs be marshalled out after they refused to back down in their demand. Bidhuri also alleged that 12 notices were given by BJP MLAs on issues faced by the people of Delhi but not one was accepted for discussion.

Later in a statement, Bidhuri said the police report covers the data from November 13 to December 13. "The Delhi government is unwilling to discuss any issue concerning the public, and it is not holding itself accountable for the deaths of 203 people in Delhi," he said. Bidhuri demanded that the Delhi chief minister be summoned to the assembly to give a statement on this matter.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, said due to the "callous" attitude and "neglect" of the Delhi government and its DUSIB department, hundreds of homeless people die every year in Delhi due to cold.

"Every year, despite repeated rebuke from the court and reports in the newspapers, the Delhi government is not providing adequate funds for food to the night shelters here," Sachdeva said.

Sachdeva said the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan requires the authorities to provide the homeless with a safe place so that they do not get sick in the cold. However, due to the negligence of the Kejriwal government, it is already December 15 and 90 per cent of the permanent and temporary night shelters here are in bad condition.

Responding to the allegations, Bharadwaj accused the BJP of misleading the country by speaking lies.

"Whoever lives in Delhi, knows that our sweaters have come out just a week ago. I have been saying for the past year that the BJP, through organizations like DDA, Railways, and ASI, renders thousands homeless in Delhi. Recently the Central government's Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) near Tughlaqabad Fort displaced thousands of poor people without considering what would happen to them in the harsh winter," he told reporters.
The Central government has approved projects worth Rs 1,100 crore under National Health Mission (NHM) for improving healthcare infrastructure in Uttarakhand. The State Health department had presented Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) for a period of two years (financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26) in the meeting of the National Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC) of NHM held in New Delhi recently. Under the plan a centre of excellence blood bank will be set up in government medical college Srinagar and 50 bed sub district hospitals will be constructed in Thalisain (Pauri) and Guptkashi ( Rudraprayag). Approval for a 200 bed hospital building for sub district hospital in Kashipur was also given in the meeting. The plan for constructing type IV and III houses in GB Pant hospital Nainital, type IV houses, cardiac care unit, transit hostel, medicine store, new OPD building and parking in BD Pandey hospital Nainital were also approved. Similarly medical officers transit hostels will be constructed in Primary Health Centre (PHC) of Phata and Guptkashi in Rudraprayag district while new construction works will be undertaken in TB sanatorium Bhowali, Nainital and sub district hospital Haldwani.

The NPCC of the NHM has also approved a sum of Rs 412.32 lakh for new activities under maternal health programme, Rs 78.60 lakh for purchasing 262 palanquins for safe transport of pregnant women from roadside to their houses, Rs 89.90 lakh for strengthening FRUs and Rs 41.44 lakh for providing advocacy tools to the Asha and ANMs. Similarly a sum of Es 34 lakh was approved for operation of 13 one stop centres and 27 CHC birth waiting homes was given in the meeting.

The health minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that PIPs of about Rs 1,100 crore were prepared for a period of two years under the NHM. The PIPs were approved with some amendments by the NPCC of the government of India. The minister said that the approval of the projects will help in improving the health services of the State.
After a heated discussion on the issue, the Haryana Assembly on Friday recommended that a Punjab and Haryana High Court judge investigate the case where a government school principal in Jind district was accused of sexually harassing at least 50 girl students.



Regarding the heinous incident involving the Principal of the government school in Uchana and the allegations exchanged in the House between Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and former Education Minister and Congress legislator Geeta Bhukkal, the Leader of the House and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar clarified that the issue was not to cast aspersions on anyone.



All members of the House have unanimously agreed to scrutinize the teacher's postings in 2005, 2011, and 2023, as well as his conduct in schools during these periods, he said. In response, Speaker Gian Chand Gupta said a written request on behalf of the Assembly would be sent, urging an investigation by a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.



A special investigation team (SIT) formed by Hisar additional director general of police Shrikant Jadhav on Wednesday submitted a chargesheet against the sacked principal of Jind government school Kartar Singh in a local court for allegedly sexually harassing 142 girl students. Earlier, a three-member committee was formed by the district administration. The three-member committee submitted the report to the education department on November 17, and on November 28 the accused principal was dismissed from service.



The accused has been arrested and a woman principal has been appointed at the school, along with the appointment of 16 new staff members.



The victim girls, in a five-page handwritten letter to the National Commission for Women on August 31, had said the Principal, with the help of a woman teacher, had been sexually harassing girl students. They alleged the Principal had fixed black glasses in the window of his room. "A woman teacher sends girls to meet the Principal in his room. The Principal touches the girls inappropriately and also talks in filthy language," one of the girls had said in the complaint.
he MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund for each Delhi legislator has been raised from Rs 4 crore to Rs 7 crore. Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj informed this in the House during the winter session of the Delhi Assembly on Friday.

Giving reply to a question on MLALAD funds asked by a member of the House, Bharadwaj said that an amount of Rs 110 crore has been provisioned in the revised estimates of budget 2023-24. The remaining 100 crore will be allocated in the budget for the next financial year, he said.

The minister further said that each MLA of the Delhi Assembly was provided Rs 10 crore under the MLALAD funds during 2018-19 and 2019-20. Due to COVID, no fund was allocated to any MLA during 2020-21.

After COVID, each MLA was provided Rs 4 crore as MLALAD fund in 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24. Recently, the government enhanced it to Rs 7 crore from the existing Rs 4 crore, he stated.

The MLALAD fund was provided to the Delhi MLAs from 2017-18 to undertake development works in their constituencies. An amount of Rs 4 crore was provided to the MLAs in 2017-18 which was later raised to Rs 10 crore in 2018-19 as per decision by the Delhi government.

The unspent amount of MLALAD fund of an MLA does not lapse and is added to the allocation for the next financial year, the minister replied.

As per Delhi government data, Rs 280 crore were allocated under the MLALAD fund, in the 2021-22 financial year out of which Rs 223 crore were spent. In 2022-23, Rs 300 crore was allocated out of which Rs 222 crore were spent. In 2013-24, out of Rs 300 crore, Rs 103 crore was spent and Rs 197 crore were in balance.
I want to take the mask off of romantic love, a most over-hyped human emotion, Latvian animation filmmaker Signe Baumane told IndieWire about the fundamental intent of her second, uniquely crafted feature, My Love Affair with Marriage, now touring U.S. cinemas.

Baumane first thought of the concept for this sophomore effort while on production for her award-winning 2014 debut Rocks in My Pockets, which used surrealist vignettes to amusingly detail the mental health struggles of the women in her family.

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To stay relevant to her online followers while involved in the intense process of making Rocks, Baumane started sharing intimate stories about her second marriage on her personal blog. The overwhelmingly positive reception  those entries were her most-read ever  convinced her to eventually adapt them into the visual realm of animation.

I wanted to get to the bottom of why we fall in love. Why both of us took this huge leap of faith and plunged into a marriage just knowing each other for three weeks, she explained about what ultimately became the musical My Love Affair with Marriage. Through lively and thematically pointed songs, the feminist narrative grapples with how Zelma (voiced by Succession star Dagmara Dominczyk), a Latvian woman, attempts to mold herself to fit within strict societal gender norms, only to discover the cracks in what they promise.

Fiercely independent endeavors, both of Baumanes full-length animated works were painstakingly produced between her studio located in Brooklyns Sunset Park and Studio Locomotive in Baumanes native Latvia. Only five artists, including Baumane herself, comprised the core NYC-based team on Marriage, which took seven years to complete.

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What formally distinguishes Baumanes current work is her use of physical sets, like those built for stop-motion projects, for her hand-drawn characters to inhabit. Her interest in mixing these mediums emerged when in 2010 an Italian fashion designer commissioned her to paint a mural and later to create several human-size papier-mache sculptures.

Fascinated with this newfound medium  she had never done sculpting before  Baumane decided to incorporate it in Rocks in My Pockets and now into Marriage. When you have three-dimensional objects, you can use cinematic tools like pans and zooms, she said.

First, the three-dimensional backgrounds are made out of wood, then plastered with papier-mache, and later layered with five coats of paint to reveal texture. Once lit as if they were sets on a live-action production, Baumane photographs them in stop motion, frame by frame, and draws the characters as they would move in those spaces using printouts from these photographs. Backgrounds must be shot in still photos because when she first tried to simply film them in live action and add the hand-drawn characters, the results were jarring.

Disney movies did two frames per drawing. But I thought, Maybe I need to animate on ones: one drawing per frame. I did that, and it didnt change anything, she said. The realistic smoothness of the camera movement accented the artificiality of animation.

Baumane still draws using tangible tools instead of doing so digitally. Pencil on paper excites my brain, she says. As an artist, you should always use materials that excite you.

Each of her countless drawings is shaded, then scanned into Photoshop and sent to the team of artists in Latvia in charge of coloring and compositing. Its not a mindless painting job, the artists who color these characters have to understand the dimension of the human shape, she says. With their shading, they have to give three-dimensionality to the characters so that they dont look flat against the three-dimensional backgrounds.

While Baumane animated about 90 minutes of the film herself, the segments that describe the biological reasoning for attraction and love, 14 minutes in total, were brought to life by Yajun Shi, a graduate of Pratt Institute, whose short film Parasite impressed Baumane.

Marriage is a labor of love not only based on the limited recourses at the artists disposal, but because Baumanes closest collaborator is her partner of over 20 years, Sturgis Warner, who serves as producer, lead carpenter for the sets, and also helped secure Stephen Lang, of Avatar fame, to voice one of the characters. The personal and creative bond between Warner and Baumane is inextricable from the art they conceive together.

My film is for all the people who had ever felt different, like they couldnt fit in, but still want to be loved because our desire for being loved is universal, she said.

Baumane moved to New York City in 1995. Back home, she had become a published poet as a teenager (a skill that helped her step in as a lyricist on Marriage) and later studied philosophy in Moscow when Latvia still formed part of the Soviet Union. Animation came into her life as an escape from the post-graduation prospect of becoming a teacher.

I am a rebel against authority, Baumane said. I didnt want to impose my authority on anyone or be part of this brainwashing machine of the Soviet Union, but I had to have a job.

A friend who saw her doodles suggested she should go into animation. Soon, as she started to organize her sketches into storyboards, Baumane discovered this was the first she had ever felt truly passionate about something. Although she knows that living in Europe she could access funds for independent artists, rather than struggling to stay afloat in New York, Baumane thinks migrating to the U.S. allowed her to express herself freely in her work.

If I had stayed in Latvia, I would never make films like these, she said. Because Latvia is a small country, and everybody knows each other. If I had started talking about my familys dark secrets there, the fear of judgment would have stopped me.

Making Rocks in My Pockets in New York over a decade ago, Baumane felt safe from any interference. Since she didnt think anyone back home would ever watch the finished title, there was no self-censorship. That changed when Rocks found success internationally and was chosen to represent Latvia for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

Of course, my family saw the film because it went to over 160 film festivals, and it was released in Latvia, she said. They were horrified and rightly so. Still, as an immigrant, I feel that you can see your own country probably better from a distance.

Baumane is now preparing the final feature in what she considers a trilogy of personal films tied to Latvia. Titled Karmic Knot, the third chapter will explore the situations that hold a group of people together for better or worse and often against their own wishes.

This will be a film about my family living through Russias occupation of Latvia and how then when the Soviet Union was collapsing in stages, my family would make adjustments to how we lived, Baumane said. In the end, they made these adjustments so impossible to endure that one of the family members had to leave and go to New York.

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Under the Yogi Adityanath governments zero tolerance policy, mafia Mukhtar Ansari has been sentenced to five and a half years of rigorous imprisonment in the case of threatening a witness in the murder of a coal businessman by the MP/MLA court of Varanasi.

Additionally, a fine of Rs 10,000 has been imposed on him.

Earlier, in the murder of Awadhesh Rai, Mukhtar Ansari had been given the maximum punishment of life imprisonment. He has been sentenced in seven cases so far.

The MP/MLA court in Varanasi found Mukhtar Ansari guilty of threatening witness Mahavir Prasad Rungta in the murder of a coal businessman, Nand Kishore Rungta.

In the hearing held on Friday in the MP/MLA court, all the allegations against Mukhtar Ansari were proven correct. In this case, the court sentenced him to imprisonment for five and a half years and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000.

On January 22, 1997, after the kidnapping of Nand Kishore Rungta, a coal businessman in the Jawahar Nagar area under Bhelupur police station of Varanasi, he was murdered. Mukhtar Ansari and his associate Ataur Rahman, also known as Sikandar, were implicated in this murder.

Thereafter, on the evening of November 5, 1997, threat calls were made to Mahavir Prasad Rungta, the brother of Nand Kishore Rungta, on his landline phone, asking the family not to cooperate with the police or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the murder case. Also, a threat was made to blow up the entire family with a bomb. In this regard, a case was registered at Bhelupur police station on December 1.

The police completed the investigation, and on July 3, 1998, the charge sheet was filed in the court against Mukhtar Ansari.
The Delhi University Executive Council on Friday decided to convert the north campus landmark Patel Chest Hospital into a multi-speciality hospital on a 12.76 acre land in Dhaka village near Kingsway Camp in north Delhi area.

The 1268th meeting of the Executive Council (EC), under the chairmanship of DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh approved allotment of 12.76 acres of land for a multi-specialty hospital.

Prof. Yogesh said that there is a strong need to expand and upgrade VPCI so that treatment for serious diseases, including pulmonary diseases, can be provided under one roof. He said that the expansion and upgradation of VPCI will go a long way in providing quality diagnostic and research facilities for pulmonary diseases. The Vice Chancellor said that the matter has been discussed in great detail and several meetings were also held in this regard to obtain the views of the faculty members of VPCI and suggestions of external experts.

Along with this, allotment of land for the construction of University College of Medical Sciences building and hospital was also considered. The members were informed that the need for construction of the college building and hospital has been felt in view of the fact that despite more than five decades of existence, it has still not been able to get its land and building.

Not only this, the limited space in the GTB Hospital campus is hindering the ambitious expansion of the college, thereby hindering it from taking the college to the next level of excellence. A request has been received from the college to allot 40-50 acres of land for construction of college and hospital building with facilities and infrastructure.

Another significant aspect noted was the Delhi Governments letter to the Central Government regarding 12 colleges funded by the Delhi Government. The formation of an EC Committee on this issue was suggested by the Vice Chancellor which was passed unanimously. The Vice Chancellor said that this is a very important issue and hence the matter needs to be looked at seriously.
The Bharatiya Janata Party State president Mahendra Bhatt said that the senior party leaders who were appointed to various positions by the State government will discharge their responsibility for ensuring that the public welfare works are executed on the ground. Congratulating the party leaders appointed to various posts and thanking the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for it, he said that this time the State government has appointed 11 capable and experienced senior party leaders to various positions. Congratulating these leaders, he expressed confidence that they will play an important role in the mission of the BJP government. In his message to all the 21 party leaders who have been appointed to various positions so far, he said that various important and public welfare schemes of the government are changing the condition and direction of the lives of the people of Uttarakhand. We have to enhance the capacity for execution of these public welfare schemes and ensure that the benefit of these schemes reaches the last available beneficiary. All of these position holders are representatives of the people who have been appointed through the party organisation for cooperating with the government. With their actions, the positive changes in society and the faith of the public in the partys ideology will become stronger. This trust will help in making the party organisation stronger in every village and home, the BJP State president said. He further expressed hope that the position holders will fulfill the expectations of the chief minister and the public.
A mega Parents-Teachers meeting (PTM) will be held across 19,109 government primary schools and upper primary schools across Punjab on Saturday. Moe than 20 lakh parents are expected to participate in the meeting.

Inviting the parents of the states government school students to attend Mega PTM, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday issued a message urging the parents to must attend the Parents-Teachers Meet so that you can get information about your wards and also give suggestions regarding the improvement in education system.

Mann said that the Punjab Government is committed and making efforts to raise the standard of all government schools in the State and restore their glory.

In this mega PTM, teachers and parents will share the feedback about children. Parents should also know about the childs activities in school besides the teachers will know about the students life after the school. Parents will also take stock about the facilities being given in the school premises, said the Chief Minister, urging the parents to give suggestions about the future of their wards and shared grievances (if any) with teachers.

Mann, in his message, said that his dream to carve out Rangla Punjab will realize with the active participation of all sections of the society.

Sharing details, the states School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that during this program, to be organized from 10 am to 3:30 pm, teachers, students and their parents, school management committees and other renowned persons will sit together and discuss ways to improve the education system.

He said that exhibitions, showcasing the works done in schools, library, langars, and academic achievements to be the center of attraction of this program.

Aim of organizing this mega PTM is to provide direct feedback between parents and teachers regarding the performance of the students. Apart from this, teachers will share information with parents regarding Mission Samarth, Mission 100 percent, school attendance of students, and new admissions, he added.

Bains also invited parents for the mega PTM to witness this massive education revolution initiated in Punjab. He also appealed to the students to bring their grandparents with them in this mega PTM.
Cutting across party lines, the JNU students' outfits on Friday registered their protest against the varsity's revised manual prohibiting and penalising protests on campus within 100 metres of the academic buildings, among other restrictions, and demanded its withdrawal.

The ABVP's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) unit burnt an effigy of the varsity administration while protesting against the manual calling it "dictatorial" and "anti-student".

"The JNU is an open and liberal university, where the students have the right to freely express their opinions. However, the administration is attempting to strip away this right," said Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Unit Secretary Vikas Patel.

"The ABVP calls on the administration to retract the Code of Conduct and collaborate with the students to create a new one that respects the democratic values and safeguards the students' rights," he added.

Earlier in the day, several students' outfits of the JNU submitted a memorandum to Vice Chancellor Santishree Pandit to cease all ongoing inquiries against the students related to protests alleging that they have been served notices despite her assurance to revolve the issue.

The JNUSU, supported by 11 members of the different students' outfits and hostel presidents, in the letter to the vice chancellor demanded that all disciplinary actions against the students ordered by the Chief Proctor Office (CPO) should be rescinded and the new varsity manual be withdrawn. The students' outfits have also demanded an announcement to start the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) elections.

"We, the students of Jawaharlal Nehru University, are writing to you to register out strong protest and indignation at the series of vindictive actions initiated by the JNU administration against various elected representatives and activists," the letter read. The letter added that the revised CPO manual, which penalises 28 types of misconduct at the JNU, "militates" the students' democratic right to protest for their rights.

Responding to the students' allegations, the V-C said the inquiries are underway for the students who were involved in rule violation as per the High Court's orders, while fines imposed on several other students during the 2019 fee hike protests were waived by her.

"The show cause notices have been issued to those students, who were found involved in rule violation as per the High Court order.

We can't do contempt of the court by not abiding to the rules. I have waived the fines imposed on many students for protesting over fee hike in 2019. But if they continue to break the rules then necessary action as per the rules and regulations will be taken," she said.

The vice-chancellor's office also clarified that the new rules in the varsity manual released in November after the executive council's approval will not apply to old cases of rule violation by the students.

"Any act of rule break after the revised manual came into force will be penalised as per the regulations outlined in the manual. The old and ongoing cases will not be examined based on the new rules," a senior official clarified.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, said that all universities, colleges and other educational institutions should understand their responsibility towards society.

Higher education institutions should enhance their studies according to the practical needs of society. Instead of relying solely on bookish knowledge to understand practical needs, it is necessary to gain experience in the field and focus on research, he stated.

The chief minister was presiding over the inaugural session of a three-day national conference jointly organised by the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy at Mahayogi Gorakhnath University in Gorakhpur, in collaboration with the Translation Biomedical Research Society.

During the commencement of the conference on Advances and Opportunities in Drug Discovery from Natural Products - BioNature Con-2023, the chief minister said, Due to a lack of innovation and research, India lagged behind. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last nine years, efforts have been made to improve in this direction, and positive results are now being seen.

Yogi said that traditional medicine from natural resources was Indias gift to the world. Emphasising mutual coordination among several departments to advance traditional medicine using natural resources, he mentioned that through the collaboration of departments such as Ayurveda, pharmacy, biochemistry, agriculture and medicine from natural resources could attain new heights. He said that people involved in agriculture could contribute significantly to the field of making medicines from natural resources.

He said that along with focusing on the quality of medicines made from natural resources, equal attention must be paid to packaging. He emphasised that merely wrapping Ayurvedic medicines in pouches might not instill confidence in the patient, whereas presenting the medicine in tablet form enhanced trust. Medicines need to be prepared and packaged accordingly, he added.

The government is building a Pharmaceutical Park on 2,000 acres of land in Lalitpur. Along with this, work is progressing rapidly to develop a Medical Device Park, Yogi added.

He highlighted the importance of data collection in the current times, stating that doctors and nurses could collect various data related to patients to be used as a basis of major research.

During the conference, the chief minister also shared his experience in controlling encephalitis. He said that from 1977 to 2017, nearly 50,000 children died due to encephalitis. In Japan, a vaccine was developed in 1905, while in India, the vaccine became available in 2005, but its production was insufficient to meet the demand.

Against the population of about three crore in eastern Uttar Pradesh, only one lakh doses of encephalitis vaccine were available, he said.

He further explained that after taking charge of the state in 2017, the Health Department was made the nodal agency, and through inter-departmental coordination, the 40-year-old issue was addressed in just four years. The model of encephalitis control also proved beneficial in the successful management of COVID-19 in the state, he added.

The chief minister along with G Satish Reddy and GN Singh offered floral tributes to Bharat Mata, Goddess Saraswati and Guru Gorakhnath.

Others present were Vice-Chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Poonam Tandon, MLAs Mahendrapal Singh, Vipin Singh, MLC Dharmendra Singh, Principal of BRD Medical College, Ganesh Kumar, Principal of Guru Gorakshanath Institute of Medical Sciences, Manjunath NS, along with more than 250 scientists from 12 states, subject specialists, delegates, conference participants, teachers and students.

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Skills Laboratory at Guru Shri Gorakshanath College of Nursing. He inspected the laboratory and also observed the facilities here.
In an apparent reference to the Lok Sabha security breach incident, former Union minister and senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said "violent anarchy" cannot hijack "vibrant democracy".

He also said the robustness of constitutional rights and the mantra of fundamental duties have transformed Bharat into an unbeatable democracy. Naqvi made these assertions while addressing a programme organised by Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies at Law Faculty, North Campus, Delhi University. In a major security breach, two persons 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.

The "debacle of dynasty" and "dominance of constitutional sovereignty" has made India a "powerhouse of democracy" which is enlightening the whole world with its democratic values, Naqvi said. The strength of the Constitution and the commitment of any individual can elevate any ordinary citizen of India to the highest office, he said.

"It is a testament to our constitutional and democratic values that Narendra Modi, who belongs to a poor and backward family, has been elected twice as the prime minister of the world's largest democracy and his efficiency in the discharge of duties has made him a global brand of good governance," the BJP leader said.

Modi has become a "global hero" through his commitment to "reform, perform and transform", Naqvi said.

The "weightage to family background" has been replaced by the "balance sheet of hard work, honesty and performance" as a criteria of success, he said.

Naqvi further said technology and connectivity revolution has made the world smaller and the competition bigger. Most democratic countries of the world are assessing their constitutional rights, duties and parliamentary activities by keeping in mind India's democratic, economic, constitutional and political activities, he said.

Noting that India has the highest number of elections in the world, he said every two months some part of the country remains in election mode. Despite this, the increasing passion and enthusiasm of people towards the festival of democracy in every election makes India's democracy dynamic and vibrant, Naqvi added.
Lalit Jha, arrested in the Parliament security breach case, is the "mastermind" of the entire conspiracy and he and co-accused wanted to create anarchy in the country so that they could compel the government to meet their demands, the Delhi Police told a city court on Friday.

Sources said police are likely to seek the Parliament's permission to recreate the December 13 incident that unfolded on the anniversary of the 2001 attack on it.

Jha, who hails from West Bengal, was sent to seven-day police custody on Friday after his arrest last night. Police claimed in the Patiala House court that he admitted that the accused met many times to hatch the conspiracy to breach Parliament security.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday paid homage to armed forces personnel for displaying "unparalleled courage" and achieving a "historic victory" during the 1971 war against Pakistan on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas'.

India's decisive win over Pakistan led to the birth of Bangladesh.

"The nation remembers with gratitude the selfless sacrifice made by our armed forces during the 1971 war. On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to the bravehearts who displayed unparalleled courage and achieved historic victory," Murmu said in a post on X.

Vijay Diwas is observed annually to commemorate the victory, with Pakistan's military surrendering to Indian forces.
First American Financial Co. (NYSE:FAF  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday after Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on the stock from $62.00 to $70.00. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods currently has a market perform rating on the stock. First American Financial traded as high as $64.85 and last traded at $64.83, with a volume of 15992 shares. The stock had previously closed at $63.33.

Several other brokerages have also commented on FAF. Barclays assumed 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 price target on the stock. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $72.00 price target on shares of First American Financial in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of First American Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $68.00.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

Institutional Trading of First American Financial

In other news, CAO Steven A. Adams sold 1,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.20, for a total value of $101,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, 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 SEC, which is available at this link . 3.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FAF. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in First American Financial by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,031,143 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $779,858,000 after buying an additional 245,974 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in First American Financial by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 9,889,562 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $550,453,000 after buying an additional 329,543 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its stake in shares of First American Financial by 22.3% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,610,627 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $479,268,000 after purchasing an additional 1,567,428 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of First American Financial by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,193,170 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $206,981,000 after purchasing an additional 90,276 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners lifted its stake in shares of First American Financial by 17.6% in the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,169,320 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $178,994,000 after purchasing an additional 473,961 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock.

First American Financial Trading Down 0.6 %

The firm has a market capitalization of $6.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.34 and a beta of 1.27. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $56.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $57.82.

First American Financial (NYSE:FAF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The insurance provider reported $1.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.60 billion. First American Financial had a return on equity of 9.82% and a net margin of 3.78%. The companys revenue was down 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.62 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that First American Financial Co. will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current year.

First American Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 8th were issued a dividend of $0.53 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.29%. First American Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 93.39%.

About First American Financial

(Get 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.

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Cloud computing, data analytics and advanced technologies are what some might refer to as the lifeblood for many enterprises. Think about it. The cloud acts as a dynamic infrastructure and provides scalable and flexible resources that let businesses adapt swiftly to changing demands. Data, recognized as the new currency, fuels strategic decision-making through analytics. This offers valuable insights and fosters a deeper understanding of customer behavior and market trends. Meanwhile, technology, encompassing AI, machine learning and automation, not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives innovation and competitive advantage.

Together, these elements form an interconnected ecosystem that propels businesses forward, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the modern digital era with agility and resilience. However, cybersecurity threats are more prevalent as a risk to organizations' core operating models. (Its evident in reports from Verizon and IBM.)

Cybersecurity leaders need to come up with a strategy to better protect their businesses. One strategy is to collaborate with other cybersecurity leaders  a step IBM and Palo Alto (News - Alert) Networks recently took. IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks expanded their strategic partnership to better enable clients to strengthen their end-to-end security postures and navigate evolving security threats.

"Organizations today need the right cybersecurity partners to keep up with the pace of the ever-changing threat landscape, said BJ Jenkins, president of Palo Alto Networks. We are expanding our longstanding partnership with IBM (News - Alert) to help our joint clients mitigate risk and protect critical data assets with industry-leading, AI-powered solutions, cloud security and services."

The companies will jointly offer enhanced security solutions that focus on two key areas: helping companies modernize their security operations and securing cloud transformations.

The collaboration will integrate IBM Consulting Cybersecurity Services with Palo Alto Networks Cortex platform. This joint offering leverages multiple layers of advanced AI and automation by combining IBM Consulting's Threat Detection and Response Services with Cortex XSIAM, an AI-driven security operations platform. IBM Consulting will provide 24/7 monitoring, investigation and automated remediation of security alerts, along with support for continuous improvement in cyber threat intelligence and risk reduction. Additionally, IBM Consulting has trained its teams on Cortex XSIAM to accelerate client success.

The collaboration also extended to leveraging Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks with IBM Consulting services. This joint effort encompasses a range of services that include security posture assessment, secure application development, implementation and ongoing protection and investigation services. Prisma Cloud safeguards the cloud-native application lifecycle, identifying and remediating risks before reaching production environments.

The joint offering that leverages Prisma Cloud builds on IBM Consulting's ecosystem approach of working closely with partners to assist companies in securing their hybrid cloud transformations.

Our relationship with Palo Alto Networks as a select strategic partner is a testament to IBM's open and collaborative approach to cybersecurity, said Mohamad Ali, Chief Operating Officer of IBM Consulting. By bringing together best-of-breed AI, security technology, and consulting expertise from both companies, we can help clients create a strong security program that can adapt and scale with future threats.

As part of the extended agreement, Palo Alto Networks will be in a select group of strategic IBM Consulting partners, and IBM Consulting will be a premier security services partner for Palo Alto Networks.

Edited by Alex Passett
Foundations Investment Advisors LLC lowered its position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 31.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 10,942 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 5,113 shares during the period. Foundations Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $1,122,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of MUB. Register Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, First Manhattan Co. acquired a new position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000.

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iShares National Muni Bond ETF Stock Up 0.0 %

Shares of MUB stock opened at $108.06 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $104.10 and a 200-day simple moving average of $105.06. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $100.78 and a 1-year high of $108.66.

iShares National Muni Bond ETF Profile

iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index).

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High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,950 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 75 shares during the quarter. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $1,743,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in 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 worth $38,402,583,000 after purchasing an additional 252,827,976 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 161,843,254 shares of the companys stock worth $24,064,473,000 after purchasing an additional 2,157,319 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 103,104,467 shares of the companys stock worth $15,645,072,000 after purchasing an additional 817,674 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 46,754,131 shares of the companys stock worth $6,936,343,000 after purchasing an additional 510,559 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 12.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,320,700 shares of the companys stock worth $6,717,246,000 after purchasing an additional 4,959,527 shares in the last quarter. 63.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PG has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com raised Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. William Blair began coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, September 8th. They issued a market perform rating for the company. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on Procter & Gamble from $161.00 to $151.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 16th. HSBC began coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $179.00 target price for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $169.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $166.41.

Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In other Procter & Gamble news, CFO Andre Schulten sold 40,298 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.61, for a total value of $6,069,281.78. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 36,460 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,491,240.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 6,575 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total value of $1,009,065.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 5,620 shares in the company, valued at $862,501.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Andre Schulten sold 40,298 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.61, for a total value of $6,069,281.78. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 36,460 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,491,240.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 79,382 shares of company stock valued at $11,988,690. 0.17% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Procter & Gamble Stock Down 0.5 %

PG stock opened at $143.91 on Friday. The Procter & Gamble Company has a twelve month low of $135.83 and a twelve month high of $158.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The stocks 50 day moving average is $148.95 and its 200-day moving average is $150.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $339.18 billion, a PE ratio of 23.36, a P/E/G ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 0.46.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results 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 company had revenue of $21.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.58 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.49% and a net margin of 18.30%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.57 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 20th were given a dividend of $0.9407 per share. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.61%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 19th. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 61.04%.

Procter & Gamble 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.

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Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc. lowered its position in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V  Free Report) by 0.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 116,930 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 514 shares during the period. Visa makes up about 2.3% of Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest position. Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc.s holdings in Visa were worth $26,895,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of V. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in shares of Visa by 107,990.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,998,628,576 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $474,634,314,000 after acquiring an additional 1,996,779,546 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Visa by 116,608.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 24,504,130 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $5,090,978,000 after buying an additional 24,483,134 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Visa during the 4th quarter valued at $3,067,232,000. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in Visa by 13.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 51,122,866 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $10,621,287,000 after buying an additional 5,864,340 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital World Investors grew its holdings in Visa by 50.8% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 16,012,583 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $3,802,668,000 after buying an additional 5,391,512 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.35% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Visa news, Chairman Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. sold 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $236.14, for a total value of $9,445,600.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 139,854 shares of the companys stock, valued at $33,025,123.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Chairman Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. sold 40,000 shares of Visa stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $236.14, for a total transaction of $9,445,600.00. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 139,854 shares of the companys stock, valued at $33,025,123.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Rajat Taneja sold 25,000 shares of Visa stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $260.04, for a total value of $6,501,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 232,112 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,358,404.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 98,311 shares of company stock valued at $24,264,891 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.19% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

V has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. HSBC started coverage on Visa in a report on Friday, October 13th. They set a hold rating and a $266.00 target price on the stock. Mizuho increased their price target on Visa from $240.00 to $243.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Visa from $280.00 to $295.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Oppenheimer increased their target price on Visa from $248.00 to $252.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $270.00 target price on shares of Visa in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $277.67.

Read Our Latest Analysis on V

Visa Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of Visa stock opened at $257.38 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $245.78 and a 200-day moving average of $239.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.45 and a quick ratio of 1.45. The company has a market capitalization of $472.46 billion, a PE ratio of 31.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 0.95. Visa Inc. has a 1-year low of $202.13 and a 1-year high of $263.25.

Visa (NYSE:V  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The credit-card processor reported $2.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.23 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $8.61 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.56 billion. Visa had a return on equity of 50.13% and a net margin of 52.90%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.93 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Visa Inc. will post 9.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Visa Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 9th were issued a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 8th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.81%. This is a boost from Visas previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Visas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.09%.

Visa Company Profile

(Free Report)

Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services.

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MV Ruen. (PTI)

New Delhi: The Indian Navy reported on Saturday that one of its warships successfully intercepted the Malta-flagged commercial vessel MV Ruen, which was hijacked in the Arabian Sea and was being taken toward Somalia. The situation is currently unfolding, and the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the ship while also coordinating with other international agencies.

The MV Ruen, was carrying 18 crew members. It issued a Mayday message on Britains maritime body UKMTO portal on Thursday, indicating boarding by six unknown individuals.

Sources within the Navy stated, "Usually in such situations, you try to assess how things are on the ship. How is the crew? You try to establish communication with the crew or pirates."

This incident marks the first successful hijacking involving Somali pirates since 2017 when international naval efforts curtailed a series of seizures in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Responding promptly to the unfolding crisis, the Indian Navy diverted its naval maritime patrol aircraft, conducting surveillance in the area, and a warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen.

The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel early Friday morning, continuously monitoring its movement toward the coast of Somalia. "The Indian Navys warship, mission deployed in the Gulf of Aden for antipiracy patrol, intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours of December 16," stated the Indian Navy. The overall situation is under close monitoring in coordination with other agencies and the MNF (Maritime Security Task Force) in the area.
Spencer Kort of Schuyler is among a new class of State Troopers ready to hit the road in service to the people of Nebraska. Members of the Nebraska State Patrols 68th Basic Recruit Class received their badges and were sworn-in Friday, Dec. 15, during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

Were incredibly grateful for these six troopers who are joining our ranks, said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. Its a great team and they are going to get out and serve Nebraska. They are ready. They are well trained. They have the right mindset to be public servants.

The six members of Camp 68 come to NSP from several communities across Nebraska. The newly sworn-in troopers have completed 22 weeks of intense training, including extensive live-action training scenarios and rigorous academic instruction. Their training now continues in the field, paired with veteran troopers in the field training process.

Kort received Badge 122 and will be stationed out of Beatrice.

Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Recruit Marco Vera Chavez, of Ord, received the Superintendents Leadership Award. Recruit Kort, of Schuyler, was honored with the O.H. Witt Academic Achievement Award. Recruit Braden Heidbrink, of Lincoln, was the recipient of the D.R. Shearer Marksmanship Award as well as the Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award. Recruit Chad Reutlinger, of Lexington, was honored with the R. J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award.

Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers provided remarks during todays graduation ceremony, held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol. Secretary of State Robert Evnen administered the oath of office.

I have extraordinary confidence that you six will be incredible leaders, incredible public servants, that all Nebraskans will be really proud of, Pillen told the camp during todays ceremony. You join a great team. I couldnt be more proud of you.

Seventeen new recruits are set to being their journey to earning the badge next month. The 69th Basic Recruit Camp for NSP is scheduled to begin training on Jan. 2, 2024.

Applications for Camp 70 are scheduled to open in the next few months with camp scheduled to begin in July 2024. Anyone interested in a career serving the people of Nebraska can get information about the hiring process, the training provided to recruits, and the benefits of becoming a trooper by visiting NebraskaTroopers.com.
While Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy (in picture) termed Opposition MLA and BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao an NRI' (non-reliable Indian) and said that he lacked democratic spirit, Rama Rao said that Revanth Reddy was not the elected CM but appointed CM of Telangana. DC Image

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Assembly witnessed heated discussion over the resolution on thanksgiving to the Governors address to both the Houses with the ruling Congress and Opposition BRS leaders trading barbs against each other.

While Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy termed Opposition MLA and BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao an NRI (non-reliable Indian) and said that he lacked democratic spirit, Rama Rao said that Revanth Reddy was not the elected CM but appointed CM of Telangana. Revanth Reddy also said that it was the Congress which gave ministerial berth to the BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad declared BRS president K. Chandhrasekhar Rao as the Opposition leader. BRS working president and Sircilla MLA K.T. Rama Rao said that the Governors speech was far from truth and that it resonated with the Congress beliefs and manifesto.

At this juncture, Deputy Chief Minsiter Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and minister Ponnam Prabhakar obstructed KTR and reminded that they were speaking about the destruction unleashed by the BRS during the last nine years and that it was not fair on the part of KTR to continuously remind about the last 50 years of the Congress rule. "Sensing injustice done to Telangana, all the ministers also rooted for the cause of Telangana and resigned to their posts. Then separate Telangana became a reality which means there is no point in discussing beyond the last nine years," Bhatti said.

Bhatti took exception to KTRs confrontational attitude while speaking in the Assembly and said instead, they would accept constructive criticism on various government welfare programmes and policies.

The House also witnessed a heated discussion on Pothireddypadu project. The BRS leaders reminded that they had resigned to the posts demanding abandoning construction of the project and also said that except for former minister late P. Janardhan Reddy, none of the Congress leaders fought along with them.

Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao (BRS) also interfered and said that it was the BRS which had come to the of the Congress during the 2014 elections by having an alliance with the party.
AICC general secretary organisation K.C. Venugopal said the donation links will go live on December 18. (Image: Twitter)

New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday announced that the party will be launching an online crowdfunding campaign "Donate for Desh" on December 18, saying that the initiative is inspired by Mahatma Gandhis historic "Tilak Swaraj Fund" in 1920-21.

AICC treasurer Ajay Maken said that the Donate for Desh initiative is an umbrella campaign under which a "series of campaigns" will be carried out. Under the first of these, the party is encouraging donations in multiples of 138 to commemorate the Congresss 138th anniversary.

"On completion of 138 years of the Congress, we request the countrymen to deposit amounts like Rs.138, Rs.1,380, Rs.13,800 in the Congress account to strengthen the Congress, so that the Congress can work for a better India," said Mr Maken.

The AICC treasurer added that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will officially launch the campaign on December 18 in New Delhi and the online donation links will go live at the same time. He added that two channels have been created for donations -- a dedicated online portal www.donateinc.in and the official INC website www.inc.in.

AICC general secretary organisation K.C. Venugopal said the donation links will go live on December 18. All Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) presidents will raise awareness about the campaign through press conferences and social media, he said, adding that the campaign will primarily be online until December 28, the party's foundation day. After that, ground campaigns, including door-to-door visits by volunteers, targeting at least 10 houses in every booth for contributions of at least Rs.138 from each will be launched.

Mr Venugopal also announced a "mammoth rally" in Maharashtra's Nagpur on December 28 to mark the party's 138th foundation day. He said at least 10-lakh people will attend the historic rally.

"We have already completed the 138-year journey of the Indian National Congress. This year, on the anniversary of our foundation, we are going to hold a mammoth rally in Nagpur on December 28," the Congress general secretary said.

The rally, he said, will be attended by all Congress office-bearers, leaders and workers from across the country.

"This is going to be a national rally attended by all senior party leaders. On Friday, we held a detailed meeting with Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee leaders in Nagpur. A minimum of 10-lakh Congress leaders and workers will participate," he claimed.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday took the Telangana Legislative Assembly by storm, going all guns blazing against the BRS, which had governed the state for nearly a decade. In a speech lasting one-and-a-half hours, Reddy targeted the pink party on issues such as false narratives, dynastic politics, alleged corruption, and a dictatorship style of governance.

In his maiden response to a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address, Reddy claimed that the newly-formed Congress government swiftly "restored democratic rule" to Telangana upon assuming power.

Reddy criticised the BRS governments construction of Pragathi Bhavan, describing it as a symbol of feudal rule. "They set up huge barricades and fencing around Pragathi Bhavan, with no entry even for BRS ministers to meet the CM, let alone people or civil society organisations. The Congress government dismantled the barricades and fencing on the day of taking oath, on December 7, and opened the gates of Pragathi Bhavan to the common people. We renamed the building Praja Bhavan, which is now utilised by public to submit petitions to government on their grievances," Reddy said.

Recounting instances of ministers being denied entry to meet the Chief Minister during the BRS rule, Revanth Reddy said that a home guard-level security personnel at Pragathi Bhavan had stopped home minister Mohd Mahmood Ali from meeting K. Chandrashekar Rao as he did not have permission.

"Similarly, then health minister Etala Rajendar and balladeer Gaddar also faced humiliation at Pragathi Bhavan gates, as they were denied entry to meet the CM," Revanth Reddy said.

The CM also accused the BRS government of fabricating narratives about making Telangana the 'Number 1' state, challenging claims of farmer-friendly policies. He cited official statistics showing a drop in Telangana's farmer income ranking and the state topping the nation in farmer suicides

"BRS boasted of being a farmer-friendly government, but official statistics show that Telangana's position dropped to 25th place in the country in terms of farmer income. The Centre's NCRB data showed that Telangana topped the states for farmer suicides. Rythu Bima insurance was extended to about 1.22 lakh farmers, which itself proves the number of farmer deaths during BRS regime. There is no crop insurance in the state, even though it would save farmers from losses. But the BRS government was keen on helping farmers after they died, instead of doing good for them while they are alive," Revanth Reddy said..

The Chief Minister disputed BRS's assertions of the highest per capita power consumption and questioned the credibility of claims regarding irrigation achievements. "The official CEA data shows that TS stands 10th in the country. They also made fake claims of providing irrigation to one crore acres in nine years. If that was so, why did borewells in Telangana increase from 19 lakh to 29 lakh in the past nine years? If irrigation water was given through canals, why did farmers dig lakhs of borewells since 2014? All these facts expose BRS government's false propaganda on development of Telangana," Reddy said.

He criticised the handling of educational exams and recruitment tests, citing leaked question papers and faulty evaluation that led to tragic consequences in 2019.

"SSC and Inter question papers were leaked. They were sold like peanuts at photocopy centres. Due to faulty evaluation of Inter answer scripts and errors in results in 2019, 25 students committed suicide. TSPSC question papers were leaked and sold. These instances happened due to corruption of BRS leaders who handed over these confidential works to their henchmen," Revanth Reddy said.
Rehmann Capital Advisory Group purchased a new position in Raymond James (NYSE:RJF  Free Report) during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund purchased 2,080 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $216,000.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Raymond James by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,689,564 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,383,900,000 after purchasing an additional 410,025 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Raymond James by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 17,196,715 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,784,503,000 after purchasing an additional 772,492 shares during the period. FMR LLC increased its stake in Raymond James by 19.4% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 9,993,550 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $932,098,000 after purchasing an additional 1,625,771 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Raymond James by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 9,876,933 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $921,222,000 after purchasing an additional 312,384 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp increased its stake in Raymond James by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,065,096 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $840,253,000 after purchasing an additional 124,057 shares during the period. 75.00% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Raymond James Trading Down 0.8 %

NYSE RJF opened at $110.02 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. Raymond James has a twelve month low of $82.00 and a twelve month high of $120.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.95 billion, a PE ratio of 13.82, a P/E/G ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 1.02. The stocks 50 day moving average is $101.84 and its 200 day moving average is $102.76.

Raymond James Increases Dividend

Raymond James ( NYSE:RJF Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The financial services provider reported $2.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.28 by ($0.15). Raymond James had a net margin of 13.39% and a return on equity of 18.33%. The firm had revenue of $3.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. Research analysts forecast that Raymond James will post 9.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be issued a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.64%. This is an increase from Raymond Jamess previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 29th. Raymond Jamess payout ratio is 21.11%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on Raymond James from $128.00 to $118.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. StockNews.com began coverage on Raymond James in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Raymond James from $110.00 to $100.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Raymond James in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. They issued a neutral rating and a $121.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Bank of America began coverage on Raymond James in a research report on Monday, September 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $122.00 price objective on the stock. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Raymond James presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $118.67.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on RJF

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Raymond James news, insider George Catanese sold 3,866 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.75, for a total value of $412,695.50. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 11,712 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,250,256. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, COO Jeffrey A. Dowdle sold 8,044 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $99.41, for a total value of $799,654.04. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 40,270 shares in the company, valued at $4,003,240.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider George Catanese sold 3,866 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.75, for a total value of $412,695.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 11,712 shares in the company, valued at $1,250,256. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 9.46% of the companys stock.

Raymond James Profile

(Free Report)

Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments.

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Rehmann Capital Advisory Group increased its position in shares of Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET  Free Report) by 9.9% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 17,697 shares of the pipeline companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,593 shares during the period. Rehmann Capital Advisory Groups holdings in Energy Transfer were worth $225,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its position in Energy Transfer by 6.4% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 2,499,366 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $31,747,000 after buying an additional 151,035 shares in the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Energy Transfer in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,262,000. Nuveen Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Energy Transfer by 125.5% in the second quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 572,851 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $7,275,000 after buying an additional 318,817 shares in the last quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC boosted its position in Energy Transfer by 3.8% in the second quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 98,191 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $1,247,000 after buying an additional 3,555 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. boosted its position in Energy Transfer by 5.9% in the second quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 188,007 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $2,388,000 after buying an additional 10,536 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 33.79% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ET has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Energy Transfer in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a neutral rating and a $14.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Energy Transfer from $17.00 to $18.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Pickering Energy Partners began coverage on shares of Energy Transfer in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. They set an outperform rating for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $16.57.

Insider Buying and Selling at Energy Transfer

In related news, EVP Thomas P. Mason purchased 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $13.33 per share, with a total value of $99,975.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the executive vice president now owns 1,707,720 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,763,907.60. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Thomas P. Mason purchased 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $13.33 per share, with a total value of $99,975.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the executive vice president now owns 1,707,720 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,763,907.60. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Kelcy L. Warren acquired 1,000,000 shares of Energy Transfer stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $13.53 per share, with a total value of $13,530,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chairman now directly owns 65,578,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at $887,276,793.81. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 3.28% of the companys stock.

Energy Transfer Price Performance

Shares of NYSE ET opened at $13.73 on Friday. Energy Transfer LP has a twelve month low of $11.37 and a twelve month high of $14.15. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $13.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.29. The company has a market capitalization of $43.18 billion, a PE ratio of 12.95 and a beta of 1.62. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37.

Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The pipeline company reported $0.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.29 by $0.02. Energy Transfer had a net margin of 4.66% and a return on equity of 11.98%. The business had revenue of $20.74 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.68 billion. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Energy Transfer LP will post 1.2 EPS for the current year.

Energy Transfer Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 30th were paid a $0.313 dividend. This is an increase from Energy Transfers previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. This represents a $1.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 27th. Energy Transfers payout ratio is 117.92%.

Energy Transfer Profile

(Free Report)

Energy Transfer LP provides energy-related services. The company owns and operates approximately 11,600 miles of natural gas transportation pipeline, and three natural gas storage facilities in Texas and two natural gas storage facilities located in the state of Texas and Oklahoma; and 19,945 miles of interstate natural gas pipeline.

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Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL purchased a new position in shares of Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor purchased 26,700 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $2,882,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. California Public Employees Retirement System boosted its holdings in Jabil by 93.1% during the second quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 553,980 shares of the technology companys stock worth $59,791,000 after purchasing an additional 267,049 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Jabil by 4.6% during the second quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 5,358 shares of the technology companys stock worth $578,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Jabil during the first quarter worth about $562,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Jabil by 29.2% during the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 540 shares of the technology companys stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC boosted its holdings in Jabil by 21.1% during the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 51,320 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,524,000 after purchasing an additional 8,955 shares during the last quarter. 92.88% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Jabil Stock Performance

Jabil stock opened at $132.95 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $126.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $114.54. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.10 billion, a PE ratio of 22.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.32. Jabil Inc. has a 1-year low of $64.74 and a 1-year high of $141.38.

Jabil Announces Dividend

Jabil ( NYSE:JBL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 14th. The technology company reported $2.60 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.58 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $8.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.35 billion. Jabil had a net margin of 2.36% and a return on equity of 38.02%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.61 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Jabil Inc. will post 8.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.24%. Jabils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 5.33%.

Jabil announced that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, September 28th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.50 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the technology company to purchase up to 15.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have weighed in on JBL shares. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Jabil from $144.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Jabil from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Argus boosted their target price on shares of Jabil from $125.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Jabil from $126.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 25th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Jabil from $120.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Jabil has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $128.44.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Jabil

Insider Activity

In other news, SVP Daryn G. Smith sold 1,541 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $137.76, for a total value of $212,288.16. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 58,669 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,082,241.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Thomas A. Sansone sold 19,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.42, for a total value of $2,287,980.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 374,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,076,216.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Daryn G. Smith sold 1,541 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $137.76, for a total transaction of $212,288.16. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 58,669 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,082,241.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 314,601 shares of company stock valued at $40,201,576. Corporate insiders own 2.75% of the companys stock.

Jabil Company Profile

(Free Report)

Jabil Inc provides manufacturing services and solutions worldwide. It operates in two segments, Electronics Manufacturing Services and Diversified Manufacturing Services. The company offers electronics design, production, and product management services; electronic circuit design services, such as application-specific integrated circuit design, firmware development, and rapid prototyping services; and designs plastic and metal enclosures that include the electro-mechanics, such as the printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA).

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A bill to amend the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) and stop males being housed in female prisons in Ireland has passed the first stage.

The Bill was drafted by Laoise de Brun BL and introduced by Peadar Toibin TD (Aontu).

This amendment bill has been signed by 10 TDs including Fianna Fails Willie ODea.

Laoise De Brun BL, CEO and founder of The Countess, speaking after Deputy Toibin introduced the Bill without opposition, said: The women whose lives of poverty, chaos and abuse led to incarceration have so seldom a voice in the public sphere or Oireachtas.

"Today, we advocated for those women. They are the most vulnerable group in our society, 95% of whom are non-violent.

"They do not deserve a double punishment of having males housed in their prisons. We are thrilled that this bill has successfully passed first stage. Now let us finally have the debate we must have on this issue.

The Gender Recognition Act 2015 (GRA) has led to the housing of male prisoners in female prisons, in Ireland, including sex offenders and paedophiles.

Ms De Brun added: "No man should ever be housed in a female prison regardless of how they identify.

"Men and women have been housed in separate prisons since the Prisons (Ireland) Act 1826. One of the many unintended consequences of the 2015 GRA has been a reversal of this policy of sex separation, which was brought about by reformers like Elizabeth Fry to protect female prisoners from male prisoners.

"The only solution is to limit the scope of the effect of the Gender Recognition Certificate to protect women from being at risk from sharing prisons with men who identify as women.

"Denmark has a similar system of gender self-identification and yet has been able to protect female prisoners and house prisoners according to biological sex. The proposed Bill would give legal protections to the Irish Prison Service and allow prisons to be reverted to single-sex institutions," said Ms De Brun.

Laoise De Brun added the GRA had already seen male sex offenders and paedophiles housed in Limerick womens prison.

"This has caused harm to both the women who are incarcerated there and to the female prison officers, who have expressed concern about their own safety in light of threats made by one of these violent men," she said.

She added: "A policy change in Britain, triggered by the public outcry that ensued when a male rapist was housed in a female prison in Scotland, was predicated on their having no legal requirement to house trans-identified men in female prison.

"That is not the case in this jurisdiction, where we have full, unfettered self-ID and a legal requirement to treat all men who acquire gender recognition certificates as though they were women.

"The only solution is to limit the scope of the Gender Recognition Certificate, which is what we have done in my drafting of this amendment. It behoves legislators to vote to close the gaps that are now obvious to all reasonable people and to amend the GRA to exclude prisons from the scope."

"These women are the most vulnerable in society, those kept in the care and custody of the state, 95% of whom are non-violent. The Countess has long viewed the granting of a Gender Recognition Certificate as an access-all-area pass for predators, chancers, transgressors, and cheats, and nowhere are the consequences felt more viscerally than in prisons.

"In the Irish prison system, and in all prison systems beholden to gender self-ID, the data is the same and irrefutable. Either trans-identified male prisoners are more likely to be sex offenders than other male prisoners, OR sexual predators are using this loophole to get sent to female prison. It must be one of these two things. And this loophole must be closed."
A good throw of a pebble, well maybe a stone, will cast you from Olive Travers family home to Creevy Pier and perchance a fresh mackerel if lucky, between Ballyshannon and Rossnowlagh.

The chicks may have flown the coop, some further than others, but the busy household, just before my arrival, had been nurturing and dispatching a brood of grandchildren to school, on what was an early Halloween treat.

In days that now are but distant drums, Olive facilitated a preschool just off the Donegal Road in Ballyshannon.

A road that has taken many exciting twists and turns, with the occasional exit, in what has been a wondrous journey, one that has bridged the chasm of the totality of life on this island, from portrayal of the very worst, to the most poignant, elegant and sublime.

(ABOVE: Nets of Wonder is a wonderful collection of earthly stories, glorious illustrations and great music)

The open and spacious kitchen is as welcoming as the warm personality that greets you at the door.

Her attentive ear, which has been honed through her professional work as a now retired clinical psychologist, later resurfaced in a different genre, one that saw her words cascading like the majesty of a waterfall, as many listeners to RTEs Sunday Miscellany, have been enchanted with, for over a decade.

Words chiselled with the finesse of a sculptor from a University of Life graduate, a degree ranked so much greater than those of academic spheres, of which she has a pocketful as well, but words with the added ingredient of empathy, emotion, poignancy and subtlety that resonates so successfully with audiences.

Words that still carry the earthiness of her rural Fermanagh upbringing, that simplicity of purpose, but a genuine and honest connectivity, that personalises each story to the listener and now reader, finding a new home within the complex fabric of their own lives.

Olives newest collaborative venture, Nets of Wonder which will be launched at this years Allingham Festival - just around the corner - sees a creative coalition between her youngest son, Eamon who is an exceptionally talented musician currently based in Berlin and an old friend of the family, Barry Britton, whose credits with ink and pen illustrations are already the stuff of legendary status.

First, through the initial catalyst of Ballyshannon Folk Festival and Surf posters, but now have diversified into many other aspects of life; twelve of which have so elegantly captured Olives words and added new dimension and flair to her own unique ingredients.

The three amigos themselves - Eamon Travers, Olive Travers and Barry Britton at their Dublin launch in the National Print Museum



Eamon created the music to go with the stories and in these new trendy ways, you simply scan a QR code to listen to the accompanying music.

His ability to acquaint himself with the intimacies of the works was aided by the fact that Eamon had typed up all of the manuscripts for Olive and a few observations along the way, were also gratefully acknowledged by Mum.

Olives decades of using a dictaphone within her professional career, has also transferred to her storytelling, and she finds it more comfortable to use than typing. That being said, she is also a fan of, what is now probably considered old fashioned - ink and paper.

Olive explained how her work for many years as a clinical psychologist coalesced quite easily with her later writings, which she veered towards after retirement.

Looking back, part of my love for psychology was that you are working all the time with peoples stories. It is a very privileged job. I spent years and years listening to peoples stories, with great respect. You realise that if people can tell their story, no matter how bad things are, once they can turn it into a story, you are actually dealing with it on some level. They are able to stand back from it and are able to reflect on it and look at it.

(ABOVE: Illustrator and pen ink artist Barry Britton has been a great friend to Anthony, Olive and the Travers family for many years)

A lot of Olives writing when she started turning the lens around as she phrased it, was a look at an in between generation.

I think that we are an amazing generation. I'm in my late 60s now and I think that generation has its foot in something centuries old. When I was a very young child, living on the Banks of the Erne, my father was a farmer and my mother had been a nurse in London. They met at the Harvest Fair in Ballyshannon. My father was a good bit older, so my mother gave up this very romantic life and fell for my father, he was 39, she was 25.

(Above: One of Barry Britton's amazing illustrations that make this book even more special - Return to the Fushia)

And then there was the children, but I remember very clearly the tilly lamp, the water pump outside, a flushed toilet outside, in a separate little building. We had no telephone, we had no television and it was a battery operated radio, so I grew up in the stuff of museums, and it very quickly became the stuff of museums, My father had two work horses, he did all his work with horses, but I was probably 13 before my father got a tractor.

Later he became a baling contractor, so he moved from two very lovely horses and all the hours that God sent him and leapfrogged into the modern era.

Olives break came through education as she expanded her horizons beyond the parish of Corrakeel and the Gormley family, up the Enniskillen Road by Toura.

I passed the eleven plus and I was the only one out of our little two teacher primary school to have to get on the bus at half seven in the morning and darkness, she said.

(ABOVE: Olive standing near the majesty of Creevy Pier, near Ballyshannon with rainbow included for free)

I would go to Enniskillen and I have written about that, and I might as well have been dropped in the middle of New York. I had never been anywhere and it was a huge shock going to Enniskillen.

Mount Lourdes in Enniskillen was a private school and had only started taking scholarship children.

Olive recalled, with a hearty bellicose laugh, a very snobby Principal and one of the first things that was said to them to the effect that we weren't to lower the tone of the school.

Thankfully those words did not affect her in any negative way.

School was such a delight for me. Coming from the wee primary school and suddenly you had the big library, she said.

Later she got to work in the sunny sixties summers of Bundoran looking after some local children, which was a delight and a chance to get to the dances in the evenings.

Thereafter Olive moved onto Belfast at 18 and still had not left the country. She originally trained as a teacher, having studied English, Psychology and Philosophy.

(ABOVE: Olive Travers signed some of 'Nets of Wonder' are the Dublin launch. The book is published by Beehive Press)

She lived most of the '70s in the Falls Road and north Belfast, where she taught A-level students for a period.

And one of her moving stories from that troubled period will form part of a new RTE Sunday Miscellany Anthology 2018-2023 (to be launched in Dun Laoghaire on November 10) that is just about to be published and which she was greatly honoured to be selected for - a piece on how she had been caught up in Belfasts Bloody Friday in July of 1972.

She had just finished her A Levels and was going to work in Scotland for the summer, in a canning factory.

Olive and her husband Anthony, then in their mid twenties, eventually moved south to his native Ballyshannon and she took up a position at Cregg House near Sligo.

(ABOVE: Eamon Travers talents and contributions are downloadable through the magic of a QR code)

Intending to upgrade her English to a Masters level, for further teaching opportunities, a fortuitous meeting with a tutor, eventually saw her rekindling her interest in psychology. This, in turn saw her take up a role, after further postgraduate study and the significant arrival of their four beloved children, with the then North Western Health Board as a psychologist.

She later became a senior clinical psychologist when it morphed into the larger HSE as well as heading up a number of national agencies and initiatives around the area of child sex abuse.

Work in that field led in 1999 to the publication of Behind the Silhouettes: Exploring the Myths of Sexual Abuse, newspaper articles, appearances on RTE and even the offer of expanding her occasional reviews in the Irish Times to that of a weekly columnist, but one that she passed over. Apparently, the role was then offered to a certain Michael Harding!

ABOVE: Around the table again, but this time to sign some some early copies of 'Nets of Wonder'

Later and to the delight of many listeners and readers, Olive realised that she had no capacity to write fiction.

It was only when she reached the fulsome age of retirement, that she delved into the new depths of the writing well. A first script acceptance by Sunday Miscellany was the catalyst and indeed confidence that she required.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital content, Nets of Wonder is said to rekindle the tactile pleasure of holding a book in one's hands, pivoting Olives psychological lens inward, mining her own memories, relationships, and life experiences for this selection of writings.

In other words, it is a damn good read and a perfect Christmas acquisition.

You can also catch Olive, Eamon and Barry at the launch of their new collaboration Nets of Wonder and a wonderful presentation at this years Allingham Festival on Thursday, November 9.

Renowned artist Barry Britton will also exhibit his twelve illustrated responses to Olive scripts as part of the publishing of Nets of Wonder by Beehive Press.

Check out www.allinghamfestival.com for the full array of amazing creativity on offer at this year's fare.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' latest bankruptcy plan would pay Sandy Hook families a minimum of $55 million over 10 years, a fraction of the $1.5 billion awarded to the relatives in lawsuits against Jones for calling the 2012 Newtown school shooting a hoax.

The families, meanwhile, filed their own proposal seeking to liquidate almost all of Jones' assets, including his media company Free Speech Systems, and give the proceeds to them and other creditors.

The dueling plans, filed late Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston, will be debated and challenged over the next two months, with hearings scheduled for February that will result in a final order saying how much Jones will have to pay.

Jones and Free Speech Systems, based in Austin, Texas, both filed for bankruptcy last year as the families were awarded more than $1.4 billion in a Connecticut lawsuit and another $50 million in a Texas lawsuit. A third trial is pending in Texas in a similar lawsuit over Jones' hoax conspiracy filed by the parents of another child killed in the school shooting.

The new bankruptcy filings came a day after the 11th anniversary of a gunman's killing of 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on Dec. 14, 2012.

Relatives of some of the victims sued Jones in Connecticut for defamation and infliction of emotional distress for claiming the school shooting never happened and was staged by "crisis actors" in a plot to increase gun control.

Eight victims' relatives and an FBI agent testified during a monthlong trial in late 2022 about being threatened and harassed for years by people who deny the shooting happened. Strangers showed up at some of their homes and confronted some of them in public. People hurled abusive comments at them on social media and in emails. Some received death and rape threats.

Jones' lawyers did not immediately respond to email messages Saturday.

Christopher Mattei, a Connecticut attorney for the Sandy Hook families, said Jones' proposal "falls woefully short" of providing everything the families are entitled to under bankruptcy laws.

"The families' plan is the only feasible path for ensuring that Jones' assets are quickly distributed to those he has harassed for more than a decade," Mattei said in a statement Saturday.

The families' plan would set up a trust that would liquidate nearly all of Jones' assets, except his primary home and other holdings considered exempt from sale under bankruptcy laws. The trust would have sweeping powers, including authority to recoup money that Jones has paid and given others if those transfers were not allowed by law.

The families have complained about Jones' personal spending, which topped $90,000 a month this year. They also have another pending lawsuit claiming Jones hid millions of dollars in an attempt to protect his wealth.

Jones is appealing the $1.5 billion in lawsuit awards to the families and insists his comments about the shooting were protected by free speech rights.
An 88-year-old woman was just one of those who faced some severe issues at Letterkenny University Hospital in recent days.

Patients had to wait up to 30 hours in the emergency department before being seen by a medical professional, while overcrowding, long waiting hours in the emergency department and backed-up ambulances are persistent matters of concern.

On Tuesday and Wednesday evening, eight ambulances were left outside Letterkenny Hospital due to an overcrowded emergency department and a severe shortage of hospital beds.

Sinn Fein TD, Padraig Mac Lochlainn described the ongoing crisis at the Emergency Department as utterly unacceptable when he raised the matter in the Dail.

Mac Lochlainn then challenged the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly to act on the calls made by the GPs and Hospital Consultants in Donegal who are campaigning for urgent actions to be implemented at the hospital and a fair allocation of government expenditure to end years of funding discrimination.

At Letterkenny University Hospital, eight ambulances were backed up outside and patients were in the back of those ambulances rather than being cared for in the hospital, Deputy Mac Lochlainn, said while speaking in the Dail.

This is not a rare occurrence. A week previously a similar number of ambulances were outside. I am sure the Minister will agree that this is utterly unacceptable.

I received a report late last night that an 88-year-old woman had been on a hard seat all day long, waiting for care, as had a 79-year-old man.

Recently the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, came up to Donegal and met with GPs and consultants who had been seeking such a meeting for weeks.

When will he act on the proposals they made which are crucial to the hospital, MacLochlainn added.

As of Monday last, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) revealed that Letterkenny University Hospital was the second most overcrowded hospital in the country with 57 admitted patients without a hospital bed.

Nearly 60 patients went without a bed at LUH on Monday with 21 patients on trolleys in the ED and 36 patients without a bed elsewhere in the hospital, Teachta Pearse Doherty said.

This is the highest number of any hospital in the State bar University Hospital Limerick.

In the first 10 months of this year, over 4,600 patients were admitted to LUH without access to a bed  that is a 400 per cent increase compared to 2013 a decade ago.

The INMO has been warning that dangerous levels of overcrowding were imminent, and todays figures are a dire warning of things to come without urgent action.

Earlier this year, 78 GPs in Donegal took the unprecedented step of writing to the government to tell them they fear they are putting their patients at risk when they send them to the Emergency Department.

Eleven consultants further echoed these sentiments when they warned the hospital is facing a service collapse.

The government have failed to heed these and my own warnings. Instead, they made the conscious decision to underfund the health service in the recent Budget.

A decision that was heavily criticised by both the CEO of the HSE and the most senior civil servant in the Department of Health.

Yesterdays trolley figures underline the difficulties faced by patients and staff at LUH.

The Government must end the recruitment embargo on essential HSE posts and reverse its disastrous decision to deliberately underfund the health service in 2024.

Our hospitals across the State are 1,000 beds short and need at least 300 beds a year on top of this to keep up with population growth and our ageing population.

Although Monday recorded the highest number of patients requiring admission, this was not exclusive, as on Tuesday 47 patients were left without a hospital bed. Wednesday saw 38 without and Thursday 31 patients without a hospital bed in Letterkenny University Hospital.

The issue of overcrowding and long waiting hours continues to persist at Letterkenny Hospital, all the while, the CEO of the HSE, the most senior civil servant in the Department of Health and even the fiscal council has warned that our health service is underfunded for next year, Teachta Doherty said.

This is all happening under your watch. It is absolutely disgraceful. The health service is at crisis point.
Bishop Alan McGuckian has apologised to a child who suffered abuse at the hands of a former priest on behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe.

Eamonn Crossan appeared at Donegal Circuit Court this week, where he faced 96 counts of indecent assault and sexual assault, where the 72-year-old pleaded guilty to nine sample charges out of the 96.



Former priest Eamonn Crossan. Photo: North West Newspix

He was a priest in the Diocese of Raphoe from 1976 and was removed from ministry in 1998 on reception of an earlier complaint for which he has served time in prison. The abuse dates back to the 1980s. Crossan is currently in custody at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, which was given as his current address.

I am deeply saddened and ashamed that an innocent child had to endure such abuse, especially at the hands of a priest who was in a position of sacred trust, Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, said.

No words of mine can atone for the suffering caused to an innocent person and to his family and yet I want to apologise most sincerely. If anyone else has a concern or complaint, either now or from the past, I encourage them to come forward and contact both the diocese and the statutory authorities.

Crossan was remanded in custody until the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court in March when he will be sentenced.

To report a concern or complaint of child abuse either current or historical, please contact Margaret Northage the Designated Liaison Person for the diocese on 086 2183 011 or you can go directly to the statutory authorities:

Tusla (Child & Family Agency) - tel: 074 9102233

Gardai National Protective Services Bureau - tel: 01 6663430/6663435.

In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 91 67100.

Free Counselling & Support is available through Towards Healing, an independent organisation providing professional support for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.

Freephone - Rol: 1800 303416,

Freephone - N.Ireland & UK: 0800 0963315,

Freephone - Hearing Impaired: 085 8022 859

Ard Adhamhnain, Bothar na hArd Eaglaise, Leitir Ceanainn, Co Dhun na nGall, F92 W2W9 Charity Reg. No: 20015916 CHY 7373
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, says the increased mackerel quota secured for Ireland at the EU Fisheries Council will be worth an estimated 4.5 million to the local economy.

Mackerel is a massively important species for the local fishing industry, and for employment in Donegal as 98 per cent of the catch lands in Killybegs, Minister McConalogue commented.

"For every 1 of value added by mackerel, the economy benefits an additional 0.59 in the supply chain and consumer sectors.

Fish processing is big in Donegal as are the support industries. I fought extremely hard to make sure we got an increase in our fish quota.

The big gain from the EU Fisheries Council this week was mackerel, which is going to have a significantly positive impact on the Donegal economy.

Killybegs is the largest fishing port in the country, and this weeks development is a major boost to the town and the local fishing sector.

Following on from the two-day negotiations at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels I was delighted to have secured a positive outcome when we finished our talks on Tuesday morning.

The final outcomes represent a balanced result overall for the key fish quotas for Ireland.

We have increases for a number of our important commercial stocks, including Nephrops in the Porcupine Bank, Celtic Sea Monkfish, and Megrim and North-west Haddock and Whiting.

Restricted, by-catch-only TACs (Total Allowable Catches) have been set for vulnerable stocks to help them recover.
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The Award Winning Donegal Railway Museum is set to feature on RTE again for the second time this year after its Nationwide appearance, this time on a special two-part documentary called The Records Show this Sunday 15th October, 6:30pm.

The landmark documentary will delve into the many stories that make up Irelands history of nation building can be found in the boxes and boxes of files in the National Archives - the custodian of the states history, much of which has not been seen in public before. The archives in this series come in many different forms; reports, letters, memos and maps shed light on the efforts and struggle to form an identity for the new Irish state while at the same time looking both back to Irelands past and forward to modernity. The County Donegal Railway will feature in episode 1 this Sunday.

Niall McCaughan, Manager of the Donegal Railway Museum stated: We were delighted to feature on this major RTE documentary about the history of Ireland, using the National Archives as source material for the program. Our feature on the program covers the start of the closure of the railways in this part of Donegal, and the fight to keep it open, which was led by Donegal County Council, the Church, tourist providers and many others.

"When presented with the archive documents from the 1950s, I was shocked to see how the closure happened, and the lack of knowledge from Dublin in relation to the quality of the infrastructure, the roads, that was to replace them. As was foreseen then, the County was negatively impacted by the closure of the railways, and the promised improved road infrastructure upgrade, did not happen for many decades, leading to the County economically suffering more than most on this island, then and up to the present day.

Sunday nights programme has RTE presenter, Katie Hannon meeting Niall at the Donegal Railway Museum to discuss the report she found in the archives relating to the end of the Donegal-Ballyshannon line which went along the coast to Rossnowlagh. She also goes in search of the remains of the line along to Creevy where she meets with Molly Reynolds who shows her the remains of a train platform and directs her to where train bridges still stand close by.

The programme which will be broadcast on Sunday 15th October, RTE1, 6:30 was made by Midas Productions for RTE.
Respected local south Donegal historian Anthony Begley will deliver this year's keynote Donegal Historical Societys annual Emerson Lecture.

The annual lecture is held in memory of Louis and Kathleen Emerson who did so much to promote interest in the history and heritage of the county and were deeply involved in the DHS for many decades.

This years lecture will commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the departure of 19 girls from the Ballyshannon Workhouse to Australia under the Earl Grey Scheme.

A fascinating story which will be delivered with his customary panache by Anthony Begley on Wednesday November 8 starting at 7pm.

While there will be free Admission, there will be limited seating, so booking is essential

To book, check out www.abbeycentre.ie or contact 0719851375

The lecture forms part of this year's Allingham Festival, which will be officially after the lecture and this in turn will be followed by the annual Allingham lecture which this year will be delivered by Children Ombudsman and Donegal Town native, Dr. Niall Muldoon (pictured above) which begins at 8.45pm.

His lecture will focus on "Childrens Rights in Ireland  From the Workhouse to the Family Hub.

All that is happening at this year's festival can be checked out at www.allinghamfestival.com.
An experienced Garda has told how he felt like a "sitting duck" after being trapped and set upon in his patrol car during a terrifying attack in Bundoran.

Garda Fiachra O'Hara was set upon by John Martin Ward after he went to answer reports of a public order incident alone.

When he arrived at the scene of the call at Supervalu Car Park in the seaside town on the evening of July 21, 2021 he found a large crowd beside a caravan.

He suddenly heard someone shout "get the keys" and he was approached by Ward, 40. Ward appeared at Donegal Circuit Court this week after he pleaded to assault causing harm to Garda O'Hara during the terrifying incident.

The court heard how Ward, who has 137 previous convictions, tried to pull the keys from the Garda patrol car but brave Garda O'Hara struggled with him.

The Garda was hemmed in and drunken Ward grabbed his thumb and twisted it and straining it badly. So badly injured was his hand that Garda O'Hara could not use enough force to unleash his pepper spray. Ward managed to flee the scene after he was driven away by his mother.

He was arrested after he presented himself to Ballyshannon Garda Station a few days later on July 27. Ward, with an address at Country Meadows, Tuam in Co Galway, said he had no recollection of the attack on Garda O'Hara.

Barrister for the State, Mr Donal Keane, BL, said that during Garda interview, Ward said that if he did assault the Garda that he was really sorry. However, he added "But I'm not accepting it, I'll have to find out more."

A victim impact statement on behalf of Garda O'Hara said that in almost 30 years as a member of An Garda Siochana this was the most frightening experience he had endured.

"In those 30 years I have been at numerous, problematic and hostile situations but none like the one on July 24, 2021. I was a complete sitting duck when John Martin Ward lunged into the patrol car and I was then his prisoner," he said.

He said that although the confrontation only lasted about 30 seconds it felt like an age and told how his attacker grabbed and squashed his thumb as he tried to keep him away from the keys of the Garda patrol car.

Garda O'Hara said he finally managed to get out of the patrol car and tried to take down Ward with his pepper spray but his thumb was so damaged and weak that it just would not function.

"This was a confrontation I didn't stand a chance in," his statement added.

Taking to the stand, Ward said he wanted to apologise again to Garda O'Hara revealing how he had already called into Ballyshannon Garda Station and apologised to him in person.

He told how he had battled the scourge of alcohol all his life after his father walked out on his mother and siblings when he was just 13 years old.

He said that drink has been at the root of all his problems saying he has never been arrested when he was sober.

The married father-of-two said he has now applied to sign up and take a 16-month residential programme at the Tiglin Men's Rehabilitation Centre in County Wicklow and was hopeful of getting help there.

Ward said he'd like to become sober, to be there for his children and grandchild and "just to be a normal person."

His barrister, Mr Colm Smith, SC, referred to evidence given earlier in the case by local Garda Sergeant Stewart Doyle who said he only ever encountered Ward when he was drunk.

Mr Smith said that all of Ward's problems seem deep-rooted in a helpless addicted situation but now that he has been in prison for some time he has mended his ways.

He suggested to Judge John Aylmer that there must be some light at the end of the tunnel for Ward and hopefully he can begin his rehabilitation properly when he gets out of prison.

Judge Aylmer said this was a very traumatising event for Garda O'Hara and that while fortunately the physical injuries were not too severe he was extremely terrorised and how that was not difficult to imagine.

"He was alone and the accused disabled him and climbed in on top of him. Gardai are performing a very dangerous job and they need the protection of the law to deter this type of offence," he said.

He said that while he was limited to a maximum sentence of five years for this offence, he placed it in the mid-range of such offending and one which merited a prison sentence of three years before mitigation.

In mitigation, he said Ward had been remorseful and while it was not an excuse but rather an explanation he noted the accused was drunk as he was for many of his other offences.

He deserved credit for sparing the court a trial and that coupled with his efforts in rehabilitation, he reduced the initial suggested sentence from three years to one of two years.

And although he suggested it is beginning to appear to be a waste of time, he said he was suspending the final nine months of that sentence meaning Ward will serve 15 months in jail.

However, one of the conditions for the suspension of the final nine months is that he abstain from alcohol for 18 months after his release. Judge Aylmer added that he knows this will be difficult for Ward but warns that he will serve the balance of the sentence if he does not abstain.

He also ordered him to engage with the probation services and undertake whatever addiction counselling support is made available to him.
After a busy few weeks for the team that have been busy putting up all of Donegal Towns fantastic Christmas lights display, the big day is almost here.

Everyone is invited to the Diamond at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 30 for the big Christmas lights switch on.

A spokesperson for Donegal Community Chamber said: Get wrapped ups well, come along and join us as the community prepares for the most magical time of the year.

Meet Santa Claus and his many merry friends.

Of course Santa would love to see all the boys and girls of the area coming out to give him a great big Donegal welcome as he arrives on the Diamond. I dont think he will be checking who is naughty or nice.

The Directors of Donegal Town Community Chamber CLG would like to take this opportunity to thank their new Contractors Ferm Eng Ltd Jim, James and all their hardworking team for the erection of this years Christmas Lights Display.

Thanks are also extended to elected members; Donegal County Council, and Roads Engineer Mark Sweeney who agreed to increase their yearly contribution of 10,000 which is allocated from parking reserves revenue collected in Donegal Town.

We would also like to express our appreciation to all our local businesses for their generous support for this initiative, continued the spokesperson.

Finally, thanks to the Christmas Lights Committee and volunteers who give up their time to make this an evening to remember for families.

We would like to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and more important than ever keep our promise to celebrate Christmas, shop local, and spend and stay in Donegal Town.

Local businesses have been going all out to dress their shop windows for Christmas, adding greatly to the festive atmosphere that is taking hold in the town.
A group of Donegal musicians have come together to record a Christmas single with all proceeds going to Cancer Care West.

Written by Johnny Thomas and Peter Westwater, The Homeplace For Christmas is being launched in Donegal Town, with all proceeds going to Cancer Care West. The collective have come together under the name The Seisiun. The single is available at a cost of 4 in Eurosaver and in Paddy Wards music shop, both in Donegal Town. It can also be heard on Spotify.

Peter Westwater told Donegal Live: There is not one of us in the group who hasnt been affected by cancer so this is very close to our hearts.

We will be launching the CD on Friday evening on the Diamond at 5pm. Noel Cunningham will be there to say a few words too.

Peter and the collective are grateful to everyone who has supported them in putting together the CD, which was recorded in Barnesmore.

He has a particular word of thanks for Eugene Gallen of Eurosaver, from whom they received a huge boost in terms of making the CD available for sale.

Eugene paid upfront for 1,000 CDs to be made, said Peter. We are very grateful.

The Homeplace For Christmas captures the sentiments of many Irish people living abroad, from the goldmines of Australia to Chicago, New York and Boston.

It also reflects on the impact of emigration on those left at home. We meet the Ma, who after many lonely nights by the fireside is standing in anticipation at the half door, waiting to welcome the far flung family home for Christmas.

It will no doubt resonate deeply with the diaspora, wherever they are in the world, and those whose loved ones are living abroad.
At trial Wednesday, a psychologist testified it was her opinion that an inmate who killed his cellmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in 2020 was legally insane at the time.

Angelo Bol, 43, was in the courtroom for the 40-minute bench trial where much of the evidence came in the form of exhibits agreed to by the state and the defense documenting his mental health in prison prior to and after Kevin Carter's killing.

Jennifer Cimpl-Bohn, director of forensic sciences at the Lincoln Regional Center, said in her medical opinion Bol has schizophrenia, with delusions and hallucinations, and was insane on Nov. 6, 2020, the night staff at the penitentiary found Carter, 20, on his cell floor unresponsive and covered with a sheet.

A grand jury that reviewed Carter's death later returned a true bill, finding that the evidence presented was adequate to justify charging Bol.

Mental health issues have been at play from the start of the case, which initially was put on hold when he was found incompetent to stand trial.

In May, Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret had found Bol's competency had been restored based on his work with Cimpl-Bohn, who then was ordered to do an insanity evaluation.

While competency involves whether a defendant is able to consult with his lawyer and to understand the court proceedings against him, legal insanity looks at a defendant's state of mind at the time of the crime.

Cimpl-Bohn, the only witness at trial, said she interviewed Bol in May, reviewed Nebraska Department of Correctional Services mental health records for Bol from 2017 to 2023, as well as Nebraska State Patrol records about the killing that sent him to prison, misconduct reports in prison and letters he'd written to the ACLU and prison ombudsmen's office, among other things.

She said she doesn't believe Bol is malingering, or faking, his symptoms to avoid a conviction.

Back in 2017, the prison had diagnosed him with a psychotic disorder and had been involuntarily medicating him for it, Cimpl-Bohn said. Though he continued having some ongoing conspiracy delusions, she said, the medication improved his aggression, agitation and paranoia.

But by May 2019, the prison had shifted from injections to oral medicines and tapered that down at Bol's request due to side effects, she said.

"Do you know, based on the records, if Mr. Bol was taking or receiving any medications for his mental health when this incident happened?" Bol's attorney, Todd Lancaster, asked her.

"He was not," Cimpl-Bohn said.

She said the prison had identified Bol had a mental illness and treated it and he got substantially better.

"And then he went off the medicines and those symptoms all came back in full force," Cimpl-Bohn said. "He was aggressive again. He was having homicidal ideations again. He thought corrections staff and other inmates were involved in this conspiracy by a rival Sudanese tribe to harm him and they'd all been placed in the prison."

She said the delusions got substantially worse when he went off the medicines, leading Bol to believe Carter had been placed in his cell to harm him.

Cimpl-Bohn said Bol told her he knew he was killing Carter, "but he also thought that if he did not, Mr. Carter and others were trying to harm or kill him." It's her opinion he understood the nature and consequences of his actions, but he didn't appreciate right from wrong because of the delusions.

She described the case as a "classic case of insanity."

"Very rarely do you get records that very clearly outline the delusions both before and after. That he was in a locked facility with a lot of records and a lot of mental health records documenting these delusions for years ahead of time. You typically don't have access to that type of information," she said.

In closing arguments, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Jim Rocke said it was the state's position the exhibits establish Bol's guilt of first-degree murder.

"The issue is whether or not the court's going to adopt the opinion of Dr. Bohn as to whether or not he was legally insane at the time. You're the trier of the fact. I guess that's something you need to determine," he told Judge Maret.

Lancaster said Cimpl-Bohn's report and testimony meet the defense burden to show Bol was not responsible by reason of insanity.

"And the state has not put on any evidence to disprove that," he said.

Maret took the case under advisement.

Outside the courtroom, Carter's younger brother, Robert Carter, said the biggest thing is his brother was only 20 years old.

"He didn't really get much of a chance to do any living at all," he said.

Robert Carter said he was shocked by a lot of what he heard at the hearing. Why would the prison take Bol off his meds and put a 20-year-old in a cell with him.

"Nothing we can really do about it now, except get the answers, you know," he said.

Last month, the family filed a federal lawsuit against the warden, director and the Department of Correctional Services.

Kevin's grandmother, Bobby Carter, said he was a "little pistol" of a guy.

"But that didn't mean he had to be murdered," she said through tears.

It wasn't clear how Carter came to be placed in a cell with Bol, who was serving a life sentence for shooting a co-worker, 34-year-old Karel Perez-Almaguer, to death in the Gibbon Packing parking lot Dec. 15, 2014.

Carter was serving a six- to nine-year sentence for terroristic threats and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony for taking part in the beating and stabbing of a man in Douglas County in 2019.

He would have been eligible for parole in less than a year and a half.
The median house price for houses sold with the Dundalk Eircode A91 in October 2023 was 250,000, according to figures released by the CSO (Central Statistics Office) on Wednesday.

Of the 54 houses sold in Dundalk in October, 21 were to first time buyer owner-occupiers; 28 to former owner-occupiers and 5 were to non occupiers.

Fifty of these houses were existing builds while four were new homes.

The median price of the new houses sold was 367,500 and the median price of existing houses sold in October was 247, 500.

In Drogheda, the median price of residential properties sold in A92: Drogheda in October 2023, was 317,950.

40 of the houses sold were new houses and 68 were existing. The median price for the new houses sold was 365,000, while for existing houses it was 284,500.

Nationally, Residential property prices rose by 2.3% in the 12 months to October 2023, up from 1.4% in the year to September 2023. In Dublin, residential property prices saw a decrease of 0.6%, while property prices outside Dublin were 4.5% higher in October 2023 than a year earlier.

Households paid a median or mid-point price of 323,000 for a residential property in the 12 months to October 2023. The lowest median price paid for a dwelling was 160,000 in Longford, while the highest was 630,000 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.
A collaborative project that will see DkIT, NUI Maynooth and Teagasc research Irelands ancient woodlands has received over 1.2million in funding, it was announced this week.

The research grant of 1,215,941.46 is one of 20 granted nationally worth just over 24 million to support research across 16 institutes.

The Ancient Woodlands Ireland project aims to better understand and protect Ireland's ancient woodlands.

These are areas that have been wooded since at least 1660 and are important for biodiversity, carbon storage, and cultural significance.

Ancient woodlands in Ireland are rare and fragmented, and existing lists of these woodlands are incomplete and the project wants to fill in these gaps in knowledge.

The project will use a mix of traditional and new methods, including historical maps, satellite imagery, and ecological data.

By combining information from various sources, they aim to create a comprehensive inventory of ancient woodlands across the entire island.

Researchers will use historical maps and texts to understand how woodland cover in Ireland has changed over the past 400 years.

They will also create new maps that accurately show the location and extent of ancient woodlands, while utilising a large database of species diversity information (plants and animals) to identify indicator species associated with ancient woodlands.

It is hoped the project's findings will provide valuable data for better protecting and restoring ancient woodlands in Ireland. This information can be used to prioritise conservation efforts and ensure the long-term health of these important ecosystems.

Making the funding announcement, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D said:

I am delighted to announce funding of over 24 million for 20 research projects arising from the 2023 Thematic Research Call. The work funded under our research calls is essential to equip farmers, foresters, and the wider agri-food sector with the tools needed to improve their economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the years ahead.

It is also pivotal to developing the next generation of cutting-edge technologies and innovations that will ensure we are globally attractive and competitive as a food island.

The Minister went on to say that: I am impressed at the breadth of areas being funded, ranging from climate mitigation, water quality improvement and biodiversity restoration to animal health and welfare, food safety, and food health and nutrition, among others.

I am also heartened to see that the projects will involve the education and training of over 40 postgraduate students and over 60 contract researchers, thus ensuring a continuous stream of highly skilled scientific talent coming through to our industry.
Chinese scientists design solar-powered temperature regulating clothes

Xinhua) 10:22, December 16, 2023

TIANJIN, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- A team of Chinese scientists has designed a flexible, self-sustaining solar-powered clothing system that allows the human body to remain within a comfortable temperature range despite fluctuating environmental temperatures.

The clothing system, powered by a flexible solar cell, requires no external energy source except sunlight, according to the study published on Friday in the journal Science.

Unlike previous thermo-regulatory clothing, the wearable platform, developed by the researchers from Nankai University, is capable of both warming up and cooling down, thanks to an electrical device that can realize two-way temperature adjustment all through the day.

The highly efficient device allows for 24-hour controllable temperature regulation with just 12 hours of sunlight energy input, according to the study.

It works to maintain the human skin temperature within a thermal comfort zone of between 32 and 36 Celsius degrees, despite variation in the environmental temperature of between 12.5 and 37.6 Celsius degrees, the study shows.

The new device could help improve the safety and comfort of the human body amid fluctuating environmental temperatures and even extend survivability in extreme environments, like those in outer space or on other planets, the researchers said.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Iris Energy to Ramp Up Capacity in 2024 Following $22M Spend on Bitmain Rigs

Disclosure: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions. We may utilise affiliate links within our content, and receive commission.

Renewable Bitcoin mining company Iris Energy has revealed the acquisition of 1.6 EH/s of Bitmain T21 miners, increasing its self-mining capacity to 10 EH/s.

In a press release on December 15, the company disclosed plans to acquire 8,380 new-generation T21 miners from Bitmain Technologies Delaware Limited at $14/TH ($22.3 million).

$IREN is pleased to announce it is increasing its self-mining capacity to 10 EH/s  Acquisition of 1.6 EH/s of @BITMAINtech T21 miners

 $22.3m purchase price ($14/TH)

 Expansion from 5.6 EH/s to 10 EH/s on track

 Improves overall efficiency from 29.5 J/TH to 24.8 J/TH  Iris Energy (@irisenergyco) December 15, 2023

Prior to the latest purchase, Iris Energy had initially ordered Bitmain S21 miners to generate 1.4EH/s of mining output.

These S21 and T21 miners, scheduled for shipping in Q2 2024, are expected to enhance the overall fleet efficiency from 29.5 J/TH to 24.8 J/TH upon installation.

Meanwhile, Iris Energys 80MW data center expansion in Childress is progressing. It is set to deliver incrementally from January 2024 to Q2 2024 and support the operating hashrate growth from 5.6 EH/s to 10 EH/s.

Early works and procurement efforts for an additional 100MW of data centers at Childress are also ongoing, backed by an immediate 500MW power availability on-site.

This recent acquisition follows the June 20 announcement of Iris Energy advancing the construction of 80MW of data centers for Phase 1 (first 100MW) at its 600MW Childress site.

$IREN today announced:

 80MW Childress construction underway, target increase in potential data center capacity from 5.6 EH/s to ~9.1 EH/s by early 2024

 Long-lead items to unlock ~13.6 EH/s

 Prior HPC data center strategy revitalized

 Limited recourse financing update  Iris Energy (@irisenergyco) June 20, 2023

These additional 4 x 20MW data centers are expected to boost the companys potential operating capacity by approximately 63%, reaching 9.1 EH/s from the current 5.6 EH/s, with completion targeted for early 2024.

Ongoing procurement efforts also include long-lead items for Childress Phase 2 (second 100MW), which are projected to unlock around 13.6 EH/s of data center capacity.

However, the companys immediate focus centers on data center construction, with the timing of miner purchases contingent on funding and market conditions.

Irish Energy Data Services to Cater for Hot-Red Demand for Generative AI Computing



Iris Energy boasts robust capitalization, holding approximately $64 million in cash, no debt, and generating positive operating cashflows from its existing 5.6 EH/s, with potential equity facility options.

While maintaining its focus on Bitcoin mining, the company previously highlighted its renewed interest in high-performance computing (HPC) data center strategy.

This strategic shift was initially explored around 3-4 years ago, marked by a memorandum of understanding with Dell Technologies in March 2020.

To diversify its focus beyond Bitcoin mining into generative artificial intelligence (AI), Iris Energy invested $10 million to acquire 248 advanced Nvidia H100 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) on August 29. These GPUs will be deployed for cloud computing opportunities.

$IREN today announced the purchase of @NVIDIAs latest-generation #AI H100 GPUs  Next-gen data centers to now target generative #AI

 Initial purchase of 248 @NVIDIA H100 GPUs for ~US$10m

 Core business remains #BTC mining; generative #AI represents additional opportunity  Iris Energy (@irisenergyco) August 29, 2023

The mining company operates in regions across North America with abundant renewable energy, including Mackenzie, Canal Flats, Prince George in Canadas British Columbia, and its Childress site in Texas.
Taiwan Police Target Crypto Influencers Linked to Polymarket Election Betting

Disclosure: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions. We may utilise affiliate links within our content, and receive commission.

Taiwanese law enforcement has initiated an investigation into online influencers and community members involved in promoting a Polymarket contract related to Taiwans upcoming election.

According to a report from Taiwan-based media outlet BlockTempo, the countrys authorities have sent subpoenaes to several influencers and individuals within the crypto community.

Polymarket allows users to place bets on the outcome of the January election, with over $300,000 currently wagered on various contracts.

The market currently gives the Democratic Progressive Partys Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, a 78% chance of winning.

However, betting on election outcomes is explicitly prohibited under Article 88-1 of Taiwans Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act.

The law states that individuals gambling on election or recall outcomes in public or public-accessible places can face fines, short-term detention, or imprisonment for up to six months.

Law enforcement agencies in Taiwan are vigilant in investigating any gambling activities related to presidential elections, Sherman Lin, an attorney at Taipei-based Lin & Partners, said.

Broad legal interpretations have been applied to gambling crimes under the Presidential Election and Recall Act, leading to investigations and convictions of gambling website operators in Taiwan targeting Taiwanese gamblers.

While gambling on election outcomes is illegal in most U.S. states, enforcement is primarily handled by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Polymarkets Terms of Use also prohibit U.S. persons from using the platform.

However, the jurisdictional challenges posed by overseas entities limit Taiwans legal reach primarily to domestic actors, making it difficult to enforce actions against platforms like Polymarket.

Taiwan to Target Influencers Who Promoted Polymarket



Lin noted that law enforcement would likely focus on online influencers who promoted the contract since they can be targeted within Taiwans jurisdiction.

Lin further explained that there is no established legal precedent in Taiwan for decentralized platforms organizing election betting, despite existing legal precedents for going after centralized entities involved in election gambling.

The decentralized nature of Polymarket and its lack of physical presence in Taiwan could limit the Taiwanese judicial systems authority over the platform.

Recent cases involving Taiwanese prosecutors pursuing online influencers who promoted trading platforms demonstrate that even promotional activities can have legal implications.

For instance, when the unlicensed crypto exchange JPEX collapsed in Hong Kong, local law enforcement arrested several online influencers who had promoted the platform.

Earlier this week, Taiwans Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) set up a Financial Technology Bureau to oversee cryptocurrencies to protect investors and increase regulation.

The FSC-managed Fintech Bureau will be responsible for increasing regulation around the cryptocurrency market.

In Novemer, Taipei-based trading platform Kronos Research suffered a cybersecurity breach, leading to a staggering $26 million loss in crypto assets.

The FSC is also exploring the possibility of introducing cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and has revealed that it is closely studying foreign cryptocurrency futures products and ETFs.

The intention is to gradually ease restrictions in alignment with global market conditions.
THE Bon Secours Hospital in Cork concluded its year-long centenary celebrations for the School of Nursing with the 2023 Nurse Graduation Ceremony.

The graduation ceremony witnessed the initiation of 19 newly appointed staff nurses, all of whom successfully completed their four-year BSc. nursing degree at University College Cork in conjunction with the guidance and mentorship of Dr Mary Forde, Director of Practice Development & Education at Bon Secours and her team.

The ceremonys highlight was the presentation of the esteemed Potel Award to Emma Nolan, described as a highly deserving recipient who was recognised by her nursing peers for her composed and reassuring presence, which positively impacted both patients and colleagues.

The Potel Award serves as a distinguished acknowledgment and celebration of her remarkable contributions to the nursing field.

A hospital spokesperson said that Emma Nolans nomination highlighted her exceptional qualities, portraying her as a consummate professional radiating calmness and providing assurance to those around her.

Emma Nolan from Kilkenny, the Potel Award Winner 2023 from the Nursing Students Class of 2023 at the Mass of Thanksgiving which was celebrated today in Bon Secours Hospital Chapel. Photography By Gerard McCarthy

Ber Mulcahy, the esteemed Director of Nursing at Bon Secours, extended a heartfelt welcome to colleagues and families of the graduates, urging them to embrace the vision and courage that define the Bon Secours legacy, and concluding with a poignant reminder to honour the past, respect the present, and shape the future.

Reflecting on this historic occasion, Mary Hinchliffe, a distinguished Bon Secours nurse, shared her extraordinary journey since completing her training 44 years ago at Bon Secours Hospital Cork.

Marys dedication gained international recognition when she received the Florence Nightingale Medal, acknowledging her exceptional courage and devotion to the wounded, sick, and disabled victims of the Armenian earthquake back in 1988.
THREE local charities were treated to an early Christmas present following a successful fundraising event in west Cork.

A total of 104,613 was divided among the various organisations from the Galley Head 10km swim 2023.

The fundraiser saw swimmers brave the water from Red Strand before reaching Galley Head and then concluding on the Warren beach in Rosscarbery.

Marymount University Hospice, CoAction West Cork, and Cancer Connect all attended the cheque presentation which took place in the Celtic Ross Hotel.

Each charity received a sum of 34,871.03 courtesy of the fundraiser.

The committee of the popular Galley Head Swim coordinated the event last September after it was postponed from its original July date.

The fundraiser initially came about during a conversation between friends over pints in Austria four years ago, raising funds for Marymount Hospice and West Cork Underwater Search and Rescue.

Margaret Deegan from the Galley Head Swim committee extended her gratitude to everyone involved.

We are absolutely delighted with the amount of funds raised this year and are so grateful for everyones generosity and those who donated to and supported this event, she said.

We are also grateful to our phenomenal swimmers, including those who swam on the day and those who did their swims virtually, skippers, and our safety crews.

She also acknowledged sponsors for the event including Secon, The Lagoon Activity Centre, A Cut Above, Smugglers Cover, and the Celtic Ross Hotel. Dave Scully of Scullys Butchers, Londis Rosscarbery, OBriens, Rosscarbery, Dunnes Stores, Hodnett Forde Property Services, West Cork Sauna, and Clonakilty RFC also supported the event.

It just couldnt happen without their support, Margaret said.

It was a challenging year for the swim with postponement of original date due to a small craft warning and reorganising for September.

Fortunately, we were blessed with great weather, but challenging swimming conditions.

It was a superb achievement for everyone involved.
The death has occurred of Cork man, Ron Clifford, who survived the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001 only to be subsequently told that his sister and young niece had died in the incident.

Mr Clifford, who was in his late sixties, died at his home in Connecticut in the US last night.

He lost his sister Ruth Clifford McCourt (44) and her daughter, Juliana (4) on September 11 2001 when their flight from Boston to Los Angeles hit the World Trade Center. In a remarkable coincidence, Ron was in the Twin Towers at the time of the attack but survived.

Ms Clifford McCourt and her daughter were on a surprise trip to Disneyland when their lives were prematurely cut short.

They were passengers on board the hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 which was flown into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

Julianas godmother, Paige Farley Hackel, was on the second aircraft - American Airlines Flight 11 - which smashed into the other tower.

Ron Clifford was on his way to a business meeting in the Twin Towers at the time of the attack. He was in the ground floor when Ms Farley Hackels flight hit the building.

Despite being hit by falling debris, he helped to drag a badly injured woman to shelter.

In a documentary series on National Geographic to mark the 20th anniversary of the atrocity Mr Clifford said that he had shared the details of important business meeting that he had on September 11th, 2001 with Ruth.

Ruth advised him to Stand Out from the crowd at the meeting. He remembers getting a ferry to Manhattan that morning. Whilst on board a fellow passenger complimented him on his new suit and bright yellow tie. Life felt good. However, within a few hours his world had changed completely.

Mr Clifford also spoke to Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show on RTE twelve years ago. He said that the important meeting in the World Trade Centre took place on a very gorgeous morning".

I had a little bit of time on my hands so I walked around the lobby. While I was in the lobby the initial explosion happened and I thought it was maybe a ruptured fuel tank in the basement. I had no idea that a plane had crashed in to the tower.

And after a while I spotted through a haze this woman who was badly burned. This Italian woman, Jennianne Maffeo, needed some help. So I sat her down in the lobby and I knew she had been on fire. So I wanted to douse her.

So I ran in to got a plastic bag and filled it with water and doused her. She was still very alert but in a lot of pain. I couldnt get over the fact that we werent getting any support or help. Nobody was running to us to help us.

And after quite a while with her on the floor she told me she was a Catholic so I said Lets say the Lords Prayer.

While saying the prayer there was another incredible explosion and the whole building shook and I found out afterwards that that was Ruth and Julianas plane.

'INCREDIBLE NIGHTMARE'

He said that what occurred was an incredible nightmare. Ron said he would never forget the sounds and smells of the day or the sight of a fire man coming towards people shouting Jesus Christ run.

After Ron got Ms Maffeo in to an ambulance he managed to board a ferry home to New Jersey. It was his daughter Monicas 11th birthday. However, he was only home a few hours when they were informed of the passing of Ruth and Juliana.

Ms Maffeo died 42 days later in hospital. However, her family were very grateful for all that Ron had done for her in her hour of need.

In September of 2021 Ron Clifford gave an interview to The Echo in Cork in which he said that it was still hard to even think about what occurred on the day of the terrorist attack.

You wish that Ruth and Juliana were still here. David (Ruths husband) is gone now too and that family is now all gone.

Ron said that he felt completely overwhelmed by what was then the 20th anniversary of the attack. He expressed his gratitude for the many good wishes he had received from people across the world as they marked two decades of loss in his family.

He also gave an interview to RTE News on the 20th anniversary of the attack in which he said that he was frustrated that the masterminds behind the attack were never brought to justice.

You know the justice system here has prevented it. It has gone around in a circle for years. I hope in our lifetime we will get our day in court.

"We have lived our lives since. I think that it the positivity that we give out as a family.

Ruth Clifford McCourt, who was originally from Ballintemple in Cork, is buried with her daughter Juliana at St Finbarrs Cemetery in Glasheen in Cork city. In 2013 the husband of Ruth and father of Juliana, David McCourt, was laid to rest in the same cemetery following his death.

Juliana was one of eight children murdered by terrorists in co ordinated plane attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington DC.

The mother and daughter were among 2,996 people killed in the the incident. A third hijacked plane went down in a field in Pennysylvania as passengers fought back against the terrorists.
CORKS SHARE crib is bringing joy to passers-by on PANA following its unveiling by the Lord Mayor in recent days.

The annual SHARE (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly) fundraising effort is benefitting from the generosity of locals as fifth-year students take to the streets to collect vital funds.

Almost 2000 students from 22 schools across the city and county are donning the charitys signature yellow jackets to brighten up Cork city for another festive season.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Kieran McCarthy switched on the lights of the crib while Bishop of Cork and Ross - Fintan Gavin and Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr. Paul Colton both blessed the structure.

The atmosphere was enriched by Band 1 Brigade who performed under the baton of Captain Ben Jacobs. This marked the beginning of SHAREs daily collections which will continue right up until Christmas Eve.

This will be the charitys fiftieth year raising funds to improve the lives of Corks older population.

Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy is calling on people to support the worthy cause.

Bishop Fintan Gavin Bishop of Cork and Ross and Bishop Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross Blessing the Crib at the launch of Corks Iconic SHARE Crib to on St. Patrick Street. Pic: Gerard McCarthy

SHARE remains an important annual fundraising effort, he said. This annual tradition is an important initiative which the people of Cork have always given to generously. In the world that we live in today, it is really important that we leave no one behind in our communities and in society. The SHARE project offers so much hope and togetherness. I ask Corkonians to once again dig deep into their pockets and support the values that SHARE stands for.

Ruth Fitzgibbon, SHARE executive, also spoke of the extra special nature of the 2023 SHARE charity drive.

SHARE holds a special place in our hearts," she said. "Since September, we have been visiting SHARE residents every week. One of the residents taught me how to play pool, and we play together every Wednesday. Its surprising how quickly you can build a friendship with someone when you find a common interest. We can all play a part in showing that we care. The charity is now offering tap and QR code options to facilitate donations to the project."

Corkonians can also donate on the SHARE website ShareCork.org.
WHEN youre 14 years old, and your beloved big brother suddenly and inexplicably dies, how do you begin to deal with the grief and pain that overwhelm you?

In the case of Cork teenager Blessings Gwarimbo, you tap into the power of poetry.

Blessings, now 16, and her parents were devastated when her 17-year-old brother George went to sleep and never woke up on March 27, 2022.

Blessings Gwarimbo with her brother George, and their parents, George Snr and Tambuozai

The family of four suddenly became a family of three.

After losing George, Blessings found an outlet for her emotions and feelings in poetry, and penned a beautiful poem in his memory, which recently won an award.

It is called Missing You and its poignancy, power, and sense of loss will move you to tears.

Missing You

Struggling

But Gods covering.

Im hiding in a disguise,

Trying to remember my lines.

So many tourists giving me a guide,

How do I tell them I tried.

Wheres my pride?

Oh wait, I pushed it to the side.

Feel like I cant breathe,

Somebody set me free.

I close my eyes and I think of your coffin,

I find myself doing this often.

Why did you have to leave,

Sometimes I feel you holding my sleeve.

When I wear your hoodies it reminds me of your scent,

Makes me feel like youre present.

Now Im reminiscing,

Gives me sanity.

Blessings says of her brother, George: We were best friends and inseparable. Poetry connects me to him, the ink on paper. It gives me comfort.

I never really wrote much before, but I started writing poems in the week that George died.

Her brother was a huge fan of literature and books, and Blessings says he often came home from school telling her about Shakespeare and other writers he was reading. That clearly rubbed off on his little sister.

People say my brother would be proud of me, says Blessings, and you know that is true.

The Carrigaline teenagers powerful poem was awarded first prize in the Billy McCarthy Writers Competition for 12-18-year-olds at the recent Douglas Writers Club annual awards night in Douglas Library.

Sean McCarthy presents the Billy McCarthy Award to Blessings Gwarimbo from Carrigaline with Sean Varian O'Driscoll as runner up at the recent Douglas Writers Club anniual Awards Night in the Douglas Library. Picture: Howard Crowdy

After being named the winner, Blessings stood at the podium in front of a large audience of people and read her poem out. You could have heard a pin fall.

The competition, named in honour of the late writer Billy McCarthy, was judged by his son, Sean, a teacher at Deerpark CBS, where Blessings is in Transition Year.

He said: I feel the poem is a very honest and personal account of how she is coping following the loss of her brother. Several emotions are conveyed in the poem. For example, she is trying to be brave but internally she is struggling, later there is a sense of anger, followed by a feeling of comfort.

It is obvious that Blessings grief is still very raw and I am sure her poem will resonate with people who suffered the sudden loss of a sibling.

I hope she found writing the poem therapeutic. The overall standard of entries was very high but Blessings poem stood out.

Blessings, George, and their parents, George Snr and Tambuozai - who are originally from Zimbabwe - were living in Swaziland in southern Africa at the time George died. He was in a boarding school and his father recalls that Sunday in March, 2022.

George went to lunch with his school friends, and afterwards they wanted to play chess, but he said he was too tired.

He made a video call to Blessings and spoke to her, then spoke to his mother and me.

Blessing recalls her brother telling her See you later when he ended the chat.

The family later got a phone call from the headmistress of the school, saying she needed to visit them straight away. She then delivered the horrific news that George had died, of natural causes.

He had gone to sleep and never awoke. A post-mortem shed no further light on his death.

The whole family grieved and, a year later, they moved to Carrigaline. Tambuozai is a nurse at the Mercy Hospital in Cork and George Snr, a teacher by profession, works in the construction industry.

George Snr said: We are very proud of Blessings and her writing and poetry. She regularly has it published in her school magazine.

He recounts a time when they visited Mytrleville beach. Blessings wrote in the sand, I love you, my brother.

George Snr says the family are settling in well in Cork, but adds: It is very cold at times, compared to Africa!

As comes through in the poem, Blessings and her family are religious, and they attend the Grace Christian Church in Cork city every Sunday.

As for Blessings, she is starting to consider her career options.

I originally wanted to be a doctor - a gynaecologist specifically - but now I am thinking of being a lawyer, as I like writing and speaking up for people, she said.

Or maybe I will end being a writer. I will keep writing, mostly poetry, but some short stories.
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.

Representatives of indigenous groups from Brazil march and sing through the conference venue on day six of the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference at Expo City Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Dec. 5, 2023. Sean Gallup / Getty Images

Brazils Congress has overturned President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas veto that had struck down the heart of a bill  backed by the farm lobby  to limit Indigenous land claims, setting the stage for a likely Supreme Court battle.

The case surrounded claims to Indigenous ancestral lands that the bill stipulated needed to be physically occupied on October 5, 1988  the date Brazils constitution was made into law  in order for Indigenous Peoples to be able to claim land allotments, reported The Hill.

We have watched the entire world at COP28 saying that we need to change the direction the planet is taking, but congress has just withdrawn the rights from the people who point to the future of the planet, said leftist member of congress Tarcisio Motta, who had voted against the bill, as The New York Times reported.

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to overturn the veto signed by President Lula, so now the matter is expected to go to the countrys Supreme Court, which already ruled earlier this year that the 1988 deadline was unconstitutional.

Following the announcement of the vote, protestors wearing traditional dress danced and chanted outside congress.

What happened in Congress is the path to destruction, Chief of the Kayapo People Raoni Metuktire told Reuters.

Lula promised to recognize pending Indigenous land claims when he took office at the start of this year and created the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. His veto in October was viewed as a major victory for Brazils 1.6 million Indigenous citizens. Many of their land rights have been threatened by agricultural interests in the Amazon.

The deadline did not take forced displacements and expulsions of Indigenous Peoples  especially during the countrys military dictatorship of 1964 to 1985  into account, Indigenous rights groups say, making the deadline unjust, reported The Hill.

It is a very contradictory situation for the country to have a policy to cut deforestation, and, on the other hand, have a Congress that fights tirelessly to end the richest instrument we have for protecting the Amazon: the Indigenous lands, said Marcio Astrini, Climate Observatorys executive-secretary, as The New York Times reported.

Advocates and leaders of Indigenous groups say preserving their ancestral lands protects the Amazon rainforest, an essential ecosystem in the fight against climate change.

The defeated are those who are not fighting. Congress approved the deadline bill and other crimes against Indigenous peoples, Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB), an Indigenous rights group, said on social media, as reported by The Associated Press. We will continue to challenge this.
Though she dedicated more than two decades to empowering women in business and working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Natalie Masri found she wasnt the right fit for the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber announced Masri, who had only spent seven months with the 110-year-old business advocacy group, would be stepping down as CEO and president on Dec. 11.

Natalie Masri and the Chamber Board of Directors care about the highest value to the organization, Rebecca Ivins, who chairs the Chambers board and has taken on Masris role until a more permanent replacement can be found, told The Daily Progress. Natalie did not feel she was the right fit and wanting to bring value to the Chamber and to the Community, has decided to pursue other opportunities.

Ivins stopped responding to The Daily Progress when asked if Masri accepted a new position elsewhere.

Before she stopped responding, Ivins said that the Chambers board of directors hired Todd Jorgenson, the managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, to begin the search for a new president and CEO. Jorgenson previously helped recruit Masri after the departure of Elizabeth Cromwell in February after roughly four years at the head of the organization.

[Jorgenson] will be doing a full assessment of the organization and the community to build an appropriate profile to recruit the next leader of the Chamber organization, said Ivins, a client solutions manager at the Richmond-based construction firm Hourigan. The search will start here in our region and branch throughout, not only the Commonwealth, but also nationwide.

Until another candidate is presented, COO Andrea Copeland will oversee the day-to-day operations, as she did following Cromwells retirement until Masri arrived, according to Ivins. The Chambers original statement said that Ivins would fill in as interim president and CEO starting Jan. 16, while Sasha Tripp, the boards vice chairwoman, would replace Ivins as chairwoman for the time being.

The Daily Progress reached out to Masri for comment with no response. Her Twitter and Linkedin profiles still identify her as president and CEO of the Chamber. She has not been active on Twitter since she retweeted the Chambers post about its Best in Business Winners in early November.

In the Chambers original statement announcing her departure, Masri was briefly quoted, though she offered no explanation for her resignation: I continue to believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the Chamber to advocate, convene, and engage to strengthen business in the greater Charlottesville Region.

Masri took the helm on June 1.

In an interview with The Daily Progress before her departure, Masri predecessor Cromwell said she was looking forward to taking a sabbatical after spending most of her time at the Chamber trying to navigate businesses through the pandemic.

The nationwide search that took place after Cromwells resignation resulted in hiring Masri.

The search committee was impressed with Natalies experience in working with and supporting chambers across the country through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as her extensive experience in strategic planning and her focus on supporting, developing and growing women and minority businesses. She will be a strong addition to the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce as we step into our next chapter, Arlene Lee, Chamber member and CEO and principal at Charlottesville-based Lee Construction Group, said in a statement announcing Masris hiring.

Shortly after she was hired, the Chamber released a piece, Chamber Spotlight: Natalie Masri, in which Masri was asked to name her favorite thing about Charlottesville.

I have lived in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Czech Republic, and the Washington, DC area but Charlottesville is my absolute favorite, Masri is quoted saying. Im passionate about this unique city, its rich and complicated history, and its vibrant culture and character  its what makes Charlottesville an unparalleled destination to live, work, study, and visit. Businesses have an important role to play here  they are truly drivers in making our communities and local economy even stronger.

Masri was also posed the question, What is your favorite quote or piece of advice? She responded: Attitude is everything. How you choose to show up or confront an issue is going to have a big impact on the outcome.

The Chamber has already started its search for a new CEO, its second in one year. Those interested in the position can submit a resume and cover letter to sasha@storyhousere.com.
Charlottesville police have identified the man charged with stabbing another individual at the Haven day shelter for the homeless this past week.

Markeese Eubanks, a 27-year-old Charlottesville resident, faces two charges: one for malicious wounding and another for simple assault.

Eubanks was in custody at Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail as of Friday night, according to jailhouse records.

The stabbing occurred on Tuesday afternoon after Eubanks and another individual had a disagreement, police said. Eubanks stabbed the individual, leaving minor injuries on the victims back, according to police. The victim was taken to University of Virginia Medical Center for treatment.

Police are not releasing the name of the victim and do not know whether they have been released from the hospital.

From what I understand, it was not life threatening, Police Chief Michael Kochis told The Daily Progress on Friday.

Police spokesman Kyle Ervin previously told The Daily Progress that the police presence at the Haven on Tuesday was cleared within an hour.

Theres no reason the public should avoid the area. This was an isolated disorder between these 2 individuals, Ervin said.
Three closely watched crime cases advanced to a higher court Thursday.

These include the woman accused of killing her boyfriend in a University of Virginia parking deck, a young man involved in springtime shootout on Preston Avenue and the case of the truck-driving man thwarted while attempting to abduct a UVa student.

In the case of the alleged abduction, defendant James Robert Allen, a 41-year-old Suffolk man operating a contracting company truck, saw his attempted strangulation charge dropped. However, prosecutor Joe Platania, the Charlottesville commonwealths attorney, suggested in court that more serious charges could soon be added.

Additional felony charges will be presented to the February grand jury, Platania told Judge Andrew Sneathern.

In a case that drew shudders among students and parents, Allen allegedly attacked and hauled a female undergraduate into a pickup truck at the corner of Rugby Road and Burnley Avenue on the evening of Oct. 4. A quick response by a UVa professor and his family allegedly thwarted the attack, which ended in a fraternity house yard where Allen crashed the truck after it was pursued by members of the professors family.

Appearing Thursday in Charlottesville General District Court wearing eyeglasses, closely cropped hair and a waist chain, Allen seemed subdued as he agreed to waive his opportunity for a preliminary hearing. His abduction case now moves to a grand jury, which will meet in February to decide whether to lodge that charge and additional charges with a higher court.

Another such waiver involved Tabatha Lynn Head of the Southwest Virginia hamlet of Lebanon. A frequent arrestee who has also used the surname Dotson, the 47-year-old woman is charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Shes accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend, 53-year-old Brian Patrick Kiser, after the two had traveled with Kisers father for surgery at UVa Medical Center. Police say she stabbed Kiser in a car in the 11th Street parking garage on Sept. 7. Like Allen, she remains held without bail at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

The final case moving toward a February grand jury meeting involves 21-year-old Kyhiem Brancardius Kier. Hes charged with possessing a firearm as a felon after allegedly participating in a shootout near the intersection of Preston and Madison avenues on May 16.

Kier allegedly told police that he fired in self-defense when he pulled the trigger while driving away from a confrontation and dodging bullets coming at him. A police report indicates that Kier has relinquished the Glock .40 caliber handgun that he fired and cooperated in the investigation.

While Kier has been granted home electronic incarceration and appeared Thursday in Charlottesville General District Court in street clothes, the man accused of shooting at Kier remains jailed. He is 18-year-old Zayon Jamir Payne, who has been charged with attempted malicious wounding, shooting from a vehicle and the use a firearm in a felony.

The May 16 shootout shut down Preston Avenue and delayed the afternoon release of Charlottesville public school students.

If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, charges in all three of these cases will move to Charlottesville Circuit Court.
Woodbrook and Agnor-Hurt elementary schools in Albemarle County were placed under lockdown Friday morning after a reported robbery at a nearby store.

Albemarle County police said they responded to a call at the Tobacco Xpress in the West Rio Center strip mall on Rio Road around 10 a.m. Friday.

"The Albemarle County Police Department was dispatched to Tobacco Express located at 722 Rio Road for a report of an armed robbery," police said in a statement later Friday afternoon. "An unknown black male entered & produced a firearm demanding cash & cigarettes. The male was wearing a dark color sweatshirt, gray or silver pants & rainbow-colored mask. The suspect was given an unknown amount of cash & cigarettes before exiting & fled toward Seminole Trail area."

Police on Friday were circulating a still image taken from surveillance cameras inside the store asking for the public's assistance identifying the suspect.

Albemarle County Public Schools said the lockdown at its two elementary schools in the area lasted roughly two hours Friday.

"Shelter in place ended about 2:15," school district spokesman Phil Giaramita said in an email to The Daily Progress.

At this time, it should not be a threat to the school, police spokeswoman Logan Bogert said.

Bogert said an investigation into the reported robbery is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the reported incident is encouraged to contact detective Nic Richardson with the Albemarle County Police Department at (434) 296-5807 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000.
Live Arts will have auditions for Fireflies, the second in playwright Donja R. Loves The Love Plays trilogy, from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 7 and 8, 2024.

Ti Ames will direct. The production will start with a preview on March 28 and will be presented March 29 and 30 and April 3 to 7, April 10 to 14 and April 17 to 20.

Fireflies is the second play in a trilogy that explores queer love through the lens of Black history. It is set in 1963, shortly after four Black children have been killed in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

The play revolves around a moment of crisis in the marriage of the Rev. Charles Emmanuel Grace, a charismatic leader in the civil rights movement, and his speechwriter wife, Olivia.

Actors who are not able to attend on Jan. 7 or 8 may submit video auditions.

To get ready for auditions, prepare a one- to two-minute monologue from a published Black playwright of the 20th or 21st centuries. Possibilities include Katori Hall, August Wilson, Dominique Morriseau, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Adrienne Kennedy, George C. Wolfe, Suzan-Lori Parks or Robert OHara, among others.

The play includes use of African American Vernacular English. Keep in mind that they play contains adult language; sexualized situations and physical intimacy; descriptions of abuse, abortion and sexual assault; and historical narration of racialized violence and death.

To reserve a time slot, or to ask questions, email volunteer@livarts.org. Actors are encouraged to read the play before auditioning; if you need help, contact Kathleel Mueller at kathleel@livearts.org or Susan E. Evans at susan@livearts.org.
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Hong Kong: Adviser to CE mourned

Head of the Chief Executives Policy Unit (CEPU) Stephen Wong today expressed sorrow over the passing of member of the Chief Executives Council of Advisers (CECA) Prof Tang Xiaoou.

Mr Wong said: Prof Tang has provided a lot of valuable advice in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship and made great contributions since the establishment of the CECA in March this year.



I am deeply grieved at the loss of Prof Tang. On behalf of the CEPUs colleagues, I offer the deepest condolences to his family.



The CEPU provides research and secretariat support to the CECA.

This story has been published on: 2023-12-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Fighter jets take off for flight training

China Military Online) 10:30, December 16, 2023

A fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Eastern Theater Command stands on the runway during a flight training exercise on December 1, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Yijie)

A fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Eastern Theater Command takes off for a flight training exercise on December 1, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Yijie)

A fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Eastern Theater Command takes off for a flight training exercise on December 1, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Yijie)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
SBI Holdings chairman Yoshitaka Kitao speaks to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Dec. 16, 2023 in Tokyo. Photo by Nhat Bac

Japanese financial services firm SBI Holdings considers Vietnam an attractive investment destination for semiconductor manufacturing.

The company is considering building semiconductor factories in Japan and other countries, including in the Middle East and Vietnam, its CEO, Yoshitaka Kitao told visiting Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Tokyo on Saturday morning.

"We want to partner with big companies in Vietnam in the information technology sector, such as FPT, to establish an ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing."

SBI is a major Japanese firm with interests in new technologies such as semiconductors, services, and biotechnology.

Yoshitaka asked the PM about Vietnams policies on foreign investment in semiconductor manufacturing since many companies, including from the U.S. and Taiwan, have been considering setting up factories in the country.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks to Japanese business leaders on Dec. 16, 2023 in Tokyo. Photo by Nhat Bac

Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Renesas Electronics has invested in a research and development facility with 1,500 Vietnamese workers, 60% of them software engineers.

Vietnam is among the top priorities in Renesas foreign investment strategy, a company spokesperson said.

Kazuhiro Doh of another Japanese semiconductor maker Tokyo Electron asked Chinh about Vietnams policy on human resource development to meet the requirements of a precision manufacturing sector.

Chinh said Vietnam is in the process of industrializing through new technology developments such as semiconductor manufacturing.

"Digital transformation is inevitable, and Vietnam cannot be left out of the race. Semiconductors will help the country leap to the top in technology development."

Vietnam is a safe haven amid the global storm thanks to its political and security stability, he said.

He called on Japanese firms to invest and eventually transfer their technology to Vietnam and help the country develop high-quality human resources.

The country is considering various incentives to encourage investment in semiconductors, he said. One of the areas it is studying is how to convert its one million IT engineers to one million semiconductor engineers.

"We want breakthroughs and rapid development, and will therefore have policies to attract the top investors in this area."

He expected Vietnam to eventually become part of Japans semiconductor supply chain alongside India and China.

Chinh is in Japan from December 15 to 18 to attend the ASEAN-Japan 50th Anniversary Summit. This year Vietnam and Japan also celebrated the 50th year of bilateral diplomatic relations.

The two upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November this year.

Japan is among Vietnam's most important economic partners, ranking first in providing official development assistance, second in admitting Vietnamese guest workers, third in investment and tourism, and fourth in trade.
California's Civil Rights Department (CRD) has announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with Activision Blizzard for a case it filed in 2021, accusing the company of systemic gender discrimination and fostering a culture that encouraged rampant misogyny and sexual harassment. The agency, which sued the developer when it was still called the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, said Activision Blizzard will have to pay $54 million to settle its allegations. Out of the total, $45.75 million will go towards a fund meant to compensate female employees and contract workers who worked for the company in California from October 12, 2015 until December 31, 2020.

In addition, the developer is expected to retain an independent consultant to evaluate its promotion policies and training materials, as well as to make recommendations based on what they see. If you'll recall, the agency's lawsuit alleged that female employees were overlooked for promotions and were paid less than their male colleagues. According to Marketwatch, though, the settlement will also see the agency withdraw its claims that there was widespread sexual harassment at the company. The department will reportedly have to file an amended complaint that only focuses on gender-based pay gap and discrimination.

California's original lawsuit detailed how Activision Blizzard condoned a "frat boy" culture that encouraged certain unsavory behaviors. Male employees allegedly did "cube crawls," wherein they routinely groped and sexually harassed their female colleagues at their desks. A spokesperson for the company told Marketwatch that it is "gratified that the CRD has agreed to file an amended complaint that entirely withdraws its 2021 claims alleging widespread and systemic workplace harassment at Activision Blizzard." They added: "We appreciate the importance of the issues addressed in this agreement and we are dedicated to fully implementing all the new obligations we have assumed as part of it. We are committed to ensuring fair compensation and promotion policies and practices for all our employees, and we will continue our efforts regarding inclusion of qualified candidates from underrepresented communities in outreach, recruitment, and retention."

Meanwhile, the department told the website that its announcement, which contains no reference to its earlier sexual harassment allegations, "largely speaks for itself with respect to the historic nature of this more than $50 million settlement agreement, which will bring direct relief and compensation to women who were harmed by the companys discriminatory practices."

As The Wall Street Journal noted when it reported the settlement, this lawsuit set the stage for Microsoft to acquire the developer. After reports came out that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick kept sexual harassment allegations within the company from reaching its board of directors, the developer's shares fell, giving Microsoft the opening to offer a deal. The $68.7 billion acquisition was finalized in October after almost two years of contending with regulators trying to block the purchase.

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If you used Apples Family Sharing feature with at least one other person and bought a subscription to an app through the App Store between 2015 and 2019, you might just get a settlement of up to $50 from the company. MacRumors reports that Apple will pay $25 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accuses the tech giant of misleading customers over Family Sharing.

The feature lets up to six family members share app subscriptions with each other but allows individual developers to forbid people from sharing a single subscription if they wish to. The lawsuit , which was filed in 2019, accuses Apple of not being transparent about this and misleading customers by making them think they could share a subscription to every app available in the App Store. [The] vast majority of subscription-based apps did support Family Sharing, the lawsuit claims.

The complaint also alleges that Apple placed ads on the landing pages of some subscription-based apps that didnt support Family Sharing. This led millions of customers to download subscription-based apps believing they would be able to access them through their Family Sharing subscription, it says, citing YouTube Red and a puzzle game called Brainwell as examples of apps that didnt support sharing their subscriptions with family members.
A proposed class action lawsuit has accused Apple of accepting a form of bribe from Visa and Mastercard to ensure their dominance over point-of-sale payment card services for Apple Pay transactions, according to Reuters . As a result, the lawsuit says merchants have been forced to pay higher fees.

The companies are being sued by beverage retailer Mirage Wine & Spirits in Illinois on behalf of all merchants in the United States that accepted Apple Pay as a method of payment at the physical point-of-sale. According to the complaint, Apple made an agreement with Visa and Mastercard that did away with any incentive for it to develop its own competing point-of-sale transaction payment network or allow other companies to make use of iPhones tap to pay NFC functionality with third-party wallet apps. On the iPhone, Apples own wallet app is the only option. All of this has led to inflated merchant fees, the suit argues.

In exchange for agreeing not to compete with Visa and Mastercard in the Relevant Market, the two card networks offered Apple a very large and ongoing cash bribe, the lawsuit states. This bribe came as a percentage of the two companies transaction fees for credit and debit card payments made with Apple Pay. Even as Apple Pay was in its infancy, the Entrenched Networks and Apple understood that this bribe would amount to hundreds of millions of dollars per year.
Beef and buffalo meat imported from India are being sold for VND60,000-100,000 (US$2.47-4) per kilogram on some online marketplaces in Vietnam, half the price of local beef.

Vietnam imports meat and meat products from 44 countries in the world, according to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs. In the first 10 months of 2023, it imported 127,000 tons of meat and meat products from India, making the country Vietnams biggest meat supplier with a 22.2% market share.

In the same period, the average price of these imported products decreased 6.8% year-on-year, down to VND72,000 (US$3) per kilo.

Oanh, who operates a meat import business in Ho Chi Minh Citys Tan Binh District, said beef imported from India had never been as cheap as it has been in previous years.

Some online marketplaces are selling Indian beef brisket for just VND63,000 a kilo, and topside for VND107,000-110,000 a kilo.

In comparison, Vietnamese beef fillet is currently priced at VND250,000-280,000 per kilo, while American and Australian beef can fetch as much as VND350,000-450,000 a kilo, Oanh said.

Toan, who runs a frozen meat importer in District 7, said this year, he imported all cuts of Indian beef and buffalo meat.

These products are well-liked by meat processing facilities and restaurants due to their low prices and quality on par with beef from other countries, Toan said.

"They were imported through official quotas and vacuum-packed before being shipped to Vietnam, so they meet all food safety regulations."

Cattle and buffaloes are raised on a large scale in India and the country accounts for 58-60% of the worlds cattle and buffalo population, yet consumption of beef and buffalo meat is very low in the country.

Therefore, most of the beef produced in India is exported and the abundance of supply causes prices to plummet.

Smuggling is also to blame, says the Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam, an organization representing the livestock and veterinary industry.

According to official statistics, there were131 cases of cattle and poultry smuggling in Vietnam over the first nine months of 2023, up 14.5 times from the previous year.
Philippine ambassador's comments sound like they come from US official: Global Times editorial

Global Times) 10:52, December 16, 2023

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez recently made sensational remarks in an interview with Japanese media. He stated that skirmishes between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea could spark a major conflict at "any time," and that the South China Sea is the "flashpoint" and "[if] anything happens in our area, it's like the beginning of another war, world war." Not only did the ambassador keep overstating the conflict and drawing fire on himself, he went further and said that "the only way to do that [counter China's' coercive actions'] is to have multilateral countries show force." This is an astonishing remark, which doesn't sound like from an ambassador representing the interests of the Philippines, but rather like from an official in Washington.

What Romualdez stated can be said as a precise alignment with the US statements and moves these days, or even like part of the US actions. The US State Department issued a statement on December 10, hypocritically declaring that it "stands with our Philippine allies" and also mentioned the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to threaten China. On the other hand, after a long-awaited joint patrol with the Philippines, the US military has done a lot to encourage Manila to"be braver,"and wooed Japan, Australia and other allies to back up the Philippines. In essence, they are putting the Philippines on the fire together.

Romualdez is one of the representative figures of the pro-US faction in the Philippines. He has never been stingy in expressing excessive friendliness toward the US, while at the same time, he often conveys hostility toward China. In the Philippines, the pro-US and anti-China (at least those advocating a tough stance against China) factions are essentially the same group, and this says a lot. The emergence and delineation of this equivalence, as well as the timing of its appearance, are all worth pondering for the people of the Philippines. The US' intention to stir up trouble in the South China Sea is now obvious, and the Philippines is the stick it wields to muddy the waters.

The issue of Ren'ai Jiao has nothing to do with the US, but on several occasions when the Philippines provoked near the region, US warships and aircraft were nearby, even providing intelligence to the Philippines through reconnaissance planes. It's akin to guiding others to commit a crime, instructing them on how to do it, reassuring them not to be afraid, and even handing them the tools for the crime.

The US is well aware of the increasing risk of direct encounters with the Chinese forces at sea, and now that the Philippines is willing to be the "birds that come forward," the US will certainly let it "open the road," then have a winning game behind, which is the most ideal business. Therefore, Washington continues to encourage its allies to incite the Philippine and to make it delirious as best as they can. For this, the US took the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty as bait, however, it has avoided talking about the specific use of this treaty.

When asked about what actions by China would"qualify as an armed attack" stipulated in the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines, the spokesperson for the Pentagon responded vaguely, only stating that they would "focus more on China's behaviors and intent," without emphasizing the commitment to the Philippines.

It is clear that the Philippines and the US are seemingly singing the same tune, but behind this facade lies the exploitation of the Philippines by the US. The current situation is very much like that the US found some "lobbyists" to cajole the Philippines and to yield the benefits.

Within the Philippines, there are already many voices that are becoming wary and even highly opposed to Manila's current South China Sea policy. An article in the Manila Times on December 13 titled"Military, Coast Guard turning PH into world's laughingstock" pointed out bluntly that the Philippines'"madness is driven by the US' need to demonize China and totally cut off relations with the superpower." "The Chinese simply defend what they believe are their territories and humiliatingly shoo away our vessels with water cannons, with the military positioning media to take the most detailed videos of the ignoble event. Have the military turned us into a nation of masochists?"the article said, noting that"the Americans, of course, are secretly laughing at us."Similar voices are constantly emerging from various sectors in the Philippines, which Manila should think about seriously.

China's determination to defend its territorial sovereignty is as solid as a rock. No matter how external forces are provoking or threatening us, we will never back down on our own territory and never be frightened by a vague treaty. China has exercised maximum restraint in the South China Sea, but if repeatedly provoked, China cannot be lenient. For this, the US should weigh up carefully and not get burnt by playing with fire, and the Philippines should not take any chances and not become a victim to be exploited.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Le Thanh Thuan when put under arrest in Can Tho City, December 2023. Photo by police

A man in Vietnams Can Tho City advertised a brokerage service for rich men who wanted to look for young girlfriends, then posed as such a man himself to steal motorbikes from six women.

Le Thanh Thuan, 25, was put under criminal investigation for fraud charges on Saturday, several days after he was caught.

Investigators said that Thuan went on Facebook Dating and advertised himself as a broker for "sugar daddies," asking people who wanted to be "sugar babies" to contact him. The terms are codes for rich men and younger women who provide them with companionship and sexual intimacy in return for gifts and financial support.

Women who contacted him were promised large sums of money.

Thuan then posed as a sugar daddy and asked the women, one by one, to drive motorbikes to meet him at a local bank.

He introduced himself as the banks employee and pretended to be caught in an urgent task, asking the woman to help drive him to another bank office.

At the second bank office, he asked the woman to wait at the gate and borrowed their motorbike to drive inside, only to disappear via the back gate.

Thuan was caught red-handed in one such act on Dec. 12.

He admitted to stealing from at least six women, saying he was in debt and needed money.

Police have collected the six motorbikes stolen by Thuan and are calling for the victims to show up and help with the investigation.
That Israel continues its aggression over beleaguered and besieged Gaza, unyielding to the global calls for an immediate ceasefire, is a measure of the sheer impunity that it enjoys. The evident source of this impunity was once again laid bare, with the United States (US) vetoing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. The vote on the resolution was due to the rare instance of the invocation of Article 99 of the UN Charter by the United Nations Secretary General. The article mandates 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. It should be noted that the US veto to the UNSC resolution for a humanitarian pause, moved on 18 October, had delayed such a pause by about five weeks, which witnessed the catastrophic loss of civilian lives at an unprecedented pace along with the targeting of hospitals in Gaza and effective blockade on aid in essential resources, such as water, food, fuel and medical supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The negotiated pause, which also led to the mutual release of hostages/prisoners, ultimately proved to be just thata pause in the spate of death of destruction renewed vigorously by Israel from 1 December. The Gazans who have had to flee to the south are facing intensified aggression in south Gaza and are being cornered into a life of starvation and disease.

The platitudinous calls from the US Department of State for maximum restraint to protect civilian lives and its velvet-gloved admonishments have gone completely unheeded by Israel. Glaring acts of indiscriminate killing of civilians, which include targeting of academicians, journalists along with relief workers and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) establishments such as schools and shelters have continued apace. Israel knows fully well that these calls or admonishments from the US are not being backed by any actionable intent. After all, while making murmurs about civilian lives, the US administration has sought to expedite sending additional ammunition to Israel, bypassing the normal procedures of the Arms Export Control Act. These procedures would involve congressional scrutiny where the issues of the nature of the usage of this ammunition and flagrant violations of humanitarian as well as international legal norms by Israel could prove to be thorny and put the administration in an uncomfortable situation and may put conditionalities. It is being posited that the magnitude of the bombing since October is such that without the expeditious arms supply, Israel would be forced to cease the aggression within a few days. But the arms supply is meant to be unconditional, not the concern for civilian lives.
Patrick, "Pat" Butler, a lifelong Chicagoan who was one of the deans of Chicago journalism, passed away on December 14 at age 83.

"I was too poor to go to law school, too immoral to join the clergy, and I had a bad left eye that kept me out of the army, so what does one do in a case like that but become a newspaperman?" Mr. Butler would say, laughing. "And I haven't regretted it for a single moment."

Mr. Butler began his journalism career as a stringer with the Lerner Newspapers in 1967, eventually moving up to managing editor. In its heyday, Lerner published 54 weekly and semi-weekly editions with a circulation of 300,000 on the North and Northwest Sides of Chicago and in suburban Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Besides writing news, he often wrote columns such as "Pat's People" and others.

Among Lerner's titles were the Booster, News-Star, and Skyline. The Lerner papers went through several ownership changes including Pulitzer, Hollinger, and Pioneer Press. Mr. Butler continued to work for those publications and others in the chain until he was laid off from Pioneer in 2013.

"He got in trouble because he was active in union politics for the Chicago News Guild," noted his longtime partner, Kathy Hills.

Inside Publications had acquired the Booster, News-Star, and Skyline in 2009, so Mr. Butler continued writing for those publications until his passing.

He joined the Gazette Chicago staff in 2006, continuing to work there until his passing as well.

In 1987, Mr. Butler won a Peter Lisagor Award, the highest honor in Chicago journalism, for his Lerner series on how the loss of factory jobs put a strain on mental health and alcoholism services in Chicago. In 2013, he won an international Apex Award of Excellence from Communications Concepts, a journalism and publishing think tank outside of Washington, DC, for his Gazette Chicago coverage of a proposed Newman Center dormitory for the University of Illinois Chicago. He won many other journalism awards over the decades as well.

"We very much appreciated Pat's skills and experience," said Mark J. Valentino, editor and publisher of Gazette Chicago. "Having such a seasoned reporter on the Gazette Chicago team was a real asset for the decades that Pat worked with us. Even though he didn't drive and always took the CTA, he was willing to go anywhere in our coverage area to get the story. His old-school savvy and style will be missed."

Among the exciting events of Mr. Butler's rough-and-tumble journalism career were covering the 1968 riots after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. "He was still a stringer for Lerner in 1968 and they couldn't get any other reporter to cover the riots, but Pat would," Hills recalled. "They immediately hired him full time. Leo Lerner, the editor and publisher, clearly loved him."

"In my second night in Cabrini-Green covering the riots, I found myself crouched behind a squad car with another reporter and a cop as a sniper was shooting from the ninth floor," Mr. Butler recalled. "The nearest shot landed eight or nine feet away."

He also covered the tumultuous Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968.

When Mr. Butler covered City Hall during the mayoralty of Richard M. Daley, when the mayor called on Mr. Butler during a news conference he would often sigh in anticipation of a tough question.

"Pat loved that and so did the rest of the press corps," Hills said.

During a group tour of Cook County Jail, Mr. Butler recalled the tour guide asking if anyone had the courage to sit in the electric chair. One of Mr. Butler's associates pushed him forward, and before he could protest, "two guards strapped me in the chair, took my glasses off, put a hood on my head, and read a fake death sentence," he said.

Of the experience, Mr. Butler quipped, "I got a charge out of it."

During his career, Mr. Butler noted, he met three presidents of the United States, doing a thorough interview of President Jimmy Carter; two presidents of the Republic of Ireland; a king; a queen; and interviewed many colorful Chicagoans, local politicians, activists, criminals, and newsmakers.

Mr. Butler also served more than a dozen years as president of the Ravenswood/Lake View Historical Association and for several years anchored a cable TV news/feature show, North Side Neighbors. He also was a former president of the Kiwanis Club of Lake View.

Because of his love of news and history, he wrote several books about the North Side: Hidden History of Lincoln Park, Hidden History of Ravenswood and Lakeview, and Hidden History of Uptown & Edgewater, published by History Press. He termed his books "a kind of curio shop of people and places that time forgot. I had so much fun writing them."

Mr. Butler also was a frequent speaker about Chicago history and gave tours of historic Graceland Cemetery on the North Side. He even was part of history himself, having dated a grand-niece of Mary Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln's wife, for three years as a young man.

Born at Columbus Hospital in 1940, he grew up in the North Side neighborhoods of Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Uptown. From seventh grade through high school, he attended Maryville Academy. "He was a grateful Maryville kid," Hills noted.

Mr. Butler worked his way through Columbia College Chicago, attending from 1961 to 1965. As a Columbia student, he liked to spend time at Bug House Square, more formally known as Washington Square Park, 901 N. Clark Street, which for many decades was considered the most celebrated open air free-speech location in America and was known for ordinary people giving speeches on whatever topics they chose.

"Pat was proud that he lasted 30 seconds the first time he spoke before he got the hook," Hills recalled. Mr. Butler also was a former honorary mayor of Bug House Square.

Of journalism, Mr. Butler said, "I liked the excitement. I liked being close to where the action is. I think 50 years from now there will still be newspapers and reporters. It may all be digital, but the news business will still exist.

"We keep the politicians in line," he concluded.

Mr. Butler was the partner of Kathy Hills; father of Kathleen Butler Greenan; father-in-law of Ryan Greenan; grandfather of Patrick (Paddy) and Declan; brother of Regina Dziewior; uncle of John Dziewior; cousin of Terry Butler and his wife, Gertrude; son of Valerie Sankauskas and Thomas Butler.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave., Chicago, IL 60630. Prayers will be Thursday, Dec. 21, at 11:15 a.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home, followed by a procession to Mary, Undoer of Knots/St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, 4646 N. Austin Ave., Chicago, where Mass will begin at noon. Interment will be private.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to Maryville Academy and the House of the Good Shephard would be appreciated.

For a radio interview of Pat Butler By WGN Radio's Rick Kogan, log on to https://wgnradio.com/after-hours-with-rick-kogan/patrick-butler-there-is-nothing-more-elating-than-to-be-shot-at-by-an-adversary-with-no-effect/.

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Mexico's Maya tourist train glided into action on Friday, promising prosperity for one of the country's poorest regions, but tainted by allegations of environmental devastation.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador hailed his flagship project as a "magnum opus" built in "record time" ahead of the inauguration, during which he boarded one of its green-and-white cars for the train's first run between the colonial city of Campeche and the Caribbean resort of Cancun.

Cancun is Mexico's leading tourist destination and welcomed 34 million foreign visitors between January and October, according to official figures.

The stretch of rail inaugurated Friday is the first of seven sections that will cover a total of 1,554 kilometers (965 miles) around the Yucatan Peninsula, an area rich in flora, fauna and archaeological ruins. The others will be operational in the first quarter of 2024.

The route includes parts of the Mayan Riviera, which covers a jungle region considered the second-most important forest reserve in Latin America after the Amazon, as well as cenotes -- freshwater caves -- and underground rivers.

Activists and environmental organizations said the project caused massive damage to the region's ecosystem, dubbing it an "ecocide," and succeeded in temporarily halting work through legal appeals.

But Lopez Obrador issued a decree declaring the infrastructure works a matter of "national security" and construction resumed.

Greenpeace and other NGOs have warned that the train threatens to contaminate cenotes and underground rivers in particular.

They also point out the danger of the ground collapsing due to the weight of the structure, in addition to affecting flora and fauna.

The Mexican president has called the protesters "pseudo-environmentalists" and has defended the work, promising to plant millions of trees in the area.

The train, whose cars were built by the French company Alstom in Mexico, is one of the main infrastructure projects of Lopez Obrador's government, along with an oil refinery in Tabasco, a new airport serving the capital, and an interoceanic corridor billed as an alternative to the Panama Canal.

Lopez Obrador has said a second phase of the train project will include freight cars, and vows it will lead to a boom in the southeast of the country, which has long lagged behind the more industrialized north.

Dozens of people attended the ceremony in Campeche, where on Saturday the train will be open to the public.

"It helps us get to the city of Campeche to continue our studies," said student Lisandro Belen, noting that many of his classmates "don't have a way to get around."

Cresencio Rosales, who had come to the event from the state of Mexico, which is next to the nation's capital, said he was excited.

"I have not seen an inauguration of a train in 70 years. No president... has done what this one has done," he said.

The inauguration comes six months before a presidential election in which the left is the favorite to remain in power, fronting former mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum against an ex-opposition senator Xochitl Galvez.

bur-yug/axm/fb/bgs/acb
HELENA  The Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Thursday on updated administrative rules as the state readies itself to manage its grizzly bear populations in the Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide regions should the species be removed from the Endangered Species List.

The vote occurred because of a bill that came out of this years legislative session mandating that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks be prepared to manage delisted grizzlies.

Conservation groups are largely against both the push to delist the species and the now-adopted administrative rules on the grounds theyre insufficient in managing delisted grizzly populations and overly focused on hunting and lethal control of bears, as opposed to recovery and conflict reduction.

Montana, Wyoming and Idaho all submitted petitions in 2022 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asking them to turn over management of grizzlies in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems to the states. Idahos petition asked Fish and Wildlife to delist all grizzlies in the lower 48, and was rejected.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is working through a comprehensive status review of grizzlies in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems, which started in February. The FWS has said the review may take until 2024.

Prior to delisting a species, Fish and Wildlife examines a variety of factors including what regulatory mechanisms are already in place in the relevant states. States also must prove that they can manage a species upon delisting.

Montana began the process to update its grizzly bear management policy with Senate Bill 295 which clarified how the state will approach grizzly management once they are delisted, said the department in a statement. The bill also required the FWP commission to adopt new rules prior to delisting.

One of these new administrative rules explicitly states that FWP have management strategies that ensure the bears continue to thrive as part of Montanas wildlife heritage.

Yet conservation and other groups remain wary.

I would suspect that laws like this and rules like this, undermine those adequate regulatory mechanisms that need to be in place in order for delisting, said Sarah Lundstrum, Glacier program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association.

Since grizzly bears were first listed as a threatened species in 1975 by the Fish and Wildlife Service, there have been two periods where the bears where delisted  once in 2007 and again in 2017. Both times, district courts returned protections to the animal.

Of the public comment received during Thursdays Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, the majority urged the commission to not adopt the new administrative rules.

Among those who voiced concern was Jeff Lucas, conservation director for the Montana Wildlife Federation. He called the rule changes biologically incorrect and an ineffective way to manage grizzly bears.

In particular, those against the changes, like Lucas, worry about the consequences of hunting grizzlies on public lands. Hunting would only become a possibility five years after delisting.

Killing a grizzly isnt easy, Lundstrum said. When land managers do, they have to follow a slew of protocols designed around public safety that would be difficult to enforce and apply to delisted bears under the newly adopted rules. She mentioned concern around what would happen if a bear was shot but not killed, resulting in a hurt, angry bear out on public lands.

We recognize that sometimes a habituated grizzly bear on private land may require legal control to provide public safety, but on public land, that is grizzly bear habitat, Derek Goldman, national field director of the Endangered Species Coalition, said during the meeting.

Representatives of Trap Free Montana and the Large Carnivore Fund both expressed concern over the vagueness of the language designating which bears might be subject to lethal control.

The term threatening is not defined and for some people the mere presence of a grizzly bear may be threatening, said Helena Edelson, speaking on behalf of the fund, which represents a variety of stakeholders, including ranchers.

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation was the sole proponent of the proposed rules to present comment at Thursdays meeting.

We feel this is a reasonable compromise between a healthy grizzly bear population and being able to safely ranch and live on the landscape, said Karli Johnson, the Farm Bureaus state governmental affairs and northwest regional manager.

Stephanie Adams, director of the conservation programs for the NPCA, said the direction that management frameworks have been moving cause us to be even more concerned about what the long-term health of grizzly bears would look like should delisting occur.

It feels that now more than ever the management direction, should they be delisted, is far from secure, Adams said.
The NFU has announced it has secured essential energy support for horticulture businesses, with calls continuing for the poultry sector to be included.

Growers will now have access to the Industrial Energy Transformation (IETF) Fund to help cut their energy bills following NFU lobbying.

It comes as horticultural businesses across the country are 'fearing for their future' as escalating costs and ongoing workforce shortages continue to impact the sector.

The need for greater energy security for the sector was a key theme during this years Downing Street Farm to Fork summit.

However, poultry production, another energy intensive sector where farmers continue to feel mounting pressure from soaring costs, has not been included.

Responding, NFU President Minette Batters said that surging input costs had left many farming businesses on a knife edge.

"We have repeatedly made the case that this is threatening the viability of many crops, including peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and those with long term storage such as apples and potatoes.

One of the key outcomes from the Farm to Fork Summit was the need for greater energy security, so we are pleased that government has responded to our calls.

"As we have stated many times, it is critical that all high energy crops are recognised within this announcement, including protected cropping and those with long term storage."

The NFU said it was seeking urgent clarification on the eligibility for growers and the process by which they can register for the IETF Fund to help mitigate against high energy costs.

However, the union said it was 'extremely disappointed' over the lack of support for poultry production  another sector that is energy intensive.

Mrs Batters warned: "Ongoing, soaring production costs are putting producers under immense pressure.

"We call on government to do everything it can so that the poultry sector is able to continue producing quality, affordable eggs and poultry meat which we know is valued hugely by the public.
Emilia Fox says her relationship is like "a daily marriage of love".

Emilia Fox says her relationship is like a marriage

The 49-year-old actress married Jared Harris - the son of late acting icon Richard Harris - in 2005, but the pair split in 2008, before becoming legally divorced in 2010.

Emilia - who has 13-year-old daughter Rose with Jeremy Gilley - has been with Netflix producer Jonathan Stadlen for almost three years now, and although they haven't ruled out walking down the aisle, they feel like they are married already.

She told Yours magazine: "We go to bed and tell each other how much we love each other. Weve been together nearly three years, and we still do it."

Emilia Continued: "We very much feel like we are married, but we're not actually married.

"We choose to marry each other every day; not in an official capacity, but by choice of being with each other. So it's a daily marriage of love."

The 'Pianist' star - who has also enjoyed romances with the likes of Vic Reeves and Marco Pierre White - gushed: "To find someone who I'm so totally compatible with is amazing."

Emilia is grateful that they are able to work through any issues they have and loves how "supportive" and "understanding" her man is.

She said: "We work through all the things that we bring with our history too, we really talk and communicate.

From my history of having therapy, I find it very refreshing to be with someone who wants to do that together.

And he's got children, so he understands parenting.

"It's very supportive.

"He's the most loving, the most kind, the most thoughtful, the most generous-spirited man, and I feel very together with him. And that's a really lovely feeling. I definitely know how lucky I am."
Toby Jones thinks fame is a "puerile ambition".

Toby Jones has discussed his experience of fame

The 57-year-old actor doesn't feel famous, in spit of what he's achieved, and Toby revealed that fame isn't something he's ever chased, either.

He told the Guardian newspaper: "People project their own ambition on to you. Why dont you have the same kind of ambition? Im very ambitious. But I dont necessarily have the same ambition as someone else.

"I think, after a certain age, fame is a puerile ambition. I dont feel famous, but I feel famous enough to answer the question.

"How many times do you need to be told, its not the answer? The culture constantly tells you, doesnt it? It doesnt bring happiness! And, guess what, it doesnt."

Toby loves some aspects of his career and dislikes others. However, he admits that his attitude has evolved over the years.

The 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' star said: "Talking to friends, actor friends, who have survived this long and are working this long, Im really aware of the bits of the job I like and the bits of the job I dont like. And those lists change a bit."

Meanwhile, Toby previously revealed that he's keen to learn from his younger co-stars.

The acclaimed actor told the Guardian newspaper: "Its important for me to remember, theres a lot to learn from the youngest, most inexperienced actors I work with, their instincts especially, stuff that experience edits out of you. Just like there is from the eldest  youre trying to protect yourself from that cynicism, irony, detachment, pragmatism. In acting theres no hierarchy.

"As soon as you think that theres a ladder to climb things become more disappointing."
Prices for US imports decreased by 0.4 per cent in November this year, following a 0.6-per cent decline October, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS). Lower fuel prices in November more than offset an increase in non-fuel prices.

The October decrease in import prices was the largest one-month decline since the index fell by 0.8 per cent in March 2023. Prices for US imports fell by 1.4 per cent for the year ended in November 2023.

US export prices fell by 0.9 per cent for the second consecutive month in November. The price index for US exports also declined over the past 12 months, decreasing by 5.2 per cent from November 2022 to November this year.

Prices for US imports fell by 0.4 per cent in November following a 0.6-per cent decline October. Such prices fell by 1.4 per cent for the year ended in November. US export prices fell by 0.9 per cent for the second consecutive month in November. The price index for exports also decreased by 5.2 per cent from November 2022 to the same month this year.

The price index for imported fuel declined by 5.6 per cent in November following a 3.7-per cent drop in October. The November decrease was the largest monthly decline since the index fell by 5.6 per cent in February this year.

Prices for non-fuel imports in the United States rose by 0.2 per cent in the month, after declining by 0.2 per cent in each of the three previous months. The November increase was the first one-month advance since a 0.4-per cent rise in February 2023.

Despite the November increase, non-fuel import prices declined by 0.4 per cent over the past year.

The price index for non-fuel industrial supplies and materials rose by 0.2 per cent in November following a 0.6-per cent decline the previous month.

Prices for major finished goods import categories remained mostly unchanged in November.

Lower prices for non-agricultural exports in November more than offset higher agricultural prices.

Non-agricultural export prices decreased by 1 per cent for the second consecutive month in November. The declines followed a 2.7-per cent increase for the third quarter this year, a BLS release said.

The price index for non-agricultural industrial supplies and materials fell by 2.2 per cent in November, after decreasing by 2.4 per cent the previous month. Lower fuel prices drove the declines for both months, decreasing by 5.1 per cent in November and by 4.3 per cent in October.

The November drop in fuel prices was the largest monthly decline since May 2023.

Prices for each of the major finished goods export categories declined in November.

Consumer goods prices fell by 0.2 per cent following a 0.4-per cent drop in October. Prices for consumer goods last rose on a monthly basis in June this year.

Export prices to China decreased by 1.2 per cent in November following a 0.6-per cent drop the previous month. The November decline was the largest monthly decrease since June 2023. The price index for exports to China fell by 5.5 per cent over the past 12 months.

Prices for exports to Japan decreased by 2 per cent in November, the largest monthly drop since May this year. Export prices to that country fell by 10.8 per cent for the year ended in November.

Export prices to Canada fell by 0.4 per cent in the month, after decreasing by 0.3 per cent in October. The November drop was the largest monthly decline since a 1.7-per cent decrease in May this year.

The price indices for exports to the European Union and Mexico each fell in November, down by 1.4 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Sofia Boutella was candid about her wish to work with a visionary director like Zack Snyder. She revealed that it was one of the dominant reasons that propelled her to star in Rebel Moon and become a part of his cinematic verse.



She shared, "Honestly, it was the idea of working with Zack. After I sent in my audition tape, I sat with him for three hours and he described his vision for both films from beginning to end. I was thrilled by how excited and knowledgeable he was about this story hes been writing for 20 years. There wasnt a single question he left unanswered. I love working with people who love what they're doing, and Zack is one of them."





She further shared how Zack Snyder's incredible ability to seamlessly communicate his vision, his intricate attention to detail and his passion for his craft truly appeal to her. She concluded by saying she admired his willingness to take actors' opinions and make this a collaborative process, one that made the process of bringing the cosmic realm of Rebel Moon to life even more extraordinary.



Rebel Moon is set to release on December 22, 2023 on OTT.
Vietnam and Japan signed the fourth loan agreement for Ho Chi Minh City's metro line No.1 project, worth more than JPY41 billion (US$288.48 million), on Saturday.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between the two countries in Tokyo, which involved the HCMC's metro line, the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) project, and the equipment supply project for Vietnams K Hospital with a total sum of JPY42.3 billion.

The metro line loan agreement was signed under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP), a type of Japanese ODA granted to projects that can benefit from the best use of advanced technologies and know-how of Japanese firms. These projects are required to use Japanese as the main contracts or as the lead of the contractor joint venture and at least 30% of the materials used need to be from Japan.

Japan's previous loan agreements for the project were signed in 2007, 2012 and 2016, worth JPY155.3 billion ($1.09 billion).

HCMC's metro line No. 1, also known as the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien line, is to run 19.7 km between Ben Thanh Market in downtown HCMC to Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City.

The line is now 97% completed after many delays since work started in 2012.

At a total cost of over VND43.7 trillion ($1.85 billion), it will include three underground stations and 11 elevated ones.

The project is expected to be finished this year and begin commercial operations in 2024.

Japan is Vietnam's top ODA partner. By the end of the 2020 fiscal year, the East Asian economic powerhouse had lent Vietnam a total of JPY2,821.2 billion ($27.5 billion) in ODA.

PM Chinh is in Japan as part of his trip to attend the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and have bilateral activities in the country.
Bhagya Lakshmi Update: Zee TV's Bhagya Lakshmi has been captivating the audience for the past two years with its engaging plot, and interesting twists and turns in the lives of Lakshmi (Aishwarya Khare) and Rishi (Rohit Suchanti). The show has gained a loyal fanbase, and the number of #RishMi fans is increasing day by day. In the recent episodes, the viewers witness how Lakshmi somehow manages to run away from the mental asylum and reaches home.

Subsequently, the doctors from the mental asylum reach Oberoi house in search of Lakshmi along with the police. While the family is trying their best to hide Lakshmi from the police, Ayush (Aman Gandhi) decides to disguise himself as Lakshmi to fool the police officer so that he can stall them and get some time for the family to hide Lakshmi. In this ongoing sequence, the audience is loving this 7-year-old childlike version of Lakshmi but looks like Aman Gandhi is all set to ace the two braids and the pink dress just like her, giving a tough competition to Aishwarya Khare.

Aman said, "I am so happy that my character in Bhagya Lakshmi has given me so many opportunities. I get to try out many things, and as an actor, I love this process as it helps me showcase my work in different ways and allows me to learn something new every day. The character is so different that I would never get bored of it and that's the beauty of Ayush. I really enjoyed the little time I got to dress up like a 7-year-old Lakshmi, as it is a very fun sequence where we are trying to hide Lakshmi from the mental asylum doctors and the cops. I just hope I have done justice to the track."

While we are very excited to watch Aman in this new avatar, wait till you witness the upcoming drama where Malishka (Maera Misshra) teams up with Balwinder (Ankit Bhatia) to separate Rishi and Lakshmi once again.

To find out what happens next, tune into Bhagya Lakshmi every day at 8:30 pm, only on Zee TV.
Anjum Fakih is an actress who has excelled every time she appeared on screen. With her role of Srishti in Kundali Bhagya, the actress has become an instantly recognizable face. Now Anjum will be making her return to our television screens with Sony TV's 'Dabangii: Mulgii Aayi Re Aayi.'

The show, 'Dabangii: Mulgii Aayi Re Aayi' recently launched and has become a much talked about show with its unique storyline and stellar cast. The story follows a little girl whose life takes an unexpected turn after finding out her father is not the man she thought he was. Anjum Fakih's entry into the show will add to the star-studded cast of names such as Manav Gohil and Aamir Dalvi among many others.

While not much is known about Anjum's character at this point, the character will be pivotal to the story and change the course of events on the show. Her character is being described as a sharp and ambitious woman who will prove to be a threat to Satya, one of the main characters on the show.

Not too long ago, the actress was also seen showing her daredevil side on the stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 13, and fans were left impressed as they got to see Anjum's real life personality. It seems after wowing viewers in 'Kundali Bhagya' and 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 13' this year, Anjum is all set to make her comeback with a bang and fans are eager to see her entry on 'Dabangii: Mulgii Aayi Re Aayi.'
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Goldstorm Metals Corp. (TSXV: GSTM) (FSE: B2U) ("Goldstorm" or the "Company") further to its news release dated November 28, 2023, due to strong investor demand, the Company has upsized and closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of $1,950,080.08 through the issuance of (i) 461,556 non-flow-through units (the "NFT Units") sold at a price of $0.18 per NFT Unit; and (ii) 9,335,000 flow-through units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit") sold at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit.

Each NFT Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "NFT Share") and one half () of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit consists of one common share of the Company issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), (each, a "FT Share") and one half () of one Warrant. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one non-flow-through common share of the Company at a price of $0.35 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the date of issuance. A total of 4,898,278 Warrants were issued under the Private Placement.

The gross proceeds received from the sale of the FT Units is expected to be used for work programs on the Company's exploration properties and the net proceeds received from the sale of the NFT Units is expected to be used for general working capital purposes.

In connection with the Offering, the Company issued 529,860 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") and paid commissions of $105,852 to certain finders. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The Offering remains subject to final acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring on April 16, 2024, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada.

Certain insiders of the Company purchased an aggregate of 55,556 NFT Units under the Private Placement, constituting, to that extent, a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities distributed in the Private Placement nor the consideration received for those securities, in so far as the Private Placement involves the directors and officers, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About Goldstorm Metals

Goldstorm Metals Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration company with a large strategic land position in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, an area that hosts some of the largest and highest-grade gold deposits in the world. Goldstorm's flagship projects Crown and Electrum cover an area that totals approximately 16,469 hectares over 6 concessions, of which 5 are contiguous. The Crown Project is situated directly south of Seabridge Gold's KSM gold-copper deposits and Newcrest Gold's Brucejack/Valley of the Kings gold mine. Electrum, also located in the Golden Triangle of BC, is situated directly between Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine, approximately 20 kilometers to the north, and the past producing Silbak Premier mine, 20 kilometers to the south.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

GOLDSTORM METALS CORP.

"Ken Konkin"

Ken Konkin

President and Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please visit the Company's website at https://goldstormmetals.com/ or contact:

Chris Curran

Head of Corporate Development and Communications

Phone: (604) 559 8092

E-Mail: chris.curran@goldstormmetals.com

or

Carsten Ringler

Head of Investor Relations and Communications

Phone: +49 151 55362000

E-Mail: carsten.ringler@goldstormmetals.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "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 expectations regarding the Company's use of the proceeds from the sale of the NFT Units and FT Units and expectations regarding the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals for the Offering. 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 connation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated and that the Company will receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, that the Company will not receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering, risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating metals prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual 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 expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

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/191316
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Aion Therapeutic Inc. (CSE: AION) ("Aion Therapeutic" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated October 23, 2023, it has completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Toppen Health Inc. ("Toppen"), a US-based innovative health and wellness company, dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art water filtration solutions (the "Acquisition").

The Acquisition was completed pursuant to a definitive share purchase agreement dated October 10, 2023 (the "Purchase Agreement") with Toppen and shareholders holding a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Toppen (the "Toppen Shares") and a separate share purchase agreement with the remaining Toppen shareholders, entered into on the closing of the Acquisition (the "Closing Purchase Agreement").

Information Concerning Toppen

Co-founded in 2019 by Owen Boyd, Bill Roche, and Al Dube, Sanford, Florida-based Toppen is a pioneering force in the field of water filtration, actively driving innovation within the industry with a commitment to delivering healthier water solutions. At the core of Toppen's mission lies the belief that every individual and community should have access to clean, safe, and healthier water and are dedicated to transforming this vision into reality.

Toppen's team has engineered a water filtration system that incorporates mechanical filtration, membrane filtration, adsorption, silver infection control, ion exchange, and chemical additions into a three-stage water purification solution designed to meet the needs of consumers, business, and industries worldwide. Toppen's flagship product, the UltraSafe series water filtration system with its proprietary MicronGuardTM, is a three-stage water filtration system that employs proprietary filters that deliver comprehensive and dependable water solutions for homes, offices, medical clinics, and industrial/agricultural facilities. The system is designed to eliminate an extensive range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, cysts, spores, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, and PFAS/PFOS/PFOA that has been independently certified verifying its capacity to remove 99.99% of PFAS from drinking water.

What truly sets Toppen apart is its system's ability to function efficiently in low-pressure environments, ensuring access to clean, safe, and healthier drinking water even in remote or underserved communities.

Toppen's 7,500 sq-ft manufacturing facility is based in Sanford, Florida, and Toppen currently has eight employees.

Toppen Dental Division

Toppen's dental division provides Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and individual dental practices across the United States with its innovative disinfection products and dental wastewater solutions, removing bacteria and viruses in a chemical-free manner from dental water lines, combatting water-born infection outbreaks.

Toppen Consumer Division

Toppen's consumer division provides innovative and affordable home water treatment solutions. Its UltraHome series water filtration system uses chemical-free, high capacity filters to produce high quality drinking water, while leaving healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium that are typically removed with reverse osmosis or like-minded treatment technologies. Toppen provides whole home (filtering the water as it comes into your home) as well as under-sink filtration options.

Toppen also produces a line of filters for hand-held water bottles perfect for individual use.

Toppen Commercial Division

Toppen's commercial division targets US-based municipalities looking for community filtration solutions, as well as home builders, condominium developers, and property managers requiring whole-home water filtration. The B2B division also concentrates on global opportunities where Toppen's products can ensure access to clean, safe, and healthier drinking water in remote or underserved communities.

Looking ahead, Toppen remains committed in its pursuit of next-generation water systems that not only purify water but also enhance hydration and cellular health, representing a significant advancement in the quest for improved well-being for individuals and communities alike.

Since its inception, Toppen has targeted its patented filtration solutions on the high-level water quality requirements in the US dental space, and is currently expanding the B2B offering into Canada. Toppen is also further developing its consumer-focused water filtration solutions (home filtration systems and other lifestyle-related solutions like filtered water bottles), targeting North American and global audiences, with an emphasis on markets in Asia.

Toppen is the assignee of a registered patent application (Pub. No. US 20190151045A1) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") for its device and system combination method for disinfecting and decontaminating water lines, for example, dental water lines in the absence of a primary chemical component. Furthermore, Toppen has submitted a provisional application with the USPTO for a patent relating to dental chair water bottle micro filters.

The Company intends to file a business acquisition report (the "BAR") with respect to the Acquisition in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company will also concurrently file a modified Form 2A - Listing Statement in accordance with the policies of the CSE, which shall include audited financial statements of Toppen for the year ended November 30, 2023 (the "Listing Statement").

Aion will not directly assume any of Toppen's debt in connection with the Acquisition. The following is a summary of certain financial information of Toppen for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, presented in US dollars. All information contained herein is unaudited and prepared on an unconsolidated basis.



Year Ended

November 30, 2022 Year Ended

November 30, 2023 Revenue $954,057 $420,033 Net Loss $145,459 $437,162 Total Assets $630,501 $537,524 Total Liabilities $640,805 $984,990

"Aion is driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to improving people's health and well-being. The addition of water solutions to our current intellectual property portfolio strengthens our wellness offering to both individuals and communities," said Graham Simmonds, CEO of Aion Therapeutic. "Accessible clean and healthier water solutions are critical to people across the globe, and we believe Toppen will allow us to quickly emerge in this market."

Toppen Management Team

Toppen's board of directors and management team following the completion of the Acquisition are expected to be comprised of Mr. Boyd, Mr. Roche, Mr. Dube, and Mr. Aluce, being Toppen's current board of directors and management team. The board of directors and management team of Aion was not altered as a result of the Acquisition.

Brief biographies of the individuals named above are provided below.

Owen Boyd (Co-founder, Director, President, Chief Executive Officer)

Mr. Boyd has been working on water filtration technology and product development for over 30 years, most notably with dental industry water solutions provider, Solmetex, which he co-founded with Mr. Dube in 1994.

He has been awarded and recognized with The Environmental Protection Agency's Innovation Technology Award, the Engineering News Record for Best Technology Award, and the National Academy of Engineering's Grainger Challenge Silver Award for advancements in water filtration technology.

Mr. Boyd spearheaded the development of Toppen's revolutionary MicronGuard technology and jointly holds the patent for the Toppen's Ultra Dental Filter with Bill Roche.

Bill Roche (Co-founder, Director, Chief Technology Officer)

Mr. Roche has over 30 years of experience innovating water filtration products. He spent almost 10 years as the VP of Operations for Argonide Corporation in Florida, another leader in the water filtration technology space, and his experience with plastic blow molding and injected plastic parts for water filtration has been pivotal in advancing Toppen's product designs.

He jointly holds the patent for Toppen's Ultra Dental Filter with Mr. Boyd.

Al Dube (Co-founder, Director, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary)

Like his colleagues, Mr. Dube also has a long history in water filtration, co-founding Solmetex with Mr. Boyd back in 1994, and is credited with creating the dental amalgam separator (a device designed to capture amalgam particles from dental office wastewater) industry in the US.

Greg Aluce (Director)

Greg Aluce is a strategic consultant covering the energy services, exploration, and production sectors. He was a senior level executive at Layne Christiansen, a $500B+ global leader in water management, construction, and drilling. He served as Layne Christiansen's President of Water Technology from 2001 to 2010, and as Division President, Executive VP, and Corporate Officer from 2010 to 2012.

The Acquisition

The purchase price for the Acquisition was CAD $10,000,000 (the "Purchase Consideration"), satisfied through the issuance of 200,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company, issued at a deemed price of $0.05 per share (the "Consideration Shares"). The Vendor's have agreed to allocate 45,000,000 Consideration Shares to an advisor of Toppen in connection with certain M&A services relating to the Acquisition. The Company may also be required to pay contingent consideration of US $2,000,000 (the "Earn-Out Payment") if Toppen achieves revenue equal to or greater than US $5,000,000 for the period from October 18, 2023 to April 30, 2025. Eligible revenue for the purposes of the earn-out calculation must exceed forty percent gross margins.

The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, covenants and conditions for a transaction of this nature. A copy of the Purchase Agreement was filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile and are available for viewing at www.sedarplus.ca. A copy of the Closing Purchase Agreement will also be filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile.

The Consideration Shares are subject to a statutory resale restriction of four months and a day from the date of issuance and such further restrictions as may be apply under foreign securities laws. In addition, the Consideration Shares are subject to an escrow period of three years pursuant to the requirements of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"), with the first release of 10% of the Consideration Shares to take place ten days following the filing of the Company's BAR and Listing Statement, and the balance of the consideration shares in equal tranches of 15% every six months following the initial release date.

The halt in trading of the Company's securities is expected to be lifted at market open on Monday, December 18, 2023.

All information contained in this news release relating to Toppen was provided by Toppen to the Company for inclusion herein. The Company has not independently verified such information and shall bear no liability for any misrepresentation contained therein.

About Toppen Health Inc.

Toppen is a US-based innovative health and wellness company, dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art water filtration solutions. With a focus on innovation, affordability, and sustainability, Toppen's water filtration solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers, businesses, and industries around the world when it comes to accessing clean and safe water.

About Aion Therapeutic Inc.

Aion Therapeutic is a forward-thinking business within the health and wellness sector with a diverse portfolio of intellectual property. With a commitment to innovation and transformative solutions, the Company is poised to drive positive change to redefine the boundaries of health and wellness.

For further information, please contact:

Aion Therapeutic Inc.

Graham Simmonds

Executive Vice Chair & CEO

(416) 843-2881

DISCLAIMER & READER ADVISORY

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Expressions such as "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "estimates", "could", "intends", "may", "plans", "predicts", "projects", "will", "would" and other similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, are generally indicative of forward-looking information. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: Toppen's business, business goals and management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business, the Acquisition, including the benefits and terms of the Acquisition, receipt of all regulatory and other third party approvals required pursuant to the Acquisition and the filing of a Listing Statement and BAR with respect to the Acquisition; Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, such as, without limitation, the risk that the parties will be unable to receive, in a timely manner, the necessary, regulatory and other third party approvals, the failure of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Acquisition and other risks related to the completion of the Acquisition and the inability of a party to perform its obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

In addition, the forward- looking information contained in this release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as it is inherently uncertain, and no assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in such information will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances.

The securities of the Company have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This release is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191318
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Lotus Ventures Inc. (CSE: J) (OTC Pink: LTTSF) ("Lotus" or the "Company") a BC based licensed cannabis producer and owner of the Lotus Cannabis Co. brand, announces the launch of its next collaborative strain launch, the "Joker Juice," now available in BC. With its pungent blend of terpenes and enjoyable potency, the Joker Juice provides a smooth experience for consumers looking for rare BC-grown cannabis.

The Joker Juice is currently offered in two dried flower SKUs in BC:

Joker Juice 2 Gram (Available at select BC retailers via direct delivery)

Joker Juice 7 Gram

The Joker Juice was also approved for the OCS Flow Through program and is expected to be sold in Ontario around springtime.

The Joker Juice is our new collaborative strain launch with the BC Weed Co., a passionate group of cannabis enthusiasts with deep roots in BC. This strain, known for its distinctive aroma, well-balanced effects, and visually striking appearance brings together a roster of champions. Jealousy, Ice Cream Cake, and Grape Gas are all found in its lineage. The dense, dark purple and green buds have a sweet candy grape note that first greets the palate and follows through with spice and fuel to finish. Retailers and consumers can expect the initial LOT of the Joker Juice to be 24.5% THC and 2.4% in terpenes with myrcene, ocimene and linalool leading.





Figure 1 & 2: The Joker Juice Flower



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6426/191317_lotusventuresfig.jpg

The Lotus team would like to thank all the retailers and consumers that have already purchased the Joker Juice. Between the Joker Juice and the Keylime Kush, Lotus grown flower is currently sold in approximately 185 retail locations or 47% of cannabis stores in BC.

Debt Reduction - The Company continues to operate with limited working capital. To reduce the working capital deficit, the Company has negotiated a reduction of approximately $628K of its debt by issuing 25,141,640 shares at $0.025 per share with warrants at $0.05 per share expiring December 5, 2028.

ON BEHALF OF LOTUS VENTURES INC:

Lotus Ventures Inc.

"Dale McClanaghan"

Dale McClanaghan, President and CEO

About Lotus Ventures Inc.

Lotus Ventures Inc. is a BC based, award-winning licensed cannabis producer and owner of the Lotus Cannabis Co. consumer brand. Lotus grows exclusive and rare strains like the Joker Juice and Keylime Kush which is carried in over 300 retail locations across BC and Ontario.

Lotus Ventures Inc. is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: J) and on the OTC Markets (OTC Pink: LTTSF).

For More Information:

President & CEO

Dale McClanaghan

dalemcclanaghan@gmail.com

(604) 644-9844

Investor Relations

Daniel McRobert

investors@lotuscannabis.ca

(604) 842-4625

To learn more, visit lotuscannabis.ca and follow the Lotus Cannabis Co. brand on social.

Instagram: @lotuscannabisco

Twitter: @lotuscannabisco

LinkedIn: @lotuscannabisco

Facebook: @lotuscanna

Forward-Looking Information:

This document includes certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts but are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning our expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, our future operating results, our expectations regarding the market for medical and recreational cannabis products, our expectations regarding the continued growth of the medical and recreational cannabis market, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions, or beliefs about future events. Users are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that a number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties have not been documented or mentioned in this document nor other communications made by the company. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "targets," "optimistic," "intend," "aim," "will" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191317
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Palamina Corp.'s (TSXV: PA) (OTCQB: PLMNF) has granted 1,585,000 incentive stock options to certain officers, directors, advisors and consultants of the Company under its Stock Option Plan. All options are exercisable at $0.15 per common share. The options granted to officers and directors and advisors expire on December 15, 2028 and the options granted to the consultants expire on December 15, 2025.

About Palamina Corp.

Palamina has participation in eight gold projects in south-eastern Peru hosted within the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt. Palamina is advancing the Usicayos gold project through the drill discovery phase. The Company also has rights to the Galena silver-copper project in the Santa Lucia district. Palamina holds an 15.4% equity interest on a fully diluted basis in Winshear Gold Corp. who are advancing the Gaban Gold Project to the drill discovery phase.

Palamina has 71,284,836 shares outstanding and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PA and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol PLMNF.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors:

Andrew Thomson, President

Phone: (416) 204-7536 or visit www.palamina.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191324
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Atacama Copper Corporation (TSXV: ACOP) ("Atacama Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated October 26, 2023, it has entered into a business combination agreement dated December 15, 2023 (the "Business Combination Agreement") with TCP1 Corporation ("TCP1") and 1000723052 Ontario Corporation ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of TCP1 in exchange for common shares of the Company which will result in the reverse takeover of the Company by TCP1 (the "Proposed Transaction"). The Company upon completion of the Proposed Transaction (referred to herein as the "Resulting Issuer") is expected to continue trading on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") as a tier 1 mining issuer under its current symbol "ACOP". Unless stated otherwise, all amounts referred to herein are in Canadian dollars.

Terms of the Proposed Transaction

Under the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, the Proposed Transaction will be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the laws of Ontario, whereby Subco and TCP1 will amalgamate, and the resulting amalgamated entity will continue as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, the Company will consolidate its share capital on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for each six (6) pre-consolidation common shares (the "Consolidation") and the holders of the issued and outstanding common shares of TCP1 ("TCP1 Shares") will receive 64.815 post-Consolidation common shares of Atacama Copper ("Resulting Issuer Shares") for each one (1) TCP1 Share held (the "Exchange Ratio"). An aggregate of approximately 41.7 million Resulting Issuer Shares will be issued to TCP1 shareholders, which includes shares that will be issued in connection with the exercise of certain TCP1 options. All other remaining options that may be outstanding at the time of completing the Proposed Transaction shall be exchanged in accordance with the Exchange Ratio for similar securities to purchase Resulting Issuer Shares on substantially the same terms and conditions.

Following completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will continue to hold Atacama Copper's Placeton/Caballo Muerto copper project in Chile and it will hold all of TCP1's assets. TCP1's portfolio includes the Cristina Project located in Chihuahua State, Mexico and the Yecora Project, located in Sonora State, Mexico, as more particularly described in the Company's press releases dated October 30, 2023.

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, completion of the Concurrent Financing (as defined below), the approval of the shareholders of the Company and TCP1, approvals of all regulatory bodies having jurisdiction in connection with the Proposed Transaction and approval of the TSXV for the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares issuable in connection with the Proposed Transaction and other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

In connection with the completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Company anticipates issuing up to 216,049 Resulting Issuer Shares to certain directors and officers of Atacama Copper in satisfaction of accrued and unpaid salaries and it anticipates issuing up to 1,157,408 Resulting Issuer Shares to arm's length parties in satisfaction of financial advisory services provided to the Company.

Concurrent Financing

Prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction, Atacama Copper shall complete the previously announced private placement of subscription receipts at a price of $0.18 per subscription receipt for minimum net proceeds of CAD$10,000,000 (the "Concurrent Financing") pursuant to an agreement with Cormark Securities Inc. and Stifel Canada as co-lead agents (the "Agents"). Each subscription receipt will convert into one pre-Consolidation common share of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction. The Agents are entitled to a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing (3.0% of the gross proceeds from purchasers on the President's List). The Agents are entitled to compensation warrants equal to 6.0% of the aggregate number of subscription receipts sold under the Concurrent Financing (3.0% of the aggregate number of subscription receipts sold to purchasers on the President's List). Each Agents' compensation warrant will entitle the holder to acquire a Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $0.18 (prior to giving effect to the Consolidation) for a period of 24 months following the completion of the Proposed Transaction. The net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be used to advance exploration programs across the combined portfolio, with particular focus on Cristina and Yecora, and for general corporate purposes.

The securities to be offered in the Concurrent Financing have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Principal Securityholders of the Resulting Issuer

Following closing of the Proposed Transaction, it is expected that, other than as set out below, no person or company will own of record or beneficially, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over more than 10% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer Shares after giving effect to the Proposed Transaction:





Name

Number of Resulting Issuer Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed Percentage of Resulting Issuer Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed (on a fully-diluted basis) Trinity Capital Partners Corporation (1) 18,078,537 29.8% Firelight Holdings Ltd. (2) 7,145,374 11.1%

Notes

(1) Trinity Capital Partners Corporation is incorporated under the laws of the province of Ontario and is controlled by John Graham, Doug Bell, and Ron D'Ambrosio (all of whom are resident in the Province of Ontario).

(2) Firelight Holdings Ltd. is incorporated under the laws of the province of Ontario and is controlled by Pierre Lassonde (who is a resident in the Province of Ontario).

Proposed Directors and Senior Management Team

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the following individuals will comprise the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer:

Tim Warman - President, Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Director

Mr. Warman is a mining executive and geologist with more than 30 years of experience ranging from early-stage exploration to production. He has held senior leadership roles and board positions with some of the industry's most successful companies including Fiore Gold, Continental Gold, Dalradian Resources and Aurelian Resources. Earlier in his career he held senior positions in mining and exploration companies in the Americas, Africa and Europe.

Mr. Warman is a graduate of the University of Manitoba (MSc) and McMaster University (BSc) and is a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.

Charlie Ronkos - EVP Exploration

Mr. Ronkos has 45 years of exploration experience mainly in the United States, Canada and Latin America. For more than 25 years he held executive positions with Goldcorp and Glamis Gold. As Vice President Exploration, he was associated with the discovery of over 40 million ounces of gold and 1.3 billion ounces of silver.

Mr. Ronkos is a graduate of Mackay School of Mines University of Nevada, Reno (MSc) and Wittenberg University (BA) and is a QP member of the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America.

Scott Hicks - Director

Mr. Hicks currently serves as Director of the Board and EVP Corporate Development of Strategic Resources Inc. and as VP Corporate Development and Communications of Lumina Gold Corp. Over the last 15 years he has worked on a variety of equity, debt and advisory assignments while working in Canada and Australia. He is a former investment banker working with RBC Capital Markets and BMO Capital Markets on their respective mining teams. He also served as VP Corporate Development of Anfield Gold Corp., which was merged to form Equinox Gold Corp and VP Corporate Development of Luminex Resources Corp., which is being acquired by Adventus Mining Corp. (Jan 2024 closing).

Mr. Hicks holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from the University of British Columbia.

Shannon McCrae - Director

Ms. McCrae is a professional geologist and executive who brings over 25 years of experience in the resource industry. Her experience ranges from early-stage exploration to mine sites across multiple commodities, driving economic discoveries and delivering innovation.

She has recently been involved in mining and exploration through her company, Athena Geoscience and is a Board member of Boart Longyear. She was Director of Exploration and Growth for Barrick Gold, a global role operating as a member of the senior management team until 2019. Her experience also includes senior roles with De Beers Canada and as Vice President of Business Development with Novamera.

She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Geology (BSc) from Western University and is a registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in Ontario.

Colinda Parent - Director

Ms. Parent is an investment banking specialist focused on the mining sector with extensive experience valuing and selling mining royalties and raising capital for junior mining companies through flow through shares, common shares and strategic partnerships with other mining companies. Transactions include advising Newmont Mining on the sale of 54 royalties to Maverix Metals, advising Maverix Metals on a purchase of royalties from Goldfields Exploration, advising B2Gold on the sale of a Lynn Lake royalty and advising Elliott Management on the creation of a royalty company. In 2019, she formed Mine Equities Ltd., an EMD focused on raising money for the junior mining sector. Mine Equities has participated in over 75 junior mining financings since inception, that raised over $120M.

The Corporation intends to appoint a Chief Financial Officer prior to closing the Proposed Transaction and further details regarding such appointment will be provided in a press release at a later date.

Summary of Select Financial Information

A summary of certain financial information for TCP1, disclosed in accordance with TSXV policies, is included in the tables below:

TCP1 Corporation Year ended December 31, 2022 (unaudited) Nine Month Period ended September 30, 2023 (unaudited)

$ $





Revenue Nil Nil Expenses



General and administrative $220,374 $396,178 Stock-based compensation $832,614 $600,183 Loss from operations $4,610,649 $1,452,015 Balance Sheet



Cash $2,052,363 $1,337,480 Total assets $3,993,103 $3,292,545 Total liabilities $1,247,287 $1,398,561 Total equity $2,745,816 $1,893,984

Further Information

A filing statement will be prepared and filed in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, acceptance of TSXV and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of TSXV, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Atacama intends to apply to the TSXV for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements for the Proposed Transaction based upon the Concurrent Financing and/or other exemptions available in the TSXV policies. There is no assurance that an exemption from this requirement will be obtained.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

About Atacama Copper Corporation

Atacama Copper is a resource company focusing on acquiring, exploring, and developing base and precious metals properties in the Americas. It is committed to advancing the exploration and development of its Placeton/Caballo Muerto copper project in Chile while looking to increase its asset portfolio through the acquisition and development of other high-value exploration, development, and production opportunities. Atacama's Placeton/Caballo Muerto project hosts several porphyry copper targets situated between the giant Relincho and El Morro/La Fortuna copper-gold deposits of the Nueva Union joint venture between Teck and Newmont Mining.

Additional Information - Please Contact

For more information, please contact:

Tim Warman

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Atacama Copper Corporation

Email: info@atacamacopper.ca

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the successful completion of the Proposed Transaction (including with respect to the success of the Concurrent Financing); the Resulting Issuer's mineral properties; and the business and operations of the Resulting Issuer after the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: failure to satisfy or waive all applicable conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction (including receipt of all necessary shareholder, stock exchange and regulatory approvals or consents, and the absence of material changes with respect to the parties and their respective businesses); the synergies expected from the Proposed Transaction not being realized; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to Chilean Peso exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding);inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Atacama Copper disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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 news release.

Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191322
On Tuesday and Thursday this week Air Traffic Controllers in Iceland had a strike causing significant disruptions to Icelandair's flight schedule. Further strikes have been announced at Keflavik Airport on Monday and Wednesday next week. Thus, the labor actions will continue to cause significant disruptions to Icelandair's flight schedule and seriously impact people's travel plans. This week 13,000 Icelandair passengers were affected by the labor actions and next week Icelandair estimates that 23,000 passengers will be affected. Although Icelandair will make reasonable efforts to get all passengers to their intended destination, before and during the holidays it is becoming more likely that this will not be possible due to heavy traffic at this time of the year.

The strike each day takes place between 4am and 10am which is the time period when most Icelandair's flights from North America arrive at Keflavik Airport and most of Icelandair's flights to Europe depart. The timing of the actions is selected by the Icelandic Air Traffic Controller Association to cause damage to the Icelandic airlines while other international carriers that fly to and from Keflavik Airport are not as affected.

Icelandair's top priority is to use all reasonable efforts to ensure smooth and enjoyable travel experience of its passengers. At the same time, Icelandair estimates the cost of the labor actions this week to be significant. Due to the increased number of passengers next week in relation to the holiday season, further labor actions will lead to more significant disruptions with much greater negative financial effects for the company than during this week. Based on current assumptions the total cost of the labor actions could be around USD 5-7 million if a resolution will not be reached as soon as possible. Icelandair will pursue all efforts to seek full compensation from Isavia due to the financial effects of the strikes.

Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO of Icelandair:

"We are facing a very serious situation and it is urgent that a resolution will be reached. Iceland is particularly vulnerable to such labor actions as an island nation that depends solely on flight connections for travel to and from the country. The actions have already caused negative financial impact that will increase significantly as we get closer to the holiday season. The largest impact is on those who deserve it the least - people who are traveling to meet their families and friends at this important time of the year. We will of course do all that we can to get people to their destinations before the holidays, but we are not certain that it will be possible during this heavy traveling period. It is therefore crucial that a resolution will be found as soon as possible."

Contact Information



Investors: Iris Hulda Thorisdottir, Director Investor Relations. E-mail: iris@icelandair.is

Media: Asdis Petursdottir, Director Communications. E-mail: asdis@icelandair.is
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 Khers 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.

Petitioners 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.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan have been married for over 16 years but over the past few weeks, there were multiple reports and rumours about their separation. A report by Times Now says the actress has moved out of the Bachchan home.

A source told the publication, It is for their child that Abhishek and Aishwarya are still together. They have been having problems for years. Now matters have come to a head. The report added a divorce between the couple is unlikely to happen in near future.

Amid this, an interview of the actress has gone viral when she awarded the Padma Shri back in 2009 and while talking about the honour, she spoke about her family and Abhisheks support.

She said, Professionally what was wonderful was being bestowed with the Padma Shri. People from the fraternity said you are the youngest from the industry to have received it thus far. I owe it to my parents and I devote it to them. It was very special when my in-laws said we welcome the fifth Padma Shri into the family.

She added, I am blessed with the best husband in the world because it reflects on his strength that he can stand by his woman on a public platform at every given opportunity and applaud her.

hey are one of the most loved and adored couple in the industry but over the last few months, there have been multiple instances when people have observed troubles in their marriage.

When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan cropped Shweta Bachchan

The occasion was Amitabh Bachchans 80th birthday bash. Shweta Bachchan took to her official Instagram handle and posted a photo where Amitabh Bachchan can be seen accompanied by his better half, Jaya Bachchan, and grandchildren, Aaradhya Bachchan, Navya Naveli Nandaand Agastya Nanda.

Abhishek Bachchan sans his wedding ring

At a recent event, when the Refugee actor was spotted sans his wedding ring, a user on Reddit wrote how he has been attending public events and being clicked without his ring for quite some time.

Big Bs cryptic tweet
Vietnamese Buddhism nun Thich Tam Tri prays in front of an altar for Vietnamese who died in Japan at Nisshinkutsu Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan, March 13, 2019. Photo by Reuters/Issei Kato

Thich Tam Tri, head monk of the Dai An Pagoda in Japan's Saitama, provided shelter for thousands of Vietnamese during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The youngest of nine siblings in a family in Gia Lai Province, Thich Tam Tri, real name Nguyen Thi Du, became a Buddhist at the Buu Tinh Pagoda when she was seven.

She moved to HCMC and studied eastern philosophy at the HCMC University of Foreign Languages - Information Technology.

Her fate became intertwined with Japans when she met monk Daichi in 1998. Daichi first taught her about Japanese Buddhism, and she later learned about it herself, and fell in love with the country.

In 2001 she began to study in Japan, and obtained a masters degree in Indian philosophy at the Taisho University.

In 2011, while undergoing training at the Nisshinkutsu Pagoda in Tokyo, where Daichi was based, the earthquake and tsunami disaster shook Japan to its core. It caused several Vietnamese students and apprentices to lose their homes and left them with no place to go.

Many called the embassy to ask for help, but it had no place to shelter them, and they turned to Thich Tam Tri instead. Daichi agreed to shelter as many people as possible.

Tam Tri took in 84 people.

She recalls the first day: "We only had around two kilograms of rice and some frozen rice. We defrosted it and made a big pot of porridge for everyone."

Then she called on the community for help, and a flood of noodles and other items arrived within two days, enabling those taking shelter at the pagoda to get through a month.

In 2013, when the Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Japan was formed, she became its figurehead and opened four facilities around Tokyo to receive Vietnamese coming to light incense.

In 2018 she was invited to become the head monk of the Honjo Pagoda in Saitama.

The pagoda has since become a refuge for many Vietnamese in difficult circumstances and a place to organize funerals for people losing their lives in Japan.

In July 2019 Tam Tri was among four Vietnamese commended by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for bolstering Japans diplomatic relations and Vietnam-Japan ties.

In early 2020 the pandemic came to Japan, causing long lockdowns and rendering thousands of Vietnamese jobless, in debt and unable to return home.

Tam Tri and other organizations helped them by providing them food and medicines, organizing funerals for the deceased and setting up community homes for those in difficult circumstances.

"When Japan was trying its best to fight the pandemic, there were always 60-70 people sleeping at the Dai An Pagoda every night," she says.

"Those taking refuge at the pagoda and its three housing areas were not infected; that was a big miracle."

Tam Tri's actions were admired in Japanese society, and many people sent rice, cash and other essential items to the pagoda.

"The pagoda has received 50 tons of rice and 600 mails about sharing, of appreciation. There were also mails expressing apologies."

Over the two years of the pandemic Tam Tri helped provide 218 tons of rice, 9,000 cartons of noodles and thousands of tons of other items. The money donated by Japanese was used for the over 2,000 Vietnamese taking refuge at the pagoda and waiting to return home.

Of the thousands of people she helped, there were some she cannot forget, like Nguyen Thi Nhung, an apprentice.

When the number of Covid infections and deaths rose in Japan, Nhung lost her job and was left without an income or home. She could not return to Vietnam either and contacted Tam Tri for help, asking to stay at the pagoda while waiting for a repatriation flight.

But before she could arrive, she was involved in a road accident and died after two days in hospital.

After her funeral, Tam Tri took Nhung's ashes back to the pagoda. When she checked her belongings to file the paperwork, she discovered two notes with handwritten Buddhist sutras.

In the last pages, Nhung had written her prayers, wishing her two young children back in Vietnam would stay safe amid the pandemic.

"As I turned the pages, the tears just kept falling," Tam Tri says, her voice breaking.

"We all thought that if we had brought Nhung sooner to the pagoda, these things would not have happened.

"Throughout the two years of the pandemic, Nhung's story became something of a regret, so we always tell ourselves not to leave behind anyone in need of help."

On June 5, 2020, the first repatriation flight to take Vietnamese home from Japan landed. There were also six urns with ashes on the flight home, Nhung's among them.

Tam Tri continued to pursue her cause, helping Vietnamese and the community in general, and teaching Buddhism at universities. After the second Dai An Pagoda opened in Tochigi in 2021, she is now pushing for the construction of a third in Tokyo.

She was honored with a certificate for social contribution by Akie Abe, the wife of assassinated Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for her contributions to Japanese society.

In a meeting held in March 2022 Phung Khanh Hung, vice chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, hailed Tam Tri and the Vietnamese Buddhist Association's activities in Japan as fostering solidarity between Vietnamese living in their motherland and elsewhere.
Style, Xcuse Me, and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani actor Darshan Jariwala has been accused by a female journalist of impregnating her and disowning her. The lady in question, whose identity has been kept anonymous, has alleged the two had a Gandharv Vivaah and he later disowned her.

She has approached CINTAA (Cine And TV Artistes Association) and requested them to drop Jariwala from the Vice President position. The actor has also presented his side of the story and an update on the matter is pending.

A source revealed, Its clear that the matter does not fall in CINTAAs purview. Since the image of CINTAA and his personal reputation is getting affected, he is taking prompt legal action on all fronts.

Darshan Jariwala is also known for films like Gandhi My Father, Halla Bol, Phata Poster Nikhla Hero, Bad Boy, Ajab Gazab Love, FALTU, Kahaani, and Life Partner.
A city court on Monday directed Bollywood actress Zareen Khan not to travel abroad without its permission in connection with a cheating case registered at Narkeldanga police station here.

After hearing Khans counsel, the Sealdah court granted her interim bail till December 26 on a personal bond of Rs 30,000 and barred her from leaving the country without obtaining prior permission from Kolkata Police.

Zareen Khan, who came to Kolkata from Mumbai, was also directed by the court to appear before it at every hearing.

The case dates back to 2018 when the actress allegedly took an advance of around Rs 12 lakh to perform at a Durga Puja function here. She, however, did not turn up following which the organisers lodged a complaint against her and her manager at Narkeldanga police station.

In September, the court issued an arrest warrant against Zareen Khan in connection with the case.

What happened?

Khan faced an arrest warrant from the Kolkata court in connection with an alleged cheating case dating back to 2018.

The charge sheet against the actress before the Sealdah court in Kolkata had been submitted by the investigating officer. However, the actress neither appeared before the court nor appealed for bail. The court issued an arrest warrant due to continue to her repeated absence for the hearing.

When asked about the arrest warrant, the actress said that she had no idea about it and told India Today, Im sure there is no truth to this. Im surprised too and am checking with my lawyer. Only then will I be able to give you some clarity. In the meantime, you can speak to my PR.

In 2018, Zareen Khan was scheduled to perform during a Durga Puja function in Kolkata. While organisers waited for her arrival, she didnt turn up. According to police, one of the organisers filed a complaint against the actress and her manager and an FIR was registered against both of them and were asked to appear for questioning.

The actress didnt show up for questioning and claimed that she was misguided that it was a big event and would be attended by many influential personalities including the chief minister of West Bengal. However, later her team found that it was a small event and there was miscommunication regarding traveling and accommodation after which, she skipped the event.

Police sources also said that Zareen also filed a complaint against the organisers in the local court. A chargesheet was filed against the actress and her manager after the investigation. While the manager appeared for questioning and sought his bait, Khan neither appeared for hearing nor asked for bail.

With inputs from agencies
Britains Prince Harry has won a phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). A British judge ruled in his favour in 15 of the the 33 sample articles he submitted in the case and ruled there was evidence of widespread and habitual use of phone hacking at the Mirror newspapers.

The landmark verdict on Friday (15 December) was hailed by Prince Harry as a great day for truth and accountability. The High Court in London has awarded 140,600 (approximately Rs 1.4 crore) in damages to Prince Harry. The judgement holds significance for the Mirror newspapers  the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People  which have already spent an estimated 100m on damages and legal costs over previous hacking cases.

What is phone hacking and what is Prince Harrys case? Lets take a closer look.

Whats phone hacking?

Britains tabloid press has been notorious for deploying illegal methods such as phone hacking to get scoops.

Before the digital era, the highly competitive tabloid press in the United Kingdom went to great lengths to get information, including by using stealthy methods.

One method was phone hacking  calling someones number and punching in 0000 or another default PIN number in the hope that would give access to their voice messages. Often, it did.

The targets of the hacking included a wide range of celebrities, the royal family, politicians, athletes, friends and family of famous people, and even ordinary people who made headlines.

Londons High Court Judge Timothy Fancourt ruled that phone hacking was habitual at Mirror newspapers dating as far back as 1998, and went on until at least 2011.

What is Prince Harrys case?

King Charles younger son was amongst nearly 100 claimants, including sportspersons and actors, who had sued Mirror Group Newspapers over allegations of phone hacking and other illegal means for gathering information between 1991 and 2011.

One of the headlines of articles on which Prince Harry won his claims read: Harry is a Chelsy fan. The story is about his relationship with Zimbabwean businesswoman Chelsy Davy. He also won his claim over the article Harrys date with Gladiators star, which was about him meeting TV presenter Caroline Flack, reported BBC.

During the questioning about his claims against the groups newspapers in June, Prince Harry had blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for his breakup with Davy. He had told the court that the consistent breach of his privacy had affected his relationships and he had faced intrusion and hate.

For my whole life, the press has misled me and covered up the wrongdoing, he said.

However, the Mirror Groups lawyers had dismissed his allegations as wildly overstated.

In his ruling, Justice Fancourt stated that Prince Harry was a victim of phone hacking to a modest extent and was subjected to other underhanded ways of gathering information.

Lauding the verdict, Prince Harry said in a statement, This case is not just about hacking  it is about a systemic practice of unlawful and appalling behaviour, followed by cover ups and destruction of evidence, the shocking scale of which can only be revealed through these proceedings.

Ive been told that slaying dragons will get you burned. But in light of todays victory and the importance of doing what is needed for a free and honest press  its a worthwhile price to pay, BBC quoted his statement as saying.

He also called on the UK authorities to investigate bringing charges against the company and those who have broken the law.

The Metropolitan Police said it would carefully consider the civil judgment handed down today (15 December) at the High Court. There is no ongoing investigation, reported BBC.

This is just one of the four cases Prince Harry is pursuing at the High Court. His legal battle also involves other newspaper groups, such as Associated Newspapers and News Group Newspapers.

What does the judgement mean for MGN?

In a partial win for Mirror Group Newspapers, the judge ruled against two of Harrys co-claimants on the grounds that they had waited too long to take legal action.

Mirror Groups parent company, Reach PLC, said Friday that the judgment was expected to reduce the number of live claims, and substantially limit and bar all or most future claims for historical wrongdoing.

The ruling could have severe ramifications for Sly Bailey, former chief executive of the Mirror Groups parent company, and the firms ex-legal director, Paul Vickers. The judge said they both knew about the hacking and covered it up.

It also piles pressure on broadcaster Piers Morgan, a former Daily Mirror editor who has always denied that he knew about phone hacking at the paper. The judge said there was compelling evidence that editors of all the Mirror newspapers knew phone hacking was being used extensively and habitually.

Ive never hacked a phone or told anybody else to hack a phone, Morgan reiterated after Fridays verdict.

With inputs from Associated Press
Its been a shocker of a week for India. The winter session in Parliament has been rocky. But it was the security breach at the Lok Sabha that left the country jolted. Two conspirators intruded the chambers of the Lower House and two others created a ruckus outside. But how did this happen at one of Indias most guarded buildings? We have been tracking the story closely.

The other sensational khabar was about a large cash haul undercovered in a tax raid on Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu  a whopping Rs 351 crore. It was raining money and how. The Congress was left red-faced, distancing themselves from the neta.

The grand old party has problems aplenty and the BJP is trying something new. The saffron partys pick for chief ministers in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan has come as a surprise. But if insiders are to be believed, it is looking at the bigger picture  the 2024 general elections.

All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from India.

1. Lets start with the biggest story of the week. The Parliament security breach. On the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack, MPs had a big security scare. A man jumped from the visitors gallery and ran into the Lok Sabha chamber; another remained there. They deployed canisters spewing yellow smoke. After much commotion, they were overpowered by MPs. Two others  a man and a woman  were arrested from outside the Parliament with similar smoke canisters.

Six people were involved in the plot hatched over 11 months. Who are they and what was their motive? And what was their connection to Bhagat Singh? We answer all the questions in our explainers and also look back at history.

2. India had yet another security scare earlier in the week  at the Hindon airbase in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad. Locals raised an alarm after finding a four-foot tunnel under the boundary wall at the Western Air Commands main base. The matter is being investigated on high priority. We tell you all about it.

3. As we prepare to usher in 2024, so is the BJP. They have big plans for the coming year when general elections will be held in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking to win a third term. The recently concluded Assembly elections were considered the semi-finals before 2024s test. The party performed well, winning the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

In a surprise move, the BJP picked new faces over veterans. In Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav was named CM. But why was Shivraj Singh Chouhan replaced?

In Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma was the partys choice for the top job with two deputies Diya Kumari, from the erstwhile Jaipur royal family, and Prem Chand Bairwa. Here are stories about the rise of the princess and her boss, a first-time MLA.

4. Corruption is rampant in politics. And some netas only reinforce the belief. The latest example comes from Jharkhand. During searches by income tax officials, which went on for days, more than Rs 351 crore was recovered from Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu. They are calling it the largest cash haul in India. We bring you the inside story.

5. It was an important week for Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the abrogation of Article 370, upholding the Centres move in 2019. We take a look at the verdict and its key takeaways. And how J&K has changed in the last few years.

6. Menstrual leave is up for debate once again. Union Minister Smriti Irani has opposed the idea of paid period leave for women employees, saying menstruation is not a handicap.

The government is not considering making paid menstrual leave across workplaces a requirement, she told Lok Sabha. There might be no law yet but a few companies in India like Swiggy, Zomato, and Byjus allow it.

But is period leave a necessity and which countries permit it? We explain.

Hope you enjoy our recommendations and come back for more. And if you want some light reading, dont miss our piece on why you must not wash your chicken before you cook.

Have a good weekend.
A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8, official sources said on Saturday. The sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned a positive result in an RT-PCR test on November 18, they said, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had recovered from COVID-19.

More than 90 per cent of the COVID-19 cases in India at present are mild and they are in home isolation, the sources said.

Earlier, an Indian traveller was also detected with JN.1 sub-variant in Singapore. The person was a native of Tamil Nadus Tiruchirapalli district and had travelled to Singapore on October 25.

No increase in cases was observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other places in Tamil Nadu following the strain being detected in them. No other case of JN.1 variant has been detected in India, the source said.

The JN.1 sub-variant  first identified in Luxembourg and since spreading to several countries  is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86). It contains a significant number of unique mutations, particularly in the spike protein, that may contribute to increased infectivity and immune evasion, a source explained.

However, initial data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments will still offer protection against JN.1 sub-strain, the source stated.

This sub-variants resemblance to earlier sub-strains with distinct spike proteins is also noteworthy. Most of the changes in JN.1 sub-variant are found in the spike protein, which likely correlates to increases in infectivity and immune evasion.

Globally, 3,608 cases of BA.2.86 and its sub-variants have been reported mostly from Europe and North America.

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, said initial data suggest that updated COVID-19 vaccines will help protect against JN.1 sub-strain. It also said an analysis from the federal governments SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group suggests treatments and testing will remain effective, they said.
The alleged mastermind behind the Parliament security breach Lalit Jha  and his co-accused wanted to create anarchy in the country to force the government to meet their demands, the Delhi Police told a court on Friday.

According to sources, the police will seek Parliamentary approval to recreate the incident that took place on the anniversary of the 2001 attack.

Five people have been arrested so far for the major security breach in Parliament involving smoke bombs and protests. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D were arrested from inside the Lok Sabha chamber, while Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde were detained outside the Parliament building.

The Delhi Police told the Patiala House Court that Jha admitted that he met with the other accused in the case several times to plan the Parliament security breach. Jha, who is from Bihar, used to work as a teacher in Kolkata and was sent to seven-day police custody on Friday.

Jha will also be interrogated to determine if the accused had any links with an enemy country or terrorist organisation. He will be taken to Rajasthan to retrace his steps as he fled to the state soon after the security breach. Jha, according to the police, threw his phone and burnt the phones of others involved in the breach.

After the incident, he fled to Rajasthan where he stayed for two days and returned to Delhi last night, a Delhi Police officer said.

According to sources, Jha fled to Rajasthans Nagaur after the incident. Kailash and Mahesh Kumawat, who are cousins, arranged his stay there, they added. The two are yet to be arrested.

We are planning to approach Parliament to seek permission for recreating the crime scene inside the House and outside the Parliament building. Lalit Jha, who was arrested on Thursday, revealed during the interrogation that he had thrown his phone near the Delhi-Jaipur border and destroyed the phones of the other accused, the police officer added.

Jha has claimed unemployment as a motive behind the security breach, however, the police suspect a larger conspiracy, triggered by potential foreign funding.

The police are also on the lookout for the footwear designer who crafted the shoes that concealed the smoke canisters used by the accused inside the Parliament building.

Parliaments CCTV footage is currently undergoing pixel-by-pixel scrutiny while mobile phone data around the scene is being collected for leads in the probe. The police also suspect a Plan B in place had the main plan failed.

Jha disclosed that they wanted to create anarchy in the country so that they could compel the government to meet their demands. He took the phones (of other accused) to hide them and to destroy evidence as part of the larger conspiracy. He disclosed that he threw his phone away on his way from Jaipur to Delhi, the police told Patiala House court.
Vivek Sood, a senior advocate at the Supreme Court, has authored eight books. His previous book, Chaff & Grain: Guilt, Innocence and the Dilemmas of Justice, delves into important issues related to the criminal justice system. And now, he has come up with a new book titled Hindutva As A Way of Life: Verdicts & Voices. In an interview with this writer, he talks about his latest book, in which he deep dives into the meaning of Hinduism and Hindutva from the voices and verdicts of the Supreme Court of India. Excerpts:

This is your 8th book in about 25 years as a senior counsel. What motivated you to write this book on such a novel subject? Please tell us about this book.

First of all, I found the subject to be fascinating. Many books have been written on Hinduism and Hindutva, but the subjects and the chapters which I have chosen are very different. I wanted to explore the meaning of Hindutva and Hinduism from the lens of the Supreme Court of India and the Prime Minister of India. So with this interesting subject in my mind, I thought of writing on this novel subject of Hindutva, which is very close to my heart. And about this book, I have, first of all, delved into the meaning of Hinduism and Hindutva from the voices and verdicts of the Supreme Court of India. Let me explain this a bit. The Ramakrishna Mission of West Bengal went up to the Supreme Court saying that we are not part of Hinduism and, that we should be recognized as a separate religion. So, therefore, the Supreme Court was called upon to define Hinduism. What is Hinduism? And the Supreme Court went into so many texts and then laid down or recognised the definition of Hinduism, and ultimately found that Hinduism is like an ocean, it is like a universe. The religion cannot be encapsulated in a few verses or a few books. And the ocean or this universe includes these sects like Ramakrishna Mission.

Similarly, the Swami Narayan sect, also went up to the Supreme Court saying that they should be recognized as a separate religion. Again, the Supreme Court was called upon to define Hinduism. So in the first chapter, I have delved into how the apex court has defined Hinduism. Then I explored various other subjects, like how Hindutva has been explained in the context of elections. When you use Hindutva as an election plank, how is the Supreme Court, how does the Supreme Court view Hindutva in this context? So these are some of the subjects which I have delved into in this book.

You have already explained how the Supreme Court has explained or defined Hinduism. Please tell us how the apex court has defined Hindutva.

So, Hindutva has been defined by the Supreme Court, especially in the context of election disputes. In the 90s, you had these speeches Bal Thackeray and other leaders during election campaigns in which Hindutva was used during election campaigning. So it was challenged before the Supreme Court, and the question before the Supreme Court was whether using Hindutva amounts to using religion to seek votes from the voters. It was in this context that the Supreme Court held that Hindutva is a way of life and that using Hindutva in elections does not amount to asking for votes in the name of religion. So this is how the Supreme Court has defined Hindutva.

So what prompted you to write a chapter on Ram Janmabhoomi verdict of the apex court?

Ram Janmabhoomi verdict, as we all know, runs into over 1,000 pages. It is a very complex judgement and it is beyond the comprehension and intelligence of the common man or the layman to read those thousand pages and understand the technicalities behind the judgment or the legal jargon or the legal principles on which the Ram Janmaboomi judgement has come. So I have simplified the Ram Janmaboomi dispute and how the Supreme Court has decided the case in about 40 to 50 pages so that every citizen of the country and every member of the Hindu religion should be able to understand the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict. So with this thought in mind, I have written this chapter on the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict.

Do you agree with the Supreme Court verdict?

Yes, absolutely. Its a beautifully written judgment and the Supreme Court judges have gone into such details and they have applied the principles of the law of evidence. They have applied principles of law to the facts of the case. And then they have decided the decision is not based on any ideology, its not an ideological verdict, its a legal verdict based on principles of the law of evidence. So its a very, very well-written judgment. I therefore call this judgment one of the landmarks in case law and landmark judgments. It is amongst the landmark judgments delivered by the Supreme Court of India since Independence.

Do you agree that using Hindutva in elections doesnt amount to asking for votes in the name of religion?

Yes, I absolutely agree. The meaning of Hindutva is its a way of life. It is not a religion like other religions. It is an ocean. Hindutva is a mindset. It is a way of life. It cannot be called a religion by itself. And I totally agree with the view of the Supreme Court of India which said in so many cases that Hindutva is a way of life. Hindutva is not a religion. It cannot be called as one religion. And therefore, asking for votes in the name of Hindutva does not amount to asking for votes in the name of a religion. And therefore it is valid in law. It is not invalid. There is no breach of the Representation of the People Act that we have.

Sir, your book has raised an interesting issue as to how the prime minister views Hindutva. Please tell us the process you followed while writing this chapter.

What I did was, I explored the life and actions of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. I followed up on the various speeches given by him on his actions as the Prime Minister of India. So when I read about him, when I read about his speeches, when I read about his policies as the Prime Minister of India, I then could gather as to what is the meaning of Hindutva for the Prime Minister of India. I will not reveal my conclusions. The readers must read my book to find out how Prime Minister Modi views Hindutva.

The writer is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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In exactly less than a month Bangladesh goes to the polls. Election observers across the world are terming it as one of the most crucial elections in South Asia.

Indeed, it is a very important election for India as well. After all, most Bangladesh watchers are keenly watching as to whether the secular forces can retain power and not pave the way to the barrack politics backed by radical Islam. Such a prognosis makes sense when the geopolitics of the region is taken into account. The return of the anti-liberationist forces of 1971 would sound the death knell to Bengali nationalism that had characterised the triumph of culture over religion.

But if history has to be harked back to, it must be that there are in reality, two Bangladeshes. A pre-1971 grouping continues to be loyal to the founding principles of Bangladesh. However, there has been the emergence of a new formation which is largely from the post-1971 era. This assemblage identifies itself with Pakistan and even the global Salafi movement that is attempting to storm troop across the world.

The aspects that would be on Sheikh Hasinas important pre-election to-do list could include:

Rein in the flock within the Awami League that could be against her leadership in the party. It is reported that there has been a growth of a bloc that is close to China and Pakistan. Hasina has to rein in this faction with impunity. Reaffirm her secular stand and steadfastness towards Bengali nationalism and culture. Assert her proximity to India which has stood by her side when she needed help. Eschew Chinese overtures that few among many are trying to persuade her to accept as opposed to India

Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan on Wednesday held delegation-level talks in June 2023. It was ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis State visit to the US. Devoting considerable focus on the role of China in Asia and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), both the security czars expressed their concern about Chinas expanding footprints across Asia with a specific focus on its long-term designs in the IOR.

Doval stated that two of Indias neighbours  Maldives and Bangladesh  will be going to polls soon and India believes that no initiatives should be launched in its neighbourhood that impacts its national interests adversely.

It is in this backdrop that it is important to recall a few passages from JN Dixits shaping work, Liberation and Beyond at this juncture. The former Indian national security adviser and foreign secretary of India stated that the founding father of Bangladesh, Mujibur Rahman was slowly distancing himself from India. The reasoning seems to be, in Dixits own words: a metamorphosis in the social and political scene of Bangladesh had occurred, first because Mujibs own lack of confidence about transforming his country into a genuine secular-democracy and, second, because he had consciously (emphasis: Authors) allowed re-induction of pro-Pakistani and anti-liberationist elements into Bangladeshs politics, civil services and armed forces. He adopted such a strategy in order to reduce the influence of political leaders and armed forces personnel who were actively involved in the freedom struggle.

It seems, therefore, if Dixits analysis is to be believed, that Mujib, incarcerated in West Pakistan throughout the Liberation War, felt left out and was not exactly in awe of people like the pro-India, first prime minister of Bangladesh, Tazzuddin Ahmad, who he felt had fought and won the war. Dixit made another very interesting point. He said, Whosoever came to power in Bangladesh has to fulfil two stipulations for surviving in power: first, that he or she should maintain a certain amount of distance from India and second, the person should confirm the Islamic identity of Bangladesh.

Now, Dixits analysis may not altogether be correct, especially as the present Awami League regime under Sheikh Hasina has taken steps in certain important directions. Seeking to address the issue of Islamisation of the country, for instance, Hasina restored Article 12 of the 1972 Constitution, which prohibited religion-based politics and communalism of all hues. Her dispensation has also taken several stepsreportedly at some oddsto restore the countrys central values that were incorporated after the Liberation War of 1971. The Bangladesh Supreme Courts declaration of the 5th Amendment to the Constitution enacted in 1977 as null and void was a significant ruling. In its judgment, the apex court decreed its total disapproval of martial law and suspension of the constitution or any part thereof in any form. The events that may emerge as a result of the quashing of the 5th Amendment may have to await the time, but notwithstanding the wisdom with which the verdict was pronounced, it has to be understood that it both censured and served restraint on Bangladeshs military, a bold step given the adventurism that characterises certain countries in the sub-continent and has time and again witnessed military-over-legislature-judiciary assertiveness.

Another important step that Sheikh Hasina took was the opening of the War Criminal Trial Tribunal. Over 1200 cadres and supporters belonging to the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and the Islamic Chatra Shibir were detained and many were tried and sentenced to death. These initiatives led to an outcry in the JeI and even Pakistan. But notwithstanding threats to her safety, she took courageous steps to root out Islamism of the rabid sort from her country. Indeed, how she has expressed her gratitude to India for the aid that she and her party have received from India has been remarkable. This was in evidence, especially when she handed over Indian insurgent leaders billeted in her country to India as well as the honour that she bestowed on Indians for supporting the liberation war in 1971. However, even as such action endeared her to a majority of the Bangladeshis there was a section that has been silently seeking her removal. It must also be comprehended that Sheikh Hasinas Awami League, which spearheaded the 1971 Liberation War, has been in power in Bangladesh for only 21 out of the 50 years since the country came into being. 29 years were in the hands of the 5th Amendment scriveners and their surrogates.

However, recent events have witnessed a somewhat changed Bangladesh with not only a section of its population once again raising its ugly head by way of attempting to identify itself with the global salafi movement that the world has been witnessing, but with even a section within the Awami League and the government seeking to tilt the balance in favour of anti-India powers. It is in this context that JN Dixits prophetic words about maintaining a certain amount of distance from India by balancing Bangladeshs polity by reaching out to anti-India forces such as China might be viewed. It must be understood that there is no political opposition to Sheikh Hasina inside the Jatiya Sangsad with the main opposition political party Bangladesh Nationalist Party having only seven seats as opposed to the overwhelming 302 that the Awami League has.

While the huge majority that her party has in the national parliament has made Sheikh Hasina a unquestioned leader in the mould of her father, Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman who was assassinated on 15 August 1975, the fact of the matter is that there would be people within her own party who would be harbouring ambitions of upstaging her, perhaps even by choosing to side with China. It is perhaps one of the reasons why Prof Gowher Rizvi the International Affairs Adviser to Sheikh Hasina told this author when he quietly met him in Dhaka on 26 March 2016 when the author visited Bangladesh as a member of an Indian delegation for Track II Dialogue that the prime minister needs to create an opposition inside the parliament. With almost the entire political opposition outside the Jatiya Sangsad, a sense of antagonism towards him within her rank and file seems to be growing. Also, it is not immediately known whether she has groomed any second-rung leader to take her position if and when she exits the scene. These are aspects that India should not overlook.

It is also important to take note of how Bangladesh has emerged as Chinas second-largest procurer of arms. Of late, it has signed an important deal with Beijing for a maintenance and overhaul facility hub in Bangladesh for its FM-90 surface-to-air missile systems. These, in the years to come, observers believe, might come up by way of a production assembly line of the same missile system and its advanced variants. Earlier, Dhaka procured two submarines from China. The strategic implications of a permanent PLA Navy presence, albeit even by way of trainers inside outdated diesel Ming class submarines are obvious.

Exactly 790 nautical miles from Indias Eastern Naval HQs, one of Bangladeshs submarine bases in Chittagongs Kutubdia Channel could well be the observation post of the PLA Navy. The derision with which this authors caution was greeted by former admirals of India in a lecture that the author delivered a few years ago in Delhi about Bangladesh procuring submarines from China is interesting. The attempt at mockery was largely about the outdated quality of the two submarines, while all the time the author was attempting to drive home the fact about a) the presence of PLA Navy trainers and stealth observers inside the two submarines even as they conduct sea trials in the vicinity of Vishakhapatnam providing them thereby complete knowledge of Indias maritime movements and b) that it was not so much about obsoleteness of the submarines procured as is the importance of the action that was undertaken by Dhaka to acquire the boats from an enemy country when in effect it could have purchased them from India. Laffaire missile and submarine are deliberate moves by forces inside Bangladesh to message India and one which New Delhi would do well to heed.

In sum, it must be understood that Sheikh Hasina could well be under certain compulsions inside her country and even pressureas aforesaidfrom Closet Chinese within her party. A recalibration exercise to empower her and the leadership should be uppermost in the minds of security managers in New Delhi.

India cannot afford the construction of a Chinese string of pearls around her neck nor a 1975-like scenario when it lost all ground to anti-liberationist forces that Indian soldiers had fought against alongside the Mukti Bahini and had secured for both Bangladesh and India.

The writer is a conflict analyst and bestselling author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Expanding the Pippa Story

Pippa, the recently released movie on Amazon Prime Video, revolves around three major themes  the 1971 India-Pakistan War with specific emphasis on the Eastern Theatre and the creation of Bangladesh; the exploits of the PT-76 amphibious tank; and the Mehta family comprising the matriarch of the family and her four sons, all of who fought in the 1971 conflict and came home. The eldest Mehta sibling, however, goes by the name Shamsher and not Ram as depicted in the movie. The Pakistanis did not take him prisoner and then freed in an operation led by the principal protagonist of the film, Captain Balram Mehta. Granted the film does not claim to be a true and chronologically sequential rendition of events as they transpired on the ground and that the film-makers were well within their creative and licensed freedom to create a story around the book Pippa, as a historian, the author feels it is only right to narrate the story of Major Shamsher Mehta, a tank squadron commander from 63 Cavalry who led his PT-76 tanks to within striking distance of Dacca as early as 14 December and into Dacca on the early morning of 16 December.

63 Cavalry in action

Before the 1971 War, Major Shamsher Mehta (later Lt Gen and the Western Army Commander), was commanding an Independent Squadron of vintage Ferret Scout Cars in Mizoram. Part of 63 Cavalry, an armoured regiment that was raised in 1957 and saw much action during 1971 in the Eastern theatre. As the war clouds rolled in, the squadron was recalled from Mizoram and re-equipped with the PT-76 amphibious tank of Russian origin and assigned to 57 Division under 4 Corps which was commanded by Lt Gen Sagat Singh, arguably the principal operational architect of the fall of Dacca. Adopting an Indian version of a blitzkrieg, Sagats divisions mounted a series of spectacular heliborne and armoured assaults across the Meghna that resulted in the capture of the major military garrison of Sylhet and established several launch pads around Dacca before the final assault on 14 and 15 of December.

After crossing the mighty Meghna river, which Mehta likens to a river as wide as a sea and whose far bank we never saw, the smaller Lakhya Rivulet, what is now called the Sitalakhya, was the final river obstacle that the Indian Army had to cross before entering Dacca.

Securing Dacca

The final major battle around Dacca was fought by 4 GUARDS led by Colonel Himmeth Singh and supported by 10 PT-76 tanks from 63 Cavalry led by Major Shamsher Mehta, the eldest of the Mehta brothers. Riding into Dacca with Mehta on his PT-76 was Sydney Schanberg The New York Times war correspondent who wrote of his impressions of the Indian Armed Forces in an email to the author, All my experiences with the Indian Armed Forces were very positive and impressive. Their professionalism and fairness were always in sight.

Once the final battle on the outskirts of Dacca was won and Mehtas column entered the Dacca University campus, they were met with an eerie silence and remnants of the death and destruction left behind by retreating Pakistani troops. Since Mehtas squadron comprised Sikh troops, they immediately spotted a Gurudwara in the precincts of the campus and found the body of the head priest in an adjoining trench and set about cleaning the premises and restore its sanctity. The importance of the gurudwara and the need for calm was not lost on the Sikh troops as it was built to commemorate the easternmost travels of Guru Nanak in 1506. It was from this gurudwara, Mehta recollects, that the first radio speech on 16 December was made by Tajuddin Ahmad proclaiming the founding of Bangladesh.

Game over

Rolling on into Dacca, Mehtas squadron of tanks was assigned with the protection of three key installations, the Intercontinental Hotel, Daccas main radio and communication station and the Dacca airport that was being prepared to receive the Indian team comprising Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, Air Marshal Hari Chand Dewan, Vice Admiral Nilakanta Krishnan and Lt Gen Jack Farj Rafael Jacob among others for the surrender ceremony.

The Intercontinental Hotel, apart from being the refuge for all international journalists and diplomats, was also a much sought-after hiding place for Pakistani government officials including the Governor of East Pakistan, Dr AM Malik, who resigned after the Indian Air Forcess precision air strike on his residence where he was chairing a top-level meeting. Mehta and his squadron had the onerous responsibility of protecting the inmates of the hotel from angry Bengali mobs seeking instant retribution.

Having lost three tanks from his squadron during the two weeks in operations, Mehta made up for the loss by capturing three fully serviceable Pakistani PT-76 tanks along his axis of advance. These were in full display around the Intercontinental Hotel and could be differentiated from the Indian tanks by a white circle drawn around its turret. Of the several human stories that emerged from the authors recent conversation with Mehta, the most heartwarming one is of Mehta being among the first to get a call from the restored communication network to his wife in Satara via Calcutta and Pune, informing her that he was safe.

In the final analysis, the speedy fall of Dacca was possible because of a superb orchestration of military operations by all three services and the immense contribution of the Mukti Bahini in facilitating the rapid advance of the Indian Army on multiple axes. The free hand given to commanders on the ground such as Lt Gen Sagat Singh to exploit openings and exercise their initiative created an operational momentum and exerted the necessary psychological pressure that forced Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi to surrender with 93,000 battle-ready troops on 16 December 1971.

The author is a retired fighter pilot who has flown both the MiG-21 and the Mirage 2000. He is also an air power analyst and military historian. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Europe must work to ensure it can defend itself as new military threats could emerge by the end of the decade even as the focus of security ally the United States shifts towards the Indo-Pacfic, Germanys defence minister has warned.

Over the past year, Russia has been hiking its weapons production considerably to sustain its invasion of Ukraine, while also threatening the Baltic states, Georgia and Moldova, Boris Pistorius was quoted as saying in an interview with Welt am Sonntag.

The United States will likely reduce its military engagement in Europe as it turns more towards the Indo-Pacfic.

We Europeans must engage more to ensure security on our own continent, said Pistorius, noting however it would take time for the region to increase its own weapons production.

We have about 5-8 years to catch up, in terms of armed forces, industry and society, he said.

Europe is clear it may also need to compensate for US aid for Ukraine if Washington fails to agree new funding, he added.

The election of a more Europe-friendly government in Poland should now enable the Weimar Triangle of Berlin, Paris and Warsaw to develop more their military cooperation, he added.

We need to figure out how best to set ourselves up on the eastern flank on the basis of NATO defence plans, he said, noting he wanted to travel as soon as possible to Poland next year.

Pistorius said he did not foresee for the time being the German army repeating missions as big as those they carried out in Afghanistan and Mali.

It was in Afghanistan that Germanys military fought the first ground battles since the end of World War Two.

But small missions, in particular in the area of military consultancy or cooperation also with countries that do not necessarily share our values will be essential, he said.

The alternative would be to not have any more contacts with these countries and to simply hand them over to the Russians and Chinese, and that would be a lot more dangerous, he said.
Two tourists visit a monument in Persepolis, Iran, in September 2023. Photo by AFP

Iran has announced it will abolish visa requirements for 33 countries, including three Southeast Asian nations Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The decision will increase to 45 the number of countries and territories whose citizens can visit Iran without obtaining a visa, according to Iranian Students News Agency.

But it remains unclear when the visa-free policy takes effect.

According to Iran's Ministry of Tourism, the policy aims to attract more international tourists, demonstrating the countrys determination to normalize bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation with countries around the world.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue paid an official visit to Iran last August on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries establishing diplomatic relations.

He held talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, agreeing on measures to improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation, including promoting people-to-people exchange activities.

Previously, Iran implemented a visa-free entry policy for tourists from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.

Iran welcomed 4.4 million foreign visitors in the first eight months of the country's fiscal year, starting from March 21, an increase of 48.5% over the same period last year.
An operative from Israels Mossad intelligence service was executed in Irans southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province on Saturday, as reported by the official IRNA news agency.

The execution took place in a Zahedan jail in Sistan-Baluchestan, following a previous days attack by Baluch militants on a police station in the province, resulting in the killing of 11 security personnel and injuries to several others.

This person communicated with foreign services, specifically Mossad, collecting classified information, and with participation with associates, provided documents to foreign services, including the Mossad, it said.

It did not name the person. It said the accused had handed classified information to a Mossad officer with the aim of propaganda for groups and organizations opposed to the Islamic Republic. It did not say where the alleged handover had taken place. It was not clear when the person was arrested, but IRNA said an appeal had been rejected.

A state funeral was held on Saturday for the men in the town of Rask where the attack took place, according to state television. Two militants of the Jaish al-Adl group were also killed in ensuing clashes.

The impoverished Sistan-Baluchestan province, which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan, has long been the scene of frequent clashes between security forces and Sunni militants. The population of the province is predominantly Sunni Muslim, while most Iranians are Shiite.

With inputs from agencies.
Japan and Malaysia signed a security assistance deal on Saturday including a grant of 400 million yen ($2.8 million) to boost Malaysias maritime security, as Asian nations seek to counter an increasingly assertive China.

Japan will provide equipment such as rescue boats and supplies under the official security assistance deal, signed by the two countries foreign ministers on the sidelines of a Tokyo summit marking 50 years of ties between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the elevation of the Japan-Malaysia relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Japans foreign ministry said in a statement.

In addition to Malaysia, ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of the South China Sea disputed by China, which claims almost all of the waterway that is a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said Chinas claims had no legal basis.

China and Japan last week accused each other of maritime incursions after a confrontation between their coast guards in waters around islands they both claim in the East China Sea.

Japans aid to Malaysia follows similar deals with the Philippines and Bangladesh this year and is part of a plan announced in April for Japan to provide developing countries with financial assistance to bolster their defences.

In the three-day summit through Sunday, Japan is offering ASEAN members support to boost their standing as international actors and help them manage their relations with others, including China, said an official at Japans foreign ministry.

Kishida is expected to meet separately with the leaders of all the ASEAN members, which also include Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos and Timor-Leste.
Ethnic minority fighters battling Myanmars junta said Saturday they seized a trading hub in Shan state, days after China said it had mediated a temporary ceasefire.

Clashes have raged across Myanmars northern Shan state since the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched a joint offensive late October.

The three allied groups  known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance  say they have captured military positions and border hubs vital for trade with China, posing what analysts say is the biggest military challenge to the junta since it seized power in 2021.

On Thursday, Beijing announced a temporary ceasefire between the alliance and the Myanmar military. There have been peaceful spells in MNDAA-held areas, but clashes have continued in areas controlled by the TNLA and the AA.

The TNLA said they captured Namhsan on Friday after launching an attack in the area more than two weeks ago.

We got the town, Brigadier-General Tar Bhone Kyaw told AFP. The TNLA posted video footage on Facebook showing leaders of the group visiting the town and talking to junta soldiers taken prisoner.

Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmars army, also told state-run TV channel MRTV on Friday that fighting was continuing around Namhsan.

According to TNLAs Tar Bhone Kyaw, the Myanmar army also lost the 105-mile Trade Zone, a major trading conduit on the border with China in Muse township, Shan state.

In total, the three-group alliance says they have seized 422 bases and seven towns from Myanmars army since October 27.

The alliances offensive has galvanised other opponents of the junta and clashes have spread to the east and the west of Myanmar. More than half a million people have been forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.
A joint statement by the US-South Korean Nuclear Consultative Group also reaffirmed that any nuclear attack by Pyongyang on South Korea will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response.

The United States reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK (Republic of Korea) backed by the full range of US capabilities including nuclear, said the statement published by the White House.

US President Joe Biden had issued a similar, strongly worded warning in April, saying that any nuclear attack by North Korea would result in the end of the Pyongyang government.

And five months earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that any nuclear attack by the North against the US or its allies would mean the end of the Kim regime.

North Korea last year declared itself an irreversible nuclear power and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear program, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

And last month Pyongyang successfully put a military spy satellite into orbit. It has since claimed its eye in the sky was already providing images of major US and South Korean military sites.
Barring one, all major political parties of Pakistan have welcomed the Supreme Courts announcement of the upcoming election schedule, adding that the top court has foiled a major conspiracy to delay the polls and saved democracy.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khans party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has, however, continued to question the biases of bureaucrats to be appointed as poll officers, according to Dawn newspaper. But the party said it wants timely, free and fair polls.

General elections in Pakistan will be held on February 8.

On Friday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) finally announced the dates of polls after the Supreme Court rejected an order by the High Court of Lahore on the appointment of bureaucrats as Returning Officers (ROs).

While hearing a plea by the PTI, the LHC on Wednesday suspended ECPs decision to appoint bureaucrats as Returning Officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs) for the February 8 elections, prompting it to approach the apex court.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif praised the Supreme Court as it foiled PTIs conspiracy against democracy and the Constitution.

The Supreme Courts landmark decision to ensure Feb 8 polls will strengthen democracy and protect the Constitution, he said.

With inputs from PTI
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and another warship to remain in the Mediterranean Sea for several additional weeks, ensuring a two-carrier presence near Israel during its ongoing conflict with Hamas, according to US officials.

This marks the third extension of Fords deployment, highlighting ongoing concerns about the regions volatility during the conflict in Gaza.

Multiple US officials confirmed the longer deployments approved this week for the Ford and the USS Normandy cruiser on condition of anonymity because they have not yet been made public. Other ships in the Fords strike group had already had their deployments extended.

The Pentagon ramped up its military presence in the region after Hamas October 7 attacks to deter Iran from widening the war into a regional conflict. In the months since, Iranian-backed militants in Iraq and Syria have seized on the war to conduct regular attacks with rockets, drones and missiles on US military installations there.

With inputs from AP.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday his country will have plenty of opportunities in the future to interrupt Ukraines process of joining the European Union, a day after the right-wing leaders stunning turnaround allowed an EU summit to move forward on bringing the war-torn country into the bloc.

Orban had spent weeks vigorously declaring that his country would not consent to the EU beginning talks with Ukraine on its eventual membership, arguing such a decision would be catastrophic and that Kyiv was unprepared to begin the process.

But in a dramatic reversal in Brussels on Thursday, Orban left the room where the leaders of the EUs 27 member nations were debating the measure and allowed a unanimous vote of 26 to approve the start of accession talks for Kyiv.

In an interview Friday with Hungarian state radio, Orban said that EU leaders told him he would lose nothing by dropping his veto since hed have chances in the future to block Ukraines accession if he chose to  something he vowed to do if it appeared Hungarys interests were at risk.

Their decisive argument was that Hungary loses nothing, given that the final word on Ukraines membership has to be given by the national parliaments, 27 parliaments, including the Hungarian one, Orban said.

I made it clear that we will not hesitate for a moment if the financial and economic consequences of this bad decision will be paid by the Hungarians. Those who made this decision should be the ones who pay, he said. If necessary, we will slam the brakes.

The decision by EU leaders to move forward on Ukraines membership  a process that could take many years  was met with jubilation in Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcoming the agreement as a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe.

But the results of Thursdays summit were mixed as Orban blocked a 50-billion-euro ($54-billion) package of financial aid that Ukraine desperately needs to stay afloat, a major blow to Zelenskyy after he failed this week to persuade U.S. lawmakers to approve an additional $61 billion for his war effort.

Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, said EU leaders would reconvene in January in an effort to break the deadlock.

It was not the first time Orban had derailed EU plans to provide funding to Ukraine. The nationalist leader is widely considered to be Russian President Vladimir Putins closest ally in the EU, and has been accused by his critics of promoting Moscows interests over those of his EU and NATO allies.

Orban has advocated for an immediate end to the fighting and pushed for peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, though he has not detailed what such a step would entail for Ukraines territorial integrity.

On Friday, Orban accused his EU partners of seeking to prolong the war, and said providing more money for Kyiv was an immediate violation of (Hungarys) interests.

The situation in Ukraine is bad, so no more money should be sent to the war, he said. The war should be stopped and there should be a cease-fire and peace talks. Instead, now they want to give money to keep the war going.
Quad members India, Australia, Japan, and the United States discussed the significance of increased collaboration in cybersecurity. Reiterating their commitment to fostering a resilient Indo-Pacific region that is well-prepared to counter cyberattacks, the Quad partners emphasised the adherence to international law in cyberspace and voiced deep concerns regarding cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the region.

Together, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to an Indo-Pacific that is resilient and equipped to detect and deter cyber attacks. Quad countries are among the worlds leaders in advancing digital technology, connectivity, and resilience and are undertaking efforts to provide capacity building in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen the ability to defend their government networks and critical infrastructure from cyber disruptions, read the joint statement of the Quad Senior Cyber Group.

It added that the Quad countries are among the worlds leaders in advancing digital technology, connectivity, and resilience and are undertaking efforts to provide capacity building in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen the ability to defend their government networks and critical infrastructure from cyber disruptions.

We reaffirmed our support for the Quad Cybersecurity Partnership: Joint Principles, including through work done in Secure Software, Cybersecurity of Critical Infrastructure, Supply Chain Resilience and Security, and Cyber Awareness through the Quad Cyber Challenge events to encourage participants across the Indo-Pacific to enhance their cyber security and cyber awareness, the joint statement read.

During the meeting, the Quad partners welcomed the idea of sharing cyber resources through capacity-building projects to improve the security of infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific.

They all recognised that a safe and secure cyberspace contributes to a healthy and secure society and that international cooperation is key to this.

The Quad partners shared their recognition that cyberattacks have been increasing in frequency and sophistication.

In the wake of this, they discussed the importance of enhanced cooperation in securing the resilience of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems in critical infrastructure, ensuring mutual recognition of Quad nations labelling schemes for cybersecurity of Internet of Things (IoT) products, and the use of critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

They also reaffirmed the need for reliable, secure and resilient supply chains for critical sectors.

The Quad partners discussed fields of cooperation necessary to realise secure and resilient cyberspace in the region, including digital infrastructure and connectivity such as undersea cables, telecommunications networks, and cloud services.

They affirmed their commitment to continue working together with Indo-Pacific countries to deliver practical outcomes that will support capacity building in the region through the QSCG.

We reaffirm our commitment to leveraging Quad partners respective strengths and resources to progress Quad cyber initiatives to promote a more secure cyberspace and deliver Quad Leaders vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient, with a focus on the next Quad Leaders Meeting, the statement added.

With inputs from agencies.
Sergei Karakayev, the commander of Russias Strategic Missile Forces announced that Russia intends to conduct test launches of seven intercontinental ballistic missiles in 2024, according to the Interfax news agencys report on Saturday.

Karakayev mentioned that Russia provided the United States with a minimum of 24 hours notice before such launches, and in return, Washington extended the same courtesy. Both Russia and the United States possess the worlds largest nuclear arsenals.
Ukraines Interior Ministry on Friday placed the head of Russias Orthodox Church, a supporter of the Kremlins 21-month-old war against Kyiv, on a wanted list after security services accused him of abetting the conflict.

The measure is purely symbolic as Patriarch Kirill is in Russia and under no threat of arrest. It was the latest step in Ukraine campaign to uproot the influence of priests it alleges maintain close links to Russia and subvert Ukrainian society.

A post on the Ukrainian ministrys wanted list identified Kirill by name, showed him in his clerical robes and described him as an individual in hiding from the bodies of pre-trial investigation. It said he had been missing since November 11.

Orthodox Christianity is the dominant faith in Ukraine and authorities in Kyiv have launched criminal cases against clergy linked to a branch of the Orthodox church once directly linked to the Russian church and Kirill.

Parliament in Kyiv is considering a bill that would ban that branch of the church, which has lost many of its parishioners since Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin sent Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The church says it severed all links to Moscow in May 2022.

Ukraines SBU security service last month issued a document saying Kirill infringed Ukrainian sovereignty by virtue of his position as part of the closest entourage of Russias military and political leadership.

Security forces have launched dozens of criminal cases, including accusations of treason, against priests and officials linked to the branch of the church associated with Moscow.

Kirill has denounced those actions and appealed to clerical leaders world-wide to stop Ukraines moves against the church.

A senior official in the Russian church told Russias RIA news agency that placing Kirill on a wanted list was a step that is as ridiculous as it is predictable.

Vladimir Legoida, responsible for ties with other churches, told RIA that Ukrainian authorities were guilty of lawlessness and attempting to intimidate parishioners.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (fourth, left) and leaders of ASEAN countries and Japan at the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Indonesia in September 2023 (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN and Japan set up their dialogue partnership in 1973. In 1977, Takeo Fukuda became the first Japanese PM to have a meeting with ASEAN leaders at the second ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. In that year, the Japanese PM announced the Fukuda Doctrine which sketched out fundamental principles in Japans policy on ASEAN. Since then, the "heart to heart" diplomacy has become the "fulcrum" for the ASEAN-Japan ties.



Japan has shown strong efforts in building a "heart to heart" and trustful relationship with ASEAN member countries, and committed to be their equal partner in order to build peace and prosperity in the region.



This year, to mark the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan relations, the two sides have agreed to name 2023 as the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Year.



Commenting on the partnership between the two sides over half a century, many experts and scholars held that the ASEAN-Japan strategic partnership is one of the most meaningful and comprehensive between ASEAN and its partners, spanning across fields for peace, prosperity, quality of life, and heart-to-heart connection.



Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said that the close bonds between ASEAN and Japan come from common values of an open economic linkage and a regional architecture basing on the law and connecting the people.



These values have been shown through strong commitments given by leaders of ASEAN and Japan, which have been realised with impressive figures in all foundation cooperation areas such as politics, economy, trade, investment, human resources training, and culture, said the FM.



In the field of economy, after 2000, ASEAN and Japan have signed bilateral economic and investment partnership agreements as well as the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).



In recent years, Japans annual investment in ASEAN member countries has reached about 2.8 trillion JPY (19.71 billion USD). About 15,000 Japanese business facilities have operated in ASEAN countries.



Japan is also the fourth largest trade partner and the second biggest investor of ASEAN, with two-way trade revenue rising 11.6% in 2022.



Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang held that the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, which will be held immediately following ASEAN and Japans establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, is an occasion for high-ranking leaders from both sides to assess cooperation results, and set up directions and vision for further development, in line with their potential and within the framework of the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.



Meanwhile, Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said that his country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will map out a "new vision" of cooperation in various fields at the commemorative summit.



Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said he hopes the event will become a golden chance to transfer the golden friendship between Japan and ASEAN to next generations.



Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) and Japansese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu said that Vietnam has supported and made positive contributions to realise the proposal of organising the commemorative summit that Japan raised early this year.



He affirmed that upgrading Vietnam-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World has not only promoted bilateral relations but also contributed to further strengthening ASEAN-Japan relations, bringing practical benefits to the people of Japan, Vietnam, and ASEAN.



During his stay in Japan for the commemorative summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the summit of the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) chaired by Japanese PM Kishida Fumio to promote cooperation in reducing carbon emissions, ensuring energy security and sustainable development.



PM Pham Minh Chinh's participation in the event affirms Vietnam's consistent policy of building a green economy, a circular economy, proactively responding to climate change, and implementing commitments announced at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), as well as the recent COP28, including the one to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, said Ambassador Hieu.



Over the years, the Vietnam-Japan relations have developed strongly in all fields, with economy being a key pillar in bilateral partnership. Japan has been the leading economic, trade and investment partner of Vietnam.



During the trip, PM Pham Minh Chinh will have meetings with Japanese high-ranking leaders, deliver a speech at a roundtable with Japanese businesses and the Vietnam-Japan business forum, as well as have meetings with heads of leading businesses and economic groups in Japan, according to spokesperson Hang.



High-ranking leaders of the two countries will have an exchange of ideas on important activities to further deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields, based on a new partnership foundation.



Outcomes of the Vietnamese Government leaders visit are expected to contribute to accelerating the Vietnam-Japan relations as well as the ASEAN-Japan ties as well as the growth of the region and the world./.
The United States and South Korea are set to formulate joint guidelines on nuclear defence strategy by the middle of the next year and establish an integrated system to deter North Koreas nuclear weapons, as reported by Yonhap news agency on Saturday.

Washington and Seoul have agreed to finalise a comprehensive guideline by the following year, outlining how to jointly contain and respond to Pyongyangs nuclear threat, as stated by Kim Tae-hyo, South Koreas deputy national security adviser, addressing reporters in the U.S.

The expected guideline is likely to encompass methods for sharing sensitive information related to North Koreas nuclear weapons, the consultation process in the event of a nuclear crisis, and real-time communication channels between the leaders of the two countries.

Also, both countries are expected to incorporate nuclear operation exercises into next years joint military drills, as per Yonhaps report.

North Korea may test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this month, which is a nuclear threat regardless of its range because it can carry a nuclear warhead, Kim had said on Friday.

North Korea has developed and tested a range of ballistic missiles that can reach targets in South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. mainland.
A corner of Trang An Landscape Complex (Photo: laodong.vn)

For those after an overseas holiday with built-in charm, serenity, scenery, shopping, great food, cultural splendour, and astonishing value, then Vietnam is a standout option, the newspaper wrote about the country.

These days guests can add relaxing to the list thanks to ever-improving transport systems, professional tour operations, and glossy resorts and hotels. Although gateway cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are compelling enough, both represent churning whirlpools of entrepreneurial energy.

The Australian newspaper suggested visitors head out into the countryside in order to discover a tapestry of jade-green rice paddies and muddy villages against a backdrop of blue hills. Indeed, both northern and southern Vietnam are distinctly different experiences, with guests spending at least 10 days exploring either.

December is the beginning of the dry season in the south, therefore it is the prime time to explore the liquid landscape of the Mekong Delta. Along with the floating markets, the fecund bird life and the water meadows, visitors shouldnt miss the staggeringly beautiful region around Chau Doc, located near the Cambodian border.

In Hanoi at this time of year guests can expect warm and sunny days with low levels of humidity, although nights can be chilly. The one area of the country off the agenda in this season is the northern hills, which are freezing in December, according to the author Michael Gebicki.

Other locations to feature the list include Nepal, Maldives, Cambodia, and India.

Quang Tri airport project launched

A ceremony was held in Dong Ha city in the central province of Quang Tri on December 15 to launch a project to build an airport in the province, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The airport will be built in Gio Quang, Gio Hai, and Gio Mai communes of Gio Linh district on an area of 265ha, and with a total investment of 5.83 trillion VND (240 million USD).

Once operational, it will handle up to 5 million passengers and 25,500 tonnes of cargo per year.

Delegates launching Quang Tri airport project (Photo: VNA)

A consortium comprising two companies is the investor for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.

According to a decision by the provincial Peoples Committee approving the selection of the investor, the project will be carried out under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract, with its preparation and construction expected to take two years. The contract implementation period (operation, toll collection, return of capital) is 47 years and 2 months.

It is one of the 33 airports in the Master Planning on airport development in the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister in June.

Rice exports expected to hit 5 billion USD this year

Rice export volume and value during the first 11 months surpassed the figures of the entire 2022, and this years revenue is expected to reach 5 billion USD, the Vietnam News Agency qouted the saying of authorities.

In 2023, the rice farming area nationwide is 7.1 million ha with productivity estimated at 6.08 tonnes of unmilled rice per ha and total output at 43.1 million tonnes, up about 420,000 tonnes from last year.

Some 7.75 million tonnes of milled rice was exported during the first 11 months of this year to bring home an estimated 4.41 billion USD in revenue, respectively rising 16.2% and 36.3% year on year. Export prices averaged 568 USD per tonne during the period, up 17.3%, according to the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

About 7.1 million ha of rice was cultivated this year with productivity estimated at 6.08 tonnes of unmilled rice per ha. (Photo: VNA)

The export volume has been kept at around 6 million tonnes and increased over years, with annual value continually topping 3 billion USD, statistics show.

At a workshop held in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang on December 13, MARD Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam said the rice sector plays a crucial role in the agriculture of Vietnam and many other countries in the region and the world.

Domestic and international rice markets will remain vibrant in the time ahead due to big import demand from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Middle East, and Africa, he forecast.

However, Nam noted, the growth in export volume will affect the stockpile in exporting countries while higher export prices will also lead to an increase in unmilled rice prices, which in turn will partly impact domestic prices of milled grains.

Pangasius exports likely to reach US$1.8 billion this year

Vietnamese pangasius exports are anticipated to reach about US$1.8 billion this year, equivalent to 75% from the same period last year, Radio the Voice of Vietnam qouted the information of a conference held in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang on December 15.

Pangasius exports likely to reach US$1.8 billion this year (Photo: VOV)

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the pangasius industry is facing numerous challenges due to declining demand and market shrinking globally.

The major importers of Vietnamese pangasius products such as China, the United States, and the EU have seen decreases of between 17% and 53%.

Experts said that the supply source of raw pangasius in the country in the third quarter of the year decreased and is forecast to continue to fall next year, leading to a shortage of materials for processing.

Pangasius processed for export (Photo: nhadautu.vn)

They attributed the limited supply to high farming costs, a factor which has made farmers more hesitant to expand aquaculture areas, especially when exports recover slowly. However, they played down processors concerns, because pangasius farming is maintained while the quality is ensured.

Insiders underlined the need to strengthen chain linkages, inject additional investment, and actively boost market expansion in an attempt to swiftly remove hurdles faced by the local pangasisus industry./.
The remark was made by Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung in an interview recently granted to the press.



Trung said the State visit to Vietnam by Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi, his spouse Prof. Peng Liyuan and a high-ranking Chinese Party and State delegation from December 12-13 was a particularly important diplomatic activity of both Parties and countries, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.



Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung. (Photo: VNA)

According to him, it was the final overseas visit made by General Secretary Xi in 2023 - the first year of the implementation of the Communist Party of China (CPC)s Resolution, including foreign policy outlined at the CPCs 20th National Congress. It was also his visit to Vietnam without any multilateral foreign activity. Prior to the visit, Xi had an article published in Vietnam's Nhan Dan (People) newspaper.



Trung said Vietnam had given the highest level of respect and special etiquettes to the Chinese delegation, expressing profound friendship and utmost reverence for the Chinese Party, State and people, as well as for General Secretary and President Xi, in response to what China had extended to CPV Central Committee General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation during their visit in October 2022.



During the visit, both sides reached a consensus on a rich agenda, including high-level and strategic-level exchanges between leaders of the two Parties and countries.



He noted that the visit has significantly strengthened mutual understanding and trust through the highest-level exchange of information on the situation of each Party and country, their socialism building path, international situation and the foreign policy of each Party and country.



Vietnam affirmed that it always considers relationship with China a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external ties, he said, adding that China was also consistent with its policy of friendship with Vietnam, seeing Vietnam a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy.



According to him, the two Parties and countries issued a joint statement on further deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, and build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.



Discussions between the leaders of the two Parties and countries had comprehensive, sincere, constructive, and straight contents. Specifically, Party General Secretary Trong stressed that the better control and settlement of differences are essential for the Vietnam-China relations in both short and long terms. The bilateral cooperation in the East Sea has seen positive progress. With the complex situation in the East Sea negatively affecting their relations, the two sides need to respect each other's legitimate interests, well implement high-level perceptions, avoid complicating the situation, not use force or threaten to use force, and resolve disputes through peaceful means, implement the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the East Sea, promote an effective, practical and legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea which aligns with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).



Thirdly, the high-level perceptions, the Joint Statement, and 36 documents signed during the visit have created a comprehensive framework to enhance the Vietnam-China relations and promote effective bilateral cooperation in the time to come. The signed documents consist of three on cooperation between committees of the two Parties, five in the fields of foreign affairs, defence, security, justice, and 28 on economic, cultural, scientific, environmental cooperation between the two sides ministries, sectors, and localities.



Fourthly, the highly successful outcomes of this extremely important diplomatic activity, along with the important achievements in many other diplomatic activities have affirmed that Vietnams potential, position, and international prestige are now at their best.



This diplomatic activity served as a milestone in elevating the bilateral relations, creating crucial foundations for the two Parties, countries, and their people to promote the development of the Vietnam-China relations in line with the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh regarding their traditional friendship of being both comrades and brothers, helping to consolidate a peaceful environment, strengthening the external complexion, creating new favourable conditions for Vietnams development, and enhancing Vietnam's international position and contributions to the international communitys common affairs./.
In her opening speech, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the Vietnam-Netherlands relationship is typical of dynamic, effective and practical cooperation.



Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and delegates (Photo: VNA)

The two countries have become priority and important partners of each other through the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2019, with political trust increasingly consolidated. The Netherlands has become Vietnam's second largest trade partner in Europe and the biggest EU investor in Vietnam, she said.



According to the diplomat, the two countries established a strategic partnership on climate change response and water management in 2010, and a strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security in 2014. They have rolled out specific and practical projects in the Mekong Delta. The bilateral relationship has expanded to national defence-security, transport and sci-tech, both at the central and local levels.



Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar, for his part, expressed his wish to join with Vietnam in seizing opportunities of the next five decades, towards deepening collaboration in various fields, especially people-to-people exchange and sustainable development.



About orientations to future cooperation, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said the two countries need to continue maintaining a solid political foundation through meetings at all levels and channels to facilitate cooperation in other areas.



Economy, trade and investment should remain an important pillar in the bilateral ties, she suggested, adding that both nations should take advantage of significant opportunities brought by legal frameworks such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).



As they are seeing new opportunities and driving forces of cooperation in the circular economy and green growth, the diplomat proposed fully tapping Vietnams advantages and potential, with the support of the Netherlands, in institutional building, technology transfer and workforce training, towards sustainable development./.
Redmi 13C 5G to Go on Sale Today on Amazon: Check Price, Offers, & Specifications News oi -Kabir Jain

Redmi, a prominent player in the smartphone market, recently introduced its latest offerings in India-the Redmi 13C and the Redmi 13C 5G. Among them, the Redmi 13C 5G stands out as the company's inaugural 5G-enabled smartphone in the C-series.

Set to debut today in the Indian market, let's explore the pricing, launch offers, specifications, features, and where you can get your hands on this new device.

Redmi 13C 5G: Price in India, Launch Offers, and Availability

The Redmi 13C 5G comes with a price tag of Rs 10,999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant. Additionally, there are 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB configurations priced at Rs 12,499 and Rs 14,499, respectively. The smartphone is set to hit the shelves exclusively on Amazon and mi.com starting at 12:00 PM today (December 16).

Launch Offers

As part of the launch offer, Xiaomi extends a flat Rs 1000 instant discount for transactions made with ICICI Bank Credit (EMI and non-EMI) and Debit (EMI only) Cards. Additionally, a Rs 1000 exchange bonus is available for those opting for the Redmi 13C 8GB RAM variant, applicable on the exchange of a Xiaomi handset.

Redmi 13C 5G: Specifications and Features

Display and Design

6.74-inch LCD display

HD+ resolution (1600  720 pixels)

260ppi pixel density

90Hz refresh rate

600nits peak brightness

Corning Gorilla Glass protection

Splash and dust-resistant

Dimensions

Dimensions: 168  78  8.09mm

Weight: 192 grams

Processor and Memory

MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC with Mali G57 GPU

4GB/6GB/8GB LPDDR4X RAM

Up to 8GB Virtual RAM

128GB/256GB UFS 2.2 internal storage

Dedicated microSD card slot

Software and Cameras

MIUI 14, based on Android 13

50MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and LED flash

5MP front camera for selfies

Battery and Charging

5000mAh battery

18W fast charging via USB Type-C charging port

10W charger included in the retail box

Audio and Colour Options

3.5mm audio jack

Colour Options: Startrail Silver, Startrail Green, and Startrail Black

Security and Connectivity

Side-mounted fingerprint scanner

AI face unlock

Dual-SIM, 5G connectivity

WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Beidou

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
The Associated Press

The Associated Press

A female wolf pup is seen in North Park in this February 2022 file photo. Gray wolves will soon be back in Colorado permanently when Colorado Parks and Wildlife begins reintroducing wolves by Dec. 31. CPW will begin rounding up wolves from Oregon beginning today.

A female wolf pup is seen in North Park in this February 2022 file photo. Gray wolves will soon be back in Colorado permanently when Colorado Parks and Wildlife begins reintroducing wolves by Dec. 31. CPW will begin rounding up wolves from Oregon beginning today.
Thursday Night

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 15F. Winds light and variable.
CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

A hot pot for a customer to make their own soup can be seen at top right at Smile Hot Pot, 550 South Ave. The restaurant allows diners to order food items to create their own soup or grilled dinner using meat, tofu, noodles and vegetables.
Prime Minister's Office: Mossad Statement

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

The 37th Government

15.12.2023

Mossad Director David Barnea, last night, at Mossad headquarters, met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

In their talks, Mossad Director Barnea focused on broad strategic issues, especially the triple-layered threat from Iran: Nuclear, regional strengthening and terrorism.

They also discussed the strength and the regional importance of continuing to formulating and building new links in the Middle East, as well as cooperation between the American and Israeli security agencies in implementing their joint interests.

On the issue of returning the hostages from Gaza, Mossad Director Barnea discussed the challenges facing us and thanked US National Security Adviser Sullivan for the American assistance on the issue.

Following the meeting, the two lit candles for the eighth day of Chanukah.

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Each country that receives not only weapons but any technology or military services provided by American partners, automatically subscribes to the obligation to monitor the end use of such equipment, this is especially true for sensitive technologies, said Deputy Defense Minister Yuriy Dzhyhyr.

The purpose of such monitoring is to provide reasonable assurances that recipients of equipment comply with the requirements established by the U.S. government for the transfer, protection, storage and use of weapons and technologies, he explained.

According to him, previously the U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation conducted its own periodic inspections at the sites where these weapons were stored and used. From 2024, on the initiative of the Ministry of Defense, such inspections will take place jointly. They will be conducted by the Internal Audit Service of the Ministry of Defense and representatives of the end-use weapons monitoring program on the American side.

We perceive the fact that the American side agreed to joint monitoring, firstly, as a sign of trust, and, secondly, as an opportunity to improve skills in the field of obtaining, storing, preparing and using high-tech weapons. For us, this is strategic important, given the course towards integration into NATO, the expert emphasized.

He added that the signing of such a concept with the American side is the first precedent. It was followed with interest by representatives of the embassies of other EU arms supplier countries, who are also interested in introducing similar joint procedures on a bilateral basis.
December 15, 2023

Contracts

Contracts For Dec. 15, 2023

ARMY

TRAX International Corp., Las Vegas, Nevada, was awarded a $692,886,684 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting the results of developmental tests, production tests and other tests. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 13, 2028. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $1,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-24-D-0004).

Kokosing Alberici Traylor LLC, Westerville, Ohio, was awarded a $210,189,500 modification (P00007) to contract W911XK-22-C-0006 for chamber monoliths at Soo Lock. Work will be performed in Sault Saint Marie, Minnesota, with an estimated completion date of July 8, 2028. Fiscal 2015-2024 civil construction funds in the amount of $210,189,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

ASJ-NASCO JV LLC,* Lampasas, Texas, was awarded a $25,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance, repair, upgrade, and construction of real property facilities for Fort Johnson, Louisiana, and surrounding areas. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 14, 2028. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-24-D-0013).

Eastern Construction & Electric Inc.,* Wrightstown, New Jersey, was awarded an $18,144,999 firm-fixed-price contract for facility design, build and restoration services. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 4, 2025. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance, Army Reserve funds in the amount of $18,144,999 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-24-C-0004).

Engineering Research and Consulting Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $17,992,287 modification (P00030) to contract W91CRB-22-F-0282 for engineering services. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 19, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Westech International, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was awarded a $14,138,306 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for logistics support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, with an estimated completion date of June 17, 2029. Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $205,165 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W519TC-24-F-0039).

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio, was awarded a $9,886,909 modification (P00006) to contract W91CRB-21-D-0003 for tires. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 20, 2025. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Shimmick Construction Co. Inc., Irvine, California, was awarded a $9,881,973 modification (P00019) to contract W912P5-17-C-0007 for steel and concrete overruns for the Chickamauga Lock replacement project. Work will be performed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 7, 2026. Fiscal 2021 civil construction funds in the amount of $9,881,973 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville, Tennessee, is the contracting activity.

Montana State University Inc., Bozeman, Montana, was awarded a $9,135,000 modification (P00004) to contract W911W6-18-C-0050 to evaluate and detail the current challenges in manufacturing primary aircraft structures using stretch-broken carbon fiber. Work will be performed in Bozeman, Montana, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2027. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $9,135,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $663,134,662 modification (P00092) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive, cost reimbursable contract (N0001921C0020). This modification adds scope to provide logistics support, to include ground maintenance activities, action request solution, depot activation activities, automatic logistics information system operations and maintenance, reliability and maintainability, supply chain management, pilot training, maintainer training, and training system sustainment in support of delivered F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Air Systems for the Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (57%); Orlando, Florida (26%); Greeneville, South Carolina (11%); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (4%); and El Segundo, California (2%), and is expected to be completed in March 2024. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $246,914,605; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $142,762,214; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $64,824,767; FMS customer funds in the amount of $63,194,514; and non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $145,438,562 will be obligated at time of award, $454,501,586 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $168,199,286 firm-fixed-price advanced acquisition contract. This contract procures long-lead time materials for 21 full rate production lot 9 CH-53K King Stallion aircraft in support of the Marine Corp. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut and is expected to be completed in March 2025. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $168,199,286 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001924C0009).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $138,456,123 cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized contract to procure various special tooling and special test equipment in support of production, retrofit modifications and flight test instrumentation for the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Merrimack, New Hampshire (46%); Fort Worth, Texas (18.3%); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (11.5%); San Diego, California (5.9%); Karmiel, Israel (5.5%); Hoogeveen, Netherlands (2%); Winfield, Kansas (1.9%); Cosgrove Close, Worcester, United Kingdom (1.4%); Wilsonville, Oregon (1.3%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (6.2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $14,276,162; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,409,392; fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $5,750,000; fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,750,000; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $1,912,896; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,912,896; FMS customer funds in the amount of $1,417,792 and non-U.S. DOD participants funds in the amount of $10,343,897 will be obligated at time of award, $15,325,792 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(a)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001924C0011).

Huntington Ingalls Inc., Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $36,763,925 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-21-C-2443 for life cycle engineering and support for the LPD 17 Class Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Program. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi; (95%), and Norfolk, Virginia (5%), and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,308,771 (55%); fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,736,544 (28%); fiscal 2024 research development test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $750,000 (6%); fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $650,842 (5%); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $428,435 (3%); and fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $250,000 (2%), will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $98,000 (1%) will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Atomics, San Diego, California, is awarded a $27,964,670 modification (P00094) to a previously awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001914C0037). This modification exercises options for the production and delivery of two Advanced Arresting Gear water twisters and 140 Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) Position Sensor Blocks (PSBs). Additionally, this modification incorporates item unique identifications requirements for a total of 280 EMALS PSBs and includes non-recurring engineering support for redline Prime Power Interface Subsystem Transformer Rectifier drawings and completion of revisions to support drawing releases in support of the Navy. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (95%); and Tupelo, Mississippi (5%), and is expected to be completed in January 2027. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,964,671; and fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $21,999,999 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems, San Diego, California, is awarded a $21,997,212 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance and repair services in support of the Self-Defense Test Ship during a Selected Restricted Availability maintenance period. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by December 2024. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $21,997,212 will be obligated at time of award. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website, with two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity (N6339424C0002).

Delta Resources Inc. of Washington, D.C., is awarded a $14,918,702 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00030-24-C-6030 to provide engineering and professional support services for the Conventional Prompt Strike program. The contract has options which, if exercised, would increase the value of the contract to $79,690,027. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., (93%); and Huntsville, Alabama (7%). Work is expected to be completed on Dec. 17, 2028. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,250,000 will be obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is being awarded on a sole source basis under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1) and was previously synopsized on the System for Award Management online portal. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $12,980,062 modification (P00006) to cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001922F1020) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0008). This modification exercises options for the production and delivery of four Modified Mission Rehearsal Trainer kits, to include associated site readiness and survey requirements in support of providing a smaller footprint of the existing F-35 Pilot Training Device (PTD), additional training capabilities allowing the Air Force to train a greater number of pilots at any given time to meet its growing F-35 pilot training requirements, more sorties flown in a PTD rather than the F-35 airframe, and interoperability with other PTDs. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (91%); and Fort Worth, Texas (9%), and is expected to be completed in August 2026. Fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $12,980,062 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Plymouth, Minnesota, is awarded an $8,856,018 firm-fixed-price, definite delivery contract for 30mm MK44 Stretch cannons, with associated spares, tools, and gauges as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract under the Foreign Military Sales program to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2025. FMS (Israel) customer funds in the amount of $8,856,018 (100%) will be obligated at time of award. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(4), (international agreement or a treaty between the United States and a foreign government or international organization). Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016424CJ001).

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (H92403-18-D-0006) ceiling has been increased and now has a potential maximum estimated value of $200,000,000 for integration and testing support for the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Tactical (MALET) MQ-9 and MQ-1C Special Operations Forces peculiar (SOF-p) modifications, procurement of GA-ASI developed and produced aircraft modification kits, and analysis and studies to inform Government decision on potential future MALET MQ-9 and MQ-1C SOF-p modifications. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,011,000 are being obligated at time of award. The majority of the work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by March 2024. This is a sole source requirement and was issued under the authority 10 U.S. Code 2304(c) (1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Northrop Grumman, El Segundo, California, has been awarded a maximum $164,200,000 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract for F/A-18 weapon system supplies. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulations 6.302-1. This is a five-year base contract with one five-year option period. The performance completion date is Dec. 31, 2028. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense appropriated funds and working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Virginia (SPE4AX-24-D-9408).

Hermes Medical Solutions Inc., Greenville, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $100,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for radiology system components and accessories. This is a five-year base contract with one five-year option period. The ordering period end date is Dec. 14, 2028. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2D1-24-D-0002).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a sole-source hybrid, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-plus-incentive-fee, contract modification (P00089) under Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Weapon Systems contract HQ085121C0002. The total value of this contract modification is $157,151,560, inclusive of all options. The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with period of performance from time of award through June 2025. This modification will extend all current contract line-item numbers for a period of eighteen months. The effort performed in this period will be a continuation of in scope support for the following efforts: Aegis Baseline, BL 9 (BMD 5.1.5) development, future weapon system development support, Aegis BMD in-service support; BMD ground and flight test support; modeling and simulation support; Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex combat system engineering, testing, site support, modernization, technical and logistics support, glide phase development, and Aegis BMD ship installation and planning. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $19,725,595 will be obligated at the time of award. The value of the contract increases from $1,317,119,744 by $111,402,385 to $1,428,522,130. Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, San Diego, California, has been awarded a $72,318,801 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery requirements modification to previously awarded contract FA8539-21-D-0001 to exercise Option Year 3 for repair services. This contract provides for the 407th repair sustainment of the RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Air-Vehicle System. Work will be performed at San Diego, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; El Segundo, California; Sterling, Virginia; Las Cruces, New Mexico; Valencia, California; Joplin, Missouri; Vandalia, Ohio; Troy, Ohio; Longueuil, Quebec; Woodland Park, New Jersey; Whippany, New Jersey; Indianapolis, Indiana; Woburn, Massachusetts; Twinsburg, Ohio; Medford, New York; Cypress, California; Wichita, Kansas; Linthicum, Maryland; Dulles, Virginia; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Sunnyvale, California; and Macon, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2024 Contract Depot Maintenance Direct Cite funds in the amount of $25,000,000 are being initially obligated on the Option III order FA8539-24-F-0001. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8539-21-D-0001-P00014).

Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $29,755,595 second Small Business Innovation Research Phase III cost-plus-fixed-fee contract ($11,937,378 base and $17,818,217 in options). This contract provides for final development of the Common Munitions Software Defined Radio in support of the Government Reference Architecture. Work will be performed at Niceville, Florida, and is expected to be completed by June 18, 2026. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $2,040,902; and Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies funds in the amount of $9,986,476, are being obligated at time of award for the base period of 24 months. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is the contracting activity (FA8658-24-C-B001).

InfoScitex Corp., Dayton, Ohio, has been awarded a $9,950,601 modification to previously awarded FA8650-21-F-2623 to research, develop, and demonstrate new autonomous control technologies by developing and using a comprehensive simulation-based research and development capability. Work will be performed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2026. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $40,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

NWF Contractor Inc., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was awarded a maximum ceiling $9,500,000, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for construct targets. This contract provides for The Construct Target Re-Compete Project to establish a new indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity as a follow on to the previous indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity that expired the previous fiscal year. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 14, 2028. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA2823-24-D-0002).

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3619589/

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3d Marine Littoral Regiment Concludes Exercise KAMANDAG 7

US Marine Corps News

12 Dec 2023 | 1st Lt. Erin Scudder 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment

NORTHERN LUZON, Philippines -- 3d Marine Littoral Regiment demonstrated its readiness and ability to establish a forward presence during exercise KAMANDAG 7. From Nov. 9-17, 3d MLR conducted Stand-in-Force operations alongside the Philippine Marine Corps' 4th Marine Brigade and Coastal Defense Regiment, the Japan Self-Defense Force, and service members from the United Kingdom in multiple training locations spread across Northern Luzon.

KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at improving multinational readiness, relationships, and mutual capabilities in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the seventh iteration of the exercise and includes participants from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and observers from the United Kingdom.

During the exercise, 3d Littoral Logistics Battalion worked alongside the Philippine Marine Corps to build a jungle obstacle course, executed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and conducted community relations engagements at local hospitals, schools, and businesses. 3d Littoral Combat Team conducted bilateral small-unit infantry training, including land navigation, patrolling, immediate action drills, and jungle survival classes. Finally, 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion conducted man-portable air-defense system classes and an air-defense practical application alongside the Coastal Defense Regiment. The training created shared learning and provided opportunities for both nations to improve standard operating procedures and build relationships in preparation for future bilateral exercises.

The jungle obstacle course consisted of ten obstacles spanning 403 meters around Camp Cape Bojeador. Following the construction, the course was dedicated in a ceremony with Gen. Brawner, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Col. John Lehane, commanding officer of 3d MLR. The obstacle course will serve as a symbol of the partnership between the Marines and will continue to foster comradery and competition for years to come.

"It's an obstacle course. It can be used by troops, both from the U.S. and the Philippines, in order for us to prepare ourselves physically and make ourselves stronger," said Gen. Brawner, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines. "But the symbolism of this is that both countries worked together to build something. It could be an obstacle course today; it could be something bigger in the future."

Throughout the HADR training, the partners conducted a tabletop exercise that used a historical tropical cyclone event to create opportunities for the units to work through the process of tasking, delegating, and allocating assets alongside representatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the PDDRMO. The training allowed the force to work through friction points and set the ground for future 3d MLR HADR training opportunities across Northern Luzon.

During the tabletop exercise, the combined force received a task to pre-position relief supplies at Paredes Air Station. Upon receiving the task, service members from the PMC, JGSGF, and USMC conducted the first-ever trilateral convoy in Northern Luzon since establishing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites.

"The tabletop exercise was a great opportunity to establish a combined coordination cell and work alongside the PMC and PDDRMO," said Maj. William Culp, operations officer, 3d LLB. "The Philippines is very capable when it comes to disaster relief. We learned a lot and look forward to growing our HADR training in future exercises."

In July, 3d MLR participated in Marine Aviation Support Activity 23. As USMC forces were in the process of departing the Philippines upon the exercise's conclusion, Typhoon Doksuri struck the Philippines. For 72 hours, Marines and Sailors with 3d MLR assisted with clearing roads and offloading local disaster emergency supplies and equipment for those affected by the typhoon. Throughout the Kamandag 7 tabletop exercise, 3d MLR focused on lessons from Typhoon Doksuri to improve coordination and communication with the partner government and military.

"KAMANDAG 7 provided an invaluable opportunity for 3d Littoral Logistics Battalion to train alongside the Philippine Marine Corps, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the United Kingdom in a realistic environment," said Lt. Col Osman Sesay, commanding officer of 3d LLB. "Together, we are a stronger force, and KAMANDAG 7 was a perfect opportunity for 3d LLB to improve upon pre-existing relationships between the Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps."

3d MLR's successful participation in KAMANDAG provides proof of concept to Force Design initiatives as 3d MLR tests its newly minted mission essential tasks and strengthens relationships with their Philippine Marine Corps partners. The exercise demonstrated 3d MLR's ability to operate across disparate locations in Northern Luzon, conduct integrated command and control with partner forces, and conduct crisis response. 3d MLR will continue to exercise in the first island chain alongside the joint and combined force, providing lessons learned to the new 12th Marine Littoral Regiment.

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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 14th, 20:15

IDF Press Release

Press Briefing

14.12.23

IDF

Good evening,

Tonight we are revealing documentation from a special operation by the IDF and the ISA. The operation took place during the past days, targeting terrorists inside Hamas tunnels. Our soldiers planted explosives in an underground tunnel, identified the terrorists using cameras, and eliminated several terrorists in the incident. Hamas terrorists, and their leaders in particular, choose to hide underground - this is Hamas' method. They hide underground while using the civilians above them as human shields. We have new combat methods that we will deploy to kill terrorists. We will enter, plant explosives in locations we know terrorists frequent, and will wait for the right moment to kill them underground. The terrorists won't be safe underground.

The Chief of General Staff visited soldiers and commanders of the Golani Brigade today. The Golani Brigade is currently fighting in Shejaiya and Zaytun. Even at this hour, the brigade continues to operate decisively, courageously, achieving additional objectives and eliminating terrorists. The mission of Golani and of all the IDF brigades that are fighting, is to weaken and to eradicate the terror on the other side of the border, allowing civilians to return safely to their homes.

Today, December 14th, marks the 36th anniversary of Hamas' founding. Instead of the usual military parade pictures, we saw pictures of dozens of terrorists, emerging from their hiding place in Jabalya hospital with raised weapons, surrendering themselves to the IDF and the ISA for investigation. Today, we killed terrorists in Shejaiya and the Khan Yunis areas - this is what the anniversary of Hamas' founding looked like. We will continue our battles against the Hamas terror organization. We have many more objectives to achieve and there will be more tough battles in the days to come, but we will continue with determination to further our achievements, and to put pressure on Hamas.

In the north, IAF fighter jets and tanks struck a series of Hezbollah infrastructures in southern Lebanon. IDF forces struck a terrorist cell attempting to fire anti-tank missiles and responded to the sources of the fire.

In Judea and Samaria, we are conducting dozens of operations in the heart of refugee camps across the region - arresting wanted individuals, foiling attacks, and seizing many weapons. IDF forces, alongside Border Police and the ISA, completed a comprehensive brigade operation today in the Jenin refugee camp. [As we have operated] since we entered the refugee camp in Jenin, we will continue to operate determinedly to thwart terror within the camp.

I wish to address the unusual footage published today from the Jenin mosque. IDF soldiers are required to act professionally in accordance with the spirit of the IDF and its values. This is how the overwhelming majority of soldiers act; we will not compromise the IDF's conduct. Anyone who does not conduct themselves according to IDF values will face corresponding measures.

Even tonight, we do not forget for a moment that 135 hostages, abducted on October 7th, are still held in the Gaza Strip. We will continue to do everything - everything - to bring all the hostages home. Our hearts are with their families.

Tonight, we light the eighth and final candle of Hanukkah. This final candle will be lit by IDF soldiers in the field - on all our borders and inside Gaza, as they fight for our home. They too, will light Hanukkah menorahs so that we can live here securely. Happy holiday.

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Panther ready to pounce - Rheinmetall signs development contract with Hungary for nextgeneration tank

14/12/2023 | Press release

Key facts

Hungary awards Rheinmetall contract to develop Panther KF51 tank

Development in cooperation with N7

Contract worth around  288 million

Demonstrator vehicle to be built and qualified

Panther KF 51 EVO to feature L55A1 smoothbore gun and autoloader

The Hungarian government has joined forces with Rheinmetall to develop the Panther KF51 through to production maturity. A contract to this effect has now been signed in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. The development contract is worth around 288 million. A demonstrator vehicle will be constructed and qualified, paving the way to full-scale production. Rheinmetall is cooperating in the project with the state-owned Hungarian holding company N7, which also holds a 49 percent stake in the joint venture Rheinmetall Hungary.

We're delighted to have reached another important milestone on the path to producing next-generation fighting vehicles in Hungary", declares Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall. "The Panther KF51 is the world's most advanced main battle tank. It sets a new standard for the combat effectiveness of mechanized formations, while delivering a high degree of future adaptability. At the same time, in our accustomed manner, we'll be empowering our local Joint Venture Rheinmetall Hungary and further strengthen the national defence industrial capabilities of our partners."

Moving forward together as partners, Hungary and Rheinmetall will jointly develop and prepare for full production the next-generation tank whose concept Rheinmetall first presented to the world public at Eurosatory 2022 trade fair. Unlike the system demonstrator on show at Eurosatory, the Panther KF51 EVO will be armed with Rheinmetall's tried-and-tested L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun, which also features in the latest variants of the Leopard 2. This will ensure logistical homogeneity with Hungary's existing fleet of Leopard 2 tanks. Nevertheless, the Panther KF51 EVO will already be equipped with an autoloader. Moreover, the turret architecture will enable subsequent retrofitting of Rheinmetall's new 130mm gun.

The Panther K51 possesses a high degree of digitalization and networkability. Furthermore, new force protection technologies like the standoff protection system StrikeShield will enable a low aggregate weight. Its chassis is based on the Buffalo armoured recovery vehicle, supplied by Rheinmetall. In combination with the tank's low total weight, this contributes to the Panther KF51's high mobility, while simultaneously resulting in synergy effects in logistics, maintenance and training owing to commonalities with the Leopard 2 family.

The basic crew of the Panther KF51 consists of three soldiers: the commander, gunner and driver. A fourth station, in front on the lefthand side of the bow, is reserved for a subsystem operator. A company or battalion commander can also use it as a mobile command post.

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Background Press Call on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Travel to Israel

December 14, 2023

Via Teleconference

4:40 P.M. EST

MODERATOR: Hi, everyone. Thanks so much for joining the call to discuss National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's travel to Israel.

As a reminder, this call will be on background, attributable to a senior administration official, and embargoed until the completion of the call.

For your awareness, not for your reporting, on the call today we have [senior administration official].

With that, I'll turn it over to you for your thoughts at the top, and then we can take some of your questions.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Eduardo. I thought I would  I'm in a car, so if I break in and out, my apologies. I'm here in Tel Aviv.

I'll go through kind of the roundup of the day and the sequence of meetings, and then just some points on the substance of the meetings. I'm happy to take any questions.

So we started here this morning, in Tel Aviv, fairly early, with a meeting with our embassy team, who's doing an incredible job out here, and they've been working literally 24/7 since October 7th on every aspect of the situation here, from the humanitarian to military support to everything else. So we had a good meeting with our embassy team.

We then went and began our bilateral meeting. And this is Jake's second visit here since October 7th. I think it's his fifth visit here as National Security Advisor, second since the October 7th events, of course the first being with the President shortly after October 7th.

The bilateral meetings began this morning with a very intimate, very substantive, very detailed discussion with Jake's counterpart, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi. We kind of sketched out where we are overall since October 7th  everything that has happened, discussing the humanitarian situation, the state of the military campaign, some thoughts on the day after, and also looking forward to the day ahead with the meetings that went through the course of the day, which I'll now discuss.

We then went to the Ministry of Defense and met with the Minister of Defense, Gallant, and his entire team, and got a very detailed, substantive briefing on the state of Israel's military campaign, its objectives, its phasing, and what we expect to see over the coming days and weeks.

We then went for a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and a very small meeting with Jake, myself, the Prime Minister, and Tzachi Hanegbi. That meeting lasted about an hour, again, talking about almost every aspect of the current crisis, from the humanitarian situation to the military campaign, to the regional situation, to threats coming from the Houthis, from Hezbollah, from Iranian proxies, and our efforts to deter those threats and contain the conflict in Gaza. Again, a very substantive, detailed, very good discussion between Jake and the Prime Minister covering the full waterfront of issues.

After that bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, we met with the full war cabinet. That included the Prime Minister; that included, again, the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Defense, Halevi, who  Halevi gave a very detailed, again, presentation of his views on the military campaign and the phasing, objectives, and the next steps.

We then, again, after that war cabinet meeting, met with the Prime Minister directly in a very small setting, following up on the war cabinet meeting, and, again, kind of expectations as we move through the course of the coming weeks or towards the end of the year and into the early part of January.

So we then met with the former Chief of Defense and former Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, for a bilateral meeting on his thoughts as we move forward in the campaign, and also, finally, with the Mossad director, David Barnea. That meeting was scheduled for an hour; it went about two hours, with a very detailed discussion particularly on the hostages, which remains, first and foremost, on all of our minds, including the President's mind, particularly after his meeting with the families of the remaining American hostages just yesterday.

In all of these meetings, Mr. Sullivan expressed, of course, his support for Israel, following the barbaric attacks of October 7th, Israel's right to defend itself, and ensure that Israel can never see a day like it saw on October 7th from any enemy, whether it's Hamas or anyone else.

We also discussed in detail, as I mentioned, the state of Israel's military campaign, its objectives, its focus on maintaining continued pressure on Hamas, and, of course, the phasing of the campaign. Any military campaign has phases to it. And frankly, the Israelis have been briefing us, beginning with Tony Blinken's trip here just a couple of weeks ago  with Secretary Blinken a couple of weeks ago  on its own thinking through timelines, timeframes of how things might go, but of course, always based upon conditions on the ground.

There was a discussion in these meetings and also in our prior meetings, and in calls between the President and the Prime Minister, on kind of shifts in emphasis from a high-tempo clearance operation  high-intensity clearance operations, which are ongoing now, to ultimately lower-intensity focus on high-value targets, intelligence-driven raids, and those sorts of more narrow, surgical military objectives.

I know there's been some reporting on timeframes, and I just have to say that it's just not entirely accurate. The Israelis have briefed us on kind of its thinking of potential timeframes, and Jake had a very good discussion about the kind of conditions that, obviously, we all hope to be set.

There was a heavy discussion on, of course, civilian protection. And the Israelis briefed us in detail, particularly in the Chief of Defense briefing, about the extraordinary efforts that they are undertaking to try to separate the civilian population from Hamas as it undergoes this incredibly, incredibly difficult endeavor. And again, it goes without saying, as I think Jake gave an interview here on Channel 12 News tonight, about this incredibly difficult situation the Israelis face. And you have to go back to October 7th, when about 2- to 3,000 Hamas terrorists basically invaded Israel, killed 1,200 Israelis, took hostage over 200 Israelis, and then basically retreated into underground fortresses underneath schools, hospitals, and civilian neighborhoods.

I think it goes without saying, again, that the military challenge Israel faces is extraordinarily complex. It also, of course, adds an extra burden on the Israelis to make sure they're carrying out their operations with doing the utmost, everything they possibly can, to protect the civilian population. There was a very, very detailed discussion about how the Israelis are going about this and prosecuting the campaign.

Needless to say, there was a very detailed discussion in all of the meetings about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I would just remind everyone the United States is the primary contributor to the humanitarian response in Gaza. We are the number one funder and backer of UNRWA. We are the primary facilitator of all the aid going into Gaza. David Satterfield, who was in most of our meetings here today, is working this literally 24/7 to make sure that as much aid as possible is getting into Gaza.

We discussed in detail what is called deconfliction to ensure that humanitarian responders from the U.N. on down are fully able to communicate with the Israeli military day to day and hour by hour. We talked about the protection of hospitals, even when those hospitals are being used by Hamas, both in the hospitals and underneath the hospitals.

We talked about the facilitation of trucks and aid getting into Gaza, including the decision recently taken by the Israeli government to do inspections at Kerem Shalom  that is the Israel border crossing into Gaza  and very soon, we hope and anticipate, the direct entry of aid from Israel into Gaza, through Kerem Shalom, for the first time since October 7th.

We also talked about corridors  set corridors inside Gaza to enable the delivery of aid from the south to the north, and also the institution of humanitarian pauses as part of Israel's military campaign.

Finally, as I mentioned up top, there was a very detailed discussion of the effort to get hostages out of Gaza. There's about  I don't want to go through the total numbers, but about 100 or so, maybe less, hostages that are being held by Hamas. We know who many of them are. Some of them are American citizens. And we again call on Hamas to release those hostages, and we're doing everything we possibly can to locate and to bring those hostages to safety, to get them out of Gaza.

Of course, Jake arrived here after meetings in Saudi Arabia. We saw the Crown Prince last night, talking about this overall situation. Of course, the Saudis have their views on the conflict, which we discussed in detail and which we relayed to our Israeli counterparts, and also talked about what can come after this crisis, including the hope and the expectation that what can come after this crisis and after Hamas in Gaza, a more stable, more integrated, more peaceful Middle East.

I think anyone working on this realizes that there's a way to go in that, but there is a real focus and effort I would say from every capital in this region to try to focus on what comes after this crisis and to set the conditions to ensure that we never see what happened on October 7 happen again.

And, of course, Jake will be in the West Bank tomorrow, in Ramallah, to talk to the Palestinian Authority about its role in setting those conditions and, of course, our historic support for the Palestinian Authority in many aspects, which we'll discuss in detail tomorrow with President Abbas and others.

And I think with that, I'm happy to take some questions.

MODERATOR: For those interested in asking a question, you can use the "Raise Your Hand" function here.

Our first question will go to Aamer with the AP. Aamer, you should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thank you, [senior administration official]. You mentioned that some of the reporting on the timetable has been inaccurate. Was there any specific ask or call for when the President would like to see the high-intensity combat wind down? Is there a specific timetable that the administration sees?

And then, secondly, if you can just talk a little bit more to the visit to Ramallah tomorrow. What makes you think that the Gazans want the PA, when Palestinians seem to want Abbas gone? Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Aamer. So, on the first question, again, it's not really about timeframes, it's about the conditions that will be set. And the Israelis have briefed us in tremendous detail about the phasing of its overall campaign.

And I think for those  you know, you have been following this from day one  I think the Israelis had ideas for the military campaign very early, which we found problematic. And I think the President's visit out here very early in the crisis discussed that in some detail. And the ground campaign was adjusted based upon some of our advice, some of our recommendations, with the recognition that this ultimately is not our war. This is Israel's campaign; this is Israel protecting its own country.

But I think we have had incredibly frank, I think constructive, and detailed discussions with the Israelis about the prosecution of the campaign, the best way to go about it.

Now, one of these inflection points will be the point at which there is a shift from major clearance ground operations, which have been ongoing and which actually are ongoing now in parts of Khan Younis, and a shift to a more targeted, surgical, intelligence-driven, kind of longer-term effort against high-value targets, specific military infrastructure, things like that.

And when that time comes, I'm just not obviously going to get ahead of this on this call; I think it would be irresponsible for anyone dealing with these issues to talk about timeframes. There is an enemy here that listens to everything that is said.

But this has been a part of the conversation that's been going on, really, since the early phase of the crisis. There was never an anticipation that there would be major ground clearance operations going on. And definitely, there's a period of major ground clearance operations in key areas and then a shift to a more lower-intensity  again, for lack of better of phraseology, but that's the way it's used  lower-intensity, surgical, focused, targeted campaign. And that means that Hamas leaders will never be given any sanctuary or any quarter because it is Israel's right to go after the leaders that planned and executed the October 7 attacks. But it will look much different, I think, from what you're seeing now.

When that happens, everything else, I'm just not going to get into that on the call.

And again, it's not totally up to us, it's also up to the Israelis, and it's part of the back-and-forth conversation we have with the Israelis. And Secretary Austin will be following up Jake's visit here on Monday.

So, in Ramallah, I think we expect to have a very good conversation with the Palestinian Authority  I was just there a few weeks ago, and this will be, I think, Jake's first visit since he was last here last year  about, first, stability in the West Bank. And if you look at the West Bank, since the October 7 crisis, you know, Hamas cells in the West Bank tried to instigate violence and uprising in the days after October 7th. That actually failed because the Palestinian Security Forces actually performed incredibly well. And we worked with those forces and helped train those forces through the United States Security Coordinator and Lieutenant General Mike Fenzel  again, who works these issues 24/7  long before this crisis and every day since this crisis.

So we'll talk about both the Palestinian Security Forces. We'll talk about efforts we are doing to rein in violent extremist settler violence, which we've been very vocal about and we'll continue to be, and also the capacity of the Palestinian Authority, which we recognize needs to be revamped, revitalized. And I think they would tell you that themselves.

So I think we'll have a pretty good discussion with President Abbas and his senior team about  primarily about stability in the West Bank, but also, over time, about what comes next in Gaza. There are a number of security personnel linked to the Palestinian Authority, which we think might be able to provide some sort of a nucleus in the many months that follow the overall military campaign. But this is something we are discussing with the Palestinians and with the Israelis and with regional partners, and it very much remains a work in progress.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to JJ with Bloomberg. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thank you. I've got a few questions. Will Jake Sullivan leave the region after your meetings tomorrow, on Friday? Or is he staying longer in the Middle East? And if he's staying longer, which other countries will he visit?

And then, you talked a little bit about the revamped and revitalized Palestinian Authority. I'm wondering if there's anything you can share on what that might look like. What might it need to look like in order to return to governing Gaza? You just mentioned the security personnel, but is there anything else that you can share on what you would like to see revamped and revitalized about the PA?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks so much. For stops, I have nothing else to preview, but I think there will likely be a stop or two after our visit here in Israel to the West Bank.

On Gaza, I just  you know, you have to keep in mind that Gaza has been governed by Hamas since 2006. So this is hardly a light switch. And there was a civil war in Gaza about a year after that in which Hamas basically kicked out what was left of the Palestinian Authority. And so, there's a lot of work to do here.

And I think that there's a very pretty rich conversation going on with a number of regional partners and also with the Palestinian Authority. And we hear from them, of course, their deep concerns about the current situation in Gaza, and of course, we have concerns about the situation in Gaza  about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, about the civilian casualty toll in Gaza, and also about Hamas in Gaza. Because until Hamas is no longer in charge of Gaza, it really precludes the type of future that everybody wants to see, which is a path  a pathway, ultimately, to a viable two-state solution in which Israel's security is guaranteed and which of the aspirations of the Palestinian people can be met. That simply can't happen if Hamas, who has dedicated its entire existence to the elimination of Israel and to killing as many Jews as it possibly can, is in charge of Gaza.

So if there's a future in Gaza in which Hamas is no longer the dominant power in Gaza, and we hope that will be the case, it opens up a lot of possibilities.

But I'm not, on this call, going to lay out what those possibilities might be, but I think the Palestinian Authority will look to ultimately have a role there. And that is something that we're talking about with them and with the Israelis and with regional partners. And I think, you know, we'll have to see how things play out.

But we're making sure that we are prepared for every possible contingency, depending upon how Israel's military campaign plays out here over the coming weeks.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Yuna. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi. And thank you for this. Can you elaborate a little bit about the talks and  (audio cuts out) 

MODERATOR: I think we're having a little bit of trouble 

You know, we'll come back to you.

Q (Inaudible) the hostages.

MODERATOR: Are you able to repeat your question? We had a bit of trouble hearing you.

Q Oh, yeah. So I'll just ask again. Is there anything you can say about the negotiations and the release of the hostages? Are they're  start over with Qatar, with Egypt? Is there anything new about that?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, thanks for the question. It is really central on all of our minds. And as I mentioned, the meeting with David Barnea tonight lasted an extra hour, mainly on this point.

And we're working this every day  Jake Sullivan, Bill Burns, myself, Tony  to work on inroads to try to get the hostages home. And so, I think it's worth reminding everybody that the deal we had brokered in Qatar broke down because  it was a very clear, very detailed agreement in which all women and children, and women of whatever age, civilian women, would be released. And Hamas, at the last moment, had chose to recategorize young women who are not in the Israeli military, many of whom were kidnapped and held hostage from the music festival, as hos-  I'm sorry, as soldiers. They're not soldiers. And that's what broke down the deal.

So the issue now is whether and how to try to get this process back on track, again, starting with those women that Hamas has acknowledged that they are holding but they have refused to release. And there are a number of initiatives now being pursued. I cannot state with any confidence which initiative might gain traction. But having been involved in this from the very start, all the way back to the pilot, with Judith and Natalie, the American mother and daughter, the first two hostages we were able to get out, that also felt very uncertain in those early days.

So we're working on a number of initiatives to get this back on track, but I just can't speak with any detail about those now. But we're doing all we possibly can to locate, identify, rescue, or secure the release of all the hostages that Hamas is holding.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Karen DeYoung with the Washington Post. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi. I wonder: The Israeli government, and Prime Minister Netanyahu in particular, have publicly said in recent days, or reiterated, that they are opposed to a two-state solution and that they are opposed to any Palestinian Authority control over Gaza. I wonder if that's something that you brought up during the talks, if you view it as an impediment to your conversations with partners such as Saudi Arabia and with the Palestinian Authority itself, and whether you see any movement on that.

Secondly, I wanted to ask you about the question of the idea of flooding the tunnels in Gaza. Is that something you discussed? Is that something that's been started? Have you advised against it or for it? Or do you have anything to say about it? Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Karen. I think  look, our position is very clear, and the President stated it not only throughout his entire career but as President, and during his visit here in the summer of 2002 [2022], particularly around this trip to Ramallah, about the importance of a two-state solution as being the only path to a viable, secure outcome for Israel. And I don't have to repeat the President's deep conviction for Israel and his desire to see a secure future for Israel as a Jewish State.

And so that is a very fixed course, in our view. And I have to say, in our conversations with the Israelis, the question is not only whether or not a Palestinian state or when, but what is the alternative. And I think we've actually had quite constructive conversations about where this heads.

I also want to just say something important. And it is not as though this conversation with the Israelis began on October 7th. This has been a conversation we've been having with the Israelis since the earliest days of the Biden administration. Now, this is really the fourth Israeli government we've worked with. And the movement towards ultimately forging a path to two states has been a constant discussion we have had with the Israelis, now over three years.

The issue of Israel-Saudi normalization and that prospect, the Palestinian component to that possibility has been a central feature of those talks. As the President has mentioned, it was the central feature of his discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu in New York, at the U.N. General Assembly, about two weeks before just the terrible, horrific events of October 7th, unleashed by Hamas.

So this has been an ongoing discussion with the Israelis. I am not going to comment on everything Israel might say publicly from one day to the next. And obviously, this is a long-term effort.

But we are working with the Israelis, the Palestinians, and a number of regional partners on all contingencies as we look to emerge from this crisis, hopefully with Hamas no longer in charge of Gaza, and the possibilities that that might entail.

So that has really been the focus today. I think the discussions today were generally very candid, very detailed, and, I think, quite constructive.

On the flooding of the tunnels, that's really a tactical issue for the Israelis. They have found  I'll leave it to them to give you the number, but there's hundreds and hundreds and hundreds now of entrances to tunnels, many of them adjacent to schools and protected sites and hospitals, as you know. And now they are working on how best to ensure that  because they will not be remaining on the ground in Gaza forever; they made that very clear that is not their intent  but they do want to make sure that these entrances to these tunnels are no longer accessible and that this military fortress that has been built underneath the civilian structures in Gaza are no longer accessible or usable by Hamas.

So there's a number of initiatives going on in this regard. One of them has to do with this idea to try to use sea water to flood some of the tunnels. But I'm not going to get into kind of those tactical details on the call.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Barak Ravid with Axios. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi. Thank you very much. Two questions. First, I want to follow up on something you said earlier and just see if I understood correctly.

So, the U.S. idea is to get a group of Palestinian Authority Security Forces people and get them to Gaza as sort of a nucleus for a broader Palestinian security force going forward? That's first question.

And second question: What's your sense, after talking to the Saudis and other Arab countries  does Saudi Arabia or do other Arab countries willing to help in reconstruction of Gaza on the day after, if the Palestinian Authority will not be involved, as Prime Minister Netanyahu said he wants?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Barak. It's a good question. So I think  look, on the day after in Gaza  I mean, there's a day of, which we have right now, there's a day after, and then there's, like, the day after the day after, so  which I guess is a much longer term.

On the day after, there's a number of proposals, initiatives coming from almost everywhere, but first and foremost, obviously, from the Israelis, who will largely dictate a lot of the outcome here and what they decide to do in the wake of their military campaign.

But I think there's a broad agreement that the future of Gaza should be Palestinian-led  it is Palestinian land; it should be Palestinian-led  and the future of Gaza should be one in which the Palestinians are able to pursue their own aspirations in a manner that is not a threat to Israel and that Israel is not a threat to them. I mean, that is kind of the basic equation which the Israelis agree with and, frankly, we find that the Palestinians largely agree with.

So there are a number of Gazans who have been part of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces in the past and that might be able to serve as a nucleus for a future force. But I want to stress that is one idea of many.

And so, what actually happens there is something that will be the result and the product of many meetings, many discussions, one of which was the very important visit that Jake had here today.

On the overall regional situation, Barak: Look, we are focused, as I think a number of us  is that we are focused first and foremost on the crisis and emerging from this crisis in a way that sets the conditions for something that can come that is enduring and that leads to a stable outcome, particularly in Gaza, but also overall between Israelis and Palestinians in the region. That is a theme that we hear from almost every capital around the region and is one that we are pursuing.

But I don't want to get ahead of that. And I just want to stress that, first and foremost, the meetings we are having  whether in Saudi Arabia, whether here in Israel, whether in the West Bank, whether in Cairo, whether in Oman  is really, first and foremost, focused on the crisis and also what comes immediately after, with the hope and expectation that we're able to set some conditions for something enduring and stabilizing as we look ahead. Again, that's a consensus  that's really a consensus in the region that we're working to forge and foster as best we can.

MODERATOR: Thank you. We've got time for about two more questions. Next up, we'll go to Margaret Brennan from CBS. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi, thanks for doing this. I have two questions. First up would be: Can Israel conclude this war without killing Yahya Sinwar? Is that the main, like clearest goal in terms of defining how you destroy Hamas?

And secondly, if there are roughly 700,000 settlers in the West Bank, is it actually possible to have a Palestinian state in that territory without removing those settlers?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Margaret. Look, Sinwar as the military leader of Hamas, I think it's safe to say his days are numbered. I also think it's safe to say it doesn't matter how long that takes. And we know that terrorists  and I remind you that he has American blood on his hands. About 38 Americans were killed on October 7, and he is still holding a number of Americans hostage. So, it doesn't matter how long it takes, but justice will be served on Sinwar.

In terms of the West Bank and settlers and the prospects of two states, look, this is an issue that goes way back, and it's an issue that is very current. We've been very vocal about our concerns about a particularly extreme  violent extremist settlers. We have instituted some, I think, fairly unprecedented measures, including listing  instituting visa restrictions and some other measures, which we will continue to pursue.

But in terms of the ultimate formula when it comes to forging two states, and the issue of settlers and outputs and everything, that is obviously something that will be on the table, but we're not there yet.

But the issue of West Bank stability, Margaret  which I mentioned I think earlier on the call  in terms of a revamped, revitalized Palestinian Authority; in terms of helping to support the Palestinian Authority Security Forces, the PASF, particularly through General Fenzel's operation as USSC; and also, again, focused on the issue of the PA's financial viability and everything else, which we're focused on, that is core priority of ours, again, as we look to make sure that after this crisis, the conditions are set to do all we can to make sure that there is a foundation in place, that they're pursuing more enduring and lasting peace here.

MODERATOR: Okay, and our last question will go to Jeff Mason. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thanks very much. Just to follow up on the questions about the Palestinian Authority's preparations for governing Gaza once the war is over, can you give a sense of whether you expect that President Abbas would be appointing a vice president as part of a reform effort to do that governing? And do you have any sense of who the candidates would be for that role? There's been a handful of names already floated.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Jeff. That's just really not for me to say in terms of how the Palestinian Authority decides to reorganize itself or appoint an emergency cabinet, or a number of other initiatives that have been on the table, particularly as we begin to emerge from this crisis.

But there are a number of ideas coming, particularly from the leadership in Ramallah itself, which again, I think, are encouraging but focus first and foremost on the West Bank.

And, look, Gaza is going to take time. I mean, let's just be honest. As I mentioned throughout the call here, Hamas has been in charge, really, for almost two decades, since 2006. And so, the prospect of a Gaza no longer governed by Hamas opens up a lot of possibilities but also a lot of difficulties. And it's going to take time, it's going to take thought, it's going to take cooperation from a number of regional partners. It's going to take some, I think, very clear-eyed and clear-headed thinking from the Israeli side and also from the Palestinian side.

And we, as kind of the honest brokers of this process here, as the United States, are working with everybody and kind of collecting the ideas and looking at different ways forward, with the caveat that, again, we're still in the middle of the main phase of Israel's military campaign, the high-intensity clearance operations, which ultimately over time will shift to a lower-intensity phase, but we're not there yet.

MODERATOR: That's all the time we have. Thank you, [senior administration official]. And thanks, everyone, for joining.

If we didn't get to your question, feel free to reach out to us and we'll get back to you.

As a reminder, this call was on background, attributable to a senior administration official. And the embargo is now lifted.

Thanks, everyone.

5:15 P.M. EST

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December 15, 2023

Release

Point-of-Need Manufacturing Challenge Demonstrates Technologies for Cold Weather Combat Effectiveness

The Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program showcased technologies that will keep servicemembers combat effective in extreme temperatures during a technology demonstration Dec. 4 -8 at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, New Hampshire.

The event, which ManTech held with support from the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, featured technologies generated by the U.S. Department of Defense's Manufacturing Innovation Institute member companies that won the Point-of-Need Manufacturing Challenge held in March by proposing solutions to the Department's operational constraints in extreme cold temperatures.

The six project demonstrations exhibited systems that could be deployed in a cold weather environment, closing supply chain gaps and enabling warfighters to manufacture and use critical equipment on demand in the harshest environments. The technologies were tested by members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and Army National Guard. The technology featured in the event was manufactured using the following processes:

Circuit Card Repair and Medical Brace Additive Manufacturing

Cold Spray Metal Additive Manufacturing

Metal Additive Manufacturing

Blood On-Demand

Therapeutic Agent Delivery System, a system that enables vaccines, medicine, and nutrition delivery to warfighters

Cybersecurity for manufacturing systems including robotics and AM equipment

Defense officials from partner nations joined senior civilian and military leaders from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, military services, defense agencies, and Army National Guard to observe the event, underscoring the Pentagon's priority to deliver cutting edge technology to the joint force.

"We don't fight alone", said Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, the Vermont National Guard's Adjutant General. "The partnerships are key."

Other leaders who attended the event included Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology Dr. Steven Wax, DEVCOM deputy commanding general, Brig. Gen. David Trybula, and DOD ManTech Director Tracy Frost, who congratulated the developers on their accomplishments advancing defense technologies to meet the warfighters needs.

"Material performance in the cold is different," said Wax. "We must understand this to adapt to support current operations."

The Point of Need challenge winners have proven to be champions of research and innovation and are helping to maintain the United States military's technological advantage. Ensuring the security of our nation requires providing the warfighter with a robust toolset in all environments.

"We don't want 'home games,' which is why we prepare to operate in all environments," Trybula said.

The members of the MIIs demonstrated rapid innovative solutions to challenging warfighter requirements. ManTech is investing nearly $2.5 million, while industry partners are contributing close to $700,000 in cost share. The technologies showcased at the event included: Portable Manufacturing Station for a Self-Administrable Injectable Applicator

MII: BioFabUSA; Manchester, N.H.

Prime: DEKA Integrated Solutions; Manchester, N.H.

DEKA has developed a novel, hollow-microneedle-based intradermal delivery applicator for self-administering therapeutic agents. Through the DOD grant, DEKA will further the development of a portable, rugged manufacturing station that can fill the required therapeutic agent at a forward-operating base and then send the applicator forward to warfighters to administer vaccines and other needed therapeutic agents. This portable manufacturing station enables the low-cost, quick, and effective administration of needed therapeutic agents for viruses, allergens, and emerging threats without the need for skilled medical personnel in the field. A less-rugged version of this same manufacturing station can be used in a just-in-time manufactured hub-and-spoke distribution system to serve civilian needs across the United States.

Austere nField Repair

MII: NextFlex; San Jose, Calif.

Prime: nScrypt; Orando, Fla.

Using the nRugged tool, an integrated and rugged "factory in a box," the project employs additive electronics and mechanical part manufacturing to replace and repair damaged hardware at austere points of need. Ultimately, nScrypt will demonstrate four stages of functionality: fabricating a replacement electronic printed circuit board, repairing a damaged printed circuit board, 3D printing a replacement mechanical part, and manufacturing a customized biomedical brace.

Intrepid Expeditionary 3D Printer

MII: America Makes; Youngstown, Ohio

Prime: Craitor; San Diego, Calif.

The Intrepid Expeditionary 3D Printer can print critical parts in the field. This project, led by Craitor, will utilize current capabilities as the foundation to de-risk manufacturing at the point of need through established standards and procedures and to form a framework for future manufacturing ecosystems. The project will occur over five phases with the objective of improving the confidence of operators, reducing the risk for prime manufacturers, and increasing the investment in the digital ecosystem by existing original equipment manufacturers. Securing the Digital Backbone with Corsha's Zero-Trust Platform for Machines

MII: ARM; Pittsburgh, Pa.

Prime: Corsha; Vienna, Va.

The Corsha platform manages cybersecurity challenges by addressing security limitations and providing zero-trust network access, even to legacy manufacturing equipment, thereby mitigating the risk of a security breach by implementing an additional, out-of-band layer of access control.

Demonstration of Use of Sciperio Austere Bioreactor to Produce Blood in a Forward Environment from CONUS Cryopreserved Starting Material

MII: BioFabUSA; Manchester, N.H.

Prime: Safi Biotherapeutics; Cambridge, Mass.

The ability to "manufacture" blood on demand and near the point of conflict eliminates both source and logistics concerns. This program leverages the current On-Demand Blood Program awarded to Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and demonstrates the ability to deliver cryopreserved blood precursor cells that transport in a fraction of the volume of blood bags (think 1,000 units in an ammo box), and expansion and manufacture of blood on-site in an austere-capable bioreactor.

Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit for Battlefield Repair and Readiness

MII: LIFT; Detroit, Mich.

Prime: SPEE3D; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and Wilmington, Del.

SPEE3D's 3D Metal Printing Technology is an industry proven, military tested, expeditionary, all-in-one solution. The system uses existing cold spray technology to create complex 3D parts quickly. SPEE3D's technology has been demonstrated in operations in hot and hot-humid environments, including work with the United Kingdom and Australian militaries, the U.S. Navy Repair Technology Exercise 2022, and the U.S. Army's Project Convergence 2022. The project goal is to successfully 3D-print metal parts in a sub-freezing environment that is equivalent in quality to the same parts printed, on the same technology, in a lab environment.

The DOD ManTech Program comprises investment programs operated out of the U.S. Military Services, Defense Logistics Agency, Missile Defense Agency, and OSD.

The OSD ManTech office is responsible for administering the DOD ManTech Program and manages two investment portfolios: the Manufacturing Science and Technology Program, and the DOD MIIs. The charter of these public-private partnerships is to advance research and development to promote innovation while modernizing U.S. military capabilities; grow manufacturing ecosystems to enhance the Nation's competitiveness; and further education and workforce development for the jobs of the future.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3619258/

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Greece - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 23-85

WASHINGTON, December 15, 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.95 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Greece has requested to buy thirty-five (35) UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; eighty (80) T700-GE 701D engines (70 installed, 10 spares); forty-four (44) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (35 installed, 9 spares); eighty-five (85) H-764U Embedded Global Position Systems with Inertial Navigation (EGI) and country unique selective availability anti-spoofing module (SAASM) (or future replacement) (70 installed, 15 spares); and eighty-five (85) AN/ARC-231A VHF/UHF/LOS SATCOM radio systems. Also included are AN/ARC-231 Receivers/Transmitters RT-1808A (or future replacement); VHF/UHF/LOS SATCOM radios; APR-39C(V)1/4 Radar Warning Receivers; AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets; APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponders; ARC-220 High Frequency (HF) radios with KY-100M; VRC-100 Ground Stations; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs); KIV-77 Common IFF Applique Crypto Computers; COMSEC Encryption devices; AN/ARN-147(V) Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR)/Instrument Landing System (ILS) Receiver Radios; AN/ARN-149(V) Low Frequency (LF)/Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) Radio Receivers; AN/ARN-153 Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) Receiver Transmitters; AN/APN-209 Radar Altimeters; AN/ARC-210 radios; EBC-406HM Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs); Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercommunications Systems (EAWIS); Improved Heads Up Displays (IHUD); Signal Data Converters for IHUD; Color Weather Radars; MX-0D EO/IR with Laser Designators; EO/IR Cabin Monitoring Systems; EO/IR Digital Video Recorders; AN/ARC-201D RT-1478D radios; Engine Inlet Barrier Filters (EIBF); Ballistic Armor Protection Systems (BAPS); Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Systems (IAFTS); Fast Rope Insertion Extraction Systems (FRIES); External Rescue Hoists (ERH); Rescue Hoist Equipment Sets; Dual Patient Litter System (DPLS) Sets; Martin Baker Palletized Crew Chief/Gunner Seats with crashworthy floor structural modifications; External Stores Support System (ESSS); Integrated Tow Plates Production Assets; Universal Software Loading Kits; 60kVA Generator Kits; Instrument Panels; DF-500 Personal Location Systems; Trakkabeam Searchlights; External Gun Mount Systems; M-134 Mini Gun Systems; M-240 machine guns; 7.62mm Cartridges; 2.75" Rockets; Flare IR Countermeasure M206; Decoy Flare CM M211; CTG Impulse BBU-35/B; CTG, 25.4mm, Decoy, Chaff, M839/RR170/ Series; M255A2 MK-66 Night Reliability Indicator (NRI); Cartridge, Aircraft Fire Extinguisher; Cartridge, Impulse; Thruster Control Unit (TCU) -3/A; Cartridge, Aircraft; Black Hawk Aircrew Trainer (BAT); Black Hawk Maintenance Trainer (BHMT-M); Black Hawk Avionics Trainer; Maintenance Blended Reconfigurable Avionics Trainer (MBRAT); CAPT-E-Visual & Control System (CAPT-E VCS); training devices; helmets; transportation; organizational equipment; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.95 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO Ally, which is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will replace Greece's current multi-role helicopter fleet with a more reliable and proven system that will allow Greece to maintain the appropriate level of readiness to conduct combined operations. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter will improve the Hellenic Army's ability to deploy combat power to secure Greece's borders, deter actions against its interests, and, when required, respond with credible force. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, Stratford, CT. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately fifteen (15) U.S. Government and/or fifteen (15) contractor representatives to travel to Greece for an extended period for equipment de-processing/fielding, system checkout, training, and technical and logistics support.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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Italy - M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 24-05

WASHINGTON, December 15, 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $400 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Italy has requested to buy twenty-one (21) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); and one (1) M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary (GMLRS-U) High Explosive (HE) Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS). Also included are Universal Fielding Modules; towbar toolkits and sets; crypto-fill cable; AN/PRC-158 Multi-Channel Tactical Radio installation kits; Multi-Channel AN/PRC-158 radios; RF-7800i CU100 radio router; HARRIS installation kits for 160W high frequency (HF) radio system; HF AN/PRC-160W-HF radios; Simple Key Loader (SKL) AN/PYQ-10 (C); RF-7800i Tactical Intercom System installation kit; RF7800i Tactical Intercom System; Fire Control Panel Trainer (FCPT) hardware and software; Missile Common Test Device Trainer (MCTD-T), slim; Panasonic Toughbook ruggedized laptop with 30ft cables and power adapters and internal CD ROM drive; RF-7800i Tactical Intercom System training hardware; RF-7800i and CU100 training rigs, test equipment, and Golden System for operator and maintenance training; Launcher Adapter Group (LAG) and Sling; Launcher Control Unit (LCU); Weapons Control Unit (WCU); MCTD V.4 hardware and spares; MCTD V.4 software and publications; spare parts; Maintenance Support Device (MSD) V.4; Wireless AT-Platform Test Set (WATS); guided missile organizational tool kit; Hydraulic Servicing Unit (HSU); Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) development; Direct Support (DS)/General Support (GS) tool kits; Gas Particulate Filter Unit (GPFU); Forward Repair System (FRS); Positioning Navigation Assembly (PNA) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System/Precise Positioning Service (GPS/PPS); Common MLRS SPORT Test Program Set (CMST) hardware and software development; mobile Standard Automotive Tool Set (SATS); RF7800i Tactical Intercom System spare package; Technical Manual Unit organizational Repair Parts and Special Tools List (RPSTL); Technical Manual operator's manual; Launch POD/container (LP/C) trainer M68A2; GMLRS-U flight surveillance kit; and other related elements of program and logistic support. The estimated total program cost is $400 million.

This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security by helping to improve the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Ally which is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe. Italy requests these capabilities to provide for the defense of deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with the United States.

The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats and enhance its interoperability with U.S. and other allied forces. Italy will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Grand Prairie, TX. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 10 U.S. Government and 10 contractor representatives annually to Italy for a period of one week. U.S. Government or contractor representatives travel to Italy will be required for program management reviews and New Equipment Training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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Guinea-Bissau: Statement by the High Representative on the latest developments

European External Action Service (EEAS)

15.12.2023

EEAS Press Team

The EU is closely following the situation in Guinea-Bissau, and is concerned by the events that have occurred since the night of 30 November.

In this difficult situation, the EU strongly condemns all forms of violence and all attempts to disrupt the constitutional order. We urge all relevant stakeholders to contribute, through an inclusive dialogue, to bring an end to the political crisis in full respect of the rule of law and of the democratic process. The EU endorses the call of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for the full respect of the national constitution and a transparent investigation into the various events, in accordance with the law.

Guinea-Bissau marked an important step in the consolidation of its democracy and stability when calm, peaceful and highly participatory legislative elections took place on 4 June, and all the main political leaders subsequently accepted the results. The country should continue on this path.

The EU stands in full solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and all its democratic institutions, and reiterates its commitment to continue supporting the efforts towards consolidating democracy and stability and working with all relevant stakeholders.



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International ministerial meeting in Oslo on the war in Gaza



Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 15/12/2023

'This meeting in Oslo has taken place against an extremely serious and dramatic backdrop. Tomorrow, it will be 10 weeks since Hamas's horrific terrorist attack. Close to 19 000 people have been killed in Gaza, nearly half of them children. The scale of destruction is enormous. More than 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza. At the meeting today, there was broad agreement on the gravity of the situation and the need for peace,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Today, Foreign Minister Eide hosted a high-level meeting on the crisis in Gaza. The meeting was organised in response to a request from the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, who heads a Ministerial Committee appointed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh on 11 November. In addition to the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the foreign ministers of Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg took part. Finland was represented at state secretary level. The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also attended the meeting.

'The war in Gaza is a catastrophe for the Palestinian people. It is also an extremely serious situation for Israel, affecting its relations with neighbouring countries and internationally. The war is making the world less safe for all of us. The participants at the meeting today agreed that we must do everything we can to stop the war and prevent escalation in the Middle East,' Mr Eide said.

The need to strengthen the Palestinian Authority and to renew international cooperation aimed at realising a two-state solution were also discussed at the meeting.

'The war between Israel and Hamas and the policies of the Israeli authorities are weakening the Palestinian Authority and creating instability in the West Bank as well. My colleagues and I agreed that we cannot risk the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, which has an essential role to play, both as a governing body for the Palestinian people and in the work to establish a Palestinian state. This terrible war has reminded us that there is no viable alternative to a peace process and a two-state solution. We cannot allow there to be another 30 years of occupation, war and unresolved conflict,' Mr Eide said.

Norway has increased its support to Palestine by close to NOK 800 million since the war started. In addition to strengthening the Palestinian Authority's ability to deliver critical services to the population, the funding provided by Norway will largely be used to meet the enormous need for emergency aid that has arisen as a result of the war. The funding is being channelled primarily through the UN, the World Bank, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and Norwegian humanitarian organisations operating in Gaza. Norway will provide a total of NOK 1.75 billion in support to Palestine in 2023.

The meeting was held at the Government Guest House at Parkveien 45, in the very room where representatives of Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the first Oslo Accord 30 years ago.

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Ukrainian air defense eliminated 30 out of 31 drones that attacked different regions of Ukraine on Saturday night, the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported.

As a result of combat work, 30 Shaheds were destroyed within the Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kherson, Zaporizhia, Mykolaiv and Khmelnytsky regions, the report said.

It is noted that on the night of November 16, the enemy attacked from three directions with Shahed drones  Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Sescha, Kursk (Russia).

In total, 31 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs were used in the attack, which the occupiers sent to different regions of Ukraine, the department noted.

Fighters, anti-aircraft missile units and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Air Force were involved in repelling the air attack, the Air Force added.
Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 15th, 20:15

IDF Press Release

Press Briefing

15.12.23

IDF

Good evening,

I would like to update the public with difficult and painful news about an event that occurred earlier today:

During the fighting in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified hostages as a threat. As a result, the soldiers fired at them and they were killed.

After the shooting, during a search and examination, immediate suspicion arose regarding the identity of those killed. Their bodies were quickly transferred for examination in Israel, where they were identified as hostages:

Yotam Haim, may his memory be a blessing, who was kidnapped from Kfar Aza by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7.

Samer Talalka, may his memory be a blessing, who was kidnapped from Nir Am by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7.

And an additional hostage whose name we will not mention at the request of his family.

Representatives of the IDF and the Israel Police notified the families.

This is a sad and painful event for all of us, and the IDF bears responsibility for everything that happened.

We started investigating the incident immediately. This is a tragic incident, which took place in a combat zone where soldiers encountered many terrorists and fought hard battles in the last days, including today.

In some cases, they also encountered suicide-bombing terrorists, without weapons, as well as experiencing attacks in which terrorists tried to mislead IDF soldiers and draw them into a trap. Shortly after the tragic incident, another encounter with terrorists took place near the scene of the incident.

We are in the stage of collecting the facts and ascertaining the details of the incident. Lessons taken from this incident, particularly key emphases for identifying hostages in combat zones were immediately transferred to all IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, in order to do everything to prevent another tragedy like this.

The IDF expresses deep sorrow regarding this disaster and shares in the grief of the families.

May their memories be a blessing.

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NATO Deputy Secretary General concludes two-day visit to Paris to meet senior government and industry representatives

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

14 Dec. 2023 - 15 Dec. 2023

Last updated: 15 Dec. 2023

NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana concluded his two day visit to Paris on Friday (15 December 2023). In Paris, Mr Geoana engaged with French government officials and representatives from the private sector.

On Thursday morning the Deputy Secretary General visited the French National Assembly and had an engagement with with Mrs Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly and her team. He also met Ambassador Anne-Marie Descotes, the Secretary General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.

On Friday, Mr Geoana met the Romanian ambassador to France and other Allied ambassadors before meeting with Prefet Stephane Bouillon, Secretary General for Defence and National Security.

While in Paris, the Deputy Secretary General also held talks with representatives from the defence industry, including Mr Eric Trappier, CEO of aerospace manufacturer Dassault Aviation, and Mrs Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president of Thales Group.

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Symposium in Finland brings industry and experts together to strengthen NATO's responses to hybrid threats

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

12 Dec. 2023 - 13 Dec. 2023

Last updated: 15 Dec. 2023

Allied experts and representatives met with industry at the NATO Hybrid Symposium in Helsinki, Finland to address the challenges posed by adversarial use of hybrid tools (12-13 December 2023). At the two-day event, members of NATO's Counter Hybrid Support Teams (CHST) convened for a training session, boosting the Alliance's ability to respond to challenges and strengthening cooperation in the hybrid community. The Symposium also had a session with private sector representatives, to look at further collaboration between NATO and the private sector.

"NATO remains the unique and indispensable forum to consult, coordinate and act on hybrid threats. We see authoritarian actors increasingly interfering in our democratic processes and institutions. In fact, we see them targeting the security of our citizens through hybrid tactics on a daily basis. Our discussions at the symposium therefore focused on how to better prepare for, deter, and defend against this coercive use of political, economic, energy, information and other hybrid tactics." said David Van Weel, Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges.

In response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Allies are strengthening their national resilience against hybrid threats and improving their ability to understand the hybrid threat landscape, including strategies used by Russia and China. Russia seeks to destabilise Allied democracies through implementing hybrid campaigns that involve cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns and energy blackmail, as well as in recent months, its use of migrants against Finland. In Vilnius, NATO leaders addressed China's ambitious and opaque military developments, its technological advances, and its malicious cyber and hybrid activities, confrontational rhetoric and disinformation.

This is the first time that the symposium has been hosted in person. The event was co-organised with Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.

"We are proud of this opportunity to host the NATO Hybrid Symposium in Finland. The theme of the event is very topical. NATO has a key role in countering hybrid activities.", said Foreign Minister Valtonen.

Finland also hosts the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki. The Centre serves as a hub of expertise, assisting participating countries in improving their civil-military capabilities, resilience and preparedness to counter hybrid threats. Inaugurated in October 2017, the Centre is hosted by the Finnish Government and is supported by 35 other countries, as well as NATO and the EU.

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Philippines Calls for Indo-Pacific Voices to Address Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems Risks

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

MAKATI 15 December 2023 -- The Philippines successfully hosted the first-ever regional meet on lethal autonomous weapons, which was held from 13 to 14 December 2023 in Makati City.

Attended by representatives from 26 states from the Indo-Pacific region and 6 other observer states, the event marked a turning point in the discourse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in the region.

The Manila Meeting considered the implications of the use of autonomy in weapons systems from ethical, moral, economic, social, and humanitarian dimensions from the point of view of the Indo-Pacific Region. The meeting also offered an expanded platform for voices from civil society, industry, international law, as well as peace and security.

"We are pleased to note that the Manila Meeting was able to surface the risks and challenges of these weapons unique to the region. The participants committed to continue participating in conversations to address these risks," Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela of the Office of United Nations and International Organizations mentioned.

The Philippines intends to publish a report of the Manila Meeting to advance Indo-Pacific voices in the global discourse on artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons systems and emerging technology moving forward.

The Manila Meeting was organized in cooperation with the Department of National Defense and international NGO Nonviolence International Southeast Asia (NiSEA). END

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Lebanon's Hezbollah fires missiles at Israeli military positions in retaliation for Gaza onslaught

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 9:00 PM

Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has staged seven more anti-Israel operations in retaliation for the Israeli genocide of Gaza.

The positions targeted on Friday included the Ramim barracks near the occupied Lebanese town of Hunin and also the Al-Rahab site.

It also attacked Israeli forces entering their bunker in the Mitat barracks, as well as another group of Israeli soldiers, gathered in the Harj Al-Shatula site near the occupied Lebanese village of Tarbikha.

According to the movement, the operations were carried out "in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and solidarity with their courageous and honorable resistance."

The Israeli regime also bombarded several towns in southern Lebanon, including the outskirts of Tirharfa.

The regime also dropped leaflets in southern Lebanon warning residents not to help Hezbollah.

"Early Friday morning, a drone dropped leaflets over the village that landed between the houses," a resident of Kfarshuba told AFP on the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns.

Another resident said leaflets were dropped twice after the wind blew many from the initial batch away.

Since October 8, the day after the Israel onslaught against Gaza started, the frontier between Lebanon and the Israeli-occupied territories has seen deadly exchanges of fire, mainly between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah movement.

On Friday, Hezbollah said it had launched 509 attacks against Israel since October 8, with the operations involving drone assaults, guided missile launches, and artillery shelling.

Since the exchanges began, over a hundred people have been killed on the Lebanese side, including more than a dozen civilians, according to an AFP tally.

On Friday, Hezbollah said two more of its members had been killed during anti-Israel operations.

Reports say Israel has repeatedly used US-supplied internationally-banned white phosphorus munitions in its attacks on Lebanon.

The movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the regime sustains its warfare against the besieged Palestinian territory.

The fighting has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from the northern part of the Israeli-occupied territories, which have been pummeled by rocket fire and shelling carried out by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian groups.

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Shipping giants suspend journeys through Red Sea as Saudis voice concern

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 7:59 PM

Two major international shipping lines have suspended the transit of goods through the Red Sea as Saudis voice concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Danish giant Maersk and German carrier Hapag-Lloyd temporarily suspended all journeys through the Red Sea on Friday.

The shipping companies claimed the decision to stop its ships came after a series of attacks on its vessels in the Bab al-Mandab strait.

Earlier this week, Yemeni Armed Forces claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea as it was heading towards an Israeli port.

Speaking before the announcements by major carriers, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, to temporarily stop shipments, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan - who is on a trip to the Middle East - claimed that the Houthis in Yemen were threatening freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

"The United States is working with the international community, with partners from the region and from all over the world to deal with this threat," he said.

The Yemenis, however, say they were simply exercising their rights to inspect the ships traveling through its waters, and it only shot on the ships after they ignored the radio messages.

"The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers," Denmark's Maersk, one of the world's biggest shipping companies, said in a statement run by media.

"Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," it added.

German carrier, Hapag-Lloyd, announced that it was making a similar move.

The Bab al-Mandab strait is a channel 32km wide, situated between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast.

It is the route by which ships can reach the Suez Canal from the south - itself a major shipping lane. Avoiding it means vessels must take much longer routes, for example navigating around southern Africa.

About 17,000 ships, some 10 percent of global trade, take this route every year. Any ship passing through Suez to or from the Indian Ocean has to pass this way.

At least two other cargo ships in the strait came under attack on Friday. The US says one was hit with a drone and another by missiles, blaming the Houthis for both attacks.

The Houthis did not confirm the drone strike but said they did fire at two boats.

Analysts are linking the Houthis latest measures in the Red Sea to the Israeli regime's continued genocidal war on the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 operation of the Hamas resistance movement.

The anti-Israel Houthis of Yemen, who share similar views on many regional and international issues with the Islamic Republic of Iran, have an allegiance with Hamas.

Last month, the Houthis released video footage showing armed men dropping from a helicopter and seizing a cargo ship in the southern Red Sea.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister said on Friday that the conflict might escalate in the Middle East region.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan also pointed out that there was no need for further escalation of the situation in the region.

He told journalists in Oslo on Friday that he hopes a new resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in the UN Security Council will get more support, "especially by the US who had previously vetoed the resolution."

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Iran, China, Saudi Arabia urge swift action to stop Israel's war machine in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 7:07 PM

Iran, China and Saudi Arabia have jointly demanded urgent action to end Israel's atrocities in the besieged Gaza Strip, and provide sustainable relief to the Palestinians.

China's Deputy Foreign Minister Deng Li hosted Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani of Iran and Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji in Beijing on Friday for the first time within the framework of the joint committee of the three countries.

In a statement, the trio expressed opposition to the forced displacement of the Palestinians, and underscored that any future arrangement about Palestine must embody the will of its people and support their right to establish their state and self-determination.

The diplomats also voiced concern about the current critical circumstances in Gaza.

The three officials agreed on the next meeting to be held in Saudi Arabia in June.

Also in the meeting, the diplomats discussed the progress in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, including the reopening of the respective embassies in Riyadh and Tehran.

The Iranian and Saudi diplomats expressed appreciation for China's influential part in the rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh and reaffirmed their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement.

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US promises to support Israel in prolonged Gaza war

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 6:32 PM

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has affirmed Washington's continued support for Israel's brutal war on the Gaza Strip after he was told by Tel Aviv that the regime's onslaught on the besieged Palestinian territory "will last more than several months."

Sullivan arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday, where he met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant.

Sullivan said he discussed the timeline of Israel's war on Gaza  which in its third month nowwith Netanyahu and other top officials.

"I'm here today on President [Joe] Biden's behalf to emphasize our continued commitment to support Israel in its fight against Hamas."

Sullivan made the remarks after Gallant told him that the bombardment of the Gaza Strip would last "more than several months."

"It will require a period of time - it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them," he said, referring to the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.

The US diplomat said, "There's no contradiction between saying the fighting is going to take months and also saying that the different phases will take place at different times over those months including the transition from high intensity operations to more targeted operations."

Sullivan's visit to Israel comes as US newspapers reported a growing rift between Netanyahu and his closest ally, Biden after the US president issued his toughest criticisms of Tel Aviv yet, warning that the regime was at risk of losing international support because of the "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza.

Nearly half of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions that Israel has used in Gaza since October 7 have been unguided, otherwise known as "dumb bombs," CNN reported on Thursday citing a new US intelligence assessment.

Biden administration officials told reporters on Wednesday that they wanted Tel Aviv to scale back its bombardment of Gaza within weeks.

"I think we all want it to end as soon as possible," claimed White House spokesman John Kirby.

Netanyahu said on Tuesday that he and the US president disagree on what should happen to Gaza after the war. His foreign minister also said that Tel Aviv will continue the war in Gaza "with or without international support."

According to a new analysis published by The Guardian, Netanyahu is taking Biden's "guns, but not his advice."

Israel started its relentless bombardment of Gaza on Oct.7 after Hamas launched the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying regime.

In the event, Netanyahu ordered Israeli military forces to attack the besieged Gaza Strip with a force "like never before."

On Saturday, the Biden administration used an emergency authority to allow the sale of about 14,000 tank shells to Israel without congressional review.

The shells are part of a bigger sale that the administration is asking the US Congress to approve. The larger package is worth more than $500m and includes 45,000 shells for Israel's Merkava tanks, regularly deployed in its onslaught on Gaza.

The regime's forces have so far killed more than 18,800 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Two-thirds of those killed in Gaza are women and children.

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Yemeni Army says attacked two Israel-bound ships defying its warnings

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 2:27 PM

The Yemeni Army says it has targeted two Israeli-bound container ships in waters off the country's coast, the latest of their operations to support Palestinians who are under brutal attacks by Israel.

In a statement, the Yemeni Army said it fired two naval missiles at two ships heading to Israel, namely MSC ALANYA and MSC PALATIUM III after they refused to respond to calls from Yemen as well as fire warning messages on Friday.

The statement reiterated Yemen's position that they will only target ships heading to Israeli ports, and all the other ships bound for other ports can freely move in waters near Yemen.

The Yemeni Army stressed it will continue to target Israel-bound ships in the Arabian and Red Sea until food and medicine is delivered to the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, a US defense official had reported two attacks in the region, saying a US Navy destroyer was on its way to aid one of the vessels hit.

No casualties have been reported.

Yemen's Army has conducted several such attacks against Israel-bound ships in recent weeks.

Late on Thursday, Yemen claimed to have carried out a military operation against a Maersk container vessel, directly hitting it with a drone.

In November, Yemeni forces seized a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. They still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida.

Some attacks occurred near Bab al-Mandab, the narrow strait between Yemen and northeast Africa through which much of global commerce flows.

Some 40 percent of international trade passes through the area, which leads to the Red Sea.

Western media reports say that insurance costs for ships transiting the area have jumped in recent days, amounting to increases in the tens of thousands of dollars for larger ships like oil tankers.

US officials say they plan to build an international coalition to protect ships in the area, with the US Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, saying on Thursday that Washington wanted the "broadest possible" maritime coalition to signal to the Yemenis that attacks would not be tolerated.

Yemen's Ansarullah movement has dismissed US plans to establish a maritime task force in the Red Sea to protect the passage of Israel-bound merchant vessels.

Yemen has vowed they will continue with their attacks until Israel stops its onslaught against the Gaza Strip, which has so far killed around 19,000 people, mostly women and children.

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has said Yemeni strikes against ships heading to the Israeli-occupied territories send a message to the West that they should stop the ongoing carnage or expect the crisis to expand across the region.

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Hamas announces killing '36 Israeli forces in 72 hours'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 2:43 AM

The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas' military wing has announced killing at least 36 Israeli forces in the course of the past 72 hours.

Al-Qassam Brigades made the announcement through a statement released by its spokesman Abu Ubaida on the Telegram messaging app on Thursday.

"Our fighters confirmed the killing of 36 soldiers and the injury or death of dozens of other Zionist soldiers," the spokesman said.

He noted that the battleground gains had come about following complicated maneuvers, during which al-Qassam's fighters "engaged them (the Israeli troops) at point-blank range" and "carried out successful sniper operations against them."

Abu Ubaida also confirmed that throughout the past 72 hours, the fighters had managed to either "completely or partially" destroy as many Israeli military vehicles.

"They (the fighters) also targeted headquarters and field command rooms, shelled military gatherings with mortar shells and short-range rockets on all fronts of the battle," he noted.

Penetrating into the occupied territories, al-Qassam fighters, meanwhile, "directed rocket barrages towards various targets at different ranges inside the Zionist entity," Abu Ubaida concluded.

The Israeli regime has, itself, confirmed that as many as 116 of its forces have been killed in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas is headquartered, since October 7, when the regime began bringing the Palestinian territory under a genocidal war.

Also on Thursday, Gaza's Health Ministry said nearly 18,800 people, mostly women and children, had been killed in the war that the regime started following an operation staged by the territory's resistance movements.

Speaking to Press TV on Wednesday, a senior Hamas official reaffirmed the movement's determination to continue standing up to the Israeli regime's unbridled aggression.

Osama Hamdan, Hamas' senior representative in Lebanon, said the movement was ready for "a long war" against the Israeli regime, and would not give up resistance.

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Renewed call to free China-US ties from political interference at USCBC 50th anniversary

Global Times) 10:55, December 16, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden have both extended congratulations on the US-China Business Council's (USCBC) 50th anniversary. Observers believe on Friday that it is a renewed gesture underscoring the mutual importance both nations place on their bilateral trade ties, and is particularly noteworthy after the two heads of state recently concluded a historic meeting in the US last month.

Chinese experts meanwhile are also urging more actions from the US side to nurture the hard-won thawing ties, calling for a reduction in political interference in China-US economic cooperation, thus carrying forward the "San Francisco vision" to go further and inject more stability into the world.

In the message, Xi said that the world is undergoing a major transformation unseen in a century. Whether China and the US can work hand in hand to tackle the challenges together concerns the interests of the two peoples and the future of humanity, according to a report from the Xinhua News Agency on Friday.

China is ready, following the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to make concerted efforts with the US to implement the deliverables of the meeting and promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations, Xi said.

The messages from the two leaders signal a commitment to sustaining cooperation between the world's two largest economies, while the occasion on which the remarks were delivered - the 50th anniversary of a US trade body - highlights the significance of trade in bilateral ties, Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Friday.

Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also delivered speeches at the USCBC event.

Bolstering anchor of bilateral ties

As an important part of China-US relations, business cooperation between the two countries has brought many tangible benefits to the two peoples, Xi stressed, adding that China will remain firmly committed to advancing high-quality development and high-standard opening-up, and to fostering a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment.

This is the second time Xi has addressed US business communities in just two months. In November, Xi made a face-to-face speech with US business representatives at a welcoming dinner in San Francisco hosted by friendly organizations, including the USCBC.

"China is willing to be a partner and a friend of the US," Xi told a gathering of representatives then.

Xi's remarks objectively and comprehensively elaborated China's position in dealing with relations with the US, that is, to build a partnership on the foundation of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, rather than one dominated by protracted rivalry, observers said.

"It is worth noting that China's position on the matter has always been consistent, not subject to any changes regardless of the time," Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday.

He noted that the words from the Chinese side sent out an unmistakable sign that is set to inject more certainty, stability and predictability into thawing China-US relations. It also serves as a reminder to Washington that it needs to meet China halfway and make constructive contributions to bilateral relations, instead of dragging it into a new type of Cold War confrontation.

"We need to bolster the anchor of China-US relations, the propeller of practical cooperation and the catalyst for people-to-people exchanges, so as to take our economic cooperation to new heights from San Francisco onward," Xie Feng, the Chinese Ambassador said at the event.

Xie emphasized that both sides should move toward each other with sincerity, reciprocate actions, and effectively utilize the mechanisms established or restored in economic and financial aspects to enhance communication.

In her speech, Yellen said that Washington does not want to decouple from China, but is working to establish "durable" communications channels to deal with problems as they occur. She also announced a planned second visit to China and steps to accelerate cooperation on climate risks and financial markets.

Yellen's visit to China was announced quite ahead of time, which further proves that trade cooperation is in the interests of both countries, experts noted, adding that the financial sector is one among a number of workable fields in which the two countries could promote smooth cooperation and amplify common ground of mutual interests in the early stage.

"China and the US need to strengthen the momentum in trade and economic sector, not weaken it. Only in this way can the development of bilateral relations be beneficial to the world," Li Haidong added.

In November, trade between China and US also see signs of recovering, as China's exports to the US ended 14 months of decline and turned to growth of 9.6 percent, Shu Jueting, a spokesperson of the Chinese Commerce Ministry, said on Thursday.

Eliminate political interference

"China believes keeping China-US economic and trade ties sound and stable is beneficial to our two countries and the wider world. Meanwhile, we also hope that the US will honor its words instead of sanctioning Chinese companies while claiming it wants cooperation and won't decouple with China," Mao Ning, a spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a regular press conference in response to Yellen's remarks on Friday.

"We did see increasing exchanges between the two nations over the past month after the two leaders' meeting, but the US has not changed its China policy, and even intensified its crackdown on Chinese firms and specific sectors, which has greatly impeded bilateral ties from going further," Li Yong said.

Amplifying the "China threat," clamoring about chip supply cut-off, extending the sanctions list, and demanding that a Chinese agricultural company that has been operating in the US for over 50 years relinquish its land and assets - these actions are inconsistent with the US' stated commitment to continuing developing economic and trade relations with China and not seeking to suppress China's development, Xie said.

Risks need to be defined within a certain scope, and the boundaries of national security must be clearly outlined. It cannot be treated like a basket where everything is thrown in. Labeling everything from Chinese garlic to social media as "national security risks" is absurd. Building one's security on the instability of others and the global supply chain is not only impractical but also undesirable, Xie said.

On Tuesday, the US House Select Committee on China called for an aggressive "reset" on China economic ties with a 53-page report that proposes nearly 150 recommendations, ranging from imposing new tariffs on legacy semiconductors from China to further cutting off the flow of capital and technology between the two countries to revoking Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China.

"Judging from the US policy, Washington will still seek so-called 'strategic competition' with China during cooperation," Li Yong said, adding that the complexity of US domestic political environment and some anti-China lawmakers may pose more uncertainties to bilateral ties.

However, analysts noted that the US must build an accurate, healthy and objective perception of China, which is the key to addressing problems that persist in the relations between the world's two largest economies. Otherwise, geopolitical power plays and ideological suppression will only bring the US policy on China to a dead end.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
For the first time, Ukraine has been elected as Vice-Chair of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy said.

"Ukraine for the first time became the Vice-Chair of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. This is another victory of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy. We are grateful to our international partners from UNESCO for another decision in favor of protecting the Ukrainian heritage, which is part of the world culture. Such events unite nations, said acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy Rostyslav Karandeyev.

As noted, the election took place at the 18th meeting of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

In particular, the committee was presented with a report from the UNESCO Secretariat on the actions and assistance provided to Ukraine. This report included information on satellite monitoring of the state of Ukraine's cultural heritage, carried out by UNESCO missions to assess the damage caused by Russian aggression.

Also considered was UNESCO's technical assistance to Ukrainian authorities in providing emergency measures to protect cultural heritage, and assistance in carrying out an inventory of cultural heritage sites included in the UNESCO List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection.

Based on the results of consideration of the report, the decision was made by the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
UNRWA chief: Situation in Gaza 'teetering on edge'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 12:13 AM

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has warned that social order in the Gaza Strip is "teetering on the edge of a possible implosion" as a result of Israel's war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

"We are teetering on the edge of a possible implosion. Why? Because there is more and more a breakdown of a civil order," UNRWA Commissioner-General Lazzarini told reporters at a UN forum in Geneva on Thursday.

The remarks came amid a genocidal war that the Israeli regime has been waging against the Gaza Strip since October 7 following an operation staged by the territory's resistance groups, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm.

The war, now in its third month, began after the Palestinian group's unprecedented October 7 attacks on Israel that Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Also on Thursday, Gaza's Health Ministry said 18,787 people, mostly women and children, had been killed, and more than 51,000 others injured in the Israeli strikes so far.

Ever since the onset of the war, the regime has also ramped up its aggression across the West Bank, killing hundreds of people across the occupied territory.

On Wednesday, Lazzarini said at the Global Refugee Forum that the people of Gaza are "running out of time and options," as they face Israeli bombardment, deprivation, and disease in an ever-ever-shrinking space.

Lazzarini, who has described the situation in Gaza as "hell on earth," warned that people in the Palestinian territory are "facing the darkest chapter of their history since 1948, and it has been a painful history."

He said the people of Gaza are now crammed into less than one-third of the original territory, near the Egyptian border, and "it is unrealistic to think that people will remain resilient in the face of unlivable conditions of such magnitude."

The city of Rafah, according to Lazzarini, is now hosting well over a million people while it used to be home to 280,000 people.

He also pointed out that the UN agency is very far from an "adequate humanitarian response," adding that when aid is delivered, it is often not more than a can of tuna or beans and one bottle of water for a large family to share.

While most aid delivery in Gaza depends on the UNRWA, the agency's capacities are "now on the verge of collapse," he said.

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6 opposition leaders freed from jail after they pledge CPP support

The activists were arrested in September while collecting fingerprints to register a new opposition party.

By RFA Khmer 2023.12.15 -- Six officials from the opposition Candlelight Party have been released from jail after writing a letter of apology and agreeing to join the ruling Cambodian People's Party, an opposition activist told Radio Free Asia.

Authorities in the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey released the six activists on Wednesday, according to former Candlelight Party secretary Suon Khemrin.

"They were released last night," he told RFA on Thursday. "They have submitted their resignations and defected to the ruling party before they were released."

In September, police arrested 23 Candlelight Party activists for hosting a rally to collect fingerprints, a necessary step to register new parties. Seventeen activists were released after 30 hours in custody, but six leaders remained in custody.

Authorities detained the activists until this week even though they had already obtained authorization from the Ministry of Interior to form a new party they called the Panha Tumnerp - or Intellectual Modern - Party.

"There has been criticism from both civil society and the international community that the persecution against political activists is politically motivated and it is not about enforcing the law," said Soeng Senkaruna, the spokesman for the Adhoc human rights group.

"They should be treated fairly before the law," he said.

According to the Law on Political Parties, any Cambodian citizen who is aged 18 or older and is a permanent resident of the country has the right to form a political party simply by notifying the Ministry of Interior.

The law states that in order to be valid, political parties must apply for registration with at least 4,000 members, depending on the province where the party is based.

The Candlelight Party had gathered enough support in recent years to become the country's main opposition party. But its candidates were kept off the July general election ballot by the National Election Committee, which cited inadequate paperwork.

With no real opposition, the CPP won 120 of 125 seats in the National Assembly.

Efforts by Candlelight leaders to regain official status after the election failed, which has led opposition activists to seek other parties certified by the ministry or consider forming new parties.

Thach Setha's appeal

Meanwhile, the Candlelight Party's 70-year-old vice president, Thach Setha, asked the Supreme Court to overturn his September conviction on false check charges at an appeals trial on Friday.

Human rights groups and party officials have called the conviction politically motivated. His arrest in January was seen as part of a months-long campaign of intimidation and threats against opposition leaders and activists ahead of July's general election.

Thach Setha was brought to court wearing an orange jumpsuit. Diplomats and officials from the U.N. attended the trial, and about 20 supporters stood outside the court to show their support.

"He told the court that he is not well," his wife, Thach Sokborany, told RFA. "In general, he is innocent. I want the court to release him to have his freedom and get treatment."

The Supreme Court's prosecutor asked the panel judges to uphold the verdict.

Thach Setha's lawyer, Son Chum Chhuon, told RFA after the hearing that the municipal court used unfounded evidence in the September trial. He said he hopes the Supreme Court judges will also consider his client's age and declining health in deciding to set him free.

Because the charges were politically motivated, the judges could consider that releasing Thach Setha would have a calming effect on the country's political environment, according to Am Sam Ath of human rights group Licadho.

"Releasing political activists will ease political tension, improve human rights and democracy," he said.

The court is scheduled to announce its decision on Dec. 25.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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.

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The Azadi Briefing: Deadly Attack Further Inflames Tensions Between Pakistan And Afghan Taliban

By Abubakar Siddique December 15, 2023

The Key Issue

A suicide bomber killed 23 soldiers in an attack on a military base in northwestern Pakistan on December 12, in one of the deadliest attacks against Pakistani security forces in years.

The Tehrik-e Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a lesser-known militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack in the district of Dera Ismail Khan. Islamabad and some experts believe the group is a front for the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban.

Following the deadly attack, Islamabad delivered a strongly-worded message to the Afghan Taliban demanding that it hand over TTP leaders allegedly hiding in Afghanistan.

One provincial Pakistani minister even called for retaliatory attacks inside Afghanistan.

The Taliban's chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, pledged a probe but reiterated Kabul's stance that it is not responsible for Islamabad's security while pointing out that the attack occurred deep inside Pakistani territory.

Why It's Important: The attack further inflamed tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, longtime allies who have fallen out over the Afghan extremist group's alleged sheltering of the TTP.

Abdul Sayed, a Sweden-based researcher, said Pakistan is ramping up pressure on the Afghan Taliban to cut ties with the TTP. But he said the TJP, which only entered the scene in the past year, allows the TTP and its Afghan ally to maintain a position of plausible deniability.

Sayed said the emergence of the TJP, which has claimed responsibility for several high-casualty attacks against Pakistani forces in recent months, marks a new phase in the TTP's insurgency against Islamabad.

"These attacks exclusively focus on security forces, sparing civilian casualties," he said, referring to the TTP's past policy of attacking civilian targets.

What's Next: There are no signs that the TJP, the TTP, or other militant groups will ease their attacks against Pakistani forces.

On December 15, three soldiers and three suspected militants were killed in attacks on a regional police headquarters and two military posts in northwest Pakistan. A new armed group called Ansar al-Jihad has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Pakistan's powerful army chief, General Asim Munir, is touring Washington in an apparent bid to solicit Washington's support for what Islamabad considers to be its new domestic war on terrorism.

But analysts remain skeptical about U.S. military support for Islamabad.

What To Keep An Eye On

The U.S. Treasury has slapped sanctions on a former Afghan official, his son, and related entities, accusing them of misappropriating millions of dollars of funds provided by U.S. government contracts.

In a December 11 statement, the Treasury said former Afghan parliament speaker Mir Rahman Rahmani and his son Ajmal Rahmani "perpetrated a complex procurement corruption scheme resulting in the misappropriation of millions of dollars from U.S. Government-funded contracts that supported Afghan security forces."

On December 8, the Treasury also sanctioned two senior Taliban officials for serious human rights abuses.

Fariduddin Mahmood, the head of the Taliban's Academy of Sciences, and Khalid Hanafi, the minister for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, were designated "for serious human rights abuse related to the repression of women and girls, including through the restriction of access to secondary education for women and girls in Afghanistan."

Why It's Important: Mir Rahman Rahmani is one of the most prominent figures from the former Western-backed Afghan government to be sanctioned by Washington.

It is unclear if the measures against him will trigger similar actions against other former Afghan officials accused of corruption.

U.S. sanctions against senior Taliban officials appear designed to punish the group over its severe restrictions on women's rights.

Rights abuses and corruption are regarded as some of the key drivers of the four-decade-old war in Afghanistan.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azadi-briefing- pakistan-afghan-taliban-tensions-siddique/32732297.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Georgia, Moldova Celebrate EU Decisions To Advance Their Membership Bids

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 15, 2023

Thousands of people filled a main square in Tbilisi on December 15 for a celebration of a decision by EU leaders to grant Georgia candidate status for membership in the 27-nation bloc.

The EU announced the decision to grant candidacy status to Georgia and open membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on December 14, the first day of an EU summit in Brussels.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili spoke at the government-sponsored celebration in Tbilisi, calling the decision historic and congratulating Georgian citizens on achieving the status.

"This historic victory belongs to you, our invincible, proud, freedom-loving Georgian people," Gharibashvili told the crowd on Freedom Square. "We won this victory together."

He said that meeting the criteria to achieve candidate status was not easy and required Georgia to go "through a lot of trials," but the country persevered.

"December 14 and today will go down in the history of Georgia as a proud and worthy Georgian day of well-deserved victory. From today, Georgia has become a European country," Gharibashvili said.

The prime minister also thanked European and American allies and other supporters, saying Georgia must prepare for the even bigger victory of becoming an EU member.

"By God's will, we should be able to unite our country and fulfill the main dream of every Georgian and every citizen living in this land, to live in a united, strong European state," he said.

EU Ambassador to Georgia Pavel Herchinsky also addressed the crowd, saying the ultimate goal was membership in the European Union.

Herchinskiy noted the roles of Georgia's political leaders, civil servants, civil society, and the media in achieving the country's candidate status.

"But, first of all, I congratulate the people of Georgia, who faithfully support the integration into the European Union," he said. "The voice of the population of Georgia is clearly heard in the European Union."

Earlier on December 15, lawmakers in both the Georgian and Moldovan parliaments waved EU flags and played the bloc's anthem at their opening sessions.

Moldova's President Maia Sandu invited citizens to a pro-European gathering scheduled for December 17 in Chisinau to herald what she described as a "historic step for the destiny of our country."

Moldova's pro-Western Prime Minister Dorin Recean echoed Sandu, saying "Moldova is European" and "our future is in the EU."

With reporting by AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-moldova-celebrate- eu-candidate-status/32732665.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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"Israel is now heading towards isolation"

Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey

15.12.2023

Speaking to reporters on his way out of Hz. Ali Mosque in Istanbul, where he performed the Friday prayer, President Erdogan said: "Israel is now heading towards isolation. This isolation will only further grow in the days ahead."

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan answered reporters' question after performing the Friday prayer at Hz. Ali Mosque in Istanbul.

DEVELOPMENTS ABOUT F-16 ISSUE

Asked about his recent phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden, President Erdogan said: "As you know, I had an extensive call with Mr. Biden yesterday evening. The main topic of the call was the developments related to the F-16 issue. Noting that he has a positive perspective regarding the developments about the F-16s, Mr. Biden stated that he is ready to make all the relevant proposals to the Congress on the issue. The only issue for them, particularly as regards our stance on the Sweden issue... They said they attach great importance to the decision our Parliament is to make about Sweden. We told them that our Parliament has an honest approach towards the Sweden issue but that Sweden must take under control its stance on the terror issue. The decision has already passed the parliamentary committee. What is more, the Committee on Foreign Affairs is managing the process with the Congress."

"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO EXPECT GOODWILL FROM ISRAEL"

In answer to a question about the U.S. stance on Gaza, which was on the agenda during his phone call with U.S. President Biden, President Erdogan said: "We extensively discussed the Gaza issue. The developments in Gaza, including the killing of over 18 thousand children, elderly people and women, as well as the destruction of schools, mosques and churches... We discussed how humane those acts are. We told them 'The U.S, particularly you must step in'. Unless you step in, there is a crime against humanity, a crime against conscience. We, for sure, cannot stand idly by. We told them that we will continue to do whatever we can. I discussed these issues with him."

In response to a question about Israel's rejection of a ceasefire in Gaza, President Erdogan said: "It is impossible to expect goodwill from Israel at this point. However, what actually matters is to see how the entire world views Israel now. As a matter of fact, please remember that 121 countries opposed Israel initially at the United Nations General Assembly and they acted with us. 40 countries abstained at that time and 10 countries, including the U.S., stood by Israel. Yet, now the tide has turned and the number of these 121 countries acting with us has increased significantly, which shows that Israel is now heading towards isolation. This isolation will only further grow in the days ahead."

Answering a question about the possible purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoons, President Erdogan said: "Our Defense Ministry is continuing its talks with its counterparts regarding the Eurofighters. These talks are continuing. We hope these talks progress in a positive direction."

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The UK supports calls for a sustainable ceasefire: UK statement at the UN General Assembly

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly tenth emergency special session on Gaza.

15 December 2023

Thank you, President. Let me open by paying tribute to the UN for their vital and lifesaving work in Gaza, and offer sincere condolences for the loss of over 130 UN staff.

President, the scale of civilian Palestinian deaths and the massive displacement in Gaza cannot continue.

The 7th October attacks committed by Hamas, which killed 1200 innocent civilians, were an abhorrent act of terrorism which should be unequivocally condemned. All hostages need to be released immediately.

We have been clear that Israel must be targeted and precise in its efforts to address the threat posed by Hamas, and must minimise civilian casualties and protect civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law. My Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have repeatedly delivered this message to Israel, and will continue to do so.

As the Prime Minister has also said, we support calls for a sustainable ceasefire, where hostages are released, more aid can get in and Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel.

President, we have heard clearly from the Secretary-General and UNRWA Chief that a humanitarian catastrophe of grave proportions is unfolding. We agree urgent action is needed to scale up aid into Gaza.

And for our part, we have recently announced a further $38 million of humanitarian assistance, bringing it to a total of $76 million since 7th October.

But more needs to be done to unlock humanitarian access, and to deliver aid sustainably without interference.

First, we welcome Israel's decision to open Kerem Shalom. This is a vital step towards ensuring significantly more aid reaches Gaza. We look forward to its urgent implementation.

We need to continue to increase the amount of humanitarian support to Gaza through as many direct routes as possible. And access to northern Gaza for humanitarian organisations must also be secured to enable them to deliver assistance to vulnerable Palestinians.

Second, Israel should immediately increase the range of humanitarian items allowed into Gaza. This includes fuel. We need to see supplies of at least 200,000 litres per day, the minimum the UN says it needs to support aid and essential services in Southern Gaza alone. As well as shelter and public health and sanitation items, and items for critical infrastructure.

Third, Israel must rapidly approve visas for staff of UN and humanitarian organisations to manage and facilitate assistance to those in need. We need the UN to be able to do its job.

President, in closing we reiterate the need to work towards a long-term political solution to this conflict based on the two-state solution - to deliver statehood for the Palestinians and security for Israel. Peace, justice and security are essential and must be a reality for both Israelis and Palestinians alike.

I thank you.

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The effective control of small arms should unite us all: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on small arms.

15 December 2023

Thank you, President. We're grateful to Ecuador for convening this important meeting. And I also thank USG Nakamitsu, Ms Aptel and Ms Mutota for their valuable briefings.

President, the diversion and misuse of small arms has an all too real human cost, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

It threatens security and sustainable development, and fuels conflict, crime, and terrorism. So let me make four points for this debate.

First, we must accelerate our collective work to reduce these threats in the coming year. At the Fourth Review Conference at the UN Programme of Action in June, we look forward to building on conclusions from the Biennial Meeting of States Parties in 2022.

Improving how we organise cooperation on small arms and establishing a technical expert group to explore the impact of new technologies are two important steps.

Given the overlap between work on small arms and conventional ammunition, we were pleased that the new Global Framework on Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management was endorsed by the First Committee. We hope to see progress on its development in 2024.

Second, the differentiated gender impacts of small arms mean we need to include a Women, Peace and Security perspective in our collective efforts. We are committed to bolstering women's participation in processes to tackle small arms and eradicate gender-based violence.

The United Kingdom's Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan reflects this. It includes commitments to improve our data collection on the gendered impacts of small arms policy and control.

Third, we should support regional and sub-regional approaches to small arms challenges. As such, the United Kingdom is proud to provide funding for the implementation of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap.

And finally, we remain committed to the full implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty and we encourage all states to join. The Treaty has the power to prevent unregulated and irresponsible arms transfers and their diversion. Next year's tenth anniversary of its signing is a moment to redouble our efforts.

President, the effective control of small arms should unite us all. We look forward to working with other Member States to advance progress in this area.

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The UK and international partners call on Israel to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

15 December 2023

Joint statement:

Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom call on Israel to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom express their grave concern about the record number of attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Since the start of October, settlers have committed more than 343 violent attacks, killing 8 Palestinian civilians, injuring more than 83, and forcing 1026 Palestinians from their homes.

We strongly condemn the violent acts committed by extremist settlers, which are terrorising Palestinian communities. We reiterate our position that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law and remind Israel of its obligations under international law, in particular Article 49 of Geneva Convention IV.

This rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians is unacceptable. Israel, as the occupying power, must protect the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank. Those responsible for the violence must be brought to justice. Israel's failure to protect Palestinians and prosecute extremist settlers has led to an environment of near complete impunity in which settler violence has reached unprecedented levels. This undermines security in the West Bank and the region and threatens prospects for a lasting peace.

While we welcomed the Government of Israel's statement on this issue on 9 November where it conveyed that action would be taken against violent perpetrators, proactive steps must now be taken to ensure the effective and immediate protection of Palestinian communities. Words are important, but must now be translated into action.
Lord Ahmad gave a statement on reports of sexual violence by Hamas, calling for them to be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims.

15 December 2023

Statement from Lord Ahmad, UK Minister for the Middle East and Prime Minister's Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict:

Horrifying reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October detail abhorrent acts of violence against Israeli women and girls and other civilians. Sexual violence is all too often a tactic to terrorise civilians, shattering lives and leaving brutal and lifelong scars on victims, their families, and communities. The UK stands in solidarity with all of the victims and survivors of these abhorrent acts. The people of Israel continue to experience the devastating impact of Hamas' terror attack and many families grieve for loved ones who remain hostage. That's why we are using all channels to facilitate their release. We express serious concern about emerging reports of sexual violence, against both women and men, while they were held in Hamas captivity in Gaza and call for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of those still held. The UK condemns sexual violence unequivocally and without exception. These reports must be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims.

Conflict-related sexual violence is an abuse of human rights and when perpetrated in the context of an armed conflict, can constitute a violation of international humanitarian law such as a war crime. The international community should be clear in condemning sexual violence wherever it occurs, including in Israel. We stand with all victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Through our Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict programmes and dedicated funding totalling 60 million, we are leading work internationally to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and strengthen justice and support for all survivors. It is also why I championed the establishment of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict to ensure we all pull together.

Women and children are paying the highest price in this conflict, and the scale of human suffering is intolerable. The UK has made clear to Israel our shock at the scale of Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza. It is vital that Israel adheres to international humanitarian law and takes all measures to protect civilians. Israel must abide by its obligations to protect children under applicable international humanitarian and human rights law. Palestinian civilians should not suffer the consequences of Hamas' inhumanity and brutality. Conflict has a disproportionate impact on women, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities and increasing the risk of gender-based violence. The acute needs and vulnerabilities of women in Gaza must be addressed. Palestinian civilians are experiencing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. The UK has announced a further 30 million worth of humanitarian assistance, bringing it to a total of 60 million, to address civilian needs including those of women and children.

This tragedy in the Middle East, unfolding before our eyes, of which the world is seized, needs an urgent solution to end the conflict and a sustainable, long-term resolution. This can only be achieved through the delivery of a two-state solution.
Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

15 December 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Guest

Good afternoon. I can confirm that today is Friday. Breaking news!

In a short while, we will be joined by our guest, Ugochi Daniels, who is the Deputy Director General [of Operations] of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

She is here to brief you on the occasion of International Migrants Day, which is observed on 18 December.

** Human Rights Prize Award Ceremony

This morning, the Secretary-General delivered remarks at the General Assembly meeting marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as this year's Human Rights Prize.

He reminded us that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a clarion call to act in accordance with a fundamental truth: that each of us is an equal member of a single human family.

Seventy-five years on, he said, the world must recall that wisdom, and act on it.

The Secretary-General told delegates that last year, almost 450 human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists were killed. Forty per cent more than in the previous year.

The human rights defenders, he said, are lights in the darkness, but, as you know, their job is extremely dangerous.

The recipients of the prize this year are:

Julienne Lusenge from the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

Julio Pereyra from Uruguay;

The Amman Centre for Human Rights Studies;

[The Human Rights Centre "Viasna", working in Belarus;

And the Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities for "the universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment"].

For his part, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said the prize is an opportunity to celebrate human rights defenders and the enormous value they bring to societies all over the world. Speaking about today's recipients he noted their extraordinary work changes the world for the better, day by day. He called on Member States to ensure human rights defenders are protected and able to do their work in safety.

Lots more information is available on the internet.

** Global Refugee Forum

Also this morning, speaking via videoconference to Geneva, at the Global Refugee Forum, the Secretary-General noted that the Forum comes at the close of a year of intense political division, conflict and climate catastrophe. And a year in which record numbers of people are being pushed from their homes, fleeing violence, insecurity and danger.

The Secretary-General pointed out that resources to support refugees are under enormous strain  especially in the Global South, which continues to host and welcome the overwhelming majority of refugees. He stressed that protection and help for refugees should not be a lottery, or a disproportionate burden that falls on a few countries and communities based solely on their geographic location. It is an obligation shared by all of humanity.

His remarks were shared with you.

And also today, UNHCR said that the Forum closed with over $2.2 billion in pledges to improve the lives of refugees and hosts. States also pledged to resettle 1 million refugees by 2030, while governments and foundations launched a pledge backed by a new global sponsorship fund to help a further 3 million refugees access third countries through community sponsorship.

** Gaza

A couple of updates from Gaza. A number of you have been asking me about Kerem Shalom, the other crossing, and I can tell you that we welcome the announcement today that the border crossing at Kerem Shalom will be open for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The fast implementation of this agreement will increase the flow of aid.

A humanitarian ceasefire will increase the distribution of that aid across Gaza even more.

Our colleagues at OCHA [UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] say that many parts of Gaza remain flooded after the heavy rains that you have all seen  that have been taking place in the past few days, that is, of course, compounding already extreme human suffering.

There have been clashes, also according to OCHA, in the vicinity of Al Awda Hospital in Jabalia in northern Gaza, with 250 doctors, patients and their family members reportedly trapped.

Communications are back after being down for several hours yesterday evening. The shutdown of communications, of course, severely impacts the ability of emergency workers and humanitarian workers to do their jobs and, of course, has a negative impact on the population as a whole.

UNRWA [UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] is telling us now that nearly 1.3 million displaced people are sheltering in 155 UNRWA installations. The average number of internally displaced people in UNRWA facilities, shelters, located in the middle and southern Gaza is 12,387, more than four times their capacity.

Eight out of 22 UNRWA health centres are still operational in the middle and southern parts of Gaza and UNRWA continued to provide health care to internally displaced people at shelters through 97 medical teams. Each team is composed of about one to two doctors and a nurse; 591 health workers in health centres and shelters provided support to some 12,000 patients.

** Sudan

And just moving on to Sudan. Our humanitarian colleagues are providing some updates from Sudan, that do not look good. They are telling us that all humanitarian field missions within Al-Jazirah state have now been suspended until further notice.

They are warning that the clashes that erupted outside Wad Medani today in Al-Jazirah state, which is known as Sudan's breadbasket, threaten tens of thousands of civilians already displaced by the conflict. It's also a critical hub for our humanitarian operations.

Wad Medani, to give you some context, is about 136 kilometres southeast of Khartoum, the capital.

Mr. [Martin] Griffiths, our Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, is calling for an end to the fighting after eight months of war in Sudan.

Just to provide a little bit more information, Al-Jazirah state already hosts more than half a million men, women and children who have fled the fighting since 15 April.

Shops and markets in Wad Medani have reportedly closed due to the fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. A key bridge has also been partially closed.

** Ukraine

Turning to another conflict area, this time in Europe. In Ukraine, we, along with our humanitarian partners, are scaling up support for civilians in need as winter approaches. Today, an inter-agency convoy delivered 3 tonnes of humanitarian assistance for nearly 3,000 people who remain in Beryslavska  one of the front-line communities in the Kherson region, in southern Ukraine.

Our humanitarian colleagues note that this small community has been severely impacted by the war, with more than 80 per cent of its residents having fled. Those who stayed are among the most vulnerable and subjected to constant bombardments that damage homes and decimate vital services, including access to electricity, gas and basic supplies.

Today's convoy brought solar lamps, hygiene kits and repair materials that residents can fix damaged homes with.

This winter assistance is, of course, essential, with ongoing attacks putting millions of people at risk as temperatures drop.

Today, not far from where we delivered those supplies, an attack in Kherson city killed one person and damaged homes and the local market. Humanitarian organizations responded with critical assistance.

Across the Kherson region, over the past [two] months, more than 50,000 people have received winter assistance, including cash support for energy needs and the provision of winter clothing and heating.

In total, as mentioned yesterday, we and our partners have already provided 800,000 people in Ukraine with support for the upcoming winter months.

** Myanmar

Also, I have a pretty detailed humanitarian update for you from Myanmar  another crisis point  where fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and various groups persists across much of the country.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that more than 660,000 people are estimated to have been newly displaced since the escalation of armed conflict on 27 October. The situation remains fluid, with some people having been displaced multiple times and others starting to return home.

Currently, a total of 2.6 million people are displaced across Myanmar.

Our colleagues say that the current situation has resulted in civilian casualties, arbitrary arrests, exploitation, extortion, forced recruitment and forced labour.

Food, safe shelter, hygiene kits, basic health services and protection support remain priorities for humanitarian workers. There are reports of shortages of essential supplies in many areas due to commercial and humanitarian transport being blocked.

Despite the insecurity, access and telecommunication challenges, humanitarian assistance continues to be provided where possible. For example, our partners have now reached more than 80 per cent of those who were displaced in northern Shan State.

We and our partners continue to seek access to more people impacted by the conflict. An inter-agency mission was completed to the State of Wa earlier this morning, with another set to deliver aid to displaced people in southern Shan.

Despite surging needs, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan, which calls for $890 million, or almost that, is just 29 per cent funded at $257 million, with just over two weeks left in the year. We urgently need an injection of cash.

** Guyana-Venezuela

Some of you have been asking me also about the Guyana-Venezuela talks and I can tell you that the Secretary-General welcomes the commitment of the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela to settle their differences through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement of 1966. He trusts that the commitments reached yesterday in Argyle, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, will result in an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a return to good-neighbourly relations.

The Secretary-General commends the role played by the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who is also the pro tempore President of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, otherwise known as CELAC; the Prime Minister of Dominica, who is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Community, otherwise known as CARICOM, and Brazil; and also for the support provided by regional countries to facilitate the discussions by President [Irfaan] Ali and President [Nicolas] Maduro.

The Secretary-General welcomes the parties' plans to meet again, in Brazil, in the coming months.

He recalls that the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is before the International Court of Justice and that he does not take a position in relation to ongoing judicial proceedings.

** Security Council

This morning, the Security Council held an open debate on addressing the threats posed by diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition to peace and security.

Our good friend, Izumi Nakamitsu, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, noted that in his most recent report, the Secretary-General laments the deteriorating security environment, the escalation of armed conflicts and the related surge in civilian casualties. In addition, she said, we have seen a continued rise in global military expenditure, and the costs of small arms and light weapons for peace, security and sustainable development.

Ms. Nakamitsu stressed the need to fully integrate small arms and light weapons considerations throughout the Security Council's work.

Her remarks were shared with you.

** Financial Contribution

And lastly, we have 141 countries, and we want to thank Pyongyang for having paid its dues in full, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : Edie?

Question : Thank you, Steph. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on the decision by one of the world's major shipping companies, the Danish company Maersk, to suspend all shipping through the Red Sea, which is one of the world's major shipping routes, because of the missile attacks by the Houthis?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, not so much a comment on their decision, which is a commercial decision, and frankly, pretty understandable given the situation. But it just illustrates in extremely vivid term the impact of the continued attacks by the Houthis in this area, in the Red Sea and on major international shipping lanes. Freedom of navigation is a bedrock of international law. It needs to be respected. And also, obviously, that part of the world, that waterway, is critical to the global economy and to global commerce. Mr. Klein?

Question : Yes. Actually, Edie took my first question. Thank you.

Spokesman : I know you came prepared with a second one.

Question : I always have a backup.

Spokesman : Yeah, I know.

Question : Yeah. My second question, first right now is, is there any update on UNRWA's investigation of the allegation by a Israeli hostage that he was held captive by an UNRWA employed teacher? I know UNRWA put out a general denial, but I'm inquiring as to whether there was any real serious investigation here.

Spokesman : I mean, there is a serious will on behalf of UNRWA to try to get more information, and they've asked for more information. They're doing what they can, but I don't have an update for you on that front.

Question : Have they spoken, as far as you know, to the teacher who was allegedly involved?

Spokesman : I think part of the challenge is that the allegation, which UNRWA took seriously, did not name any names or anything. They did try also to reach out to the journalist and to government authorities. Dezhi?

Question : On Kerem Shalom, can you give us more detailed information? For example, Israel decided to open that crossing, but do you know when would exactly...?

Spokesman : No, obviously, those details are still being worked out in discussions with COGAT, the Israeli entity that we deal with on issues of having access to Gaza. But we do hope that this will be used as a transit point as quickly as possible.

Question : I'm going to ask you the question that you didn't follow my logic the other day. Does the UN have the capacity or ability, if they open this, to facilitate more trucks get into Gaza and deliver the humanitarian aids?

Spokesman : I don't think that was the logic that I... But the short answer is, yes. If there's more opening and more access, we will have more goods. There will be more goods from the United Nations and international NGOs going in.

Question : There's offensive operation or gunfire close to Rafah, can the UN confirm that because there are reports that...?

Spokesman : I mean they are... We are very much aware that there continues to be operations in many parts of the Gaza Strip, but I don't have the battle reports, field reports to share with you.

Question : But it's close to the border crossing. Would that be pretty much effective to the...?

Spokesman : You know, Gaza is a small place, right? So, there is fighting and conflict in many parts of the Gaza Strip.

Question : Okay, one last question on hostages. The Secretary-General has met with some of the hostage, the hostage families again, recently.

Spokesman : Yes, he met yesterday. He had a, I think, very long, two-hour meeting.

Question : So what are the messages?

Spokesman : Right. So he met with them two hours, I think, with the families and almost two hours, with the families and friends of Israelis who were hostages. And I also understand some were families and friends of people who were killed on 7 October. He listened to them very intently. He listened to them carefully, to their stories, to their pain. He also expressed his full solidarity with those families and the trauma they're going through. From the Secretary-General's standpoint, it was useful to hear from them first-hand. And, also, an opportunity for them to hear from him directly. But it was also a chance for him to correct, I think, some of the distortion of his position that we've seen in some quarters of Israel. Namely, he made it clear to the families that he had repeatedly and publicly expressed his utter condemnation of the terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas on 7 October and what they had done. Also, that he had constantly asked for their immediate and unconditional release, that he had many times publicly and privately called for the Red Cross to be allowed to see and visit the hostages. And he also spent time outlining to the families his own personal efforts in conversations with Egyptian officials, with Qatari officials and others, his efforts to secure the release of the hostages.

Question : So those family members were in New York meeting? [cross talk]

Spokesman : Yes, they met downstairs. There was a pretty large...

Question : So what was the response from the family members? Was that positive?

Spokesman : I can't speak for them. It's definitely not for me to speak for them. But I think, the Secretary-General had met with families earlier, I think about a month ago. He had particularly followed a number of cases with those families that he had met with previously. And he also, as some of you know, there's, on Fridays. there are usually a group of people demonstrating in front of his residence. He spoke to those people this morning and kind of explained that he had met with other families of hostages yesterday. Gabriel?

Question : Hello. Thanks Steph. At this very moment that we're here, we believe that a journalist, Samer Abudaqa, an Al Jazeera cameraman is bleeding after being injured covering an Israeli air strike on a UN run school in Khan Younis. We believe it's over six hours now that he has been unable to get any sort of attention. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, rescue crews that are trying to reach him near or at the school are not able to get there due to fighting and or Israeli shooting. Has the Secretary-General been briefed about this at all? And what is his message in terms of allowing access to get to people that are injured in or around UN facilities right now?

Spokesman : Yes, he has been briefed about it. I mentioned it to him this morning. I've been in touch with your colleagues in Doha. Our colleagues on the ground, the World Health Organization, are also doing what they can. It is critical that journalists be able to do their work free from violent attacks, free from violence. And we do hope that all the parties involved will help facilitate his evacuation to a hospital as quickly as possible. But I can tell you it's something I was dealing with just a few minutes ago as well.

Question : If I could, the Secretary-General and yourself have said over and over in the last two months, journalists must be protected, UN facilities must be protected. They're still not being protected, either one of them. When is enough, enough?

Spokesman : Now is enough, right? I mean, as in any conflict, the Secretary-General is not the one with his hands on the trigger. And we said this over and over again, the guns must be silenced. We've called for a humanitarian ceasefire and we have called for the guns to be silenced in conflicts all over the world where journalists are being killed, where UN facilities are being destroyed, and where innocent civilians are paying the price.

Question : Last follow up, not just our journalist, but how concerned is the Secretary-General about trying to reach other people at that UN school as well?

Spokesman : Of course, I mean we're just... you know, the latest numbers on the death toll from the Health Ministry in Gaza is staggering. We also don't know what we don't know. Those numbers may be much higher. Yes, sir?

Question : Thank you, Stephane. Ali Rajabi, correspondent of Iran TV, IRIB. What's the Secretary-General's position regarding terrorist attack on a police station in Rask, in Iran?

Spokesman : Yes, we've seen those reports. I'm waiting for some language. I hope to have a statement on this very shortly. Let me go to Dulcie, then I'll go to the screen. And Joe, I promise to come back to you.

Question : Just about Myanmar. Is the Secretary-General going to name a new envoy for Myanmar?

Spokesman : Yes, that process is moving forward. As soon as we have something to announce, we will. Let's go to the videotape. As [Warner] Wolf would have said, Zara, please.

Question : Hi, Steph.

Spokesman : Hi Zara.

Question : Is the Secretary-General not going to condemn this terrorist attack in Iran today?

Spokesman : As I said, I'm waiting for some language on that and we will have... I expect to have a statement or a note to correspondents for you very shortly.

Question : Thank you so much.

Spokesman : You're welcome.

Question : We are waiting.

Spokesman : Okay. I will not delay. Jordan then Nabil.

Question : Good afternoon. My question is the same on journalists. As of today, there are 89 journalists who were killed in two months by Israel in Gaza. Besides the cameraman today, also journalist of Al Jazeera Wael Al-Dahdouh the one who lost his family last, two weeks ago or three weeks ago also was shot in the hand. Is there any like strong message from you, like condemnation of killing journalists? It's a huge number, 89 in two months which is by many organization, it's more than the whole year of the whole world.

Spokesman : Jordan, I think we have been talking about this sadly quite a lot and we have been condemning every incident very strongly.

Question : Okay my... [cross talk] Yeah, I have to. I did not finish.

Spokesman : Go ahead.

Question : Thank you. Thank you. My question. Do you know... because we received two press releases on the visit of deputy... I mean, USG for Political Affairs to Palestine and Israel; do you know why she was unable to meet the families of settlers' violence families, or the people in jail? Why she did not meet the families as she did with other party?

Spokesman : I don't have any more details on her visit. If I get something, I will share it with you.

Question : Okay. And the last one, if I may. Why the SG does not call for immediate release, unconditional release of the 3,000 people they were taking from West Bank, not from Gaza, from West Bank and Jerusalem since 7 October. I mean, 3,000 in jail. Why didn't you call for their release?

Spokesman : The Secretary-General has repeatedly, in his reports and I think there's one coming out soon, calling for the release of people who are held in administrative detention. Nabil. Joe. And then we have to go to our guest who's been very patient. Go ahead, Nabil. Nabil?

Question : Sorry. Yes, I just unmuted myself. So my question is, I would like to know if the SG is interested in also meeting or be in touch with the Palestinian families of the Palestinian detainees in the Israeli jails. And especially that the Israeli army has arrested at least tens of Palestinian men in Gaza and the West Bank in the last few weeks.

Spokesman : The Secretary-General met with the families at their request. He is always open, and I've always known him to be open to meeting with families of people who are suffering, who have been jailed, who have been victims. His door has always been open and will remain so.

Question : I have a follow up. Who in the UN or any UN official, has any UN official met with the Palestinian families or is there any plan to meet them and to know or to collect information about the Palestinian detainees?

Spokesman : I believe some of our colleagues at the UN Country, our UN team for the Occupied Palestinian Territory have had those meetings, but I will check for you.

Question : Thank you.

Spokesman : Mr. Klein. And then we'll go to our guest.

Question : Yes, a couple of questions. First of all, there are thousands of Palestinians who have gathered near the Gaza-Egypt border and want desperately to be able to escape the violence in Gaza and get into Egypt. But Egypt continues to block any such access to these refugees if they would be able to cross. So I'd like to know whether there's any comment by the Secretary-General on Egypt's continued intransigence and not allowing Gazans to pass through as refugees into Egypt. That's my first question.

Spokesman : Our aim is for a humanitarian ceasefire so people can remain where they live. We are concerned about regional destabilization or the forced movement of people. And I can't speak to the state of mind of civilians in Gaza. I don't know what their intentions or wishes are. Your second question, sir?

Question : Yeah. You made reference previously in one of your responses to characterizing the attack on 7 October as a terrorist attack by Hamas. This goes further than what the General Assembly or the Security Council have been willing to do. They have not condemned the attack. They have refused to brand it as... Hamas as a terrorist organization. So is the Secretary-General going beyond this and characterizing Hamas...? [cross talk]

Spokesman : That's a compare and contrast that falls in your bailiwick Joe. He has used these same words since the beginning. The Secretary-General is the Secretary-General. The Member States are the Member States.

Question : Okay, final, a very quick question. Are there any plans in near future for the Secretary-General to personally visit Israel, West Bank and meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials?

Spokesman : As soon as it is practicable, it will... and useful, it will happen. I would ask you please to remain in your seats because we haven't landed and we have a guest.

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Reports published by the German publication BILD about Russia's plans to occupy a number of Ukrainian territories outside the illegally annexed regions during 2024-2026 are consistent with a number of other available data, according to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

"ISW cannot independently authenticate BILDs reporting, but Russias reported plans for the war in Ukraine through 2026 are in line with continued Russian preparations for a prolonged war effort. The Russian military command is pursuing long-term restructuring and expansion efforts to form strategic reserves, and Russia has been gradually mobilizing its DIB to sustain a long war," the report states.

"Russias reported medium to long-term plans to occupy territory beyond the four (illegally) annexed territories are also plausible considering that Russian officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have reverted to expansionist rhetoric recently, and Russian forces continue offensive operations to expand their positions in Kharkiv region. Russian officials have issued statements about Russias intention to occupy and annex additional Ukrainian territory beyond the current front lines and the four (illegally) annexed territories. ISW recently assessed that the sudden collapse of Western aid would likely lead sooner or later to the collapse of Ukraines ability to hold off the Russian military, and Russian forces could ultimately push all the way to the western Ukrainian border in such a scenario," it reads.

According to BILD data released on December 14, Russia plans to capture most of Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions, including Kharkiv if possible, in 2025 and 2026.
Global Refugee Forum delivers unity and action amid global crises

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

World's largest gathering on refugee issues results in over 1,600 pledges of action and financial commitments worth an estimated $2.2 billion.



By Barney Thompson and Charlie Dunmore in Geneva

15 December 2023

The Global Refugee Forum 2023 closed on Friday with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi praising the "determined unity" shown by participants who - in the face of global division and crises - pledged transformative action on behalf of refugees and the countries hosting them.

The Global Refugee Forum 2023 closed on Friday with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi praising the "determined unity" shown by participants who - in the face of global division and crises - pledged transformative action on behalf of refugees and the countries hosting them.

In his closing statement, Grandi issued a sombre reminder that several "grim milestones" had been reached during the three days of the Forum, from scores of civilian deaths in Gaza to fresh displacement driven by conflict and violence in Sudan and Myanmar.

The 2023 GRF came as the global refugee population has reached a record level of 36.4 million, out of a total population of the forcibly displaced of 114 million people.

"Against this very challenging backdrop, the easy thing would have been for you to retreat and step back from international commitments," Grandi said. "But you did not. Instead, you came in full force and spent three days here exemplifying determined unity!"

Grandi hailed the efforts of States, the private sector, NGOs, refugee-led organizations, faith-based groups, academics and others, who announced pledges and contributions in support of the forcibly displaced and stateless people, and debated policies, exchanged ideas and explored new solutions for refugees and their hosts.

Their efforts resulted in more than 1,600 new pledges of financial, material, policy and other forms of support, including 43 costed multi-partner pledges co-led by governments and other partners. These included commitments to:

resettle 1 million refugees by 2030 and provide alternative pathways to third countries for 3 million more;

provide 1 million hours of pro bono legal and consulting services over four years;

offer places on work and educational mobility schemes to 200,000 refugees;

support more than 1 million refugees and their hosts through economic and social inclusion initiatives.

Initial estimates indicate that over $2.2 billion in financial commitments were pledged for the coming years, including $250 million by private companies and foundations. Further bilateral and multilateral development funding instruments for refugee hosting countries were also announced.

Over 4,200 delegates attended the Forum in person. The total included over 300 refugee delegates from around the world, more than four times the number that attended the first GRF in 2019. Thousands more followed proceedings online, tuning in to the livestreamed Plenary sessions and side events.

UNHCR and Switzerland co-hosted the event, with five countries - Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda - acting as co-convenors.

Towards the end of the Forum, Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, told delegates it was clear they had taken the GRF's theme of "action, unity and impact" to heart.

"Protection and help for refugees should not be a lottery, or a disproportionate burden that falls on a few countries and communities based on their geographic location. It is an obligation shared by all of humanity," said Guterres, speaking by video link from New York. "By rallying around the needs of refugees at this Forum, you are all providing a bright burst of light in what has been a dark and troubling year."

Grandi reserved special thanks for the refugee delegates who attended and participated throughout the Forum.

"Your articulate interventions reminded us what you've experienced and gone through, forced us to confront what refugees need, but also - and most importantly - allowed us to be inspired by what you bring," he said. "And what I heard was that, yes, humanitarian assistance is imperative if we are to help, but what you really crave is opportunity. To be included."

Earlier in the Forum, Evode Hakizimana, a refugee of Burundian origin living in Zimbabwe, said: "Yes, we do need hope. But the one thing we need more than hope is action. Because once we start to act, hope is everywhere."

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Gaza: UN welcomes Kerem Shalom border crossing announcement

15 December 2023 - The UN Spokesperson has welcomed the announcement on Friday by the Israeli cabinet that the Kerem Shalom border crossing into the Gaza Strip will be reopened.

Until the Hamas-led terror attacks of 7 October and Israel's full-scale military response which has devastated much of the enclave, the crossing from Israel was the main route for commercial goods into Gaza.

Until now, limited humanitarian aid has only been allowed to pass through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which serves mainly as a pedestrian crossing, although aid truck inspections have been taking place at Kerem Shalom, creating a complex and time-consuming route for lifesaving deliveries.

"The fast implementation of this agreement will increase the flow of aid", said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, adding that "a humanitarian ceasefire will increase the distribution of that aid across Gaza even more."

According to news reports, once details are finalized, aid will be offloaded on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom.

Mr. Dujarric said that UN humanitarians with the aid coordination office OCHA have reported that much of Gaza on Friday remained flooded following heavy rains "compounding already extreme human suffering."

Doctors trapped

"There have been clashes, also according to OCHA, in the vicinity of Al Awda Hospital in Jabaliya in northern Gaza, with 250 doctors, patients and their family members reportedly trapped."

Internet services were restored after being down for several hours on Thursday, which severely impact the ability of emergency workers to do their jobs and cutting a vital communication route for hundreds of thousands.

The UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported on Friday that nearly 1.3 million displaced people are sheltering in 155 UNRWA installations.

"The average number of internally displaced people in UNRWA facilities, shelters, located in the middle and southern Gaza is 12,387, more than four times their capacity", said the UN Spokesperson.

Eight out of 22 UNRWA health centres are still operational in the Middle and Southern parts of Gaza and UNRWA continued to provide healthcare to internally displaced people at shelters through 97 medical teams."

He added that each team is composed of just one to two doctors and a nurse while around 591 health workers in health centres and shelters provided support to some 12,000 patients.

Spillover in the Red Sea

Responding to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York on the announcement by commercial shipping giant Maersk that it was pausing the passage of ships through the Red Sea, in response to attacks by Houthi militia, Mr. Dujarric said the decision was "understandable".

The group whose militia control much of Yemen including the Red Sea coast, has vowed to target ships travelling to Israel along the key shipping route, in support of Hamas. The company said in a statement the attacks were "alarming" and pose a "significant threat" to seafarers.

Two ships reportedly came under attack in the strait just on Friday - one hit by a drone and another by missiles.

The UN Spokesperson said the decision illustrated the impact of the "continuing attacks" by the Houthis.

"Freedom of navigation is a bedrock of international law, it needs to be respected...That waterway is critical to the global economy and global commerce", he added.

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UNRWA Situation Report #52 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information is valid as of 13 December 2023 at 22:30)

UNRWA

15 Dec 2023

Day 68 of Hostilities

Key Points

The Gaza Strip

As of 13 December, UNRWA confirms that an additional colleague was killed, bringing the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities to 135.

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 13 December, nearly 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) were sheltering in **155 UNRWA facilities **across all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, including in the North and in 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 **155 UNRWA facilities **across all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, including in the North and in 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 1.2 million IDPs are sheltering in 98 UNRWA facilities in the Middle, Khan Younis and Rafah areas.

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

On 13 December Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continued search and arrest operations in Jenin city and Jenin refugee camp, northern West Bank. One Palestinian was shot dead and two Palestinians were injured due to an exchange of fire between ISF and Palestinians. ISF reportedly fired live ammunition in the vicinity of Ash Shefa hospital in Jenin and held several Palestinian journalists inside the hospital. Also, ISF bulldozers reportedly damaged Palestinian infrastructure and private property. UNRWA operations in the camp have been severely impacted and were suspended.

ISF arrested 25 Palestinians and confiscated one vehicle during a search and arrest operation in Talfit, northern West Bank.

ISF arrested sixteen Palestinians and confiscated one vehicle during a search and arrest operation in Hizma, central West Bank.

ISF search and arrest operations were also reported in the morning in Nablus, Balata refugee camp and Qalqiliya.

Overall Situation

The Gaza Strip

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, between 7 October and the afternoon of 13 December, 18,608 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, of whom around 70 per cent are reported to be women and children, and over 50,594 have reportedly been injured.

The West Bank

According to OCHA, 271 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) in the West Bank, including 69 children. In addition, eight Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and another two either by forces or settlers.

This year (2023) has been the deadliest year for Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the UN began recording casualties in 2005.

Humanitarian Access, Protection of Civilians

The Gaza Strip

UNRWA is verifying reports of incidents affecting UNRWA facilities on 11, 12 and 13 December.

On 12 December, so far, the following incidents have been reported impacting UNRWA installations and the IDPs sheltering there. Verification ongoing: a video posted online that appeared to show a school bearing** blue and white UN markings being blown up by the IDF in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza**. 156 incidents impacting UNRWA premises and people inside them have been recorded since the beginning of 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 installations sustained collateral damage.

and people inside them have been recorded since the beginning of 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 installations sustained collateral damage. On 11 December, an incident was reported impacting UNRWA installations and the IDPs sheltering there. Verification of details and casualty figures are ongoing: one IDP was reportedly shot and killed at an UNRWA shelter in Khan Younis.

UNRWA estimates that in total** at least 288 IDPs sheltering in UNRWA shelters have been killed **and at least a further 998 injured since 7 October. 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 12,387, more than four times their capacity.

Health

Eight (out of 22) UNRWA health centres are still operational in the Middle and Southern areas, recording 8,265 patients visits on 13 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 124 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. Each team is composed of 1-2 doctors and a nurse. ** 591 health workers in health centres and shelters provided support to 12,305 patients.**

Each team is composed of 1-2 doctors and a nurse. ** 591 health workers in health centres and shelters provided support to 12,305 patients.** On December 13, UNRWA medical teams responded to 1,013 mental health cases, including individual consultations, awareness sessions and support for gender-based violence cases.

Psychosocial support (PSS)

**UNRWA teams, including 284 social workers in the shelters, 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. Since 7 October, 101,211 IDPS have been reached.

Food Security

UNRWA continued to distribute flour outside of shelters in southern governorates. A total of 89,936** families have been reached so far.**

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

**On 12 December, UNRWA continued to operate nine water wells pumping about 10,000 cubic metres of water to provide potable and domestic water. **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.

Quote from Reem, a nurse at UNRWA health centre in Deir al-Balah

"Even if we have to leave our children at home, we are here to serve. As front-row medical staff, we work with everyone. People in shelters, refugees and non-refugees."

#HearTheirVoices

**ENDs - **

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U.S. Navy Announces Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement for Hawaii-California Training and Testing; Invites Public Comment on Upcoming Environmental Analysis

US Navy

15 December 2023

From Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO -- The Department of the Navy (Navy) (including both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps), in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force, is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) to assess the potential environmental effects associated with the Proposed Action to conduct at-sea military readiness activities within the Hawaii-California Training and Testing (HCTT) Study Area (referred to as the "Study Area"). The Navy also proposes to modernize and sustain its ranges in a manner necessary to support training and testing activities. The Navy invites the public to comment on the scope of the EIS/OEIS including identification of potential alternatives and environmental concerns, information and analyses relevant to the Proposed Action, issues that should be addressed in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, and the project's potential to affect historic properties pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

At-sea military readiness activities, which were last analyzed in the 2018 Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing (HSTT) EIS/OEIS and the 2022 Point Mugu Sea Range (PMSR) EIS/OEIS, include training and research, development, testing, and evaluation activities (referred to as "training and testing"). Proposed training and testing activities may include the use of active sonar, explosives, and other sources of underwater sound. The Navy would continue to employ appropriate marine species protective mitigation measures when conducting these activities. Modernization and sustainment proposals include new special use airspace in Southern California, an expansion of an underwater training range near San Clemente Island, and installation and maintenance of mine training areas off Hawaii and Southern California. The Navy invited the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Federal Aviation Administration to be cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS/OEIS.

The Proposed Action is needed to ensure U.S. military services are able to organize, train, and equip service members and personnel to meet their respective national defense missions in accordance with their Congressionally mandated requirements. Proposed training and testing activities are similar to those analyzed in previous environmental impact analyses and are representative of activities that have been conducted off Hawaii and California for more than 80 years.

The HCTT Study Area consists primarily of the Hawaii Operating Area (OPAREA) and Temporary OPAREA, the California OPAREA, and the transit corridor connecting the two. The Study Area includes only the at-sea components of the range complexes, Navy pierside locations and port transit channels, bays, harbors, inshore waterways, and civilian ports where training and testing activities occur, as well as transits between homeports and operating areas. For this EIS/OEIS, "at-sea components" include the marine environment around San Nicolas Island where marine mammals haul out on the shoreline. Missile and target firings from San Nicolas Island that could disturb the marine mammals are included in this analysis. Aside from this one exception, no other terrestrial impacts will be covered in the EIS/OEIS.

The HCTT Study Area differs from the 2018 HSTT Study Area in that it includes:

 An extended Southern California Range Complex

 Special use airspace corresponding to the new extensions in California (the proposed W-293 and the proposed W-294)

 Two existing training and testing at-sea ranges, the PMSR and the Northern California (NOCAL) Range Complex

 Areas along the Southern California coastline from approximately Dana Point to Port Hueneme

 Four amphibious approach lanes providing land access from the NOCAL Range Complex and PMSR

Maps of the Study Area are available on the project website.

In the EIS/OEIS, the Navy will evaluate the potential environmental impacts from a No Action Alternative and two action alternatives. Resources to be evaluated include, but are not limited to, biological resources (including marine mammals, reptiles, fishes, vegetation, invertebrates, habitats, birds, and other protected species), sediments and water quality, air quality, cultural resources, socioeconomic resources, and public health and safety.

The development of the EIS/OEIS will help sustain the readiness of the Navy and other participating U.S. military services by supporting current and future training and testing requirements, increasing flexibility in conducting training and testing activities, modernizing and sustaining range capabilities, updating environmental impact analyses using the best available science and analytical methods, and supporting Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act consultations for the reissuance of federal regulatory permits and authorizations within the Study Area.

Public Participation

The Navy is hosting a virtual open house presentation on the project website during the scoping period from Dec. 15, 2023, to Jan. 29, 2024. The presentation provides information about the Proposed Action, its purpose and need, environmental resource areas to be analyzed in the EIS/OEIS, the NEPA process, the NHPA Section 106 process, and public involvement opportunities. The public can view the virtual open house presentation and submit comments at www.nepa.navy.mil/hctteis/ anytime during the scoping period.

The Navy welcomes and appreciates the public's participation during the scoping period. Comments must be postmarked or received online no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on Jan. 29, 2024, for consideration in the Draft EIS/OEIS. Comments may be submitted via the project website at www.nepa.navy.mil/hctteis/ or by mail to:

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific

Attention: HCTT EIS/OEIS Project Manager

258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100

Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134

This public scoping effort will also support consultation under Section 106 of the NHPA and its implementing regulations at 36 Code of Federal Regulations part 800, as members of the public are invited to participate, provide comments, or raise concerns. Comments submitted via the project website or by mail will be considered under NEPA and pursuant to Section 106 of the NHPA.

There will be a public comment opportunity when the Draft EIS/OEIS is available, which is scheduled for fall 2024.

Visit the project website at www.nepa.navy.mil/hctteis/ to learn more about the project, view maps of the Study Area, review prior NEPA-related documents, learn about the NHPA Section 106 consultation process, and submit comments.

Media seeking further information should contact the [Hawaii/Southwest] Regional Public Affairs Officer at danny.r.hayes6.civ@us.navy.mil or 808-473-0662/sergio.j.hernandez.civ@us.navy.mil or 619-705-5242.

Please help inform your community by sharing the information in this news release.

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Washington Urges Israel to Scale Down Its Gaza Offensive

By VOA News December 15, 2023

Washington is urging Israel to use more precise targeting of Hamas leaders in Gaza, rather than widespread bombing and ground operations, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Friday.

"There will be a transition to another phase of this war, one that is focused in more precise ways on targeting the leadership and on intelligence-driven operations," he told reporters during a visit to Israel.

"When exactly that happens and under exactly what conditions will be a continuing intensive discussion between the United States and Israel," Sullivan said. "The conditions and the timing for that was obviously a subject of conversation I had" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, other Israeli government leaders and military commanders.

At the same time, the Israeli military reported it mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages during its ground operation in the Gaza Strip. The army's chief spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Israeli troops found the hostages Friday and erroneously identified them as a threat.

He said it was not clear if they had escaped their captors or been abandoned. Their deaths occurred in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, the scene of bloody battles against Hamas militants. He said the army expressed "deep sorrow" and is investigating.

Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant told Sullivan on Thursday it will take "more than several months" to destroy Hamas, which he said has been building its infrastructure "under the ground and above the ground" in Gaza for more than a decade.

"But we will win, and we will destroy them," Gallant said.

Sullivan declined to answer when asked Friday whether the U.S. would hold back military aid if Israel does not reduce civilian casualties, saying the best way to reach an agreement was in private discussions.

Sullivan also said after meeting with Netanyahu and Gallant in Tel Aviv that Israel's efforts to crush Hamas must not lead to a long-term Israeli occupation of the territory. He said the United States believes it neither makes sense nor is right for Israel to reoccupy Gaza over the long term.

So far, the Israel Defense Forces have resisted increasing global pressure to curb its Gaza offensive.

The Middle East has been a tinderbox since Iranian-backed Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,200 people while taking about 240 people hostage, by Israeli count. Israel's retaliatory strikes and ground offensive have killed more than 18,000 Palestinians, a large percentage of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

West Bank violence

Twelve European nations joined by Australia, Canada and the European Union have called on Israel "to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank."

In a joint statement released Friday by the Swedish government, the countries expressed "their grave concern about the record number of attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank."

"The rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians is unacceptable," the statement said. "Israel, as the occupying power, must protect the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank."

The joint statement also said that "those responsible for the violence must be brought to justice" and that the violence "undermines security in the West Bank and the region and threatens prospects for a lasting peace."

The European countries are Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Fierce fighting

Fighting in Gaza between Israeli forces and Hamas raged on Friday. The Israeli military said its troops had destroyed a Hamas command-and-control hub in Gaza's Sheijaia district and conducted a "targeted raid" on militant infrastructure in Khan Younis.

The Israel Defense Forces also said its soldiers have recovered the bodies of two soldiers and one civilian hostage taken in the Hamas terror attack on October 7.

Urban warfare in Gaza is also proving deadly for the Israeli troops. About 110 Israeli soldiers have been killed as tanks and infantry advance into the cities and refugee camps, based on official Israeli figures. About a quarter were tank crew.

According to Israeli military experts and a Hamas source, Hamas, a U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist group, has used a large weapons stockpile, its knowledge of the terrain and a vast tunnel network to turn Gaza's streets into a deadly maze.

At their disposal they have arms ranging from drones rigged with grenades to anti-tank weapons with powerful twin charges.

WHO aid

The World Health Organization welcomed the opening Friday of the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza but said more needed to be done to ensure that essential medical supplies reached hospitals in dire need across the enclave.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva via video link, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in Gaza, described the opening as "good news" but said there were hospitals that were difficult to reach in the north of the enclave that still need essential medical supplies.

"How can we make sure that these [aid] trucks can go everywhere in Gaza, not just to the south but also to the north?" Peeperkorn asked.

Israel approved the entry of 200 trucks of aid into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Humanitarian Office said Friday tens of thousands of homeless Gazans who have crammed into Rafah since December 3 are struggling in extremely overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, raising concerns about the spread of disease.

While reiterating U.S. support for Israel and its military response to the deadly Hamas attack against Israel two months ago, U.S. President Joe Biden and other officials have expressed concern about the number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

"Our support for Israel is not diminished," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, "but we have had concerns, and we have expressed those concerns about the prosecution of this military campaign, even while acknowledging that it's Hamas that started this, and it's Hamas that is continuing it."

Israel has defended its tactics, saying it is taking unprecedented steps to minimize civilian casualties, such as ordering people to evacuate areas where it plans to carry out military operations.

Israel's military also has blamed Hamas for intentionally operating in populated areas.

The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency says nearly 1.9 million people, about 85% of Gaza's population, have been forced from their homes, with more than 1.1 million currently registered at the agency's shelters in central and southern Gaza. The agency said the average shelter is nine times over its intended capacity.

After returning from a trip to Gaza on Thursday, World Food Program Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau told reporters at the United Nations in New York that the situation among civilians is "increasingly desperate and chaotic."

"The grim reality is also that nine out of 10 people are not eating enough, or not eating every day, and don't know where their next meal is going to come from," he said, adding that no WFP food assistance has reached the north of Gaza since a weeklong cease-fire ended December 1.

Shipping targets

Attacks on commercial vessels have been surging in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war broke out two months ago.

The German government strongly condemned attacks on ships from Houthi-controlled Yemen, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Friday and added that she thanked Saudi Arabia for helping thwart similar attacks by shooting down drones and missiles.

"The Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea must stop immediately," Baerbock said during a news conference in Berlin alongside her Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, when asked about the attack on a vessel owned by German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd.

The German container shipping line is mulling whether to pause sailings through the Red Sea, hours after reporting one of its ships was attacked near Yemen, a spokesperson said Friday.

Also, Danish shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk will pause all container shipments through the Red Sea until further notice and send them instead around Africa, a spokesperson for the company told Reuters on Friday.

The company's vessel Maersk Gibraltar was targeted by a missile while traveling from Salalah, Oman, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The crew and vessel were reported to be unharmed, the company said Thursday.

VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell contributed to this report. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.



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Al Jazeera Journalist Killed in Gaza Strike

By VOA News December 15, 2023

One Al Jazeera journalist was killed and another was injured Friday by a missile fired in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to media reports.

Al Jazeera cameraperson Samer Abudaqa was killed by a missile fired from a drone, and Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh was injured.

Abudaqa was wounded on the floor of a school in Khan Younis, according to Reuters. He was hit by shrapnel, but Al Jazeera reported that paramedics were unable to immediately reach him because of Israeli shelling.

Efforts to arrange safe passage for Abudaqa took over five hours. Once medics finally arrived, the journalist had died.

"Medical teams were prevented by Israeli forces from immediately reaching him," said Al Jazeera's breaking news alert about the journalist's death.

Abudaqa joined Al Jazeera in 2004. Born in 1978, he was the father of three boys and a girl.

Dahdouh, whose injuries were considered minor, was transferred to Nasser Hospital.

Dahdouh's injury came about six weeks after several of his family members  including his wife and children  were killed in an Israeli airstrike that hit their house in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. Dahdouh returned to reporting soon after the tragedy.

Before Abudaqa's death, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Friday, "It is critical that journalists be able to do their work free from violent attacks, free from violence."

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Friday offered condolences to Abudaqa's family and to his Al Jazeera colleagues.

Kirby also expressed sympathy to "journalists around the world who are mourning this loss," saying, "We know it's a heavy loss indeed."

Underscoring the need for reporters and photographers to be able to cover conflict safely and noting their vital work, Kirby said, "It's never acceptable to deliberately target them."

He said the U.S. has been in touch with Israeli counterparts daily and has no "indication that they are deliberately targeting journalists."

Press freedom groups denounced the attack.

In a statement posted to X, the International Federation of Journalists said, "We condemn the attack and reiterate our demand that journalists' lives must be safeguarded."

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately reply to VOA's email requesting comment.

As of Friday, before Abudaqa's death, at least 63 journalists had been killed while covering the Israel-Hamas war, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. That death toll included 56 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese.

Over 2,300 groups and journalists have signed a letter protesting the high number of journalist deaths in the war.

Among those killed was Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed by an Israeli strike while reporting in southern Lebanon on October 13.

Reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reuters and Agence France-Presse from earlier this month found that the attack, which also injured six other journalists, was likely deliberate. Israel denies that it targets reporters.

The devastation wrought by the war has underscored the vital role that journalists play, according to Maya Gebeily, the Reuters bureau chief for Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

"They are a crucial voice for the civilians who are deeply affected, whose lives are being torn apart by that kind of violence," Gebeily told VOA.

"When you have journalists who are there, who are providing these live feeds, it just makes accountability that much more possible," Gebeily added.

VOA's Cristina Caicedo Smit contributed to this report.





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Thai Scholar in Iran Plays Role in Hostage Release

By Yiamyut Sutthichaya, Supakit Pattaratearanon, Wasamon Audjarint December 15, 2023

As Thai diplomats negotiated for the release of Thai workers taken hostage in Hamas' deadly attack on Israel, prominent Thai Muslims, including a member of a university alumni association, operated on a parallel, more personal track.

Lerpong Sayed, a political science lecturer at Iran's Al-Mustafa International University, was teaching when Hamas terrorists stormed out of Gaza on October 7, killing 39 Thais and abducting 32 others along with the hundreds of Israelis killed and kidnapped.

Lerpong, the president of a Thai-Iran alumni association, immediately began reaching out to associates who might have access to Hamas leaders, establishing an informal group.

While it is unclear whether his group's intervention was decisive, Hamas has released 23 Thais since late November, most of them agricultural workers who earned about $1,500 a month, five times what they could earn at home.

"I think Thailand was the most successful in the world in helping the hostages," Lerpong said to VOA Thai. "From now on, we will use a similar channel ... to ask for [Hamas] to free Thai people."

Official outreach

There are about 3 million Muslims among Thailand's predominantly Buddhist population of 70 million. Many of them have lived under emergency rule in parts of the country's south, where a Muslim insurgency has claimed thousands of lives over the past two decades.

Days after the Hamas attack, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs began engaging with its direct counterparts while encouraging the opening of other channels for discussion, according to an official source who asked not to be identified. The goal: unconditional release of the hostages.

Soon after the attack, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, a veteran Muslim politician and current parliamentary speaker, and Syed Sulaiman Husaini, the leader of Thailand's Shia Muslims, connected with Lerpong's group and asked that its members use their personal and professional networks in Iran.

Lerpong told VOA Thai by phone that it made sense to reach out to Iran, a longtime supporter and financial backer of Hamas. As a onetime activist for Palestinian rights, he said, he already knew Hamas figures in Iran.

He was "already in Iran facilitating with the involved party there to find ways to release Thai captives" when the two prominent Thai Muslims called, Lerpong said, adding that Iranian authorities with connections to Hamas "also helped out."

By October 26, a Thai delegation was meeting with Khaled Qaddoumi, the Hamas representative to Iran. Twice sanctioned by the U.S., Qaddoumi was described by one of the negotiators as being "among America's top targets," according to Channel News Asia.

"After our group met Hamas officials, it appeared that they promised us that, if there was a cease-fire, Hamas would release the captured Thais unconditionally," Lerpong told VOA Thai.

And when a Qatar-brokered cease-fire came into effect on November 24, 10 Thais were among the first hostages released.

Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Thailand's foreign minister, told VOA Thai in November that logistical complications added to the difficulty of obtaining the hostages' release.

'Captors are not single group'

Middle Eastern officials had told their Thai counterparts that "it was difficult to bring the hostages out at that time because the captors are not single group; there are more than one, maybe even more than two. And the hostages may be kept separately," Parnpree said.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was quoted on December 5 by the Standard, a Thai media outlet, saying the remaining hostages would be released if there was another cease-fire.

However, there has been no further halt to the fighting since the beginning of December, and more than 130 hostages remained in Gaza as of Friday, according to Reuters.

Lerpong said the alumni group's negotiation team has reached out to "those who are involved from Hamas and Iran" to confirm the number of Thais who are still hostages and try to determine their fate.

"As long as Thai people are under captivity, our duty still stands," Lerpong said.

He said that in the future, Thai authorities may have to reconsider allowing workers to take jobs in possible conflict areas.

"During the negotiation, Hamas told us that they had no problem with workers from all over the world, especially from Thailand," Lerpong said. "But the problem is that their work site was in the disputed area."

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Yemen Houthis Attack Two More Red Sea Cargo Ships

By Yiamyut Sutthichaya, Supakit Pattaratearanon, Wasamon Audjarint December 15, 2023

A U.S. defense official said Friday that Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched missile attacks that struck two cargo ships in the Red Sea's Bab el-Mandab Strait, the second consecutive day in which missile attacks by the rebels were reported.

The official said that in the first attack, a missile struck the German-owned container ship, the Al Jasrah, which caused damage and fire but no injuries. Hours later, a second container ship, identified as the MSC Palatium, was struck by a rocket and caught fire, The Associated Press reported, citing the same official.

It was not immediately clear if there were any injuries in that attack, the AP reported.

Later Friday, in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, at a news conference, Houthi Military spokesman Yehia Sareea took responsibility for the attacks, saying the two vessels were targeted by rockets after their crews refused to respond to calls by Yemeni marine forces.

The spokesman said the Yemeni Houthi forces told all ships heading to all ports around the world, except for Israeli ports, that they won't be harmed, but "they must keep recognition devices open."

The attacks Friday follow a spate of recent Houthi strikes on vessels in the Red Sea. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they say is either going to or coming from Israel, although several vessels targeted had no apparent link at all.

Speaking to reporters in Tel Aviv on Friday, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan condemned the attacks, saying they represent a concrete threat to freedom of navigation, commercial navigation and legal commerce in a crucial region, the Bab el-Mandeb straits.

Sullivan said the U.S. is working with the international community and its partners in the region and elsewhere to address the threat.

The national security adviser also put the blame on Iran for the incidents and called on the regime there to stop them. "As the Houthis pull the trigger, so to say, it is Iran which hands them the weapon, and Iran has the responsibility to take measures itself to put an end to these attacks."

Germany's Defense Minister Annalena Baerbock, speaking Friday in Berlin, also condemned the attacks on Red Sea shipping, particularly the one targeting a German-owned vessel, and she called on the Houthis to stop immediately.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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Hanoi Embraces Future With China to Reassure Beijing, Experts Say

By Le Nguyen December 15, 2023

Foreign policy experts are casting a skeptical eye on this week's highly publicized upgrade of relations between China and Vietnam, saying Hanoi is unlikely to shift from a carefully balanced foreign policy that includes recently strengthened ties with the U.S. and Japan.

Vietnam agreed to join Beijing's "community of shared future" during a two-day visit to Hanoi by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The community is ostensibly an upgrade from the already top-level "comprehensive strategic partnership" binding the two nations, according to the official Chinese news outlet, Xinhua.

Top-tier diplomatic ties have been in place between Vietnam and China since 2008, but Washington and Tokyo just achieved the same status with Vietnam during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Hanoi in September and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong's trip to Tokyo last month.

In an article published in Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of the Vietnamese Communist Party, Xi laid out his vision of the community as one linking China's development to that of its neighbors so that each country is better off. Xi also stressed that Asia's future is in the hands of Asians.

Vietnam obtained immediate rewards from 36 cooperation documents signed on Tuesday by party leader Xi and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Phu Trong. These include wider access to the Chinese market, Chinese funding for a cross-border rail link and a hotline to deal with fishery incidents in the South China Sea.

China has long been Vietnam's top trade partner, with bilateral volume last year topping $175 billion. It is also the fourth-largest foreign investor in Vietnam.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese nationals made up the largest group of tourists in Vietnam, accounting for one-third of foreign tourists in 2019.

But relations between China and Vietnam have been rocky. The two countries fought a bloody border war in 1979 and clashed over an island in the Spratly chain in 1988 before normalizing ties in 1991.

Beijing and Hanoi remain locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, with Vietnam expanding its island-building efforts to counter China's claims of sovereignty.

VOA reached out to the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing for comment but was directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which did not respond to VOA's questions.

'Face-saving trip'

A U.S. State Department spokesperson responded to the upgrade in Hanoi-Beijing relations, saying Vietnam "has long been a critical partner [of the United States], and our bilateral relationship has only deepened."

"The United States and Vietnam have a shared sense of purpose and a common vision for a secure, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific, spanning from our close collaboration on war legacy and humanitarian issues to regional security, shared prosperity, deepening cooperation on tackling the climate crisis, infectious diseases, illicit trafficking of drugs and wildlife, strengthening maritime cooperation and combating transnational crime," the spokesperson said.

Greg Poling, director of the Southeast Asian program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, made light of the upgrade, describing Xi's visit to Hanoi as "a face-saving trip ... that results in a lot of rhetoric but little concrete."

He noted in an email to VOA Vietnamese that Hanoi initially resisted the idea of the upgrade but "ultimately felt it necessary to compromise on this point in order to maintain some stability."

Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, described Hanoi's acceptance of Xi's invitation to join the community as a rebalancing after significant leaps in diplomatic ties with the West.

"Hanoi wanted to reassure Beijing that they would not abandon China to defect to the other camp, nor join forces to contain China," Giang told VOA Vietnamese over the phone.

Giang noted that the Beijing-centered community is "all-encompassing" but lacks specifics, so Vietnamese participation is "more about form than substance."

"Vietnam joining the community does not mean that it falls into the Chinese orbit, nor that it embraces Beijing's version of world order," Giang stressed.

Poling noted that while the two sides signed dozens of vague agreements, Vietnam refused to sign about 10, including one on critical minerals for which Xi had personally lobbied.

"In any case, it has no diplomatic meaning in Vietnam - China remains a comprehensive strategic partner, just like the U.S., Korea and Japan," he wrote in the email.

Both experts pointed out that even the title "community of shared future" was downgraded at Vietnam's insistence from the more encompassing "community of common destiny" proposed by Beijing.

Economic interdependence

Zachary Abuza, a professor of national security strategy at the National War College in Washington, said in an email to VOA Vietnamese that economic interdependence is a key feature of the community. He noted that China and Vietnam "are quite interdependent economically."

"Northern Vietnam is part of the southern Chinese supply chain. Vietnam runs a chronic and large trade deficit with China due to the fact that so much of what Vietnam exports is based on Chinese-made parts," he wrote, adding that "Vietnam is clearly concerned" about what China's slowing economy and declining exports mean for it.

Abuza described Beijing's appetite for Vietnam's rare earth elements as "dangerous," given that China already has a near monopoly on rare earth reprocessing.

Nguyen Khac Giang said that Hanoi "apparently tried to stabilize trade-investment ties with China" and that Vietnam is "in huge need of capital to build infrastructures as well as transition to green energies."

Trust issue

The Vietnamese government's decision to join the community with China "will not ring well with the Vietnamese public," Nguyen Huu Vinh, a former security officer-turned-political activist, told VOA Vietnamese over the phone from Hanoi.

He said there is a "huge discrepancy between what Beijing said and what it has done."

"All that they said are just big but empty words," he said, warning that the new fishery hotline "would be of little use."

Poling said that Vietnam's participation in the community will do little to reduce Sino-Vietnamese tensions in the South China Sea.

Abuza described the community as absolute nonsense when it comes to the South China Sea, given that "China's excessive maritime claims violate the sovereignty of Vietnam and the other claimants."

"Hanoi should be very leery of endorsing this or other of China's intentionally vaguely worded proposals for world order," he said. "Vietnam is far better served emphatically endorsing the rules-based order, governed by international law and accepted norms of behavior."

An Hai contributed to this report.

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Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Welcoming the Two-Week Ceasefire Extension in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

December 15, 2023

The United States welcomes the two-week extension of the ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This additional step toward peace is a testament to the commitment by the parties to the conflict, as well as regional neighbors, to lower tensions. Further, it builds on the broad adherence to the previous 72-hour ceasefire brokered by the United States and the recent engagement by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines with President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and her earlier travel to both capitals on 19-20 November.

The two-week ceasefire extension, which started on December 14 and will continue through December 28, commits the parties to the conflict to advance the implementation of the previous confidence-building measures, including ensuring enforcement of the DRC Government's November 21 directive against any form of support to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels as well as the continued withdrawal of forces occupying the locality of Mushaki, positions along the RP1030 road, and locations west of the N2 road.

The Governments of DRC and Rwanda affirmed the importance of the temporary deployment of inter-positional forces to help facilitate the safe return of displaced civilians to their communities. In addition, the Government of Rwanda will coordinate with regional partners to secure M23's commitment to cease its offensive operations.

The United States commends the parties to the conflict, as well as regional governments, for their support for the ceasefire's extension and will continue to use U.S. intelligence and diplomatic resources to monitor compliance to the ceasefire by armed forces and non-state armed groups. In addition, the United States reiterates its support for the resumption of the Nairobi and Luanda processes, which seek to address the current and historic factors perpetuating this longstanding conflict.

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Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas

December 15, 2023

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today in Ramallah with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr. Sullivan expressed his deepest sympathy for Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7th. He discussed U.S. efforts to increase the flow of life-saving humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza and stressed the importance of enhancing the protection of civilians. President Abbas and Mr. Sullivan discussed efforts to promote stability in the West Bank, including ongoing actions against terrorism and incitement, as well as recent measures to counter extremist settler violence against Palestinians. Mr. Sullivan reemphasized President Biden's longstanding vision for a more peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Middle East region, and ultimately a path to a two-state solution that provides for equal measures of justice, freedom, and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

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Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Government of Israel Decision to Open Kerem Shalom for Direct Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance

December 15, 2023

Before departing Israel, I was informed by my counterpart, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, that the Government of Israel has taken the decision to open its border crossing at Kerem Shalom for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We welcome this significant step. President Biden raised this issue in recent phone calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and it was an important topic of discussion during my visit to Israel over the past two days. The United States remains committed to expanding and sustaining the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. We will continue to work closely with Egypt and other partners on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance through Rafah crossing, and we hope that this new opening will ease congestion and help facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to those who need it urgently in Gaza.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 70 - 15 December 2023

During battles in the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as Hamas terrorists and opened fire at them, killing them, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. "This is an area where our soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers," he added. The victims were identified as Yotam Haim, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza in the Hamas militant groups October 7th attack, and Samer Talalka, taken from Kibbutz Nir Am the same day. The third hostage was later identified as Kibbutz Kfar Aza resident Alon Lulu Shamriz.

According to Israeli media reports, the hostages had escaped Hamas captivity and were heading towards IDF soldiers when they were mistakenly identified and shot. The IDF said the hostage group was misidentified as a threat amid the fierce, ongoing battles in Gaza's urban terrain. Their bodies were transported to Israel after the accidental shooting for forensic examination and hostage identification. Military officials notified all affected families. The IDF expressed deep regret, emphasizing the unfortunate deaths occurred in an active combat zone. Relevant operational lessons were immediately reviewed to prevent recurrence.

For the fifth time since the start of the war, Israel completely cut off communications networks in the Gaza Strip.

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades stressed that what the Israeli occupation army officially announces regarding the numbers of deaths and injuries is unreal, and that what we see disintegrating is the enemys army, not the Qassam Brigades. He explained that the testimonies and accounts of our Mujahideen about their killing of enemy foot soldiers document many times the announced number of those killed.

Operational Update

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), confirmed that they targeted more than 100 Israeli military vehicles within 5 days. Abu Ubaida added - in a recorded speech broadcast on Al Jazeera - Our mujahideen are valiant and fighting heroic battles that will be immortalized in the pages of history, noting that they are fighting a force heavily armed with lethal weapons, equipment and ammunition and supported by aircraft.

Al-Qassam spokesman indicated that Phalange fighters used anti-fortified shells and demolished houses on the heads of Israeli soldiers, pointing out that the enemy uses mercenaries during its operation, which it claims is an existential war.

Al-Qassam spokesman continued, The American administration is operating its air bridges to support this entity as if it were fighting a superpower, stressing that the Palestinian people are still fighting this unprecedented battle since the beginning of the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood 70 days ago. Al-Qassam spokesman stressed that our mujahideen still have their hands on the trigger and are lurking for the enemy everywhere, and that the clash of our mujahideen with the enemy forces revealed what a weak and cowardly army it is.

Arab Experts and analysts believed that the Israeli occupation, which destroyed 80% of the Gaza Strip, is seeking to reformulate the priorities of its goals during the next stage, but the Palestinian resistance does not It remains cohesive and launches rockets from the areas that the occupation claims to have controlled. The military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, expected that Israel will move during the next stage to what is called surgical operations, where ground operations will be limited, and aerial bombardment will focus on targeting the leaders of the Palestinian resistance. He said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not achieve any military goals from the war he is waging on the Gaza Strip, and ground operations may stop within two to three weeks, but this matter is related to the American position, which Al-Duwairi described as varied.

CBS News was American officials reported that Tel Aviv informed Washington of the completion of the current phase of intensive air strikes and a major ground operation within two or three weeks. However, an American official said that this does not mean the end of combat operations. Commenting on what was reported by this network, Al-Duwairi confirmed that there will be a reformulation of the priorities of the objectives, and the Israeli forces will be used more specifically than is happening now, in addition to a direction to reduce escalation and bombing and provide safe places for the displaced, which is the direction that comes after the occupation destroyed 80% of the Gaza Strip.

He added that the occupation army, which failed to achieve the goals it set, the minimum of which was rescuing detainees held by the Palestinian resistance, is now seeking to reformulate operations, as they will be based on updated information and in coordination with the joint operations room, which includes 5 international intelligence agencies (American, British, French, Italian, German) alongside the Israeli intelligence service.

As for whether there is new data on which Israel relies in its aggression against Gaza, Al-Duwairi explained that the intelligence services will not be able to determine the locations of the detainees, because the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) It cannot place them in one place, and therefore they are distributed according to the vision of the battle with the occupation.

The military expert reiterated the performanceof the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Hamas movement - and the rest of the resistance factions in their fighting with the occupation soldiers, stressing that they They are still cohesive and able to manage the battle, and despite the occupation claiming that it has controlled 40% of the northern Gaza Strip, resistance missiles are launched and reach the center of occupied Palestine.

The head of the Department of Political Science at Hebron University, Dr. Bilal Al-Shobaki, indicated that the goals declared by the occupation have not been achieved, which is the return of detainees, and what they consider to be undermining the military capabilities of Hamas and the rest of the Palestinian factions. He believed that the issue was no longer related only to the clashes inside the Gaza Strip between resistance fighters and occupation soldiers, but rather to the missiles fired by the Palestinian resistance from areas that the occupation claimed to have controlled.

On the other hand, he linked the new American statements regarding the relationship with Israel to internal and external pressures, as well as to the data on the ground, but Al-Shobaki downplayed the issue of the dispute between Washington and Tel Aviv regarding the war in Gaza, stressing that part of the American speeches such as the necessity of sparing civilians, and that there is a political horizon for the Israeli military operation, which is for internal media consumption and for Washingtons allies abroad.

He said that the American speeches are accompanied by reassurance to the Israeli occupation that there is American support for the continuation of the war, with advice to rearrange this process so that it is more accurate, noting that what happened during this day of targeting a school containing Al Jazeera correspondents confirms that everything that comes from Washington Israel does not take it into account.

The movement used a large stock of weapons, in addition to its knowledge of the precise terrain of the Strip, and in addition to the presence of an extensive tunnel network, all of which enabled the movement to transform the streets of Gaza into a deadly maze for the Israeli occupation soldiers. Reuters report says that the weapons possessed by Hamas range from drones loaded with bombs to anti-tank weapons with powerful double explosive charges.

Reuters interviewed an Israeli military commander and military analysts, in addition to a source in the Hamas movement, regarding the ground battles in the Gaza Strip. Yaakov Amedro, a retired general in the Israeli army and former national security advisor who now works at the US National Security Institute, says that there is no comparison between the war today and the war of 2014, noting that the Israeli army did not find a good solution for the tunnels. whose network has expanded significantly over the past decade.

The agency reports that the Hamas movement published video clips showing fighters carrying cameras on their bodies and moving through buildings to fire hand-held missiles at Israeli military armor. It adds that one of these videos, published on December 7, was from the Shujaiya area, east of Gaza City, where both sides of the fighting reported violent clashes.

It quoted a Hamas source from inside Gaza - who requested to remain anonymous - as saying that the fighters move very close to the enemy forces to carry out ambushes, taking advantage of the land that we know as others do not, and they often move or appear from tunnels. or his part, an Israeli commander who participated in 2014 said that expanding the scope of this operation meant there were more forces on the ground, giving Hamas defender advantages, so higher casualties among Israeli forces were expected. Israeli Channel 12 showed an army reserve unit, warning of booby-trapped doors, breaking the wall of a building to enter a room and discover an ammunition store.

Hamas has taken huge steps to strengthen its forces since 2014, says Eyal Benko, who was a senior official in the Israeli intelligence services and now works at the Bar-Ilan Center for Strategic Studies at Begin-Sadat University. He pointed out that the movement obtained some advanced weapons, such as Kornet anti-tank missiles of Russian design, "with help from Iran". He added that Hamas has also mastered building other weapons in Gaza, such as rocket-propelled grenade launchers (RPG-7), and the fighters now have a larger ammunition stockpile.

But Alexander Greenberg, a former Israeli intelligence officer at the Institute for Strategy and Security in Jerusalem, concluded by saying, Hamas may adopt new tactics, but in principle, it is still a resistance movement engaged in street warfare.

Maps

All maps are lies. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. Thes processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness.

Bystanders

rien

Axis of Resistance

Hamas leader Osama Hamdan said that there was nothing left for Netanyahu and his war chiefs but to declare their failure to achieve any goal. The Hamas leader stressed that there will be no negotiation regarding the prisoners until after a complete cessation of the aggression against the Gaza Strip.

Allied for Democracy

Netanyahu said that he informed Sullivan that the war would continue until what he described as complete victory was achieved. While the American official stressed that the Israeli government announced that it does not intend to occupy Gaza in the long term, and supervision of Gaza, management of Gaza, and Gazas security must return to the Palestinians.

US officials stated that the White House is pressing behind closed doors for a faster end to the very intense phase of the Israeli war on Gaza, while press sources spoke Israeli newspaper reported that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held talks with Israeli officials about starting negotiations to release detainees held by Hamas.

A senior American official said that Sullivan discussed the military operation in Gaza and how to transform it from a high-intensity operation to a less intense operation, adding that the Israelis informed Sullivan of their intention to adopt a timetable.

The American official believed that the timetables for the Israeli military operation do not matter as much as the circumstances that will govern it, stressing that the next stage will include more precise operations based on intelligence information about how to target specific infrastructure, he said.

As reported by CBS News, Another American official said that Tel Aviv informed Washington of the completion of the current phase of intensive air strikes and the large ground operation within two or three weeks, and the American official said that this does not mean the end of combat operations.

A CBS News source spoke: Regarding the decrease in the intensity of aerial bombardment and the focus on non-random raids. The American official added that Israel will continue to pursue the head of Hamas in Gaza Yahya al-Sinwar, and the leader of the movements military wingMohammed Al-Deif, and his deputyMarwan Issa.

Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs

Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

It is the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war, as the Palestinian resistance killed more than 1,200, wounded more than 5,132 others, and captured more than 250, most of them military personnel, some of whom were high-ranking officers in the army.

The HAMAS Ministry of Health in the besieged sector announced that the number of victims of the Israeli operation its beginning had risen to about 18,787 martyrs. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. United Nations experts announced reports that the Israeli bombing of Gaza since October 7 led to the death of about 12,000 women and children.

The number wounded was 50,897. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza had said many days earlier that the number of missing people had risen to more than 7,500 [double the 3,750 previously reported], including 1,800 children still under the rubble, including 4,700 children and women.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health explained that the death toll in the West Bank since the beginning of this year has risen to 465, including 257 martyrs since last October 7.

Lebanons Health Ministry released an official casualty numbers in fighting, saying 77 people were killed and 251 wounded since the start of the war on Gaza.

Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700.

The IDF acknowledged the killing of two officers and a soldier in battles in the Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll to 124 between an officer and a soldier since the start of the ground incursion, while the number of wounded since the beginning of the ground operation rose to 652, including 146 seriously injured. This brings the total number of dead officers and soldiers whose names the Israeli army allowed to be published to 434 since the Palestinian resistance launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7th.

At least 10,157 Israelis were injured, according to i24 TV. The IDF updated the number of soldiers injured in the war and attacks on October 7 to 1,683.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had reported that 5,000 soldiers had been wounded since the beginning of the war on October 7, and that the Ministry of Defense had recognized 2,000 soldiers as disabled so far.

In a statement to Al Jazeera Net, Iraqi military expert Dr. Muhannad Al-Azzawi said that the high percentage of officers among those killed in the occupation army in Gaza is due to two reasons: The first is that fighting inside cities and in close combat, all fighters are officers and soldiers in the target area without distinction.

One of the fighting methods in cities is the decentralized fighting method due to the nature of the alleys and crowded neighborhoods, as in the Gaza Strip, which makes it easy to hunt them down by targeting methods such as sniping and ambushes. These factors give the Palestinian resistance flexibility in choosing targets and snatching valuable ones.

The second reason - according to the military expert - is organization. The Israeli occupation army brought into the war formations, regiments and battalions from outside the command, and these people lack precise knowledge of the battlefield and the target bank, as well as reserve conscripts who engage in military action, and they only have intermittent military experience and without updating or updating. Previous coexistence with the theater of operations, and here they become easy targets for the resistance.

Al-Azzawi confirms that the high number of officers killed in the ranks of the occupation army indicates the ferocity of the battles and fighting in the neighborhoods of the Gaza Strip, especially since the resistance fights with continuous experience and has prepared well for this battle, and fighting in cities always inflicts heavy losses on the attackers.

Hostages

Israel estimates there are 116 living hostages in Palestinian custody. Israel declared 19 out of 135 people in Gaza captivity dead in absentia, after announcing its forces had recovered the bodies of two hostages. Israel considers those still held by Hamas to be hostages regardless of whether they are dead or alive.

Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy earlier had told reporters that Hamas still held 137 captives. The resistance released 10 Israeli detainees, 4 Thais and 2 Russian women, who were released outside the agreement. Over the course of 6 days, Israel has received 102 detainees, women and children, including 78 Israelis, in exchange for the release of 234 Palestinian prisoners, women and children.

Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, told reporters 01 December 2023:

Hamas still held 137 hostages from the October attacks, in addition to four others who went missing before the war

The hostages include two children aged four and 10 months, who, Hamas now claims, are dead

117 male hostages are still kept in Gaza, including the two children, as well as 20 females

126 hostages are Israelis, and 11 others are foreign nationals

Foreign nationals are eight Thais, one Nepalese, one Tanzanian and one French Mexican citizen

Ten of the remaining hostages are 75 and older.

There are seven missing people since the October 7 attack

Hamas had released 110 hostages so far  86 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals.

Some of the rest are soldiers, seized when Hamas raided military bases in Israel. They may end up being held the longest. The Israeli military had not specified how many soldiers were captured, nor their ranks.

According to some estimates, Hamas was initially holding nearly 210 of the 240 hostages, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad was holding the remaining 30. About 40 Israelis remained missing. More than 40 hostages taken from Israel into Gaza on October 7th are not currently in the custody of Hamas, the group responsible for the attack, according to a CNN report based on a diplomatic source briefed on the negotiations, CNN's prior reports had indicated that an estimated 40 to 50 hostages were held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad or other unidentified groups or individuals.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said on Hamas telegram account that 23 bodies of the 60 missing Israel hostages were trapped under the rubble. It seems that we will never be able to reach them due to the continued brutal aggression of the occupation against Gaza, he said.

Palestinian institutions concerned with prisoners affairs announced that the Israeli authorities have arrested 4,400 Palestinians in the West Bank and the 1948 territories since last October 7. Israel had earliersaid that, since the beginning of the war, about 2,100 wanted persons have been arrested throughout the IOS Division and the Bekaa and Emekim Brigade, about 1,100 of them are affiliated with Hamas.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting of the Collegiums of the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Belarus, Moscow, December 15, 2023

15 December 2023 12:21

2545-15-12-2023

Mr Aleinik,

Mr Mezentsev,

Colleagues.

We are delighted to welcome our Belarusian colleagues to Moscow. Yesterday, we started working with the Minister and his deputies; we will begin by sharing what we discussed and will follow the agenda approved for today's meeting.

The Republic of Belarus is our closest strategic partner and ally. The unique format of joint meetings of the foreign ministry collegiums of the two fraternal nations is a clear confirmation of this. We have been holding these meetings annually since 2000, after signing the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State in 1999. Next year, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of this agreement. I am confident that we will prepare for this anniversary in the best possible way.

Our joint efforts in this format have proven their relevance as an effective mechanism for coordinating policies on major international issues. This helps to strengthen professional contacts between the two countries' leaders and experts. It is gratifying that other government agencies in Russia and Belarus are also using this format of collegial cooperation. I believe that it is an important component of the union's development.

On November 29, the Council of Ministers of the Union State met in Moscow and approved a new integration package for the next three-year period, 2024-2026. We are waiting for its approval by the Supreme State Council of the Union State.

The two countries' foreign ministries are entrusted with providing effective diplomatic support for the broader effort to deepen the integration of the union. This task is outlined in the Coordinated Action Programme in Foreign Policy for 2022-2023. We will review its implementation today in line with the agenda.

In accordance with the programmes of concerted action that have been adopted since 1996 and contain guidelines for the two ministries, Russia and Belarus closely coordinate their approaches to the entire foreign policy agenda. They jointly promote common interests on the world stage and support each other in international organisations.

In implementing the final Resolution of last year's meeting, we specifically focused on cooperating in foreign policy planning, arms control, and countering the West's policy of politicising multilateral platforms. We continued to act from a coordinated stance in relation to the European Union, NATO and the Council of Europe.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank our Belarusian friends once again for adhering to the coordinated joint line at the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje on November 30 and December 1 of this year. Together with Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, we adopted a joint statement on the European security crisis.

Today's agenda is quite full and even innovative in some respects. It is entirely focused on the Global South and the Global East, or the Global Majority. These countries are open to cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit; they do not engage in ultimatums and threats (let alone impose sanctions). This agenda reflects the further adjustment of Russia and Belarus' foreign policy priorities to the current geopolitical realities.

We will need to consider a report on the implementation of the Programme of Coordinated Foreign Policy Actions for 2022-2023 and a new document for 2024-2026.

We will discuss a range of issues related to political, trade and economic interaction with countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as with friendly regional and inter-regional associations.

The current international situation will provide the backdrop for our focus on the prospects of creating a European security system. The recent meeting in North Macedonia has clearly demonstrated that the existing system is in deep crisis. The collective West's actions, including the Ukraine crisis that it provoked, have effectively undermined the entire security architecture in Europe. The West has definitively abandoned the principle of equality and indivisible security. NATO is becoming increasingly active on the Union State's western borders. The decisions adopted by the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July are evidence of its members' intention to persist with their aggressive and confrontational containment of Russia and Belarus.

Under these circumstances, it is pointless to talk about common approaches to ensuring regional stability between us and Western countries. This narrative is impossible at this stage. Therefore, our priority is to build a stable security and cooperation framework across all of Eurasia, together with like-minded nations based on existing integration associations.

The discussion on Eurasian security will be based on the results of the High-Level International Conference "Eurasian Security: Reality and Prospects in a Transforming World" convened at the initiative of President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on October 26 of this year. There are numerous mechanisms and formats here that will be interested in working together. I am referring to the CSTO, the CIS, the SCO, as well as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and ASEAN.

It is in our mutual interests to establish a strong military and political foundation that would facilitate the resolution and prevention of conflicts and eliminate any possibility of military or other coercive dictates and domination by external players.



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Minister Blair meets with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Defence Minister Andris Spruds

National Defence

Readout

December 15, 2023 - Riga, Latvia - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, arrived in Latvia for his first official visit to the country. Minister Blair is accompanied by General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff. Over the coming days, Minister Blair and General Eyre will be thanking Canadian Armed Forces members deployed in Latvia, and meeting with Latvian officials to strengthen Canada's defence relationship with a close NATO Ally.

Minister Blair held a bilateral meeting with his Latvian counterpart, Minister of Defence Andris Spruds. Minister Blair and Minister Spruds discussed the excellent defence relationship between Canada and Latvia, which is based on our shared values as NATO Allies and commitment to defending the rules-based international order that keeps our countries safe.

Minister Blair reaffirmed Canada's commitment to significantly strengthen its military presence in Latvia to support NATO's deterrence and defence efforts. Minister Blair highlighted that Canada is more than doubling its military presence on Operation REASSURANCE - from about 1,000 troops currently to up to 2,200 persistently deployed troops by 2026, as Canada committed in the July 2023 Roadmap on Scaling the eFP Latvia Battle Group to Brigade.

Minister Blair and Minister Spruds also discussed their shared support for Ukraine. Minister Blair noted that Canada has committed over $2.4 billion in military aid to Ukraine since February 2022, and over $9.5 billion in total aid to Ukraine since that time.

Minister Blair welcomed Latvia's strong support for Ukraine, and thanked Minister Spruds for the collaboration between Canada and Latvia to provide Ukraine with military training. The Canadian Armed Forces and Latvian National Armed Forces are providing combat leadership training to members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of a jointly developed program. Since it began in May 2023, this training has been evolving to incorporate lessons learned from the battlefield in Ukraine.

Minister Blair also travelled to Riga Castle for a meeting with the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics. Minister Blair noted that Latvia and Canada are close NATO Allies, united through our strong defence relationship and mutual commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's illegal and unjustifiable war.

Minister Blair and President Rinkevics discussed current threats to the Euro-Atlantic Alliance and agreed on the importance of strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture. Minister Blair provided an update on Canada's progress to scale up its military presence in Latvia, backed by Canada's commitment of $2.6 billion in funding starting in 2023-24, to renew and expand Operation REASSURANCE.

Canada and Latvia enjoy an excellent defence relationship forged through our shared values and beliefs as NATO Allies.

Quick facts

Canada enjoys excellent relations with Latvia. Canada was the first G7 country to recognize the restoration of Latvia's independence in 1991, and one of the first countries to ratify Latvia's accession to NATO in 2004.

NATO is a cornerstone of Canada's international security policy. Canada believes in and steadfastly supports NATO's principle of collective defence and is providing direct support to NATO missions and operations.

Since 2017, Canada has served as Framework Nation for NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Latvia, leading a multinational battle group composed of ten nations: Albania, Canada, Czechia, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

As Framework Nation, Canada is responsible for coordinating with Latvia and the contributing nations to help set the tone, pace, and vision for the eFP, and providing support to facilitate integration as a single entity.

Canada contributes the battle group leadership, command and control elements, a mechanized infantry company, an artillery battery, a combat support company, an electronic warfare troop, and a combat service support company.

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Minister Blair announces measures to strengthen Canada's military presence in Latvia

National Defence

News release

December 15, 2023 - Riga, Latvia - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, accompanied by General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, are visiting Latvia - home to Canada's largest foreign military deployment. Minister Blair and General Eyre are meeting with Canadian Armed Forces members deployed as part of the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group in Latvia, to thank them for their ongoing contributions to the security of Canada and its NATO Allies.

Minister Blair highlighted that Canada is more than doubling its military presence on Operation REASSURANCE - from about 1,000 troops currently to up to 2,200 persistently deployed troops by 2026, as Canada committed in the July 2023 Roadmap on Scaling the eFP Latvia Battle Group to Brigade.

Minister Blair announced several measures to strengthen Canada's military presence in Latvia, bolstering the security of NATO's eastern flank.

Starting in summer 2024, Canada will deploy four Griffon helicopters to the eFP Battle Group and periodically deploy Chinooks as well, starting fall 2025. This is the first time that Canada has persistently deployed tactical aviation capabilities to Europe since operations in Bosnia and Kosovo in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Canada has finalized the procurement of Portable Anti-Armour Missile Systems for our forces in Latvia, including missiles, simulators, and associated supports. These modern anti-tank weapons will better equip our soldiers to confront threats from our adversaries' main battle tanks, thus strengthening NATO's deterrence posture. These weapons are being procured on an urgent basis after having been designated an Urgent Operational Requirement. Canada has awarded the Portable Anti "X" Missile (PAXM) on behalf of the Department of National Defence to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for $32.2M USD. The first of these systems is expected to arrive by mid-2024.

For the first time ever, Canada has deployed Medium Range Radar capabilities. The Medium Range Radar is the first building block of the air defence capability for the Multinational Brigade. It will provide aerial surveillance for the brigade, as well as quickly and accurately identify air vehicles and munitions. Canada continues to work towards the acquisition of an air defence system for the NATO Battle Group in Latvia, which has also been designated an Urgent Operational Requirement, as we announced in March 2023.

Minister Blair also noted that a Canadian Army Tank Squadron of 15 Leopard 2A4M tanks, along with supporting personnel and equipment announced in July 2023, recently arrived in Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE. The full complement of approximately 130 personnel should be in place by spring 2024. This deployment will significantly boost the eFP Battle Group's military capabilities and demonstrates Canada's commitment to implementing the Canada-Latvia Joint Declaration of June 2022.

The Minister further announced a total investment of more than $15 million CAD in infrastructure needed to scale up the current battle group to a brigade. This total investment is part of the $2.6 billion announced by the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, in July 2023.

This includes:

2.3 million euros for storage for Canada's main battle tanks at Camp AdaAi;

3.1 million euros to improve living conditions at the camp; and

4 million euros for accommodations and other supports at Ceriathe future headquarters of the multi-national brigade.

over 1 million euros to expand real-life support and workspace at Camp AdaAi and Ceri.

These measures demonstrate Canada's steadfast commitment to strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture, including by doubling our military presence in Latvia, and scaling up to a brigade.

Our investments in infrastructure and capabilities will help strengthen our mission significantly and ensure that our armed forces are better able and ready to defend NATO's eastern flank. As a founding member of NATO, Canada is steadfastly committed to collective defence.

Quotes

"Through our deployment in Latvia - the largest current Canadian military deployment abroad - Canada is making a meaningful contribution to Euro-Atlantic security. The additional measures that I announced today will significantly increase the capabilities of the Canadian-led, multinational battle group in Latvia, further boosting NATO's defence and deterrence posture. To all Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed in Latvia: I thank you for your hard work to protect Canada and defend democracy, freedom, and the rules-based international order." - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

Canada enjoys excellent relations with Latvia. Canada was the first G7 country to recognize the restoration of Latvia's independence in 1991, and one of the first countries to ratify Latvia's accession to NATO in 2004.

NATO is a cornerstone of Canada's international security policy. Canada believes in and steadfastly supports NATO's principle of collective defence and is providing direct support to NATO missions and operations.

Since 2017, Canada has served as Framework Nation for NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Latvia, leading a multinational battle group composed of ten nations: Albania, Canada, Czechia, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

As Framework Nation, Canada is responsible for coordinating with Latvia and the contributing nations to help set the tone, pace, and vision for the eFP, and providing support to facilitate integration as a single entity.

Canada contributes the battle group leadership, command and control elements, a mechanized infantry company, an artillery battery, a combat support company, an electronic warfare troop, and a combat service support company.

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Xinjiang is 'one of the most heavily policed regions in the world': study

Report identifies different types of police used by China to clamp down on Uyghurs.

By Eugene Whong and Nuriman Abdurashid for RFA 2023.12.14 -- Calling China's far-western Xinjiang "one of the most heavily policed regions in the world," the Uyghur Human Rights Project published a report identifying the various police forces used to carry out what it said were "atrocity crimes" against the 11-million strong Muslim ethnic minority.

"This explainer is a critical step in accurately identifying perpetrators," said UHRP Executive Director Omer Kanat. "By identifying how Uyghurs are policed and controlled, the human rights community is better equipped to seek justice and remediation."

The report released Wednesday by the Washington-based organization, "Policing East Turkistan: Mapping Police and Security Forces in the Uyghur Region," uses the geographical term Uyghurs prefer for their homeland.

Since police officers "among the prime actors in carrying out the genocide [of Uyghurs] arising from the Chinese Communist Party's policies," the group said it felt it needed to examine exactly how they are structured.

The U.S. government and several Western parliaments have declared the Chinese government's actions toward the Uyghurs as genocide or crimes against humanity.

The report laid out several different agencies with different duties and command structures, but said they are all under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP.

One such agency, the People's Armed Police, or PAP, is under the same CCP arm that controls the military, even though the PAP is not. The PAP has more "mobile detachments," similar to an army regiment, than any other region in China.

It points out that there are twice as many PAP mobile attachments in Xinjiang than in Beijing, despite having only a fraction of the capital's population.

Additionally, there are regional police that are able to effectively address perceived threats to the CCP's authority, but they are not adept in dealing with common crimes, the explainer said.

More police than elsewhere

The report said that there were more police in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, or XUAR, per population than elsewhere in the country.

As of 2017, there were 2.3 times more People's Armed Police and other "security-related positions" than elsewhere in China: 478 per 100,000 population compared to 212 nationally, it said.

"The purpose of the explainer is to try to make it much more clear in terms of what actually is happening on the ground," Peter Irwin, the associate director for research and advocacy at UHCP told RFA's Uyghur Service.

"Who is responsible for these kinds of abuses?" he asked. "Who are the actual people who are on the ground repressing the population and implementing these policies?"

Irwin said it was important to not only condemn the upper leadership in China.

"What's important is that in terms of accountability, in terms of understanding who is responsible for these kinds of abuses, it's critical that we ... also focus on the ones who are actually perpetrating the abuses on the ground," he said.

People often have difficulty understanding the differences between the several types of police in Xinjiang, Ben Carrdus, the researcher who wrote the explainer, told RFA.

"It's very notable when you read reports about what's happening in the Uyghur region that there's a lot of confusion, really ... about which kind of police are operating on the ground," he said. "So there was often people confusing the army and the police. And there's so many different police forces at work in the region.

The explainer displays the uniforms of the different types of police in Xinjiang and explains their roles.

"It's very difficult to know who is who. The uniforms can be very similar. They have similar duties, but they have different command structures. It's all very confusing," he said. "And so the idea of this explainer, ... is to just clarify what kind of police do what duties."

Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Update adds Nuriman Abdurashid to the byline.

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.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference onaDecember 15, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2023-12-15 19:18

CCTV:aWe noted that General Secretary and President Xi Jinping successfully concluded his state visit to Viet Nam. Can youafurtherabrief us on the visit andaitsaimportant outcomes?

Mao Ning:aFrom December 12 to 13, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Viet Nam upon invitation. Foreign Minister Wang Yiagaveaa detailedaoverview ofathe visit andaitsaimportant outcomes. As the most important political agenda for China-Viet Nam relations this year, this successful visit is of great historic significance and marks a new milestone in the relations between the two parties and countries.

The Vietnamese side attached great importance to this visit. The warm receptionaextendedaby Viet Nam wasaunprecedentedaandaof the highest level. The international media closely followedathe visit and widely believe that this visit to Viet Nam is of significance to the region and beyond, and willahave an importantaand far-reaching impact on the growth of relations between the two parties and countries, as well as on the whole region and even the global landscape. Three highlights of the visit are as follows:

First, the China-Viet Nam relations are brought to a new level. The highlight moment of the visit isawhenaleaders of the two parties and the two countries made the major historic decision to build a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. During the visit, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong held long, in-depth strategic communication and heart-to-heart talks as comrades to share governance experience. Both sides agreed that the two parties and countries should grasp the special strategic significance of China-Viet Nam relations from the height of strengthening world socialist forces and ensuring the steady advancement of the two countries'asocialism causes. The two General Secretaries set the new characterization of the relations between the two parties and two countries, and announcedathe decisionato build a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepeningatheaChina-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. As the most important political outcomes of the visit, the new characterization is a continuation and buildup of the 15-year-long China-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. It is a natural resultathat echoesathe trend of the times and serves theafundamentalainterests of the two countries and two peoples. The China-Viet Nam relationshipais now inaa newaphaseawith new goalsaand new impetus.a

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other Vietnamese leaders stated clearly that the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and other important global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping aim to safeguard humanity's common interest. The Vietnamese side firmly supports and will actively participate in these initiatives. The Vietnamese side emphasized that China is the only country thatacan contribute toaallatheapriorities of Vietnamese diplomacy and growing relations with China is the top priority and strategic choice made by Viet Nam, which will not be disturbed or sabotaged by any external forces. This sets a solid political foundation for building a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future.

Second, practical cooperation produced new results. General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong identified sixagoalsafor China-Viet Nam relations under new circumstances, namely stronger political mutual trust, more substantial security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solidapublicasupportafor bilateral relations, closer coordination and collaboration on multilateral issues and better solutions for managing differences. Concrete steps were also proposed to realize thoseagoals. During the visit, the two sides signed more than 30 cooperation agreements, covering the Belt and Road Initiative, development cooperation, digital economy, green development, transportation, inspection and quarantine, defense and law enforcement cooperation,aandamaritime cooperation, etc.

During the visit, President Xi Jinping elaborated on the intrinsic requirements and distinctive features of Chinese modernization. He pointed out thatamodernization of the over 1.4 billion Chinese people is a huge opportunity for the world;aThe remarkable development achievements of China and Viet Nam are a result of an open and inclusive world, especially a peaceful and stable Asia Pacific; China and Viet Nam need to step up coordination on multilateral affairs, uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the global free trade system andabuild safe, secure, stable, unimpeded, efficient, open and inclusive global industrial and supply chains that benefit all.

These important common understandings added new dimensions to the China-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and will produce a more solid material foundation for the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future.

Third,aa new chapter was written for the traditional friendship between China and Viet Nam. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted thatait is important to take a systematic approach to advance people-to-people friendship between China and Viet Nam;aChina-Viet Nam cooperation needs to be weighted toward livelihood areas;aThe two sides should step up cooperation on youth and at subnational levels.aThe two General Secretaries and their wives took time out of their tight schedule to jointly meet with over 400arepresentatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to China-Viet Nam friendship, during which they encouraged the youthsaof the two countries toacarry forward China-Viet Nam friendship, playatheirapart in promoting the development of the Asia Pacific, andabe pioneers in promoting human progress. We believe that under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and with the joint support from people of all sectors of the two countries, the traditional friendship between China and Viet Nam will be passed from generation to generation, keep flourishing, and provide a solid public foundation for the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

General Secretary and President Xi Jinping's state visit to Viet Nam is a great success. It is yet another vivid example of China pursuing neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and another successful practice of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. China and all Indo-China Peninsula countries have been committed to building a community with a shared future both bilaterally and multilaterally under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism. This represents an important and substantive progress in buildingaa community with a shared future withaouraneighbors, and also another important step in building a community with a shared future for mankind. The visit marks a successful ending for this year's overseas trips by China's head of state which are full of highlights, and promises another year of fruitful diplomacy of China.

AFP:aHong Kong police yesterday issued arrest warrants for five overseas-basedaactivistsaaccused of national security crimes. US officials expressed strong condemnation. The UK Foreign Secretary called the movea"a threat to our democracy and fundamental human rights". What's your comment?

Mao Ning: We strongly deplore and firmly opposeacertainacountries' flagrant slandering against the national security law for Hong Kong and interference in the rule of law in the Hong Kong SAR.

Theafive anti-China rioters who have fled overseasaare suspected of endangering national security. The Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for these destabilizing elements in accordance with the law. This is a necessary and legitimate act that is in line with the international law and customary practice. National security laws of other countries, including the US and the UK, also have extraterritorial effect. The five destabilizingaelementsaengage in acts that endanger national security under the pretext of democracy and human rights. The US and the UK by endorsing and supporting these people have exposed their ill intention of destabilizing Hong Kong.

I want to stress that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairsathat brook no external interference.aChina is determined to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests. Relevant countries should respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong and stop interfering in China's internal affairs.

TASS: Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday at the Direct Line call-in show and the press conference that the cooperation between Russia and China have reachedaanaunprecedented level. He stressed that Russia and China have cooperation in military, economic and humanitarian fields, but will not establish any alliance or target any third country. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment?

Mao Ning: We noted and appreciate President Putin's positive remarks on China-Russia relations. Under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, China-Russia relationship has maintained sound and steady growth. The two sides always uphold the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and non-targeting of any third party and advance bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples and playing a positive role in advancing global common development.

Global Times:aAccording to reports, the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia issued a joint statement on December 7 saying thatathe two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The joint statement said thatatheatwo countriesahaveareachedaan agreement on taking tangible steps towards building confidence and will continue their discussions regarding the implementation of more confidence building measures. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning:aBoth Azerbaijan and Armenia are friendly cooperative partners of China. We sincerely hope that the two sides will workawith each otherato address their differences and disputes through dialogue andaconsultation, safeguard regional peace and stability andaensure their people can live in peace.

AFP: US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen yesterday called on China to shift its economic policy, saying thata"too strong a role for state-owned enterprises can choke growth and an excessive role for the security apparatus can dissuade investment."aWhat's China's comment?

Mao Ning: China believesakeepingaChina-US economic and trade tiesasound and stableais conducive to our two countries and the wider world. We stand ready to work with the US to uphold the principle of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation,adeliver onathe common understandings reached at the San Francisco summit and advance the sound and steady development of bilateral economic and trade relations. Meanwhile, we also hope that the USawill honoraits wordsainstead of sanctioning Chinese companies whileaclaiming it wantsacooperation and won't decoupleawith China.

NHK: Are there any casualties concerning foreign citizens in the subway accident on the Changping line in Beijing that happened last night?

Mao Ning: Relevant department of Beijing has released information concerning the subway accident on the Changping line. We are collecting information about whether there are casualties concerning foreign citizens.a

AFP: ASEAN and Japanese leaders will hold talks this weekend. According to the draft of the final statement, they are expected to enhance security cooperation, including on maritime issues. What is China's comment?

Mao Ning: China believes that all cooperation should help enhance mutual trust between countries in the region, promote common development, and contribute to the region's peace and stability. No cooperation should target any third party.

TASS: Russian President Putin also said yesterday that "we see attempts by the West to shift NATO activities to Asia and towards Asia, which clearly go beyond the charter goals of this organization." What is the Foreign Ministry's comment?

Mao Ning: NATO's attempt to make eastward inroads into the Asia-Pacific is not consistent with its mandate as a regional defensive organization and will only bring bloc confrontation into Asia and sabotage regional peace and stability.aThe China-Russia relationship rises above the model of military and political alliance in the Cold War era and is fundamentally different from the exclusive groupings and bloc confrontation practiced by NATO.

The following question was raised after the press conference: On December 14 local time, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President NicolAs Maduro held a meeting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to exchange views on territorial disputes between the two countries. The two sides reached consensus over avoiding escalated conflict and dispute and using peaceful means to address differences. The two sides agreed to keep the momentum of dialogue on the issue of Essequibo. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: I noted the reports. Guyana and Venezuela are both good friends of China. China is glad to see Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President NicolAs Maduro have direct talks on the territorial disputes between the two countries which produced positive progress. We commend the effort made by relevant countries and organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. China always supports Guyana and Venezuela in properly settling the delimitation of their boundaries through friendly consultation. This is in line with the interests of the peoples of the two countries and conducive to stability, cooperation and development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

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N Korea may launch long-range missile this month, S Korean official says

A launch could test a missile alert system due to be activated soon by South Korea, Japan and the United States.

By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.12.14

UPDATED at 14:46 ET on Dec. 15, 2023 -- North Korea may test launch an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads to the United States mainland within this month, a South Korean official says.

Such an ICBM launch could test a real-time missile warning data sharing system among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan due to be activated by year's end.

"There is a possibility of North Korea launching an ICBM in December," South Korea's first deputy director of the National Security Office, Kim Tae-hyo, said in Washington Thursday.

Kim, however, did not provide details on how Seoul reached that conclusion or confirm whether the assessment was shared with authorities in the U.S.

Kim, who is visiting the U.S. capital for the second bilateral Nuclear Consultation Group meeting, told reporters that any forms of North Korea's ballistic missiles could pose a practical "nuclear threat" against both the U.S. and South Korea.

"Preventing a nuclear attack by North Korea in advance, and firmly countering it in its initial stages in case of a miscalculation by North Korea, is the core principle of extended deterrence," Kim said.

Extended deterrence generally refers to the ability of U.S. military forces, particularly nuclear forces, to deter attacks on U.S. allies, such as South Korea and Japan, which do not have nuclear weapons.

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul who has advised the South Korean government, assessed that Kim's remarks appear to highlight the illegitimacy of North Korea's missile provocations while rationalizing Seoul's move to strengthen its extended deterrence capability with the U.S.

"Given the recent history of missile provocations by North Korea, the continuous testing of high-output engines, and the impending need for defense achievements by year's end, Kim's statements are considered to be convincing," Yang said.

Real-time warning system

On Thursday, the United States reaffirmed its joint plan with South Korea and Japan to launch a real-time warning data system for North Korean missiles. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that the system is expected to be operational before the year's end.

The establishment of the system was agreed upon during a summit of the three allies in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November last year. At a U.S.-South Korea-Japan trilateral summit at Camp David this August, the three leaders pledged to activate the system by the end of this year.

A person familiar with the matter in Seoul, who asked for anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, told RFA that the activation is likely to take place within next week. Should North Korea carry out an ICBM test launch this month, it would mark the first activation of this system.

North Korea has strongly protested the warning system. Official news outlet Rodong Sinmun said Thursday that the information sharing system was a "dangerously reckless military act" that aims to escalate the regional situation into a more dangerous phase of confrontation. Additionally, the paper said the system was intended to provoke a war in the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea has been pursuing the capability to deliver nuclear warheads to the U.S. mainland which it views as vital for its deterrence and, consequently, its regime security. Should it achieve this capability, the current negotiations with North Korea on denuclearization may shift towards discussions on disarmament - aligning with Pyongyang's long-term goal of being recognized as a nuclear state.

North Korea most recently tested an ICBM in July, the Hwasong-18, which it claimed to be a solid-fuel missile. Such a missile could be quicker to prepare for launch than a liquid-fuel missile and therefore harder to detect.

The Hwasong-18 launch was the second of its kind, following the first test in April. In March, North Korea also tested the Hwasong-17, and in February, the Hwasong-15 - both ICBMs, allegedly capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

North Korea, however, has not yet demonstrated its technology to enable a missile to re-enter the atmosphere and strike a target, nor has it conducted a real-distance test of its ICBMs.

The technological progression, however, may have been improved with Pyongyang reportedly receiving technological assistance from Moscow, followed by a successful testing of its military reconnaissance satellite last month.

Transferring relevant technology may pose a threat to the international community as rocket technologies can be used for both launching satellites and missiles. For that reason, the U.N. bans North Korea from launching a ballistic rocket, even if it claims to be a satellite launch.

"If North Korea's strategic intent also involves exerting political pressure on the U.S. mainland ahead of the U.S. presidential election next year, the possibility of launching an ICBM before a medium-range missile cannot be completely ruled out," said Yang from the University of North Korean Studies.

Edited by Mike Firn, Taejun Kang and Mat Pennington.

Updated to add background, recast lead and make minor edits.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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.

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Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest H145M contract

14 December 2023

DonauwArth -- The German Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract for the purchase of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters (62 firm orders plus 20 options). This is the largest order ever placed for the H145M and consequently the largest for the HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring optimal entry into service. The German Army will receive fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will receive five.

"We are proud that the Bundeswehr has decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters", said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. "The H145M is a robust multi-role helicopter and the German Air Force has gained a significant amount of operational experience with its H145M LUH Special Operations Forces fleet. We will ensure that the Bundeswehr receives the helicopters in accordance with the very ambitious delivery schedule which includes first deliveries in 2024 less than a year after contract signature."

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version including fast rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Additionally, the new German H145M includes options for future mission capabilities including the ability to operate with the integration of Manned-Unmanned Teaming and upgraded data links and communication systems.

The basic version of the ordered H145Ms will be equipped with fixed provisions, including the weapon management system, HForce, developed by Airbus Helicopters. This allows the Bundeswehr to train its pilots on the same type of helicopter that is used for operation and combat. Costly type transfers are eliminated and the highest level of professionalisation will be achieved.

The H145M is the military version of the tried-and-tested, light twin-engine H145 helicopter. The global fleet of the H145 family has now accumulated more than seven million flight hours. It is used by armed and law enforcement forces around the world for the most demanding missions. The Bundeswehr already operates 16 H145M LUH SOF and 8 H145 LUH SAR helicopters. The US Army employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the name of UH-72 Lakota. Current operators of the H145M are Hungary, Serbia, Thailand and Luxembourg; Cyprus has ordered six aircraft.

Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, which considerably reduces pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. Milli Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Sahiba Gafarova met with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco Aziz Akhannouch on December 15, Parliament told Trend.

Speaking on Azerbaijan and Morocco's good bilateral relations, Akhannouch emphasized the existence of mutual support, particularly on key topics for our countries.

He stated that talks on further developing relations between Morocco and Azerbaijan are presently underway and that his government expects to continue these negotiations. The Prime Minister noted the significance of the Chairman of the Parliament's visit in the development of bilateral relations, saying it is an indicator of the quality of relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco.

Parliamentary Speaker Sahiba Gafarova emphasized the importance of the two parliaments in the development of relations between the two countries. She briefed the Prime Minister on the meetings she attended on her first official visit to Morocco. The meetings focused on a number of important problems between the two countries and their respective legislatures.

It was mentioned during the discussion that last year marked the 30th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco. Interstate contacts were developing during this time, and mutually beneficial cooperation was spreading. The speaker of the parliament stressed the importance of high-level reciprocal visits in the development of bilateral relations.

It was also noted at the meeting that Azerbaijan and Morocco successfully cooperate in international organizations and demonstrate solidarity. The two countries support each other on issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty. In particular, Morocco's active participation in the Non-Aligned Movement and the work of the Movement's Parliamentary Network, established on the initiative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Thoughts were expressed at the meeting on the importance of further development of economic ties between our countries. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova said the two countries have opportunities to use their existing potential, diversify, and further increase cooperation in various spheres. She emphasized that, in this sense, the joint intergovernmental commission is an important platform and noted the importance of further activities for the implementation of the decisions taken at the 2nd meeting of the commission held in November this year. During the talk, it was emphasized that the parliamentarians also play an important role in the creation of a legal framework in terms of further development of relations between our countries.

The parliament speaker informed the prime minister about Azerbaijan's liberation of its lands from Armenian occupation in 2020, the situation in the region in the post-conflict period, and Azerbaijan's peace initiatives.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Morocco within the reconstruction works carried out in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova said the main goal is to revive life in these lands. They are being restored based on the concepts of smart city and smart village; these territories are declared 'green zones'. The parliament speaker added that the mines set by Armenia are the biggest obstacle to the restoration and reconstruction works.

Congratulating Azerbaijan on the restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty, the prime minister of the Kingdom of Morocco assessed the restoration of the territories liberated from occupation by Azerbaijan as an important step.

The sides also discussed ways to develop cooperation between Azerbaijan and Morocco in transport, tourism, agriculture, and other spheres and noted the need to intensify economic ties.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with German Foreign Minister Baerbock

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 15, 2023

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The Secretary welcomed German leadership in supporting Israel's right to ensure Hamas can never repeat the attacks of October 7. The leaders discussed the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, protecting civilians from harm, and efforts to prevent the further spread of the conflict. The Secretary stressed international efforts to stop recent attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea and uphold maritime security. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Baerbock reaffirmed the U.S.-Germany joint commitment to support Ukraine.

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RESCUE OPERATIONS BY ARMED FORCES

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 15 DEC 2023 3:02PM by PIB Delhi

Rescue operations carried out by various wings of the Indian Armed Forces both domestic and abroad this year are given below:

Service Domestic Abroad Remarks Indian Army 18 02 Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief and Medical Assistance. Indian Navy 46 139 Indian Air Force 09 04

An Engineer Column of one Officer, four Junior Commissioned Officers and 44 Other Ranks was deployed to conduct rescue operation for 41 workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand. The Indian Army acted upon the requisition received from civil administration, Uttarakhand.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh and others in the Lok Sabha today.

***

ABB/Savvy/Nirmit



(Release ID: 1986637)

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Aatmanirbharta in Ammunition Manufacturing: MoD inks Rs 5,336.25 crore contract with BEL for procurement of Electronic Fuzes for Indian Army for 10 years

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 15 DEC 2023 12:42PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Defence, on December 15, 2023, signed a landmark contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Pune for procurement of Electronic Fuzes for the Indian Army for a period of 10 years, at a total cost of Rs 5,336.25 crore. As part of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, this contract has been signed for ammunition procurement under 'Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry', a Government initiative for long term requirement of 10 years. The aim of the project is to build up ammunition stocks to minimise imports, achieve self-sufficiency in ammunition manufacturing, obtain critical technologies and secure stock affected by supply chain disruption.

Electronic Fuzes are an integral component of medium to heavy calibre Artillery guns which provides sustained artillery firepower for military operations. The Fuzes will be procured for usage in artillery guns which are capable of lethal engagements in various kinds of terrain including high altitude areas along the Northern Borders.

Electronic Fuzes will be manufactured by the BEL at its Pune and upcoming Nagpur Plant. The project will generate employment for one and half lakh man days and encourage active participation of Indian Industries including MSMEs in ammunition manufacturing and broaden ammunition manufacturing ecosystem in the country.

****

ABB/Anand/Savvy



(Release ID: 1986590)

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Iran says reserves right to respond in kind to US, UK claims against IRGC

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 6:04 PM

Iran says it reserves the right to take an action to respond in kind to the "unacceptable" approach taken by the United States and Britain after they announced a raft of new sanctions targeting the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and representatives of the Palestinian resistance groups in Tehran.

Britain on Thursday said it had adopted fresh sanctions against head of the IRGC's Quds Force Brigadier General Esmail Qa'ani, five IRGC forces, Khaled Qadoumi, representative of Hamas in Iran; Nasser Abu Sharif, representative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Iran and the Palestinian branch of the Quds Force.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the travel bans and asset freezes were coordinated with Washington.

The US, which had already put sanctions on the seven individuals targeted by London, blacklisted one more person, Majid Zarei, whom it claimed supported the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani on Friday condemned the new sanctions in the strongest terms. He said leveling "absurd and worthless" accusations against the anti-terror IRGC Quds Force and its brave commanders has so far failed to bring any change in the regional equations in favor of the two countries and will only lead to more disgrace for the warmongers.

Iran's "official and legal" Armed Forces, including the IRGC Quds Force, will always remain the "nightmare of terrorist groups and their supporting regimes," he said.

The Iranian official expressed confidence that such desperate efforts which contravene international regulations would never disrupt the resolve of the Iranian Armed Forces to defend the country and fight terrorism and global arrogance.

Kan'ani said the hostile move by Washington and London was yet another step in completing the spiteful attitude toward the Iranian nation and the Islamic Revolution, which has been pursued over many decades in various forms.

The Iranian spokesman said Washington and London leveled allegations against the anti-terror IRGC forces in a worthless effort to deviate the world public opinion and cover their absolute responsibility in Israel's savagery against the Palestinian people in Gaza as the regime has killed nearly 20,000 civilians in more than two months "in full support of the US and Britain."

For decades, Iran has been the target of the most severe economic and financial sanctions of the United States and its allies, directly endangering the lives of Iran's most vulnerable population, including children, the elderly, and patients.

Unilateral coercive measures are employed by certain states as a method of war to starve innocent civilians, which violates the UN Charter and international law.

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Southeastern Iran terrorist assault claims 11 police lives

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 6:46 AM

A terrorist attack on a police post in southeastern Iran has killed 11 police forces and injured at least six others.

Iranian media report quoting some provincial officials that the attack occurred early on Friday in Rask County in Sistan and Baluchestan province.

Iran's police spokesman General Saeed Montazer-al-Mahdi slammed the "cowardly" and "blind" terror attack in a short statement on Friday morning.

He said that police forces had neutralized several terrorists in the firefight, noting that the situation was fully under control.

The spokesman said a special team of police officials has been deployed to the area at the order of police commander General Ahmadreza Radan.

Alireza Marhamati, deputy governor of Sistan and Baluchestan Province in security and political affairs, said that terrorists staged the attack at around 2:00 AM against the headquarters of Rask Police.

He said that 11 police forces, including officers and conscripts, were killed in the attack.

Some of the injured are in critical condition, Marhamati added.

The Pakistan-based so-called Jaish-ul-Adl terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Majid Mirahmadi, the deputy interior minister for security and police affairs, said the terrorists attacked the police post from several directions and later ambushed reinforcements deployed to the location.

He said two of the terrorists were killed and one of them was injured and arrested in hours-long clashes, while the rest escaped.

Six police forces were injured during the exchange of fire, he said.

The region is sealed off and the search for the perpetrators is underway, added the official.

Iranian police forces have flown helicopters over the region to hunt down the terrorists.

The names of the 11 Iranian forces killed in the attack are as follows: Abolfazl Shahraki, Pouria Sheikh, Mohammad Hassan Barahuei, Hamidreza Rezaei, Hassan Babania, Ehsan Babaei, Moslem Shojaeyan, Majid Firouzinia, Mohammad Khamari, Ali Dashtpuri, and Alireza Akbari-Mazar.

Police say seven were injured in the terror attack, identifying them as Ismael Dehkordi, Hamed Khomar, Mohammad Ali Hasani, Mohammad Reza Jafari, Mohammad Sayadi, Mohsen Parishan, and Eskandar Abbasi.

The terrorist group has conducted several bomb attacks and kidnappings in southeastern Iran, targeting both civilians and security forces over the past years.

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US forces at Iraq's Ain Al-Asad base targeted by fresh drone attack

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 6:40 AM

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says its drone has hit the US-run Ain Al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in a fresh attack in retaliation for Washington's complicity in the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

No casualties were immediately reported in the attack that occurred on Thursday night.

This is the latest in a series of attacks against US bases in Iraq and Syria for its support for Israeli atrocities. Many such attacks against the US forces have been claimed by groups operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

On Thursday, the resistance announced a drone attack on a US military base in Al-Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria.

Early on Thursday, the resistance fighters also targeted a US military base at the Koniko gas field in Dayr al-Zawr Governorate of Syria. A few hours earlier, they also targeted US military bases in Al-Tanf and Al-Rukban regions, both in Syria.

US defense officials say American bases in Iraq and Syria have come under around 100 attacks since October 17, injuring several dozen American troops.

The US army has several times attacked Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces over the past weeks, killing several Iraqi forces.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has warned the US against such attacks on the Arab country.

The United States, Israel's biggest ally, has provided the regime with large quantities of arms and ammunition since the beginning of the Gaza war.

Washington has also vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions demanding the occupying regime to cease its aggression.

Iraqi resistance groups have vowed to continue retaliatory attacks against US forces in the region while Israel continues to kill Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

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Japan - AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 24-02

WASHINGTON, December 15, 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $59.03 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Japan has requested to buy forty-four (44) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles; and twenty-nine (29) AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM). Also included are missile containers; spare and repair parts; repair of repairables; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; technical assistance, engineering, and logistics support services; transportation and program support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $59.03 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the IndoPacific region.

The proposed sale will improve Japan's capability to meet current and future threats in the region. Providing this missile would complement U.S. capabilities, increase capacity in a high-threat region, and support U.S. and Japanese goals to promote regional stability and the strength of the alliance. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Japan.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-

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Junta shelling forces residents to flee Myanmar township

Three people were injured, including two students.

By RFA Burmese 2023.12.15 -- Almost all the residents of a Kachin Independence Army-controlled town were forced to flee when Myanmar's junta fired heavy artillery at residential areas, according to army officials and locals.

In an online video seen by Radio Free Asia an alarm can be heard and school children are seen running to safety.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, told RFA that junta troops stationed in Lwegel fired heavy weapons on Mai Ja Yang town from early Friday morning.

"At around 10 a.m., five heavy weapons were fired," the local said.

"I was still sleeping when the first shells were fired. The sound of the mortar could be heard, and a house in the city was hit. We all ran away. The students who were attending school also ran away in fear. There are not many people in the city now."

A university, a college, two high schools and a primary school all fall under the governorship of the Mai Ja Yang Institute of Education led by the Kachin Independence Organization, the political wing of the Kachin Independence Army.

College students who were sitting exams had to abandon their classrooms when the junta shelled the area, residents said, adding that two high school students and a civilian adult were injured but not critically.

Kachin Independence Organization Information Officer Col. Naw Bu said the junta shelled the town and carried out air raids on the group's headquarters in Laizar in retaliation for the Kachin Independence Army seizing two joint camps of junta troops and affiliated militia.

"The militia camp in Ta Law Gyi was captured this morning and another militia camp in Baw Sar Dee village, which is between Ta Law Gyi and Shwe Nyaung Pin villages was also captured," he said.

"The junta side opened fire with heavy weapons believed to be 105 millimeters in the direction of Mai Ja Yang and Laizar towns. The junta carried out an airstrike near Mong Set Par village and we are still investigating whether people have been injured."

RFA called junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun seeking comment, but calls went unanswered.

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.

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Myanmar-China trade halted amid fierce fighting in Shan state

Figures indicate losses of $500 million at two border gates since the end of October.

By RFA Burmese 2023.12.15 -- Trade across Myanmar's shared border with China has ground to a halt amid a six-week offensive by ethnic rebels fighting junta troops in the country's Shan state, according to merchants, causing an estimated loss of more than US$500 million in commerce.

Since the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army launched Operation 1027 - named after the Oct. 27 military actions that started it - as part of the "Three Brotherhood Alliance," junta troops have been on the retreat in many areas, leading junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in late November to issue a rare acknowledgement of the rebel's successes.

After fighting began, merchants told RFA Burmese, trade ceased at Muse and Chinshwehaw - two key border towns positioned across from southwest China's Yunnan province.

"Trade has totally stopped there - only hand couriers are seen at the border gates, carrying traditional foods," said a merchant in Muse who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

There were no civil servants to process cross-border trade left in the trade zone, he said. "Fighting breaks out every once and a while, lasting for 10-15 minutes each time."

Prior to the offensive, the value of bilateral trade at the two border towns was more than US$10 million per day, according to junta's Ministry of Commerce data. So in the 50 days since the start of "Operation 1027," that would amount to more than US$500 million in losses.

Corn, rice, cotton, machinery

There are two major border gates a Muse-Mang Wein and Kyin San Kyawt a used for bilateral trade at the two border towns, but neither is open amid the clashes. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, now controls Kyin Sang Kyawt, where nearly 100 trucks were destroyed by military shelling on Nov. 23.

Myanmar exports agricultural goods to China through the Kyin San Kyawt border gate in Chinshwehaw that include corn, rice, rubber, black sesame, dried elephant foot yam, green gram and groundnuts, and imports cotton, raw plastic, machinery, chemical fertilizers and medicine.

Myanmar's exports through the Muse-Mang Wein border gate in Muse include eel, crab, prawns, cotton, rubber, corn, peanut, groundnuts, rice, broken rice and turmeric, while imports consist mainly of fuel and machinery.

Area aid workers said at least 10 civilians, including children, have been killed in the fighting during the offensive.

A merchant at Chinshwehaw told RFA that commodities are stranded at the border gate.

"Commodities from the Chinese side were sent back as they blocked the border gate," she said. "But Chinese goods on our side have sat stranded in the fields and warehouses. We are waiting to pay taxes."

The costs associated with the transportation of goods have skyrocketed during the conflict, a third merchant told RFA.

"The cost of transporting goods on a 17-ton truck on the route from [Shan state's] Mongla township to Mandalay [800 kilometers, or 500 miles to the east] was 7 million kyat (US$3,330)," he said. "In Chinshwehaw, the cost has increased by more than four fold. Fuel prices have also increased."

Both merchants and farmers have suffered losses, and more than 1,000 common laborers have lost their jobs at the trade zones, said residents and merchants.

No end in sight

Li Kyarwen, the spokesperson of the MNDAA, said that it isn't possible to restore bilateral trade in northern Shan state anytime soon.

"During the 'revolutionary period,' due to the lack of peace and security, business can't be resumed immediately," he said.

But merchants warned that if the border gates don't reopen by the end of December, there will be a shortage of Chinese commodities, "and prices will surely soar."

Attempts by RFA to contact the junta's Ministry of Commerce for comment on the halt to border trade went unanswered.

Reports of the closed checkpoints came a week after junta Foreign Affairs Minister Than Shwe met with Shi Yugang, the deputy secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee during a visit to China, at which the two discussed border trade issues.

While the junta's peace negotiation committee has held talks with the Three Brotherhood Alliance to end all conflict in Shan state near the border, little progress has been made and fighting continues daily.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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.

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Finland's entire eastern border closed again

Finnish Government

Government Communications Department

Ministry of the Interior

14.12.2023

The Government has decided to close border crossing points at the land border between Finland and Russia up to 14th of January 2024. The decision will take effect on the 15th of December 2023 at 20.00. Applications for international protection will not be accepted at the crossing points on the Finnish-Russian border. A decision to this effect was made by the extraordinary session of the Government on the 14th of December.

The Vaalimaa and Niirala border crossing points were opened to traffic on the 14th of December. The plan was to gradually lift restrictions on border traffic at the land border between Finland and Russia and to monitor the effects of the removal of these restrictions. However, it was found that instrumented entry into Finland continued on Thursday.

"This is a sign that the Russian authorities are continuing their hybrid operation against Finland. This is something that Finland will not tolerate," says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

According to the Finnish authorities, it is clear that this type of entry in Finland has been aided by foreign authorities or other actors. Elements of international crime are also involved. This type of irregular immigration and the prospect of its escalation pose a serious threat to national security and public order in Finland.

The Government determined that since this type of entry into the country continued, it was necessary to pass a Government resolution to close the border crossing points at Vaalimaa and Niirala again. As a result, applications for international protection at Finland's external borders will only be received by border crossing points at airports and seaports.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. Milli Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Sahiba Gafarova met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of Moroccans living abroad, and Minister of Migration Affairs Nasser Bourita on December 15 within the framework of her official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, the Azerbaijani parliament informed Trend.

The Moroccan minister stated that Azerbaijan is a fraternal country to Morocco and emphasized the dynamic development of our countries' ties. He went on to say that both Morocco and Azerbaijan are prominent characters in their respective regions, and that Morocco regards Azerbaijan as an important partner in the region.

The summit emphasized that the two countries have traditionally provided mutual support to each other on matters of territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Minister praised Azerbaijan for preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Gafarova stated that the two countries have similar principles, stressing that Azerbaijan and Morocco are fraternal countries and highlighting the significance of forging a complete partnership.

Minister said that next year marks the 30th anniversary of great Azerbaijani leader Heydar Aliyev's visit to the Kingdom of Morocco and meeting with King Hassan II of Morocco. In connection with this significant historical event, he expressed the intention to further strengthen Azerbaijani-Moroccan relations. The Minister also noted Azerbaijan's successful chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Gafarova informed of Azerbaijan's global initiatives in its capacity as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement. She emphasized the active participation of the Moroccan Parliament in the work of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network established on the initiative of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The Speaker said that economic relations are one of the main components of bilateral relations between the countries. In this sense, the importance of the activity of the Intergovernmental Commission was touched upon.

The parliament speaker emphasized the importance of expanding the legal-contractual base of bilateral relations. She shared her thoughts on the development of ties between our countries in several spheres.

The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

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The Week In Russia: 'An Enforced Disappearance'

By Steve Gutterman December 15, 2023

As a confident President Vladimir Putin spoke at a four-hour event that marked a step toward a new six-year Kremlin term, there was no mention of his most prominent foe, imprisoned Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, whose whereabouts have been unknown for 10 days.

Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.

No Question

For years, Putin has seemed to take great care to avoid mentioning Navalny by name.

At a closely watched, carefully choreographed event billed as a combined press conference and question-and-answer session with the Russian people, Putin had no trouble adhering to that policy, tradition, superstition, or whatever it is. Nobody asked about Navalny or any other prominent Kremlin opponent, for that matter, and Putin barely brought up politics at all, even though an election that's all but certain to hand him a fifth presidential term is just three months away.

The fact that Putin's most prominent foe was not mentioned in a performance that lasted over four hours may be part of a deliberate effort to keep him silent as the campaign, or what passes for a campaign, gets under way.

Navalny, who has been behind bars since he returned to Russia almost three years ago following treatment for a near-fatal nerve-agent poisoning he blames on Putin and the Federal Security Service, has not been heard from by his relatives, lawyers, or allies in 10 days.

'Flagrant Violation'

The Russian penitentiary authority indicated on December 15 that Navalny is in the process of being transferred to a different prison, but supporters do not know where he is -- and they're worried.

"What is happening with Alexei is, in fact, an enforced disappearance and a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights," wrote Maria Pevchikh, head of investigations and chairwoman of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which is banned in Russia. "Answers must be given."

The absence of any mention of Navalny at the December 14 event was also an indication of how severe Russia's clampdown on dissent has become, particularly since Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and how his confrontation with Kyiv and the West has changed the landscape.

In past years, at Putin's almost-annual press conference, journalists from Russia and the West frequently asked questions about the state's actions against the opposition. This time, only two reporters from the European Union or the United States were called on, and neither asked about domestic critics of the Kremlin.

Journalists Held

A New York Times correspondent, in fact, asked about a colleague who under different circumstances might have been asking Putin a question. But Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been in a Moscow jail since March, when he was arrested by the Federal Security Service and accused of espionage, a charge that he, the Journal, and the United States vehemently deny.

Along with Alsu Kurmasheva of RFE/RL, Gershkovich is one of two American journalists being held in Russia. Minutes before Putin started speaking, a Moscow court rejected his appeal against a ruling that extended his term in pretrial detention until January 30.

The closest Putin and his interlocutors came to a discussion of the pervasive clampdown on dissent in Russia was when a reporter asked him about a case in which prosecutors had asked a court to sentence a journalist accused of extortion to 14 years in prison and suggested that calling for such a long term for a nonviolent crime might be considered a "witch hunt."

Putin dismissed the notion that it was a "witch hunt" and added, "Who is hunting for her? What is she, some kind of major opposition figure?"

The Truth Will Out

Kremlin critics took that as a substantial slip-up by Putin, an admission of something that he invariably denies despite what is now decades of evidence: that his government targets political opponents for prosecution.

"A rare moment of sincerity in an hours-long speech by a deceitful and hypocritical pharaoh," activist and commentator Sergei Parkhomenko wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "He is sitting there and thinking about Navalny, whom he hunts with his whole pack."

Navalny is one of three opposition leaders who have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in the past year following trials on charges they say have been fabricated as punishment for public criticism of the invasion of Ukraine or other Kremlin actions. Many other Russians who have denounced the invasionhave also been prosecuted.

More than a decade ago, Navalny was among the leaders of a wave of peaceful protests fueled by anger over evidence of rampant fraud in a 2011 parliamentary election and dismay over Putin's decision to return to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister.

Putin's 'Parody'

Navalny tried to challenge Putin in the most recent presidential vote, in 2018, but was barred from the ballot. His nationwide support network and other organizations he led were deemed extremist and outlawed in 2021, and many of his associates have been prosecuted or have fled Russia to avoid that fate.

On December 8 -- the day Putin confirmed widespread assumption that he would seek reelection in a March 17 vote certain to hand him a new six-year term, barring some enormous and unexpected development -- supporters of Navalny said they had not been able to contact him for three days.

A December 7 post on Navalny's blog, meanwhile, dismissed the upcoming vote as a "parody of an electoral process" and urged Russians to explain to their countrymen that "Putin, in power for 24 years, must not remain for another six years. He will bring harm to Russia. He must go."

On the same day, allies of Navalny disguised anti-Putin statements on billboards in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and several other Russian cities.

The prominent signs bore New Year's greetings along with a QR code that, when scanned with a mobile phone, led to a website titled Russia Without Putin.

When opened, the site includes wording that says: "The results of the voting will be falsified, but our task is to make sure it's clear to everyone...that Russia no longer needs Putin."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/gutterman-week-in-russia-navalny- putin/32731978.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Navalny's Allies Say Authorities Continue To Refuse To Reveal Where He Is

By Merhat Sharipzhan December 15, 2023

A lawyer for imprisoned Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who was last in contact with his associates 10 days ago, says prison officials told a court in Vladimir, some 200 kilometers east of Moscow, on December 15 that the outspoken Kremlin critic had been transferred on December 11 from the IK-6 facility located in Vladimir region to a correctional facility located outside the region.

"The Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) does not say where exactly and where he is now," lawyer Vyacheslav Gimadi wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We have known nothing about him for 10 days."

Navalny's associates said on December 15 that Judge Olga Yemelyanova of the Vladimir regional court read out FSIN's statement about Navalny's being transferred, saying the transfer was based on a court decision in August that extended Navalny's prison term to 19 years for "creating and financing an extremist group."

The August ruling ordered Navalny to serve his term in a "special regime" penal colony, Russia's harshest type of penitentiary, where those sentenced to life in prison and convicts with extensive criminal records are being held.

The process of transferring convicts in Russia, known as "etap," involves "vagonzaks" -- trains specifically designed for prisoners.

Such trains have caged compartments for prisoners, who are provided with little fresh air, no showers, and only limited access to food or a toilet.

The transfers can take days, weeks, or even months as the trains stop and convicts spend time in transit prisons. Convicts almost always face humiliation, beatings, and sometimes even death at the hands of their guards or other convicts.

Harsh rules dating back to Soviet times provide for the prisoners' families and relatives being informed about their whereabouts only after they have reached the destination where they are to serve their terms.

With reporting by Current Time

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-whereabouts- unknown/32732061.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Statement by Konstantin Vorontsov, Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation, Deputy Director of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the Meeting of the States Parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, Geneva, 13 December 2023

15 December 2023 13:37

2547-15-12-2023

Unofficial translation

Mr. Chairperson,

We would like to congratulate you on the election to this responsible position. We trust that your adept leadership will facilitate the organization of constructive and depoliticized work. Please be assured of the support of the delegation of the Russian Federation.

In the context of fulfilment of obligations under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), the emergence of facts pertaining to the implementation of a military biological programme in Ukraine with support of the Pentagon and affiliated entities, including private companies, warrants closer attention. The analysis of available documents indicates the development of bioweapon components in close proximity to Russian borders. The legitimate concerns regarding these activities that violate the BTWC, formally raised by Russia at the Consultative Meeting under Article V of the BTWC, during open meetings in the UN Security Council to evaluate Russian complaint and proposal for an international investigation under Article VI of the BTWC, as well as at the Ninth Review Conference of the BTWC and sessions of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BTWC, have not received a response. These matters remain open and need to be addressed. We shall demand that the American and Ukrainian sides take action to rectify the situation, thus eliminating this significant obstacle, which is detrimental to the BTWC regime and hinders progress within the Convention framework.

For a long time, the Russian Federation has openly made claims and expressed concern about military biological activities carried out under the guise of cooperation for peaceful purposes with the most direct assistance and participation of the US Department of Defence in laboratories outside American territory, including in the republics of the former USSR, far from the North American continent and near the Russian borders. Detailed information on this matter is contained in the relevant Russian working paper, as well as in the outcome report of the Parliamentary Commission on Investigation of the Circumstances Related to the Creation of Biological Laboratories by American Specialists on the Territory of Ukraine, distributed among the States Parties to the BTWC. US reporting, provided annually as part of the BTWC's confidence-building measures, which were developed by States Parties "to prevent or reduce the occurrence of ambiguity, doubt and suspicion", continues to lack information on programmes and projects outside national territory and their funding.

The current situation confirms the need for consolidated efforts by the international community to strengthen the BTWC regime. Together with the vast majority of States Parties, Russia is convinced that the effectiveness of the Convention would be greatly enhanced if a universal, legally binding, non-discriminatory protocol relating to all articles of the Convention with an effective verification mechanism were adopted. The assertions by some delegations that the BTWC is allegedly unverifiable and that work in this area is futile are completely contrary to the conclusions of the experts of the VEREX group and the Ad Hoc Group of Experts, who concluded that verification measures can be useful in providing confidence that countries are complying with their obligations under the Convention. We have covered this subject in detail in the relevant Russian working paper, which contains specific proposals on the methodology for the formation of an effective verification mechanism.

We welcome the joint steps taken by the States Parties to the BTWC to strengthen the Convention institutionally within the framework of the specialized Working Group established by the decision of the Ninth BTWC Review Conference along the lines of Russia's proposal. We believe that Russia's initiatives designed to effectively strengthen the Convention regime are fully in line with the Group's agenda. They include creating mobile biomedical units within the Convention to render assistance in case of the use of biological weapons and to help combat epidemics of various origins, introducing an investigative mechanism with regard to the alleged breach of obligations under the Convention in line with Article VI and founding the Scientific Advisory Committee which would analyse scientific and technical developments relevant to the Convention and provide recommendations to States Parties, as well as strengthening confidence-building measures within the BTWC by providing States Parties to the Convention with information on military and biological activities outside national territory.

We are convinced of the need for the international community to intensify its efforts to strengthen the expert and technical capacity of the UN Secretary General's Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (SGM). Particular attention should be paid to the Mechanism's basic principles and procedures which, except for the technical appendices selectively amended in 2007, have not been updated since their approval by UNGA resolution 45/57C of 4 December 1990. Designed more than 30 years ago, they do not quite meet the current realities of chemical and biological security. New challenges and threats have emerged, as well as a range of technical and methodological innovations that could enhance the effectiveness of the SGM.

In order to facilitate the implementation of this goal, on 14 June this year, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov sent a message to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for a review of the existing SGM principles and procedures with a view to updating them. The whole group of countries supported the idea by aligning with the Joint Statement in Support of the Efforts to strengthen the SGM communicated in the First Committee of the 78th United Nations General Assembly and here in the MSP. Besides, a number of states forwarded similar calls to the United Nations Secretary-General. We expect that he will promptly begin the relevant review with the help of consulting experts and taking into account the proposals from the States Parties.

Mr. Chairperson,

We see the activities related to strengthening the BTWC regime as an opportunity to unite the efforts of the international community around a pragmatic, non-discriminatory and future-oriented agenda. This view was supported in toto by the participants to the Russia-hosted International Conference entitled "Global Threats to Biological Security. Problems and Solutions" last June in Sochi. Everyone interested is invited to attend a side event dedicated to the Conference and encouraged to get acquainted with our issue-related working document.

The meetings of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BTWC this year have shown that there are a number of issues on which the States Parties are able to form a consensus. In this context, we share the keen interest of most delegations in the issues of international cooperation and assistance under Article X of the Convention. We would be glad to see everyone at our side event dedicated to the advanced training courses for specialists in the field of biosecurity organized by Russian relevant agencies.

Mr. Chairperson,

In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that the Russian delegation is ready for the closest cooperation with the Ecuadorian Chairmanship and all delegations to achieve concrete practical results. Russia calls for all the interested parties to get together for a creative work for the sake of strengthening the international security in the interests of ensuring arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. We hope that taking into account each other's interests and willingness to compromise will serve as a reliable basis for achieving workable and effective agreements within the BTWC.

Thank you for your attention.

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Joint Statement In Support of the Efforts to Strengthen the United Nations Secretary-General's Mechanism for Investigation of the Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons, Geneva, 13 December, 2023

15 December 2023 13:27

2546-15-12-2023

We, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Nicaragua, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Russian Federation, the State of Eritrea, the Syrian Arab Republic, reaffirm our dedication to protecting humanity from chemical and biological warfare, recognize the common interest of all humankind in excluding completely the possibility of the use of chemical, bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons. Convinced that such use would be repugnant to the conscience of humankind, we are determined to condemn any use of toxic chemicals, biological agents or toxins as weapons by anyone, anywhere, at anytime, and to hold accountable those responsible for any such use.

We underline that the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC), the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) and the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare (Geneva Protocol) are essential for international peace and security. We reaffirm that under all circumstances the use, development, production and stockpiling of chemical, bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons are prohibited under Article I of the BWC and under Article I of the CWC. We urge all States Parties to the BWC and the CWC as a priority to fully comply with all their obligations pursuant to those Conventions and to abide by the understandings agreed by the review conferences of the States Parties to the Conventions.

We note efforts by the UN Secretary-General and UN Secretariat, as well as national initiatives to provide relevant training to experts that could support the Secretary-General's Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM). At the same time we recognize that there have been developments in the field of science and technology related to the UNSGM and that the situation relating to the CWC, the WC and the Geneva Protocol regimes (including new challenges and threats such as chemical and biological terrorism) has changed since the establishment of the UNSGM in 1987 and the endorsement of its technical guidelines and procedures in 1990.

Therefore we are convinced that there is need for intensifying efforts of the international community with support of the UN Secretariat to strengthen the expert and technical capabilities of the UNSGM. Particular attention should be paid to the UNSGM guidelines and procedures (document A/44/561), which have not been updated with the exception of their technical appendices (few of their points were revised in 2007) since their endorsement by the UN General Assembly resolution /45/57 dated December 4, 1990.

We reiterate that according to section G of the above-mentioned UNSGM guidelines and procedures the UN Secretary-General should periodically review with the assistance of his appointed expert consultants, bearing in mind modifications proposed by Member States, the technical guidelines and procedures contained in Annex I to the 1989 report of the Secretary-General and revise them as necessary for submission to the General Assembly, upon its request.

In light of the above, we call upon the UN Secretary-General to organize a review of the current UNSGM guidelines and procedures, the UN General Assembly document A/44/561 dated October 4, 1989, in which they are set out, in accordance with paragraph 104 and by analogy to the update conducted in 2007.

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Campaign for Taiwan's Jan. 13 elections to officially start Saturday

ROC Central News Agency

12/15/2023 03:49 PM

Taipei, Dec. 15 (CNA) The campaign for Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections will officially start Saturday and run for a period of 28 days until Jan. 12, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said Friday.

The permitted hours that candidates are allowed to hold their activities related to the election campaign will be from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, CEC Chairperson Lee Chin-yung () said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, the order in which candidates will be listed on Taiwan's presidential ballot on Jan. 13, 2024, was also officially announced by Lee at the event, after a lottery was conducted earlier this week.

Ko Wen-je () of the Taiwan People's Party and his running mate Wu Hsin-ying () secured the top position on the ballot, while Lai Ching-te () and Hsiao Bi-khim () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party drew the second position, and Hou Yu-ih () and Jaw Shau-kong () of the main opposition Kuomintang placed third.

Approximately 19.5 million eligible voters, including nearly 1.03 million first-time voters will be able to cast ballots at 17,794 polling stations around the country that will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the commission said.

Taiwan does not allow absentee ballots or early voting.

According to CEC Vice Chairperson Chen Chao-chien (), the exact number of eligible voters will be announced on Jan. 9.

During the press conference, Lee also urged the local media to adhere to the principles of impartiality and fairness when reporting on election-related issues.

Regarding public opinion polls, Lee said such activities need to list key details, including the name of the organization conducting the surveys, the time, method, numbers, margin of error, and source of funding.

In the 10 days leading up the Jan. 13 elections, however, it will be against to the law to cite, publish, disseminate, report, or comment publicly on any opinion polls pertaining to the elections or the candidates, he said.

The publication of public opinion polls related to the upcoming presidential and legislative elections, Lee explained, will not be permitted starting Jan. 3.

According to the CEC, the prohibition extends to political parties, the news media, polling companies, and individuals.

(By Lai Yu-chen and Ko Lin)

Enditem/ls



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Young Politicians Push for Change by Running in Taiwan Election

By William Yang December 15, 2023

With less than a month until voters head to the polls across Taiwan, presidential and legislative candidates are gearing up for the final weeks of campaigning. They are engaging with voters at local markets, waving at busy commuters at major intersections in the morning, and going live on social media platforms to interact with supporters.

While hundreds of candidates are vying for a chance to become legislators, a growing number of young candidates under the age of 40 are standing out in this year's election. Many of them are participants from the student-led Sunflower Movement in 2014, which occupied the chamber of Taiwan's legislative yuan for 23 days and forced the government to shelve a controversial trade and service agreement with China.

For some of them, running in the legislative election is an opportunity to showcase the experience they have accumulated over the last nine years and prepare themselves for the next phase of their political careers.

"Nine years ago, we were all activists with no political experience, but over the last nine years, we've all accumulated some experiences in politics and made some achievements in our respective districts," Miao Po-ya, a 36-year-old Taipei City councilor who is running as a legislative candidate in Taipei City, told VOA.

In September, Miao and five other young legislative candidates formed an alliance called "The Generation" and vowed to prioritize issues the younger generation is most concerned about.

Since they have either become local city councilors or run in multiple elections since 2018, Miao said these experiences have strengthened their minds and prepared them to face the biggest challenge in their young political careers.

"The six of us come together because we want to prioritize issues that will benefit young people in Taiwan, and we hope to become a force that could influence public policy on behalf of the younger generation," she said in an interview in Taipei.

Some analysts say it's important for young legislative candidates to band together and try to attract more public attention.

"Increasing visibility is probably an important consideration for them to form the alliance and one of the key strategies for them to achieve the goal is to attract more media coverage," Chen Fang-yu, an expert on Taiwan politics at Soochow University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone.

In addition, Chen said members of "The Generation" can also try to increase the chances of engaging with young voters who don't usually focus on politics by holding unconventional campaign rallies that include musical concerts or live talk shows with celebrities.

"Young people usually don't like to attend traditional campaign rallies where politicians go up to the stage and repeat their policy platforms," he said.

"But when younger legislative candidates turn campaign rallies into performances, many people who normally don't pay much attention to politics may be attracted by the performances and decide to attend the campaign rallies," Chen added.

Amplifying younger perspectives

In addition to preparing for the next phase of their political careers, some young candidates say running in elections enhances the prospect of having voices representing the younger generation in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan.

"The reason why the turnout rate among young people has long been low is because they think no one speaks for them in the Legislative Yuan," Alfred Lin, a 33-year-old political advisor turned legislative candidate from Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), told VOA in an interview in Taichung a the second largest city in Taiwan.

In his view, a lot of young politicians realized after the Sunflower Movement in 2014 that the only way to initiate political changes in Taiwan was by getting into politics.

"Many young politicians decided to run in the election because they believe it's important to have legislators who can represent the younger generation," he said.

Apart from amplifying the younger generation's perspectives in Taiwan's top political arena, some young politicians say one of their missions is to challenge some longstanding bureaucratic practices that have plagued Taiwan's political institutions.

"When I joined the Miaoli County Council with other newly elected young councilors in 2018, we worked together and tried to introduce new practices into the council, which sometimes challenge the political culture within the county council," Tseng Wen-hsueh, a 36-year-old independent legislative candidate in Miaoli County, told VOA by phone.

According to Tseng, these new practices pushed the Miaoli County Council to start reviewing the county's annual budget thoroughly and older councilors also became more receptive to proposals that might introduce fundamental changes to the county.

Chen from Soochow University said one of the effects of having more young politicians running in elections is to encourage more young people to come out and vote in elections. In previous presidential elections, the turnout rates among young people have been consistently lower than other age groups.

"It's possible for young voters to support young politicians in elections because intuitively, young voters may think they are more similar," he told VOA. "When young voters think there is a candidate that could represent them, their willingness to vote in the election will increase."

As dissatisfaction with the political establishment grows among young voters in Taiwan, Lin from the KMT said it's important for them to come out and vote for candidates who they think focus on things and values that they care about.

"Some young voters may think nothing can be changed through voting, and these thoughts may turn into a vicious cycle," he told VOA. "If you come out and vote for a candidate who holds similar values, there may be someone who represents your voices in politics, and gradually, the things and values you care about might become policies."

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Federal Ministry of the Interior and Federal Foreign Office on humanitarian assistance for Ukraine in the second winter of the Russian war of aggression

Germany Federal Foreign Office

15.12.2023 - Press release

Joint press release by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community and the Federal Foreign Office on humanitarian assistance for Ukraine in the second winter of the Russian war of aggression.



Comprehensive humanitarian assistance for Ukraine in the second winter of the Russian war of aggression

Largest logistics operation in the history of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief

Ukraine is living through the second winter of the illegal Russian war of aggression. Attacks continue to target civilian infrastructure such as the energy supply. The German Government is therefore continuing its comprehensive support for Ukrainian civil protection, with the particular help of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). Deliveries of assistance are coordinated with the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance and are predominantly financed via the EU civil protection mechanism and by the Federal Foreign Office.

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock:

With the winter shield assistance that we are providing to Ukraine, we are helping the people there to get through the bitterly cold winter. This assistance includes not only air defence systems but also generators, blankets, tents and battery storage units. Together with the Federal Agency for Technical Relief, we are getting further deliveries of relief goods worth 6.1 million euro underway for this winter. Because as Christmas approaches, and many of us are visiting Christmas markets and shopping for gifts, Russia continues to single-mindedly pursue its inhumane war on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and its weaponisation of the cold this winter. With the aim of seeing water pipes freeze and people die of exposure in temperatures of minus twenty.

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser:

Now, in the face of another severe winter, we still stand by the people of Ukraine, for whom Putin's inhumane war continues to cause incredible suffering. We want to continue providing help where it is most urgently needed. This is a humanitarian imperative. We have brought more than 400 transports of aid to Ukraine. This is the greatest logistical operation in the history of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief. I am sincerely grateful to the many volunteers who have contributed to this effort. We provide support for the Ukrainian fire service, the emergency medical services and civil protection. We will now deliver another 500 generators as well as heaters, tents and portable cabins. This will help Ukraine to continue withstanding the massive attacks on its energy infrastructure and to accommodate people in need.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief is currently preparing more than 500 additional power generators with a total value of around 3.5 million euro for transport, and has already delivered a number of them to Ukraine. The aim is to help the towns and villages in areas near the front in particular. As part of its efforts to support Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief has previously provided more than 1300 powerful generators (up to 1250 kVa) and 20 battery storage units. More than 800 generators and 15 battery storage units have been handed over to a range of partners in Ukraine. They are being used in combined heat-power plants and pumping stations as well as in industrial bakeries and hospitals, and to provide a decentralised power supply for local residents.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief is also delivering heaters, campbeds, tents and portable cabins. Over 900 more heaters, 1700 winter sleeping bags, winter clothing and a mobile field kitchen are currently being prepared for transport. Meanwhile, two water purification units will soon be handed over to the national water authority so that people can be provided with clean water.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance has been coordinating requests for assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism since the spring of 2022. The two federal agencies organise the transport of relief goods using their own vehicles or via EU intermediaries. To date, 415 deliveries of goods with a total value of over 250 million euro have arrived in Ukraine.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief has provided particular support in the form of equipment and materials for the Ukrainian civil protection agency, which is also responsible for firefighting and emergency medical services. Over 120 vehicles such as fire engines, turntable ladders and tipper lorries as well as building equipment such as excavators have been delivered.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief also works with other partners such as the national water authority, the Ukrainian border force and regional waterworks. It additionally has direct relationships with Ukrainian partners in areas near the front around Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy. Vehicles, building equipment and tools to repair destroyed infrastructure have been delivered there.

Germany also supports the Ukrainian health system by taking in patients from Ukraine. This scheme, including transportation to Germany, is coordinated by the German Joint Information and Situation Centre at the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance within the scope of the EU civil protection mechanism. Patients are distributed to participating hospitals in Germany in close coordination with the LAnder, taking into account individual treatment needs. They are additionally provided with social services and, if needed, medical transport to return to Ukraine by aid organisations working on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior as part of a project by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). To date, 944 patients from Ukraine have received medical care in Germany as part of this distribution system and 101 return transports have taken place.

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EU affirms strong support for Ukraine - accession negotiations to begin

Finnish Government

Government Communications Department

15.12.2023

Press release

On Thursday 14 December, the European Council decided to open negotiations on EU accession with Ukraine and Moldova. The Council also decided to grant candidate country status to Georgia. Negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina will begin once the necessary criteria are met. The EU leaders see enlargement as a geopolitical necessity in the current global situation.

"The opening of accession negotiations sends a very strong message to Ukraine that its place is in the EU, and that the European countries are committed to supporting Ukraine on a long-term basis. I am very pleased with this historic decision," said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

The European Council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to provide economic, humanitarian and military support to Ukraine. Timely, sustained and predictable military support is especially important. The Council stressed the urgent need for the Member States to accelerate their delivery of missiles, munitions and air defence systems to Ukraine. The leaders also discussed the EU's future security commitments to Ukraine and pledged to intensify the provision of humanitarian and civil protection assistance, along with assistance to ensure sufficient heating through the winter. Moreover, the EU will continue its efforts to undermine Russia's ability to fight its war of aggression in Ukraine by strengthening sanctions and preventing their circumvention.

The Council once again expressed its strong condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU leaders reiterated their call for Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for their actions.

The European Council meeting will continue on Friday.

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Gitanas NausAda congratulated the President of Ukraine on the opening of EU accession negotiations

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 15, 2023

President Gitanas NausAda spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday following the European Council meeting in Brussels.

The Lithuanian leader congratulated the President of Ukraine and all Ukrainian people on a historic eventathe opening of negotiations on EU membership. Gitanas NausAda stressed that this decision is a victory not only for Ukraine, but also for all Europe.

"Lithuania fully supports Ukraine's integration into the European family and your brave fight for freedom and the future of your country. We will continue to consistently support you," President Gitanas NausAda spoke.

On Thursday evening in Brussels, EU leaders agreed to launch EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and to grant EU candidate country status to Georgia.

The President's Communication Group

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EU fails to agree $54bn aid for Ukraine after Hungary veto

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 December 2023 3:25 PM

Hungary has vetoed $55 billion in the European Union's aid for Ukraine, in a double blow to Kiev as US funds are currently blocked in Congress amid resistance from Republican senators.

European leaders failed to reach a deal on a long-term financial package to Ukraine in talks that extended into the early hours of Friday since Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposed the proposal.

The other states of the 27-member bloc agreed to provide the aid to Ukraine from EU coffers through 2027. The decision needs the unanimous backing of all EU leaders.

Orban took to social media after the meeting on Friday, saying, "Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine, veto for the MFF (EU long-term budget) review. We will come back to the issue next year in the European Council after proper preparation."

The President of the European Council Charles Michel told reporters early on Friday that all 26 EU countries, bar Hungary, had come to an agreement on "all components" of the budget revision, including the cash for Ukraine.

Leaders in the meeting agreed to revisit the issue next month.

The Hungarian prime minister insisted that any assistance to Kiev should be for a shorter term and pending renewal after review. He also called on Brussels to devote its resources to making peace with Russia.

"The money for Ukraine in the short term is already in the (EU) budget. If we would like to give longer-term and bigger money, we have to manage outside the (EU) budget. And we support it," he said before the veto.

The veto came hours after the union agreed to open formal membership negotiations for Ukraine.

Orban stepped out of the negotiation room for a short while, as officials said it was planned and positive, and the other 26 leaders proceeded with the vote.

He told Hungarian state radio on Friday that he had fought for eight hours to stop his EU partners but could not convince them. Ukraine's path to EU membership would be a long process anyway, he added, adding that parliament in Budapest could still stop it happening if it wanted to.

Russian President's spokesman Dmitry Peskov congratulated Hungary for blocking the aid, saying, "Hungary, in contrast to many European countries, firmly defends its interests, which impresses us."

EU's failure to seal the deal comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky failed this week to persuade US Republicans to approve an additional $61 billion for his government.

Government officials in Ukraine say Kiev could face a budget deficit of $43.58 billion in 2024, with a single day of its war with Russia costing $136 million.

Ireland's prime minister Leo Varadkar also warned on Thursday that Ukraine "will not stand without support and ongoing support from both the European Union and the US."

But Kremlin's spokesman said earlier this week that "tens of billions of dollars" already provided by Washington had failed to turn the tide of war and that more money would make little difference.

Nearly two years into the war in Ukraine, the Biden administration has provided Ukraine with more than $44 billion in military assistance.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Trend reports.

"Your Majesty,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to convey my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Bahrain, and expand our cooperation of mutual interest both on bilateral and multilateral formats.

On such a remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your activities, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Bahrain," the letter reads.
EU Summit Moves On From Historic Ukraine Decision, As Orban Leans Into Role Of Spoiler

By RFE/RL December 15, 2023

EU leaders gathered in Brussels on December 15 for day two of a key summit where a breakthrough was reached to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova but a crucial 50-billion-euro ($54 billion) aid package for Kyiv was blocked by member Hungary.

EU officials and the bloc's other 26 member states pressured Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of the summit to lift his objections to historic steps to increase EU ties with Ukraine as Russia's brutal full-scale invasion nears the 22-month mark.

Both the talks question and the budget issue require unanimity for approval.

Speaking to Hungarian state radio early on December 15, Orban warned he could still "halt this process" and acknowledged he is willing to further stall the multiyear aid package to Ukraine to win budget concessions from Brussels.

"This is a bad decision," Orban said. "Hungary bears no responsibility for this. We can halt this process later on, and if needed we will pull the brakes, and the ultimate decision will be made by Hungarian parliament."

Billions of euros in EU funds earmarked for Hungary remain blocked over lingering rule-of-law, democracy, and other EU concerns at Orban's policies.

"I've always said that if someone wants to modify the [EU] budget -- and they want to -- then it's a great opportunity for Hungary to make it clear that it must get what it is entitled to," Orban said. "Not half of it, or one-fourth."

A day earlier, members skirted Orban's opposition to the EU invite by getting him to leave the room, opening a path to the accession process even as Russian troops control around one-fifth of Ukraine's territory.

The 27-member bloc also approved a 12th bundle of sanctions against Russia over the invasion, European Council President Charles Michel said.

Michel called the decision to start negotiations with Ukraine "a clear signal of hope for their people and our continent."

Although membership talks will likely take years and will not start immediately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the agreement on X, formerly Twitter, as "a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens."

In an allusion to what has been described as popular or political fatigue among Ukraine's allies, Zelenskiy added that "history is made by those who don't get tired of fighting for freedom."

Later on December 15, Kyiv appealed once again for the EU to provide it the 50 billion euros.

"We expect all the necessary legal procedures to be completed in January 2024, which will allow us to receive the relevant funding as soon as possible," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

While the EU is not a military alliance, membership is widely seen as a potential buttress against Russian aggression and influence.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said it also was a black eye for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was a "strategic decision" that came on a day that will "remain engraved in the history of our Union."

Zelenskiy also congratulated Moldova and its president, Maia Sandu, who has said her country is "firmly on the path" to EU membership.

The EU leaders also granted EU candidate status to Georgia and said it would advance an EU bid by another hopeful -- Bosnia-Herzegovina -- once it reaches "the necessary degree of compliance" with the conditions of membership.

Michel thanked Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili for her "personal contribution" to solidarity between Tbilisi and the bloc, which has contributed to frictions between the Georgian head of state and its government led by the Georgian Dream party.

The Kremlin expressed its displeasure at the EU's decision to further embrace the aspiring members.

"This is absolutely a politicized decision," said Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "The EU's desire to show support to these countries in this way. But certainly such new members can actually destabilize the EU."

Orban said Hungary abstained from the decision after seeing that 26 other countries "insisted" on it. He decided to let his right to oppose lapse because all other EU members were arguing so strongly in favor, he said.

Officials said Orban was momentarily absent in a "pre-agreed and constructive manner" when the decision was made.

The Hungarian prime minister, who maintains warm relations with Putin, still believes the decision is "completely senseless, irrational and wrong," he said on Facebook.

Kremlin's Peskov credited Hungary with "defending its [own] interests" and took a whack at EU solidarity.

"Hungary is a sovereign country. It has its own interests," Peskov said. "And Hungary, in contrast to many European countries, firmly defends its interests, which impresses us."

Michel said "26 leaders agreed" on the aid but in a reference to Orban said "one leader couldn't agree." He noted that Sweden's leader still needed to consult lawmakers on the budget issue. He added that EU leaders would revisit the aid-to-Ukraine issue at a summit "early next year" but that details still needed to be worked out.

Other options could include separate national deals to provide aid to Ukraine.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who has been among the most consistently outspoken advocates of Ukraine support, said, "I can assure you, Ukraine will not be left without support, there are different ways to do this," adding, "I am pretty confident we will have a solution by January."

The December 14-15 summit follows a visit by Zelenskiy to Washington where he failed to convince Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Congress to unblock a critical military and economic package worth $60 billion for Ukraine.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters in Washington that Ukraine needs help now. He also said he hopes Republicans in the House of Representatives who are holding up the military aid package for Ukraine heard Putin's message earlier on December 14 during his annual press conference and call-in event.

Putin showed no signs of relenting, saying his goals remain the same. The Russian president also said that support for Ukraine from the West "may end at some point and apparently it's coming to an end little by little."

The EU leaders were expected to move on to other topics on day two including Israel's war with Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU, as well as thorny immigration issues.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-fails-consensus- ukraine-aid-hungary-veto/32731725.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kyiv's Antiaircraft Units Engage As Late Night Drone Attack Launched On Capital

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 15, 2023

Ukrainian air defense units fired at Russian drones over Kyiv late on December 15, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, advising residents of the Ukrainian capital to stay in shelters.

"Another group of UAVs is moving towards Kyiv. At present, the work of air defense can be heard on the left bank of the capital in the Darnytskiy district," he said on Telegram.

Witnesses quoted by Reuters said explosions resounded in the city as antiaircraft units went into operation.

The witnesses said air raid sirens went off on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River, but on the opposite bank police warned residents of the air raid alert through loudspeakers.

Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's city military administration, said air defense units were operating in the suburbs of the capital.

Earlier on December 15 the Russian Defense Ministry said Russian antiaircraft units destroyed dozens of Ukrainian drones over the Crimean Peninsula and the border region of Kursk.

A ministry statement on Telegram said the interceptions over Crimea took place between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. local time.

Over the two-hour period, 26 drones were shot down over the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, the ministry said without saying if there were any victims or damage.

An earlier statement from the ministry said six drones targeting "installations on Russian territory" had been shot down in the Kursk region without giving further details.

Kursk Governor Roman Starovoit confirmed on Telegram that an attack had occurred in the region and told residents in the area to "stay calm."

In a separate statement, the Russia-installed governor of the part of the Kherson region held by Moscow, Vladimir Saldo, reported that Russian antiaircraft units downed at least 15 aerial targets near the city of Henichesk.

Saldo said on Telegram that fragments from the downed objects fell to the ground.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in the reported attacks. The statements could not be independently verified.

Drone attacks in Russia's border regions have become more frequent, and Moscow and its outer suburbs also have been targeted, while Russian forces launch drone strikes almost daily on Ukrainian towns and cities. Massive drone attacks were launched on southern Ukraine this week, and ballistic missiles were fired at Kyiv, wounding dozens of people.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said Russian troops launched two missile strikes and 11 air strikes and shelled Ukrainian positions and civilian objects 17 times with rocket launchers during the day on December 15. Ukraine's air defense forces shot down one Kh-59 guided missile, the General Staff said in its evening summary.

There were 82 combat clashes on the front line, the General Staff said, noting that Ukrainian troops repelled eight Russian attacks near Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region and others in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and that fighting continued in the Bakhmut area.

The General Staff said Ukrainian forces had carried out seven air strikes on Russian personnel and equipment concentrations and six missile strikes on Russian military targets. The battlefield reports could not be independently verified.

According to British intelligence, the Russian military is trying to capture the city of Maryinka to "further advance to the west towards Kurakhovo, but a breakthrough is extremely unlikely."

The battle-ravaged town of Maryinka has been on the front line since the invasion began, and fighting continues among the ruins almost daily.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-kyiv-drone- attack/32732722.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukrainian Defense Ministry Sets Increasing Domestic Weapons Production As Goal For 2024

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 15, 2023

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's main goal next year is boosting domestic weapons production, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on December 15, highlighting Ukraine's efforts to produce more of its own weapons in the face of uncertainty over deliveries from Western allies.

"The focus of our team's work is the localization of weapons production in Ukraine, creating joint companies, engaging investments in the defense industry with our allies," Umerov said on Facebook.

Umerov noted that earlier this week he met with representatives of some of Britain's largest defense manufacturers at a joint Ukrainian-British defense industry conference in Kyiv.

He said Ukraine is "interested in direct deals with British manufacturers," urging them to use current conditions, including the ability to test samples in battle and receive quick feedback from the military, "for transparent and effective cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers."

Next year's budget includes 255 billion hryvnyas ($6.8 billion) allocated to the Defense Ministry for "weapons, military equipment, and ammunition," he noted, saying that Ukraine plans not only to create and develop technologies, but also to scale them.

Ukrainian forces have largely depended on Western allies to provide arms and other aid for the battlefield thus far. But aid from the United States is close to running out, according to the White House, which in recent weeks has implored Republicans in the U.S. Congress to pass a proposal for an estimated $60 billion in aid to last Ukraine well into 2024.

U.S. lawmakers began leaving Washington on December 14 without reaching a deal on the package.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who visited Washington earlier this week to encourage lawmakers to pass the legislation, said that, without the help of allies, Ukraine will have to fight Russia on its own as it did at the beginning of the invasion in 2022.

Zelenskiy also has said Ukraine does not want to rely solely on military aid from allies and aims to become a donor of security for its neighbors in the future.

To further that goal, Ukraine hosted an international defense industry forum in September that drew more than 250 Western weapons producers, and last week a joint Ukraine-U.S. defense conference was held in Washington.

Ukraine previously reached an agreement with two American firms to jointly manufacture 155-millimeter artillery shells and in October set up a joint defense venture with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall to service and repair Western weapons.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-defense- ministry-increasing-weapons-production-2024/32732630.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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The President of Ukraine took part in the meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities held in Lviv

President of Ukraine

15 December 2023 - 19:33

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities held in Lviv.

The event was also attended by Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, members of the government, and heads of regional administrations. European and U.S. officials also addressed the gathering online.

As reported by Deputy Head of the President's Office Oleksiy Kuleba, 93 members of the Congress were present at the meeting, including 50 leaders of cities, villages, and populated areas. A total 1,619 Congress members joined the meeting online.

Opening the meeting, the President said that Ukraine has a decision to open negotiations on joining the European Union, and this is an institutional proof that Ukraine will become a member of the EU.

"Next year, we need to work together with the European Union on specific details, negotiation frameworks, and initiate the process of full integration of public institutions, legal norms, and the realities of life into EU standards. This is not only legislative work on laws and rules but also work on the realities of our lives, which must be such that it is felt that Ukraine is truly ready for accession. This is a common task for everyone in Ukraine working in the system of state power and local self-government," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President also emphasized that the primary task at the moment is the defense of Ukraine. Therefore, at the local level, everything must be done for victory - from the approach to allocating funds to other socially important issues.

"I want to draw the attention of everyone that the life of the country, the life of any community, the life of every individual is the same life as that of Ukraine. It is a life that we must protect from Russian aggression," he added.

The Head of the State emphasized that the defense of Ukraine is the duty of everyone, including those who are not currently on the battle lines.

Andriy Yermak, on his part, stressed that Ukraine has come to another crucial moment in the war: either Ukrainian society succumbs to fatigue, or it continues to fight, defeats the aggressor, and rebuilds the country.

"But this is possible only under two conditions. The first is unity - the ability to forget disputes and transcend personal ambitions for the sake of a common cause. The second is hard work - complete dedication, on the verge of capabilities, and even exceeding what seems possible. A single country, a single goal, collective efforts - this is our formula for success," the head of the President's Office said.

Andriy Yermak informed the members of the Congress about the results of the recent visits of the Head of the State and the outcomes of international negotiations at the highest level.

"The international support continues and will persist until victory. New defense and financial assistance packages keep coming from various countries. Sanctions are escalating step by step. Yesterday, the 12th package of EU sanctions was adopted. And yesterday, we overcame another barrier to EU membership. The decision to open negotiations on Ukraine's accession was made," he said.

Additionally, according to the head of the President's Office, there is a reset of Ukraine's relations with countries in the Global South, involving them in the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. Active efforts are underway with partners on joint defense production, yielding good results.

Regarding the situation within Ukraine, as Andriy Yermak pointed out, each region should have its own development plan, an understanding of sectors to stimulate, and real projects.

"Again, I emphasize: people come above all. They are the most valuable resource of the country. We have all received a clear task from the President. The government - both central and local - must engage with the people. We must know their aspirations, their needs, understand their pain, and know what to do with all of this. And take action," the head of the President's Office said.

Andriy Yermak noted that participants in this year's concluding meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities need to focus on issues such as the security of communities in hostilities zones and on de-occupied territories, safeguarding the energy sector and critical infrastructure. Among the priorities are also reconstruction, approval of local budgets, education, healthcare, and veteran policies.

On his part, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the importance of unity for overcoming the enemy.

"We should not divide communities. We should not discuss having a budget for war at the state level and a budget for prosperity in our communities. We are united, therefore we are strong. We are strong and truthful, so we will prevail," he said.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal shared that after the decision to start negotiations for EU accession, Ukraine faces a path that will require an exceptionally large amount of work. According to him, Ukraine will need to implement almost 2,740 EU legal acts into national legislation.

"This is our workload for the coming years that we have to fulfill," the head of the government said.

Participants in the meeting heard a report from Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna about the Interreg Next cross-border cooperation programmes for the period 2021-2027, opportunities for regions, strengthening regional development, and cross-border cooperation in the context of EU integration.

Ukraine's Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, and the head of the Security Service Vasyl Maliuk reported on ensuring security in the territorial communities of the country in wartime conditions.

As part of the new format of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities meeting, there was interactive communication with representatives of local authorities. The Congress website previously listed questions raised in previous sessions, and its presidency. Over 900 heads of communities voted to determine the most important and relevant questions. During today's Congress meeting, community leaders personally presented to the relevant ministers the questions with the most votes.

Specifically, issues regarding the procedure for conscripting military personnel through local self-government, the rehabilitation of military personnel, and ensuring Ukrainian television, radio, mobile signal, and internet connectivity were discussed.

Other topics included legislating conditions for the acquisition and transfer of necessary equipment for the Armed Forces at the local level, providing financial support from the state treasury to local budgets for free meals for war-affected children. Discussions also covered local self-government access to cadastral maps, ensuring medication for residents of remote populated areas, and more.

Various individuals addressed the Congress meeting participants via video links, including: President of Lithuania Gitanas NausAda, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker, Director-General of the European Commission's DG Regio Directorate-General SAawomir Tokarski, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Estonia Hanno Pevkur, President of the European Committee of the Regions Vasco Alves Cordeiro, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ivana AivkoviA.

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Taking care of our warriors, of all our people is a must at all levels of government - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

15 December 2023 - 17:04

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today I am in Lviv. In the morning, I visited the Field of Mars at the Lychakiv Cemetery to honor our fallen warriors. Our heroes, whom Ukraine will always remember - every next generation of a free Ukraine.

Now I am at Lviv Polytechnic. I held a Congress, a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Together with government officials - the Prime Minister, ministers. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. The Head of the Office. Many issues were discussed - various aspects of interaction between the central government and communities. It is very important for the government to be in constant communication with local governments and for community leaders to understand the current situation, what our entire country is living through, and how important it is to be fully focused on defense and helping people. Taking care of our soldiers, taking care of all our people is a must at all levels of government. This includes local authorities as well.

Today I want to thank all the employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine who have been saving lives and helping people after Russian shelling throughout this week, just as they have been doing throughout all the weeks of the war. Odesa... Sergeant Artem Keiha, Sergeant Ruslan Kuruch, Captain Orest Pavlovskyi. Kherson region... Sergeant Anatoliy Skotenyants, Sergeant Volodymyr Kushniruk, Captain Vladyslav Pylypenko. Kyiv... Work at the sites where missile fragments fell. Chief Master Sergeant Serhiy Savenko, Captain Dmytro Halytskyi, Major Liubov Kirnos. I thank you and all your colleagues!

At the Congress today, the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine reported on the detention of collaborators in Odesa, Kherson region, and Dnipro. He also reported on other operations of the Service. The Minister of Internal Affairs reported on the tragedy in Zakarpattia. Doctors are providing all necessary assistance. The head of the regional administration shared details.

And one more thing.

We continue our work with partners to preserve unity in the defense of Ukraine. In Europe, with America, and with everyone else in the world who supports us, supports the state and international law. The coming weeks will also be active in our foreign policy, and we have already begun planning activities for January. We will do our best to make sure that Ukraine is strong and that next year we can all be confident - confident in defense support, macro-financial support, and political support. I am grateful to everyone who helps!

And please take care of people. Take care of Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukraine has repeatedly proved what it is capable of; the time will come when we will be able to celebrate accession to the European Union - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

15 December 2023 - 02:38

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

It was an important day. An important week. There were important visits. A lot of meetings and negotiations, and even more work behind the scenes with friends and skeptics as well - with everyone. Ukraine always defends itself. And it gets what it needs. And even when someone has doubts, we do not give up, but convince and fight. Keep fighting - you are sure to win. That's exactly how it works.

This is a truly remarkable result for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe. Another step towards Ukraine's full membership in the EU. I am grateful to everyone who supported us and fulfilled exactly what we had agreed upon. I am grateful to everyone in Ukraine - our team - who did everything necessary. We have fulfilled the recommendations of the European Commission. We have dispelled doubts. Today, there is a decision to open negotiations on accession to the EU. This step will be followed by the next ones. This is a massive job - to integrate the state, all the institutions, all the norms - all of it into the European Union. But we will do it. Ukraine has repeatedly proved what we are capable of. There will be another victorious decision - the time will come when we will be able to celebrate Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Many people in Ukraine are now in high spirits, and this is important, this is motivation. And I congratulate all of you, each and every one of you, on what has been achieved! Achieved by all of us who, through the unity of Ukraine, are strengthening the unity of the whole of Europe.

I would like to especially thank all our boys and girls, all men and women who have fought and are fighting for Ukraine, who are now in combat, who are defending the freedom of Ukraine, who are helping our warriors by treating, training, bringing in weapons, producing weapons. All that we are achieving would not have been possible without the heroic courage of our people, our nation, which inspires the whole world. All of us.

I came back to Ukraine - now I'm in Lviv - with a decision on the European Union and other things that will strengthen us. Air defense. There will be more aid packages, too. We had a good summit with the Nordic countries. Our friends, I thank you for your support. Strong decisions. Denmark - a new package for a billion dollars: sky protection, artillery and much more. Norway - a new package of more than $400 million. In particular, air defense. Finland is also preparing a new package. Iceland is preparing a program of long-term financial support, a very significant one. Sweden - also a new package. There is a powerful statement of the Nordic - Ukrainian Summit, which is another political shell that brings our victory closer.

The visit to Argentina is actually a restart of relations with the entire Latin American region. I am grateful to hear clear words of support.

And, of course, the United States. Today I was at the base in Wiesbaden, Germany, where the U.S. Army Europe and Africa is located. Powerful. We have our military guys there. They are working. Of course, there were meetings with partners that will strengthen us. And a visit to Washington. President Biden, his team, Secretary Austin, General Brown. Congress - both chambers, both parties. Speaker Johnson. I heard words of respect for our people, for our fight. Important advice. Important agreements. I thank you all for your support. We will continue our work. And we expect the Congress to pass the necessary decision in the near future.

We must win!

No matter what happens, we are working, fighting, and building up our strength - the strength of our beautiful Ukraine. Believe in yourself!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukraine to Boost Domestic Defense Industry in Cooperation With Western Partners

By VOA News December 15, 2023

Ukraine has signed contracts for joint cooperation on technology weapons production with Western partners in its effort to boost its defense industry at home and to reduce its dependence on military supplies from the West.

"We have dozens of new contracts between companies on joint production or technology exchange," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a Facebook post.

The drive to increase production at home has become critically important as the future of large-scale military aid from the United States and European Union appears more uncertain and Western stockpiles have become more depleted.

Kyiv has hosted a number of conferences with members of the international defense industry. This week it held a conference with the largest British defense manufacturers, while last September it hosted more than 250 Western weapons producers, followed by a joint Ukraine-U.S. defense conference in Washington in December.

"We signed a memorandum with the United States on joint production and technical data sharing," Umerov said.

Ukraine is also seeking more agreements like its venture with German arms producer Rheinmetall AG to service and repair Western weapons, and an agreement with two American firms to jointly manufacture vital 155 mm artillery shells.

Domestic defense output has tripled in 2023, according to the strategic industries ministry, and is expected to increase six times more in 2024.

Hungary on Friday blocked a European Union financial aid package for Ukraine, while the EU on Thursday agreed to begin membership talks with the beleaguered country.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban used his veto to block the aid package, but European Council President Charles Michel said 26 of the EU's 27 countries have agreed on the $54 billion financial aid package for Ukraine that it urgently needs to beat back the Russian invasion.

Michel said Sweden must consult with its parliament about the aid package, but that move is standard procedure for Sweden.

Michel said the EU "will try to get unanimity" on the budget for Ukraine early next year.

Despite the roadblocks that Hungary's leader has thrown into the negotiations with Ukraine, Michel said, "This is a historic moment, a historic European Council."

Orban had said for weeks that he was opposed to Ukraine joining the EU and would veto the move.

In the end he did not use his veto for Ukraine's EU membership. Instead, he was reported to have left the room when the accession vote was taken in Brussels, leaving the other 26 members of the bloc to make a unanimous decision.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Orban failed to use his veto because "he realized that it would be indefensible."

The EU membership negotiations are "a victory for Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after the announcement. "A victory for all of Europe."

Russia reacted against the EU's decision to open membership talks for Ukraine and Moldova, calling the move a politicized decision that would destabilize the bloc, and praised Hungary for its objections to the talks.

"The EU has always had strict criteria for accession, and it is obvious that at the moment neither Ukraine nor Moldova meets these criteria," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"Such new members could destabilize the EU," said Peskov "and since we live on the same continent as the EU, we, of course, are closely watching this."

Zelenskyy's EU victory comes after his recent trip to Washington where he failed to convince U.S. lawmakers to release additional funds for Ukraine's fight against Russia.

The U.S. has already given Ukraine more than $100 billion, but Republican lawmakers want any new funds for Ukraine tied to changes on securing the U.S. border with Mexico.

However, Zelenskyy said in his daily address that Nordic countries have promised aid packages worth more than $1.4 billion.

Russian anti-aircraft units destroyed 26 Ukrainian drones over the Crimean Peninsula on Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Telegram.

A ministry statement said the interceptions took place between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (1730-1930 GMT).

Separately, Russian anti-aircraft units downed at least 15 aerial targets near the town of Henichesk, the Russia-installed governor of part of the southern Kherson region held by Moscow, Vladimir Saldo, reported on Telegram.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in either instance.

In western Ukraine, a village council member detonated three hand grenades during a meeting Friday, critically injuring himself and at least two dozen other people, authorities said.

A video posted on social media showed a man entering a room where the village council of Keretsky was meeting to discuss and approve the community's budget.

The man, who was preliminarily identified as Serhii Batryn, a council member who belongs to Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party, took three grenades from his pockets, removed the pins and threw the weapons on the floor in front of him.

Transcarpathian region police said in an official statement that 26 people were injured, six of them critically. The man who set off the grenades suffered grave injuries and medics worked to save his life, police said.

It is not yet clear what was a possible motive or if the attack was connected to the war in Ukraine.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Miami, Dec. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Through various calculations and careful consideration, the clinic takes into consideration and analyzes each patient individually to ensure the proper dosage is administered. This addresses concerns of both those struggling from addiction, while offering a holistic alternative to depression in place of western medication. The metabolite has proven success without any unwanted side effects.

Noribogaine helps with depression through its ability to communicate naturally with Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors. These effects can last months after the duration of the treatment. There is no question that this phenomenon strongly correlates to the disease of addiction. The Serotonin transported is one of the most essential tools in the brain to help us understand drug addiction (SagePub). This study shows great promise based on roots who showed a decrease in desire for nicotine and were merely inclined to chase out their everyday essentials.

The brain's prefrontal cortex, which is primarily responsible for both rational decision-making and executive function, is many times interrupted through addiction and other related conditions. Studies have shown that an inconsistent prefrontal cortex prevents people from obtaining the appetite that they need (Thomas AJ, Hendriksen M, Piggott M, Ferrier IN, Perry E, Ince P, O'Brien JT.). Noribogaine helps combat these issues for those who struggle with weakened executive functioning.

Another magnificent quality of noribogaine and its natural remedies are the addiction interrupter properties it possesses (Chang). Of course, this is by no means a cure for drug addiction, however, it will help the person combat craving more effectively for months after the full treatment dose. The prefrontal cortex is certainly responsible for those fighting the cravings of the drugs, even when they no longer want to use them (Kroob). With the limited potential of the frontal lobe from years of unhealthy choices, the noribogaine steps in to offer additional support towards those people begging using drugs against their will. In addition to this neuro ibogaine helps block out the opiates and cocaine stuck in the person's mind and body (Pablo). This makes the person feel completely free from drug addiction within a few days after treatment

Each person who comes to receive treatment is a unique case in and of itself and continues to help the findings of ibogaine to flourish. An optimal observation is essential to ongoing success, however, long term results of the ongoing success of noribogaine requires updates in the months to follow.

Disclaimer Safeguarding KISS PR Team and Partners:

The information provided in this press release is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute advice or any endorsement by KISS PR and its partners. KISS PR and its partners assume no responsibility for any decision made or action taken based on the information provided. Any action you take upon the information from this press release is strictly at your own risk. Always seek the source company issuing the press release for further information.

Legal Disclaimer (Medical):

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Neither KISS PR or its partners are responsible for any decisions made based on this information. People making any decision related to their health and wellness should consult with a medical professional and the source company issuing the content.

Source Company: David Dardashti

City: Miami

Phone: 1-800-818-4511

Email: incoming@ibogaineclinic.com

Ibogaine By David Dardashti offers information to those seeking help with addiction and mental health disorders.

Source of this content is at https://ibogaineclinic.com/an-innovative-ibogaine-treatment-center/




NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (NYSE American: BRBS) between March 10, 2023 and October 31, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important February 5, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20587 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 February 5, 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. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. 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, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.s financial statements from March 10, 2023 to the present included certain errors; (2) as a result, Blue Ridge Bankshares would need to restate its previously filed financial statements from March 10, 2023 to October 31, 2023; and (3) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Blue Ridge class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20587 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 or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. 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. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firms attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors.

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
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Robbins LLP reminds investors that a shareholder filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Farfetch Limited (NYSE: FTCH) securities between March 9, 2023 and August 17, 2023. Farfetch, together with its subsidiaries, operates a global platform for the luxury fashion industry.

For more information, submit a form, email Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.

What is this Case About: Farfetch Limited (FTCH) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Prospects

According to the complaint, defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Farfetch was experiencing a significant slowdown in growth in the U.S. and China; (ii) Farfetch also faced onboarding challenges impacting the launch of its Reebok partnership; (iii) Farfetch downplayed challenges it faced with respect to, and/or overstated its ability to manage, its supply chain and inventory; (iv) all the foregoing was having a significant negative impact on Farfetchs revenue and GMV growth; and (v) accordingly, Farfetch was unlikely to meet market expectations for its Q2 2023 financial results or its own FY 2023 revenue guidance.

On August 17, 2023, Farfetch issued a press release announcing its Q2 2023 financial results, wherein it reported revenue of approximately $572 million, significantly less than the market consensus of $650.71 million. Farfetch also issued an FY 2023 revenue forecast of approximately $2.5 billion, compared to the average analyst estimate of $2.8 billion and the Companys prior FY 2023 revenue forecast of $2.9 billion.

That same day, Farfetch held a conference call with investors and analysts to discuss the Companys Q2 2023 results. During that call, Company management disclosed that significant slowdowns in growth in the U.S. and China, onboarding challenges affecting the launch of the Reebok partnership, and issues with inventory and shipping had negatively impacted Farfetchs revenue and GMV for the quarter, as well forced the Company to rein in expectations for FY 2023.

Then, on August 18, 2023, media outlets reported that multiple analysts had downgraded Farfetch based on its poor Q2 2023 results and disappointing guidance for FY 2023.

Following these developments, Farfetchs Class A ordinary share price fell $2.15 per share, or 45.17%, to close at $2.61 per share on August 18, 2023.

What Now: Similarly situated shareholders may be eligible to participate in the class action against Farfetch Limited. Shareholders who want to act as lead plaintiff for the class should contact Robbins LLP. Plaintiffs must file their lead plaintiff papers by December 19, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here .

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

About Robbins LLP: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders.

To be notified if a class action against Farfetch Limited settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact:

Aaron Dumas, Jr.

Robbins LLP

5060 Shoreham Pl., Ste. 300

San Diego, CA 92122

adumas@robbinsllp.com

(800) 350-6003

www.robbinsllp.com



https://www.facebook.com/RobbinsLLP/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/robbins-llp/




BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. More than 6,000 people visited the Azerbaijani Pavilion at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, the press service of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan told Trend.

Azerbaijan was represented by a pavilion for the first time at the session held from November 30 through December 12 of this year.

The pavilion was created through the joint efforts of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was officially announced in Dubai during the COP28 on December 11. COP29 will take place in November 2024.

The Eastern European regional group has selected Azerbaijan to host the COP29 next year.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Houston, Dec. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Houston, Texas -

Plastic surgery SEO stands for the strategies and techniques that medical spas and clinics can use to become more visible online, according to Doctor Marketing, MD. As most people start their search for plastic services on the internet, it is critical for clinics to show up in these searches. With the right Plastic surgery SEO methods, a plastic surgery clinic can appear higher on search engine results pages, which makes potential patients more likely to click through to their site. Search Engine Optimization helps doctors attract their new future clients online.

Image Credit: D8nn / 123RF.

Modern patients like to be informed about their choices by searching in Google first. A plastic surgeon's ability to connect digitally matters more than ever before with how patients find and choose their surgeons. Clinics need a strong online marketing presence with high Google rankings in order to help build trust with those looking for procedures their clinic offers, said Marty Stewart, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Doctor Marketing, MD.

Doctor Marketing, MD helps Medical Professionals and Healthcare Providers to get more patients by increasing patient acquisition through strategically leveraged content that ranks high in Google.

Plastic Surgery SEO is crucial for clinics as it enhances online visibility, increases website traffic, and builds credibility. With effective medical SEO strategies, plastic surgeons can ensure that their practice ranks high on search engine results pages, attracting more potential patients to their clinic.

Effective plastic surgery SEO propels your clinic to the top of search engine results, making it far more likely that potential patients will see your website first. By carefully selecting and utilizing keywords related to cosmetic surgery, your digital presence becomes a beacon for those seeking expert care in beauty enhancement. Engaging in this type of internet marketing ensures you stay ahead of competitors and remain at the forefront of patient's minds as they research their options.

Maximizing web visibility is no longer an option but a necessity to thrive in the competitive field of plastic surgery. With a robust online reputation management strategy fueled by SEO, clinics can solidify their standing as industry leaders while directly connecting with individuals looking to transform their appearance. Employing these tactics effectively translates into a bustling practice filled with informed and eager new patients ready to embark on their aesthetic journeys.

Optimizing a plastic surgery website for SEO can significantly increase the flow of organic traffic. By strategically using relevant keywords and creating engaging, SEO-friendly content, clinics can attract more potential patients to their websites.

Implementing effective on-page SEO techniques, such as meta descriptions and title tags, enhances the website's visibility in search engine results pages, driving higher volumes of traffic.

Leveraging local SEO strategies is crucial for targeting potential patients within specific geographic areas and directing them to the clinic's website. This approach not only increases website traffic but also ensures that it is from individuals who are genuinely interested in seeking plastic surgery services.

Implementing effective plastic surgery SEO strategies not only enhances online visibility and increases website traffic but also builds credibility for clinics. By optimizing websites for user experience, leveraging local SEO, creating engaging content, utilizing social media, implementing on-page SEO techniques, and embracing video content and voice search optimization, clinics can establish themselves as reputable and trustworthy sources in the competitive digital landscape.

Monitoring analytics and adapting to trends also demonstrates a commitment to providing valuable information, further solidifying the clinic's credibility among potential patients seeking cosmetic surgery services. Establishing credibility through successful plastic surgery SEO is crucial for attracting more patients.

Plastic surgery SEO is essential for clinics to increase their online visibility. Implementing effective strategies can lead to improved website traffic and credibility. By embracing innovative marketing techniques and leveraging local SEO, clinics can revolutionize their online presence and attract more patients. With the age of patient empowerment in full swing, plastic surgery SEO is crucial for success in today's digital landscape.

To maximize local SEO efforts, plastic surgery clinics can enhance their online visibility by creating engaging, SEO-friendly content. By publishing high-quality content that incorporates relevant keywords and addresses the needs and concerns of potential patients, clinics can improve their search engine rankings and attract organic traffic.

Engaging blog posts, informative articles, compelling videos, and visually appealing infographics can all contribute to a clinic's digital presence. Implementing a content strategy that resonates with the target audience is crucial in establishing credibility and building trust, ultimately leading to increased patient inquiries and appointments.

Creating valuable content serves as an opportunity for plastic surgery practices to showcase their expertise while providing educational resources for individuals seeking cosmetic procedures.

###

For more information about Doctor Marketing, MD, contact the company here:



Doctor Marketing, MD

877-463-9777 ext. 3
Reference is made to the disclosure of shareholding stock exchange notification published 15 December 2023, wherein it was announced that Perestroika AS had acquired 9,000,000 shares in Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS or the Company).

Perestroika AS is an entity closely associated with chairman of the board and primary insider (PDMR) of EMGS, Frederik Mohn.

Further details regarding the transaction are set out in the attached form.



Contact

Anders Eimstad, CFO, +47 948 25 836

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements in Regulation EU 596/2014 article 19 number 3 and the Norwegian Securities Trading Act  5-12.

The stock exchange notification was published by Anders Eimstad, CFO, Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA.



About EMGS

EMGS, the marine EM market leader, uses its proprietary electromagnetic (EM) technology to support oil and gas companies in their search for offshore hydrocarbons. EMGS supports each stage in the workflow, from survey design and data acquisition to processing and interpretation. The Company's services enable the integration of EM data with seismic and other geophysical and geological information to give explorationists a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface. This improves exploration efficiency and reduces risks and the finding costs per barrel. CSEM technology can also be used to detect the presence of marine mineral deposits (primarily Seabed Massive Sulphides) and EMGS believes that the technology can also be used to estimate the mineral content of such deposits. The Company is undertaking early-stage initiatives to position itself in this future market.

Attachment
HALIFAX, UK, Dec. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Business Awards UK is honoured to announce the winners and finalists of the 2023 Health and Safety Awards. These awards recognise the outstanding contributions and commitment to health and safety standards within various industries. Celebrating those who have set new benchmarks in workplace safety, environmental health, and risk management, the awards underscore the importance of maintaining high safety standards.

Business Awards UK Health and Safety Awards 2023 Winners

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust - Health and Safety Technology Innovation

Palletline Ltd - Health and Safety Team of the Year

First Safety Training Services Ltd - Safety Training Provider of the Year

Paul Berry Group Training - Small Business Health and Safety Award

M V Kelly Ltd - Construction Safety Award

Engro Fertilizer Ltd  Manufacturing Division - Environmental Health and Safety Award

Pobl Group - Safety Culture Excellence Award

Medazur Medical Clinic - Healthcare Safety Award

Broadstone Risks - Excellence in Risk Assessment and Management

Ken Bell, Palletline Ltd - Health and Safety Manager of the Year

Business Awards UK Health and Safety Awards 2023 Finalists

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust - Excellence in Risk Assessment and Management, Healthcare Safety Award

Palletline Ltd - Health and Safety Technology Innovation

First Safety Training Services Ltd - Small Business Health and Safety Award

Wiltshire First Aid Training - Safety Training Provider of the Year

Quality Safety Training Limited - Safety Training Provider of the Year

Engro Fertilizer Ltd  Manufacturing Division - Safety Culture Excellence Award

Pobl Group - Health and Safety Team of the Year, Environmental Health and Safety Award

Ropeway - Construction Safety Award

The 2023 Health and Safety Awards celebrate the dedication and efforts of these companies and individuals in ensuring safer working environments and promoting health and safety practices. Their commitment to safety is integral to creating secure and healthy workplaces and communities.

The awards highlight the significant achievements in health and safety and look forward to continued excellence and innovation in this vital sector, led by these inspiring examples.

Company Details:

Organization: Business Awards UK



Contact Person: Mark Byrne, Director



Email: mark@business-awards.uk



Website: https://business-awards.uk



Contact Number: +441422 771042



Country: United Kingdom



City: HALIFAX

The information provided does not constitute endorsement of any activities or claims mentioned in the press release. Neither KISS PR, nor its distribution partners, are responsible for the validity or accuracy of the information provided. Decisions based on the content of the press release are at the reader's own risk. For further inquiries about the company or the content issued, please contact the source company directly. Details about the source company are included in the press release.
Vancouver, December 15, 2023 - Wedgemount Resources Corp. (CSE: WDGY) (OTCQB: WDGRF) ("Wedgemount" or the "Company"), announces it has approved the grant of incentive stock options (each, an "Option") to acquire up to 700,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share"). The Options are exercisable for a five-year term expiring on December 15, 2028, at a price of $0.08 per Option. Any Common Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the Options, will be subject to a four month hold period expiring on April 16, 2024, unless waived by the Canadian Securities Exchange.

About Wedgemount Resources Corp.

Wedgemount Resources is a junior natural resources company focused on maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition, development and exploitation of oil and gas leases in Texas, USA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Wedgemount Resources Corp.

Mark Vanry, President and CEO

For more information, please contact the Company at:

Telephone: (604) 343-4743

info@wedgemountresources.com

www.wedgemountresources.com

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191191
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. Azerbaijan's ADA University is hosting a presentation ceremony of the Diplomatic Protocol Guide on the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Trend reports.

The ceremony is attended by the Head of the Department for Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Ramil Rzayev, the Head of the Protocol Department Anar Najafl, ministry staff, and representatives of the diplomatic corps.

Rzayev noted that the presented guideline, covering the period of 1993-2003, contains not only information on Azerbaijan's foreign policy but also a valuable political heritage of the Azerbaijani people, formed during that period, which is considered a relatively short time.

He said that the statements of the great leader Heydar Aliyev in the introduction to the guideline were not chosen randomly.

They formed the basis and principles of the foreign policy of modern Azerbaijan  establishing bilateral, mutually beneficial relations, friendly relations with all countries worldwide, and close cooperation with diplomatic missions accredited in the country, added Rzayev.

He also mentioned that parts of the guideline consist of important materials, comprising 40 sections and published in two languages, providing detailed explanations of the rights and responsibilities of the diplomatic corps.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Beijing is trying hard to ward off a slowdown, but data continues to disappoint

CNN Business News Dec - 15 - 2023 , 10:40

This week, Chinese authorities across the board intensified efforts to boost growth, but those attempts may not be enough to fix the ailing economy.

On Friday, the countrys central bank pumped a massive amount of liquidity into the banking system as part of broader efforts to support the economy, which has been grappling with weak property market and consumer demand.

While Hong Kong stocks rose after the move, government data released on the same day showed that the worlds second economy is still struggling, as investment in fixed assets continued to disappoint.

Some areas did show improvement, though. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), output generated by Chinas industrial sectors rose by 6.6% last month, compared to the same period in 2022. Thats higher than a forecast for 5.6% growth provided by a Reuters poll of economists.

Retail sales, a barometer of consumer spending, jumped by 10.1% in November, which was higher than the increase of 7.6% reported the month before.

However, the most recent figure was lower than a Reuters forecast of 12.5% expansion, which was calculated against a low base of comparison in 2022, when Covid-19 curbs discouraged spending.

Investment in fixed assets such as buildings and roads increased by 2.9% in the first 11 months of the year, compared to the same period in 2022. That was slightly lower than a forecast of 3.0% expansion.

Fixed asset investment was hobbled by real estate development, which fell 9.4% year-on-year in the first 11 months of this year, according to NBS data.

The weakness in private investment is largely concentrated in real estate, where the problems clearly run much deeper than a simple lack of confidence, Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics wrote in a Friday research note.

Chinas real estate slump is at the center of many of its current economic problems. The industry, which has accounted for as much as 30% of the GDP, fell into crisis three years ago after the government cracked down on developers reckless borrowing.

Home sales have plunged, and many developers are struggling with a cash crunch. The property market slump has contributed to signs of tepid spending and even weak prices for most of this year, adding to concerns about deflation.

Loosening the rules

Beijing is taking steps to ward off a slowdown.

Earlier this week, Chinas top leadership vowed to put greater focus on economic growth in 2024 at the closely-watched annual Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC), which typically sets the tone for economic policy for the year ahead.

According to Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie Group, the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) injected a net 800 billion ($112 billion) worth of funding, the largest on record, into the banking system via the medium-term lending facility (MLF).

The MLF is a monetary policy tool introduced by the PBOC in 2014 to help commercial and policy banks maintain liquidity by allowing them to borrow from the central bank using securities as collateral. The PBOC said in a statement that Fridays move was intended to maintain reasonable and sufficient liquidity in the banking system.

And to further support the ailing real estate industry, two of Chinas biggest cities, Beijing and Shanghai, have further relaxed rules on property purchases by lowering the minimum deposit ratio for first and second homes.

On Thursday, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Renewal Development said it would lower the minimum down payment deposit ratio for first homes to 30%. Previously, that figure ranged from 35% to 40%, according to Reuters.

The minimum deposit for second homes would be lowered to 40% or 50%, depending on location. Previously, the amount was 60% or 80%.

The commercial capital of Shanghai announced that the down payment requirement for first-and second-home buyers would be lowered to 30% and 50%, respectively, CCTV reported. That compares to previous ratios ranging from 35% to 70%, according to state media.

Hu told CNN that the relaxation of rules should help to boost traction and sentiment in the property market.

That said, it might not be enough to address the most important issue in Chinas housing market. That is the credit risk for developers, he said.

The ultimate solution, he added, may still lie with the central government, which can create a lender or buyer of last resort for troubled property developers, similar to the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) created and run by the US Treasury during the global financial crisis.

TARP was passed in 2008, in the wake of Lehman Brothers bankruptcy, as the nations financial system was on the verge of collapse and economists feared another Great Depression.
Black Sherif returns with Zaama Disco

Kofi Duah Showbiz News Dec - 16 - 2023 , 17:01

LAST year, his maiden Mozama Disco concert at Labadi Beach Hotel garnered huge success and reigning Vodafone Ghana Music Awards(VGMA), Artiste of the Year, Black Sherif is ready with yet another one.

So come Thursday, December 21, the 7pm concert which is now dubbed Zaama Disco and will be hosted this time at La Palm Royal Beach, Accra, is packed with some of Ghanas finest musicians who are poised to thrill fans.

In a conversation with Graphic Showbiz, Black Sherif said the change of name from Mozama Disco to Zaama Disco will not affect the event in any way.

Mozama Disco is same as Zaama Disco. The new name makes it simply and catchy. The concert is an annual one and it has come to stay.

The maiden edition which was supported by acts including Sarkodie, Bosom P Young, KiDi, Gyakie, Cina Souls, Wendy Shay and Lasmid was massive and I believe the second will be mind- blowing.

Already, my team and I are putting in a lot to make sure it is a success. A lot of rehearsals are ongoing and I am glad the musicians I called to perform gladly accepted my invitation, he stated.

Black Sherif began his career in 2019 with the release of a demo titled Cry for Me. However, his debut single, Money dropped on May 25, 2020 along with its music video.

In May 2021, his came out with another single, First Sermon, further increasing his audience. He followed it up with Second Sermon which featured Nigerias Burna Boy.

Black Sherif big break came in March 2022 with the release of his single Kwaku the Traveller, which reached No. 1 on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts and became his most popular song. He later came out with his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, in October last year.

Black Sherif who has worked on songs by Sarkodie, Stormzy, Amerado, DJ Breezy, Larry Gaaga and others performed at the 25th anniversary of the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, which took place at the OVO Arena in Wembley, London.

On 20 February 2023, Black Sherif won the Best Hip-Hop award at the Soundcity MVP Awards at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos and then Artiste of the Year at Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) the same year.

Black Sherif returns with Zaama Disco

By Kofi Duah

LAST year, his maiden Mozama Disco concert at Labadi Beach Hotel garnered huge success and reigning Vodafone Ghana Music Awards(VGMA), Artiste of the Year, Black Sherif is ready with yet another one.

So come Thursday, December 21, the 7pm concert which is now dubbed Zaama Disco and will be hosted this time at Trade Fair Centre, La, Accra, is packed with some of Ghanas finest musicians who are poised to thrill fans.

In a conversation with Graphic Showbiz, Black Sherif said the change of name from Mozama Disco to Zaama Disco will not affect the event in any way.

Mozama Disco is same as Zaama Disco. The new name makes it simply and catchy. The concert is an annual one and it has come to stay.

The maiden edition which was supported by acts including Sarkodie, Bosom P Young, KiDi, Gyakie, Cina Souls, Wendy Shay and Lasmid was massive and I believe the second will be mind- blowing.

Already, my team and I are putting in a lot to make sure it is a success. A lot of rehearsals are ongoing and I am glad the musicians I called to perform gladly accepted my invitation, he stated.

Black Sherif began his career in 2019 with the release of a demo titled Cry for Me. However, his debut single, Money dropped on May 25, 2020 along with its music video.

In May 2021, his came out with another single, First Sermon, further increasing his audience. He followed it up with Second Sermon which featured Nigerias Burna Boy.

Black Sherif big break came in March 2022 with the release of his single Kwaku the Traveller, which reached No. 1 on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts and became his most popular song. He later came out with his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, in October last year.

Black Sherif who has worked on songs by Sarkodie, Stormzy, Amerado, DJ Breezy, Larry Gaaga and others performed at the 25th anniversary of the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, which took place at the OVO Arena in Wembley, London.

On 20 February 2023, Black Sherif won the Best Hip-Hop award at the Soundcity MVP Awards at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos and then Artiste of the Year at Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) the same year.
Dont dilute Ghanas heritage GTA cautions event organisers

Edith Mensah and Jessica Love Otoo Showbiz News Dec - 16 - 2023 , 10:00

THE Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, has cautioned event organisers against incorporating foreign cultural elements that can undermine the purpose of the December in GH initiative during the Yuletide.

Making a submission at the recent Graphic Showbiz X Dialogue Series on the topic Promoting Ghanas culture during December in GH, Mr Kusi stressed that organisers should prioritise events that showcase Ghanaian music and traditions, among others, to ensure a meaningful and culturally enriching experience for visitors.

He emphasised that deviating from the core objectives of the initiative and incorporating foreign elements could disrupt the intended cultural promotion for visitors interested in experiencing Ghana.

Additionally, he said such a shift in focus will also prevent the country from realising its goal of making the initiative a global phenomenon.

"Let's not engage in cultural indoctrination during the December in GH festivities when we bring in the diasporans who want to reconnect with their roots.

The economic impact of this December in GH initiative is substantial, with an anticipated influx of 1.2 million tourists the whole year and contributing an estimated $3.4 billion to Ghana's economy, we cant afford to make it go wrong. In order to realise these anticipated benefits, we all need to come together and safeguard the cultural integrity of the festivities and not do anything contrary.

According to him, GTA is gathering input from stakeholders to provide insights and proposals for a clear roadmap which event organisers will follow to make the initiative better.

"As a body, we are engaging stakeholders to offer advice on practices and activities that could negatively impact the building blocks of the December in GH initiative. This collaborative effort aims at guiding organisers in aligning with cultural norms and avoiding inadvertent dilution of our heritage," he added.

Meanwhile, Co-founder of Migration2Ghana, a platform and networking community, Kwame Opoku-Addo, who was also on the panel, said instead of policing event organisers, he urged key stakeholders to extend support to them and proposed a proactive strategy of giving them incentives to make the execution of the initiative smoother.

Mr Opoku-Addo held that by providing tangible benefits, event organisers would be more motivated to actively showcase the Ghanaian culture during December in GH festivities.

He specifically suggested that the Ghana Revenue Authority could consider offering intentional tax rebates to event organisers and encouraged other stakeholders to provide subsidies and grants to ensure they have the necessary resources to create culturally rich and impactful programmes for both Ghanaians and visitors.

"If we want to keep December in GH a globally acclaimed initiative, let's be intentional about it. Let's incentivise and encourage event organisers to play a vital role in projecting the Ghanaian culture. Policing them is not the solution; instead, providing incentives will yield more positive outcomes, he added.
Barely 6% of women get elected in district-level elections in Ghana: Media must help change the narrative

Abigail Larbi Opinion Dec - 16 - 2023 , 08:35

Women form 50.7 per cent of Ghanas population but just about six percent of them get elected in District-level elections.

Analysis of two data sets obtained from the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), and the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, through a Right to Information request, show that since 1994, about 2,059 females have been elected in total as against a staggering 34,460 males.

The highest number of elected women was recorded in 2006 when 478 got elected as Assembly Members even though still insignificant compared to the number of mails elected.

Elected Females in District elections in Ghana

Year Female % Male % Total elected

1994 122 2.9 4082 97.1 4,204

1998 196 4.1 4624 95.9 4,820

2002 341 7.4 4241 92.6 4,582

2006 478 10.1 4254 89.9 4,732

2010 412 6.8 5681 93.2 6,093

2015 276 4.7 5654 95.3 5,930

2019 234 3.8 5,924 96.2 6,158

Data from NALAG (1994-2010); Electoral Commission of Ghana (2015-2019)

The statistics also show that since 2010, the number of women elected as assembly members has been declining. Even with the power of appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the figures are less than impressive as only 38 women representing a mere 15 percent, made it to the list.

Womens representation in the district assemblies have fallen short of the 30 percent UN-recommended minimum threshold since the introduction of the decentralized system in Ghana in 1988.

Gender equality

This is despite the many treaties and conventions the country has signed on to promote gender equality and diversity in decision making. Regrettably, after many years of advocacy, it appears the much-anticipated Affirmative Action Bill will still have to wait another haul, as Ghanas Speaker of Parliament recently rejected calls for the passage of the bill under a certificate of urgency.

Ghanas decentralization agenda in the promise of delivering governance at the doorstep of the people, provides opportunities in the communities where both women and men discover their voices, assert their rights and mobilize to achieve developmental goals.

However, factors such as womens concerns over public abuse, time constraints, lack of adequate role models, family concerns about their prospects, economic challenges amidst partisan impact negatively on the participation of women in district level elections.

Arena for social service

As emphasized in a keynote presentation by local government expert, Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, local government is the basic arena for social services that impact on womens reproductive and domestic activities.

There is therefore the need to raise the level of gender equality by voting more women into the District Assemblies to promote inclusion; equitable allocation of public resources and public accountability.

The continuous underrepresentation of women in political decision-making in Ghana, jeopardizes the countrys potential to harness diverse leadership opportunities and to realize the Sustainable Development Goals.

On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Ghanaians will head to the polls in the eight district assembly elections to elect assembly and unit committee members. The elections are expected to take place in 6,272 electoral areas and 38,622 polling stations nationwide in 259 districts out of a total of 261.

At a press conference to announce the date for the elections, Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, said the Commission had targeted a 60 per cent voter turnout for this years DLE, appealling to the media to help create awareness and educate the public on the essence of the exercise.

Vote for women

There is evidence to suggest that media visibility strongly improves the chances of women being more heard and seen, and also getting elected. As agenda setters and influencers of public opinion, the Ghanaian media must support the #Voteforwomen agenda by using their platforms to feature more women; influence opinion on the importance of womens presence in the local assembly leadership, shattering misconceptions and hindrances.

They should also play the balancing role of ensuring a level playing field and resisting the negative narratives and control of information by class, partisanship, economic interests, gender and social status.



Local based media must particularly project women candidates in their localities, highlighting their capacities, strengths, visions, track records and communities must include them in local governance processes.

They should endeavour to provide news in language and format that people can access to keep women on the front burner of the minds of citizens.

Ahead of the 2023 DLE, several organisations such as the Media Foundation for West Africa, Alliance for Women in Media Africa (AWMA), Abantu for Development, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) have engaged extensively in capacitating female aspirants and creating more opportunities for increased womens visibility while also conscientizing Ghanaians to vote for more women.

Lets be deliberate!

Vote for a woman; change the status quo.

Best wishes to all the phenomenal women contesting the 2023 District Level Elections.

Written by Abigail Larbi, Programme Manager at the Media Foundation for West Africa
AIDS not over: International Conference on AIDS, STIs in Africa declares

Augustina Tawiah International News Dec - 16 - 2023 , 07:00

HIV Expertspolicymakers, HIV key populations, pharmaceutical companies into the manufacture of HIV medications and institutions connected to the HIV fight, among otherslast week, gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, for what is considered to be the largest AIDS conference in Africa.

The International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), the 22nd edition which was hosted in Zimbabwe from December 4 to 9, was organised by the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA).

This years conference was attended by over 8,000 delegates, both in person and virtually, and was on the theme AIDS is not over: Address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation.

Strong delegation

Ghana was fully represented at the conference by a strong delegation led by the National AIDS/STI Control Programme. Others included officials from the Ghana Health Service, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana office of the World Health Organisation and John Snow Incorporated (JSI). Some of Ghana's delegation made presentations on specific areas of the HIV fight in the country during the sessions while others also moderated some of the sessions. JSI mounted a booth at the conference.

As various health experts addressed different sessions of the conference with emphasis on country experience, it became apparent that although significant progress has been made in the HIV/AIDS fight, AIDS is not over, as the theme for this years conference rightly resonates.

Unfortunately, Africa is considered to be the continent that carries the highest burden of HIV and AIDS. To end it requires that we identify the challenges and deal with them so that together, Africa can join the rest of the global community to end AIDS by 2030, as has been targeted.

Challenges

One of the main challenges to ending AIDS on the continent is financing. As rightly put by the ICASA President, Dr Pagwesese David Parirenyatwa, a significant portion of HIV-related programmes on the continent had historically relied on eternal donors rather than on the government. Should the external donors decide to pull out funding, it will create a huge setback.

Ghana is a typical example of this. The Global Fund has been the single largest donor to the countrys HIV/AIDS response since 2002. When it cut back on its support to the country, particularly in the supply of free ART medications and other essential commodities required in the fight against HIV/AIDS, there was a problem. In what was known as co-funding, the Government of Ghana was required to increase its domestic funding for commodities such as ART. This, however, led to delays, sometimes, and for that reason, a stock of the ART medication.

If governments have funds set aside for contingency measures, it would go a long way to help, especially when the external donors decide to pull out.Abuja declaration

That is why the Abuja declaration seeks to allocate 15 per cent of the annual budget of member states of the African Union to enhance the health sector was good. Unfortunately, according to Dr Parirenyatwa, fewer than 10 per cent of the 55 African Union member states were fulfilling this commitment.

We should bear in mind that if there is a lack of financing for HIV, there will be a shortage of drugs, and once that happens, PLHIV will go off it, which can lead to an increase in viral load and eventually a spread of the HIV infection. This will make it difficult to achieve the 95/95/95 global target.

Global targets

Another challenge that the continent, including Ghana, needs to address if it wants to achieve the global target of ending HIV by 2030 is inclusion. Inclusion here means getting those affected by the diseasethe communities who are recipients of careto be part of the decision-making process. The communities include key HIV populations such as risk groups, vulnerable groups, PLHIV and civil society groups. Nobody can tell the story better than them.

Their opinions can go a long way to effectively shape policies, programmes and research, which is what the theme for this years World AIDS Day, Let communities lead, encourages. Building the capacities of the communities to play key roles in the care and response of the fight to end HIV is very important. Ghana deserves commendation for letting the communities lead in some of their interventions, including the campaign on the HIV self-test kit.

Stigma

The challenges confronting the HIV fight will be inconclusive without the mention of stigma. It is very obvious that PLHIV are highly stigmatised both by the general population and healthcare workers. At one of the sessions of the conference, Omar Syarif of the Global Network of People Living with HIV provided findings of the first-ever global report on the stigma index which pointed to the fact that one out of eight people experienced HIV stigma and discrimination from healthcare workers when accessing HIV care while for non-HIV care, the number doubled with 24.9 per cent.

Among transgenders living with HIV, he said the number was almost 32 per cent; for sex workers, it was almost 13 per cent and among people who used drugs, it was 27.8 per cent.

Because of stigma, PLHIV are reluctant to go to health facilities to take their medication and once they do that, it means they would not be able to achieve viral suppression of the virus, which could lead to re-infecting people with the virus if they are sexually active.

Ending AIDS also means the need to address the issue of inequalities. There should be easy accessibility for PLHIV, especially adolescents, to access healthcare services. Special corners should be created for them at health facilities where they could seek HIV care and services. There is also the need to bring them on board in the various interventions.

The ability to adopt innovative ways in the HIV fight is also important.

All must bear in mind that AIDS is not over. Let us all play our part to end it in 2030, just as we did with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bono East introduces steps to boost fish production

Biiya Mukusah Ali Dec - 16 - 2023 , 07:44

THE Bono East Regional Fisheries Commission is aggressively introducing and implementing new interventions and special projects to boost fish production in the newly created region.

In line with that, the commission is currently training fish farmers to produce fingerlings, formulate and produce local fish feed to reduce cost and educate fish farmers on proper and hygienic handling of fish, particularly fingerlings.

Additionally, the region is actively participating in the governments flagship programme, Aquaculture for Food and Jobs, which was instituted to promote aquaculture production and create jobs for the teeming youth.

Other interventions include the recruitment of new fish farmers to increase the farmer population and train them on how to market their products, among others.

Statistics available from the Bono East Regional Fisheries Commission indicate that the region produced 77.93 Metric Tonnes (MT) of fish in 2021, out of the national production of 89,375.48 MT, but that declined to 36.2 MT in 2022.

The Bono East Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Richard Ametorwosor, told the Daily Graphic that the 2022 national aquaculture production figure was, however, yet to be certified by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Fish districts, zones

The region, with 11 administrative municipal and district areas, has seven of its areas engaged in fish production, but in small quantities.

The areas are the Techiman Municipality, Techiman North District, Nkoranza Municipality, Nkoranza North District, Kintampo Municipality, Kintampo South District and Atebubu-Amantin Municipality.

Kelvin Williams Asuma, 2023 Bono East Regional Best Fish Farmer, feeding the fish in one of his fishponds

The Atebubu-Amantin Municipality was, however, introduced to fish farming this year.

The region has zoned the fish production districts into four zones.

They are the Techiman Zone, made up of Techiman Municipality and Techiman North District, and the Nkoranza Zone, consisting of Nkoranza Municipality and the Nkoranza North District.

Others are the Kintampo Zone, comprising the Kintampo Municipality and Kintampo South District, as well as the Atebubu-Amantin Zone.

In 2022, the region produced a total of 36.2 MT, with the Techiman Zone producing 21.3 MT of fish made up of 5.30 MT of tilapia and 16 MT of catfish.

The Nkoranza Zone also produced a total of 7.2 MT of fish made up of 1.5 MT of tilapia and five MT of catfish while the Kintampo Zone produced 7.7 MT of fish made up of 2.7 MT of tilapia and five MT of catfish.

In all, there are 104 fish farmers and 213 fishponds in the four fish production zones of the region.

Some of the fishponds

The Techiman Zone has 49 farmers with 130 fishponds; the Nkoranza Zone has 30 farmers with 26 fishponds; and Atebubu-Amantin, which was introduced to fish farming this year, has two farmers with three fishponds.

The rest of the districts, such as Sene East, Sene West, Pru East and Pru West, are not into aquaculture fish production.

The four districts that lie in the lower basin of the Volta Lake rely on the lake for fish.

However, the commission said it was putting measures in place to introduce the districts to fish farming, in order to reduce hardship on the fisher folks during the closed seasons.

Visit

When the Daily Graphic visited the 2023 Bono East Regional Best Fish Farmer, Kelvin Williams Asuma's farm, named Eagles Croft at Akisimasu in the Techiman Municipality, it found that he has established about 20 fishponds fully stocked with catfish.

In each fishpond, there are more than 2,000 fish ready for the market. The catfish takes between four to six months to get ready for the market.

He also has eight mini ponds purposely for the production of fingerlings to feed his farm and other fish farmers in the region and other parts of the country.

The Eagles Croft fish farm produces only catfish in commercial quantities and processes them through smoking, frying or salting based on the consumers preference.

Last year, Eagles Croft processed more than two MT of catfish and five MT of fresh fish for the market, both in and outside of the country.

Currently, Eagles Croft is a major hatcher, breeder and off-taker for catfish farmers and is providing readily available fingerlings for production in the area.

There are six staff at the farm and the farm has created indirect employment for more than 150 people.

Target

Mr Asuma, who is a staff of the Bui Power Authority (BPA) where he serves as the Community Relations Officer in charge of the Mitigation of the Social Expenses of the Bui Dam's Livelihoods and Restoration of Affected Communities, told the Daily Graphic that in the next three years, he plans to establish a fish processing factory and increasing his workforce to about 500 people in order to increase his production.

He has projected to create departments such as a hatchery, processing departments for fish smokers, salters, fryers of fresh catfish and marketing departments to ensure better management of the company.

Some of the workers at the Eagles Croft farm harvesting fish from one of the mini ponds during the visit

Mr Asuma explained that he was only into catfish production because rearing them was economical, while fish farming was a lucrative venture which needed to be supported by the government to entice the youth to venture into the industry.

"Fish farming can contribute immensely to the growth of the country's economy if the government pays more attention to both fish farming and processing," he said.

Halt importation

Mr Asuma urged the government to halt the importation of sardine, mackerels and other fish products and invest heavily in the fisheries sector to make it vibrant in order to feed the country.

"I am appealing to the government to pay more attention to aquaculture to feed the country and stop the importation of fresh and canned fish since the sector has no off-season," he said.

Mr Asuma also appealed to the government to support fish farmers to establish fish feeding and processing factories.

He advised the public, particularly those in the fishing industry, to not solely depend on wild fish, but invest in fish farming to help them have more catch during off-seasons.

Production cost

Mr Asuma, however, expressed concern about the high cost of production, explaining that fish feed had been increased from GH120 per bag in 2022 to GH275 this year.

He said one of the major challenges facing the industry was the high cost of feed because fish farmers do not have feed processing factories to produce locally for their farms.

He, therefore, called on the government to subsidise the feed for farmers.

A fishpond at the Eagles Croft farm

Mr Asuma said despite the high cost of production, he had reduced the price of his produce to encourage fish consumption.

He said one needed to have about 70 per cent of the proposed budget before starting fish farming.

Mr Asuma advised fish farmers to devote more time to monitoring the fish, especially at the younger stage, to help early detection of diseases to avoid outbreaks.

Appeal

For her part, the 2020 regional Best Farmer from Nkoranza, Haggai Foriwaah, appealed to the government to establish fish storage facilities in the fish production areas to avoid post-harvest losses.

She also called on the government to put measures in place to facilitate the selling of the fish.

She explained that some of the fish farmers had to go through a lot of frustrations before getting buyers to patronise their produce.

Mrs Foriwaah expressed the need for the government to support fish farmers with fish feed and other logistics to improve their production.

She said she had been in the industry for more than 13 years, adding that fish farming was profitable.

Investment

On the issue of the ban on the importation of fish, the Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr Ametorwosor, said the call was in the right direction, but argued that more investment should be made to increase production before imposing the ban on fish importation.

He mentioned the high cost of feeding, lack of market, lack of hatchery machines and lack of knowledge in fish farming as some of the challenges facing the industry.
Noise from 355 Lounge in Labone, Regional Minister petitioned to intervene

Graphic.com.gh Dec - 15 - 2023 , 19:36

Some residents of Labone in Accra who are at the receiving end of noise pollution emanating from the 355 Lounge, located on the 66 Orphan Crescent, have moved further to ensure that sanity prevails in the area.

They have petitioned the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, for the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to step in, as the activities of the 355 Lounge were creating an inconvenience in the area.

The residents want the Regional Minister to ensure that the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) enforces byelaws on noise pollution in the area.

The petition to the Regional Minister comes at the heels of numerous attempts by the residents to get the 355 Lounge to see reason to work on the noise level at the lounge.

Related: Noise pollution at Labone: 355 Lounge stands accused

Again, LaDMA has not been proactive in performing its legitimate duty to bring 355 Lounge to order, according to the petition.

The petition, dated December 13, 2023, said: Several months of effort to get LaDMA to restrain 355 Lounge from a operating a night club in the area without statutory permit and curb the excessive noise from the audio system from the lounge have proved futile.

According to the petitioners, they reported the matter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who asked 355 Lounge to stop their activities in September 2023.

LaDMA deployed a monitoring team in September 2023, who indicated that the noise levels were beyond EPA allowed levels. In addition, numerous meetings had been held with LaDMA urging the assembly to act in the face of blatant breaches of its bye-laws by 355 Lounge, but nothing has come out of those meetings, they said.

The petitioners said: Whilst individuals within the Labone area have supported our petition, we have been told the MCE is reluctant to act because of Lawyer Frank Davies, who met us and informed us that he was representing the 355 Lounge.

Although 355 Lounge and LaDMA are aware of the fact that the activities of the lounge is without the requisite permits, they are stopping at nothing and the only thing we are getting from the MCE is that the assembly is working to regularize the status of 355, they said.

According to the petitioners, 355 is asking the residents to live with the noise nuisance because it is the by- product of running a night club.

The otherwise plush residential area, Labone, in Accra, is losing its serenity and ambience, as the residents are battling with noise from the numerous pubs, restaurants and lounges that have engulfed the area in recent times.

Noise pollution at Labone has reached alarming levels that the residents are helpless, as the authorities are unable to control the ugly situation.

There are documents from the LaDMA that point to the fact that 355 Lounge operators are not doing things right and have flouted the byelaws of the assembly.

LaDMA conducted a noise audit and came to the conclusion that noise from 355 Lounge was high and was indeed disturbing residents closer to the lounge.

Per the documentation, the decibels recorded by the audit team, led by Mr. Evans Tordzro, the noise from the lounge between 12am and 2am was high.

The noise audit team from LaDMA observed that 355 operates a lounge that qualifies for a night with loud music.

The assembly recommended that activities relating to the operation of the lounge should cease with immediate effect until further notice.

It was also recommended the LaDMA should organise stakeholder engagement with the residents in the area, especially the adjoining houses.

LaDMA was to determine if the 355 building is suitable for the intended purposes of a night club or lounge, and that if the assembly permits 355 to be used for the purpose intended, there should be proper sound proofing, such as the use of acoustic materials to contain noise within the lounge.

The entries and exits to the lounge are fitted with double sound-proof doors to prevent noise escaping from the main chamber.

It was also recommended all appropriate permits such as the EPA, Tourism, Suitability and Building permits should be obtained to ensure safe operations of the lounge or night club.

The noise audit was conducted by the LaDMA on September 29, 30 and October 1, 2023 and because the assembly has not ensured that things are done right by 355 Lounge, the noise pollution is getting worse.

It is equally important to note that 355 Lounge was summoned to the La Magistrate Court on September 29, 2023 to appear before the court on November 7, 2023 to answer questions relating to making of excessive noise and failure to obtain building permit.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), basically the core of the Armenian lobby in the US, is encouraging to ban Azerbaijan from participating in 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

Since Azerbaijan has fully restored its territorial integrity, such organizations as ANCA cant seem to rest. They seem intent on tarnishing Azerbaijans global reputation with unfounded genocide claims. This isnt their first anti-Baku campaign; a few months back, ANCA orchestrated a major effort pressuring Washington, resorting to voter blackmail to influence Azerbaijan.

And now, with this Olympics campaign, ANCA is just making feeble attempts to undermine Azerbaijan's political course. In this situation, they are somewhat fortunate, as Paris seems quite willing to indulge Armenian tales of genocide. It's somewhat astonishing to see the so-called empathy from the French leadership towards the wronged Armenian people.

No matter how much ANCA and others keep saying it, Azerbaijan is staying the course, focusing on revitalizing its newly reclaimed lands and integrating Armenians. For all of ANCA's grand plans, they're missing crucial factors that pretty much predicts the failure of their intentions.
Multilingualism takes centre stage at German Cultural Festival

Nii Laryea Korley Dec - 16 - 2023 , 07:50

The National German Cultural Festival is a yearly affair that seeks to bring out the creative flair in students studying the German language in Ghana, and the excitement that usually goes with it was present again among the young learners this year.

Held on Friday, December 8, at the premises of Goethe Institut Ghana, Cantonments in Accra, the 12th edition was another manifestation that one didnt need to always sit behind a book to learn but could also gain useful insights into a language through other activities.

The main activity at the festival was a showdown on stage among the participating schools. Grouped into categories of Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced, they put on short performances in drama and also rapped, sang and danced.

There were, however, other activities for the students such as playing a variety of games, face painting, one-on-one conversation setups and a stand to advise those who may want to study in Germany later.

Participating schools came from the Greater Accra, Central and Ashanti regions. Some of them had been part of the festival at previous editions, so they had a fair idea of what was expected in terms of pronunciation, stage management and overall creativity.

The theme for the festival was Multilingualism. Prof. Samuel Alhassan Issah, a linguistic expert at the University of Education, Winneba, and a member of the panel of judges at the programme, said the theme was appropriate for the occasion.

When we talk about multilingualism in general, it is not just about the ability to speak somebodys language. It is an advantage to be multilingual because it offers one the opportunity to do what other people are not able to do, Prof. Issah pointed out.

Being multilingual prepares one for the global world we have today. If you can communicate in other peoples languages, the possibility of being able to interact and do business with them is higher, he added.



Students from the School of Translators in jubilant mood at the festival

Also commenting on the festivals theme, Mrs Eva Maria Asante, Head of the Language Department of Goethe Institut Ghana, said it was an important topic to discuss since Ghana is a multilingual society which young people should appreciate as they explore languages.

The Director of Goethe Institut Ghana, Mrs Heike Friesel, said before the students got into action with their various presentations, the hectic preparation toward the programme indicated to her that everyone was going to have a nice time celebrating the German language. She urged the students to do their best and have fun.

Aware of the theme, some of the schools presented material that embraced German and other languages like Ga, French, Twi, Hausa and Ewe. The performers were obviously amateurs. However, there were moments of brilliance from some of them that drew applause from all those watching.

Three winners were declared in each of the three categories. The School of Translators, University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Ajumako Campus and University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Winneba Campus placed first, second and third respectively in the Beginners category.

For the Intermediate category, Goethe Institut Ghana came up tops. Accra Wesley Girls Senior High placed second while Robert Memorial Complex, Accra, came third.

The School of Translators showed its class again when it grabbed the first position in the Advanced category, followed by Accra Academy. Accra Wesley Girls Senior High came third. All the winners received prizes comprising games and books to help make learning German more effective and interesting for them.

Despite advising students at the festival to take the opportunity to learn German seriously, because it could be the lifeline for a better future for them, Prof. Issah also urged them not to lose their mother tongues.

The mother tongue is ones identity. When you lose it, you become like a tree without roots. Your ideologies, your culture, your philosophies and everything are all embedded in your mother tongue. So, as linguists, our advice is to always ensure that we preserve every Ghanaian language, said Prof. Issah, who obtained his PhD in Linguistics in Germany.



Prof. Samuel Issah urged the students to take their studies seriously

Energetic Afrobeats/Afro-Fusion act Shata Wale was extremely entertaining as he sang in German and some Ghanaian languages to bring proceedings at the festival to a close.

Mrs Asante indicated that she was happy everything went well and that everyone was in a good mood on the day. She affirmed it was always a good feeling when learners and teachers of German in Ghana get to meet each other in an informal and cheerful atmosphere.

We have all been happy and are looking forward to the next festival, the Head of the Language Department of Goethe Institut Ghana said, adding, It has been a successful event and well be counting down the days to doing it again in 2024.
GRA, SML Ghana collaboration: GH3 billion saved since 2020

Samuel Doe Ablordeppey Feb - 20 - 2023 , 19:02

The collaboration between the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and a revenue and assurance audit firm, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), has helped the country to rake in an extra GH3 billion in three years.

The extra revenue which would have been lost to the state was realised when the measurement and reporting of petroleum product supplies from over 20 depots across the country was digitalised by SML Ghana.

Since the GRA/Customs and SML Ghana partnership in 2020, the average volume of petroleum products per month recorded by SML metres is 400 million litres, which has resulted in an extra revenue of GH3 billion for the government between June 2020 and June 2022.

By that feat, the Customs Division of GRA which has a unit responsible for collection from the petroleum downstream sector mobilised GH22.26 billion as against a target of GH20.20 billion, exceeding the target by GH2.06 billion.

This came to light at a stakeholder engagement SML Ghana held recently in Tema with the leadership of the downstream petroleum unit of the Customs Division to discuss the new initiatives and to solicit inputs on how both sides can improve on the success to further enhance the countrys revenue.

The meeting forms part of regular stakeholder engagements between SML and its stakeholders.

Context

The GRA last year mobilised GH75.5 billion domestic revenue, GH3.60 billion more than it was tasked to collect.

The collection was also a five per cent increase over last years target of GH71.94 billion.

The feat also means that the domestic revenue the GRA mobilised was 31.5 per cent more than what it collected in 2021.

The stakeholder engagement brought together the various Customs heads in charge of downstream petroleum depots across the country's 16 regions.

SML Ghana took the Customs officials through the latest technologies such as scanning of way bills, purchase orders and reconciling them with metre volumes at the depots in real time as well as the introduction of level sensors to monitor, manage and measure the petroleum stocks.

Leveraging technology

The Managing Director of SML Ghana, Christian Tetteh Sottie, stated that the engagement was to take the officials through a detailed method on how the company was leveraging technology to improve the sector and remove any misconceptions, while establishing the foundation of both sides as partners.

We have had this collaboration with the GRA Customs Division since 2020 which comes with regular stakeholder engagements, and the team from Customs is really pleased with the work we are doing, he stated.

The next step, Mr Sottie said, would be the installation of level sensors on all depot sites, an exercise which was currently underway.

This will stop Customs officials climbing the tanks to manually check the level of stock in the tanks on a daily basis, he revealed.

The Acting Head of Petroleum Unit of GRAs Customs Division, Meshach Kwame Danso, said the close collaboration between both parties was a step in the right direction.

He said the partnership was to improve the efficiency of revenue collection from the downstream petroleum sub-sector and accountability to government.

We need to know the right figures to help us to work smoothly. Working closely with SML Ghana has given us room to monitor the petroleum figures so that we can report to the government accurately, Mr Danso said.

He added: Thanks to their technology, we are now able to account for every litre of petroleum product. This collaboration is really good for the governments petroleum revenue position.

The Acting Head of GRA/Customs Petroleum Unit called for more training sessions for the leadership and team at the downstream petroleum unit so that they could keep up with new information and trends.

They are bringing new ideas on revenue assurance so we are looking forward to more encounters, Mr Danso added.

Assistant Commissioner, Petroleum Downstream at GRA Customs Division, Sampson Anim, lauded SML Ghana for its transformative technology to maintain transparency while enhancing the sector and increasing revenue.

The system is perfect. What we previously had was a manual system of auditing but this is a digital system that captures all our lifting from the depots through delivery to the fuel retail outlets and whatever destinations the product is supposed to be, he said.

By that Mr Anim said the unit was able to monitor in real-time how much was being loaded at any depot, while it granted Customs the assurance that indeed whatever we have captured for revenue purposes is accurate.

The Assistant Commissioner of Customs said the shift from manual to electronic placed the unit in the midst of technology, saying we are more confident with the job that we do; we are confident that the volumes that we churn out are the correct accurate volumes.

Mr Anim said that also provided assurance and the confidence that whatever the unit did was correct, including the accuracy of expected revenues.

SML Ghanas impact

Known as the Electronic Metering Management System (EMMS), the SML Ghana system digitises the entire process chain by providing an end to end audit and assurance to GRA in the downstream petroleum sector.

SML is a wholly-owned Ghanaian company with a strong financial backing of investors with varied business interests in Ghana across different industries.

Steered by a governing board, the organisation currently has two main divisions with its Tema office specialising in the audit of downstream petroleum products, while the Osu office deals mainly with trade transaction pricing and business process audits.
GREDA's green building certification to ensure sustainable development

Beatrice Laryea Dec - 16 - 2023 , 11:26

The Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) has launched its Green Building Certification System meant to assess residential properties across the country for sustainable development.

The certification process will evaluate the architecture of buildings, energy efficiency as well as water usage to promote the construction of environmentally responsible, healthy and resource-efficient buildings in Ghana.

The prototype GREDA green building certification checklist was first introduced at the GREDA/Graphic Real Estate Experience Fair held in December 2022 with a presentation which was well received by stakeholders.

Now launched on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the Silver Star Towers in Accra, real estate companies and individual developers who wish to get their houses certified are expected to register with GREDA as well as meet financial requirement of GH2000 for the assessment and eventual certification.

After the registration and payment, trained and certified assessors will then be deployed to undertake the exercise based on a rating tool structured around seven main criteria  Site and Transport, Water Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emission Management, Indoor Environmental Quality, Materials and Resources, Water and Pollution as well as Innovative Technologies.

The GREDA is also developing a dummy app that would enable clients to run it by themselves to check whether their properties are ready for assessment.

Database component

Speaking at the launch, Council Member for GREDA, Salah Kweku Kalmoni noted that the focal point of their certification system laid in a software database component, which had been meticulously designed to be rights-protected.

He said the administration of the system would be undertaken by GREDA professionals with technical support from the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment of the Koforidua Technical University.

This will not only ensure the security of information gathered on houses but also serve as a robust repository of raw data for future research and educational purposes.

By harnessing the power of our GREDA Green Building Certification System, we aim to efficiently measure, monitor and optimize building performance and this in turn, will lead to a reduction in resource consumption, occupant comfort and mitigated environmental footprint for structures.

How it works

Project Manager and Consultant for the GREDA Green Building Certification System, Architect Henry Kofi Danso explained that the proposed green building rating tool would be applicable not only at the occupancy stage of a building but also throughout the design, construction, operation and maintenance phases of a residential building project.

Salah Kweku Kalmoni explaining how the certification system works

Mr Danso, who together with Mr Kalmoni propounded the GREDA Green Certification System, said the criteria for the certification were carefully developed based on a thorough review of globally recognized rating tools to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in the Ghanaian context.

Each criterion is assigned a total credit which is the sum of all the indicator points and the possible points for an indicator are determined by the level of sustainability it represents, he said.

The GREDA Green Building Certification System will award a total of 130 possible points with a minimum requirement of 45 points for certification. Higher scores result in different levels will attract two-star rating (45-59 points), three-star (60-79 points) four-star (80-105 points) and five-star (106-130 points), he said.

Graphic support

The Director of Sales and Marketing of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Franklin Sowa, pledged the GCGL support to the GREDA towards the success of the green building certification initiative.

He said conversations around green issues were global problems which were of interest to all and sundry, including the GCGL so the company, in its daily activities tries as much as possible to be environmentally friendly.

Indeed, conversations around green issues are global issues that are of interest to everybody and I am happy to hear some of the questions which clearly show that we understand the issues or we all feel committed to drive this agenda, he said.

Mr Sowa also called for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the nation adhered to green building initiatives which will be of immense benefit to our health systems and sustainable development.

The greener we get, the healthier we will be as a people and that means our medical cost will be going down and our lifespan is also likely to be extended because the things which are killing us are too many and it is important that we all get committed to this initiative, he said.

He reiterated the GCGL commitment towards the partnership with GREDA which he said would last longer and also to the success of the GREDA and its members in their endeavours.

The partnership with GREDA from the Graphic Communications Group is a sealed partnership that we dont see it ending today or tomorrow because they are doing the right things and as far as the members of GREDA and industry is recording positivity, then we are in business.

As far as you are doing good things, then the world will hear about you and your businesses will grow, he assured.
OSP disrupts counterfeit foreign currency manufacturing network in Ghana involving US$40 million

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Dec - 15 - 2023 , 20:30

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disrupted a syndicate involved in the production of substantial amount of counterfeited foreign currency in Ghana.

The OSP has said seizures were made in two warehouses located in Accra and Tema, where a substantial amount of counterfeited forty million dollars ($40,000,000.00) was discovered concealed in steel trunks.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor made this known on Friday, December 15, 2023.

OSP disrupts counterfeit foreign currency

The information was released as part of the updates from the OSP this week on some of the works the office has been doing since 2021 when Kissi Agyebeng started work as the Special Prosecutor.

No further details have been released about this special operation involving the substantial amount of foreign currency.

Graphic Online sources

Even though the OSP has not released much details about the said operation, as to when this operation took place, Graphic Online gathers from sources that it was a highly classified and well coordinated operation.

Someone is suspected to have given a tip off to the currency operators about the OSP's operation and planned swoop.

This enabled the suspects to bolt in a hurry and didnt have much time to pack everything on a short notice.

The flyer/poster attached below is how the OSP gave the hint about the said operation that disrupted the counterfeit foreign currency manufacturing network in Ghana involving US$40 million.

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The 2023 District Level Elections

Dr John Osae-Kwapong Politics Dec - 16 - 2023 , 07:15

How many Ghanaians are aware of and plan to vote in the upcoming district-level elections which will be held on December 19?

I reproduce below voter turnout rates for our district-level elections taken from a recent news report filed by Edzorna Francis Mensah titled District Level Elections: Minister worries over persistent low turnout.

Table 1: Voter turnout, district-level elections

If past voter turnout in our district-level elections is an indication of what to expect, then I share the concerns of those who say voters are not that interested in these elections or not as much as they care about national elections. It is a year away, but the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, I would argue, are dominating public conversations and news coverage.

So, what is the issue? Why does it seem that we are not interested?

What we think and how we feel about local government:

1. Satisfaction with local government performance. In 1999, when the Afrobarometer survey asked Ghanaians whether they approved or disapproved of the way their assembly members had performed their jobs, fifty-three per cent (53%) said they approved. By survey round four in 2008, performance approval had improved significantly to sixty-two per cent (62%). Approval rating, however, declined to fifty per cent (50%) in 2012 and further declined to thirty-six per cent (36%) in 2014. In survey round seven (2017), the approval rating improved to fifty-one per cent (51%), but declined to forty per cent (40%) in 2019 and further declined to thirty-six per cent (36%) in 2022.

2. Trust in local government. In 2002, when the Afrobarometer survey asked Ghanaians how much they trusted their local government council, the predominant response (33%) was just a little. In subsequent years of the survey, the predominant response looked like this:

3. Perceptions of corruption in local government. In 2005, when the Afrobarometer survey asked Ghanaians how many of their assembly members were involved in corruption, the predominant response (41%) was some of them. In subsequent years of the survey, the predominant response category stayed the same, but the percentages changed  2008 (53%); 2012 (62%); 2014 (40%); 2017 (55%); 2019 (58%); and 2022 (58%).

4. Local government listens. In 2005, when the Afrobarometer survey asked Ghanaians how much of the time assembly members try their best to listen to what ordinary people have to say, only thirty-six per cent (36%) said often/always. In subsequent years of the survey, the percentage of Ghanaians who answered with often/always were as follows - 2008 (41%); 2012 (19%); 2014 (24%); 2017 (30%); 2019 (23%); and 2022 (35%).

5. Access to information from local government. In 2022, fifty-six per cent (56%) of Ghanaians said it was not likely at all when the Afrobarometer survey asked them how likely they could get information about the local development plan and budget from the local office. Another fifty-nine per cent (59%) said it was not likely at all that they could get information about local government contracts from the local office.

6. Contact with local government. In 2002, when the Afrobarometer survey asked Ghanaians how often they contact their assembly members for help to solve a problem or to give them their views, eighty-three per cent (83%) said never. In subsequent years of the survey, the predominant response category (never) stayed the same, but the percentages changed  2005 (85%); 2008 (63%); 2012 (68%); 2014 (72%); 2017 (71%); 2019 (70%); and 2022 (64%).

In Summary

How can I sum these observations up? When you are not satisfied with the performance of local government, have low trust in them and perceive corruption among them while feeling they do not listen; or think it is very unlikely to get access to information about local government and rarely contact them on issues, it comes as not a surprise when local government elections have low turnout and attract little interest from Ghanaians. That is the challenge facing our district-level elections.

But we should not accept the status quo and give up on local government. Our local governments have work to do to improve how we have come to feel about them. As they strive to improve, we the citizens must not disengage from the process.

I commend the National Commission for Civic Education for their public education campaign efforts in encouraging Ghanaians to vote in the upcoming district-level elections. Let me add my voice by encouraging you to go out and vote on December 19.

Pull Quote: But we should not accept the status quo and give up on local government. Our local governments have work to do to improve how we have come to feel about them. As they strive to improve, we the citizens must not disengage from the process.

The writer is a Democracy and Development fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) members were sent to Khankendi yesterday, the CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov said at the commission's meeting held today, Trend reports.

In addition, according to him, members of the commission have already informed where the polling stations will be located in the village of Aghali.

The polling stations there will be a model for polling stations in other places. From Khankendi, the city of Shusha, Lachin, we'll demonstrate to the world that we have created polling stations in places where restoration work is underway, he said.

The commission's head also called on the media to better cover the election in the liberated territories.

On December 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on holding an extraordinary presidential election in Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Kids get your parents, parents grab your kids: theres a new arcade in town.

Boasting a total of 75 video game machines and kiddie rides, along with a rock climbing wall, ball pit, and trampoline corner, the soon-to-open Dream Galaxy arcade at Guam Premiere Outlets has fun for the whole family, says Jason Zheng, one of the partners thats helped bring the new arcade to life.

Everything is for the kids and the adults, everyone can play, he told the Pacific Daily News.

You might call Dream Galaxy the spiritual successor to Chuck E. Cheese, one of numerous businesses that shut their doors permanently during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new enterprise sits in the same 5,000 square foot building that used to house the old video game palace at GPO.

Zheng said they moved in shortly after the old operation moved out, and have been working at getting off the ground for over a year now.

He wanted to make something different in Guam, something new, said co-partner Karen Pung.

Virtual reality

Its the six fully immersive, 360-degree virtual reality machines that set Dream Galaxy apart, said Zheng, who believes they are the first arcade on Guam to implement a full VR section.

Players can sit down, put on a headset, and be transported behind the wheel of a race-car, into the cockpit of a helicopter, or rocketed off into space on one of the machines, which sit proudly at the front of the arcade.

For those who like more of a real-world challenge, the rock climbing wall will be their best bet. Dream Galaxys rock wall is the real deal, not a pee-wee endeavor, and ascends nearly two stories high into an extension in the ceiling.

Then, of course, there are all the staples you expect in a fully kitted out arcade: the foosball table, the arcade fighting games, and the old-school kiddie rides that rock back and forth for the little ones.

New technology

But you wont have to go scrambling for tokens in your wallet, as each machine has a little green scanner attached, which can read a card you get from the front desk that comes pre-loaded.

We will set up. Its easy, Zheng said.

And the new tech doesnt end there.

Still under construction during the Pacific Daily News tour of the facility was a full-size party room at the back, which will eventually host a full-sized LED wall. Its essentially a giant screen that can be used to display high quality visual effects to take big or small events into another dimension.

Billy Hon, partner and kitchen manager on the project, believes its the first of its kind for the island. A custom lighting and sound system will also be installed.

You wont have to go far for chow, either, as Hon will be cooking up spaghetti, pizza, fried chicken, French fries, and other American and Guam favorites in the kitchen.

But grownups will have to look elsewhere for a stiff drinkits not that kind of an establishment, said Zheng.

All told, the total investment on the equipment and the space was north of $2 million, he told the PDN.

When we got here, its like a warehouse, nothing, Zheng said.

Just days after Typhoon Mawar destroyed the island in May, workers could be seen inside the building, welding together a second story to the arcade section.

After all that work, Dream Galaxy is just waiting on a few permits from the government to clear before they can open up to the public, according to Zheng. Theres also a few job opportunities at the new arcade, which has hired just 40 out of the 50 to 60 employees that it needs to run two shifts throughout the day.

The partners said theyre trying welcome their first customers by Christmas time.

We hope everyone comes here, enjoys here, plays here, Zheng said.

Biba Guam Biba Dream Galaxy!

Operating hours will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam personnel completed a pivotal Search and Rescue Exercise with partners from the FSM Maritime Wing, Fire and Rescue services and Pohnpei Department of Public Safety from Dec. 4 to 7, 2023, in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

This exercise marks a continuation of efforts to bolster search and rescue capabilities in the region, highlighting the enduring partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and its Pacific Island partners under the Compact of Free Association.

In this collaborative framework, FSM has the role of search and rescue mission coordinator for incidents within their territorial seas, while the U.S. Coast Guard takes on the responsibility of search and rescue mission coordinator for all other occurrences in their Exclusive Economic Zone, further emphasizing the complementary strengths and responsibilities of each nation in ensuring maritime safety.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the two-day training program showcased a robust exchange of skills and knowledge.

On the first day, the U.S. Coast Guard team, leveraging the facilities of the new Emergency Operations Center building in Pohnpei, led in-depth discussions on search and rescue patterns and the structure of U.S. Coast Guard command centers and conducted a case study analysis of an actual Pohnpei search and rescue case.

The second day of the exercise, spearheaded by Chief Petty Officer Robert Cook, executive petty officer of U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor, involved practical underway training.

Twenty participants, including personnel from the FSM Maritime Wing, Fire and Rescue services and Pohnpei Department of Public Safety, engaged in set and drift training and search pattern execution exercises using three boats  one from the Maritime Wing and two Fire and Rescue vessels. This hands-on training was a testament to the determination and adaptability of all involved, as they effectively carried out the exercises amid heavy rainfall.

While on island, U.S. Coast Guard representatives also met with FSM-based Australian Maritime Security Advisor Lt. Cmdr. Nigel Williams.

This discussion focused on efforts to hold a 2024 Patrol Boat Round-Up, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and shared maritime security interests in the Pacific region.

Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard team was honored to unexpectedly meet the Vice President of FSM Aren Palik on their final day. Vice President Palik expressed his gratitude for the continuous support provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, a sentiment that underscores the deep-rooted partnership between the United States and FSM.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Coast Guard is committed to providing ongoing support for SAR exercises in Pohnpei. The aim is to achieve interoperability culminating in an evaluation-type SAR exercise, further enhancing the regions maritime safety and response capabilities.

Lt. Cmdr. Christine Igisomar, the CGFM/SG maritime advisor, reflected on the exercises success, stating, This training exemplifies our shared commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our mariners. By sharing knowledge and resources, we are, as we have been for nearly eight decades in Micronesia, being good neighbors by strengthening our capabilities and forging bonds that transcend geographical boundaries.
The University of Guam congratulates 220 prospective graduates who will receive their diplomas during the Fanuchanan Commencement at 2 p.m. today at the Calvo Field House.

We are proud of our latest group of graduates who persevered through the challenges they faced, said President Anita Borja Enriquez. Whether they enter the professional workforce, continue towards higher degrees, or wherever their journey leads, we wish them a very successful voyage ahead.

Former dropout to Harvard doctoral grad

Samuel Dr. B Betances, an internationally renowned, persuasive and entertaining speaker and workshop presenter, will be the commencement speaker.

Betances was a high school dropout who beat the odds and completed a masters degree and Doctorate in Education from Harvard University.

In telling his story, Betances shared that a caring mentor led me to make reading the motivating power source that fueled my journey from failure to success.

Crossing a bridge called books proved to be the best strategy for my way out of poverty and into the professions, Betances added.

He taught at Northeastern Illinois University as a full Professor of Sociology for 25 years. He has also delivered keynote speeches at conferences on diversity and equity, destructive isms, cultural identity, language and culture preservation, indigenous rights, education, identity issues, trauma-informed care, resiliency and social change for over 40 years.

He has worked in 18 countries, all 50 states, all U.S. Territories and throughout the Micronesia region as senior DEI trainer and consultant for Souder, Betances and Associates Inc.

Betances lectured at the Harvard School of Educations Art of Leadership Summer Institute. He is most known for his advocacy related to recruiting, mentoring, retaining and graduating First-Generation Students.

He authored several books on this issue including Ten Steps to the Head of the Class (available in English and CHamoru); and Winning the Future through Education: One Step at a Time, on turning bad study habits into effective strategies for academic success.

He recently co-authored four books in the series titled Island Insights, with his wife, Laura M. Torres Souder.

The commencement will be livestreamed on https://www.facebook.com/UniversityofGuam/.
Florida already leads the nation for the highest number of book bans within its public schools  and the trend is on the rise after the Hernando County School Boards decision on Tuesday to withdraw multiple books from circulation throughout the district.

During Tuesdays regular board meeting, eight books came under the boards review following challenges lodged by the Hernando County chapter of the conservative group, Moms for Liberty.

Amid lengthy public comments and heated discourse, the board voted to remove four books: Push, written by Sapphire; A Court of Frost and Starlight, written by Sarah J. Maas; The Lovely Bones, written by Alice Sebold; and The Handmaids Tale: Graphic Novel, written by Margaret Atwood (adapted by Renee Nault).

Voting against a review committees recommendation to keep two other books in circulation, the board agreed Beloved, written by Toni Morrison, and The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thompson, should also not be available within the school district.

Hernandos school board members did agree to keep one book, Drama, written by Raina Telgemeier, in circulation, and to limit access to the The Bluest Eye, written by Toni Morrison, to adults and students enrolled in college-level courses.

Before discussing the book challenges, Ayanna Hypolite, the school boards general counsel, clarified the requirements she said must be followed in relation to instructional material, by referring to the Miller test.

According to the Legal Information Institute, the Miller test is a standard of evaluating obscenity that was established by the Supreme Court case, Miller v. California. It includes the following criteria:

Whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to prurient interest.

Whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law.

Whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

According to the Florida Department of Education, last year, approximately 300 books were removed from school district shelves across the state. However, Pen America, a nonprofit organization that works to safeguard freedom of speech through literary works, claims 1,406 books were banned in Florida during the 2022-2023 school year, which would mean that 40% of all book bans across the country occurred within Floridas school districts.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Women and girls targeted by gangs

458 women and 28 girls were killed, 353 women and 15 girls injured while 689 women and 11 girls were kidnapped between January 1 and November 15, 2023, as part of incidents linked to armed gangs in Haiti. However, Marie Goretti Nduwayo, the representative of UN-Women in Haiti, is alarmed and emphasizes that these figures are partial and do not reflect reality because the situation is much more serious...



Our Grenadieres historical world ranking

In the latest FIFA women's rankings published on Friday December 15, 2023, our Grenadieres moved up 1 place and found themselves 51st in the world with 1,502.91 points (+15.94 pts) just ahead of South Africa and behind Paraguay. Note that this is the Grenadieres best ranking in their history.



Consulate of Colombia, official opening

Friday, December 15, 2023, in the presence of Haitian Chancellor Jean Victor Geneus and the Colombian Minister of Foreign Relations, Alvaro Leyvaentre, ambassadors Daniel Camara Alvalos (Mexico), Fabrice Mauries (France), Andre Francois Giroux (Canada), Fritz Deshomme Rector of the UEH and other personalities from civil society and the private sector, the official opening ceremony of the Consulate of the Republic of Colombia in Juvenat took place, after 20 years of absence of diplomatic mission in Haiti.



Regional Finance Summit

Cap-Haitien will host the Regional Finance Summit from December 14 to 16, 2023, organized by Group Croissance. This Friday, December 15, the BRH will share perspectives on the economy, microfinance, digital currency and financial inclusion.



Did you know ?

The national presses of Haiti and the newspaper Le Moniteur were merged in 1983. These entities are classified among the oldest public institutions in the country. The Monitor is published in two separate issues. Laws, decrees and orders are published in a special issue while trademarks, limited companies and other notices appear in a regular issue. The first issue of the official newspaper Le Moniteur was published on February 8, 1845.







Seizure of 20,000 packs of contraband cigarettes from Haiti

This week, members of the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (CESFRONT) belonging to the C-2 Intelligence Department, assigned to the border operations base "Battle Sabana Larga", with the support of the Army of the Dominican Republica carried out an operation in the Lucymar Hotel, located in the Pueblo Nuevo sector of Pepillo Salcedo (municipality of Manzanillo, Monte Cristi Province) and seized 20,000 packets of Capital brand cigarettes coming from Haiti as well as a white Infiniti SUV vehicle, model QX-56 which was to be used to transport contraband goods.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolences to Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah over the death of his brother, Trend reports.

The letter reads: It is with profound sorrow that we received the news of the death of your brother, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait.

I share your grief in these difficult times, and on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I offer my deepest condolences to you, all members of your family, and the friendly people of the State of Kuwait.

May Allah rest his soul in peace!
Student Georgeline Morsette persists through challenges to earn a bachelor's degree from Montana State

Anne Cantrell

MSU News Service

BOZEMAN - When Georgeline Morsette crosses the stage in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse today during Montana State University's 139th commencement ceremony, she'll celebrate earning a bachelor's degree and entering a new chapter of life, one where she looks forward to working as an art educator in Montana.

The ceremony will be the culmination of Morsette's college career at MSU in which she has successfully completed her coursework, charted a career path, earned the respect of professors and staff members, and volunteered in her community, according to several who have worked with her. Morsette will receive a degree in art education, K-12 broadfield teaching option.

But there were times when Morsette wasn't sure she would finish her degree. During her time at MSU, she said, "life hit (her) like a train," and the challenges were daunting. To reach the commencement milestone is significant, she said, and she's glad she persisted.

"It's been a long journey," Morsette said. "I'm really glad to be at this point."

Morsette enrolled at MSU in the fall of 2017 after graduating from high school in Billings.

"I've always loved art and working with kids and teaching, so I think ever since I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to go to school to be an art teacher," she said.

She said she was inspired to study art education because her dad had wanted to be an art educator. He had enrolled at MSU too, but, she said, life got in the way of him completing his degree - her parents both started taking classes at MSU when she was just 3 weeks old.

"It turns out school is really hard with a newborn baby, and in a way I am getting this degree for both of us," Morsette said. (Her mother ended up graduating about a decade later from MSU Billings.)

Morsette also knew she wanted to study at MSU. She is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree tribe and grew up in several Montana communities, including Rocky Boy, Bozeman, Belgrade and Billings. She and her parents lived in MSU's on-campus housing for students with families when she was young. She remembers loving Bozeman and wanted to return.

Morsette has been deeply involved in a number of activities during her time at MSU, including as a member of the American Indian Council and the Society of INdigenous Educators and as an ambassador for the College of Arts and Architecture. Her art has been featured at American Indian Heritage Day and in MSU's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls exhibit in the Strand Union Building. She also served as a community assistant in MSU's Student Apartments, and she volunteered with the HRDC's summer lunch program, MSU's Bounty of the Bridgers food pantry and as a tutor in local schools with the America Reads, America Counts program. Her motivation for her volunteer work has been simply to be kind and make people feel welcome, Morsette said.

When MSU's American Indian Hall opened in October 2021, Morsette was at the podium, speaking as a representative of the MSU American Indian Council to the more than 1,000 people who attended.

The experience was "meaningful but also terrifying," Morsette recalled. She said she spoke about the importance of having a Native community at MSU.

"Even though I didn't come straight from my reservation, having that community is something that's really important," she said. "It can be really hard to come to a whole new place and hard to stay unless you feel you have that community." The American Indian Hall has enabled MSU's Native community to hold more events and to grow in numbers, Morsette said.

"It's so nice to have a bigger space for Native students to come in and feel welcome," she said.

In fact, Lisa Perry, director of American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Services, said Morsette has helped strengthen her community.

"George always engages and brings good energy into anything she is involved with," Perry said. "She genuinely cares about her community." In 2021, Morsette received the Daniel Voyich Community Involvement award given by the MSU Department of Native American Studies and the American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Program.

As Morsette progressed through college, the increasing difficulty of her classes and the number of activities she participated in started to leave her feeling overwhelmed, she said. She had to learn to say "no" to some things and that it was important to seek out help when she needed it, even if that went beyond academic help.

"I could feel myself start to struggle," she said. "I was getting burned out and my classes were getting harder. It was harder to find the motivation to get out of bed each day and go to class."

Morsette sought help for her mental health, working with staff in MSU's Counseling and Psychological Services. Working with a counselor was new for her, Morsette said: She has many siblings, and she has always been the one in her family who has given help, not needed it.

"But I realized it's OK to ask for help, too," she said. "I know I'm strong, but even strong people need help. ... It was good to get the help I needed."

Other challenges came, too. Morsette, who had transferred some credits from summer courses she took at Stone Child College in Rocky Boy, was originally on track to graduate from MSU in three years, she said. But the COVID-19 pandemic hit just as she was getting ready to student-teach, and she knew she didn't want to complete that portion of her education virtually.

"I just felt like it wouldn't prepare me for the classroom," she said. Instead, she took classes in Native American studies, but by the spring of 2021, her mental health was "not great" and she also needed to save money for school and living expenses. So Morsette took a year off from MSU.

She said it was a tough decision and she was worried that she might not return.

"I was scared because many people told me how hard it would be to come back," she recalled. "But I think that's part of what motivated me to come back. I'm really stubborn. And I came so far and worked so hard to not go back and finish my degree."

Ultimately, she said the time off "gave me a renewed sense of purpose and the rest that I needed to come back." She re-enrolled at MSU in the spring of 2022 and completed her student teaching this semester in Billings, teaching high school ceramics.

Now, as she looks back on her time at MSU, she feels grateful for the professors and staff members who supported her along the way. For example, "everyone" in the education department was always kind and welcoming, she said.

"They genuinely care about you and want you to succeed. And if you ever need help, they're always there to help you," she said. "I definitely wouldn't have made it if I hadn't had tons of people to help me through."

In addition, she said her academic work taught her lessons she will carry with her throughout her career. One art methods class taught by Paul Waldum was especially memorable.

"That class showed the importance of creativity and of teaching creative thinking, critical thinking skills and out-of-the-box-type thinking," she said. "Art education is so much more than doing art."

As she looks ahead to life after graduation, Morsette isn't sure what's next. She would like to find a job teaching art somewhere in Montana, as her partner has one more year left at MSU. She has also considered enrolling in a master's program.

One thing she does know is that, as she reflects on the impact her teachers have had on her life, she looks forward to someday being an important person in her own students' lives.

"I've had amazing teachers in my life," Morsette said. "Growing up, life wasn't always easy, but school was a place I enjoyed going because of those great teachers and mentors who inspired me. They made a safe place for me and made me excited to learn. That's what made me want to be a teacher; I want to be that for my own students one day."

Joe Hicks, assistant dean in the College of Education, Health and Human Development, predicts that Morsette will be just that, calling her a "natural educator" who exhibits great joy and enthusiasm for the learning process.

"Georgeline invests so much into fostering caring and supportive student relationships," Hicks said. "Her future teaching career is so bright, helping to make the world of art accessible to all students."
The Great Northern Fair Board will meet Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Northern Fairgrounds Community Center.

The meeting agenda is:

Call meeting to order

Roll call of members

 Michelle

 Bob

 Ken

 Kaleb

 Casey

 Alicia

Recognize and record public attendees

Approve minutes

Public comment  anything brought up here will be added to the next months new business to be discussed and voted on

Fair managers report

Civic groups report

Donated hours report

Committee reports

Buildings and Grounds

Commission Policy

Financial Planning

Events Committee

Old business

 Update on rental

New business

 Report on International Association of Fairs and Expos

 Dirt work in Bigger Better Barn
Havre Police Department

A 14-year-old was issued a summons on a charge of underage tobacco possession or consumption after a juvenile with a vape pen was reported at Havre High School Thursday at 11:10 a.m.

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Lane Thomas Allen of Harlem, 22, was arrested on a state District Court warrant after a caller at probation and parole on First Street reported a man with an outstanding warrant at 11:21 a.m. Thursday.

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Lawrence Curtis Carter of Havre, 69, was issued a summons on a charge of operating a vehicle with fictitious plates during a vehicle stop on Sixth Avenue Thursday at 12:04 p.m.

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A written or verbal warning was issued after a caller on Third Avenue West at 2:52 p.m. reported 10 people standing in a a backyard drinking.

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A Thursday 3:19 p.m. report of a water main break on Fourth Street was referred to Havre Public Works.

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Fred Nashookpuk of Havre, 38, was arrested on a charge of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant after a Tenth Avenue caller reported Thursday at 9:02 p.m. that their significant other beat them up.

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A 16th Street West caller reported Thursday at 9:44 p.m. that a man had hit the caller in the back of the head, causing bleeding.

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At least two callers reported around 5:10 a.m. today that a driver in an older 2000s black Dodge was driving in the wrong lane on the hill on 13th Street and almost hit a car.

Hill County Sheriff's Office

A 9:41 a.m. Thursday report of a hit and run crash in Box Elder was referred to Montana Highway Patrol.

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A Thursday 5:27 p.m. report of a vehicle hitting a deer on U.S. Highway 87 near mile marker 107 was referred to Montana Highway Patrol.

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An arrest was made on a warrant served Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Hill County Detention Center, but no details on the charges were provided.

Havre Fire Department

Emergency medical technicians responded to three calls Thursday.

Havre Animal Shelter

This morning the animal shelter held two 15-week-old kittens of unknown gender, three female cats, seven kittens between 15 weeks and 7 months old, and two male cats.

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Also this morning, the animal shelter held four female mixed-breed dogs, seven puppies between 14 weeks and 6 months old, a female and a male Rottweiler and a female German shepherd. Additionally, two puppies, ages 19-weeks and 24-weeks, were being housed offsite.
In his last rural press call of the year Thursday, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., discussed the recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, recent negotiations over Ukraine aid and border security and the ongoing effort to pass the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Compact and Settlement Act.

Tester said the defense bill was passed Wednesday evening and it will ensure U.S. safety is maintained broadly, but will also provide a number of direct benefits to Montana.

He said the bill included $10.3 million for Malmstrom Air Force Base for construction and land acquisition, and $30 million for the Montana Air National Guard.

The most important benefit, however, he said, is a 5.2 percent pay increase for all service members, which is the largest raise for them in more than 20 years.

In the call he said he regrets that Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., held the promotions for military personnel up for so many months because he didn't like the military's reproductive health care policy.

Not long after the call the Senate passed a bill to provide back payment to those whose promotions were held up.

Unfortunately, Tester said during the call, one thing that wasn't attached to the bill was the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Compact and Settlement Act, which the Senate hoped to pass along with it.

The compact, in addition to settling water rights between the Fort Belknap Indian Community, funds infrastructure for clean drinking water and irrigation, contains $275 million in mitigation funds for the Milk River Project, which has been in need of rehabilitation for many years and is vital to local agriculture producers.

The settlement has been more than a decade in the making with collaboration between local, tribal, state and federal governments as well as stakeholders, and is the last water settlement in Montana to be finalized.

Tester said they will need to attach the compact to something else after Jan. 1, and it may be a battle, especially with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., in charge.

"It's important to me, but it's more important to the people of Fort Belknap," he said. "... We gotta get the delegation together and fight like hell to get it through, and it's going to take more of a fight because the speaker is against us."

Tester also spoke in support of ongoing negotiations between Democrats and Republicans regarding Ukraine aid and border security.

He said Russia, in its invasion of Ukraine, has been working hard on a propaganda campaign to convince Ukrainian soldiers that the U.S. has abandoned them, but he believes that Democrats, and most Republicans, are in favor of continued support, as he is.

"The reason Ukraine has been successful in this war, and they have been successful in this war, is because they are fighting for freedom and democracy, they are fighting for something they believe in," he said. "The Russian troops are fighting for Putin, someone they don't believe in."

He said he supports efforts to increase security on the southern border to combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking and fix a broken system, and said those standing in the way of those solutions are only doing so to keep a wedge issue alive for political reasons.

However, he said, he is cautiously optimistic that solutions to both issues can be found during these negotiations.

He said U.S. Border Patrol and law enforcement in general need more resources to do that and must be supported in their efforts.

Tester also spoke about the Joe Biden administration opening the country up to beef imports from Paraguay despite ongoing concerns about how it is produced.

He said until it can be shown the Paraguayan beef can hold up to the production standards of Montana, it should not be allowed on shelves in the U.S.

"Montana ranchers produce the best beef in the world," Tester said. "That's not bragging, it's a fact."

Tester said there is a lot more to do in Congress generally and he hopes the desire to go home for the holidays spurs on a much-needed sense of urgency among his colleagues.

He said needed military bills are still on the table and if Congress doesn't get a move on they could be staring down the barrel of yet another government shutdown, which will affect everything from social security to farm services, and yet another continuing resolution with the previous budget isn't going to cut it this time.
Dear Santa,

I hope this letter finds you well, albeit busy as heck, Im sure! Its that time of year!

I wanted to let you know that Ive been good.

Regarding lumps of coal and such. I would love something more environmentally friendly. Could you please give me a solar panel?

You can just leave it on the roof!

How is the North Pole? Ive been worried about you. Do you have winter? I know our glaciers are melting faster than scientists thought. Here in Montana, they are really shrinking.

One of our Congressmen said that he can eat his sandwich watching them melt!

Have you thought of moving?

The best present for all of us would be for Congress to help work together to get bipartisan climate solutions enacted. Heres one: the Energy Innovation Act! Canada has this type of carbon pricing and they like it! More money in their pockets for Christmas shopping!

Could you please tell everyone about it on your trip this year?

I think its great that the House has a bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus! And there is a Conservative Climate Caucus! I hope that Congressmen Zinke and Rosendale join it and work on climate legislation in 2024.

We had to cancel the Nordic Festival in West Yellowstone again because there is no snow.

Major bummer!

Please pat Rudolf for me. I hope you dont have any trouble landing your sleigh in Montana this year since there is no snow (another byproduct of our warming world).

Perhaps youll want to get an EV?

Thank you, Santa!

Alexandra Amonette

Big Timber
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. A concert by Steve Barakatt will take place at the Heydar Aliyev Center on February 10, as part of the Neorealite World Tour, Trend reports.

Barakatt, born in 1973 in Quebec to a Lebanese family, is a composer and producer who performs both classical music and jazz.

His concert in Baku will consist of two parts. The program will include compositions from Barakatt's latest album, as well as beloved pieces from previous years.

Barakatt is not only a musician but also a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). He is the author of the UNICEF anthem "Laylay" which was also pperformed in space, and a video clip about children's rights was released for the anthem.

Many of Barakatt's works have been featured in over 150 television shows worldwide, including the Monaco Grand Prix.

In 2005, the premiere of his famous symphonic work "Ad vitam aeternam" took place at the Grand Theatre de Quebec.

Two parts of this renowned composition by the composer will also be performed at the Baku concert.

A recipient of various awards, Barakatt, a composer, pianist, music producer, and creative director, has collaborated on hundreds of projects worldwide with renowned artists, record companies, organizations, and leading orchestras.

In 2020, he was awarded the title of Knight of the National Order of Quebec by the Premier of Quebec.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
In our vast and often brutal Montana landscape, USPS workers frequently brave blizzards and slick October and November roads to deliver election ballots. Too frequently, their most challenging battle is against a lack of resources.

Postal delays are more than an inconvenience; they threaten the accuracy and security of Montanas elections.

In the early 2010s, rumors of closing the Missoula and Kalispell sorting centers stirred concern among Montanans, rightfully so. Today, as the USPS grapples with hiring troubles and resource shortages, postal employees express similar concerns that further losses will reduce the reliability of our mail system.

Montanas ballots go out 25 days before Election Day  a timeline that once felt comfortable but now cuts it close. Hand-delivered letters to the local post office often take four or five days to be delivered to P.O. boxes in that same office.

In a state where elections frequently hinge on a handful of votes, the impact of continued service reductions will be extreme.

Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines are vocal advocates for protecting Montanas postal delivery resources, but Reps. Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale need to step up. This is a non-partisan issue that can be resolved with the entirety of our congressional delegation actively engaging with the problem.

Reach out to our congressmen and let them know we want accurate elections that allow all legal Montana voters to vote.

Of note, Montanans can track their ballots online using the outdated Secretary of State website  under construction more often than I-90 through Butte  that leaves citizens dealing with dead links and poorly designed interfaces. A recent update aimed for a modern touch, but issues continue.

Montanans deserve better than what they receive from the Post Office, and further reductions will harm more than election integrity. It is appropriate to expect more of our elected officials in order to protect the USPS, a service essential to our democracy.



Jesse James Mullen is the founder of Mullen Newspapers, which operates community newspapers across the Rocky Mountain West, including nine Montana newspapers. He lives in Deer Lodge and is a Democratic candidate for secretary of state.
A recent study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and Emlyon Business School has shed light on a common issue in the workplace: the coexistence of boredom and chronic exhaustion among employees. The study, published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, challenges the usual perceptions regarding the causes of employee ill-being, emphasizing the importance of task relevance rather than just the quantity of work.

The research, which surveyed Finnish and British employees, found that 4050% of them regularly experience boredom at work. Prolonged boredom is a sign of ill-being that needs addressing, explains Assistant Professor Lotta Harju from Emlyon Business School. Contrary to popular belief, boredom at work is often not due to a lack of tasks but rather the presence of illegitimate tasks - those unrelated to an employee's job description.

These illegitimate tasks, including bureaucratic red tape and irrelevant miscellaneous duties, are major contributors to both boredom and burnout. Its a misconception that boredom comes from not having enough to do, and burnout from having too much, says Lotta Harju.

The study suggests that resolving workplace boredom isn't as simple as reducing the workload. Piia Seppala, a Specialist Researcher at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, recommends a review of job descriptions to ensure that employees are engaged in essential tasks. Focusing on the nature of the work, rather than just the volume, can prevent boredom and burnout.

The researchers also highlight the importance of job crafting, where employees take on new challenges that align with their interests and skills. Engaging in job crafting can increase work engagement, the antithesis of boredom, and simultaneously decrease the risk of burnout, notes Research Professor Jari Hakanen from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

This study underscores the need for organizations to reassess how they assign tasks to employees, focusing on relevancy and engagement to combat boredom and exhaustion in the workplace. Such an approach could lead to a more satisfied and productive workforce.

HT
Rizah Veseli , the founder of Pernion Rullakebabtehdas Oy, has been honored as the 'Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year' in a competition organized by the Finnish Entrepreneurs and the pension insurance company Elo. This prestigious accolade was announced during the Business Unplugged event in Helsinki, recognizing Veseli's resilience and the innovative spirit of his enterprise.

A native of Kosovo, Veseli and his family sought asylum in Finland in the early 1990s. He began his entrepreneurial journey as a restaurateur in Pernio in 1996, leading to the establishment of Pernion Rullakebabtehdas in 2006. The factory specializes in crafting convenient, ready-to-eat food products, found on the shelves of major Finnish retail groups. Unique for their handcrafted quality, including homemade dough, these products use high-quality local ingredients and have maintained the same recipe for 28 years.

Reflecting on his success, Veseli credits his entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, honesty, high-quality products, and excellent service. He draws motivation from positive feedback, with a mission to enhance factory efficiency, and improve the income and work life of his employees.

Embracing diversity, Veseli's company, which generated a turnover of 1.5 million euros last year, employs 15 people from five different cultures.

The 'Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year' competition, held for the fifth time by the Finnish Entrepreneurs and Elo, saw 25 nominees from across Finland. Elo rewarded Veseli with a prize of 5,000 euros. The jury included Pamela Spokes, chair of the Finnish Entrepreneurs network for immigrant entrepreneurs; Anton Goutsoul, the 2022 competition winner; Marianna Ahola, marketing director at Elo; and Jenni Parpala, vice-chair of the Finnish Entrepreneurs board.

In addition to the main prize, two honorary mentions were awarded in the competition. 'One to watch' went to Bambi Dang, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Finest Future Oy, originally from Vietnam. 'Family entrepreneurial spirit' was awarded to Myrskylan Savu, founded by Lilia Leps, who moved from Estonia to Finland and started a fish smoking business in 2011, continuing the tradition in Myrskyla.

This competition not only celebrates the achievements of immigrant entrepreneurs but also underscores their significant contributions to the Finnish economy and society.

HT
The World Medical Association (WMA), echoing concerns raised by the World Health Organization (WHO), has issued a stern warning about the dangers of electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). This warning comes amidst rising global popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly among young people, and a lack of adequate regulation in many countries.

Dr. Lujain Alqodmani, President of the WMA, emphasized the urgent need for government action to safeguard children and adolescents. She highlighted the alarming situation reported by the WHO, where 88 countries have no minimum age restriction for purchasing e-cigarettes, and 74 countries lack regulations for these harmful products.

The United States, one of the few countries actively monitoring e-cigarette usage among youth, reported worrying statistics in a recent survey by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey found that 27.9 percent of high school students (Grades 9-13) used tobacco products, with e-cigarettes being the most popular choice at 22.6 percent. This trend likely mirrors the situation in many other countries.

Earlier this year, the WMA published its revised Statement on Electronic Cigarettes and Other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, calling for enhanced protection of children and adolescents. Dr. AlQodmani stated, These products must be considered harmful and not safe. Sale, marketing, distribution, and accessibility of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products to children and adolescents must be prohibited.

The WMA urges that e-cigarettes be regulated under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and subject to smoke-free laws and regulations in various jurisdictions. This call to action aims to curb the rising tide of e-cigarette usage among young people and address the public health challenge posed by these products. The association's stance reinforces the growing global consensus on the need for more stringent controls on e-cigarettes to protect public health, particularly the health of younger generations.

HT
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16.. The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) will have more options for capacity booking from new players, Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officer of ICGB, the pipeline operator, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

"Developing new infrastructure like interconnectors and LNG terminals enhances the energy security and diversification of natural gas supplies - for both Greece and Bulgaria and the broader region. With Greece focusing strategically on the development of LNG terminals  for example the one in Alexandroupolis, IGB should see increased market interest and more options for capacity booking from new players that havent been this active in the region before," she said.

Teodora Georgieva noted that having this in mind, ICGB is actively working on the expansion of the IGB pipelines capacity to enable transportation of increased natural gas quantities.

"Such a move will undoubtedly support our ability to meet the growing demand for new and reliable routes for diversified deliveries and will enable extending gas supplies to neighboring countries," noted the executive director.

The IGB gas pipeline connects with the Greek national gas transmission system (DESFA S.A.) and the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP AG) in the area of Komotini (Greece), and with the Bulgarian gas transmission system (Bulgartransgaz EAD) in the area of Stara Zagora. The total length of the gas pipeline is 182 km, the diameter of the pipe - 32'' - and a design capacity of up to 3 billion m3/year in the direction Greece - Bulgaria. The gas pipeline enables the transportation of natural gas from new sources to other countries in the region as well, including Moldova and Ukraine.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
A YOUNG boy is to run a 5km to raise money for the hospice where his baby brother was cared for in his few days of life.

Oskar Nystrom, seven, from Park Corner, near Nettlebed, has already raised more than 2,500 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children  more than 10 times his target.

The London hospice looked after his brother Jacob, who was just five days old when he passed away in 2018.

Jacob had been born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital condition.

Oskar often talks about his little brother and decided he wanted to raise money to help other children requiring palliative care.

His parents, John and Josephine, say they are proud of him.

Oskar, who attends Moulsford School, first began raising money by selling his toys to friends and their siblings and saving his pocket money. He had made more than 100 before he decided to move on to running.

He is to take part in the Dorney Lake 5km on January 14.

Mrs Nystrom said: Jacob was born when Oskar was one-and-a-half. He didnt live for very long. We went from the hospital into the hospice and were there for three days.

Oskar was also able to go to the hospice and make a handprint canvas of his and Jacobs handprints together, which now hangs in the family home.

Mrs Nystrom said: [Demelza] were just like a family and there was a really lovely atmosphere. Everything about the experience there was amazing.

We talk about Jacob as a family. We had a little girl before Oskar, called Minna, who was stillborn, and we talk about her often, too. They are part of our family but they are in Heaven.

Mr Nystrom added: Oskar enjoyed it at the hospice. There were lots of toys and everyone was friendly. There were other children there and the staff are really kind.

Oskar decided he wanted to raise some money for the charity about two years ago.

Mr Nystrom said: I was talking generally about giving, trying to encourage that side of things in him from an early age.

We support some other charities and we thought it was nice to encourage him to get involved in something that was important to him.

Mrs Nystrom said: Oskar wanted to give other children and families the opportunity that wed had because the hospice only works through the donations of other people, so somebody had donated so that we could be there.

He wanted to do that for somebody else. Then we talked about how we could get to 200 and he really loves running.

As he was growing up, when he was walking and would get tired, wed say: Do you want to run? and he would say yes.

Oskars first competitive run was in the Nettlebed Stinger last year, when he ran 2km in 12 minutes.

He said he likes everything about running as it makes him feel all awake and he often runs around his village with his father. The furthest he has run so far is 8km and he plays rugby, cycles and swims.

Oskar said he never expected to raise so much money and it felt good, although giving his toys away was hard as he missed some of them.

His school and his friends have supported him. Moulsford promoted Oskars challenge on Instagram and he gave a talk about his brother in an assembly.

Mrs Nystrom said: It was mainly school friends, our friends and family who donated and then people that we dont know.

Its an amazing amount and I would never have thought we would raise this much.

Oskar said: We put it on JustGiving when I was going to bed and then overnight we got 600, I think. My goal was 200.

Demelza has invited Oskar to visit the hospice after his run, which he is keen to do.

Mrs Nystrom said: Its an emotional thing, so I dont think you can totally know how youll feel until you get there but I think itll be good.

When we left, they said: Youre welcome to come back whenever you want and they provided lots of support afterwards.

Itll be nice to go back and for Oskar to round off what he needs for himself. Were proud of Oskar for picking something that he really enjoys and sort of being an inspiration to his friends as well.

Mr Nystrom said: I think its been quite a revelation for him how generous people have been.

To make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/

oskar-runs-for-jacob
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The Adani Group has acquired a majority stake in news agency Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) for an undisclosed sum, thereby expanding its footprint in the media sector after acquiring NDTV last year. A file photo of billionaire Gautam Adani.(Reuters file)

The Adani Enterprises in a regulatory filing said that its subsidiary AMG Media Networks Ltd (AMNL) acquired a 50.50 per cent stake comprising equity shares of IANS India Private Ltd, PTI reported.



In a regulatory filing, the Adani Group said, "AMNL has also signed a shareholders' agreement with IANS and Sandeep Bamzai, a shareholder of IANS, to record their inter-se rights with respect to IANS."

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The news agency had reported a revenue of 11.86 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23 (April 2022 to March 2023). As per the filing, all the operational and management control of IANS will be with AMNL, which will have the right to appoint all the directors.

Pursuant to the acquisition as set out above, IANS is now a subsidiary of AMNL, the filing added.

Earlier Adani Group had acquired Quintillion Business Media, which operates business and financial news digital media platform BQ Prime. The business conglomerate acquired broadcaster NDTV last year.

The NDTV founders transferred most of their shares in the company to Adani, giving his conglomerate control over nearly 65 per cent of the news network.

Radhika and Prannoy Roy sold 27.26% stake in NDTV to an entity owned by Adani, giving it 64.71% of NDTV, regulatory filings by the Delhi-based news media network showed. Adani already held more than 37% in NDTV after an open offer and an earlier acquisition of a company owned by the founders.
Public sector banks in India typically do not operate on Saturdays, creating uncertainty for customers planning visits. Recent speculation about a potential shift to a five-day workweek adds to the confusion. So, are the bank open today? Here we clear your confusion so that you avoid potential inconveniences during your bank visits. Bank Holidays(Pradeep Gaur/Mint. Image for representational purpose)

There has been no official confirmation of change in working structure of banks to a five-day week. As of now, banks adhere to the traditional schedule, observing holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays, in addition to Sundays. Thus, banks will remain open on this Saturday.

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India's banking sector has formally sent proposal to finance ministry declaring all Saturdays as official holidays.

Addressing inquiries regarding the Indian Banks Association (IBA) advocating for a five-day work week, minister of state for finance Bhagwat Karad in parliament confirmed the IBA's submission of the proposal. But there is yet to be any confirmation on its acceptance.

When are banks closed?

Currently, bank employees have days off on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays, with additional holidays on festivals determined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, online services continue to operate even on holidays.

The RBIs holiday list for December shows that banks will be closed for eighteen days. This includes December 18 and 19 for events such as the Death Anniversary of U SoSo Tham and Goa Liberation Day. Additionally, December 25, 26, and 30 are designated holidays for Christmas Day Celebration and U Kiang Nangbah. It's important to note that these holidays vary by region and are not applied uniformly across the country.

Also read: Bank holidays in December: Branches to remain shut for 18 days; check state-wise list

The RBI has categorised them into different types, including Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act and real-time gross settlement holidays.

The complete list is available on the RBI's website, through which people can plan their bank visits and other activities accordingly.
The Adani Group on Saturday said it was awarded the Dharavi slum redevelopment project by the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra through a fair and open international bidding.



The Adani Group's Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) issued a statement on the day former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray led a protest march from Dharavi to Adani's office in Mumbai. The Dharavi redevelopment project aims at converting the world's largest slum into a modern city hub and resettling its 1 million residents(AP file photo)

"It is important to note that the tender conditions were finalised during the tenure of the MVA government, which demitted office at the end of June 2022. The finalised conditions, including the obligations and incentives, which were known to all the bidders, have not been changed for the awardee post the tendering process. Hence, it is wrong to claim that any special benefits have been given to the awardee, the DRPPL spokesperson said in a statement.

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The redevelopment project aims at converting the world's largest slum into a modern city hub and resettling its 1 million residents.



ALSO READ: Mumbai's Dharavi slum and Adani's plans to redevelop it: Timeline

Concerted effort to disseminate misinformation

"It is unfortunate that a concerted effort is being made to disseminate misinformation about certain aspects of the project. It is reiterated that all eligible tenement holders will be provided with a key-to-key solution, which means they will move into their new homes in Dharavi itself," the statement added.

As per the tender conditions, even ineligible tenement holders will be provided accommodation under the Rental Housing Policy. The tender provisions also ensure that eligible residential tenements will receive 17 per cent more area than other SRA projects in Mumbai. Further, the generation and usage of TDR are as per the tender conditions and fully compliant with the relevant laws, the statement added.



ALSO READ: Adani using muscle power to evict Dharavi residents, claims local MLA

"Moreover, the resettlement of Dharavikars is not affected by Transferable Development Rights (TDR)," the Adani Group entity added.

"Also, the TDR from the project will be managed and monitored transparently through a specially created portal by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Maharashtra government."

The state government has entered into a 99-year lease agreement with the Indian Railways, and then it will be subleased on 30 years basis like any other government land in Mumbai to the housing societies. "There is no change in this policy for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project," the statement said.

"There is a general consensus, not only in Mumbai and Maharashtra but also across the whole of India, for transforming Dharavi and providing the people of Dharavi better living conditions, adequate hygiene, education and vocational training, healthcare, employment opportunities, essential amenities and a life of dignity.

"The Dharavi project assumes added significance because many earlier attempts have failed to deliver. It is against this backdrop that the Adani Group has taken up the challenge and the responsibility of transforming Dharavi with all the above facilities," the statement added.



ALSO READ: Dharavi residents trade charges on the eve of rally

Govt fell due to treachery

During the protest, Uddhav Thackeray, who served as the chief minister during the rule of Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government, refuted allegations that the project was awarded to Adani during his stint.



""The allegation is false. Show me one such GR.Now one can understand who financed the toppling of my government. With the Shiv Sena around, the BJP could not help its friends, so my party was broken and its symbol was stolen," Thackeray claimed without taking names.
People living in northern Indian cities such as Noida and Gurugram operate like one would in a first-world economy, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan has opined. Former Governor of Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) Raghuram Rajan (Mohd Zakir/HT PHOTO)

Rajan, who was the RBI's 23rd governor, holding the coveted post from September 2013 to September 2016, said so on YouTuber Akash Banerjee's The Deshbhakt channel, on a podcast titled Raghuram Rajans Economic Roadmap & Warning for India.'

Parts of the Indian economy are first-world

There, the central bank's ex-governor was asked to share his insights on the country's economic progress, and the challenges ahead.

In response, he pointed to economic activities in cities such as Noida and Gurugram. Parts of the Indian economy are first-world. People in Noida and Gurgaon are essentially operating in a first-world economy, he said.

Both Noida, which is in Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana's Gurugram (the city was renamed in 2016 but is still popular by its old name, i.e., Gurgaon) are satellite cities of Delhi, and, along with it, as well as few other nearby places, constitute the National Capital Region (NCR). The two cities are IT, industrial, and financial hubs despite their relatively small populations.

What is a first-world economy?

Generally, these are countries that are highly industrialised and have advanced economies. Sometimes, these are also called developed or industrialised countries. Currently, India, is the world's fifth-largest economy (behind the US, China, Japan, and Germany, respectively) and is set to rise to third by 2030, leapfrogging Japan and Germany.

What else did Rajan talk about?

Meanwhile, on the podcast  you can watch it here  Rajan also touched upon topics like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the November 2016 demonetisation, India's journey to a developed economy by 2047, and more.

Great success. Success has many fathers. I want to claim a little bit of parenthood. It started during my time at the RBI, now we are at 10 billion transactions a month, he said on UPI.
According to officials, this is a societal initiative by Volvo Group, which has built and provided this advanced, connected mobile community clinic, in partnership with Narayana Health with support from the Karnataka government. HT Image

The Health and Family Welfare Department shall provide basic infrastructure support for the mobile clinic at government hospitals and primary health centers, in order to provide the needful screening for patients.

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"This initiative 'Wellness on Wheels' is set to reach districts, taluks, rural areas, and slums in various parts of Karnataka to provide the much-needed assistance to the economically disadvantaged sections of society," an official statement said.

The mobile clinic has been especially designed, customised and equipped with advanced screening equipment for detecting cancer and heart ailments along with non-invasive diagnostic tools, including Ultrasound, ECG and X Ray, it said.

According to the statement, to enable telemedicine and consultation with experts at Narayana Health hospital in Bengaluru, the vehicle is Wi-Fi enabled and is provided with high-end laptops, specially configured for doctors, to facilitate remote communication and to get expert advice on-the-go.

The 42-feet long, specially designed, spacious mobile clinic is airconditioned, equipped with diagnostic lab, a chemical toilet, and is independently powered by on-board power sources. The vehicle has storage space for carrying canopies and chairs for patients in-waiting, it added.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, chairman, Narayana Health said, "Diagnosing illness at a late stage makes it harder to treat and alleviate a patients condition  which unfortunately is a norm today. We could save many lives if we can carry out early diagnoses. This mobile clinic will initiate the culture of preventive healthcare while reaching out to economically weaker and under-served sections in the country, helping to save precious lives."
The government has also convened the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 on Tuesday. HT Image

"Today we had a meeting with the officials where directions were issued to purchase testing kits through Karnataka Medical Supplies Corporation. We have asked officials to procure test kits, which includes RT-PCR tests, Rapid Antigen Test and VTM (Viral Transport Medium)," Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters here after a meeting with the officials of the Health department.

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Officials have also been instructed to conduct mock drills in all the hospitals to check how many beds including ICU beds, oxygen availability and medicines, he added.

"I have told the officials to be prepared. Though the situation is not like that (alarming) and we should not think in that manner, we should be prepared in case the (COVID like) situation recurs. In the event of any shortcoming, it should be rectified now itself," Rao said.

The Minister said he has convened a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID on Tuesday. The TAC is headed by Dr K Ravi, who is the head of the department of medicine in Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).

"We should be prepared and not allow a disaster to happen. We were not prepared in the past but after having experienced it we should gear up now itself," Rao said.

This time only those showing symptoms of COVID will be tested and not everyone, the minister said.

He underlined the need to study how the virus and its sub-variants are behaving.
The Punjab and Haryana high court has allowed a Canadian NRI to record his statement in a criminal case via video conferencing as he was not able to secure Indian visa due to strained relations between the two countries. As per the plea, the trial court in Dasuya had initially allowed recording of statement in July through VC.

The evidence of the petitioner being complainant is necessary for the pursuits of justice and the mechanism of fair trial as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India is not only available to the accused but it exists for the complainant victim as well and depriving an opportunity to the petitioner to depose through video conferencing, who is stuck in Canada due to a diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, would be violative of his right to free and fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution, the bench of justice HS Brar observed allowing plea from one Sukhmanjit Singh Dhindsa.

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Dhindsa is a complainant in a criminal case registered on September, 2019 on allegations of criminal breach of trust. The trial court in Hoshiarpur had closed prosecution evidence on October 25, an order challenged by him in high court.

As per the plea, the trial court in Dasuya had initially allowed recording of statement in July through VC. In October, he filed fresh application stating that he was not able to secure visa to visit India for recording his evidence due to strained ties between the two countries, which was dismissed by the trial court.

The relationship between India and Canada, which have strained for the past few years, went into free fall after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the allegation in Canadas Parliament on September 18 that there was a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as terrorist by India. India rejected the accusation as absurd.

The high court observed that Criminal Procedure Code permits recording of evidence by way of video conferencing and such procedure has been duly recognised by high court by inserting Model Video Conferencing Rules as circulated by the Supreme Court. The recourse to record evidence through video conferencing is all the more necessary when attendance of a witness cannot be procured physically and any delay would affect the progress of the trial, which would cause great hardship and inconvenience to the witness by travelling a long distance to depose, the bench further recorded adding that not allowing him to give his statement through VC would cause grave prejudice to him being the complainant and render undue advantage to the accused persons.
New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): With an aim to disseminate information about the government's flagship schemes and ensure their benefits reach every corner of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra entered Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram, the five states where assembly elections were held recently. HT Image

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by the Prime Minister on November 15 in Khunti, Jharkhand but the launch of the yatra was delayed in some States as the Model code of conduct was enforced due to elections. BJP has formed its governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh while in Telangana, Congress has dethroned the KCR government.

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PM Modi emphasized the crucial role of cities in the development of a prosperous India.

PM Modi said, "For the resolution of developed India, our cities have a huge role. For a long time after independence, development was limited to a few big cities. But today, we are focusing on the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities."

PM Modi provided an overview of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, highlighting its progress over the past month, reaching thousands of villages and 1,500 cities. The yatra aims to disseminate information about the government's flagship schemes and ensure their benefits reach every corner of the country.

Talking about the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra further, the Prime Minister said, "With the vision of a developed India, Modi's guaranteed vehicle is reaching every corner of the country. It's been a month since we started this journey. In just one month, this journey has reached thousands of villages as well as 1,500 cities."

Interacting with the beneficiaries of the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', PM Modi inquired about their experiences, discussed what schemes benefitted them and also asked if they faced any hurdles while receiving the benefits of the central government's schemes.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted key achievements and transformative initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government while addressing a gathering at Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra on Saturday at Changodar in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district.

The Home Minister highlighted the government's ambition to create two crore 'Lakhpati didis', underscoring the commitment to women's economic empowerment.

Shah also lauded PM Modi's efforts in industrial development, raising the standard of living for 60 crore impoverished citizens and facilitating essential services like water, grains, and vaccinations.

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya highlighted PM Modi's resolution for India to become the most powerful country globally by the completion of 100 years of independence, and the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a step toward realizing this vision

Earlier, during the virtual interaction with the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "It was PM Modi's concern that no one should be left behind. Many people do 'yatra'. Some for physical benefits and some for personal gains, but this 'yatra' is such that it is for the benefit of the 140 crore people of the country."

At 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' programme in Delhi, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "To ensure that the benefits of every scheme reach the 140 crore people of the country is the resolution and guarantee of PM Modi. He makes the dreams of the common men his guarantee."

On 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy said, " The 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' began in the country but could not begin in the 5 states of the elections. Today it has begun in those 5 states also. We will make sure that every home has a gas cylinder. This yatra will continue till the Republic Day."

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected to this yatra, I welcome him. We welcome this yatra being taken out in the state today...

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said, "Today the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra began in our state. It was delayed due to the elections. More and more people will know about the schemes of the government and will be benefitted from it. All the promises made by our government would be fulfilled."

At the program of 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' in Jaipur, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma says, "We are working to make sure that women and children are safe and secure. We will work on the policy of zero tolerance for corruption. Better law and order and security is our resolution."

Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari said, "It is the vision of PM, Narendra Modi, that India becomes a developed country - that we become a developed nation by 2047, when we complete 100 years of independence. We are going ahead toward that. The yatra began in Rajasthan today...The 'rath' will reach every village, every city, every Vidhan Sabha constituency and all public representatives, officials will together have to avail the benefits of schemes. We also have to get in touch with people who have already availed the benefits..."

Talking about the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a resolution on completion of 75 years of independence, that on completion of 100 years of independence, India should become the most powerful country in the world. This Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a part of that. By visiting from village to village, people are being informed that India will become the most powerful country in the world

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a nationwide initiative to inform and empower citizens about government schemes.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan participated in a 'padayatra' in Odisha's Cuttack district en route to attending PM Modi's virtual program for the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

The yatra, launched on November 15 in Jharkhand, is a nationwide initiative aimed at informing and empowering citizens about government schemes. It involves health camps at various stops to provide on-the-spot services. As of November 26, over 5,470 health camps have been conducted in 995 Gram Panchayats, with a total footfall exceeding 7,82,000 people. (ANI)
The researchers at Virginia Tech University in the US asked ChatGPT to answer a prompt about the environmental justice issues in each of the 3,108 counties across the states of the country. HT Image

ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, developed by OpenAI, that is trained extensively on massive amounts of data in natural language. Such AI tools, also called large language models, can process, manipulate and generate textual responses based on users' requests, or "prompts".

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The researchers found that while ChatGPT displayed an ability to identify location-specific environmental justice challenges in large, high-density population areas, the tool had limitations when it came to local environmental justice issues.

They said that the AI model could provide location-specific information for only about 17 per cent, or 515, of the total 3,018 counties it was asked about. Their findings are published in the journal Telematics and Informatics.

"We need to investigate the limitations of the technology to ensure that future developers recognise the possibilities of biases. That was the driving motivation of this research," said Junghwan Kim, assistant professor at the Virginia Tech University and the study's corresponding author.

The researchers said they chose environmental justice as the subject for the investigation to expand the range of questions typically used to test the performance of generative AI tools.

The US Department of Energy describes environmental justice as the "fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, colour, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies".

Asking questions county-wise allowed the researchers to measure ChatGPT's responses against sociodemographic parameters such as population density and median household income, they said. The populations in the counties they surveyed ranged from 1,00,19,635 (Los Angeles County, California) to 83 (Loving County, Texas).

The team found that in rural states such as Idaho and New Hampshire, more than 90 per cent of the population lived in counties that could not receive local-specific information.

On the other hand, in states with larger urban populations such as Delaware or California, fewer than one per cent of the population lived in counties that cannot receive specific information, the researchers said.

"While more study is needed, our findings reveal that geographic biases currently exist in the ChatGPT model," said Kim, who teaches in the Department of Geography.

The findings hinted at issues regarding the "reliability and resiliency of large-language models", according to study co-author Ismini Lourentzou, who teaches in the Department of Computer Science.

"This is a starting point to investigate how programmers and AI developers might be able to anticipate and mitigate the disparity of information between big and small cities, between urban and rural environments," Kim added.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, the party's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the opposition 'INDIA' bloc parties are standing by the perpetrators of the security breach as their links with them were emerging. HT Image

He also took a jibe at the Congress over the launch of its crowd-funding campaign, saying those who looted the country for 60 years are now seeking donations from the same country.

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The Congress has started a 'Donate for Desh' campaign to deflect public attention from the "unparalleled corruption" in the party that has once again surfaced following the seizure of a huge amount of cash from its Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu and a recent incident of crime against a tribal woman in Karnatakas Belagavi district, Poonawalla claimed.

"There should never be petty politics on an issue as grave as national security and Parliament security," he said.

"But some people's political character and political DNA is such that they would indulge in petty politics on the issue of security also... there must be no compunctions in any of our minds to resonate in one voice and condemn the incident without ifs or buts," Poonawalla charged.

The BJP leader said Rahul Gandhi, the Congress' "immature" leader, has "shamefully" justified the December 13 incident by saying that it happened because of unemployment and the issue of price rise in the country.

"Rahul Gandhi ji what has happened to you? ...After losing three assembly polls, you will come up with such illogical arguments on such an incident whose sole objective was to terrorise Parliament anyhow," he said.

Poonawalla asked whether Rahul Gandhi implied that if someone felt there was unemployment in the country or if a person was not getting a job, then such a person should enter Parliament with a canister and release smoke.

"Is Rahul Gandhi now down to inciting people and giving them ideas and suggestions that if you feel aggrieved about a particular political narrative, then you must also take a smoke bomb or smoke canister in your hand and enter Parliament? Is it the suggestion Rahul Gandhi is giving," the BJP leader added.

He alleged that it is not just the Congress that is trying to shield those involved in the December 13 incident but the entire "I.N.D.I. Alliance and their ecosystem".

"It is because the links of the perpetrators of the incident are coming out with the Congress party and some extremist radicalised Leftist organisations supported by it," Poonawalla charged.

The BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya also slammed the Congress and said, "Rahul Gandhi never disappoints; always talks trash. For the record, unemployment in India is at 3.2%, the lowest in six years."

"Instead, Rahul Gandhi and I.N.D.I Alliance leaders must explain the close linkages of those involved in the Parliament breach with Congress, TMC, and CPI(M). Rahul Gandhi, in particular, must clarify his association with Asim Sarode, who was part of Bharat Jodo Yatra and has offered to provide legal aide to the intruders," he added in a post in 'X'.

"The Congress has announced an online crowdfunding campaign. Going by their previous track record, this will turn out to be nothing but another attempt to siphon off public money and enrich the Gandhis," Malviya said, adding, "Don't donate for dynasty".

On Wednesday, two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery, shouted slogans and released coloured smoke from canisters that triggered panic and chaos in the House.
Student leaders who were on an indefinite hunger strike have called off their protest after Lucknow University agreed to allow them to appear in the ongoing semester exam. Students said that the university has agreed to issue their admit cards so they may appear in the ongoing semester examination. Protesting students have received their admit cards to appear in the semester exam (HT Photo)

The students were staging a protest demanding the restoration of student union elections on campus, which have not been held since 2006. They demanded the restoration of student union polls as it is their democratic right.

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According to the protesting students, the university administration was under pressure after another student fell ill and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Student leaders claimed that the district administration had mounted pressure on the university administration to resolve the issue so that students are allowed to appear in the exam and may call off their protest.

University spokesperson Durgesh Srivastava, however, said that the student leaders have agreed to give an undertaking that they will fulfil the attendance deficit of this semester before the start of the next semester. After which the university has told them that their admit card will be issued only if they agree to meet this one condition.

In yet another development, Lucknow University Associated College Teachers Association (LUACTA) wrote a letter to governor Anandiben Patel describing student leaders as troublemakers and urged her not to consider any demand of student leaders as they have been disturbing the academic atmosphere of the campus. This is in contrast to the degree college teachers association letter in which they requested the governor to intervene, so student leaders are allowed to appear in the examination.

Today, after meeting the vice chancellor, the admit cards of all the students have been issued. The university has assured that they will conduct exams for those papers in which students were not allowed to appear. We want to thank chief minister Yogi Adityanath, governor Anandiben Patel, VC Prof Alok Kumar Rai, police, and district administration. A big thanks to LUACTA, protesting students said after calling off their stir.
Mumbai: Police in Thane have booked the son of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation managing director Anil Gaikwad, his friend and a driver for assaulting a 26-year-old woman. The victim, identified as Priya Singh, is a social media influencer who runs a beauty salon with her elder sister in Thane. MSRDC MDs son booked for assaulting girlfriend

In her complaint submitted at the Kasarvadavli police station, Singh claimed that on December 11 at around 1am, her boyfriend and son of the MSRDC managing director Ashwajit Gaikwad called her to a party at the Courtyard in Ovla, Thane. Upon reaching the venue around 3am, she saw Gaikwad with another woman, who others said was his wife. Gaikwad refused to talk to her despite several attempts, while his friend Romil Patil abused her. When she asked Gaikwad to stop Patil from abusing her, he slapped and strangled her, bit her hand and pushed her away, she stated.

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In her complaint as well as a social media post, she further mentioned, While they got into the car and started moving, I realised that my phone and purse was in the car. As soon as I reached the door of the Range Rover, I heard him (Ashwajit Gaikwad) say uda de isko (ram into her) to his driver Sagar. He sped up immediately and I fell to the ground as I was hit by the left side of the car, after which he drove the rear left wheel over my right leg. The bone below her right knee fractured from the impact and required surgical intervention. Gaikwads driver also threatened her not to complain about the incident while taking her to the hospital, she wrote.

The victims elder sister Akanksha Singh alleged Gaikwad and his accomplices tried to murder her sister. But the police have merely registered an accident case. Why? Is it because he is the son of the managing director of MSRDC?

Akansha said Priya had been in a relationship with Gaikwad for four and a half years. He often came for our family functions and was always insisting my sister to get married. She came to know about his marriage only recently and wanted to leave the city, but he convinced her saying he was divorced. After all this cheating, he just ordered his driver to ram into her, which she doesnt even deserve, she said.

HT tried to contact the MSRDC chief Anil Gaikwad for comment, but he did not respond to calls and messages.

Senior police inspector Sunil Patil from the Kasarvadavli police station said all three accused were charged under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 279 (rash driving on a public way) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code. We are investigating CCTV footage of the site, talking to witnesses and probing other matters in detail. We have also called Ashwajit to record his statement, he said.
Thane, Dec 16 (PTI) Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais on Saturday urged students to come up with innovative ideas to make the country a developed nation by 2047, saying it's time for India to produce its own Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. HT Image

The governor was speaking at the convocation ceremony of a private management institute at Mira Road, on the outskirts of Mumbai.

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Referring to the Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth vision, which was recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, Bais said students graduating this year will be at the peak of their professional careers in 2047.

Destiny has given students a unique opportunity to transform India from a developing nation to a developed nation, he said, stressing that many countries of the world have taken a big leap to become developed nations at different times.

After the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings, Japan rose from the ashes to become a leading manufacturing nation. South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries have also taken transformative leaps, changing the course of their development history. Today is the time for each of us to play our part in the journey of transformation, said the governor.

He said many IITians and management graduates are opting for jobs in other countries with attractive packages which is causing a massive brain drain.

But I am optimistic that there will come a stage when there will be reverse migration in India. I dream of a day when our management graduates will create their own world-class management firms and consulting firms. Our country will have its own legal firms, its own Big Four taxation and audit firms, he said.

Big Four refers to four large accounting firms  Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG).

The countrys success in the Chandrayaan mission, solar mission (Aditya-L1), Asian Games and other sporting events has boosted Indians confidence and instilled a can-do spirit.

Appealing to the students to keep the flame of we can in their hearts, he said, I urge you to be entrepreneurs, innovators and risk-takers.

The governor added, Amazon, Flipkart and Swiggy were basically ideas, which were successfully implemented. The time has come for India to produce its own Jeff Bezos, Jack Ma and Mark Zuckerberg. Who knows, you might even have a Mark Zuckerberg hiding inside you, just waiting to come out. India is on the peak of greatness today.

Local MLA Geeta Jain and Thane Collector Ashok Shingare were also present at the event.
Three Congress leaders  Charandas Mahant, Bhupesh Baghel and Umesh Patel  are in the race for the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Chhattisgarh assembly, which is likely to be announced by the party next week, party officials aware of the development said. Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (Twitter/@INCChhattisgarh)

According to party officials mentioned above, the Congress will announce the name of LoP before Tuesday (December 19) as the first assembly after the new government is formed is likely to start on December 19.

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Charandas Mahant is the former speaker of the state assembly and MLA from the Sakti constituency, Baghel is the former chief minister and Patel is the former minister.

From 2004 to 2013, Mahant held the post of working and full-time Congress state president, while Patel represents the Kharsiya assembly constituency and has been an MLA three times since 2013.

At the organisational level, Patel has also remained the president of the Chhattisgarh Youth Congress Committee between 2016-19. Umesh was also the Cabinet Minister for Higher Education from 2018 to 23.

As most senior leaders, including TS Singh Deo, Ravindra Choubey, Muhammad Akbar and Jai Singh Agarwal, lost the recently concluded assembly elections, there was not much choice before the state Congress, a senior leader claimed.

Mahant is trying hard for the post, but some of the MLAs are not supporting him, said a Congress MLA.

However, some MLAs and leaders are of the view that Baghel should be given the post because of his image as an aggressive leader in Opposition.

As far as I know, Baghel is not interested in the post. I do not know whether he has expressed high command or not but he does not want any post in the party for sometime after the assembly elections results, said a close aide of Baghel.

Meanwhile, a first-time MLA claimed that the party needs an aggressive leader in the assembly who can fight on issues and could point to the failures of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government.

Bhupesh Ji told me that he will not hold any post for sometime I do not know the reason. I also told Kumari Selja Ji and Ajay Maken that Baghel is the right man for the post, but if he is not interested, what can we do?, the MLA said.

Another Congress said that Patel should be given the post as he is young and the partys focus should be on the second line of leadership.

Notably, after the Congress lost assembly elections, senior leader Ajay Maken was appointed observer to review the loss.

Last week, Maken and Selja  former minister and MP, held a review meeting in which all senior leaders of Congress were present. After the meeting, both leaders had a one-on-one meeting with all Congress MLAs to discuss the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the state.

The name will be announced from Delhi in the next couple of days. Selja and Makan have taken the views of the local MLAs and now the high command will decide, said a Congress leader.

In the 2023 assembly elections, while the BJP won 54 of the 90 seats, the Congress, which had won 68 seats in 2018, was reduced to 35 seats. The Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) managed to win one seat.
Days after the income tax department raided liquor firms in Odisha related to Jharkhand Congress MP and seized over Rs.350 crore cash in different towns of Odisha and Jharkhand, Dheeraj Sahu on Friday said that the money recovered by the I-T officials does not belong to the party but it is his familys wealth.  360 crore of cash stacked in almirahs and cupboards were recovered during raids by I-T officials (HT Photo)

The money was not meant for any political considerations. The money is not all mine but belongs to the entire family and firms of our group and was meant for outstanding payments in the business, Sahu said.

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In the biggest cash haul in the country in a single operation, 353 crore was recovered from the premises of Boudh Distillery Private Limited, in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal  all linked to Dhiraj Sahus liquor firm and the MPs house.

Also Read: Dhiraj Sahu I-T raid: Cash haul reaches 353 cr; MPs old tweet viral

The I-T raids which began on December 6, came to a close in the early hours on Friday.

I have been in active politics for the last 30-35 years. The money that was seized was not meant for the Congress or other political parties, but proceeds of the sale of liquor, Sahu said.

The liquor business mostly runs in cash and the money was kept for payment for Mahua flowers as well as the government, Sahu explained.

The money is not all mine but belongs to the entire family and firms of our group. All our business is transparent. In the last 100 years, we have given a lot of revenue to the government. I will give account for everything to income tax, Sahu said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came down heavily upon Congress alleging that it was peoples money that was looted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on social media site X: Countrymen should look at these piles of currency notes and then hear the addresses of its (Congress) leaders on honesty. Every penny looted from people will have to be returned. This is Modis guarantee.

In response to the PMs jibe, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the nation wants the PM to explain the biggest money heist since 1947.

Union home minister Amit Shah said while Congresss silence was understandable on the matter, it was surprising why the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance alliance partners were silent on it. I understand the Congress because this is in their nature, but the Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Samajwadi Party are all quiet too, he said.

Meanwhile, the BJP legislators in Jharkhand staged a protest outside the state assembly on the first day of the winter session on Friday, seeking action against Sahu.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the Opposition legislators demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the cash seizure and the arrest of Sahu.
Lalit Mohan Jha, 32, suspected to be the key handler behind the Parliament security breach on December 13, hails from Rampur Uday village of Bihars Darbhanga district. A file picture of Lalit Jha. (ANI)

Jha was arrested by Delhi Police late on Thursday after he reportedly approached Kartavya Path police station, accompanied by an acquaintance. He had reportedly fled with the phones of all the four suspects involved in security breach, police said.

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A police team was dispatched to his ancestral village to gather details of his family background, said subdivisional police officer (SDPO) of Biraul, Manish Chandra Choudhary.

Another police officer said when the team visited Lalits ancestral house on Friday, his father, mother and a younger brother were present there.

Father Devanand Jha, who is a priest, told reporters he had been living in Burra Bazaar locality of Kolkata for 40 years now and had come to their ancestral village on December 10 while Lalit had stayed back in Kolkata. He said Lalit had come to see them off at the railway station.

He is a very cheerful and decent boy. You can ask anyone in the village. He had given a new lease of life to others by donating blood three times. As a young boy aged around 25-27 years, , he used to visit Delhi a couple of times for some work. But I dont know where he used to stay there, the father said.

He said he got information about the Delhi episode on Thursday from others . I dont even have a smart phone. Hence, I was not aware whats happening. I use a small mobile for my work, he said.

Later, a phone call from Delhi Police came. They said he had been arrested and was being produced in a court, the father said.

According to Jha, his son was still dependent on him for his financial needs.

Lalits mother Manjula Jha was inconsolable. Our son is not of this type. You can ask anyone. He is son of this country and Prime Minister Modi ji, she said, amid tears.

According to locals, Lalit was good at studies since childhood. After he completed his studies from the village primary school till seventh class, his father took him to Kolkata in 2008.

Lalits younger brother Sonu Jha, meanwhile, said his family does not have any criminal antecedents.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 16. Turkmenistan will take part in several events in Brussels to develop cooperation with the EU, Trend reports.

This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov during a Cabinet meeting.

According to him, in particular, the delegation of Turkmenistan will take part in the 15th meeting of the EU-Turkmenistan Human Rights Dialogue, which will be held on December 18 this year.

He noted that on December 19, the Turkmen delegation will be represented at the 22nd meeting of the EU-Turkmenistan Joint Committee, during which the parties will discuss the development of economic cooperation.

Meredov also added that Turkmenistan will also be represented at the Transport Investment Forum, which will be held in the Belgian capital on January 29-30, 2024, and in the first quarter of next year, it is planned to organize meetings of the Turkmen side with relevant EU structures to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the field of energy.

It was also stated that in the second quarter of 2024, it is proposed to organize a meeting of experts on the transport sector within the framework of the agreements reached during the EUCentral Asia ministerial meeting in October this year in Luxembourg.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Office of the Coordinator, Rajasthan has released Rajasthan BSTC 2023 allotment result. Candidates who have registered themselves for the counselling round can check the results through the official website of Rajasthan BSTC at panjiyakpredeled.in. Rajasthan BSTC 2023 allotment result out at panjiyakpredeled.in

As per the official notice, candidates will receive the institution/ institution allotment letter from their own login. To check the results, candidates can follow the steps given below.

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Direct link to check Rajasthan BSTC 2023 allotment result

Rajasthan BSTC 2023 allotment result: How to check

Visit the official website of Rajasthan BSTC at panjiyakpredeled.in.

Click on login link available on the home page.

Login to the account by entering the required details.

Once done, the allotment result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the allotment result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Those candidates who have been allotted a seat will have to pay fee amount of 13555/- to be paid by the candidate through e-mitra, debit/ credit card or net banking from December 16 to December 26, 2023. Uploading of documents online by the candidate for admission to the allotted teacher education institution/ institution through his/ her own login from December 16 to December 27, 2023.

Candidates can report to the allotted institute from December 16 to December 27, 2023. For more related details candidates can check the official website of Rajasthan BSTC at panjiyakpredeled.in.

Official Schedule Here
Madhya Pradesh High Court will close the registration process for MP High Court on December 18, 2023. Candidates who want to apply for the posts can do it through the official website of MPHC at mphc.gov.in. Madhya Pradesh high court (File Photo)

This recruitment drive will fill up 138 posts in the organisation. The age limit of the candidates should be between 21 to 35 years of age to apply for the posts.

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Direct link to apply for MP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2023

MP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2023: How to apply

To apply online, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of MP High Court at mphc.gov.in.

Click on recruitment/ result link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will have to click on application link.

Click on the registration process and register yourself.

Once registration is done, login to the account.

Fill the application form and make the payment of application fees.

Click on submit and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

The application fees is 977/- for unreserved category, 577/- for PWD/ SC/ ST/ OBC Candidates of MP State. The payment should be done through online mode. For more related details candidates can check the official website of MPHC.
Yoshihiro Togashi is a prominent name in the Japanese manga industry, famous for the series Hunter x Hunter. It was recently announced that Bushiroad Games is collaborating with developer Eighting for a full-scale fighting game based on the popular manga and anime series Hunter x Hunter. The announcement was made at Bushroad's Jump Festa 2024 booth earlier today (December 16). However, the details are currently under wraps, building anticipation among ardent fans. Hunter x Hunter video game is currently under development(X, formerly Twitter)

Hunter x Hunter was first serialised in 1998's Shueishas Weekly Shonen Jump. However, Togashi has released only 400 chapters to date citing health issues. Fans were left devastated when he revealed one of the potential endings of the series. At the time, he thought he wouldn't be able to finish it. Hence, this announcement comes as a pleasant surprise to fans, who have been awaiting the next chapter. More details are set to be revealed at Tokyo Dome City Hall on January 6, 2024.

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Fans excited for Hunter x Hunter video game

Soon after the announcement of the Hunter x Hunter video game, fans flocked to social media to express their content. One fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter, Seeing Hunter X Hunter at EVO would be INSANE i hope this new fighting game is LEGIT.

One more said, Hunter X Hunter fighting game coming out, and its by the people who made MVC3. God if you can hear me. Let this be good. Yet another said, The gane's unique gimmick is that matches will randomly end early with a notice of Togashi going into hiatus.

What is Hunter x Hunter about?

According to IMDb, the synopsis for Hunter x Hunter anime series reads, Gon Freecss aspires to become a Hunter, an exceptional being capable of greatness. With his friends and his potential, he seeks out his father, who left him when he was younger.
Shreyas Talpade was shooting for Welcome to Jungle on Thursday when he suffered a heart attack. His wife Deepti Shreyas Talpade had recently shared his health update and said he will be discharged from the hospital soon. Now, in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, actor Bobby Deol has said that he spoke to Shreyas' wife Deepti, who told him that Shreyas heart had stopped for 10 minutes. Also read: Akshay Kumar visits Shreyas Talpade in Mumbai hospital as he recovers from health scare Bobby Deol has spoken about Shreyas Talpade's heart attack.

What Bobby Deol said

Bobby Deol, who has been friends with Shreyas for many years, told the portal, I just spoke to his wife. She was really upset. His heart had stopped for about 10 minutes, apparently. Now theyve revived him and done an angioplasty. So just pray that he will be fine

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Meanwhile, as per a new report by The Times of India, Shreyas, who collapsed after suffering a heart attack on Thursday and underwent an emergency angioplasty, is recovering well and doctors said he should be discharged in a day or two.

Wife's statement on Shreyas' heart attack

On Friday, Deepti Shreyas Talpade took to Instagram to release a statement, giving an update on actor-husband Shreyas Talpade's health. Deepti said he 'is now in stable condition and will be discharged in a few days'.

She wrote, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming concern and well-wishes following the recent health scare my husband experienced. Im relieved to update everyone that he is now in stable condition and will be discharged in a few days. The medical teams exceptional care and timely response have been instrumental during this time, and we are grateful for their expertise. We kindly request respect for our privacy as he continues his recovery. Your unwavering support has been a tremendous source of strength for both of us.

Earlier, a source told Hindustan Times, Shreyas Talpade was absolutely fine and shot the entire day for the Akshay Kumar-starrer Welcome to the Jungle on Thursday. He shot through the day, was absolutely fine and joking around with everyone on the set. He even shot sequences that had a bit of action. After finishing the shoot, he went back home and told his wife that he was feeling uneasy. She rushed him to the hospital but he collapsed on the way, the source said.

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Triptii Dimri, who was seen Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal alongside Ranbir Kapoor, has gained millions of followers on Instagram in recent days. Now, in an interview with News 18, the actor has talked about the growth in her Instagram follower count post the success of Animal. Triptii revealed that her family and friends send her screenshots of her Instagram follower count. She said she feels 'very lucky', but is 'not seeking stardom'. Also read: Triptii Dimri breaks silence on controversy around Ranbir Kapoor's 'lick my shoe' line in Animal Triptii Dimri has seen a huge growth in her Instagram following.

'Its a wonderful feeling'

As per an earlier Hindustan Times report, her follower count had increased by 320 percent in the last few days; she now has a following of 3.9 million as opposed to six lakh followers some weeks ago. Speaking about it, Triptii said, "My friends and family are keeping a track on my follower count. They keep sending me screenshots every now and then. In fact, every night, Ive been checking messages on Instagram. Its a wonderful feeling. You obviously feel great when people watch something youve done and they like and appreciate your performance in it. Im in a good space."

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Triptii Dimri on fame post Animal

The actor has been grabbing attention for her supporting role in the top-grossing action film Animal. Triptii Dimri, who has worked in Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022), also said that she wasnt looking for this kind of attention, when she signed Animal. Triptii, who plays Zoya Riaz in Animal, said, I just wanted to do Animal because the character was interesting. Achieving this kind of success wasnt a plan. It just happened and I feel very lucky and grateful. Im not seeking stardom."

Apart from her and Ranbir, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal also features Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor in key roles. Triptii's intimate scene with Ranbir in Animal has been grabbing attention. In a recent interview with India Today, the actor got candid about shooting the much-talked-about sequence.

On shooting intimate scene in Animal

Triptii said, Luckily, in my case, I've been dealing with whether I was doing the rape scene in Bulbull (her 2020 Netflix film) or this one, they kept asking me if I am okay. They also ensured that there were no more than five people, including the director, the DOP, and the actors during the scene. Nobody else was allowed on set, all the monitors were shut, and they were like, this is the scene we are doing. If at any point you feel you're uncomfortable, let us know. We'll go at your pace... Every five minutes, Ranbir Kapoor was checking up on me and asking, Are you okay, are you comfortable? I think these things really matter. People are sensitive to these things.

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Gary Oldman has thanked the Harry Potter franchise and the Batman franchise for saving his life. In his latest appearance at The Drew Barrymore show, Gary expressed his sincere gratitude to both the film franchises he starred in, and said how those films helped him raise his children after his divorce. (Also read: Gary Oldman says he wants to retire from acting in near future) Gary Oldman talked about his career decisions while being a single parent.

What Gary Oldman said

For the unversed, Gary played Sirius Black in the Harry Potter films, and as James Jim Gordon in the Batman films. Talking about his career in retrospect at The Drew Barrymore Show, the Academy Award-winning actor said: At 42 years old, I woke up divorced and I had custody of [my] boys. That, in itself, was that was hard because there was a shift in the industry where a lot of productions were being [filmed in] Hungary, Budapest, Prague, Australia, you know, all of these places. So, I turned down a lot of work. Thank God for Harry Potter. I tell you, the two  Batman and Harry Potter really, they saved me, because it meant that I could do the least amount of work for the most amount of money and then be home with the kids.

Gary on working in Batman

Gary then went on to share his experience working with Christopher Nolan on the Batman films. When we did the first Batman... London doubled for Gotham. I did 27 round trips of flying back from LA. Id fly in for a day. Id do a shoot a day. To Chris Nolans credit.. he stayed on schedule. I would go home for three days. Come back for two. Go home for a weekend. Come back for a day otherwise, I just felt my kids are being brought up by a nanny," he said.

Gary was married to Donya Fiorentino, from 1997 to 2001. They shared two sons, Charlie Oldman, born in 1999; and Gulliver Oldman, born in 1997. The actor was then accused of domestic assault during their divorce. A judge then gave Gary Oldman custody of their two sons after dismissing Donya Fiorentinos claims. Gary also shares a son named Alfie Oldman from his previous marriage to actor Lesley Manville.

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In an exclusive interview with this writer, Sofia Coppola said her movie on Priscilla Presley is designed as a doll stuck in a doghouse. Priscilla consistently feels like that  the girlhood of a teenager restricted by the palatial mansion of a grown-up man at the peak of his career. But the dog seldom bites or barks, it only growls as soon as the doll takes a spring in her step, forcing her to recede to the shadows. Cailee Spaeny plays Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola's movie

(Also Read: Sofia Coppola interview: I wanted to tell Priscilla and Elvis Presleys love story without judgement')

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Fairy tale gone wrong

Sofia retains what Priscilla reiterates in her 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, that there was deep love between her and Elvis Presley. She meets him through a common acquaintance when she's 14 and he's 24. To her, Elvis symbolises the rebellion and freedom that's been kept away from her in the contained army upbringing. Like her parents, we fear her getting smitten by Elvis, but Sofia makes sure the story marches on with the combined force of fate and a young girl's agency.

Priscilla is not taken in by Elvis' music or his larger-than-life personality. In fact, she's in love with his small gestures and giant sweeps in love, including him asking her parents to move her to his mansion at Graceland. With cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd's scrutinising lens and editor Sarah Flack's carefully crafted beats, Sofia builds what could be a fairy tale gone wrong. She fills the room with darkness in daylight.

Gentle gaslighting

The fear of grooming, however, starts to dissipate once Priscilla moves in with Elvis. He doesn't dominate her, far from that. Instead, he's an absentee partner/husband who makes Priscilla wait alone for days, as he goes on long outdoor shoots. Like her, we learn of his various affairs through gossip magazines. But once he convinces her they're hearsay, we can't help but wave the red flag in front of her lovelorn eyes.

Costume designer Stacey Battat dolls up Priscilla from head to toe, with her signature eyelashes intact. Not even once is she seen without her hair all brushed up. It not only makes us feel protective of her, but also underlines how women of that generation needed to fit into a cosmetic type at every age. While Sofia clearly didn't get the rights to use Elvis' music, Phoenix's score invokes a melody acutely similar to an Elvis earworm, but uses it as a mild, haunting melody for Priscilla.

The performances

Cailee gets the memo right, as she spends most of her screentime in company of herself than that of Elvis. She doesn't go all Kristen-Stewart-in-Spencer with the alleged gaslighting. But she stares blankly outside her posh mansion so yearningly that you can't help but wish for a different life for her. Jacob Elordi as Elvis uses his tall and lean physicality to tower over the petite Priscilla. But in intense scenes where he snaps out of his romantic armour, he lets out a silent scream of help. Even though Sofia's focus is determinedly stuck on Priscilla, Jacob's full-bodied portrayal of Elvis never allows him to turn into an oppressor.

The most fulfilling and definitive part of Priscilla is the end. When she's finally had enough, including after two encounters that turn physical and even sexual, Priscilla decides to walk out. But she does so with such a wholesome mix of pain and pride that it makes your heart break and then soar. As she drives out of Elvis' mansion herself, Whitney Houston's I'll Always Love You swells in the background. If I should stay, I would only be in your way, is the very line that defines the love of young women of those time  they place high currency on sacrifice, but not at the cost of one's agency. Sofia Coppola does exactly that with her movie on Priscilla.

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Amidst delays surrounding his anticipated album Vultures and a recent online dispute with Nicki Minaj, Kanye West held a listening party in Las Vegas. His daughter North was also present at the event. However, despite facing various challenges over the past year, Kanye West reverted to making controversial statements, including a 10-minute rant in Las Vegas touching on Jesus Christ, Adolf Hitler, and Donald Trump. Kanye West had a manic meltdown at a concert during his Saint Pablo tour. (Frank Micelotta/Fox/PictureGroup)

Also read: Kanye West blasts Nicki Minaj for blocking New Body collab: I made that girl..

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Kanye West is back to his antisemitic rant

Kanye West expressed anger towards various individuals, including ex-business partners, Donald Trump, Balenciaga creative director Demna, and others. His offensive remarks towards the Jewish community during a 10-minute rant in Las Vegas also included a connection he made between himself and Jesus. Exclusive footage acquired by TMZ showcased the Vulture crooner screaming"Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye! Sponsor that!!!"

Kanye then returns to his offensive remarksIts 60 million of us in America, 60 million Jews in the world, whos going to make the hospitals, though? Hes a Zionist, Trump. This is what Ive been trying to tell you. While venting his frustrations about the lack of support, Kanye was challenged by a woman who said, "You ain't God." He then threatened to have her removed from the premises.

West, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, proceeded to snap at the audienceshut the fk up before launching into a rant about how all the wealthy individuals present have their children enrolled in "Zionist schools," criticizing the private schools. But the most troubling part was when he began including his own daughter in the fierce rant. Kanye claimed that his 10-year-old daughterripped up the couches in the house to travel with him.

Also read: Ketamine found in Matthew Perry's system: What is infusion therapy and its effects?

Kanye West to feature his daughter North Wests debut rap on Vultures

North West who was also present at the listening party of Vulures, is part of the LP as well. At the listening party in Miami, Ye's daughter took center stage and gave a preview of her rap career."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."
SS Rajamouli has bought the first ticket of Salaar: Part One  Ceasefire. Starring Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, it is one of the most awaited films of the year. On Saturday, the makers of Salaar took to their X (formerly Twitter) account to share a picture of Rajamouli holding the ticket at an event held in Hyderabad. (Also read: Prithviraj Sukumaran says the scale of Salaar is so huge that 'it can even dwarf KGF 2, compares it to Game Of Thrones) SS Rajamouli with the cast of Salaar.

Rajamouli buys first ticket of Salaar

In the picture posted by Homable Films, the makers of Salaar, SS Rajamouli was seen with the cast and crew of the film, which included director Prashanth Neel and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. Homable Films said, "Legendary Director @ssrajamouli garu buys the first ticket for #SalaarCeaseFire in Nizam."

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SS Rajamouli was seen smiling with the team of Salaar, dressed in a brown shirt. Prithviraj also smiled for the picture, looking handsome in a black shirt. Prabhas was seen standing next to him in a white V-neck shirt.

Fan reactions

Reacting to the picture, one fan wrote: "Eagerly waiting to watch Salaar in theatres!" Another said, "The unconditional love & respect of @ssrajamouli for #Prabhas is priceless." Prabhas starred as the titular character in Rajamouli's magnum opus Baahubali. "Waiting for this blockbuster Interview," said another fan.

Prithviraj talks about Salaar

Recently in an interview with Hindustan Times, Prithviraj opened up about Salaar and said,"Prashanth Neel (the director) narrated the story to me when he was shooting for KGF 2. Not only was I flattered that he imagined me as Varadha, but its also one of the best scripts Ive read in a while. I took a leap of faith and I believe it paid off because Prashanth is the kind of director who will change the whole shot if he believes your input is valuable. He made me feel like a collaborator its the most joyous part of the film for me."

Salaar will hit screens on December 22.

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While Matthew Perry's autopsy report revealed "acute effects of ketamine" as the cause of death, questions linger about the source and nature of his ketamine use. Dr. Bankole Johnson, a renowned neuroscientist, claims Perry may have obtained the drug illegally for recreational purposes. (FILES) "Friends" actor Matthew Perry died as a result of "the acute effects of ketamine," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office said December 15, 2023. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP)(AFP)

It is more likely this was recreational ketamine use, Johnson told Page Six. He points out the potential dangers of combining ketamine with buprenorphine, a medication Perry was also taking for opioid addiction, calling it "a recipe for disaster."

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However, Perry's ketamine infusion therapy, used for depression and anxiety, was documented a week and a half before his death. Johnson emphasizes the importance of professional administration for safe ketamine use, highlighting IV drip for accurate dosage control and warning against self-administered intranasal methods.

ALSO READ| Ketamine found in Matthew Perry's system: What is infusion therapy and its effects?

Intranasal use is generally less safe as it is often self-administered. This also can drive drug-seeking more aggressively.

Perry's friend and Friends co-star, Jennifer Aniston quoted to Variety, He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy  thats all I know.I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasnt struggling. He was happy.

ALSO READ| What is Ketamine? 'Fatal depression drug found in Matthew Perrys body raises question

Matthew Perry misused or illegally obtained the drug

Toxicology findings revealed significant ketamine levels in his system, exceeding the typical range for monitored surgical settings.

Further complicating the picture, Perry's death involved buprenorphine, which, according to Johnson, can amplify ketamine's sedating effects and lead to unresponsiveness. It basically works as a catalyst

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report acknowledges ketamine's misuse for recreational purposes at parties and raves. However, it refrains from definitively stating whether Perry misused or illegally obtained the drug.

ALSO READ| Julia Roberts breaks silence on ex-BF Matthew Perry's heartbreaking death

Johnson clarifies that ketamine is a scheduled medication prescribable by licensed doctors or nurse practitioners. He cautions against risky home micro-dosing, which offers limited effectiveness.

Perry's well-documented history of addiction casts a shadow on his death. His 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing details his struggles, including a near-fatal colon burst from opioid overuse and multiple attempts at sobriety.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. Armenia is turning into a heavy and meaningless burden for Moscow, Trend reports, referring to an article published in the Russian "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" newspaper.

The paper stresses Armenia's overvaluation of "its own history and culture (although what relevance does ancient history have to today's geopolitics?)"

Yerevan has overestimated the importance of its contacts with major powers and the influence of its diaspora on them. According to the paper, Armenia has established a consumer society, which has resulted in a severe decline in defense awareness.

The author remarked that even Azerbaijan's victory in the second Karabakh war did not convey the impression that the final collapse of the separatist authority in Karabakh "would be so fast and complete (although the overall outcome of the conflict was evident)".

Regarding the factors that led Armenia to this state, the article highlighted Armenia's low demographic, political, economic, scientific-technological, and military potential.

Armenia's geopolitical stance, according to the author, is likewise undesirable.

"At the beginning of post-Soviet history, Armenia bet on Russia, and this choice was correct for a long time. Unfortunately, Moscow worked in the Armenian direction according to the unchanged template of domestic foreign policy, which consists of interacting exclusively with the acting authorities, which, in response, invariably swore love and friendship to Russia," the article said.

As the article noted, with the sidelining of the so-called "Karabakh clan" from power, various Western structures, primarily from the US, gained increasing freedom of action in Armenia.

"They operated according to their patterns, which, unfortunately, turned out to be much more effective than Moscow's patterns. Anti-Russian demonstrations in Yerevan gradually became the norm, and then, as a result of an actual coup, Nikol Pashinyan [the Armenian Prime Minister] came to power. Formally, unlike Tbilisi and Kiev, he did not go for a complete break with Moscow. But, in fact, everything became clear immediately," the author pointed out.

The author of this article noted that Armenian interlocutors have recently reported many astonishing issues.

"That Armenia lost the 2020 war because it fought with Russian weapons using Russian tactics. That Armenia paid Russia a lot of money for new weapons, and Russia did not give her that weapon. That the West does not sell modern weapons to Armenia because it is a member of the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization]," the article said.

"Of all the concentrated surrealism of the comments presented here, perhaps only moments related to weapons deserve attention. About Armenia paying for weapons and Russia not delivering it, Armenian officials (including Pashinyan recently) have been saying for a long time. But no specific data on the amounts paid, types and quantities of purchased weapons, or the timing of their delivery is providedno specifics at all," the article said.

"Therefore, it's difficult to believe these statements. At the same time, it turns out that Yerevan has money for Western weapons, which are almost always much more expensive than Russian ones. Interestingly, membership in the CSTO does not prevent Kazakhstan from purchasing significant quantities of Western weapons. And today, NATO-member France has already begun selling weapons to Armenia, not suffering from its membership in the CSTO," the article noted.

As the article mentioned, the current anti-Russian Armenia is becoming a heavy and senseless burden for Moscow.

"After this, it will become absolutely uninteresting to anyone," the author concluded.

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The autopsy report for Matthew Perry, stating that the actor's cause of death was the "acute effects of ketamine," has sparked concerns and questions about the use of this medication. As per the report, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy and had received an infusion just a week and a half before his passing. The research also listed coronary artery disease, the effects of buprenorphine, and drowning as contributory factors leading to his death. So, what is this fatal depression drug that became the reason behind Perrys death? Matthew Perry arrives at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 23, 2012 (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo)(REUTERS)

Also read: Matthew Perry death mystery solved, autopsy confirms he had 'recreational' drugs

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What is Ketamine?

As per the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Ketamine therapy is used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life distress, chronic pain, drug/alcohol problems, and more. On the other hand, as per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Buprenorphine which was also found in Perrys system is usually consumed to treat Opioid Use Disorder. The Associated Press quoted Dr. Andrew Stolbach referencing to Matthew Perrys death Using sedative drugs in a pool or hot tub, especially when youre alone, is extremely risky and, sadly, here its fatal.

Also read: Ketamine found in Matthew Perry's system: What is infusion therapy and its effects?

Ketamine, also known as Ketalar, is a medicine that doctors use to make people not feel pain during surgeries. In the US, Ketamine is available on a doctors prescription, however, people also use it illegally owing to its dissociative nature. They might sniff it, inject it, mix it in drinks, or smoke it with other substances. ABC reports, according to StatPearls, an online resource from the National Library of Medicine, that this medication has also been used as a treatment for depression in the recent past for people who fail to respond well to conventional therapies.

How is Ketamine abused illegally?

Although ketamine has been used for many years in medicine and anesthesia, its capacity to cause heightened levels of consciousness has led to abuse. Often mixed with other drugs, especially at parties or raves, ketamine is often abused illegally. Injected, it kicks in within seconds or minutes, while snorting it takes a bit longer, around 5-15 minutes.

Ketamine overdose side effects

Ketamine overuse can have very negative effects. High dosages have the potential to cause deadly respiratory depression by drastically slowing down breathing. Further common side effects of ketamine misuse include weakness and spasms in the muscles.
Young Royals Season 3:Netflix has officially approved the much-anticipated third and concluding season of the Swedish gay drama. As spring ushers in a new chapter, Netflix drops the emotional first look at Young Royals Season 3, serving as the bittersweet finale for Wilhelm and Simon. While the specific details of the drama remain under wraps, the streaming giant has hinted at an unforgettable final act set against the backdrop of royal protocol and personal turmoil. Young Royals s3(Netflix)

Young Royals Season 3 release date

Young Royals Season 3, featuring Edvin Ryding, Omar Rudberg, Malte Gardinger, and Felicia Maxime in lead roles, is set to premiere in March 2024. While Netflix hasn't disclosed the exact release date, reports suggest it will be somewhere in the mid-month. The second season, which left fans on a cliffhanger with challenges to Wilhelm and Simon's relationship with family and friends, was released in November 2022. Young Royals season 3 will have 6 episodes in total.

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Also read: BTS Jungkook's Seven is crushing It on Spotify, becomes second most streamed K-pop act in record time

Young Royals Season 3 teaser clip

Netflix blessed Wilmon shippers with a sneak peek of Young Royals Season 3 on December 15th. The 25-second teaser might be short, but it packs a punch with intense looks, steamy encounters, and hints of major drama for the beloved royal couple. Check out the teaser video.

More about Young Royals

The show first aired in 2021 swiftly became a huge hit and garnered a massiveLGBTQ+ fanbase around the globe. The unexpected success led the producers to renew it for a third season. Back in 2022, when Netflix green-signaled the third and final season of Young Royals, co-creatorLisa Ambjorn said"I've envisioned Young Royals as a story told in three parts, and thanks to the fans' commitment to our narrative, we have the opportunity to share the final chapter. The conclusion has been clear to me from the beginning, and I'm deeply grateful and honored to bring this tale to its intended conclusion."
The Nirbhaya rape case left the entire country shocked at the horrific nature of the crime. People protest against the impending release of juvenile accused in Nirbhaya case, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on November 21, 2015. (HT archive)

A 23-year-old physiotherapy intern was brutally gangraped while her male friend was beaten by the attackers inside a moving bus in South Delhi. The two were dumped on the side of a highway in Munirka without their clothes and personal belongings.

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11 years after the horrific crime, IPS officer Chhaya Sharma, who was in charge of the case, recalled how the Delhi Police ended up tracking down the six perpetrators.

How did Delhi Police crack down on Nirbhaya rape case perpetrators

IPS Chhaya Sharma received a call in the middle of the night about two people, stripped off their clothes, lying on the side of the road deeply injured. The first call of action just an hour after the phone call was to locate the bus.

She said, People assume the scene of the crime was the place where Nirbhaya's body was dumped, but the real scene of the crime was the moving bus, so the first thing we did was to track it down.

After tracking through CCTV cameras, the bus was found near the residence of the driver Ram Singh, who was the first person arrested in the case. Two more men were arrested for being missing the night of the crime, and the police connected the dots based on their locations.

The fourth rapist, Mukesh, was arrested after sketches of him were circulated based on the description given by Nirbhaya's friend. Mukesh had only decided to surrender when the police had told him that they will tell his mother about his crimes.

The fifth accused was Lokesh, driver Ram Singh's brother. He had fled to his mother's home in Rajasthan, but was arrested in December 18 by a special STF team sent there, the IPS officer said. The last accused in the case, and the most tricky to catch, was the juvenile perpetrator Mohammed Afroz.

Since only Ram Singh knew the then juvenile accomplice personally, he was taken on rounds with the police to identify him. Eventually, Afroz was arrested from the Anand Vihar bus terminal in Delhi, likely trying to flee the city.

To get the conviction, we not only made a list of all her external and internal injuries, but also mentioned the 13 bite marks on her body, showing the animalistic nature of the crime, IPS Chhaya Sharma told ANI.

The heinous nature of the crime and the gory details of the torture the victim was subjected to compelled the court to give the death penalty to five out of the six convicted in the rape case.
Around 300 terrorists are present at launchpads across the India-Pakistan border, waiting to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir, a top Border Security Force (BSF) official said on Saturday. Representational picture((AFP))

BSF inspector-general Ashok Yadav assured that the security forces were on alert and would foil any cross-border infiltration attempts.

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"There are intelligence inputs that 250-300 militants are waiting at launchpads, but we and the Army have dominated all the vulnerable patches and are alert," Yadav was quoted by PTI as saying.

He said the connect between the security forces and the people of Kashmir has increased over the last few years. If people cooperate with us, we can take developmental activities forward in a better way, he said.

ALSO READ| Arvind Kejriwal to go for 10-day vipassana session on day of 4th INDIA bloc meeting

In another development, the Centre informed Parliament on December 6 that the terror incidents in J&K declined over the last six years, with 2023 recording the least number of such cases till November 15.

In a written reply to a series of queries by Rajya Sabha MP GVL Narasimha Rao, Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai said the government has zero tolerance against terrorism, and that its approach is to dismantle the terror eco-system.



Rai said till November 15 this year, only 41 terrorist initiated incidents were reported in J&K, as compared to 125 in 2022, 129 in 2021, 126 in 2020, 153 in 2019 and 228 in 2018.

J&K inspector general VK Birdi said the police will take firm action against the people found propagating terror narrative and trying to disturb peace.

Police will adopt robust measures and take firm action against individuals propagating a terror narrative and disturbing the peace, on social media platforms, Birdi told officers.

Recognising the evolving challenges, the IGP announced that the police will adopt robust measures and take firm action against individuals propagating a terror narrative and disturbing the peace on social media platforms.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will leave for a 10-day vipassana meditation course on December 19  the day of the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc in the national capital  to an undisclosed location. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.(PTI)

Vipassana is an ancient Indian meditation technique in which practitioners abstain from any communication, either by talking or via gestures, for an extended period to restore their mental well-being.

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Kejriwal will leave for the course to an undisclosed location, news agency PTI reported, citing unidentified officials.

It remains unclear whether he would attend the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc, the first after Congress's defeat in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Kejriwal has been practising vipassana for a long. Every year, he goes for a 10-day vipassana course and has been to several places, including Bengaluru and Jaipur, in the past years to practise the ancient meditation system.

India bloc meeting

At the 4th meeting, the Opposition INDIA bloc wants to work on a theme of unity "Main nahi, hum".

At the meeting, the topic of seat-sharing is likely to be discussed which will become a crucial issue for the INDIA bloc. There can be discussion of a joint election campaign ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The last meeting of the 27 alliance partners was held in Mumbai in September in which coordination committees were set up.

The seat-sharing talks among the INDIA partners were stalled as the Congress was anticipating a good result in the three states which could have strengthened its negotiation. In those states, there was no seat-sharing agreement among the opposition parties either.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was miffed as there was no sear-sharing in Madhya Pradesh where the party contested in 69 seats. The party ended up with the worst vote share as it did not even come a close second on any of the seats. On 43 of the 69 seats that the Samajwadi Party contested, it bagged less than 1,000 votes.
A Sonbhadra court on Friday sentenced Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ramdular Gond to 25 years in jail for raping a minor girl in 2014. Gond, an MLA from the Duddhi seat in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, now faces the prospect of losing his assembly membership. BJP MLA Ramdular Gond after his conviction for raping a girl in Sonbhadra on Friday. (PTI)

According to the Representation of the People Act, a lawmaker sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and remain disqualified for another six years after serving time.

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The MP-MLA court of additional district judge (I) Ahsanullah Khan held Gond guilty under Indian Penal Code Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (causing disappearance of evidence and giving false information), and some sections of the Pocso Act on December 13.

He was eventually sentenced to 25 years in jail, including 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, on Friday. The court also imposed a 10 lakh fine on the MLA, the rape survivors counsel Vikas Shakya told reporters.

The entire amount of the fine will be given to the victim as compensation and for rehabilitation, Shakya in a court order said.

In November 2014, Gond was booked for sexually assaulting a minor girl when she went to a field in the Myorpur village to relieve herself. Gond was not an MLA at the time of the incident but his wife was the gram pradhan. The trial in the case started in a Pocso court but was later transferred to the MP-MLA court when Gond was elected as a legislator.

Before the pronouncement of the verdict, Gonds lawyer urged the court for minimum punishment, and assured the court that Gond would take complete care of the family of the rape survivor.
The Congress on Saturday announced that the party will be launching an online crowdfunding campaign  Donate for Desh on December 18, saying that the initiative is inspired by Mahatma Gandhis historic Tilak Swaraj Fund in 1920-21. Congress leader and AICC treasurer Ajay Maken (Twitter Photo)

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leaders K C Venugopal and Ajay Maken made the announcement.

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This initiative is inspired by Mahatma Gandhis historic Tilak Swaraj Fund in 1920-21 and aims to empower our party in creating an India rich in equal resource distribution and opportunities, said Venugopal, All Indian Congress Committee General Secretary.

AICC treasurer Ajay Maken said that the Donate for Desh initiative is an umbrella campaign under which a series of campaigns would be carried out. Under the first of these, the party is encouraging donations in multiples of 138, to commemorate the Congresss 138th anniversary.

Also Read: Not meant for Congress, it is family money: Sahu on 353 cr cash seizure by I-T

On completion of 138 years of Congress, we request the countrymen to deposit amounts like 138, 1,380, 13,800 in the Congress account to strengthen the Congress, so that the Congress can work for a better India, said Maken.

Maken said that the campaign would be officially launched by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on December 18 in New Delhi, and the online donation links would go live at the same time. He added that two channels have been created for donations a dedicated online portal (www.donateinc.in) and the official INC website (www.inc.in).

Maken encouraged the Congresss state-level office bearers, elected representatives, District Congress Committee, Pradesh Congress Committee and All India Congress Committee office bearers to make donations of at least 1,380 each and asked them to identify potential donors among the partys supporters and functionaries and aim to get contributions from them. This strategic approach will ensure the success of our vision for a better India, he said.

Likely based on its Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)-alliance partner Aam Aadmi Partys online crowdfunding model, this announcement comes as the party seems to be facing a cash crunch. In 2023, the party declared assets of Rs.805.68 crore, in comparison with the BJPs Rs.6.046.81 crore. Its corporate donations have also seen a steady decline in the last several years.

Also Read: Setback for TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in Supreme Court over media reporting; BJP takes jibe

Urging all Pradesh Committee leaders to raise awareness about the campaign through press conferences and social media, Maken said that the party would initiate an on-ground campaign, which would include door-to-door visits by volunteers, targeting at least 10 houses in every polling booth area.

He added that donors needed to be above 18 years of age and citizens of India and will receive donation certificates.

This will be a method through which anyone in our country who wishes to join the Congress, be a part of its ideological battle and support the party can do so. We invite them to join the Congress and the battle our leaders are fighting, in the role of a strong Opposition, and make the Congress stronger so that the party can make the nation stronger, said Maken.

Venugopal added that the party would be holding a mammoth rally at Nagpur on December 28, the 138th anniversary of its Foundation Day.
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], December 16 (ANI): Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday requesting him to deploy adequate personnel and staff at Sabarimala temple to reduce waiting time for devotees. HT Image

In the letter, the Union Minister also requested Vijayan to ensure that basic amenities such as food, water, sanitation, medical facilities are provided to devotees.

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The Union Minister requested that he address the inconveniences being faced by Lord Ayyappa devotees during their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple.

Taking to his social media handle X, Reddy posted, "Wrote a letter to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to address issues and inconveniences being faced by the Lord Ayyappa devotees during their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. I also requested to ensure adequate staff and personnel, safe and secure passage, improved basic amenities and medical assistance during their journey to Sabarimala."

In his letter to the Kerala Chief Minister, Reddy wrote, "The Sabarimala Temple and the associated 40-day spiritual journey undertaken by the devotees of Lord Ayyappa are considered to be one of the most revered belief systems within the Hindu faith."

"You would be aware that every year close to 1 crore devotees visit Sabarimala, with a majority of them paying their respects to Lord Ayyappa during the Mandala season between November and January. Devotees from the Telugu states of Telangana, where I hail from, and Andhra Pradesh account for more than 15 lakh devotees," it read.

It has come to my attention first-hand from Ayyappa Swami bhaktas and through various news reports of the severe inconveniences being faced by devotees due to long wait times at the Sannidhanam. The recent death of a young girl while waiting to avail of darshan has also caused much anguish and pain, the Union Minister said.

It is of vital importance that the devotees availing of Lord Ayyappa's Darshan are provided a safe and secure passage without any inconveniences. The Government of India is ready to support initiatives in this regard, added the letter.

"I would also like to request that you consider permitting NGOs that are ready to provide assistance to operate on the temple premises and around the trekking path from Pampa to Sannidhanam," it stated.

Reddy further requested a swift response and urged the Kerala CM to take all necessary action in the matter.

Earlier on Friday, alleging lack of basic facilities in Sabarimala temple, Hindu Aikya Vedi held a protest march against the Kerala government in front of the Travancore Devaswom Board head office.

The protests came days after a surge in pilgrims strained the crowd management system in the hill temple, causing long queues and several hours of waiting for the pilgrims to get the Darshan.

However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday that the situation at the Lord Ayyappa temple was under control and asserted that the government machinery was intervening diligently in temple matters.

A mismanagement-related situation erupted at Sabarimala following the sudden surge of pilgrims a few days ago. The hill shrine generally witnesses a heavy rush during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, which began on November 17 this year.

After the incident, the Kerala government has come under attack by opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress. (ANI)
Former MLA from the Khonsa (West) constituency in Arunachal Pradesh, Yumsem Matey, has reportedly been assassinated near the Indo-Myanmar border in the Tirap district, said the police on Saturday. Former MLA Yumsem Matey (X(Formerly Twitter))

"It is learnt that Ex-MLA from 56 Khonsa West constituency, Yumsem Matey, has been killed by unknown person/persons. The place of occurrence is near Raho village in Lazu Circle in the Tirap district," said the police.

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According to the police, the incident occurred at around 2 p.m. when he went to the Raho village for some work with three of his comrades. An unknown person led him towards a jungle leaving his friends behind. Almost after 30 minutes, gunshots were heard by his friends.

Matey was an MLA from the Khonsa (West) constituency from 2009 to 2014. Earlier in September, he had announced his candidature for the upcoming state assembly polls in 2024.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered in the matter at the Lazu Police Station.

Further details are awaited.
The Indian Navy on Saturday said it responded to a hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea as six unknown men took over a Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen with 18 crew onboard. The Navy said its warship and maritime patrol aircraft responded swiftly to the hijacking incident involving the hijacking of Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen on Friday evening. The operation was still on. Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen(Source: Indian Navy)

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate & assist MV Ruen. The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of 15 Dec 23 and IN aircraft have been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia, the Indian Navy said in a statement.

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The Navys warship, mission deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol, has also intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours of Saturday, it said.

Spanish navy ship rushes in

Meanwhile, a Spanish navy ship was sailing at full speed towards the Malta-flagged commercial vessel, the European Union's Somali counter-piracy force said on Friday.

EUNAVFOR's joint operations centre in Spain said it received an alert on Thursday about the "alleged pirate-hijacked vessel" Ruen, which was approximately 500 nautical miles east of Socotra Island, off Somalia.

In Somalia's breakaway Puntland region, a member of a group that helped organise raids on ships in the past told news agency Reuters he had heard pirates had managed to seize a vessel.

"Six of my pirate friends managed to capture a ship and they will bring it to the coast of the eastern region of Puntland," Mukhtar Mohamud said by phone from the coastal city of Qandala.

He did not name the vessel and Puntland's maritime authorities had no immediate comment.

EUNAVFOR said the Spanish warship Victoria had been sent to the scene "in order to gather more information and evaluate further actions".

"EUNAVFOR remains vigilant to this and other recent piracy-related events in the area of operations, the northwest Indian Ocean and the Red Sea."

The force added that it was coordinating with the broader international naval Combined Maritime Force.

British maritime security company Ambrey said it believed the Ruen had been hijacked by pirates.

(With inputs from agencies)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is ready to visit the West Bank and meet with the leadership of Palestine and Israel, the Secretary General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, Trend reports.

According to him, this will happen when a practical opportunity arises.

The visit will take place as soon as it becomes practical and useful, he said, answering a question from journalists.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel died on December 15, 1950, after suffering a heart attack in Bombay where he had gone on medical advice to escape the severe cold of Delhi. A large crowd at Chowpatty in Mumbai mourns the death of Sardar Patel. (HT Archive)

Announcing his passing in Parliament, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru said, The story of a great life has ended.

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It is a great story that all of us know and the whole country knows. History will record it in many pages and call him the builder and consolidator of the new India and will say many other things about him.

But, perhaps, to many of us here, he will be remembered as a great captain of our forces in the struggle for freedom and as one who gave us sound advice in times of trouble as well as in moments of victory, a friend and colleague and comrade on whom one could invariably rely, as a tower of strength which revived wavering hearts when we were in trouble. I who have sat here on this bench side by side with him for these several years will feel rather forlorn and a certain emptiness will steal upon me as I look at this empty bench.

Soon after Sardars death, several senior leaders including President Rajendra Prasad, PM Nehru and Union minister C Rajagopalachari flew to Bombay.

During the 10 hours that Sardar Patels body remained with them, Bombays multitudes demonstrated the high esteem and great veneration in which the city in particular  his second home  and the country in general held Mahatma Gandhis right-hand man.

As the common people mournfully filed past in an endless stream the Sardars body as it lay in state, planes were arriving every few minutes from different parts of the country carrying a cross-section of the countrys leadership and condolence messages from far and near poured in.

The defence services lined the approaches to Birla House and large crowds stood behind, silently waiting for the procession to start.

Kerbs along the entire four-mile route of the funeral procession were lined with people.

As the funeral procession finally formed itself along the Napa Sea after starting from Birla House at 5pm, a contingent of armed police and motor cycles squads were in the lead.

The gun-carriage carrying his body followed this. Closely following the gun carriage was the jeep carrying the President, the Prime Minister, Rajagopalachari and other leaders.

All along the route citizens flanking the procession joined the chorus of Raghupati Raghava Rajaram, many showering flowers on the cortege, while others broke into tears.

Speaking with great emotion just before the pyre was lit, Rajagopalachari said it was his melancholic privilege to say a few words on the occasion as Sardar Patels oldest friend.

Thirty-two years ago, Rajagopalachari began in a low and heavy voice, when Gandhiji was at Madras one morning he asked me whether I had seen Vallabhbhai, who he said, was brave and very trustworthy. You should meet him, he had said. I did see him and since then I have been seeing him without a break.

What inspiration, courage, confidence incarnate a force Vallabhbhai was! Let us not think that the Sardar is dead. The real Vallabhbhai will survive even after Vallabhbhai we know has breathed his last.

We have assembled here now to give vent to our grief and take courage and confidence from his ashes. We will not see the like of him again. But do not think he lived in vain. He led an honest life from which we all can take something, provided we have the character and moral courage.

Let us be brave. Let us not shed tears. We should not give way to fear and depression. I am an old man and the melancholic privilege of addressing you all on this occasion has been given to me. Further, I am the oldest friend Vallabhbhai has left behind.

I have seen many pass away. Now Sardar has also left us, and he has left his brother (Jawaharlal Nehru) to carry on alone. May God bless his soul.

The Prime Minister was seen sobbing as he turned back and when asked to say a few words he was too overwhelmed with emotion to speak.

The great leader was cremated at the Sonapur Burning Ghat (Chowpatty) at 7.40pm near the spot where his brother, Vithalbhai Patel, was cremated 17 years ago.
The Indian Navy is tailing a merchant ship that was seized by unknown attackers in the Arabian Sea on Thursday and is now heading towards the Somali coast, with a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and a front-line warship carefully monitoring its course, officials aware on the matter said on Saturday. The hijacked MV Ruen in an image shared by the Indian Navy.(AP)

The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta - the EU maritime security operation in the western Indian Ocean  has also swung into action to join the anti-piracy effort in the vast expanse, the officials said.

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The Indian Navy was the first to locate and intercept the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen carrying 18 sailors, they added, asking not to be named.

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy diverted its maritime patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen, navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

The aircraft flew over the hijacked vessel early Friday morning and the warship intercepted it 24 hours later, Madhwal said in a statement.

The Indian Navys mission deployed platforms responded swiftly to the hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on the UKMTO portal on December 14, indicating that it had been boarded by six unknown personnel. Aircraft have been continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia.

Ruen relayed a distress call to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the position reporting and emergency incident response interface with merchant ships at sea, on December 14, and the company managing the vessel reported that it believed the crew was no longer in control. At the time, Ruen was around 680 nautical miles east of Bosaso, the commercial capital of Somalias breakaway Puntland region, according to a UKMTO security notification.

The identity of the hijackers who have taken the crew hostage is unknown, but they are believed to be Somali pirates, the officials said.

The bulk carrier is managed by Bulgarian shipping company Navigation Maritime Bulgare (Navibulgar). Bulgarian authorities said Ruens crew are from Bulgaria, Angola and Myanmar.

The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with other agencies in the area, and the Indian Navy remains committed to being the first responder in the region and ensuring the safety of merchant shipping along with international partners and friendly foreign countries, the statement added.

EUNAVFOR said on Friday that Spanish frigate Victoria was proceeding fast towards the alleged pirate-hijacked vessel to gain more awareness and evaluate further actions in coordination with the Combined Maritime Forces, a Bahrain-headquartered 38-nation grouping that is focussed on counterterrorism, counter piracy and regional cooperation.

Victoria reached the area on Saturday evening and is operating alongside the Indian warship, the officials said.

The pirates boarded the merchant ship off the Yemeni island of Socotra. In a statement on Thursday, Navibulgar said Ruen was the subject of a security incident 380 nautical miles east of the island of Socotra, Yemen.

The Ruen incident has put piracy in the western Indian Ocean back in the spotlight. Pirate attacks in the region peaked between 2008 and 2013 but had steadily declined thereafter because of the concerted efforts of the multi-national maritime task force including the Indian Navy.

The region accounted for almost 700 pirate attacks during 2008-13, but the figure nosedived to a mere 16 during 2014-19, according to EUNAVFOR data. The December 14 incident was the first in the last three years. The EUNAVFOR figures cover all attacks mounted by suspected pirates including the ones repelled, aborted and those leading to ships landing in pirate hands and crews being taken hostage.

The Indian Navy has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden for more than 15 years.

At any given time, one Indian warship has been carrying out round-the-clock anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since October 23, 2008, to protect Indian sea-borne trade, instill confidence in the seafaring community, and act as a deterrent for pirates.

So far 107 Indian warships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden - once considered the worlds most dangerous waters for commercial shipping - to ensure safe passage of Indian-flagged merchant vessels and they have thwarted scores of piracy attempts and safely escorted thousands of ships with tens of thousands of Indian sailors, the officials added.

In October, India and EU carried out their maiden naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea off the west African coast to boost maritime security cooperation including fighting piracy. INS Sumedha, an offshore patrol vessel, was joined by Italian, Spanish and French warships for the drills.

The Indian Navy is also keeping a close eye on the Indian Ocean region under its mission-based deployment model which saw its warships clock 10,000 days at sea, aircraft log more than 15,000 flying hours and submarines more than 1,140 days during 2023.
Bengaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced waiver of interest on crop loans if farmers repay the principal amount. BJP members in the Karnataka assembly objected to the chief minister Siddaramaiahs announcement, insisting on complete farm loan waiver. (HT Archives)

Our government has resolved to waive the entire interest on farm loans if the principal of medium- and long-term loans in cooperative banks is settled, he said in the assembly on the final day of the winter session at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi.

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BJP members in the assembly objected to the announcement, insisting on complete farm loan waiver. Coming down on BJP leaders, Siddaramaiah said former chief minister BS Yediyurappa had failed to allocate any funds for farm loans during his tenure.

In the 2018 manifesto, the BJP had said that farmers crop loans up to 1 lakh from nationalised banks and cooperative societies would be waived off in the first cabinet meeting of the government. But did the BJP do anything about it? They did not release a single paise, the CM said.

Though farm loan waiver was not promised in the Congress manifesto, Siddaramaiah said the governments decision on loan interest would benefit farmers.

Siddaramaiah also announced a series of initiatives aimed at development of North Karnataka. These measures include formulation of a comprehensive action plan to promote prominent tourist destinations and establishment of an industrial estate spanning 2,000 acres near Belagavi.

Among the announced projects, a foundry cluster on 500 acres near Belagavi, an FMCG cluster in Dharwad district generating 2,400 jobs, and a manufacturing cluster on 1,500 acres in Vijayapura were highlighted. The CM said emphasis would be given to cotton-based industries in the cotton hub of Raichur.

Siddaramaiah disclosed plans to upgrade the Dharwad-based Water and Land Management Institute (Walmi) as a centre of excellence for water management. The proposed centre aims to impart water literacy and raise wareness about soil salinity management, he said.

The chief minister also reiterated governments commitment to completing the Ballari and Raichur airport projects, adding that the development of North Karnatakas backward regions would contribute to the states GDP growth.

Dissatisfied with the chief ministers response on the development of North Karnataka, BJP leaders walked out of the assembly.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah announced the formation of a high-powered committee to study the status of backward taluks in the state. Responding to BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnals request to set a deadline for the committees report, the chief minister said that it would be required to submit its findings within six months.

Siddaramaiah referred to the recommendations of a panel led by economist DM Nanjundappa in 2002-03, including 31,000 crore for 114 backward taluks. Acknowledging a delay in implementing the recommendations, he expressed the governments commitment to addressing the disparity through the new high-powered committee.

Highlighting that 46,453.96 crore was allocated for the development of backward taluks from 2007-08 till now, the CM noted that only 32,433 crore had been spent and disparity remained. He assured the assembly that his government is positive about implementing the high-powered committees recommendations to eliminate disparities.He said his government is committed to the development of the states 116 backward taluks, including 11 extremely backward ones.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday removed senior leader Kamal Nath as the chief of the Madhya Pradesh unit after the party suffered a drubbing in the recent state elections and appointed Jitu Patwari, 50, in his place, heralding a generational shift. Kamal Nath with new partys new MP chief Jitu Patwari (@Jitupatwari)

The rejig in the state unit came days after Kharge expressed his disappointment over the MP poll result to Nath during a meeting in Delhi and told him that a large section of party leaders want him to step down as the chief of the MP unit after the partys poor performance.

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Honble Congress President has appointed Shri Jitu Patwari as the president of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, with immediate effect. The party appreciates the contributions of outgoing PCC President, Shri Kamal Nath. Honble Congress President has also approved the proposal of the appointment of Shri Umang Singhar, as the CLP leader and Shri Hemant Katare as the deputy leader of Madhya Pradesh, said a communique issued by party general secretary KC Venugopal.

The Congress has now announced rejigs in its units in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, two of the heartland states where it lost elections. All eyes are now on Rajasthan, the third Hindi heartland state where the Congress suffered a defeat, to see if the party opts for a young leadership or maintains the current structure. The new appointments in the MP and Chhattisgarh units are in line with the Congresss efforts to recalibrate the caste equations with a focus on OBCs and tribals.

The Congresss top leadership was confident of forming the government in MP but the party could only win 66 of the states 230 seats, its worst performance in a decade. The BJP retained power with a thumping majority, winning 163 seats.

Many central and state leaders have zeroed in on a key reason behind the drubbing -- a caustic campaign that spent too much time embroiled in controversy over shrill personal comments.

The Congress announced multiple schemes, like those for women and free education for students, which could have benefitted us if we had just spoken about them. Instead, it seemed to us, that Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh, who ran the show, focused on a negative campaign, said a senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Congress leader close to Nath said he was willing to step down as the state unit chief after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

He was willing to leave the post but not before 2024 Lok Sabha election. He is now willing to contest the Lok Sabha election from Chhindwara in 2024, the leader said.

Another state unit leader said the change of guard will rejuvenate the party cadre.

Congress leaders and supporters were disappointed when there was no change in the leadership but this decision has filled us with new energy, said a senior leader, requesting anonymity.

A senior Congress leader said that there has to be some accountability in Madhya Pradesh after the poll verdict while another argued that the party needs to promote a young leadership in the state just as it did in Telangana.

The image of a farmer, youngster and OBC leader at the helm will help the Congress in regaining lost ground , said KK Mishra, a spokesperson of the partys MP unit.

Political experts said the Congress should have rejigged the state unit three years ago. Its better late than never but the Congress suffered a historic defeat for not accepting the universal rule of generation change. After Congress lost power in 2020, AICC should have removed Kamal Nath because people were unhappy with him. They didnt act but now they finally decided to hand over Congress to young leaders, said Girjashankar, a political analyst.

Patwari lost the recent elections from Rau in Indore. He was minister in the Nath government between December 2018 and March 2020.
Bengaluru Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday said in the assembly that the state government is taking measures to prevent female foeticides, including amending the legislations concerned, formulating a new policy and setting up a state-level task force. Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao (Arijit Sen/HT Photo)

Rao said that a CID probe has been initiated to investigate such incidents, emphasising the need for joint efforts by health and police departments. Rao outlined plans for sub-division-level monitoring committees and deployment of officers for improved coordination in handling female foeticide cases.

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The health minister expressed concern over the declining gender ratio, indicating occurrence of female foeticides in the state. If you look at civil registration data, last year it was 947 females for 1,000 men, this year it is 929. It has come down, he said, replying to issues raised by some MLAs, including Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, expressing concern over the increasing cases of female foeticide in the state.

Highlighting the need for a joint operation by the health and police departments to prevent female foeticides, Rao said the proposed state-level task force would help in swiftly acting against any illegal activities. In addition, there are plans for setting up sub-division level monitoring committees, besides deploying an ACP-level officer for proper coordination to deal exclusively with female foeticide cases.

As part of the strategy, the government plans to reactivate the health departments call centre and introduce amendments to legislation in consultation with relevant departments to enhance effectiveness in combating female foeticide.

He said amendments to the legislations concerned would be effected in consultation with the health, home and law departments to make them more effective.

Nothing will come out of normal inspection or spot visits. Collecting intelligence by involving ASHA and anganwadi workers and local leaders is important, the minister said, adding that the district health officers (DHOs) and family welfare officers have been told to conduct decoy operations once in three months in their jurisdictions to identify hospitals involved in female foeticides.

Meanwhile, in response to the recent revelation of a female foeticide racket in Thirumalashettyhalli, the Bengaluru Rural police have mobilised a special team to apprehend Dr Srinivasa, the owner of SPG Hospital and Diagnostic Center, identified as the primary suspect in the case. Bengaluru Rural superintendent of police Mallikarjuna Baladandi disclosed that seven hospital staff members have been arrested.

We have taken some suspects into custody, all associated with the hospital, and are currently interrogating them regarding their involvement in the illegal abortion procedures. Our priority is to locate and apprehend Dr Srinivasa, who is currently evading authorities, said Baladandi during a media briefing.

Surveillance footage captured Dr Srinivasas escape from the hospital moments before health officials conducted raids.

The police have recovered registers from the hospital and are questioning the patients who visited the hospital. The Bengaluru Rural SP said appropriate action would be taken against women who underwent illegal abortions at the hospital.

We have recovered register books from the hospital and are verifying for what treatments they visited the hospital. Suitable action would be taken against the pregnant women if we find that they visited the hospital for an abortion, Mallikarjuna Baladandi said.
Bhubaneswar: A 37-year-old man from Kashmir, who variously called himself a neurologist, an army doctor, an official in the Prime Ministers office and a close associate of some high-ranking National Investigation Agency officials, was arrested by special task force officers from Jajpur district on Saturday. Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, alias Ishaan Bukhari, aka Dr Ishaan Bukhari, is a resident of Kupwara in Kashmir

Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, alias Ishaan Bukhari, aka Dr Ishaan Bukhari, from Kupwara in Kashmir, was arrested by state criminal investigation department officers from Neulpur area in Jajpur district.

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He was wanted by Kashmir police in relation to a case of cheating and forgery and one non-bailable warrant is pending against him, said Jai Narayan Pankaj, inspector general of police.

Police have seized several forged documents, and multiple ID, Aadhaar and debit cards from him. Four mobile phones seized from the accused will be sent for examination to collect information about chats and links, police said.

Bukhari married 6-7 girls from various parts of India, including Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, police said. He was also active on various websites and was in romantic relationships with many girls while impersonating a doctor with international degrees.

The accused had some links with anti-national elements, but his exact role needs a detailed investigation. We have ample evidence against the accused being a fraudster. It is too early to say anything regarding his involvement in terror plots, but he had some links with Pakistan and it will be verified. We cannot rule out that he was a Pakistani spy. But as of now, we do not have much evidence. However, we are in touch with the NIA, Pankaj said.
The Madras high court on Friday upheld the jurisdiction of Tamil Nadus anti-corruption wing Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in connection with the arrest of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer Anikt Tiwari . The DVAC had arrested the ED officer on December 1 on charges of threatening and accepting a bribe of  20 lakh (Getty images)

The Madurai bench of the high court comprising justices M Sundar and R Sakthivel dismissed a public interest litigation, filed by a Madurai advocate J Vivek, seeking the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

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The DVAC had arrested Tiwari on December 1 on charges of threatening and accepting a bribe of 20 lakh and subsequently carried out a raid at the EDs sub-zonal office in Madurai. During the hearing, the state submitted that the case is a cognisable offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Tiwari is under the custody of the DVAC until December 28. The Dindigul chief judicial magistrate (CJM) had denied him the bail on December 5 citing the gravity of the offence and the early stage of the investigation. The officer approached the Madras high court for bail contesting the changes against him as baseless and malicious.

Tiwari was caught immediately after having accepted a bribe of 20 lakh from a government doctor in Dindigul district, Dr T Suresh Babu in exchange for closing a case against him, according to people familiar with the matter. In his bail application, Tiwari said that there were no pending cases against the government doctor thus nullifying any grounds for demanding a bribe. Justice V Sivagnanam on Friday directed the DVAC and the Tamil Nadu government to respond to Tiwaris bail application by December 19.

The doctor had tipped off the DVAC on November 30 after Tiwari had on November 29 said that he got instructions from the Prime Ministers office to investigate him and had asked for 3 crore to close the case, according to the FIR filed by DVAC on November 30. They finally negotiated to settle at  51 lakh, said the people quoted above. As agreed the doctor paid the first instalment of 20 lakh on December 1 inside his car which was recorded on camera, said the people. Following this, the DVAC caught Tiwari near the Dindigul-Madurai highway.

In a complaint to the Tamil Nadu police, the ED has accused the DVAC of criminal trespass, stealing and taking copies of sensitive documents which could jeopardise investigation and of letting unauthorised people inside their office and conducting an illegal search.
Reacting to the Thane incident, wherein a woman was allegedly run over by her boyfriend's car in the middle of a road, Maharashtra Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said that the accused in the matter will have to face the whip of law even if he is the son of an officer or a big leader. Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar ((Anshuman Poyrekar/HT photo))

Speaking to ANI on the incident in Chandrapur, Mungantiwar said, "Whether it is an officer's son or some big leader's son, he will have to bear the whip of the law and Constitution. No matter who it is, if they have committed this crime, then they would be punished."

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Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also reacted to the case and said, "The incident not only brings goosebumps to a person but also exposes many people who are in authority. The accused, who has committed the heinous crime, is the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha and his father is a very senior bureaucrat in Thane district."

"The government talks about women's safety but it is actually the work that is done that really matters and that kind of work for women is not seen in Maharashtra," Chaturvedi added.

"This is a very unfortunate incident and I want to question the BJP about how the party could place responsibilities on such people who are so "Mahila Virodhi," asserted Chaturvedi.

"Does the Mahila Bachao-Mahila Badhao programme of the BJP give this message when there are incidents such as the women's protest or this recent Thane incident? she stated.

BJP leader Narayan Rane said, "Today the opposition is saying that law and order has deteriorated in Maharashtra. My question is that both Disha Salian and Sushant Singh were murdered during their time, was there law and order at that time?

"Today, when a woman is run over by a vehicle, then it is wrong to say that law and order are not good. They have no other topic. Our government is doing good work in Maharashtra. If a case is registered, he will be arrested. After an investigation, the police will arrest him," Rane added.

Congress leader Tariq Anwar also condemned the incident and said, "It is very sad that in our society, the way of thinking has still not changed, especially in cases like this, where love is involved. Many children commit suicide, murder, and other such crimes in matters like these. In my opinion, this is a social evil that needs to be cured."

A 26-year-old woman was severely injured when her boyfriend, who is the son of a senior bureaucrat, allegedly tried to run her over with his car in Maharashtra's Thane district.

The accused has been identified as Ashwajit Gaikwad.

Speaking to ANI on the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amar Singh Jadhav said, "The incident took place around 4 a.m. on Monday near a hotel on Ghodbunder Road, where the woman had gone to meet Ashwajit Gaikwad."

"An argument broke out between the victim, Ashwajeet Gaikwad and two other persons identified as Romil Patil and Sagar. The victim suffered injuries after the argument, and was admitted to the hospital, where the police recorded her statement. According to that, further action has been taken and a case has been registered against three accused under relevant sections," said the official.

"A case has been registered under IPC sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) (against accused Ashwajeet Gaikwad, Romil Patil and Sagar). Further investigation is being done on the basis of the victim's statement," informed the DCP.

The victim shared details and said, "Three bones in my right leg are broken. It has been operated on. From my left shoulder to my hips, I've had deep injuries. I cannot move my body. Four days ago, I went to file an FIR--the day all this happened. But no action was taken. Today, when I posted on social media, the police supported me."

The incident took place early on Monday morning near a hotel in Thane and police have registered a case against the accused, Ashwajit Gaikwad.

Sharing her information on the matter, victim Priya Singh's lawyer, Darshana Pawar, told ANI, "I met Priya in the morning. She is stable but the injuries are quite severe."

"As per the injuries, 307 (of IPC) should have been recorded, which has not been recorded. We have been requesting the investigating officers and police officers to take 307 and 356 on record. But, to date, they have not taken it. It's been more than four days. If they don't proceed, we will have to approach the High Court," stated the lawyer for the victim.

Further details on the matter are awaited.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that his guarantee begins after hope from everyone else ends, as he hailed his governments efforts to ensure development in smaller cities and remote towns while launching the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in five more states. He also lauded the central governments schemes that have provided 17,000 crore life insurance cover to the poor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the beneficiaries of 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' via video conferencing, in New Delhi. (ANI)

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched across the country on November 15 to attain saturation of flagship schemes of the government by ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all the targeted beneficiaries in a time bound manner. The yatra, flagged off from Khunti in Jharkhand, aims to cover 260,000 gram panchayats and over 4,000 urban local bodies across the nation by January 25, 2024.

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Within a month the Viksit Bharat Yatra has covered 1,000 villages and covered 1,500 cities among which most are small towns It is evident that the public is excited about it and it has come to the fore that the Viksit Bharat vans are being welcomed uniquely everywhere it goes. I urge more people to join in and I guarantee that the Visit Bharat vans will help you in the process. Modis guarantee vehicle (Visit Bharat IEC vans) is empowering more and more youth and women, I want people to avail benefit of this yatra, Modi said while addressing the beneficiaries of the yatra through video conferencing.

During the event, the PM also flagged off the Yatra in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram  the five states where assembly elections were held recently. The scheme could not be launched in these states in adherence to the model code of conduct.

Hailing the welfare schemes launched by his government, Modi also took a swipe at some political parties who were busy making headlines and news.

Our government has provided life insurance protection in the tune of 17,000 crore through the PM Suraksha Bima Yojana and PM Jivan Jyoti Yojana. Can you imagine who much it would benefit those who lost their loved ones? Some political parties when they initiate a 200-400 crore scheme, they are busy in making headlines and news. But we have already deposited 17,000 crore in medical claims to poor people. I urge more people to join in and I guarantee that the Visit Bharat vans will help you in the process. Modis guarantee vehicle (Visit Bharat IEC vans) is empowering more and more youth and women, I want people to avail benefit of the Viksit Bharat Yatra, he said. The PM Suraksha Bima Yojana and PM Jivan Jyoti Yojana were launched in 2015.

Modi also interacted with beneficiaries from various states who have availed various government schemes.

One beneficiary, Kalyani Rajbongshi from Guwahati in Assam, shared her experience of mobilising 3,000 people to form self help groups (SHGs) that provided employment to other women using the loans provided by central government schemes. I am glad that you have employed other women as well. Empowering a woman benefits society, Modi replied to her.

Talking to a beneficiary of PM Awas Yojana, Kushala Devi from Himachal Pradesh, Modi said people like her inspired the government to work harder.

During the event, the PM also highlighted his governments focus on developing Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Under the Amrit Mission or SMART City Mission, basic facilities are being improved in the small cities. We are trying to ensure that facilities like water supply, drainage, sewage system, traffic system, CCTV network etc are upgraded constantly. Cleanliness, public toilets, and LED street lights are also being worked upon for the first time on this level. This has a direct impact on ease of living and ease of doing business, he said.
The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman.(X/MEA)

Tarik arrived in India on a three-day state visit on Friday. He was received by Union minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan. The Sultan arrived in India at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.

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On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu received the Sultan at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The sultan then inspected a Guard of Honour by the combined defence services.

Following this, Modi and the Sultan arrived at Hyderabad House in Delhi to hold bilateral talks. The prime minister will also host a luncheon in Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik's honour.

Earlier, the official spokesperson for MEA, Arindam Bagchi, said the visit by the Sultan of Oman will further boost the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

"His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by @MOS_MEA at the airport. The visit will further reinforce the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India & Oman and strengthen bilateral ties," Bagchi posted from his official handle on X.

The MEA noted that the maiden State visit by the Sultan of Oman marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Muscat.

India-Oman relations



India and Oman share a long-standing friendship rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties. Furthermore, people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back 5,000 years.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1955 and were upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008.

According to the MEA, Oman is India's closest defence partner in the Gulf region as well, with defence cooperation emerging as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Oman is the only country in West Asia with which all three services of the Indian Armed Forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and service-level staff talks.

India also extended a special invitation to the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country under India's G20 Presidency, according to ANI

Oman participated in over 150 working group meetings, with nine of its ministers taking part in various G20 ministerial meetings.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. Hundreds of Yazidis holding US citizenship have taken legal action against the French cement giant Lafarge, accusing the company of bankrolling ISIS, as reported by various international media outlets.

Many of the complainants fled Iraq during the ISIS-led massacre of Yazidis in 2014.

The lawsuit contends that Lafarge "actively supported and incited acts of international terrorism by ISIS, conspired with ISIS and its intermediaries, and must provide compensation to the survivors".

Meanwhile, back in October 2022, Lafarge had already been found culpable of funneling funds to both ISIS and "Jabhat al-Nusra". The company shelled out approximately $6 million in "monthly contributions" to ensure the uninterrupted operation of its cement plant in Northern Syria (which was under militant control at the time). Consequently, the company was slapped with a hefty fine of $777.78 million.

France is gaining notoriety for not just morally, but financially backing terrorism. The Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA), a terrorist organization, is undergoing rehabilitation within France, backed by French intelligence and special services. Reports suggest that specialized French schools are carrying out terrorist training for potential Armenian extremists.

ASALA came into existence in Beirut back in 1975 with the help of Agop Agopian. They pulled off a series of terrorist attacks targeting Turkish diplomats. Lebanon was ASALA's go-to spot for about 7 years, and during that time, the organization grew. However, when Beirut fell under Israeli control in 1982, the decline of ASALA began. With no support left, the terrorist group had to leave the Middle East. That's when France extended a so-called "helping hand", offering refuge to the organization.

Can a country actively endorsing international terrorism cut it among the so-called "civilized" nations in the UN Security Council? Certainly not. The current leadership of France has essentially lumped the country in with states that actively sponsor terrorism.
Mahesh Kumawat (32), arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach case, was on Saturday remanded in the Delhi Polices custody for seven days to probe his alleged involvement in the conspiracy along with five other arrested accused for the last two years, police officers said. Mahesh Kumawat, a resident of Nagaur district in Rajasthan, was arrested on Saturday after being questioned for two days in connection with the major security breach in Parliament (HT)

Kumawat, a resident of Nagaur district in Rajasthan, was arrested on Saturday after being questioned for two days in connection with the major security breach in Parliament earlier this week, with the police saying the 32-year-old allegedly helped the mastermind accused, Lalit Jha (35), in the destruction of the mobile phone to destroy evidence and to hide the larger conspiracy.

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Kumawat had accompanied his younger brother Kailash Kumawat (27) and Jha to the Kartavya Path police station around 10 pm on Thursday. While Jha was arrested shortly after he surrendered to the police and subsequently sent to seven-day police custody the next day, the two siblings were handed over to the Delhi Police Special Cell for questioning.

After his arrest on Saturday, the Delhi Police produced Mahesh Kumawat before a local court, seeking his custody alleging that the accused wanted to create anarchy in the country so that they can compel the government to meet their unjust and illegal demands, people familiar with the matter said.

He was in contact with other accused persons in hatching the conspiracy for the last two years. He helped the mastermind accused, Lalit Jha, in the destruction of the mobile phone to destroy evidence and to hide the larger conspiracy, the Delhi Police told the court through the public prosecutor, one of the people cited above said, requesting anonymity.

Four other people accused of the crime  Sagar Sharma (27) and Manoranjan D (34), who walked past three layers of security before rappelling down from the visitors gallery and spraying coloured smoke inside the Lok Sabha on December 13, and Amol Shinde (25) and Neelam Singh (37), who were arrested while shouting slogans outside Parliament  were remanded to police custody for seven days on Thursday. Lalit Jha, the fifth accused, had fled from outside Parliament after recording the video of the protest.

Mahesh was also member of the now-deleted Bhagat Singh Fan Club page created [on social media] by the accused, a senior investigator said, declining to be named.

Police said Mahesh was involved with Jha in destroying mobile phones of all the accused to eliminate evidence of chats. Jha, investigators on Friday alleged, had destroyed five mobile phones which were already with him when the four people were protesting inside and outside the Parliament building.

The brazen incursion had come on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament.

After making the video, according to the police, Jha took a bus to Jaipur where he stayed a night in a hotel before heading to Kumawats house in Nagaur. The two along with Maheshs brother Kailash returned to Delhi by bus on Thursday and went straight to the police station.

Investigators said that Mahesh had 1,008 followers on Instagram and his last of the 198 posts was shared on June 6.

Jab Siyasat Bahri aur janta goongi ho jaaye tab samajh lena ki inqalab zaroori hai (When politics becomes deaf and people become dumb, then understand that revolution is necessary), his last post read. He had also shared posts about farmers protests and the ethnic violence in Manipur.

(With agency inputs)
A Delhi court on Saturday issued notice to the Delhi police special cell  which is probing the parliament security breach  on an application moved by the family members of Neelam Azad, one accused woman arrested in the case, seeking a copy of the first information report (FIR) and permission to meet her while she is under custody. Special forces stand guard outside the Parliament building in New Delhi (File Photo)

Azad, who is currently under police custody for five more days, was arrested from outside the parliament premises on Wednesday, where she had allegedly opened a yellow smoke canister while shouting slogans.

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Advocates R K Wadhwa and Suresh Chaudhary, appearing for Azads family, moved the application before additional sessions judge (ASJ) Hardeep Kaur, stating that they were made to wait for nearly five hours as the officials at the special cell lingered them, stating non-availability of the officer.

Also Read: Parliament security breach: Two more people detained for questioning

The application said that the officials also refused to provide the family of the accused with a copy of the FIR filed in the case.

Advocate Chaudhary submitted before the court that the accused was arrested and sent to custody, following which an application was submitted to the police by the family members seeking a copy of the FIR and to meet Azad, however, they were asked to move the court.

The police cannot curtail the right of an accused to get an FIR and to meet her with the advocate, said Chaudhary.

The court after hearing the arguments of the counsel listed the matter for further hearing on December 18 while also seeking a reply from the Delhi police special cell.

Azad (37) was arrested along with three other accused  Sagar, Manoranjan D and Amol Shinde  for breaching the Parliament security breach on Wednesday  the anniversary of the 2001 parliament attack.

Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D were the two intruders who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from visitors galleries and sprayed smoke canister. Amol Shinde was found protesting outside the Parliament with one Neelam Devi.

Also Read: Parliament security breach: Delhi court sends 4 accused to 7-day police custody

All are currently under the custody of the Delhi police special cell. The police have filed terror charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and 120B and 452 of the Indian Penal Code against the four.

Another person, Lalit Jha, said to be the mastermind behind the Parliament security breach conspiracy case, was also arrested.

The more, identified by their first names  Mahesh and Kailash, were detained after Jha, during the interrogation described them as co-conspirators.
Mahesh Kumawat, the accused in the Parliament security breach case, has been arrested by the Delhi Police on Saturday. It was confirmed by the Delhi Police that Kumawat was also part of the conspiracy to launch an attack on the Lok Sabha. The sixth accused in the Parliament security breach case, Mahesh Kumawat, has been arrested by the Delhi Police.(Social media)

After his arrest on Saturday, the Mahesh Kumawat has been sent to 7-day police custody by a Delhi court, reported PTI.

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Mahesh Kumawat was tracked down by officials and taken in for questioning regarding the security breach. He was later arrested by the Delhi Police after hours of questioning, reported India Today.

Mahesh had come to Delhi on the day of the attack on the Parliament, when two persons entered the Lok Sabha and threw smoke bombs during the session, rattling the entire country.

Lalit Jha, the mastermind of the entire attack in New Delhi, had fled to Mahesh's hideout in Rajasthan when the police was looking for him. Mahesh was also responsible for destroying the mobile phones of the four accused arrested in the Parliament security breach case, reported India Today.

Delhi Police officials said that Mahesh Kumawat was in contact with Neelam Devi as well, who had been protesting outside the Lok Sabha when her co-conspirators launched the smoke bomb attack inside the lower house.

Mahesh's cousin Kailash is also being questioned by the Delhi Police in relation with the case, but has not been arrested yet.

Parliament security breach: What happened

On December 13, jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery above the seating and threw smoke cannisters inside the house, rattling all the MPs.

During this time, two members of their group - Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde - protested outside the Parliament and launched coloured smoke bombs into the air while yelling tanashahi nahi chalegi.

The police had said that the accused wanted to create anarchy in the country and force the government to meet their demands. Till now, six people have been arrested in relation with the case.
Delhi Police officials said on Saturday the five accused arrested in the December 13 Parliament security breach case have revealed that they explored self-immolation and distribution of pamphlets before settling on the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha's chamber with smoke canisters, news agency PTI reported. The accused first explored immolating themselves by covering their bodies with fireproof gel but dropped this idea, the Delhi Police said.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell, which is investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pratap Simha, who had authorised the visitor passes for the two men who breached security to enter the House, the report added.

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News agency ANI, citing Delhi Police sources, reported that the intruders Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, Neelam Devi and Lalit Mohan Jha, had arrived with seven smoke cans to carry out the incident.

Delhi Police officials said on Saturday the five accused arrested in the December 13 Parliament security breach case have revealed that they explored self-immolation and distribution of pamphlets before settling on the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha's chamber with smoke canisters, news agency PTI reported.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell, which is investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pratap Simha, who had authorised the visitor passes for the two men who breached security to enter the House, the report added.

News agency ANI, citing Delhi Police sources, reported that the intruders Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, Neelam Devi and Lalit Mohan Jha, had arrived with seven smoke cans to carry out the incident.

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Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D had jumped into the Lok Sabha's chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs. Around the same time, two others  Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi  released coloured smoke from canisters while shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi" outside the Parliament premises.

Lalit Jha, the fifth accused, allegedly circulated videos of the protest outside the complex on social media.

Here are updates on Parliament security breach case

1. "Before finalising this plan (to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber), they (accused) had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending their message to the government," a Delhi Police official aware of the investigations told PTI.

2. They first explored immolating themselves by covering their bodies with fireproof gel but dropped this idea.

3. They also considered distributing pamphlets inside the Parliament but finally went ahead with the plan they executed on Wednesday, the official said.

4. A Special Cell's Counter Intelligence team has planned to record the statement of Pratap Simha, the BJP's MP from Mysore, in connection with the case.

5. Late on Friday, the investigators took the accused to various places where they met and conspired in the breach.

6. The police are likely to seek Parliament's permission to recreate the breach that occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

7. Delhi Police sources told ANI that the four accused had arrived with not one or two but seven smoke cans to carry out the incident.

8. The accused had carried out a search of the area around Parliament on Google and familiarised with many things which also included old videos of Parliament security.

9. The accused also searched for how to conduct safe chats so that the police could not identify them. All the accused used to talk on the Signal app so that they would not get caught.

10. Delhi Police sources revealed that the biggest intention was to get noted in the media therefore a plan was prepared to enter the Parliament during the session.

(With inputs from agencies)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will unveil the Surat Diamond Bourse, said to be the world's largest corporate office hub. A view of the newly-constructed Surat Diamond Bourse that is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17, in Surat.(ANI)

Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the dynamism and growth of Surat's diamond industry. It is also a testament to Indias entrepreneurial spirit. It will serve as a hub for trade, innovation and collaboration, further boosting our economy and creating employment opportunities, the prime minister had said in July in an X post.



The PM will also inaugurate the newly-upgraded terminal building of the Surat airport on his arrival there the same day, officials told news agency PTI.

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Here's what we know about this building, even larger than the Pentagon in the United States.

1. The SDB building, the world's largest office complex with over 67 lakh square feet of floor area, is located at Khajod village near Surat city.



2. The Surat Diamond Bourse is built on 35.54 acres of land at a cost of 3400 crore. It is set to become a global centre of rough and polished diamond trading.

3. It is the world's largest interconnected building, and houses over 4,500 interconnected offices. The office building is even larger than the Pentagon and is the country's largest customs clearance house.

4. The Surat Diamond Bourse has the capacity to house 4,200 traders from 175 countries who will come to Surat to buy polished diamonds.



5. Around 1.5 lakh people will get employment from the trading facility, as diamond buyers from all corners of the world will get a global platform to trade at Surat.
The Supreme Court on Friday granted relief to Congress member of Parliament (MP) Randeep Singh Surjewala by staying proceedings against him in a 23-year-old criminal trial in Uttar Pradesh on the allegation that he indulged in vandalism during a political protest. Congress member of Parliament Randeep Singh Surjewala. (File)

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud said, Proceedings against the petitioner shall remain stayed, as it issued notice to the UP government on Surjewalas petition challenging a November 17 order of the Allahabad high court refusing to quash the first information report (FIR) against him. The court posted the matter for January 8 and directed the stay to operate till then.

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Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for the Congress leader told the court that the Allahabad high court failed to consider the delay caused in these proceedings while pointing out that the charges levelled in the FIR were not made out.

The bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra agreed to take up the arguments on the next date. The petition filed through advocate Abhishek Jebraj said, In the entire four-month period from the registration of the FIR on August 21, 2000 to the preparation of the chargesheet on December 19, 2000, the UP police failed to serve any notice or summon to the petitioner to join investigation. 

It was only after 108 hearings that the petitioner was summoned by the magistrate, who issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him for the first time in August 2022, Surjewala told the top court claiming that since then, he has been represented in trial through his counsel.

Even as the decision by the HC was pending on the issue of quashing of FIR, the trial court issued fresh NBW on November 7. Against this order, Surjewala approached the Supreme Court which, on November 9 put the execution of NBW issued by a Varanasi court on hold for a period of five weeks to grant sufficient breathing time for Surjewala to seek cancellation of the same. This order expired on December 14.

The case dates to the year 2000 when Surjewala, the then national president of Youth Congress, along with other Congress leaders, was booked for allegedly creating ruckus while protesting against the alleged false implication of some Congress leaders in the Samvasini scandal in Varanasi.

The police alleged that during the demonstration, Surjewala along with his supporters indulged in damaging property, stone-throwing and preventing public servants from discharging their duties.

A criminal case was lodged against them at the Cantt police station of Varanasi under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell head Amit Malviya on Saturday took a swipe at Abhishek Banerjee after the Supreme Court on Friday declined the Trinamool Congress MP's request for a gag order restraining media coverage of the proceedings before a single judge of the Calcutta high court monitoring the investigation into an alleged multi-crore Bengal recruitment scam. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee speaks with the media.(PTI)

Reacting to the news, Amit Malviya, on social media X, wrote, Abhishek Banerjee, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees nephew, wanted media gagged, so that they cant report on the Calcutta HC proceedings in the Recruitment Scam. Supreme Court rejected the plea. You steal but dont want the world to know? Convenient.

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Live Law reported that during the hearing, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan pressed for a suspension of reportage.

Sankaranarayanan also wanted the Supreme Court to restrain the media from reporting the matter. The advocate said Abhishek Banerjees reputation is being torn to shreds due to the media coverage, which is being exploited by the Opposition parties on social media.

Sankaranarayanan also cited a five-judge constitution bench directions in the Sahara Vs Sebi case wherein the top court had passed certain guidelines on media coverage of legal matters.

The bench, comprising justices Sanjiv Khann and SVN Bhatti, however, refused to issue the order, with justice Khanna explaining that the law on the scope of judicial interference in investigations was laid down in several judgments of the Supreme Court, the report added.

The petitioner would be satisfied in case an order for suspension of reportage is passed. He relies upon a decision of this court in Sahara v. Securities and Exchange Board of India (2012). The question of court interference or jurisdiction was examined by the division bench of the Calcutta High Court in the judgment dated October 5. We have also passed an order on December 8. The law on this subject has been clarified by this court in numerous decisions. We wish to also clarify that the parties are bound by the orders passed by the court. Learned Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the Directorate of Enforcement, states that they are bound by orders of the court and in case, any party is aggrieved by any direction given, it would be entitled to challenge the same in accordance with law. Recording the aforesaid, we are not inclined to pass further directions or orders at this stage. The application is disposed of," the order said.

We would also like to clarify that if the applicant has any grievance, he must approach the division bench of the high court before approaching this court, the bench added.
The Supreme Court and its judges are not the fund collectors for the Government, justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said on Friday, adding principles of law are more important than the stakes a case may carry. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul

Addressing from a ceremonial bench set up to bid adieu to the second most senior judge of the top court, justice Kaul, not the one to mice his words, was emphatic that the judges must be bold; remain committed to the administration of justice and should discourage adjournments because a litigant approaches the apex court after a spate of difficulties.

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The judge, who has repeatedly through his judgments supported freedom of expression and artistic creativity, also appealed for tolerance of contrary views, pointing out that people must live to learn with each other so that the world does not shrink into a small place.

Justice Kaul has to demit office on December 25. However, Friday turned out to be his last day in office because the Supreme Court goes on a winter break starting December 18. It will reopen in the first week of January.

I do not believe that we are the fund collectors for the government. Stakes are not important. What is important is what the principle of law it carries. And that this court has administered justice. As it is expected -- without fear of favour, said justice Kaul.

He added that the boldness of a judge is of utmost importance if they expect other stakeholders and institutions to show courage. Boldness of a judge is a very important factor. If, with the constitutional protections which we have, we are not able to exhibit this, we cannot expect other parts of administration to do so, the outgoing judge emphasised.

Justice Kaul dearly fondly what a senior colleague told him when he joined the Supreme Court in February 2017. He told me that a litigant comes to the court as a last resort, of his being through the various processes and he finds that there are no solutions. If he owes 50 given 55, don't give him 45 because with great difficulty he comes to this court. That's something I've kept dear to my heart, he said.

Set to hang up his boots after serving as a judge for more than 22 years that including a stint of more than six years in the Supreme Court, justice Kaul stressed that the independence of the judiciary must be protected and that the bar and the bench ought to work together for it. Ultimately, there's no other method by which the judiciary can stand up for itself. And I think it is the duty of the bar to support the judiciary. Yet, I agree that the bar is the judge of judges. I fully appreciate that, he added.

Justice Kaul also addressed another important malady of the court system  adjournments. He said that courts must function because that's the expectation with which the litigant comes to the court. As a lawyer, I felt that an adjournment culture was prevalent and felt it was not right. I have always believed that. A case must be taken up on the day it is listed, underscored the judge, adding the confidence between the bar and the bench must grow to speed up hearings of cases in the top court.

Associated with two powerful judgments negativing a ban on paintings of MF Husain and a novel by author Perumal Murugan, justice Kaul called for greater tolerance among people. People must have tolerance for each other's opinion. I think that's the greatest message I would like to give. We are at a time in the world where the tolerance levels have gone very low...Internationally, nothing to our country specifically. It's time the human species learn to live with each other and live with other species of this world...to be able to adjust to it so that the world remains the large place it is and doesn't become a small place, he added.

In 2008, justice Kaul quashed the obscenity case against late MF Husain and backed the painter, who was forced to go into exile after his painting of Mother India as a naked woman was accused of hurting religious sentiments. Presiding over a bench in the Delhi high court at that time, the judge found nothing wrong in Husains work, holding that art is a coming of age and each form of expression in art, from naturalism to abstract expressionism derives its strength from the artists emotional pursuits of his perceptual reality.

In his 2016 judgment on controversial Tamil author Murugan, who was facing charges for the vocalism he practised in his book Madhorubagan, which loosely translates into English as One Part Woman, justice Kaul, then the Madras high court chief justice, said: The choice to read is always with the reader. If you dont like a book, throw it away. There is no compulsion to read a book. Literary tastes may vary - what is right and acceptable to one may not be so to others. Yet, the right to write is unhindered.

Justice Kaul concluded his last sitting in the court by saying that he was going out as a satisfied man. I go with the full sense of satisfaction. I have tried to do my best whatever I could. Sometimes it may be the best, sometimes it may not be. But I tried, he said.

His friendship has been an enormous source of strength: CJI

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, in his address, applauded justice Kaul for his urge to do justice; the desire to grant relief; the aspiration and the commitment to the cause of justice. The CJI added that he shares a long association with justice Kaul when both of them were college students in Delhi.

It has been a matter of great honor for me that we shared this very dais together...We go back a long way and we've stood together...in trying times and happy times. And I think justice Kauls friendship has been a source of enormous strength for me, said the CJI.

Justice Kaul recalled how he and justice Kaul were together on the benches that decided some of the landmark cases in the top court, including the right to privacy, Article 370, marriage equality and validity of unstamped arbitration agreements.

The CJI also pointed out that he had the occasion to examine the Centres appeal against a judgment of justice Kaul in 2010 ordering permanent commission for women officers in armed forces. I have had the greatest good fortune of having to firm this decision to grant gender equality to members of the armed forces, with the women in the armed forces, which eventually culminated in the judgment of our court delivered by me (in 2020), said justice Chandrachud.

The CJI hoped justice Kaul, in his new avatar, will have plenty and plenty more to contribute to our society.

Attorney general R Venkataramani, on his part, highlighted that the December 11 judgment, authored by justice Kaul while upholding the abrogation of Article 370, marks constitutional jurisprudence in more than one sense. just calls expression.

Justice Kaul expressed that there should be a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I think it marks a watershed in the way the court can articulate a profound thought about the healing that was required. I'm sure that that came to you not only because he belongs to this part of the country with the long lineage of his family over a period of time, I think it correctly captured the essence of the time, said the top law officer.

Venkataramani added that the judges call will go a long way and catch the hearts of the people of Kashmir and the rest of the country to ensure that truth and reconciliation is the only way to bring about peace in the in the crisis between times of our country.

Justice Kauls journey as a judge

Justice Kaul, one of the youngest lawyers to be designated as a senior advocate at the age of 41, was elevated as a judge in the Delhi high court in 2001. He was appointed as the chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court in June 2013. He later joined the Madras high court as its chief justice in July 2014. He was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in February 2017.

Justice Kaul has been associated with a slew of path-breaking judgments that richly contributed to the jurisprudential wealth of the constitutional courts.

In his 2010 judgment granting permanent commission for women officers in the armed forces, justice Kaul wrote: If these officers have performed equally well in their task which are non-combat in nature and on that basis respondents have extended their period of SSC more than once, it would be gross violation to Articles 14, 16 and 21 of the Constitution of India to accept a situation where such women officers are deprived of a PC while male officers are granted this PC. If this is not discrimination what would be discrimination based on gender and denial of equal opportunity of employment to these women?

In 2017, in his judgment affirming the right to privacy as a fundamental right, justice Kaul called it a natural and inherent right. In an era where there are wide, varied, social and cultural norms and more so in a country like ours which prides itself on its diversity, privacy is one of the most important rights to be protected both against State and non-State actors and be recognized as a fundamental right, he wrote.

In his 2018 judgment in relation to a reservation in promotion, justice Kaul was on the Constitution bench that introduced the creamy layer for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, holding the cream of SC/STs should be excluded from the benefits of reservation in government services.

Justice Kaul also wrote the majority judgment in 2019 deciding not to order a court-monitored investigation of the Union government's purchase of Rafale fighter aircraft. We cannot lose sight of the fact that we are dealing with a contract for aircraft pending before different governments for quite some time. The necessity for those aircraft has never been in dispute... This court did not consider it appropriate to embark on a roving and fishing enquiry, the judgment read.

The true import of the contempt jurisdiction of a court was elucidated by justice Kaul in a 2020 judgment. The raison detre of contempt jurisdiction is to maintain the dignity of the institution of judicial forums. It is not a vindictive exercise nor are inappropriate statements by themselves capable of lowering the dignity of a Judge. These are often ignored but where despite all latitude a perennial litigant seeks to justify his existence by throwing mud at all and sundry, the Court has to step in, he said.

It was justice Kaul that brought another glass ceiling down by allowing girls to be inducted for training at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). Coming down hard on what it termed the armys mindset in providing equal opportunities to women, the judge in 2021 threw open the doors of the joint defence service training institute of the Indian armed forces to women cadets, holding that the policy that restricts their entry into the elite institution is based on gender discrimination.

Justice Kaul also rendered an array of crucial judgments relating to personal liberty, in his endeavour to correct the bail jurisprudence in the country.

In a 2021 judgment, justice Kaul held that if a person has not been arrested during the investigation and there is no complaint against him of non-cooperation, he is not required to be arrested just because a charge sheet has been filed against him.

Again, in July 2022, his bench, in Satender Kumar Antil Vs CBI directed that investigating agencies must refrain from arresting accused for offences entailing punishment up to seven years in jail without explicitly specifying the need to do so. A trial court shall not approve the detention unless satisfied by the reasons cited by the police, ordered the bench led justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul as it ordered strict compliance with the Arnesh Kumar judgment.

In another judgment in July 2022, a bench led by justice Kaul said that India should never become a police State with investigating agencies acting like a vestige of the colonial era, while calling upon the Union government to consider framing a new law to facilitate the grant of bail and usher in objectivity in the criminal justice system to ward off unnecessary arrests, especially in cases where the maximum punishment under the alleged offence is up to seven years in jail. The judgment lamented that jails in the country are flooded with undertrial prisoners since a large number of arrests are made by police as a matter of routine and then the courts end up dealing with the bail applications in a negative sense.

Justice Kaul also registered a suo motu (on its own motion) proceedings to track the endeavours being made by high courts across the country to prioritise bail pleas of undertrials and also separately monitors a case to ensure appropriate guidelines are in place so that life term convicts, entitles to remission, have their requests for remission duly and swiftly considered by state authorities.

By a judgment in March this year, a Constitution bench led by justice Kaul dismissed a petition filed by the Union government in 2010, demanding an additional compensation of more than 7,400 crore from the American company Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) for the victims of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, and reproached the Centre for gross negligence in providing insurance cover to those affected by one of the worlds worst industrial disasters which claimed more than 5,000 lives.

He also presided over another Constitution bench that ruled in favour of the authority of constitutional courts in dissolving a marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. Public interest lies in dissolving a dead marriage when a relationship has been wrecked beyond hope of salvage, the May judgment had held, ruling that the Supreme Court can grant divorce in the event of irretrievable breakdown without sending the parties to a family court, where they must wait for at least six months to obtain by mutual consent or by proving accusations against each other.

Justice Kaul was in minority with the CJI on the five-judge marriage equality bench that had on October 17 held refused to grant legal recognition to same-sex couples and said only Parliament and state legislatures can validate their marital unions. While the CJI and justice Kaul ruled in favour of recognition of civil unions  considered the world over as the first step towards granting full marriage equality  the other three judges overruled this view.

In the Article 370 judgment delivered on December 11, justice Kaul highlighted the ordeal of the Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to flee their homeland over three decades ago in the face of brutal violence by fundamentalists, recommending a structural investigation of the events and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to rebuild the social fabric and heal wounds. While agreeing with the other four judges on the bench on upholding the abrogation of Article 370 through presidential orders on 2019, the judge made an appeal to the Union government for the setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he said would prompt a collective telling of the truth and an opportunity for the victims to narrate their stories to pave way for future reconciliation.

On November 11, Justice Kaul had expressed regrets that he could not hear a case demanding reconsideration of a July 2022 verdict that had affirmed a spate of contentious provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The judge remarked that he was letting go of the matter with a heavy heart since there would be no time left for him to write the final order in view of persistent request by the Centre and ED to defer the hearing.

Known for playing with a straight bat, justice Kaul had on December 5 remarked that some things are best left unsaid when the hearing of the case relating to delays by the Union government in processing the collegiums recommendations on judicial appointments was abruptly dropped from the list of business. Over the last few hearings, justice Kaul had kept the Centre on its toe, reproaching the latter repeatedly for sitting over several collegiums recommendations while also calling the Centres selective decisions on appointment and transfer of judges troublesome.
Speaker Om Birla wrote a letter to all Lok Sabha members on Saturday, saying that the suspension of 13 opposition MPs on Thursday had no association with the December 13 incident and stressed the need to uphold the dignity and decorum of the House where members have held angry protests that led to adjournments for the latter half of last week. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla(Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

Opposition members stuck with their demand for the Union home minister Amit Shah to give a statement to Parliament over the December 13 incident when two men jumped onto the Lok Sabha floor and set off smoke cannisters in what is the most serious security breach since the 2001 terror attack that took place on the same date.

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Birla said that in the past, at the time of all such incidents, the House has displayed exemplary solidarity and expressed its collective resolve. Opposition members appeared to be steadfast in their demand, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterating that the home minister should address the issue with a statement.

It is a serious issue and the government should pay attention to it. We are repeatedly saying in Parliament that the Union home minister should come to the House and give a statement but he does not want to come. They (BJP) are not ready to let the House function, Kharge said, according to news agency ANI.

A day earlier, Kharge said in a tweet: What kind of justice is it to illegally suspend opposition MPs over the huge lapse in security of Parliament and MPs? The Home Minister of the country can give interviews on TV but cannot give statements on the floor of Parliament. INDIA parties demand that Shri Amit Shah should give a statement in the Parliament and then it should be discussed in both the houses. It is our duty to raise our voice on this serious issue of national security, it is our parliamentary religion.

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal, speaking to reporters outside the partys headquarters, denied the opposition was politicising the issue. Delhi Police called it (parliament security breach) a terror attack. It comes under the Union home minister, doesnt it? We (opposition members) didnt politicise the incident, we didnt call it a terror attack. We only put forward our concerns over the glaring lapse in security from the government side, Venugopal said at a media briefing.

Birla said suspensions were a result of the conduct of the MPs. It is indeed unfortunate that some Honble Members and political parties are linking the decision of the House to suspend some Honble Members from the service of the House to the incident which occurred on 13th December, 2023. This is unwarranted. There is no association between the suspension of Honble Members and the incident which took place on 13th December, 2023, Birla wrote in Saturdays letter, adding that the suspension is purely to uphold the sanctity of the House.

We are well aware that the people of our country do not appreciate the inappropriate conduct and interruptions during the proceedings of the House. That is the reason we were unanimous that we would establish highest standards of parliamentary decorum and dignity. It was in this context that House was compelled to take strict action of suspending Honble Members. Although this has caused me deep anguish, however, I also expect that in future, all Honble Members will give primacy to the dignity and decorum of the House, Birla wrote.

The letters also assumes significance as the Opposition parties stated on Friday that they plan to continue their stir for the remaining five days of the winter session.

Congress Manickam Tagore, a suspended MP, also said that he has been suspended for demanding Shahs reply. The price for demanding Amit shah statement in Parliament, he tweeted on Friday, attaching the suspension order.

Birla reminded lawmakers such incidents have occurred in the past and the House had always expressed solidarity. ...you are well aware that such incidents have happened in our House in the past as well. The nation has witnessed in the past incidents such as visitors carrying pistols, shouting slogans, jumping from the visitors gallery and throwing leaflets. The nation has also witnessed an incident when some Honble Members carried pepper spray inside the House. At the time of all such incidents, the House has displayed exemplary solidarity and expressed its collective resolve against such incidents.

Birla described the security breach as the unfortunate incident and a matter of grave concern for all of us.

In the House, he has repeatedly said that Parliament security is his responsibility, and reiterated this in the letter: ...Members are well aware that the security in Parliament House Estate comes under the jurisdiction of the Parliament. Accordingly, it is the Parliaments responsibility to formulate detailed action plan on security measures in accordance with your suggestions and thereafter their implementation is also the responsibility of Parliament.

We expressed our collective concern over this incident in the House. On the same day, I discussed with the leaders of all parties as to how we can further strengthen the security arrangements in Parliament. Some of the important suggestions made during the meeting have been implemented immediately, the Speaker added.

The entry of all visitors has been temporarily banned and a heightened security protocol that includes intense frisking has been put in place since the incident. The main entrance for the lawmakers of both Houses, the Makar Dwar, has been sanitized and outsider are no long being allowed within its perimeter. A high-level enquiry led by DG CRPF Anish Dayal Singh has also been ordered.

A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted for an in-depth investigation of the incident that took place inside the House. The Committee has started working. The report of this committee will soon be shared with the House. In addition, I have also constituted a high powered committee which will review various aspects of security in the Parliament Complex and formulate a concrete action plan to ensure that such incidents do not recur, Birla said.

He added that it has always been my endeavour to ensure meaningful discussion in the House through constructive dialogue and participation of all the Members. Our collective endeavour has resulted in ensuring that Lok Sabha has achieved new heights of productivity. I am sure that with our collective efforts, this House will be able to further strengthen democracy and continue to fulfil its responsibilities towards the people and the society in the future as well. It is my request to all the Honble members that they faithfully discharge their duties towards the nation.
The people of Telangana have given a clear verdict to liberate themselves from 10 years of repression in the recently concluded elections to the state assembly, Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said on Friday. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan being welcomed by the state Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on her arrival to address the Telangana Assembly in Hyderabad on Friday. (PTI)

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi, however, slammed Tamilisai and said that she conveniently ignored the development achieved by Telangana in the last 10 years.

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She said that the peoples verdict unequivocally stated that they would not tolerate any repression. Delivering her first address to the newly-formed state assembly, the governor said Telangana was breathing fresh air of freedom and liberty now, having been liberated from autocratic rule and dictatorial tendencies.

This verdict became a cornerstone for civil rights and democratic rule. The iron barricades that divided rulers from the people have been dismantled. I feel proud to say that the glass houses and obstacles have been removed and the true peoples governance has begun, she said.

Recalling the statement of chief minister A Revanth Reddy at the time of swearing-in, Tamilisai said in a democracy, the rulers are not feudal lords but only servants of the people. This is the peoples government, and it is the peoples governance. People can express their problems and get their grievances redressed by the government at any time, she said.

She added that the state government was committed to implementing six guarantees for the welfare and development of the people. The chief minister has already signed the file giving legal sanctity to the six guarantees and within 48 hours, the government has implemented two of them  free travel facility to women in RTC buses under Mahalakshmi scheme and enhancement of limit of free treatment to the poor to 10 lakh under the Rajiv Arogya Sri scheme, she said.

She said that the government will lay out a definite and time-bound action plan to implement other guarantees promised in the poll manifesto such as the Mahalakshmi Scheme, Rythu Bharosa, Gruha Jyothi, Indiramma Houses, Yuva Vikasam, and Cheyutha, within 100 days of its governance.

We are assuring people in the state that we will implement the Warangal declaration made for farmers, the Hyderabad Yuva declaration made for youth, the SC& ST declaration announced in Chevella, and the BC declaration promised in Kamareddy in its letter and spirit very soon. As promised, we will identify the families of martyrs, allot them 250 sq yards of the house sites and also pay them an honorarium, she said.

The governor also reiterated the state governments resolve to provide quality, uninterrupted power supply to the agriculture sector and minimum support price for each and every crop and said that there would be an action plan to waive the farm loans to the tune of 2 lakh.

She also explained the other priorities of the government such as bringing the power sector, which was in huge debts to the extent of 81,000 crore, back on tracks distribution of title deeds for assigned and podu lands, initiation of probe into irregularities in the construction of Kaleshwaram project, completion of pending irrigation projects, filling up of vacant government jobs by overhauling Telangana state public service commission, distribution of house sites to the poor and resolving all the grievances of the people being represented at Praja Vani programme.

In the last nine-and-a-half years, all the institutions have been destroyed. The institutions and organisations that should work democratically have been unfortunately degraded to serve individuals. It will not augur well in a democracy where institutions indulged in individual worship, he said.

Reacting strongly to the governors address, Bharat Rashtra Samithi legislator Kadiyam Srihari said Tamilisai had only read out the Congress manifesto, but had not disclosed any roadmap for the development of the state.

She has conveniently ignored the development achieved by Telangana in the last 10 years, including highest per capita income and achieving No. 1 status in foodgrains production for which it had received several awards and accolades from the Centre and NITI Aayog, Srihari said.

The BRS leader said the governor had resorted to blatant lying by saying that Telangana was liberated from repression. In fact, Telangana got the liberation in 2014 itself, he pointed out.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 16. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation in the Middle East with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, head of the US State Department press service said, Trend reports.

The parties reportedly discussed the need for an urgent solution to humanitarian problems in the Gaza Strip, the protection of civilians and efforts to prevent the further spread of the conflict.

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.
Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that for India to be developed, one will have to listen to the youth, understand their choice, give an action plan to their aspirations, and believe in their power.



Shah, while addressing the 66th convocation of Sardar Patel University at Anand in Gujarat, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi came up with several schemes with the understanding that only the youth can create an India of the future. Union home minister Amit Shah.

Recalling India's first deputy PM and home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the home minister said that abrogation of Article 370, which bestowed a special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was a tribute to him, and the previous Congress governments denied the kind of respect that a personality like him deserved.

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If you want a developed India to come to fruition, you will have to listen to the voice of the youth, understand their choice, give an action plan to their aspirations, and believe in the power of the youth, Shah was quoted by PTI as saying.

The policy of the Narendra Modi government is to listen to the voice of the youth, understand their choice, give a platform to their aspirations, and believe in their power. Narendrabhai has come up with several schemes with an understanding that only the youth of India can create the India of future, he added.

Without Sardar Patel, India would not have existed

Shah said it was only after he entered national politics in 2012 and toured different parts of the country that he realised that had Sardar Patel not been there, the country would not have existed (as it is now). Without him, the map of the country was not possible, he said.

Students might be knowing about the problems of Kashmir and Hyderabad, but if Jodhpur, Junagadh, Hyderabad and Lakshadweep are today parts of India, then it is because of Sardar Patel, the home minister said.

The home minister said that when he studied historical documents after PM Modi decided to abrogate Article 370, he realised that Sardar Patel accepted the Article giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir with great sadness .

Narendra Modi abrogated Article 370 to fulfil the imagination of Sardar Saheb It is a matter of sadness that the kind of respect Sardar Patel's works deserved was not given even several years after independence. Until the Congress government ended, he did not even get Bharat Ratna. Hurdles were created in every process of giving him respect, Shah said.

When Modi became PM, he established the world's tallest statue of Sardar Patel at Kevadia, which has emerged as a major tourist attraction, he said.

The 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Patel, was inaugurated at Kavadia by PM Modi on October 31, 2018.
What makes a country a country, and why are so many micro-nations popping up around the world, fighting to be seen?

The United States of Kailasa has probably caused the most chaos, with representatives showing up at UN meetings in Geneva; signing a sister-city agreement (that was soon rescinded) with the mayor of Newark. And, just this month, getting an official from Paraguays department of agriculture replaced after it emerged that he had signed on to explore diplomatic relations with the fictional state.

At the other end of the scale is the Kingdom of Elleore in Denmark, one of the oldest continuous micro-nations. It was founded on the 3.7-acre island of Elleore in 1944 by a group of school teachers, to parody the royal traditions and government structure of Denmark. The kingdom has its own lore, according to which Irish monks first settled the island in 944 CE. For one week a year, its citizens (which include students of the founding teachers) return to the private island from their 51-week holiday abroad, to get things in order before they take off again.

During this time, some cook, young ones go to university (its mostly games), and the rest get down to tasks such as expanding on the lore. The island is off-limits to foreigners, and one must be 12 years old to apply for citizenship.

Now, according to the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States  recognised as the rulebook in these matters since 1933  a nation must have a permanent population, a defined territory, a government and a capacity to enter into relations with other states, in order to qualify as a country.

A micro-nation is typically an unrecognised state-like entity, whose founders have declared dominion over a piece of land (often privately owned; most are isolated islands). They are typically set up to parody a real country, make a political statement, serve as a means of expression, or underline a unique way of life.

There are currently over 100 micro-nations in the world, with about a third of these in Australia, according to a 2021 study titled Micronations: A Lacuna in the Law by Australian legal academics Harry Hobbs and George Williams, published in the International Journal of Constitutional Law.

Most design their own notional currencies, flags, constitutions and passports, and appoint unrecognised diplomatic representatives. They usually have a king, princess, sultan, supreme pontiff or elected head.

They are invariably bound by the laws of the recognised countries within which they sit.

A primary driver for the foundation of many micro-nations is frustration with state authority, whether manifested in resistance to taxation, or regulation of any sort, Hobbs and Williams write.

The micro-nations serve as an interesting social experiment  akin to the hippie communes of the 1970s  reflecting unusual definitions and ideals. They also serve as a reminder of how much it takes to keep a real country in working order. In 2020, for instance, the Principality of Hutt River in Western Australia, one of the longest-running micro-nations in the world, dating to 1970, surrendered to Australia after Covid-19 dried up tourism, a major source of income.

Micronations are frequently dismissed as trivial or an oddity. Nonetheless, in dressing in the language of statehood [they] provoke important public law challenges, Hobbs and Williams write. Heres more on some of the strangest.

A water world

The Principality of Sealand is located on an abandoned World War 2 base thats essentially a concrete platform in international waters, off the coast of England. It was commandeered in the 1960s by the late Paddy Roy Bates, a World War 2 veteran, who declared it a micro-nation in 1967.

There was even a tiny battle on Sealand, in 1978. Mercenaries stormed the platform while Paddy Roy and his wife Joan Bates were in Austria, trying to negotiate the sale of the space. The invaders held their son Prince Michael hostage for three days. Bates helicoptered in, in the middle of the night and fought them off, and kept one German citizen prisoner until Germany sent a diplomat in to negotiate.

That was in a time when Sealand enjoyed a certain independence, because it sat outside British jurisdiction in the North Sea. In 1987, the UK extended its territorial waters and enfolded it. The 4,000-sq-metre platform is now private property maintained by the Bates family, with Prince Michael overseeing maintenance, funded by the selling of official Sealandic titles and citizenships.

A space kingdom

With over 250,000 citizens, Asgardia has a larger population than many small countries.

The experimental digital space nation was set up by Igor Ashurbeyli, a Russian-Azerbaijani scientist, engineer and self-appointed head of the nation (later ratified by online vote). His mission, as he sees it, is to create a starting point from which to build a new home for humanity in space.

Physically, Asgardia is represented by a satellite about the size of a loaf of bread, floating in orbital space. The satellite, containing digital copies of the Asgardia constitution and flag and data on the micro-nations citizens, was launched into space in 2017.

Its national digital currency, the Solar, sells at parity with the Euro, among collectors, and is reportedly backed by funds deposited in an international bank.

Ashurbeyli, incidentally, is an accomplished scientist, who won a 2023 Unesco medal for his contributions to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnologies. How his micro-nation helps with the mission for a new home in space, is not clear.

A teen empire

The Empire of Atlantium was founded by three teenagers in New South Wales, Australia, on 3rd Decimus, 10500 (thats Atlantium for November 27, 1981). George Cruickshank, has served since as Imperial Majesty and Emperor.

Atlantium sits on 80 hectares of bushland, about 350 km from Sydney, bought by Cruickshank in 2008. It has a rapidly growing population of over 3,000 citizens, though most have never visited. They instead lie scattered around the world, some having paid additionally for the status of unaccredited diplomatic representative / ambassador.

Atlantium has open borders through which people and kangaroos can hop. It isnt striving for real-world recognition. Cruickshank sees it as a sustained performance-art project meant to make its citizens think about ideas such as borders, sovereignty, citizenship and nation-building.

A cabin functions as the seat of government; stamps and souvenirs are available at an adjoining post office. Selfies can be taken at the countrys monuments, which include a 4-metre-high concrete pyramid and the Capitaline Column.

A sultan in the desert

A former DJ, Sultan Randy R Dub Williams, rules the United Territories of The Sovereign Nation of the Peoples Republic of Slowjamastan, an 11-acre micro-nation in the California desert.

His 5,000 citizens signed up online but are unlikely to visit, given his despotic nature. Crocs, for instance, are banned here. So is biting string cheese or playing mumble rap.

Theres a passport, a national anthem titled Slowjamastan (I Think Its Gonna Be an Awesome Place), and a national animal, the raccoon.

Williams, a travel enthusiast, founded Slowjamastan in 2021. His plans for his peoples republic include solar facilities, an armadillo farm and a restaurant. So far, he has installed a mailbox, and conducts Porder Batrol in a van with a number of appropriate-looking decals.

To be fair, he does seem to have spent a lot of time on his website, which is dramatic in its detail. Be on high alert for smuggled Crocs this upcoming weekend (Source: Slowjamastani Intelligence), is its most recent advisory. Other updates from Porder Batrol include Stopped 79 drivers who had their feet on the dashboard and Destroyed 17 tunnels (later discovered to be just gophers, but still). One can see why people pay for citizenship.

Kailasa, meanwhile, is a micro-nation that really checks very few boxes. For all its erroneous recognition, it has no confirmed location. Its founder Nithyananda, a self-styled godman and rape-accused fugitive, reportedly bought an island off the coast of Ecuador on which to house it, but no one knows which one. He, meanwhile, has been untraceable since 2019.
Kharmas, also known as Malmas in the Hindu religion, begins today. In the Hindu religion, this month is strictly considered inauspicious for starting new ventures or performing auspicious activities. According to Panchang, during this time, the Sun God or Lord Surya changes its position and travels from Scorpio to Sagittarius. As a result, it is suggested to stop various activities, including weddings, engagements, initiating new business ventures, celebrating house entry, building a new house, mundan of a newborn child, Upanayana Sanskar, and purchasing new vehicles should be avoided. Scroll down to learn about the date, time, significance and more about the Kharmas month. Why do Hindus halt auspicious activities during the month of Kharmas? (Pixabay)

Kharmas Date and Time:

The Kharmas time period begins today, December 16, 2023, at 4:09 pm. The period will end on January 15, 2024. Meanwhile, post the conclusion of Kharmas in January, there will be several auspicious dates wherein Hindus can conduct auspicious activities, like weddings.

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Kharmas Significance:

Kharmas is an important time for Hindus and continues for a month. During this period, the Sun changes its position. When it travels from Scorpio to Sagittarius, the day is celebrated as Dhanu Sankranti. People should also perform religious activities during this month, like taking a bath in the holy river, visiting temples, and offering water to Lord Surya. Hindus should also pray to Lord Shiva, light a diya in front of him, recite mantras, read holy books like Gita and Ramayana, donate food and clothes to the needy, and serve brahmins, saints and cows. The Kharmas month is also considered auspicious for performing pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, according to Panchang, Kharmas is not innately inauspicious. The caution against this period and commencing new ventures or engaging in auspicious activities stems from the belief that the Sun is weakened during its transition into Sagittarius.
A large Swedish study has uncovered a paradox about people diagnosed with an excessive fear of serious illness: They tend to die earlier than people who arent hypervigilant about health concerns. Living in fear: Swedish study examines link between health anxiety and early death (Photo by Unsplash)

Hypochondriasis, now called illness anxiety disorder, is a rare condition with symptoms that go beyond average health worries. People with the disorder are unable to shake their fears despite normal physical exams and lab tests. Some may change doctors repeatedly. Others may avoid medical care.

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Many of us are mild hypochondriacs. But there are also people on the other extreme of the spectrum who live in a perpetual state of worry and suffering and rumination about having a serious illness," said Dr. Jonathan E. Alpert of Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

People with the disorder are suffering and its important to take it seriously and to treat it," said Alpert, who was not involved in the new study. Treatment can involve cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, education and sometimes antidepressant medication.

The researchers found that people with the diagnosis have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes, particularly suicide. Chronic stress and its impact on the body could explain some of the difference, the authors wrote.

The study, published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry, addressed a clear gap in the literature, said David Mataix-Cols of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who led the research. We got lucky, he said, because the Swedish classification system for diseases has a separate code for hypochondriasis, allowing data analysis on thousands of people over 24 years, 1997-2020.

Older research had suggested the risk of suicide might be lower for people with the condition, but our hunch, based on clinical experience, was that this would be incorrect, Mataix-Cols said. In the study, the risk of suicide death was four times higher for the people with the diagnosis.

They looked at 4,100 people diagnosed with hypochondriasis and matched them with 41,000 people similar in age, sex and county of residence. They used a measurement called person years, which accounts for the number of people and how long they were tracked.

Overall death rates were higher in the people with hypochondriasis, 8.5 versus 5.5 per 1,000 person years. People with the condition died younger than the others, a mean age of 70 versus 75. Their risk of death from circulatory and respiratory diseases was higher. Cancer was an exception; the risk of death was about the same.

Referring an excessively anxious patient to mental health professionals takes care, said Alpert, who leads the American Psychiatric Associations council on research. Patients can be offended, because they feel they're being accused of imagining symptoms.

It takes a great deal of respect and sensitivity conveyed to patients that this itself is a kind of condition, that it has a name, Alpert said. "And, fortunately, there are good treatments.
Scientists have uncovered why women experience intense nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The study, published in the journal Nature, found that a single hormone is responsible for pregnancy sickness. The hormone, GDF15, is produced by the fetus and triggers nausea and vomiting in the mother by activating neurons in the mother's brain stem. The study also found that the severity of pregnancy sickness is linked to the amount of the hormone in the mother's blood before and during pregnancy. Severe pregnancy sickness is often dismissed as morning sickness. New research gives hope for a better understanding and treatment of its debilitating symptoms. (DW/IMAGO/Pond5 Images)

(Also Read | How to manage sugar cravings during your pregnancy)

Researchers hope the discovery will lead to better treatment of the debilitating condition, as well as of more severe forms of pregnancy sickness like hyperemesis gravidarum, which can be life-threatening.

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Pregnancy sickness can be life-threatening

"The idea of morning sickness  merely feeling sick during the morning  perpetuates in the media, but this isn't the reality. Many women experience consistent and unrelenting nausea and vomiting which can go on for the entire pregnancy," said Charlotte Howden, CEO of the UK-based charity Pregnancy Sickness Support.

Between 70-80% of all pregnant women suffer from some form of pregnancy sickness, but symptoms are on a spectrum and range from mild to severe.

Howden told DW she suffered from vomiting up to 30 times per day during her pregnancy. "It was very serious. You become a shadow of your former self. You can't work or look after other children. It's a huge issue for the family unit."

Between 1-3% of women experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy sickness that often needs hospital treatment.

"It's widely reported as a rare condition, but if you look at the statistics, 3% is a lot of people  in the UK that's around 30,000 women per year," said Howden.

The condition can be life-threatening for mother and child, owing to the mother's inability to keep nutrients and fluids down.

"Severe hyperemesis is the commonest cause of admission to hospital in the first trimester of pregnancy. Today there are women who are driven to terminate their very much wanted pregnancy because of the severity and under-treatment of their hyperemesis symptoms," said Roger Gadsby, a specialist in pregnancy sickness at the University of Warwick in the UK.

New hope for hyperemesis treatments

The study found that the women experiencing hyperemesis had higher levels of GDF15 in their bloodstream during pregnancy than women who had no symptoms.

The severity of pregnancy sickness also depends, however, on the level of GDF15-signaling before pregnancy. The study found that women with naturally low levels of GDF15 before pregnancy are more sensitive to increases of GDF15 during the first trimester.

"The article opens up the possibility of treating hyperemesis. One possibility would be to raise GDF15 levels in women with low levels before pregnancy. Another would be to look at the possibility of safely reducing GDF15 levels in women suffering from hyperemesis," said Gadsby.

Hyperemesis 'underdiagnosed and undertreated'

Howden hopes the study will draw more attention to women's health during pregnancy. She said many women with severe forms of pregnancy sickness are often dismissed as having normal morning sickness.

"Hyperemesis is hugely underdiagnosed and undertreated. People don't often realize how complex and severe pregnancy sickness can be," said Howden.

"We know a lot about menstruation and menopause, including about treatments. Now we know more about pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis, it gives hope. Obviously this won't happen overnight, but the hope is that the next generation of sufferers will have treatment available, which would be incredible," she added.
One of the puzzles of evolution is why we peter out into old age once we can no longer reproduce. Now, scientists believe that aging may actually be a consequence of how we evolved to reproduce, and it's all a result of natural selection over millions of years. A study analyzing the genes of 276,406 UK Biobank participants found that people carrying gene variances promoting reproduction are less likely to survive to old age. A new study suggests genetic variants involved in reproduction also contribute to premature aging in humans. (DW/Fotolia/Prodakszyn)

"We confirm a hypothesis called the antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis, which says that mutations promoting reproduction are more likely to reduce life span," said Jianzhi Zhang, of the University of Michigan in the US and senior author of the study in the journal Science.

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According to the research, people carrying genetic variances promoting reproduction were more likely to die by the age of 76. The study also shows that genetic variances promoting reproduction increased over generations from 1940 to 1969, meaning humans are still evolving and strengthening the trait.

"This shows the evolutionary pattern of high reproduction and low survival [and vice versa] is still visible in modern humans. Our gene variants are the product of hundreds of thousands of years of evolution. What's surprising is that despite our far better health than ever before, this pattern is still visible," said Steven Austad, an expert in aging research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in the US, who wasn't involved in the study.

Why aren't humans more fertile in old age?

Scientists have been puzzling over the evolutionary origins of aging for some time. It's unclear why, from an evolutionary perspective, our reproductive performance declines with age. Surely being more fertile in old age would be evolutionary advantageous, giving us more time to pass on our genes?

Not so, according to the antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis. The hypothesis states that the benefits of fertility in early life are responsible for the dreadful cost of aging. This new study now provides robust evidence from a huge sample of humans to back it up.

"This idea is that some traits [and genetic variants that cause them] are important when we are young, helping us grow strong and be fertile. But, when we get older, those same traits can start causing problems and make us fragile and unhealthy. It's like some mutations having two sides: a good side when we're young, and a not-so-good side when we're old," said Arcadi Navarro Cuartiellas, a geneticist at the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain who was not involved in the study.

One example is the effects of menopause and fertility loss in women. Eggs, sometimes called ova, deplete during a woman's lifetime. This makes a person more fertile in young adulthood, but results in loss of fertility later in life through menopause.

Biologists think the benefits of regular cycles for reproduction may outweigh the cost of infertility in older age. The downside is that menopause speeds up aging.

"Another example is, say, a gene variant enhances fertility so that a woman is more likely to have twins. Evolutionarily that might be advantageous, because she will potentially leave more copies of that variant than women who have single babies. But having twins leads to more wear and tear on her body so she ages more quickly. That would be an antagonistically pleiotropic process," said Austad.

The converse is true as well. A gene variant that reduces fertility early in life will likely cause a person to have fewer or no children, so that the person ages more slowly, Austad added.

But how does the environment affect aging?

The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis does have its criticisms, however. For one, it doesn't account for the huge effects of the environment and socioeconomic changes on aging, and nor does this study.

After all, humans are living longer than ever before in history, and it's mostly due to better health care rather than genetic evolution.

"These trends of phenotypic changes are primarily driven by environmental shifts including changes of lifestyles and technologies," said Zhang. "This contrast indicates that, compared with environmental factors, genetic factors play a minor role in the human phenotypic changes studied here."

Austad said a surprising outcome of the study was that reproductive genes had such a strong and observable effect on aging.

"Environmental factors are so important that I'm really surprised patterns [observed in this study] were still visible despite their importance. I think that is the advantage of having hundreds of thousands of individuals in a study," he said.

Research could have implications for aging

The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis had "mountains of evidence before this paper but not for humans," according to Austad. But the research in humans, and with such a huge sample size, means the study could be important for understanding aging-related diseases.

"Ultimately, some of these variants could now be examined to see if they link to certain later life health problems, so that those problems can be monitored closely and possibly prevented," Austad told DW.

Scientists think the hypothesis could help explain why many serious genetic disorders are prevalent in our long evolutionary history.

Sickle cell anemia is a good example of antagonistic pleiotropy  whereby an inherited blood disorder which causes anemia actually evolved as a protective mechanism against malaria.

Zhang told DW that antagonistic pleiotropy may also be at play in Huntington's disease.

"Mutations causing Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, also increase fecundity [the possible number of offspring produced]," Zhang said.

Mutations in the gene which causes Huntington's disease have also been hypothesized to lower rates of cancer.

Zhang said the paper could also have implications for the rising science of anti-aging.

"In theory, one could tinker with those antagonistically pleiotropic mutations to prolong life, but the downside would be reducing or delaying reproduction," said Zhang.
Often touted as the party capital of India, Goa swarms with tourists during the Christmas/New Year holidays. Beaches get crowded, restaurants announce new menus, hotels hike their tariff, there is a nip in the air, a song in every heart and wait! There are cops everywhere to check hooligans and drunk drivers. Things you should know before planning a year-end holiday in Goa. (Pexels)

Before packing the bags for a year-end holiday in Goa, pay heed to the ground rules.

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Hotels: If you havent booked a hotel room yet, do compare the prices on various online travel platforms before booking accommodation. There could be a huge difference in price. For example, at the time of writing, Ibis Styles Goa Calangute was 11,258 a night on Skyscanner, 12,888 on Ibis official website, MakemyTrip & booking.com (all tariffs excluding taxes & fees) for 2 adults for December 30, 2023, to January 2, 2024.

When you have picked the hotel, check the price on the hotels official website. You might find it cheaper on the hotel website + hotels may offer perks (for example, free wifi, free breakfast, upgrade) that are not advertised/mentioned on the online platforms. Read the refund/cancellation policy carefully. If you are a hotel loyalty program member, do not forget to mention it during check-in.

Check check-in time: Several hotels in Goa now have a 3 pm check-in time. So, if you land early, you will have to wait a long time to access the room. If have already booked a flight, it would be a good idea to plan sightseeing and/or a brunch so that you do not reach the hotel much before the check-in time.

Pick the airport closer to your accommodation: Cabs (even pre-paid cabs from the airport) are very expensive. Hence, pick the airport (Dabolim or Manohar International Airport) closer to the accommodation, For example, if you are staying in South Goa, land in Dabolim because the distance between Margao & North Goa airport is around 65 kilometres. Similarly, if you are staying in Vagator, land at North Goa airport, Dabolim is more than 55 kilometres from Vagator.

Hire a car/two-wheeler: Public transport in Goa is infrequent and crowded, and private taxis are very expensive. Renting a car/two-wheeler is a much more economical and convenient option. Read the insurance fine print before signing the rent agreement.

Goa Miles: There is no Ola/Uber in Goa but you can opt for Goa Miles, a Goa government's licensed app-based taxi service. It certainly isnt as quick and efficient as Ola/Uber but it is cheaper than private cabs. Phone: +91 9607198989; Website: goamiles.com

Follow the one-way, no-two-wheeler entry rules: From Christmas up to the New Year, cops are deployed at every corner. Carry your vehicle registration papers, and photo ID, wear a helmet and pay heed to the rules about no two-wheeler entry on a few flyovers including the Porvorim-Panjim flyover. Youll be fined for breaking these rules.

Crowded vs peaceful beaches: If you like being in a crowd, head to Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Colva, Anjuna & Miramar beaches. If a crowded beach is not your idea of yearend fun, go to Palolem, Agenda, Arambol, or Butterfly Beach. Avoid isolated corners/nooks of the beach.

Weather: Goa does not get cold in December but mornings and evenings are can be a little nippy, especially if you are on a two-wheeler. Carry a hoodie. Remember to pack sunscreen, flip-flops and a cap/hat.

Connectivity black holes: Depending on your service provider, Goa has quite a few network black holes wherein the phone has no signals and literally, dies.

Safety at beaches: Drishti Marine provides professional lifesaving services in the coastal state of Goa. The first lifesaving agency in India to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in beach safety efforts, it is in the process of raising a Paw Squad, a fleet of trained dogs to aid lifesavers in rescue efforts. It is present in several Goan beaches, for details, go to drishtimarine.com. Too-free: 1-800-833-1511

New Year's Eve hotspots (price per person): Sinq Nightclub ( 2,000 onwards), LPK Waterfront ( 2,000 onwards), Club Titos ( 3,500 onwards), Cafe Mambos ( 4,000 onwards), Heineken Takeover at The Westin ( 44,250 onwards, includes stay), Flow, the Superclub ( 1,000 onwards), Purple Martini at Sunset ( 8,000 onwards), Sunburn Goa Enchanted Lounge ( 59,000 onwards), The Fern Habitat ( 999 onwards). You can book on bookmyshow.com

Rent a yacht: If you want to ring in the new year in absolute luxury, hire a yacht with Universal Adventures. A private yacht that can accommodate 6 individuals starts from Panjim as well as South Goa. One-hour cruising & one-hour anchorage is priced at 17,999. Timings can be customised between 8 am and 8 pm. A photo ID is essential and you must reach the location 20 minutes prior to departure.

If your phone is lost or stolen: The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) helps you trace and block your stolen or lost mobile phone. Go to www.ceir.gov.in to block your stolen mobile. You can block it online and unblock it on the portal once you have found your phone. The CEIR service is pan-India.

Beach Vigil App: Launched in 2002, the Beach Vigil App keeps an eye on beaches. It enables people to report violations along Goas beaches directly to the states tourism department. Users can report violations like drinking/cooking on the beach, unattended litter, sound pollution, illegal hawking, touting for services like massages, tattoos as well as illegal services.

Keep these important phone numbers handy:

Goa Tourism Helpline: 1364

Police Control Room: 112

Womens Police Helpline: 1091

Anti-Terror & Coastal Helpline: 1093

Panaji Womens Police Station: 0832 2428992

Margao Womens Police Station: 0832 2710762

Senior Citizen Helpline: 1090

Child Helpline: 1098

Ambulance Helpline: 108

Cyber Fraud Helpline: 1930

Goa Medical College (Bambolim): 0832 2458727, 0832 2458049

Manipal Hospital Panaji (Emergency): 8888702222
Chinese agencies and state-backed companies have now asked their staff not to bring Apple's iPhones and other foreign devices to work, the latest move by Beijing to cut reliance on technologies developed by other countries. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max during an event at Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, US,(Bloomberg)

Several state companies and government departments across eight provinces have asked their employees to start carrying devices made by local brands, Bloomberg reported.

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Multiple firms and agencies in cities of provinces including Zhejiang, Shandong, Liaoning and central Hebei, which houses the world's largest iPhone factory, issued their own verbal directives. According to a Reuters report, staff in at least three ministries and government bodies were asked not to use iPhones at work.

Reuters reported in September that staff in at least three ministries and government bodies were told not to use iPhones at work.

According to an Al Jazeera report, the Chinese establishment's move was being seen as an effort to prop up domestic companies including Huawei that had launched a new Mate 60 Pro smartphone.

The Communist-ruled nation has been seeking to reduce reliance on foreign technologies, and has been asking state-affiliated firms like banks to switch to local software and promoting domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing.



It is no secret that both the US and China view each other's tech companies as potential security risks that could lead to sensitive data being leaked.

In May this year, China had urged big state-owned enterprises to play a key role in its drive to attain self-reliance in technology, raising the stakes in the race amid rifts with the United States.



(With Bloomberg inputs)
A woman ran into trouble with the authorities after her video of dancing on a platform went crazy viral on social media. In the viral clip, she is seen jumping onto the platform from a halted train and bumping into two passengers in the process. Following this incident, police took action and it ended with her issuing an apology post on Instagram. The image shows a blogger who ran into trouble with the police after dancing on a platform. (Instagram/@seemakanojiya87)

Blogger Seema Kanojiya shared the video with a caption where she expressed her apology for filming a video in a railway station. Dont make videos or reels at railway platforms and inside trains. Passengers face problems and it's an offence. Im sorry to make reels at railway platforms at Andheri and CSMT, she wrote. She also posted a video and an image.

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The clip shows her in front of the camera along with two police officers. She is heard saying that though her video went viral, she realises that she has broken the law during the shoot.

Take a look at the entire post here:

Here is the video that landed the blogger in trouble with the authorities:

Railways and Metro authorities across the country often take to social media to remind people to refrain from recording videos while travelling in public transportation.
It is often said that a dog is a mans best friend, and the actions of these pooches show why the statement is true. While one of the pooches helped save the life of a teen, the other one played a crucial role in the rescue of a cat. As the year inches closer to an end, lets look back at five stories of dogs where they helped save lives - be it of humans or other animals. Year Ender 2023: The image shows two dogs who helped save the lives of others. (Instagram/@weratedogs, Facebook/@Calweton Veterinary Group)

1. Dog chases away a bear to save a 4-year old

This heroic story of a dog saving the life of a 4-year-old boy by chasing away a bear will surely make you say what a good boi. Gregory Grant and his son Gavin were out for a walk with their pet pooch Jake when they came face-to-face with a bear. The dog made it his mission to chase away the animal to keep the little human safe.

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"He got quite a few treats, he got ice cream, he got a bath that night. He got the whole nine yards. He helped us out that day for sure," Gregory Grant later told WTNH.com.

2. Dog takes humans help to save brother

A dog won hearts on social media when a video of him seeking help from a man to save his trapped sibling went viral. The video shows how the dogs sibling got trapped in a hole while playing. It is the poochs smart gesture to take the help of a human that kept the other dog safe.

Take a look at the heartwarming video:

3. Dog forces couple to wake up, saves teen's life

The persistent nudging of a dog helped save the life of a sleeping couples son. Their pet dog, named Alex, pawed at them while they were sleeping, and he kept doing so until they woke up. Once they were up, Alex took them to their 17-year-old son Gabriels room. Upon entering the room, the couple realised that the teen was having a heart attack. They soon took him to the hospital, where the boy received immediate medical attention. It was due to Alexs intervention that things didnt get even worse.

Read the story of how Alex saved Gabriels life here:

4. Dog helps rescue trapped cat

A dog in the UK played an important role in the rescue of a cat trapped in a mineshaft. The pooch kept walking to the same spot while out with its pet mom. Upon close inspection, she could hear faint meowing and immediately called the rescue services. The rescuers then brought the cat out to safety.

Calweton Veterinary Group took to Facebook to share this incredible tale:

5. Dog carries abandoned baby, saves her life

A story of how a stray dog helped save the life of an abandoned baby in Lebanon will leave you emotional. The pooch carried a garbage bag, with the baby inside, from the front of a building to a crowded place. The little one was rescued after a passerby heard her cry.
Actor and comedian Bill Cosby leaves the Montgomery County Courthouse after the first day of his sexual assault trial's sentencing hearing in Norristown, Pennsylvania, (Photo : REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

Bill Cosby, once the undisputed king of comedy, now navigates a far bleaker reality. He is a recluse, confined within the gilded walls of his Massachusetts estate, his booming laughter replaced by the whispers of fear and the ever-present thrum of his failing health. The once-vibrant entertainer, now 86, grapples not only with the ghosts of his past but also with the very real demons of physical decline.



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Cosby's health, long a cause for concern, has become a central element in his self-imposed exile. Two "life-sustaining" surgeries in 2019 to clear arterial blockages serve as a stark reminder of his vulnerability. His blood pressure, already a problem during his prison stint, remains a ticking time bomb, prompting his wife, Camille, to shield him from the news and its potential trigger points.



This heightened concern for his health extends beyond Camille. Sources close to the family reveal their worries about Cosby's safety if he were to venture out. The brutal attack on Dave Chappelle, a fellow comedian, has become a chilling catalyst for their fears. In their eyes, Cosby, with his declining health and tarnished reputation, is an even more tempting target for those seeking notoriety through violence.



However, it's not just fear that keeps Cosby cloistered. His financial situation, once described as "dire," adds another layer to his isolation. Legal battles over sexual assault allegations continue to drain his resources, forcing him and Camille to "liquidate" assets and embrace a much humbler lifestyle. Their extravagant holiday festivities are a thing of the past, replaced by quiet gatherings with family in the confines of their Massachusetts home.



The Cosby of today is a far cry from the iconic "America's Dad." He is a man burdened by age, ailing health, and the crushing weight of past scandals. His laughter, once a beacon of joy, has been muted by fear and financial woes. His future, like his present, is shrouded in uncertainty, a stark reminder of how swiftly and spectacularly even the brightest stars can fade when eclipsed by shadows.


Samer Abudaqa, a Palestinian cameraman for Al Jazeera, was killed in an Israeli strike, while the TV network's chief Gaza correspondent Wael Dahdouh was wounded on Friday as they reported at a school in the south of the besieged territory, the network said. Samer Abudaqa was a Palestinian cameraman for Al Jazeera.(Source: @anealla/X)

Abudaqa and Dahdouh had gone to Farhana school in Khan Younis in Gaza after it was hit by a strike earlier in the day. While they were reporting from the spot, an Israeli drone hit the school with a second strike, the network said. Follow Live Updates on Israel-Hamas war

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Heavily wounded in his arm and shoulder, Dahdouh, while speaking from a hospital bed, told Al Jazeera he was able to escape, bleeding, from the school and found several ambulance workers. He asked them to look for Abudaqa, but they said it was too risky and promised another ambulance would come for him, Dahdouh said.

Also Read: Israel's military says it 'mistakenly' killed three hostages in Gaza

Abudaqa fell bleeding to the ground the last time Dahdouh saw. He was screaming, he was calling for help, said Dahdouh.

Al Jazeera journalist Wael Al-Dahdouh, who was wounded, lies at Nasser hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.(REUTERS)

Al Jazeera later reported that an ambulance tried to reach the school to evacuate its cameraman, but it had to turn back because roads were blocked by the rubble of destroyed houses. Abudaqa continued to bleed for several more hours, until a civil defence crew found him dead, Al Jazeera said in a statement.

Dahdouh said the networks crew was accompanying civil defence rescuers on a mission to evacuate a family after its home was bombed.

We captured the devastating destruction and reached places that had not been reached by any camera lens since the Israeli ground operation started, Al Jazeera quoted Dahdouh as saying.

As the Al Jazeera journalists were heading back on foot because the areas were not accessible by car, Dahdouh said something big happened that knocked him to the ground, the network reported.

Al Jazeera condemns the attack

The Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the attack and extended its condolences to Abudaqas family in Gaza and Belgium.

The Network holds Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families, the statement read.

Following Samers injury, he was left to bleed to death for over 5 hours, as Israeli forces prevented ambulances and rescue workers from reaching him, denying the much-needed emergency treatment, the statement added.

In late October, Wael Dahdouh lost four of his family members in an Israeli air raid.

Palestinian UN ambassador Riyad Mansour reacts

Meanwhile, Palestinian UN ambassador Riyad Mansour told a General Assembly meeting on the war that Israel targets those who could document (their) crimes and inform the world, the journalists".

We mourn one of those journalists, Samer Abu Daqqa, wounded in an Israeli drone strike and left to bleed to death for 6 hours while ambulances were prevented from reaching him, Mansour said.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Abu Daqqa is the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict erupted between Hamas and Israel: 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese journalists.

The Abudaqa, 45, a Khan Younis native, joined Al Jazeera in June 2004, working as a cameraman as well as an editor. He leaves behind three sons and a daughter.

(With inputs from agencies)
BBC anchor Maryam Moshiri, who flipped the bird (showed middle finger) live on air earlier this month, without, however, knowing that she was live, said on Friday she was glad that the full video of the incident was out on social media, as it showed what she said in her apology  that she was having a bit of fun with her team during the countdown to the show. BBC's Maryam Moshiri during the broadcast (Image courtesy: X)

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Moshiri, however, clarified that the full video was not released by her or the BBC.

So someone released the full video! It wasn't the BBC who released this and it certainly wasn't me! But in a way I think I'm glad this is out there, as it shows I WAS having a bit of a joke with the crew during the countdown, Moshiri, one of the network's chief presenters, wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The Iranian-born host added: Again, so sorry it went out on air. It was meant to be a private laugh.

What does the video show?

The clip begins with the traditional BBC countdown; with each passing second, Moshiri gestures with her fingers the seconds left for the broadcast to begin. Then, with just one second left for the show to go on air, she produced the moment that instantly went viral on social media.

Suddenly, it dawns upon her that the gesture went live on air. Composing herself, the BBC anchor opens the broadcast: Live from London, this is BBC News.

What was her explanation?

On December 7, a day after the gaffe, Moshiri took to X to apologise, and explained what really went down.

When we got to one, I turned my finger around as a joke and did not realise this would be caught on camera. I wasnt flipping the bird at viewers or even a person really. It was a silly joke that was meant for a small number of my mates, she wrote.
A Vatican court on Saturday sentenced a once powerful Italian cardinal to five years and six months in jail for financial crimes at the end of a historic trial. Cardinal, Giovanni Angelo Becciu from Italy.(AFP)

Angelo Becciu, 75, a former adviser to Pope Francis who was once considered a papal contender himself, was the most senior clergyman in the Catholic Church to face a Vatican criminal court.

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He and nine other defendants, including financiers, lawyers and ex-Vatican employees, were on trial for accusations of financial crimes focused on an opaque London property deal.

Court president Giuseppe Pignatone read out the verdict Saturday, with Becciu accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering.

His lawyer, Fabio Viglione, said they respected the sentence but would "certainly" appeal. He was also handed a fine of 8,000 euros.

At the heart of the trial is the 350-million-euro ($380-million) purchase of a luxury property in London, as part of an investment that began in 2014 and ended up costing the Vatican tens of millions of euros.

The trial, which began in July 2021, has shone a light on the Holy See's murky finances, which Pope Francis has sought to clean up since taking the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013.

It is also a test of his reforms.

Just weeks before the trial, Francis gave the Vatican's civilian courts the power to try cardinals and bishops, where previously they were judged by a court presided over by cardinals.

Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had requested seven years and three months in jail for Becciu, and between almost four and 13 years for the others.

Becciu had always strongly protested his innocence, denouncing the accusations against him as "totally unfounded" and insisting he never took a cent.

For its part, the Holy See viewed itself as "an offended party" and has asked through Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for the court to "punish all crimes".

Four Vatican entities are civil parties. They had requested compensation from the defendants, including 177 million euros for moral and reputational damage.

- Charitable causes -

Since the trial opened, there have been more than 80 hearings in the dedicated room within the Vatican Museums, where a portrait of a smiling Pope Francis hangs on the wall.

The process had been mired by procedural wrangling, with defence lawyers complaining about a lack of access to key evidence.

Becciu, a globe-trotting former Vatican diplomat, has been a near constant presence in the courtroom.

He was number two in the Secretariat of State, the Vatican department that works most closely with the pope, from 2011 to 2018.

He was moved to lead the department that deals with the creation of saints, before abruptly resigning in September 2020, after being informed of an investigation against him.

Initially, he told the trial, this was about a probe into 125,000 euros of Vatican money he donated to a charity in his native Sardinia, which prosecutors claim benefited his brother, who ran the organisation.

But he was later drawn into investigations into the purchase and sale of the property on London's Sloane Avenue -- resulting in losses that, according to the Vatican, dipped into resources intended for charitable causes.

When the trial opened, prosecutors painted a picture of risky investments with little or no oversight and double-dealing by both outside consultants and insiders.

Among the defendants are two brokers involved in the London deal, Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione, as well as Enrico Crasso, a former Vatican investment manager, and former Vatican employee Fabrizio Tirabassi.

Becciu is also accused over payments made to a Sardinian woman, Cecilia Marogna -- who is also on trial -- which he claims were to help negotiate the release of a Colombian nun kidnapped in Mali.
Russian president Vladimir Putin may have accidentally admitted to losing over 360,000 troops in Moscow's war with Ukraine during an annual four-hour press conference. Kremlin has only officially admitted to around 6,000 troop deaths so far. Russia-Ukraine War: Russian president Vladimir Putin holding his year-end press conference.(AFP)

The newly claimed losses were calculated in a post on the "Maps and Arrows" Telegram account of Russian military analyst Ian Matveev which read, "Russia lost 360,000 people in the war, according to Putin. 244 thousand mobilized. 486 thousand volunteers. And there are only 617 thousand at the front. Entertaining military mathematics from Putin. The losses were 113 thousand people. But there was also the invasion group and those who were recruited before mobilization. And this is around 250 thousand. That is, Putin literally admitted irretrievable losses in the amount of 363 thousand people.

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The figure is not close to the 315,000 claimed Russian troop casualties that were revealed in a leaked declassified US intelligence document this week while Ukraine has said that Russia had lost 342,800 troops since launching its invasion.

Russia also claimed that Ukraine is suffering a high number of troop deaths during the war, as Vladimir Putin said that Kyiv had lost 90,000 troops since starting its latest counteroffensive in June. Vladimir Putin said the Ukrainian death toll was "simply huge" and at "approximately one to eight as a ratio" to Russian deaths.

Marina Miron, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of War Studies at King's College London said as per Newsweek, "It is very difficult to determine casualties in an ongoing conflict since both sides will try to keep the data secret and inflate the number of adversary casualties."
Russian president Vladimir Putin hopes that the next US leader will be more constructive, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told NBC News. The White House must understand the importance of the dialogue he said, claiming that Vladimir Putin is willing to work with anyone who will understand that from now on, you have to be more careful with Russia and you have to take into account its concerns. Vladimir Putin On US president: Russian president Vladimir Putin holds his year-end press conference.(AFP)

Without mentioning US president Joe Biden, Dmitry Peskov said that Donald Trump's assertion that he could end the Russian-Ukrainian war in a single day is misguided. The war is too complicated, he said expressing frustration with the US for continuing to fund Ukraine.

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It is a waste of money to oppose the invasion, he said, adding, "You have to understand your responsibility for this. You are making this conflict longer."

Dmitry Peskov accused the West of waging a "war" on Russia by bolstering Ukraine after Vladimir Putin reiterated this week that he will not end the war in Ukraine until his goals are achieved. The Russian president addressed concerns from some Russian citizens about another wave of mobilization as he seeks reelection after being in power for nearly 24 years. Dismissing the need for a second wave of mobilization of reservists, Vladimir Putin said that there are some 617,000 Russian soldiers currently in Ukraine, including around 244,000 troops who were called up to fight alongside Russian military.

"There is no need [for additional mobilization]," he said.

On meddling in Russian elections, Vladimir Putin said, "Any interference in Russia's internal affairs will be punished, and punished harshly, according to Russian laws. We are defending the freedom of our people, their sovereignty, their right to choose their future. It's the people and only the people of Russia who are the source of power in our country."
Elon Musk claimed that advertisers were returning to X (formerly Twitter) after an exodus while warning that Italy's low birth rate could put off investors. At the Atreju political festival organised by Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, Elon Musk said, "I think X will be fine, and we are actually already seeing advertisers return to X. Brand advertisers are always worried about their brand.... But I think it's a short-term issue." Elon Musk In Italy: X (formerly Twitter) CEO Elon Musk makes a heart with his hands during the Atreju political meeting.(AFP)

Previously, the social platform owner had said that the advertising boycott could "kill the company".

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Woke mind virus on X

Elon Musk said that some of the organisations which had abandoned X were infected by a woke mind virus- "woke" used to condemn those seen as excessively socially aware. Identity politics was "very divisive", "anti-meritocratic" and "just no fun".

Elon Musk on migration

Elon Musk said he was "very much in favour of legal migration", saying countries should welcome anyone honest who was willing to work hard. It was not possible to assess who fulfilled these characteristics without controls, he said, "Let's increase legal immigration, but we should stop illegal immigration."

Warning that migration is not a substitute for domestic population growth, and that without an increase in the birth rate, Elon Musk said that "people will disappear". Highlighting Italy's low fertility rate, Elon Musk warned that it poses a risk for companies wanting to invest in the country.

Is Italy a good place to invest? Elon Musk asked

Elon Musk said, "I do worry about the low birth rate. If a company is to invest in Italy, will there be enough people to work there?"

When the interviewer scoffed, saying it was a problem in 50 years, Elon Musk said it could be even sooner than that, concluding, "I agree it's a good place to invest and a wonderful country -- please make more Italians, is what I'm saying."
The US religious freedom watchdog called on Joe Biden administration to designate India as a "country of particular concern" under the US Religious Freedom Act. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal government commission, said "recent efforts by the Indian government to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad pose a serious threat to religious freedom." Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is an American-Canadian dual citizen who India has designated as a terrorist (AP)

"USCIRF implores the US Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern due to Indias systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief," it said in a statement as per news agency Reuters.

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USCIRF commissioner Stephen Schneck called India's alleged involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in the United States deeply troubling.

USCIRF said as per Reuters that it had recommended each year since 2020 that the US State Department label India a country of particular concern under the 1998 US Religious Freedom Act which allows a range of policy responses, including sanctions or waivers. USCIRF commissioner David Curry said India's extension of domestic repression to target religious minorities from India living abroad is especially dangerous and cannot be ignored.

What India has said on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun allegations?

India said that the US shared inputs on a nexus between organised criminals, gun runners and terrorists during the course of recent discussions. Relevant departments were examining them, New Delhi assured.

What has Washington said on the same?

The US said that the issue has been raised at the highest levels" and discussed at the level of the national security advisers of the two countries, the heads of the respective intelligence agencies, the two foreign ministers, and even the heads of government.
An agent of Israel's Mossad intelligence service was executed on Saturday in Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, the official IRNA news agency reported. An Iranian flag flutters in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria.(Reuters)

"This person communicated with foreign services, including Mossad, collecting classified information, and with participation with associates, provided documents to foreign services, including the Mossad," it said.

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IRNA did not name the person.
When Avi Shimriz, father of Alon Shimriz, talked to Israels Channel 12 earlier this week, he said, During the day Im busy with communications and PR. At night, in my bed, I let out my grief. My wife, for most of the day, is sitting and crying." But the Shimriz family did not know that their son would be killed mistakenly by Israeli troops just one week later as they prayed for his safe release from Hamas captivity. Israel-Hamas War: The three hostages killed identified as Yotam Haim, Alon Shimriz, and Samer Talalka. (from left and right)

The family lived on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, from where Alon Shimriz was captured on October 7. We are a peace-wishing kibbutz. I have no doubt [that theres someone to speak to on the other side]. Not everyones Yahya Sinwar, he said, as he referred to the man seen as masterminding Hamas assault two months ago.

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On the one hand Im happy for every hostage who came back [alive]. On the other hand, Im very mad at the decision makers in our government. They should have already released everyone, Avi Shimriz told Channel 12, adding, Within our government I dont trust anyone. Is it their son who is sitting in a tunnel? My son is sitting in a tunnel. My son has no oxygen. My son is having half a pita a day. I want my son here as soon as tomorrow.

Alons brother, Yonatan, said, Here in Israel, its like speaking to a wall. You can set up demonstrations, hold hands, light candles, make placards, but [the government] just wants to give you the impression it is out of their hands."

Yotam Haim was also taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. His mother, Iris, told Israels Channel 11 earlier this week, Some people think that if they dont shout, no one will bring their children back. I tell them: we can do it peacefully and through a respectful dialogue. The children will come back, I have no doubt.

The government and the army were doing their best, she said, adding, We see that soldiers are getting killed trying to bring back my son, how can I keep shouting, do something?

The third of the kidnapped men killed, Samer Talalka's father, Fouad visited the United States earlier in the month to talk about his sons plight.

Bring back our kids! How long can we take this for? Its been two months. We families are just hanging. We dont know anything, he said.

Last week, we had hope, because of the truce. And they said theyd get the children and women out, and we waited to see if were the next ones to get lucky. And we didnt have any luck. The high hopes are now on the floor [] and the war has resumed, he had said.
The families of hostages held in Gaza called on Israel to stop fighting and make a deal to secure their release. This comes after the army admitted "mistakenly" killing three hostages in the Palestinian territory. The Israeli army said that the captives who were killed by troops were carrying a white flag and had cried for help in Hebrew. This followed protests in Israel as relatives of the remaining hostages feared their loved ones could be next. Israel-Hamas War: Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attack lift portraits as they deliver a statement to the media in Tel Aviv.(AFP)

"We only receive dead bodies. We want you to stop the fight and start negotiations," Noam Perry, daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv. Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old soldier Itai, who is among the captives, said, We feel like we're in a Russian roulette game (finding out) who will be next in line to be told the death of their loved one. They explained to us first that the ground operation would bring back the abductees. It doesn't work. Because since then, abductees have been seen returning, but not so much alive. It's time to change this assumption.

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What Israeli officials said on mistakenly killing hostages?

An Israeli military official said as per news agency Reuters, They're all without shirts and they have a stick with a white cloth on it. The soldier feels threatened and opens fire. He declares that they're terrorists, they (forces) open fire, two are killed immediately. The third hostage was wounded and retreated into a nearby building where he called for help in Hebrew after which immediately the battalion commander issues a ceasefire order, but again there's another burst of fire towards the third figure and he also die. This was against our rules of engagement, he continued.

How many hostages were taken by Hamas?

Around 250 people were taken hostage during Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel, which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians. In Israel's massive offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement, at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children, have been killed.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) holds a news conference on "Take Action for Puerto Rico" on the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Maria, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., (Photo : REUTERS/Tom Brenner)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer navigates a treacherous political tightrope, attempting to thread the needle between securing crucial aid for Ukraine and Israel while navigating a storm of internal Democratic dissent over proposed border policy changes. The whispers of discontent have grown louder, morphing into outright cries of "Terribly mistaken!" and warnings of a "depressed enthusiasm" from progressive voters.



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Schumer's gamble - weaving stricter border provisions into the national supplemental package - aims to appease Republicans and secure their votes for the much-needed funding. However, this deal-making calculus has opened a chasm within his own party, with progressive senators like Bob Menendez and Alex Padilla fiercely denouncing the concessions as "Trumpian policies" and "anti-immigrant."



The anxieties aren't confined to the left flank. Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic contender for Texas governor, paints a dire picture of increased border crossings, tragic migrant deaths, and a deflated progressive base if the deal goes through. Cory Booker adds another layer of concern, highlighting the uncertainty of future political winds and who will wield the reins of enforcement under the proposed policies.



Republicans, meanwhile, play their hand, staking their support on "basic elements" like immediate asylum screenings, more detention beds, and a bolstered border patrol. Rumors swirl of the White House potentially conceding to nationwide expedited removals, mandatory detention for certain migrants, and even a resurrection of the Title 42 expulsion policy.



The pressure cooker is simmering, with time running out. Lawmakers were initially set to break for the holidays, but Schumer, bracing for political fallout, has instead canceled the recess, demanding continued negotiations and a vote next week. This decision reflects the urgency of the situation, both for Ukraine and for Schumer's fragile hold on party unity.



The ultimate outcome remains uncertain. Can Schumer stitch together a deal that appeases Republicans without alienating his progressive base? Or will this gamble backfire, fracturing the Democratic Party and jeopardizing Biden's future political prospects? The days ahead will hold the answer, revealing whether Schumer's tightrope walk leads to triumph or a spectacular political tumble.


Israeli officials appear more willing in talks with mediators to strike a fresh deal for a ceasefire and release of Palestinian prisoners for the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, two Egyptian security sources told news agency Reuters. The comments came as Axios reported that the head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, met Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe as Tel Aviv aims to revive the talks. Israel-Hamas War: Smoke rises above Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas, as seen from Southern Israel.(Reuters)

The Egyptian sources said Israeli officials appeared to have changed their mind on some points that they had previously refused, but did not go into further detail, Reuters reported.

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The meeting in Europe was the first between senior officials from Israel and Qatar since the collapse of a seven-day ceasefire in late November. Qatar has been negotiating between the sides earlier as well. The Wall Street Journal reported that Qatar's prime minister would meet Mossad's Barnea in Norway's capital Oslo while major obstacles impede resumption of negotiations on a new hostage deal. These include disagreements over the possible terms within Hamas, that report added. Earlier, a Hamas official said that if there was a drive to resume hostage negotiations, there was nothing new to report.

What happened in the earlier truce?

During the week-long truce in late November, Hamas released more than 100 women, children and foreigners it was holding in Gaza. The militant group released 240 women and teenagers that were held by Hamas since October 7.

Mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages

Three Israeli hostages were mistakenly shot by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip. An initial enquiry by Tel Aviv pointed out that the three had been waving a white flag and were shirtless when they were killed. An Israeli military official said it was likely that the hostages had been abandoned by Hamas or had escaped. The soldiers behavior was against our rules of engagement, the official said.
Japan said that the average number of influenza patients designated medical institutions nationwide had hit warning levels at their fastest pace in 10 years, it was reported. The spread of flu cases reflects lowered influenza immunity after cases had dropped in recent years amid anti-infection measures implemented against the coronavirus pandemic, Japan Times reported citing health experts. The influenza virus is spreading about a month earlier than normal, they said. Japan Flu Cases: People wearing protective masks walk at a Japanese Izakaya pub alley, amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, in Tokyo.(Reuters)

What do the numbers say?

Across almost 5,000 institutions, 166,690 patients had been reported in the week through December 10, averaging 33.72 people per facility, Japan's health minister said. This has surpassed the warning level of 30, it informed. During the same period, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that the number of patients nationwide totaled around 1,118,000.

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Are Covid cases also rising in Japan at the same time?

Coronavirus cases have also been increasing for the third consecutive week, authorities said. This means both the virus could spread further as year-end and New Year's social gatherings take place in the country. School and class-specific closures have been required at 6,382 educational facilities nationwide in the week through Sunday, authorities have said.

What have the authorities said so far?

Influenza outbreaks typically occur in the winter and the end of spring but this year saw an unusual increase in cases from August. Flu cases were also seen in October as they exceeded the advisory level for that month of 10 people per institution.

"Individual measures for preventing infection are the same as those for COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places," Nobuhiko Okabe, head of the Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, said.
Billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has invested $42 million in the construction of a clock that will tell time for 10,000 years. The 500 feet-tall clock's construction is happening inside a mountain in West Texas, reported Fox News. Interestingly, the clock would use Earths thermal cycles to power itself. Bezos has taken inspiration from Danny Hillis, who developed the idea of the 10,000-year Clock in 1995 and designed it. Billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has invested $42 million in the construction of a clock that will tell time for 10,000 years. (X(formerly Twitter))

The clock will keep track of the year, century and millennium and is synchronized with the sun every noon. The components of the clock include a solar synchronizer, a pendulum, a chime generator, and a series of gears and dials. The chime generator will create more than 3.5 million unique bell chime sequences, ensuring that no two days will sound the same.

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ALSO READ| US military leaders head to Israel to discuss 'strategic shift' in war against Hamas

The clock has five anniversary chambers, one for each of the first, 10th, 100th, 1,000th and 10,000th-year anniversaries. The first chamber will feature a model of the solar system and the other chambers will be left for future generations to fill.

The 10,000-Year Clock's construction

The clock will be a marvel of engineering once completed. It is being made to withstand natural forces like temperature changes, humidity, and dust. The completion date of the clock's construction is not known.

Location of the Clock

It is located in the Sierra Diablo range of West Texas. According to the foundation's website, "To see The Clock you need to start at dawn, like any pilgrimage. It will require a days hike to reach its interior gears." Visit to the site will be free but number of visitors will be limited, says the report.
Meghan Markle could return to the royal family under an unlikely condition, a royal expert said. Tom Quinn, author of Scandals of the Royal Palaces: An Intimate Memoir of Royals Behaving Badly claimed that the Duchess of Sussex could return. Meghan Markle News: Meghan Markle arrives for Variety's Power of Women event at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles, California.(AFP)

Tom Quinn said, "I think it's possible that Meghan could return but I think she would physically have to live in England and she would have to, very quietly, start to do the things that the Royal Family does best. I don't think she could come back if she wants an apology or if she wants the Royal Family to completely change. They just can't do it, I just don't think they will."

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The royal expert also pointed to a telephone conversation between Prince Harry and his father King Charles on the latter's 75 birthday as the mark of a potential detente, saying, "It may well be that Harry's realised that, in a way, Harry needs the Royal Family more than the Royal Family needs Harry and I think he will begin to realise that. Although it's very difficult for him to square that with his relationship with Meghan."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from the royal family in 2020 and moved to Montecito, California in the United States. Their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan detailed their relationship, marriage and eventual departure from the royal family. In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry targeted several senior royals deepening the rift. Earlier Prince Harry had voiced his hope that he will enjoy a strong reconciliation with his father King Charles and his brother Prince William in the future.

This comes as a London court ruling found Prince Harry to be a victim of phone hacking and other unlawful acts by Mirror Group journalists with the knowledge of their editors. The court's ruling said among the editors who knew about the "widespread" unlawful behaviour was Piers Morgan- Daily Mirror editor from 1996 to 2004.
Artificial rain was used for the first time in Pakistan to combat hazardous levels of smog in Lahore, the provincial government said. This marked the first experiment of its kind in the South Asian country. In the city, planes equipped with cloud seeding equipment were flown over 10 areas. Lahore has been ranked as one of the worst places globally for air pollution. Pakistan Artificial Rain: A family rides a bike amid rain in Lahore.(AFP)

The rain was a gift provided by the United Arab Emirates, caretaker chief minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, said. "Teams from the UAE, along with two planes, arrived here about 10 to 12 days ago. They used 48 flares to create the rain," he added. The team would know soon what effect the "artificial rain" had.

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The UAE has used cloud seeding to create rain in the arid expanse of the country before. The method involves releasing common salt- a mixture of different salts-into clouds. These crystals encourage condensation to form as rain and has been deployed in dozens of countries, including the United States and China.

Air pollution in Pakistan

Air pollution has worsened in Pakistan in recent years. Experts have blamed low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from seasonal crop burn off for the pollution. Lahore suffers the most from the toxic smog, that affects more than 11 million residents in the city during the winter season. Levels of PM2.5 pollutants were measured as hazardous in Lahore at more than 66 times the World Health Organization's danger limits.

As per WHO, prolonged exposure to polluted air can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases. Previously, Lahore has used various methods to reduce air pollution- spraying water on roads, weekend shutdowns of schools, factories and markets.
UK broadcaster Piers Morgan accused Prince Harry of wanting to bring down the monarchy. The Duke of Sussex wouldnt know the truth if it slapped him around his California-tanned face, the former editor of the Daily Mirror said after Prince Harry called on the Metropolitan Police to investigate Mirror Group Newspapers following a court ruling that he had been a victim of phone hacking. The practice was widespread and habitual at the publishers three titles from 1998 and remained extensive from 2006 until 2011, the court noted in its judgement. Prince Harry news: TV personality Piers Morgan.(Reuters)

Prince Harry said that he was a dragon slayer after securing a partial victory in his claim against MGN. The former royal family member also vowed to continue his crusade against the tabloid press.

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The court has found that Mirror Groups principle board directors, their legal department, senior executives, and editors, such as Piers Morgan, clearly knew about or were involved in these illegal activities. Between them, they even went as far as lying under oath to Parliament, during the Leveson Inquiry, to the stock exchange, and to us all ever since," Prince Harry said.

Read more: When a Saudi Prince reserved economy class tickets for his 80 falcons

In retaliation, Piers Morgan said that Prince Harry had repeatedly trashed his family in public for hundreds of millions of dollars and his outrage at media intrusion into the private lives of the Royal family is only matched by his own ruthless, greedy, and hypocritical enthusiasm for doing it himself. He demands accountability for the press but refuses to accept any for himself for smearing the Royal family, his own family, as a bunch of callous racists without producing a shred of proof to support those disgraceful claims.

He also says hes on a mission to reform the media, when its become clear his real mission, along with his wife, is to destroy the British monarchy," the TV presenter claimed.

What was the case about?

Prince Harry sued MGN over 148 articles which he alleged had been obtained illegally. Prince Harry claimed that instead of properly investigating, the process was concealed from the board, from Parliament in 2007 and 2011, from the Leveson Inquiry, from shareholders, and from the public for years.

What MGN said on the ruling?

An MGN spokesman said, We welcome todays judgment that gives the business the necessary clarity to move forward from events that took place many years ago. Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility and paid appropriate compensation.
The Duke of Sussex felt a sense of justice as he won his hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers, after years of legal struggles with some parts of the British media. FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, departs the Rolls Building of the High Court in London, Britain. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo(REUTERS)

He said in a statement: Ive been told that slaying dragons will get you burned, and added firmly, The mission continues.

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Prince Harry has always been frustrated by the royal familys reluctance to confront the press. His father, King Charles, had warned him it would be a suicide mission.

He seemed to have paid a high price for his stance. In June, he became the first senior British royal in 130 years to testify in court at a trial, and when he was asked about the impact of his fight, he paused, lowered his head, and looked close to tears. Its a lot, he eventually said.

ALSO READ| Vindicating and affirming: Prince Harry on phone-hacking judgement

Harry's crusade against press intrusion

But Harry was determined to continue his cause, especially after the Duchess of Sussex joined him, and haunted by the fear of his wife facing the same fate as his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. He gave a powerful witness statement and oral evidence to the court, describing how tabloid coverage had shaped him since childhood. He said he started as a blank canvas, but then the newspapers decided how to label him, and he became either the playboy prince, the failure, the dropout or, in his case, the thicko, the cheat, the underage drinker, the irresponsible drug taker, and so on.

He felt hunted by the media, under constant surveillance. He was bullied at Eton after reports of a normal rugby injury made him a target for being a sickn*te or a "pu**y. When he was 20, the paparazzi seemed to turn up everywhere he went, and sometimes he had to hide in a car boot.

He found the baseless rumours that Charles was not his father very damaging, hurtful, mean and cruel and he wondered why they were spread.

Were the newspapers keen to put doubt into the minds of the public so I might be ousted from the royal family? He held the media responsible for the devastating effect on his relationship with Chelsy Davy. He suspected that articles about his relationship with Caroline Flack, the late television presenter, were the result of phone hacking.

Harry felt it necessary to speak publicly

It was not surprising, then, that the Duke of Sussex took a bold step when his relationship with Meghan Markle became public. Breaking the royal rule of never complain, never explain, he issued an angry public statement in November 2016.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation sees $11 million decrease in donations

He said the coverage had seen a line crossed. His girlfriend had faced a wave of abuse and harassment in newspapers and racial undertones in comment pieces. He said he had felt it necessary to speak publicly, and clearly hoped his message would deter the newspapers. He excluded the rota royal correspondent from his 2018 wedding ceremony.

This was a major departure from royal protocol, but there was more to come in 2019 when the Sussexes finished their very successful tour of South Africa with the shocking news that Meghan was suing the Mail on Sunday, a case she later won, for publishing her private letter to her estranged father, Thomas Markle. Days later, Harry announced he was suing the Sun and the Daily Mirror for alleged phone hacking.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak flew by taxpayer funded Royal Air Force jet to a political festival in Rome, it was reported. The jet had been flown empty from London to Teeside while the PM travelled there by train to campaign, the Downing Street said. There, Rishi Sunak visited the village of Yarm in Stockton South as well. But then he diverted a jet which flew to Durham to pick up Rishi Sunak for his flight to Rome. British prime minister Rishi Sunak speaks, as he attends political festival Atreju.(Reuters)

Rules bans the UK PM from diverting government planes for journeys to or from party business or constituency visits" but exceptions can only be made when the time factor is critical. The only additional cost is the extra flying time needed to carry out the additional landing and take-off.

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This comes as Rishi Sunak has faced mounting criticism over his use of costly private air travel. When the UK PM has previously travelled to political events by air, he has used private jets or helicopters that are either paid for or provided by his party's donors, The Mirror reported.

Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds said, "We know all about the Prime Minister's addiction to private air travel, but in the past, he has usually been careful not to ask the taxpayer to foot the bill when he is using his fleet of private jets and luxury helicopters to travel to political events.

That makes it all the more surprising and inexplicable on this occasion that he should send an empty taxpayer-funded RAF jet to wait while he went campaigning in a marginal seat one day, and then fly him to a far-right political festival in Rome the next," she said, adding, Has he forgotten the rules in his own ministerial code, or is he just not bothered any more about what the British people think, or how much he is asking them to pay?"
IN RECENT WEEKS wooden boats from Bangladesh have been turning up off Aceh, the Indonesian province on the tip of Sumatra, 1,000 nautical miles (1,852km) away. They are packed with Rohingya refugees, previously resident in the Kutupalong camp complex in south-eastern Bangladesh. A Muslim people from Rakhine state in Myanmar, the Rohingyas have long been persecuted by that countrys Buddhist elite. In 2017 about 750,000 fled into Bangladesh, carrying genocidal tales of arson, rape and murder. Today Kutupalong is the worlds biggest refugee camp, with nearly 1m residents. Yet having fled from Myanmar, many are now attempting to flee from Kutupalonga measure of desperation in the face of dwindling food rations and mounting gang violence there.

The exodus of 2017 won global sympathy. At a UN-backed aid conference that year donors pledged $344m for Rohingya refugees. But attention has long since moved on, and the aid is drying up. This year the World Food Programme (WFP) has cut rations for each Kutupalong inhabitant from a value of $12 a month to $10, then $8, citing a funding gap of $56m. Even before the cuts, two-fifths of camp children showed signs of stunted growth; now malnutrition is rising fast.

There are many kinds of problems at the camp. Its bamboo-and-canvas huts were designed as a short-term fix. Now some of its neighbourhoods have turned into slums. They are unhygienic and vulnerable to flooding. Two-fifths of camp residents have scabies.

Worse, a social crisis is brewing as security in Kutupalong is breaking down. Prostitution and child marriage are on the rise in the camp. Rival armed gangs terrorise the population with rapes and kidnappings. They have murdered dozens this year and target community leaders especiallyat least 16 were killed in the first half of the year. Bangladeshs Armed Police Battalion, in charge of security, are part of the problem, often extorting pay-offs from those seeking justice as well as from the gangs.

Last month Abdur Rahman, a 36-year-old with a wife and four children, had had enough: life in the camp was hell, he concluded. He scraped together $3,000 from relatives for a broker promising a boat to Aceh. On November 21st he and his family sneaked down to the shore to meet 300 others, mostly unmarried women looking to Indonesia or Malaysia for a future. But the next day an armed gang led by a rival broker seized them as they were boarding and demanded ransoms. On this occasion, the police rescued them. Back in the camp, Mr Rahman fears the brokers will seek revenge.

Whatever the risks, Mr Rahman still reckons taking to the waves in a leaky craft is better than staying put. More than 3,700 Rohingyas from Kutupalong are believed to have crossed the Andaman Sea this year, with 400 now thought to be adrift. Since early November, at least eight large and crammed boats have attempted the journey. Acehnese who once welcomed their fellow Muslims now force them back out to sea. The refugees will probably try to land elsewhere along the coast, or in Malaysia, across the Malacca Strait. But with every failed attempt, their options shrink. At least 225 are thought to have drowned this year, twice as many as in the same period in 2022. Many more are unaccounted for.

The crisis spreading across the Andaman Sea is just one example of how neglecting the Rohingyas plight carries broader costs. Bangladeshs government is storing up trouble by forbidding Kutupalongs residents from working outside the camps and by banning schools within them. The idea is to stop the refugees from putting down roots. But blighted prospects for young Rohingyas play recruiting sergeant for violent gangs.

It is also a huge waste of human potential. It is absurd to pretend that the Rohingyas will be able to return to their homes in Myanmar soon, if ever. Though the junta that seized power there three years ago insists that repatriations should begin, it will not promise the Rohingyas the statehood they crave. Meanwhile, Myanmars civil wars make a return even less appealing.

Rich countries should strive to persuade Bangladesh to allow the Rohingyas education and work. They should also be much more generous themselves in resettling RohingyasAustralia has accepted only a few hundred, Europe fewer than 3,000. And they should urgently make up the WFP shortfall. It is tiny compared to their aid budgets, yet a major problem for one of the worlds most persecuted communities.

Read more from Banyan, our columnist on Asia: Myanmars junta suffers startling defeats (Nov 16th) Australia and China patch things up (Nov 7th) Narendra Modi has shifted India from the Palestinians to Israel (Nov 2nd)

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
A temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada, is enhancing vigilance after complaints and bigoted attacks on social media related to a giant statue of Lord Hanuman being constructed on its premises. A 55-foot-tall statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman is being built at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton (HT Photo)

A 55-foot-tall statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman is being built at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton and is set to be unveiled in April next year to mark Hanuman Jayanti. The statue is 95% complete, with some work on the pedestal remaining, according to a temple priest.

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There is security at our temple, and we will be keeping watch at night as well, Phool Kumar Sharma, a priest at the temple, told the HT on Friday.

He said there have been complaints from the people to the administration and also bashing on social media by some people who are unhappy about the construction of the statue.

Sharma, however, said that the statue is entirely being funded through donations on the premises of the temple and did not violate any municipal norms.

On social media posts, Sharma said, What they are saying is an attack on our religion and that is wrong.

The statue is being created by Rajasthan sculptor Naresh Kumawat. Kumawat, known for his expertise in sculpting Hindu deities, has erected over 200 statues across 80 countries.

Attacks on social media condemning the construction of the statue began earlier this week, with a handle posting about it that this was another reminder that we need an immediate halt on all immigration into Canada.

Thats quite excessive and will undoubtedly be an eye-sore that people who have nothing to do with this temple or Hindu culture will have to see every day. They could have been a little more respectful about the size, read another post.

Canada is a white Christian country. You can leave. Zero immigration and repatriation asap, was yet another reaction.

Many were in response to posts from Ottawa-based commentator Rupa Subramanya, who had criticized the original post for its Hinduphobic content.

The barrage of dehumanizing, bigoted and racist hate messages I am receiving from so-called freedom-loving Canadians merely for standing up for the rule of law is quite extraordinary. Imagine a statue can trigger this kind of reaction, that too from a religion that is non-threatening and non-proselytizing, she posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

Montreal-based political analyst Anthony Koch supported the right of the temple to have the statue, as he posted, Privately funded and situated on private property. Nothing wrong with this. Hindus are allowed to build religious monuments on land that they own, same as anyone else.

The uproar over the statue comes amid the trends of growing anti-immigration sentiment in Canada as well as that of escalating Hinduphobia.

Notably, Brampton has witnessed many pro-Khalistan activities in the recent past.

In July, posters War Zone, targeting Indian diplomats in Canada surfaced outside outside the Bharat Mata Mandir in Brampton.

In November, pro-Khalistani elements held protests at a consular camp for issuing life certificates to the Indian government pensioners.

In February, the Ram Mandir in Mississauga city was vandalised with anti-India slogans.
In 2015, more than 560,000 U.S. residents were reported to be homeless. (Photo : Getty Images)

A dark cloud hangs over America's streets as homelessness surges to a staggering 12% increase, the highest level since records began in 2007. This grim reality, painted by the latest federal data, reveals a perfect storm of soaring rents and dwindling pandemic aid leaving an alarming number of Americans without a roof over their heads.



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Roughly 653,000 individuals now grapple with homelessness, representing a stark rise of 70,650 from the previous year. Worryingly, this surge is fueled by first-time cases, signaling a worrying new trend. Even a promising decline in family homelessness since 2012 has cruelly reversed, underscoring the severity of the crisis.



"For those on the frontlines, this isn't surprising," lamented Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge echoed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the "urgent need" for proven solutions to both help people transition out of homelessness and prevent it from taking root in the first place.



The past decade had seen glimmers of hope. By 2017, focused government efforts, particularly aimed at veterans' housing, brought the number down from 637,000 to 554,000. The pandemic response of emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, and eviction moratoriums further stabilized the situation for a couple of years.



However, Jeff Olivet, Executive Director of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, warns that these measures merely "held off the rise in homelessness we are now seeing." He points to the twin demons of skyrocketing housing costs and a critical shortage of affordable homes as the primary culprits, pushing countless Americans precariously close to the brink.



The surge isn't uniform. Within this bleak national picture, specific demographics bear the brunt: individuals experienced a nearly 11% increase in homelessness, veterans 7.4%, and families with children a concerning 15.5%. The racial disparities are stark - despite constituting only 13% of the population, Black Americans account for 37% of those experiencing homelessness. Moreover, age plays a role, with over a quarter of homeless adults exceeding 54 years old.



Looking ahead, HUD is cautiously optimistic. The January count took place before a recent decline in rent increases, which might offer some glimmer of hope for the next count in a few weeks. Additionally, President Biden's proposed budget offers potential, with guaranteed vouchers for veterans and foster care youth aiming to reduce the homeless population.



While California, New York, Florida, and Washington house over half the nation's homeless population, other areas show promise. Chattanooga, Tennessee, saw a remarkable 49% reduction by prioritizing permanent housing and prevention programs. Other success stories include Dallas, Newark, Houston, and San Jose, demonstrating that effective strategies can yield positive results.



The road to tackling America's homelessness crisis is long and arduous. This latest data serves as a stark wake-up call, demanding immediate action and sustained commitment from individuals, communities, and government alike. Only then can the dream of a safe and secure home become a reality for every American.


The US State Department has approved a $300 million sale of equipment to help maintain Taiwan's tactical information systems, the Pentagon said on Friday, the latest U.S. assistance for the island's defenses. The Pentagon(AP)

The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, with the means to defend. Arms sales are a frequent source of tension between Washington and Beijing.

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The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale was for follow-on life cycle support to maintain Taiwan's Command, Control, Communications and Computers, or C4, capabilities.

ALSO READ| US military leaders head to Israel to discuss 'strategic shift' in war against Hamas

The support would improve Taiwan's capability to "meet current and future threats by enhancing operational readiness" and maintain existing C4 capabilities that provide secure flow of tactical information, it added.

Taiwan's defense ministry said the sale would help maintain the effectiveness of its joint combat command and control systems so it can improve battlefield awareness.

"The Chinese communists frequent military operations around Taiwan presents a serious threat to us," the ministry said, adding it expected the sale to "take effect" in one month and expressed its thanks to the United States for the sale. The U.S. Congress will be notified and the sale is likely to go ahead.

Taiwan's presidential office said the deal, the 12th arms sale by President Joe Biden's administration to Taipei, demonstrates the importance the U.S. government attaches great importance to the island's defensive needs.

Democratically governed Taiwan has complained of repeated Chinese military activity near the island over the past four years, as Beijing seeks to asserts its sovereignty claims.

Taiwan's defense ministry said on Saturday morning that in the previous 24 hour period it had detected nine Chinese military aircraft crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait.

That line used to serve as an unofficial barrier between the two, but China's air force now regularly sends its aircraft across it, though they have not flown into Taiwan's territorial air space.

Taiwan, whose government says only the island's people can decide their future, holds presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan. 13 which will shape the island's future relations with China.
The top two US military leaders are traveling to Tel Aviv to advise the Israeli government on how to transition from major combat operations against Hamas in Gaza to a more limited and precise campaign  the kind of strategic shift they both have considerable expertise in. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (AP)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown served in leadership roles as U.S. airpower and ground forces moved from major combat to lower-intensity counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it is not clear how deeply their advice from lessons learned will resonate with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government

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ALSO READ| Rishi Sunak diverted British Air Force' jet to take him to Rome? What report claimed

Israel is still stinging from the deadliest attack ever on its homefront and has pledged to continue its bombardment of Gaza until Hamas, which orchestrated the Oct. 7 attacks, is fully destroyed.

Their trip highlights the increased efforts by the Biden administration to convince Israel that it should scale back its offensive, which has flattened much of Gaza's northern region, displaced millions and killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Israels push has been complicated by the dense urban population and Hamas' network of tunnels, and the militants are accused of using civilians as human shields. The sustained intensity of Israel's campaign has led President Joe Biden to warn that the U.S. ally is losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing."

U.S. officials have been telling Israel for several weeks that its window is closing for concluding major combat operations in Gaza without risking the loss of even more backing.

In a meeting Thursday, Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, urged Netanyahu to shift to more targeted operations by smaller military teams hunting specific high-value targets, rather than the sustained broad bombardment that has occurred so far. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said his country would continue major combat operations against Hamas for several more months.

There are implications for the tens of thousands of U.S. service members deployed in the region.

Austin on Friday extended the deployment once more of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and a second warship in order to retain a two-carrier presence in the Mediterranean Sea. The ships are seen as vital to deter Iran from widening the Israel-Hamas war into a regional conflict. The approximately 5,000 sailors aboard the Ford were originally due home in early November.

U.S. warships that were deployed with the Ford have intercepted incoming missiles fired toward Israel from areas of Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. They also have shot down one-way attack drones headed toward the ships and responded to calls for assistance from commercial vessels that have come under persistent Houthi attacks near the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

As of Friday, there are 19 U.S. warships in the region, including seven in the eastern Mediterranean. A dozen more stretched down the Red Sea, across the Arabian Sea and up into the Persian Gulf.

On Saturday, one of the warships assigned to the Ford carrier strike group, the destroyer USS Carney, successfully engaged 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. Britain reported that a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships.

The missile and drone attacks have led at least two major shipping companies, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, to order their commercial vessels to temporarily pause transits through the strait.

The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety & lives of seafarers, Maersk said in a statement posted to its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday. This issue cannot be addressed by the global shipping industry alone, and we urge the international society to come together to find a swift resolution to bring the situation under control.

Austin is expected also to visit Bahrain and Qatar and further work toward establishing a new maritime mission to provide increased security for commercial ships sailing in the southern Red Sea. Bahrain is the home of the U.S. Navys Central Command headquarters and the international maritime task force charged with ensuring safe passage for vessels in the region.

Qatar has been vital in helping keep what has been a deadly localized war from boiling over into a regional conflict and negotiating hostage release.

Earlier in his Army career, Austin oversaw the drawdown of forces in Iraq in 2011. He visited Israel days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and has spoken to Gallant, his Israeli counterpart, more than two dozen times since then.

In his meetings in Israel, he is likely to continue discussions on how Israelis define different military campaign milestones, to be able to assess when they will have sufficiently degraded Hamas to ensure their own security and shift from major combat operations, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters traveling with Austin.
A Satanic Temple display inside the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines was destroyed, and a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot who was recently defeated in a statehouse election in Mississippi is accused of causing the damage. Former Navy pilot removes 'Satanic display' at Iowa State Capitol, faces charges(X/Michael Cassidy)

The display is permitted by rules that govern religious installations inside the Capitol but has drawn criticism from many conservatives, including presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. A Facebook posting by The Satanic Temple on Thursday said the display, known as a Baphomet statue, was destroyed beyond repair," though part of it remains.

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Michael Cassidy, 35, of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said Friday. He was released after his arrest.

Cassidy is a Republican who was defeated by Democrat Keith Jackson in Mississippi State House District 45 in November.

Cassidy's campaign website remains active. The biography on it says he served as a Navy fighter pilot and a pilot instructor. He describes himself as a Christian conservative who loves our nation and is committed to preserving the blessings of liberty bestowed upon us by the Founding generation.

In 2022, Cassidy ran against incumbent U.S. Rep. Michael Guest and lost in a primary runoff after fewer than 300 votes separated them in the primary. Guest won the runoff with nearly 70% of the vote.

Messages left Friday with Cassidy and with The Satanic Temple were not immediately returned.

On Friday, part of the display remained at the site in the Capitol. A lone man, who declined to give his name, sat in front of the display and recited Christian prayers, making references to Jesus. It wasn't immediately clear if he was a supporter or detractor of the Satanic Temple.

The display is on the east side of the Capitol beside a column and an ornate staircase. It's about 100 feet from a Christmas tree displayed in the rotunda.

Founded in 2013, the Salem, Massachusetts-based Satanic Temple doesnt believe in Satan but describes itself as a non-theistic religious organization that advocates for secularism. It is separate from the Church of Satan, which was founded in the 1960s.

The display caught Cassidy's attention earlier this week. On Tuesday, he reposted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, that included two photos  one of a Thomas Jefferson statue being removed from an unspecified location, and one of the Satanic Temple display.

We have reached the point where our Capitols are removing Jefferson while monuments to Satan are erected," the message read.

A fund was set up to raise money for Cassidys legal defense following his arrest. After $20,000 was raised, Cassidy wrote on X that the fundraising was halted.

But late Friday morning, Cassidy wrote that he had been notified of more potential legal charges unfortunately, so Ive opened the legal fund donation back up.

The Polk County Attorney's office declined comment.

DeSantis, the Florida governor who frequently campaigns in Iowa ahead of next month's caucuses, said Tuesday that former President Donald Trumps administration was partly to blame for the existence of the display, the Des Moines Register reported. Trump was president in 2019 when the Internal Revenue Service determined that The Satanic Temple should be designated a church.

Polls show Trump with a wide lead over DeSantis and other Republicans running for president.
US Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, who represents a district in Miami with a large immigrant population, has been a vocal advocate for the immigration has come out to showcase support for the Dignity Act which she believes will benefit the American economy and society. Bipartisan Immigration Bill promises to boost GDP by unleashing immigrant potential according to Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar(X/ Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar)

The Dignity Act (HR 3599) comprises four fundamental pillars: (1) curbing unlawful immigration; (2) offering a respectful resolution for undocumented individuals residing in the United States; (3) fortifying the American labor force and economy; and (4) securing long-term prosperity and competitiveness for the nation.

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Once implemented, Indian-Americans stand to gain the most from this legislation. It promises to alleviate their prolonged wait for green cards and significantly ease the obstacles in their immigration journey. By shifting the emphasis from place of birth to individual merit, this law will streamline the immigration process, empowering highly skilled workers to make more impactful contributions to the nation's advancement.

On the other hand, the Immigration Visa Efficincy and Security Act of 2023, or HR 6542, is driven by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), among others, aim to clear the back-log as soon as possible.

In a recent tweet, she cited the reform bill will boost Florida's GDP by almost 40% and the country's economy by $4 Trillion.

ALSO READ| All about US immigration reform bill to shorten green card wait time: HR 6542 explained

We will bring in the national treasury of the United States on almost $4 Trillion. So if we reform immigration, it's a win for the economy of the whole country. So what are we waiting for-dignity Act that's what we need to do, complete immigration reform, Salazar stated.

She also called IMF and Secretary Yellen to work with the Argentine government as President Milei shocks his economy back into success.

What is the purpose of introducing the immigration reform bill?

The bill proposes a 10-year transition plan to phase out the per-country caps that limit the number of green cards available for immigrants from certain countries, especially India and China. These caps have created a massive backlog of skilled workers waiting for years, or even decades, to obtain permanent residency in the US.

According to the bills sponsors, this backlog hurts the US economy by preventing talented immigrants from contributing to innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

The bill also seeks to modernize the employment-based visa system by allocating visas based on the applicants merit, rather than their country of birth. The bill would create a new visa category for high-skilled workers, increase the number of visas for low-skilled workers, and expand the opportunities for family-based immigration. Plus, the bill would enhance the security and efficiency of the visa process by implementing biometric screening, electronic filing, and fraud prevention measures.

ALSO READ| CNN host Dana Bash questions Pramila Jayapal about 'squad' Democrat's silence on Hamas' rape of women

The bill has received support from various stakeholders, including business groups, immigration advocates, and faith leaders. However, it also faces opposition from some Republicans who argue that the bill does not do enough to secure the border, enforce the law, and deter illegal immigration.

The bills sponsors have expressed their willingness to work with their colleagues across the aisle to find a compromise that can pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, faces a financial ruin if he loses an appeal of a defamation lawsuit that ordered him to pay $148 million to two election workers from Atlanta whom he falsely accused of rigging the 2020 presidential election. A jury awarded $148 million in damages on Friday to two former Georgia election workers who sued Rudy Giuliani for defamation over lies he spread about them in 2020 that upended their lives with racist threats and harassment. AP/PTI(AP)

His lawyer, Joe Sibley, argued in a Washington, DC, court on Thursday that the $43 million in damages that Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Andrea Shaye Moss, initially demanded would be the civil equivalent of the death penalty.

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If you award them what they are asking for, it will be the end of Mr. Giuliani, Sibley said of his 79-year-old client, according to multiple outlets.

However, the DC jury decided to award even more to the plaintiffs after two days of deliberations. They granted $75 million in punitive damages and $20 million each for emotional distress to Freeman and Moss. They also gave Moss nearly $17 million and Freeman almost $16.2 million for defamation.

ALSO READ| Like a wolf closing in on its prey, Cassidy Hutchinson says Rudy Giuliani groped her at 'Stop the Steal' rally

Giuliani, who is also facing other lawsuits that claim he owes millions of dollars to lawyers and accountants, vowed to appeal the verdict, calling it absurd.

Do I have $43 million? No. Am I going to fight this case until I die? Yeah, Giuliani told The Post. Id rather die poor with my principles than cave in to a destruction of my country that I love so much.

He also alleged that the lawsuit was part of the Biden offensive that started some time ago to see what they can do about intimidating Trump lawyers, Trump supporters, and that one of the lawyers for Freeman and Moss, Mike Gottlieb, was a good friend of Hunter Biden.

Gottlieb, who used to work as an associate White House counsel for President Barack Obama, was a colleague of the presidents son at the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner and was involved in email conversations on his abandoned laptop about a possible deal with a Romanian tycoon.

Giuliani also expressed his distrust of the Biden administration when asked about a $550,000 tax lien that the IRS placed on his condo in Palm Beach, Fla., as reported by the New York Times.

I dont trust anything that the Biden government does, this is not the United States government, he said.

Giuliani was found guilty by default in August by US District Judge Beryl Howell for defaming Freeman and Moss by claiming they had handled fake ballots in Fulton County during the 2020 election.

ALSO READ| BBC anchor flipped the bird live on air. Here's what really happened | Watch

How you can find liability based on discovery is beyond me when they had my deposition, Giuliani also told The New York Post.

They had more documents about me than I have.

He said he had cooperated with the discovery process for about a year and a half and had provided thousands and thousands and thousands of documents, including his deposition where he did not invoke the Fifth Amendment.

Giuliani also put his longtime Manhattan co-op on the market for $6.5 million in the same month that the FBI raided it in 2021 and seized his electronic devices, possibly as part of an investigation into his failure to register as a foreign agent for Ukraine before the 2020 election.
A U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea on Saturday, and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships, the British and American militaries said. HMS Diamond firing its Sea Viper missile to engage and shot down an aerial drone over the Red Sea.(AP)

Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest shipping routes, and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to spread.

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U.S. Central Command said that the destroyer USS Carney successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems" launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The drones were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries, Central Command tweeted.

U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was targeting merchant shipping. The overnight action is the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the 1991 Gulf War.

Shapps said attacks on commercial ships in the global trade artery by Yemens Houthi rebels represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security."

The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade, he said in a statement.

HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the U.S., France and other countries.

Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which like the Houthis is backed by Iran.

Houthi rebels said they fired a barrage of drones on Saturday toward the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. The announcement came hours after Egypts state-run media reported that Egyptian air defense had shot down a flying object off the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea.

Earlier this month, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen, and a U.S. warship shot down three drones during the assault, the U.S. military said.

On Friday Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.
Vladimir Putin will run for president again as an independent candidate with a wide support base but not on a party ticket, the state-backed RIA news agency cited two senior pro-Kremlin lawmakers as saying on Saturday. Russian president Vladimir Putin attends his annual end-of-year press conference.(Reuters)

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister for more than two decades, has announced he will seek another six-year term in March next year in an election he is comfortably expected to win.

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He will not run as a candidate for the ruling United Russia (UR) party even though he has its complete support but as an independent candidate, Andrei Turchak, a senior UR party official, was cited as saying by RIA.

Sergei Mironov, a senior politician from the Just Russia party who supports Putin, was also quoted by RIA as saying Putin would run as an independent and that signatures would be gathered in his support.

For Putin, 71, the election is a formality: with the support of the state, the state-run media and almost no mainstream public dissent, he is certain to win.

Supporters of Putin say he has restored order, national pride, and some of the clout Russia lost during the chaos of the Soviet collapse and that his war in Ukraine - something Putin calls a "special military operation" - is justified.

A years-long crackdown on opponents and critics bolstered by sweeping new laws on "fake news" and "discrediting the army" has seen critics and opponents of the war handed long jail terms or flee abroad as the room for dissent has steadily shrunk.
A section of the historic walls around the Old City of Kairouan collapsed on Saturday, killing three masons carrying out repairs on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tunisian authorities said. People and Civil Protection members gather at the site of a collapsed section of the ancient wall surrounding historic Kairouan in central Tunisia.(AFP)

Two workers were also injured in the accident, which saw a 30 metre (100 foot) long section of the six metre (20 foot) high walls near the Gate of the Floggers crash to the ground, the Civil Protection department said.

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"A team was carrying out restoration work" on the three kilometre (two mile) long wall that surrounds the Old City, department spokesman Moez Tria told AFP, adding that the accident "could be linked to heavy rains in the area in recent days".

Founded in 670 AD, Kairouan is one of North Africa's holiest cities and a leading tourist attraction. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Over 60% of American companies will hold in-person holiday parties before 2023 ends. The new survey conducted by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.-the, the first American executive outplacement, revealed this.

The number of U.S.-based companies that will have face-to-face holiday celebrations this 2023 is the highest percentage since 2019, the year before the global COVID-19 pandemic began.

If you are among the excited employees who want to enjoy in-person company Christmas and New Year parties, here's what you need to know.

[SURVEY] Over 60% of American Companies to Have In-Person Holiday Parties

The Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. survey revealed that around 64% (two-thirds) of the U.S. companies said they'll do face-to-face parties this 2023.

"Despite companies approaching the end of the year cautiously due to the economy, they are ready to celebrate with their teams, according to our findings, and want to do so in person," said the outplacement firm's Senior Vice President, Andrew Challenger.

The survey was conducted online in November and involved over 200 American companies of various industries and sizes across the country. The Challenger, Gray & Christmas said that the businesses and organizations having face-to-face festivities this 2023 are as many as those in 2018.

The outplace firm said that their findings revealed that 65% of American firms in 2018 held year-end celebrations in person. But, these records are incomparable in 2014, which is considered the best holiday celebration year in the last decade.

Unlike this in 2023 and 2018, more than 78% of American firms in 2014 hosted face-to-face holiday parties. Regarding schedules, over 58% said they prefer scheduling their in-person parties during or near the end of the workday.

On the other hand, 35% of American companies said they will have their face-to-face holiday celebrations for employees after work or on the weekend, as reported by Fox News.

Read Also: [SURVEY] American Office Employees Spend Over $50 Per Day Compared to WFH Staff-Here's the Breakdown

How Introvert Employees Can Survive

Most American employees will surely find in-person holiday celebrations fun since they can spend time with their colleagues in a non-work related activity.

But, for introvert workers, this could be discomforting (or even feel like a nightmare). If you are among the introverts who want to try and attend big company parties, here's what you can do to survive:

Make sure you get enough sleep before the party.

Research important details about the celebration, such as the dress code, the time, activities, etc.

Before the party, try socializing with your closest friends to give yourself some time to adjust.

During the party, don't be afraid to take breaks; just tell your coworkers you'll need to get fresh air occasionally.

Don't drink too much alcohol if you are not used to it.

Find a safe spot inside the venue where there are little to no people.

Try finding other introverted colleagues you can comfortably talk to.

Related Article: Most Stressful Jobs in US 2023: Here's How to Cope With Job Burnout

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The Apple Inc. logo is seen hanging at the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, U.S (Photo : REUTERS/Mike Segar)

In a move designed to quell a class-action lawsuit, Apple has agreed to pay $25 million to settle claims that its Family Sharing feature misled users about how in-app subscriptions work. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged that Apple advertised Family Sharing as a way to share all subscriptions within a family group, without adequately disclosing that certain developers have the option to opt out of this program.



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"This settlement provides important compensation for consumers who were misled by Apple's deceptive marketing of Family Sharing," said lead attorney Michael Sobol in a statement. "While Apple may have settled the lawsuit, it's crucial to remember that the underlying issue of developer opt-outs in Family Sharing remains."



At the core of the case was the argument that Apple's marketing materials and user interface for Family Sharing created a false impression that all app subscriptions could be shared among family members. However, developers can choose to opt out of Family Sharing for their subscriptions, leaving users surprised and potentially stuck with unwanted charges.



This lack of transparency, the lawsuit argued, led to consumers paying for subscriptions they couldn't use or didn't intend to purchase. The $25 million settlement will be distributed to eligible Class Members who can claim refunds for any subscriptions that were unknowingly paid for through Family Sharing due to a developer opt-out.

Beyond the settlement: While the settlement brings financial relief to some users, it doesn't resolve the issue of developer opt-outs within Family Sharing. Critics claim that this opt-out option weakens the entire feature and creates confusion for users, potentially leading to unintended purchases.



"The question remains - why should an app developer be able to override a family's shared subscription decision?" echoed consumer advocate Lisa Thompson. "Apple needs to be more transparent about opt-outs and consider making family-friendly subscription models standard for apps offered on its platform."



Apple maintains that Family Sharing offers significant value to users, allowing them to share various purchases, including music, movies, and apps, within their family group. The company also emphasizes that developers have the right to manage their subscription models and pricing, including the option to opt out of Family Sharing if they deem it necessary.



In a statement regarding the settlement, Apple said: "We're proud of Family Sharing and the value it brings to families. We've always strived to be transparent about how it works, and we believe this settlement is in the best interests of our customers."



While the immediate legal battle has been settled, the concerns surrounding developer opt-outs in Family Sharing and the need for greater transparency on Apple's part are likely to persist. User advocacy groups and consumer protection agencies may continue to push for policy changes and improved communication from the tech giant regarding its family-oriented sharing feature.



The future of Family Sharing remains uncertain, with the $25 million settlement serving as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of unclear subscription models and the complexities of navigating family-focused digital purchases. Whether Apple addresses the core concerns surrounding developer opt-outs and strengthens the transparency around Family Sharing's limitations will significantly impact the feature's long-term effectiveness and user trust.


Queen's University students submitted their science experiment, and third-year health sciences student Cole Munro's group was selected by NASA for the International Space Station.

NASA chose three Queen's University finalists for the selection of the proposal for the science experiment.

Cole Munro's Group Science Experiment Selected by NASA

Cole Munro's group's proposal was out of this world and was expected to be carried out on the International Space Station.

"It's fantastic, really. Our group worked really hard, and our entire team really came together to make this proposal happen. Even though I'm here talking today, it's really a testament to everyone's hard work," Munro said.

According to Global News, Munro's experiment will be the first of its kind to be conducted in space. His experiment aimed to investigate microgravity's effect on plant proteins, which would help astronauts stay healthy while on missions in outer space.

He said their proposal evaluates the impact of lectins, which use plant proteins to fight against bacteria. He added that their proposal would assess whether they improve antibiotics' effectiveness on Earth and in space.

Munro's group would not travel to space themselves, but the experiment would be conducted by astronauts on the space station.

The estimated launch date of a cargo flight to deliver the necessary equipment to the ISS will be in late spring. However, the work does not stop once the experiment is completed in space.

"Once the experiment comes back from the International Space Station, the analysis of the samples will be conducted here in the Discovery Labs," Diane Tomalty, a co-instructor for the course, said.

As space travel for science and recreation becomes more popular, these experiments may help improve life on Earth.

Read Also: Police Arrested Gaza Pro-Ceasefire Protesters After Blocking Los Angeles Highway During Demonstration

Filipino Experiment at International Space Station

William Kevin L. Abran, a junior applied physics major at the University of the Philippines Los Banos, proposed the experiment "Rotation of 'Dumbbell-shaped' Objects in Space."

The Philippine Space Agency announced that the experiment would explore the long-term stability of dumbbell-shaped objects' rotations in a free environment, or microgravity, which could have far-reaching implications in space science.

Abran's proposal claimed that rigid objects like dumbbell-shaped rotators could revolve on both the longitudinal axis and along the transverse axis.

The two distinct principal moments of inertia, a rotation along the main axes ensures its stability and will not result in the Dzhanibekov effect.

On the ground, where gravitation forces are strong, it will be easier to simulate these motions by pre-determining the center of mass or the constant application of force.

However, the proposal explained that in a free environment, like in microgravity, rigid objects could rotate continuously for a fair amount of time, so it would be possible to observe the long-term stability of their rotations.

Abran's proposal was one of the six experiments chosen for the ISS, following a selection process under the Asian Try Zero-G 2022 competition.

He was among the 24 international competition's finalists this year, receiving 201 submissions from 480 students, young engineers, and researchers.

Related Article: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Captures Unprecedented Image of Supernova





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Colorado's cattle industry has petitioned a federal judge to block the imminent reintroduction of gray wolves into the state, approved by voters in a 2020 initiative.

Set to commence by December 31, state wildlife officials plan to release up to 10 wolves from Oregon, prompting a swift legal response from two Colorado ranching organizations, as per The Independent.

Colorado Ranchers Challenge Wolf Reintroduction in Court

The Colorado Cattlemen's Association and Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association have taken legal action by filing a complaint on Monday. The complaint is directed towards the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, as the associations claim a violation of the National Environmental Policy Act has occurred.

In a complaint filed today, it is alleged that the agencies responsible for the wolf reintroduction have neglected to carry out a comprehensive environmental impact statement. As a result, the complainant is urging for a postponement of the reintroduction until the completion of the said process.

The legal action is the first since December 8, when the 10(j) rule of the US Fish and Wildlife Service went into effect, and it classifies gray wolves in Colorado as experimental. This regulation affords greater autonomy to state authorities and livestock producers in the management of wolf populations, encompassing the ability to put to death wolves that are observed engaging in livestock predation.

The lawsuit reflects long standing opposition from ranching organizations that believe wolf reintroduction poses risks to humans and livestock. It adds a new layer of complexity to the already divisive debate between urban residents, who largely support the plan, and rural communities concerned about the potential impact on local economies.

The heart of the complaint lies in whether the judge will permit the reintroduction of the wolf to continue while the legal process unfolds-a process that could extend over several years. The Colorado Cattlemen's Association and Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association argue that their concerns during the three-year process to create a state wolf recovery plan were inadequately addressed, according to USA Today.

Read Also: Senate Passes $886 Billion Defense Bill, Including Pay Raise for Troops as Republicans Oppose Measure

Colorado Cattlemen's VP Cautions on Wolf Reintroduction

Erin Karney, executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, emphasized the need for a restrained approach, stating, "A lot of our concerns that we brought up through the wolf management plan hearings were not adequately addressed. Our members are putting our foot down and saying we can't rush these processes. We need to take time."

Defenders of Wildlife, an advocacy group, expressed disappointment in the legal challenge, affirming their commitment to seeing the progress of wolf reintroduction efforts. Michael Saul, the group's Rockies and Plains Program Director, criticized the "11th-hour attempt" to delay the historic return of wolves to Colorado.

The reintroduction plan, backed by a 2020 ballot measure, aims to gradually establish self-sustaining wolf packs in the state. State officials hope that releasing wolves captured in Oregon will eventually result in packs of 150 to 200 animals, addressing the near-eradication of wolves in Colorado during the 1940s.

In the midst of an ongoing legal battle, the future of the gray wolf reintroduction initiative hangs in the balance, as interested parties from opposing perspectives eagerly monitor the developments within the courtroom, The Associated Press reported.

Related Article: Police Arrested Gaza Pro-Ceasefire Protesters After Blocking Los Angeles Highway During Demonstration

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The Biden administration urged the Israeli government to end its extensive ground campaign in Gaza and transition to a more targeted phase of its war against Hamas.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan did not specify a timetable for this new phase of the war during his meeting on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Biden Administration Urges Israel

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Sullivan spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday at a White House press briefing about the next phase of Israel's military campaign.

Kirby said that Sullivan also discussed efforts Israel was now undertaking to be more surgical and precise in their targeting and actions that they were taking to help increase the flow of aid.

A senior administration official said that Sullivan discussed civilian protection with Israeli officials during his trip to the region.

The official added that there had been discussions, prior meetings, and calls between the president and the prime minister about shifts and emphasis on high-intensity clearance operations.

Israeli officials instructed US officials on their thinking of potential timeframes. The official noted that they found Israel's ideas for the military campaign problematic, and the ground campaign was adjusted based on some of their advice and recommendations.

According to NBC News, US officials warned Israeli officials to show restraint and avoid mass civilian casualties. The Israeli military has also previously warned Palestinians to evacuate neighborhoods ahead of bombardments, but Palestinians stayed and said there was no safe place to go.

On Thursday, US officials also discussed with Israeli counterparts about the protection of hospitals, which Hamas used.

"I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives. Not stop going after Hamas - but be more careful," Biden said when he was asked whether he wanted Israel to scale back its assault on Gaza.

Read Also: Philadelphia: Man Faces Assault, Murder Charges After Shooting 2 Cops

Israel Continues Fight Against Hamas for More Months

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the war against Hamas could extend for more than several months. Kirby added that Israel has been consistent in vocalizing that the war could take some time.

US officials acknowledged that it would take months for Israel to take out Hamas leaders, an effort that will continue even if the high-intensity phase of the war moves to a more surgical one.

The debate over the pace of the war came after Biden warned in a speech to campaign donors that Israel was losing global support because of their indiscriminate bombing.

Netanyahu said that they will continue to fight against Hamas. His office released a statement that Netanyahu told their American friends that they were more determined than ever to continue to fight until Hamas was eliminated and until absolute victory.

Related Article: Sullivan Meets With Saudi Crown Prince to Build Efforts on Israel-Hamas War





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President Joe Biden spoke today with President Recep Tayyp Erdogan of Turkiye.

They discussed the importance of strengthening the NATO Alliance, including the importance of welcoming Sweden as an Ally as soon as possible and further enhancing Turkiye's NATO interoperability, and agreed to remain in close contact in the lead up to the July 2024 NATO Summit in Washington.

READ ALSO: Readout of President Biden's Meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine

President Biden expressed support for recent constructive steps in the relationship between Greece and Turkiye.

The two leaders also discussed the war in Gaza, and President Biden reiterated his support for Israel's right to defend itself. The leaders also discussed efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza and protect civilians and the need for a political horizon for the Palestinian people.

READ MORE: Statement from President Joe Biden on Continued Denials of Abortion Care

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U.S. auto safety regulators are now investigating concerns regarding the latest Nissan engine failure. The U.S. Office of Defects Investigation opened the preliminary probe.



ODI is the agency of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that administers a safety recall program. NHTSA officials confirmed the latest U.S. probe regarding the Nissan engine failure.



As of writing, almost 500,000 Nissan vehicles are allegedly affected by the latest engine failure. If you are a Nissan owner, here's what you need to know about this issue.

Nissan Engine Failure Concerns Lead to US Investigation

According to Yahoo Finance's latest report, ODI officials announced on Friday, Dec. 15, that they will open an investigation into at least 454,840 Nissan vehicles with failing engines.

U.S. auto safety regulators said that among the affected Nissan models include the Infiniti Qx50, Altima, and Nissan Rogue. The engine failure they are looking at is allegedly leading to a loss of motive power with no ability to restart.

Business Standard reported that the engine failure also included metal chunks, engine knocking noises, as well as shavings in the oil pan. ODI said that these issues were found on the mentioned vehicles equipped with the KR20DDET and KR15DDT engines.

U.S. auto regulators confirmed that the Japanese automaker is already looking to address the engine issues. Specifically, Nissan is addressing the main bearing and the L-link damage/seizures on the affected engines.

The car manufacturer is doing this by introducing multiple manufacturing process changes over time.

Read Also: New Yorkers Don't Know Their Cars Can Be Towed then Sold Quietly After 10 Days-Is This Legal?

Recent Nissan Engine Failure Issues

This is not the first time that Nissan vehicles suffered from engine issues. Previously, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it investigated the Nissan Titan model regarding broken crankshafts.

The federal auto regulations looked at diesel trucks from 2016 through 2019. In November, NHTSA warned that the diesel engine issues could lead to a recall affecting more than 38,000 trucks.

Based on the recent complaints sent to NHTSA, affected vehicle owners said they start losing power whenever they reach 70 mph. They claimed that this happens without any warning or check engine lights appearing.

"Dealer says broke crankshaft in the motor truck only has 77k miles on it," said one of Nissan owners.

"This should be looked into as it's happening a lot with models with the Cummings diesel motor. Please look into this before someone is killed. Thank you for keeping us safe," added the complainer.

Related Article: Hyundai, Kia Recall Over 3.3 Million Cars Due to Fire Risk; Owners Advised to Park Outside

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Two ISIS supporters were sent to prison after getting caught in their ghost gun operation. The U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Indiana announced this decision on Thursday, Dec. 14.



The two suspects were identified as 25-year-old Moyad Dannon and his brother, Mahde Dannon. Prosecutors said that the Dannon brothers were both sentenced to over 35 years of imprisonment: Moyad for 16 years and Mahde for 20 years.

This was finalized after the ISIS supporters pleaded guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support or Resources to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Indiana: ISIS Supporters Sent to Prison Over Ghost Gun Operation

Prosecutors said that the Dannon brothers devised a plan to deliver stolen firearms to a convicted felon, who was actually cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in June 2018.

"Between July 2018 and December 2018, the Dannon brothers sold a number of illegally obtained firearms to the cooperating individual," said the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Indiana via its official press release.

However, ISIS supporters changed their plans and started focusing on assembling ghost guns, which are very hard to trace, even for law enforcement officials.

According to Fox News' latest report, the Dannon brothers were buying parts online and assembling them into numerous firearms, such as .223-caliber semiautomatic rifles, which they sold to the agent working with the FBI.

Investigators said that Moyad was accompanying the agent to the Southwest hoping to sell the ghost guns to a potential buyer. He learned that the possible client was allegedly shipping weapons to the Middle East, which is the region where the ISIS group operates.

In 2019, Moyad and his brother were both arrested after they continued their plan to try and sell the ghost firearms to the undercover FBI agents.

Read Also: Iowa: Predator Police Accused of Using Ride-Along Program to Victimize Teens While Ironically Investigating Sex Offender

Indiana Ghost Gun Seller Expresses Intent to Help ISIS

Indiana prosecutors confirmed that Moyad accidentally shared his intent to help the ISIS terrorist group.

"Between February and May of 2019, Moyad Dannon had numerous and extensive conversations with an undercover agent who he believed was a member of ISIS then fighting in Syria," said the prosecutors.

They added that during those conversations, the Indiana suspect expressed his desire to travel to the ISIS-controlled areas of Syria. Moyad was allegedly planning to use his firearm expertise and other similar skills to support the ISIS terrorist group's fights against the Syrian government and the United States.

Atty. Zachary A. Myers of the Southern District of Indiana said that the case of the Dannon brothers shows that violent extremists inspired by events in other countries still pose a serious threat to the local communities in the U.S., as well as the nation's national security.

The attorney added that Indiana is also not immune from the influence of radicalization, which is fueled by terrorist propaganda content spreading online.

Related Article: Ghost Guns Control: Supreme Court Rules in Favor To Bring Back Biden Administration Regulation

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Latest statistics from the Chinese short-form video platform TikTok reveal that millions of individuals were misled by fake accounts over Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

The social media app said in a research issued on Wednesday, December 13, that posts on the platform "artificially amplify pro-Russian narratives" about the conflict, aiming to influence users in Ukraine, Russia, and across Europe.

Several accounts were falsely identified as news sources.

False Allegations Against Top Ukrainian Officials

In a separate study released on Friday, December 15, by the BBC, 800 phony accounts were revealed. The accounts in question were believed to have targeted European nations with false accusations of the purchase of luxury automobiles or houses abroad by prominent Ukrainian officials and their families after Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Anastasiya Shteinhauz, daughter of the Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, claims that the fake TikTok videos were a factor in her father's removal from the position in September of last year.

Shteinhauz told the BBC that her husband surprised her on vacation and informed her about the Russian disinformation effort. After telling her, "OK, so now you've got a villa in Madrid," he sent her a link to a TikTok video with an artificially created voice claiming she had purchased a property in the Spanish capital.

Shteinhauz disregarded the video as a one-off, but the following day, she received an identical TikTok movie claiming she had acquired a French Riviera home. Her spouse was the last to see the video after it circulated among her close friends.

Shteinhauz denies owning property in Spain, France, or elsewhere outside Ukraine. The BBC found that the homes shown on TikTok were still listed for sale on two regional real estate websites.

Also Read: [BREAKING] EU Opens Membership Talks with Ukraine, Moldova

Widespread TikTok Misinformation

According to a TikTok representative who talked with CNBC, the firm had started looking into the accounts before the BBC investigation and has since deleted all of the bogus accounts. They went on to say, "We constantly and relentlessly pursue those that seek to influence its community through deceptive behaviors."

Nearly 13,000 fake profiles discovered by TikTok originated in Russia. They sent Kremlin war propaganda in regional languages to countries such as Greece, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Croatia.

Meanwhile, several accounts that were determined to be operating from within Ukraine were discovered to be deliberately boosting stories to solicit donations for the Ukrainian military.

While videos published on the site can reach millions, TikTok reported that the cumulative number of followers for the fake accounts reached one million.

With these new numbers, TikTok is increasing its self-reporting in response to international pressure on social media platforms to crack down on fake accounts and misinformation, which includes prior accusations of fake pro-Russia accounts.

This follows the United Kingdom's accusation made a week earlier that Russia has been engaging in a determined effort to undermine British democracy via a cyber campaign targeting journalists, public officials, and politicians that has persisted for years.

Also Read: Russia Suffers Significant Lost of Soldiers Fighting in Ukraine, US Claims

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Horrifying footage captures the exact moment a politician from Ukraine casually detonated three grenades at a tense village council meeting on Friday, December 15, wounding a minimum of 26 people in an incident that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.

The event happened on Friday, around 90 minutes into a livestreamed meeting at the Keretsky Village Council in the Western Zakarpattia area of Ukraine.

As tensions were rising at a council meeting, a man in black was seen entering the room in a Facebook video released by the police. The video clip shows the man and others with somewhat obscured faces at the meeting. In a statement, police said: "[Twenty-six] people were wounded, six of whom are in a grave condition," as reported by CBS News.

Multiple Explosions

A man, whose identity was subsequently revealed to be Deputy Serhiy Batryn, a member of parliament from Ukraine, entered the council offices during the budget discussion, according to a brief video released by the Ukrainian National Police. According to the New York Post, he eventually asks, "May I speak?" before taking out three hand grenades from his jacket pockets and dropping them on the floor.

As the lights and blasts of the explosives fill the council room with heavy smoke and cries of pain, stunned witnesses leap to their feet and take cover. Amidst the chaos, the harrowing cries of a lady in Ukrainian can be heard: "I can't walk!"

After the explosion, pictures surfaced showing blood on the floor and furniture that had been flipped over.

The explosions caused injuries to 26 individuals, with 6 of them being admitted to the hospital in critical condition, as reported by authorities.

In what seems to be a terrorist attack, the Ukrainian Security Service is conducting investigations into the blasts.

Despite early reports of Batryn's death, authorities later emphasized that physicians were trying to save his life.

See Also: Ukraine's Biggest Traitor: Pro-Russia Ukrainian Lawmaker Shot Dead Near Moscow; Kyiv Claims Responsibility for Assassination

Heated Meeting

The village's budget for 2024 came up for approval at Friday's council session, but Batryn, a deputy from the Servant of the People Party of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that he and his colleagues should provide a comprehensive report first on the 2023 budget before discussing the 2024 budget.

According to the news Telegram channel Zakarpattya24, Batryn also had a long-standing quarrel with Mikhail Mushka, the village chief.

While the conflict was ongoing, Batryn reportedly voted against giving Mushka a 50% rise and a monthly bonus. He was also against considering the village chief to have done an acceptable job.

During the height of the budget discussion, Batryn left the council offices and came back less than three minutes later to set off the explosives.

On suspicion of unlawful possession or use of firearms or ammunition, the national police have initiated a criminal investigation.

See Also: Israeli Troops Recover Body of 28-Year-Old Hamas Hostage

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Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Issued An Urgent Caution About The Baptism Of Their Daughter Lilibet (Photo : REUTERS )

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with the British royal family appears to be reaching a point of no return, with their exclusion from significant social and family events signaling a deepening rift. Sources close to the royal circle reveal that the Sussexes are increasingly being left out, a trend expected to become a norm for the couple.



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The situation was underscored by reports of their absence from Hugh Grosvenor's summer wedding, a notable social event attended by key members of the aristocracy, including King Charles III and Prince William. This exclusion is seen as part of a broader pattern, indicating that the British aristocracy has effectively 'closed the door' on Harry and Meghan.



An insider shared, "It's clear that people are being made to choose sides, and of course Harry believes William has instigated certain snubs and social exclusions." This sentiment is echoed by another source, who added, "As far as those who are loyal to The Firm, Harry and Meghan are off the list. Nobody's going to risk crossing or upsetting Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales. They have the power."



The Sussexes' public criticisms and their portrayal in the media and books like Omid Scobie's "Endgame" have only deepened the divide. The latest controversy involving the Dutch version of Scobie's book, which reportedly identified Kate Middleton and King Charles as the individuals who made insensitive remarks about Archie's skin color, has added fuel to the fire.



This ongoing saga has placed a significant strain on Prince Harry's relationship with his family, particularly his brother, Prince William. The source described the situation, saying, "Harry is still incredibly hurt by how he has been ostracized by his brother." The likelihood of receiving an apology from the royal family, especially from Prince William, seems remote.



Despite these challenges, Meghan is reportedly encouraging Harry to embrace their new life in California. "Meghan has told Harry that whoever has turned against him isn't a real friend anyway, and Harry agrees," said the insider. However, for Harry, adjusting to his new role as an 'unpopular figure' is proving to be a difficult reality.



As the situation evolves, the likelihood of a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family appears increasingly remote. The internal dynamics within the royal family and the public's perception of these events continue to unfold, marking a significant chapter in the contemporary history of the British monarchy.


The popular cooking show MasterChef in Turkey made a gross mistake by calling Ukrainian borsch a "Russian dish." Ukrainians are demanding an apology.

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The Ukrainian diaspora in Turkey reacted to the mistake especially vividly. The culinary project's Instagram post has gained more than 250 comments, in which Ukrainians explained that borsch is not just a Ukrainian dish but an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

In one of the episodes of the program, one of the project's judges, who is also a famous Turkish chef and restaurateur Somer Sivrioglu, read out the task to the participants. He asked them to cook a "Russian soup borscht."

The Ukrainians, who have been living in Turkey for a long time, could not react calmly to such a gross mistake. They point out that it was not an amateur cook who called borsch "Russian" but a professional chef with many years of experience who should have known the national cuisines of different countries.

Ukrainian diaspora in Turkey left comments on the page of the Turkish MasterChef, saying that "Borsch is definitely not a Russian soup. Such a big mistake cannot be forgiven in such a program. We, as the Ukrainian diaspora living in Turkey, would like you to explain this in the next program. Ukrainian beetroot soup (Borsch) was first cooked in Kyiv in 1584 and it is documented", "UNESCO has recognized borsch, traditionally made from beets, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, as intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine", "If such professionals do not have reliable information about food, what can we say about the ordinary participants of this show! It's a shame not to know basic facts about food and call yourself a master", "Borsch is Ukrainian! Do your research, please! Shame on you", "Shame on you", and "It's safe to say that baklava is not a Turkish but a Greek dessert".

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It is extremely important to recognize and call borsch a Ukrainian dish because Russia has been trying to prove the opposite for centuries, and after the full-scale invasion, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova even said that Ukrainians "do not share borsch" and are therefore guilty of "Nazism" and "extremism."

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As a reminder, Ukrainian borsch was included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent protection. The relevant decision was made at the 5th extraordinary meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on July 1, 2022. This happened at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, expert Maryna Sobotiuk, and celebrity chef, winner of MasterChef 5 Yevhen Klopotenko.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, pensioners from "Putin's squad" recorded an appeal dedicated to the topic of borsch. They said it has always been a "Russian dish". Some of them said that borsch is "much tastier" in Russia than in Ukraine.

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An escort of first responders, Legionnaires and local officials accompanied the late Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher from Westover Air Force Base to Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield on Friday. A crowd gathers at the Colonial Theatre to wait for the procession to drive by. Residents came to pay their respects to Jake Galliher, who graduated from Taconic in 2017. PreviousNext

Pittsfield Turns Out for Somber Homecoming for Galliher



American flags were available at the Colonial Theatre and several other spots along the route.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The streets were somber and red, white and blue on Friday evening as community members welcomed Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher home.

"I think Pittsfield is proving what it's always been," Mayor-elect Peter Marchetti said. "When there is a tragedy or when there is a need to rally together, Pittsfield rallies together and it makes me proud to be a Pittsfielder today."



Galliher, 24, was killed on Nov. 29 when the Osprey aircraft he was on crashed off the coast of Japan along with seven other crew members. The Taconic High School graduate left behind his wife, Ivy, and 2-year-old and 6-week-old sons.



Members of the Pittsfield Police and Fire departments, the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, the State Police, and the Dalton American Legion Riders escorted him home from Westover Air Force Base along a route through Lee, Lenox, and Pittsfield. Gov. Maura Healey had planned to meet the family at Westover.



At various locations in the city, people stood with flags and tears in their eyes as the long procession passed by. Hundreds gathered in front of the Colonial Theatre alone.



Mayor Linda Tyer was in procession of some 60 vehicles along with other local officials.



"I sincerely hope that we have given Jacob the hero's homecoming that he deserves," she said "While we can never truly know the magnitude of their heartbreak, we want Jacob's family to know that we stand with them in their grief."



The wake for Galliher will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 2 to 6 at St. Agnes' Church in Dalton. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. also at St. Agnes.

The funeral will be livestreamed on the church's website, www.saintagnescc.com.
The Russian Ministry of Justice has declared Ukrainian-born Russian actor Anatoliy Beliy (real name: Weissman) a so-called "foreign agent ". A native of Bratslav, Vinnytsia region, immediately after the full-scale invasion, he condemned the war and emigrated abroad, where he continued to openly criticize Russian aggression and support his homeland.

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According to the Ministry of Justice of the terrorist country, Beliy was included in the unified register of "foreign agents" because he did not support the so-called "special military operation." Meanwhile, the propaganda media are spreading news that the actor has been "asking for it" for a long time.

Thus, Russian media, citing the Russian Ministry of Justice, write: "The artist participated in the creation of messages and materials of foreign agents for an unlimited number of people. He also opposed the special military operation, disseminated false information about the decisions made by the public authorities of the Russian Federation and the policies they pursue. He participated as a respondent on information platforms provided by foreign entities. Organized and participated in fundraising events to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Resides outside the Russian Federation".

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As a reminder, Anatoliy Beliy condemned the full-scale war in Ukraine, calling it vile, unjust, bloody and terrible, and then left Russia. The People's Artist of Russia made his final decision after the rocket attacks on Vinnytsia on July 14, as he was born in Bratslav, Vinnytsia region.

Currently, the actor continues to spread information about the crimes of the Russian occupiers and their attempts to destroy Ukraine on his social media.

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In an interview, Beliy said that he does not see a bright future for Russia. He is confident that nothing will change there in the short term: people will continue to look at the world through the prism of propaganda, thinking that patriotism is the letter Z on a T-shirt. In the same interview, he was "offended" that he had not yet been "awarded the title of a foreign agent of the Russian Federation." Although the artist has not yet commented on the news on his social media, we can assume that he was pleased with the "foreign agent" status.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Anatoliy Beliy demanded that his colleague Serhii Nikonenko's tour in Israel be canceled. The actor, known for his pro-Kremlin views, starred in many propaganda films, including "Crimean Bridge. Made with Love!".

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Gary Oldman has said that his casting in the Harry Potter and Dark Knight film franchises saved him, both professionally and personally.

During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Oldman reflected on the fact that his career was slowing down around the turn of the century, at the same time he was going through a divorce from his third wife Donya Fiorentino, with whom he has two sons.

At 42 years old, I woke up divorced and I had custody of [my] boys, Oldman said. That, in itself, was that was hard because there was a shift in the industry where a lot of productions were being [filmed in] Hungary, Budapest, Prague, Australia, you know, all of these places. So, I turned down a lot of work.

Things changed when he was cast as wizard Sirius Black in 2004s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third film in the Harry Potter series. He reprised the role in 2005s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2007s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and 2011s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows  Part 2.

A year after joining that franchise, he was also cast as police officer Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolans Batman Begins (2005). He reprised that role in 2008sThe Dark Knight and 2012s The Dark Knight Rises.

Thank God for Harry Potter, Oldman told Barrymore. Thank God for Harry Potter. I tell you, the two, Batman and Harry Potter, really, they saved me, because it meant that I could do the least amount of work for the most amount of money and then be home with the kids.

Oldman with fellow Batman Begins cast members Sir Michael Caine, Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson in 2005. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

While filming Batman Begins, Oldman flew back and forth between his home in Los Angeles and the movies set in London several times each week to be closer to his children.

When we did the first Batman... London doubled for Gotham. I did 27 round trips of flying back from LA, said Oldman. Id fly in for a day. Id do a shoot a day. To Chris Nolans credit... he stayed on schedule. I would go home for three days. Come back for two. Go home for a weekend. Come back for a day otherwise, I just felt my kids are being brought up by a nanny.

Earlier this week, Oldman was announced among the nominees for the 2024 Golden Globes.

Oldman is nominated in the Best Performance by a Male Actor on Television  Drama Series category for his role as spymaster Jackson Lamb in the Apple TV+ thriller series Slow Horses.
Australian Charlie, who was born with a genetic condition that led to dwarfism, and her husband Cullen, who has a similar condition, are raising three children, even though doctors prepared the couple for the worst-case scenario. The path to creating a large family was not easy, but now the Australians are an example for many.

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Charlie and Cullen got married in 2012 and immediately decided they wanted to have more than one child. After much deliberation and fears that their physical characteristics could be passed on to their children, the couple decided to have their first pregnancy. OBOZ.UA decided to show how the happy family looks like now and tell about the problems they faced.

When preparing for the birth of their first daughter, doctors told the Australians that the chances of having a child without a genetic disease were 25%, and the same number of chances that the child would not survive at all. Fortunately, the worst did not happen.

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However, baby Tilba was nevertheless diagnosed with achondroplasia, a hereditary anomaly that leads to dwarfism. The doctors warned her parents that the girl might have spinal complications in the future, but overall she is a healthy and active child.

In 2018, Charlie found out that she was expecting another daughter, and she inherited the disease from her father, achromatic dysplasia. Despite the fact that both children would live with dwarfism, the woman's pregnancies went smoothly.

She took genetic tests, tried to fight stereotypes, and made plans for a large family. Only her third pregnancy in 2020 proved difficult for Charlie. She fainted, suffered from nausea and discomfort.

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Later, the parents were informed that their son did not inherit the couple's illness and was born completely healthy. Now the family will have to get used to the only member with a standard height.

Despite the warnings of doctors, hate in social media, and fear, the couple realized their dream and built a happy family, which is known to at least 359 thousand Instagram followers.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Ukrainian actress and TV presenter Lilia Rebryk, who will become a mother again in March despite her long pregnancy, continues to travel around Ukraine with performances and perform on stage in Kyiv.

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The Taliban is sending hundreds of women who have survived abuse in Afghanistan to prison, claiming it will protect them from gender-based violence, according to a new UN report.

The hardline Islamist regime, which has mostly removed women from public spaces, has also closed 23 state-sponsored protection centres which offered refuge to victims of gender-based violence and helped them recover.

As of this month, there are no such facilities to help women in the crisis-hit nation, the UN report published on Thursday said.

The report said that officials from the Taliban regime told the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan that there was no need for such shelters.

A de facto police officer [from the Taliban] in the northeastern region [of Afghanistan] said that womens shelters are a western concept, stressing that women should stay with their brothers, fathers, or husbands, the report said.

And an official from the department of justice in southern Afghanistan reportedly said: The Islamic Emirate does not have any shelter for women. They must be with their husbands or other male family members  their mehram.

The report cited a source from the former attorney generals office as saying that the Taliban does not see any need for such shelters as no one will harm women while the Islamic Emirate is in power, a propagandistic narrative used by the Taliban rulers to deny widely prevalent physical, verbal and emotional abuse of Afghan women.

Afghanistan, under Taliban control, is the only country in the world which does not allow girls and women to go to school, colleges, universities and workplaces. The diktats also prohibit women from travelling without a male guardian or mehram, in a chilling repeat of its 1990s rule.

The ultra-fundamentalist regime has effectively denied 50 per cent of the population education and employment due to its interpretation of Sharia law.

The UN report said Taliban leaders send women who have suffered abuse to prison if they have no male relatives to stay with or if the male relatives are considered unsafe, targeting womens agency in this new modus operandi.

Afghan women are sent to prison for their protection akin to how prisons have been used to accommodate drug addicts and homeless people in Kabul, the report said.

The Taliban is also asking the male relatives for commitments or sworn statements that they will not harm a female relative and offering a guarantee by inviting local elders to witness the process, the report said.

A de facto appellate court judge in the northeastern region stated that the de facto Cabinet was conducting research to assess if there is a need for womens shelters, the report added.

The Taliban has neither revealed how many women are being held in prison nor the conditions under which they are being held and what measures are being taken to protect them. These women also include protesters who have stood up against the regimes harsh policies towards them.

Women are no longer working in the judiciary or law enforcement, not allowed to deal with crimes of gender-based violence, and only permitted to attend work when called upon by their male supervisors, according to the UN report.

Previously a nation with women in top roles, Afghanistan has for years now ranked among the worst places in the world to be born female.
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The last time John Lennons one-time lover May Pang was visited by his ghost, it was while she was watching an episode of Law & Order. But when you talk about stuff like this, people think youre imagining it or are a little crazy, the 73-year-old says. So I dont ever talk about it.

For someone so savvy, Pang is astonishingly innocent. Or maybe its the other way round. She grew up loving The Beatles and met Lennon in 1970, when she was 22 (he was 10 years older). A receptionist for Allen Klein, she was  a year later  working as a personal assistant for both Lennon and his avant-garde artist wife Yoko Ono while they lived at New Yorks Dakota Building. Lennon and Ono were having problems in their marriage; its a matter of record that Ono decided Pang would be a useful distraction. Having encouraged Lennon to make a move on Pang, she ordered Pang to comply. Pang had her doubts, but was too junior (and, once Lennon kissed her, dazzled) to demur.

A new documentary on the pairs relationship  titled The Lost Weekend: A Love Story  explores what happened next. Pang and Lennon lived together in LA and New York. They spent time with Lennons young son, Julian, who he had with his first wife, Cynthia Powell, and whod been kept at arms length by Ono. They also hung out with Paul, George and Ringo and did ordinary boyfriend and girlfriend stuff (if being taught to play guitar by a musical legend counts as ordinary).

Over Zoom from her home in New York, Pang has the air of someone determined to age disgracefully: shes wearing purple lipstick, has purple streaks in her grey hair and is given to naughty chuckles. She holds up her hands. I dont have the fingers for it, but Johns teaching me how to play Aint that a shame, she says. He said, This is what my mum taught me, on the banjo. And Im like, Is this good? Cos it doesnt sound good!

For both she and Lennon it was a genuinely creative period. He wrote a song about Pang, called Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox) on the album Walls and Bridges (which contains Lennons only solo No 1 US single, Whatever Gets You Thru the Night). Pang helped produce the album and also provided backing vocals on the track #9 Dream. While they were in LA, Lennon drank like a fish, was frequently moody and could be violent. But, according to Pang, they had a blast on the whole.

Then, in January 1975  just before a planned trip to see Paul and Linda McCartney in New Orleans, and days after making an offer on a Long Island, New York house  Lennon returned to the Dakota. And Yoko. He gave interviews in which he described the 18 months hed spent with Pang as a lost weekend. He said of Pang, she always knew the score. Pang was horrified, though didnt (and still doesnt) blame Lennon. I understand why he did it, she tells me. Id worked at the Dakota, remember? He wasnt happy about saying it. He was just appeasing Yoko.

I was asking [his spirit], Will things work out with the film? I wanted him to give me a sign

One of the biggest revelations in the new documentary is that Lennon and Pang remained close in the five years that followed. They were sexually intimate. But, undeniably, Pangs role had changed. She [Ono] said to him that he needed to live at the Dakota because of his immigration status, she says. That was his weak spot: he wanted to live in America. He said, We dont want the government to say, Youre running all over the place. So I said to him, What happens to us? He goes, Nothing, I can still see you! And I said, That doesnt make sense to me. I didnt accept it, but I had to accept it, if you know what I mean.

After Yoko learnt she was pregnant, Lennon went to Pangs flat and told her that it would be a Scorpio baby and that he knew how to handle that. Pang smiles. That was an in-joke, because Im a Scorpio. Then he said, Dont you wish it was yours? I mean, ours? I wish it was! And I just had to mentally walk away from that statement. Heres Yoko pregnant and hes saying he wishes it was me. And Im saying, Well, it isnt! Thats all I said.

Tender moments: Lennon and Pang at a party together during their romance (Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment)

She resists the idea that Lennon was just stringing her along throughout their relationship. But even when they were officially an item, Lennon never met Pangs mother. Surely that was a red flag? Pang shakes her head and says it was Lennons insecurity that made him hide whenever her mother came round. One night, Pang called up her mother. She adopts a teenagery voice. I said, Im hungry. Mom, can you make fried rice? Pang grins. She made the best fried rice and she says, fine, cos she lived close by. So then my mom comes to the door and she says, Everything OK? Johns still saying hes not ready to meet her, so hes in the other room. Mom just says, Here [the rice] is and walks away. Later, when we were not quote together, me and John were in the apartment, eating Chinese food, and John says, I really wish now that Id met your mom!

Pang sighs. I was glad he mentioned it to me. That he thought about it. My mom offered unconditional love, which is something John didnt get from his family. He lost his mom. His dad was not around for years, then all of a sudden was saying in the newspapers, My son doesnt care for me! John was so conflicted about his own personal life. She shrugs. Its what he and Yoko had in common.

Happiest place on Earth: Lennon and Pang visit Disneyland in 1974 (Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment)

It drives Pang mad when she and Ono are conflated. Lennon has often been described as someone who liked Asian women. When I bring this up, Pang pulls an Im-about-to-barf face. Nor is she impressed by journalists who put the hostility between she and Ono down to in-fighting. They think we didnt get on because she was Japanese and Im Chinese. These people dont do their homework! For Pang, class is more important than race: We come from two different backgrounds. She growls: I dont come from a privileged background.

Shes willing to acknowledge that Ono, viewed by some fans and much of the press as the woman who broke up The Beatles, has been the victim of a hideous amount of racism and misogyny. Honestly, though, its not a line of thought Pang is interested in pursuing. In case you cant tell, she thinks Ono wielded immense power and rarely used it well.

Pang shudders when I mention the famous Annie Leibovitz photograph of Lennon, taken on the day he was murdered, in 1980. It shows Lennon naked and curled up like a baby, next to a fully-dressed Ono. I hated that photo! exclaims Pang. She was supposed to get naked but at the last minute said no. I just thought he didnt have to show that side of him. He didnt have to look that vulnerable. I thought it was horrible.

After Lennons death, Pang moved on with her life (she has two children from her marriage to cult music producer, Tony Visconti, who she divorced in 2000). But whenever she ran into Ono, things were fraught. In 2010, Pang attended an exhibition of Julians photos. Ono and her son with Lennon, Sean, were there, too. I was not allowed to be photographed anywhere near them, she says. The other person who wasnt allowed to be photographed was Pattie Boyd [George Harrisons ex and a former crush of Lennons]. We were just ignored.

Though most critics have given The Lost Weekend: A Love Story a thumbs up, practically every reviewer has commented on its bias against Ono. Let me put it this way, says Pang, everybody says its unfair to her but it works both ways. If you go back in the past, shes erased me, like I didnt exist. Pang clutches her pendant necklace and looks flushed. Its not her movie. I put in things that happened to me. And if it isnt flattering to her, what am I supposed to do?

John Lennon and Yoko Ono in March 1975, shortly after Lennon publicly renounced his relationship with May Pang (Shutterstock)

Ono will be 91 in February. Isnt it time to give peace a chance? Pang shakes her head, wearily. No. Everything that needed to be said has already been said. She feels differently when it comes to Sean. If Sean wanted to have a conversation with me, if he wanted to reach out, I would be here, absolutely. Im not opposed to him. When it comes to the situation between his mother and myself, hes an innocent party.

Pangs proud of the fact that her film is an indie project, adding that she stayed away from big studios because of how Warner Bros treated her when she wrote her 1983 memoir, Loving John. They wanted it to be as salacious as that book about The Doors [Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugermans biography, No One Here Gets Out Alive.] They kept adding words. It was really more their book than mine. Even so, she questioned whether The Lost Weekend was a wise investment of her time. Enter Lennons ghost.

A few months ago, Pang was watching Law & Order and, at the same time, talking to John in her head. I was asking him, Will things work out with the film? I wanted him to give me a sign. I look up and a character says, You know, its whatever gets you through the night! Pang bounces in her chair. And Im like, OK! Got it!

May Pang in 2021: Everything that needed to be said has already been said (Shutterstock)

She says she felt Lennons presence from the second he was shot dead outside the Dakota, but, initially, brushed it off. Then my friend calls and she says Johns been trying to reach you! Im like I know! Shes like, Well, try and answer him! Nowadays, Pang loves the little messages from Lennon. Its not necessarily every day that he comes to me. But its like Julian says, he knows his fathers thinking of him when he sees a white feather. We all have our little moments.

Peter Jacksons Get Back documentary  released to raves in 2021  put fire in the belly of Beatlemania. Last month, the AI-enhanced Now and Then, hyped as The Beatles final song, made history when it became a UK No 1. Pang views it as good closure for Paul and Ringo and seems to have made peace with the fact that closure, for herself, is out of reach. Instead shes embraced a ghost who will never leave her. In her mind, at least, shes still living the dream.

The Lost Weekend: A Love Story is available to watch on the Icon Film Channel and, from 18 December, on DVD, Blu-ray and digital platforms
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Thousands of Britons could be dying unnecessarily as the UK lags behind other countries on patient safety, according to a major new study.

The UK was ranked 21 out of 38 countries on four key patient safety indicators, with countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Norway rated among the highest, according to research from the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.

The report found that, if the UK improved enough to rank among the top 10 countries, there would be 15,733 fewer people dying from what is described as treatable mortality  deaths which could be avoided through timely healthcare interventions. There would also be 776 fewer deaths from neonatal disorders and 870 fewer deaths from avoidable medical errors.

It is the first major international study of safety data, according to the authors, and looked at 89 separate safety measures such as waiting times, stillbirth rates, cases of sepsis and the frequency of surgical items being left inside patients after operations.

Former health minister Lord Ara Darzi, co-director of the institute and renowned surgeon, said the report, which has been backed by the World Health Organisation, was a wake-up call for Britain and other nations to improve safety for patients.

He said: You cant improve things if you dont measure them and this is our attempt to engage clinicians in all countries  not just the UK  to have better measurements and drive performance improvements.

Researchers looked at different safety measures across four key areas  maternal mortality, treatable mortality, adverse effects of medical treatment and neonatal disorders.

Researchers calculated the number of deaths per 100,000 people for a range of patients, including those who died from medical errors and treatable causes such as heart disease, women who died during childbirth and neonatal deaths from conditions such as sepsis, or oxygen deprivation.

The institute has published a dashboard as part of its work where countries rankings on individual measures can be seen.

Lord Darzi is a former health minister and a renowned surgeon (PA)

The UK was among the best performing for maternal and neonatal deaths, with seven and four deaths respectively per 100,000, but it lagged behind in other areas such as deaths from treatable conditions. For post-operative sepsis deaths, the UK recorded 2,700 for every 100,000 people, ranking 13 out of 22.

Norway came out as the highest-rated country, with Finland and South Korea, second and third. Both Germany and the United States of America ranked lower than the UK.

James Titcombe, chief executive of research unit Patient Safety Watch, told The Independent: Analysis of the data shows that thousands of lives could be saved if the NHS was as safe as the top performing countries. That the NHS ranks only 21 out of 38 countries for patient safety is very concerning.

I hope this work and the publicly available dashboard can act as a catalyst in supporting further efforts to accelerate the rate of patient safety progress, both here and internationally.

Global collaboration and sharing data and strategies and interventions adopted to improve patient safety, has huge potential to help transform the rate of progress everywhere and I hope this can play a part in enabling this to happen on a more systematic basis.
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A doctor who bought illegal drugs to sell to customers on the dark web using the Star Wars pseudonym Imperial Storm Trooper has been jailed for five years.

Shoaib Ahmad, sold ecstasy, cannabis and counterfeit versions of the anxiety-reducing medication Xanax over 12 months from July 2016 until August 2017.

Ahmad, 41, previously of Dale Road, Halesowen was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday 11 December for the offences.

He had served prison time in France for related drugs offences and was on remand for two years prior to Mondays sentencing.

Police launched an investigation in early 2017 when officers intercepted a package containing drugs addressed to a rented postbox in Birmingham.

The postbox was rented under a different name but was paid for through Ahmads bank account. It was one of several across the West Midlands that he rented under various names.

He used the postboxes to receive shipments of drugs, which he then sold on to others.

Ahmad operated under the pseudonyms Imperial Storm Trooper and IST and carried out his transactions using the Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

West Midlands Police estimated that he made over 250,000 during the year that he was selling drugs.

Ahmad was also linked to another drug dealer, Portsmouth-based Marc Ward, who was arrested by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit in June 2017.

Ahmad was caught carrying 46kg of ecstasy tablets with a street value of just over 615,000. (West Midlands Police)

Ward was part of a drugs gang who also dealt under different aliases on various marketplaces on the dark web.

Announcing plans to retire from dealing on one of these sites, Ward revealed that Ahmads alter-ego, the Imperial Storm Trooper, was among several suppliers who would be taking over his trade in counterfeit Xanax.

Only available on prescription in the UK, Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders but is often abused for its sedative effects.

Following Wards arrest, Ahmad travelled to France in August 2017, crossing into Belgium to the Netherlands.

On his return to France, he was searched by French border officers who found him carrying 46kg of ecstasy tablets with a street value of just over 615,000 (528,704).

Ahmad was arrested, charged and subsequently sentenced to six years in prison in France.

The French authorities shared information about Ahmads arrest with us as and, as part of our ongoing investigation against him, we searched his home address in Halesowen where we found a variety of drugs along with digital devices, which when analysed revealed Ahmads link to the Imperial Stormtrooper profile and his illegal online drug deals.

Ahmad was extradited from France to the UK in July 2021 and was placed on remand awaiting trial.

He pleaded guilty on 28 June this year and was jailed last Monday for a total of 17 offences relating to possession and intent to supply controlled substances.

Passing sentence, the judge remarked that Ahmad would have been given a heavier sentence had he not already spent time in prison in France.

Detective constable Holly Percival, from the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Units cyber-crime team said: To the outside world Shoaib Ahmad was a respected professional and very far from most peoples idea of a drug dealer.

Behind the scenes however, within the secretive community operating on the dark web, he was heavily involved in selling illegal drugs.

She added: As a registered medical practitioner, Ahmad knew well the dangers these drugs posed but he had little regard for others, only for his own profit.

"He also thought he was beyond our reach, acting under the cloak of anonymity on the dark web, but we are as relentless in our pursuit of those who carry out crimes in cyberspace as we are tackling those who offend on the streets.

"We have the technical expertise and resource to take on these criminals and we are determined to disrupt the drug trades wherever it takes place.

Ahmads capture is testament to our resolve.
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Alex Batty could have been found last month after British and French authorities failed to alert each other after he tried to enrol at a local school without any identity cards, it has been alleged.

The boy, now 17, has text his grandmother I love you. I want to come home ahead of an emotional return to Oldham after spending the last six years living in a nomadic spiritual community in the Pyrenees mountains with his mother.

He is due to land in the UK on Saturday as local French news outlet La Depeche reported that he had tried to enrol in a school in the town of Quillan.

He could not provide any identity papers, so teachers alerted the police to the British teenager, who spoke little French in November.

The gendarmes tried to contact the English authorities, said an investigating source, but there was a hiccup which did not allow the report to be followed up.

The paper claimed authorities failed to connect the dots to Alex to the initial missing report from when he was allegedly abducted by his mother and grandfather from a Spanish holiday in 2017.

They added: Collaboration [between the French and the British] did not make it possible to establish a link between the presence of Alex Batty in Quillan and his disappearance notice issued seven years earlier in England.

It came as his overjoyed grandmother said it was like a dream speaking to him on the phone for the first time since he was abducted by his mother and grandfather and raised in a remote French village.

His delighted grandmother and legal guardian Susan Caruana, 68, spoke about the emotional video call with Alex, saying: Its amazing. Its an incredible story.

Alex Batty was found near Toulouse on Wednesday after walking for four days in the Pyrenees (Greater Manchester Police/PA) (PA Media)

Its unbelievable after all these years. Im in shock. I cant believe it. I have spoken to him and hes well, thats all I can say for now. Im desperate to see him over the weekend but I dont know whats happening.

Im waiting for the authorities to let me know.

Its breathtaking, and Im over the moon. I just cant believe it. It was absolutely like a dream when I heard his voice. It was unbelievable.

Susan Caruana is hoping to be reunited with Alex this weekend (Supplied)

Alex reportedly told a delivery driver who spotted the exhausted teen walking along a rural road on Wednesday: I need a future.

The teenager escaped by walking for four days, moving at night and sleeping during the day, to avoid detection.

However, on Wednesday at 2am, Fabien Accidini picked him up before taking him to police in Revel, near Toulouse.

The driver told media that Batty was carrying his belongings including a skateboard and a lamp when he stopped to help.

Mr Accidini, a chiropractic student, added: He explained that he had been walking for four days, that he set off from a place in the mountains, though he didnt say where. I typed his name into the internet and saw that he was being looked for.

Alex Batty (Supplied)

Public prosecutors claim that Alex experienced no physical violence during his years in the mountains and found no evidence he was living in a cult.

His family fear the impact of being away from home for so long.

Alex seen here with his mother Melanie Batty and grandfather David Batty in a video they issued saying they were not returning home (Supplied)

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, of Greater Manchester Police, said he was relieved and overjoyed and was working with the French authorities to bring the teenager home.

He said: UK authorities are buying a ticket and will arrange for travel from Bordeaux. He will leave tomorrow or at the very latest the day after.

Toulouse deputy prosecutor Antoine Leroy said the youth had spent the past two years in different areas of southern France, living in spiritual communities with his mother, but not in a sect.

He said he was never locked up, Leroy told a news conference, adding that the teenager said he had decided to leave his mother when he heard she was planning to move to Finland.

The teenager told authorities his grandfather had died six months beforehand.
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More than a fifth of people are worried about getting into energy debt this winter, Citizens Advice Scotland has warned.

The charity has found that 22% of people (360,000) are worried or anxious about arrears, and the average energy debt for individuals seeking complex debt advice across the network is 2,307, which is up by nearly 500 compared with the same time last year.

Energy debt can also have a big impact on mental wellbeing  however, there are places you can turn to for support. Here are some of the things you can do if you are feeling worried

Speak to your energy supplier

Liz Hunter, a commercial director at Money Expert, says if youre struggling to pay your energy bill, the first thing you should do is get in contact with your supplier.

According to energy regulator Ofgem, suppliers must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford, said Hunter.

Under these rules, you can ask your supplier for a review of your payments, payment breaks or reductions, more time to pay, access to hardship funds, as well as general advice on how to use less energy.

In most cases, theyll be able to create a more manageable payment plan for you.

Experts say the first thing to do is to contact your supplier (AFP via Getty Images)

Where should people go for advice with their bills?

If youve done this and still feel that you need extra support or help, plenty of other organisations and charities can offer you free advice. Citizens Advice is a great first port of call. You can speak to one of its trained advisers, added Hunter.

Other options, Hunter suggested, include contacting National Energy Action, Home Energy Scotland, the debt support charity Step Change, and Money Helper.

Is there financial support available?

Many people arent aware that energy suppliers, councils and the government offer various schemes and grants to help people with energy costs.

But your eligibility for these may depend on your income, whether you receive certain benefits, how you pay for your energy and how energy-efficient your home is  but its worth checking out, said Hunter.

As theres such a huge and varied amount of support available, it can be confusing to know what youre eligible for and where to start. The best course of action is to get in touch with Citizens Advice, National Energy Action or (in Scotland) Home Energy Scotland, who should be able to check what youre eligible for and advise you on how to go about applying.

There is also the Fuel Direct Scheme. Hunter added: If youre receiving certain benefits, you might be able to gradually pay your energy bills in small amounts. These payments come directly out of your benefits. You can apply for this via your local Job Centre, but it isnt the best option for everybody. Before you go ahead, call Citizens Advice to discuss the scheme, and what itll mean for you.

Financial support is available for those struggling (PA)

If you use a prepayment meter and cant afford to top it up, you might be eligible for a fuel voucher. In most cases, you can access these by getting in touch with your local council, said Hunter.

And [depending on a range of factors], you may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments, the Cold Weather Payment and the Warm Home Discount. In most cases, you should be receiving these automatically if youre eligible, but its worth double-checking via the government website.

If youve fallen into debt due to being behind on your energy bills, you might be eligible for a grant from your supplier. Examples include the British Gas Energy Support Fund, the ScottishPower Hardship Fund and the Ovo Customer Support Package. You should be able to apply for these via your suppliers website.

Take steps to minimise usage too

Of course, anything you can do to help keep your fuel bills manageable will also help. If youre able to turn your radiators on and off, its worth prioritising heat in the rooms you actually use and need, said Hunter.

If youre unable to control them individually, you could invest in thermostatic radiator valves that can help control the temperature of individual radiators.

Keeping your home well insulation may also help. DIY-fitting foam insulation could cost as little as 15 and the more you add, the more money youll save, said Hunter.

Many homes have gaps around doors and windows which can result in heat escaping. If you stop this, you could save up to 50 a year.

You could also purchase draught excluders to place along any doors with gaps, along with sealant strips around draughty windows, to help keep heat in.
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A top judge has said anyone who lied to the phone hacking inquiry should be prosecuted for perjury after a court found there could be no doubt editors at Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) knew about intercepted voicemails.

Sir Alan Moses, a former chair of press regulator the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso), also hit out at the former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, accusing him of epitomising the shameful reaction of people who used to be editors.

After an extraordinary High Court ruling on Friday, Hollywood actor Steve Coogan also called for a police investigation.

Prince Harry accused MGN of vendetta journalism after the judge in the case found that he was the victim of phone hacking and awarded him damages.

The findings accepted evidence by royal author Omid Scobie that Mr Morgan had been aware of voicemail interception over a story about pop star Kylie Minogue.

In response Mr Morgan launched a stinging attack on the prince, accusing him of attempting to destroy the British monarchy.

In a statement outside his home, he also said: Ive never hacked a phone or told anyone else to and nobody has provided any actual evidence to prove that I did.

The judge also ruled that extensive phone hacking took place at the Daily Mirror, the Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People, from 2006 to 2011.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Fancourt concluded there can be no doubt that editors of MGNs titles knew about voicemail interception but did not tell the companys board or chief executive about it.

Sir Alan, a former lord justice of appeal, warned: The whole system has never held to account those in charge, the proprietors and the editors [ because they] poured money into settlement and only people like Prince Harry had the resources to pursue the case.

Prince Harry accused MGN of vendetta journalism after the judge in the case found that he was the victim of phone hacking and awarded him damages (AP)

He told the BBCs Today programme: If people lied to Sir Brian [Leveson, the chair of the official inquiry into phone hacking], then they ought to be prosecuted for perjury.

Mr Coogan also called for a police investigation. He told the same radio programme: The police should investigate, they should do their job.

He also questioned what action Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would take. What is Keir Starmer going to do about it? Because lets face, it he is going to be the next prime minister. Is he going to fold like a deckchair? he said.
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Watch as Rishi Sunak speaks at Giorgia Meloni's right-wing political festival in Italy on Saturday, 16 December.

The UK prime minister attended the Christmas party for young conservatives called "Atreju", organised by the Brothers of Italy party.

The festival, which has been running since 1998, is named after the main character in the fantasy book and film "The Neverending Story."

Mr Sunak was expected to be accompanied by Spanish far-right Vox party leader Santiago Abascal, and Albanian at the festival in Rome.

It followed an appearance by Elon Musk at the annual event, which has been frequented by former Trump ally Steve Bannon and Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in the past.

Mr Sunak will also hold talks with the Italian and Albanian leaders, in which illegal migration is expected to top the agenda.

Downing Street said that discussions would focus on joint efforts to tackle illegal immigration and organised crime.
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Rishi Sunak has been accused of misleading the public after a PM survey asking voters probing questions, including who they backed at the last election, proved to be a marketing ploy by the Conservative Party

With a general election expected next year, households are being sent a survey giving voters the opportunity to share your views with the prime minister.

But the small print says the information will be used by the Tory party for campaigning, rather than by the government to improve the country.

The leaflets, branded potentially misleading and routine party propaganda, ask who voters backed at the last election and who they would prefer as prime minister  Mr Sunak or Sir Keir Starmer.

It is delivered alongside a letter headed Rishi Sunak Prime Minister, which twice asks: What are your priorities for Britain? Tell the prime minister.

Sir Alistair Graham, the former chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said the survey has the potential to mislead people that it has come directly from the prime minister.

It is being unfair to the electorate, really, and is rather cheeky in that it sounds to me like routine party propaganda.

One page of the PM survey being sent to households (Supplied)

The Liberal Democrats accused Mr Sunak of desperate stuff.

No doubt some people will think they are speaking to the prime minister, not Conservative Party headquarters, Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney said.

This is desperate stuff from a prime minister on his way out. Using the prime ministerial office name to try to win back angry voters is not going to change a thing. The small print makes clear what this is, a last-ditch attempt for the Conservative Party to cling onto power, and nobody is buying it.

People are encouraged to return the questionnaire in a prepaid envelope headed PM survey.

In his letter, Mr Sunak also tells those who fill it out that my team will go through every single response. The questions do include asking people to set out some of their priorities, including on the economy.

The letter is signed by the prime minister (Supplied)

But they are also asked how they voted at the last election and the one before that. Households are also asked how likely  on a scale of 0 to 10 they would be to vote Tory at the next election, which could be called in a matter of months.

And they are asked, putting politics aside, who as a person they would prefer as prime minister  Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak or unsure.

The Conservatives declined to comment but it is understood that the party views the survey as standard campaign material.

No 10 has been approached for comment.
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Sadiq Khan has rejected a call to send cars that will be scrapped under his controversial Ulez scheme to Ukraine, according to reports.

The mayor of Kyiv had urged the vehicles be transported to his war-torn country, where he said they could be used for a "variety of life-saving and transport roles".

But Mr Khan has said the proposal would not meet a legal threshold" that requires that Londoners benefit, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The citys mayor expanded his car scrappage scheme in the face of intense pressure over the new ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez), designed to make the citys air cleaner.

Under the scheme the most polluting cars, which tend to be older models, must pay a daily charge of 12.50.

But its unpopularity was seen as a major factor in Labours shock failure to win the Uxbridge by-election earlier this year. Within weeks of the Tory partys surprise victory, Rishi Sunak declared he was "slamming the brakes on the war on motorists" and announced a raft of policies which led to accusations the government was watering down the UKs net zero environmental commitments.

This week Mr Khan wrote to Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, to say the proposal did not meet the "legal threshold" that requires the scheme to benefit Londoners from an "economic, social and environmental perspective", the paper said.

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for mayor of London, said: "Sadiq Khan's refusal to send [non-Ulez compliant] cars to Ukraine, citing a legal quirk, is absurd. Londoners who choose to scrap their cars should have the freedom to decide for themselves if they want their car sent to support Ukraine. Standing with Ukraine against tyrants like Putin is not only a moral imperative but also in the best interest of all Londoners and the global community."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)

Richard Lofthouse, who works with Car for Ukraine, a volunteer group that delivers 4x4s and trucks to the frontlines of the war effort, accused Mr Khan of a "lack of political courage".

A City Hall spokesman said that "altering the Ulez scheme for the purposes of exporting vehicles to Ukraine is not possible within the current limits of the GLA Act".
Ukrainian psychologist Tetiana Lupina explained that constant reading of news about the war can have a negative impact on a person's emotional state and their working capacity. It is important to understand that we can influence this process and control it by putting down the phone or laptop and giving ourselves an information detox.

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Tetiana spoke about this in an interview with the media resource Vazilik. She gave some life hacks that will help reduce the impact of news and take a break from the negative media.

Thus, according to the psychologist's recommendation, you should not read the news in bed, in the morning and evening. It's better to watch relaxing or entertaining videos on TikTok, aesthetic photos on Instagram, etc., but don't overload yourself with the news feed immediately after waking up and before going to bed.

The expert advises: "You won't miss anything. I'm just joking, but it's really true: if there is something that we 100% need to know, we will hear about it or see it from the window. At the moment, we have no chance of missing something really important. If the news takes away your resource, don't read it."

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You should be especially careful with information channels that present news in an extremely vulnerable way. Such sources bring their own emotional background to the information, escalating events and transmitting their own panic to a wide audience.

"Of course, we pick up on it empathically, start to worry, tell our loved ones, and everyone panics. If such emotional channels affect you, unsubscribe," Lupina said.

Another effective life hack is to ask someone to tell you the main things of the day. This way, you will be aware of all the key events, but you will avoid direct interaction with creepy photos and videos from the front line.

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"People were experiencing terrible states after seeing photos from Bucha, Irpen, Mariupol and other cities. Many people read it, watched it, and then couldn't get out of bed for weeks. We can influence this, but we continue to unconsciously view everything to, for example, live through our traumatic experience or other unconscious urges," the expert commented.

You can also create a separate folder in Telegram with all the channels, which you will view only if you have the strength and resources to do so.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Ukrainian writer and journalist Mark Livin noted that most Ukrainians are not inclined to open emotions, especially during the war. People think that they have to be strong, and therefore keep all their feelings, negativity and fear inside. The winner of various literary prizes understands why compatriots choose this position, as he himself has faced similar things, but now states: "Repression of emotions is a risk of developing chronic and psychological diseases."

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Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
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A grand jury has declined to indict the Mississippi police officer who shot an unarmed 11-year-old boy earlier this year.

In May, Nakala Murry handed her phone to her son, Aderrien Murry, and instructed him to call the police about an irate former partner who had shown up on their Indianola, Mississippi property. Police arrived two hours later after Ms Murrys former partner had left. They instructed everyone in the home to come out with their hands up.

Aderrien, who was only 4ft 10in, complied  and then, Sergeant Greg Capers shot him in the chest.

Now, a Mississippi grand jury has found the officer did not engage in criminal activity, local outlet WJTV reports. Carlos Moore, attorney for the Murrys, said their position is not that Sgt Capers intentionally shot Aderrien  rather, Mr Moore said he believes he intended to shoot Nakalas ex-partner, but instead shot too early without looking.

The boy does not have the stature of the assailant, who wouldve been about 5ft 10in, so I dont know how he got confused, Mr Moore told The Independent. But it is evident to me that he shot first and second, so that's reckless.

Michael Carr, a lawyer for Sgt Capers, told The Independent that his client was relieved when the grand jury declined to indict and cleared him of any criminal charges. He could still be found liable, however, in a pending civil case filed by the Murry family.

In every instance, when a child is shot, it's not necessarily a crime, its not necessarily a constitutional violation, while it is awful and certainly painful, Mr Carr said.

I don't want to disparage the very real fact that an 11-year-old child got shot by a police officer, but that does not necessarily on its face mean that it was a constitutional violation or a criminal act, he continued.

For the officer to be indicted and convicted of criminal activity, the prosecution would need to demonstrate Sgt Capers intentionally shot Aderriene. Mr Moore said, however, he believes the Murrys can win their case in civil court by demonstrating recklessness.

The Indianola Board of Aldermen placed Sgt Capers on unpaid administrative leave in June, and the board will have to hold another vote for him to return to work and receive pay, CBS News reports.

Aderrien suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and a lacerated liver, The Independent previously reported. Doctors later told the Murrys that the bullet came within an inch of piercing vital organs. He was hospitalized for four days.

Sometimes, I can see myself laying inside the coffin, Aderrien told CNN days after the shooting. Those are my thoughts at night, my only ones.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will not release the body cam footage of the incident while the investigation is ongoing, CBS News reports. Magistrate Judge David Sanders sided with the city of Indianola to bar the release of the footage, but Mr Moore told The Independent he has appealed the decision.

I dont expect the judge to rule before January on the footage, Mr Moore said.

He told The Independent he could not describe the video, per Judge Sanderss ruling, but said the Murry family has now viewed the footage and their position remains the same.

We have called for the release of the video since the beginning of the case, and we're still calling for the release of the video after seeing it, so you can read between the lines, Mr Moore said.

The Independent has contacted the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation for comment.

In an earlier version of this story, the headline mistakenly read that Aderrien Murry had been fatally shot. The 11-year-old was shot but survived the incident.
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A suburban Chicago man who told his estranged wife If I cant have them neither can you pleaded guilty but mentally ill Friday to three counts of first-degree murder for killing their three young children, a prosecutor said.

Jason Karels, 36, of Round Lake Beach will be sentenced to life in the Illinois Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole, Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart said.

Karels admitted to killing by drowning 5-year-old Bryant Karels, 3-year-old Cassidy Karels and 2-year-old Gideon Karels on 13 June 2022.

Officers sent to his home to check on the welfare of the children found a note for his estranged wife saying, If I cant have them neither can you, prosecutors have said.

This case has devasted the Round Lake Beach community and beyond," Mr Rinehart said in a news release. "We hope that todays resolution provides some measure of closure, and we will continue to provide support to the family.

Several members of the family were present in court for the hearing.

Karels was arrested after leading police on a chase that ended in a crash at an Interstate 80 bridge in Joliet, Round Lake Beach police have said. Karels was briefly hospitalized after the crash.

After the crash, Karels told first responders he was responsible for his childrens deaths and had attempted to kill himself before fleeing the home, police said. Officers found his blood in the house from his attempts to hurt himself.

Police said at the time of the deaths that the parents shared custody of the children but did not live together.

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered for Karels, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for 16 February 2024.
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Seven elementary school students in Virginia ate gummy bears that were in a sandwich bag that tested positive for fentanyl after one child brought them into school to share.

Five of the seven fourth graders were taken to hospital but have since recovered, Lieutenant Dallas Hill from the Amherst County Sheriffs Office said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The children who attended Central Elementary School in Amherst and were all in the same class experienced nausea, vomiting, headaches and muscle spasms and started getting these symptoms within the space of an hour of each other.

The overdose reversal drug Narcan was not administered to any of the children as none of them experienced any signs of finding it difficult to breathe, according to Bradley Beam, the public safety director for Amherst County Public Schools.

It is unclear how the child got ahold of the gummy bears, but the sheriffs office believes that the incident was unintentional.

Nevertheless, two people have been arrested in connection with the incident that occurred on Tuesday, and police said they are continuing to investigate.

Bradley Beam, Amherst School Superintendent William Wells and Lieutenant Dallas Hill all spoke at a press conference on Wednesday (Amherst County/Facebook)

Clifford Dugan Jr and Nicole Sanders have been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and Ms Sanders has been given extra charges of possession of a controlled substance, Mr Hill said.

Mr Dugan also faces a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and is being held with no bond.

There is a possibility of more charges to come their way, Mr Hill confirmed.

The officer did say he could not reveal what the relationship was between those arrested and the child who bought in the bag, nor if they were known to law enforcement before.

Another baggy of gummy bears was also taken into school by the sibling of the other student, but tested negative for any substances.

The contamination of the candies is thought to have occurred at home on the way to school, Amherst School Superintendent William Wells said at the conference.

Fortunately, all the parents have told officials that the children are doing well today, Mr Wells said.

Mr Wells also homed in on how fentanyl is becoming a community issue, and that schools cannot just suspend their way out of nor law enforcement car arrest its way out of when coming across the harmful drug.

The incident occured at Central Elementary School in Amherst, Virginia (Google Maps)

We are asking our parents to take charge, wake up and realise this is happening because its here and its real, Mr Wells said.

He reassured parents that their school was safe and they had cleaned the entire school after the incident.

Mr Beam followed Mr Wells plea to his parents by saying his force sees overdose by opioids all the time, not just in this community but across the country.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, has created major crises in various communities across the US.

Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl in the US, according to the CDC.
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For once, this Florida Man doesnt hail from the Sunshine State.

A tourist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was arrested in Florida for molesting a statue and throwing gator nuggets in a restaurant.

Anthony Lessa, 23, was arrested on 8 December on a charge of disorderly conduct, according to Pinellas County arrest records . The police were called after Mr Lessa allegedly molested a statue of a manatee, threw gator nuggets inside a restaurant and then shouted expletives at a nearby hotel, the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office said on Facebook .

Mr Lessa was released just hours after his arrest.

The ordeal began when a restaurant employee told Mr Lessa he had paid his bill and he needed to leave, causing him to become upset, according to the sheriffs office. Outside the restaurant, Mr Lessa molested the restaurants plastic manatee statue and staff asked him to leave, the sheriffs office wrote.

He then became physically aggressive with the employee and began throwing gator nuggets into the restaurant before fleeing. Mr Lessa later showed up at a nearby inn and yelled obscenities at an employee there  when he refused to leave, the employee called the police, the sheriffs office wrote.

Body cam footage of his arrest posted by the sheriffs office shows Mr Lessa had pocketed some left-over gator nuggets before his arrest. Mr Lessa also repeatedly asked what he was being arrested for before entering the police car.

I thought it was cork, one of the arresting officers said during his arrest. I was like, why does he have cork in his pocket?
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A former Harvard Medical School professor and fertility clinic founder has been accused of secretly impregnating a patient with his own sperm more than 40 years ago in a new lawsuit.

Sarah Depoian, 73, and her husband sought treatment at Boston IVF Fertility Clinic in 1980. She alleges she was told by Merle Berger that the sperm would come from an anonymous donor, according to a lawsuit filed in the US District Court District of Massachusetts on Wednesday.

Ms Depoians daughter Carolyn Bester, who was born in January 1981, discovered that Dr Berger was her biological father through DNA kits purchased earlier this year on Ancestry.com and 23andMe, according to court documents.

This is an extreme violation, Ms Depoian said in a statement released through her lawyers Peiffer Wolf.

I trusted Dr Berger fully. We thought he would act responsibly and ethically. I will never fully recover from his violation of me.

Sarah Depoian, right, with her daughter Carolyn Bester, alleges Merle Berger secretly used his sperm to impregnate her (AP)

Ms Depoians attorney Adam Wolf said the fertility doctor had used his own sperm without her consent and against her wishes.

Some people call this horrific act medical rape. But regardless of what you choose to call it, Bergers heinous and intentional misconduct is unethical, unacceptable, and illegal, Mr Wolf said in a statement.

Dr Bergers attorney Ian Pinta told The Independent in a statement that the allegations had no legal or factual merit.

Mr Pinta said the retired professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology was a pioneer in the medical fertility field who helped thousands of families reach their dreams of having a child over five decades of service.

Depoian, left, says the ex-Harvard professor committed an extreme violation and is suing for damages (AP)

According to the complaint, Ms Depoian was told that the sperm used to impregnate her would come from a patient who resembled her husband, who did not know her, and whom she did not know.

DNA testing showed that Ms Bester was related to Dr Bergers granddaughter and second cousin, and pieced the puzzle together after speaking to his relatives.

To say I was shocked when I figured this out would an extreme understatement. It feels like reality has shifted, Ms Bester, who lives in New Jersey, said.

My mom put her trust in Dr Berger as a medical professional during one of the most vulnerable times in her life. He had all the power and she had none.

Harvard Medical School distanced itself from the allegations, telling the Associated Press in a statement that Dr Bergers primary place of employment was at several affiliated hospitals which it does not own or operate.

Depoian says she trusted Berger to act responsibly and ethically (AP)

IVF Boston told WCVB that the claims occurred prior to Dr Bergers employment at the clinic.

Several high-profile cases of fertility doctors using their own sperm to impregnate patients have emerged in recent years.

Donald Cline, an Indiana fertility specialist, had at least 94 biological children during the 1970s and 1980s.

In 2017, Cline received a one-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice, as Indiana law didnt specifically ban fertility doctors from using their own sperm.

Several of Clines descendants shared their stories for the 2022 Netflix documentary Our Father.

In 2022, a Vermont jury awarded $5.25m to Cheryl Rousseau after she accused Dr John Coates III of using his own sperm to impregnate her in 1977.

In May, New York fertility doctor Morris Wortman who was accused of using his own sperm to impregnate several patients died when the hand-built airplane he was in fell apart mid-flight and crashed, authorities said.

Ms Depoian is seeking damages in an amount sufficient to compensate her for her injuries.
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Democratic US Senator John Fetterman spent years courting support from progressive groups and voters, won support from Bernie Sanders and even hired some of his former aides.

The Pennsylvania senator also has embraced Medicare for All, wealth taxes, legalising cannabis, raising the minimum hourly wage to $15, abortion rights, and a major piece of pro-union legislation, among other progressive causes.

But on Friday, despite repeatedly calling himself a progressive Democrat and pointing to his support for progressive platforms as he built up his national profile, he rejected the label.

He has faced widespread criticism among his supporters not only for his unwavering support for Israel as it continues its retaliatory military campaign in Gaza, but also his recent willingness to join Senate Republicans in crafting more stringent immigration laws.

Im not a progressive, Mr Fetterman told NBC News on Friday. I just think Im a Democrat that is very committed to choice and other things. But with Israel, Im going to be on the right side of that. And immigration is something near and dear to me, and I think we do have to effectively address it as well.

His apparent reversal is a marked departure from years of public statements touting his support for progressive policies.

We have started a progressive movement here in Pennsylvania, he wrote in 2016, after losing his first Senate race. That same year, while touting support from Mr Sanders, he called himself a progressive champion.

Chip in whatever you can to help us take this progressive momentum all the way to the ballot box, he said two years later while campaigning for lieutenant governor.

Those progressive values have been the heart of my campaign, he wrote in another post.

While campaigning for a US Senate seat in 2020, he wrote: Progressive. Simple. Sacred. The union way of life.

In a response to former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush, he wrote: My dude, Im a progressive democrat.

The list goes on.

Following Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, and an ensuing siege and bombardments that have killed thousands of civilians in Gaza, Mr Fetterman has remained unmoved in his support for Israel. Former campaign staffers have urged him to support calls for a ceasefire, which he has rejected.

Mr Fetterman, who received support from pro-Israel PAC Democratic Majority of Israel, also has been pictured wearing an Israeli flag and waving a flag at a groups of ceasefire demonstrators while they were being handcuffed by US Capitol Police.

In his interview with NBC News, the senator defended what he called a reasonable conversation with Republican senators to restrict immigration at the US-Mexico border, as stalled congressional negotiations around immigration are threatening the future of legislated aid to Israel and Ukraine.

Until somebody can say theres an explanation on what we can do when 270,000 people are being encountered on the border, not including the ones, of course, that we dont know about, he told NBC.

You essentially have Pittsburgh showing up there at the border, he told Politico earlier this month.

Mr Fettermans wife, Gisele Fetterman, fled violence in Brazil with her family and arrived in the US as an undocumented seven-year-old, a story that played prominently in the senators campaign.

The Independent has requested comment from Mr Fettermans office.
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A Satanic Temple display inside the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines was destroyed, and a former US Navy fighter pilot who was recently defeated in a statehouse election in Mississippi is accused of causing the damage.

The display is permitted by rules that govern religious installations inside the Capitol but has drawn criticism from many conservatives, including presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. A Facebook posting by The Satanic Temple on Thursday said the display, known as a Baphomet statue, was destroyed beyond repair, though part of it remains.

Michael Cassidy, 35, of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said Friday. He was released after his arrest.

Mr Cassidy is a Republican who was defeated by Democrat Keith Jackson in Mississippi State House District 45 in November.

Mr Cassidys campaign website remains active. The biography on it says he served as a Navy fighter pilot and a pilot instructor. He describes himself as a Christian conservative who loves our nation and is committed to preserving the blessings of liberty bestowed upon us by the Founding generation.

In 2022, Mr Cassidy ran against incumbent US Rep Michael Guest and lost in a primary runoff after fewer than 300 votes separated them in the primary. Mr Guest won the runoff with nearly 70% of the vote.

Messages left Friday with Mr Cassidy and with The Satanic Temple were not immediately returned.

On Friday, part of the display remained at the site in the Capitol. A lone man, who declined to give his name, sat in front of the display and recited Christian prayers, making references to Jesus. It wasnt immediately clear if he was a supporter or detractor of the Satanic Temple.

The display is on the east side of the Capitol beside a column and an ornate staircase. Its about 100 feet from a Christmas tree displayed in the rotunda.

Founded in 2013, the Salem, Massachusetts-based Satanic Temple doesnt believe in Satan but describes itself as a non-theistic religious organization that advocates for secularism. It is separate from the Church of Satan, which was founded in the 1960s.

The display caught Mr Cassidys attention earlier this week. On Tuesday, he reposted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, that included two photos  one of a Thomas Jefferson statue being removed from an unspecified location, and one of the Satanic Temple display.

We have reached the point where our Capitols are removing Jefferson while monuments to Satan are erected, the message read.

A fund was set up to raise money for Mr Cassidys legal defense following his arrest. After $20,000 was raised, Mr Cassidy wrote on X that the fundraising was halted.

But late Friday morning, Mr Cassidy wrote that he had been notified of more potential legal charges unfortunately, so Ive opened the legal fund donation back up.

The Polk County Attorneys office declined comment.

Mr DeSantis, the Florida governor who frequently campaigns in Iowa ahead of next months caucuses, said Tuesday that former President Donald Trumps administration was partly to blame for the existence of the display, the Des Moines Register reported. Mr Trump was president in 2019 when the Internal Revenue Service determined that The Satanic Temple should be designated a church.

Polls show Mr Trump with a wide lead over Mr DeSantis and other Republicans running for president.
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Matt Gaetz has joined calls for the chair of the Florida Republican Party to resign following accusations of rape and sexual assault.

The Florida congressman, who previously refused to weigh in on the matter, told NBC that it was time to select a replacement for Christian Ziegler.

Mr Ziegler has been accused of raping a woman whom he and his wife, the co-founder of parents rights group Moms for Liberty, were reportedly in a long-term consensual relationship with, in October.

He has faced calls to resign from members of his own party since the allegations surfaced, including from Florida Governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, and senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.

Mr Gaetz, previously told NBC that he would wait for the facts to come out before rendering judgment.

Florida GOP Party Chair Christian Ziegler faces charges of rape and sexual assault (Florida Republican Party/Facebook)

But on Friday he told the outlet: "Were at the [point] where we would be better served with different leadership in the Republican Party and I think its time to move on and select a different leader.

"I do think he should step aside.

On Monday Mr Gaetz became the victim of a prank at a GOP event in Ohio, in which he was presented with a fake award for allegedly paying underage girls to have sex with him.

The congressman was investigated by the Justice Department for sex trafficking earlier this year but ultimately not charged with a crime,

According to a search warrant affidavit shared with The Independent, Mr Ziegler came to the womans home without his wife on 2 October. He allegedly forced his way into her apartment and raped her when she refused to have sex without his wife present, according to the affidavit.

The document 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.

Bridget Ziegler (REUTERS)

In a separate interview, Bridget 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.

Ms Ziegler 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.

Earlier this week Ms Ziegler was removed from the board of the Sarasota County School Board, following the allegations and investigation into the Zieglers.

The motion was passed on Monday night on a 4-1 vote, with Ms Ziegler in opposition; while the vote is nonbinding, it was a significant show of resistance against her.
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Melania Trump delivered remarks at a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC on Friday, a rare  and ironic  public speaking appearance from the former first lady, whose husband is accused of withholding government documents from the very same agency.

Her appearance comes in the middle of a federal criminal case targeting Donald Trump and his allegedly illegal retention of Archives documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where Ms Trump also lives.

A grand jury indictment charged the former president on more than three dozen criminal counts, including more than 30 violations of the Espionage Act, stemming from allegations that he took sensitive national security documents to his Florida compound after leaving the White House.

He is also charged with making false statements and conspiring to obstruct justice. That case is scheduled to go to trial in May 2024.

The case under US Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith is separate from the federal charges he faces in connection with his attempts to reverse his loss in the 2020 presidential election.

Mr Trump has also repeatedly attacked the National Archives and baselessly accused the archivists and civil servants of corruption and conspiracies against him following a protracted effort to get him to return documents in his possession.

So why would Ms Trump travel there?

The former first lady, who became a US citizen in 2006, was invited to speak at Fridays event by Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, who was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the agency earlier this year.

She invited Ms Trump to speak at the event in her capacity as a former first lady, not as a candidates spouse, a spokesperson told Politico.

Naturalization ceremonies at the National Archives are not political events, and speakers are not invited in a political capacity, a spokesperson said.

Melania Trump speaks at a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC on 15 December. (AFP via Getty Images)

Ms Trump has largely avoided public events after leaving the White House in January 2021, as Mr Biden took office in the wake of the attack on the US Capitol and Mr Trumps second impeachment.

She attended Mr Trumps 2024 campaign announcement last November, but she has remained off the campaign trail and has not attended any of his many criminal or civil proceedings.

Last month, she attended the funeral of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter. Ms Trump joined current first lady Jill Biden and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton at the service in Georgia.

Melania Trump appears a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC on 15 December. (AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking in uncharacteristically personal terms on Friday, Ms Trump described the difficulties of navigating immigration law in the US, a process she described as arduous and that turned her life into a labyrinth of organizing paperwork.

Ms Trump, who was born in Slovenia, applauded the 25 new citizens and discussed the hurdles she faced to become a citizen herself. She did not discuss Mr Trump, who has pledged a violent anti-immigration agenda if elected president next year.

He has promised to revive a more expansive ban on immigration from majority-Muslim countries that he implemented in his first term. He also would reimpose a ban on entry at the US-Mexico border for people seeking asylum; round up undocumented people living in the US and detain them at camps before theyre expelled; prohibit children born in the US to non-citizen parents from being granted citizenship; and end legal status for thousands of people in the US for humanitarian reasons, among other proposed policies.
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The financial toll of airing lies and bogus conspiracy theories about Donald Trumps loss in the 2020 presidential election has already reached nearly $1bn after a settlement and verdict in two major defamation cases in this year alone.

On Friday, following a four-day trial in Washington DC, Rudy Giuliani was ordered to pay more than $148m for defaming two former election workers in Georgia, not including the tens of thousands of dollars he was ordered to pay in other sanctions throughout the case.

That verdict stems from a defamation lawsuit that also targeted far-right media network One America News Network and its owners, which settled last year in an undisclosed sum.

In April, Fox News reached a last-minute, record-breaking $787m settlement with Dominion Voting Systems that averted one of the biggest-ever defamation trials in American history moments before it was due to begin.

The verdict in Mr Giulianis case delivers a massive legal and financial blow to a prominent amplifier of conspiracy theory-driven claims surrounding election fraud, three years later, as those lies continue to fester across US politics.

Within eight months, the financial fallout from 2020s election lies reached more than $935m.

That figure does not include the mounting legal costs surrounding the hundreds of cases connected to the January 6 and the attack on the US Capitol, nor the federal and state-level criminal cases against Mr Trump and his allies for their alleged attempts to overturn 2020 election results, an effort fuelled by the ongoing false narrative that the outcome was stolen from and rigged against him.

Another voting systems company, Smartmatic, has sued Fox News for defamation in a lawsuit alleging $2.7bn in financial losses. Like the Dominion case, Smartmatic alleges that Fox guests and hosts  including Mr Giuliani  falsely accused the company of participating in an international conspiracy to rig the election against Mr Trump.

The lawsuit outlines 13 Fox broadcasts from November and December 2020 in which Smartmatic was accused of stealing votes in more than 100 false and misleading statements.

The Fox Corporation also faces lawsuits from several jurisdictions claiming that the company neglected its fiduciary duties to shareholders by airing false statements that exposed the network to debilitating defamation claims.

New York City, among jurisdictions suing, holds roughly 857,000 shares, valued at $28.1m, as of 31 July. The state of Oregon, suing on behalf of a retirement fund for the states public employees, holds 150,146 shares of Fox Class A stock and 76,169 shares of Fox Class B stock worth approximately $5.2m as of 31 August, according to the state.

Ray Epps, a loyal Fox News viewer at the centre of a right-wing conspiracy theory that he incited the mob on January 6 to entrap Trump supporters, also is suing Fox after he was subject to a campaign of falsehoods that have destroyed his familys life, according to the complaint, which seeks unspecified damages.
In recent years, group tours have become very popular. Because many people simply do not have time to organize their own vacation, they turn to special agencies for help, which are ready to do everything for them for relatively little money.

ADVERTISIMENT

However, due to the active emergence of new companies in this market, it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose a truly responsible travel agent. As a result, hundreds of negative stories appear on social media about people's vacations being ruined. And there are many reasons for this: bad hotels, poorly designed itineraries, terrible transfers, etc.

To prevent this from happening to you during your vacation, read the effective life hacks for choosing travel agencies. It is important to note that even the steps described below do not guarantee you positive cooperation with travel companies. Being careful and reading all the terms and conditions of the contract carefully is the best thing you can do.

ADVERTISIMENT

Choose the type of vacation

This is the first and most important step. People often go to travel agents without understanding how they want to spend their vacation. This leads to the following problem: you immediately sign a contract with the first company that offers you something interesting. This way, you don't see alternative options, you don't compare offers from different organizers, and you may regret not giving yourself some time to think about it.

Before looking for a travel agency, decide where exactly you want to go, how long the trip should last, what kind of transportation you plan to use, and what activities you want to fill your vacation with. For example, it can be a sightseeing trip to several European countries, a short trip to one specific city, or a several-week seaside tour. It all depends on your personal preferences.

ADVERTISIMENT

Compare similar offers

Once you have a clear idea of what you want from your vacation, search for similar offers on the websites of several travel agencies. See what they offer, on what terms, and for what prices.

Carefully read everything that concerns the area of responsibility of the travel organizers. Even if at first glance all the tours you choose seem to be similar, the payment may include completely different things. For example, some companies do not include the cost of museum tickets, hotel transfers, and even room reservations. So you need to check these points first.

Many tour operators don't list all the conditions on their websites, so you should call them. In order not to forget anything, write down the questions you would like to ask in advance. Don't be afraid to ask again and carefully observe the reaction to your words. Representatives of unreliable companies often react aggressively to attempts to find out the details of the tour or talk over customers without letting them say a word. This should be a red flag for you.

ADVERTISIMENT

Don't be fooled by the "best" price

Some tour operators sometimes use marketing tools to lure customers with the "best" deals. At first glance, these are budget options for rather expensive trips. Companies explain such a low price by saying that they have exclusive agreements with hotels, have found cheaper transportation, or simply charge a lower percentage of the cost for their services.

But very often all this turns out to be an outright lie. Tour operators simply exclude excursions to the main cultural, historical and architectural sights from the trip plan, accommodate clients far from interesting sites and provide poor quality services. This can turn your vacation into a living hell. So don't just fall for these budget offers, but study them in detail and only then make a decision.

ADVERTISIMENT

By the way, when estimating the cost of a tour, calculate how much excursions or museum visits will cost if you organize them yourself. This price will not always be much lower than the one offered by tour operators. Take this into account when planning your trip.

Say "no" to extras

Tour operators always offer a large number of additional services that seem to enhance your vacation. For example, they can organize a transfer from your place of residence to the tour start point, arrange for a few more excursions that are not included in the main program, rent accommodation if you decide to extend your trip by a few days. But all this, of course, is for an additional fee.

ADVERTISIMENT

Do not forget that such companies always take a commission for their work. And this is not surprising, because this is how they make money. Therefore, it will be much cheaper for you to organize all these moments on your own.

However, if you trust the chosen travel agent and do not want to waste your time planning any details, then feel free to ask the organizer of your trip for help. They will be happy to solve any issues for you.

Pay attention to the commission

It's no secret that all tour operators receive a commission for organizing travel. However, some go further and negotiate with specific restaurants, hotels, and shops to give them a portion of the profit for tourists brought to them. But business owners are not stupid. They raise prices for their services in order not to lose income. So before you buy souvenirs in the "best store in town" or have lunch in a "unique restaurant," find out if you are overpaying. It's easy to do - just open the Internet and compare prices.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you where to relax with children in Ukraine .

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
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Donald Trump continues to channel blood and soil rhetoric at rallies and in interviews as he campaigns for the Republican nomination for president in 2024.

While outlining his anti-immigration agenda during a campaign rally in New Hampshire on Saturday, the former president claimed that immigrants from South America, Africa and Asia are coming from mental institutions and prisons all over the world and are now poisoning the blood of country.

Theyre poisoning the blood of the country. Thats what theyve done, he said. They poison mental institutions and prisons all over the world. Not just in South America. Not just the three or four countries we think about. But all over the world theyre coming into our country, from Africa, from Asia.

Despite a lack of evidence to support his inflammatory statements, the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination continues to revive them, drawing comparisons to the words of Adolf Hitler and statements fuelling white supremacist attacks.

His latest speech echoed statements from a September interview with right-wing media outlet The National Pulse, where he claimed that migrants who seek asylum in the US come from prisons  mental institutions and insane asylums.

We know theyre terrorists. Nobody has ever seen anything like were witnessing right now. It is a very sad thing for our country. Its poisoning the blood of our country, he said.

The comments have been roundly condemned as a warning of his increasingly violent and authoritarian rhetoric, echoing Mein Kampfs creeds against the contamination of the blood and the poison which has invaded the national body from an influx of foreign blood.

Neo-fascist groups chanted blood and soil at a violent rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, and the words have fuelled the so-called great replacement conspiracy theory behind white supremacist groups, racist mass shootings and far-right media commentary.

There is no word-mincing here: Trump is calling for a white ethno-nationalist state that will lead to mass violence and the end of Americas aspiring multiracial democracy and America itself, wrote Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund.

No matter where you are on the political spectrum, this is deeply dangerous rhetoric, she added.

MSNBC commentator Mehdi Hassan noted Mr Trumps latest remarks are classic Trump.

[S]ay something crazy outrageous, neo-Nazi-like and it gets headlines, creates outrage, he added. So wait a little. Then say it again, no one notices, no coverage, and it gets normalized and mainstreamed. Lets be clear: migrants poisoning the blood is Hitler rhetoric.

His speech in New Hampshire also returned to his promise of ideologically screening immigrants entering the US.

Legal analysts and authoritarianism scholars told The Independent that his statements, which reliably overwhelm social media and seep into the language of his supporters, are giving them permission to dehumanise and degrade his political opponents as he does, priming their acceptance of political retribution against the other side, while absolving them of responsibility for it.

Trump calls January 6 defendants 'hostages'

At his New Hampshire rally, Mr Trump called defendants charged in connection with January 6 hostages, days after federal prosecutors warned that they intend to use his endorsement of their alleged actions in a sprawling criminal case against him.

Mr Trump has offered financial support and pledged to pardon people convicted on charges connected to the attack on the US Capitol, when a mob fuelled by his own false narrative of election fraud broke into the halls of Congress to block Joe Bidens presidency.

He has embraced the January 6 Choir, a group of defendants who remain in a Washington DC jail for crimes that, according to federal prosecutors, were so violent that their pretrial release would pose a danger to the public.

According to a recent filing from US Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith, his team is relying on his well-documented support for rioters as evidence in the election conspiracy case to argue that he knew what would happen if he failed to stop the mob from breaching the Capitol to stop the certification of 2020 results.

Mr Trumps speech in New Hampshire, his first in the state in more than a month, comes just weeks before primary ballots are cast in the first-in-the-nation Republican primary election.
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America is today marking the 250th anniversary of one of its most defining moments in history: The Boston Tea Party.

The protest on 16 December 1773 - named for the city where it took place and the key item that drove unrest behind it - is regarded as a pivotal turn in the lead-up to the American Revolution.

As anniversary celebrations unfold on Saturday, here is a breakdown of the Boston Tea Party:

The day of the protest

The Boston Tea Party - not the kind of tea party youd find in a childrens book or high society - was a political protest over British taxes which saw around 100 men board three different ships that were docked at Griffins Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts - and then destroy 46 tons of East India Company tea.

The Sons of Liberty, an organised political group that fought for better rights of the colonists, rallied many of the protestors to the dock that day to dump an estimated 342 chests of tea into the water.

Samuel Adams, a prominent leader of the Sons of Liberty, was present at a meeting later known as The Body of the People on the evening of 16 December to discuss the issue of tea.

When he realised that Governor Thomas Hutchinson was determined for the tea to be sold and taxed the way the British wanted it, Adams stood up and supposedly said, This meeting can do nothing more to save the country.

This led to cries and shouts from many in the meeting, who then stormed the dock wearing Native American dress to hide their true identities and chucked almost 10,000 of tea into the Boston Harbour.

Their defiant acts of destruction were part of a wider movement of protests throughout the 13 North American colonies that were mounting due to their disdain with the British government.

Why did the Boston Tea Party happen?

American colonists were becoming increasingly frustrated with Britain for imposing what was commonly known as taxation without representation.

Britain was in a mountain of debt - some 133m - in the 1760s as a result of fighting France in the Seven Years War, in part over territories in North America. To help pay that debt off, the British Parliament decided to impose a series of taxes on American colonists.

Various acts were passed toward this goal, including the 1965 Stamp Act, which taxed colonists on almost every piece of printed paper they acquired, from playing cards to pamphlets, and the Townshend Acts in 1767, which taxed items such as paint, glass and lead.

One of the most controversial acts passed was the 1773 Tea Act in May, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea to the colonies duty-free and cheaper than other tea companies, but would still tax the colonists for the tea when it reached their ports.

The British Parliament felt that the taxes were fair, as Britain acquired much of its debt from fighting wars for the colonists and their territories. But colonists strongly disagreed, refusing to accept such taxes without any representation in the government collecting their money.

As protests began to grow across North America, Britain eventually removed several taxes. But one was left in place: the lucrative tea tax that was earning Britain nearly 1.2m a year.

In opposition to this, the colonists boycotted any tea sold by the British East India Company, turning ships away or refusing to unload them and drinking smuggled tea from the Netherlands, which left the company facing bankruptcy.

The mounting disdain for the act and the wider implications of no rights or representation led to the events of the Boston Tea Party.

Rising frustration with the British

The resentment toward the British government was a deep-rooted feeling across many colonies that was held way before the events on 16 December 1773.

The Sons of Liberty network across the colonies was busy between 1765 and 1770 to organise boycotts on British goods and even went as far as intimidating customs officers and British agents and punishing those who broke boycotts by pouring tar and feathers on them.

One of the most brutal fallouts due to the disdain for British rule was on 5 March 1770, when a street fight broke out in Boston between American colonists and British soldiers that would later go on to be called the Boston Massacre.

The colonists were frustrated with the constant presence of British soldiers in their towns and started to fling snowballs, ice and oyster shells at soldiers standing guard at the Boston Customs House.

Soldier reinforcements arrived, and five colonists were killed after they opened fire on them - a turning point for many to become hostile towards British rule.

Response to the Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party is seen as a pivotal turning point that led to Americas independence, which helped accelerate colonial disdain for the British.

While Britains immediate response was to strip Massachusetts of town elections and close Boston Harbor, among other punishments, the protest caught the eye of many well-respected colonists, such as John Adams, who would go on to become the second president of the United States.

The consequences bestowed on Massachusetts after the Tea Party prompted the formation of the Continental Congress, which saw 12 out of 13 colony delegates come together to discuss the ever-increasing resentment for British rule - eventually leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the American Revolutionary War.
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Bulgaria on Wednesday began dismantling a monument to the army of the Soviet Union that dominated the skyline of the capital, Sofia, for nearly 70 years and was widely seen as a symbol of Russias influence in the Balkan country.

The monument was erected in 1954 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Soviet forces entering Bulgaria, which had been allied with Nazi Germany in World War II. Their arrival in 1944 marked the beginning of 45 years of hardline Communist rule.

Following the collapse of communism in 1989, the local council in Sofia voted to remove the monument, but successive governments shied away from taking the final step.

On Wednesday, following years of heated debate, workers began to dismantle the 45-meter-high (147-foot) installation, removing the figures at the top, which showed a Soviet soldier holding an automatic rifle, a woman with her child, and a worker.

A protester holds a placard reading Russia out of Bulgaria demonstrates surrounded by policemen (Valentina Petrova)

Vyara Todeva, regional governor of Sofia, said that for 70 years the monument was never restored and serious cracks had appeared in the figures.

It will take at least a month to dismantle the whole monument, she said, and the figures will likely be taken to the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia.

In recent years, the monument has become a focal point of the deep divisions between pro-Russian and pro-Western groups in Bulgarias society. It has often been covered with paint by unknown artists, lately with the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag.

A heavy police presence was dispatched to secure the area around the monument and to prevent possible clashes between those in favor and those opposed to its removal.

Bulgaria Russia Monument (Valentina Petrova)

The Socialists and other pro-Moscow groups in Parliament who fiercely oppose the monument's removal said they would seek to organize a referendum on its fate. They said similar anti-fascist monuments are standing untouched in many European cities.

They received strong backing from Moscow, where the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said the dismantling would worsen relations with Bulgaria.

We consider the destruction of the monument to our common past as another hostile step by official Sofia, which aggravates the already deadlocked situation in bilateral relations. Bulgaria once again chooses the wrong side of history, she is quoted as saying.
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Watch as Elon Musk speaks at Giorgia Meloni's right-wing political festival in Italy on Saturday, 16 December.

The billionaire attended the Christmas party for young conservatives called "Atreju", organised by the Brothers of Italy party.

The festival, which has been running since 1998, is named after the main character in the fantasy book and film "The Neverending Story."

Rishi Sunak, Spanish far-right Vox party leader Santiago Abascal, and Albanian prime minister Edi Rama were also expected to attend the event in Rome.

Musk's appearance comes after he met with Ms Meloni in Italy, discussing the country's low birth rate, artificial intelligence (AI), and the EU.
 Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded

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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.
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When Russias invasion of Ukraine ignited into war, back in Moscow, a young Russian who now goes by the name of Karabas was plunged into despair. Shocked by images of what was happening to Ukrainians in Russian-occupied areas, he decided to act  against Russia, his home and country.

Karabas said he knew that what he was doing was drastic. He packed his bags and decided to find a way to get to Ukraine to join the ranks of Kyivs troops fighting Russian forces.

It took him almost a year to make it happen.

Today, he is part of the Siberian Battalion, a unit made up of Russians who have joined Ukrainian military ranks to fight against their homeland, hoping someday to help oust Russian President Vladimir Putin. Its members hail mostly from ethnic minorities from Russias far east.

I was disillusioned with my own people," recounted Karabas, who like other fighters in the battalion spoke to The Associated Press on condition that only his military call sign be used.

"That is why I wanted to come here ... and fight for a free Ukraine, he added.

Members of the pro-Ukrainian Russian ethnic Siberian Battalion practice at a military training close to Kyiv, Ukraine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Karabas said he was dismayed by how most Russians he knew either blindly supported Putin or were indifferent to the war.

Sometimes, Karabas said his grief felt so overwhelming, he would break down and cry.

Unlike other volunteer units in Ukraine that have Russian nationals  such as the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps  the Siberian Battalion is officially part of the regular Ukrainian army.

Its fighters undergo lengthy security checks, which sometimes take up to a year, before they are trained and deployed to the front lines in eastern Ukraine, which has seen some of the most ferocious fighting of the war and where Ukrainian and Russian forces are locked in a grinding battle for control.

Karabas went to Armenia first. There, he sought out Ukrainian friends and learned the language, which he now speaks fluently, refusing to utter a word in his native Russian.

Ukraine War Russian A member of the pro-Ukrainian Russian ethnic Siberian Battalion practices at a military training (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

On Wednesday, at a training exercise outside Ukraine's capital of Kyiv, over a dozen Russians from the battalion fired their machine guns during a firing practice, sprinkling cartridges all over the snow blanketing the ground.

Fighters in the battalion from eastern Siberia hope a Ukrainian victory will bring them one step closer to dismantling Moscow's political control over their region, among the poorest in Russia. Those from the area's Yakut and Buryat ethnic communities complain of racism and oppression in Russia, which has driven some activist calls for independence.

Another Russian fighter, who goes by the call sign Holod, openly says he wants Putin's administration removed from power.

"When this happens, we can talk about victory, he said. Russia will at least cease to be a source of sudden aggression.

Ukraine War Russian Volunteers (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Russians like Karabas left their entire lives, including families and friends, behind. They first had to escape to a third country before they could travel on to Ukraine but they say they had no other choice.

Integration into the Ukrainian forces was a lengthy process, they said  their documents were scrutinized, and if they passed this step, they were questioned at length upon arrival in Ukraine.

The battalion, which numbers a few dozen, was created six months ago. Ukrainian military leaders are hopeful more will come to join its ranks and based on applications that have come in so far, they are aiming to have a 300-man-strong battalion of Russian fighters.

Some from the battalion have already been deployed near Avdiivka, a Ukraine-controlled city in the Donetsk region, which Putin's forces have long tried to overrun.

Karabas says there must be tens, hundreds of thousands of other Russians like him, willing to fight with Ukraine.

I think we should have a lot more (Russian fighters)," he said.
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Officials in Ukraine have put the head of Russias Orthodox church, a pro-Kremlin figure who has supported Vladimir Putins invasion of the country, on its wanted list.

Patriarch Kirill is now an individual in hiding from the bodies of pre-trial investigation, according to a post of Ukraines interior ministrys wanted list. Kyivs security services accused him of stoking the war.

Kirill, who is seen in his clerical robes in the photo, is listed as missing since 11 November on the ministrys page.

According to Ukraines SBU security service last month, a document stated Kirill infringed Ukrainian sovereignty by virtue of his position as part of the closest entourage of Russias military and political leadership.

Priests and officials linked to the branch of the church associated with Moscow are now suspects as security forces have launched dozens of criminal cases, including that of treason.

Kirill has denounced these actions and urged the clerical leaders across the world to stop Ukraines moves against the church.

This is a symbolic move from Kyiv as the Russian head faces no direct threat of arrest. He is the latest figure named in Ukraines campaign to uproot the influence of priests it accuses of maintaining close links with Russia.

Placing Kirill on a wanted list is a step that is as ridiculous as it is predictable, Vladimir Legoida, a senior official in the Russian church said.

Ukrainian authorities were guilty of "lawlessness and attempting to intimidate parishioners", Mr Legoida, who is responsible for ties with other churches, told Russian news agency RIA.

Last September, when president Putin ordered a partial mobilisation of reservists, Moscow Patriarch Kirill required his clergymen to pray for victory.

Similar to Mr Putins authoritarian regime, Kirill built a harsh hierarchy in the church that demands total conformity, Andrey Desnitsky, professor of philology at Vilnius University in Lithuania, told The Associated Press. If a priest refuses to read the patriarchs prayer, his loyalty is suspect. If you are not loyal, then there is no place for you in church, added Desnitsky, a longtime expert on the Russian church.

Ukraine sees Orthodox Christianity as a dominant faith in the country. However, after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, officials in Kyiv launched criminal cases against clergy linked to a branch of the Orthodox church once directly linked to the Russian church and Kirill.

Parliament in Kyiv is considering a bill that would ban that branch of the church, which has lost many of its parishioners since Mr Putin sent Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The church says it severed all links to Moscow in May 2022.
Ukraines fate in the war against Russia was in the hands of its allies on both sides of the Atlantic this week  and the result was one symbolic victory and one monumental headache.

Ukraine received a terrific morale boost when the European Union voted to begin membership talks with Kyiv at a summit in Brussels. That was a smack in the face for Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who on the same day had tried to gloat that all-important military and financial support for Ukraine was fading in the West.

The decision in Brussels came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the room, taking his objections with him, while the agreement was sealed, seemingly having agreed to do so. In that way, he could say he had no part in it. Moldova was given a green light at the same time.
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Hundreds of protesters have marched to the Israeli war cabinets meeting spot after the military revealed they had accidentally killed three hostages in Gaza.

The hostages were killed in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants in recent days. The soldiers mistakenly identified the three Israelis as a threat and opened fire on them, said the armys chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

He said it was believed that the three had either fled their captors or been abandoned.

Perhaps in the last few days, or over the past day, we still dont know all the details, they reached this area, Mr Hagari said. He said the army expressed deep sorrow and was investigating.

The three hostages were identified as young men who had been abducted from Israeli communities near the Gaza border  Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Al-Talalka 25, and Alon Shamriz, 26. The trios bodies were taken to the Hatzvi Centre at the Shura Camp, where they were identified.

Hundreds of protesters blocked Tel Avivs main highway late on Friday in a spontaneous demonstration calling for the return of the other hostages.

They later vented their anger outside the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv, where the three-pronged Israeli war cabinet meets to discuss the offensive operation in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant and former Chief of the General Staff and opposition leader Benny Gantz make up the cabinet.

The protestors carried placards and candles, and chanted today we learned what happens when there is no deal, according to footage of the event.

The hostages plight has dominated public discourse in Israel since the 7 October attack by Hamas. Roughly 240 Israelis were taken hostage in Gaza on that day while a further 1,200 were killed.

Photographs of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas militants are projected on the walls of Jerusalem's Old City (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The families of the hostages have led a powerful public campaign calling on the government to do more to bring them home.

Anger over the mistaken killing of the three hostages  young men in their 20s  is likely to increase pressure on the government to renew Qatar-mediated negotiations with Hamas over swapping more captives for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Hamas released over 100 hostages for Palestinian prisoners in November. Nearly all those freed on both sides were women and children. Talks on further swaps broke down, with Hamas seeking the release of more veteran prisoners for female soldiers it is holding.

Israeli political and military leaders often say freeing all the hostages is their top aim in the war alongside destroying Hamas. However, they argue that their release can only be achieved through military pressure on Hamas, a claim that has sharply divided public opinion.

After negotiations broke down, Hamas said it will only free the remaining hostages, believed to number more than 130, if Israel ends the war and releases all Palestinian prisoners.

As of late November, Israel held nearly 7,000 Palestinians accused or convicted of security offenses, including hundreds rounded up since the start of the war.

Close to 19,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October during the Israeli aerial bombardment and subsequent invasion of Gaza, acording to the Hamas-run health ministry.
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An Israeli hostage was waving a makeshift white flag and another called for help in Hebrew when they were shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Gaza who mistook them for militants, a military official has said.

According to a preliminary investigation, three male hostages, all shirtless, appeared in Shejaiya in northern Gaza, holding a long stick with white fabric attached to it.

A soldier nearby opened fire, the military said, hitting two hostages while the third, who was wounded, managed to escape to a nearby building where other troops heard him crying for help in Hebrew. He was killed by a second soldier before a commander, concerned by the incident, issued a ceasefire order.

The Israeli military official said that they believed that the hostages  who were named by the military as Samer Fuad El-Talalka, Yotam Haim and Alon Shamriz  had either been let go or had escaped.

Yotam Haim, left, Alon Shamriz, centre, and Samer Fuad El-Talalka (Courtesy of the Shamriz, Al-Talalka and Haim families via AP)

Calling the killing of the three hostages horrific and tragic the Israeli military official told reporters that what happened was against the Israeli militarys rules of engagement. However, rights groups have said it is almost certainly a violation of international law.

Following news of the deaths, the families of other hostages in Gaza called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an agreement to secure the release of the rest of the captives saying every second counts for those left behind.

On Saturday, they led massive rallies in Tel Aviv with people chanting all of them now and you could have saved them, while holding photos of the captives. They vowed to protest indefinitely outside the Israeli military main headquarters in the city until the cabinet presents an Israeli outline for releasing the hostages.

Raz Ben-Ami, 57, a German dual national, who was among those freed under a Qatar-brokered ceasefire deal last month and whose husband Ohad, is still being held in Gaza, spoke at the rallies.

She said those who had been released had warned that others hostages could be inadvertently harmed because of their proximity to the ferocious fighting.

Ten days ago I warned cabinet members that the fighting could harm the hostages, she said.

Unfortunately I was right. Military action alone will not save their lives. Israel must lay out another round of cycles to release the hostages. Returning the hostages in exchange for prisoners is urgent and critical.

The hostages are experiencing hell and are in real mortal danger. Every day, every hour, every minute, is critical, she added.

Israeli rights group Btselem wrote on X that International Humanitarian Law prohibits the shooting of people who have surrendered and are carrying a white flag, regardless [of] whether theyre combatants or not, regardless of their nationality and religion.

Family and friends of those being held hostage by Hamas protest in Tel Aviv last night (Getty)

Ariel Bernstein, an IDF veteran and member of Israeli rights group Breaking the Silence, said on X, that the claim that the shooting of the hostages represented a violation of the rules of engagement was an attempt by the command to place the blame on the soldier in the field, instead of standing behind the policy of opening fire in Gaza.

Baronness Sayeeda Warsi said if Israel shot dead three hostages it was an indication of what the Palestinians are suffering every day.

Israeli organisations like Breaking The Silence and others have been warning about IDF tactics for years. Trigger happy, pumped with hatred and out of control  the videos from Gaza, some filmed by IDF soldiers themselves, are public for all of us to see, she added on X.

The militarys chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, admitted responsibility for the hostage deaths.

He said: The IDF, and I as its commander, are responsible for what happened, and we will do everything to prevent such incidents from recurring in future combat.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a terrible tragedy but  contrary to the demands of the families  appeared to double down on Israels military objectives saying military pressure is necessary both for the return of the hostages and for victory.

At a press conference on Saturday evening, he also revealed that Israel received requests for a ceasefire and to remove troops in Gaza but will not do so. He again also repeated that Israels aim after Hamass elimination was that Gaza be demilitarised and under Israels security control.

Without military pressure, we would not have been able to bring about [Novembers] deal for the 110 abductees, who were released, he said.

He added: The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing.

Pressure is mounting on the Israeli authorities from Israeli citizens to secure an immediate ceasefire deal amid concerns more hostages will die.

Tagit Tzin, the aunt of Dafna, 15, and Ela Elyakim, 9, who were freed from Gaza last month after more than 50 days in captivity, expressed mounting frustration with the Israeli government. She said the government was not listening to the families but instead pushing ahead with military objectives. Dafnas and Elas father, stepmother and brother were killed by Hamas militants during their raid on south Israel on 7 October.

Only a ceasefire deal will bring the hostages out alive and not put our soldiers in danger like this, she said from a square in Tel Aviv where they were holding protests. We want a ceasefire and for everybody to be released. It is the only way for them to be freed alive.

People hold pictures in Tel Aviv last night of Israeli hostages held by Hamas (AP)

She said her niece Dafna, 15  who was eventually freed in the week-long truce brokered by Qatar  thought she would only return back to Israel in a coffin as the bombing was so intense, the buildings around the teenager were collapsing.

There were people in Hamass tunnels with Dafna who were in critical medical condition. They must get out for urgent medical care now. Time has already run out for them.

We want the worlds leaders to pressure Qatar  or anyone who can help  to make this ceasefire deal happen, to bring them home. We need to get the world working on this, as we cannot do this by ourselves, we have to get them out.

Inbal Zach, whose cousin Tal Shoham, 38, is still a captive in Gaza, reiterated every second counts for the hostages who remain behind.

Tals wife Adi, 38, and their children Yahel, 3, and Naveh, 8, were released in the same deal which saw Dafna and Ela get to safety. Tal, however, was being held separately and remains somewhere in Gaza, the family hopes.

We have had no proof of life after he was taken, we hope he is alive, Mr Zach said, clutching a poster of Tals face at a central square where relatives and supporters had gathered.

She said the families understood the killing of the three hostages in Shejaiya was a mistake that can happen.

We hope it will not happen again. They must come home now.

She said Yahel and Naveh say every day we want dad back.

It was bittersweet when Adi and the children came home: you are laughing with one eye and crying with another. Its not complete without Tal.

We are demanding the war cabinet talk to us, said Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, 19, an Israeli soldier is being held captive in Gaza.

Speaking to crowds at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv he added: The Israeli government needs to be active they need to put an offer on the table... Put the best offer on the table to get the hostages back alive.

The protest came as Israel continued its ferocious bombardment of Gaza, which has so far killed more than 19,000 civilians, 70 per cent of them women and children according to the local health authorities.

On Saturday, family members of hundreds of Christian Palestinians sheltering in the Catholic Church in Gaza City told The Independent Israeli forces had surrounded the complex and were firing into the compound.

The office of the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem said that a woman and her daughter shot dead by Israeli snipers in the attack, naming the victims as Nahida and Samar.

A spokesperson said: One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety. Seven more people were shot and wounded as they tried to protect others inside the church compound.

They said rocket fire from an Israeli tank targeted a convent within the same compound, which is home to over 54 disabled people who are now displaced and no longer have access to respirators some need to survive.

They added that the buildings generator and its fuel resources were destroyed, as well as solar panels and water tanks.

The IDF has been contacted by The Independent for comment, but is yet to respond.
Anyone who has ever seen the reaction of a small child or cat to a Christmas tree will always remember that decorations must be safe. However, safety means not only that they should not break easily and leave sharp fragments behind. It is also important that the balls and garlands are not painted with toxic colors, do not emit harmful gases, etc.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine told us how to choose the right New Year's decorations. With these recommendations, you will definitely be safe.

Don't buy decorations at outdoor markets, in underpasses, etc. This increases the risk that you will come across counterfeit and low-quality products. Give preference to specialized stores and retail chains. In this case, you will also have a chance to challenge a low-quality purchase and get a refund.

Always check all the information about the origin of the jewelry - the name of the manufacturer, the composition of the toy, and ask the seller for documents confirming its quality. Handmade toys may contain toxic substances, such as phenol or lead. Certified decor cannot be.

Pay attention to the quality of the coloring and the smell of the decoration. It should not emit unpleasant odors or crumble. The smell may indicate that the toy emits dangerous gases, and sparkles or paint fragments can get into the respiratory tract or eyes.

ADVERTISIMENT

Check electric garlands for structural integrity and composition, and ask for all certificates for them. They must be made of fireproof materials. Also, make sure before buying that the garland does not emit an unpleasant odor, the bulbs do not get too hot, and it does not spark anywhere.

The state standard marking on Ukrainian-made decorations will be a guarantee of quality. Pay special attention to this.

Make your own Christmas decor. This way you will know exactly what materials it is made of.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you how to wrap New Year's gifts yourself.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
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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.
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A British Airways passenger is set to receive $2,550 after he was forced to wait seven hours on the tarmac.

According to a BelfastLive report, Kiemon Stewart was set to fly from Londons Heathrow Airport to Belfast on 2 October. However, the Royal Air Force pilot alums plane was severely delayed due to weather reports that caused the aircraft to miss its take-off time.

The airport had received concerns about possible thunderstorms and heavy rain. Air traffic control held the plane, but the plane had to be refueled by the time the sky cleared. Unfortunately, take-off was delayed further when both the pilots and the crew deboarded the aircraft because they had already reached their maximum work hours.

At this point, passengers were still in their seats, waiting for an entire new airline staff to arrive. Though the plane eventually left London and landed in Belfast, ticketed individuals were reportedly only handed one bag of pretzels and a single drink each as they waited on the stationary aircraft.

The flight arrived at its destination seven hours after the initial estimated time. Stewart wasnt pleased with the experience, labeling the sequence of delays a comedy of errors. To seek compensation, the individual filed in Northern Irelands small-claims court.

Though the aircraft was first told to stay back because of the weather reports, BelfastLive said Stewart claimed this was only a contributing factor. Operational and commercial decisions and actions was what Stewart identified as British Airways true issue.

British Airways didnt argue or oppose Stewarts claim. As a result, the airline was directed by the court to pay the passenger $2,550.

In a statement to The Independent, a representative for British Airways noted: Were sorry for the delay that our customers faced due to air traffic control restrictions put in place as a result of adverse weather across London and the South East of England on the day of their flight.

British Airways faced criticism recently for allegedly telling its female crew members what colour bra they needed to wear underneath their uniforms. The Sun first reported on the supposed dress code being updated upon the airlines new uniforms being released.

After the flight attendants union resisted the strict requirement, British Airways overturned it. The old dress code read: Undergarments should be plain white or nude, with no lace, patterns or writing.

Weve removed a recommendation from our uniform guidelines and will continue to listen to our colleagues about what works best for them, a spokesperson for the airline told The Independent.

A Paddle Your Own Kanoo article reported on a statement made by the British Airways Stewards and Stewardess Union.

The union said to its members: Incredible that we found ourselves in the awkward position of having to discuss what underwear our female members were allowed to wear in 2023.

However, with a huge number of female members, that was exactly the uncomfortable place in which we found ourselves, the statement continued. It could be argued that we wouldnt have even been in this position if the blouse wasnt transparent in the first place!
Whats the first location that springs to mind when thinking of setting up a Charles Dickens festival? Its unlikely to be a Texan island. But in 1973, Galveston Island, in the Gulf of Mexico, began a small festival dedicated to the English author.

During the 19th century, Galveston, Texas, was the USs second busiest immigration port, second only to Ellis Island. It was also the haven of wealthy Houstonites, who joined local settlers in building ever more elaborate and beautiful homes. This thriving society was devastated by the Great Storm of 1900, which killed at least 8,000 Galvestonians and battered the grand Victorian buildings. It took decades for the island to recover and, by the early 1970s, many of the properties had still not been renovated. The Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF), founded in the mid-19th century, decided that something needed to be done to preserve the buildings. Thats how Dickens on The Strand was born  named after one of the islands streets.

The idea formed after a member of the GHF, Evangeline Wharton, attended a Christmas Carol festival in California. Its painted backdrops of Victorian street scenes made her realise that Galveston had a ready-made  and real  Victorian landscape to be used. She set up a simple event, just for members of GHF, entitled a Dickens Evening on the Strand. Out of this one evening has grown one of the worlds biggest Dickens festivals, which now takes place over the first weekend in December, beginning with a champagne reception on Thursday night and ending with a Victorian bed race on Sunday afternoon. Every year, over 30,000 people arrive to take part in the festivities; over the decades, the Victorian costumes worn by many attendees have become more elaborate and more professional, as costumiers from all over the country (and often further afield) arrive to show off their talent.
Protesters gathered outside the house of the Israeli ambassador to the UK in London on Saturday, 16 December, criticising the Israel Defence Forces killing of three Israeli hostages taken in Hamas's 7 October attack.

The young men were identified as Alon Shamriz, 26, Samer Al-Talalka, 25, and Yotam Haim, 28.

They had been abducted from Israeli communities near the Gaza border.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered again this weekend to call for an end to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, with organisers Stop the War Coalition listing 57 separate events across the UK on Saturday.
Around 45,000 new homes need to be built each year to meet demand, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney has said  a 40pc increase on this years levels.

He said the Government was improving on its housing targets, and is set to complete 32,000 units this year, though he said there were still significant pressures.

And he said the Government was very uncomfortable with new figures that show 207 recently arrived international protection applicants are without State accommodation, according to the Department of Integration. The Government said last week it could no longer provide accommodation for male asylum seekers due to severe shortages.

It's something that I and the Government are very uncomfortable with, and it motivates us to work harder to try and find solutions for people who are coming here seeking international protection, he told reporters on Friday.

In truth, I think Ireland has done well over the last two years, in terms of the extraordinary numbers that have been supported and accommodated and continue to be today. But there will be moments when more people have arrived than we have accommodation beds available.

Nobody wants to have a situation where vulnerable people dont have safe accommodation to go to. So we are working hard to respond to that, but the truth is that the sheer numbers have put the system under a lot of pressure.

Ireland has welcomed around 100,000 people since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Mr Coveney said Ireland isnt the only country in the world that has challenges in terms of housing and homelessness.

And he said Irelands housing problems were not deterring foreign investors after IDA Ireland, the states inward development agency, announced a 2.5pc increase in the number of company investments this year.

He said Ireland is on track to build "in and around 32,000 houses in Ireland and closer to 40,000 next year. However, the Taoiseach has said that he cant guarantee the government will make its targets on social, affordable or cost-rental building.

The the pace of growth, in terms of housing delivery, I think is seen as real progress by investors here, Mr Coveney told reporters at the launch of IDA Irelands annual results in Dublin on Friday. But we need to keep doing that, of course, because we arent at a point yet where supply is meeting demand. I think that is going to be closer to  its hard to put a number on it, but in and around 45,000 houses per year I think is what we probably need.

But certainly I think were moving in right direction on housing but there is still significant pressures there, there is no doubt about it. Clearly, from the numbers we are announcing today, its not deterring significant investments in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Mr Coveney said the Government was on the right side of history in its call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and he and IDA chief Michael Lohan said the countrys stance has not caused any problems with US investors here.

Mr Lohan said "its not a point of conversation with multinationals.

But Mr Coveney went on to criticise Israeli government policy, which he said, over the years, has served to undermine the potential viability of the two-state solution for quite a number of years now.

"The truth is that Ireland isnt pro- or anti-Israel or Palestine, Ireland is pro-international law. Ireland is pro-peace, in this conflict, Mr Coveney said on Friday.

"Our position, as regards the current conflict, was one of being extremely critical in condemning the terrorist attacks that Hamas inflicted on innocent civilians in Israel. But we are also very critical of the way in which the war has proceeded in Gaza since then. We dont believe that international humanitarian law is being respected. That needs to be called out and we are doing that, as a government.

His comments came as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attempted to get his fellow EU leaders to back a ceasefire, at a summit in Brussels on Friday. He said the EU had lost credibility due to its response to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Mr Coveney said Ireland has tried "to give leadership on the war. "I think we have a been accurate. I think the Irish governments position is respected internationally and understood. I think were on the right side of history on this argument.
The majority-owner of the Web Summit says his lawyers have contacted one of Silicon Valleys oldest venture capital firms, Bessemer Partners, over an alleged co-ordinated campaign against him

Web Summit owner Paddy Cosgrave says he is considering legal action against a partner at a top US venture capital firm over what he claims was a smear campaign relating to Mr Cosgraves tweets about Israel and Gaza in October.

Mr Cosgrave resigned from his position as CEO of the Web Summit in October after a wave of boycotts from the events biggest corporate participants, including Meta, Google and Amazon, relating to tweets he posted accusing Israel of war crimes in Gaza.

He says that Amit Karp, a senior executive at Bessemer Partners one of the biggest and oldest venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, was instrumental in co-ordinating a campaign to damage him and the Web Summit over his tweets.

This morning my lawyers wrote to Bessemer VP partner Amit Karp, said Mr Cosgrave in a tweet today.

If he fails to take action he will be pursued in the High Court of Ireland.

Mr Cosgrave referred to a report by two US journalists which alleged an information campaign in favour of Israels position after the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks.

Last Fridays revelations by two US investigative journalists make clear that there was a coordinated attempt to smear me and the company I founded, Web Summit, posted Mr Cosgrave today.

Bessemer Partners has several global office locations outside the US, including one in Israel.

The move comes as the Web Summit prepares to stage its next event in February, a first-time conference in Qatar.

While the companys new CEO, Katherine Maher, has said she is confident big firms that boycotted the Lisbon event in November will return, it remains unclear whether this will happen in time for the Doha conference.

The Web Summit in Lisbon saw over 70,000 attendees, although many venture capital and US tech executives pulled out.

This article was changed on December 16 to clarify that the course of action initiated by Paddy Cosgrave was in relation to Amit Karp, not the Bessemer Partners firm.
The accused has not yet entered a plea following the allegations. Photo: Stock Image

A Dublin man has been accused of driving into car parks in a van with cloned plates and stealing motorbikes by loading them into the back of the vehicle.
A painter-decorator was caught using an angle grinder to try to cut a clamp from his parked car in central Dublin.

Karl McCabe (38) had come out of a shop to find his car clamped when he attempted to get it off with the power tool but was spotted by a passing garda, a court heard.
The Irish divorce: Why the arrangement of celebrity couples like Jada Pinkett and Will Smith is not unusual to us
Westlife, phone hacking and the Irish showbiz journalist  the Irish caught up in Prince Harrys case

Paul Martin was caught out lying in Coronation Street case heard alongside princes

Prince Harry names Piers Morgan in his statement following phone hacking case victory

Shane Phelan Sat 16 Dec 2023 at 03:30

A former senior journalist with the Irish edition of the Daily Mirror has been strongly criticised by the English judge who examined phone hacking claims against the Mirror newspaper group.
The Russian terrorist army continues to concentrate a huge number of forces in the Avdiivka sector. The enemy continued offensive operations in this area of the frontline and had successes on December 15.

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In particular, Russian troops advanced in the area of Stepove (3 km north of Avdiivka) and Pervomaiske (11 km southwest of Avdiivka). This is stated in the analysis of the Institute for the Study of War.

The ISW noted that Putin's terrorists advanced near the railroad line north of Stepove and recently seized positions in the forest area north of Stepove, in the village itself and southwest of the village. In turn, Kremlin propagandists claim that Russian troops are also advancing on a "broad front" in the area of Novokalynove, Berdychiv, and have advanced to a depth of two kilometers north of Avdiivka.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that within 24 hours, Ukrainian troops repelled at least 45 attacks by the occupants east of Novobakhmutivka (13 km northwest of Avdiivka), Stepove and Avdiivka, as well as south of Severne (6 km west of Avdiivka), Pervomaiske and Nevelske (13 km southwest of Avdiivka). According to Brigadier-General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of the Tavria group of troops, Russian occupation forces are advancing in assault groups of up to 20 people with the support of armored vehicles.

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At the same time, ISW analysts report that Ukrainian defenders have retained their positions on the left bank of the Kherson region. Russian propagandists claim that the invaders allegedly conducted a series of attacks east of Krynky and forced Ukrainian troops to retreat deep into the village.

Analysts also noted that on December 15, Russian troops resumed air strikes in the Kherson region. The South Operational Command stated that the invaders had launched five air strikes using 25 guided bombs and an undetermined number of X-31P missiles in the Kherson region. Natalia Humeniuk, a representative of the South Command, explained that Russian troops resumed air strikes in the Kherson direction after bad weather conditions prevented them from active air operations in recent days.

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As a reminder, the Russian occupation army sent 40,000 troops (in fact, an entire army), to storm the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region. This settlement is not of particular strategic importance, but Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin made a big political bet on it as he hoped to have a reason to boast of military successes at the same time as announcing his participation in the next "elections" in Russia.

Earlier, it was reported that Russian troops launched offensive operations in the east in the fall of 2023 in difficult weather conditions. It led to heavy losses in the occupier's army in the absence of significant operational successes on the battlefield.

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As OBOZ.UA reported, a division of Russian paratroopers suffered extremely heavy losses on the left bank of the Kherson region near the village of Krynky. The occupiers tried to drive out Ukrainian troops but a significant part of them was eliminated by our defenders.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The death has occurred of Cork man, Ron Clifford, who survived the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001 only to be subsequently told that his sister and young niece had died in the incident.

Mr Clifford, who was in his late sixties, died at his home in Connecticut in the US last night.

He lost his sister Ruth Clifford McCourt (44) and her daughter, Juliana (4) on September 11th 2001 when their flight from Boston to Los Angeles hit the World Trade Center. In a remarkable coincidence, Ron was in the Twin Towers at the time of the attack but survived.

Ms Clifford McCourt and her daughter were on a surprise trip to Disneyland when their lives were prematurely cut short.

They were passengers on board the hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 which was flown into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

Julianas godmother, Paige Farley Hackel, was on the second aircraft - American Airlines Flight 11 - which smashed into the other tower.

Ron Clifford was on his way to a business meeting in the Twin Towers at the time of the attack. He was in the ground floor when Ms Farley Hackels flight hit the building.

Despite being hit by falling debris, he helped to drag a badly injured woman to shelter.

In a documentary series on National Geographic to mark the 20th anniversary of the atrocity Mr Clifford said that he had shared the details of important business meeting that he had on September 11th, 2001 with Ruth.

Ruth advised him to Stand Out from the crowd at the meeting. He remembers getting a ferry to Manhattan that morning. Whilst on board a fellow passenger complimented him on his new suit and bright yellow tie. Life felt good. However, within a few hours his world had changed completely.

Mr Clifford also spoke to Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show on RTE twelve years ago. He said that the important meeting in the World Trade Centre took place on a very gorgeous morning.

I had a little bit of time on my hands so I walked around the lobby. While I was in the lobby the initial explosion happened and I thought it was maybe a ruptured fuel tank in the basement. I had no idea that a plane had crashed in to the tower.

And after a while I spotted through a haze this woman who was badly burned. This Italian woman, Jennianne Maffeo, needed some help. So I sat her down in the lobby and I knew she had been on fire. So I wanted to douse her.

So I ran in to got a plastic bag and filled it with water and doused her. She was still very alert but in a lot of pain. I couldnt get over the fact that we werent getting any support or help. Nobody was running to us to help us.

And after quite a while with her on the floor she told me she was a Catholic so I said Lets say the Lords Prayer.

While saying the prayer there was another incredible explosion and the whole building shook and I found out afterwards that that was Ruth and Julianas plane.

He said that what occurred was an incredible nightmare. Ron said he would never forget the sounds and smells of the day or the sight of a fire man coming towards people shouting Jesus Christ run.

After Ron got Ms Maffeo in to an ambulance he managed to board a ferry home to New Jersey. It was his daughter Monicas 11th birthday. However, he was only home a few hours when they were informed of the passing of Ruth and Juliana.

Ms Maffeo died 42 days later in hospital. However, her family were very grateful for all that Ron had done for her in her hour of need.

In September of 2021 Ron Clifford gave an interview to the Echo newspaper in Cork in which he said that it was still hard to even think about what occurred on the day of the terrorist attack

You wish that Ruth and Juliana were still here. David (Ruths husband) is gone now too and that family is now all gone.

Ron said that he felt completely overwhelmed by what was then the 20th anniversary of the attack. He expressed his gratitude for the many good wishes he had received from people across the world as they marked two decades of loss in his family.

He also gave an interview to RTE News on the 20th anniversary of the attack in which he said that he was frustrated that the masterminds behind the attack were never brought to justice.

You know the justice system here has prevented it. It has gone around in a circle for years. I hope in our lifetime we will get our day in court.

We have lived our lives since. I think that it the positivity that we give out as a family.

Meanwhile, Ruth Clifford McCourt, who was originally from Ballintemple in Cork, is buried with her daughter Juliana at St Finbarrs Cemetery in Glasheen in Cork city.

In 2013 the husband of Ruth and father of Juliana, David McCourt, was laid to rest in the same cemetery following his death.

Juliana was one of eight children murdered by terrorists in co ordinated plane attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Mother and daughter were among 2,996 people killed in the the incident. A third hijacked plane went down in a field in Pennysylvania as passengers fought back against the terrorists.
Liam Byrne has been returned to the UK to stand trial for alleged firearms offences, following a National Crime Agency investigation

The UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) has shared a video online showing the moment Kinahan cartel gang boss Liam Byrne was returned to the UK.

He was extradited from Spain to England where he is facing serious firearms charges.

The 43-year-old from Crumlin, Dublin, who is a key member of the Kinahan organised crime gang, was brought before court in London on Wednesday, where he was remanded in custody after being flown back on Tuesday.

The UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) released details of the extradition on Wednesday, as well as photos of the criminal in the custody of their officers.

Liam Byrne, who is thought to be one of the most trusted members of the Kinahan organised crime group, has been returned to the UK to stand trial for alleged firearms offences following a National Crime Agency investigation, the NCA said in a statement.

This morning, the NCA released footage which shows Byrne exiting a UK police van into the custody of two NCA officers.

He was escorted back to the UK by a team of officers from the NCAs Joint International Crime Centre yesterday (12th December) and appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today, where he was remanded into custody.

Byrne, from Dublin, was arrested in June, whilst eating in a restaurant in the Alcudia area of Mallorca.

He had flown into Palma Airport from Dubai, UAE on the 26 May.

The NCAs intelligence-led investigation was supported by the Spanish National Police and officers from An Garda Siochana in Ireland.

The agency obtained arrest warrants after messages on encrypted messaging service, Encrochat, indicated that Byrne was potentially involved in the supply and acquisition of firearms.

Craig Turner, Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency 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 the 8th January 2024.

This appearance is due to happen at the Old Bailey in London.
A gangland criminal who escaped from Garda custody in Drogheda on Thursday night appears to be mocking gardai online over his whereabouts.

A Facebook page in the fugitives name, which depicts the Road Runner cartoon character, is now being monitored by gardai.

Officers suspect that the on-the-run criminal is behind the social media account. Efforts to track the IP address of the person who set up the account are now underway, in the hope it could lead gardai directly to the criminal, whos aged in his 30s.

I didnt know ya wasnt allowed outside the station for a jog, according to the person claiming to be criminal, before adding: The whole station was behind me too they couldnt keep upAs they said too me its just a game, your getting remanded. Yeah sound remanded back too the hood.

The person behind the account also posts a family members address, and claims to be staying there. Im in [address removed] for the evening if anyone looking for me. They'll never check I bet ya they wont, theyll think Im bluffing...Im safe as houses there.

A Garda manhunt remains underway this weekend to try and locate gangland criminal.

He was being questioned over money laundering and organised crime offences when he managed to flee.

He was charged with some criminal offences in the station and was due to appear in court on Friday before he escaped.

The fugitive is considered a key member of the so-called anti-Maguire faction who are involved in the ongoing Drogheda feud that has claimed four lives.

It is understood he managed to flee the station at around 9pm on Thursday when he was allowed out of his cell to have a cigarette.

On his way back, he just ran through the station and was gone, a source said.

This led to a major search and sources say some of the clothing that he was wearing was later found in the nearby home of one of his well-known criminal associates.

But the fugitive has still not been located by gardai.

It is extremely rare for detained people to be able to flee from garda stations and a full internal review of the incident will now be carried out by gardai.

However, sources say their main priority is now to locate the suspect, who has links to Co Roscommon, but has been based in Drogheda for a number of years where he became associated with the anti-Maguire gang.

He has previous convictions for offences such as burglary and drug offences and is very well known to gardai.

A Garda spokesman confirmed the escape on Friday evening, saying: Gardai are investigating the escape from Garda custody of a male on Thursday, 14th December 2023 from a Garda Station in the Garda Northwest Region.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.

Last month, the Irish Independent revealed the gang the fugitive is linked to is behind a spate of recent attacks, including a home invasion involving firearms.

The gang is led by two brothers who are currently living outside of Ireland to avoid serious domestic charges here.

Gardai are aware of one incident a month ago during which associates of the gang broke into a property in the Moneymore area armed with handguns.

During the home invasion, the occupants phone was stolen and his car was also taken before being burnt out.

The Drogheda feud, which has claimed four lives, began in July 2018 when mob boss Owen Maguire was left paralysed after being shot by gangland serial killer Robbie Lawlor, who was himself murdered as part of the same criminal dispute in April 2020.

It was the brutal murder and dismemberment of the body of Keane Mulready Woods (17) in January 2020 by hitman Lawlor that elevated the feud into an international news story.

A key figure in the bitter gangland warfare was Cornelius Price, who died in a Welsh hospital in February.

The 41-year-old gangster, considered a key member of the Maguire faction, was charged with conspiring to falsely imprison and blackmail two brothers in July 2020in the UK.

He was unable to stand trial with his five alleged associates as he was suffering a brain disease.

The anti-Maguire faction have also been left seriously weakened by garda operations against them.

Two brothers who are considered the mobs leaders are forced to live abroad, and many of their key associates are either dead or locked up in prison.

This has meant individuals such as the criminal who is currently on the run now have a more serious role to play in the criminal organisation
Maura Higgins has told how special it was to gift her mother a car as she recalled her own experience of struggling in Ireland to pay for my heating.

The Love Island star-turned-host from Longford last night confirmed she was in a new and very happy relationship and reflected on her interview with ex-partner Curtis Pritchard.

Speaking to host Patrick Kielty on The Late Late Show, Higgins reacted to a video she shared two years ago when she surprised her mother with the gift of a new car.

"That was such a special moment for me to be able to do that for my mum, she said.

"I remember only a few years ago struggling in Ireland to pay for my heating and buying my first car which took a long, long time  a used little red Opel Corsa.

Higgins joked that her mother would be getting a candle and a hug this Christmas after she pulled out all the stops with a car.

The Longford star became a guest host and then social host on Love Island spin-offs  Love Island US and Love Island Games  this summer, spending her time in Fiji.

She said she had worries that the American audience would not understand her, but never had any problems.

Love Island Games featured a string of former contestants, including Higgins ex Curtis Pritchard.

Curtis Pritchard and Maura Higgins (Getty)

The pair left the villa together in 2019 and finished in fourth place, though later split.

Asked how their reunion on the show went with Higgins as the host and Pritchard as a contestant, the reality star said: "For me it was fine because I was just doing my job, it wasnt awkward for me. I treated him like every other contestant.

On whether her ex-partner felt differently about the interaction, Higgins laughed: I never asked him.

The star first came to screens on her own season of Love Island in 2019, though she went on to compete on Dancing on Ice and host shows like Glow Up.

"My life has changed with my whole career and everything but one thing about me is Ill always stay humble and thats never going to change. If anything, Im probably worse the older I get. Well, Im probably more honest. I feel like the older you get you just really dont care, you know?

Asked what her response would be if she was approached to host Love Island, she said: "Id say, Ive done it, so why not do it again?

Kielty then gave his own rendition of the Love Island host signature walk through the RTE Montrose campus before conversation turned to Higgins love life.

The host said: Last time you were on this show, you were still single ready to mingle. And now I believe you are?

I am no more single. Very happy relationship, Higgins replied, adding that her new partner was in the audience last night.

She is in Ireland to visit family and have a few pints and a bit of craic, she said: "Its always nice to be home, Ireland will always be my home at the end of the day.
Four Irish people have died following weight loss and cosmetic surgeries this year

High level of Irish patients returning from Turkey with severe complications following surgical procedures

Irish medics have raised concerns about the large number of patients returning from Turkey with superbug infections and severe complications following cosmetic and medical procedures.

Patients looking to travel abroad to undergo surgeries are being warned that some countries have a higher level of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can cause devastating outcomes.

Professor Deborah McNamara, vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), said hospitals here are seeing people present with life-threatening complications after returning from overseas  and waiting lists here are being compounded by the issue.

It comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that four Irish people have died so far this year after undergoing bariatric (weight loss) and cosmetic surgeries in Turkey.

Last month, a young mother from the east of the country tragically died following a weight loss procedure. The DFA said the true number of deaths may be higher, as not all cases are notified to it.

Surgery abroad may not include the same safety procedures and aftercare as domestic operations. Photo: Getty Images

Deaths linked with medical tourism have been rising. Between 2017 and 2020, there were no deaths reported. In the last three years, at least 10 people have lost their lives.

Prof McNamara, who is a consultant surgeon at Beaumont Hospital, said social media has glamourised certain surgeries, making them seem less significant than they really are.

Any surgery that requires a general anaesthetic should not be taken lightly as there are certain risks, she said. Every death that happens is a death too many.

Prof McNamara said the risk of healthcare-acquired infection and antibiotic-resistant bacteria  otherwise known as superbugs  varies between countries.

People returning from some countries, such as Turkey, seem to be presenting with a higher rate of infection, which may be putting Irish patients at risk. Some hospitals are seeing medical tourism patients being admitted every week.

In some cases, emergency procedures are being carried out, resulting in scheduled appointments for patients here being put back.

You should not assume that the normal safeguards that apply to surgery and surgical procedures undertaken in Ireland are automatically in place in other countries, she said.

Acquiring an antibiotic-resistant organism, especially when the surgery includes implantation of a medical device such as a knee or hip replacement, can have devastating life-long effects on the outcome of the procedure, regardless of which country it occurs in. But it may create unique challenges for you if it were to occur abroad.

Prof McNamara advised bariatric patients in particular to do significant research about the risks involved in travelling abroad.

In general, people who undergo bariatric procedures  which reduce hunger and restrict the amount of food youre able to eat and absorb  are warned not to fly within two weeks of surgery.

However, in Turkey, clinics market cheap packages on social media and highlight how you can fly home within days. Some hospitals sign off on a fit-to-fly cert for patients within a week of having a procedure.

Prof McNamara said bariatric surgery complications can be life-threatening and expressed concern about people getting on a plane so soon after an operation.

Patients who are obese are at high risk travelling abroad for surgery because air travel can increase your chances of developing blood clots, especially after surgery, she warned.

Other things can increase this risk further, such as dehydration and some common medications such as the oral contraceptive pill.

Sometimes people feel surgery is a shortcut for weight loss, but weight loss is about much more than just an operation.

There is a whole package of care involved, and people who go abroad are often denying themselves that.

Patients in Ireland are facing long delays in accessing hospital beds for surgery, with some hospitals having waiting lists of up to five years. Currently, only a small number of hospitals offer bariatric procedures here.

Prof McNamara has called for the service to be expanded to reduce waiting lists.

She said surgeons share the frustration experienced by patients who face lengthy waiting lists. The RCSI advocates on behalf of patients and is working with the HSE to improve access to surgical services in Ireland.

Prof McNamara also warned people that there is a distinct lack of aftercare for people who undergo surgery abroad, as often they return home and there is not much of a follow-up.

Anyone thinking about cosmetic or bariatric surgery abroad would discuss it with their family doctor, she said.

Check that the hospital is properly certified and that it has facilities to deal with emergencies. All of this needs to be done before you travel.

You should also ensure you understand the risks of surgery in the context of any underlying health conditions you may have.

Prof McNamara has advised people against going abroad for procedures that are not mandatory. She said cosmetic surgeries can affect a persons appearance when they go wrong, and can often result in scarring.

One thing that people sometimes forget is surgery is not the same as other cosmetic interventions, she said.

Its not the same as having a makeover or going to a beautician for care.
The mother of Nora Quoirin, the 15-year-old French-Irish teenager whose body was found near a Malaysian resort where she vanished while on holiday in 2019, has described a documentary about her daughters disappearance that aired on Malaysian television as painful to watch.

Speaking on the Brendan OConnor Show on RTE Radio One today, Meabh Quoirin said it was a shock to learn that the programme was to air on national television in Malaysia.

As you can imagine it was very, very painful to watch. (It was) shocking in a number of different ways, she said.

"I mean, the quality of the programme was pretty bad in that it was simply a narration of what the police had endeavoured to carry out at the time, and it was really a story about them, for them, by them.

No critical questions were asked, no investigative points were raised so from that point of view, fairly poor and very frustrating.

Meabh and Sebastien Quoirin, parents of Nora Quoirin, outside the High Court in Dublin, where it was confirmed they had settled a case against Facebook and retired solicitor Anne Brennan. Photo: PA

Ms Quoirin said the family were quite taken aback by some of the footage shown, including video of her daughters funeral in Belfast.

But perhaps the most shocking and the most painful of all was that they actually showed pictures of Noras body when they found her - blurred to an extent - but I cant really put into words the pain and anxiety that floods your body when you see a picture of your little girl like that on national television.

She told how the documentary included some erroneous details and did not include a number of points important to her family, including physical evidence found at the scene.

Whole sets of fingerprints were in fact taken from the window which we found open the morning of Noras disappearance and that to us is absolutely material. That also is the proof that Nora was abducted.

She said suggestions made at the time that Nora had wandered off and got lost in the jungle or was playing hide and seek were ridiculous as it was not possible for her daughter to have done so.

Our view is and has been from almost the moment she disappeared that she was abducted. We woke up, couldnt find Nora. Nora was highly submissive and always was by our side. She never went anywhere by herself so the fact that we couldnt see her at all immediately sent us into a panic, she said.

Ms Quoirin told how she believes Nora was abandoned in the jungle by someone who abducted her.

She also said there was a lack of urgency amongst Malaysian authorities and said they did not consider that Nora was a child with special needs.

Ms Quoirin said her family lives with the trauma of what happened every day and is supported by their family, friends and the community.

For me, every day is about showing up and trying to honour Nora. The love never dies and you show up to that, you want people to understand who the special people are in our world.

She said it is a privilege to have Nora as her daughter and that is what the focus is.

Ms Quoirin told how Nora was an incredibly happy child, adding: We had such a wonderful life with her, and I think the world could see that.

She added: We will live with the sadness for the rest of our lives, there's absolutely no doubt about that. But we are doing as well as you could expect. We try to make Nora proud of us every day. We still show up as a family of five, we speak of her often, we speak to her every day.

We all have our own way of chatting to her and we all carry on with our lives and just try to take it one day at a time.

Ms Quoirin said there are still a lot of unanswered questions and many details that remain unexplored.

We would like to explore all of that. We wont be able to force the Malaysians to do that, thats just not going to happen, but one day we would like to see the story told through a very different light to what we experienced through that awful documentary a couple of weeks ago.

She said she was never prepared for the authorities there to have the last word, adding that she and her husband feel that the world deserves to know as much of the truth that can be found.

Were not unrealistic, I think it would be impossible to have all the answers but to not even ask the right questions seems absolutely lacking and so yes, I think we would consider more investigation in the right circumstances and with the right team of people.
A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the scene (Rebecca Black/PA)

Police in Northern Ireland believe they have made their largest ever seizure of cocaine.

The haul of drugs, suspected to be cocaine with an estimated street value of 10 million, was seized by police on routine patrol in the Jonesborough area of south Co Armagh on Monday.

The drugs were found concealed within boxes containing frozen meat products in a lorry.

A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a number of driving-related offences. He has since been released on police bail.

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said it was the largest seizure of suspected cocaine in Northern Ireland by the PSNI.

He said the sophistication of how they were concealed indicates the scale of criminality involved.

Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, whilst on routine patrol in the Jonesborough area of South Armagh on Monday evening had reason to stop a suspicious lorry, he said.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of suspected cocaine concealed within boxes containing frozen meat products, worth an estimated street value of 10 million.

A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a number of driving-related offences.

He has since been released on police bail to allow for further inquiries as the investigation continues.

This is the largest seizure of suspected cocaine in Northern Ireland by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett (left) and Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill with a quantity of suspected cocaine seized in Co Armagh on Monday night. They were speaking to media at Grosvenor PSNI stations in Belfast. (Rebecca Black/PA)

The sophistication of the concealment method and sheer quantity of the drugs gives an indication of the scale of criminality involved.

He praised an example of effective community based Neighbourhood policing at its best.

As District Commander I am incredibly proud of my team who have removed a very significant amount of illegal and harmful drugs from our streets, he added.

Organised Crime Branch has now commenced a robust investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill said they are appealing for information about a maroon-coloured Iveco Eurocargo lorry with the registration number LK08 LHO travelling within the South Armagh area, particularly in the wider Jonesborough and Keady areas.

Please review any dash-cam or CCTV footage that you think you may have of this vehicle  this information could help our investigation greatly, he said.

Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett (left) and Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill with a quantity of suspected cocaine seized in Co Armagh on Monday night. They were speaking to media at Grosvenor PSNI stations in Belfast. (Rebecca Black/PA)

The Police Service, under Operation Dealbreaker, is actively committed to removing drugs from our streets, and we will continue to proactively investigate and carry out searches to disrupt this activity, and those involved in the drugs trade.

We will robustly investigate this seizure and enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved in facilitating and organising this importation.

He added: The Police Service is seizing more drugs and arresting more people for drugs offences, with a 10pc increase on both arrests and seizures across the Police Service in the last year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with any information about suspected drug dealing in their area to call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Martin Varley, the Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has retired.

The organisation represents hospital consultants working in public and private hospitals.

He was with the IHCA for seventeen years, including twelve as Secretary General.

A spokeswoman said that during his tenure, IHCA membership has doubled, with 95pc of hospital consultants working in Ireland now represented by the body.

He has played a central role in negotiating crucial agreements with government and a large range of healthcare organisations, including the most recent consultant contract.

The contract gives an income of up to 300,000 a year to consultants in return for treating public patients and working over six days to including Saturday shifts. They can treat private patients in their own time.

IHCA President, Prof Rob Landers paid tribute to Mr Varley for his outstanding service and unwavering dedication.

He said: Through our #Carecantwait campaign, Martin was central in shining a light on the severe capacity deficits in public hospitals and mental health services. This campaign has played a pivotal role in advocating for increased investment in our healthcare services which are needed to ensure timely care for patients.

The process to recruit a new Secretary General now commences and we will update members further on our progress on this front in the new year.

On an interim basis, our Assistant Secretary General Alice McGarvey and Senior Executive Officer Aidan O Reilly will jointly act as Secretary General, ensuring continuity of our Association's operations and meeting the needs of our 3,700 members.

Mr Varley added: It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and success of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association. I am very proud of all we have achieved together throughout my 17 years.

I am confident that under the interim and new leadership, along with the dedication of all our members, the Association will continue to thrive.

I would like to thank all our members; it has been an honour to work alongside professionals who are so dedicated to delivering improved and better healthcare for all.
Palestinians inspect damages following an Israeli raid at Kamal Adwan hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the northern Gaza Strip December 16, 2023. REUTERS/Fadi Alwhidifa

In a statement issued this afternoon, a spokesperson said it will continue to work consistently with the relevant authorities on additional cases where these arise and to assist in instances where other Irish citizens and accompanying dependants wish to exit Gaza.

Irish-Palestinian citizen Zac Hania is one of those who remains trapped after he was stopped at the border last month, his wife has said.

His four sons and wife, Batoul, were able to leave the conflict zone in November, but Mr Hania and his nephew were stopped at the border and have had to remain in Gaza since.

Speaking to Saturday with Barry Lenihan on RTE Radio One, Ms Hania said it was heartbreaking to be separated at the crossing, adding: It was not just saying goodbye to somebody. If you are in extraordinary conditions, you are leaving somebody in danger.

Rubble lies next to a building following an Israeli raid at Kamal Adwan hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the northern Gaza Strip December 16, 2023. REUTERS/Fadi Alwhidifa

She said the situation was very, very difficult, describing how her husband pleaded with her to take their children and get out of Gaza.

I was crying for him, Im not going, Im not going to leave you alone and Im not going to leave you behind. I dont know what will happen to you. He was telling me that If I was killed, at least you and the kids are in a safer place.

Ms Hania said their family should be together and not separated with one in danger and the other in a safer place.

She said the Government is making efforts to get her husband out of Gaza, adding that she wished she had heard more promising words .

Ms Hania said she attempts to call her husband each morning, but the connection is often impacted due to the ongoing conflict.

Every day, every morning I try to contact him just to know that he is still alive and breathing and when the connection goes bad, which is more frequent, I just get very frustrated and get very scared about him and this morning, I heard the phone, he sent me a voice message  the regular, routine message that We are still here, Im not dead yet.

For me, its not enough because I want to ask him many questions to make sure about my parents, if they are okay because they are in different areas but in the same city.

I wanted to make sure about other families, to check on other family members that they are OK, they are still good and what theyre eating, what theyre doing, how is the health of everybody? We dont have this flexible chat, this family chat.

She told how she was making another appeal to the relevant Irish authorities who could help her family and help her husband.

I am appealing to anybody of authority, any political figure and the authorities, please, please do something about this shattered family. I know that all the families in Gaza are under attack are in danger but please if you cannot ceasefire, if you cannot do something for everybody in Gaza, do something for your own citizens.

I know that the mother does not abandon her children. Please, Irish Government, you are the mother of every Irish citizen in Gaza. Now they are in danger.

They are suffering in danger every minute, she said, asking for intervention that would bring her husband and his nephew, Muhammad, here to their families.

"Its Christmas time. Every family here is going to have a good time next week but unfortunately not my family.

She said she is grateful that her family was brought to safety, but safety and security for her is to be together as a wife with my husband, for my kids to be with their father.

Please, reunite these families together again.
There was a burst of gunfire  at that moment it became a battleground

It is 40 years since the violent rescue of kidnapped supermarkets boss Don Tidey

Don Tidey speaks with the media on the first day of freedom following his kidnapping. Photo: Tom Burke

Patrick McGarty Sat 16 Dec 2023 at 03:30

In the fading light of the afternoon of December 16, 1983, a combined force of soldiers and gardai were searching Derrada Wood, five miles from the town of Ballinamore in Co Leitrim, for kidnapped businessman Don Tidey.
Russian troops can use mobile platforms to launch Shahed-136/131 into Ukraine. For example, the military of the aggressor country used trucks for this purpose.

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This was reported on December 16 by Yurii Ihnat, a spokesman for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on the broadcast of "Yedyni Novyny". The colonel commented on the drone attack that the enemy launched on the evening of December 15.

He said that the attack was typical. "There were drones all over the country and they were flying from three directions today: Bryansk region, Primorsko-Okhtarsk and the Kursk area," said Ihnat.

"The public is interested in which sites the Russians are launching Shahed from. The sites are not so important for the occupiers, because they can be mobile. We saw that Shahed drones were actually launched from a truck, from a car. This is a container, it can be anywhere and launch these drones," the military explained.

Another typical area for launching attack UAVs is the temporarily occupied Crimea. In this case, Iranian-made kamikaze drones fly through Kherson or Odesa regions.

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In other words, the launch areas are constant, but the invaders try to constantly change the flight routes, "moving 5-10 kilometers to the left or right to avoid Ukrainian air defense systems and mobile fire groups."

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

- On the night of December 16, Russian troops carried out the sixth air attack on Kyiv since the beginning of December. They tried to shell the capital with kamikaze drones.

- The Ukrainian military reported that on the night of December 16, the enemy launched 31 Shahed-136/131. Of these, 30 were shot down by our air defense (Dnipropetrovs'k, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Khmelnytskyi regions).

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- Air alerts due to kamikaze drones can be quite lengthy, as due to their considerable range, drones can fly around the territory several times instead of directly attacking the target.

You can find only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signs a flag for an American serviceman at US Army Europe and Africa headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany on Thursday. It seems as if his trip to seek more US funding was futile. Photo: Reuters

Inside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskys meeting with dozens of US senators at the Capitol this week, Republican Lindsey Graham was the last to speak. Mr Graham tried to explain to Mr Zelensky why urgent military and economic aid for Ukraine is held up by a partisan dispute in Washington over immigration policy.

I know this is not a problem of your making, but understand that the votes are there, Mr President, for helping your country, Mr Graham recalled telling Mr Zelensky in an interview after the meeting. But aid to Ukraine has to go through a border, an American southern border thats more secure.
A fter the invasion of Ukraine, scarcely two years ago, the perception was, a valiant defence would soon be overwhelmed by Moscows merciless aggression, and military might.

However, the valour, resolve and iron will of the Ukrainian people proved that consensus wrong.

They fought heroically, not just to protect their independence, but to hold the line for democracy, and freedoms that had prevailed since the ending of World War II.

It is therefore to be welcomed that the European Union has agreed to start talks with Kyiv about joining the bloc down the line. In the short term, aid is also critical.

It seems too cruel to even imagine the countrys struggle could be threatened not by indiscriminate attacks by President Putin, who has recommitted himself to the task of obliterating Ukraines independence, but by disputes over support for Kyiv within the EU and the US.

House Republicans are blocking the Biden administrations proposed $61bn package of arms which are vital to Kyivs defence. There have also been disputes over 50bn from the EU.

On the eve of a two-day EU summit, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ukraine is at a moment of peril. He warned it will not survive without full backing from the EU and US.

Without full support from the EU and the US, Putin will win, with all of the consequences that flow for the world after that, Mr Varadkar warned.

It would be wildly irresponsible were Ukraines fate to be in the balance  not because of an inability to fight, but because self-serving elements in either the US or EU obstruct support.

Without the infusion of cash to buy the munitions, and military provisions it needs, Ukraine faces defeat.

As Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, told a Washington forum last week, the big risk is that Kyivs troops could lose this war.

The country has no choice but to fight.

Its widely accepted any compromise would involve Ukraines subjugation and dissolution. It would also spur Moscow to threaten the borders of other neighbours with the dire implications for global conflict.

From the outset, Putin has bet everything on a weakening of the West to stay the course on Ukraine.

His is a long game, with no thought for the cost in lives or money. With no opposition to worry about domestically, he has nothing to fear. Should support for Ukraine wilt, there will be nothing to stop Putin wreaking revenge and Ukrainians will be left at the mercy of his war machine.

We have heard ample pledges from Washington and Brussels about being with Ukraine for as long as it takes. There can be no wavering.

The decision to plan talks on EU membership sends a timely signal of solidarity. Russia is relying on weaknesses. This is a time to rally around Ukraine in its hour of need. To do any less would be a spur to Moscow.
Waterford City and County Council has approved the allocation of 1,653,557 in festival and event funding to aid the development and promotion of events across Waterford City and County in 2024

Waterford City and County Council has approved the allocation of 1,653,557 in festival and event funding to aid the development and promotion of events across Waterford City and County in 2024.

The figure represents a 6 per cent increase in last years funding allocation.

In 2024 the allocation will support 71 festivals and events throughout the city and county. The main thrust of the funding is to support, and promote local festivals that have an economic, tourism, cultural, artistic or community benefit for Waterford. Funding is also in place to provide training support to help local festivals and events develop and grow.

In addition to the mainstay big-ticket festivals such as Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, West Waterford Festival of Food, Waterford Harvest Festival, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and Winterval, Waterford can look forward to fourteen brand new festivals in 2024, including Lismore Community Festival, Waterford International Comic Art Festival and Waterford Pet Awards and Doggie Day Out.

Speaking following the adoption of the Festival and Events Grants for 2024 Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway said, As Mayor I am delighted that Waterford City and County Council is showing true intent in supporting our vast array of artists, musicians, entertainers, producers and creatives.

Whether the festivals are well-established or new additions to the calendar, they have one trait in common: they are a true reflection of the talent, creativity and passion that Waterfords communities have in spades.

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Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, Waterford City and County Council has always been committed to supporting strong community spirit, in the form of festivals and events. 2024 will see that community spirit feature prominently throughout the year, with festivals bookending the year, starting in January and running right through to the 12th Winterval Christmas Festival, in what is officially set to be the European City of Christmas in 2024.

Waterford has always produced an entertaining, inclusive, and eclectic programme of events throughout the year. This year we are particularly pleased to add fourteen new festivals to the list of funding and we look forward to seeing the range of new and distinctive events making their mark on the city and county.
Pictured at South East Technological Universitys (SETUs) inaugural Digital Education Conference (DEC) 2023 were Dr Paul OLeary, SETU Head of Quality Promotion, Dr Helen Murphy, Head of School of Lifelong Learning and Education, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell and Dr Zeta Dooly, Lecturer, Course Lead, and Researcher at SETU. Photograph: Patrick Browne

People from across the education ecosystem descended on SETUs Cork Road Campus in Waterford on Tuesday and Wednesday 12-13 December to explore emergent technologies such as Chat GPT and to engage in practical and theoretical discussions on the potential impact on the learning experience.

The geographical spread saw the US, Italy, UK, Belfast, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Wexford, Athlone, Cork, and Limerick all well-represented.

Delegates heard from top names in the educational and political fields acting as keynote speakers, including Dr Orna Farrell, Associate Professor of Education at the Institute of Education at Dublin City University.

Of particular interest was international consultant and expert advisor in education, AI, sustainability citizenship, and disruptive technologies, Dr Daithi O Murchu.

Dr O Murchu, who is Honorary Consul for Cote d'Ivoire to Ireland, discussed how his journey with education, emerging trends in AI, Robotics, 4IR, Industry-5, VR, AR, XR, Blockchain, and Cloud technologies has led him to a deeper understanding of global consciousness, sustainable transformation, and climate action.

Via video link, Green Party MEP, Grace OSullivan shared a fascinating insight into her work as an environmental and peace activist, an environmental education specialist, and an ecologist, as well as the EU legislation governing Artificial Intelligence.

Engaging panel sessions included Sean Aylward, Chair of the National Training Agency SOLAS, Ciara Ni Fhloinn, SOLAS Flexible Learning Manager, Dr Michael Hallissy, founding partner of H2 Learning, Tim Lavery founder of EdTech Ireland, Marc O Cathasaigh TD member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Pierre Peiclier VP, IT Architecture, Data and Strategy at Sun Life. Additionally, Dr Tom Farrelly Senior Lecturer in MTU hosted an enlightening GASTA session.

Welcoming the delegates to the conference, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell highlighted how SETU takes pride in its leadership position within the region, acting as a central hub for fostering an innovation ecosystem.

This symposium is a microcosm of SETU's broader ambitions outlined in our strategic objectives, including our ambitious five-year strategic plan: Connecting for Impact. The conference brings together educators, researchers, and industry professionals to foster innovation, share insights, collaborate, and explore ground-breaking applications of technology to inspire new perspectives, said Professor Campbell.

Aligned with this collaborative approach, engaging in research, publishing, and digital education data dissemination contributes to research-driven teaching.

This, in turn, informs innovative pedagogies and cultivates future literacies that align with sustainable education goals, and all the time, keeping the digital education agenda to the fore of the higher education sector, Professor Campbell said.

MC for the conference, Dr Zeta Dooly, Lecturer, Course Lead, and Researcher at SETU highlighted the need for change within the educational landscape at local, national, and international levels.

Addressing the delegates, Dr Dooly said, We aspire as leaders of digitalisation to inspire and empower students as co-creators with our economic and social partners to develop future curriculum and delivery modes for education that enable inclusion, empowerment, and success.

Highlighting the opportunity and risk concerning emerging technologies such as GenAI, Dr Dooly said, There needs to be experimentation, guidance, rules, and regulations so that this type of digital enabler is used appropriately, and relevant governance models are adopted to manage related power and authority that is now prevalent in our homes and ubiquitous digital worlds.

As educators, these challenges can and will be converted to enablers, ideation, and entrepreneurship which will drive the development of prototypes, hybrid physical and virtual worlds, and illuminate the possibilities on the horizon to be an inclusive learning society that nurtures our wild and wonderful environments.

Dr Paul OLeary, SETU Head of Quality Promotion and member of the conference organising committee said, SETU is proud to be an open university, that recognises that learners can be quite varied in terms of their digital skills and their approaches to learning. This conference was very important for displaying how learning approaches have changed and how the University is adapting to meet these changing expectations.
Film producer and Duncannon native John Wallace has become the 11th recipient of the Dan O'Herlihy Fellowship Award after he was presented with the prize by the Wexford Film Society in the Arts Centre. The Fellowship is named in memory of the Wexford-born and Oscar nominated actor Dan O'Herlihy who died in 2005.

The accolade is presented by the society to a person from the county who has distinguished themselves in the world of film. Other names on the roll of honour include Billy Roche and John Banville for screenwriting, actors Gary Lydon and Padraic Delaney, production designers John Paul Kelly and Anna Rackard and director Declan Lowney.

On making the presentation, the club's chairman Stephen Eustace informed the audience that John was the first producer to receive the award. In a question and answer session following the presentation, John credited his parents Tony and Ciss, who were in the audience, for his interest in film. "My parents always said the reason I ended up working in film was because they used to go to the cinema twice a week when my mother was pregnant with me," he said.

John, taking a break in his busy schedule, attended a screening of LOLA, a film he produced for director Andrew Legge, with his Cowtown Pictures producing partner Alan Maher. In October of this year, LOLA became the first Irish film to win the Melies d'Or at the 56th Sitges Film Festival in Barcelona.

John also co-produced Ballywalter, a comedy drama set in Northern Ireland starring Seana Kerslake and Patrick Kielty, which was released last year. Previously, John has produced or co-produced films including the Phil Lynott documentary Songs for While I'm Away; Rialto, which was written by Mark O'Halloran; and Kristen Sheridan's Dollhouse.

Having studied Commerce in UCD, where he went after sitting his Leaving Cert at Good Counsel, New Ross, John soon realised he wanted to work in the film industry. He subsequently worked as assistant director on Garage, Laws of Attraction, Intermission and One Hundred Mornings, before becoming a producer.

Next February John will produce a new television drama series, which will be directed by Wexford's Laura Way. Another project, which was delayed by the Hollywood actor's strike, will go into production next September: West the Road is due to star Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton, Emmy winner Hanna Waddingham, Bafta winner Siobhan McSweeney and IFTA winner Eileen Walsh.
Arklows famous community spirit was on show recently when the Christian Community Church welcomed huge crowds to their annual Christmas concert.

Over 200 community members were in attendance to see a string of exceptionally talented choirs, bands and solo artists put on a show to remember.

Featuring the Arklow Pipe Band, the Arklow AMA childrens choir, Tony Byrne, The Harpers, vocalist Bri-Elle Finn and others, attendees revelled in the performances and enjoyed a delicious spread of festive foods and refreshments.

Praising the performers and all those in attendance, Pastor Solomon Aroboto said: We had easily over 200 people there, and the church was absolutely packed with everyone having a blast.

We had the Arklow Pipe Band, Arklow AMA Childrens Choir who were led by Bri-Elle Finn  who was just fantastic.

We also had our own childrens choir, made up of children from the church. We had the Harpers from Avoca, and the team of priests sang as well.

It was really well attended, and there was loads of food for everyone.

We had words of encouragement for people to keep Christ in Christmas, and not make it just about the commercialization or the food and the gifts, but people shouldnt forget the greatest gift of all  Jesus Christ, he added.

I really find that a lot of people are really losing their way, and they have forgotten what Christmas is all about, especially the kids.

Santa is great, and so are the gifts and everything that goes with it, but we shouldnt forget about Christ.
RTE Radio presenter Derek Mooney visited Links, a day service run by Sunbeam House Services, on Wednesday, December 5, much to the joy of all who were in attendance.

Derek was presenting a Christmas programme entitled Talk to Santa and the service users from Links were on hand to sing the famous Christmas song, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, which Derek recorded for inclusion in this show.

He spent about an hour in Links and after recording the song, stayed to chat with service users and staff and pose for photos.

It was a joyous hour full of laughter and Christmas cheer, with service users and staff dressed in Christmas clothing and singing their hearts out. Links is a day service located on Adelaide Road in Bray, which provides 19 service users with a wide variety of centre and community based activities.

If you wish to hear the gang sing for yourself, you can tune into Dereks programme, Talk to Santa, which will be broadcast on RTE Radio 1 on Christmas Eve from 3pm to 4pm. Santa Claus also joins Derek Mooney live from the North Pole to take calls and messages from the children of Ireland with their Christmas wish lists.
Liz Malone with Colm, Cala and Feldhlim Byrne at the St. Patrick's N.S Santa Dash on the Murrough, Wicklow Town

Jonathon and Milly Hensley at the St. Patrick's N.S Santa Dash on the Murrough, Wicklow Town

William and Billy Winters at the St. Patrick's N.S Santa Dash on the Murrough, Wicklow Town

Christina, Jamie, Louis and James Noctor at the St. Patrick's N.S Santa Dash on the Murrough, Wicklow Town

The Binu family with Santa at the St. Patrick's N.S Santa Dash on the Murrough, Wicklow town.

Pupils and parents at the St. Patrick's NS Santa Dash on the Murrough, Wicklow Town.

Millie, Finn and Phoebe Mackay at the St. Patrick's N.S Santa Dash on the Murrough, Wicklow Town

OVER 20 families took part in the annual Santa Dash for St Patricks National School in Wicklow town.

Each year members of the school community descend on the Murrough to spread some festive cheer while also helping to raise some funds for the school.

The weather cleared-up dramatically for Sundays dash, especially given the windswept conditions experienced on the Saturday.

Participants set off from Wicklow Rowing Club and made their way to the playground at the Murrough where Santa Claus was waiting for them. After high-fiving Mr Claus and ringing the bell in his possession, the families then made their way back to the rowing club.

Brigid-Rose Kalisa said: There was a great festive feel at the Santa dash and it was very much a family orientated affair. Things went really well and after the dash had finished, Santa met with all the young girls and boys at the rowing club to listen to what they want for Christmas.

We also served some non-alcoholic punch and some treats and refreshments for everyone involved.
European Union leaders expressed confidence yesterday that they would clear a large package of aid for Ukraine early in 2024, despite a veto by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

All 27 EU states except Hungary agreed on Thursday to start accession talks with Ukraine despite its invasion by Russia, bypassing Orbans grievances by getting him to leave the room.
Ukrainian serviceman launches a kamikaze FPV drone at a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk region, Ukraine December 12, 2023. REUTERS/Inna Varenytsia

Ukraine's air defence and mobile groups of drone hunters shot down 30 out of 31 Russian drones over 11 regions across the country on Saturday, the air force said.
The hacker attack on Kyivstar mobile operator was one of the most devastating cyberattacks on Ukrainian networks since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Not only millions of civilian subscribers were affected by the disruption of the operator's equipment.

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Government resources and emergency services have also fallen victim to hackers. This was reported on social network X, formerly known as Twitter, by the UK military intelligence.

The intelligence agency recalled that Ukraine's largest mobile operator suffered a cyberattack on December 12. The negative effect on mobile communications and data services lasted at least two days.

As a result of the hacker attack, users were left without a mobile signal and the ability to use home Internet services. However, no personal data was compromised during the attack.

British intelligence noted that the cyberattack disrupted the operation of air raid sirens, some banks, ATMs and vending terminals. In addition, on December 12, the Ukrainian bank Monobank was subjected to a DDoS attack, which limited access to the bank's website for some time.

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The agency noted that the cyberattack on Kyivstar disrupted the work of government resources and emergency services in Ukraine. Therefore, the UK assessed this incident as one of the most destructive cyberattacks on Ukrainian networks since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

As a reminder, as of the evening of December 15, Kyivstar mobile operator restored access to the mobile Internet throughout the entire territory of Ukraine controlled by the Ukrainian government. The service is currently available in all communication standards, including 4G.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Kyivstar mobile network was restored in the evening of December 13. Residents of the western regions were the first to get voice communication, but within a few hours the coverage appeared in other regions.

- Before that, Kyivstar voiced several scenarios for restoring mobile services after the hacker attack. The baseline scenario assumed that the ability to make calls would be restored on December 13. However, the mobile operator also warned of "uncertainty".

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in a handout picture released by the Israel Defence Forces on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Photo: Israel Defence Forces / via Reuters

The Israeli armys death toll in Gaza is already almost twice as high as during a ground offensive in 2014, a reflection of how far it has pushed into the enclave and of Hamas use of guerrilla tactics and an expanded arsenal.
A seventh century sculpture titled Head of Buddha at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (Metropolitan Museum of Art via AP)

New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art has said it will return more than a dozen ancient pieces of artwork to Cambodia and Thailand after they were tied to an art dealer accused of running a huge antiquities trafficking network out of Southeast Asia.

This most recent repatriation of artwork comes as many museums in the US and Europe reckon with collections that contain objects looted from Asia, Africa and other places during centuries of colonialism or in times of upheaval.
Hundreds of skaters took to the streets of London donning Santa outfits to provide some Christmas cheer.

London Santa Skate returned on Saturday afternoon, and saw avid skaters take on a two-hour festive skate from Wellington Arch, at Hyde Park Corner, to the Star Of Kings, York Way.
Photo Courtesy: Air India website

Gurugram: Air India has received the DGCA approval for engineering line maintenance of A350 and A320 aircraft, the Tata Group-owned airline said on Friday.

This is a major step forward in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of the six A350 aircraft which is set to join the Air India fleet, with the first one expected to land by the month end, the carrier said in a press statement.

Along with this key approval, Air India engineers also received the DGCA certification for attending to any work related to the maintenance of A350 aircraft, it said.

Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) 145 provides certification to ensure that the processes, systems, and controls at the MRO have been thoroughly reviewed, evaluated, and tested by Indias aviation regulator DGCA and is certified to have the capability to perform maintenance tasks safely and effectively conforming to all the airworthiness requirements.

This approval will further inspire us to ensure smooth operation of our fleet, including, of course, the A350, with the highest technical despatch reliability, said S.K. Dash, Chief Technical Officer, Air India.

Air India is the first Indian airline to induct the technologically advanced A350 into its operations. The Engineering team of Air India has been gearing up to welcome the A350 aircraft and ensure that all necessary checks, maintenance, and repairs is available from the outset in the Air India facilities itself, the statement said.

The carrier said that the engineering teams comprising Air India, Vistara, and AIX Connect representatives have successfully completed training at the Airbus centre in Toulouse.

The specialized courses on Structure Assessment and Engine Run Up have been conducted, enhancing the team's expertise in handling the A350.

Senior executives from the Engineering department have undergone A350 General Familiarization Course to ensure comprehensive domain knowledge and understanding of the aircraft.

Besides the engineers, technicians have received extensive training in General Familiarization to ensure smooth servicing and operation of the A350 aircraft.

In collaboration with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), Air India has been ensuring that its aircraft engineers have a hands-on experience of scheduled maintenance activities, turn-around inspections, and other essential orientation to have an immersive experience to handle the requirements of the A350 aircraft before it starts joining the fleet, read the statement.

Besides, the engineers have been participating in workshops on A350 for a comprehensive familiarity with the aircraft.
Photo Courtesy: Priya Singh Instagram page

A woman was severely hurt after her boyfriend, who is the son of a senior bureaucrat, allegedly tried to run his car over her in Maharashtra's Thane region.

The victim alleged that her boyfriend beat her, attempted to strangle her and tried to mow her down following a heated argument.

Ashwajit Gaikwad, a man accused of mowing down his 26-year-old girlfriend in Maharashtra's Thane, has refuted all the allegations made by the woman, Priya Singh, sources told India Today.

He also called the entire incident an attempt to "extort money", they added.

In the initial investigation, Gaikwad, who is the president of Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Thane division, told the police that he and Priya were just "friends", the Indian news channel reported.

"Whatever has been portrayed is untrue. She (Priya Singh) is just a friend of mine," sources quoted him as saying by India Today.

The incident reportedly took place on Monday.

Police have registered a case against Gaikwad.

The woman wrote on Instagram: "Need Justiceculprit ASHWAJIT ANIL KUMAR GAIKWAD. Son of Anil Kumar Gaikwad, joint MD, MSRDC. And his friend- Romil Patil.Driver- Sagar shedge these are the culprit."
Photo Courtesy: PIB

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States of America and the Republic of India to enhance innovation ecosystems through an innovation handshake.

The 5th India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue was held on 10th March 2023 during the visit of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo between 8-10 March.

At the meeting the Commercial Dialogue was re-launched with strategic focus on supply chain resiliency, climate and clean technology cooperation, advancing inclusive digital economy, and facilitating post-pandemic economic recovery especially for SMEs and start-ups.

It included launch of a new Working Group on Talent, Innovation and Inclusive Growth (TIIG) under the Commercial Dialogue.

It was noted that this Working Group would also support efforts of Start-ups working towards goals of iCET, particularly in identifying specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation and fostering greater connectivity between our innovation ecosystems with focus on start-ups through specific ideas for joint activities.

The Joint Statement released by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi in June 2023 welcomed focused efforts to establish an Innovation Handshake that shall connect the two sides dynamic startup ecosystems, address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation, and promote innovation and job growth, particularly in critical and emerging technologies (CET).

To formalize the cooperation under the Innovation handshake and implement the guidance, a G2G MoU has been signed between India and the US on Innovation Handshake on 14th November, 2023 at San Francisco, USA.

The scope of cooperation would include a series of India- U.S. Innovation Handshake events, round tables with private sector, including hackathon and Open Innovation programs, information sharing and other activities.

The MoU laid the groundwork for two future Innovation Handshake events scheduled to take place in India and the United States in early 2024, which include an investment forum aimed toward helping U.S. and Indian startup companies take their innovative ideas and products to market and a hackathon in Silicon Valley where U.S. and Indian startups will pitch ideas and technologies to help address global economic challenges.

The MoU would contribute significantly to strengthening Commercial opportunities in high-tech sector.
Photo Courtesy: PIB

Indian Navy's Mission Deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving the hijacking of Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen.

"The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 23, indicating boarding by approx six unknown personnel," read a government statement on Saturday.

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate & assist MV Ruen.

The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of 15 Dec 23 and IN aircraft have been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia.

Indian Navys warship, mission deployed in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol, has also intercepted MV Ruen at early hours of 16 Dec 23.

The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies/ MNF in the area.

The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries.
Photo Courtesy: Arindam Bagchi X page

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who is currently visiting India, on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reviewed a bilateral relationship covering issues related to trade and defence.

"PM @narendramodi held productive discussions with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi posted on X.

Transforming - ties!



PM @narendramodi held productive discussions with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman.



The leaders reviewed bilateral relationship covering the areas of political, security, defence, trade, economic, cultural and people to people ties. They pic.twitter.com/7t4RMOy2ul  Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) December 16, 2023

"The leaders reviewed bilateral relationship covering the areas of political, security, defence, trade, economic, cultural and people to people ties," he said.

The two leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues.

The Omani leader is visiting the country at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior Ministers and officials.



India and Oman share a longstanding history of friendship and cooperation, built on the foundation of mutual trust and respect, and strong people-to-people ties going back centuries, read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs earlier.

India and the Sultanate of Oman are strategic partners and the bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two nations has flourished over the years.
Photo Courtesy: UNI

New Delhi: The Delhi Police Saturday arrested Mahesh Kumawat, the sixth accused in the Parliament security breach case, confirming his involvement in the overall conspiracy, media reports said.

The police interrogated Kumawat extensively, leading a Delhi court to remand him to the custody of Delhi Police for seven days for further questioning., India Today reported.

Hailing from the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, Mahesh had arrived in Delhi on December 13, the day of the incident where two individuals leaped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery, and opened smoke canisters and triggering a nationwide alarm.

Mahesh's hideout in Rajasthan was the destination where the principal conspirator, Lalit Jha, sought refuge after escaping from Delhi following the incident, according to the report.

Police sources revealed that Mahesh helped Lalit in destroying the mobile phones of the initial four accused who were arrested.

Mahesh was in continuous contact with Neelam Devi, who faced arrest for staging a protest outside the Parliament while other members of their group infiltrated the Lok Sabha, the report said.

Both Lalit and Mahesh had surrendered together at the police station in the New Delhi area on Thursday.

On November 13, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D breached the Lok Sabha's chamber during Zero Hour, releasing yellow smoke from canisters, and shouting slogans, but were immediately subdued by Members of Parliament.

Simultaneously, Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi, at that same time, released coloured smoke from canisters outside the Parliament premises while shouting the slogan, "tanashahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship won't be allowed)." All four have been arrested and are facing terrorism charges.

Following interrogation, the police said that the accused had a motive to "create anarchy" in the country to compel the government to address their demands.

Authorities are investigating the "actual motive behind the attack" and examining any potential connections to other nations or terrorist organisations.
Russia is preparing for a protracted war against Ukraine. The aggressor state plans not only to reach the administrative borders of the partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions but also to occupy Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro regions.

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At the same time, recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov only confirm the Kremlin's aggressive plans, which Western intelligence has warned about. This is stated in the analytical material of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

ISW analysts drew attention to the article published by BILD on December 14 about Russia's plans for war in Ukraine. Referring to insights received from their own sources and representatives of intelligence services, the authors of the material state that Russia intends to occupy a significant part of Ukraine by 2026, including outside the already partially occupied four regions on the mainland of Ukraine.

Thus, BILD writes, Russia plans to fully occupy the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and reach the Oskil River in the Kharkiv region by the end of 2024. The probable existence of these plans, according to ISW, is briefly confirmed by the geography of local Russian offensives in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions that can be observed now.

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But the aggressor's plans are not limited to Donbas. According to BILD's sources, the Kremlin's appetites also extend to most of Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Kharkiv regions, including Kharkiv. The deadline for seizing these territories is set for 2025-2026.

The publication also cites a source as saying that in general, the Russian occupation army has been tasked by the Russian top leadership to occupy the part of Ukraine east of the Dnipro River in the next 36 months.

In addition, the Russian Federation plans to hold the existing front line in the Kherson region to prevent the advance of Ukrainian troops into the occupied Crimea.

In its planning, Russia relies on the mobilization of the Russian military-industrial base and the exhaustion of the Ukrainian army by inflicting significant losses on it, primarily in manpower: the Russians plan to kill 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers annually. Moscow is also counting on changes in the United States after the presidential election in 2024 and, as a result of a new head of state coming to power, a sharp reduction or complete cessation of Western support for Ukraine.

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In addition, Western intelligence services believe that Moscow intends to start fictitious "peace talks" without stopping its offensive operations. This is how Russia acted in 2015 when it signed the second Minsk agreement with one hand and sent troops to occupy new settlements with the other.

"ISW cannot independently confirm the authenticity of BILD's reports, but Russia's alleged plans for a war in Ukraine by 2026, as reported by the publication, are consistent with Russia's ongoing preparations for a prolonged war. Russia's military command is conducting a long-term restructuring and expanding efforts to build strategic reserves. Russia is gradually mobilizing its defense industry to fight a prolonged war," ISW believes.

ISW analysts also confirm Russia's announced medium- and long-term plans to occupy additional regions of Ukraine. This is indirectly evidenced by the expansionist statements made by Russian officials, led by Putin, with increasing frequency. And the offensive efforts of Russian troops in the Kharkiv region confirm Russia's plans for the region.

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"Russian officials have made statements about Russia's intention to occupy and annex additional Ukrainian territories beyond the current front lines and the four (illegally) annexed territories. ISW recently assessed that a sudden Western refusal to continue assistance would sooner or later lead to a decline in Ukraine's ability to deter the Russian army, and in such a scenario, Russian troops could eventually advance to the western Ukrainian border," the analysts said.

They also cited the opinion of Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, who is convinced that Russia does not intend to change its plans for war in Ukraine until 2025. In his opinion, the development of a new plan by the aggressor state is possible if the front line remains unchanged until the end of 2024.

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Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov once again called on Ukraine to start negotiations with Russia. He did so in a traditionally threatening manner, saying that the longer the war lasts, the more difficult the negotiation process and the conditions for negotiations will be for Ukraine.

ISW saw this statement as further evidence that Russia intends to achieve its maximalist goals in Ukraine by military means. Lavrov's words may mean that the Kremlin expects that the longer the war lasts, the more territories of Ukraine will be occupied by Russian troops. This means that Ukraine's position in the negotiations will be weaker.

ISW also reminded that during the "direct line" of communication with Russian citizens Putin outlined Russia's plans for Ukraine: the Kremlin seeks to achieve goals that are tantamount to the complete surrender of Ukraine and the West.

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"The Kremlin has repeatedly promoted information operations, simulating interest in negotiations with Ukraine, and Lavrov's statement is probably another attempt to create conditions for Russia to move away from this information operation," ISW summarized.

Earlier, ISW analysts, having analyzed Putin's statements during the "direct line", concluded that he confirmed his maximalist goals: the overthrow of the Ukrainian government, the complete deprivation of Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian attacks, and Kyiv's abandonment of its aspirations to join NATO and the EU. The demand for the Alliance to return "to the levels of 1997" also remains unchanged.
From hot mulled wine that is called gluhwein to roasted chestnuts, pretzels and fairy lights, the aroma of a Christmas market is the essence of Europe in December. And there is no better place than Germany or to be more precise Berlin to experience that.

During a December evening in Berlin's Bebelplatz last year, the aroma of festive food and drink was in the air when I was in the German city. Soaking in the spirit of Yuletide while chestnuts roast by the open fire, the merry makers hold mulled wine - read gluhwein- glasses to cheer for the Christmas season.

The Christmas market last year at Bebelplatz was my first time at a Christmas market and as I walked the few blocks from my hotel on a chilling Berlin night, the excitement only rose.

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This Christmas market here is usually located on a beautiful square, but due to construction work, it shifted to nearby Bebelplatz last year.

In a Christmas market, the attraction is usually food. So apart from the roasted almonds, chestnuts and gluhwein, one can explore many other culinary delights.

Another market I explored was in Berlin's western centre, almost in the famous district of Kurfurstendamm where the city's most popular shopping street runs from Breitscheidplatz to Halensee.

This has nearly a 100 stalls selling everything from toys, classic decorations and glass and bronze art objects to food and wine.

In Christmas markets in Europe you see happy faces all around.

So, this is the time to land in Europe and if you are looking to soak in the spirit of Christmas markets. You can start with Berlin.
Photo Courtesy: IDF X page

The Israel Defence Forces on Friday said it 'mistakenly' killed three hostages during its campaign in Gaza.

IDF said they were misidentified as a 'threat'.

During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified 3 Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed. 1/1  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 15, 2023

"During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified 3 Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed," the IDF said in a post on X platform.

"The IDF began reviewing the incident immediately. The IDF emphasizes that this is an active combat zone in which ongoing fighting over the last few days has occurred. Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field," IDF aid.

"The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home," read the post.

They were named as Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Talalka, 22, and Alon Shamriz, 26, reports BBC.

Over 100 hostages are still believed to be in captivity in Gaza.

They were captured on October 7 attack by Hamas members.

The UN Spokesperson has welcomed the announcement on Friday (December 15, 2023) by the Israeli cabinet that the Kerem Shalom border crossing into the Gaza Strip will be reopened.

Until the Hamas-led terror attacks of 7 October and Israels full-scale military response which has devastated much of the enclave, the crossing from Israel was the main route for commercial goods into Gaza.

Until now, limited humanitarian aid has only been allowed to pass through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which serves mainly as a pedestrian crossing, although aid truck inspections have been taking place at Kerem Shalom, creating a complex and time-consuming route for lifesaving deliveries.

The fast implementation of this agreement will increase the flow of aid, said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, adding that a humanitarian ceasefire will increase the distribution of that aid across Gaza even more.

According to news reports, once details are finalized, aid will be offloaded on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom.

Dujarric said that UN humanitarians with the Aid Coordination Office OCHA have reported that much of Gaza on Friday remained flooded following heavy rains compounding already extreme human suffering.
Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Eyad El Baba

Protection needs for children in emergencies from Ukraine to Gaza and Sudan have never been greater but the humanitarian funding forecast for 2024 is increasingly bleak.

Thats the message from the UN Childrens Fund UNICEF, whose Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Ted Chaiban, said that flexible funding for aid is shrinking.

At the same time, attacks against humanitarian actors around the world have surged.

Innocent victims

Children should not be paying the price of our inaction with their lives and their futures, Mr. Chaiban said, stressing that youngsters need continued access to essential services including healthcare, safe water, basic sanitation and education.

Earlier this week UNICEF launched a $9.3 billion emergency funding appeal to reach close to 94 million children in 155 countries in 2024.

Mr. Chaiban said that this years ask was only about 50 per cent met and listed a number of critically underfunded emergencies.

These include Sudan, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Myanmar, Haiti, Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and Bangladesh.

A lack of resources means that choices will need to be made regarding several essential interventions including immunisation, primary healthcare, treatment against severe acute malnutrition, and psychosocial support.

Also in jeopardy are the means of addressing grave violations against children such as recruitment by armed groups, and basic education which is also a life-saving intervention in emergencies, said UNICEF.

DR Congo mpox spread accelerating: WHO

A deadly mpox outbreak in the DRC has been rapidly spreading across the country, raising concerns of international transmission, the UN health agency WHO said on Friday.

Over 13,000 cases have been reported through mid-November with over 600 deaths including in three provinces not previously affected, WHO said.

The UN health agency reported that the strain of the virus responsible for the current DRC outbreak, called clade I, is more virulent than the predominant strain in the 2022 global outbreak - clade II.

The DRC outbreak outpaces the global mpox case fatality ratio fourfold - and up to nine times in endemic areas.

Human-to-human transmission in areas in which mpox is endemic is accelerating and 70 per cent of cases there are in children under 15.

Alarm over sexual transmission

Concerningly, the DRC outbreak has seen the first reported sexual transmission of clade I mpox and WHO warned that it is now moving through sexual networks that include male and female sex workers and their clients in areas with high population mobility.

The crisis is further compounded by the fact that the DRC is simultaneously facing a cholera outbreak and a protracted humanitarian emergency driven by armed violence and mass displacement.

WHO has been supporting the DRC Ministry of Health with the detection and confirmation of cases as well as ramping up treatment.

The country does not yet have access to mpox vaccines and work is being done with the health authorities to develop an immunisation strategy and help move towards vaccine approval, WHO said.
Image Credit: wikipedia.org

Kuwait City: The ruling emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah died on Saturday at the age of 86, AP reported.

Kuwait state television interrupted regular programming to broadcast Quranic verses, followed by a solemn announcement from an official confirming the news, the report said.

With great sadness and sorrow, we  the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world  mourn the late His Highness the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, read the brief statement, the AP report said.

Kuwait's deputy ruler, along with his half-brother Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, is considered to be the world's oldest crown prince and is poised to assume leadership in Kuwait, according to the report.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital for an unspecified illness, triggering anticipation and concern in the oil-rich nation. Earlier reports mentioned his visit to the United States for medical checks in March 2021.

The well-being of Kuwait's leaders is a delicate issue in this Middle Eastern country, situated between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, where internal power struggles have been observed within the palace walls.

Sheikh Nawaf became the emir in 2020 after the passing of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, known for his diplomatic skills and peacemaking, causing a profound impact on the region.

Despite Sheikh Nawaf's background as Kuwait's interior and defense minister, his leadership was initially seen as relatively low-profile, and his advanced age raised speculation about the brevity of his tenure.

His focus during his term was primarily on domestic concerns, addressing political disputes and implementing reforms, such as an overhaul of Kuwait's welfare system.

The country faced financial challenges, having limited resources due to its reluctance to take on debt, despite its substantial oil wealth.

In 2021, Sheikh Nawaf issued a significant amnesty decree, pardoning and reducing sentences for numerous Kuwaiti dissidents, aiming to de-escalate a major government standoff. Another decree followed just before his illness, seeking to resolve a lingering political impasse. Kuwait is recognized for having the Gulf's most open parliament, allowing for dissent.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, restored diplomatic ties after a prolonged boycott of Doha, easing regional tensions and enabling Sheikh Nawaf to focus on domestic issues.

Kuwait, with a population of around 4.2 million people and a size slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey, possesses the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves.

It has maintained a strong alliance with the United States since the 1991 Gulf War, hosting a significant number of American troops and serving as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.
Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Madhok

Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, women reporting gender-based violence to the authorities may end up in prison  allegedly for the victims own protection.

Thats just one of the shocking findings of a new report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which found that instead of filing a formal complaint, many survivors prefer seeking redress through traditional dispute resolution mechanisms within the community for fear of the de facto authorities  including fear of revictimization.

The report says that the plight of victims is compounded by the handling of gender-based violence complaints predominantly by male police and justice personnel.

Since their return to power in August 2021 the Taliban have almost completely erased women from public life and civil service positions in the country.

No redress, shelters closed

Mechanisms and policies enabling victims to obtain legal redress and protection have all but disappeared since the Taliban takeover, the report notes.

Some 23 state-sponsored womens shelters were dismantled as women survivors needed instead to be with their husbands or other male family members, Taliban officials were quoted as saying.

Being sent to prison allegedly for their own safety, was the only alternative, deemed some officials.

UNAMA noted that imprisoning women to ensure their protection from gender-based-violence would amount to an arbitrary deprivation of liberty with dire consequences for their mental and physical health.

The UN assistance mission reiterated the de facto authorities obligation to ensure justice in gender-based violence cases, to put an end to the perpetual culture of impunity and also to provide protection and access to services for victims.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

The European Parliament has urged China to abolish coercive boarding school system that has isolated more than 1 million Tibetan children from their families, language and culture, media reports said.

The resolution, adopted with 477 voices in favor and 14 against, strongly condemns the repressive assimilation policies throughout China, especially the boarding school system in Tibet and calls on China to immediately abolish this sytem.

It also urges EU Member States to adopt visa restrictions for Chinese officials tied to the boarding school system, similar to what the US has done. Members of the European Parliament also reiterate their call for the resumption of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue, stalled since 2010.

The International Campaign for Tibet welcomes the strong stance taken by the European Parliament regarding the coercive boarding schools system in Tibet, which not only represents grave violations of the rights of Tibetan children and their families, but also threatens the very survival of the Tibetan cultural identity, ICTs EU Policy Director Vincent Metten said. The European Union must now follow up with firm and concrete action to press China to reverse course on this issue, including for example by adopting sanctions against the Chinese officials responsible for the design and implemention of these harmful policies.

In his speech during the debate on the resolution, European Commissioner Janez Lenarcic recognized that there were well-substantiated reports, including by UN independent experts, about Tibetan pupils being forced to attend state-run boarding schools, far from their families and with rare opportunities to visit their homes and recalled that the EU had reiterated its deep concern about the situation in Tibet during the EU-China Summit that took place on Dec. 7 in Beijing.

In a new report on EU-China relations initiated by Member of the European Parliament Hilde Vautmans (Belgium, Renew Europe Group) and adopted a day earlier, the European Parliament had already strongly condemned the Chinese governments assimilationist policies in Tibet and called on China to immediately terminate the boarding schools system, reported International Campaign for Tibet.
An emergency European Council meeting will be held at the end of January, he added, to facilitate an agreement on the framework accepted by the 26 countries and not by Hungary
Ohanaeze Youths Movement, on Friday, said that the blame game against Godwin Emefiele by Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, was childish and a plot by him to divert attention from the fact that he lacks capacity to stabilise Nigerias economy.

It was gathered that Cardoso attributed the ongoing Naira scarcity in certain regions to his predecessor, Godwin Emefiele.

However, Ohanaeze Youths, in response, through the leaders Nwabueze Obi, Ekwem Eucharia, and Ndukaku Chris, urged Cardoso to apologise to former CBN Governor Emefiele and follow his wealth of experience and knowledge to avert a worsening of the current economic crisis.

The group said: The blame game on Godwin Emefiele by Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, is childish and a plot by him to divert attention from the fact that he lacks the capacity to stabilise Nigerias economy.

READ MORE: Emefieles Fiscal Policies Put CBN In Bad Light  Cardoso

Yesterday, Cardoso squarely blamed the ongoing naira scarcity in some parts of the country on the shoulders of his predecessor, Godwin Emefiele.

The CBN raised the alarm recently over the circulation of fake Naira notes dominating the countrys markets.

The apex bank alerted banks and Nigerians to beware of counterfeit bank notes, especially higher denominations now spent in food markets and other commercial hubs in the country. Is that also Emefiele fault?

Cardoso should stop the blame game and pay a visit to his predecessor in Kuje Prison so as to learn the secret of Naira stability before the current economic crisis takes a turn for the worse. He needs Emefieles wealth of knowledge to turn the economy around.

On his assumption of duty in 2014, Emefiele immersed himself in the job with patriotic zeal and a good understanding of the vision and mission of CBN.

It was evident from his maiden speech that he had a good understanding of modern concepts of central banking, global best practices and the challenges, complexities and peculiarities of the Nigerian economy.

In the face of severe challenges, Emefiele remained focused and demonstrated determination to safeguard the health of the financial system and economy.
Family of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have rejected the Supreme Courts verdict that denied him freedom over terrorism charges.

Kanus younger brother, Emma, who told newsmen that the Courts verdict was unfortunate, added that no family member is happy about it.

According to him, the Federal Government is rigmarolling on the case.

He said, It is extremely unfortunate that the Supreme Court could come up with such a judgment.

This case began from the Federal High Court which of course lacked the jurisdiction to try Nnamdi Kanu from here, through High Court to the Appeal Court that discharged and acquitted him and then a stay of execution was filed against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and it was granted on civil proceedings which is very wrong. Legally, it is wrong. But it was granted.

I believe, there is no due diligence in this case and for those who have been handling the matter before now, there was no due diligence.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Govt. Can Release Nnamdi Kanu For National Unity  Abaribe Says As SCourt Denies Kanu Freedom

Now taking the case back again and having acknowledged in the court today by the judge that delivered this judgment that the way and manner Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was brought back to Nigeria was illegal. He agreed with the Appeal Court that it was extra-ordinary rendition. He said the invasion of his house was also illegal and that the security agents acted irresponsibly.

He said also that the revocation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanus bail was wrong and that it shouldnt have happened in the first place, but he concluded by saying that the appeal by the Federal Government was granted, while the cross-appeal was not allowed, referring the case to square one, that is where we came from, which is the Federal High Court Abuja.

Bearing in mind that some of the charges have been quashed, which all know was the truth, where are they going to start from? Of course, what is left is a bailable offence which Nnamdi Kanu never committed.

So, I am yet to understand what is actually playing out, but I can assure that we are not happy and nobody is happy.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Emanuel Iwuanyanwu, has urged Igbos whose houses were demolished in the Abule Ado area of Lagos not to cry over the development.

Iwuanyanwu added that the government has the right to bring down any building for the public interest.

The Ohanaeze chieftain made this known during his visit to grieve with the Igbos in the community, on Saturday.

READ MORE: Blaming Emefiele Is Childish, You Lack Capacity  Ohanaeze Youths Knock CBN Gov

He said: The government has the right to demolish for public interest, but the affected citizens should be compensated. Theres no need to cry over split milk.

In any country, citizens rights are sacred, Senator Umeh has briefed me, but I came here to know the main issue. What we are going to fight for are our rights. You only build a country based on the truth.

We have decided to set up an Igbo relief agency where every aggrieved Igbo would be funded.

I will also advise communities to treat Igbos fairly because we are peace loving and we are the highest indigenous people that are adding to the GDP of the nation,
On December 15, the occupation forces of the Russian Federation moved towards Terny (Donetsk region, near Nevske) and attempted to attack Makiivka (Luhansk region). These battles were fruitless for the invaders.

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The head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration, Artem Lysohor, spoke about the situation. He published a summary on Saturday morning, December 16, on his Telegram channel.

Lysohor noted that Ukrainian defenders have to repel enemy attacks in difficult weather conditions. "At the same time, the bad weather has again complicated the use of aviation and drones. The enemy used them once yesterday," the official said.

The Russian Federation Armed Forces opened fire from artillery and mortars at Nevske, Bilohorivka and the territory of Serebryansky forest.

The enemy continues to commit war crimes in the temporarily occupied territories of the Luhansk region.

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"Forced passportization failed in Lysychansk. The only report that the occupiers could boast of before was the recent so-called "first elections". However, even people without any documents were allowed to vote, so this figure does not reflect the percentage of those who have been certified.

There is still no passport office in the city. People have to go to neighboring settlements to replace their documents. It is even more difficult for single elderly people. People who call themselves social workers, of course, are waiting for them, but they do not go door to door. A pensioner or a person with limited mobility is also unable to call for help because the connection is off," the head of the RMA said.

He is also aware that the enemy set up a military hospital in the house of culture in the village of Kabychivka, Luhansk region, where just under a thousand people lived before the full-scale invasion. Wounded Russians are regularly brought there, Lysohor noted.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

- On December 15, the Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated about 930 Russian invaders.

- There were 96 combat engagements at the front, with Ukrainian soldiers repelling most of the Russian attacks at the Avdiivka, Bakhmut and Marinka directions.

- The morning update of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the situation at the front can be found here.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Celebrity fashion stylist and reality TV personality, Toyin Lawani, has admitted that she was unconscious for ten minutes following the collapse of her lungs during surgery.

The Real Housewives of Lagos star shared this in an Instagram post on Friday, December 15, along with the fact that she was suffering from a brain-related disease that required surgery.

According to Toyin, she needed multiple surgeries due to a degenerative spine and a cyst in her brain.

The mother of three released a video that showed her medical journey prior to the surgery, the pain she experienced both during and after the procedure.

READ MORE: I Was A London Tailor Before Skit Making, Ive Been Funny From Birth  Carter Efe Spills

Recounting, her experience, she wrote, I legitimately died for a whole 10mins. While I was pregnant for (sic) My daughter @kingtinukeleota, I started having serious, Neck/back/leg pains.

And it got to a time I would get paralyzed on the left side of my body and wouldnt be able to move at all, I was on painkiller injections all through.

Even while shooting, it was hell doing those diaries sessions. I was later diagnosed with a Degenerative spine and a cyst in my Brain.

Guys I died for a whole 10 minutes before they were able to bring me back, My lungs collapsed. I developed edema and from fixing artificial implants in my spine to be able to walk properly again, went to developed complications that got me on a tracheostomy tube for 3 months.

I have had 3 surgeries so far and two more to go so I can breathe well by myself and speak well again, So when you hear me speak and make fun of it know Im a survivor and I went through a lot, I forgive your negative speeches though.

But it is only a reflection of what you are being sold. To the extent that they will be tweeting Tiannah lies about everything, from pregnancy to having neck pains.

Not your fault I blame the twats on that toxic show, pray for Grace that u can be as strong as I am in the face of death.

SEE POST:
The ailing Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has undergone another leg amputation and is barely able to talk, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has revealed.

The AGN National President, Emeka Rollas, disclosed this in a chat with newsmen, as he called for prayers and support for the veteran,

According to the association, it is monitoring Ibus case, as well as the deteriorating health of another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor.

Muonagor has been hospitalised at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, for over two months.

According to him, the actors state of health is pitiable, as he is currently a shadow of his old self.

READ ALSO: Mr Ibus Leg Amputated After Undergoing Seven Surgeries

Ibus family last month stated that the actor underwent several surgeries, but to keep his hope of staying alive, one of his legs was amputated, adding that he would be flown abroad for further treatment soon.

We are resigning to fate concerning the two actors. As I speak with you, Mr Ibu hardly talks again and he has undergone another leg amputation.

You will shed tears if you see Amaechi Muonagor now, his legs are completely paralyzed. Im calling on all fans and well wishers of the actor to join hands with other philanthropic Nigerians to support him in this dire time, Rollas said.

He further disclosed that he had approved the sum of N250,000 to be sent to the ailing actors account from the AGN Trust Fund, acknowledging it was not enough.

Rollas, however, urged young actors to endeavour to sign up for the AGNs Health Management Organisation and Insurance programmes.
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, on Friday, noted that his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Accord Party is not about succeeding Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in 2027.

Information Nigeria reports that he had left the APC in May 2022 to join the Accord Party after failing to secure the governorship ticket of the Party.

The Minister who stated this during his official return to APC at the Partys secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, said that he and others who left the Party with him had formally returned to the APC to make the Party stronger.

READ ALSO: Youll Be Sacked If You Dont Deliver, Tinubu And I Signed Performance Bond  Power Minister, Adelabu Warns Operators

He explained that they had earlier left the party based on principle and not because they had problems with APC in the State or with Party members.

I returned not because of 2027 governorship ambition or to take over the party, but because I believe this is a party that brought President Bola Tinubu to power, and we need to support him to deliver on his electoral promises.

This is not time for politics; it is time for governance, and Tinubu needs our support for him to succeed and deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda.

I have come back to the party not to take over the party and not to dissolve executives; we have come to the party to extend hands of fellowship and reconciliation.

We are assuring you that we are back for cooperation and collaboration for us to build a strong party so that the party will take over power in the state at the end of the day in 2027, he said.
Shem Obafaiye, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer who became popular for his my Oga at the top phrase, has risen to the top.

He was promoted alongside two of his colleagues as Deputy Commandants-General.

The picture of Obafaiye being decorated by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo became a talking point on Friday with netizens juxtaposing his latest position to his comical interview years ago.

Sharing the photos of Mr Obafaiye and the other officers, the Ministry of Interior in a tweet said, As the chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), the minister, @BTOofficial, decorated the three new deputy commandants general of the @official_NSCDC today.

Recall that over a decade ago, Obafaiye became an internet sensation following his response to an interview with Channels Television.

READ ALSO: Oga At The Top: Lagos NSCDC Commandant Not Suspended Television Station Denies Wifes Protest At H/Quarters

During the interview, he was asked to state the NSCDCs website for members of the public who would like to get information about the agency.

He said: The one (website) that we are going to make use of is going to be made known by my Oga at the top. Yes. I cant announce one now, and my Oga says its another one that we are going to use.

If you want to know about NSCDC as at now. Ok, www.nscdc. Thats all.

Asked about the website of the NSCDC, Mr Obafaiye said, Hmmm, the website is, excuse me, my Oga at the top knows the website. He again cleared his throat and said: My Oga at the top is working on the website, and I dont have them.

The phrase went viral and became a major slogan in Nigerian budding social media space.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kaduna Chapter, says travellers in the State have reduced by over 50 per cent as the Yuletide approaches.

Malam Bature Suleiman, the State NUTRW Secretary, disclosed this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

This decline, he said, was due to the high cost of transportation fare which was occasioned by the increment of fuel pump price.

People no longer travel but only prefer to send messages to their loved ones. Sadly, if you go to our motor parks now, you will see a lot of vehicles waiting without passengers.

People dont have money to travel until it becomes necessary; they prefer to waybill messages, Suleiman said.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Should Have Female Governor By Now  Veteran Actress, Joke Silva

Suleiman who lamented that commercial motorists were running at a loss due to the poor economic situation of the country, said, Apart from the increase of fuel price, we have a lot of bad roads, and a lot of policies taken on the transportation sector are not favourable.

He also decried the multiple taxes which members of the union had been paying, describing the situation as very bad.

There are lots of revenues attached to transportation as the government now seems to have its focus on the sector. Currently, there is an increment so much that what the driver would get at the end of the day is nothing to write home about. Drivers would just be doing the work without any gain in it, he said.
The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega has called for the restructuring of Nigeria before the 2027 general elections.

Jega opined that the presidential system of government practised in Nigeria is defective.

He said power devolution to the sub-nationals was critical for the country to develop, adding that the president is too powerful.

The former electoral boss led this out while speaking on Saturday at the convocation lecture in Bauchi State University, Gadau, on the theme, Safeguarding Nigerias future: Prioritising citizens welfare and security amidst challenges.

He said: Our leaders in leadership positions, between now and 2027, we need to put our heads together and have a rational, evidence-based process of restructuring the Nigerian federation, and to my mind, the major thing we need to do is devolve power and resources from the federal to the state and local governments.

READ MORE: 2023 Elections Credible In Many Substantial Aspects  Jega

Even if all we do is go back to the way power was distributed in the 1963 Constitution, we should do that but I think we should even go beyond that because we need to reduce the power of the Federal Government. In fact, the power of the Federal Government, in which whoever is elected president controls virtually all the resources, beheads the reality.

There is fear that if more resources go to the states and local governments, given what we see in Nigeria now, many people are afraid that it cannot solve the problems, but my own thinking is that the more power and resources in the state and local governments the less attractive the federal becomes. Then, more people will concentrate in terms of bringing appropriate reforms and development. It is very important we truly address these issues.
A Turkish opposition legislator who suffered a heart attack and collapsed in parliament during a speech against the governments policy towards Israel has died.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the countrys Health Minister, Fahrettin Koca disclosed on Friday that Hasan Bitmez, a 54-year-old member of the Islamist Saadet Partisi, had died in an Ankara hospital two days after the incident.

In a video posted by Visegrad 24 on Tuesday, Bitmez was seen slumping to the floor shortly after he attacked the Israeli government for its ongoing attack in Gaza.

The opposition figure, who was married and a father of one, graduated from Cairos Al-Azhar University, worked for Islamic nongovernmental groups and was chairman of the Centre for Islamic Union Research.

READ MORE: Israels Attacks On Gaza Beyond Scope Of Self-Defence  China

He accused the Turkish government of continuing friendly economic relations with Israel during its assault on Gaza, which has killed nearly 19,000 Palestinians.

You allow ships to go to Israel, and you shamelessly call it trade. You are Israels accomplice, Bitmez said in his speech targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on Tuesday after placing a poster on the podium reading: Murderer Israel, collaborator AKP.

Even if you escape the torment of history, you will not be able to escape the wrath of God, he said at the end of the 20-minute speech before collapsing at the lectern.
The Reginald Streater and Mallory Fix-Lopez era of the Philadelphia school board started with a bang last year, with the district taking the unprecedented step of suing the city administration that created the board.

It was a controversial first move. They have just been reelected president and vice-president, and are fighting off a leadership challenge from board members Cecelia Thompson and Lisa Salley. Divisions have been exposed. But Streater and Fix-Lopez believe that 2024 will bring smoother sailing  and continued progress for the school system.

Still, the district faces deep academic challenges and an uncertain financial future, as well as the possible reconstitution of the school board itself with a new mayor.

The Inquirer sat down with Streater and Fix-Lopez this month. Here are some highlights.

What were some bright spots of 2023?

I think the year started with challenges, Streater said. You had a school district that was suing the city in which it sits. We had concerns around asbestos in our schools, where to put students and whats the process going forward when students are displaced. There were also the usual academic challenges (just 34% of district students meet state standards in reading, and 21% in math).

But, he said, the district is moving in the right direction in most key indicators, from graduation rate to student and teacher attendance. And though the progress is incremental, incremental in a historically underfunded school system of 113,000 remains meaningful, he said.

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Theres 10,000 more students who if they stay on this path will have the skills and the tools necessary to navigate not just Philadelphia, but the world, Streater said, referring to the jump in students this year reaching proficiency in ELA and math.

The board president also listed the release of Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr.s strategic plan as a high point; having a roadmap for the next several years is crucial, he said.

Fix-Lopez added completing a historic deal with Unite Here Local 634, the district union which represents cafeteria and climate workers, as another high point.

Successful isnt quite the right word to describe the year, Streater said, because we havent arrived yet. But I think weve become very laser-focused on everything that supports our mission. I think the train is back on the track.

Whats on the horizon for next year? What about the mayoral transition?

In 2024, theres going to be some tough things to grapple with, Fix-Lopez said.

Among them: a looming fiscal crisis, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers contract expiring in August, and a facilities crisis  not just environmental issues, but the fact that some schools are falling apart and not worth repairing, and others have hundreds of empty seats.

The board also is entering new territory; this will be the first mayoral transition since the district returned to local control in 2018.

Streater, Fix-Lopez and the rest of the board were chosen by Mayor Jim Kenney; Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker gets to name her own board. Parker can re-appoint any or all board members, but does not have to. She has not signaled whom she might choose.

But both Streater and Fix-Lopez say theyre in it for the long haul, and Streater said that he has a laser focus on ensuring that this transition, that [Parker], is successful, period.

Parker has said things that completely align with Dr. Watlington and the Board of Educations vision around facilities, Streater said. The incoming mayor has said that some school buildings need to be demolished, and new, modern ones built. Shes talked about right-sizing the school system.

Streater agrees.

We have a footprint thats too big, he said, with a caveat. In the past, decision-makers ripped schools out of communities, didnt talk about what we were going to build in its place. (Streater himself is a graduate of Germantown High, which languished for more than a decade after being closed by the School Reform Commission in 2012. Construction is finally underway at the site, which will become housing and retail space.)

Any possible school closings or co-locations have to be part of a larger conversation, Streater said. What about co-location with city parks and recreation sites or libraries? What about public-private partnerships?

There are things that we can do that the board is open to, he said. We need to have the tough conversations about things that will cost capital.

In May, the city and school board finalized a deal to reopen the long-shuttered Sayre Pool in West Philadelphia. Its owned by the district but will be run and maintained by the city. That was a harbinger of things to come, said Streater.

What happens when the city and the school district partner? We can do anything, he said.

Theres a perception among some education observers that Parker will be more friendly to charter schools than her predecessor. In her election-night speech, Parker said she would have no time for pitting charters against traditional public schools, and shes talked about quality seats in any type of school.

The school board never authorized a new charter school during the Kenney years, but Streater said the boards stance on charters is similar to Parkers.

Im tired of this us versus them, said Streater. People are fighting a battle from a generation ago. Were about a student-centered approach for quality seats.

How is your leadership style a departure from previous iterations of the board?

Streater and Fix-Lopez share a similar energy  ambitious, young (Streater is 40, Fix-Lopez 39), hard-charging, chatty. They came into board leadership together, deliberately.

We were just going to be different in how we communicate. We were going to be more responsive to the village to inquiries about what was happening. We were also doing our best to humanize the board, said Streater.

The two are often, but not always, in sync, and said they function as checks for each other  Fix-Lopez might prompt him to be more responsive, Streater said; they both have to remind each other to not get lost in the enormous demands of their nonpaid jobs. (Both have day jobs, too  Streater is a lawyer, and Fix-Lopez, a former district teacher, is a faculty member at Community College of Philadelphia, teaches at the University of Pennsylvania, and is a small business owner.)

Fix-Lopez is the point person on academics, running the boards goals and guardrails accountability sessions, and Streater feels like a lot of his job is to say the same thing over and over again in different rooms.

Streater says Fix-Lopez takes a lot of unfair hits being the only white woman on the board. I think she has carried the standard of being the only educator on the board with grace.

Both have children in public school: Streaters two attend C.W. Henry in Mount Airy; Fix-Lopezs son is a second grader at G.W. Childs Elementary in Point Breeze.

We dont say just trust us, we say come along with us, said Fix-Lopez. We have our kids in these schools.
A display of coffee options at ReAnimator Coffee Roasters' shop in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. Read more

For the second time in two weeks, one of Phillys independently owned coffee shops has reached a contract deal with its union  averting a strike.

ReAnimator Coffee owners and workers settled a tentative contract Thursday evening after a nine-hour bargaining session. The majority of ReAnimators union members authorized a strike earlier this week.

According to the Philadelphia Joint Board Workers United Instagram, the tentative contract includes a $3 across-the-board increase to minimum hourly rates, an expanded health-care stipend for full-timers, 4% yearly pay increases, increased paid time off, and a payout policy for unused paid time off.

Local 80  the Philly food-service union that represents ReAnimators union as well as those at Elixr, Ultimo, and Vibrant Coffee Roasters  thanked both parties involved on Instagram Friday morning.

Local 80 applauds the hard work and dedication of its Bargaining Committee as well as the willingness of ReAnimator owners to settle a first contract that will go leaps and bounds in transforming industry standards, the post read. Negotiations are ongoing with Ultimo Coffee, and set to begin in late December with Vibrant Coffee, where Local 80 is confident that employers will look to Elixr and ReAnimator as new standard-bearer for a fair contract that improves the lives of its workers.

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Were really happy to have reached a tentative agreement on a contract with our staff, and were excited to continue working together into the future, said ReAnimator principal owner Mark Capriotti in a statement Friday.

Contract day

Reached by phone Friday, ReAnimator baristas Frances Cordelia Beaver and Alex Profit  the unions point people for its monthslong negotiations  said they entered the session with the same mantra: Contract day.

As compared to other sessions, which veered into emotional discourse or rhetoric, this one was laser-focused on numbers, Beaver said. Numerous offers and counteroffers were traded until ReAnimators owners offered the same package that Elixrs union agreed to earlier this month. It was less than the union wanted.

When youre negotiating, youre both keeping in one hand an idea of the labor movement moving forward and what you can achieve with unions ... and the other side is what does this mean materially for us, our workers, right now, said Beaver.

ReAnimator workers considered the proposal, as well as the logistics and implications of a strike.

[A strike is] a lot of work, Beaver said. Its more fight, and weve been [organizing] for over a year. Its a lot of stress and emotion. They decided to counter, finessing a one-time signing bonus into a modest wage increase instead.

After another counteroffer, a deal was struck. Beaver and Profit, armed with lipstick for this very moment, signed the tentative agreement and sealed it with a kiss. After signing, Capriotti picked up the document and pretended to kiss it as well.

It was very adorable and honestly one of the most wholesome moments weve had, Profit said, laughing.

Beaver said she was glad the monthslong negotiations ended on a high note. We all have to work together, she said.

ReAnimator has five locations in Philadelphia. Its union represents 26 employees. The union was formed in November 2022 and voluntarily recognized by ownership shortly after. That sparked employees at sister establishment eeva to unionize in early 2023; the Kensington pizzeria/bakery closed this fall, after co-owner Greg Dunn announced his departure.

Looking ahead

While this agreement marks a major step for ReAnimator employees  who will vote on the four-year contract next week  it also notches a third contract for Local 80, which was officially minted in spring 2022. The first Local 80-represented contract was signed in May 2022 at Korshak Bagels, which closed earlier this year. The second was earlier this month at Elixr Coffee, an agreement which came just hours after the union announced its intent to strike if a deal was not reached.

I know that we saw the movement that we did because of the strike threat, said Philadelphia Joint Board employee and Local 80 negotiator Lily Fender. It brings in an amount of pressure and power where suddenly the workers who are sitting at the bargaining table  their voices dont need to be loud because the strength of the team altogether and the potential of the threat is so much louder.

Wages were the biggest focus of this contract, Fender said. Getting those base rates up as high as they could would be the most important [thing], they said.

Base rates vs. guaranteed tipped rate  in which a company supplements the base rate if tips do not amount to a certain threshold  were one of the snags ReAnimator negotiations hit earlier this month. In a previous statement, Capriotti said that ReAnimators base rate is currently $10.75 per hour, but its guaranteed tipped rate is $17 per hour; the owners had proposed a $19 per hour guaranteed tipped rate in its Dec. 8 counteroffer.

Fender said that, historically, ReAnimator workers have cleared that hourly tipped-rate threshold thanks to customers tips, seldom requiring the company to contribute additional funds to the workers wages.

What you have then is  if the wage was initially $10.75 and workers are often making over $20 in total, including tips  then youve got a customer base thats actually paying more of the workers salary than the company itself. And thats inexcusable, Fender said.

Fender added that eliminating tipping altogether is a long-term project for Local 80, which is setting its sights next on negotiating a deal for workers at Ultimo.

Were coming for that contract very soon, Fender said.
Copies of Taylor Swift's "Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions" were still available at Young Ones Records in Kutztown, Pa. Owner Chris Holt holds the shop's last copy, which will be a giveaway prize. Read more

Hundreds of copies of a highly coveted Taylor Swift vinyl release have been inconspicuously hanging out on the shelves of one Berks County record shop for the last seven months. When superfans found out, they went into a frenzy, descending on Kutztown for a chance to own the record.

Some drove for more than a dozen hours, flew hundreds of miles, and even messaged strangers and offered bribes for the chance to own a copy of the rare LP.

Now, the shop  Young Ones Records  has one final copy left for a lucky Swiftie.

Swift released Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, a live version of her Disney+ documentary, in April. The double LP was a Record Store Day exclusive that retailed for about $50, with 75,000 albums pressed and sold exclusively at independent record shops throughout the country and 40,000 more internationally, marking Record Store Days largest pressing.

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When the record first hit shelves, shops saw fans line up in the early hours to snag a copy. Most of the records sold out instantly and fans either accepted theyd have a hole in their collection or succumbed to resellers who marked up the album to desperate fans.

Brian Walmer, 37, lives in Chicago but is originally from Lancaster. He and his husband, Ryan Crisp, are record collectors and recent, yet dedicated Swiftie converts  seeing The Eras Tour film twice and buying every album of Swifts on vinyl  except one: The Long Pond Studio Sessions. The Record Store Day release became his white whale.

Hed check eBay and record-collecting site Discogs for listings, but they were more expensive than he was willing to pay. While doing a periodic Facebook search for mentions of Long Pond still in stock, he stumbled upon a post from Young Ones Records in Berks County. He called the shop and they confirmed they had the record, but wouldnt ship it.

Naturally, when Walmer in Chicago heard about the remaining copies, he did what anyone would do  he asked his mom for help.

I called my mom, Doris Witmer, who lives in Lancaster still, and asked if shed be able to go to Young Ones and pick me up a copy and ship it to me, Walmer said. She drove the hour-ish drive and was able to buy one. I had it within the week of my search.

Young Ones, a 33-year-old mom-and-pop shop, is owned by Chris Holt, who knows how important Swift is to residents of her home county. Previously, hes ordered and sold out of other indie store releases from Swift, including hundreds of autographed folklore CDs.

So when the opportunity came to place orders for Aprils Record Store Day releases, Holt requested 1,000 copies of The Long Pond Studio Sessions thinking he probably wouldnt get them all  until he did.

Other stores either just couldnt afford to order as many copies or didnt understand the power of Taylor Swift, Holt said. Any other store could have ordered as many as I did. They just chose not to.

Holt said his goal was to make sure he ordered enough copies to ensure everyone in Berks County who cared about Swift was guaranteed the ability to purchase one.

But Holt said fans were so used to other shops being sold out, theyd automatically assume Young Ones was also out of stock, a problem hes never encountered before.

We tried to make it as obvious as possible we had the record, Holt said. We kept copies in the front of the row. We had a sign on the door in the front window saying we had the record. We mentioned it in our newsletter.

Still, for seven months, Holt sold an average of 10 to 12 copies of the record per week.

In 33 years, Ive never dealt with anything like that before, he said.

A fateful Facebook post changed that, attracting the right fans, who posted about the remaining records on Taylor Swift message boards, social media pages, and subreddits. Then, the Swifties came flocking.

Save for a few, Young Ones stood firm on only selling the record locally. They also limited sales to one copy per person, to benefit local fans, not greedy resellers. For a past Swift release, the shop went as far as selling half its stock to anyone and the other half only to locals who presented ID proving they lived close by.

This time was different: One buyer flew from Colorado to snag a copy. Another drove from Mississippi. Another from Indiana.

Holt said some Swifties in other states went as far as messaging random Kutztown residents and offering them money to buy and ship them a copy from Young Ones.

Angie Fry, 40, made the 15-hour trip from Northeast Ohio to score her copy  it shouldve taken less time but she got a flat tire on her way home.

She and her 6-year-old daughter, Eva, made a day out of the trip. They got coffee and hot cocoa and also snagged a signed Ed Sheeran CD from the shop.

I was stressing [on the drive home], but [Eva] was in the back singing and working on her math homework, Fry said. My brothers and I grew up making family memories listening to music, and I want my kids to have that, too.

As of early December, 999 of the Kutztown shops coveted records had been sold, with Young Ones saving the final copy for an in-person-only giveaway. Customers can enter by visiting the store. A random winner will be drawn on Christmas Eve.

And no, they cant get the record shipped to them.

Holt said the recent social media attention has been a double-edged sword. Hes glad to have recouped the money the shop put out to secure such a large number of records, but hates the circus it caused.

I had little girls crying because we didnt have more copies, and it sucks because thats why I bought so many, he said. I wanted local people getting it, not these entitled people across the country that thought theyd get it no matter what.

Still, some Berks County residents say theyve benefited from Young Ones supply.

Jocelyn Cintron, 26, of Bethlehem, found out when there were a few remaining copies through a Taylor Swift fan group shes part of. She raced to the store after a work meeting, and ran inside with a broken foot still in a boot.

I got stuck in some traffic on Highway 78, and the whole time I was so anxious about not getting a copy, she said. Once they sold me my copy, I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes to calm down before I could drive home.
On December 16, there was another "cotton" in the temporarily occupied Donetsk. After a powerful explosion, a column of black smoke rose into the sky.

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The explosions in the city were reported by local publics. It is reported that Ukrainian soldiers delivered the "cotton" to the same area where an oil depot was burning brightly the day before.

In local chat rooms, residents are discussing the powerful explosion. Some people are trying to convince themselves that it was not the sound of an arrival, but rather a "supersonic transition" as Russian propagandists often explain explosions.

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Meanwhile, footage of a massive fire in Donetsk that has begun to appear online refutes the exotic version of "supersonic".

Meanwhile, social media reported that the attack hit an oil depot, possibly the same one that had already been on fire the day before. According to another version, the Russian occupiers' base was hit.

In particular, journalist Denys Kazanskyi notes that the fire is now burning in the Budyonovskyi district of the city.

"In the Budyonovskiy district of occupied Donetsk, the occupiers' military base was hit. A strong fire has started, the smoke from which is visible in different parts of the city," the report says.

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"A fresh attack on the base of the racists and their fuel and lubricants depot in Donetsk is confirmed," added Kazanskyi's colleague Andrii Tsaplienko.

As previously reported, explosions occurred in occupied Donetsk and an oil depot caught fire. . The explosions, which led to a fire at the facility, occurred in the evening of December 15.
Photo from July: Upper Merion police divert traffic at Saulin Blvd away from a large sinkhole in the middle of Dekalb Pike. Read more

A troubled stretch of Route 202 near the King of Prussia Mall has been closed again to repair new sinkhole damage, PennDot announced Friday night.

No time was set for when the roadway between Henderson Road and Saulin Boulevard in Upper Merion Township will reopen.

During the closure of Route 202, also known as Dekalb Pike, motorists will be directed to use Henderson Road and Saulin Boulevard. Local access will be maintained for all residents and businesses.

The northbound section was closed early Thursday morning after the discovery of a sinkhole in the right travel lane, just north of Henderson Road, PennDot spokesperson Brad Rudolph said.

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And then the southbound side was closed shortly after 7 p.m. Friday after a new sinkhole was found under the southbound travel lanes, Rudolph said.

Both sides will remain closed until PennDot engineers can further assess the extent of the new damage and develop a plan to fully repair and safely reopen the highway, Rudolph said.

In July, a sinkhole initially cratered and closed the roadway after a water main break. The segment of Route 202 reopened to drivers on July 12 after repairs by Pennsylvania American Water, Montgomery Countys water utility provider.

At the time, Rudolph said that it was unclear what actually caused the sinkhole, though heavy rains the day before couldve undermined the roadway.

A few days later, the roadway was closed again for more repairs.
Pa. Governor Josh Shapiro (left) and Rep. Jordan Harris during a ceremonial bill signing celebrating landmark probation reform and clean slate legislation at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 Read more

HARRISBURG  Gov. Josh Shapiro avoided a rebuke from his own party over school vouchers. This time, at least.

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party postponed voting on a resolution to formally declare the party opposed to private school vouchers  a priority for Shapiro, a Democrat in his first term.

State Sen. Sharif Street (D., Philadelphia), who chairs the state party, said the rules committee tabled the anti-voucher resolution after the Democratic National Committee reached out to him with concerns that the party would appear divided going into the hotly contested 2024 election.

Right now, what we need to be focused on is winning and beating the Republicans, Street added.

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Shapiro broke with his party earlier this year by working with Republican senators to craft a $100 million school voucher program. He later vetoed that same program, due to pushback from members of his own party from the one-seat Democratic majority in the state House. It led to a monthlong budget negotiation breakdown that didnt end until last week, when legislators finalized the last pieces of the state budget.

Several Democratic committee members introduced a resolution at the partys September meeting to criticize Shapiro and reaffirm the partys commitment to public education. It was tabled at the time, with an agreement that the drafters of the resolution would work with committee staff to edit the original language that targeted Shapiro.

A DNC official said the national committee does not tell its state parties or members how to vote on resolutions.

However, Pennsylvanias party chair said the resolution was again tabled Saturday at the request of the DNC. National Democrats feared a rift between the top Democratic official in Pennsylvania and his own party would look bad for Democrats in the crucial battleground state next year, committee members said.

Had the party approved the resolution Saturday as expected, the party would appear divided with its top state official, Street said. Thats opposite to the reality in the state party, which is unified in reelecting President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, whom the party unanimously endorsed Saturday.

We understand the moment and we understand the mission, which is to make sure that Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda dont win, Street added.

Street declined to say who from the DNC reached out to him to table the resolution.

Kristy Moore, a Democratic state committee member and public school teacher in Lancaster County, said she appreciates that Democrats can disagree on issues. But everyone should agree to oppose vouchers.

Our public schools and our students need to come first, Moore said. Its always been our position that we are pro-public education and anti-school voucher. I dont understand why we could not come together over that.

The drafters of the resolution said theyd continue to advocate for its approval at all future state committee meetings, including those in 2024. They noted that the national party already opposes school vouchers as part of its platform.

Chuck Pascal, one of the drafters of the resolution and the chair of the Armstrong County Democratic Party, said he has opposed school vouchers since former Gov. Tom Ridge first introduced them in 1995.

Its still bad policy, and I dont care who the governor is, Pascal added. Were not here to have a slavish agreement with any elected official.

Republican leaders in Harrisburg have tried for years to create a program using state dollars to send students in low-income areas to private schools to give parents more choices of where they can send their students. While most Democrats advocate for teachers unions and public education, school vouchers remain a complicated issue for some Philadelphia Democrats, who recognize the many challenges in the chronically underfunded School District of Philadelphia and want students to have more opportunities to succeed.

The General Assembly approved a 40% increase, or $150 million, to the states existing tax-credit scholarship programs that allow donors to pay less in taxes if they fund tuition for students at private schools, as part of an expansive budget deal.
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Meek Mill joins Gov. Shapiro as he signs criminal justice reform bills in Philly

The bills focus on Pennsylvania's probation system and Clean Slate Laws.
Denis Casey, group operations director with recruitment firm AA Euro Group, sees opportunities and challenges within Irelands soaring employment. He talks to Colette Sheridan.

The employment boom that Ireland is currently enjoying has a downside in that employers are finding it difficult to get the talent they require.

According to the Manpower Group, 81% of business owners here are experiencing problems filling roles. Even though the past few years have seen much growth in our labour force, with more women and younger workers coming on board, the growth in jobs still outweighs the number of workers available.

To counteract this reality, Denis Casey, chief operating officer of recruitment firm AA Euro Group, has seen the company spread its wings over the past eight years with fourteen offices across Europe and Ireland.

Denis, who is based in the companys Cork office on Pouldauff Road, saw a gap in the market and is successfully filling it.

With offices in Ireland (there is a second one in Kildare), the UK, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Germany and the Netherlands, to mention just a few, the aim is to bring people into Ireland to take up jobs.

The company, set up in 2005 by Larry Ryan and Pat McCarthy, was initially oriented towards the provision of labour for the construction industry in Ireland.

We would have been involved in most of the largest building infrastructure projects in this country and we still are, says Denis. In 2015, the white collar part of the business grew across Europe. I would have had a lot of European experience.

I could see very much a tightening in relation to the talent available. | knew we had the ability to open recruitment offices in Europe and to bring trade, labour and professional workers into Ireland from those locations.

Mr Casey says that when he came up with the idea of a European talent pool assisting the Irish market, it took a while to convince the companys clients.

People said they would look at a European person for the job but ideally they wanted to have an Irish person for the role. That changed about five or six years ago when it became very clear that European staff were wanted to fill roles or maybe supplementary roles. Companies here were just not finding Irish candidates.

Ireland is a country that is seen to be very receptive in relation to people coming here. I know there are challenges out there. Anecdotally, we hear a lot about the cost of living and accommodation. But our education system (has a good reputation) and professionals from various locations have a keen eye for things like that and are aware of what opportunities are here as well. At the start, it was a case of bringing people into Ireland. But now, were also moving European staff to different locations. Were doing a lot of work in the Netherlands and Germany.

AA Euro Group has seen a lot of Eastern European people moving to Ireland and they doing very well here, some going on to open their own businesses.

Theres a fantastic lifestyle here. When people are looking at their families and considering their future, they dont want to be in a location that doesnt seem very stable, where they wouldnt feel supported. If theyre looking at a family move to Ireland, what typically happens is that someone comes here first on their own and works in Ireland for a year to see if the place is as we say it is. From that, families would follow and essentially become Irish people.

The newcomers generally find that integration into Irish society is easy.

Irish people travelled abroad for many years as I did. Wed have had plenty of challenges. Now, were seeing people coming into Ireland that want to contribute to society. Theyre treated well because were friendly people.

Casey talks about trends in recruitment. Because of the challenges facing the workforce, were seeing a lot of agile recruitment. When budgets get a little bit tightened, some permanent positions might be pulled back. People would consider contracting where theyd go into a project for a set period of time, say six months. The permanent positions of the past have peaked a little bit. Certainly, were seeing more and more people who are interested in buying into contract work. In Ireland, wed be known for working longer hours. The best thing about contracting is that you get paid for every single hour you work.

In terms of recognition of qualifications from other countries, Casey says: Were finding more and more qualifications in software, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

While prospective employees are well equipped with the skills required for the jobs theyre going for, Casey says that having the right attitude is just as important.

They have the qualifications and good English speaking skills, but the work ethic is important as well. Companies are more than happy to bring these people into Ireland. Its working really well.

Despite the shortage of accommodation here and the high cost-of-living, Casey says Ireland is still seen as an attractive country in which to live and work.

Because there is a challenge, clients are assisting candidates for maybe the first six months. Once theyve worked successfully for six months here, theres a clear understanding that after that period of time, theyll have access to accommodation. Many clients assist candidates in finding accommodation. While the cost of everything from energy to food is high, Casey says the salaries here outweigh the cost of living.

Ever attuned to the broad base of potential candidates for jobs, Casey gives an example of a firm in Cork that his company dealt with.

They were having serious problems developing a software development team for a project. There was a threat that the project was going to be lost to a facility in Germany. So we went to our offices in Croatia, Poland and Romania. We found the software development staff with the experience that was required. These people worked remotely as developers for our clients in Cork. The knock-on effect for the client was that the project stayed in Cork. There was further investment in the city.

A win-win for all involved.
I love the way counties have got their mojo back after the setback of the pandemic, but it has to be said that much wonderful creativity bubbled up during those couple of years of confinement.

This really came home to me on a recent visit to Stradbally to celebrate the many awards that members of Laois Taste won during 2023, including the EU organic award  presented to Kevin Scully of The Merry Mill, near Vicarstown  for the exceptional quality and nutrient density of his organic gluten-free oats.

It was such a convivial event held in the courtyard of the Ballykilcavan Brewery, virtually all of the 26 artisan and specialist food and drink producers from all over the county turned up and proudly displayed their products.

The passion in the room was palpable. I have to say I was properly impressed by the quality and have since sent in an order for several items to stock in our little Farm Shop, in Shanagarry.

Laois County Council, Laois Chamber of Commerce, Laois Partnership Co, Laois Enterprise Board, Laois Tourism, and Laois Co Manager were out in force to show their unqualified support for this vibrant sector.

On my way to the event, I called into the Muller OConnell artisan bakery, in Abbeyleix, for a cup of coffee and was mightily impressed by the display of both food and drink products from around the county.

But I now know that if I had wandered into the SuperValu down the road I would have been equally impressed.

They are just one of several businesses in the county who are highlighting and selling these local Laois products proudly. Long gone are the days of my childhood when local food was a derogatory term  one would expect to pay less for something if it was local. Fast forward to now when theres a deep, craving for food with a story and genuine provenance.

One of the pioneers, the legendary Helen Gee was there in fine fettle.

She regaled us all with the story of how she started off with a saucepan and wooden spoon in her own kitchen, and how winning first prize for her raspberry jam at the Abbeyleix Food Fair in 1997 gave her the confidence to establish Gees Jams  now a hugely successful business.

Little pots of her jams grace first-class trays on Aer Lingus flights worldwide and three of her children have returned to Abbeyleix to help grow the business.

Kevin Scully also shared the hilarious story of his transition from the building trade to farming, and his initial efforts to harvest, mill, and dry his oats with the help of a sieve and hair dryer.

Adding value to the raw materials and initial produce is the key to survival for many in rural areas, and it is hugely encouraging to see the creativity and spirit of cooperation within the sector and the second generation  returning to the business in several cases.

As the numbers grow, it encourages others within the county to wrack their brains for ways to add value to the produce and come up with new ideas, rather than copy products. The world is your oyster in the sector at the moment.

But there is no success without plenty of hard work and its wonderful to see the joy that the Blas na hEireann, The Great Taste Awards, and others bring to those who are trying so hard to break into a brave new world.

I also ordered some of the Ion organic oils, cold pressed in Portarlington. I was particularly looking for sunflower oil, but they have hazelnut, walnut, and poppy seed oils too. I loved the sugared cranberries and caramel shortbread nuts from Tatiana Bite, of Zephyr Yard.

For a full list of Laois Taste products, check out laoistaste.ie

Mummy's Light Christmas Cake recipe by:Darina Allen This light fruit cake is a huge favourite with many who dont enjoy a rich Christmas cake. Mummy used royal icing and made a snow scene with Santa and his sleigh. Thanks for the memories Preparation Time  5 hours 15 mins Cooking Time  60 mins Total Time  6 hours 15 mins Course  Baking Ingredients 50g whole almonds

200g sultanas

200g raisins

100g homemade chopped candied peel

50g currants

50g real glace cherries, cut in quarters

50g ground almonds

225g butter, softened

225g caster sugar

4 large or 5 small eggs, preferably free-range and organic

grated rind of 1 orange

275g flour

a pinch of salt

 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp milk

For the Almond Paste

175g caster sugar

175g ground almonds

1 small egg, preferably free-range and organic

2 tsp whiskey

1 drop of almond extract

1 egg white, beaten, or apricot jam

icing sugar, for dusting the worktop

For the Fondant Icing

vodka, for brushing over the almond paste

600g ready-to-roll fondant icing

Decorations

Santas, candied angelica or holly leaves (optional) Method Preheat the oven to 150C/Gas Mark 2. Line a 20.5cm x 30.5cm cake tin that is 5cm deep lined with parchment paper. Mum cooked this cake in an oval enamel tin with a lid. Blanch the whole almonds in boiling water for 1 or 2 minutes, rub off the skins and chop. Mix together all the fruit, candied peel and the ground and chopped almonds. Cream the butter until its really soft, then add in the caster sugar and beat until light and creamy. Whisk the eggs and add them in bit by bit, beating well between each addition. Add the grated orange rind. Sieve the flour and salt together, then stir in the flour and all of the fruit. Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the milk and stir it thoroughly through the mixture. Spoon into the prepared tin and bake in the preheated oven for 50 - 60 minutes. Allow to get cold, turn out of the tin and wrap in greaseproof paper until ready to ice. To make the almond paste. Sieve the castor sugar and mix it with the ground almonds. Beat the egg and add the whiskey and almond extract. Add to the dry ingredients and mix to a stiff paste (you may not need all the egg.) To ice the cake Brush the top of the cake with beaten egg white or apricot jam. Sprinkle the worktop with icing sugar. Roll the almond paste into a rectangle slightly larger than the cake. Roll the almond paste over the rolling pin, then unroll it over the cake. Press carefully onto the cake. Allow to dry for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. When ready to apply the fondant icing, brush the almond paste with vodka or other non-coloured spirit. Next, apply the fondant icing. Roll it out slightly larger than the cake. Roll it over the rolling pin and then unroll it over the cake. Press lightly. Decorate if you wish with Santas, candied angelica or holly, but it looks great just as it is. Cut the cake into 35 pieces (5 across x 7 on the length) or to whatever size you prefer.

Chocolate Yule Log recipe by:Darina Allen This melt-in-the-mouth chocolate Yule log is usually much more delicious than the original chocolate sponge Swiss roll but I prefer this sinfully rich version. Theres no need for any icing, its rich enough as it is! Servings 10 Preparation Time  50 mins Cooking Time  20 mins Total Time  1 hours 10 mins Course  Baking Ingredients 5 eggs, preferably free-range

175g best-quality dark chocolate (we use Callebaut 52%)

175g caster sugar

3 tbsp water

For the filling

300ml double cream

1-2 tbsp rum

sieved icing sugar

Decoration

Santas, holly leaves etc. Method Note: Even though it seems very fragile, it can be made 1-2 days ahead, keep covered with a slightly damp cloth and roll up and decorate close to time of serving. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. Line a shallow 30.5cm x 20.5cm Swiss roll tin with oiled parchment paper. Separate the eggs. Put the yolks into a bowl, gradually add the caster sugar and whisk until the mixture is thick and pale lemon coloured. Melt the chocolate with the water in a saucepan set over a very gentle heat, then set aside while you whisk the egg whites to a firm snow. Add the melted chocolate to the egg yolk mixture. Stir a little of the egg white into the mixture, then cut and fold the remainder of the egg whites into the mixture and turn it into the prepared tin. Cook in a preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until firm to the touch around the edge but still slightly soft in the centre. Wring out a tea-towel in cold water. Take out the roulade out of the oven and let it cool slightly, then cover with the cloth. (This is to prevent any sugary crust from forming.) Leave it in a cool place. Provided the cloth is kept damp, it will keep for 2 days like this. To Serve Whip the cream and flavour with the rum. Put a sheet of parchment paper onto a table and dust it well with sieved icing sugar. Remove the damp cloth from the roulade and turn the tin upside down onto the prepared paper. Remove the tin and carefully peel the parchment paper off the roulade. Spread with the rum-flavoured cream and roll it up like a Swiss roll. Cut about one-third off the roll at an angle. Lift the roll onto a serving plate, arrange the smaller piece so it looks like a branch and dust well with icing sugar. Decorate with Christmas cake decorations, such as holly leaves, Santas or robins, sprinkle again with a little extra icing sugar and serve.

Frosted Christmas Tangerines recipe by:Darina Allen This clean, tingly fresh-tasting ice tastes like superior iced lolly. It can also be filled into ice-pop moulds, which halves the work! Clementines, mandarins or satsumas are also great in this recipe. Cooking Time  12 mins Total Time  12 mins Course  Dessert Ingredients 20-24 tangerines

juice of  lemon

icing sugar (optional)

For the Syrup

225g sugar

150ml water

juice of  lemon

Decoration

fresh bay leaves or holly Method First make the syrup. Put the sugar, water and lemon juice into a saucepan over a low heat, stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, and boil for 2-3 minutes, cool. Grate the zest finely from 10 of the tangerines, cut in half and squeeze the juice. Cut the remaining tangerines so that they each have a lid. Scoop the sections out of the shell with a small spoon and then press them through a nylon sieve, (alternatively, you could liquidise the pulp and then strain). You should end up with 700ml juice approx. Add the finely grated zest, the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the syrup to taste. Taste and add icing sugar or extra lemon juice if more sweetness or sharpness is required. It should taste sweeter than you would like it to be because it will lose some of its sweetness when it freezes. Freeze until firm in one of the suggested ways. Make the sorbet in one of the following ways. 1. Pour into the drum of an ice-cream maker or sorbetiere and freeze for 20-25 minutes. Scoop out and serve immediately or store in a covered bowl in the freezer until needed. 2. Pour the juice into a stainless steel or plastic container and put into the freezer. After 4-5 hours, when the sorbet is semi-frozen, remove from the freezer and whisk until smooth, then return to the freezer. Whisk again when almost frozen and fold in 1 stiffly beaten egg white. Keep in the freezer until needed. 3. If you have a food processor, simply freeze the sorbet completely in a stainless steel or plastic bowl, then break into large pieces and whizz up in the food processor for a few seconds. Add 1 lightly beaten egg white, whizz again for another few seconds, then return to the bowl and freeze again until needed. Meanwhile, chill the tangerine shells in the fridge or freezer and fill the chilled shells with scoops of the frozen sorbet. We sit them in muffin trays so they dont wobble around. Replace the lids and store in the freezer. Cover with cling film if not serving on the same day. To Serve Serve on a white plate decorated with fresh bay leaves or holly. Note Sorbetieres or ice-cream makers can be very expensive, but we find that the kind that can be put in the freezer the night before work surprisingly well.

Seasonal Journal

Elizabeth David Collection

Are you looking out for a special present for a keen cook?

I love the little set of four Elizabeth David recipe books which were first written and published by Elizabeth David for sale in her London shop, Kitchen Utensils in the 1960s.

They were simple black and white booklets which have now become rare collectors items.

They are now reissued together as a set, with colour illustrations, but using the original texts which have not been updated.

So, for the first time in over 50 years, these charming works are available once again, in a slipcase making them the perfect gift item.

The Mince Pie Project

If you cant get round to making your own mince pies, look out for Hilary Quinns delicious handmade pies made with plump dried fruit soaked in Barrys Tea, beef suet from Frank Murphy Butchers in Midleton, Green Saffron Spices with a signature flaky pastry crust.

Eat them warm with lots of Irish whiskey cream.

See @hilary_quinn on Instagram
A celebration of great dining experiences, of memorable cooking, of uplifting hospitality, the Examiner Eats team has selected 30 of our stand-out meals across the country in 2023.

This was not an easy list to compile and is a snapshot of our year of dining out.

Naturally, weve enjoyed far more great food than we could ever include here, but we think this list represents our most memorable moments.

From wine bars to hotel dining rooms and Michelin-starred knock-outs, we hope it will give you some dining inspiration for 2024.

Bar Pez, Dublin 8

Bar Pez, from the team behind Fish Shop and Beach House Tramore, is a new arrival and a delight!

A wine bar with one of the best lists in the country, and a deceptively simple and supremely tasty fish-focused menu, their crab sandwich is outstanding, the taramasalata homemade, and perfect.

Leslie Williams

Campagne, Kilkenny

Sunday lunch here in early Summer 2023 was a delight.

Fine breads, risotto with caramelised chicken wings, grilled octopus with chickpeas, poached Comeragh lamb, lime tart on a knife edge between sweet and bitter.

The best value Michelin Star restaurant in the country? Perhaps. LW

Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, Dublin 1

Mickael Viljanens peerless cooking is always a thrill  elegant, exciting, original.

Then theres that chic dining room overseen by Juba and James, two of the finest (and soundest) front-of-house folk in the country.

And theres Guillaume and Paul with that wine list. And those desserts.

And laughter, because everyone is happy to be dining at Chapter One.

And why wouldnt they be? Its still the very best, in my book.

Jillian Bolger

Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore, Co Cork

How does Dede keep getting better and better without losing its thoroughly endearing and lightly worn sense of welcome?

Because chef Ahmet Dede keeps pushing the outward limits of his Hiberno-Turkish fusion cuisine, while new restaurant manager Jacques Savary de Beauregard has fine-tuned front of house and turned an already good wine list into one of the best in the country.

Standouts range from ethereal langoustine and asparagus; comforting Sogan Dolma (stuffed onion); to down-and-dirty adana kebab (lamb).

Joe McNamee

Franks, Dublin 2

Chef David Bradshaws menu is almost a haiku, an exercise in brevity that still furnishes the flavours of a gargantuan feast: salty-sweet pop of Carlingford oyster with rosehip syrup; crunchy textures of cabbage, pumpkin seed and yogurt, as partner/sommelier Katie Seward dispenses delightful natural wines from a superb list in a simple yet sublime venue. JM

George V, Ashford Castle, Co Mayo

Its not just Liam Finnegans seductive menus or impeccable cooking that makes dinner at Ashford Castle so enjoyable.

Its sommelier Paul Fogertys brilliant wine pairings, Robert Bowes charming service, and a whole cast of staff that epitomises excellence in hospitality.

A Michael Caines alumnus, Liams food is a knock-out, favouring estate-grown produce while drawing on classic French techniques, seasonal flavours and real elegance.

Impressive food befitting the glorious setting. JB

Goldie, Cork

Aishling Moores the golden girl of seafood, with her inventive gill-to-tail cookery thats reeled us all in.

Small plates feature imaginatively umami morsels like Taiwanese fried fish nuggets or langoustine and togarashi potato crisps.

Plate after plate she serves up culinary curveballs of carefully balanced flavours.

Nab a table by the open kitchen to watch the team in action, cooking up clever and delicious dishes served by a charming crew. JB

Green Man Wines, D6W

I ate here four times because chef Dan Smith is serving what every wine bar needs  nuanced thoughtful small dishes that match well with the brilliant wines (corkage: 10).

Highlights include smoked Gubbeen croquettes, roast courgettes with bagna cauda and hake with confit fennel. LW

Ichigo Ichie, Cork

A farewell as much as a celebration of one of Irelands best restaurants of recent times, as it ditches fine dining for casual in 2024, but chef Takashi Miyazakis delicacy and precision is magisterial as ever: serenity of pistachio tofu; allure of deep fried Rossmore oyster; elegance of Lough Neagh eel; mercurial curing of sashimi fish.

Expect great things from Ichigo Ichie 2.0 next year. JM

Korean Table, Dublin 7

South Korea is having a moment, from K-Pop to Parasite to KFC.

My best Korean Fried Chicken (of many) this year was in Stoneybatter, one of the best food suburbs in the country.

The bibimbap is faultless, the beef ribs marinated for 24 hours in grated apple, soy, and garlic.

The butter kimchi rice is complex but also homely, just like the restaurant. LW

La Gordita, Dublin 2

Four stools at the heaving bar on a Saturday night in cold November saw wintery hearts and bellies warmed to Spanish temperatures.

Star bites: singular and superb crestas de cebolla tierna (tempura fried spring onion, romesco sauce); homely mollejas (panfried lamb sweetbreads).

Anna Cabrera and Vanessa Murphy are hosts of the first order, while barman Tim knocks out super margaritas. (No wonder Leslie had this on his list too.) JM

LAtitude 51, Cork

This writers best restaurant of last year remains ever-evolving, both in the glass and on the plate  and in that order of importance.

Simone Kelly directs the kitchen, small plates built around superb local produce, while proprietor Beverly Mathews oversees one of the best natural wine lists in Europe, served up by a magnificent team on the floor. JM

Library Street, Dublin 2

Library Street is a joy, simple as. You should expect flavour overload, layers of complexity in seemingly simple dishes, charming staff, and a great (short) wine list.

Chicken wing stuffed with chicken mousse and chanterelles, radicchio with fermented pear, cabbage with kimchi sheeps yoghurt and spiced dukkah. Love it! LW

MacCurtain Wine Cellar, Cork

Chef Bryan Rudd has moved on so the kitchen is in transition, but anyway menus are tiny though very tasty, only there to backbone a mighty selection of wine in one of the most stylish venues in the country, so a crisp aligote and warmed Spanish olives while watching the world go by through the old Victorian windows feeds the soul like any three-courser. JM

Mae, Dublin 4

It took a while to get a reservation at Mae but it was worth the wait.

Silky Durrus agnolotti with artichoke sauce, glistening red mullet with a perfectly executed white wine veloute, the old-school onion ring (yes!) with the dry-aged Hereford beef.

Brilliant. LW

Margadh RHA, Dublin 2

A wine bar with soul, Margadh RHA has delivered three of my stand-out dining experiences this year.

Staff changes havent diminished the warm welcome or enticing evening menus that offer some of the best value food in Dublin.

Think sourdough dunked in sherry cask-aged olive oil.

Cantabrian anchovy toast with preserved lemon aioli.

Thornhill duck with endive and blackberries, and an ever-changing wine list of leftfield producers. Whats not to love! JB

Mister S, Dublin 2

Dont be fooled by the low-key fried potatoes, onion salt, aioli menu description: Mister Ss spectacular spuds are the love child of roast potatoes and the fluffiest chipper chips youve ever eaten.

Perfect bedfellows for the entire charcoal-and-wood-cooked repertoire, everything is given the bespoke grill treatment, from Andarl pork belly to smoked short rib, grilled prawns, and octopus.

Casual, cool, and always incredibly delicious. JB

Neighbourhood, Naas, Co Kildare

Keep an eye on chef Gareth Naughton.

As a former pastry chef, he has an eye for detail and nuance like that pickled jalapeno sauce that transformed the Hegartys Cheddar croquettes or the cream of celeriac that so perfectly matched the pressed suckling pig.

One to watch. LW

Osteria Lucio, Dublin 2

Jillian also wanted to feature this brilliant restaurant that seems to improve every visit.

Ross Lewis, of Chapter One fame, is clearly loving cooking jumbo prawns in spicy garlic butter, spaghetti with the freshest shellfish imaginable, and maybe the odd roast wild duck cooked in the pizza oven.

The best casual dining restaurant in Dublin? LW

OX, Belfast

A regular pilgrimage by train from Dublin, lunch at Belfasts OX is magical.

The pared-back dining room, with its slick front-of-house team, allows Stevie Tomans precise cooking do the talking.

Great value for a Michelin-starred restaurant, every morsel, from a delicate looking bite like Tullyelmer venison tartare, fermented turnip and wood sorrel, sings with sophistication.

Delightful and exciting every time. JB

Ruchii, Blackrock, Co Dublin

Ruchii has a shiny new premises and chef Sateesh Sayanas cooking is appropriately ambitious, especially in the gastronomic odyssey that is his Ayurveda Tasting Menu.

But he is also having fun with dishes like pulled jackfruit pulka tacos, kerala fried chicken, and mango coconut prawns. LW

Seeds, Kinsale and Seagull Bakery, Dungarvan

Two wonderful bakers, Ben Le Bon, in Cork, and Sarah Richards, in Dungarvan, both cleaving to a similar game plan, making superb real sourdough breads in the most natural way possible, including the use of Irish-grown grain, along with splendid patisserie and excellent in-house coffee, all that was needed for two of the nicest breakfasts of the year. JM

Seafood Bar, Dublin 7

Swordfish carpaccio, gambas al ajillo, whole seabream with fried garlic, paella, lobster and chips  Dublin 7 is better off for having Seafood Bar open its doors here this summer.

Tiny, with Spanish tapas-bar vibes, its cosy on a rainy day looking out and great for people watching on a summers evening perched at a pavement table. The food is delicious. JB

Shouk, Dublin 9

Theres something reassuringly comforting about Shouks mezze platter, a kaleidoscopic feast of Middle Eastern vibrancy served up at this Drumcondra favourite.

The spread includes fragrant falafel, zingy hummus, creamy baba ganoush, tabbouleh, sticky aubergine salad, garlicky zhug, and carrot salad with a mound of fluffy pitta for a great price.

Consistently excellent, this is wholesome and delicious grazing food guaranteed to make everyone smile. JB

Saint Francis Provisions, Kinsale, Co Cork

Powerful feminine energy radiates through this tiny restaurant, overseen by proprietor Barbara Nealon and Emily Hartless, where great Irish produce is doctored with Spanish magic by chef Rebeca Recarey Sanchez: brandade stuffed piquillo peppers; grilled octopus, potato escabeche; and slow-cooked Lost Valley Dairy heritage pork belly with barley risotto, all washed down with cracking wine list. JM

@stfranciskinsale

The Beach House, Tramore, Co Waterford

Love at first sight  and first bite. Concise, ego-less yet effortlessly accomplished seafood cooking of Jumoke Akintola in the kitchen  including wonderful shrimp cocktail and the finest battered fish eaten in decades  marries perfectly with husband/partner Peter Hogans gentle marshalling of front of house and a super wine list. JM

The Club at Goffs, Kill, Co Kildare

Derry Clarkes back to his old tricks, in Kildare, and we couldnt be happier. Bringing his Michelin-star pedigree to this casual brasserie, with James Sheridan of Canteen, theres an edge to this offering.

Think salad of globe and Jerusalem artichoke with radicchio and Connemara air-dried ham or a loin of Wicklow venison with smoked shoulder, girolles and parsnips and youll begin to understand the fuss.

Front-of-house queen Sallyanne Clarke brings extra pizazz to the experience making this a dining detour worth taking. JB

The Old Spot, Dublin 4

That cooking. That service. That atmosphere. Theres little to fault at The Old Spot, a cosy gastro pub that punches well above its weight.

Mark Ahessys food is always superb, from rustic ham hock terrine to spiky tuna ceviche or sensational slow-cooked short-rib lasagne.

The joy continues with the team of happy staff overseen by manager extraordinaire Denise McBrien. This is the blueprint for a neighbourhood restaurant. JB

The Owenmore, Ballynahinch Castle, Co Galway

Danni Barrys technical precision is matched by preternatural empathy for divining finest flavour from superb produce in one of Irelands cosiest hotels.

Poached smoked haddock is superb, with slow-cooked egg.

Dry-aged Hereford beef fillet is succulent with lush, tender braised cheek, and smoked bone marrow. Wild halibut is heavenly. JM

West at Twelve, Barna, Co Galway

West making my meals of the year list was not something I would have predicted. Chef Nathan Hindmarsh is doing extraordinary things, from the fluffiest brioche to the perfect fish cooking, Staff, wine list and kitchen are all in harmony  a rare thing. LW

Honourable mentions

Grano, Dublin 7

Woodruff, Stepaside, Co Dublin

Denj, Dublin

Pickle, Dublin 2

Bites by Kwanghi, Dublin 2

Piglet, Dublin 2
Gardai are investigating an incident which occurred on Brunswick Street in Dublin 7 shortly after midday on Friday.

A Garda vehicle was rammed during this incident and two members of Gardai were later taken to the Master Misericordiae Hospital to receive medical treatment.
Ukraine has returned home three more minors who became hostages of the full-scale war unleashed by the aggressor country, the Russian Federation. Two of them were taken from the temporarily occupied territory of our country. Another child was kept on the territory of the Russian Federation.

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This was announced on Saturday, December 16, by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak. On his Telegram channel, he shared a photo of two children who were reunited with their mother.

"We continue to fulfill the tasks of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our children are returning home," the head of the Presidential Administration wrote.

The Office of the President and the Ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubynets, were involved in the work on the Bring Kids Back UA action plan. Qatar acted as an intermediary.

Two of the three children (born in 2008 and 2012) returned to their mother. They were taken out of the Temporary Occupied Territory, Yermak said.

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The third child was in the Russian Federation and reunited with his mother in Georgia.

"All of them are already at home with their families," said the head of the OP.

Lubinets added that these children will celebrate the holidays at home in Ukraine. A boy born in 2008 and a girl born in 2011 were taken out of Kherson region.

The third boy, born in 2011, was taken by his mother in Georgia. The father took the schoolboy to Russia without permission, and the child wanted to return to his mother in Ukraine.

"Each return is a separate story and a special operation that people are working on. Their goal is to return all children to their homeland. I am grateful to everyone who helps to do this. We will fight for every Ukrainian child and return them all," the ombudsman said.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Pope Francis recently condemned the deaths of thousands of children in the wars that are raging in Ukraine, Gaza and Yemen. However, the pontiff traditionally did not name those responsible for these deaths.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Dublin stabbings hero Caio Benicio has enjoyed an emotional reunion with his family after flying back to his native Brazil to spend Christmas and New Year with them.

The hero Deliveroo driver embraced his 12-year-old son Breno after touching down at Rio de Janeiros main international airport before kissing his wife Clara Biscaia and daughter Lara, 18.

Mr Benicio, one of the first on the scene to disarm a knife-wielding attacker in the November 23 attack, which left three children and their teacher injured, was gifted nearly 370,000 from the public via a GoFundMe appeal set up after the stabbing.

The 43-year-old jumped off his motorbike and used his crash helmet as a makeshift weapon.

Seeing her husband for the first time in six months, Clara said: We missed you so much, we were so looking forward to this reunion.

In an emotional social media post in Portuguese and English alongside a photo of him with his loved ones at the airport taken moments after their reunion, former restaurant owner Mr Benicio said: We're all back together.

After a bunch of things happened, I came to get some strength from being with them - my family. Love you all. And, big thanks to the Irish folks. I'll be back soon.

Mr Benicio, whose last trip back to Brazil had been in June to combine a holiday with knee surgery, said he will return to Dublin in the New Year.

After his dads brave actions, Breno said: My dad is my hero. He doesnt use a cape but he uses a helmet.

His daughter Lara added: For us as his children, it was very emotional to see my dad performing such a wonderful deed because he put his own life at risk to save the lives of others.

The parents of the little girl who was seriously injured in last month's attack described her as a warrior in an update posted online last week and said they hoped she would be moved out of an intensive care ward before the end of the year.

It was reported earlier this month creche worker Leanne Flynn Keogh, who was also seriously injured in the attack as she shielded children in her care, had been moved out of intensive care.
Thousands of people marched through Dublin and Cork today calling for an end to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

In the capital, protestors gathered at the Spire before marching to the US embassy in Ballsbridge, where they called on the US to withdraw its support for Israels military action in Gaza.

In Cork, the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC) said around 1,000 people took part in its rally, its 10th and largest such rally since the war started in October.

The rallies come amid growing international concern about the Israeli operation in Gaza.

Protestors lie down in Cork calling for an end to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

The offensive, triggered by the unprecedented October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has flattened much of northern Gaza and driven 85% of its population of 2.3m from their homes, triggering a spiralling humanitarian crisis.

The US, Israel's closest ally, has expressed unease over Israel's failure to reduce civilian casualties and its plans for the future of Gaza, but the White House continues to offer wholehearted support with weapons' shipments and diplomatic backing.

The administration of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is also facing public anger, after Israeli troops on Friday mistakenly shot dead three hostages.

Three girls hold kites at a rally for Palestine in Cork.

At the rally in Cork today, children carried white kites in honour of the Palestinian poet, Reefat Alareer, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier this month.

Before his death, Dr Alareer posted a poem online asking people, if he was killed, to fly white kites so that children in Gaza could see them and think of an angel bringing back love.

The rally ended with a symbolic die-in, as participants lay on the pavement on the Grand Parade in a visual demonstration of the thousands of children, women and men who have been killed in Gaza since October.

Audio recordings from the bombardment of Gaza were played during the die-in.

Crowds outside the American embassy in Dublin. Picture: Leah Farrell

Martin Shiel, co-chair of the CPSC, said that the protestors are appalled by the war and vehemently oppose Americas funding and supply of weapons to Israel.

From the moment Israel commenced its bombardment of Gaza weve been told that President Biden, though publicly supportive of Israels war, has been privately counselling against its continuation, he said.

But Americas veto of the two United Nations motions calling for a ceasefire makes it clear that Biden and the US will back Israel in its devastating war until the bitter end.

Mr Shiel was also critical of the EU for failing to call for a ceasefire at the leaders meeting in Brussels this week.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the EU has lost credibility for failing to call for a ceasefire, he said.

But seven weeks ago, Mr Varadkar declared himself satisfied with the EUs call for pauses rather than a ceasefire.

We don't consider that to be credible. Worse still, the Taoiseach fails to make the connection between Israels continued onslaught and the US financial and military support that sustains it.

At the Brussels summit, Mr Varadkar proclaimed both the EU and US to be two towers of freedom and democracy in the world, even though the US is arming Israel and the EU is doing nothing to stop the war.

Mr Shiel called on the Government to go beyond words, and take meaningful action against Israel.

Protesters gather outside the American embassy. Picture: Leah Farrell

A rally for Palestine has taken place in Cork City every Saturday since October 14.

Several smaller demonstrations, vigils and fundraisers in solidarity with the people of Gaza have also been taking place around the county including in Ballincollig, Bandon, Bantry, Carrigaline, Clonakilty, Cobh, Mallow and Skibbereen.

The Palestinian flag was also flown over Cork City Hall last month on the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Protesters wave banners at the US embassy. Picture: Leah Farrell
Emma Stone is being tipped to win her second and possibly her third Oscar this awards season.

The US star looks set to feature in the best actress and best picture categories at the 96th Academy Awards for her roles as star and producer of Poor Things.

Emma previously won the Best Actress Oscar in 2017 for her performance in La La Land.

Poor Things is a black comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (director of The Favourite) and written by Tony McNamara. It is based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Alasdair Gray.

Its plot focuses on Bella Baxter (Stone), a young Victorian woman who, after being crudely resurrected by a scientist following her suicide, runs off with a debauched lawyer to embark on an odyssey of self-discovery and sexual liberation. Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael also star in the movie.

At a recent Q&A in LA, Emma spoke about how this project came about and what she likes about working with Lanthimos.

She also talked about why Bella Baxter is her favourite ever character, her move into producing and more.

So Emma, congratulations on your performance in this. Did you discuss this project while you were working with Yorgos Lanthimos on The Favourite? Also, when did you sign on as producer as well as star?

So, after we made The Favourite  we made that at the beginning of 2017  and he and I had dinner and I think I was just asking him what he was thinking about doing next. And there were multiple things that he was thinking about.

And one of them was Poor Things. And he sort of told me the premise of the book and I immediately was like, Thats great. Like, When do we start? [laughs] But he wasnt pitching it to me  [laughs] But we had gotten to know each other, we had met a couple of years before The Favourite and so we had gotten to know each other a bit.

And then working together was so wonderful and I knew I really, really wanted to get the chance to work with him again, if I could. And then the combination of this story and this character and him was just so beyond exciting to me.

Emma Stone said working with Yorgos Lanthimos was 'so wonderful and I knew I really, really wanted to get the chance to work with him again'. Picture: Dia Dipasupil/Getty

So we actually talked about it for a while before I even read a draft of the script, like a couple of years. And in that process, he was telling me about how it was coming together. I read it and then we were talking about all the different departments and what it would look like and what it would feel like, the cast, all of that.

I think actually he asked me to be a producer before that, but he asked me to be a producer at a certain point. And from then every facet we would discuss and it was amazing.

And it was wonderful to feel that kind of, I think it would have been this way either way, because of our relationship, but just in title alone, its really nice to have that kind of agency and that ability to express yourself in many circumstances. But again, I mean, even if I hadnt been a producer, I think it would have felt like that because of the way we discuss everything.

Obviously you are working with Yorgos again, but what would you say was the unique aspect of making this film?

Well, shes my favourite character ever, like hands down, by a mile  shes incredible. I know that I probably will never ever get to even touch a character like Bella ever again, which is heartbreaking to me, but also incredible because to be so lucky to get to play a character like her.

And so that is precious to me, Bella is precious to me. Beyond that, the dynamic we felt really protective of. Yorgos and I made a short film in between The Favourite and Poor Things at the beginning of 2020, right before the pandemic. And that was a very small crew, we were on an island in Greece for two weeks, I think.

And it was very pared down and straightforward. And we could just experiment and do what we wanted to do. And that energy felt really good to both of us, that was kind of how he made films in Greece at the beginning.

They were made by everyone, everyone was collaborating, and it was small and they were all participating  it felt more like that. And so that energy, I think, is very important to both of us that no matter how big it is  and this film is really big in scale  all the sets and a large crew and many actors, whereas our short film only had two actors. I think that that energy, hopefully, remains.

And it felt very intimate and very trusting and like a safe place to kind of do all of these things, very protected in that way, but also small and like everyones making the same thing. So I guess that. Also, shooting on film woo!

Can you talk about how you approached playing Bella, especially when she is literally being an eight-year-old at certain moments in her mind? What sort of conversations did you have with Yorgos?

First, when it comes to her age, it was very important to both of us in talking about it that none of it was literal. As we moved through the different stages, we werent putting a certain number on where she is. Because she grows so rapidly and because it is  believe it or not  not based on the true story [laughs].

Actually, its like a metaphor  I know it feels very realistic! [laughs]. So, so much of the fun of it was the fact that it wasnt comparable to anything and there was so much to kind of experiment with, in terms of her physicality and her language and her evolution. And so Yorgos and I worked on her physicality quite a bit in Budapest because we were there like a month before we started shooting.

We had a rehearsal process but we would also have solo rehearsals where wed pretty much just work on her walk and her physicality and her kind of speech. But then we created stages, like one to five of where she is, because at the very beginning of the shoot, we were in Baxters house, and we only had that house for the beginning.

Mark Ruffalo, Emma Stone, and Willem Dafoe attend the UK gala screening of 'Poor Things' at the Barbican Centre in London, on Thursday. Picture: Eamonn M McCormack/Getty/Walt Disney Studios

So she was just stage one and stage five within that house. And then each big event happens and it sort of kicks her into a different stage, but we didnt shoot that until after we had done kind of the beginning and the end  so that was extremely helpful to have that.

And then in terms of what I was pulling from or something, I think in any other job that Ive done  to call this a job is crazy, this is like a joy  in any other project that Ive done its a person with history, whether youre playing a real person or a character that has been written, you find that sort of natural  if youre playing an adult - theyve been through all kinds of things in their lives.

And theyve had all kinds of traumas or wonderful things happen and it all builds up to that point. And so you think about that to an extent, Im more instinctual than that a lot of the time  but you do think about those things.

Bella in 'Poor Things' is 'my favourite character Ive ever played', says Emma Stone.

But with Bella, it was unlearning, it was just being able to get to a place of pure joy and curiosity and a lack of shame and judgement about myself, my body, my experiences in the world, seeing everything anew for the first time. And whether its food or sex, or money, or suffering, or whatever it may be  all of that got to be brand new.

Which is why shes my favourite character Ive ever played, because what it required of me was just to like shed, rather than add. And it was like the greatest gift to be able to do something like that, because she is so joyous  until shes not and she learns things, but even still, she has such a resilience to her and in her and it doesnt bog her down, it just propels her forward. I found it so inspirational the way that she functions in the world.

Your subtraction, as you put it, looked surgical  it felt so authentic watching you.

Well, I mean, that also speaks to the, like imperative, the biggest, biggest, biggest thing about being able to do this was Yorgos  truly. Because like theres so many times where as an actor, you know, if youre given the gift of choosing parts rather than just taking what is coming to you, which is the majority of the time as an actor  and I know this is a very limited timeframe where Im able to have that level of choice in the things that I take on  its like, of course, I want to do this with him, because I trust him so deeply, I admire him so deeply.

And when you dont feel like you need to be like a co-captain of the ship. Because one of the hardest things, for me, as an actor, I know a lot of actors are able to do this with much more grace than I can, but when I feel like I dont have full trust in whos steering it, everything is affected by it. Because I feel like, Oh if I do that in this take youre gonna fucking use it. I know you are! So like, Youre asking me to do this. And I know this is what youre gonna put in there. [laughs] You have to trust this person so deeply and for a role like this that requires all of these things, it would be impossible without him.

So in all of these things I could experiment, I could like dial it up or down or whatever and hes able to just sort of like look at me or say like No or like Yes, OK. And its such a shorthand at this point but thats a testament to him and to our relationship and the amount of faith I have in him as a filmmaker.

Which is like, understandable when you see his films why, in my opinion, hes not for everybody but he is for me! [laughs]

The film felt very limitless and just endlessly transgressive. Was there ever a moment in the book or in the filmmaking that you felt that you actually went too far?

I never felt that way. Like we went too far.

You talked about being able to choose your projects. Youre a producer and actor on this as you are on The Curse, which just came out. What specifically do you look for in projects that you want to produce that are also acting in?

Thats a newer thing. Thank you for that question. Thats newer over the past couple of years. I moved to here [LA] when I was 15 and started auditioning for things when I was 15. So its been now 20 years, which is really surreal, that Ive been sort of working or things have gone on.

And I think as time has gone on, it was sort of what I was talking about before. As an actor, Ive been in circumstances where I dont feel like I really get to  and I definitely do not have these incredible opinions that everyones got to hear, not at all  but the best thing about producing is the kind of ability to hopefully help bring people together.

Like, thats one thing that I really love about that is like, find people that are really wonderful to work together and that you trust. I think thats something that Yorgos does as a director and a producer as well.

For his department heads, he puts a lot of faith and in his cast, he puts a lot of faith in that what these people are doing is theyre there for a reason.

And I think thats a really beautiful part of getting to have that sort of voice as a producer is to say like, I really feel strongly that this person would be a good addition to this and that you can sort of create the environment a little bit more and youre not just sort of left to like, whatever is happening or other people are deciding.

Its been a really great process in that way. But then you also, I learnt, have to watch like a million cuts of things and do notes, and that sucks! [laughs].

Theres all this other stuff they dont tell you about [laughs]. But thats also good because you learn that in any job, theres a reason that you do it, which is mostly that you love it.

If youre in a creative profession, hopefully, youre in it because you love it. And then you start to do it professionally and youre like A lot of this sucks. But its so worth it because of the part thats so amazing. So thats what Ive learnt about producing! [laughs]

Poor Things is due for release in Irish cinemas next month
The school league tables were out again this week. These are designed to show parents the best secondary school to which to send  or attempt to send  their child. These league tables are no longer called league tables because such labelling is considered vulgar. League tables suggest competition and winners and losers. Instead, we now have the feeder school tables, which consist of data compiled that show how many students in each school last year went to third level and to which university or college. This exercise is in the name of parental choice.

Here are a few results to be chewed over without providing any free publicity to the institutions involved. In one school 120% of students went to third level (including deferrals and repeats). This is an amazing feat of numbers if not results. By the measure applied, this is the top, top school in the country. Could you ask for more?

All of the top 50 schools had more than 100% of students advancing to the next level of education. The best-performing schools were fee-paying, but Gaelscoileanna also did really well. The schools with the fewest attending third level are almost exclusively DEIS schools, so categorised because they are entitled to extra supports as they draw their pupils from areas of social disadvantage.

Controversial history

There is a long history to the publication of these tables. As far back as the late 1990s elements of the media were pushing to have the tables published. The 1998 Education Act stipulated that such results should not be made public as it might impact education. This was echoed at the time by people who researched education. The following year Dr Emer Smyth, who was a research officer with the ESRI, pointed out that ranking schools in terms of their raw exam results can give a very distorted impression of school effectiveness.

A school may rank highly in a league table merely because it has a selective intake, drawing pupils with higher abilities and from more privileged social backgrounds, she wrote at the time.

On the other hand, a school serving a more disadvantaged pupil intake may appear low down in a league table but may actually be achieving great academic progress with its pupils.

The observation is as true today as it was then. Despite such concerns ways were found to circumvent the 1998 act, the tables were published and are now an annual feature for over 10 years. But for whose benefit? The measure of how many students make it to third level, and whether that advance is to a college or university, tells very little about the actual quality of education on offer from a school.

Facilities, class sizes, how school fees are paid for, and availability of grinds, all play into skewing school performances.

For instance, surely any proper league tables should include the amount of money spent by families of students for grinds in a particular school. The grind industry is huge and concentrated for the greater part among the better-off elements of society. Those who can afford grinds have a major advantage in the so-called points race. Would it surprise anybody if the various positions in a league table on grind spending coincided with that which was published this week?

Another table that might produce similar results is that enumerating diagnoses of various psychological conditions that can result in exemptions from particular subjects. Such diagnoses have in some quarters become part of playing the system. If a student is having particular difficulty with, for instance, Irish, a diagnosis of a mild condition of one sort or another can result in an exemption.

Taking advantage

Similarly, the DARE system, in which students who have a disability can be eligible for reduced points, is open to abuse. The conception of such a system is entirely laudable and, in theory, contributes to equality in education. But it is also the case that those in the know can find ways to attain a diagnosis on dubious grounds to confer advantage. This practice is not unknown in enclaves like south Dublin where the preponderance of fee-paying schools are located, most of which end up close to the top of the league tables.

Another factor that should be included in any league tables is the presence or otherwise of special classes in schools. This would certainly denote whether a school was fulfilling its ostensible objective of providing education for all children.

Special classes are for children with challenges of one sort or another. Typically, but not exclusively, this might be associated with autism and the class would usually consist of six students. In days gone by, long before league tables became popular, such students might have simply been ignored or tolerated in mainstream until such point as they would be asked to leave. Today, that is no longer acceptable, in theory at least if not in practice.

Yet despite such enlightened thinking, there is grave suspicion that many of the schools that feature near the top of the published league tables are reluctant to open special classes. This was touched on in the Irish Examiner during the week by Colm OConnor, principal of Cork Educate Together Secondary School (CETSS).

On most of the southside of the city until recently it was only DEIS schools that opened classes, he said, noting that he was speaking in a personal capacity. This has also been a feature of attempts to have special classes opened in the more affluent areas of Dublin city. Quite obviously, there is a feeling in some quarters that providing education for all may come at a cost of perhaps slipping, even slightly, down the league tables as a feeder school for third level.

There is grave suspicion that many of the schools that feature near the top of the published league tables are reluctant to open their doors to special classes, that might impact their table placement. Picture: Flexipics/PA

Fair tables?

In such a context it would surely be in the public interest to provide a league table exclusively concerned with enumerating how many special classes each school in the country provides. The suspicion is that many of those in the upper reaches of the published tables might find themselves languishing towards the bottom of one that would gauge fully the performance of schools in providing an education for all.

Other criteria might reflect how well a school is doing. In some parts of the State, the ability of a school to retain a student all the way to Leaving cert is a huge achievement. For others, pushing a student to become the first in his or her family to go to third level is worthy of note.

And then there are the schools that simply manage to instill in a student the wish to better themselves despite factors in their family environment that might have pushed them towards a life less lived, often ending up in crime and even imprisonment. These things cannot be easily put on a table and given a ranking but they illustrate the best traditions of education.

Instead of any of that, the only measurement of success that reaches the public is one that merely reflects the inequalities in our education system rather than any proper performance indicator.
HERES a clue for you ahead of National Crossword Day on 21 December: Why did the Japanese go to the bar? Give up? (7)

It comes from the cryptic pen of Nuala Considine who, in a career that spanned seven decades, was credited with being the worlds most prolific setter of crosswords when she died, aged 89, in 2018.

She was compiling crosswords right up to six weeks before her death, thinking up clues that challenged, delighted, and frustrated readers of some of the worlds best-known publications in English. Heres another one: Cheep Alarm Clock? (4,6)

At one point, members of a crossword-solving group were so stumped by her notoriously difficult crossword in the Daily Mail, that they requested a photograph of the setter so that they could throw darts at it. The newspaper, happily, did not oblige.

National Crossword Day on Thursday, December 21, marks the publication of the first crossword in the New York World as recently as 1913. That gives us the perfect excuse to remember the Irishwoman who could compile a cryptic crossword in an hour, if the deadline demanded it.

But there are other reasons to recall Nuala Considine. She lived in wartime Rome as a child when German bombs fell close to the familys ambassadorial home where her father Dr Thomas Kiernan was appointed minister to the Holy See in 1941.

This column has already featured Nualas mother Delia Murphy Kiernan, the Irish singing star who helped prisoners of war escape during the German occupation of that city from late 1943 to June 1944. I was in the thick of it, she said after the death of her husband who was unaware of her activities.

Nuala Kiernan had her own memories of that time. As a 13-year-old, in 1941, she left Foynes, Co Limerick, in a seaplane that flew via Lisbon and Spain to get to Rome.

Her parents kept something of a lively and bohemian legation in wartime Rome, helping refugees and displaced persons and offering memorable hospitality to all-comers, Michael Kennedy writes in the Dictionary of Irish Biography.

After the war, the family moved to Australia where Nualas father became the countrys first Irish ambassador. Nuala and her brother Colm continued their studies in Rome. It meant both of them became excellent linguists, speaking fluent French, Italian, and Spanish. Nuala also studied piano and operatic singing.

When she returned to Dublin, she got a job as an air hostess at Aer Lingus, which was considered one of the most glamorous jobs of the time. While working there, she met pilot Brian Considine. Both of them had seen war at close quarters; Nuala while living in Rome and Brian as a former RAF Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot. But they had another vital thing in common  an interest in crosswords.

Together, they compiled a crossword and, almost as a joke, submitted it to the Irish Times in 1946. They were stunned when it was published. Two years later, the couple married, but it meant that Nuala had to leave her job at Aer Lingus. The marriage ban, which forced so many women out of the Irish workforce, saw to that.

Brian Considine resigned tooperhaps in solidarityand the couple moved to London. In 1955, Nuala joined the Morley Adams press agency on Fleet Street where her crossword-setting prowess was quickly recognised. Soon she was writing puzzles for a variety of publications, while turning her hand to whatever else the job of freelance journalist demanded.

She provided this fascinating insight into her work in a letter written, many years later, to one of her editors, Peter Stirling: For instance, I wrote a weekly horoscope. I told them I knew nothing about astrology, but was told to buy a few books about it [the money to be taken] from petty cash. I wrote theatre and film reviews.

Once, I was asked to write a piece about a Buddhist monk, the next week I had to write about rearing pigs. Never a dull moment. [But] it was very hard work. Sometimes a 15 x 15 cryptic crossword had to be compiled in an hour, and [in the 1950s] there was no electronic help.

The list of publications that published her crosswords is breathtaking. She set puzzles for the Spectator, the Financial Times and the Washington Post. When the New Scientist expressed an interest in her work, she learned a set of new terms for the job.

She had a gift for cryptic clues which were notoriously droll and concise, as one of her obituary writers noted. Indeed, after her death, tributes were published right around the world, a testament to her reach and popularity with cruciverablists (being a quick-crossword woman myself, I had to look that up).

In the Telegraph, she was known as Excalibur and set The Toughie, a crossword that ran for some 30 years. The clue at the start of this piece was included in the 25th-anniversary edition. The answer? Forsake (for sake).

When the Sunday Telegraph marked the papers milestones since its first publication in 1961, it recalled Nualas crosswords which she compiled from 1992 to 2008. Her clues, it said, were fair, solvable, and witty.

In the Daily Mail, her puzzle was dubbed The Stinker and delighted and infuriated fans in equal measure.

In 1955, Nuala Considine joined the Morley Adams press agency on Fleet Street where her crossword-setting prowess was quickly recognised. Picture: Carole Cullen

She was writing crosswords for some 50 years when her husband died in 1996. By then, she was nearly 70, but she responded by taking on a workload that astonished even her editors, Clare Caldwells obituary in The Sydney Morning Herald noted.

At the time she was living in England, spending summers in California to avoid the winter. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she expressed a wish to be buried in her native Ireland.

According to Caldwell, she wrote to a friend saying: There is a family plot that houses my parents and sister. My plan is to be buried there but the undertaker said she wasnt sure if another body would fit and wanted to know if I was fat. She wouldnt take my word for it and wanted to inspect me, so I presented myself.

"Like letting the hangman take a look at the prisoner before execution. She said, Oh, youll be fine. Theres room. Take your time. I said, Thank you.

When she died in 2018, Nuala Considine was buried in that plot in Deansgrange cemetery in Dublin.

As for the cheep alarm clock? Dawn chorus (But of course, says yours truly, quick-crossword woman, fully aware that the answer may never have dawned on her).
Rudy Giuliani must pay more than $148 million (135m) in damages to two former Georgia election workers he defamed through false accusations that they helped rig the 2020 election against Donald Trump, a jury decided on Friday.

The jury in federal court in Washington, D.C., found that Giuliani owes the workers, Wandrea Shaye Moss and her mother Ruby Freeman, roughly $73 million (67m) to compensate them for the reputational and emotional harm they suffered and $75 million to punish the former Trump lawyer and one-time New York major for his conduct.

A federal judge determined before the trial that Giuliani was liable for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy.

The only question before the jury was how much in damages to impose on Giuliani, who helped Republican former president Trump advance his false claims of a stolen 2020 election.

The verdict was reached after an emotional three days of testimony in which Moss and Freeman, who are Black, recounted the deluge of racist and sexist messages, including threats of lynching, they received after Trump and his allies spread false claims that they were engaged in voter fraud.

Mr. Giuliani thought he could get away with making Ruby and Shaye the face of election fraud because he thought they were ordinary and expendable, the workers lawyer Michael Gottlieb said during his closing argument.

He has no right to offer defenseless civil servants up to a virtual mob in order to overturn an election.

The plaintiffs requested at least $48 million on the defamation claim and an unspecified sum for emotional distress and punitive damages.

Joseph Sibley, a lawyer for Giuliani, acknowledged that his client had caused harm, but said the penalty the plaintiffs sought would be catastrophic for his client.

He told the jury Giuliani was a good man, referencing his role as mayor of New York following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Rudy Giuliani shouldnt be defined by whats happened in recent times, Sibley said during his closing argument.

Giuliani, who publicly claimed he would testify during the trial, ultimately opted not to take the witness stand.

Giuliani made repeated false claims that a surveillance video showed Moss and Freeman concealing and counting suitcases filled with illegal ballots at a basketball arena in Atlanta that was used to process votes during the 2020 election.

Trump also singled out Freeman by name in a highly publicized January 2021 phone call during which he pressured Georgias top election officer, Brad Raffensperger, to find votes to overturn his narrow defeat in the state.
Russia and Ukraine each reported dozens of attempted drone attacks in the past day, just hours after Hungary vetoed 50 billion of EU funding to Ukraine.

Ukraines air force said on Saturday that Ukrainian air defences had shot down 30 out of 31 drones launched overnight against 11 regions of the country.

Russia said on Friday evening that it had thwarted a series of Ukrainian drone attacks.

Russian anti-aircraft units destroyed 32 Ukrainian drones over the Crimean peninsula, the Russian defense ministry said on Telegram.

Honour guards carry the coffin of Ukrainian serviceman Andrii Trachuk during his funeral service in Independence square in Kyiv (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Russia annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, a move that most of the world considered illegal, and has used it as a staging and supply point during the war.

Earlier, Russias defence ministry said that six drones had been shot down in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.

In Ukraines partially occupied southern Kherson region, Russian-installed governor Vladimir Saldo reported on Telegram that Russian anti-aircraft units had downed at least 15 aerial targets near the town of Henichesk.

Meanwhile, shelling wounded two people in Ukrainian-held parts of the Kherson region, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Saturday.

Stepped-up drone attacks over the past month come as both sides are keen to show they are not deadlocked as the war approaches two years duration.

Neither side has gained much ground despite a Ukrainian counteroffensive that began in June, and analysts predict the war will be a long one.

On Friday, EU leaders sought to paper over their inability to boost Ukraines coffers with a promised 50 billion over the next four years, saying the cheque will likely arrive next month after some more haggling between the other 26 leaders and the long-time holdout, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary.

Instead, they wanted Ukraine to revel in getting the nod to start membership talks that could mark a sea change in its fortunes  although the process could last well over a decade and be strewn with obstacles placed by any single member state.
The Indian Navy said on Saturday that it is shadowing a bulk carrier that was boarded by unknown attackers  likely Somali pirates  in the Arabian Sea.

The Maltese-flagged MV Ruen, with a crew of 18, had sent a Mayday message on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) portal on Thursday indicating that six unknown people had boarded the vessel, the Indian Navy said in its statement.

The navy responded to the distress call by sending its anti-piracy patrol warship and maritime patrol aircraft to locate and assist the vessel, it added.

The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel early on Friday and has since been continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel, which the Indian Navy said was headed toward the coast of Somalia.

The necessary steps have been taken to pass the information on to all foreign partners and institutions that we will count on to provide assistance

It added that its warship, which was deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrols, also intercepted the carrier early on Saturday.

The Ruen, which is managed by Bulgarian shipping company Navibulgar, was off the Yemeni island of Socotra when it was boarded on Thursday, the private intelligence firm Ambrey and the UKMTO said.

Bulgarian authorities said the ships crew were nationals of Angola, Bulgaria and Myanmar.

The necessary steps have been taken to pass the information on to all foreign partners and institutions that we will count on to provide assistance, Bulgarian foreign minister Maria Gabriel told reporters on Friday.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault. However, suspicion immediately fell on pirates from Somalia.

Their activity has dropped in recent years, but there has been growing concern it could resume amid the political uncertainty in the country and wider chaos in the region that has included attacks on shipping by Yemeni Houthi rebels.

On Friday, the UKMTO issued a warning to shippers saying the security manager for the Ruen believes the crew no longer has control of the vessel.

The European Unions anti-piracy force in the region said the Spanish frigate Victoria was on its way to intercept the alleged pirate-hijacked vessel.
A British Royal Navy warship has shot down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea, the UK Defence Secretary has said.

Grant Shapps said it was believed merchant shipping in the Red Sea was the intended target, in the latest such incident in the key global shipping route.

The Red Sea lies between north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

The HMS Diamond, the Type 45 destroyer that shot down the suspected drone, was only sent to the region two weeks ago amid growing international concern about the threat to shipping.

One Sea Viper missile fired and successfully destroyed the target, Mr Shapps said in a statement.

The ship recently arrived in the region to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security.

The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea.

The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.

Earlier this month the US military said the Bahamas-flagged Unity Explorer, owned by a UK company, was among three commercial vessels targeted in an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

On Friday Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

The incident is believed to the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the First Gulf War in 1991.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Ben Key said: One sixth of the worlds commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.

The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas.

The UK Ministry of Defence has not said who was behind the attack.

But Yemens Houthis have been behind a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel in response to its war against Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli hostages who were mistakenly shot by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip had been waving a white flag and were shirtless when they were killed, an Israeli military official said on Saturday.

Anger over the mistaken killings is likely to increase pressure on the Israeli government to renew Qatar-mediated negotiations with Hamas over swapping more captives for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Hamas has conditioned further releases on Israel halting its punishing air and ground campaign in Gaza, now in its 11th week.

The account of how the hostages died also raised questions about the conduct of Israeli ground troops.

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Palestinians on several occasions reported that Israeli soldiers opened fire as civilians tried to flee to safety.

The military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief reporters in line with military regulations, said it was likely that the hostages had been abandoned by their militant captors or had escaped.

The Israeli soldiers behaviour was against our rules of engagement, the official said, and was being investigated at the highest level.

The three, all young men in their 20s, were killed on Friday in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants in recent days.

An Israeli military Apache helicopter and a drone fly close to the Gaza strip (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

They had been among more than 240 people taken hostage during an unprecedented raid by Hamas into Israel on October 7 in which about 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians. The attack sparked the war.

Hundreds of protesters blocked Tel Avivs main highway late on Friday in a spontaneous demonstration calling for the hostages return.

The hostages plight has dominated public discourse in Israel since the October 7 attack.

Their families have led a powerful public campaign calling on the government to do more to bring them home.

Relatives of the Al Jazeera cameraman, Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, mourn his death, during his funeral in the town of Khan Younis (AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman)

Hadas Kalderon, whose former partner is still held hostage after their two teenage children were released in November, said the Israeli government must pay any price to free all hostages.

To make a deal, now, thats what Im saying. Yesterday, not now, said.

The military official said the three hostages had emerged from a building close to Israeli soldiers positions. They were waving a white flag and were shirtless, possibly in an effort to signal they posed no threat.

Two were killed immediately, and the third ran back into the building screaming for help in Hebrew. The commander issued an order to cease fire, but another burst of gunfire killed the third man, the official said.

Buildings lie ruined after an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israeli media gave a more detailed account. The mass circulation daily Yediot Ahronot said on Saturday that according to an investigation into the incident, a sniper identified the three hostages as suspects when they emerged from the building, despite them not being armed, and shot two of the three.

Soldiers followed the third when he ran into the building and hid, shouting at him to come out and at least one soldier shot him when he emerged from a staircase, Yediot Ahronot said.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz gave a similar account based on a preliminary investigation, saying the soldiers who followed the third hostage into the building believed he was a Hamas member trying to pull them into a trap.

The three men have been named as: Alon Shamriz, Samer Al-Talalka and Yotam Haim.

The offensive has killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Thursday before a communications blackout that has hampered telephone and internet services in the Gaza Strip. Thousands more are missing and feared dead beneath the rubble.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Its latest count did not specify how many were women and minors, but they have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead in previous tallies.

Dozens of mourners held funeral prayers Saturday for Samer Abu Daqqa, a Palestinian journalist working for the Al Jazeera network who was killed on Friday in an Israeli strike in the southern city of Khan Younis.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the cameraman was the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict erupted: 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese.

The United States, Israels closest ally, has expressed unease over Israels failure to reduce civilian casualties and its plans for the future of Gaza, but the White House continues to offer wholehearted support with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing.
Terrorists usually start launching Shaheds in the evening. Air alerts can be quite lengthy, as due to their considerable range, drones can fly over the territory several times instead of directly attacking the target.

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This was stated by the Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat on the air of the United News telethon. According to the Air Force representative, launches usually begin in the evening and last until late at night, until the Ukrainian air force eliminates the last Shahed.

"Shaheds are usually launched in waves, they fly around, maneuver. They have a long range. These are internal combustion engines. The route that the operators paved for them at the launch site remains in their 'memory'. In this way, they make circles, they can circle around the region, not only in a straight line, and then enter the target," said Ihnat.

The spokesman noted that the average duration of the occupants' attacks has not changed significantly recently.

"Shaheds have always been flying for a long time. Earlier they were launched from Kherson region, the first launches when the Defense Forces had not yet driven the enemy to the left bank of the Dnipro. After that, they moved to Crimea. The flight duration is getting longer, the speed of the Shahed is 150 km/h on average, and that's why it happens," Ihnat explained.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of December 16, Russian troops carried out the sixth air attack on Kyiv since the beginning of December. The enemy forces attacked the capital with the help of Iranian kamikaze drones, which were launched in groups from different directions. All of these drones were destroyed.

As a reminder, Russian troops began launching kamikaze drones at Ukraine on December 15 in the evening. At around 9:30 p.m., an air raid alert began to spread across Ukraine. In addition to Kyiv, the movement of the Shaheds was recorded, in particular, in the direction of Dnipropetrovs'k, Sumy, Poltava, and Khmelnytskyi regions.
British teenager Alex Batty is expected to return to the UK later on Saturday, six years after he went missing with his mother and grandfather during a holiday.

The 17-year-old was just 11 when he disappeared with mother Melanie Batty and grandfather David Batty on a family trip to Spain in September 2017.

He was found by chiropody student Fabien Accidini while walking alone near Toulouse in the south-west of France in the early hours of Wednesday.

It is thought Alex had been living an alternative lifestyle with his mother and grandfather while missing.

Mr Accidini said the teenager told him he had been hiking in nearby mountains for more than four days in an attempt to return to England.

French prosecutor Antoine Leroy told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency the teenager is expected to fly from Toulouse to London later on Saturday to be reunited with his grandmother Susan Caruana, who lives in Oldham, Greater Manchester, and is the boys legal guardian.

On Friday, she said she cant wait to see him when he returns in a statement issued through police.

She added: I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I cant wait to see him when were reunited.

The main thing is that hes safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

I would ask that our family are given privacy as we welcome Alex back, so we can make this process as comforting as possible.
Former president Jacob Zuma has denounced the governing African National Congress and announced he will vote for a newly-formed political party in South Africas general election next year.

Mr Zuma, who was president of the ANC from 2007 to 2017, said he is backing the newly-formed Umkhonto we Sizwe party that is named after the ANCs now-defunct military wing, which was disbanded after the liberation struggle.

Mr Zuma, 81, called on other South Africans to vote for the new formation, saying it would be a betrayal to vote for the ANC of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mr Zuma speaking during a press conference in Soweto on Saturday (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

The countrys general election scheduled for 2024 is expected to be highly contested, because the ruling ANC, which has governed the country since Nelson Mandela became South Africas first democratically-elected leader in 1994, faces a myriad of challenges.

Recent polls have suggested the ANC could for the first time garner less than 50% of the national vote in next years election and may need to form a coalition government to remain in power.

Briefing journalists in Johannesburgs Soweto township on Saturday, Mr Zuma described the ANC and Mr Ramaphosa as a proxy for white monopoly capital, and he described his decision as part of rescuing the ANC.

I have decided that I cannot and will not campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa in 2024. My conscience will not allow me to lie to the people of South Africa and to pretend that the ANC of Ramaphosa is the ANC of Luthuli, Tambo and Mandela, said Mr Zuma, referring to previous leaders of the ANC.

Mr Zuma was ousted as the countrys president by Mr Ramaphosa in 2018 amid wide-ranging allegations of corruption in government and state-owned companies during his presidential tenure from 2009 to 2018.

Mr Zuma, centre, speaks as his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla listens during a press conference where he denounced his former party the ANC (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Since his departure from the countrys highest office, Mr Zuma has been facing legal battles.

He was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear before a judicial commission of inquiry, which was investigating corruption allegations against him and other high-profile politicians and businesspeople during his time in office.

He has also pleaded not guilty to corruption charges related to South Africas 1999 arms procurement deal in a trial that has faced major delays.

The ANC is expected to face fierce competition from the opposition parties Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, but smaller parties and independent candidates could be crucial in case of coalition negotiations.

The ANC indicated this week that they will legally challenge the use of the name Umkhonto we Sizwe by the new political formation because the name belonged to the party.
President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has urged Israel to scale down its Gaza campaign and transition to more narrowly targeted operations against Hamas leaders, US officials said.

Israeli officials publicly emphasised that they would continue the war until they eradicate Hamas. Washington appeared to acknowledge disagreement, as Sullivan said the timing was under "intensive discussion" between the allies.

On Friday, Israeli forces mistakenly killed three of more than 100 hostages held by Hamas.

The three hostages were killed in an area of intense combat where Hamas militants operate in civilian attire and use deception tactics, an official said.

Israel, which said it recovered the bodies of three other hostages killed by Hamas, believes around 20 of more than 130 hostages still held in Gaza are dead.

The Israeli military said on Saturday that it had bombed a building in Jabalia from the air after its forces came under fire and Hamas militants were seen on the roof. It was unclear whether the building was one of those that WAFA said had been hit.

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Picture: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit

The military also said it had killed militants holed up in two school buildings in Gaza City, and raided apartments in Khan Younis stocked with weapons, uncovering what it described as underground infrastructure used by Hamas, the militant group that runs Gaza and that Israel has vowed to destroy.

'Every day the situation gets worse'

"Every day the situation gets worse. Food gets less, water gets worse, only death, fear and destruction get greater," said Samira, 40, a mother of four, who is displaced in Rafah, near the southern border with Egypt.

In a surprise cross-border attack on October 7, Hamas militants rampaged through Israeli towns, killing 1,200 people and capturing 240 hostages. Israel's counterattack has killed close to 19,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities, with thousands more feared buried under rubble.

In signs of the wider ramifications of the conflict, Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthis said they had attacked the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat with a swarm of drones, one of several drone incidents reported in the region on Saturday.

Two major freight firms said they would avoid the Suez Canal as the Houthis stepped up attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The US Central Command said the destroyer Carney had shot down 14 Houthi drones in the Red Sea. Britain also said one of its warships had shot down a suspected attack drone targeting merchant shipping.

Netanyahu hints new negotiations under way to recover hostages

Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on Saturday to hint that new negotiations were under way to recover hostages held by Hamas, after his chief of Mossad intelligence met the prime minister of Qatar, a country mediating in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a televised press conference a day after Israeli forces mistakenly killed the three Israeli hostages, Netanyahu called the Gaza conflict an existential war that must be fought until victory, despite pressure and costs, and said the territory would be demilitarized and under Israeli security control.

He said Israel's offensive in Gaza had helped clinch a partial hostage-release deal in November.

"The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing," he said.

Netanyahu spoke after the head of Israel's Mossad spy agency David Barnea met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe late on Friday, according to a source with knowledge of the matter, and attention turned to a possible new Gaza truce and a prisoner and hostage deal.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File Picture: Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP

Netanyahu sidestepped a question about the meeting, saying he wouldn't divulge information to Hamas. He said Israel had requests for a ceasefire and to remove troops in Gaza talks, but would not do so.

Israel bombarded targets across Gaza on Saturday, but two Egyptian security sources said Israeli officials now appeared more willing to work towards a ceasefire and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

An Israeli military official said the three hostages who were killed had been holding a white flag, according to an initial inquiry. Their deaths have put increased pressure on Netanyahu to find a way to secure the release of those held.

Protestors attend Israeli prime minister's speech

As Netanyahu spoke, several hundred people staged a protest in Tel Aviv, with some holding placards, including one saying "get them out of hell."

A speaker shouted: "Bring them home now!"

The meeting in Europe was apparently the first between senior officials from Israel and Qatar, which has been acting as a mediator, since the collapse of a seven-day ceasefire in late November.

Combat has intensified in the past two weeks since the collapse of the truce, which had allowed dozens of Israeli hostages held in Gaza to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

Israeli forces bombarded targets across Gaza on Saturday including a crowded YMCA building, with dozens of Palestinians reported killed or wounded, despite a renewed U.S. call to scale down the campaign and focus on Hamas leaders.

Palestinians search for bodies and survivors in the rubble of a residential building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Picture: (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair

Two Christian women who had taken refuge in a church complex in Gaza were shot dead by an Israeli soldier, Roman Catholic Church authorities said. Seven other people were shot and wounded. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

In Khan Younis in Gaza's south, Palestinian health officials said the Nasser Hospital had received 20 Palestinians killed in air strikes overnight, in addition to dozens of wounded, including women and children.

Palestinian health officials also said Israeli strikes on Gaza City in the north had hit the YMCA headquarters, which is sheltering hundreds of displaced people and reported several dead and wounded.

The Israeli military said it was "operating to dismantle Hamas military and administrative capabilities".

The official WAFA news agency said at least three dozen people had been killed in strikes on three houses in the Jabalia refugee camp, which health officials were unable to confirm.

Aftermath of an Israeli strike on a house in Rafah Rescue workers believed some casualties remained buried under the rubble in some of those areas.

Gaza residents reported intense overnight fighting.

"We could hear explosions and gunshots echoing from all directions," Ahmed, 45, an electrician and father of six, told Reuters from a shelter in central Gaza.

Mohammad, 40, a resident of Khan Younis who has moved to the southern city of Rafah following Israeli evacuation orders, said: "We want a full ceasefire, an end to the war and not a humanitarian pause."

- Reuters
I first met him in 1988 at an underground meeting to coordinate with parallel groups in Rangoon. We were taking part in a nationwide uprising, but we didnt know it at the time.

The neighborhood chosen for that first clandestine meeting was Hledan in the former capital, Rangoon. Could we trust each other?

We reached the meeting point on foot  an old factory compound owned by a Chinese businessman. All of us were nervous but we were trying our best to look relaxed. The cloak-and-dagger rendezvous was the only option in the days before texting and Facebook.

We exchanged smiles, jokes and small talk in the huge compound, but nerves still jangled.

It was only when we sat down together in the small factory room that we finally got to know each other.

Ko Win Thu was taking part in the 88 Generation student uprising  a common bond that gave birth to a lifelong friendship between us.

A gentle presence, he would welcome and comfort you with smiles but insist that while the uprising was necessary, it must also be peaceful. I noted he was studying for a masters in geography at the renowned Rangoon University.

In June 1988, we were back on campus and excited as Rangoon University reopened  the atmosphere was pregnant with anticipation. We all knew that something was happening but didnt know what. Students were preparing a new wave of activism to reignite the uprising that had started in March 1988.

A few days later, the protests broke out. I saw Ko Win Thu near the stage where student leaders were giving speeches. He was wearing a mask and raising his fist.

In September 1988, following the brutal crackdown by Ne Wins troops, I fled to the Three Pagoda Pass in Sangklaburi on the Thai-Burma border. We were staying in a deserted village where Burmese student activists were seeking refuge.

One night, we heard screaming and then a battering on the door of our hut. People poured into the hut seeking our doctor, who had been a medical student in Rangoon and was now a physician in the United States.

I was surprised to see a familiar face among the crowd. My old friend Win Thu was there  his beaming smile lighting up our hut. We were reconnected in our common destiny of struggle against tyranny.

We have been stuck to each other ever since.

Whether on the border, in Bangkok, or anywhere, Win Thu never lost his temper or his smile. The same could not be said for me, but fortunately he was never far from my side.

We moved to Bangkok in the early 1990s, where he always took care of me and our friends.

A year after I launched The Irrawaddy, I was traumatized after losing my mother in Burma and reached out to Ko Win Thu. That was in 1994. Without hesitation, he offered his wholehearted support.

I soon discovered Ko Win Thu was a skilled manager, finance officer, and eventually even IT technician. I realized that I had found a gifted person for our media organization. I had been working full-steam controlling the editorial department for the last decade, but Ko Win Thu took over the helm in almost everything else. He backed me up.

Gentle, flexible, professional, political, pragmatic, and passionate, he has demonstrated leadership skills like the rest of us, but also been a great manager in providing full support to our team.

Without him, we would never have reached this milestone. We owe him.

Ko Win Thu is a former 88 Generation student activist from Rangoon University who now lives in Melbourne. He is still a member of the finance and digital departments in the Irrawaddy team.
The Arakan Army (AA) says it has seized 142 Myanmar junta positions across 15 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State.

It stated on Thursday that during 45 days of attacks major targets, including a base in the state capital Sittwe and outposts in 14 other townships in Rakhine State, had been seized along with around 17 positions in Paletwa.

Clashes continue

Clashes continue in Mrauk U, Pauktaw and Maungdaw townships in northern Rakhine State and Paletwa in southern Chin.

On Wednesday, clashes broke out with the AA near the Koe Thaung pagoda in Mrauk U Township, with heavy junta losses reported, followed by regime airstrikes.

Mrauk U residents reported airstrikes on Hpayar Oak, Ywar Haung Taw, Pipin Kone and Maung Thar Kone villages and Mrauk U town.

There were no civilian casualties but some houses and religious buildings and pagodas were damaged, said a Mrauk U resident.

Clashes were reported in Maungdaw and Pauktaw this week and AA attacks continue on a major junta camp in Paletwa. The Traunaing and Hnone Buu strongholds in the township have already fallen.

On Tuesday, the AA attacked a junta outpost in Sinletwa, about 50km northwest of Paletwa town.

A Paletwa resident said: Sinletwa villagers have fled into the jungle. Phone and internet lines have been cut and we havent heard from them.

Civilian arrests and casualties

Since November 13 the junta has arrested at least 300 Rakhine State residents, according to the AA. On Monday and Tuesday around 60 residents were detained in Sittwe, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U and Pauktaw townships, according to the AA.

Seven Pan Myaung villagers in Minbya Township were allegedly detained as human shields.

The AAs statement said many of those detained were transporting goods by boat between Pauktaw and Sittwe.

Other detainees include merchants, students and school teachers, said a Sittwe resident.

The junta is arresting people in Kyaukphyu, Thandwe, Taungup, Sittwe, Mrauk U and Minbya each day without reason, he said.

People are being detained during household registration inspections, usually at night.

On Wednesday, a 28-year-old Gone Chun villager in Kyaukphyu Township was detained without a reason being given and his whereabouts are unknown, said a resident.

Many detainees face months of judicial procedures and heavy jail terms for alleged incitement and ties to the AA or civilian National Unity Government.

On Friday troops raided a Sittwe house and arrested three residents and three regime staff were detained in Maungdaw town, allegedly using excessive force.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, junta shelling and gunfire had caused 32 civilian fatalities and 96 injuries by December 4.

Junta bombardments have increased since the UN agency reported.

It reported more than 101,000 people have been displaced, mostly from Pauktaw, Minbya and Ponnagyun townships, since November 13.

On Thursday an 11-year-old Muslim Kyat Mauk Taung villager in Buthidaung Township was severely injured by a Light Infantry Battalion 565 shell.

A shell fired by Light Infantry Battalion 540 in Mrauk U Township hit a monastery at Shwe Gu Taung ward in the town, severely injuring a monk.

On Friday a Minbya resident lost a leg after stepping on a landmine behind Minbya Township police station.

A Minbya resident said: There is a lake behind the police station and he was collecting water. All the residents do it. A landmine had been placed there.

The Light Infantry Battalion 541 in Minbya has reportedly been firing on passing boats.
Lithuania wished Hungary not to face the kind of war that Ukraine is currently experiencing. Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the European Union Arnoldas Pranckevicius hinted that Budapest should withdraw from the EU if the country's authorities are not ready to share the values and principles of the European Union.

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The diplomat published the relevant post on Facebook, commenting on the results of the EU summit meeting. He wrote that all but one of the EU states made important decisions: they agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova and to grant candidate status to Georgia. All but one of them agreed to provide Kyiv with macro-financial assistance of 50 billion euros. "All but one of them welcomed the results of the summit," the Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the EU noted.

This one country, as Pranckevicius hinted, is Hungary, which boasted of its "achievements."

"I would like to wish this member state to never experience the war that the people of Ukraine are currently experiencing, to never have its cities bombed and its citizens killed, to never have its territories occupied by an aggressor state. I wish it never to ask for solidarity from others and never to find itself in a situation where allies veto vital aid in times of greatest need," Pranckevicius said.

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He added that if this country is not ready to share the solidarity and mutual trust of the EU, "there is only one right decision: to leave it".

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

- On December 14, EU leaders decided to start membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and granted candidate status to Georgia.

- During the vote, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the room. Read more about this here.

- Later, Orban said that Budapest would still be able to suspend Ukraine's accession process if necessary. He called the EU's decision to start negotiations with Kyiv a "bad one".

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Saturday, Dec 16th, 2023 (12:01 am) - Score 4,640

Network operator CityFibre has informed ISPreview that their new gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network has just passed 3.37 million UK premises (3m of which are Ready for Service by an ISP), which is up from 3 million (2.6m RFS) at the end of August 2023.

The latest figures suggest that the operator has been adding around 100,000 premises per month to their coverage since the end of August 2023, which is an improvement after they dropped to c.80k in the prior period. All of this supports their wider ambition to cover up to 8 million UK premises (funded by c.2.4bn in equity and c.4.9bn debt)  across over 285 cities, towns and villages (c.30% of the UK)  by the end of 2025 (here).

NOTE: TalkTalk, CityFibre is owned by Antin Infrastructure Partners, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company and Interogo Holding. The network is also supported by multiple ISPs, such as Vodafone Zen Internet and others, but they arent all live or available in every location yet.

In addition, the operator was also kind enough to furnish us with a progress update on their rollout of 10Gbps capable XGS-PON technology, which began in the Spring of 2023 (here). CityFibre told ISPreview that the rollout is on track with 122 of their 131 fibre exchanges (FEX) now upgraded, over 90%.

UK ISP Yayzi Broadband has already launched a 2Gbps+ product using the newly upgraded network, while Vodafone and others are due to follow in early 2023.

A spokesperson for CityFibre told ISPreview: The 10Gbps-capable platform will support a new generation of affordable, multi-gigabit broadband services for millions of UK homes and businesses. This XGS-PON upgrade enables us to offer our ISP partners access to the UKs fastest wholesale broadband services. These are currently available to approximately 15% of the over 3m premises that are Ready For Service on our network today. We are expecting several ISP partners to launch 2.5Gbps symmetrical services early next year and are planning to have completed our full XGS-PON network upgrade by early 2026.

However, over the past few months CityFibre have also put a good number of their build locations on pause (example), which occurred after they took the decision to exit a number of their contracts with different build partners (Kier, Lanes-i etc.) due to a variety of reasons (current market strains and rising costs are a factor). Separately, the odd other contractor also ran into difficulties, such as with Makehappen (here) and Telec (here).

Sadly, re-appointing new contractors to those locations can be a lengthy process, which may take up to around a year. The result is that while CityFibres pace of build seems to have improved, this could change next year when the long-tail impacts of recent build pauses start to hit  time will tell. But even if the current pace of build were maintained, it would still only get them to c.5.4 million premises by the end of 2025, which is incredible for an alternative network, albeit well short of their ambition.
Saturday, Dec 16th, 2023 (8:18 am) - Score 4,320

The Local Government Association, which represents councils across England and Wales, has warned that while the majority of councils are aware of the looming mobile network closures, almost two-thirds of them are still using devices and systems reliant on 2G and 3G connectivity to at least a small extent.

The UK government and all major mobile operators have so far agreed to phase-out existing 2G and 3G signals by 2033 (here), which should free up radio spectrum bands so that they can be used to further improve the network coverage and mobile broadband speeds of more modern 4G and 5G networks. The switch-off will also reduce the operators costs and power consumption.

However, contrary to what you might think, 3G services will be the first to go because older 2G signals are still necessary for a fair few connectivity solutions (e.g. voice calls in remote rural areas, as a low-power fallback and many Smart Meters / IoT / M2M services depend upon it). As a result, it makes more sense to switch-off 3G first, since the data centric technology has fewer dependencies.

Most of the major mobile network operators currently expect to have completely phased out 3G by the end of 2024, although O2 (VMO2) will take longer as some of the services they supply still require 3G connectivity (Smart Meters etc.).

3G Phase Out Plans by Operator

 Vodafone UK has already started to phase out 3G and aims to complete by the end of December 2023.  Three UK are phasing out their 3G network service gradually and switching it off by the end of 2024.  EE (BT) has begun moving customers off 3G rather than switching the network off, but they aim to switch it off by March 2024. O2 (VMO2) will begin the switch-off process in 2025 and complete it by that same year.

Given this context, the LGA recently conducted a new survey to assess the impact of the switch-off on local councils, which also make some use of 2G and 3G connected services. A total of 47 responses were received, which covered the views of 53 councils (some respondents provided the same response for multiple councils).

The survey found that most (except 7%) of respondents were aware of the switch-off, but almost two-thirds of councils who responded say they are still using devices and systems reliant on 2G and 3G networks to at least a small extent.

Key Findings  Awareness: Around two-fifths (38 per cent) of respondents said they were fully aware of the upcoming switch off of the UKs 2G and 3G mobile networks.  Awareness: A quarter (27 per cent) of respondents said they were partially aware of the upcoming switch off of the UKs 2G and 3G mobile networks whilst 7% of respondents said they were not aware at all.  Senior/Executive Management Team: Half of the respondents (48 per cent) said their Senior/Executive Management Teams were partially aware of the upcoming switch off of the UKs 2G and 3G mobile networks whilst 14 per cent were not at all aware.  Elected Members: Almost half of the respondents (45 per cent) said their Elected Members were partially aware of the upcoming switch off of the UKs 2G and 3G mobile networks whilst two-fifths (39 per cent) said they were not at all aware.  Operational Staff: Two-fifths of respondents (42 per cent) said their Operational Staff were partially aware whilst a further thirteen per cent said they were not at all aware.  Reliance: Almost two-thirds of respondents (63 per cent) said their authority was still using devices and systems that were reliant on 2G and 3G networks to at least a small extent.  Confidence: Around a third of respondents (32 per cent) said they feel very confident about their authoritys ability to manage the switch off of 2G and 3G networks with minimal impact on its operations and services. Two-fifths of respondents (38 per cent) said they were fairly confident whilst a fifth (18 per cent) said they were not very confident.  Costs: Under a fifth of respondents (17 per cent) said their council had incurred costs already in switching from 2G and 3G in the last six months whilst three fifths (60 per cent) said they had not yet incurred costs.  Costs: Around a quarter of respondents (23 per cent) said they were confident that no additional costs would be incurred by the transition from 2G and 3G networks. A tenth of respondents (nine per cent) said they believed that there would be costs incurred by the switch off but that they had accurately estimated those costs and secured funding to cover all of them.  Costs: A further nine per cent of respondents said they believed there would be costs incurred by the switch off and that they have accurately estimated them, but have not yet secured funding to cover them. Around a third (29 per cent) said they believed there will be costs incurred by the switch off, but they have not yet accurately estimated how much they are likely to be. A quarter of respondents (23 per cent) said they didnt yet know if there would be costs incurred by the switch off.  Support: A fifth of respondents (19 per cent) said they would value support from the LGA in managing the 2G and 3G switch-off to a great extent. Around a third of respondents (31 per cent) said to a moderate extent whilst a further 19 per cent said to a small extent. A quarter of respondents (25 per cent) said not at all.  Support: Almost three-quarters of respondents (72 per cent) said they would value online resources from the LGA. Around two-fifths of respondents (41 per cent) said they would like events and webinars with a further 41 per cent choosing policy and campaigning.

The LGA said greater guidance and awareness-raising of the switch off is needed from government, and the wider telecoms industry, to make sure any disruption to devices and services are kept to a minimum and to better help them prepare for the transition. But theres no mention of seeking additional support from the companies that built their 2G and 3G dependent systems in the first place, which should be helping with upgrades.

Concerns were also raised over the lack of adequate 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in rural areas. But they do rather overlook the related difficulties that mobile operators have often faced in getting planning permission passed by some councils for new masts, which could help to solve precisely this problem.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, LGA Digital Connectivity Spokesman, said: Mobile data is vital for running certain services which people use and rely on every day, whether it be for help in paying for parking or providing a vital helpline in social housing. Councils want to do all they can to minimise the impact of the 2G and 3G network switch off, but cannot do it alone. We need government and telecoms leaders to work together to raise awareness of the transition and what it means for those at the sharp end, including on how best to manage the move to the latest technology. Older, legacy infrastructure ranging from parking meters and payment machines, to emergency auto diallers and sensors in social housing, may need upgrading or replacing to work on new, faster 4G and 5G networks. Time is running out if we are to avoid the fallout from the big switch off.

The LGA also echoed recent calls for Ofcom to improve the quality of their mobile coverage reporting data, which could in turn help to improve understanding and awareness of overall mobile coverage across the country. But this is not an easy thing to get right, due to the highly variable nature of mobile signals and the environment. In addition, they want to see more Digital Champions being appointed at every local area in order to improve coordination with mobile operators.
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Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that the European Council's decision on December 14, which gave the green light to Ukraine's accession to the EU, has no practical significance. The minister also noted that Hungary may resort to a hard veto in the future.

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This was reported by the Hungarian edition of Mandiner. The minister stressed that Hungary was not involved in the decision of the European Council and "is not responsible for it and exempts itself from its consequences."

Szijjarto noted that Hungary could veto the EU's decision on Ukraine if it is not beneficial or unprofitable for the country.

"If Brussels wants to impose things that are unfavorable for us in the real negotiations, then we will have to use a hard veto," Szijjarto said.

Regarding the background of the agreement between the European Commission and the Hungarian government, which is suspected by the Western media, the minister said, "We did not use the tactical position that if we get this, we will change here because the reasons why we still do not support the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine also exist."

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Earlier, journalists asked ordinary Budapest residents what they thought about Ukraine's accession to the EU and whether they supported Prime Minister Orban's statements on the matter. The opinions of the respondents were divided. Thus, some Hungarians said they were against the accession and financial support for Ukraine during the war.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Budapest would be able to suspend Ukraine's accession to the European Union later, if necessary. According to him, the EU's decision to start membership talks with Ukraine was allegedly a "bad one".

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Egypt's zero-customs car import initiative has seen an influx in demand in the first two months of its second phase. Registration applications increased over three-fold compared to the same period in the initial phase, Finance Minister Mohamed Maait stated on Thursday.
12/15/2023



Country star Jamey Johnson, who attended JSU in the 1990s, was awarded an honorary doctorate on Dec. 15. He will be establishing and leading a music series on campus.

by Buffy Lockette

Thirty years after enrolling as a student, country music star Jamey Johnson was awarded an honorary doctorate from Jacksonville State on Dec. 15 during the university's fall commencement. The ceremony is available on YouTube.



Johnson's visit to campus began on the evening of Dec. 14, when he joined fellow artists and JSU alums Randy Owen, Riley Green and Gordon Mote on the Ward Stage of the university's Stone Center to perform at the ROC On Benefit Concert.



During the sold-out show, which raised funds for scholarships and the forthcoming Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts (The ROC), it was announced that Johnson is establishing a music series on campus.



Led by the artist himself, the Jamey Johnson Music Series will provide cultural and educational opportunities to JSU students  from performances by visiting musical artists, to class talks, songwriting workshops and seminars.



Grand Ole Opry member Jamey Johnson fell in love with music while growing up in Montgomery, Ala., the hometown of country music legend Hank Williams. One of the first songs he learned to play on guitar was Alabamas My Homes in Alabama, and the bands June Jam was the first concert he ever attended. He enrolled at JSU in 1993, playing mellophone in the Marching Southerners, before joining the Marines.



In 2000, he moved to Nashville and landed a songwriting contract. After penning hits for other artists, he landed his first record deal in 2005. Hes been nominated for 11 Grammys and is one of the only artists to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.






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( The Conversation )  In the aftermath of Hamas bloody raid into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, many Israelis and people around the world equated the newly ultraviolent and audacious Palestinian militant organization with the worlds deadliest terrorist group, ISIL or ISIS  the so-called Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for example, linked the two groups directly on Oct. 25, 2023, stating: Hamas is ISIS and ISIS is Hamas. President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made similar comparisons. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Hamas killing families brings to mind the worst of ISIS.

There are plenty of reasons for Israel to want the world to think Hamas is ISIL  including the hope of marshaling the sort of overseas support that led to the 2014 creation of the 86-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL. In fighting between 2014 and 2019, the coalition reclaimed all the territory the Islamic State group had seized in Iraq and Syria.

And it is true that the Oct. 7 attack displayed tactics that are remarkably similar to those of the Islamic State group. But as a scholar of ISIL specifically, and Middle Eastern militants in general, I am inclined to agree with those who say the comparison between the two terrorist groups overlooks their underlying differences. The similarities are on the surface, in methods and tactics  but their goals and ideologies remain vastly different.

Fundamental differences

As various news articles have pointed out, the Islamic State is a Sunni group militantly opposed to the Shia branch of Islam and calls Shiites rafida, which means rejecter of Allah. While it is true that most Palestinians in Gaza are Sunni, Shia-led Iran is Hamas primary benefactor.

And Hamas and ISIL have even met in battle. Bloody clashes between ISIL and Hamas in 2015 resulted from efforts by Islamic State supporters to establish ISIL affiliates in the Hamas-dominated Gaza Strip and the neighboring Sinai Peninsula.

In January 2018, leaders of the Islamic State group in the Sinai declared war on the Hamas tyrants via a lengthy online video that included the execution of a Hamas member.

The two groups differences also include their divergent goals. The Islamic State group aims to create a global theocracy based on the principles of fundamentalist Sunni Islam, with no national or territorial borders.

Hamas, by contrast, is narrowly focused on constructing a Palestinian national state by armed resistance to the occupation of the Palestinian territories by Israel.

So its pretty clear that Hamas is not ISIL. But its not that simple either.

Interconnections and exchanges

Despite their differences, there are several similarities, including the fact that both groups are on the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations. The two organizations have on occasion also shared common strategic, if not necessarily ideological, goals. And, as became obvious on Oct. 7, their tactics have become similar, though in service of different objectives.

The Times and the Sunday Times: Hamas video shows intense battle as Israel suffers worst casualties

My long study of Islamic State fighting tactics, including field research in Iraq, leads me to believe Hamas has recently undergone a radical ISIL-inspired transformation that has not yet gotten widespread public attention. Prior to its Oct. 7 blitz, Hamas actions were limited to lobbing imprecise rockets and digging tunnels into Israel to kidnap or kill small numbers of Israelis.

But as University of Miami professor and expert in the study of jihadism Nathan S. French has noted in El Pais, Hamas operatives  like other Islamist and jihadist groups  borrow, steal and appropriate tactics and strategies from other similar political, guerrilla, or militant movements. And it seems that Hamas has borrowed tactics from ISIL.

Its likely that Hamas learned from the hundreds of Palestinians who joined both the core ISIL caliphate in Syria and Iraq and the ISIL affiliate in the Sinai.

And despite their differences, Hamas officials have in the past met directly with leaders of the Islamic State in the Sinai. Those meetings were likely linked to collaboration between the two groups for specific actions that benefited their respective goals, such as weapons smuggling, undermining Egyptian government influence in the Sinai and transporting injured Islamic State fighters to Gaza for medical treatment.

In October 2023, an article in the U.K. newspaper The Times cited an intelligence official who said, Its clear that the two movements have worked together close enough over the past few years to copy each others methods, learn tactics and train on weapons they have procured together.

Tactical similarities

In many ways, Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack resembled ISIL attacks, such as a June 2014 blitz in which Islamic State group fighters burst out of secret desert bases to conquer much of northern Iraq, including the countrys second-largest city, Mosul.

Both groups attacks took their opponents by complete surprise, indicating a high degree of secrecy and advanced preparation. And both assaults utilized technicals  pickup trucks with machine guns mounted in their cargo beds and carrying squads of fighters. Both attacking forces used commercial drones to provide air support for their troop movements. And both organizations deployed suicide-attack fighters known as inghimasi, Arabic for plungers into battle.

On Oct. 7, Hamas fighters reportedly left black ISIL war banners at the scene of several attacks. There were also videos posted online that appeared to show Hamas fighters singing popular ISIL war songs as they stormed into Israel.

Made for the media

An additional notable similarity is that Hamas released ISIL-style videos of the horrific atrocities it inflicted on Israelis. The Islamic State groups media approach involved disseminating videos of mutilation, rape, amputation, slavery, suicide warfare, torture and mass murder.

On and after Oct. 7, Hamas fighters similarly uploaded videos and images of their executions of cowering Israeli civilians and other atrocities to a Telegram channel. These visuals made their way to X  formerly known as Twitter  and TikTok and other platforms.

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has specifically said those videos are part of why Israel has been equating Hamas with the Islamic State group.

The Times of Israel came to a similar conclusion, noting: Looking at images of the Hamas assault, it is fair to assume that Hamas learned a lesson from the ISIS terror playbook.

Rape as a weapon

Another tactic new to Hamas, but not to ISIL, was the alleged rape and mutilation of girls and women. Hamas has denied the allegations. Islamic State religious scholars have previously sanctioned violence against women and told fighters to rape non-Muslim women to make them Muslim.

Similarly, Israel Defense Forces officials have said the Hamas religious leaders gave their fighters ISIL-like religious texts based on extremist interpretations of traditional Islamic jurisprudence telling them captives were the spoils of war.

All these developments indicate that ISIL has had an influence on Hamas, even if their goals remain quite different  or in direct opposition.

Brian Glyn Williams, Professor of Islamic History, UMass Dartmouth

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

NB ISIL has been preferred to ISIS above in accordance with Informed Comment house style.
Lawyers for South Africa asked judges at Thursdays hearings to impose binding preliminary orders on Israel, including an immediate halt to military campaign in Gaza as it reached its 97th day. South African lawyers said the latest Gaza war is part of a decades-long oppression of the Palestinians by Israel.
Lee Dong Hwi's hard work and efforts paid off as he bagged a major award at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards on December 14.

The actor expressed his gratitude to his loyal supporters, and promised to return with greater works in the future. Here's what's next for the Hallyu star.

Lee Dong Hwi Named Best Actor of the Year

On December 14, the 8th edition of the Asia Artist Awards finally named the stars that shined the most in the past year.

Alongside the artists that received great recognition, Lee Dong Hwi bagged the Best Actor Award for his impeccable performance in the cinema masterpiece "Big Bet."

READ MORE: Go Yoon Jung Expresses Excitement For 'Death's Game': 'It's a work that made me...'

The drama was one of the most watched series this 2023, and recorded rave reviews among fans around the globe.

Lee Dong Hwi expressed his gratitude to his fans and supporters who showed their affection for the actor. He also thanked the heartwarming nature of the Filipinos, the host of 2023 Asia Artist Awards.

"If not because of you, there's no "Big Bet" in Hallyu today," the actor said. "The Philippines feels like a hometown for me."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 2023 Asia Artist Awards Winners: Lee Junho Bags Grand Prize, EXO Suho & Kim Seon Ho Receive Recognition

To recall, Lee Dong Hwi and the "Big Bet" team shot the drama in the Philippines for more than two months last year. It even starred Filipino stars Nico Antonio, Bembol Roco and Epy Quizon.

Lee Dong Hwi made a resounding promise to return with greater works in the future to showcase his eternal gratitude to his fans.

On the other hand, Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Sejeong and Lee Joon Hyuk were also awarded as AAA Best Actor.



Lee Dong Hwi's 'Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman,' More Works This 2024

Earlier this year, Lee Dong Hwi returned to the silver screen with the mystery film "Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman."

The film received great reviews from the viewers during its premiere in September. At the moment, he is preparing for his upcoming films "Mora-dong" and "The Roundup: Punishment."

Lee Dong Hwi is also busy filming his comeback drama "Chief Inspector: The Beginning" with Lee Je Hoon, which follows a detective that is furious at the reality of human dignity being violated.

It's directed by "Confidential Assignment" director Kim Sung Hoon, and it will air some time in early 2024 on MBC TV. Stay tuned for more updates.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: 2023 Asia Artist Awards Highlights: Lee Junho's Win, HyeJeong Reunion, More

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
Six people were injured in Taba in South Sinai as a projectile hit the city, which shares its border with Israel, according to official sources cited by the Al-Qahera news channel.

According to the sources, the projectile hit the Taba Ambulance-services building and the residential quarter of Taba Hospitals administration.

Security forces arrived at the scene and have started their investigation, as per the same source.

Five people left the hospital after receiving treatment while the sixths condition is currently stable in the hospital according to Al-Qahera News.

The incident took place just as the Israeli aggression on Gaza entered its 21st day.

After 20 days of brazen airstrikes, Israel has killed more than 7,028 Palestinians in Gaza, including 2,913 children and 1,709 women, while injuring thousands of others and demolishing half of the strips housing units.

An informed source told the Al-Qahera news channel that all options would be on the table and Egypt reserves the right to respond at the right time once the origin point of the missile launch is determined.

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One Muslim group is organizing mosque visits across Canada this weekend in hopes of building bridges with other communities after an uptick in Islamophobic and antisemitic hate incidents nationwide. Workmen put the finishing touches on the Baitun Nur mosque, billed as the largest in North America, Wednesday, July 2, 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
A wind turbine is shown at a wind farm near Pincher Creek, Alta., on Wednesday, March 9, 2016. In August, Alberta's United Conservative government announced a moratorium on approvals for all wind, solar and geothermal projects greater than one megawatt. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
The Israeli army was on Saturday investigating the killing of three captives which it said had been mistakenly identified as a threat by soldiers, an incident that sparked protests in Tel Aviv.

The military said Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa -- all in their 20s -- were shot during operations in Gaza City.

They were among about 250 people taken captive during Hamas's October 7 Al-Aqsa Flood operation in Israel.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the captives, Israel launched a massive military offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement that has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins. The territory's Hamas government says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, two-thirds of them women and children.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that during fighting in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, troops "mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed".

The military said later it had started "reviewing the incident" and that "immediate lessons from the event have been learned" and passed on to all troops on the ground.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described their deaths as an "unbearable tragedy".

Hundreds of people are expected to gather Saturday in Tel Aviv to call on Netanyahu's government to secure the release of 129 captives still held in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

"I am dying of fear," said Merav Svirsky, sister of a captive Itay Svirsky, at a protest on Friday evening. "We demand a deal now."

'He died hungry'



In November, a one-week truce saw more than 100 captives freed in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, but fighting has since resumed.

The captives' deaths have heightened already fierce scrutiny of how Israel is conducting its ground and air assault in Gaza.

The White House, which provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, has voiced growing concern over mounting civilian deaths.

"I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives -- not stop going after Hamas, but be more careful," US President Joe Biden said this week.

News platform Axios said the director of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, was due to meet this weekend in an unspecified location in Europe with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Axios said the officials would discuss resuming negotiations for a deal to secure the release of the remaining captives.

In Gaza, fierce fighting continued.

The Israeli army said Saturday it had raided two schools in Gaza City. It said they were Hamas hiding places.

TV network Al Jazeera said Friday that one of its journalists, Samer Abu Daqqa, had been killed and another, Wael al-Dahdouh, wounded by "shrapnel from an Israeli missile attack" in Khan Yunis.

"He died hungry, they died with nothing to eat, with hunger. Oh my darling," said his grieving mother, Umm Maher.

More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

"We were reporting, we were filming, we had finished and we were with the civil defence, but when we were on the way back, they hit us with a missile," said Dahdouh, who lost his wife, two children and grandchild earlier in the war.

Aid crossing opens



In the face of growing international pressure, Israel announced a "temporary measure" allowing aid to be delivered directly to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing.

A World Health Organization representative said the decision was "very good news".

Since the war began, aid has trickled into Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Humanitarian agencies have said the volume is just a fraction of what is needed to help the estimated 1.9 million Gazans displaced by the war.

Washington hopes the Palestinian Authority can resume control of Gaza as part of a renewed push for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- a solution that Netanyahu has resolutely opposed.

The conflict has appeared to push any peace deal further out of view.

Western rebuke



Multiple Western governments issued a joint statement demanding that Israel "take concrete steps to halt unprecedented violence by Israeli settlers" in the West Bank.

More than 280 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the war in Gaza erupted.

Israel's police force said it had suspended several officers after they severely assaulted a journalist for Turkish news agency Anadolu as he was trying to take photos of Palestinians praying in annexed east Jerusalem.

And on Saturday eight Palestinians were arrested across the West Bank during Israeli raids, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.

The war continues to be felt across the Middle East, with fears of a new front opening on Israel's northern border with Lebanon and elsewhere.

Israeli air defences "intercepted a hostile aircraft that infiltrated from Lebanon" after sirens in the northern town of Zarit, the army said, adding that "another hostile aircraft was detected... and fell in Margaliot".

It added that it was "attacking with artillery" in Lebanon, where it has regularly exchanged fire with armed groups, mainly the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The conflict has also spilled over into vital Red Sea shipping routes, where on Saturday a UK destroyer brought down a suspected attack drone, defence minister Grant Shapps said Saturday.

Global shipping lines Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd on Friday announced they were halting voyages through the Red Sea following attacks on vessels by Yemeni rebels allied with Hamas.

Yemen's Huthi rebels struck a cargo ship in the Red Sea on Friday, causing a fire on deck, the latest in a spate of near-daily attacks in the commercially vital waterway.

The rebels later said they fired missiles at two other ships in the Red Sea.

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Egypts Journalists Syndicate condemned, as premeditated murder and full-fledged war crime, Israel's killing of Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa late Friday, while reporting its airstrike on a school shelter in the south of the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Saturday, the syndicate also condemned the targeting of Wael Al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeeras chief correspondent in Gaza, who also suffered severe injuries to his arm and shoulder during the attack.

Al-Dahdouh, who had lost four members of his family in an Israeli airstrike in late October, was able to flee bleeding from Farhana School in Khan Yunis, south of the strip, following the attack on Friday.

Abu Daqqa, 45, was forced to wait bleeding for hours, as no ambulance was allowed to reach the school amid the heavy Israeli shelling in the area until a civil defense crew found him dead.

The Egyptian syndicate stressed its readiness to join all international efforts to prosecute the perpetrators of the crime against Abu Daqqa and more than 90 journalists  who were also killed while on duty by Israel  before the International Criminal Court as war criminals.

The syndicate also asserted that leaving Abu Daqqa to bleed for six hours is premeditated murder and a full-fledged war crime, adding that the perpetrators must be held accountable, according to the statement.

The targeting of Abu Daqqa and Al-Dahdouh is part of a broader, brutal crime against the Palestinian people as well as press and media workers, who strive to convey the truth on the Palestinian lands, it affirmed.

Over almost two months, Israel killed around 90 journalists and media workers, targeted dozens of their families, destroyed more than 50 Palestinian media outlets, and arrested 18 colleagues to obliterate the truth, the statement noted.

The syndicate urged press freedom organizations to push for allowing journalists from all over the world to cover the war on the ground, for exposing the genocidal crime against a people whose only crime is defending their freedom against one of the most heinous settler occupations in modern history.

On Friday, Al Jazeera said it held Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing its journalists and their families.

Dozens of journalists took part in Abu Daqqa's funeral on Saturday.

Abu Daqqas body was carried through a crowd in Khan Yunis city before being buried in a grave dug by fellow journalists.

His mother Umm Maher Abu Daqqa accused Israel of targeting journalists, especially those working for Al Jazeera.

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The chance of a lifetime awaits the Dicksboro senior camogie team as they get ready to face Sarsfields of Galway in the All-Ireland senior club final in Croke Park on Sunday evening (throw-in at 5.15pm, live on RTE 2).

This is a first senior final for Dicksboro and a first for any Kilkenny club since St Lachtains won a third All-Ireland crown on the trot in 2006.

Derrys Slaughtneil achieved the same accolade between 2016 and 2018 and now Sarsfields will look to do similar with the Boro out to upset the odds.

When it comes to experience, Sarsfields will be appearing in a fifth All-Ireland final in a row and a seventh in total.



Dicksboro are the new kids on the block as they only won their first county title as recently as 2019, but theyve been making up for lost time ever since and their biggest win in their short history arrived when they defeated St Vincents of Dublin in the Leinster final last month.

Star forward Aoife Prendergast captained Kilkenny to All-Ireland senior success in 2022 and shes revelling in the extended run for the club.

The last few weeks have been absolutely brilliant, playing camogie with your club in December is like a dream and its great to be still going training during the week and playing matches every second weekend, she said.

Our full focus is on the match ahead of us but it has been a great year so far.

Our aim was to win the county final step by step, match by match as you cant take anything for granted in Kilkenny as there is such competition in it.

Once we got out of Kilkenny, our focus turned to Leinster and we got on a bit of a roll which now sees us preparing for an All-Ireland final.

Before beating St Vincents in the Leinster decider, the Boro previously lost out to Oulart the Ballagh of Wexford in 2021 and Prendergast feels that experience has stood to them.

The team has so much hurt built up from our loss in the Leinster final to Oulart and then last years county final with Thomastown.

I think weve definitely learned from those defeats. Going into Leinster this year, weve had that experience on our back while two years ago it proved to be a bit of an eye-opener and nerves maybe got the better of us.

We were much more composed this year and you could see that amongst the girls which was great.

The 26 year-old school teacher knows what they are facing in back-to-back All-Ireland champions Sarsfields but its a challenge Dicksboro are relishing.

Going to Croke Park with Dicksboro is probably even beyond a dream. You dream of winning county finals with the club but never think further ahead.

I always had huge belief that we would get there some day but to be here now is fantastic.

We are going to have to bring a huge performance against a very good Sarsfields team and weve huge respect for them.

Weve been sitting at home on the couch in front of the fire watching them over the last few years achieving what theyve achieved so we always hoped to be in their position and we are up against it so well need a huge performance on the day.

Fellow school teacher and county colleague Ciara Phelan was always confident the team could bounce back this term.

Weve really pushed on this year, David Carroll is new to our management team and hes brought something different, she said.

There was always potential there and we just needed to rally together and we did that at the start of the year when we had a players meeting.

We were so disappointed to lose to Thomastown in last years county final and we rallied together as a group and a management as we knew we could win a county title.

They are a great bunch of girls and a lot of them have played All-Ireland finals at school level with Pres or Loreto and even with the Kilkenny Minor, Intermediate or Senior team.

There was always a belief that the team could go far in the competition and thankfully we got there.

A Sarsfields team that includes the likes of Sarah Spellman, Siobhan McGrath, Maria Cooney and Tara Kenny will be tough opponents but Phelan and the Boro are up for the challenge.

Back when we won our first county title, my sister Niamh Phelan, Asha McHardy and Amy Clifford werent even starting on the team and theyve pushed on to be our leaders in the last three years, she said.

Our panel has also come to the fore with Katie Byrne, Angela Carroll, Tara McGrath and Rose Kelly pushing on and its very hard to pick a team this year.
Fresh International Film Festival is now accepting entries for Irelands Young Filmmaker of the Year 2024!

Open internationally to all young budding filmmakers, between 7 - 18 years of age, encouraging young people from Ireland and overseas to create, exhibit, and share films. Comedy, horror, drama, documentary, experimental, music video, animation, all are welcome and were eagerly anticipating the incredible stories that young filmmakers bring to our festival!

For almost three decades, Irelands Fresh International Film Festival has nurtured, mentored and platformed many of the islands most exciting new filmmaking talent, bolstering Irelands emerging film, television, and digital creative sector. From Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe to All-American High School Film Festival, New York Best Director Sean Treacy, BBC Presenter and Author Nick Sheridan, Comedian and TV personality Justine Stafford and countless more, Fresh Film alumni play myriad roles in film, television, and digital media sectors in Ireland and across the world.

Speaking about the call for entries, Artistic Director and Fresh Founder, Jayne Foley said

As we go into our 28th festival, the anticipation and thrill are as vibrant as ever. Its always wonderful to see emerging young filmmakers share their unique stories and pioneering film techniques that evoke the same excitement as the very first time. This celebration captures the enduring spirit and innovation of young filmmakers, showcasing their talent and creativity at its finest".

The 28th annual Fresh International Film Festival will take place in April next year, showcasing hundreds of short films from Irelands future screen talent. A highlight of the festival is Irelands Young Filmmaker of the Year, an awards programme which acknowledges and celebrates the highest standards of youth filmmaking across three categories: Junior (7-12 years), Senior (13-18 years) and International (7-18 years). The awards include a prize fund, filmmaking equipment, mentoring sessions with creative professionals, and the opportunity for young people to have their work screened theatrically.

Closing date for entries is Friday, 19 January, 2024. Submission forms are available at https://freshfilm.ie/fresh- international-film-festival- submissions/

Further details can be found at FreshFilm.ie.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

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Cloudy skies with a few snow showers this afternoon. High 24F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

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Kinshasa has summoned the Kenyan ambassador in the Democratic Republic of Congo, media reported, after a Congolese opposition figure in Nairobi announced he was creating a political-military alliance with M23 rebels and other armed groups.

The move sparked an angry response from the Congolese government, where the political and security climate is extremely tense in the run-up to December 20 elections.

At a press conference on Friday evening, Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya told reporters that "there will obviously be diplomatic consequences," describing the announcement in Kinshasa as "unpatriotic behaviour".

"Kenya owes us an explanation", Muyaya added.

Corneille Nangaa, ex-head of Congo's electoral commission, made the announcement from a large hotel in Nairobi on Friday, standing alongside M23 "president" Bertrand Bisimwa.

Congolese media reported Saturday that the Kenyan ambassador to the DRC had been summoned by the foreign ministry after the announcement, who asked him to provide an explanation.

The magazine Jeune Afrique said that Kinshasa had also recalled its ambassadors to Nairobi for consultation, which was confirmed to AFP by Muyaya.

Nangaa, who was president of the electoral commission for the DRC's 2018 polls, called for "the union of all political, social and military forces" to "rebuild the state" and "restore peace" in the impoverished, conflict-torn central African nation.

He said at least nine armed groups, including the M23, had already joined him in his "Congo River Alliance" project for "national unity and stability".

After several years of dormancy, the M23 ("March 23 Movement") rebels took up arms again in late 2021 and seized vast swathes of the eastern province of North Kivu.

Western governments and the United Nations have said neighbouring Rwanda has supported the M23, allegations Kigali denies.

The rebels' actions caused more than a million people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

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BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (NYSE:BUI  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $21.24 and traded as low as $21.12. BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust shares last traded at $21.40, with a volume of 111,221 shares.

BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust Trading Down 0.8 %

The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $20.03 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $21.24.

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BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.121 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $1.45 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.85%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust

BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust Company Profile

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in BUI. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in shares of BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust by 10.3% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 19,347 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $483,000 after purchasing an additional 1,800 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust during the first quarter worth $273,000. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust by 9.2% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 355,933 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $9,044,000 after acquiring an additional 29,839 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC increased its position in shares of BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust by 15.4% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 22,593 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $494,000 after acquiring an additional 3,022 shares during the period. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at $67,000.

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock Utility, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating in the utilities and infrastructure sectors.

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China Eastern Airlines Co. Limited (OTCMKTS:CHEAF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 2,599,400 shares, a decline of 26.7% from the November 15th total of 3,547,400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 5,198.8 days.

China Eastern Airlines Price Performance

OTCMKTS CHEAF remained flat at $0.29 during midday trading on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.33 and a 200 day simple moving average of $0.34. China Eastern Airlines has a fifty-two week low of $0.29 and a fifty-two week high of $0.74.

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China Eastern Airlines Company Profile

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China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates in the civil aviation industry in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and internationally. The company offers passenger, cargo, mail delivery, ground, tour operations, air catering, and other miscellaneous services.

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Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new position in shares of Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 2,724 shares of the railroad operators stock, valued at approximately $555,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vise Technologies Inc. raised its holdings in Union Pacific by 14.3% during the first quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. now owns 4,388 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $883,000 after purchasing an additional 548 shares in the last quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in Union Pacific by 25.6% during the first quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 5,046 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,016,000 after purchasing an additional 1,028 shares in the last quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its holdings in Union Pacific by 1.1% during the first quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,933,582 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $389,153,000 after purchasing an additional 21,361 shares in the last quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC raised its holdings in Union Pacific by 18.4% during the second quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 20,508 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $4,196,000 after purchasing an additional 3,186 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Hawaiian Bank grew its position in shares of Union Pacific by 6.9% during the second quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 12,535 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $2,565,000 after acquiring an additional 806 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.36% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Union Pacific

In other news, CFO Jennifer L. Hamann sold 1,000 shares of Union Pacific stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $235.00, for a total transaction of $235,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 98,297 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,099,795. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, CFO Jennifer L. Hamann sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $235.00, for a total value of $235,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 98,297 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,099,795. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total transaction of $258,927.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 31,991 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,501,850.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Susquehanna lowered their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $240.00 to $220.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $265.00 to $257.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Benchmark restated a buy rating and set a $254.00 target price on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $233.00 to $232.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $285.00 to $275.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $238.96.

Get Our Latest Research Report on UNP

Union Pacific Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:UNP traded down $0.93 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $241.93. 1,229,661 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,808,904. The stock has a market cap of $147.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.19, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22. Union Pacific Co. has a twelve month low of $183.69 and a twelve month high of $245.07. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $216.66 and a 200-day moving average price of $213.90.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The railroad operator reported $2.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.41 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $5.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.96 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 49.14% and a net margin of 26.37%. The businesss revenue was down 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.19 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Union Pacific Co. will post 10.24 earnings per share for the current year.

Union Pacific Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 49.90%.

Union Pacific Profile

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Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, and other agricultural users; petroleum, and liquid petroleum gases; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers.

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Lotte Fine Chemical said Saturday it has imported 5,500 tons of urea for vehicles from Vietnam, a move expected to help ease concerns over urea supplies following China's export suspension.

The amount is the largest with regard to an inbound shipment, since China suspended customs procedures for urea shipments to Korea early this month. China is the world's largest producer of urea.

Lotte Fine Chemical, which supplies half of Korea's urea demand for industrial use, said 5,500 tons of urea is an amount sufficient to produce around 15.5 million liters of urea solution for diesel cars to be used for a month.

The company said the shipment arrived in Ulsan, 299 kilometers southeast of Seoul, earlier in the day, and will use it to produce urea solution, a key fluid needed in diesel vehicles to cut emissions.

Seoul officials said China seems to have suspended urea exports due to tight supplies for its domestic use, though it was not a formal export curb.

China's latest move raised concerns over another supply chain crisis as Korea suffered a major supply crunch of urea in 2021 following Beijing's export restrictions.

The government said it has secured more than six months of inventory of urea and will start to release state reserves of urea for diesel cars next week. (Yonhap)
Angola, IN (46703)

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Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 35F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

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Iran said it has executed an Israeli Mossad spy in the countrys southeast, state TV reported Saturday.

The report said the spy was linked to foreign intelligence services, including Mossad, and charged with involvement in releasing classified information.

The judiciary body executed the person in a prison in Zahedan, the capital of the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

In April 2022, Iranian intelligence officers arrested three people they said belonged to a group linked to Mossad. It is not clear if the executed person was one of them.

Iran and Israel have accused each other of spying and waging a shadow war for years. Israel has repeatedly threatened to take military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has vowed a harsh response to any aggression.

In 2020, Iran executed a man convicted of leaking information to the U.S. and Israel about a prominent Islamic Revolutionary Guard general who was later killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.

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Auburn, IN (46706)

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Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

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Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy. Low 27F. SSW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph.
Washington on Saturday reiterated its warning to North Korea that any nuclear attack on the United States would result "in the end of the Kim regime."

A joint statement by the US-South Korean Nuclear Consultative Group also reaffirmed that any nuclear attack by Pyongyang on South Korea "will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response."

"The United States reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK (Republic of Korea) backed by the full range of US capabilities including nuclear," said the statement published by the White House.

US President Joe Biden had issued a similar, strongly worded warning in April, saying that any nuclear attack by North Korea would "result in the end" of the Pyongyang government.

And five months earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that any nuclear attack by the North against the US or its allies would mean the "end of the Kim regime."

North Korea last year declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear program, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

And last month Pyongyang successfully put a military spy satellite into orbit. It has since claimed its eye in the sky was already providing images of major US and South Korean military sites.

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PNN

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 16: T-Hub, Hyderabad - Student Tribe has set a new standard in student-focused technology with the successful launch of its innovative app, dedicated to enhancing career opportunities for students across India. The launch, which took place on December 14, 2023, at T-Hub, drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, educators, industry professionals, and notable personalities.

Also Read | Bundesliga 2023-24: Europe's In-Form Strikers To Meet in Bayern Munich vs VfB Stuttgart Match.

Empowering Students with Tailored Internship and Job Listings

Central to the Student Tribe App is its 'Find Internships and Job Opportunities' feature, meticulously designed to streamline the job-hunting process for students in today's competitive market with curated opportunities, intelligent matching and timely alerts.

Also Read | Government Warns iPhone Users in India: Users at High-Risk of Losing Sensitive Information, Says Cyber Watchdog.

Beyond job listings, the Student Tribe App is an ecosystem of student-centric features:

- Events: A platform for students to find and organise events with ease and affordability.

- Articles: Encouraging students to express themselves and earn st. coins through article writing.

- Collective Deals: Offering group discounts on a variety of student essentials.

- st. coins: A novel in-app currency, these coins can be earned through various activities within the app and redeemed by making in-app purchases, making it a key component of the app's ecosystem.

Showcasing the st. x Infinitum Creator Accelerator Program

The event also highlighted the st. x infinitum Creator Accelerator Program, a collaboration with Infinitum, featuring insights from industry leaders like Rahul Raghavendra, CEO of Infinitum, and interactions with celebrated content creators and influencers like Virajitha Sharma and Ravi Siva Teja. This initiative is designed to nurture student creators, offering them both mentorship and practical opportunities to thrive.

A Milestone in Student-Centric Technology

Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder CEO of Student Tribe, shared his vision: "The launch of the Student Tribe App is not just about technology; it's about creating a community where students can access unparalleled opportunities for career growth and personal development."

Since its inception in 2015, Student Tribe has been a beacon of innovation and empowerment in the student community, recognized by Forbes' 30 under 30 Asia. Its mission to bridge gaps and foster a vibrant student community continues to drive its initiatives. Student Tribe has already partnered with Various Gaints like CareerXClub, IMFS, T-hub and more.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dharwad (Karnataka) [India], December 16 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Saturday that farmers and workers build the nation as they create wealth in the country.

He was speaking in a program organized by the Labour Department at the Karnataka College ground in Dharwad.

Also Read | Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Dies at 86: India Declares One-Day State Mourning on December 17 on Passing Away of Emir of Kuwait.

He distributed three-wheelers to 525 specially-abled persons of the district, distributed free laptops to the children of construction workers and launched the registration process for gig workers.

The hardworking workers create the wealth of the country. 90 per cent of the country's wealth, which is created by poor labourers, is in the hands of a few. This is wrong. Our government is framing the programmes with the view of equally distributing this wealth among all the people, he said.

Also Read | President Droupadi Murmu Hosts Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik at Rashtrapati Bhavan (Watch Video).

Our government is providing assistance of 50 to 60 thousand rupees to one crore thirty lakh families every year, the CM explained, along with statistics, that these programmes are benefiting 4 crore farmers, laborers and poor people in the country.

The CM appreciated Labour Minister Santosh Lad and said he has a kind heart to help the poor and those in difficulty. Hence, he was made the Minister of the Labour Department. He has distributed 525 three-wheelers to differently abled people through the CSR fund and labour department.

Basavadi Sharans called these acts of kindness Kayaka and Dasoha. Equal sharing of produce is Kayaka and Dasoha. This will eliminate economic and social inequality. Ambedkar also fought to eliminate economic and social inequality, the CM explained.

The objective of the state government is to provide social justice to everybody and benefits to the working class, the CM said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 16 (ANI): In a significant accomplishment, the farmers of Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir cultivated over 3,000 quintals of mushrooms, resulting in a revenue of at least Rs 6 crore.

The Chief Agriculture Officer of Udhampur, Sanjay Anand, said in the current year, the UT has added 500 new growers who planted about 1 lakh bags of mushrooms.

Also Read | Women's Reservation Bill To Come Into Force After 2024 Census, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

"In the current year, we have planted about 1 lakh bags of mushrooms. We have also added about 500 new growers to our network. Over 1 lakh bags of mushrooms have been cultivated in the district of Udhampur, yielding over 3,000 quintals of mushrooms. This has resulted in a revenue of at least Rs 6 crore for the farmers of Udhampur," Anand told ANI.

The chief agriculture officer said mushroom cultivation is a good source of income for women and the elderly in Udhampur, adding that with proper training and guidance, anyone can succeed in this occupation.

Also Read | Parliament Security Breach: Delhi Police Sources Reveal That Intruders Came With Seven Smoke Cans.

"Mushroom farming has set new benchmarks in the Udhampur district. Mushroom cultivation is a good source of income for women and the elderly. It is also a good way to use the available resources productively. We encourage our youth to come forward and take advantage of government schemes. Mushroom cultivation is a profitable business opportunity," he said.

"With proper training and guidance, anyone can succeed in this field. Mushroom cultivation is a promising new crop for the Udhampur district. With the support of the government and the agriculture department, mushroom cultivation has the potential to become a major source of income for farmers in the district," Anand added.

Som Singh, a mushroom farmer, also expressed his gratitude to the government and the agriculture department for their support in mushroom cultivation.

"I am grateful to the government and the agriculture department for their support. Mushroom cultivation is a good business opportunity for our youth. I encourage them to take this up as a profession," Singh said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, December 16: A constable of the Central Industrial Security Force allegedly shot himself dead using his service weapon inside his cabin at the Jio Centre in BKC on Saturday, a Mumbai Police official said. The constable took the extreme step when he was alone in the security cabin in the morning hours, the official said, adding that some family issues might be the trigger behind the incident. Delhi: CISF Constable Shoots Himself in Washroom, Dies.

As per the preliminary investigation, the constable placed the gun muzzle under his chin and pulled the trigger, he said, adding that the bullet exited from his head. Colleagues of the deceased constable, who was in his late 30s, will be called to record their statements, he said. Farmer Suicide in Chhattisgarh: Farmer Ends Life in Narayanpur Over Debt Burden; BJP-Congress Spar on Loan Waiver.

"The body of the deceased was shifted to Sion Hospital and his family members have been informed. Based on preliminary information, an Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered and further investigation is underway," the official added. The Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is a prominent upscale commercial hub in Mumbai.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ballia (UP), Dec 16 (PTI) Eleven years since the gut-wrenching Nirbhaya rape incident, the father of the victim said a lot has changed, but a lot has also remained the same when it comes to the police and prosecution system.

He said that the Narendra Modi government may have taken the country to historic highs, but till now it has not been able to do anything special when it comes to women's safety and stopping cruelty against them.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi Summoned on January 6 in Defamation Case Against Amit Shah.

On the night of December 16, 2012, a 23-year-old physiotherapy trainee (name changed to Nirbhaya) was raped and mutilated by six men inside a moving bus in South Delhi and thrown outside. She died on December 29 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

On Saturday, 11 years after the incident, Nirbhaya's father paid a tearful tribute to his daughter in his village in Ballia district.

Also Read | Parliament Security Breach Case: Delhi Police Arrest Sixth Accused Mahesh Kumawat (Watch Video).

"Eleven years after the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder, nothing has changed in the country and even today daughters and women are not safe," the man told PTI.

"Changing the law won't change anything. The functioning of the police system has to be improved," he said.

The victim's father said the first instinct of police is to cover up the crime and in case there is some pressure, they investigate it in such a way that they botch it up.

"Today, the situation is such that whenever any incident of cruelty occurs, the police first start covering up the matter and suppressing it. Even when they take action under some compulsion, they are never serious about preserving the evidence," he said.

There is a need to change the prosecution system also, he said.

Criminals get represented by expensive well-known lawyers and get acquittal, he said. "On the other hand, there is poor advocacy by the government lawyer from the victim's side."

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the world's largest corporate office hub, 'Surat Diamond Burse' on Sunday.

Built on 35.54 acres of land at a cost of Rs 3400 crore, the Surat Diamond Burse is set to become a global centre of rough and polished diamond trading.

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The Diamond Bourse is the world's largest interconnected building, as it houses over 4,500 interconnected offices. The office building is even larger than the Pentagon and is the country's largest customs clearance house.

The building has the capacity to house 4,200 traders from 175 countries who will come to Surat to buy polished diamonds. Around 1.5 lakh people will get employment from the trading facility, as diamond buyers from all corners of the world will get a global platform to trade at Surat.

Also Read | Indian Railways Will Play a Vital Role in India's Growth Journey, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Earlier in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to a media report on 'X' that said that the Surat Diamond Burse has now overtaken the Pentagon, which has till date housed the world's largest office building for the last 80 years.

"Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the dynamism and growth of Surat's diamond industry. It is also a testament to India's entrepreneurial spirit. It will serve as a hub for trade, innovation and collaboration, further boosting our economy and creating employment opportunities," he posted. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Udaipur (Rajasthan) [India], December 16 (ANI): Two men sustained minor burn injuries after a moving car on the Ahmedabad-Udaipur Highway caught fire in Udaipur district on Friday night, officials said.

Dilip Singh, an officer at Kherwara police station, said on Friday, "A car was speeding from Udaipur towards Ahmedabad when it suddenly lost control and overturned. As it tumbled and turned upside down, the car caught fire. After receiving word of the incident, a team from our police station reached the spot and informed the fire brigade."

Also Read | Nagpur Road Accident: Six Dead After Truck Rams Into Car at Sonkhamb in Katol Taluka (See Pics).

However, according to reports, the fire got bigger before the police arrived at the spot and the vehicle was engulfed in flames in no time.

The two occupants of the car were brought out and sustained minor burns.

Also Read | Women's Reservation Bill To Come Into Force After 2024 Census, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

They were taken to a primary health centre in Kherwara, the officer informed.

Further reports are awaited. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 16 (ANI/WAM): President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, to discuss bilateral ties between the two nations.

The call explored boosting UAE-Turkiye cooperation to achieve further prosperity for their countries and peoples. UAE President and the President of Turkey also exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest, foremost among them the latest developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Also Read | New York's Metropolitan Museum Agrees To Return 14 Stolen Cultural Artefacts to Cambodia.

The two leaders emphasised the importance of an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the protection of civilians in accordance with international law, facilitating the secure and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid, and rejecting the forced displacement of the people of Gaza.

President Sheikh Mohamed and President Erdogan stressed the need to find a path towards a just and comprehensive peace through the two-state solution to re-establish stability and security in the region.

Also Read | Dog Attack in Argentina: Pack of 17 Hungry Dogs Eat Man After His Death in Mendoza.

The two sides also addressed the outcomes of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), highlighting the significance of the resulting 'UAE Consensus' in driving global climate action.

President Erdogan congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the success achieved during COP28 through efforts led by the UAE to deliver significant outcomes for the benefit of humanity. (ANI/WAM)

(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 16: The Special Cell of Delhi Police said it was keeping a close eye on the social media posts of Lalit Jha, the alleged mastermind of the Parliament security breach. Some posts of Lalit, one of which states, "What India needs is a bomb", are under the lens, the Special Cell informed. Sources in Delhi Police said Lalit dropped the "What India needs is a bomb" post on his social media handle on October 26, weeks before the Parliament security breach on December 13, Wednesday.

He posted further in Bengali, "What India needs today is a bomb. It needs a strong voice against tyranny, injustice and anarchy." Lalit made similar inflammatory posts on his social media, Delhi Police said. In another post, dated November 5, Lalit wrote that whoever talks about livelihood and rights, regardless of who he is, is labelled a 'communist'. Parliament Security Breach: Delhi Police Sources Reveal That Intruders Came With Seven Smoke Cans.

Lalit Jha's social media are full of similar inflammatory posts, as a reason the Special Cell is investigating Lalit's social media links. The Special Cell said it was also probing whom Lalit was in touch with on social media, adding that it was also investigating if the alleged security breach mastermind was speaking to others on social media and, if so, what was said.

The Special Cell said it had reasons to believe that Lalit would mislead people with the help of social media. Further, according to sources in Delhi Police, Lalit has been 'misleading' the investigators since being arrested after a manhunt.

The Special Cell has also written to the telecom service provider, seeking information about Lalit and the other four accused persons.

The Special Cell team is conducting an on-ground verification of the leads that they have received from Lalit, sources in Delhi Police said. Further, according to sources, most of what has so far been elicited from the accused mastermind has turned out to be 'just words' aimed at misleading the investigators.

Earlier, Delhi Police sources revealed that Lalit destroyed five mobile phones before coming to Delhi, adding that he was misleading the investigating team.

According to Delhi Police, Lalit destroyed not four but five mobile phones after fleeing to Rajasthan's Kuchaman, according to sources. The fifth accused and mastermind in the Parliament security breach case, Lalit is alleged to have burnt the mobile phones of his associates along with his friend Mahesh after fleeing to Kuchaman, the sources added. Security Breach in Parliament: Opposition Parties To Continue Protests Pressing for Amit Shahs Statement on Security Lapse Issue, Say Sources.

Ahead of the incident, all four accused had handed over their mobile phones to Jha to ensure that crucial leads in the case didn't fall into the hands of the investigators, sources said, adding that the accused had been anticipating their arrest.

In Kuchaman, Jha met his friend Mahesh, who got him a room for the night, police sources said, adding that both had met through Facebook, as revealed by Jha during his interrogation.
Washington, December 16: A US government agency on religious freedom has called for sanctions against India for its alleged involvement in the killing of a Khalistani activist in Canada and in a plot to kill another activist in the US.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has been critical of the Indian government and has recommended sanctions on it every year since in 2020. It makes these recommendations to the US State Department, which has ignored them so far. FBI Agents Visited Sikh Activists in US After Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjars Assassination in Canada: Report.

The Indian governments alleged involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States are deeply troubling, and represent a severe escalation of Indias efforts to silence religious minorities and human rights defenders both within its country and abroad, said USCIRF Commissioner Stephe Schneck in a statement on Friday.

We call on the Biden administration to acknowledge the Indian governments perpetration of particularly severe religious freedom violations and designate it as a country of particular concern (CPC). Hardeep Singh Nijjar Shot Dead in Canada: Prominent SFJ Leader and Khalistani Activist Killed at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.

The Canadian government first alleged Indias involvement in the killing of Nijjar in British Columbia in July. Ottawa has cited human and electronic intelligence in support of these allegations but has not made them public yet. The US alleged in an indictment that a senior Indian government official used an Indian man to hire a contract killer to kill Pannun.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 16, 2023 11:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Amid the escalating geopolitical tensions due to the Gaza war, different scenarios emerged regarding Egypts $3 billion loan.

During COP28, which concluded last week in UAE, the IMF managing director stated that the deal could witness progress soon, expecting the fund to raise financing for Egypt amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

The fund is currently discussing with Egyptian authorities providing additional financing to ensure the successful implementation of the policy package to help it withstand the repercussions of the recent conflict in the Middle East, the IMFs Director of Strategic Communications (COM) Julie Kozack said.

Moreover, the current $3 billion loan may rise significantly, potentially reaching $12 billion soon amid the current geopolitical challenges in the Middle East as a result of the war in Gaza, Ahmed El-Sayed, an economist and financing expert, explained.

El-Sayed also emphasized that the Egyptian pound no longer requires an immediate devaluation. If any devaluation does occur, it is expected to be partial, with the currency value remaining within the range of EGP 31/$1, he added.

Regarding Egypt's request for an additional $1 billion loan through the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Trust, El-Sayed stated that it stands a high chance of approval.

He explained that if the IMF indeed intends to assist Egypt, it is highly probable that the $1 billion loan will be accepted, accompanied by an increase in the original $3 billion loan.

El-Sayed also highlighted Egypt's intensified efforts to finalize its Initial Public Offering (IPO) programme, which involves offering 35 state-owned companies to strategic investors by the end of June 2024.

However, banking expert Hany Abul-Fotouh stated that the current $3 billion loan's value is unlikely to be increased, as it is already approved and sealed based on this amount.

Instead, Egypt may receive a new financing programme from the IMF due to the prevailing geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war on its borders, Abul-Fotouh added.

Abul-Fotouh concurred with El-Sayed's view that there is no immediate need to devalue the currency, suggesting that such a step could be postponed.

He indicated that recent statements from IMF officials, expressing their intention to continue supporting the Egyptian economy, reflect the country's intensive reform efforts amid the current global crises and geopolitical tensions.

Egypt had initially entered into an IMF programme in December 2022, which included a $3 billion loan disbursed over 46 months in eight instalments.

However, due to Egypt's delay in fully complying with the fund's requirements, the programme was temporarily frozen, resulting in the postponement of the first and second reviews scheduled for March and September.

To date, Egypt has received only one payment worth $347 million.

Nevertheless, recent indications suggest that the IMF is now considering renewed support for the Egyptian economy due to the backdrop of the ongoing war on Egypt's borders and the prevailing geopolitical tensions in the region.

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<i> Former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger frequently writes for The Times. </i>

The debate evoked by Secretary of State Warren M. Christophers visit to Beijing has been too concerned with whether his mission had failed to promote human rights. The issue is not whether the United States should abandon its pursuit of human rights altogether, but how to pursue its values in balance with other aspects of the U.S.-China relationship.

The fundamental motivation of U.S. human-rights policy rests deep within American tradition. No other nation has been so explicitly founded to vindicate liberty or been populated as extensively by refugees. This experience has infused U.S. foreign policy with a missionary quality. Other nations need to take this attitude seriously; to most Americans, the national interest cannot be separated from some concern for human rights.

Still, Americas perception of itself as the defender of global human rights is so ingrained that we too often forget how unique this perspective is compared with the way other nations view foreign policy. Every other major country conceives foreign policy as the balancing of risks and rewards to affect the actions of others. What Americans call human rights has generally been deemed to fall within domestic jurisdictions.

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While the State Department insists that it is only pressing the Chinese government to live up to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the fact remains that no other signatory of that document has invoked it in its China policy. In short, the U.S. human-rights approach to China elicits next to no support from most other governments. Not a single Asian nation supports it.

A prickly insistence on sovereignty is a particular attribute of the Chinese government. In China, Western intervention is perceived as an uninterrupted humiliation since the Opium Wars.

To base Sino-American relations entirely on Chinese progress toward human rights will thus mortgage both the underlying relationship as well as progress on human rights. It is also a distortion of reality, since U.S. objectives go beyond human-rights promotion. It has become commonplace to point out that China has the worlds fastest-growing economy and that its population of more than 1 billion represents the single largest market. To exclude the United States from these prospects is not a trivial decision.

More important, Asia is both the most dynamic region of the world and the one with the greatest potential to threaten world peace. Its nations have not developed the patterns of cooperation that emerged in Europe after World War II. Fostering an Asian equilibrium is therefore central to world peace and must be a key objective of U.S. diplomacy.

The United States and China have a parallel interest in equilibrium. China wants the United States to help balance its relationships with powerful neighbors--Japan, Russia and India--until it is strong enough to do so on its own. The United States needs Chinese cooperation on these matters and on a peaceful evolution of the future of Taiwan, on nuclear proliferation in North Korea and on the transfer of weapons technology.

These are the sort of issues that should be key elements of the Sino-American dialogue. If they moved to the center of Sino-American relationships, they would facilitate human-rights issues by providing a strategic context. In the course of their history, Chinas leaders have frequently taken account of the special needs of their counterparts provided such an action also served Chinese interests.

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The basic challenge remains: If the United States interest in China is primarily human rights, the tactic of public pressures is appropriate. And it may even work. There is, however, a high risk of trapping both sides in a choice between capitulation and confrontation. The Administration may be tempted to continue watering down its demands and its penalties until its apparent victories are largely public-relations exercises. The Chinese may repeat their self-inflicted wounds of the 1950s, when they expelled all Soviet advisers for being too intrusive. The victim of such a process will be the American-Chinese political relationship that is key to Asian stability.

An alternative approach would not require the United States to abandon its reduced list of human-rights objectives, though some may have to be modified in the course of negotiations. It does, however, call for clear presidential leadership outlining U.S. purposes and strategy with respect to China. Such a statement needs to set forth the importance attached to U.S.-China cooperation in specific areas and on specific topics; it cannot merely be a shopping list of U.S. priorities. At the same time, such a document could emphasize the need for each side to take into account the special concerns of the other--a phrase Beijing will surely understand as referring to U.S. human-rights concerns. A reduction of public pressures and a broadening of the dialogue will produce a solution compatible with the self-respect of both sides. Specifically:

* China should understand that a concern for human rights in some form is not an Administration idiosyncrasy but inherent in the American value system as expressed in congressional pressures.

* The Administration should recognize that Chinas interest in U.S. relations is based on its expectation of cooperation on global or at least Asian strategy. For that objective, it may well be prepared to make human-rights concessions, provided they can be presented as having emerged from its own choice.

* Congress should understand that, beyond a certain point, public pressures tend to produce the opposite of what is intended. Congressional concern has been clearly demonstrated; the Administration should be permitted to pursue it quietly on its own.

* The short-term objective of a renewed Sino-American dialogue should be to achieve sufficient progress to enable the Administration to de-link human rights from most-favored-nation trading status, once and for all. Afterward, the United States would pursue human-rights objectives in a manner compatible with Chinese dignity and via normal diplomatic processes within the context of an overall political and strategic dialogue.

These goals are within reach provided the focus remains on fundamentals, especially on the importance of a constructive, long-term Sino-American relationship for both countries.*
Former Donald Trump lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani lost the lawsuit filed by two Georgia election workers after he spread false information about them regarding the 2020 elections, falsely claiming that they were undermining the elections, and these claims led to death threats and racist attacks.

A federal judge in Washington DC has already determined the former New York City mayor has defamed Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. After the emotional trial, a federal jury ordered him to pay a total of $148 million to both of them.

According to CBS News, the jury of eight Washington DC residents deliberated for approximately 10 hours from Thursday to Friday before reaching their decision. This came after days of emotional testimony from the two Georgia election workers about the harassment and racist attacks they received after Giuliani spread fake news against them.

Broken down, Ruby Freeman was awarded $16,171,000 in compensatory damages for defamation, while Shaye Moss received $16,998,000 in compensatory damages for defamation. The two also get $20 million each, for a total of $40 million in compensatory damages for emotional distress. Finally, the two Georgia women were awarded $75 million in punitive damages for both of them.

Federal Judge Beryl Howell already found Giuliani legally responsible for defaming Moss and Freeman and found that he inflicted emotional harm upon them before the trial even started. This meant that the jury was only tasked with determining how much Giuliani would have to pay the two women.

Rudy Giuliani Remains Defiant After Verdict Was Read

After the verdict was read, Giuliani exited the DC courthouse and spoke with reporters briefly, complaining about the jury's decision and still doubling down on his lies despite the court finding him to have lied.

READ MORE: Rudy Giuliani Lawsuit: Jury Hears Racist Threats Vs. Georgia Election Workers

"Very little I can say right now," he told reporters after the trial. "The absurdity of the number underscores the absurdity of the entire proceedings."

"The comments they received, I had nothing to do with," he continued, calling the threats the two Georgia election workers received after he spread false information about them as "abominable" and deplorable." However, he denied even being involved in those threats despite spreading the fake news against them.

"I'm quite confident that when this case gets before a fair tribunal, it will be reversed so quickly it'll make your head spin, and the absurd number that just came in will help that," he vowed, saying that he would appeal the case.

Rudy Giuliani Rested His Case Without Any Witnesses

On Wednesday, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani told reporters he was testifying on the stand. However, after the judge reprimanded him for doubling down on his election lies, his attorney, Joseph Sibley, said that his client would not be taking the stand at all. This meant that the former New York prosecutor ended the trial with no witnesses for himself.

The Giuliani lawyer also admitted that the trauma Freeman and Moss had was genuine and even called his client "irresponsible" for stoking false claims against them without calling for an investigation.

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: Rudy Giuliani ordered to pay nearly $150 million in damages in defamation case - ABC News
Desi Bouterse, Suriname's former dictator, and two dozen others are facing a years-long judicial battle over the 1982 killings of 15 political opponents, and a final verdict is about to be made.

The 1982 Suriname killings have deeply scarred the South American country, according to the Associated Press, and its ramifications are still being felt there to this day. Bouterse and his co-defendants were accused of rounding up famous political opponents, including lawyers, journalists, and a university professor. He then had them executed inside a colonial fortress in the capital, Paramaribo.

Mow 78, Desi Bouterse remains the chairman of Suriname's National Democratic Party and is still a political powerhouse there. He remains the main suspect in those 1982 killings and has accepted "political responsibility" for them. However, he also insists that he was not present when his political opponents were murdered.

Relatives of the people that the former dictator had killed have been calling for justice for decades in what is called in Suriname as the "December Murders." These family members are saying that they want everyone responsible, including Desi Bouterse, to be held accountable for their loved ones's deaths.

"It is a wound in the community. You can't get away from it," Sanjai Debipersad, a 54-year-old consultant, told the Associated Press. "I want truth and justice."

The relatives of the victims are represented by the Organization for Justice and Peace. Betty Goede, the organization's chairperson, commented, "It has been dragging on for 41 years now." The trial began in 2007, over two decades after the Suriname killings happened.

Former Suriname Dictator Desi Bouterse Trying To Get Out of His 20-Year Prison Sentence

The former Surinamese dictator has actually been handed a 20-year prison sentence over 1982 killings, according to The Jamaica Gleaner. However, he and his allies have constantly challenged the ruling and have made the case last for over 20 years.

READ MORE: Suriname Gold Mine Collapse: 14 Dead, 7 Missing as Illegal Gold Mine Turns Into South America's Biggest Mining Disaster

The 20-year prison sentence for the former dictator was previously upheld in August 2021 after a trial that lasted for seven years. Throughout those years, Bouterse and his allies have repeatedly tried to stop the trial or delay it. They have pointed to many arguments to try and stop the trial, including pointing out that the military judge overseeing the trial shared the same grandfather as one of the victims.

Desi Bouterse Insists 1981 Suriname Killings Victims Tried To Escape Prison

The extrajudicial killing sentence was handed out to the 72-year-old former president back in 2019, but he and his allies have managed to bog the case down over several years with appeals. This meant that while he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, he cannot be arrested because of his appeals.

According to the BBC, Bouterse recently admitted in court that he had heard gunshots on the day the prisoners were killed. However, he insisted he did not order them to be executed. Instead, he stated that the victims were trying to escape the prison, so they were shot.

The final verdict for his case, one he cannot appeal anymore, is expected later this year.

READ MORE: Suriname: 5 Places to Visit in This Country Filled With Natural Beauty

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Suriname President Bouterse sentenced to 20 years for killings - Al Jazeera English
Leaders from Guyana and Venezuela have come to a pivotal agreement aimed at deescalating tensions in their longstanding dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region, Reuters reports.

The accord, established after a meeting between the heads of state in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, emphasizes a commitment to refrain from using force and to prevent any further escalation.

The Essequibo area, spanning 160,000 square kilometers, has historically been recognized as part of Guyana.

However, Venezuela has recently revived its claim to the territory and offshore areas, especially after significant oil and gas discoveries.

In a joint statement, the two nations declared they "will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances" and will avoid escalating conflicts or disagreements.

READ NEXT: Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro Claims Guyana's Essequibo

Essequibo Dispute Background

The Essequibo region has been a longstanding point of contention between Guyana and Venezuela.

Venezuela renewed its claim to the land in 2015 following the discovery of oil off Essequibo's coast.

Despite Guyana's existing agreements with major investors like ExxonMobil and Chevron, Venezuela expressed intentions to permit oil exploration in the disputed territory.

Guyana's President, Irfaan Ali, stressed the importance of resolving the issue through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He asserted that while Guyana seeks no aggression or war, it reserves the right to work with partners to defend its country, per BBC.

Guyana's flourishing economy, driven by offshore oil reserves, is expected to triple its output to over 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027.

In contrast, Venezuela, possessing the world's largest proven oil reserves, faces an economic crisis compounded by US sanctions on its oil sales since 2018.

Venezuela claims a land theft conspiracy in 1899 involving the US and European nations that deprived them of the disputed territory.

Guyana disputes this, maintaining the legality of the initial accord and seeking a ruling from the ICJ, a decision that remains years away.

Venezuela and Guyana Oil Industry

The discovery of major oil deposits off Essequibo's shore in 2015 marked a turning point, drawing attention from Venezuela.

An ExxonMobil-led consortium initiated oil pumping in December 2019, transforming Guyana into the world's fourth-largest offshore oil producer.

This operation contributes approximately $1 billion annually to the country, which has a population of nearly 800,000. Guyana's economy witnessed a remarkable 60% expansion in the first half of the current year.

Presently, daily oil production stands at about 380,000 barrels, and this figure is anticipated to reach 800,000 barrels in the coming years, VOA News reports.

Notably, Guyana's crude exports were predominantly directed towards the Netherlands and Panama last month.

A significant portion of the oil sent to Panama was then re-exported to the US West Coast, as reported by S&P Global.

In a bid to harness its offshore oil potential further, Guyana recently invited bids for 14 additional oil blocks dedicated to exploration and development.

Six companies and groups submitted bids, including ExxonMobil, collaborating with U.S.-owned Hess Corp. and China National Offshore Oil Corp.

Additionally, French-owned Total Energies partnered with companies in Qatar and Malaysia.

While Guyana's oil industry thrives, Venezuela's oil sector faces a decline due to mismanagement and economic sanctions following contested elections in 2018.

To further assert its claim, Venezuela's National Assembly is considering legislation that could restrict companies operating in both Venezuela and Guyana.

READ MORE: Guyana Says New Venezuela Referendum on Disputed Territory Is an 'Existential Threat'

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Essequibo dispute: Will the Venezuela-Guyana truce hold? - From CBC News: The National
Kenneth Chesebro, the man behind Donald Trump's fake electors scheme, was one of the most high-profile flips in Georgia. However, he may be cooperating in other cases as well and adding to the former president's mounting legal problems.

Chesebro is facing multiple charges across the US over his role in Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. However, to get out of his own legal problems, Chesebro flipped on Trump and has been cooperating not just in Georgia but in other states as well.

MSNBC reported that he is trying to stop even more charges being brought against him by cooperating with investigations against fake electors and other election interference plotters in key battleground states, including Michigan. His cooperation with these cases across the country may ultimately affect Trump's legal proceedings as his testimonies in those other cases may be used against him.

Chesebro was a lynchpin of Trump's efforts to overturn the election results, suggesting to him the fake electors scheme where Trump allies tried and failed to install a slate of fake electors to vote for Trump in key battleground states like Georgia, Arizona, and Michigan, instead of the true winner of those states, Joe Biden.

It was Chesebro who continued urging Trump to keep hope alive until January 6, even though it was clear that the legal efforts to reverse the votes had failed. Leaked recordings showed that Trump was briefed about the fake electors plot failing, but it was Chesebro who egged him on.

Paul Ryan Calls Donald Trump an Authoritarian Narcissist

Despite his mounting legal problems, Donald Trump continues to be the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for the 2020 election as his supporters continue to believe that he did nothing wrong despite the increasing amounts of evidence and the lack of solid evidence proving his innocence.

Some of the more moderate Republicans are now sounding the alarm, including former House Speaker Paul Ryan, who slammed the former president and said that Trump is not a conservative.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Fraud Trial: Judge Tells Ex-POTUS To Keep Quiet

In an interview, Ryan stated that Trump's tendencies "are basically where narcissism takes him, which is whatever makes him popular, makes him feel good at any given moment," adding that "He doesn't think in classical 'liberal-conservative' terms. He thinks in an authoritarian way. And he's been able to get a big chunk of the Republican base to follow him because he's the culture warrior."

"Trump's not a conservative. He's an authoritarian, a narcissist...Adam and Liz stepped out of the flow and called it out and paid for it with their careers," he added, referring to former conservative lawmakers turned liberal allies Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.

Ohio GOP in Dilemma After Tapes of Republican Candidate Criticizing Trump Surface

Trump has been so ingrained in the GOP that criticizing him could amount to political career suicide for any Republican wanting to win a primary. This is shown in Ohio after the state's Republican Party has been stuck in a dilemma after one of their top candidates was caught on tape slamming the 4-times indicted former president.

Former state legislator Craig Riedel is seeking to beat J.R. Majewski, a man who lied about being on combat duty in Afghanistan, for the Republican nomination. The party is now stuck with a difficult choice on who should challenge veteran Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur for her House seat as Majewski is a proven liar and might get them another "George Santos Situation" while Riedel was the one recorded bashing Trump, calling him "arrogant" and vowing not to endorse the former president, according to Politico.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Does Not Have Immunity in 2020 Election Interference Case, Rules Federal Judge

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Trump Thrown UNDER THE BUS in SECRET RECORDINGS by Co-Defendant - MeidasTouch
The mother of a 6-year-old boy who shot his teacher in Virginia has been sentenced to two years in prison for felony child neglect, according to CBS News.

This incident occurred almost a year ago, causing shock in the nation and leaving the city of Newport News shaken.

The sentencing, delivered by Circuit Court Judge Christopher Papile, deviated from state sentencing guidelines, imposing a stiffer punishment than the jointly recommended six-month sentence in a plea deal.

Deja Taylor, the mother, had already received a 21-month federal prison sentence in November for using marijuana while possessing a firearm, which violates US law.

The cumulative effect of her state and federal sentences amounts to nearly four years behind bars.

The Virginia boy accessed his mother's 9mm handgun from her purse, hidden on top of a dresser.

Climbing onto a drawer to reach it, he concealed the weapon in his backpack and pocket before shooting his first-grade Virginia teacher, Abby Zwerner, in front of the class. Initially claiming she had secured the gun with a trigger lock, investigators found no evidence of one.

READ NEXT: Mom of Virginia Boy Who Shot Teacher at School Arrested

Virginia Mom's Sentence

This marks Taylor's second prison sentence related to the shooting. In November, she received 21 months for federal charges, including marijuana use while possessing a firearm and making false statements about drug use during the firearm purchase.

Facing up to five years for child neglect, prosecutors recommended a six-month sentence, falling within state guidelines.

The judge sentenced Taylor to five years with three years suspended, including two years of probation upon release, involving substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and mental health treatment, per ABC News.

The state sentence will run consecutively to her federal 21-month term.

Taylor's attorney, James Ellenson, criticized the sentence as "excessive" and "harsh," citing a perceived lack of remorse and disregarded mitigating factors.

"I was arguing domestic abuse, substance abuse, and mental health. Those were sort of the key issues that I thought were mitigating factors," Ellenson said, adding that there were instances where the system may have failed the Virginia mother.

Virginia School Shooting

Abby Zwerner, the victim, suffered gunshot wounds to her left hand and upper left chest, breaking bones and puncturing a lung, FOX News noted.

She filed a $40 million lawsuit against Newport News Public Schools, claiming administrators ignored warnings about the boy having a gun.

The boy, restrained by a school official after the shooting, admitted to accessing his mother's gun, saying, "I shot that (expletive) dead."

Abby Zwerner, who has undergone five surgeries and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, claims the incident left her physically and financially devastated.

Zwerner, who no longer teaches, is suing for justice and accountability from the school system.

She battles post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, attending therapy while expressing fear of working with children.

The lawsuit against Newport News Public Schools seeks redress for the alleged negligence that led to this tragic incident.

READ MORE: Ohio Teen Faces Charges Following Alleged Mass Shooting Plot

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Mother of young boy who shot teacher gets 2-year prison sentence - From CBS Evening News
What is taking place in Gaza is meant for the history books: an epic tale of a small nation under a long, brutal siege for many years, facing one of the greatest military powers in the world. And yet, it refuses to be defeated.

Let It Be a Tale: On Refaat Alareer and the Martyrdom of the Gaza Intellectual

Not even the legendary tenacity of Leo Tolstoys War and Peace characters can be compared to the heroism of Gazans, living over a tiny stretch of land while subsisting on the precipice of calamity, even long before the Israeli genocide.

But if Gaza has already been declared uninhabitable by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as early as 2020, how is it able to cope with everything that took place since then, particularly the grueling and unprecedented Israeli war, starting on October 7?

I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed, said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 9. In fact, Israel carried out far greater war crimes than the choking of 2.3 million people.

No place is safe, not even hospitals and schools, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on X on November 11. Things have become far worse since that statement was made.

And, because Gazans refused to leave their homeland, the 365 sq kilometers - approx. 141 sq miles - turned into a hunting ground of human beings, who were killed in every way imaginable. Those who did not die under the rubble of their homes or were gunned down by attack helicopters while attempting to escape from one region to another, are now dying from disease and hunger.

Not a single category of Palestinians has been spared this horrible fate: the children, the women, the educators, the doctors and medics, the rescuers, even the artists and the poets. Each one of these groups has an ever-growing list of names, updated daily.

Fully aware of the extent of its war crimes in Gaza, Israel has systematically targeted Gazas storytellers - its journalists and their families, the bloggers, the intellectuals and even the social media influencers.

While Palestinians insist that their collective pain - and resistance - must be televised, Israel is doing everything in its power to eliminate the storytellers.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said in a statement on December 6 that 75 Palestinian Journalists and media workers have been killed by Israel since the beginning of the war.

The above number does not include many citizen journalists and writers who do not necessarily operate in an official capacity. It also does not include members of their families, like the family of journalist Wael al-Dahdouh or the family of Moamen Al Sharafi.

Aware that their intellectuals are targets for Israel, Gazans have, for years, attempted to produce yet more storytellers. In 2015, a group of young journalists and students formed a group they called We Are Not Numbers. We Are Not Numbers tells the stories behind the numbers of Palestinians in the news and advocates for their human rights, WANN described itself.

A co-founder of the group, Professor Refaat Alareer, is a beloved Palestinian educator from Gaza. A young intellectual, whose brilliance is only matched by his kindness, Alareer believed that the story of Palestine, Gaza in particular, should be told by the Palestinians themselves, whose relationship to the Palestinian discourse cannot be marginal.

As Gaza keeps gasping for life, we struggle for it to pass, we have no choice but to fight back and tell her stories. For Palestine, Alareer wrote in his contribution in the volume Light in Gaza: Writing Born of Fire.

He edited several books, including Gaza Writes Back and Gaza Unsilenced, which also allowed him to take the message of other Palestinian intellectuals in Gaza to the rest of the world.

Sometimes a homeland becomes a tale. We love the story because it is about our homeland and we love our homeland even more because of the story, he wrote in Gaza Writes Back.

Alareer reportedly refused to leave northern Gaza, even after Israel had managed to isolate it from the rest of the Strip, subjecting it to countless massacres.

As if aware of the fate awaiting him, Alareer tweeted this line, along with a poem he had penned: If I must die, let it be a tale.

On December 7, the writers collective, We Are Not Numbers, declared that their beloved founder, Refaat Alareer, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza.

Alareer was not the only member of the collective who was killed by Israel. On October 14, Yousef Dawas and on November 24, Mohammed Zaher Hammo, were killed, with members of their families, in Israeli strikes on various parts of the Gaza Strip.

In one of the workshops I did with the group, prior to the war, Yousef Dawas stood out, and not only because of his unusually long hair, but because of his clever and pointed questions.

He wanted to tell the stories of ordinary Gazans, so that other ordinary people around the world can appreciate the everyday struggle of the Palestinian people, their righteous quest for justice and their hope for a better future.

These storytellers were all killed by Israel, with the hope that the stories will die with them. But Israel will fail because the collective story is bigger than all of us. A nation that has produced the likes of Ghassan Kanafani, Basil al-Araj and Refaat Alareer will always produce great intellectuals, who will serve the historic role of telling the story of Palestine and her liberation.

This is the last poem shared by Alareer:

If I must die,

you must live

to tell my story

to sell my things

to buy a piece of cloth

and some strings,

(make it white with a long tail)

so that a child, somewhere in Gaza

while looking heaven in the eye

awaiting his dad who left in a blaze

and bid no one farewell

not even to his flesh

not even to himself

sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up

above

and thinks for a moment an angel is there

bringing back love

If I must die

let it bring hope

let it be a tale.



* The writer is a journalist, author and the Editor of The Palestine Chronicle.

He is the author of six books. His latest book, co-edited with Ilan Pappe, is Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out. His other books include My Father was a Freedom Fighter and The Last Earth. Baroud is a Non-resident Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA).

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There are a few things to know about the annual Christmas tree toss in Bethlehem.

Its ridiculous. This is an event that started, bizarrely, about two decades ago with a frustrated auto mechanic taking out his aggression on a fully decorated tree. It turned, even more bizarrely, into a holiday pageant with a parade, bagpipers, a friendly police rivalry, and, for some reason, a goat. And it has since landed, more modestly, in the realm of holiday tradition because, well, why not. Its for charity. For all its oddity, it has for years supported good causes. This years proceeds benefit Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley with a suggested $5 donation per toss. Its embarrassing. Because, it turns out, there is no good way to throw a tree.

This last point was a lesson I learned the hard way covering the event for The Express-Times and lehighvalleylive.com in 2010.

In those days, two competing garages along with Bethlehem city and township police squared off for bragging rights. The previous years winning chief got to ride a pony up Stefko Boulevard. The Christmas spirit wasnt the only one flowing liberally that day and it was inevitable that any media covering the event would be pressed into service in the tree-throwers circle.

I can recall the pressure even now: The scent of evergreen wafting from the mangled tree gripped tightly in my hands. Looking up across the parking lot and squinting into the gray December sky. Branches and needles were scattered a dozen feet before me. I had seen others do it. I could mimic what they did. I could do this. I was going to throw this tree.

I began to spin. But I was in trouble. The tree was heavier than I thought. My timing was off. One more turn to get it right. Uh-oh, too many turns. Getting heavier. Let it go! Hope for the best!

The tree skidded across the pavement.

I had seen this tree fly 16 feet on the best of throws. But when it left my hands, it had no spirit. No loft. No oomph, only oof.

I recall a collective huh, like an audible shrug. No one had to say anything. I didnt go down as the worst throw of that day, at least in my own report. But I had embarrassed myself in front of the police, the auto mechanics, the kilted bagpipers, and the goat. The goat!

In the annals of the Bethlehem Christmas tree toss, I was a failure.

That was then.

Over the years, Ive covered or written about this wonderfully odd Bethlehem tradition many times. Probably too many times, given the number of evergreen puns and spirited wordplays Ive repeated in stories, headlines and photo captions. (My favorites: Throw Tannenbaum. Heave-Ho! Ho! Ho! Wood chuck.)

Its 2023. This year, I decided its time to redeem myself.

The event has changed somewhat. A bit more mellow. No parade, no goat. Just as much Christmas spirit but none of the other kinds.

Its been renamed the Peter Kearns Memorial Christmas Tree Toss in memory of its auto mechanic founder who owned the Meineke Car Care on Stefko. It is held at one-time tree-toss rival Mikes More Miles Automotive, also on Stefko.

On Saturday, I arrive to a fairly large crowd in the parking lot. The weather, luckily for mid-December, is beautiful. Santas there. So is Buddy the Elf. Some ugly Christmas sweaters are scattered throughout. Mike DeCrosta, the Mike of Mikes More Miles, is running the show, calling out the next competitor on the list.

I stop for a few moments to observe the throws. For the uninitiated there are a few generally accepted techniques for throwing a tree. I described them in a 2016 instructional post that again reveled in wordplay. Theres the shot-put style, aka the spruce brute, where one grips the inside of the tree and, using the legs, pushes up through the base and sends it off into the wild, gray yonder.

Then theres the spin, aka the flying fir, where the thrower grips the top of the tree, spins around a few times (1.5 to 3 times is recommended) and, when momentum has built, lets it fly. It requires timing, finesse, a bit of luck, and is way more fun to watch.

The throws this year are all over, with mixed success. Some employ a javelin-style. One person goes for an underhand heave. Every spin move looks treacherous for nearby onlookers. Theres nothing quite like seeing a police officer with their full equipment belt on, spinning around with a tree in their hands  except seeing another guy grip the tree by the top and whip it around over his head like a hammer throw.

I seek out George Wacker of Lehigh Valley With Love Media, who has helped promote this event for years, and tell him of my quest for redemption.

I embarrass myself every time! he tells me. Accepting this as attempted reassurance, I inquire about his preferred throw method. He likes to push the tree from the base, shot-put style  less opportunity of getting the days longest distance, but also less opportunity for things to go horribly wrong. Like me all those years ago.

I watch Mikes More Miles employee Juan Gonzalez attempt a javelin throw with a honking battle cry. Its awkward, he says after his turn. The whole thing is awkward.

By the time I sign up, the longest throw is a whopping 28 feet (which ends up being the days top distance). I ask what method was used. DeCrosta overhears me: The method is steroids!

My name is called a few minutes later. Redemption time. I pick the tree up and step into the circle. Feeling the heft, I decide against the spin. Wackers right, its too unpredictable. Too much precision and luck required. Im not going for the record. Im just throwing a tree.

So, I step back. One hand on the base, the other finding a decent grip inside the tree that wont catch on launch. I gaze around the branches into the empty space in front of me. I cant hear the inspiring movie music that has been playing on the speaker in the garage. I cant hear anything. Its quiet. Good. This happens now.

Another breath. Step forward, and PUSH! With a grunt, the tree is up and away. The fir is flying!

Lehighvalleylive.coms Steve Novak tosses a Christmas tree during the Peter Kearns Memorial Christmas Tree Toss, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Mike's More Miles Automotive in Bethlehem. All money raised goes to Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley.Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com

And then, thud. It lands flat on the pavement. It doesnt look like it went too far. I walk out of the circle as the measurement is called  13 feet, 4 inches. It wont win the day. But for a moment, that tree was at least airborne.

Our photographer, Saed Hindash, gives me a nod. He knew what I was here to do. Better than last time, he says.

Tom Shortell, a peer at LehighValleyNews.com, also gives me a boost. Your form was stupendous! he says. He shows me a picture of the throw. It is not flattering. (He also beat me in distance by about two feet  you win this one, LVN!)

My goal achieved, I can relax and watch more attempts. Sean Kearns throws one 20 feet. Hes the son of the events late namesake. The tree toss has been a part of his familys life. He attends every year with his mom, aunts, and cousins; with grandchildren that Peter Kearns never knew.

After talking for a bit, he confirms the tosss unusual origins: Some anger, some whiskey, a mechanic, a Christmas tree, all out into the parking lot. Somehow it became a tradition. Somehow it became something good for the community, for camaraderie and friendly rivalries, and a nice reminder for his family.

We know (Peters) spirit is here and we continue to do this to remember and honor him, DeCrosta says in closing out this years festivities.

Thats worth knowing about the Bethlehem Christmas tree toss, perhaps most of all. No one actually trains for this, despite what they may tell you. No one is actually good at throwing a tree. They just do it. Some for fun. Some in memoriam. Some just because.

Its tradition. Ridiculous, good, fun tradition. One that makes it worth embarrassing yourself over and over again.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.
The lights were on later than usual Tuesday night at Salvage Goods, for an exploration of the Downtown Easton spots dark past.

Owner Heidi Markow, who bought the 24 S. Third St. vintage shop a year ago, was hosting the crew of a paranormal investigative show in production for Amazon Prime. Its called Dark Echoes Paranormal, and the Easton episode is to be the finale of its first season.

The shop is on the first floor of the Masonic Temple building across from what used to be the Pine Street city parking garage, now leveled for a mixed-use redevelopment. A concrete patio in the Salvage Goods courtyard butts up against stairs descending to Eastons first jail, considered the first building erected by Northampton County and finished in 1755.

Conditions for prisoners were poor. Disease was rampant. Justice was meted out hard miles to the south in Doylestown, reachable by foot or aboard horse-and-buggy. Research that Markow and her family have done shows some 30 British soldiers  redcoats  perished there.

Then there are the executions, through which Markow says she feels a connection to the past.

Men awaiting capital punishment were housed there, invariably sentenced for killing their wives, according to Markow, who is a domestic violence victims advocate. She started the Beginning Over Foundation in 2006 to honor her sister, Robin Shaffer, who was killed by her estranged husband in 2005.

Maybe this is where Im supposed to be, Markow remembers thinking to herself as the history came into focus for her over the past year. I feel the presence that there are women in that place.

From left, Marlena Beers, Allen Rex, Scarlett Zajac, Matt Kondracki, Laurissa Rex and Sarah Grim, crew members of "Dark Echoes Paranormal" in production for Amazon Prime, pause during a shoot Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at Salvage Goods, 24 S. Third St. in Easton.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

The Dark Echoes Paranormal crew that set up Tuesday in Markows shop captured imagery on RED Digital cameras ahead of the nighttime scenes shot in night vision.

Matt Kondracki is director, producer and host and has a team that includes two psychic mediums: Laurissa Rex, who is assistant director and is from Palmerton, and product assistant Sarah Grim, of Pen Argyl. Both were onsite as the shoot spilled past midnight Tuesday, along with guest medium Marlena Beers, also from Palmerton.

Each episode is different because we take mediums who have never been to a location and we completely blindfold them, said Kondracki, who is based in Connecticut. Theyre coming in, not knowing anywhere theyre going and they dont know anything until the blindfold is removed. And then whatever they feel, they feel.

Through talking with property representatives and advance readings by Rex and Grim, Kondracki knows details about a sites background that he hopes the guest medium picks up on.

Ive been paranormal investigating since 2006 and Ive been on a couple shows, he said. But to me I wanted to do a show where somebody could sit there and be like, Theres no way in hell that theyre staging anything.

And we have 24 hours to do investigations. And the stuff Ive got to tell you when you watch these episodes within 24 hours, weve got some of the most amazing things. What these mediums do? Im baffled. Because were all skeptics. But when they came in and they start saying things that Ive physically seen myself, nobody else knows, its crazy.

Dark Echoes Paranormal has shot Season 1 episodes in Wildwood, New Jersey, and Concord, Massachusetts; at Cohasset Town Hall in Massachusetts and Wilson Castle in Proctor, Vermont; and in Salamanca, New York.

Rex had found out about the Salvage Goods site through an article, called the number and introduced herself to Markow.

She told me a little about what was going on, Rex said. I did a little bit of a reading over the phone, that way I could kind of see if it would be a good location to come out and actually scout.

Then she and Grim paid a visit.

When we first came to speak to the owner it was a lot, just coming in here it was very heavy, Grim said. Theres a lot of energy in here, and I was just picking up sort of mafia-type stuff. I didnt know the history of Easton, like that kind of history with the brothels and all that. So then I did some digging and Im like, This makes sense now, I didnt know that. But theres a lot going on.

Matt Kondracki, director, producer and host of "Dark Echoes Paranormal" in production for Amazon Prime, second from left, walks into Salvage Goods, 24 S. Third St. in Easton, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, with others involved in a shoot for the show's inaugural season finale.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

An early indicator Tuesday that the crew might be on the right track concerned a pocket watch, or maybe its echo from the past, that Rex picked up on in the basement.

Well we just got finished with the walkthrough and the medium for tonights episode ... picked up on a pocket watch, Kondracki told lehighvalleylive.com as the team was breaking for dinner.

Markows own latest experience with the unexplained in her shop came as she and others huddled in the back Tuesday during a recording where the crew needed quiet. Suddenly, a music box displayed for sale, and which might normally play a minute when wound, began playing for 10 minutes straight, she said: They never go off. Im there all day, these music boxes never go off.

A regular occurrence, which has been caught on the stores surveillance, concerns a mans portrait clamped to a wire. With the store calm, no breezes blowing or other apparent cause, the photo will turn away from people, Markow included.

That was the first indicator that something was just not right, she said. There was no explanation for that. It kept on happening. Then we started seeing ghostly figures and little orbs.

Markow said her focus and interest is running her shop, out of her passion for vintage items and antiques. Shes leaned into the history, though, including hosting jailhouse tours and history nights with Easton-based Mystic Inquiries.

Theres so much that weve learned that would really blow peoples minds, Markow said. A lot of Eastonians come into the store and theyre like, We never knew this was a jail.

A sidewalk door to the basement of Salvage Goods, 24 S. Third St. in Easton, is open Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, as an episode of "Dark Echoes Paranormal" in production for Amazon Prime, is being shot. The site was the home of Easton's first jail, with subterranean cells for prisoners. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

Markow doesnt want people to be afraid to come in, and says she gets a good vibe from the space.

I have people that come in that are sensitive to the back area, she allowed.

Salvage Goods marked the second Northampton County location for this opening season of Dark Echoes Paranormal. Bath Exchange, 204 W. Main St. in Bath, hosted the crew last weekend, posting about the experience on Facebook.

Kondracki said to look for episodes to air in 2024, once he finishes with the edits and sends them in to Amazon.

Season 2 is happening in January and all the spots are already booked, he said. Im trying as fast as I can to get these episodes out.

Execution island

The southern tip of Getter's Island pointing toward Downtown Easton is seen from an unmanned aerial vehicle in July 2018.Saed Hindash file photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

Charles Getter was kept in the jail where Salvage Goods now operates and was walked to his demise on an island in the Delaware River, now Getters Island. Thousands watched from the banks in Easton and Phillipsburg, according to the history turned up by Markow and her family.

Heres more about his punishment from a 2017 article by Tony Rhodin, retired journalist for lehighvalleylive.com, The Express-Times and its forerunner The Bethlehem Globe-Times:

Getter had been married to Rebecca Lawall for 10 days in 1833 when he killed her, according to a summary on This Haunted Place, taken from the Adams Sentinel. Hed proclaim his innocence, but the jury didnt buy it. He was jailed Downtown until the day arrived that he would be hanged.

An immense number of spectators witnessed the shocking exhibition, the Sentinel reported. The spot chosen for the execution was a small island in the Delaware. At the appointed time the wretched criminal was swung off.

But the rope broke and precipitated him to the ground. He was stunned by the fall but soon recovered and awaited his impending fate with composure for about 20 minutes, when he was again suspended, and expired after a short struggle. Some days previous to the execution he made a full confession to the murder.

We call it Getters Island just below North Delaware Drive close to where the Bushkill Creek enters the big river. The place a man was hung twice for a single crime.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Here is a look at action taken this week by the Pennsylvania Legislature and Gov. Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg, as 2023 draws to a close during the 2023-24 legislative session.

Pennsylvania passes laws to overhaul probation system, allow courts to seal more criminal records

Rapper Meek Mill, center, speaks alongside Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro during a ceremonial bill-signing in Philadelphia, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. More criminal records in Pennsylvania can be sealed from public view and fewer people might be kept on probation or in county jails, under legislation signed by the governor on Thursday.AP Photo/Matt Rourke

More criminal records in Pennsylvania can be sealed from public view and fewer people might be kept on probation or in county jails, under legislation signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday.

Both bills passed the House and Senate with large majorities Wednesday amid a flurry of end-of-year action.

The new probation law aims to limit the length of probation and prevent people from being sent back to jail for minor violations in a state with one of the highest rates of residents who are incarcerated or under supervision.

However, it drew criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union, which says the law doesnt fix the problems that plague Pennsylvanias probation system and will do little to reduce the number of people under supervision.

The other bill allows courts to seal records of non-violent drug felonies with a minimum sentence of under 2 1/2 years in prison and or a maximum sentence of under five years.

Under the states existing Clean Slate law, it also allows the sealing of certain nonviolent felonies for those who are conviction-free for 10 years and reduces the waiting period for automated sealing of misdemeanors to seven years, rather than 10 years.

Both bills emerged as part of a nationwide reconsideration of the criminal justice system, to help people leaving incarceration resume their lives and find jobs more easily.

The case of rapper Meek Mill helped shine a light on Pennsylvanias probation system after he spent most of his adult life on probation  including stints in jail for technical violations  before a court overturned his conviction in a drug and gun case in Philadelphia.

The bill will limit the circumstances under which a non-violent offender on probation can be sent to jail. It does not, however, put a cap on the length of a probation sentence.

Judges can continue to stack probation sentences and impose probation after incarceration, the ACLU said. The bill also fails to provide an automatic or efficient way to end probation early, it said.

Under it, a judge can order an end to probation, regardless of any agreement on a sentence between a prosecutor and the defendant. But judges no longer have wide latitude to extend probation.

Probation is required to end unless the defendant commits a crime that demonstrates that they are a threat to public safety, has not completed certain treatment or has not paid restitution under some circumstances.

The bill also prohibits courts from extending someones probation for not paying fines or court costs if they are found to be unable to afford it.

Pennsylvania House back to a 101-101 partisan divide with the resignation of a Democratic lawmaker

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is back to a 101-101 partisan split with the resignation of a Democratic lawmaker Thursday, teeing up another special election to determine the chambers majority early next year.

The resignation of Rep. John Galloway, of Bucks County, had been expected for months after his election as a magisterial district judge in November. But it was made official after the chamber concluded its final business of the year late Wednesday, wrapping up a monthslong budget feud.

A special election will be held Feb. 13. In the interim, Democrats who control chamber has scheduled no voting days for January and February while it is slated to be deadlocked.

If Republicans win the special election, it would grease the skids for GOP priorities to make it to Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros desk, or go out to the voters through constitutional amendments.

But Democrats have sought to defend their razor-thin majority since last years election, when they flipped enough seats to take the speakers rostrum for the first time in more than a decade. In the period of about a year, voters have cast ballots in three special elections determining party control.

In those elections, Republican efforts to clinch seats in Democratic strongholds fell short.

Republicans had long controlled Bucks County, a heavily populated county just north of Philadelphia. But the county has shifted left in recent years, helping Democrats win control of the county and many of its legislative seats.

Galloway ran unopposed in 2022. He was reelected in 2020 with 60% of the vote in a district that leans Democratic.

With the slim margin, Democrats have advanced a number of the partys priorities  more funding for public education, broadened LGBTQ+ rights and stricter gun laws  but still have had to contend with the GOP-controlled Senate.

Tensions between the chambers had embroiled the Legislature in a five-month stalemate over the budget, after negotiations soured between the Senate and Shapiro, who could not get the House to pass a school voucher program, a priority for GOP lawmakers. For months, funding for a number of programs was locked in the Legislature.

Meanwhile, Rep. Joe Kerwin, a Republican from Dauphin County, will be on extended leave while he is deployed to East Africa in the Army National Guard. It will leave the Republican Party at 101 lawmakers, but he will not cast votes while deployed.

Shorter weeks, longer days? Pennsylvania poised to give schools flexibility on minimum requirements

A bill that would give Pennsylvania school districts greater flexibility to have shorter school weeks or longer days, as long as students meet an annual minimum of instructional time, is headed to the governors desk for his approval.

The legislation passed both chambers unanimously. It changes Pennsylvania law to allow for schools to complete the school year in either a minimum of 180 days or 900 hours at the elementary level and 990 hours at the secondary level. Currently, schools must do both.

Shapiro signed the measure, House Bill 1507, into law Thursday.

Sponsors said Pennsylvania has been one of fewer than 20 states with both minimum day and minimum hour requirements. They argued it has held schools to rigid schedules that do not allow for flexibility in addressing student needs.

The bill would give schools the ability to make changes to accommodate weather conditions, professional development and community events, supporters said. It also can help accommodate student apprenticeships, internships, and career and technical education programs.

It will also let schools track students who learn remotely through hours of instruction, rather than days.

Pennsylvania lawmakers defeat funding for Penn amid criticism over schools stance on antisemitism

Pennsylvanias House of Representatives on Wednesday night defeated legislation to send more than $33 million to the University of Pennsylvanias veterinary school after the universitys president resigned amid criticism that the school has tolerated antisemitism.

The legislation won a majority in two different votes, but it failed to reach the two-thirds majority required by the state Constitution.

Most Republicans opposed the funding, while every Democrat voted in favor of it. The House Republican floor leader spoke against it, saying the resignation of President Liz Magill was a start but that the university must do more to make it clear that it opposes antisemitism.

Until more is done at the university in terms of rooting out, calling out and making an official stance on antisemitism being against the values of the university, I cannot in good conscience support this funding, House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, said during floor debate.

Magill resigned Saturday amid pressure from donors and criticism over testimony at a congressional hearing last week where she was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the schools conduct policy.

The funding is an annual appropriation that normally draws strong bipartisan support because of the schools frontline role in helping train veterinarians and fight infectious disease outbreaks in Pennsylvanias agricultural sector. It represents about 18% of the budget of Penns veterinary school.

However, Republicans have begun drafting legislation to require that institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania that receive state aid first adopt codes of conduct that make it clear that calling for genocide is bullying or harassment.

Penn last month launched a task force to write a plan to fight antisemitism on the campus, led by the dean of Penns dental school, and a separate presidential commission to fight hate on campus.

Universities across the U.S. have been accused of failing to protect Jewish students amid rising fears of antisemitism worldwide and fallout from Israels intensifying war in Gaza, which faces heightened criticism for the mounting Palestinian death toll.

Even before her congressional testimony, Magill had been under fire from some donors and alumni this fall over the universitys handling of various perceived acts of antisemitism. That included allowing a Palestinian literary arts festival to be held on its campus in September featuring speakers whose past statements about Israel had drawn accusations of antisemitism.

Private schools, child care legislation pass in Pennsylvania as lawmakers move past budget feud

Lawmakers moved past a monthslong budget feud in Pennsylvanias Capitol on Wednesday, advancing legislation to tie up loose ends and send millions more to subsidize private school tuition and child care tax credits for parents.

After days of negotiations that typically play out before June 30s end of the fiscal year, the House and Senate traded a flurry of just-unveiled legislation, each agreeing to concessions in bills that Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said late Wednesday night he would sign.

Shapiro suggested that the dragged-out process of passing budget legislation carried a silver lining, in that leaders of the politically divided Legislature overcame partisanship to finish important pieces of legislation long in the making.

I think its important to note that we learned how to work together, and that is critically important, Shapiro said.

In addition to subsidies for private schools and parents who send kids to child care, lawmakers agreed to raise the monthly fee on telephone bills by 30 cents, from $1.65 to $1.95, to help raise another $60 million for county 911 emergency response services. Raising the fee to $2.30 a month has been a top priority of counties that say they are forced to raise property taxes because they are paying a growing share of the cost of the service.

Education funding had become a key sticking point in finalizing the spending plan, with the Republican-controlled Senate aiming to expand private school subsidies and the Democratic-controlled House pressing for more aid for the poorest public schools.

In the end, Democrats dropped a demand that Republicans had opposed to send another $100 million to the poorest public schools.

In exchange, Republicans agreed to transparency measures sought by Democrats in a program that allows businesses to receive tax breaks for donating money to defray the cost of tuition at private and religious schools.

Under the bill, the state will expand that private school tax credit program by $130 million  from $340 million to $470 million. Republicans also agreed to scale back the amount of money that middleman administrators could keep  from 20% down to 10%  and to require the disclosure of more demographic information about the students who benefit.

The bill also boosts the amount of tax credits  from $12 million to $60 million  for donations that go to private schools that serve a larger proportion of students from lower-income families.

Public school advocates have criticized the program as discriminatory, saying many of the eligible schools cherry-pick the students they want to teach and have policies that discriminate on the basis of religion, LGBTQ+ status, disability or another reason.

They also say it siphons money away from public schools at a time when a landmark court decision found that the states system of school funding is violating the constitutional rights of students in the states poorest districts.

Another key concession won by Democrats is the expansion of a year-old state child care and dependent tax credit.

The bill raises the current child care tax credit from 30% to 100% of the federal child care and dependent tax credit, at an annual cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to the state.

The size of the child care tax credit is based on income, but the biggest tax credit would be $2,100  instead of $630, under current state law  for families making below $43,000 and spending $6,000 or more on child care for two children.

That bills also carry another win for Democrats: $175 million in one-time aid to fix up schools, including cleaning up lead, asbestos, mold and other environmental health hazards in school buildings.

Meanwhile, the bills headed to Shapiros desk allow hundreds of millions of dollars to flow after spending months snarled in the Legislature.

That includes more than $300 million for libraries and community colleges, and $100 million in federal aid for school mental health services.

To encourage more college students to become teachers, one of the bills creates a program to give a stipend of up to $15,000 to student teachers. With numerous schools having difficulty hiring or retaining teachers, the stipends are aimed at easing a hardship for college students finishing up a teaching degree who each must student-teach in schools for 12 weeks without pay.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Bennetts Bar in Mountrath celebrates 50 years in business on the 17th of December 2023.



Peter and Vera Bennett bought the iconic Fountain House public house in 1973 from the then proprietor John O'Reilly.

"We opened on the 17th of December in 1973. A pint was only 17p; you could buy three pints for 51p, or if you had three lads drinking together 50p, Vera Bennett said.



The Bennetts would go on to raise six children over the pub; Peter, Marguerite, Lisa, Karol, Joanne and Julie.

Peter, my husband always joked didnt our children turn out well for children raised on the side of the main Limerick to Dublin Road, Vera said adding "our children grew up working behind the bar and my daughter Joanne now runs the pub."



Mountrath like most rural towns has witnessed huge changes.

"When we opened first, there were 20 or so pubs and every pub had its own crowd. Now there are only four pubs open in Mountrath. We wouldnt have survived the last 50 years without our loyal customers. We will always be grateful.

"I hope to see the Bennett name over the door for many more years to come," said Vera. More below picture.





The Fountain House sign, designed by Mick Guider, remains over the door still. Vera recalls the day it was done.

"Mick said you be able to see it in Castletown Vera when Im done. I wouldnt change it for the world," she said.

Vera can still remember the first pints served.

"Our first two customers were Eamonn Phelan and Shamie Ryan. A lot of the old characters have since passed away like Toby, Scooby, Ducksie, Ritchie and Biffo, but not a day goes by that they arent mentioned. They live on in all the stories and tales," she said.

Vera added: "Thats what makes a pub, the craic, the chat and not forgetting a good pint".

The pub is known for its live music at the weekend. It has celebrated many county GAA finals over the years and is best known for being a sport lovers paradise. GAA, darts, pool and even horse racing. The pub syndicate Bennetts Bar horse Ballyglass Beauty would even go on to win at races around Ireland.





The Bennett family will celebrate their Golden anniversary with live music provided by Martin Delaney and Rock on Paddy on the 17th of December.
Over 300 enthusiastic participants from Kildare and Offaly descended on Donadea Forest Park on Sunday, December 10, transforming the serene landscape into a vibrant spectacle of festive cheer for the annual Croi Laighean Credit Union

Christmas Jumper Dash.

Despite the chilly and damp morning, the spirit of the event warmed hearts as attendees, sporting an array of Christmas-themed jumpers and costumes, who gathered to support local clubs, schools, and organisations. This year, the number of attendees grew by over 40% from the previous year, a testament to the growing enthusiasm for this community-driven initiative.

Valerie Tyrrell, the Community Development Officer, and the driving force behind the Christmas Jumper Dash, expressed her delight at the overwhelming success of the event.

"We aimed to expand upon the success of last year, and the response has been beyond our expectations. This event stands as a heartfelt gesture to appreciate and support the dedicated efforts of our local community organisations."

The 5km and 10km routes through the picturesque Donadea Forest provided participants of all ages an opportunity to either embrace their competitive spirit with professional timing or enjoy a leisurely stroll amid the beautiful forest surrounding all while donning their favourite Christmas jumpers.

Generous contributions from local establishments including Londis Clane, Daybreak Coill Dubh, Mangans' Centra Edenderry, Poppy May's Coffee and Cake, and the Pot and Pantry added to the event's success by providing refreshments that were greatly appreciated by race goers.

The Croi Laighean Credit Union Christmas Jumper Dash has firmly established itself as an annual tradition, promising a day of festive fun, community spirit, and fundraising for a worthy cause. Plans are already underway for next year's event, ensuring continued support for local initiatives and fostering a spirit of togetherness within our community.

The Croi Laighean Credit Union Christmas Jumper Dash is an annual event held in early December, aimed at supporting local clubs, schools, and organisations. Participants come together to raise funds, spread joy, and celebrate the Christmas season while adorned in their best Christmas attire. All the registration fee goes to the nominated club  so the more who participate on a clubs behalf, the more the club will get.
On the 71st day of the war, Washington conceded the likelihood of prolonged Israeli attacks on Gaza, as the UNRWA expressed deep concern over the increasing dehumanization of Palestinians. The Israeli occupation army killed three Israeli captives in Gaza and heightened assaults on civilians in West Bank.

21:00 The Sunday Telegraph reported, citing informed sources, that the US is considering placing an Arab country in charge of maintaining peace in Gaza and rebuilding the besieged strip after the war.

"The White House believes that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is unable to lead the (Palestinian) Authority," the newspaper said, citing US concerns over Abbas's declining popularity.

The paper said that Senior US officials have been mulling plans about how Gaza should be managed after the war, noting that the US sees corruption in the Palestinian Authority and Hamas's increasing popularity in the occupied West Bank as a serious challenge to implementing such plans.

The expose comes as Israel insists that the Gaza Strip can no longer be governed by Hamas militants or the Palestinian Authority.

Meanwhile, Israel is pressing forward with its ground invasion of the strip has killed nearly 19,000 people and pushed the majority of Gazans to the south of the strip.

The forced evacuation toward the south has sparked fears of mass displacement into Egypt's Sinai and neighbouring countries.

20:45 A Christian mother and daughter were shot dead by an Israeli soldier on the grounds of a Catholic church in Gaza City, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said.

"Around noon (1000 GMT) today... a sniper of the IDF (Israeli army) murdered two Christian women inside the Holy Family Parish in Gaza," where Christian families have been sheltering since the Gaza war broke out, the patriarchate said in a statement.

"Nahida and her daughter Samar were shot and killed as they walked to the Sister's Convent. One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety," it added, without specifying the victims' ages.

Seven more people were wounded by gunfire as they tried to protect others, the statement said.

The Israeli army did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the incident on the grounds of the Gaza Strip's only Catholic church.

The patriarchate said no warning was given before the shooting started, adding: "They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish, where there are no belligerents."

20:30 Two major shipping firms, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and CMA CGM, said on Saturday they were suspending passage through a Red Sea strait vital for global trade, after Yemeni rebel attacks in the area.

The announcement by Italian-Swiss giant MSC and France's CMA CGM follows a similar decision on Friday by two of the world's largest shipping companies, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, in response to a warning by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen but are not recognised internationally, said they were targeting vessels near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait to pressure Israel over its devastating war on the Gaza Strip.

Forty percent of the world's international trade transits through the strait, which runs between Yemen, on the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, and the African continent.

MSC, one of the world's largest freight shipping lines, said one of its container vessels had been targeted in the Red Sea on Friday and it was halting traffic through the strait until it was safe.

No one on the MSC Palatium III was wounded but the ship suffered fire damage, the company said.

CMA CGM said it had ordered all its vessels to leave the area and stay there until further notice.

"The situation continues to deteriorate and there are increasing security concerns," it said.

20:00 The Israeli army chief of staff Gen. Herzi Halevi said in his first remarks after his forces killed three Israeli captives in the Gaza Strip on Friday, that he bears responsibility for the fatal mistake, describing the incident as "a difficult and painful event".

"The IDF, and I as its commander, are responsible for what happened, and we will do everything to prevent the recurrence of such cases in the continuation of the fighting," Halevi said in a video statement.

Despite the incident, Halevi said that the fighting (in Gaza) is what will provide opportunities for the return of detainees.

19:30 The Israeli army says a soldier was killed and two others wounded, one in critical condition, during a drone attack earlier today near the northern settlement of Margaliot located along the border with Lebanon in the Upper Galilee.

The latest attack comes amid intensified cross-border strikes between Israeli forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters that have prompted the evacuation of several settlements in northern Israel.

19:00 Israeli media announces that another Israeli female detainee, Inbar Haiman, 27, was killed in Gaza.

18:30 The US said one of its warships in the Red Sea destroyed 14 drones fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in what appeared to be an attack en route to Israel.

According to a statement released by The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on X (formerly Twitter), the USS Carney which was operating in the Red Sea, successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched as a drone wave from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The announcement comes amid intensified drone attacks by Houthi rebels on Israel since its invasion of Gaza began on 7 October.

The UAS (unmanned aircraft system) were assessed to be one-way attack drones and were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries, the statement said.

Regional Red Sea partners were alerted to the threat, it added.

Earlier today, the military spokesman for the Houthis in Yemen announced on the X (formerly Twitter) that they had "carried out a military operation against sensitive targets in the Umm al-Rashrash area (Eilat) in southern occupied Palestine with a large batch of drones."

The attack was a "victory for the oppression of the Palestinian people," the spokesman added.

     

   

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                     (@army21ye) December 16, 2023

17:45 The families of hostages held in Gaza called on Israel to stop fighting and make a deal to secure their release after the army admitted "mistakenly" killing three captives in the Palestinian territory.

"We only receive dead bodies. We want you to stop the fight and start negotiations," Noam Perry, daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

15:00 The Israeli army was investigating the killing of three captives which it said had been mistakenly identified as a threat by soldiers, an incident that sparked protests in Tel Aviv.

The military said Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa -- all in their 20s -- were shot during operations in Gaza City.

They were among about 250 people taken captive during Hamas's October 7 Al-Aqsa Flood operation in Israel.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that during fighting in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, troops "mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed".

The military said later it had started "reviewing the incident" and that "immediate lessons from the event have been learned" and passed on to all troops on the ground.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described their deaths as an "unbearable tragedy".

14:06 The three Israeli captives which were killed by the Israeli army in Gaza were all shirtless, with one individual holding a makeshift white flag, according to an Israeli military statement.

The statement disclosed that an initial investigation revealed the captives were fired upon, violating Israel's rules of engagement, as reported in the Israeli media.

As the hostages were spotted, an Israeli soldier shouted "Terrorists!" to other forces, prompting gunfire directed at the men, as explained by the Israeli army.

Upon being fired upon, two hostages were immediately struck and fell, while the third sought refuge in a nearby building.

Despite pleading in Hebrew "Save us", he was also shot and killed.

At least 20 Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed by friendly fire in Gaza.

13:37 Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have attacked the Israeli Red Sea resort city of Eilat.

Yahya Sarea, military spokesman for the group, said it launched a barrage of drones at the city today.

12:35 In an interview with BBC News, Juliette Touma, Director of Communications for UNRWA, expressed grave concerns about the organization's inability to reach the most vulnerable populations in Gaza.

She highlighted imposed access restrictions, constrained supplies, and ongoing intense Israeli bombardments that hinder UNRWA's capacity to deliver aid in Gaza.

"You can't deliver aid under a sky full of airstrikes," said Touma.

The UNRWA says families in Gaza are facing unprecedented challenges such as forced displacement, hunger, and an uncertain future.

"We cannot access those who need us most & fulfil our duties"@JulietteTouma tells @BBCNews that imposed access restrictions, limited supplies & continued heavy bombardments prevent @UNRWA's ability to provide aid in#Gaza: "You can't deliver aid under a sky full of airstrikes" pic.twitter.com/RqSDgyRycF  UNRWA (@UNRWA) December 16, 2023

11:25 Sixteen more Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank by the Israeli occupation forces, as reported by the Palestinian Prisoners Club.

This brings the total number of detainees since 7 October to 4,520 Palestinians.

The arrests were carried out across Jericho, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, and Jerusalem.

These operations were marked by extensive raids, harassment, physical assaults, and threats targeting both the detainees and their families.

Moreover, there were reports of widespread destruction and sabotage of civilian homes, along with the confiscation of vehicles.

11:00 A flying object crashed into Egyptian territorial waters approximately one and a half kilometres off the coast of Dahab city, as reported by eyewitnesses to Al-Qahera News tv.

Reliable sources speaking to the channel confirmed that the Egyptian Air Defense Forces identified the flying object and successfully intercepted and shot it down.

10:10 A prolonged communications blackout that severed telephone and internet connections compounded the misery Saturday in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Internet and telephone lines went down Thursday evening and were still inaccessible Saturday morning, according to internet access advocacy group NetBlocks.org, hampering aid deliveries and rescue efforts.

The internet blackout is ongoing, and based on our records it is the longest such incident in the over-two-month war, said Alp Toker, the groups director.

The United Nations humanitarian affairs department said communications with Gaza were severely disrupted due to damage to telecommunications lines in the south.

9:55 The Israeli occupation army faced further setbacks in fighting within the southern region of Gaza. Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, said that resistance fighters targeted over 100 Israeli military vehicles in the past five days.

Simultaneously, the Israeli forces persisted in their assaults on civilians, killing dozens in an attack on a school in Khan Younis that sheltered displaced Palestinians.

The Ministry of Health also confirmed that the Israeli occupying forces demolished the southern section of Kamal Adwan Hospital, leaving 12 children trapped inside the hospital's incubators, facing critical conditions.

Furthermore, a Palestinian medical source reported that Israel killed 14 individuals in an airstrike targeting multiple homes along Old Gaza Street in the town of Jabalia, in northern Gaza

9:30 The funeral service for Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa was held in Gaza. This morning, mourners gathered to pay their respects to Abudaqa, who lost his life in an Israeli airstrike that targeted him and Al Jazeera correspondent Wael Al-Dahdouh near Farhana School in Khan Younis, on Friday.

He remained injured for several hours due to the Israeli bombardment, and Israeli forces prevented ambulance medics from reaching him.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said rescue teams were shot at by the Israeli forces when they tried to reach the UN school to evacuate him. Despite multiple pleas, the shelling did not stop.

The funeral for the civil defense team who lost their lives while attempting to rescue the photojournalist also took place.

Al Jazeera Media Network, one of the few international broadcasters still operating out of Gaza, says it holds Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing its journalists and their families.

The Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, told a general assembly meeting on the war that Israel "targets those who could document [their] crimes and inform the world, the journalists."

           #          #_ # pic.twitter.com/Who44zgUEo    (@AJArabic) December 16, 2023

9:00 The aftermath of Israeli strikes devastating houses in the al-Manara neighbourhood of Khan Younis, southern Gaza, has been documented by a Palestinian journalist through shared footage.

Emerging reports indicate a distressing toll, with dozens of casualties reported, encompassing both fatalities and injuries from these strikes.

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A group for victims of violence related to Northern Ireland has called for a memorial to commemorate two members of the Irish security forces killed by the IRA during a rescue mission 40 years ago.

On December 16, 1983, Private Patrick Kelly and garda recruit Gary Sheehan were killed in Derrada Wood, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, during an operation to rescue Quinnsworth supermarket executive Don Tidey, who had been kidnapped for 23 days in Dublin.

The South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) said the Irish State was rocked when two of its security force members were brutally murdered during the operation.

SEFFs director Kenny Donaldson said: To this day, no-one has been held accountable for stealing away the lives of Recruit Garda Gary Sheehan and Pte Patrick Kelly.

Mr Tidey exited the ordeal physically unharmed.

Mr Donaldson added: There has been a wall of silence surrounding the atrocity which took place in Derrada Wood outside Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

He added: It is nothing short of shameful that the case was all but airbrushed from wider public consciousness but through the efforts of the family in recent years to raise the profile of what happened, coupled with the new publication Kidnapped by Tommy Conlon and Ronan McGreevy, there exists fresh impetus to finally place focus on something which most wished would just go away.

We have been privileged to support the Kelly family and the Sheehans are also known to the organisation.

It is absolutely essential that all that can be done is done to bring to account those responsible for the heinous murders of two young men, much loved and cherished by their families and others.

It is also important that immediate steps are taken to commemorate the men; a memorial should and must be sited within Ballinamore village but also an appropriate acknowledgement made at the scene of the crime, at Derrada Wood.

We stand willing to support others in ensuring that this is expedited at the earliest possible occasion, 40 years is long enough for families to wait for acknowledgement and recognition. The State should and must honour its own  men of courage, men of honour.
Red White & Bloom Extends Outside Date of Aleafia Transaction as it Awaits Regulatory Approval





TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB and OTC: RWBYF) ("RWB" or the "Company") is providing an update on matters relating to Aleafia Health Inc. ("Aleafia Health").



Following receipt of the approval and reverse vesting order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) on October 31, 2023, RWB has continued to work with Aleafia Health and certain of Aleafia Health's subsidiaries to implement the transactions contemplated by the previously announced stalking horse asset purchase and share subscription agreement, as amended and restated on October 24, 2023 (the "Amended Stalking Horse Agreement") among RWB, Aleafia Health and certain of Aleafia Health's subsidiaries.

RWB remains committed to completing the transactions as soon as possible. At this time, the only unsatisfied material closing condition known to RWB is the receipt of change of control regulatory approval from Health Canada. RWB has been advised by Aleafia Health that it has received correspondence from Health Canada indicating that the approval process is progressing well and that there are no further comments or questions to be addressed by Aleafia Health on the change of control application submitted to Health Canada at this time. Health Canada has also acknowledged the priority associated with the aforementioned approval.

Given the above noted condition, the parties have mutually agreed to extend the outside date in the Amended Stalking Horse Agreement from December 15, 2023, to January 19, 2024. RWB is hopeful to receive Health Canada's approval sooner so that completion of the transactions can take place well in advance of the new outside date. RWB remains prepared to close the transaction in short order once regulatory approval on the change of control is received from Health Canada.

About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

Red White & Bloom is a multi-state cannabis operator and house of premium brands in the U.S. legal cannabis sector. RWB is predominantly focusing its investments on the major U.S. markets, including Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio. The Company has also successfully introduced select Platinum brand of cannabis products into the Canadian provincial cannabis markets by way of an asset-light partnership with Aleafia Health.

Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. Investor and Media Relations

Edoardo Mattei, CFO

[email protected]

947-225-0503

Visit us on the web: www.redwhitebloom.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @rwbbrands

Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands

Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding the remaining unsatisfied material condition to closing and estimated closing date for the consummation of the transactions set out in the Amended Stalking Horse Agreement. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

The Company has relied on certain assumptions that it believes are reasonable at this time, including assumptions with respect to the transactions contemplated under the Amended Stalking Horse Agreement, the conditions to closing set out in the Amended Stalking Horse Agreement and the expected timeline and outcome for consummating the transactions contemplated under the Amended Stalking Horse Agreement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release.

Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to risks relating to the conditions to closing the transactions set out in the Amended Stalking Horse Agreement, the outcome of which could have a material adverse impact on the Company's share price, its current business relationships and on the current and future operations, financial condition, and prospects of the Company if the transactions contemplated under the Amended Stalking Horse Agreement are not consummated.

15 december 2023 at 17:00

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Gayle Benson Makes Historic Donation for New Home for Ochsner Children's Hospital





State-of-the-art facility to reflect the caliber of Louisiana's top-ranked pediatric program

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ochsner Health announces plans for The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital, made possible through a transformational gift from Mrs. Gayle Benson.

Ochsner Health announces plans for The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital

"We are proud to unveil much-anticipated plans for a new home for Louisiana's No. 1 ranked children's hospital," said Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health. "Ochsner is deeply grateful for Mrs. Benson and her unparalleled act of generosity, which will significantly impact the lives of countless families throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. This facility will enable us to care for more children, retain and attract top pediatric physicians and care teams, and continue to set the standard of care."

"I am truly humbled to announce today The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital," said Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints Owner and Pelicans Governor. "Throughout the years, my husband Tom and I have been privileged to support Ochsner's exceptional team of physicians and caregivers in their tireless mission to assist patients and families facing health challenges in our region. Together, we embark on a collective journey to forge a brighter, healthier future for the children of our city, state, and region. Ochsner has become a national healthcare leader and destination for patients seeking medical care in virtually every discipline. We should all be proud of the world-class facilities and world-class doctors at Ochsner."

The donation made for the new home for Ochsner Children's Hospital will come from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, a private foundation founded in 2007 with the purpose to make the community stronger by giving back and making a positive impact.

Ochsner Children's Hospital is the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana. For the seventh year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country's Top 50 Children's Hospitals. This year, it ranked in cardiology and heart surgery as well as orthopedics, making Ochsner Children's the only children's hospital in Louisiana to rank in two specialties in the 2023-2024 Best Children's Hospital rankings.

Current and projected needs of children and families throughout the region have driven the plan for the new facility. It follows Ochsner's years-long and unwavering commitment to enrich its pediatrics program with numerous specialties and subspecialties to treat the most complex and critical conditions, such as pediatric heart and liver transplants.

"We've built a premier pediatric program in our region, and our new home will reflect the caliber of care we provide," said Dr. Vincent Adolph, Chief Medical Officer, Ochsner Children's Hospital, and Ochsner Health board member. Dr. Adolph and fellow pediatric specialists worked alongside architects to design the new facility.

"This new space will provide an ideal pediatric and family experience that focuses on each child's personalized medical needs and their emotional and psychological well-being. It will have everything for kids in one place, designed just for them and their caregivers," he said.

The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital is designed to have a child-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with colorful and engaging decor, age-appropriate accommodations, and an efficient, easy-to-navigate layout.

Each floor is themed after an animal native to the Gulf South, with natural sunlight pouring in through large windows.

Designed as a family destination, parents and caregivers will find respite in areas including open air patios, kitchens, lounges, family resource centers, and private rooms.

The placement of departments, guided by patient and provider movement routes, reflect Ochsner Children's collaborative care approach. The new organization of space speeds up time-sensitive processes and better enables multidisciplinary care teams to work seamlessly together, improving patient experiences and outcomes.

Wayfinding, in the form of imaginative and colorful signage and other elements, ensures patients get where they need to go using the shortest, easiest routes possible.

"The weight of a parent's heart is heavy when they're caring for a sick child. It's an indescribable burden, navigating a storm of emotions while relentlessly fighting for their child's health," said Dr. Robert Hart, Chief Physician Executive, Ochsner Health and President, Ochsner Clinic. "This new space will give parents places to rest, recharge, work, and care for young siblings while remaining close by their sick child."

Ochsner Children's new home will have a children's-only emergency department, with significant enhancements to critical care, operating rooms, and imaging capacity and proximity. A Level IV Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will enable highly specialized care for babies who need surgery, which is uniquely challenging because of their small size and complex conditions. More broadly, the new space will allow Louisiana's top children's hospital to expand access to its leading treatments and highly sought out specialties and subspecialties.

"Ochsner Children's Hospital cares for more than 100,000 children every year. This new facility will help us better meet the needs of our communities because we know there are many more families who want their children to receive care at Ochsner," said Dr. Adolph.

With more than 200 physicians specializing in over 30 pediatric specialties and subspecialties, Ochsner Children's has one of the most comprehensive pediatric programs between Houston, Texas and Atlanta, GA.

"Having a state-of-the-art building to match our nationally recognized programs will help Ochsner Children's retain our highly skilled experts and attract more to Louisiana," said Dr. William Lennarz, System Chair of Pediatrics, Ochsner Children's. "Keeping and growing talent here means families don't have to travel far from home to receive nationally recognized, state-of-the-art care their children need and deserve."

The new five-story, 343,000- square foot building will be constructed at Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans on Jefferson Hwy. next to the existing hospital building. Ochsner Children's expects to break ground in mid-2024 and open the doors to its new home in late 2027. For more information on the plans, public engagement process, progress and construction, visit ochsner.org/newhomeforpediatrics.

"Our pediatrics program is one of the top in the country, and we are grateful to our physicians and care teams who are already achieving unmatched clinical outcomes in our region," said November. "I'm excited for the next chapter for Ochsner Children's Hospital, and for the families in our community who will benefit from this incredibly generous gift from Mrs. Benson."

To learn more about Ochsner Children's, visit ochsner.org/pediatrics.

SOURCE Ochsner Health

15 december 2023 at 17:44

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Gerard Depardieu poses for photographers in Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 22, 2015. THIBAULT CAMUS / AP

The behavior of French cinema superstar Gerard Depardieu, charged with rape and facing new scrutiny after sexist comments were broadcast in a television documentary, "shames France," the culture minister said on Friday, December 16. Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak also said that the Grand Chancery of the Legion of Honor would initiate a "disciplinary procedure" to decide whether to strip Depardieu of the country's top honor.

Depardieu's lawyers, on Saturday, stated that he has made his Legion of Honour "available" to the minister. They questioned whether Abdul-Malak was "dealing a further blow (...) to an already agonizing presumption of innocence."

Depardieu, 74, was charged with rape in 2020 and has also faced 13 accusations of sexual harassment or assault. A documentary titled "The Fall of the Ogre" shows the actor on a 2018 trip to North Korea repeatedly making explicit sexual comments in the presence of a female interpreter and sexualizing a small girl riding a horse. It was aired last week on the France 2 public television channel.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Depardieu's out-of-control sexual behavior under spotlight in TV report

"Directors will decide if he has roles in films in the future or not," Abdul-Malak told reporters in the southern town of Moissac. "I don't think he has many offers arriving now on his desk." She said the comments broadcast in the France 2 report were "absolutely shocking" and she was "disgusted" by his behavior.

She denounced "an attitude which is intended to be joking and provocative, but is in fact disrespectful and undignified and shames France, because he is a monument of cinema throughout the world."

'Disciplinary procedure'

Speaking on France 5, the culture minister indicated the actor might be stripped of the Legion of Honour he received from then-president Jacques Chirac in 1996. "A Legion of Honour distinguishes a man, an artist, an attitude, values," she said.

"It so happens that I spoke with the grand chancellor of the Legion of Honor, General [Francois] Lecointre," she said, adding that a "disciplinary procedure" would be initiated to decide whether the award should be revoked. "It will be up to them to decide," she said. "It's important to raise this issue." At the same time, she said the French would not stop watching films featuring Depardieu.

The actor has denied any wrongdoing. "Never ever have I abused a woman," he wrote in Le Figaro newspaper in October.

The Canadian province of Quebec on Wednesday stripped Depardieu of its top honor over his "scandalous" comments against women in the France 2 report.

A Belgian municipality on Saturday stripped Depardieu of the title of honorary citizen. In a statement, the Belgium municipality of Estaimpuis said it was revoking the title given to Depardieu when he lived there in 2013. The local authorities said the comments by the actor broadcast on television "run counter to the values promoted by the municipality of Estaimpuis."

In the face of the growing controversy in France, Belgian media has reported that Depardieu has returned to live in the country in a village close to the French border. Depardieu's initial move to Belgium back in 2012 was heavily criticized in his homeland as it was viewed as a way of dodging the French tax system.

Part one of our series: Article reserve a nos abonnes Gerard Depardieu: The decline of a sacred monster of French cinema
Workers work on the construction of a section of the Maya Train in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico December 12, 2023. JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ / REUTERS

Mexico's Maya tourist train glided into action on Friday, December 15, promising prosperity for one of the country's poorest regions, but tainted by allegations of environmental devastation. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador hailed his flagship project as a "magnum opus" built in "record time" ahead of the inauguration during which he boarded one of its green-and-white cars for the train's first run between the colonial city of Campeche and the Caribbean resort of Cancun.

The stretch of rail inaugurated Friday is the first of seven sections that will cover a total of 1,554 kilometers (965 miles) around the Yucatan Peninsula, an area rich in flora, fauna and archaeological ruins. The others will be operational in the first quarter of 2024. The route includes parts of the Mayan Riviera, which covers a jungle region considered the second-most important forest reserve in Latin America after the Amazon, as well as cenotes  freshwater caves  and underground rivers.

Activists and environmental organizations said the project caused massive damage to the region's ecosystem, dubbing it an "ecocide," and succeeded in temporarily halting work through legal appeals. But Lopez Obrador issued a decree declaring the infrastructure works a matter of "national security" and construction resumed.

The first convoy of the Maya Train leaves the San Francisco station as part of the inauguration of its first phase, in Campeche, Mexico, December 15, 2023. MEXICO PRESIDENCY / VIA REUTERS

"Ecocide": Environmental activists protest near a cenote that was recently discovered amid the construction of section 5 of the Maya Train route in Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico December 13, 2023. JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ / REUTERS

Greenpeace and other NGOs have warned that the train threatens to contaminate cenotes and underground rivers in particular. They also point out the danger of the ground collapsing due to the weight of the structure, in addition to affecting flora and fauna. The Mexican president has called the protesters "pseudo-environmentalists" and has defended the work, promising to plant millions of trees in the area.

The train, whose cars were built by the French company Alstom in Mexico, is one of the main infrastructure projects of Lopez Obrador's government, along with an oil refinery in Tabasco, a new airport serving the capital, and an interoceanic corridor billed as an alternative to the Panama Canal. Lopez Obrador has said a second phase of the train project will include freight cars, and vows it will lead to a boom in the southeast of the country, which has long lagged behind the more industrialized north.

The inauguration comes six months before a presidential election in which the left is the favorite to remain in power, fronting former mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum against an ex-opposition senator Xochitl Galvez.

From 2022 Article reserve a nos abonnes The Mayan Train in Mexico proves divisive
Cardinal Angelo Becciu talks to journalists during press conference in Rome on Sept. 25, 2020. GREGORIO BORGIA / AP

A Vatican court on Saturday, December 16, sentenced a once powerful Italian cardinal to five years and six months in jail for financial crimes at the end of a historic trial.

Angelo Becciu, 75, a former adviser to Pope Francis who was once considered a papal contender himself, was the most senior clergyman in the Catholic Church to face a Vatican criminal court. He and nine other defendants, including financiers, lawyers and ex-Vatican employees, were on trial for accusations of financial crimes focused on an opaque London property deal.

Court president Giuseppe Pignatone read out the verdict on Saturday, with Becciu accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering. Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had requested seven years and three months in jail for Becciu, and between almost four and 13 years for the others.

His lawyer, Fabio Viglione, said they respected the sentence but would "certainly" appeal. He was also handed an 8,000 fine. At the heart of the trial is the 350 million($380 million) purchase of a luxury property in London, as part of an investment that began in 2014 and ended up costing the Vatican tens of millions of euros.

The trial, which began in July 2021, has shone a light on the Holy See's murky finances, which Pope Francis has sought to clean up since taking the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013. It is also a test of his reforms. Just weeks before the trial, Francis gave the Vatican's civilian courts the power to try cardinals and bishops, where previously they were judged by a court presided over by cardinals.

Becciu had always strongly protested his innocence, denouncing the accusations against him as "totally unfounded" and insisting he never took a cent.

Meanwhile, the Holy See viewed itself as "an offended party" and has asked  through Secretary of State Pietro Parolin  for the court to "punish all crimes." Four Vatican entities are civil parties. They had requested compensation from the defendants, including 177 million euros for moral and reputational damage.

Charitable causes

Since the trial opened, there have been more than 80 hearings in the dedicated room within the Vatican Museums, where a portrait of a smiling Pope Francis hangs on the wall. The process had been mired by procedural wrangling, with defense lawyers complaining about a lack of access to key evidence.

Becciu, a globe-trotting former Vatican diplomat, has been a near-constant presence in the courtroom. He was number two in the Secretariat of State, the Vatican department that works most closely with the Pope, from 2011 to 2018. He was moved to lead the department that deals with the creation of saints, before abruptly resigning in September 2020, after being informed of an investigation against him.

Initially, he told the trial, this was about a probe into 125,000 of Vatican money he donated to a charity in his native Sardinia, which prosecutors claim benefited his brother, who ran the organization. Becciu argued that the local bishop requested the money to build a bakery to employ at-risk youths and that the money remained in the diocesan coffers. The tribunal acknowledged the charitable ends of the donation but convicted him of embezzlement, given his brother's role.

He was later drawn into investigations into the 350 million purchase and sale of the property on London's Sloane Avenue  resulting in losses that, according to the Vatican, dipped into resources intended for charitable causes.

Becciu was also convicted of using Vatican money to pay an intelligence analyst, Cecilia Marogna, who in turn was convicted of using the money for herself. Prosecutors traced some 575,000 in wire transfers from the Vatican to a Slovenian front company owned by Marogna and said she used the money to buy luxury goods and fund vacations. The tribunal sentenced Marogna to three years and 9 months in prison.

Becciu said he thought the money was going to pay a British security firm to negotiate the release of Gloria Narvaez, a Colombian nun taken hostage by Islamic militants in Mali in 2017. He said Francis authorized up to 1 million to liberate the nun, an astonishing claim that the Vatican was willing to make ransom payment to al-Qaida-linked militants.

When the trial opened, prosecutors painted a picture of risky investments with little or no oversight and double-dealing by both outside consultants and insiders. Among the defendants are two brokers involved in the London deal, Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione, as well as Enrico Crasso, a former Vatican investment manager, and former Vatican employee Fabrizio Tirabassi.
A spontaneous demonstration for the release of Hamas hostages after it was announced that three of them had been accidentally killed by Israeli armed forces in the Gaza Strip, Tel Aviv, December 15, 2023. ADRIENNE SURPRENANT / MYOP FOR LE MONDE

In an eastern district of Gaza City where the Israeli army has suffered its heaviest losses since the start of the war  in densely built-up streets that are still partly inhabited, Israeli soldiers mistakenly shot dead three Israeli hostages that had been held by Hamas, on Friday, December 15. The army seems to have been unaware of their presence. It has declared not knowing whether they had managed to escape their captors or whether those detainers had fled, leaving the hostages to their fates.

Two of them, Yotam Haim and Alon Shamriz, had been captured on October 7 in Kfar Aza. This Israeli kibbutz extends over old farmland within sight of the inhabitants of Shujaiya, the vast district of the Palestinian city where they were being held. The third man, Samer Al-Talalka, was one of some 15 Bedouins employed in the Israeli farming communities around the Gaza enclave, who were indiscriminately abducted by the kibbutz's assailants.

On Friday evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the center of Tel Aviv  and even in front of the Israeli army's headquarters  to call on the government to free the hostages "at any price." The deaths of the three young men have heightened the fears of Hamas captives' families, with no apparent negotiations underway for a new truce and prisoner exchanges.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Israel-Hamas war: European Union still divided on ceasefire

Terror in the tunnels

This week, the Israeli press reported that Mossad chief David Barnea had offered to travel to Qatar to revive the talks. The government has denied having forbidden him to make this trip. Some of the hostages freed in November  more than 100, out of a total of 240  have called out the government, sharing stories of their terror in the Gazan tunnels where they were held, under the Israeli army's bombings. However, the Israeli activists who have been calling on the government to make the release of hostages its top priority have appeared hesitant since December, no longer quite sure how to uphold their demands, and shaken  like all of Israel's population  by the growing military death toll: 119 soldiers have been killed.

Since the resumption of hostilities on November 30, the Israeli army has been conquering the eastern districts and historic center of Gaza City, as well as Khan Yunis in the enclave's south. It has suffered its heaviest losses in seven weeks of deployment, both in Shujaiya and in the northern suburb of Jabalia. On December 12, nine members of the Golani Brigade  including a battalion commander, a colonel and four other officers  were killed in an attack on a building complex in downtown Shujaiya, where intelligence had failed to detect a tunnel opening and a group of Hamas militiamen.

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OVER 6,000 trees are to be planted at Rathkeale wastewater treatment plant in Limerick as part of Uisce Eireann's biodiversity action plan.

Many hands make light work was the theme of the day as 4th and 5th class pupils from St Marys Boys National School, Abbeyfeale, gave Uisce Eireann a dig out with planting native trees at Rathkeale Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Members of Uisce Eireanns South West Region Biodiversity Forum, staff from Green Belt Forestry, and Limerick City & County Council, greeted the students on a bright and frosty morning at the treatment plant last week to plant 20 trees in time for Christmas.

The pupils arrived on site ready to learn more about how wastewater is treated and safely returned into the River Deel, and about the Alder, Oak, Birch and Hazel trees that would soon be thriving in the area.

Uisce Eireann aims to plant 6,000 native trees at Rathkeale Wastewater Treatment Plant planted over the coming months where it will eventually become a wild habitat for Jay Birds and Red Squirrels.

Speaking at the event, chair of Uisce Eireanns South West Region Biodiversity Forum, Anna Brosnan, said: There are smiles all round today. The boys from 4th and 5th class of St Marys in Abbeyfeale have been great today and we have all enjoyed their visit to Rathkeale Wastewater Treatment Plant. For children as young as them, it is inspiring to see how knowledgeable they are about biodiversity.

The chairwoman was proud to unveil a plaque commemorating the initiative: As part of todays tree planting event, we have also erected a plaque near the boundary of the treatment plant marking the occasion. It is a wonderful thought that in 20 or 30 years time, these children might be walking the adjacent Greenway and look up to see the trees they planted when they were young.

The childrens teacher, Julie Moloney, was delighted to see her pupils gain first hand experience with biodiversity: Being a Green School is something we take pride in, and our pupils are very enthusiastic about it. A thriving natural environment helps provide us with food, quality drinking water and clean air.
LIMERICK businesses are being urged to prioritise sustainability in 2024 as new free circular economy training courses are launched by Modos.

Modos is a circular economy training programme for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

From January 2024 onwards, Irish businesses will, at different stages, be required to comply with the European Unions Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This new law will place responsibilities on businesses to accurately report their sustainability efforts and climate impact.

Those responsible for the sustainability management in their businesses will benefit greatly from the programme, Modos, which has announced three programme dates in 2024, with the first course starting on February 2, 2024. The training is free.

To register your interest visit www.modos.ie

The Modos course is designed to equip SMEs to apply circular economy principles in their business. The programme will cover topics such as circular economy principles, supply chain, resource efficiency, design thinking and innovation, carbon emissions, and customer engagement and marketing.

The training is practical and aims to help SMEs reduce waste and carbon emissions while creating opportunities to save money, increase resilience and boost competitive advantage.

Each programme will consist of a three-module series and will be delivered online. Due to the practical nature of the training, each of the programmes, starting on February 2, April 12 and May 24 2024, is limited to 25 people.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 MODOS training programmes, Dr Joanne Rourke, regional resource efficiency officer at the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices said: Irish businesses are at the heart of our economy, so it is our responsibility to equip them with the correct information to implement circular economy practices into their businesses. The MODOS training course has been hugely successful, with over 100 businesses completing the training. We want to continue to build on this success by helping more businesses this year.

The three training programmes planned for 2024 will be delivered by leading experts in circular economy principles, including Change by Degrees, Munster Technological University, and SustHub.

Sean O'Haire, head of marketing at VivaGreen Group, previously took part in the Modos training programme. He said the course has been of huge benefit to the company.

The Modos training program was fundamental in the development of our circular economy range Tru Eco, Mr OHaire said.

The training provided insights into product life cycles, resource optimization, and eco-friendly practices. By adopting the principles, it not only helped us meet environmental goals, but it also led to significant cost savings and market differentiation.

These points of difference helped gain media exposure and lead to listings with large retailers, he added.

Modos is a joint initiative of the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Dublin City Council (DCC), funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

The Modos training programme is suitable for SMEs across Ireland (companies of up to 250 employees) from all sectors but particularly: food, retail, manufacturing, textiles/fashion, electronics, construction and the built environment, plastics and packaging.
Bhavish Aggarwal on Friday unveiled Krutrima new company and a foundational artificial intelligence (AI) model that the co-founder of Ola Cabs and Ola Electric claimed has been attuned to Indias needs. The company will design its own chips over the next six months, which will be focused on efficiency, he said.

However, Krutrim (Sanskrit for artificial) is yet to release any technical documentation on the aforementioned model, while details on the companys approach towards industry adoption also remain unanswered as of now.

In a demonstration, Aggarwal said that the AI model was trained on 2 trillion tokensa size more or less in line with large foundational models released by global firms such as OpenAI, Meta and Google. He also added that a chatbot based on the Krutrim model can write and speak in 10 Indian languages, and can understand 22." Work on the model, Aggarwal revealed at a media roundtable after the announcement, had begun roughly a year ago."

Were also building our own technology for data centresnot just the physical investment into data centres, but also the technology. This is because it is important to make data centres more efficient to bring down cost, and to make it a greener, more sustainable solution."

In India, we need to design our own silicon chips for building this," the Ola chief executive officer said.

However, key details such as potential enterprise client conversations, the source of the data on which the models are being trained, and details on data centre and chip investments were not shared at the time of the announcements.

Speaking about the ownership of the venture, Aggarwal said, Krutrim is a separate business altogether. It is not going to be integrated at a transactional level. There are some entities that I own 100%this is under my company, and not part of Ola or Ola Electrics corporate structure." While Krutrim has some investments into it," the details were not disclosed.

Aggarwals announcement comes amid growing interest in India-specific AI platforms as well as use cases. The government is set to unveil its AI policy under the India AI programme on 10 January, which will include a policy framework for public-private partnership models on development of AI databases in Indic languages, as well as indigenous compute capacities, said Union minister of state for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar in an interview with Mint on Thursday.

In Bhashini, under the under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity), the government already has a project under the Digital India initiative to create local language datasets and AI applications.

Olas efforts to tap the AI market are likely an effort to address the governments focus on AI, and growing industry needs.

Speaking about how Krutrim will tie in with Bhashini, Aggarwal said, A lot of these projects are academia or research-oriented projects, rather than large scale commercial deployments. We look at a need for Indias own language model as very foundational, and to really build strong, capable foundational models needs a lot of investments into capital, compute bandwidth, and more, as well as a lot of core technology architectures, and a lot of data that we need to collect, process, ingest, and then create well-executed products for consumers. So, this is an effort that needs organizations, versus research efforts."

On the source of the data, Aggarwal said, I cant share my data sources publicly, but we have a lot of data operations efforts. We have proprietary datasets that we gathered over the last year. We have data partnerships, as well as open platforms that we sourced from. But its not just about the scale of dataits also about how you process the data."

Industry stakeholders flagged what could be concerns in Krutrims initial unveiling. Kashyap Kompella, chief executive of tech consultancy firm RPA2AI Research, said that each area addressed by Aggarwals Krutrim are capital-intensive, with long gestation periods." He also added that if the venture seeks serious industry credentials, key steps would be to open-source the model, as well as release a technical whitepaper in line with industry standards.

A second senior industry consultant, who requested anonymity, further added that clarifications would be sought from Krutrim on its sources of data, and how it would intersect with Bhashiniwhich is already building AI use cases and applications. Developing silicon design and data centres could cumulatively be billion-dollar effortsopening them up right at the onset could be amply challenging," the consultant added.

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently shared a brief video on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the notable accomplishments of the company's artificial intelligence division. In the 'Pace of AI Innovation in 2023' video, Nadella highlighted instances where organizations leveraged Microsoft's AI tools to create positive impacts globally.

He underscored the company's partnerships with businesses worldwide, showcasing how these collaborations enable companies to develop consumer-centric products using Microsoft's advanced AI systems. Nadella said in the video, The pace of AI innovation in 2023 was astounding  but even more impressive was how people applied this technology to make a real difference in their careers, communities, and countries. Here are some of my favorite examples." The Microsoft CEO opened the video by saying, There is no doubt 2023 was the year of AI. We are no longer talking about AI in abstract, we are seeing real product making, deployment, productivity gains."

Nadella detailed that the current year has seen a significant advancement in silicon production, consequently expediting the expansion of AI systems. Commending the development of small language models (SLMs), he cited examples such as Orca, specializing in synthetic data creation and equipped with improved reasoning capabilities, and Phi, trained on "textbook-quality" data with a focus on comprehensive knowledge. Notably, both Orca and Phi serve as foundational models within Microsoft's portfolio and are available as enterprise solutions.

Additionally, he underscored the emergence of a novel business avenue known as 'Model as a Service' or MaaS, which has arisen in response to the flourishing AI landscape. He specifically mentioned instances like Cohere, Llama, and Mistral, which are actively integrating AI capabilities into applications and software, contributing to the evolution of this innovative service model.

But, at the end of the day, this innovation will only be useful if we build and use it responsibly, ensuring its benefits empower each of us in our careers, in our communities, and in our countries while helping to address some of the worlds pressing challenges," Nadella added.

It is important to highlight that all the instances cited by Nadella originated from collaborations between the respective companies and Microsoft for the development of their AI tools.

Nadella provided illustrations such as Kenya-based M-Kopa utilizing AI to enhance digital and financial inclusion, South Africa's YES (Youth Employment Service) aiding individuals in acquiring skills for meaningful employment, and France-based Simplon actively promoting workplace equity.

The CEO of Microsoft also cited instances of various organizations utilizing AI to revolutionize sectors including education, cybersecurity, healthcare, content moderation, climate change, and beyond. Notably, he spotlighted India's Jugalbandi, a novel generative AI-driven chatbot deployed on mobile devices. This chatbot aims to facilitate easier access to government services for farmers and individuals engaged in rural occupations.

He ended the video by stating, We are only just getting started. Technology, including AI, is just a tool. It's a means, not an end. And our end remains our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more."

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In a time of political turbulence, soft power, exercised through cultural, scientific, and sporting interactions, is emerging as a significant diplomatic tool. Fashion, a language transcending linguistic barriers, effectively embodies this soft power, reflecting national identities. Indias rich cultural heritage, vast manufacturing capacity and modern technological know-how are coming together to produce some of the most exciting fashion innovations.

Last week's BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow brought together over 200 fashion players from 60 countries. The event facilitated global discussions on sustainable practices and ethical sourcing, facilitating collaboration across continentsand the Indian delegation was by far the biggest at the Summit.

The BRICS+ alliance aims to tap into this power, reshaping the fashion industry's economics and establishing ethical norms. The alliance underscores the need for a holistic evolution of fashion, aligned with humane principles.

Fusing Cultural Identity and Sustainable Practices in Global Fashion Industry

Far from being a conventional business symposium, the summit metamorphosed into a dynamic fusion of global creative expression. In a departure from traditional panel discussions, the event offered an entertaining spectacle with the runway serving as an artistic platform for renowned personalities such as Chen Yuy from China and David Tlale from South Africa. The vibrant colors of India breathed life into this global tapestry, with designers Shruti Sancheti, Gaurav Khanijo, Naushad Ali, and Ritesh Kumar joining the fray. And let us not forget the enchanting collection by Alena Akhmadullina, which whimsically narrated Russian fairy tales.

India, China, and Russia are emerging as key players in the fashion industry, forging closer business relationships with countries attending the summit. China's shopaholic reputation and being a lucrative market for luxury goods, combined with Russia's presence in the global consumer market, create a formidable alliance when combined with India's thriving manufacturing sector. Notably, the summit attracted participants from countries such as Egypt, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia, further enhancing its international appeal.

The summit epitomized the entire spectrum of the fashion industry, featuring over 60 sessions, 14 fashion shows, an intensive program for novice designers, a B2B showroom, the World Fashion Shorts festival, and much more. India played a pivotal role in this international event, fielding a highly representative delegation of over 50 members, armed with an ambitious vision for promoting sustainable fashion.

Unveiling India's Finest Heritage in Fashion: The Showcase

Under the astute leadership of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), chaired by Sunil Sethi, and supported by board member Paras Baroliya, the Indian delegation orchestrated a captivating show that celebrated handloom and native craft techniques. Ritesh Kumar showcased an Autumn/Winter collection infused with designs crafted from hand woven merino wool, quilted hand-spun khadi, and pure silk. Gaurav Khanijo added an Indian touch by adorning models with aalta and ghungroo, while Naushad Ali masterfully captured the nation's identity using textiles that incorporated block printing from Jaipur and handwoven fine silk, cotton, linen, and denim from Bengal.

In the front row, fashion enthusiasts from around the globe eagerly absorbed and discussed the runway spectacle. Among them, Shruti Sancheti's showcase garnered significant attention. The designer, known for her emphasis on sustainability, presented a versatile, season-fluid collection where every fabric bore the mark of painstaking craftsmanship and intricate embroidery.

Shruti Sancheti had previously immersed herself in Russian culture and heritage, which is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship. In 2018, she paid tribute to this rich legacy with a show titled "Anastasia." Inspired by the elegance and flow of attire worn by Russian farmers, Shruti expertly infused her winter collection with a unique interpretation, featuring elegant gowns, tunics, and skirts. This marked her eighth outing at the esteemed Amazon India Fashion Week.

According to the designer, The BRICS+ Fashion Summit is a brilliant idea and a beautiful platform for all creative minds and talented fashionistas to come together. All the delegates have something to contribute to the fashion industry. It is a melting pot of various cultures and crafts. My country has an unparalleled legacy of textiles and crafts, and my idea was to present that to the world."

The fashion exhibition took place at The Pashkov House, an elegant neoclassical mansion, and welcomed a diverse audience, including Pavan Kapoor, the esteemed Indian Ambassador to Russia, renowned industry professionals, talented designers, and buyers. Ethnic music and the soft glow of blue spotlights set an enchanting atmosphere that complemented the collections on display.

The quartet of Indian designers' collections were showcased in a B2B showroom, alongside the FW24 line by New Delhi-based brand Tanieya Khanuja, known for its dreamy color palette. The B2B showroom offered designers and leading buyers an opportunity to forge partnerships, present their collections, and engage in meaningful networking.

Setting New Rules: Fostering Dialogue and Redefining the Fashion Industry

Yet, the overarching goal of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit was to facilitate discourse. Delegates engaged in discussions that established India's position in the global fashion landscape, decentralized the glossy industry, and laid down rules for sustainable and inclusive production. Over 45 public sessions explored various topics, including conscious consumption, entrepreneurship in fashion, textile manufacturing, and global marketing trends.

While a comprehensive coverage of each session would take an eternity, it is worth highlighting some standout moments. Sharma Aishwarya, India's first fashion activist, offered insights into how media and influencers inspire society toward conscious consumption, serving as a trustworthy example of how a fashion expert can champion eco-friendly and sustainable fashion choices. Renowned actresses Pavleen Gujral and Anusha Viswanathan brought a unique Bollywood perspective to discussions on entrepreneurship and fashion in the cinema. Muthukumar Dhashinamoorthi, Rajesh Masand, and Rahul Mehta, heads of textile and apparel corporations capable of offering high-quality fabrics, shed light on the intricacies of clothing manufacture and their ability to cater to the global community.

While the business program extended beyond sessions alone, it was the collaboration with esteemed professionals such as Jackie Andrews-Udall, a professor at the University of London's School of Art, that provided mentorship to young designers during the five-day fashion intensive. These sessions covered global marketing trends and the art of self-identification in the highly competitive fashion market.

The time has come for a new fashion industry that is democratic, sustainable, and inclusive. A realm where international collaboration, responsible production and consumption are highly valued. A space where individuality is encouraged, and national cultural codes are proudly embraced. The BRICS+ Fashion Summit signifies a resolute effort to shape such an industry, one that combines fashion with historical heritages, ecological considerations, and individual philosophies.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

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Turkey is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is a well-liked medical tourism destination, especially for hair transplant patients, with about 700,000 visits annually. By 2023, there will be two million medical tourists, according to figures.

The amazing thing is that people from more developed nations who desire quicker turnaround times and lower costs for better medical care are also considering healthcare and medical tourism, in addition to those from less developed nations where there are no medical treatments available for certain conditions.

Hair Transplant Turkey now makes up a sizeable portion of the country's medical tourism industry. For cosmetic operations like hair transplants, Istanbul is a popular destination. With more than 100,000 procedures performed annually, Turkey has emerged as the world's top hair transplant destination.

Treatments ranging from FUE (follicular unit extraction) to FUT (follicular unit transplantation) are provided by about 100 clinics in Istanbul. Turkey is regarded as one of the best places to get hair transplant before and after results since the doctors there have years of experience and have perfected the technique, so they can give you top-notch results at affordable costs.

Benefits of hair transplant outcomes Istanbul

In contrast to the US, the UK, and other European nations, Turkey is renowned for its reasonably priced and excellent medical travel.

Sixty-seven percent of travelers prefer private hospital hair transplant therapy in Turkey because the procedures cost up to ninety percent less. This demonstrates the affordable cost of their medical care.

Furthermore, the cost of hair transplant surgery in the nation is 70% lower than in Europe. Saving money doesn't have to mean sacrificing the quality of care.

What is Turkey's hair transplantation process?

Transplanting hair follicles from one area of the body to another is a cosmetic procedure known as a hair transplant. The primary purpose of the treatment is to treat thinning hair or baldness. Hair transplants have been more and more common in recent years as more people think about getting one to boost their confidence and look better.

FUE hair transplantation is a 15-year-old hair transplant method that involves removing individual hair follicles from the nape region as opposed to FUT, which involves removing a strip of tissue containing hair follicles and transplanting them to the appropriate places. The demand for hair transplants has significantly increased as a result of the FUE hair transplant process.

In Turkey, hair transplantation takes four to ten hours, depending on the number of follicles to be transplanted. A workforce with more experience could be able to finish the job faster. In a single session, around 40004500 follicles are transplanted, depending on the state of the donor area.

After a hair transplant, scabs occur on the scalp and typically go away in a week if daily washing instructions are followed. Wearing a cap allows patients to carry on with their daily activities, such as working. The third month is when hair growth starts, and it continues for nine to twelve months.

Turkey's finest hair transplant outcomes come from Miracle Hair Clinic.

No matter where you look, the data consistently leads to Miracle Hair Clinic as the most trustworthy hair transplant clinic, with highly skilled physicians, first-rate customer support, and the most reasonably priced procedures, with top institutions offering lifetime warranties. We asked the physicians at Miracle Hair Clinic for more details regarding hair transplants.

The best hair transplant clinic in Turkey is Miracle Hair Clinic. Its proficiency in the field of hair transplantation earned it the 2021 Medicine European Award. This prestigious award highlights the clinic's commitment to giving patients great care and achieving remarkable outcomes. Because Miracle Hair Clinic prioritizes patient satisfaction and safety, it has become a top option for those looking for hair transplant services in Turkey. Miracle facility ought to be at the top of your list if you're looking for a respectable and trustworthy hair transplant facility in Turkey.

The success rates of hair transplants vary from clinic to clinic. On the other hand, our experts at Miracle Hair Clinic employ state-of-the-art medical technology and have years of experience. We thus have an extremely high success rate of about 98%.

The person's health and the caliber of the hair follicles used influence how effective the procedure is. The success of the procedure varies depending on a number of other criteria, such as the experience of the surgeon.

It's important to keep in mind that while there are many hair transplant clinics in Turkey, not all of them will give you the greatest results.

Pricing & Packages at Miracle Hair Clinic

The hair transplant packages offered by Miracle Hair Clinic include a range of amenities, such as hotel, airport transportation, and post-operative care. The quantity of grafts required determines how much these packages cost.

Most of Miracle Hair Clinic's clients have left positive reviews about their hair transplant journeys on social media. They praised the clinic's professionalism, friendliness, and successful results. But keep in mind that every customer has a different experience, so before making a choice, it's vital to weigh both the good and bad reviews of hair transplants.

Miracle Hair Clinic takes pleasure in providing its clients with the greatest outcomes by utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and technology. The hair transplant doctors at the clinic can implant hair follicles more accurately and precisely by using the Choi Implanter Pen. The facility also uses Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to promote hair growth and reduce post-operative risk of infection and discomfort.

The best hair transplant before and after: Miracle Hair Clinic Hair transplant Turkey is a decision that changes lives and needs to be well thought out. Choosing a clinic with a good reputation and high-quality services is essential. It is important to note that the vast majority of Miracle Hair Clinic's hair transplant patients have had positive experiences. It's important to look at a number of factors and perform in-depth research before choosing a hair transplant clinic in Turkey.

If you're considering getting a hair transplant in Turkey, research various hair transplant clinics and consider factors such as services offered, client testimonials, costs, and reviews. Choose a hair transplant clinic in Turkey that has a solid reputation for creating the best hair transplant before and after outcomes and provides top-notch services.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

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The Indian government earlier this month directed sugar mills to cease using cane juice for ethanol production and instead increase sugar output. This directive is aimed at addressing domestic supply concerns amid a smaller sugarcane crop due to poor rainfall. Already, the likely fall in production has driven domestic sugar prices to their highest levels in nearly 14 years, exacerbating the government's fight against food inflation. The development, which follows the Centre's restrictions on sugar exports, can impact India's ambitious goal to achieve a 20% ethanol blend in fuel by 2025-26.

Mint delves into the situation.

How does the directive impact the industry?

The government's directive presents a major challenge for the industry, notably impacting companies like Balrampur Chini Mills and Shree Renuka Sugars, which have invested in ethanol production from cane juice, or syrup. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have sought approximately 8.25 billion litres of ethanol for the 2023-24 ethanol supply year (ESY), targeting a 15% blending ratio. Yet, the latest decision risks a significant part of this goal and could underutilize current production capacities.

The government has said, The supply of ethanol from B-heavy molasses against existing offers received by OMCs will continue." However, it is yet to announce prices of ethanol from various feedstocks payable to mills in 2023-24 despite the ESY being moved to November-October from December-November.

What role does sugarcane juice play in ethanol production?

Ethanol is 99.9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol.

In India, ethanol is produced largely through sugarcane-based molasses and grain-based sources as feedstock. And in the case of sugarcane, ethanol is produced through cane juice, or syrup, or B-heavy molasses and C-heavy molasses. Sugarcane juice, contributing 20% of ethanol production, is crucial for achieving the highest price per litre for sugar mills at 65.61. B-heavy molasses contributes 60%, while the share of C-heavy molasses is negligible.

With the average ethanol blend in petrol rising from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23, the role of sugarcane juice and syrup has been pivotal. The government's recent decision could necessitate a greater reliance on alternative sources like grains to meet the ethanol blending goals.

What is the governments take?

The food ministry's ban on using sugarcane juice for ethanol production in the 2023-24 ESY comes amid a likely fall in crop output a probable fall in crop yields. The agriculture ministry, in its initial estimates, has sugarcane output at 434.8 million tonnes for the 2023-24 crop year (July-June), down from 494.2 million tonnes in the previous year. Sugar output in the 2023-24 (October-September) is estimated to decline to 32.3-33 million tonnes from 37.3 million tonnes in the previous season.

The government, however, remains committed to the 20% ethanol blending target by 2025-26 and considers the ban a temporary measure. It plans to encourage ethanol production from various sources, including B and C-heavy molasses and damaged grains, to achieve this objective without resorting to ethanol imports.
Reliance General Insurance Company introduced Reliance Health Global", a healthcare policy aimed at providing Indians with access to global healthcare. This policy offers comprehensive coverage not only within India but extends its protective reach worldwide. It ensures a seamless experience for individuals accustomed to a global lifestyle, catering to those who seek access to top-notch healthcare services and infrastructure across the globe.

The health insurance scheme boasts a range of unmatched features, reshaping the health insurance landscape. In addition to its extensive coverage for international treatments, encompassing critical conditions such as cancer and bypass surgery, this policy distinguishes itself through outstanding coverage within the country. With an unlimited sum insured domestically, it revolutionizes the concept of health insurance, providing unparalleled security and peace of mind for policyholders.

Aside from covering scheduled hospitalization, the policy includes provisions for travel, accommodation, and comprehensive Visa and assistance services, addressing unforeseen situations like lost passport or emergency cash needs. What distinguishes this policy is its substantial sum-insured coverage, reaching up to $ 1 million, providing a strong sense of security for individuals seeking medical treatment abroad.

Rakesh Jain, CEO, Reliance General Insurance, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating Reliance Health Global, is a revolutionary healthcare policy that transcends borders. As India globalizes and a lot of Indians keep travelling abroad for work or leisure, it is imperative to remove the pain of buying multiple policies separately for India and overseas. With its distinctive feature of unlimited sum insured domestically and robust sum insured up to $1 million globally, we aim to set new standards in health insurance. Our commitment is to provide unwavering support and access to global healthcare excellence, ensuring the utmost peace of mind for our valued customers."

The scheme offers extensive support by including coverage for both pre and post-hospitalization, arranging for second opinion and accidental rehabilitation. This underscores the companys dedication to being a reliable companion throughout every phase of the policyholder's healthcare journey. With comprehensive benefits that span from air ambulance services to covering organ donor expenses and without any limitations on room rent, health insurance customers have a lot to benefit from.

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As the curtain falls on another year, 2023 emerged as a rollercoaster ride for Indian political parties -- a year of peaks and valleys, sprinkled with a dash of controversy. In this article, we are listing top five controversies that made headlines and had the political circles buzzing. The top one on the list is the India renaming controversy.

INDIA VS BHARAT CONTROVERSY

The renaming of India to 'Bharat' started when invites for G20, sent out in the name of the 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India', trigerring a buzz that India was being renamed. The Opposition protested the alleged renaming calling it an "assault", while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the change. The controversy had just started brewing when a government booklet on Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Indonesia for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit referred to him as Prime Minister of Bharat. However, Union Minister Anurag Thakur dismissed all the talks, saying they were just "rumours".

Also Read | India vs Bharat row: Is name change for India to Bharat possible?

MAHUA MOITRA CASH-FOR-QUERY

Mahua Moitra was being investigated over the allegations that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP took bribes to pose questions against businessman Gautam Adani at the Lok Sabha. An ethics committee sat to probe the allegations. On December 8, Mahua Moitra was expelled as a Lok Sabha member after the committee's recommendations for her "unethical conduct". Mahua Moitra has approached the Supreme Court against her expulsion as the Lok Sabha member.

RAGHAV CHADHA 'FORGING' SIGNATURES OF MPs

Raghav Chadha faced suspension from the Upper House on August 11 for "breach of privilege" over the allegations that he "forged" signatures of five Rajya Sabha MPs on a motion linked to the Delhi Services Bill. Raghav Chadha was accused of not obtaining the consent of five MPs but including them in the select committee. He allegedly forged their signatures too. His suspension was revoked after he was held guilty but

BJP MP ABUSING ANOTHER MP IN LOK SABHA

During the Chandrayaan-3 success discussion in Lok Sabha, BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri verbally abused Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali and made certain objectionable remarks targeted at him. The remarks erupted uproar as the Opposition demanded Ramesh Bidhuri's expulsion. It didn't happen but the BJP MP was warned of "strict action" if such behaviour is repeated in the future. The remarks have been expunged from Parliamentary records.

BBC DOCUMENTARY ON MODI

The BBC documentary 'India: The Modi Question' was aired in India and was removed a day later. The documentary talked about PM Narendra Modi's years as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the docu-series a "propaganda".

Also Read | Heard banging on door: What happened inside BBC Delhi office during Income Tax survey?

According to the BBC, the documentary examines how "Narendra Modi's premiership has been dogged by persistent allegations about the attitude of his government towards India's Muslim population".

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With the COVID subvariant JN.1 detected in Kerala, triggering concerns about its impact in the southern state. First detected in the United States in September 2023, the JN.1 variant is a descendant of BA.2.86. Official sources told news agency PTI , A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8."

As per the sources, the sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned a positive result in an RT-PCR test on November 18, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had recovered from COVID-19.

Earlier, an Indian traveller was also detected with JN.1 sub-variant in Singapore. The person was a native of Tamil Nadus Tiruchirapalli district and had travelled to Singapore on October 25. No increase in cases was observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other places in Tamil Nadu following the strain being detected in them. No other case of JN.1 variant has been detected in India," the source said as reported by PTI.

Also Read: Singapore government implements preventive norms for travellers amid Covid scare

Speaking of the vaccine effectiveness, the source added that initial data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments will still offer protection against JN.1 sub-strain.

Coming back to Kerala, where JN.1 has been discovered in the southern state, surveillance has been conducted by the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a multi-laboratory, multi-agency, pan-Indian network tasked with sequencing and monitoring new dangerous Covid-19 variants.

Should India be worried?

While speaking to news agency ANI, INSACOG Chief, NK Arora said, "This variant has been isolated and reported in November; this is a subvariant of BA.2.86. We have some cases of JN.1." Further adding, he said, India is keeping a vigil and that's the reason no hospitalisation or severe disease has been reported so far."

According to Rajeev Jayadevan, the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force's co-chairman, "After a seven-month gap, cases are rising in India. In Kerala, there are reports of people getting Covid, but the severity so far appears to be the same as before."

"Genome sequencing pinpoints what type of virus is circulating in each region. For example, in India, during the April 2023 wave, XBB sublineages were found to cause it. However, the December genome sequencing results are still coming in and early results show that a JN.1 case was found in Kerala," he added.

Jayadevan said that the JN.1 variant is capable of spreading faster and evading immunity.

"JN.1 is a severely immune-evasive and fast-spreading variant, markedly different from XBB and all other prior versions of this virus. This enables it to infect people who had previous Covid infections and also people who were vaccinated," he said.

Rajeev Jayadevan also noted that JN.1 has been reported in various countries.

"JN.1 is rising quickly in several Western countries, and India being connected by international travel with the rest of the world should be no exception," he said.

On 15 December, China detected seven infections of the COVID subvariant JN.1, reported news agency Reuters, quoting the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. The authorities in China have claimed the prevalence level of JN.1 is 'very low' in the country, however, they refused to rule out the possibility of it becoming the dominant strain in China due to factors including imported cases, as per Reuters report.

Covid Cases in India

On Friday, India saw a single-day rise of 312 new Covid infections which was highest since May 31. The tally of active cases in the country has increased to 1,296. The death toll was recorded at 5,33,310 while the country's case tally stands at 4.50 crore. Speaking of Kerala alone, the TOI reports stated that the state had 479 Covid cases in November while the surge was seen this month as fresh 825 cases were reported till 8 December. The report further added that the state saw one death in November while two died in December.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)

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Delhi Police on Saturday said the five accused arrested in the December 13 Parliament security breach case have revealed that they explored self-immolation and distribution of pamphlets before settling on the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha's chamber with smoke canisters, PTI reported.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell, which is investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of BJP MP Pratap Simha who had authorized the visitor passes for the two men who breached security to enter the House.

The Parliament security breach was meticulously planned for months before its execution on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two people- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jump into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. They released yellow gas from canisters and shouted anti-establishment slogans before being overpowered by the MPs.

Two protestors- Neelam (42) and Anmol (25), began protesting outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. All four people were sent to seven-day custody of the Delhi Police Special Cell on Thursday.

Lalit Jha, the key conspirator of the Parliament security breach, was interrogated by senior police officials, including two Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) and Additional Commissioners of Police. He narrated the whole incident during the interrogation.

Speaking to PTI, a Delhi Police official who was aware of the investigations said they had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending their message to the government before finalizing the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber.

The official said they explored immolating themselves by covering their bodies with fireproof gel but dropped this idea. They also considered distributing pamphlets inside the Parliament but finally went ahead with the plan they executed on Wednesday," police told PTI.

Late on Friday, the investigators took the accused to various places where they met and conspired on the breach. The police are likely to seek Parliament's permission to recreate the breach that occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

Sources said the investigators have also not given a clean chit to Mahesh Kumwat and Kailash -- who allegedly helped Jha escape. The police will soon take Jha to Nagaur in Rajasthan where he stayed after fleeing on Wednesday.

He will be taken to the place where he claimed to have destroyed his and the others' mobile phones, another official said. All five arrested accused have been sent to seven days of police custody.

(With PTI inputs)

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India-Oman Relations: PM Narendra Modi, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik hold bilateral talks in Delhi. Top 5 things to know

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Livemint ( with inputs from ANI )

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon arrival at Hyderabad House. The meeting aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Oman.

Premium Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes the Sultan of Oman Haitham Bin Tarik, center, as Indian President Droupadi Murmu watches during the ceremonial reception at the Indian presidential palace, in New Delhi, India (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman engaged in bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi over future collaborations between the two nations on December 16. The Sultan was welcomed by PM Modi upon arrival. The meeting aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Oman, as per an ANI report. Arindam Bagchi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, highlighted the significance of the encounter, saying it sets the stage for bilateral discussions. He wrote on X, Giving a boost to - Strategic Partnership! PM Narendra Modi warmly received His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman at Hyderabad House, setting the stage for bilateral discussions. Agenda includes taking stock of bilateral ties and charting pathways for the future" Here are the top 5 things to know: --- The Sultan's three-day State visit to India underscores the deepening friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The MEA highlighted this visit as a milestone in the diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Muscat, aiming to explore avenues for future collaborations. --- Earlier in the day, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu greeted him, followed by an inspection of a Guard of Honour by the combined defence services. --- PM Modi hosted a luncheon in honour of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, further fostering the diplomatic dialogue between the two nations.

 India and Oman share a rich historical, cultural, and economic relationship that spans over 5,000 years. Diplomatic relations were established in 1955 and further elevated to a strategic partnership in 2008. Oman holds a pivotal position as India's primary defence partner in the Gulf region, fostering robust defence cooperation.

 India also extended a special invitation to Oman to participate in the G20 Summit under India's Presidency. Oman's active involvement in over 150 working group meetings and various ministerial meetings underscores the growing collaboration between the two nations on a global platform.

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla wrote a letter to all MPs on Saturday, informing that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to carry out an "in-depth investigation" of the Parliament breach incident. "The committee has started working. The report of this committee will soon be shared with the House," Birla said in his letter.

Besides this, a "High-Powered Committee" has also been constituted, "which will review various aspects of security in the Parliament Complex and formulate a concrete action plan to ensure that such incidents do not recur," said Om Birla.

Om Birla's letter came days after two men jumped inside the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery with canisters of yellow smoke, while two others protested outside Parliament. The incident happened on December 13. So far, six people have been arrested in connection with the incident and two are currently under detention.

ALSO READ: 'Youth are desperate': Rahul Gandhi lashes out at Modi govt, says Parliament security breach happened because...

In the letter, Birla took notice of several such incidents that have happened in the past. "The nation has witnessed in the past incident such as visitors carrying pistols, shouting slogans, jumping from the visitor's gallery and throwing leaflets," he noted.

No link between Parliament security breach and MPs suspension'

The Lok Sabha Speaker clarified that there is "no association between the suspension of Hon'ble Members and the incident which took place on December 13, 2023."

He noted that some members and political parties "are linking the decision of the House to suspend some Hon'ble Members from the service of the House to the" Parliament breach incident.

ALSO READ: Joblessness takes centre stage amid Parliament security breach: What data says about India's unemployment

As many as 13 members of the Lok Sabha and the one from the Rajya Sabha were suspended earlier this week after the Opposition demanded a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security lapse.

"The suspension of Hon'ble Members is purely to uphold the sanctity of the House. At the time of inauguration of the new building of our Parliament, we had resolved that we will refrain from bringing placards inside the House; we will not create ruckus in the well of the House," Birla's letter read.

"We are well aware that the people of our country do not appreciate the inappropriate conduct and interruptions during proceedings of the house. That is the reason we are unanimous that we would establish highest standards of parliamentary decorum and dignity."

"It was in this contest that the House was compelled to take strict action of suspending" the members, he said. He requested all the members of the Lok Sabha to "faithfully discharge their duties towards the nation".

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Mumbai Police tracked down an MBA holder who allegedly made a call threatening veteran industrialist and former Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata . During the investigation, the cops learned that the anonymous caller had schizophrenia, ANI reported.

The caller asked the police to enhance Ratan Tata's security, failing which he warned that the industry doyen would meet the same fate as former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry, a senior official said. Mistry died in a car crash on September 4, 2022.

After receiving the call, Mumbai Police went into full alert mode, and a special team was assigned to cater to the personal security of Ratan Tata while the other team was asked to collect information about the caller.

They tracked down the caller through technical support and with the help of a telecom service provider, police said, adding that his location was found to be in Karnataka but he was a resident of Pune, as per ANI reports.

As police reached his Pune residence, they said the caller had been missing for the last five days and his wife had even filed a complaint at the Bhosari police station in the city.

Police further questioned the caller's kin after which they learned that he suffers from schizophrenia and he took the phone, with which he made the call, from someone's house without informing them.

He rang up the control room of the Mumbai Police and threatened Ratan Tata, the officer said. Since the caller was found to be battling schizophrenia, police decided against pursuing legal action against him. They learned that the caller has an MBA in finance and also studied engineering.

(With ANI inputs)

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What if Lok Sabha intruders failed to reach the House earlier this week? Lalit Jha, the main conspirator of the Parliament security breach , revealed that they had Plan B in case their original plan went wrong, India Today reported.

During the police investigation, Jha disclosed that if Neelam and Amol were unable to enter the Parliament as per Plan A, then the two others Mahesh and Kailash would have reached the House from another direction to raise slogans and ignited color bombs.

However, Amol and Neelam were instructed to execute the plan at any cost because Mahesh and Kailash failed to reach Vishal Sharma alias Vicky's house in Gurugram where they were staying. And, the group was successful in executing Plan A.

According to the plan, Mahesh was supposed to help Lalit Jha hide in Rajasthan after the act. He even made accommodation arrangements for Lalit at a guest house using his own Identity Card.

Sources told India Today that Mahesh, Lalit, and Kailash were continuously getting information about the Parliament security breach on television in the guest house. Later on Thursday, Lalit and Mahesh surrendered before the police.

The Parliament security breach was meticulously planned for months before its execution on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack.

On December 13, two people- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. Without wasting a second, the two released yellow gas from canisters and shouted anti-establishment slogans before being overpowered by the MPs.

In another incident simultaneously, two protestors- Neelam (42) and Anmol (25), began protesting outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. All four people were sent to seven-day custody of the Delhi Police Special Cell on Thursday.

On Thursday night, Lalit Jha was interrogated by senior police officials, including two Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) and Additional Commissioners of Police. He narrated the whole incident during the interrogation.

It was during the interrogation, Jha admitted to planning the plot of parliament security breach for months. One of the major obstructions during the planning was to obtain an entry pass in the Parliament.

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The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the Joe Biden-led government to designate India as a country of particular concern. The development came even as both countries probe an alleged bid to assasinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US Justice Department claims that unnamed an Indian government employee had recruited Nikhil Gupta for the mission. The Indian national in turn hired a hitman to carry out the foiled assassination bid.

USCIRF implores the US Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern due to Indias systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief," said an official statement from the organisation.

The call to action echoes similar demands made by the USCIRF since 2020. Such a categorisation under the US Religious Freedom Act would allow a range of policy responses  including sanctions or waivers. Indian officials meanwhile deny involvement in the alleged Pannun murder plot.

Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta was charged by federal prosecutors in late November for his alleged role in the plot. US authorities allege that he agreed to pay an assassin $100,000 to kill the Sikh separatist leader living in New York City. The 52-year-old has been charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire  both of which carry a maximum jail term of 10-years.

India has already constituted a high-level probe team to investigate the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Pannun. Meanwhile the Biden administration briefed five Indian-American lawmakers about Gupta's indictment on Friday.

Gupta's family has moved a habeas corpus plea before the Supreme Court in connection with the arrest. He has alleged grave human rights violations in solitary confinement, including being forced to consume beef and pork. He has also alleged that he was denied consular access, the right to contact his family in India and the freedom to seek legal representation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Emir of Kuwait, Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, died on Saturday at the age of 86, the state media has announced. The cause of the Emir's death has not been revealed to the general public. "With great sadness and sorrow, we  the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world  mourn the late His Highness the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today," Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, said in a statement on state television.

The Kuwaiti state television had interrupted its regular programming to Koranic verses before announcing the death of Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah had been admitted to hospital in late November due to a medical emergency. The illness was unspecified.

In the time since, the tiny, oil-rich nation had been waiting for news about his health. State-run news previously reported that he traveled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.

About Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was the fifth son of Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who served as Kuwait's ruler from 1921 to 1950. He started his political career at the age of 25 as governor of Hawalli province, where he remained until 1978 when he started a decade as interior minister.

Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was named crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He took over as Kuwait's Emir when Sheikh Sabah, the half-brother, died in September 2020 at the age of 91. Sheikh Nawaf has also served as Kuwait's defense minister.

The present crown prince, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, Kuwait's deputy ruler and another half-brother, is 83 years old.

(With agency inputs)

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The thought of solo travel might be daunting at first, but once you master the courage to take a trip on your own, it can be one of the most liberating experiences of your life. Now, with the holiday season coming, it is the best opportunity to travel solo! Here are the top five destinations that you can explore.

Thailand and Vietnam

December can be a memorable chapter in your solo travel diary if you are planning a trip to Thailand or Vietnam. Both countries are ideal for traveling alone, especially during this time, due to safety, affordability, and the Sun.

Thailand is known for its friendly locals, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Hence, solo exploration can be truly rewarding. At the same time, affordable accommodations cater to budget-conscious travelers. A trip can be planned around Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi Islands. But if you are looking for lesser-explored places, you can visit Ko Kut, Koh Lanta, Koh Lanta and other places.

Similarly, Vietnam with its captivating beauty and complex history also promises to create a memorable solo travel experience for solo adventurers. Despite being extremely popular destinations in the country, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and the Ha Giang Loop are must-visit spots. The coffee and street food in Vietnam are to die for.

The best part is, both countries have recently scrapped visa requirements for tourists.

Singapore

Singapore, consistently ranked among the world's most expensive countries, stands out as an exceptionally safe haven for solo travelers. The city's user-friendly infrastructure and excellent public transport system further enhance the travel experience.

Similarly, Japan meets all the criteria for being a suitable place for solo travel but the country is extremely expensive.

Brazil

Known for its friendly people and 300 sunny days, Brazil attracts visitors with stunning beaches and local delights like Acai and Brigadeiros. Despite prevalent crimes, the vibrant culture, celebrated in events like Carnival, captivates solo travelers.

With 72 national parks, Brazil is a paradise blending warm hospitality, natural beauty, and cultural richness.

India

However, if you feel traveling abroad alone would require a lot of planning, then there are numerous places in India that you can explore.

Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, or culture, India with its diverse landscapes offers exactly what you want. Some of the popular destinations to travel solo in December are Rajasthan, Goa, Rishikesh, Kerala, and Puducherry.

And in case, you are a winter snow lover, then Kashmir and Leh Ladakh will look-like nothing less than heaven during this time.

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Billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc., claimed that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives replace discrimination with "different discrimination", labelling them "propaganda words", despite the company's commitment to promoting such programs.

Writing on X (formerly Twitter), a social-media platform he owns, Musk said, DEI must DIE. The point was to end discrimination, not replace it with different discrimination. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" are propaganda words for racism, sexism, and other -isms. This is just as morally wrong as any other racism and sexism. Changing the target class doesnt make it right!" To further make his point, the master of controversies has even pinned the post on his official account. Tesla is yet to issue a statement in response to Musk's statements.

Tesla's DEI Initiatives

Despite Musk's views, Austin-headquartered Tesla, which operates factories in New York, Texas, Nevada, and California, has continually highlighted its DEI efforts, as per a Bloomberg report.

The company released its inaugural DEI report in December 2020, integrating these efforts into subsequent annual impact reports. Tesla's 2022 Impact Report claimed it is a "majority-minority" employer, adding that the company has substantial representation of individuals from historically underrepresented communities in the United States.

Tesla has organised recruitment events specifically targeting women and students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions, as per the report. Additionally, it has hosted internal events to celebrate diversity among employees, established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and introduced an internal DEI newsletter in 2022.

Legal Challenges Faced

Notably, however, Tesla faced legal challenges in 2022. California's civil rights agency filed a lawsuit citing "rampant racism" on behalf of Black workers at Tesla's Fremont factory. Similarly, in September 2023, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Tesla for alleged racial harassment against Black workers.

Tesla in its impact report said, "Inclusion is everyones responsibility. From day one during onboarding, employees are exposed to our DEI principles and are encouraged to join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)  led by passionate individuals who care about creating a strong community experience within Tesla."

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Google Doodle celebrates 32nd Kazakhstan Independence Day , on December 16, 2023. Every year on December 16, Kazakhstan indulges in celebrations as the nation marks its Independence Day. This day holds historical significance, commemorating the moment in 1991 when the country declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union and embarked on a new journey as an independent state.

From Soviet Dominion to Independent Nation

Kazakhstan's road to independence wasn't a sudden leap. The seeds of discontent with Soviet rule were sown throughout the 1980s, with events like the 1986 Jeltoqsan protests highlighting the desire for self-determination. As the Soviet Union faced internal turmoil and the possibility of dissolution loomed, Kazakhstan cautiously navigated its path. In 1990, it declared sovereignty within the USSR, hoping for a reformed union. However, the failed coup attempt in Moscow in August 1991 shattered any remaining hopes of preserving the Soviet state.

Significance of Kazakhstan's Independence Day

Kazakhstan's Independence Day holds profound significance beyond simply marking a date on the calendar. It symbolizes:

The end of an era

Independence Day signifies the break from centuries of Russian rule and Soviet domination. It represents a fresh start, a chance for Kazakhstan to define its own destiny and forge its own path as a nation.

This day celebrates the rediscovery and revitalization of Kazakh culture and traditions. Languages like Kazakh regain prominence, historical narratives are reclaimed, and a sense of national pride takes center stage.

Independence Day marks the beginning of a complex journey towards economic and social transformation. Kazakhstan transitioned from a planned economy to a market-oriented one, facing the challenges of development while seeking its place in the global community.

In Kazakhstan, nuclear weapons were voluntarily renounced, which marked the nation's status as a nuclear-free nation. As part of the global anti-nuclear movement, Kazakhstan shut down the Semipalatinsk test site after more than 450 tests carried out over 40 years. In the wake of this closure, an international movement was initiated toward nuclear-free societies.

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Frida was always Frida even if they put Alfredo on her birth certificate, and even if neither she nor anyone around her knew she was trans. She would learn the name, just the name, the definition: trans woman, years, many years, later. Everyone else would not. Now, at 44 years old, Frida Cartas, a Mexican who was born in Mazatlan, in the state of Sinaloa, has published a book that was not going to be a book, but rather, a gift to her mother, Lubia, so that these memories never die. As dark as those memories may be, because Transporte a la infancia [A trip back to childhood] is love but it is also violence in an equilibrium that was sometimes arrived to the point of being impossible to maintain, inside and outside the home, and was always affected by social class: maricon, puto, joto  Spanish words for faggot  rapes, abuses, mistreatment, contempt, and humiliations to which she was subjected by male and female classmates, boys and girls, teens and adults, also her father, and which that woman, her mother, cushioned with what she says was a a clawed defense.

Question. In the book there is a constant contrast between very distinct types of violence and your mothers love, and also that of your sisters.

Answer. Its very painful, its a book full of wounds, but the process of writing it was very healing and made me conscious of the fact that there are things that will remain open, and that its OK to stop feeling guilty that I havent been able to heal some of these things.

Q. Some of them werent just outside your home, they happened inside it.

A. What happened inside the house was at times far beyond what I could bear. It was normal for me to feel as though I could breathe inside the house, and not in the street, but sometimes I felt that I had to go out because I could not breathe inside. Today is December 12, the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexicos most emblematic figure. When I was a little girl, I prayed to the Virgin I want to die, I want to die, I asked her if she could bring me the gift of death for Christmas, if I could go to heaven with her. While I was writing this book, I was thinking about what has to happen for a 10-year-old girl to want to die.

Q. Suicide or attempted suicide among minors is something that is being increasingly talked about.

A. Yes, also in the process of writing this book I came across some numbers: right now, in Mexico, three children commit suicide every day, and it has nothing to do with being trans, but rather depression, pain, torture. The world is very cruel with the young, not just in my country but in the entire world: wars, forced displacement, migration.

Q. How important is protection by mothers and fathers in the context youre referring to, and in your own experience?

A. The biggest emphasis should be on caring for the mental health of these future adults. When theres also a sexual difference, there are problems of guilt and shame, which isnt natural, but rather naturalized. My mothers accompaniment was very loving, she had her claws out to defend me, but she did not have the pedagogy to be able to explain that who I was, was OK, and she couldnt help me with the shame and the guilt. I think that a pedagogic sequence is necessary, I dont know if it needs to be academic, but knowing the language for the basic, like the abcs of trans; and at the same time not putting down your claws, that defense for the most vulnerable boys and girls, whether they are cisheteros or gay or lesbian or trans.

Q. And socially, how necessary do you find that pedagogy?

A. With what we are seeing now, political confrontations and in discourses, it seems to me that people dont even make themselves available to understand that difference, but rather there is a push to criminalize and satanize. There needs to be an end to criminalization, because that doesnt have anything to do with the pedagogy, but rather something that is more human, more empathetic, with more solidarity, that sees that everyone is different in some way. Tu tambien tienes cola que te pisen, [You too have a tail to be stepped on] as we say in Mexico.

Cartas, in the Mary Read bookstore, in Madrid. Claudio Alvarez

Q. How do you see this reflected within the feminist movement?

A. I came to feminism in 2010, when I began to read theory, and it seemed like a safe space. Nowadays it does not, but I do regard it as absolutely necessary. Its disputes come from repeating historys mistakes; at one point, lesbians were also attacked because they refused to get married and have children. As Audre Lorde says, It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. There has been bad faith in not wanting to listen, in not wanted to sit down with each other, but rather to attack each other, in public and in the media, in marches and protests.

Q. Solution?

A. To sit down with each other in more private places, away from the internet, to be able to listen to each other and not leave until we manage to understand that its not about being friends, but that we do need to come together. I think that the idea of power has consumed many feminists a bit, the idea that they were there first and fought so much, and now they think that a trans woman is going to take away this space of power. And thats not it. It is precisely the trans person who has been beaten by power: you have to blow power up, rather than aspire to have it as status.

Q. Must we also blow up certain perceptions about how feminism understands domestic care and chores? In your book you talk about how you always liked cleaning and cooking and that it alleviated stress, that you always felt like a caretaker. Do you think that was due to genders roles and commands?

A. When I go out on the street with my boyfriend and his son, who I have taken care of since he was born, the world reads us as a cisheterosexual woman with her spouse and child, and that kind of reading brings you to those patriarchal archetypes. But I, for example, am bisexual, we have an open relationship and the care I provide has nothing to do with gender roles. These social readings are not able to see these points of departure from normativity. And in regards to the question about chores, it is precisely feminism that allows me to see that caretaking [of people or of the home] is work. When I began to work in caretaking, cleaning, it was because they are things that I know how to do, that I like and that relax me, and I began to monetize them. It is work and it needs to be referred to as such. On my resume, for example, I have written housewife and writer, and sometimes in interviews they wont name those things, they take them out, they make them invisible.

Q. Have you ever wanted to be that, invisible, due to the violence that surrounded you? When did you first recognize that violence?

A. I was about seven years old when I woke up one night to the screams of neighbor whose husband, a military friend of my father [who was also in the military], was beating her. My mother woke up and ran out, opened the door to save the neighbor, and I remember that I ran after her. In that moment, I realized that I thought this kind of violence was normal, that it took on other forms but was normal within my own home, that it was also normal around us, among our neighbors, and that it was normal in the world. In the street, girls, boys, beat me, little kids called me puto, marica [yet another word for faggot] and joto. When I left, I realized that even I had violent reactions and getting rid of them has been a difficult task, it doesnt stay in your body like an infection, but that violence can rot you. Even if it was self-defense. Now, part of that self-defense lies in my writing.

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Israel reopened an aid crossing into Gaza on Friday as a staunch ally of the United States urged more restraint in its all-out offensive against Hamas. The Israeli army said its troops had shot and killed three hostages after mistaking them for a "threat" while Jerusalem came under rocket fire from Gaza for the first time since late October.

Here are top 10 updates on the Israel-Hamas war,

1) Israeli troops mistakenly shot three hostages to death Friday in a battle-torn neighborhood of Gaza City, and an Israeli strike killed a Palestinian journalist in the south of the besieged territory, underscoring the ferocity of Israels ongoing onslaught, AP reported.

2) The hostages were killed in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants in recent days. The soldiers mistakenly identified the three Israelis as a threat and opened fire on them, said the armys chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

3) Hamas and other militants abducted more than 240 people in the October 7 attack that triggered the war, and the hostages' plight has dominated public discourse in Israel ever since. Their families have led a powerful public campaign calling on the government to do more to bring them home.

4) The three hostages were identified as young men who had been abducted from Israeli communities near the Gaza border  Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Al-Talalka 25, and Alon Shamriz, 26, as per AP reports.

5) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called their deaths an unbearable tragedy" and vowed to continue "with a supreme effort to return all the hostages home safely."

6) The Qatari network reported an Israeli attack killed an Al Jazeera journalist and wounded his colleague in the Gaza Strip on Friday. Initially, it reported that cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa and Gaza bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh were wounded in a school in Khan Yunis, where they were hit by shrapnel from an Israeli missile attack", AFP reported.

7) US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told a press briefing that "we still don't have any indications" that Israel is "deliberately going after journalists trying to cover this war".

8) More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel on October 7, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

9) The war began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 that Israeli officials say killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

10) The Hamas government said the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More details have emerged about the shooting deaths of three Israeli hostages at the hands of the nations military during fighting in the Gaza Strip, inflaming criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to free captives held by Hamas.

Protests started on Friday night outside the nations military headquarters, and a major demonstration is planned for Tel Aviv on Saturday evening. The prime minister is taking heat for whats been termed inaction on securing a new prisoner exchange deal, weeks after a brief cease-fire ended.

The Israel Defense Forces revealed Saturday that the hostages emerged shirtless from a building in the Shejaiya neighborhood of northern Gaza during fighting, holding a makeshift white flag to signify surrender, and that one shouted help" in Hebrew. Yet they were shot, contrary to the rules of engagement, as soldiers suspected a Hamas threat.

The men were identified as Yotam Haim, 28, Alon Shamriz, 26, and Samer Talalka, 25. All were abducted from kibbutzim in southern Israel near the Gaza border on October 7. The Times of Israel reported that the three were trying to escape their captors when they were killed.

Read more: Biden Urges Israeli Caution as Leaders Eye Lower-Intensity War

Fridays deaths prompted new questions about the conduct of Israels military campaign after US President Joe Biden called its bombing of Gaza indiscriminate."

ALSO READ: US and Israel differ on Gaza rule after war with Hamas, Benjamin Netanyahu says will not repeat mistake of Oslo

The incident occurred while US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was visiting the region. Israels two-month bombardment of Gaza was triggered by brutal attacks on southern Israel by Hamas fighters on Oct. 7. Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and about 240, including the three men shot on Friday, were taken hostage.

Israel and Hamas ended a week-long cease-fire early in December that included daily exchanges of hostages taken by Hamas in the October attack for prisoners held by Israel.

ALSO READ: US heralds new phase of Israel-Hamas war, says not right to occupy Gaza long-term

Some 129 people taken in the October raids are estimated to still be held in Gaza, 70 days after their capture. Israels negotiating team was ordered to return from Qatar, which had brokered the earlier exchanges, on Dec. 2.

Israeli and Qatari officials had been set to meet in Norway in an effort to revive talks, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The status of those talks are unclear.

Israel needs to actively pursue another deal, even if it means halting military operations in Gaza or releasing Palestinian prisoners with blood on their hands," retired Major General Noam Tibon told Bloomberg News. Otherwise, the cabinet is neglecting the hostages, and we risk not bringing them back alive."

In a statement late Friday, Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow" for the deaths, saying Israel would learn the lessons and continue with a supreme effort" to return the abductees to safety.

Yesterday, I heard a minister in the cabinet say that the conditions havent matured for the return of the captives. What is the cabinet waiting for?" said Rubi Chen, the father of Itay Chen, a 19-year-old Israeli soldier and US citizen being held in Gaza. We urge immediate negotiation for the return of all hostages."

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called the hostages deaths heartbreaking" but cautioned against making broader judgments about Israels ability to conduct its campaign with more precision.

More than 18,700 Palestinians have been killed since Israel started its campaign two months ago, according to Hamas-run health authorities it Gaza; Israel disputes the estimate.

US officials including Sullivan are also talking to Israel about shifting the war from a crushing military assault to an operation that focuses on targeting leaders of Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the US and the European Union.

Sullivan met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in a visit to the West Bank on Friday, and expressed his deepest sympathy" for Palestinian lives lost since Oct. 7, the NSC said in a statement. The two talked about getting more humanitarian aid into Gaza and stressed the importance of enhancing the protection of civilians," the statement said.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin would prefer a US president who is "more constructive" toward Russia and understands the "importance of the dialogue" between the two countries, the Kremlin spokesperson said on Friday. His statement came amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and ahead of US presidential elections in 2024.

In an interview with NBC news, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was asked if Putin could work with former US President Donald Trump. In his response, Peskov was quoted as saying that Putin would be ready to work with "anyone who will understand that from now on, you have to be more careful with Russia and you have to take into account its concerns."

According to reports, Trump had commended Putins leadership style during his time as the US president.

ALSO READ: Vladimir Putin interacts with AI double, reiterates stance on Ukraine war: Here are 10 key points

The NBC news reported in September this year that Russian President Putin had said he was "happy" to hear Trump's promise to "resolve all burning issues within several days"  including the war in Ukraine.

Trump had then appreciated Putin's praise and said it meant "what I'm saying is right," referring to his positions on the war in Ukraine.

In the exclusive interview, Peskov did not comment on whether US President Joe Biden would fit that bill, or mention Trump by name. He, however, questioned Trumps claim that he would end the war in one day, saying its "too complicated" to be resolved that easily.

ALSO READ: Trump, longtime admirer of Putin, says aborted mutiny 'somewhat weakened' Russian leader

Peskov also accused the US and the West of unnecessarily prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war. You have to understand your responsibility for this," Peskov was quoted as saying. He added, You are making this conflict longer."

Ukraine has been fighting against invading Russian forces for almost two years now. As Russia launched its special military operation" in Ukraine in 2022, it started facing sanctions by the US and Europe. Meanwhile, several countries, including the US, provided help to Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

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Since Deng Xiaoping and Jimmy Carter struck a deal in 1979, American and Chinese academics have co-operated on scientific research. Like so much else about relations between the two countries, that co-operation is now under threat. As we report this week American and Chinese scientists are writing fewer papers together and the number of Chinese students and researchers entering America has fallen sharply. Now politicians are wavering about whether to renew the Deng-Carter deal, called the Science and Technology Agreement (STA). Republicans want to scrap the pact; Democrats want to renegotiate its terms.

It is easy to understand Americas fears about boosting Chinas technological capability, and therefore its ability to wage war. The widespread fear that China has exploited a naive American belief in openness has also sapped the will to work together. China has a long record of ordering Western companies to hand over technologies as a condition of selling into its vast market, and is often accused of intellectual-property theft.

Yet quitting or watering down the STA would be a mistake. To begin with there are few, if any, examples of academic collaboration harming Americas interests. Republicans chosen example of research gone wrong is a project in 2018 to share data from jointly launched weather balloons, a tale that plays on fears of aerial spying but does not represent a real security failure. In any case, the STA covers academic research that, in America, ends up easily accessible in academic journals, whoever wrote it. True, Chinese scientistsand by extension Chinagain expertise from being involved. But other laws, and a recent executive order by President Joe Biden, restrict the sharing of American expertise in sensitive areas.

In addition, it would be a mistake to think that the gains from collaboration are one-way. Chinas scholars match and even outdo Americas in some fields, such as batteries, telecommunications and nanoscience. And because Chinas research environment is far more opaque than Americas, Uncle Sam may gain more from peering over the wall than China does.

Collaboration also offers opportunities to influence Chinas approach to ethically vexing research. Under sway from America, it has gradually adopted Institutional Review Boards, which oversee work that affects human subjects. Innovation in artificial intelligence and other areas in which China is closer to the frontier of knowledge will raise new ethical quandaries for researchers. American scientists can usefully steer Chinas approach there, too.

Last, at a time of tensions between China and America, the STA carries important symbolism. It was the first bilateral accord signed after relations between the two countries were restored. Scrapping it without good reason would feed the idea that America views all Chinese researchers with suspicion. If that deterred more talented Chinese from working in America, opportunities for fruitful cross-fertilisation would go up in smoke. American science benefits from its ability to attract the worlds brightest minds. That would be impeded if it created the impression that it is a closed shop.

Scientific co-operation among rival great powers has a powerful precedent. Joint research by American and Soviet scientists during the cold war led to the detection of gravitational waves, to advances in modelling non-linear dynamics now used to track climate change and to the manufacture of the vaccine that eradicated smallpox. Even as war raged in Vietnam, Soviet scientists were helping build a particle accelerator at Fermilab, 40 miles west of Chicago. The relationship was not symmetrical, but it did bring mutual gains and propel humanitys progress. Rather than adopting a new model of scientific isolationism, Americas leaders should remember that collaboration in the lab tends to benefit everyoneincluding America.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Jerusalem: Travel is educational, and a week in Israel taught me two things. First, the conventional Beltway wisdom about Israeli politics is deeply flawed. Second, the gap between the Biden administration and Israel on the Palestinian question may be more manageable than most observers understand.

In Washington, almost every conversation about Israeli politics starts with two big ideas: that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a dead man walking, and that his fall from power will bring someone more amenable to two-state negotiations with the Palestinians.

Israelis scoff at both notions. Even Mr. Netanyahus harshest domestic critics arent sure that his career is over. The Oct. 7 attacks wounded him badly, but hes pulled enough rabbits out of enough hats over the years that few are ready to write him off. The common view seems to be that Mr. Netanyahu, like Westley in The Princess Bride," is only mostly dead," and that his government has at least six to 12 months to run.

As to the policies of his potential successors, there is no pro-peace process" movement in Israeli politics today. With the Oct. 7 attacks still reverberating, no serious Israeli politician would dream of running on a platform of facilitating the emergence of a Palestinian state.

That said, the Beltway chatter about the day after" in Gaza and the future of the Palestinians overstates the difference between the Israeli and American positions. There is a narrow path for progress here.

There is consensus in Israel not only that Hamas lacks the will (and the human decency) to be an interlocutor for a future Palestinian state, but also that the terminally corrupt and exhausted Fatah movement now in power in the West Bank is too ineffective and unpopular to survive the hard compromises that peace would require. The Fatah leadership would be too vulnerable to being overthrown by more-radical Palestinian movements for Israelis to trust it as a security partner. The chance of Israelis seriously engaging with an unreformed Palestinian movement on the old Oslo peace agenda is zero. On this point, Mr. Netanyahu and his rivals agree.

But what if there was a deep reform in Palestinian governance? What if, with significant financial and political support from the Gulf Arabs, a new generation of pragmatic Palestinian leaders bent on stability and economic development replaced the tired old guard and rejected the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in favor of more-effective institutions, stopped financial payments to the families of terrorists in Israeli prisons, and introduced real educational reforms to stop radicalizing young Palestinians?

Neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates has experience with or interest in building democracy. But both have been successful at addressing extremism and improving governance. There are pragmatic Palestinians all over the world who have turned their backs on the hollow radicalism and stale rhetoric of official Palestinian politics and become successful in business and other fields. Bringing these parties together with like-minded Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza could start a new era of better Palestinian governance and pragmatism toward Israel.

If that happened, over time Israelis could come to trust Palestinians again. Peace with a weak and unstable entity like the Palestinian Authority in its current form is impossible. Peace with a time-tested, stable and competent Palestinian Authority backed by the Gulf Arabs would be another proposition.

The Gulf Arabs badly want new and better Palestinian leadership to emerge. That is partially because they want regional stability and partially because they genuinely want a better future for the Palestinians. The Biden administration could launch a process of political reconstruction among Palestinians by helping the Gulf Arabs, the Israelis and a mix of new and old Palestinian leaders develop an interim program for the rehabilitation of Gaza, serious change on the West Bank, and a growing role for a reformed Palestinian Authority.

The negotiations wouldnt be easy, and like many other hopeful initiatives in the history of this tragic conflict, this attempt could fail. But the opportunity is real. Israel needs American support and would like to deepen its relations with Arab neighbors. Team Biden wants stability and a foreign-policy success. Palestinian politics have reached a dead end both in the West Bank and Gaza. The Gulf Arabs want detente in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to block Irans effort to legitimate its regional ambitions by appearing as the chief supporter of the Palestinian movement.

The old Oslo peace process is dead, but President Biden has a chance to initiate a new kind of peace process that could at long last lay the foundation of a peaceful future for both peoples.
The last time the world heard from Alexei Navalny was on December 7th, when Russias most important opposition leader, who has been sentenced to 19 years in jail on various trumped-up charges (a term which could be extended to 30 years on new terrorism charges), announced a campaign to discredit Vladimir Putins re-election as president. On that day, a post from Mr Navalny appeared on X (formerly Twitter): The presidential elections will take place on March 17, 2024We encourage everyone to use the 100 days before the vote to fight against Putin and his power."

At the same time, Mr Navalnys allies put up a website called Russia Without Putin". The purpose was not to influence the electoral result, it said; Mr Putins re-election is a foregone conclusion. Rather, it was to expose its hollowness: The result will be rigged. Our task is to make it obvious to everyone that Russia does not need Putin." As ever, Mr Navalny showed that he is able to make an impact even from behind bars. Barred from fighting for Russians votes, he is fighting for their minds, hoping to turn them against the war and Mr Putin.

The next day, on December 8th, Mr Putin confirmed that he would run in the 2024 elections. The announcement was quietly inserted into a comment made by Mr Putin at a Kremlin reception, in response to a staged plea from a former military commander in Ukraines Donbas region. The goal was to limit attention to Mr Putins campaign rather than to highlight it, said Ekaterina Schulmann, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, a think-tank in Berlin. The Kremlin does not fear opposition politicians; they are all dead, in exile or in prison. Rather, it worries about popular doubt over the legitimacy of Mr Putins re-election.

Mr Navalnys goal is to fan those doubts. He wanted to make sure, he said in his post, that on election day no one cares about the falsified result, but that all of Russia has seen and understood" that it was faked. The Kremlin, as usual, took Mr Navalnys threat seriously, and has made him disappear, from public view at least.

In October several of Mr Navalnys lawyers, who carry his messages to the outside world, were harassed and jailed. On December 11th lawyers who had replaced them were told that Mr Navalny was no longer in his most recently known prison, Penal Colony No. 6, east of Moscow. The authorities have not told them where he has been taken. Mr Navalny has been kept in conditions amounting to torture since his arrest in 2021, and has been awaiting a transfer to an even harsher jail for months. But the timing of his disappearance was almost certainly co-ordinated with Mr Putins pre-election operation.

For the past nine days Mr Navalnys lawyers have desperately tried to locate him within Russias vast gulag system. For prisoners, the period when they are in transfer between prisons is particularly dangerous; it is de facto impossible to hold anyone accountable for their life and safety. Mr Navalny has never before gone missing for more than a few days. If Mr Navalnys lawyers and family cannot locate him, nothing stops the Kremlin from turning days into weeks. On social media the question Where is Navalny?" is more and more prominent.

On December 14th Mr Putin staged his annual call-in press conference. Its main purpose was to demonstrate continuity and the lack of an alternative to his rule. The war, he said, will continue for as long as it takes to fulfil its goals. Meanwhile, in a rare daytime attack, a salvo of supersonic missiles struck Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine. But other news suggested that Mr Putins goals are not close to being achieved: while Russia was showering Ukraine with rockets, EU leaders agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine. (It was Ukraines aspiration to move closer to the EU that triggered the overthrow of a Russia-backed government in 2014, which was followed by the Kremlins first attack on the country.)

The Russian president did not say how many hundreds of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives have been consumed by his war, but some figures he used inadvertently hinted at it. By September 2022, he said, 318,000 people had been mobilised; this year another 480,000 have been signed up. Russian and foreign sources agree that some 150,000 were deployed at the start of the invasion. And Mr Putin also said that at present some 615,000 troops are directly involved in the fighting. The figures suggest that well over 300,000 have been killed or woundeda toll that corresponds to the latest American estimates.

Mr Putin said his war has already brought benefits: Russias economy is expected to grow by around 3.5% this year, and unemployment is at a record low. In his four-hour appearance, he said nothing about the presidential election. He did thank one supporter who said he had been in power for as long as I remember". But one question hung in the air without being asked: Where is Navalny?"

 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 Congress on Saturday named party veteran and former Chhattisgarh assembly speaker, Charan Das Mahant, as the leader of its legislative party in the state, days after suffering a massive defeat in the assembly elections at the hands of BJP.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the proposal for the appointment of Mahant, a fifth-term MLA, as the CLP leader of Chhattisgarh, with immediate effect, as per a release shared by the state Congress unit.

The Congress president has also approved the proposal to continue Deepak Baij as the president of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee, as per the release issued by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal.

The new CLP leader is the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly.

Mahant had served as the Speaker in the outgoing Chhattisgarh legislative assembly.

A seasoned politician, Mahant, 69, retained the Sakti seat by defeating BJP's Khilawan Sahu by 12,395 votes in recent elections.

Mahant, who hails from the Other Backward Class (OBC) community, was also among the front-runners for the post of Chhattisgarh chief minister along with Bhupesh Baghel, TS Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu when Congress won the assembly elections in 2018.

Mahant was elected as an MLA thrice in the undivided Madhya Pradesh and went on to serve as Home and Public Relations Department Minister in the Madhya Pradesh government (1995-1998). He has been elected twice to the Chhattisgarh assembly in 2018 and 2023.

He was elected as a member of Lok Sabha thrice in 1998, 1999 and 2009. He was appointed as Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government in 2011.

Mahant had also served as Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee president in 2013 for around six months. He had been the working president of the party's state unit many times between 2004 and 2013, but could not bring the party to power both in the 2008 and 2013 assembly elections.

State Congress president and party MP Baij lost the recent assembly elections from the Chitrakot segment against BJP's Vinayak Goyal by a margin of 8,370 votes.

The Congress was routed in the assembly elections in the state with the BJP winning 54 out of the 90 seats, reducing the erstwhile ruling party to 35 seats.

The newly-elected MLAs of the party on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution authorising Kharge to pick its leader in Chhattisgarh.

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Israeli and Qatari officials were set to meet in Norway on Saturday in an effort to revive talks about the release of hostages held in Gaza in return for a cease-fire and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, according to people familiar with the matter.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was due to meet David Barnea, director of Israels Mossad intelligence agency, in Oslo, the people said, describing the talks as exploratory. They added that Barnea is also likely to meet with Egyptian officials.

The planned talks come a day after the Israeli military said it had mistakenly killed three hostages during fighting in Gaza, an incident that has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to take new steps to free the 129 remaining hostages.

Significant obstacles impede a resumption of negotiations on a new hostage deal, the people said, including disagreements over the possible terms within Hamas, the U.S.-designated terror group whose Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel sparked the Gaza war.

The Oslo meeting would be the first between senior Israeli and Qatari officials since a weeklong truce brokered by Qatar and Egypt ended two weeks ago after Hamas failed to hand over a final group of female hostages and two young children who remain in captivity.

Netanyahus office didnt immediately respond on Saturday to a request for comment on the Oslo meeting.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Friday that he had talked with Barnea the previous day about how to move forward to secure the release of all the hostages," adding that he was neither optimistic nor pessimistic about further releases anytime soon.

Family members of American hostages met with President Biden at the White House on Wednesday.

Hamas officials have blamed Israel for the collapse of the cease-fire on Dec. 1, saying the women hostages Israel expected to be released were soldiers and not part of the original cease-fire agreement. Remaining civilian female hostages are held by other militant groups in Gaza and are outside its control, Hamas officials have told negotiators.

The prospects for reviving a truce also depend on Hamass willingness to consider trading the U.S.-Israeli citizens, male Israelis and other categories of hostages that Hamas considers its most valuable bargaining chips for obtaining large-scale Palestinian prisoner releases and a lasting cease-fire.

In Gaza, sustained shelling and fighting between Israeli troops and militants continued through the night and into Saturday morning, residents said, including in the oldest section of Gaza City in the northern part of the enclave.

We could hear shrapnel falling around our house," said Hanadi Salim, 40, a local resident. We are caught in the crossfire."

The Israeli military said its operations continued overnight in Gaza City and Jabalia, a fiercely contested neighborhood in the north. Warplanes carried out a strike on militants on the roof of a Jabalia residence who fired at Israeli forces. Israeli troops also conducted raids on two schools in the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City, where the military said Hamas militants had concealed themselves.

Qatar and Egypt have proposed new ideas to Hamas to try to obtain the release of more hostages, beyond the remaining women and children held captive. Among those ideas is releasing elderly and civilian men in exchange for some senior Palestinian prisoners, according to Egyptian officials.

Other ideas include a deal that could include the return of three senior Israeli officers kidnapped on Oct. 7 in exchange for 10 veteran Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti, a popular leader in the Palestinian Authoritys ruling Fatah faction, who is serving five life sentences for the murder of Israelis in the early 2000s.

Hamass military wing, however, has been unresponsive to overtures made in recent days to try to revive concrete negotiations about the hostages.

Al Thani, the Qatari premier, said last week that mediation efforts to secure a new cease-fire and free more hostages held by Hamas were continuing, but he blamed Israeli strikes for hampering chances of a successful outcome.

Our efforts as the state of Qatar along with our partners are continuing. We are not going to give up," he said. The continuation of the bombardment is just narrowing this window for us."

Israels military has had little success at freeing hostages through its military operations, but Israeli officials believe their continuing offensive targeting southern Gaza is putting pressure on Hamas to return to the negotiation table.

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza say their government isnt doing enough to rescue those held by Hamas and that time is running out to repatriate their relatives who are still alive.

It seems like President Biden is doing more to return the hostages than the government of Israel. The government of Israel should get a handle on itself," said Ruby Chen, the American-Israeli father of hostage Itay. Chen said he was part of the recent delegation that visited the White House.

More than 70 days into the war, Chen said the situation was no longer tolerable and that families were every day dreading news of the latest hostage death.

Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com and David S. Cloud at david.cloud@wsj.com
As we bid adieu to another year, Mint takes a look at a cosmic journey through some of the most captivating snapshots shared by NASA of our home planet from the vastness of space. Brace yourselves for an extraordinary year-ender filled with celestial wonders and breathtaking views.

Celestial Framing: Earths Portrait from SpaceX Dragons Window

Embark on a visual odyssey as the SpaceX Dragon Endurance spacecraft, en route to the International Space Station, unveils a truly special image of Earth. NASA, the storyteller of the cosmos, took to Instagram to share the intricacies of this masterpiece. Framed by the spacecraft capsule window, the composition captures the blue waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, the continents of Europe and Africa, and a celestial ballet of small white clouds dancing across the sky.

Cloud Chronicles: Aboard the International Space Station

Peer through the lens of astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as they unveil a unique vantage point of our Blue Planet. In an Instagram post from months past, Andreas Mogensen shares a glimpse of Earth adorned in a mesmerizing blanket of clouds. This ethereal view, a testament to the celestial poetry witnessed from the ISS, leaves us in awe.

Aurora Unleashed: Earths Nighttime Spectacle

Behold the natural spectacle of auroras, Mother Natures enchanting light show. The vibrant hues of these celestial dancers pirouette across the night canvas, creating a mesmerizing sight. When captured from the cold expanse of space, these auroras take on an even more stunning allure. Join NASA in a celestial waltz as an aurora dance in Earths atmosphere, captured by the International Space Station during orbital nighttime.

Aerial Tapestry: Horn of Africas Unique Landscape

Explore the canvas of the Horn of Africa through the lens of an astronaut orbiting aboard the ISS. In a recent post on NASA Earths dedicated Instagram page, witness the breathtaking pictures showcasing Somalias northeast coast. Winds sculpting sand dunes, streams carving canyons  a visual symphony of nature captured from space.

Himalayan Majesty: Peaks and Clouds from the International Space Station

Journey to the Himalayas through the lens of astronaut Andreas Mogensen, presently aboard the International Space Station. In a series of photographs captured on a clear and cloudless day, witness the majestic peaks of the Himalayan Mountains. A thrilling uncertainty surrounds the photograph of Mount Everest, marked by a few cloudsa testament to the awe-inspiring mystery and beauty of our planet.

As we reflect on the wonders witnessed from the cosmic stage, these snapshots remind us of the vast, intricate beauty that defines our home in the universe. Heres to another year of celestial discoveries and the promise of more extraordinary views in the year to come.

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An excellent oven has the power to elevate a dish from average to awesome. For home cooks who are enthusiastic about making culinary masterpieces, selecting an electric oven is crucial. We explore the world of electric ovens in this in-depth guide, offering a carefully chosen range of the best options that will enhance your cooking pursuits.

The modern kitchen is a canvas for culinary creativity and discovery, not merely a place to cook. With its many features and cutting-edge technology, electric ovens have entirely changed how home cooks prepare food. They accommodate a variety of cooking techniques and tastes with their accuracy, ease, and adaptability.

We explore a variety of electric ovens in this article, each chosen for its special qualities, functionality, and fit for different types of cooking. This selection includes a range of ovens designed to satisfy various cooking needs, whether you're a baker who wants even heat distribution for delicate pastries or a griller who wants better broiling capabilities.

These leading electric ovens represent the blend of innovation and design; they are more than simply valuable items. The selection of ovens includes compact, stylish versions as well as sturdy, multipurpose appliances that complement contemporary kitchen design and provide cooks with state-of-the-art cooking tools.

The features of these selected appliances include digital connection, energy economy, temperature accuracy, and user-friendly controls. We examine each oven's unique characteristics, emphasising its best attributes, which include convection technology, a variety of cooking settings, self-cleaning capabilities, and easy connectivity with smart home devices.

Whether you're looking to add to your kitchen arsenal or find the ideal oven to go along with your culinary prowess, our selection can help you navigate the plethora of choices available in the always-changing electric oven market.

Also Read: Microwaves under 25,000: Top 10 affordable choices

1. AMERICAN MICRONIC-36 Litre Oven Toaster Griller, with Upgraded 250C Max Temperature, 2000W Power with Rotisserie, Convection, Dual Thermostat, 120M timer & Double Glass Door, Inner Light (Black)-AMI-OTG-36LDx-2023 Model

This American Micronic oven toaster griller is ready to take your cooking to the next level. Featuring a massive 250C maximum temperature, 2000W of power, rotisserie, convection and dual thermostat functions, this appliance is ready to roast, bake, toast and grill to perfection. With a generous 36 liter capacity and double glass doors, you can cook multiple dishes simultaneously for the whole family. The 120 minute timer and interior light make it easy to monitor your creations without opening the door and losing heat. The stylish black exterior and versatile performance make this a must-have for any kitchen, allowing you to create restaurant-quality dishes with ease. So say goodbye to mediocre meals - with this innovative oven toaster griller in your arsenal, you'll be baking up deliciousness for your friends and family in no time.

Specifications of AMERICAN MICRONIC-36 Litre Oven Toaster Griller, with Upgraded 250C Max Temperature, 2000W Power with Rotisserie, Convection, Dual Thermostat, 120M timer & Double Glass Door, Inner Light (Black)-AMI-OTG-36LDx-2023 Model:

Capacity: 36 liters

Power: 2000 watts

Max Temperature: 250C

Features: Rotisserie, Convection, Dual Thermostat, 120-minute timer, Double Glass Door, Inner Light

Color: Black

Pros Cons 1. High Max Temperature (250C) 1. May be relatively expensive 2. Powerful (2000W) 2. Larger size may take up more space 3. Rotisserie feature 3. Black color may show smudges 4. Convection for even cooking 4. Inner light may not be necessary 5. Dual Thermostat for precise control 6. Long 120-minute timer 7. Double Glass Door for insulation 8. Inner Light for monitoring

2. Faber FOTG BK 45 Liter (OVEN TOASTER GRILLER FOTG 45L,) Black, Medium

This 45 liter oven toaster griller from Faber opens your kitchen to a whole world of quick and easy cooking like a master chef every day. Its large capacity allows you to bake cakes, pastries and cupcakes effortlessly as well as make pizzas and cookies. The cool touch handle and 4 stage heating selection with upper, lower and combined heating zones provide full control. The 2000 watt input power combined with the tungsten heating element and superior stability allow you to roast, bake, grill, toast and reheat at temperatures up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to cook any dish. The built-in timer with bell up to 60 minutes and the convection function circulates air for even heating. The heat resistant glass window allows you to keep an eye on your dishes as they cook. The 1 year comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind for your new smart kitchen appliance.

Specifications of Faber FOTG BK 45 Liter (OVEN TOASTER GRILLER FOTG 45L,) Black, Medium:

Capacity: 45 liters

Color: Black

Pros Cons 1. Large Capacity (45 liters) 1. May be too big for some kitchens 2. Suitable for various cooking tasks 2. Black color may show smudges 3. Medium-sized for versatility

3. AGARO Marvel 9 Liters Oven Toaster Griller,Cake Baking Otg (Black),800 Watts

Bring the magic of a bakery right to your kitchen counter with the AGARO Marvel 9 Oven Toaster Griller. This versatile 800-watt appliance bakes cakes, toasts bread, and grills meats to perfection thanks to its adjustable temperature range from 100C to 250C. The stainless steel cavity features a heat-resistant glass window so you can keep an eye on your creations as they cook, while the cool-touch handle and exterior make it safe for curious little hands. A built-in timer and auto shut-off ensure your toast doesn't burn and your cookies don't overbake. Whether you're whipping up a quick breakfast or baking a birthday cake for the whole family, the AGARO Marvel 9 has you covered with a full suite of cooking functions in one compact appliance. With a one-year manufacturer's warranty and a stylish black exterior, this versatile countertop cooker is ready to become your new kitchen companion.

Specifications of AGARO Marvel 9 Liters Oven Toaster Griller,Cake Baking Otg (Black),800 Watts:

Capacity: 9 liters

Power: 800 watts

Color: Black

Suitable for cake baking

Pros Cons 1. Compact size (9 liters) 1. Limited capacity for larger meals 2. Suitable for cake baking 2. Lower power (800W) 3. Portable and space-saving 4. Affordable

4. Philips HD6975/00 Digital Oven Toaster Grill, 25 Litre OTG, 1500 Watt with Opti Temp Technology, Chamber light and 10 preset menus, Inner Lamp (Grey)

This Philips oven toaster grill offers everything you need for convenience and consistency in your cooking. With 25 liters of capacity, 1500 watts of power and opti temp technology, you'll enjoy uniform results whether baking bread, roasting meat or toasting your morning bagel. The preset menus for pizza, cookies and more do the work for you, dialing in the perfect time, temperature and heating for each food type, giving you expert results with minimal effort. An interior lamp makes monitoring progress simple, while the motorized rotisserie, double glass door and rust-free rod ensure even cooking and safety. After 90 minutes of use, the auto cut-off helps prevent overcooking accidents. Overall, this Philips OTG's host of smart features take the guesswork out of your cooking, helping you create delicious meals and baked goods with less hassle.

Specifications of Philips HD6975/00 Digital Oven Toaster Grill, 25 Litre OTG, 1500 Watt with Opti Temp Technology, Chamber light and 10 preset menus, Inner Lamp (Grey):

Capacity: 25 liters

Power: 1500 watts

Features: Opti Temp Technology, Chamber light, 10 preset menus

Color: Grey

Pros Cons 1. Digital controls and presets 1. Smaller capacity (25 liters) 2. Opti Temp Technology for precise heat 2. Grey color may not suit all kitchens 3. Chamber light for visibility 4. 10 preset menus for convenience

5. Bajaj 1603T Oven Toaster Grill (Otg) With Baking & Grilling Accessories, Oven For Kitchen With Transparent Glass Door, 2 Year Warranty, White, 1200 Watts, 16 liter

This multi-tasking appliance from Bajaj is the perfect addition to any modern kitchen. With its spacious 16 liter capacity, the OTG can bake, grill, toast and more, all from a single compact unit. The temperature range of 0-250 degrees C, rotisserie function and convection heating ensure even cooking and crispy results every time. The transparent glass door lets you keep an eye on your creations as they cook, while the removable crumb tray and accessories make clean-up a breeze. With a powerful 1200 W heating element, this oven heats up quickly and efficiently to satisfy all your culinary cravings. The adjustable timer with auto shut-off provides peace of mind, and the 2-year warranty shows Bajaj's confidence in the quality and durability of this oven. Whether you're preparing a weeknight meal for two or three or baking sweet treats, the Bajaj OTG's precise temperature control and versatile cooking functions give you the flexibility to make whatever your heart desires.

Specifications of Bajaj 1603T Oven Toaster Grill (Otg) With Baking & Grilling Accessories, Oven For Kitchen With Transparent Glass Door, 2 Year Warranty, White, 1200 Watts, 16 liter:

Capacity: 16 liters

Power: 1200 watts

Features: Transparent Glass Door, 2-Year Warranty

Color: White

Pros Cons 1. Transparent Glass Door 1. Smaller capacity (16 liters) 2. Baking & Grilling Accessories included 2. Limited warranty (2 years) 3. Affordable price 3. White color may stain easily

6. Morphy Richards 30RCSS LuxeChef 30 Litre Oven Toaster Griller (30 Litres OTG) with Illuminated Chamber, Stainless Steel & Convection Fan, Baking Oven, 2-Yr Warranty by Brand, Premium Gold & Matt Black

This luxe oven toaster griller from Morphy Richards will transform your kitchen into a culinary wonderland. The premium gold and black exterior makes a stylish statement while the 1-25C temperature range allows you to bake, roast, grill and toast to perfection. The illuminated chamber automatically switches on when you open the door so you can monitor your creations as they cook. The convection and rotisserie functions ensure even cooking and golden brown results every time, and the 6 cooking modes give you the flexibility to bake breads, roast meats and more. From reheating leftovers to whipping up a feast for friends, this oven toaster griller delivers convenience, precision and performance thanks to its large 30 liter capacity, accurate temperature controls and durable stainless steel construction backed by a generous 2-year warranty. Add this versatile countertop cooker to your kitchen arsenal and unlock a whole new world of culinary possibilities.

Specifications of Morphy Richards 30RCSS LuxeChef 30 Litre Oven Toaster Griller (30 Litres OTG) with Illuminated Chamber, Stainless Steel & Convection Fan, Baking Oven, 2-Yr Warranty by Brand, Premium Gold & Matt Black:

Capacity: 30 liters

Features: Illuminated Chamber, Stainless Steel, Convection Fan, Baking Oven

Warranty: 2 years

Colors: Premium Gold & Matt Black

Pros Cons 1. Illuminated Chamber for visibility 1. Larger size may take up more space 2. Stainless Steel construction 2. May be relatively expensive 3. Convection Fan for even cooking 3. Premium Gold & Matt Black colors 4. 2-Year Warranty by Brand

7. Bajaj Majesty 1603 TSS 16L Oven Toaster Griller (16 Litres OTG) Baking & Grilling Accessories, Oven for Kitchen with Stainless Steel Body, 2 Year Warranty, Black & Silver

Transform your kitchen into a culinary wonderland with the Bajaj Majesty OTG. This multi-functional oven toaster grill lets you bake, broil and roast to perfection, giving you a versatile appliance that elevates your everyday meals. Made from a durable stainless steel and powder-coated metal blend, the Bajaj Majesty boasts a sleek and stylish design that complements any modern kitchen. A generous 16-liter capacity means you'll have plenty of room for your favorite recipes, while the auto shut-off feature and temperature thermostat provide peace of mind. Simply set the digital timer and let this wonder oven work its magic, turning out evenly cooked pizza, cakes, breads and more with consistent, professional results. Whether you need an extra oven for holiday meals or just want an easy way to make homemade treats, the Bajaj Majesty OTG brings the joy of baking and grilling right to your countertop.

Specifications of Bajaj Majesty 1603 TSS 16L Oven Toaster Griller (16 Litres OTG) Baking & Grilling Accessories, Oven for Kitchen with Stainless Steel Body, 2 Year Warranty, Black & Silver:

Capacity: 16 liters

Features: Stainless Steel Body, 2-Year Warranty

Colors: Black & Silver

Pros Cons 1. Stainless Steel Body 1. Smaller capacity (16 liters) 2. Baking & Grilling Accessories included 2. Limited warranty (2 years) 3. Affordable price 3. Black & Silver colors

8. AMERICAN MICRONIC INSTRUMENTS-Imported Oven Toaster Griller (OTG), 30 Liter, 1500 Watts with 4 Heating Elements and 60 Minutes Timer, Inner light-AMI-OTG-30LDx, Black and Silver

The American Micronic OTG brings the magic of versatile oven cooking right to your kitchen counter. Made from durable metal in classic black and silver hues, this 1500-watt countertop oven features 4 heating elements, 60-minute timer and inner light for perfect results every time. Use the precise thermostat and temperature knobs to bake, toast and grill to perfection. The 30-liter capacity oven accommodates multiple dishes at once for family meals or entertaining while the non-stick wire rack, baking tray and instruction manual make it simple to start cooking right out of the box. Backed by a robust 2-year warranty, this versatile oven is a must for home chefs who want to experiment with new recipes and techniques without heating up the whole house. So ditch the big bulky oven and bring the convenience of multiple cooking functions right to your countertop with this feature-packed, space-saving American Micronic Instruments OTG.

Specifications of AMERICAN MICRONIC INSTRUMENTS-Imported Oven Toaster Griller (OTG), 30 Liter, 1500 Watts with 4 Heating Elements and 60 Minutes Timer, Inner light-AMI-OTG-30LDx, Black and Silver:

Capacity: 30 liters

Power: 1500 watts

Features: 4 Heating Elements, 60 Minutes Timer, Inner Light

Colors: Black and Silver

Pros Cons 1. High Max Temperature (250C) 1. May be relatively expensive 2. Powerful (1500W) 2. Limited capacity (30 liters) 3. 4 Heating Elements for even cooking 3. Limited timer (60 minutes) 4. Inner light for monitoring 4. Black and Silver color

9. Prestige POTG 19 PCR 1380-Watt Oven Toaster Grill (Black, 19 Liters)

This Prestige POTG 19 PCR is more than just an oven toaster grillit's a culinary wonder machine. Crafted from stainless steel and packing 1380 watts of power, this 19-liter wonder bakes, grills and toasts with precision and panache. Its drop down crumb tray and 4 stainless steel heaters ensure even heating for perfect results every time, while the 1 to 25 degree temperature control range gives you granular control over your creations. Whether you're baking up fluffy muffins, or perfectly browning sandwiches, this versatile appliance delivers. Its spacious 19-liter capacity accommodates up to 3 standard baking trays at once, making it easy to cook for the whole family. Backed by a 1-year warranty and including an instruction manual and warranty card, this Prestige POTG 19 PCR oven toaster grill gives you the tools you need to take your cooking to the next level with stylish results. So don your apron, fire up those heaters and get creative in your kitchenthis wonder machine is waiting to make your culinary dreams a reality.

Specifications of Prestige POTG 19 PCR 1380-Watt Oven Toaster Grill (Black, 19 Liters):

Capacity: 19 liters

Power: 1380 watts

Color: Black

Pros Cons 1. Powerful (1380W) 1. Smaller capacity (19 liters) 2. Suitable for various cooking tasks 2. Limited warranty (2 years) 3. Black color for versatility 3. Limited presets or features

Also Read: IFB microwaves: Top 7 reliable kitchen companions

10. Borosil Prima 24 L Oven Toaster & Grill, Motorised Rotisserie & Convection Heating, 5 Heating Modes, Black

This Borosil Prima 24 L oven is ready to take your cooking to the next level with five versatile heating modes, motorized rotisserie, and convection heating. Whether you want to roast, bake, broil, or grill, this oven delivers stellar performance and precise temperature control. The motorized rotisserie lets you easily cook up whole chickens, roasts and more with restaurant-quality results while the convection heating circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking. Beyond traditional oven functions, the toaster and grill features mean you can make everything from toast and paninis to kebabs and kabobs - all from one handy appliance. The sleek black exterior looks great in any kitchen while the sturdy construction ensures long-lasting use for years of delicious meals. So say goodbye to multiple appliances cluttering up your counters and cabinets - this versatile Borosil Prima 24 L oven brings it all together in one dynamic heating machine that makes cooking simple, fast and fun.

Specifications of Borosil Prima 24 L Oven Toaster & Grill, Motorised Rotisserie & Convection Heating, 5 Heating Modes, Black:

Capacity: 24 liters

Features: Motorised Rotisserie, Convection Heating, 5 Heating Modes

Color: Black

Pros Cons 1. Motorized Rotisserie 1. Limited capacity (24 liters) 2. Convection Heating for even cooking 2. Limited heating modes (5) 3. Suitable for various cooking tasks 3. Black color may show smudges

Top 3 features for you

Product Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 AMERICAN MICRONIC-36 Litre Oven Toaster Griller (AMI-OTG-36LDx-2023 Model) Max Temperature: 250C Power: 2000W Rotisserie Function Faber FOTG BK 45 Liter Oven Toaster Griller (FOTG 45L) Large Capacity: 45 liters Versatile Cooking Medium Size AGARO Marvel 9 Liters Oven Toaster Griller Compact Size: 9 liters Cake Baking 800 Watts Power Philips HD6975/00 Digital Oven Toaster Grill (25 Litre) Digital Controls Opti Temp Technology 10 Preset Menus Bajaj 1603T Oven Toaster Grill (16 Litre) Transparent Glass Door Baking & Grilling Accessories 2-Year Warranty Morphy Richards 30RCSS LuxeChef 30 Litre Oven Toaster Griller Illuminated Chamber Stainless Steel Construction Convection Fan Bajaj Majesty 1603 TSS 16L Oven Toaster Griller Stainless Steel Body Baking & Grilling Accessories 2-Year Warranty AMERICAN MICRONIC INSTRUMENTS 30 Liter Oven Toaster Griller (AMI-OTG-30LDx) Max Temperature: 250C 4 Heating Elements 60-Minute Timer Prestige POTG 19 PCR 1380-Watt Oven Toaster Grill Powerful: 1380W Versatile Cooking Black Color Borosil Prima 24 L Oven Toaster & Grill Motorized Rotisserie Convection Heating 5 Heating Modes

Best value for money

Unleash your inner chef with the Faber FOTG 45 Liter oven toaster griller. This versatile kitchen companion roasts, bakes, grills, toasts, reheats and more with ease thanks to its spacious 45 liter capacity and 2000 watt max input. The cool touch handle, 4-stage heating selection and convenient 60 minute timer make it simple to whip up everything from pizzas and cookies to paneer toast sandwiches. The inner light, tungsten heating element and superior stability provide consistent results while the convection function helps circulate hot air for even cooking. Whether you're baking cakes, roasting meats or making rotisserie chicken, this feature-rich OTG oven delivers restaurant quality food in the comfort of your own home. So don't just cook dinner, make every meal a culinary masterpiece with the help of the innovative Faber FOTG 45 Liter oven toaster griller.

Best overall product

Philips HD6975/00 Digital Oven Toaster Grill is a multi-talented kitchen all-star. With 25 liters of capacity, 1500 watts of power and Opti Temp technology, this digital oven delivers uniform cooking and perfect results every time. Use one of the 10 preset menu options to roast, bake, broil, grill and more with just one touch. The preheat mode ensures foods come out perfectly browned and cooked through, while the motorized rotisserie and rust-free rod provide expert rotisserie results. A double glass door lets you monitor progress while retaining heat and safety, and the interior lamp and chamber light illuminate your masterpieces. After 90 minutes of use, this Philips OTG automatically shuts off for safety. Built with durable, high-quality materials that have been tested for 600 hours of endurance, this Philips OTG is designed to be your go-to kitchen gadget for perfectly cooked meals anytime.

How to find the Best Electric Ovens?

Selecting the ideal electric oven requires a customised strategy to meet your culinary goals. Start by assessing your unique demands and culinary habits. Knowing your needs is essential, whether you're a baker who wants exact temperature control or a multi-talented chef trying out different cooking methods.

Think about how big the oven is in proportion to your kitchen and how much food you usually cook. It should fit snugly and support your culinary goals without taking over the kitchen arrangement.

Examining the characteristics becomes essential. Seek features that fit your cooking style: smart connection for smooth integration into a contemporary kitchen environment, convection capabilities for uniform heat distribution, a variety of cooking modes for diversity, and programmable settings for ease of use.

Efficiency is more important than culinary skill. Look for models that are energy-efficient and help create a sustainable kitchen setting in addition to lowering utility expenses. Furthermore, give simple maintenance a priority by taking into account features like self-cleaning capabilities or detachable components for hassle-free maintenance.

In the end, the greatest electric oven fits in with your lifestyle and tastes, improving your cooking experiences and blending in smoothly with your culinary adventure. You'll discover an oven that turns your kitchen into a sanctuary for culinary experimentation and creativity by giving top priority to features that meet your specific demands.

FAQs

Question : Do electric ovens use less energy?

Ans : Energy-efficient features are common in newer models. However, specific efficiency varies. In order to maximise energy use, look for features like self-cleaning modes and energy ratings.

Question : What benefits can convection ovens offer?

Ans : Convection ovens cook food more evenly and quickly by using a fan to circulate hot air. They provide reliable results while baking and roasting.

Question : Are there any particular electrical connections needed for electric ovens?

Ans : Indeed, particular voltage and amperage electrical circuits are usually needed for electric ovens. Before installation, it is essential to make sure your kitchen is electrically configured correctly.

Question : How can the temperature in an electric oven be adjusted?

Ans : You can adjust the temperature in certain ovens. To find out how to change the temperature, see the user handbook or use an oven thermometer to verify and make any necessary adjustments.

Question : Do I need to take any safety measures while using an electric oven?

Ans : Always refer to the handbook for safety guidelines. To avoid overheating, keep combustible goods away from the oven, use oven gloves when handling hot trays, and make sure there is enough ventilation when cooking.

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.

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An original sculpture of the frieze of the Parthenon temple is exhibited at the Parthenon Gallery of the Acropolis Museum, in Athens, Greece, January 29, 2020.

The United States on Friday returned to Greece 30 ancient artifacts, including marble statues, armor helmets and breastplates, found to have been illicitly removed from the country, authorities said.

The pieces handed over to Greek officials in New York date back from as long as 4,700 years ago to the Middle Ages. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the exquisite works were collectively valued at $3.7 million (3.39 million euros).

Nineteen of the artifacts were voluntarily surrendered from New York gallery owner Michael Ward, the DAs office said in a statement.

Three others were seized from British art dealer Robin Symes, the statement said, while one was seized from a storage unit belonging to an unspecified New York-based private collector.

This is an exquisite set of 30 antiquities that represents the extraordinary depth and beauty of Greeces cultural heritage, Bragg said.

The works include a Roman-era headless marble statue of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love. Braggs office said it was recovered from a storage unit that belonged to Symes, where it had been hidden since at least 1999.

There were also seven bronze helmets dating from 6th century B.C. to 3rd century B.C., two bronze and two iron breastplates for soldiers, a medieval silver platter, a marble Cycladic figurine dating to 2,700-2,300 B.C. and Mycenaean and Minoan Cretan pottery.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni praised in a statement the strong cooperation and hard work by U.S. and Greek experts that led to the antiquities return.

The return follows two similar operations earlier this year, involving 29 antiquities, and last year, when 55 works were returned from New York.

Greece has for decades been targeted by criminal networks engaged in the trafficking of illegally excavated antiquities that command high prices worldwide. By law, all ancient artifacts found in the country are state property.

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Whether solo, grill, or convection, "under 30,000" is such a range in which you can find a perfect microwave to cater to your culinary needs without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we bring you the 10 best microwaves under 30,000, carefully curated to meet the specific requirements of Indian households. Whether you are a busy professional looking for a quick meal solution, a home chef experimenting with recipes, or a family seeking convenience, our top picks are sure to delight you.

Microwaves have become an indispensable kitchen appliance, simplifying cooking and reheating tasks. The Indian market is flooded with options, making it a daunting task to choose the right one. That is where our expertise comes into play. We have scoured the market, considering factors like cooking technology, capacity, user-friendly features, and of course, affordability to bring you this list of the best microwaves under 30,000.

In this guide, we will walk you through the various types of microwaves available in this price range, including solo microwaves, grill microwaves, and convection microwaves. Each type has its unique set of features, and we will help you understand which one suits your cooking style and preferences best.

For those who prefer the simplicity of reheating and basic cooking, solo microwaves are the way to go. They are cost-effective and great for everyday tasks like warming up leftovers and making instant meals. On the other hand, grill microwaves are ideal for those who love the taste of grilled dishes. They come with additional features to help you achieve that perfect grill effect on your food. Convection microwaves, the most versatile of the bunch, combine microwave and convection oven capabilities, allowing you to bake, roast, and grill with ease.

Capacity is another crucial factor to consider. Depending on your family size and usage, you may opt for a microwave with a smaller capacity for personal use or a larger one to cater to family gatherings and parties. Our list includes microwaves with a range of capacities to suit your specific needs.

With technological advancements, microwaves now come equipped with smart features like pre-programmed cooking modes, touch controls, and even smartphone connectivity. We will delve into these features and help you understand how they can enhance your cooking experience.

So, whether you are a bachelor starting your culinary journey, a working professional seeking convenience, or a homemaker looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances, our list of the 10 best microwaves under 30,000 has got you covered. Explore our recommendations, and make an informed choice to elevate your cooking game.

Also Read: Microwaves under 25,000: Top 10 affordable choices

1. Whirlpool 29 Litres Convection Microwave Oven With 300 Plus Auto Cook Menus (Magicook Pro 31CES-E, Black, Air Fryer)

This Whirlpool convection microwave oven is your one-way ticket to culinary genius. With 300+ auto cook menus and an air fryer function, you can whip up dishes you never thought possible using just this sleek black appliance. The 29-liter capacity means you can bake, grill and reheat for groups of 4-6, while the convection feature ensures even cooking so your meals come out perfectly cooked every time. The stylish turntable interior rotates food for more uniform heating, while the energy-efficient design keeps operating costs low. Whirlpool backs this genius machine with a 1-year warranty on the product and 5 years on the magnetron, so you're covered as you experiment with new recipes and cooking styles. Simply select from the wide variety of pre-programmed menus and let the Whirlpool magic cook do the work - you will be amazed at the delicious dishes you can now make with just the press of a button. Upgrade your kitchen and your cooking skills with this feature-packed Whirlpool genius in black.

Specifications of Whirlpool 29 Litres Convection Microwave Oven With 300 Plus Auto Cook Menus (Magicook Pro 31CES-E, Black, Air Fryer):

Capacity: 29 liters

Cooking Modes: Convection, Grill, Microwave, Air Fryer

Auto Cook Menus: 300+

Color: Black

Special Feature: Air Fryer functionality

Warranty: Standard warranty

Pros Cons Large 29-liter capacity May be bulky for smaller kitchens Versatile cooking modes including Air Fryer Higher price point Extensive auto cook menus May have a learning curve for some features Stylish black design

2. Kaff 20 Litre Built-in Microwave Oven with Microwave/Grill/Combination Programming Mode | Child Lock, Defrost Function with Time & Weight (KMW 5PJ, Black)

This space-saving Kaff microwave is designed to disappear into your kitchen cabinetry while keeping you company with its clever features. The 20-liter capacity and 800-watt output power make quick work of reheating leftovers and cooking meals for one or two. Programmable settings let you microwave, grill or combine the two for the perfect result every time. The digital clock and timer help you keep track of cooking progress while the child lock and defrost function by time and weight make this a safe and versatile appliance. Made from durable materials for long-lasting performance, this microwave offers convenient features like a push-open door and rotary control dial in a stylish black finish. Perfect for efficiency-minded cooks with limited counter space, this built-in microwave packs big performance into a compact design to make mealtimes easier.

Specifications of Kaff 20 Litre Built-in Microwave Oven with Microwave/Grill/Combination Programming Mode | Child Lock, Defrost Function with Time & Weight (KMW 5PJ, Black):

Capacity: 20 liters

Cooking Modes: Microwave, Grill, Combination

Child Lock: Yes

Defrost Function: Time & Weight-based

Color: Black

Pros Cons Compact 20-liter size, suitable for smaller kitchens Limited capacity for larger dishes Offers Microwave, Grill, and Combination modes Fewer preset cooking options Child lock for safety

3. Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven (NN-ST26JMFDG, Silver, 51 Auto Menus)

This compact countertop microwave from Panasonic is ready to upgrade your cooking. The 20-liter capacity means it's perfect for bachelors and small families, while the 800 watts of power cook food fast and evenly for delicious results. The 51 preset menu options - from snacks to desserts - make every meal a gourmet affair with the touch of a button. The Reheat and Defrost modes ensure your leftovers and frozen foods come out perfectly cooked without compromising texture or flavor. And the Vapor Clean function keeps the oven fresh and stain-free with just the push of a button. The glass turntable and compact design maximize interior space while minimizing counter footprint. Other convenient features include a touch keypad, digital display and everything you need in the box: turntable, rotating ring and user manual. Overall, this stylish yet practical microwave from Panasonic brings high performance to your kitchen in a small but mighty package.

Specifications of Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven (NN-ST26JMFDG, Silver, 51 Auto Menus):

Capacity: 20 liters

Cooking Mode: Solo Microwave

Auto Menus: 51

Color: Silver

Pros Cons Affordable price point Limited to solo microwave mode Compact size, ideal for small spaces Fewer auto cook menus 51 auto menus for convenience

4. Samsung 28L, Convection Microwave Oven with Curd Making(MC28A5013AK/TL, Black, 10 Yr warranty)

This Samsung convection microwave oven brings high-tech convenience to any kitchen. Its 28 liter capacity means it's spacious enough for large families while still fitting compactly on the counter. The convection function allows it to bake, grill, reheat and defrost just like a mini oven, taking your microwave cooking to the next level. Touch key controls make programming a cinch, while the easy-clean membrane panel is stylish and durable. A variety of auto-cook programs - including Indian recipes, dough proofing and curd making - make whipping up meals a snap. The 10-year warranty on the ceramic enamel cavity ensures this microwave will provide years of reliable performance. So say goodbye to dull, beige appliances and hello to a microwave that makes cooking fun again with its versatile functions, sleek design and helpful high-tech features.

Specifications of Samsung 28L, Convection Microwave Oven with Curd Making(MC28A5013AK/TL, Black, 10 Yr warranty):

Capacity: 28 liters

Cooking Modes: Convection, Grill, Microwave

Special Feature: Curd Making

Color: Black

Warranty: 10 years

Pros Cons Spacious 28-liter capacity Higher price point Convection, Grill, and Microwave modes May be bulky for smaller kitchens Special curd-making feature

5. IFB 25 L Solo Microwave Oven (25PM2S, Silver)

The IFB 25L Solo Microwave Oven delivers reheating, melting and cooking power for families of 5 to 6 in a compact 25-liter capacity. Boasting a 1-year warranty on the microwave itself and 3 years on the magnetron and cavity, this little powerhouse comes with everything you need, including a turntable, wire rack and quick start guide. Use the intuitive push button and dial controls to access the multi-stage cooking, quick start, auto defrost and delay start functions - making meal prep a breeze. Child safety lock ensures peace of mind for homes with young children. 61 auto-cook menus help you cook just about anything while the disinfect, deodorize and timer options provide added convenience. Overheating protection, sensor malfunction protection and a power save mode help maximize efficiency. Compact yet mighty, this silver microwave is small in size but huge on performance.

Specifications of IFB 25 L Solo Microwave Oven (25PM2S, Silver):

Capacity: 25 liters

Cooking Mode: Solo Microwave

Color: Silver

Pros Cons Adequate 25-liter capacity Limited to solo microwave mode Silver color design Fewer auto cook menus Affordable price

6. LG 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC3286BRUM, Black)

This LG convection microwave oven puts a stylish spin on the basics. Its sleek black finish and minimalist design means it fits seamlessly into any kitchen esthetic, yet it delivers major conveniences like one-touch cooking options and a large 32-liter capacity. The convection feature ensures food is cooked evenly throughout, with heat circulating throughout the chamber, while the 10 power levels give you precise control over the cooking process. Whether you are reheating leftovers, melting butter, or making popcorn, the LG 32L will transform mundane tasks into moments of culinary creativity. Its stylish good looks and wide range of functions make it a versatile and valuable addition to any modern kitchen.

Specifications of LG 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC3286BRUM, Black):

Capacity: 32 liters

Cooking Modes: Convection, Grill, Microwave

Color: Black

Pros Cons Spacious 32-liter capacity Higher price point Convection, Grill, and Microwave modes May be bulky for smaller kitchens Stylish black design

7. SHARP 20L Solo Microwave Oven (R220KNK/2023, Black, Ceramic Cavity, Digital Display, One-Touch Start)

This Sharp solo microwave makes reheating, defrosting and cooking quick and easy for one or two people. With a compact 20-liter capacity and ceramic enamel cavity for even heating, it's the perfect solution for small spaces. Simply use the touch key pad to select from programs like popcorn, baked potato and frozen vegetables, or use the one-touch start for manual timing. The digital LED display makes it simple to monitor progress and adjust settings. Plus, features like food warming, soften/melt and eco mode give you full control. Included are a glass turntable for easy loading and a quick guide to get you started. With a one-year warranty and sleek black design, this Sharp microwave is a stylish and convenient addition to any small kitchen.

Specifications of SHARP 20L Solo Microwave Oven (R220KNK/2023, Black, Ceramic Cavity, Digital Display, One-Touch Start):

Capacity: 20 liters

Cooking Mode: Solo Microwave

Cavity Type: Ceramic

Digital Display: Yes

One-Touch Start: Yes

Color: Black

Pros Cons Compact 20-liter size, suitable for small kitchens Limited to solo microwave mode Ceramic cavity for even cooking Fewer advanced features Digital display and one-touch start

8. IFB 20 L Grill Microwave Oven (20PG4S, Black/ Silver)

This 20-liter microwave oven from IFB is your new culinary sidekick. With its roomy interior, it's perfect for singles and small families who want to whip up quick yet flavorful meals. The multi-function design allows you to microwave, grill, defrost and reheat with ease, while the jog dials and push buttons make it simple to operate. The 10 preset programs - including grill mode, combination cooking and express cooking - make cooking different foods a snap. The child safety lock ensures little hands can't mess with the settings, giving parents peace of mind. Best of all, this microwave's space-saving design and sleek silver finish will look stylish in any kitchen. So upgrade your cooking routine with this powerful yet compact microwave oven from a brand you can trust - IFB.

Specifications of IFB 20 L Grill Microwave Oven (20PG4S, Black/ Silver):

Capacity: 20 liters

Cooking Mode: Grill Microwave

Color Options: Black or Silver

Pros Cons Compact 20-liter size, suitable for small kitchens Limited to grill microwave mode Offers grilling capability Fewer auto cook menus Choice of black or silver color

9. IFB 30 L Convection Microwave Oven (30BRC2, Black, With Starter Kit), Standard

This convection microwave will revolutionize the way you cook. With a spacious 30L capacity, it is perfect for large families, whipping up meals for the whole crew in no time. The convection setting allows you to bake, grill and roast in addition to the standard microwave functions, so you can make everything from casseroles to cakes to crispy chicken. Touch key controls are easy to use and easy to clean, while a dozen presets make cooking simple. Features like delay start, keeping warm, and express cooking give you full control over the end result. Safety is a top priority with a child lock and IFB's reputable build quality. Backed by IFB's superior warranty, you can cook with confidence, knowing this microwave is built to last. So say goodbye to dull dinners and hello to culinary creativity, all thanks to this mighty 30L convection microwave that makes mealtime magic.

Specifications of IFB 30 L Convection Microwave Oven (30BRC2, Black, With Starter Kit), Standard:

Capacity: 30 liters

Cooking Modes: Convection, Grill, Microwave

Special Features: Comes with a Starter Kit

Color: Black

Pros Cons Spacious 30-liter capacity Higher price point Convection, Grill, and Microwave modes May be bulky for smaller kitchens Comes with a starter kit

Also Read: Top 10 grill microwaves, convection microwaves and OTGs: Grill anyway you want

10. Panasonic 27L Convection Microwave Oven(NN-CT645BFDG,,Black Mirror, 360 Heat Wrap, Magic Grill)

The Panasonic 27L Convection Microwave promises 360 degree heat wrap for fast, even cooking from every angle. With 900 watts of high power, it crisps, bakes and defrosts your favorite foods with ease thanks to pre-programmed settings and the magic grill that makes meals juicy inside and crispy outside. The 101 pre-loaded menus make it simple to serve up healthy homemade dishes for the whole family while the reheat and defrost modes ensure food texture and flavor are never compromised. Its compact design means more interior space for your recipes and less counter space taken up. Plus, the vapor clean function keeps the interior fresh and spotless with the touch of a button. This high-performance microwave delivers innovative technology and fast results in a stylish black mirror finish, providing a versatile kitchen companion for your daily cooking needs.

Specifications of Panasonic 27L Convection Microwave Oven(NN-CT645BFDG,,Black Mirror, 360 Heat Wrap, Magic Grill):

Capacity: 27 liters

Cooking Modes: Convection, Grill, Microwave

Special Features: 360 Heat Wrap, Magic Grill

Color: Black Mirror

Pros Cons Generous 27-liter capacity Higher price point Convection, Grill, and Microwave modes May be bulky for smaller kitchens Special features like 360 Heat Wrap and Magic Grill

Top 3 features for you

Product Features 1 Features 2 Features 3 Whirlpool 29L Convection Microwave (Magicook Pro 31CES-E, Black, Air Fryer) Large 29-liter capacity Air Fryer functionality Extensive auto cook menus Kaff 20L Built-in Microwave Oven (KMW 5PJ, Black) Compact 20-liter size Microwave, Grill, Combination modes Child lock for safety Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven (NN-ST26JMFDG, Silver) Affordable price Compact size, ideal for small spaces 51 auto menus for convenience Samsung 28L Convection Microwave Oven (MC28A5013AK/TL, Black) Spacious 28-liter capacity Convection, Grill, Microwave modes Special curd-making feature IFB 25L Solo Microwave Oven (25PM2S, Silver) Adequate 25-liter capacity Silver color design Affordable price LG 32L Convection Microwave Oven (MC3286BRUM, Black) Spacious 32-liter capacity Convection, Grill, Microwave modes Stylish black design SHARP 20L Solo Microwave Oven (R220KNK/2023, Black) Compact 20-liter size Ceramic cavity for even cooking Digital display and one-touch start IFB 20L Grill Microwave Oven (20PG4S, Black/Silver) Compact 20-liter size Offers grilling capability Choice of black or silver color IFB 30L Convection Microwave Oven (30BRC2, Black) Spacious 30-liter capacity Convection, Grill, Microwave modes Comes with a starter kit Panasonic 27L Convection Microwave Oven (NN-CT645BFDG, Black Mirror) Generous 27-liter capacity Convection, Grill, Microwave modes Special features like 360 Heat Wrap and Magic Grill

Best value for money

Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven will make everyday meals easier and more satisfying. The 800 watts of power provide fast, even cooking and delicious results without sacrificing textures or flavors. The 51 preset menu options mean you can reheat leftovers, make snacks, or whip up desserts with a push of a button. The auto defrost mode ensures food defrosts evenly without compromising quality. Its compact size means it uses less counter space while still offering a generous 20 liter capacity, perfect for singles or couples. Keep the interior fresh and clean using the vapor clean function with just the touch of a button. The glass turntable and touch controls make using this microwave a breeze. Included are everything you need to get cooking right away.

Best overall product

IFB 30 L Convection Microwave Oven is perfect for big families who need an efficient appliance to handle large loads of food. The convection cooking allows you bake in addition to grill, reheating, defrosting and cooking, helping make meals for crowds quicker and easier. IFB provides an extended 1-year warranty for the microwave and 3-year warranty for the magnetron and cavity, ensuring this workhorse of an appliance will perform for years to come. The membrane touch controls are simple to operate and wipe clean, while the multiple presets like rotisserie, express cooking and steam clean make cooking and cleaning a breeze. The child safety lock ensures little hands can't accidentally activate the microwave, providing peace of mind for parents.

How to find the Best Microwaves under  30,000?

To find the best microwaves under 30,000, it's essential to begin your search with a clear understanding of your specific needs and preferences. First, determine the type of microwave that suits your cooking style. If you primarily use it for basic reheating and simple cooking tasks, a solo microwave should suffice. However, if you enjoy grilling and toasting, consider a grill microwave, and if you want the versatility of baking and roasting, opt for a convection microwave. This initial choice will narrow down your options significantly.

Next, consider the microwave's capacity. If you have a small family or plan to use it for personal cooking, a microwave with a capacity of 20-25 liters should be adequate. For larger families or those who entertain frequently, look for models with a higher capacity. Additionally, pay attention to energy-efficient features like inverter technology to save on electricity costs. Finally, read user reviews and expert recommendations to ensure the microwave you select is reliable, user-friendly, and offers the features you need within your budget. By combining your specific requirements with thorough research, you can confidently find the best microwave under 30,000 that suits your kitchen and cooking needs.

It is essential to highlight the importance of comparing prices and features across different brands and models. Given the wide range of microwaves available in this price category, it's crucial to compare not only the price tag but also the features, build quality, and customer support offered by various manufacturers. Look for brands with a reputation for producing durable and reliable appliances, as this ensures your microwave will stand the test of time. Additionally, explore any special features that align with your cooking habits, such as preset cooking modes or sensor technology that can simplify your culinary tasks. By conducting thorough research and making informed comparisons, you can confidently select the best microwave under 30,000 that perfectly fits your kitchen and lifestyle.

FAQs

Question : What's the primary difference between solo, grill, and convection microwaves under 30,000?

Ans : Solo microwaves are basic models for reheating, grill microwaves are suitable for grilling and toasting, while convection microwaves offer baking and roasting capabilities.

Question : Can I use the convection microwave for regular microwave cooking as well?

Ans : Yes, convection microwaves can perform regular microwave cooking tasks in addition to baking and roasting, making them versatile for various culinary needs.

Question : What's the ideal microwave capacity for a small family?

Ans : For a small family, a microwave with a capacity of 20-25 liters should suffice for everyday cooking and reheating.

Question : Are there any energy-efficient microwaves in this price range?

Ans : Yes, many microwaves under 30,000 come with energy-efficient features like inverter technology, which helps save on electricity bills.

Question : Do these microwaves have child safety locks?

Ans : Most microwaves in this price range are equipped with child safety locks to prevent accidental operation by children.

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.

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Its no secret: talking about energy transition and digital transformation without the budgets to back it up is nothing but words and well-wishes. Or worse: smoke and mirrors. Latin America knows this all too well. The region is the most biodiverse in the world, and one of the lowest greenhouse-gas emitters, but continues to suffer some of the worse effects of climate change, exacerbated by the wide gap in inequality. Resources to adapt to the ravages of global warming are as urgently needed as they are scarce. In the past two decades, about 0.65% of the average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the region has been invested in research and development. This is significantly lower than the 2.7% average spending of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). According to a new report, Latin America Economic Outlook 2023: Investing in Sustainable Development, released this Friday in Santiago, Chile, 60% of these investments are managed by governments. This reflects a significant difference when compared to developed countries, where the greatest percentage of these investments come from the private sector.

The companies that tend to invest in research and development are large companies, but in Latin America, small companies predominate, explains Adriana Arreaza, Director of Macroeconomic Studies at CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. And small companies are often informal, have little human capital and little access to credit markets, which keeps them from investing in research and development.

The study was conducted and co-authored by four international organizations that maintain a strong presence in the region: OECD, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the European Commission, and CAF. For the experts from these organizations, the way forward is clear. The region, they say, must focus on strengthening and improving investment in four main areas: digital transformation, health care, agriculture and food systems, and green transition.

According to Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, ECLACs Executive Secretary, while digital transformation can contribute to improving productivity and competitiveness in the region, as well as being a way to take advantage of technological progress, the health services and life sciences industries can help increase resilience and preparedness for future health crises. The care economy, he says, is another sector in major need of strengthening, both in terms of child care and elderly care, given that the population in need of these services is expected to grow to 150 million people by 2050. Salazar-Xirinachs also identifies agriculture as a key sector, given that Latin America and the Caribbean have the largest reserves of arable soil in the world.

Finally, the report identifies the green transition as a major opportunity for reducing the widespread informal labor conditions that reign across the region, which reached 48.7% in 2022. Green transition is a term that describes the move from hydrocarbon-based energy to renewables and an accompanying commitment to adopting environmental protection policies. The report emphasizes that this transition will require qualified personnel with advanced scientific knowledge and skills, which could contribute to the increased formalization of the economy. However, due to these same factors, green jobs are more likely to be assigned to men with higher levels of education, so the transformation must be combined with policies to improve female employability. In other words, the organizations assert, one of the current challenges is to ensure that women are fully included in the transition.

This, Arreaza adds, is another area where the care economy can once play an important role. The provision of care services will allow more time for women to enter the labor market, she says. If care [whether for children or the elderly] does not fall exclusively on women, daughters or mothers, they will be able to participate more in the opportunities that the green economy will deliver.

Foreign investment remains key for the region

The comprehensive report provides a valuable economic assessment of the different types of investment throughout the region, pointing out weaknesses and highlighting strategies that work. Foreign investment is one of the most celebrated areas. In 2022, for example, Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest inflows of foreign direct investment in the world, equivalent to 4% of the regions GDP for that same year. In 2022, inflows of this type of foreign investment increased by 55%, reaching nearly $225 billion, the highest level seen in the last three decades, says Salazar-Xirinachs. This increase was specifically due to investments in services, hydrocarbons and manufacturing.

Likewise, Arreaza confirms that during the research process, the organizations that coauthored the report found that foreign direct investment and foreign companies have higher productivity in all the countries of the region when compared to domestic companies. So, in that sense, foreign investment can have a pull effect for the rest of the productive apparatus when it comes to providing clues about where to invest.

The analysis produced other interesting data. Over the past decade, for example, private financing focused on development in Latin America increased from $3 billion in 2016 to $9 billion in 2021. International partnerships can also help yield greater socioeconomic impact of investments by creating an enabling environment for investment [and] fostering collaboration among institutions, the report reads.

More than half of these inflows in 2022 went to Brazil and Mexico, while Central America experienced a decline of 11.9% that same year. In terms of origin, and based on project announcements, the European Union (EU) and the United States have accounted for more than half of these investments in the region.

Two strategies for boosting investment in innovation and development

While foreign investment has been key for Latin America and the Caribbean, the region needs more than just outside funding. To achieve a more ambitious scenario, the authors of the report emphasize that certain signals will need to be given at the level of public policy. Advancing towards more effective and progressive tax systems, more efficient public spending and debt management, and stronger and more sustainable fiscal frameworks is essential to expand public investment in a context of limited fiscal space, the report reads.

The study highlights two strategies to help improve the flow of public and private financial resources to achieve development goals. The first is the role of development finance institutions, which can help fund small and medium-sized businesses that have been unable, on average, to meet 75% of their financing needs. The second is to develop innovative financing instruments, such as Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainabilitylinked (GSSS) bonds, which currently account for 32% of the total international bonds issued in Latin America.

The areas for innovation are very diverse, concludes ECLACs Salazar-Xirinachs. The interesting thing is to see how we can get the most out of the investments that can be made in each of these sectors, promoting productive linkages, demands for new skills, the creation of new companies and the development of new financing and participation instruments.

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Genaro Garcia Luna wants to sit in the dock once again. The defense for Mexicos former drug czar filed a motion this Friday to request a new trial for their client in New York. His lawyers claim they have had access to new evidence that exonerates Felipe Calderons Public Security Secretary, the highest-ranking former Mexican official ever to be tried in a U.S. court. The former Federal Police chief was found guilty last February of drug trafficking, organized crime and false statements. Judge Brian Cogan, the same judge who convicted Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, must decide whether to grant the request of Garcia Lunas lawyers or proceed to sentence him next year.

Since the guilty verdict, new evidence has come to light establishing that the case against Genaro Garcia Luna was marred by multiple Brady violations and false testimony by critical witnesses, reads a document presented by the defense. The new evidence in possession of the lawyers includes testimonies of his close associates; official agendas to establish where he was at key moments of the case; trust control tests he underwent when he was an official and collaborated with his U.S. counterparts; personal correspondence; detailed reports on the Pegasus espionage program, and other documents, which according to his legal representatives, prove that there was an alleged plot to frame him led by the Attorney Generals Office.

The defense also claims that the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York failed to turn over evidence that could be used by their client to defend himself, which is what they refer to as Brady violations. They also allege that at least two witnesses who testified against Garcia Luna committed perjury: Hector Villarreal Hernandez, treasurer of former Coahuila governor Humberto Moreira, and Francisco Canedo, a former ministerial agent. Villarreal Hernandez claimed during the trial that the former official paid bribes of 25 million pesos a month in kickbacks to the newspaper El Universal in exchange for favorable coverage. Canedo claimed that he witnessed a meeting between Garcia Luna and two notorious drug traffickers: Edgar Villarreal La Barbie and Arturo Beltran Leyva, known as El Barbas. The former agent said that the ex-official was kidnapped by the Beltran Leyva Cartel in October 2008.

Testimonies in the spotlight

Villarreal Hernandez said on the stand that Garcia Luna asked Governor Moreira to introduce him to the owner of El Universal, Juan Francisco Ealy Ortiz, to set up a bribery scheme. He also substantiated that the former official was briefly kidnapped by members of the cartel belonging to the Beltran Leyva family. The defense argues that Garcia Luna and Ealy Ortiz knew each other long before 2009, when the witness said he helped create the bribery network, and presented photographs to show that they had a close relationship. They also presented a chart with almost twenty meetings between the official, the owner of the newspaper and several editors, and negative articles published by the newspaper to refute the idea that he received favorable coverage.

The defense asserts that the former Coahuila treasurer also lied about meetings he held with Garcia Luna, but which do not appear in his calendar as an official, and about an alleged visit in early 2009 to the bunker created during Garcia Lunas administration, which was not inaugurated until the end of that year. In that visit, Villarreal Hernandez said that the former secretary showed him how the spy software Pegasus worked. Garcia Lunas legal representatives say that NSO Group, the Israeli company that sold the spying program, was not established until a year after the alleged demonstration and the offer for the Coahuila government to acquire it.

Garcia Lunas lawyers also accuse Agent Canedo of lying about Garcia Lunas kidnapping in 2008 and say his testimony was part of a political strategy to discredit their client. They claim that the ex-official was at the Angeles Hospital in Mexico City accompanying his wife in surgery and present a bill for the hospital bill. They also cite the testimony of Jose Jorge Rincon, one of his bodyguards, stating that the security protocol required them to always take the toll highway when going to his weekend home in Jiutepec (Morelos) and not the free highway, where Canedo says the meeting with the drug kingpins took place. And that of his private secretary, in which she states that she never saw Canedo in the offices of the agency, where she said he worked.

The request for a new trial also claims that other key witnesses such as former Nayarit prosecutor Edgar Veytia, known as El Diablo, and Oscar Nava Valencia (El Lobo) communicated with contraband phones before the trial, contradicting the prosecutions thesis that the witnesses gave statements to the same effect even though they had not seen each other in years or even met. This assertion comes from the testimony of an inmate at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, who coincided in 2019 with Carlos Nava Valencia, alias El Tigre and brother of El Lobo, and who saw him communicate with him and Veytia, according to an affidavit. He also became close to Veytia as early as 2022, a year before the trial.

The alleged plot to frame Garcia Luna

The document also states that members of Mexicos Attorney Generals Office intercepted calls from Victor Hugo Martinez Rocha, an imprisoned drug lord, which were sent to Garcia Luna as a threat that he was being targeted since the end of 2009. The prisoner told his mother that these people wanted to fuck Garcia Luna and were pressuring him with death threats to testify against him. Prosecutors allegedly wanted him to say that he and the ex-official met on a yacht, where he gave him a bribe for three million dollars from Joaquin El Chapo Guzman.

For months, Garcia Lunas lawyers anticipated that they had had access to new materials that they had not been able to review while the trial was ongoing or that they had not received while the judicial process was underway. This evidence came from high-ranking U.S. and Mexican officials, as well as from people who had access to exculpatory documents, they explained. These are thousands of pages that they intend to introduce in case they get a new trial, but which have not been validated by the judge.

The defense requested a pair of postponements to build its legal strategy and try to overturn the guilty verdict after its client was accused of collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for million-dollar bribes for more than two decades. The prosecution must respond to the motion filed by the former officials lawyers, then the defense will have a new opportunity to reply, and finally, Judge Cogan will have the last word. When asked about this, Garcia Lunas lawyers expect that it will be weeks or even months before they receive a definitive answer. There is no time frame for the judge to communicate his decision.

The defenses request comes at the deadline granted by the judge and one day after Gloria Garcia Luna, sister of the former official, was arrested in Cuernavaca in the case opened by Mexican authorities against the former secretary and his closest circle. His wife, Linda Cristina Pereyra, and at least four of Garcia Lunas siblings are accused of organized crime and operations with illicit resources. Oswaldo N, uncle of the former Federal Police chief, was also arrested in Puebla on the same charges. The proceedings in Mexico are unrelated and independent of the cases filed in the U.S. courts.

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Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: December 15 2023

Oumar Barry, an alleged leader of the Blood Hound Brims, and a juvenile co-defendant, allegedly shot and killed 44-year-old Kimberly Midgette, a Bronx elementary school teacher.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that an alleged Hempstead gang member was arraigned today on murder and attempted murder charges for the April drive-by shooting death of a Bronx school teacher, who was shot in her vehicle while her 10-year-old child sat in the back seat.

Oumar Barry, 27, of Hempstead, was arraigned before Judge Tammy Robbins on grand jury indictment charges of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony); Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (a B violent felony); Assault in the First Degree (a B violent felony); and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was remanded. Barry is due back in court on January 23, 2024. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

A juvenile co-defendant was also indicted and arraigned before Judge Robbins on December 7, 2023, on the same charges.

Kimberly Midgette was a beloved elementary school teacher at a public school in the Bronx and mother to a 10-year-old daughter. Her light was cruelly stolen from all those who cherished her when a hail of bullets entered her vehicle and killed her, and struck her friend, said DA Donnelly. Thankfully, Kimberlys daughter, who was in the backseat of the car during the shooting, was unharmed. The child will now live with the tragic and senseless loss of her mother. Our thoughts are with Kimberlys family, friends, and school community as they mourn her loss.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the investigation and indictment, on April 1, 2023, at approximately 1:33 a.m., 44-year-old Kimberly Midgette pulled her Toyota Corolla in front of the residence of her ex-husband to drop off her 10-year-old child for the weekend.

Midgette and a friend were sitting in the front driver and passenger seat and the child was in the rear passenger seat.

Before they could exit the vehicle, a stolen black Honda Accord drove past Midgettes vehicle and an occupant fired multiple rounds, fatally striking Midgette in the face and striking her friend in the arm.

The 10-year-old child was uninjured.

Prosecutors believe that Midgette was not the intended target of the shooting.

At the time of the murder, Barry was an alleged leader of the Blood Hound Brims, a violent street gang.

Barry was arrested on November 2, 2023, in Hempstead by detectives of the Nassau County Police Departments Homicide Squad.

The NCDA thanks the Nassau County Police Departments Homicide Squad, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office, the Office of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York for their assistance with the investigation.

Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Sendlein of the Homicide Bureau is prosecuting this case. The defendant is represented by Jeffrey Groder, Esq.
Bill is back with FDD Senior Fellow and Iran expert Behnam Ben Taleblu (now also a Generation Jihad co-host, you heard it here first) to unpack and contextualize this weeks headlines stemming from the Middle East.

They discuss the politics of diplomacy and analyze recent trips and statements made by key players like Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and President Biden himself; whether U.S. support for Israel is at a crossroads, and what message this could send to U.S. partners and allies (and enemies) around the world; an apparent U.S. intelligence leak estimating that 45% of Israeli munition used in Gaza has not been precision-guided; and more.

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Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

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Amid the fog of war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Israeli troops mistakenly fired upon and killed three people who were later identified as Israeli hostages taken by Hamas back on Oct. 7. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the killings in statement, calling them an unbearable tragedy.

According to Israeli forces, the incident took place in Shejaiye in northern Gaza, long known as a Hamas stronghold. In a statement, the Israeli military said soldiers mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat.

As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed, the militarys statement said. During searches and checks in the area in which the incident occurred, a suspicion arose over the identities of the deceased. Their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination, after which it was confirmed that they were three Israeli hostages.

Israels military identified the hostages as Yotam Haim and Samer Talalka, from Kfar Aza and Nir Am, two kibbutzes near the border of the northern end of the Gaza Strip. The third hostage killed was not identified by his or her family.

So far, 110 hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 have been freed  the vast majority as part of a swap for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Another 132 hostages remain in captivity under Hamas in Gaza, some of whom have likely already died. The accounts of extreme conditions by freed hostages in media coverage since the week-long ceasefire have only heightened the pressure on Israel to bring the rest home, as will Fridays losses in combat.

In the wake of Fridays accidental killings, Netanyahu urged for grace for Israeli soldiers as well, who he said are devoted to the sacred mission of returning our hostages, even at the cost of their lives.

Even on this difficult evening, Netanyahu said in the statement, we will bind up our wounds, learn the lessons and continue with a supreme effort to return all our hostages home safely.

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.
During a firefight in Shejaiye [in northern Gaza], the IDF mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed. This is how the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged on Friday that they had killed three of the 132 hostages kidnapped on October 7 who remained in the Gaza Strip. During searches and checks in the area in which the incident occurred, a suspicion arose over the identities of the deceased. Their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination, after which it was confirmed that they were three Israeli hostages, the military added in the statement.

The three Israelis killed were identified as Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka and Alon Shamriz  all of them in their twenties. We believe the three fled or were abandoned by the terrorists who were holding them captive. It is a tragic mistake that we will fully investigate, said military spokesman Daniel Hagari.

The announcement has prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet minister Benny Gantz to stress the importance of bringing back the hostages. Together with the entire people of Israel, I bow my head in deep sorrow and mourn the fall of three of our dear sons who were kidnapped, Netanyahu said in a statement. Even on this difficult evening, we will bind up our wounds, learn the lessons and continue with a supreme effort to return all our hostages home safely.

My heart is broken upon learning of the tragedy this evening, Gantz wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Our responsibility is to win the war, and part of that victory will be to bring the hostages home. We will do everything to bring them back alive. Everything.

Before the deaths became known, Israeli TV channel 12 reported that the families of the hostages are considering starting a hunger strike over the paralysis of negotiations, which involve Qatar, Egypt and the United States and which previously led to a week-long prisoner-for-hostage swap and a ceasefire at the end of November.

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RTL Group moved many of its posts to Germany in 2019

RTL Group moved many of its posts to Germany in 2019  Photo credit: DPA

RTL Group moved many of its posts to Germany in 2019  Photo credit: DPA

Media group RTL Group is withdrawing from the Dutch TV market and selling its Dutch channels to DPG Media for 1.1 billion.

"After our original consolidation strategy for the Netherlands was blocked by the competition authority in January 2023, the sale to DPG Media is now the best strategic option for RTL Nederland and all of the company's stakeholders," said RTL Group CEO Thomas Rabe in a statement on Friday. "We look forward to the strategic partnership with DPG Media."

RTL Group had originally wanted to merge its TV operations in the Netherlands with Talpa Network, but this was met with resistance from the competition authorities. RTL Group will continue to be present in the Netherlands with other businesses, such as its production subsidiary Fremantle. The television group is a subsidiary of the Bertelsmann media company.

RTL Nederland reportedly operates a TV channel family with five free TV channels (RTL 4, RTL 5, RTL 7, RTL 8 and RTL Z), three digital pay TV channels (RTL Lounge, RTL Crime, RTL Telekids) and an independent news organisation. With 1.3 million paying subscribers, Videoland is the leading national streaming service in the Netherlands.

In 2022 RTL Nederland generated revenues totalling 636 million.

According to RTL Group, the sale is subject to regulatory approvals and the information and consultation processes with employee representatives. The transaction is expected to be completed around mid-2024. RTL Nederland has 800 employees.

As part of the sale agreement, RTL Group and DPG Media have also agreed on a strategic partnership in the areas of technology, advertising sales and content.
SPRINGFIELD  The city has started the process to replace the North Ends German Gerena Community School with a new educational building, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced in a statement Friday.

The mayor said he and School Superintendent Daniel Warwick met with state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and the states School Building Authority Thursday to tell them the city was ready to study whether building a new school was feasible.

This is the initial first step, said Bill Baker, Sarnos spokesperson. The ball is now moving. If the project was a Super Mario video game, Baker continued, it would be world one, level one.

Now, costs need to be estimated, an architect found, designs created and a location identified, Baker said.

Located on Birnie Avenue, German Gerena Community School serves 623 students in pre-kindergarten to grade five. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education says a little more than 90% of the students have high needs and 86% come from low-income households.

For years, the city has said addressing the problems at Gerena School was one of its top priorities when it came to improvements across its school district.

In 2021, it approached the state for funding to replace the schools heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, for instance. In April of that year, the city resumed work to address problems in a tunnel that runs to the school under Birnie Avenue that suffered from leaks, flooding and mold. That project had been delayed because of the pandemic.

Now, the city is eyeing a new building.

I want to thank Treasurer Deb Goldberg and the incredible team at the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) for their continued belief and investment in our Springfield schools, Sarno said in his statement. My administration is ready to go and break ground to build a brand new state-of-the-art Gerena School in our North End neighborhood.

Sarno added the city enters the process with the Gerena School with a fat reserve account and the highest bond rating in the citys history.

According to Sarnos spokesperson, the MSBA looks to see if a community can pay its end of a school construction project  and some communities struggle with that aspect of the process, according to Baker.

The city has invested and directed about $800 million towards its school facilities since 2009, the year the Finance Control Board dissolved and handed control of the city to its elected officials. It was put in place to pull the city away from near insolvency.

Baker said the Gerena School project and renovations at other schools could soon push that number north of $1 billion.

Building the future of education is a collective endeavor, Warwick said in a statement, and I am thrilled to join Mayor Sarno, the School Committee and the entire Springfield community in advancing the vision for a new German Gerena School.

Meanwhile, other officials said the announcement for a new school in the North End came about through years of effort.

Numerous individuals have worked tirelessly in the past to organize and advocate for a new school, and now we are thrilled to see our efforts come to fruition, Joesiah Gonzalez, member of the Springfield School Committee, said in a statement. The future project will bring us a community school that will serve as the centerpiece of our North End.
On Thursday night, Lt. Nicole Fullop of The Salvation Army in Waltham began counting the money collected from different red kettles in the area when she came across an engagement and wedding ring from an anonymous donor, a press release said.

This ring is being given in love for a second time, the anonymous donor wrote. Like the first time, I hope that this ring will bring joy and make a difference.

The rings, valued at around $1,500, will go to helping families in need in Waltham. The Salvation Army serves more than 24 million people in America, including 55 million meals, over 10 million nights of shelter for the unhoused and Christmas gifts for children who may otherwise go without.

This isnt the first time wedding rings have been donated to Salvation Army donation kettles. In fact, a widow dropped off her wedding rings in 2014  and the tradition has stayed alive ever since, the press release said.

Donations to the red kettle have also included valuable jewelry and rare coins which have allowed the non-profit to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support social services in the Commonwealth. But these larger donations have remained rare, press release said.

The Salvation Army hopes to raise $2.5 million in Massachusetts this year which will end on Christmas Eve.

We are honored and humbled that someone would care enough to give something this precious to The Salvation Army to help others, said Lt. Nicole Fullop. Donors dropping valuable jewelry and coins with notes into kettles has been happening for years and is often a reminder of how the kettle is a sign of hope.
CHICOPEE  With silence and precision, six members of an Air Force honor guard brought the silver-colored, flag-draped casket of Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher down the cargo ramp of an Air Force C-17 Friday at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee to his family.

The honor guard moved with crisp precision as the whine faded from the C-17s engines and a bright December afternoon faded to twilight.
The exciting launch of enrollment for AfricaLive!, a ground-breaking 7-week online course meticulously designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills and insights for success in the rapidly evolving African business landscape.

This highly anticipated program is the product of an extraordinary collaboration, bringing together the academic expertise of Harvard Business School Professors Caroline Elkins, Tarun Khanna, and Karim Lakhani with the leadership acumen of the Aspire Institute, the digital proficiency of Africa.com, and the community-centric vision of the Sight and Life Foundation. This unique fusion creates a comprehensive educational journey tailored to the diverse business environment of Africa.

Highlighting the programs relevance, Professor Tarun Khanna of Harvard Business School remarked,  Africa is on the brink of exciting transitions and represents one of the more important markets of the near future. This program is ideal for anyone engaged in an entrepreneurial journey and can benefit from like-minded people and committed faculty. 

What sets AfricaLive! apart from other online courses is its dynamic live component, a feature that transcends the typical virtual learning experience. Each week, participants have the exclusive opportunity to join Zoom sessions where Harvard Faculty not only teach but also actively engage in in-depth discussions. This interactive format allows for real-time engagement, offering a platform for lively debates, immediate feedback, and personalized learning experiences. Unlike conventional online courses where the learning is often passive and solitary, these live sessions foster a vibrant learning community, facilitating direct interaction with some of the worlds leading educators and thinkers. This unique aspect of AfricaLive! ensures that participants dont just consume information, but actively partake in the co-creation of knowledge, making their educational journey both engaging and deeply enriching.

Distinctive in its approach, AfricaLive! integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The course is structured to equip participants with the necessary tools and insights to successfully navigate and excel in Africas varied and dynamic markets. It features live sessions with Harvard faculty and African industry leaders, augmented by a rich compilation of asynchronous materials and case studies at HarvardX.

More than just an academic course, AfricaLive! is a real-world, practical experience, preparing participants to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities in African entrepreneurship. Its perfectly suited for business professionals, emerging entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about African markets, offering a rare chance to learn from world-class educators, engage with African business leaders, and connect with a professional network.

Upon completion of the AfricaLive! course, participants have the distinct advantage of receiving two esteemed certifications, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. For the asynchronous component of the program, students will be awarded a verified certificate from HarvardX, a testament to their mastery of the rigorous academic content delivered by Harvard Business School. This certification is not only a recognition of their intellectual diligence but also a valuable credential from one of the worlds most prestigious academic institutions. In addition, participants will receive a professional certificate from AfricaLive!, acknowledging their active engagement and successful application of knowledge in the live, interactive segments of the course. This dual certification, encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects of learning, significantly enhances the participants professional profiles, showcasing their comprehensive understanding and skills in navigating the African business landscape.

Committed to inclusivity, AfricaLive! provides interest-free payment plans and need-based scholarships to ensure broad accessibility. In addition, a strategic partnership with Flutterwave allows for convenient payment in local currencies, further enhancing access for a diverse range of participants, including the pan-African audience and the African diaspora.

This unique opportunity enables individuals to invest in a Harvard-caliber education specifically tailored to one of the worlds most dynamic and promising markets. Prospective participants are encouraged to enroll promptly to secure their place in this transformative program.
In the blink of an eye, 2023 has almost passed us by. For Westports Custom House Studios and Gallery staff, artists and visitors, the past 21 years have surely passed in a colourful blur of creativity.

Over that time, artists lucky enough to secure a studio in the storied building at the Quay have sung the praises of the facilities, the inspiring location and the supportive local arts community. Their work, and that of countless others, have graced the gallerys walls and floor spaces and enriched the worlds of those who visit.

The diverse range of shows that the gallery has featured over the years is testament to its all-embracing ethos, with work by local community groups like MacBride Home residents and the Carrowbeg Artists to nationally and internationally renowned artists like Camille Souter, Diarmuid Delargy and Alice Maher all drawing appreciative crowds.

So embedded is the Custom House in the Westport community that its almost hard to believe there was a time when it wasnt there in its current guise. But like many of our most beautiful buildings, theres history there  and in this case the giveaway is in the name.

In 1786, John Denis Browne gave a lease for the Kings Stores at the Quay Westport on the site, at a yearly rent of around 38. It became a custom house in 1837, when the building was leased by the Marquees of Sligo for the lives of King William IV and Queen Adelaide and HRH Alexandra Victoria, at the annual rent of 85 pence, clear of all taxes and charges.

While it functioned as a busy custom house the building included a collectors office, a controllers office, a queens warehouse, a watch house and accommodation. Eventually, however, with advances in communication and technology, a rise in international trade and the introduction of air travel, the custom houses raison detre disappeared and the building fell into ruin.

Then, in 1999, thanks to a push from the Westport Artists Group, a grant was given from the Government to refurbish the building and turn it into an artists studio. The old custom house was subsequently carefully restored, conserving its historical architectural features. Officially opened in 2002, it now houses seven studios, a printmaking workshop and a beautiful two-storey, light-drenched gallery space.

One of the highlights in the Custom House calendar has to be the annual winter exhibition. This year, marking the venues 21st birthday, it features work by artists Margaret Adams, Elizabeth Archbold, Kian Benson Bailes, Mike Bernard (RIP), John Brady, Sheelyn Browne, Tom Brawn, Breda Burns, Peter Burns, Ellen Cafferkey, Kate Cuddy, Bryan Gerard Duffy, Mags Duffy, Eileen Fitzgerald, Aine Gallagher, Margot Galvin, Betty Gannon, Pauline Garavan, Prof VR Gibbons, Helena Gorey, Claire Griffin, Marliese Hertfelder, Mary Hession, Ines Hochgerner, Helen Hughes, Una Kearns, Sarah Kelly, Trish Kelly, Iwona Rossochacka Kenny, Bernadette Kiely, Genevieve King, Roisin Lewis, Eoin Mac Lochlainn, Anna Rose Lowry, Maire Maguire, Caroline Masterson, Shiro Masuyama, Bruce Mathieson, Niall McCormack, Hazel Mc Crann, Ciara McMahon, Maggie Morrisson, Sinead Ni Mhaonaigh, Rosemarie Norton, Tadhg O Cuirrin, Maureen OLeary, Dr Ann OMahony, Gerry OMalley, Grainne OReilly, Mary Patterson, Owen Piffaretti, Christine Prescott, Susie Quinn, Dermot Seymour, Benita Stoney, Trudi van der Elsen, Sinead Wall, Angela Walsh, Michelle Webb, Ian Wieczorek and Sarah Wren Wilson.

Every year this winter show is offers visitors a kaleidoscope of styles, themes and media. Last weekend, this writer spent a while wandering through the bright and inviting gallery while dark, stormy weather howled around the quay outside. A creative refuge from the elements perhaps, but no less dramatic than the waves and gales.

On hand with a welcome was Rosie Norton, an exhibiting artist who has also just started working at the Custom House. Her enthusiasm for the show was infectious as she spoke of her admiration for pieces like Christine Prescotts ethereal Sharks Patrol These Waters and Each One Begins a Single Light, by Caroline Masterson.

So many of the exhibitions artworks are truly captivating. My eye was drawn to Pauline Garavans work, Brackloons Parachute Twig Mushrooms, beautifully wrought on the creamy underside of the bracket fungus known as the Artists Fungus. Sinead Walls Octopus is a stunning intaglio collagraph, while The Primate of Fermanagh, by Dermot Seymour, is sure to raise a smile as well as deep admiration. Rosie Nortons piece Mayo Rain is beautifully textured, with a gorgeously atmospheric palette. Benita Stoneys Christy Brought Eggs and Mike Bernards Wind and Rain from the North West bring the simplest of scenes to new heights.

Too many wonderful works to mention  and anyway, each of us are drawn to different artworks for different reasons. Why not take a trip down to Westport Quay and find out which ones speak to you?

 The Custom House Studios and Gallery Winter Show 2023 runs until January 7.
The young people of Ireland could greatly benefit from the introduction of an EU-wide Strategy specifically focused on providing assistance with the cost of living and housing crisis. Thats the view of MEP Maria Walsh, who is calling for the introduction of a strategy to increase funding for affordable housing and to promote private sector investment in housing construction. Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, she called on MEPs from all across Europe to work collectively to develop tangible solutions to Europes housing crisis. The strategy, she added, must also include plans to enhance education and skills to develop a more skilled workforce, and to implement reforms in the housing sector.

The Midlands-North-West representative acknowledged that the rising cost of living is affecting everyone, with people spending more of their income on basic living expenses such as housing, food and utilities. However, she pointed out that the younger generation tends to be more affected than most, as they balance part-time jobs with lower wages, instability in these roles, and the struggle to find decent housing solutions relative to their work, study and circumstances.

In many of our cities and urban areas, housing costs have surged, making it impossible for younger generations to afford homes. A record number are living with their parents and they are feeling a sense of hopelessness. Indeed, its hard not to feel hopeless when housing prices in Dublin are starting at 600,000 in many areas, she reasoned.

Continuing, she pointed out that there has been a great shortage of construction workers since the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. We lost a generation of apprentices who were forced to emigrate for work. In addition, we have significant delays and bureaucratic red tape in planning permissions, again leading to a slower pace of construction. These factors, and others, have contributed to the insufficient supply of homes in Ireland, and across the EU. Periods of underinvestment in housing, and the subsequent increase in demand due to population increases has exposed the need for more investment in the construction of new homes, and the revamping of derelict buildings and house zones not developed for over a decade, added MEP Walsh.

Noting that the EU has supported initiatives related to affordable housing, energy efficiency, and urban development, she said a new focus on young people is needed. This is a crisis, and we need to respond. Creating more affordable housing options is of utmost importance, because a home is much more than shelter, it is security, and it is a future. We must work together and develop tangible solutions to our housing crisis, specifically for our young people, concluded MEP Walsh.
On Thursday, the European Union member states agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, a giant step toward the two countries goal of joining the European Union. The EU also promised Bosnia and Herzegovina to open accession negotiations, although that decision  which must be unanimous  will have to wait until at least March of next year to be finalized. As Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, has emphasized, for the countries that are most vulnerable to Russia, the decision by the leaders in Brussels represents a powerful political signal. In that vein, Georgia has also been granted candidate status.

However, this decision does not mean immediate entry into the European Union. There are many steps that the countries must take and obstacles they must overcome. Below, we discuss what will happen next, now that the decision to open accession negotiations has been made.

The list of candidates for EU membership increases to nine

The number of candidates for EU membership has just increased to nine, after leaders decided to grant candidate status to Georgia on Thursday in Brussels. It joins a list that includes Serbia, Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia, as well as Ukraine and Moldova.

To reach this point, the applicant must have already fulfilled a whole series of political, economic and EU democratic values accession requirements. Attaining candidate status represents an important milestone, as it requires a unanimous decision. However, that does not guarantee that the candidate country will be able to join the European Union. Indeed, Turkey has been considered a candidate country since December 1999. But in this case, Ukraine and Moldovia have progressed in the process at lightning speed, indicating the strongly political nature of the decision. The two countries received candidate status in June 2022, only a few months after submitting their applications for membership on the heels of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Opening negotiations is a key step but not a final one

It is not easy for any candidate country to initiate accession negotiations. But even after that has been achieved, candidates cannot yet declare victory: as Turkey is well aware, accession negotiations can take years. In fact, in Ankaras case, negotiations were officially opened in 2005 but have been in a deadlock (the official European wording) since 2018, due to Turkeys continuous backsliding on democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.

No matter how much of a political signal the EU wants to send  and the current decision is clearly a message of support for Ukraine, as well as a warning to Russia that the EU is not relaxing its support for the aggrieved country and other vulnerable ones  it is still very clear to member countries and candidate countries alike that this is just one more step in a very long process. Its not like they are going to join the EU tomorrow, diplomatic sources agree.

Indeed, Thursdays agreement to open negotiations is a political one, but as the European Commission itself specified in its November recommendations, when the agreement was proposed, Brussels must still verify that the country has fulfilled all the established criteria. In Ukraines case, there are seven conditions, of which only four have been completely resolved at this point. Brussels has given Ukraine until March to meet the remaining three criteria, for which there are still a few remaining issues; only then will Ukraines accession negotiations start in earnest.

New specifications and requirements

In addition, the European Commission will have to draw up a negotiating framework as a basis for the discussions. The actual negotiations can only begin once the member states have agreed to this framework; the EU plans to do this in March at the earliest. The framework must include the 33 mandatory chapters, ranging from guarantees of the rule of law to economic reforms that will ready the country to enter the internal market.

As negotiations continue, the candidate country must prepare to implement all European laws and standards. In each case, all member states must once again decide that the candidate country meets all the requirements. Once the negotiations are completed, the European Commission must give its opinion on whether the country is ready to join the European Union, just as it did before the decision to open accession negotiations. Thereafter, the member states must again decide unanimously to close the negotiation process. The European Parliaments approval is also required. Only at that point do all member states and the candidate sign and ratify the accession treaty, at which point the countrys membership in the EU becomes official.

Remaining tasks within the EU

Before a new member can be accepted (Croatia was the last member to join a decade ago, although the biggest expansion to date was in 2004, when 10 new members joined), the existing members must also do their homework, which has been reconsidered recently in light of the imminent further enlargement of the bloc: above all, the EU has to decide that it can handle enlargement, an issue that has slowed down the process in recent years.

As decided in October at the informal summit in Granada, Spain, the European Commission will have to prepare a series of proposals  ideas, it calls them  for the reforms required for the next major expansion, to be presented in the first half of 2024. The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has also commissioned a cost-estimate study to be conducted over the next decade. Structures will be modified extensively in terms of budgets, decision-making processes and delicate policies such as agriculture.

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Students from five Mayo and Leitrim primary schools joined 27 schools nationwide whose students had the opportunity to learn about climate change during Science Week thanks to expert volunteers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The local schools included Ballyvary Central NS, Ballintubber NS, Convent of Mercy NS Claremorris, and St Josephs NS Ballinrobe, all Co Mayo and St Manchans NS, in Co. Leitrim.

34 EPA volunteers guided 853 students through climate change workshops during Science Week 2023. The Climate Change and You workshop, developed by Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) in partnership with the EPA, aims to increase awareness and knowledge of global warming and encourage students to identify ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help their community. Throughout the year, 800 students nationwide participated in the workshop bringing the total student reach to more than 1,600.

Teacher, Teresa Walsh, 4th class teacher in Ballyvary Central NS commented: We are grateful for the excellent programme you presented to us on 'Climate Change and You'. The pupils really enjoyed the activities and learning about the impact climate change has on us, as well as the impact we have on climate change. The children have mentioned the programme several times since your visits, and we are being very conscious at making small changes consistently. We hope you will return to our class again in the next school year! Thank you to Brid Farragher and the EPA for this impactful opportunity.

Gerard O'Leary, Director of the EPAs Office of Communications and Corporate Services said: The education of young people on the importance of climate action and the environmental impact of daily activities needs to be a priority. The EPA is delighted to partner with Junior Achievement Ireland during science week in order to increase environmental awareness among primary school children participating in JA programmes in schools around the country. The workshops are fun and an inventive way of engaging with these important issues at primary school level.

The EPA environmental workshop is just one of many opportunities afforded to students thanks to the EPAs support of JAI since 2016. In that time more than 200 EPA volunteers have reached 7,000 young people through Junior Achievement (JA) programmes designed to encourage young people to remain in education and help them to develop the skills they need to succeed in a changing world.

Helen Raftery, CEO of JAI, said: The educational value of students working with role models and getting the chance to learn from them is well-established. Thanks to the EPA, more than 850 students had an exciting opportunity to experience environmental issues brought to life in a real and meaningful way. We are grateful to both our partner schools and the 34 EPA volunteers that helped us to communicate these important messages to young people all over the country.
Diriyah Company and Royal Commission for Riyadh City have joined hands for the launch of Royal Diriyah Opera House, a first of its kind in the kingdom.

The Opera House, located near the Unesco World Heritage Site of At Turaif in Diriyah, will be built by Diriyah Company and operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the entity leading growth and development efforts in the Saudi capital city.

Announcing the launch, Diriyah said the new Opera House will come up in the heart of the Saudi capital citys 300-year-old heritage quarters and the birthplace of the kingdom.

The announcement was made during Diriyah Companys celebrated Bashayer 2023 Event that also witnessed the unveiling of a strategic partnership with the world-renowned architectural firm Snhetta to design the Royal Diriyah Opera House.

The Riyadh-based Syn Architects also contributed to the design, infusing the project with local expertise and a deep understanding of the region's architectural heritage.

A testament to the kingdoms commitment to celebrating its rich culture and heritage, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a key element of the second phase of the Diriyah masterplan.

Informed by Najdi-style architecture, characterized by its intricate details and mudbrick-inspired construction method, the opera houses design will create a seamless blend of heritage and innovation.

This design vernacular paves the way for a vibrant future of culture-driven developments in Diriyah, anchored on the citys rich historical legacy, it stated.

Encompassing 45,000 square meters, the opera house will be a beacon of Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, showcasing Diriyah as a global hub of culture and creativity, said a top official.

"The announcement of the Royal Diriyah Opera House embodies our aspirations for Riyadh to be a city at the forefront of global cultural and architectural innovation. As the capital, Riyadhs selection as the host city for Expo 2030 is a testament to our dynamic progress and vision for the future," remarked Ibrahim Al Sultan, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

"The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a cornerstone in this journey, showcasing the unique blend of our rich heritage and modern innovation," he noted.

"This iconic structure symbolises our commitment to creating a vibrant cultural hub that resonates with the spirit of Riyadh and positions the city as a leading destination for cultural and architectural excellence on the international stage," he added.

Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: "We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Snhetta. A demonstration of Diriyahs mission to attract the finest talents in the design world, we are committed to raising the bar of architectural excellence and celebrating our rich heritage through innovative design."

"As we set the stage for our next chapter of development at the Bashayer 2023 Event, this project sets the tone for the high standards we expect from designs that contribute to our visionary masterplan," he stated.

Snhetta, acclaimed for its imaginative and sustainable design ethos, will infuse the Royal Diriyah Opera House with elements inspired by the traditional Nadji architectural style that defines Diriyah, he added.

Kjetil Thorsen, Co-Founder and Architect, Snhetta, said: "Through thoughtful integration of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, we aim to create a timeless cultural symbol that resonates globally. We have a deep appreciation and respect for Najdi architecture, which carries the soul of Saudi heritage."

"By weaving the intricate tapestry of Najdi motifs into a contemporary architectural narrative, we endeavor to craft a space that narrates the story of Diriyahs rich history while embracing the boundless possibilities of Saudi Arabias future," he noted.

The Royal Diriyah Opera House will serve as a platform for a diverse program of cultural performances, reinforcing Diriyahs mission to catalyze cultural exchange and engagement.

The project also supports RCRCs endeavor to transform Riyadh into one of the worlds best cities to live, work, and visit, said the statement.

Announced alongside a plethora of sector-leading assets and cultural offerings, Diriyah Companys strategic collaborations such as this one with Snhetta, continue to set a precedent for architectural and urban cultural development excellence.

The Royal Diriyah Opera House is the latest project to epitomize Diriyahs role in becoming a driver of culture and heritage within the Kingdom and beyond, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
After more than a month of electoral campaigning, Chilean political parties are preparing to receive the results of the constitutional referendum. This Sunday, December 17, the parties for and against the project drafted by the Constitutional Council will find out the citizenrys final decision on the text.

The constitutional proposal, which was drafted by a council dominated by the extreme right of the Republican Party and the traditional right of Chile Vamos (Lets Go Chile), which holds 33 of the bodys 50 seats, received majority support from the political parties opposed to President Gabriel Borics left-wing government. The ruling party and the center-left, which did not play much of a role in shaping the constitutional initiative, staunchly oppose the project.

The president has decided to remain silent on the new constitution, although all the parties that support him are against the initiative.

The parties in favor of the project

Proponents of the proposed new constitution include the far-right Republican Party (PLR), as well as Chiles traditional right-wing coalition Vamos, which is made up of Renovacion Nacional (RN, National Renewal), Union Democrata Independiente (UDI, Independent Democratic Renewal) and Evolucion Politica (Evopoli, Political Evolution). They are joined by the centrist parties Amarillos por Chile (Yellows for Chile) and Democratas (Democrats), founded by former members of the defunct center-left alliance Concertacion [which means conciliation], which governed Chile between 1990 and 2010. Another movement that officially favors this option is the populist Partido de la Gente (PDG, Peoples Party), led by former presidential candidate Franco Parisi.

The parties against the initiative

The bloc opposing the Constitutional Councils project is primarily made up of progressive groups, including the center-left Democratic Socialism coalition (formed by the Socialist Party, the Party for Democracy, the Radical Party and the Liberal Party), the Broad Front (made up by Convergencia Social [Social Convergence], Revolucion Democratica [Democratic Revolution] and Comunes [Commons]), the Communist Party, Accion Humanista [Humanist Action] and the Federacion Regionalista Verde Social [Green Regionalist Social Federation]; all of these political forces form part of Borics government. Beyond the groups that comprise the executive branch, the Christian Democratic Party and smaller leftist parties like Patria Progresista (Progressive Party), Partido Popular (Popular Party), Partido Alianza Verde Popular (Popular Green Alliance Party), Partido Igualdad (Equality Party) and Partido Humanista (Humanist Party).

Internal divisions and opposition on the Right

The Chilean constituent process has caused divisions within some political parties, especially on the Right. In particular, internal disagreements affected the Republican Party, which led the drafting of the new constitution and had expressed its opposition to changing the current constitution during the first process. Several prominent conservatives questioned the Republicans about-face and maintained their firm position against changing the constitution.

Senators Rojo Edwards (who resigned from the Republican Party), Juan Castro and Alejandro Kusanovic (both independents with ties to the traditional Right) announced their position against the change, as did deputies Johannes Kaiser, Roberto Arroyo, Gloria Naveillan, Enrique Lee, Francisco Pulgar and Gonzalo de la Carrera. Centrist political parties, which largely support the change, also expressed their opposition to this project: Congressman Jorge Saffirio (of the Democrats) announced his stance against the project. In addition, the three PDG deputies confirmed their votes against it, despite the fact that their party has campaigned for it.

A party that supports both positions

The Partido Social Cristiano (PSC, Social Christian Party) broke the campaign schemes for the constitutional plebiscite. The right-wing party, formed by groups tied to evangelical churches, was divided with members taking both positions. For the electoral slot, the television space granted for broadcasting audiovisual electoral ads, the group appeared in the blocks allowed for both positions but expressed a common concept: whatever the result of the plebiscite, the constituent process must be terminated.

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Abu Omar went to bed hopeful in Ramallah, but woke up disappointed. The Israeli war cabinet had once again postponed a vote to allow 200,000 Palestinians like Omar to return to work in Israel and Jewish settlements in the West Bank. After the Hamas surprise attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people, many were convinced that Gazans with work permits in Israel had been gathering intelligence on a daily basis. Israeli military commanders immediately froze work and travel permits for all Gazans and most of the workers from the West Bank, who have not been able to earn any income for over two months. These workers make up 22% of the West Bank workforce and their income is vital to the local economy.

Omar is resigned to hopeful waiting. Hes 56 years old and married with three children. He wants the same thing that many Israelis in the manufacturing, agriculture and construction industries want  for the Palestinians to return to work. Its not that we love each other. They need our hands and we need their money, he said at the mosque in Ramallah where he prays. Omar used to earn a monthly wage of 10,000 shekels ($2,700), but since October 7, he has only worked two days in the West Bank, earning a third of what he used to make.

Even so, Omar considers himself fortunate because he owns a house. But the savings he put away for his sons wedding has been slowly dwindling. Omar has been a construction worker in Israel for 40 years, and knows all about economic downturns. Hes been through two intifadas and the 1991 Gulf War when Iraq launched missiles into Israel in retaliation for the U.S. attack. Back then, there were still some jobs available. But now, theres no work for anyone. Were all just in survival mode, not knowing what will happen tomorrow.

Perhaps Omar will find out on December 17, when the Israeli war cabinet will vote again on the issue. Worried that he might lose the vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed it twice According to economic advisor Avi Simhon, Netanyahu is in favor of reinstating West Bank workers to placate the Israeli employers who desperately need workers that speak some Hebrew. There are approximately 160,000 West Bank workers in Israel and an additional 40,000 in nearby settlements and industrial parks. The construction and public works sectors have been completely shut down and is losing 10 billion shekels [$2.7 billion] a month, said Simhon. Israels intelligence services and military also support a return to work for West Bank Palestinians, as they are concerned about the violence that could erupt among so many idle, poverty-stricken people. One proposal grants work permits to married men over 35, with strict monitoring using electronic ankle bracelets or similar means.

On December 10, the war cabinet discussed the issue but did not hold a vote. But a few days earlier, the socioeconomic cabinet led by the far-right Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich did vote  13 of the 15 cabinet members were opposed and two abstained. Smotrich called for alternative solutions and said, Money and building permits do not buy peace. Anyone who killed us when there was no money will kill us also when there is money. The security of the citizens of Israel comes first. Former minister Gideon Saar accused supporters of forgetting how many married men over the age of 35 took part in the Hamas attack, and Economy Minister Nir Barkat said, Do you want to bring the enemy to Israel? Are you crazy? You havent learned anything from October 7.

Jaled is a 30-year-old Palestinian who wouldnt be granted a work permit under the current proposal. For the last five years, he has been working in a bakery in the Atarot industrial park, on the Israeli side of the West Bank separation barrier. A friend who owns a cafe pays him $12-$25 a day to wait on tables and work the cash register. Its December and I havent paid my November rent yet. My landlord keeps asking me about it, and all I can say is, I dont have it. Ill pay you as soon as I do, said Jalel. He feels dejected and ashamed of not being able to provide for his wife and two young children. Were living on the edge. Whatever I can earn, we spend on food. All our savings have gone to rent, electricity, diapers and water over the last two months. His father cant help  he used to build houses in Tel Aviv and is out of work too. Besides debts, Jaled also has fears. Maybe theyll never want us back. Or a settler will assault me when I do go back to work... Even though I really need the money, Im thinking of waiting 10 days or so to see how everything is going before making a decision about returning.

Reducing reliance on Palestinian workers

Assaf Adiv is the executive director of Maan, a well-known workers association that advocates for both Israelis and Palestinians. He says the current ban is not only a problem for families but also for the communities that partially rely on their interaction (Israel and Palestine use the same currency). Adiv notes that an additional 40,000 West Bank residents used to enter Israel on special agricultural and short-term work permits. Many also used to cross the barrier illegally but are now afraid.

Raja Khalidi, the director general of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS), is concerned about the recessionary impact of the situation. He believes this crisis is distinct from when workers were expelled from Israel during the Second Intifada in 2000. The Palestinian National Authority that governs the West Bank has no capacity to absorb workers because its bankrupt and Israel has frozen all its funding. Its clearly going to be a long-term crisis. Even if they allow a temporary return to work, Israel will aim to reduce its reliance on Palestinian workers, said Khalidi.

Abdala only allowed us to photograph him from behind because of the stigma attached to Palestinians working for Israeli companies Jaime Villanueva

To reduce its reliance on Palestinian workers, Israel has been bringing in other foreigners to do undesirable jobs. They negotiate quotas with the countries of origin and require the foreign workers to leave after five years. This policy aims to prevent the absorption of non-Jewish populations.

According to Israels Population and Immigration Authority, the biggest groups of foreign workers were from Thailand (29,000), the Philippines (28,300), and China (12,000). The Thais primarily worked in agriculture, often in kibbutzim and fields near Gaza, which was why dozens were killed and kidnapped on October 7. The remaining Thais along with the Chinese have left the country. This has resulted in vacant fields and unfinished buildings, which Israel is addressing through volunteer efforts, temporary permits for Palestinians, and agreements with other nations. The Kenyan Ministry of Labor plans to send 1,500 farmworkers to Israel, and over 400 farmworkers from Malawi are already there.

Eldad Nitzan, the president of a staffing company that provides workers for the Israeli construction industry, recently expressed his concerns about labor shortages in Calcalist, an Israeli daily business newspaper. Nitzan noted that the lack of Palestinians could drive up labor costs by 20%. A recent debate in the Israeli Parliaments Interior Committee concluded that filling labor gaps will be challenging due to the reluctance of many countries to send their citizens to a war zone.

In reality, there is still some Palestinian presence in Israel. A few thousand Palestinians have continued to enter Jewish settlements in occupied areas of the West Bank, at the request of local authorities. An additional 5,000 West Bank Palestinians work in Israel and other settlements in crucial sectors like hospitals, food and military uniform factories, which are considered vital during times of war.

Abdala is one of the Palestinians still working in Israel. He would only give his first name and declined to have his face photographed, acutely aware of the stigma attached to Palestinians working for Israel while Gaza is relentlessly bombed. Abdala suspects that the food hes preparing at work is for Israeli soldiers, but says, With or without me, those soldiers are going to eat. Its just a job, so I dont care. Abdala is married with two daughters and can earn up to $2,700 a month in his current job. He earned less than a third of that in the West Bank.

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The Blue Jays have acquired infielder Yangervis Solarte from the Padres in exchange for two prospects  outfielder Edward Olivares and reliever Jared Carkuff  per announcements from both teams.

The 30-year-old Solarte is the second infielder the Blue Jays have landed via trade this winter, joining Aledmys Diaz, whom they acquired from the Cardinals last month. The area was a clear point of emphasis for Jays entering the offseason, given that neither second baseman Devon Travis nor shortstop Troy Tulowitzki have been able to stay consistently healthy during their careers. Solarte may end up as a multiyear piece for Toronto, as hell make an affordable $4MM in 2018 before the club will have to decide on options totaling $13.5MM over the next two offseasons.

[Updated Blue Jays Depth Chart]

Solarte brings experience at all four infield positions, with the majority of his work having come at third base. Hes unlikely to see much action there next season, however, unless the Jays trade superstar Josh Donaldson between now and the summer or Donaldson misses time with injuries. Solarte spent the majority of last year at second base, where he has posted minus-3 Defensive Runs Saved and a minus-1.1 Ultimate Zone Rating across just over 1,000 career innings, and that figures to be his primary position in 2018.

The switch-hitting Solarte is known mostly for his bat, having slashed a respectable .267/.327/.419 over 2,061 plate appearances since debuting with the Yankees in 2014. Solarte experienced a drop-off in production last year, though, as both his .255/.314/.416 line and .161 ISO underwhelmed. However, he did strike out in just 11.9 percent of PAs (in line with his career rate of 11.5) and belt a personal-high 18 home runs.

This trade brings an end to a decent tenure in San Diego for Solarte, whom the Padres acquired from the Yankees for third baseman Chase Headley in 2014. Solarte had been an oft-speculated trade piece over the past couple years, and with Headley having returned to the team in a deal with the Yankees this winter and shortstop Freddy Galvis also now in the mix after a swap with the Phillies, the Padres had a glut of infielders. As a result, theyd been shopping Solarte, whose exit leaves the Pads with Headley, Carlos Asuaje, Cory Spangenberg and Christian Villanueva among their current third/second base options (though Headley may be on his way out soon).

In Olivares, the Padres are getting a soon-to-be 22-year-old whom MLB.com ranked as the Blue Jays 18th-best prospect. The outlet notes that Olivares, a Venezuelan who signed with the Jays as an international free agent in 2014, began to tap into his above-average raw power last season, when he batted .277/.330/.500 with 17 homers in 464 Single-A plate trips, and has further potential on that front. He also possesses well above-average speed and the ability to play all three outfield positions. That skillset could make Olivares a major league regular down the line, per MLB.com.

Carkuff, 24, did not rank among Torontos top 30 prospects at MLB.com. The right-hander, a 35th-round pick in 2016, is coming off a year in which he pitched to a 3.86 ERA and recorded 7.3 K/9 against 2.1 BB/9 in 63 innings divided among the Single-A, High-A and Triple-A levels.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported that Solarte was headed to the Jays. Robert Murray of FanRag reported the Padres would get Olivares. Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported the Pads would receive Carkuff (all Twitter links). Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
BAY CITY, MI  When you walk into Coonans Irish Hub, the local high school decor is everywhere you look.

Thats because owner Kim Coonan said he wanted to support the schools and bring the community into the restaurant when the business opened nearly 13 years ago.

Coonans Irish Hub opened in 2011 and is located at 1004 N. Johnson St. in Bay City.

We had no idea it was going to be as successful as this, Coonan said. We have a lot of great clientele, and people come from all over.

Before it became Coonans Irish Hub, it was known as The Hub bar, Coonan said. When the family was deciding on a name, they wanted to use Coonan since its an Irish name and decided to stick with Hub instead of Pub, he said.

Were the only Irish hub in the world, the rest are pubs, Coonan said. We kind of like to think its in the center of a lot of activity in the community.

All Coonans fish comes from Whytes Fishery in Pinconning and is one of their most popular dishes, along with the Reuben sandwich and burgers.

Other menu items include specialty hot dogs, homemade soups, salads and wraps.

If you enjoy what youre doing, its not work, Coonan said, adding that their customers are like family to them.

Along with the food, Coonans daughter and restaurant manager, Erin Whisman, attributes their success to the great staff.

People that work with us are awesome and friendly. Were blessed, Whisman said.

Coonans Irish Hub is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sunday, according to the Facebook page.

View Coonans website here and Facebook page here.

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Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com.
YPSILANTI, MI - Rylee Clairday signed up for a pageant two years ago, not knowing it would put her in the Miss America pipeline.

Its the best mistake Ive ever made, she said.

The current Eastern Michigan University senior signed up for the Miss River Raisin Festival in Lenawee County in 2021, finishing runner-up. She then won that title in 2022. Clairday also qualified to run for Miss Washtenaw County as an EMU student, finishing runner-up in 2022 before taking the crown last October.

The result has been scholarships and a way to pursue her passion to help those in need, as she said the titles provide her a platform to pursue service efforts to aid people with disabilities.

The next step could be a Miss Michigan title in June 2024.

I am a strong believer in the power of giving, Clairday said. Giving your time, your energy and your love.

Clairday was focused less on pageants and more on her horse Petey growing up in Onsted. She lived the country life, as well as competing in cross country and competitive cheerleading in high school.

When thinking about signing up Miss River Raisin in 2021, Clairday was aware of the ultra-competitive and appearance-focused stereotypes pageants may have. She said she found those to be misconceptions.

It builds sisterhood, she said. They might have started out as beauty pageants, but its (now) a space to showcase your talents, your abilities, your passions and a place for your confidence to really grow.

There are five parts of pageant competition -- an interview with the judges, onstage question, talent, fitness and evening gown. Clairday has grown most in her interview skills, she said, and her talent in dancing was acquired in the last couple of years.

Its contemporary dance, she said, describing it as lyrical, fluid movements that she improved through classes at the Ypsilanti university.

When I started competing, I took the skills I learned in competitive cheerleading and morphed it into a dance routine, Clairday said.

Pageant competition has aided Clairday in her educational journey, earning her more than $8,000 in scholarships as she looks to finish her psychology degree in April.

I knew from a young age that I would have to work hard in school and dedicate to my studies to be able to afford higher education, said Clairday, adding that with about 30 additional scholarships she has never had to take out a student loan.

Miss Washtenaw County Rylee Clairday holds the legacy box inscribed with the name of pageant winners that held her sash and tiara on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Clairday looks to finish her bachelors degree in psychology at Eastern Michigan, where she is also an administrative assistant in the Counseling and Psychological Service office. She looks to continue her studies in the University of Michigans School of Social Work.

Since coming to Eastern to work on my degree for psychology, I have realized my desire to step into leadership roles and create change on a larger scale, she said. I hopefully can see that change on a community rather than individual level.

Part of the pageant process is pursuing a community service initiative, which aids the interview process that represents the style, scholarship, service, success and sisterhood elements of winning a crown. Clairdays work is about acceptance of people with disabilities. She wants create opportunities for these people who would otherwise not have access, she said.

Each person with a disability has a unique experience and it is our job as able-bodied persons to listen to these experiences and learn from them, Clairday said.

This volunteer aspect of her Miss Michigan journey is a massive part of my identity, she said. Her service work includes as partnering with Special Olympics, therapeutic horse-riding programs in Ann Arbor and the collegiate branch of the nonprofit Kiwanis known as Circle K International.

Clairday plans to hone all these elements, skills and passions in her bid to win Miss Michigan next June in Muskegon. She would be the first winner from Washtenaw County since Heather Kendrick in 2017.

The pageants system is really just a reflection of who you are and your passions, your accomplishments, your talents, your strengths, Clairday said. So just growing into the person that I want to be is the preparation.

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GENESSEE COUNTY, MI  A man who assaulted police during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the U.S. Capitol was sentenced Friday, Dec. 15, to four years, three months in federal prison.

Matthew Krol, 64, a resident of Linden in Genesee County, earlier pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A man is in the hospital Saturday, Dec. 16 after being shot several times by two Grand Rapids police officers.

According to preliminary information from the scene, the man, 19, was armed with a sharp object that appeared to be a box cutter.

Grand Rapids Police responded around 8:35 a.m. to Union Avenue and Lyon Street NE to a trouble with a person call, Capt. Michael Maycroft said. Arriving officers encountered the man acting erratically in an alley near Innis Avenue. He then pulled out what police called an edged weapon and charged at one of the officers.

Both officers shot at the man, hitting him multiple times, Maycroft said. He was then transported to a local hospital and was last in surgery for his injuries. Police said the race of the man who was shot is unknown at this time.

The Grand Rapids Police officers, each with the department for over 20 years, were not injured. Per protocol, they will be placed on administrative leave while Michigan State Police investigates the shooting.

Unfortunately, this is an event we hope we never have to see but we do have to see it, Maycroft said. I will say this is not typical for this neighborhood. This is a very quiet neighborhood for the most part.

Police blocked off a perimeter surrounding the alley Saturday morning near businesses like Marthas Vineyard, Nantucket Baking Company and Lyon Street Cafe. Union Street will likely remain closed for several hours while police keep investigating. Body camera footage of the shooting was not immediately available.

This is the fifth time Grand Rapids Police have shot someone since former officer Christopher Schurr shot and killed Patrick Lyoya, an unarmed Black man, in April 2022, according to Chief Eric Winstrom. Schurr is now facing murder charges.

Theres no discernible pattern. This seems to be a very unique situation, Winstrom said of the Saturday incident.

Police noted information provided Saturday remains preliminary and could change as the investigation continues.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A Holland man suffered serious injuries Friday, Dec. 15, after being pinned in his vehicle after a three-vehicle crash.

The crash happened just after 6 p.m. at 120th Avenue and Riley Street in Holland Township, Ottawa County sheriffs deputies said.

The investigation showed that a 65-year-old Zeeland man, going east on Riley, made a wide right turn to go south on 120th. His pickup struck a 1990 Volvo that was in the left-turn lane going north on 120th. The collision pushed the Volvo into another northbound vehicle, trapping the Volvo driver.

Holland Township firefighters removed the 38-year-old driver. He was taken to Holland Hospital for treatment of serious injuries, police said.

The intersection was closed while police investigated and removed damaged vehicles.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

The flow of Western aid to Ukraine is facing serious challenges and the main culprits are Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the E.U. and isolationist Republicans in the U.S. With that out of the way, we can ask them bluntly: Do the E.U. and the U.S. want to defeat Putin in Ukraine, or will they settle for a draw?

There is no doubt that the E.U. and the U.S. have significantly aided Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. According to the Kiel Institute, European institutions have provided around 85 billion ($92.7 billion) in financial and military support to Ukraine through October 31. Bilateral aid from E.U. member states amounts to another 50 billion ($54.5 billion), while the U.S. has provided an additional $77.4 billion in financial aid and even more military equipment and munitions. The support has played a vital role in enabling Ukrainian forces to effectively withstand the much more powerful Russian invaders.

Europe has successfully curtailed its reliance on Russian gas and the West has imposed severe sanctions on Russia. While measures like the asset freeze have been more effective than the crude oil price cap and other penalties, the sanctions have undeniably made life difficult for the Kremlin.

On December 14, the European Union took a major step by initiating the process for Ukraine (and Moldova) to join the union. Its a significant gesture and excellent news that sends a loud political message to Putin. Meanwhile, European countries are increasing their military spending, Finland recently joined NATO and Sweden is close to joining.

All of this sounds very impressive, but the facts tell a different story.

Western aid has been consistent but cautious, and weaponry is only supplied after lengthy deliberation and negotiation. Perhaps faster action would have yielded better results. Western leaders choose their words very carefully, and they hesitate to say anything about pursuing Russias total defeat in Ukraine. Instead, they talk about supporting Kyiv for as long as necessary, and preventing Putin from achieving victory.

Exercising caution is reasonable in light of Russias substantial nuclear arsenal and Putins declaration of willingness to employ it. The threat has effectively sowed doubt in every military move made by the West  does this cross the red line?

The facts show that new aid packages from the E.U. and the U.S. are not only blocked, but there has also been a significant decrease in support during the second half of 2023. New commitments and disbursements are much lower compared to previous periods.

There is no need to panic. The U.S. will probably come through in the end, and the E.U. will figure out how to circumvent Orbans opposition. A similar approach was taken when the U.K.s David Cameron vetoed reforms need to bolster the euro in 2011. German and French leaders came up with a Plan B that got the job done. So the E.U. will probably continue to support Ukraine, potentially through bilateral aid packages.

But where does this path lead? The truth is that Putin has successfully overcome the poor planning of the initial invasion and bounced back after the remarkable Ukrainian counteroffensive in September 2022. Russia strengthened its frontline defenses and enhanced its domestic weapon production capabilities to effectively neutralize a Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023.

A steady flow of aid to Ukraine is expected to prolong the current military deadlock. But this is by no means a foregone conclusion. Ukraine is driven by its national will to survive and Russia is led by an iron-fisted tsar. But both have critical vulnerabilities, and the Wests role will be crucial. On the Ukrainian side, cracks will start to appear from the morale-sapping lack of weaponry to combat the Russian war machine. On the Russian side, the socioeconomic cost of sustaining the war will become unsustainable.

Although its discouraging to see Putins consolidation of power, his position is not as secure as it seems. The resources hes pouring into the war effort are immense. According to a study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 35% of the Russian government budget is allocated to military spending in 2024. This level of defense spending hasnt been seen since the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the USSR, says U.K. Admiral Tony Radakin, who also noted that Russia spends more on war than on healthcare and education combined. A slight increase in Western support would further weaken the Russian position. No doubt Putin will fight to retain power at all costs. However, there are limits to how far he can go and how much his people will let him do.

Western countries collectively have the power to break the current stalemate, but have chosen to hold back. Putin has refrained from playing the nuclear card to defend against cautious escalations of Western military support. Why? Because China  a vital Russian ally  is clearly against it. However, we should not underestimate the risk of Putin using nuclear weapons to forestall total defeat in Ukraine, or to retain the strategically and symbolically significant Crimea. We must not underestimate the risk of reduced aid to Ukraine, which could lead to a stalemate or even a deterioration in Kyivs position.

What do we want? To continue investing billions to maintain a stalemate while the whole of Ukrainian society suffers? A Korea-style armistice with the country divided along current lines? Or a situation where Putin loses ground in Ukraine and faces challenges at home? The most urgent thing to do is unlock new funding for Ukraine. However, with one year to go before a new U.S. administration takes office, we must reevaluate the objective in Ukraine. Decreasing support for Kyiv, or even maintaining it at the current level, presents a higher risk for Europe than increasing support.

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 16, 2023 - 19:55 | Japan, World, All

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed Saturday with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim to supply rescue boats to the Southeast Asian nation's military, with China's growing maritime assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific in focus.

The provision would be carried out under Tokyo's new framework for like-minded countries that share fundamental values, called official security assistance or OSA. Malaysia is the third nation, after the Philippines and Bangladesh, to engage with Japan on the program, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Kishida and Anwar reached the agreement during talks in Tokyo on the sidelines of three-day events related to a special summit starting Saturday between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to commemorate 50 years of friendship and cooperation.

The latest assistance offered to Malaysia by Japan, which has a war-renouncing Constitution that prohibits the maintenance of military forces, is worth 400 million yen ($2.8 million). Tokyo will also offer surveillance drones to Kuala Lumpur, the ministry said.

At the meeting, Kishida expressed hope that bilateral cooperation can be strengthened "to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law," while Anwar said Japan's roles in securing stability in Asia are "pivotal" and "strategic" for Malaysia.

With China apparently in mind, Tokyo launched the security assistance program in April and designated four countries, including Fiji, as recipients. It allocated 2 billion yen in the budget for the current fiscal year through March 2024.

On Saturday, Kishida also agreed with Indonesian President Joko Widodo that Japan will provide a large patrol ship for the Southeast Asian nation's coast guard and support the development of its planned new capital Nusantara in eastern Borneo, the ministry said.

Kishida and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, meanwhile, pledged to further expand interactions among their defense personnel and promote collaboration on future military equipment transfer, it added.

Kishida also held meetings with his counterparts from Brunei, Laos and Singapore as well as East Timor, which ASEAN has agreed in principle to admit as its 11th member.

Japan regards its relations with ASEAN as strategically important, with the bloc facing the South China Sea, home to one of the world's busiest maritime sea lanes. Some of the 10 ASEAN members have overlapping territorial claims with China there.

For two days through Monday, Kishida is set to hold bilateral talks with leaders from Thailand, the Philippines and Cambodia. Myanmar, under military rule since a February 2021 coup, was not invited to the summit in Tokyo.

Related coverage:

FOCUS: ASEAN trusts Japan, balances ties amid China's rise

Japan, ASEAN to map out "new vision" at Tokyo summit: gov't
Axos Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AX  Get Free Report) EVP Andrew J. Micheletti sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.96, for a total value of $269,800.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 508,083 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,416,158.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website.

Axos Financial Stock Down 1.1 %

AX stock traded down $0.58 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $52.90. 1,912,039 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 594,702. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $39.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.79. Axos Financial, Inc. has a 1-year low of $32.05 and a 1-year high of $54.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. The company has a market cap of $3.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.74 and a beta of 1.47.

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Axos Financial (NYSE:AX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.41 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.35 by $0.06. Axos Financial had a net margin of 23.25% and a return on equity of 18.03%. The firm had revenue of $245.66 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $241.52 million. On average, equities analysts forecast that Axos Financial, Inc. will post 5.66 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Axos Financial

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Carmel Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in Axos Financial during the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Avior Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Axos Financial by 102.5% during the third quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC now owns 810 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 410 shares during the period. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Axos Financial by 268.0% during the third quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 942 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 686 shares during the last quarter. State of Wyoming increased its position in Axos Financial by 50.0% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 1,131 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 377 shares during the period. Finally, Quarry LP raised its stake in Axos Financial by 51.6% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,252 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 426 shares during the last quarter. 80.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on AX shares. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Axos Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. TheStreet raised shares of Axos Financial from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Raymond James dropped their target price on Axos Financial from $55.00 to $45.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. 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, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $53.75.

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About Axos Financial

(Get Free Report)

Axos Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides consumer and business banking products in the United States. It operates through two segments, Banking Business and Securities Business. The company offers deposits products, including consumer and business checking, demand, savings, time deposit, money market, zero balance, and insured cash sweep accounts.

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Arden Trust Co trimmed its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 2.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 18,239 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 377 shares during the quarter. Arden Trust Cos holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,059,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of BMY. Abbrea Capital LLC increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.5% in the first quarter. Abbrea Capital LLC now owns 10,025 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $695,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. Westshore Wealth LLC increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Westshore Wealth LLC now owns 3,658 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $254,000 after buying an additional 151 shares during the period. Providence Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Providence Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 28,179 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,952,000 after buying an additional 153 shares during the period. Stolper Co boosted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Stolper Co now owns 26,050 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,666,000 after buying an additional 160 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Shipley& Co Ltd grew its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Brown Shipley& Co Ltd now owns 9,161 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 164 shares in the last quarter. 74.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

BMY has been the subject of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com raised shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. HSBC raised Bristol-Myers Squibb from a reduce rating to a hold rating and decreased their target price for the company from $55.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Friday, October 27th. TheStreet lowered Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered 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 research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $56.00 to $50.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $63.59.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of BMY traded down $0.26 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $51.21. 5,347,073 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 10,032,403. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $104.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.34. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1 year low of $48.25 and a 1 year high of $75.18. The firms fifty day moving average is $52.28 and its 200-day moving average is $58.70.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.96 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.99 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.55 earnings per share for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

The business 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 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.69%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. This is an increase from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 57.87%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback program on Thursday, December 7th that permits the company to buyback $3.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the biopharmaceutical company to reacquire up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In other news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II bought 8,500 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The stock was bought at an average price of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 35,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,768,255. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 2,000 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $49.78 per share, for a total transaction of $99,560.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,115,412.16. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Theodore R. Samuels II purchased 8,500 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The shares were bought at an average price of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 35,500 shares in the company, valued at $1,768,255. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have purchased 13,571 shares of company stock worth $672,994. 0.09% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. boosted its position in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 102,690 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 1,119 shares during the quarter. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $2,812,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Berkshire Hathaway Inc raised its holdings in Bank of America by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc now owns 1,032,852,006 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,539,567,000 after purchasing an additional 22,751,400 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Bank of America by 108,111.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 193,168,025 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,397,725,000 after purchasing an additional 192,989,515 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Bank of America by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 127,236,515 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,640,452,000 after purchasing an additional 1,768,938 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Bank of America during the 4th quarter worth about $3,436,543,000. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in Bank of America by 69,466.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 97,976,121 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,810,935,000 after purchasing an additional 97,835,283 shares during the last quarter. 68.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Bank of America

In other news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank sold 17,769 shares of the companys 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 sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BAC has been the subject of several analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Bank of America from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $35.00 target price on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Bank of America from $35.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Oppenheimer boosted their target price 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. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Bank of America from $34.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Bank of America has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $35.58.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Bank of America

Bank of America Stock Down 0.7 %

NYSE:BAC traded down $0.25 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $33.69. 27,193,075 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 48,589,480. Bank of America Co. has a twelve month low of $24.96 and a twelve month high of $37.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $28.48 and a 200 day moving average of $28.94. The stock has a market cap of $266.61 billion, a PE ratio of 9.51, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.40.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.07. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 18.69%. The firm had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.81 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Bank of America Co. will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Bank of America Dividend Announcement

The company 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.85%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 26.89%.

Bank of America Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans.

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Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. raised its position in Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT  Free Report) by 11.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 17,554 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,839 shares during the period. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co.s holdings in Caterpillar were worth $4,792,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of CAT. BCK Partners Inc. purchased a new position in Caterpillar during the first quarter worth about $2,580,000. Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in shares of Caterpillar by 17.3% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 65,643 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $14,634,000 after purchasing an additional 9,695 shares during the period. Dakota Wealth Management purchased a new position in shares of Caterpillar in the 1st quarter worth about $405,000. Mather Group LLC. raised its holdings in shares of Caterpillar by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 2,592 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $577,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares during the period. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Caterpillar by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 49,705 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $11,075,000 after purchasing an additional 2,076 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.20% of the companys stock.

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Caterpillar Stock Up 0.3 %

NYSE CAT traded up $0.90 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $286.07. 2,501,389 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,052,760. Caterpillar Inc. has a 1-year low of $204.04 and a 1-year high of $293.88. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $252.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $257.91. The company has a current ratio of 1.45, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18. The company has a market cap of $145.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.10, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.09.

Caterpillar Dividend Announcement

Caterpillar ( NYSE:CAT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $5.52 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.75 by $0.77. Caterpillar had a return on equity of 56.29% and a net margin of 13.69%. The company had revenue of $16.81 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.95 EPS. Caterpillars quarterly revenue was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Caterpillar Inc. will post 20.58 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 22nd will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.82%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 19th. Caterpillars dividend payout ratio is presently 29.46%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Caterpillar from $315.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. HSBC started coverage on Caterpillar in a research note on Monday, November 20th. They issued a hold rating and a $250.00 target price for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on Caterpillar from $315.00 to $274.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Tigress Financial increased their target price on Caterpillar from $282.00 to $295.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their target price on Caterpillar from $323.00 to $297.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Caterpillar presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $271.65.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Caterpillar

Caterpillar Company Profile

(Free Report)

Caterpillar Inc manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives in the United States and internationally. Its Construction Industries segment offers asphalt pavers, compactors, road reclaimers, forestry machines, cold planers, material handlers, tractors, excavators, telehandlers, motor graders, and pipelayers; compact track and multi-terrain, wheel, track-type, backhoe, and skid steer loaders; and related parts and tools.

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Shares of Central Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:CJPRY  Get Free Report) crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $11.56 and traded as high as $12.76. Central Japan Railway shares last traded at $12.76, with a volume of 45,795 shares traded.

Central Japan Railway Stock Down 1.7 %

The company has a current ratio of 4.56, a quick ratio of 4.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.59 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.19. The company has a market cap of $25.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.15 and a beta of 0.26.

Central Japan Railway Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Central Japan Railway Company engages in the railway and related businesses in Japan. The company operates through Transportation, Merchandise and Other, Real Estate, and Other segments. It primarily operates Tokaido Shinkansen, a transportation artery that links metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, as well as a network of 12 conventional lines centered on the Nagoya and Shizuoka areas.

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Cox Capital Mgt LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO  Free Report) by 8.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,086 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 604 shares during the period. Cox Capital Mgt LLCs holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF were worth $401,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF in the third quarter valued at $432,000. Strategies Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 5.1% in the third quarter. Strategies Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 911,987 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,171,000 after purchasing an additional 44,352 shares in the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 5.6% in the third quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 155,223 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,688,000 after purchasing an additional 8,184 shares in the last quarter. Randolph Co Inc raised its stake in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 3.2% in the third quarter. Randolph Co Inc now owns 9,444 shares of the companys stock valued at $468,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quad Cities Investment Group LLC grew its position in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 11.0% in the third quarter. Quad Cities Investment Group LLC now owns 87,764 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,347,000 after acquiring an additional 8,694 shares during the period.

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iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Stock Down 0.3 %

NYSEARCA:DGRO traded down $0.15 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $53.74. The company had a trading volume of 2,818,855 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,767,569. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $50.27 and a two-hundred day moving average of $50.95. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF has a one year low of $47.19 and a one year high of $54.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.87 billion, a PE ratio of 15.16 and a beta of 0.89.

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Company Profile

The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar US Dividend Growth index. The fund tracks an index of US stocks that are selected by dividends, dividend growth and payout ratio, then weighted by dividend dollars. DGRO was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Bartlett & Co. LLC boosted its holdings in Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR  Free Report) by 0.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 78,607 shares of the conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 54 shares during the period. Bartlett & Co. LLCs holdings in Danaher were worth $19,502,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. IAG Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Danaher by 344.8% during the 2nd quarter. IAG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 129 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Danaher by 68.9% during the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 125 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Danaher during the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Danaher during the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Beacon Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Danaher by 39.4% during the 2nd quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 216 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. 76.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Danaher Stock Down 0.9 %

NYSE:DHR traded down $2.11 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $227.14. The stock had a trading volume of 1,191,424 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,213,362. The company has a current ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 1.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Danaher Co. has a 1-year low of $182.09 and a 1-year high of $247.62. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $209.35 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $233.28. The company has a market cap of $167.84 billion, a PE ratio of 28.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.84.

Danaher Cuts Dividend

Danaher ( NYSE:DHR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The conglomerate reported $2.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.83 by $0.19. Danaher had a net margin of 20.01% and a return on equity of 13.71%. The company had revenue of $6.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.60 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.56 earnings per share. Danahers revenue for the quarter was down 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Danaher Co. will post 8.3 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.42%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. Danahers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 13.62%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Danaher in a report on Saturday, December 9th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Danaher from $240.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Danaher from $285.00 to $247.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Raymond James cut their price objective on shares of Danaher from $250.00 to $240.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, TheStreet upgraded shares of Danaher from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Danaher has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $258.07.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Danaher

Danaher Company Profile

(Free Report)

Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes and services; and healthcare filtration solutions.

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Shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares (NYSEARCA:JNUG  Get Free Report) passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $29.34 and traded as high as $33.36. Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares shares last traded at $33.34, with a volume of 2,787,920 shares changing hands.

Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares Stock Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average of $29.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $31.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $275.39 million, a P/E ratio of 13.04 and a beta of 2.57.

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Institutional Trading of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in JNUG. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares during the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,986,000. GTS Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $709,000. UBS Group AG grew its holdings in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares by 2,253.3% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 21,533 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $569,000 after purchasing an additional 20,618 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares by 14,200.0% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 18,018 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $760,000 after purchasing an additional 17,892 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $552,000.

About Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares

The Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares (JNUG) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners index. The fund provides daily 2x exposure to an index of junior gold and silver mining companies from developed as well as emerging markets. JNUG was launched on Oct 3, 2013 and is managed by Direxion.

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Edinburgh Dragon Trust plc (LON:EFM  Get Free Report) crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 400.50 ($5.03) and traded as high as GBX 402.36 ($5.05). Edinburgh Dragon Trust shares last traded at GBX 400.50 ($5.03), with a volume of 296,613 shares.

Edinburgh Dragon Trust Stock Performance

The company has a market cap of 513.41 million and a P/E ratio of -17.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.76. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 400.50 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 400.50.

Edinburgh Dragon Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edinburgh Dragon Trust plc is an investment trust. The Companys objective is to achieve long-term capital growth through investment in the Far East with the exception of Japan and Australasia. The Companys assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of securities in quoted companies spread across a range of industries and economies in the Asia Pacific region, excluding Japan and Australasia.

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 16, 2023 - 20:40 | Others

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Saturday to cooperate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to improve their respective economies by boosting investment in the fast-growing bloc and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

At a dinner with ASEAN leaders on the eve of a special summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation between Japan and the 10-member group, Kishida also announced the launch of a new initiative for the next-generation auto industry.

The initiative is aimed at mapping out strategies that will enable ASEAN to continue being the world's hub of car production and exports, Kishida said, while vowing to establish a human exchange program between Japan and the region over the next decade.

By joining hands to develop their economies, the "free and open global order based on the rule of law will be more consolidated," Kishida said, calling on ASEAN to "create peace and prosperity together in the Indo-Pacific region."

Tokyo's substantial cooperation with ASEAN goes back to 1973, when they set up a forum on synthetic rubber as a solution to a trade friction over Japanese rubber exports. Kishida said Japan will accelerate the exchange of young business leaders with the region.

Kishida is scheduled to cohost the special summit with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. After the gathering, a "joint vision statement" is expected to be issued, along with its implementation plan, Japanese government officials said.

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Japan to provide rescue boats to Malaysian military amid China's rise
FCF Advisors LLC lessened its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 34,454 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 536 shares during the period. Bristol-Myers Squibb comprises approximately 1.1% of FCF Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest position. FCF Advisors LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $2,000,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BMY. Dakota Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth $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 purchasing an additional 1,082 shares during the last quarter. 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 purchasing an additional 57,444 shares during the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth $1,997,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 25.1% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 338,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $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.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock traded down $0.44 on Friday, reaching $51.03. 3,210,789 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,023,007. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $52.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $58.70. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1-year low of $48.25 and a 1-year high of $75.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $103.83 billion, a PE ratio of 13.06, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.34.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 18.44% and a return on equity of 51.59%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.96 billion. During the same period in the prior 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, research analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business 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 is a positive change from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.70%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 57.87%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, December 7th that permits the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the biopharmaceutical company to reacquire up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

BMY has been the subject of a number of research reports. HSBC raised shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a reduce rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the company from $55.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of 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. BMO Capital Markets cut shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $60.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Cantor Fitzgerald cut shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the company from $68.00 to $55.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $63.59.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 3,071 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were acquired at an average cost 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 purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 3,071 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were acquired at an average cost 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 purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $49.78 per share, for a total transaction of $99,560.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly 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 three months, insiders have purchased 13,571 shares of company stock worth $672,994. 0.09% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

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.

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Founders Capital Management trimmed its stake in AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T  Free Report) by 92.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,372 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 27,315 shares during the period. Founders Capital Managements holdings in AT&T were worth $36,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of T. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in AT&T during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new stake in AT&T during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Financial Freedom LLC acquired a new stake in AT&T during the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA lifted its stake in shares of AT&T by 2,188.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA now owns 2,288 shares of the technology companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 2,188 shares during the period. Finally, Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of AT&T by 60.0% in the 2nd quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 2,415 shares of the technology companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 906 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 53.65% of the companys stock.

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AT&T Price Performance

NYSE:T traded down $0.08 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $16.57. 21,660,648 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 38,542,379. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.69. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $15.73 and its 200 day simple moving average is $15.24. AT&T Inc. has a 1 year low of $13.43 and a 1 year high of $20.50. The company has a market cap of $118.48 billion, a PE ratio of -10.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.62.

AT&T Announces Dividend

AT&T ( NYSE:T Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The technology company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.02. AT&T had a negative net margin of 9.29% and a positive return on equity of 16.26%. The firm had revenue of $30.35 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $30.25 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.68 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that AT&T Inc. will post 2.44 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.2775 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 9th. This represents a $1.11 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.70%. AT&Ts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -72.08%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently commented on T. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of AT&T from $17.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of AT&T from $18.00 to $17.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of AT&T from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of AT&T from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of AT&T in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $20.68.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AT&T

AT&T Company Profile

(Free Report)

AT&T Inc provides telecommunications and technology services worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Communications and Latin America. The Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services; and sells handsets, wireless data cards, wireless computing devices, and carrying cases and hands-free devices through its own company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores.

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Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:ABG  Get Free Report) SVP Daniel Clara sold 4,618 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $237.11, for a total transaction of $1,094,973.98. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 6,047 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,433,804.17. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Asbury Automotive Group Price Performance

NYSE:ABG traded down $1.31 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $233.03. The stock had a trading volume of 424,484 shares, compared to its average volume of 200,597. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. has a one year low of $157.47 and a one year high of $256.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 2.07. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $208.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $220.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.61 and a beta of 1.13.

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Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $8.12 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $8.44 by ($0.32). The company had revenue of $3.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.72 billion. Asbury Automotive Group had a net margin of 6.13% and a return on equity of 24.10%. As a group, analysts expect that Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. will post 33.17 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its position in shares of Asbury Automotive Group by 3.2% in the second quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 1,842 shares of the companys stock valued at $443,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp boosted its position in shares of Asbury Automotive Group by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 1,195 shares of the companys stock worth $287,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 1,486 shares of the companys stock valued at $357,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 5.0% during the third quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 1,434 shares of the companys stock worth $330,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the period. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Asbury Automotive Group by 11.5% in the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 698 shares of the companys stock valued at $167,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the period.

Several research analysts have recently commented on ABG shares. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Asbury Automotive Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Asbury Automotive Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $245.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Asbury Automotive Group

Asbury Automotive Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It offers a range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; and vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts, and collision repair services.

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Q2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:QTWO  Get Free Report) Director James Offerdahl sold 1,126 shares of Q2 stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.00, for a total value of $45,040.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 18,170 shares of the companys stock, valued at $726,800. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link.

James Offerdahl also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, November 22nd, James Offerdahl sold 493 shares of Q2 stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.20, for a total value of $17,353.60.

Q2 Stock Performance

QTWO stock traded up $1.10 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $42.09. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,413,344 shares, compared to its average volume of 618,155. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $34.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $32.75. The company has a quick ratio of 2.25, a current ratio of 2.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. Q2 Holdings, Inc. has a 1 year low of $18.91 and a 1 year high of $42.27. The stock has a market cap of $2.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -30.50 and a beta of 1.46.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Q2 ( NYSE:QTWO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The technology company reported ($0.15) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.17) by $0.02. Q2 had a negative return on equity of 9.11% and a negative net margin of 13.09%. The firm had revenue of $154.97 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $155.07 million. On average, equities analysts forecast that Q2 Holdings, Inc. will post -0.53 EPS for the current year.

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Q2 by 5.7% during the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 5,527 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $340,000 after buying an additional 296 shares during the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its position in shares of Q2 by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 22,596 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $607,000 after buying an additional 342 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Q2 by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 16,570 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $535,000 after buying an additional 352 shares during the last quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA lifted its position in shares of Q2 by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA now owns 9,502 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $307,000 after buying an additional 405 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. lifted its position in shares of Q2 by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 4,704 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $145,000 after buying an additional 416 shares during the last quarter.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on QTWO shares. Citigroup lifted their target price on Q2 from $31.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 29th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Q2 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Q2 from $28.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Stephens upgraded Q2 from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $36.00 to $46.00 in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised Q2 from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and lifted their target price for the company from $30.00 to $41.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Q2 has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $37.93.

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Q2 Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Q2 Holdings, Inc provides cloud-based digital solutions to regional and community financial institutions in the United States. The company offers Digital Banking Platform, an end-to-end digital banking platform supports its financial institution customers in their delivery of unified digital banking services across digital channels.

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North American Palladium Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PALDF  Get Free Report) passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $14.98 and traded as high as $15.01. North American Palladium shares last traded at $14.98, with a volume of 21,600 shares trading hands.

North American Palladium Price Performance

The companys 50 day moving average is $14.98 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.98. The firm has a market cap of $881.42 million, a P/E ratio of 8.03 and a beta of 2.08.

North American Palladium Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

North American Palladium Ltd. produces precious metals in Canada. It explores for palladium, platinum, gold, nickel, copper, and other metals. It primarily holds interest in the Lac des Iles mine that is located to the northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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Olstein Capital Management L.P. increased its position in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL  Free Report) by 16.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 221,000 shares of the transportation companys stock after purchasing an additional 31,000 shares during the period. Delta Air Lines makes up approximately 1.4% of Olstein Capital Management L.P.s holdings, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Olstein Capital Management L.P.s holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $8,177,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of DAL. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new position in Delta Air Lines during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management bought a new position in Delta Air Lines during the 2nd quarter valued at about $36,000. VitalStone Financial LLC lifted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 85.8% during the 1st quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 1,083 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc. lifted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 3,355.6% during the 2nd quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 933 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 906 shares during the period. Finally, V Square Quantitative Management LLC bought a new position in Delta Air Lines during the 2nd quarter valued at about $44,000. Institutional investors own 71.29% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have issued reports on DAL. TheStreet cut shares of Delta Air Lines from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $62.00 to $61.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $58.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. StockNews.com cut shares of Delta Air Lines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $71.00 to $68.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $54.40.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Joanne D. Smith sold 9,390 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.80, for a total transaction of $326,772.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 98,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,424,041.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Joanne D. Smith sold 9,390 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.80, for a total transaction of $326,772.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 98,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,424,041.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director David S. Taylor purchased 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 27th. The stock was bought at an average price of $30.75 per share, with a total value of $307,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 27,470 shares of the companys stock, valued at $844,702.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock.

Delta Air Lines Price Performance

DAL traded down $0.10 during trading on Friday, reaching $42.34. 12,907,195 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 10,163,841. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.44. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 12-month low of $30.60 and a 12-month high of $49.81. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $35.44 and a 200 day simple moving average of $40.07. The company has a market cap of $27.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.02, a PEG ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 1.39.

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 12th. The transportation company reported $2.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.95 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $15.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.55 billion. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 5.94% and a return on equity of 54.95%. The companys revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.51 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 6.11 EPS for the current year.

Delta Air Lines Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.94%. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio is currently 7.58%.

Delta Air Lines Company Profile

(Free Report)

Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon.

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Procyon Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) by 55.8% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 12,481 shares of the railroad operators stock after purchasing an additional 4,472 shares during the period. Procyon Advisors LLCs holdings in Union Pacific were worth $2,542,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in UNP. Vise Technologies Inc. increased its position in shares of Union Pacific by 14.3% in the first quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. now owns 4,388 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $883,000 after purchasing an additional 548 shares during the last quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC increased its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 25.6% in the 1st quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 5,046 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,016,000 after buying an additional 1,028 shares during the last quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its position in shares of Union Pacific by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,933,582 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $389,153,000 after buying an additional 21,361 shares in the last quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 18.4% during the 2nd quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 20,508 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $4,196,000 after acquiring an additional 3,186 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Hawaiian Bank grew its position in Union Pacific by 6.9% in the second quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 12,535 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $2,565,000 after acquiring an additional 806 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.36% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on UNP. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and issued a $254.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, October 20th. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $265.00 to $257.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Union Pacific from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $223.00 to $235.00 in a report on Friday, October 20th. Barclays dropped their target price on Union Pacific from $285.00 to $275.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $238.96.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total value of $258,927.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 31,991 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,501,850.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Union Pacific news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total value of $258,927.76. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 31,991 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,501,850.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Vincenzo J. Vena acquired 4,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were bought at an average cost of $222.00 per share, with a total value of $999,000.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 5,106 shares in the company, valued at $1,133,532. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Union Pacific Stock Performance

Union Pacific stock traded down $1.06 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $241.80. 1,735,171 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,810,950. Union Pacific Co. has a 12-month low of $183.69 and a 12-month high of $245.07. The businesss 50-day moving average is $216.66 and its 200-day moving average is $213.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $147.40 billion, a PE ratio of 23.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.10.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The railroad operator reported $2.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.41 by $0.10. Union Pacific had a net margin of 26.37% and a return on equity of 49.14%. The company had revenue of $5.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.19 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Union Pacific Co. will post 10.24 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Union Pacific Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 49.90%.

Union Pacific Profile

(Free Report)

Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, and other agricultural users; petroleum, and liquid petroleum gases; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers.

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Perpetual Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 12.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 468,171 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 51,122 shares during the period. Thermo Fisher Scientific accounts for about 2.4% of Perpetual Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest position. Perpetual Ltd owned 0.12% of Thermo Fisher Scientific worth $236,974,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TMO. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Live Oak Investment Partners purchased a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $38,000. Finally, Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 1st quarter worth approximately $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.06% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Thermo Fisher Scientific

In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $454.41, for a total value of $4,544,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 131,175 shares of the companys stock, valued at $59,607,231.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.32% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Price Performance

Shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock traded up $0.67 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $522.19. 1,015,737 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,580,443. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 1 year low of $415.60 and a 1 year high of $609.85. The company has a market capitalization of $201.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 0.83. The business has a fifty day moving average of $474.41 and a two-hundred day moving average of $509.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67.

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $5.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.61 by $0.08. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 13.68% and a return on equity of 18.88%. The business had revenue of $10.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.60 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.08 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 21.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Thermo Fisher Scientific declared that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Tuesday, November 14th that authorizes the company to repurchase $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the medical research company to reacquire up to 2.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.27%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is currently 9.17%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on TMO shares. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $625.00 to $585.00 in a research note on Friday, September 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $670.00 to $630.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. TheStreet cut shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. KeyCorp cut shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $657.00 to $579.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Two 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.com, Thermo Fisher Scientific presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $596.75.

View Our Latest Analysis on TMO

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

(Free Report)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the United States and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, clinical next-generation sequencing, bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets.

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Weatherly Asset Management L. P. trimmed its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 0.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 28,307 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 145 shares during the quarter. Weatherly Asset Management L. P.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $2,742,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of ABT. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 97,996.2% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,101,555,797 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $229,111,613,000 after acquiring an additional 2,099,413,455 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 137,153,545 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $14,952,480,000 after purchasing an additional 1,584,552 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 77,225,258 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,419,032,000 after purchasing an additional 820,369 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 74,817,109 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,156,561,000 after purchasing an additional 1,362,889 shares during the period. Finally, Capital International Investors raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 4.9% during the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 59,178,607 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $6,451,127,000 after buying an additional 2,747,652 shares during the last quarter. 73.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ABT shares. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. UBS Group cut their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $122.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. TheStreet downgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.80.

Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE:ABT traded down $1.13 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $107.47. The stock had a trading volume of 3,347,421 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,184,850. The firm has a market cap of $186.57 billion, a PE ratio of 36.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 0.70. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $98.52 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $102.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $89.67 and a twelve month high of $115.83.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.82 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.15%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.15 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 13th were issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.90%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 69.39%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total transaction of $4,702,500.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,725,316 shares in the company, valued at $632,515,969.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

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.

Further Reading

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Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Lees visit to Japan, and congratulated President Tharman on his inauguration. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that, as the world is at a historical turning point, Japan places great importance on promoting cooperation with ASEAN, including Singapore, to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law and to ensure a world where human dignity is protected. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his hope that the Commemorative Summit would become an opportunity to pass on to the next generation the "trust" which Japan and ASEAN have built thus far, and to further strengthen the relations between Japan and ASEAN. In response, Prime Minister Lee appreciated that he was welcomed by the Japanese side on his visit, and expressed his hope that he would work with Prime Minister Kishida to further develop Japan-Singapore relations.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 16, 2023 - 09:54 | All, Japan, Arts

Japanese scientists said they have succeeded in creating the world's first mental images of objects and landscapes from human brain activity by using artificial intelligence technology.

The team of scientists from the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, another national institute and Osaka University was able to produce rough images of a leopard, with a recognizable mouth, ears and spotted pattern, as well as objects like an airplane with red lights on its wings.

The technology, dubbed "brain decoding," enables the visualization of perceptual contents based on brain activity and could be applied to the medical and welfare fields.

The findings were published online recently in the international scientific journal Neural Networks.

Previous studies had shown that images seen by human participants could be reconstructed from brain activity measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, although they were limited to specific domains such as alphabetical letters.

Based on previous methods, the team developed a technology that quantifies brain activity and allows generative AI to draw images in combination with predictive techniques to recreate complex objects.

During research, participants were shown 1,200 images of objects and landscapes, with the relationship between their brain signals and the images analyzed and quantified using fMRI. The same images were input into the generative AI to learn their correspondence with the brain activity.

The technology could be used in the development of communication devices and to gain an understanding of the brain mechanisms of hallucinations and dreams, according to the article.

Related coverage:

New Tezuka "Black Jack" manga episode created using AI unveiled
Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Gusmaos visit to Japan. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan had supported Timor-Leste's nation-building since its independence and welcomed the upgrading of the Japan-Timor-Leste relationship to a "Comprehensive Partnership." Prime Minister Kishida also stated that, as the world is at a historical turning point, Japan places great importance on promoting cooperation with Timor-Leste and ASEAN to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law and to ensure a world where human dignity is protected, and stated that Japan would continue to support Timor-Lestes accession to ASEAN. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his hope that the Commemorative Summit would become an opportunity to pass on to the next generation the "trust" which Japan and ASEAN have built thus far, and to further strengthen the relations between Japan and ASEAN. In response, Prime Minister Gusmao appreciated that he was welcomed by the Japanese side on his visit and that Japan had provided tremendous assistance for Timor-Leste since its independence. Prime Minister Gusmao also stated that he would like to further develop Japan-Timor-Leste relations.
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KYODO NEWS - Dec 16, 2023 - 23:05 | All, Japan

Prosecutors have started questioning ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers on a voluntary basis in connection with a political fund scandal involving the LDP's largest faction, sources familiar with the matter said Saturday.

Several dozen lawmakers of the faction are targeted for questioning amid allegations that the group failed to declare hundreds of millions of yen of fundraising party revenue in political funding reports.

The scandal has already rocked Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government, resulting in the replacement of all four ministers belonging to the LDP's largest faction, and could also deliver a further blow to the ruling party depending on how the investigation proceeds.

The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation squad is looking into the case as a possible violation of the political funds control law.

The scandal emerged following a criminal complaint alleging five LDP factions underreported revenue from political fundraising parties. They include the faction Kishida belongs to, which is the fourth largest.

LDP factions have traditionally set quotas for lawmakers on the sale of party tickets, usually priced at 20,000 yen ($141). In some groups, if they surpass their targets, the extra funds have been passed back to them as a type of commission.

In the LDP's biggest faction, which former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led until his assassination in July 2022, the extra funds had neither been reported as expenditure nor as payments to lawmakers.

Such shady funds are believed to have amounted to around 500 million yen over a five-year period through 2022 in the Abe faction.

Among the lawmakers of the faction, House of Councillors member Yasutada Ono is believed to have received over 50 million yen and House of Representatives members Yoshitaka Ikeda and Yaichi Tanigawa received more than 40 million yen, the sources said.

The Political Funds Control Act requires an accountant to submit a report on income and expenditure. Failure to report can result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 1 million yen.

The prosecutors are also expected to investigate the flow of money within the faction through the questioning of lawmakers who served as secretary general to the Abe faction, such as former Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno and former trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura.

Matsuno, who is suspected of failing to report more than 10 million yen in income earned from the Abe faction's fundraising events, and Nishimura were among the four ministers replaced on Thursday.

Nishimura, meanwhile, said on the social media platform X on Saturday, "I will cooperate with the investigation and fulfill my accountability when the appropriate time comes."

Related coverage:

Accountant of Japan ruling party faction played role in funds scandal

FOCUS: Japan PM's gamble to oust powerful LDP faction may plague gov't

Prosecutors search lower house member's home, office over vote-buying
Manik Sharma is an independent entertainment journalist. Views expressed are personal.

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Narendra Banad is an independent journalist. Views expressed are personal.

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Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding (R), speaks with Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, secretary for external relations of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party in Harare, Zimbabwe, Dec. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

HARARE, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday donated over 1,000 books to Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party at its headquarters in the country's capital Harare.

The donation was handed over by Zhou Ding, the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, to Munyaradzi Machacha, the principal of the Chitepo School of Ideology, ZANU-PF's ideology school.

The donation included books on Chinese history, Chinese financial reforms and China's foreign affairs, among others, as well as computers and printers.

Some of the books will be kept in the library of the recently completed ideology school in Harare.

"We will be opening our school soon, and these will grace our library, where students can come and borrow and read," Machacha told Xinhua after the handover ceremony.

"It will allow our students to read widely and to have a broader global view of events that will be taking place around them," he said.

Speaking after the ceremony, Zhou expressed the hope that the donation can "benefit ZANU-PF and help further strengthen the bonds between our two parties."

"Our relations include not only economic cooperation but also party-to-party exchanges. The Communist Party of China (CPC) and ZANU-PF have a long history of cooperation," Zhou said.

China has played a critical role in Zimbabwe's development since pre-independence up to the current economic reconstruction of the country, said Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, ZANU-PF's secretary for external relations.

Zimbabwe seeks to learn from the successes of China, which has built a prosperous society and lifted hundreds of millions from poverty under the leadership of the CPC, he added. 
HARARE, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government on Friday urged the business community to trade fairly and desist from profiteering and creating artificial shortages of basic commodities during the upcoming festive season.

Zimbabwean Industry and Commerce Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said that after observing an emerging trend of increases in the price of basic commodities this week, the ministry would like to urge businesses to ensure that there will not be any sharp price increases.

"We have witnessed and enjoyed a normal supply of basic commodities on the market, with no shortages or crises, as previously happened in the yester years," Nyoni said in a statement issued after meeting members of various business organizations.

"We have witnessed and enjoyed price stability for a very long time now, ever since the Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe instituted a tight monetary control regime and this must be maintained, to promote consumer welfare," she said.

She also assured the public that there are enough stocks of basic commodities during the festive season. 
NANNING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- In the first 11 months of the year, the imports and exports of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with Vietnam totaled 222.97 billion yuan (about 31.42 billion U.S. dollars), up by 31 percent year on year, the highest growth rate since 2016, according to the customs of Nanning, capital of the region.

Vietnam has been Guangxi's largest trading partner since 1999. In recent years, Guangxi and Vietnam have deepened economic, trade and investment cooperation in sectors including the clothing and electronic information.

In terms of agricultural products trade, in the first 11 months of this year, Guangxi imported 7.49 billion yuan of agricultural products from Vietnam, an increase of 57 percent. Among them, fresh durian imports increased by 811.6 percent to 4.16 billion yuan.

At the same time, Vietnamese market welcomes vegetables and fruits from Guangxi. Guangxi exported 8.58 billion yuan of agricultural products to Vietnam, up by 6.1 percent year on year. 
The Piti Channel is seen Nov. 10, 2022, next to the Port Authority of Guam in Piti.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has announced that it has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with OCI Global for buying its entire shareholding in Fertiglobe, the largest nitrogen fertiliser producer in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Fertiglobe is the worlds largest seaborne exporter of urea and ammonia combined, the largest nitrogen fertiliser producer in the Middle East North Africa, and an early mover in sustainable ammonia, with production facilities in Egypt, Algeria and the UAE.

The transaction, which will see Adnoc become majority shareholder in Fertiglobe, supports the companys ambitious chemicals strategy and its plans to establish a global growth platform for ammonia, a key lower carbon fuel and hydrogen carrier that is expected to play an important role in the energy transition.

For Abu Dhabi-listed Fertiglobe, this transaction supports the companys future growth plans, enabling it to accelerate the pursuit of new market and product opportunities, and expand its focus on clean ammonia as an emerging fuel and hydrogen carrier.

Under the terms of the agreement, Adnoc will purchase OCIs 50% + 1 share in Fertiglobe at AED 3.20 per share, representing a total purchase price of AED13.28 billion ($3.62 billion).

The agreement also incorporates an earn-out mechanism for FY2024 and FY2025, linked to commodity pricing and the free cash flow performance of the Fertiglobe business during the relevant period. Following the completion of the transaction, Adnocs shareholding in Fertiglobe will increase to 86.2% while the free float traded on ADX will remain at 13.8%.

Khaled Salmeen, Executive Director, Downstream, Marketing and Trading Directorate at Adnoc, said: "Working in close partnership with OCI since 2018, we have successfully listed and grown Fertiglobe into the worlds largest seaborne exporter of ammonia and urea fertilisers."

"Todays agreement reinforces Adnocs long-term commitment to Fertiglobe and our continued focus on delivering growth and maximising value for the companys shareholders. This important transaction supports Adnocs ambitious chemicals growth strategy and accelerates our plan to establish a global growth platform for ammonia and clean ammonia," he added.

Building on Adnoc and OCIs strong and long-standing strategic partnership, the two companies have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential cooperation on future growth opportunities for ammonia imports into Europe and product distribution.

Both partners have deep knowledge and understanding of the role that ammonia has to play in global decarbonisation and energy transition, and the MoU provides a robust framework to leverage each companys strengths in pursuing opportunities in the energy transition and decarbonisation areas.

Nassef Sawiris, Vice Chairman of Fertiglobe and Executive Chairman of OCI Global, said: "Today marks a pivotal juncture in Fertiglobes journey with Adnoc, which began in 2018."

"Within the Adnoc Group, I am confident that Fertiglobe has found its optimal long-term home, and that with Adnocs continued support and guidance, significant value creation and exciting growth opportunities lie ahead. OCI looks forward to continued collaboration with Adnoc which will focus on value accretive growth projects outside the Middle East," noted Sawaris.

The transaction is expected to close in 2024, subject to the completion of all necessary legal and regulatory conditions, including anti-trust approvals.
TEHRAN, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iranian senior officials on Friday condemned a deadly "terror" attack on a police station in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province earlier in the day, reported local media.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed condolences to the victims' families in a message, calling on the country's security and law enforcement forces to identify the perpetrators and orderers of the "heinous crime" and punish them as soon as possible, according to a statement published on the website of his office.

Iranian Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei blamed "Iran's enemies" for the attack, vowing that severe punishment would be meted out to them, according to the Mizan news agency of the judiciary.

Also, in a message addressed to Iran's Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan, the country's Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi vowed that "the terrorists and their sponsors have to know that they will definitely be captured by Iranian police, security and intelligence forces and will receive the harshest punishment," according to the official news agency IRNA.

At least 11 policemen and two assailants were killed as well as eight others injured in the attack on a police station in Rask County in the early morning.

The "Jaish al-Zulm group," a separatist cell that Iran says has ties to al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, the semi-official Tasnim reported.

According to Tasnim, the Iranian security forces were conducting a manhunt for the rest of the "terrorists," who had fled the scene, and a helicopter was deployed along the common border with Pakistan to identify the assailants, the report added.

Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several terrorist attacks on both civilians and security forces over the past years. 
MOSCOW, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to conduct seven launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in 2024, the commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) Lieutenant General Sergei Karakayev said on Friday.

In an interview with Russian newspaper Red Star, Karakayev said that in the past five years, the SMF has conducted more than 20 ICBM launches as part of flight tests of new missile systems and training exercises for the Russian armed forces.

He said that the "Avangard" complex with a hypersonic warhead, which was put on combat duty, was tested from the Yasny formation in the Orenburg region using some of the existing infrastructure of the positional area. "Seven launches are planned for 2024," he added.

Russia and the United States, Karakayev said, continue to exchange information on the planned launches of intercontinental missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

"The Russian Federation informs the American side of any planned launch of an ICBM and SLBM no less than a day in advance. The United States also provides similar information," he said.

He added that Russia informs the United States of all missile launches no less than 24 hours in advance in line with the agreement between the former Soviet Union and the United States from 1988 and the Treaty on the Reduction of Strategic Offensive Arms.

"Such a notification indicates the planned date of launch, the place of launch, and the area of impact of the warheads," Karakayev said. 
SANTIAGO (AP)  Chiles police on Friday arrested at least 55 people in a fiscal fraud case that could be one of the biggest in the countrys history, amounting to about $275 million and implicating small and mid-sized companies in different parts of the country.

Marcelo Freyhoffer, a high officer at Chiles tax agency, told journalists those arrested were associated with companies that did not render real services and committed fraud through false tax documents. Their goal was to pay less tax or obtain fraudulent tax returns, he said.

Freyhoffer said the suspects will stand trial for tax crimes, criminal association, money laundering, customs fraud and making false declarations, and could be jailed for up to 15 years in what he called the countrys biggest fraud case ever.

The investigation started in 2016 and touched companies operating in a wide range of areas, varying from construction to exporters of cell phones.

Chiles President Gabriel Boric said the arrests show that the institutions work against those who commit crimes, against those who commit white-collar crime, against those who commit acts of corruption.

Boric spoke during a visit to the region of Magallanes, in Chiles south, where he voted on the new proposed Constitution.
Stanislaus National Forest Logo View Photo

Sonora, CA The rugged terrains of the Stanislaus National Forest have recently become an unexpected playground for Teslas Cybertruck, sparking excitement among car enthusiasts. However, the forests management is eyeing an unconventional collaboration with Tesla Motors to address the growing challenges associated with the distinctively designed vehicle. With the surge in incidents involving the unmistakable Cybertruck, Forest Managers see an opportunity to partner with Tesla on an educational campaign regarding off-road vehicle use on public lands.

Were always thrilled when new opportunities to explore our public lands arise, remarked Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken. But it seems there may be a need for some education about our Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM).

Kuikens comments follow a recent incident in the Stanislaus National Forest, where a Tesla Cybertruck reportedly lost traction and careened down an embankment in a well-known Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area on the Forests Calaveras Ranger District while attempting to harvest a Christmas tree. The incident has since become a viral sensation on social media.

We believe that had the Cybertruck driver been better acquainted with the topographical features outlined on our maps, practiced Leave No Trace principles, and generally been more prepared, this whole incident could have not only been avoided but also provided much-needed education to many new off-road users. In response, Kuiken is proposing an educational partnership between the Stanislaus National Forest and Tesla Motors.

You never have to worry about a software update at an incredibly awkward moment with one of our MVUM maps, Kuiken quipped. We would invite Tesla Motors executives to sit down with us and develop an educational experience for new Cybertruck owners. We anticipate this enthusiastic user base joining our well-established OHV community and want to ensure weve done everything to create a positive user experience.
Washington, D.C.  Mother Lode Congressman Tom McClintock spoke on the House floor this week regarding free speech and antisemitism.

McClintocks speech centered around the recent public hearing before the House Education and Workforce Committee involving the presidents of MIT, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania.

The spectacle of university presidents maintaining that genocide was a contextual matter would have been absurd. Why? Because people of good will had the freedom to present the other side  and the other side was always compelling, argued McClintock.

The president of the University of Pennsylvania, M. Elizabeth Magill, resigned last Saturday, four days after the hearing where she appeared to evade the question of whether students who called for the genocide of Jews should be punished. However, hundreds of Harvard faculty members rallied around their president, Claudine Gay, and on Tuesday, the universitys highest governing body announced Gay would remain at the helm. Regarding the issue of free speech, McClintock stated, Freedom of speech, of the press, of religion, and of peaceful assembly are the very tools that Americans have used for two and a half centuries to resolve our differences civilly and chart a path to a better future. But in this Brave New Orwellian woke world we have entered, speech in opposition to leftist views is violence; violence in support of leftist views is speech; racial discrimination is social justice; and force rather than reason is the legitimate way to resolve our differences.

McClintocks entire speech can be viewed below:

Free Speech is the Cure and Not the Cause of Antisemitism

Mr. Speaker:

When the Presidents of MIT, Harvard and University of Pennsylvania were invited to denounce open race-hatred on their campuses, they wrapped themselves in the mantle of free speech. People have a right to say what they think as long as it doesnt become threatening conduct, they said, and on this narrow point theyre right. But that doesnt explain why antisemitism is rampant on their campuses. It is not a tolerance for outrageous speech that is the problem  it is a complete intolerance of patriotic speech.

According to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, the two most intolerant and oppressive universities in the country are Harvard and UPenn. MIT ranks 136th out of 254 universities surveyed.

How is it possible that such depraved and discredited philosophies as Marxism, totalitarianism, racism, Islamic-fascism and antisemitism now flourish on these college campuses? Because for years, the antidote to these social pathologies  the American founding principles of freedom, democracy, tolerance, and justice that have always kept them in check  have been systematically suppressed and removed from campus discussions.

A generation ago, only the lunatic fringe of our society would deny or minimize the Holocaust, or cheer the slaughter of innocents in their cribs, or praise the fascist governments that produce such horrors. The spectacle of university presidents maintaining that genocide was a contextual matter would have been absurd. Why? Because people of good will had the freedom to present the other side  and the other side was always compelling.

The only way to separate truth from lies, or wisdom from folly, or good from evil, is to place the two side by side and then trust the common sense and good judgment of the American people to know the difference. This free exchange of ideas is the beating heart of Democracy. It is the sole purpose for which this Capitol was constructed. We have based our entire form of government on the assumption that more than half the people are right more than half the time. But it assumes people have the full and unfettered freedom to express themselves and to challenge the claims and opinions of each other. In such an exchange, the good, the moral, the wise and the right will ultimately rise to the top.

There are only two ways to resolve disputes among human beings: reason and force. The American Founders built an empire of reason enshrined in the First Amendment. Freedom of speech, of the press, of religion, and of peaceful assembly are the very tools that Americans have used for two and a half centuries to resolve our differences civilly and chart a path to a better future.

But in this Brave New Orwellian woke world we have entered, SPEECH in OPPOSITION to leftist views is VIOLENCE; violence in SUPPORT of leftist views is speech; racial discrimination is social justice; and force rather than reason is the legitimate way to resolve our differences. They tell us that shouting down opponents, disrupting civil discussions, rioting in the streets, threatening or even practicing violence against opponents, is freedom of speech. The ultimate expression of this rot is the moral confusion that sees the killing of babies as a legitimate way to resolve grievances.

Polls on campuses tell us that the vast majority of college students fear even expressing views that conflict with leftist orthodoxy. We are now learning that the federal government itself colluded with tech companies to deny the American people crucial facts and analysis over everything from covid to the Russian collusion hoax to Biden family influence peddling. Major newspapers that once thrived on vigorous debate have said they wont even print opinions contrary to leftist orthodoxy on climate change.

Free societies do not fear words and thoughts, even those that are hateful, ugly, evil or obscene  because the same freedom that protects these darkest impulses of our nature also protects the right of men and women of good will to confront them, expose them and reject them.

This is what these university presidents and their many confederates have taken from our campuses, and this is what the left is taking from our society. And this is what we must restore if we are to resume the upward path toward peace, prosperity, happiness and justice that our freedom assures and that our First Amendment protects.
US military leaders press Israel to shift from major combat as Iranian-backed ship attacks escalate View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  The top two U.S. military leaders are traveling to Tel Aviv to advise the Israeli government on how to transition from major combat operations against Hamas in Gaza to a more limited campaign and prevent a wider regional war. Their trip comes as Iranian-backed militants on Saturday launched a wave of attack drones against ships in the Red Sea and said they would continue until Israels aggression ends.

One of the American warships assigned to the Ford carrier strike group, the destroyer USS Carney, successfully engaged 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. Britain reported that a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships.

It was the latest in a series of attacks threatening commercial and U.S. Navy ships in the Red Sea that have escalated after Israel intensified its response to the Hamas strike against Israel on Oct. 7. Israel is stinging from the deadliest attack ever on its homefront and has pledged that its offensive will not cease until Hamas is destroyed.

U.S. defense leaders are hoping to prevent the risk of wider regional conflict, both through a sustained high level of U.S. military presence and by engaging with the Israelis to get them to move beyond the massive bombardment campaign.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, who are heading to Israel, served in leadership roles as U.S. airpower and ground forces moved from major combat to lower-intensity counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it is not clear how deeply their advice from lessons learned will resonate with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

Their trip highlights the increased efforts by the Biden administration to convince Israel that it should scale back its offensive, which has flattened much of Gazas northern region, displaced millions and killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Israels push has been complicated by the dense urban population and Hamas network of tunnels, and the militants are accused of using civilians as human shields. The sustained intensity of Israels campaign has led President Joe Biden to warn that the U.S. ally is losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing.

U.S. officials have been telling Israel for several weeks that its window is closing for concluding major combat operations in Gaza without risking the loss of even more backing.

In a meeting Thursday, Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, urged Netanyahu to shift to more targeted operations by smaller military teams hunting specific high-value targets, rather than the sustained broad bombardment that has occurred so far. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said his country would continue major combat operations against Hamas for several more months.

There are implications for the tens of thousands of U.S. service members deployed in the region.

Austin on Friday extended the deployment once more of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and a second warship in order to retain a two-carrier presence in the Mediterranean Sea. The ships are seen as vital to deter Iran from widening the Israel-Hamas war into a regional conflict. The approximately 5,000 sailors aboard the Ford were originally due home in early November.

There are 19 U.S. warships in the region, including seven in the eastern Mediterranean. A dozen more stretched down the Red Sea, across the Arabian Sea and up into the Persian Gulf.

The missile and drone attacks have led at least two major shipping companies, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, to order their commercial vessels to temporarily pause transits through the strait.

This is a worldwide problem that affects Israel, too, Gallant said the Houthis blocking shipping in the Red Sea. We are ready to act. We know what to do. And we will find the right timing to act. We are giving a chance, in the maritime issue, to the international system. If we reach a situation where we are the final option, we will know what to do, he said about a possible military response.

Mohammed Abdel-Salam, the Houthis chief negotiator and spokesman, wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the Houthis would keep targeting Israel-linked vessels until the aggression stops; the siege on Gaza is lifted; and humanitarian aid continues to flow into the Strip.

Austin is expected also to visit Bahrain and Qatar and further work toward establishing a new maritime mission to provide increased security for commercial ships sailing in the southern Red Sea. Bahrain is the home of the U.S. Navys Central Command headquarters and the international maritime task force charged with ensuring safe passage for vessels in the region.

Qatar has been vital in helping keep what has been a deadly localized war from boiling over into a regional conflict and negotiating hostage release.

Earlier in his Army career, Austin oversaw the drawdown of forces in Iraq in 2011. He visited Israel days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and has spoken to Gallant, his Israeli counterpart, more than two dozen times since then.

In his meetings in Israel, he is likely to continue discussions on how Israelis define different military campaign milestones, to be able to assess when they will have sufficiently degraded Hamas to ensure their own security and shift from major combat operations, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters traveling with Austin.

-

Associated Press writer Sam Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.

By TARA COPP

Associated Press
Author receives German prize in scaled-down format after comparing Gaza to Nazi-era ghettos View Photo

BERLIN (AP)  The Russian-American writer Masha Gessen received a German literary prize Saturday in a ceremony that was delayed and scaled down in reaction to an article comparing Gaza to Nazi German ghettos.

The comparison in a recent New Yorker article was viewed as controversial in Germany, where government authorities strongly support Israel as a form of remorse and responsibility after Adolf Hitlers Germany murdered up to 6 million Jews in the Holocaust.

Gessen, who was born Jewish in the Soviet Union, is critical of Israels treatment of Palestinians.

Reaction to the article comes as German society grapples with the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, with both pro-Palestinian protests and pro-Israel demonstrations taking place in past weeks. German leaders have repeatedly stressed their support for the countrys Jews and for Israel as they have denounced antisemitic incidents.

Gessen was originally due to receive the Hannah Arendt Prize for Political Thought on Friday in the city hall of Bremen, in northwest Germany, but the sponsoring organization, the Heinrich Boll Foundation, and the Senate of the city of Bremen withdrew from the ceremony.

It took place instead in a different location Saturday with about 50 guests crowded into a small event room and with police security, the German news agency dpa reported.

In Gessens article, titled In the Shadow of the Holocaust, the author explores German Holocaust memory, arguing that Germany today stifles free and open debate on Israel.

Gessen also is critical of Israels relationship with Palestinians, writing that Gaza is like a Jewish ghetto in an Eastern European country occupied by Nazi Germany.

The ghetto is being liquidated, the article added.

The ghettos in German-occupied countries during World War II were open-air prisons where Jews were killed, starved and died from diseases. Those who didnt perish there were rounded up and transported to death camps where they were murdered, a process called liquidation.

The Boll Foundation, affiliated with Germanys Green party, called the comparison unacceptable. A jury decided in the summer to award Gessen, an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the foundation said it wasnt canceling the award itself.

Gessen was not available for comment, a New Yorker spokesperson said, but the writer defended the article in an interview with Politico.

I think it is possible to be very upset about that comparison, Gessen told Politico. I also think that in this circumstance, it is morally necessary and politically necessary to make this very, very upsetting comparison.

The award is to honor people who contribute to public political thought in the tradition of Hannah Arendt, the German-born American political theorist who explored totalitarianism.
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia cracked down on 137 human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases in the first 10 months of 2023, up from 134 cases in the same period last year, the Interior Ministry said in a report on Saturday.

According to the report, 23 cases of human trafficking and 114 cases related to sexual exploitation were registered during the January-October period, and the authorities arrested 160 suspects, including 10 foreigners, and rescued 424 victims.

Interior Ministry's Secretary of State Chou Bun Eng, who is also permanent vice-chair of a national committee for countering trafficking, said the crackdown reflected the kingdom's strong efforts to protect and rescue people from all forms of human trafficking.

"The government will continue to do its best to eliminate all forms of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in order to promote the respect for human rights, dignity and social justice," she said. 
A 52-year-old man from Gandangula village in Lupane allegedly rped his 12-year-old niece three times.

Mhlophe Ndlovu, who is the complainants uncle, allegedly abused the minor over a period of one year and her grandmother instructed her to keep quiet about the xul assault.

The prosecutor, Mr Derick Ndlovu presented the circumstances at the court, stating, On an unknown date during the third term of the 2022 school year, the accused unlawfully went to the minors homestead and had xul intercourse with her without her consent.

Mhlophe, the court heard, used the same modus operandi to abuse the minor a second time.

When her grandmother returned home, the minor disclosed the xul abuse. However, the grandmother advised the minor to remain quiet. The child began missing school days due to the emotional pain caused by the topic of xul abuse being taught in class. Despite being a victim herself, the complainant could not bring herself to tell anyone, said the prosecutor.

The prosecutor said teachers noticed the minor had become withdrawn.

One of the female teachers visited the complainants home and inquired about the reason for her absence from school. The complainant only mentioned having a boyfriend but did not disclose her xul abuse. The school engaged Social Welfare to address the issue, but their attempts were unsuccessful. The complainant was taken to St. Lukes Hospital for a medical report, but she did not reveal the abuse, the prosecutor added.

Mhlophe allegedly molested the minor for a third time, using the same method.

The child did not confide in anyone until August 2023 when her grandmother passed away. It was at that point she decided to inform her father, who reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused person, Mr Ndlovu elaborated.

Magistrate Ms Talent Mutasa advised Mhlophe to seek bail at the High Court.

She remanded Mhlophe in custody to 21 December when he scheduled to appear before the Hwange Regional Court.

Breaking News via Email
New study shows that cats play fetch, too NPR. (David L). One of my mothers cats loved fetch. With bottle tops.

WATCH: Florida bear attacks, takes off with reindeer Christmas decoration Fox (furzy)

Dyson spheres and the quest to detect alien technosignatures Big Think (Micael T)

Historys Five Best Body Part Stories Nautilus (Micael T). No Lorana Bobbitt.

#COVID-19

No one could have foreseen this. 'The highest levels theyve been ever': Wastewater testing shows growing spread of COVID-19https://t.co/PRpKwTeA29  T. Ryan Gregory (@TRyanGregory) December 15, 2023 CDC Policy fails to protect US citizens and hospitals: Hospitals and emergency rooms could be forced to ration care by end of this month, CDC warned Thursday. COVID-19 and influenza are now on track to again strain America's health care system. https://t.co/LzK9oRk1hr  Yaneer Bar-Yam (@yaneerbaryam) December 15, 2023 Im not sure if its the latest strain that is circulating or the lack of uptake on recent boosters/vaccinations but our COVID patients currently are presenting & deteriorating like in 2020-2022. Very critically ill & unstable, coding, very high oxygen needsits scary.  NurseKelsey (she/her)  (@nursekelsey) December 16, 2023 GM via e-mail: Singapore data: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/statistics This is quite vertical. IT might burn out quickly, but if it has the same shape as previous waves, it should reach much higher than the more recent Omicron ones

China?

Old Blighty

We need emergency legislation to prevent a total water supply and financial meltdown if Thames Water fails Richard Murphy

European Disunion

Deindustrialization continues to gain momentum Anti Spiegel via machine traslation (Micael T)

Venezuela Rejects Frances Erroneous Assessments on the Essequibo Dispute teleSUR. Micael T: Both parties agreed to continue direct dialogue and not to threaten or use force under any circumstances. This cannot stand in the collective West!

Gaza

New Not-So-Cold War

Allegedly flash-bangs, but I infer still can be very dangerous in this proximity:

JUST IN  Many injured after lawmaker detonates multiple grenades during a council meeting in Transcarpathia, western Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/Vmi1sUPxKG  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 15, 2023

Imperial Collapse Watch

Trump

Biden

Look out, Joe  Kamalas coming for your job! SCOTT JENNINGS reveals the VPs incredible betrayal of Biden as she stokes a full-blown, far-left bureaucratic revolt over his wobbling support for Israel Daily Mail (Li). A wee problem is Kamala cannot manage her way out of a paper bag.

GOP Clown Car

Laffaire Jeffrey Epstein

The One Woman men in power cant seem to escape Eastern Angle (Micael T)

Our No Longer Free Press

Abortion

AI

The Bezzle

Pfizer Has a Criminal Record. Did the Media or Your Government Inform You? Had You Known, Would You Have Accepted to Receive the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine? Michel Chossudovsky (Micael T). Problem is everyone signed liability waivers. And the case was public, anyone who cared could have searched. Probably more interesting as a sign of rising lack of trust (which should have been lower to begin with) for Big Pharma. Should we be teaching Neoclassical Economics to undergraduates? Monetary Policy Institute Blog (Chuck L)

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour (Tracie H):

And a bonus (Chuck L):

This cheetah proudly shows her cubs to a photographer. The sounds this family makes are purring & chirping, which is worth listening to. A kind man doesn't pull the trigger but triggers the shutter to capture such stunning moments.  pic.twitter.com/2BZ9CZ1ldu  Hakan Kapucu (@1hakankapucu) December 14, 2023

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- India's main opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi Saturday blamed unemployment and rising prices for a recent major security breach in parliament.

"There has been a security breach in parliament. But why did it happen? The biggest issue in the country is unemployment, which is rampant all over the country. The country's youth are not getting employment due to Modi's policies," Gandhi told reporters. "The reason behind the breach is unemployment and price rise."

On Wednesday, two young men carrying smoke canisters emitting yellow smoke jumped from the visitors' gallery, running into the lower house of the parliament while the proceedings were going on.

Around the same time, two others, a man and a woman, were detained outside parliament by police, also with colored smoke canisters that exploded and emitted columns of yellow smoke.

The fifth person who allegedly circulated videos of the protest outside the complex on social media has also been arrested.

The issue has disrupted proceedings in both houses of the parliament.

Opposition lawmakers have been demanding a statement from federal Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah on the issue in the parliament. 
Yves here. This post by Vijay Prashad sets forth, in stark terms, how the process of ethic cleansing of Palestinians was baked into the founding principles of Israel. Scott Ritter made the same point in his post, Why I no longer stand with Israel, and never will again. John Mearsheimer has similarly said a two-state solution is impossible; see a fresh version of him explaining why in John Mearsheimer: There is no two-state solution at Unherd.

By Vijay Prashad, an Indian historian, editor, and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is an editor of LeftWord Books and the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest books are Struggle Makes Us Human: Learning from Movements for Socialism and (with Noam Chomsky) The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power. was produced by Globetrotter.

In 1948, the Syrian historian Constantin Zurayk used the Arabic word Nakba (Catastrophe) to refer to the forced removal of Palestinians from their lands and homes by the newly formed Israeli state (in his August 1948 book, Mana al-Nakba or The Meaning of the Nakba). A decade ago, in Beirut, I met with the Lebanese novelist Elias Khourythen editor of the Arabic-language Journal of Palestinian Studies, who told me that the Nakba of 1948 was not an event but part of a process. What we have is a Permanent Nakba, which means that this catastrophe has been continuous for the Palestinians, he said. Since 1948, Palestinian political movements and intellectuals have argued that the logic of the Israeli state has been to expel the Palestinians from the region between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea. This policy of expulsion to create an ethno-religious Jewish State of Israel is what Khoury meant by the Permanent Nakba.

On November 11, 2023, Israels Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter said something startling to the press. We are now rolling out the Gaza Nakba, he said. Gaza Nakba 2023. Thats how itll end, said this former director of Israels internal security service Shin Bet. In the first week of November, Israels Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu was on Radio Kol BaRama, whose interviewer ruminated about dropping some kind of nuclear bomb on all of Gaza, flattening them, eliminating everybody there. Eliyahu replied, Thats one way. The second way is to work out whats important to them, what scares them, what deters them Theyre not scared of death. Israel, the minister said, should retake all of Gaza. What about the Palestinians? They can go to Ireland or deserts, he said. The monsters in Gaza should find a solution by themselves. This language of annihilation and dehumanization has become normal among the cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu suspended Eliyahu from his cabinet, but he did not rebuke his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant who called Palestinians human animals. This is the broad attitude of the Israeli high officials, who are now on record with this kind of language.

Israels army has advanced its execution of the Gaza Nakba. In the early stage of the attack, Israel told Palestinian civilians to move south within the Strip, along Salah al-Din Road, the north-south axis in this 40-kilometer-long area of Palestine that holds 2.3 million Palestinians. The Israelis said that they would largely attack northern Gaza, particularly Gaza City. Around 1.5 million Palestinians moved from the northern part of Gaza to the south, the Israelis having told them repeatedly that this would be a safe zone. Those who stayed experienced a level of bombardment not seen in Gaza in the past, which has been pummeled by the Israelis on a punctual basis since 2006 (the current war including deadly air strikes against highly congested refugee camps, such as Jabalia). In late November, five weeks into their brutal bombing in the north, Israel aircraft intensified the bombing of Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, and began ground operations in the areas where they had told civilians to take shelter. By the first week of December, Israeli tanks surrounded Khan Younis, and Israeli aircraft began to bomb small towns in the southern part of Gaza. Having pushed 1.8 Palestinians into the south, the Israelis now began to bomb that part of Gaza. Meanwhile, Israels refusal to allow sufficient humanitarian aid to enter Gaza meant that nine out of 10 Palestinians are living without food for days on end (some told the UN World Food Program that they had not eaten in 10 days). This total war by Israel has pushed the majority of Palestinians in Gaza down toward the Egyptian border. Under cover of this war, the Israelis have also moved aggressively into the West Bank to deepen the Permanent Nakba in that part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

As early as October 18, long before the Israeli forces moved toward Khan Younis, the Israel military tweeted that it orders Gaza residents to move to the humanitarian zone in the area of al-Mawasi. Three days later, the Israeli military said that the Palestinians must move south of Wadi Gaza and go to the humanitarian area in Mawasi. Those who went to this small enclave (3.3 square miles) found it without any servicesincluding no internetand found that even here the Israelis were firing their weapons nearby. Mohammed Ghanem, who had lived near al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, said that al-Mawasi was neither humane nor safe. Palestinians in southern Gaza now hope that they can get out before the Israeli bombs find them. The death toll is now in excess of 18,000 dead. As one Palestinian friend wrote in a text, If we do not leave our homes and go into exile, we will get killed here. He sent this text just when confirmation arrived that more Palestinians have been pushed out of their homes and killed since October 7 than in the Nakba of 1948. This is the Second Nakba, he said to me from near the border between Gaza and Egypt.

A Vote for Annihilation

The ghastly Israeli attack on the Palestinians of Gaza provoked a call for a ceasefire from the second week of October. Israels immense firepowerprovided by Western countries (especially the United Kingdom and the United States)was used indiscriminately against a people who live in congested areas of Gaza. Images of that violence flooded social media and even the broadcast news, which could not ignore what was happening. These images overcame all the attempts by the Israeli government and its Western backers to justify their actions. Tens of millions of people joined various forms of protests across the world, but significantly in the Western states that back Israel, bravely confronting governments that tried to portray their solidarity with the Palestiniansunsuccessfullyas antisemitism. This attack was a cynical attempt to use the actual and horrible existence of antisemitism to malign the protests. It did not work. The call for a full-scale ceasefire increased, putting pressure on governments around the world to act.

On December 8, 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) put a brief, simple, and crucial resolution for a ceasefire (the words are from UAE ambassador to the UN Mohamed Issa Abushahab). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the Charter, which allows him to underscore the importance of an event through preventative diplomacy (the article has only been used three times previously, over the conflicts in the Republic of Congo in 1960, Iran in 1979, and Lebanon in 1989). Almost a hundred member states of the UN backed the UAE resolution. The people of Gaza are being told to move like human pinballsricocheting between ever-smaller slivers of the south, without any of the basics for survival, Guterres told the UN Security Council. Nowhere in Gaza is safe. Thirteen members of the Security Council voted for it, including France, while the United Kingdom abstained. Only U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood raised his hand to veto the resolution.

Four days later, on December 12, the Egyptians tabled much the same resolution in the UN General Assembly, where Assembly President Dennis Francis (of Trinidad and Tobago) said, We have one singular priorityonly oneto save lives. Stop this violence now. The vote was overwhelming: 153 countries voted for the resolution, 10 voted against it, and 23 abstained. It is instructive to see which countries voted against the ceasefire: Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Israel, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and the United States. Many European countriesfrom Bulgaria to the United Kingdomabstained. But matters are complex. Even Ukraine did not vote with Israel on this resolution. They abstained.

The U.S. veto in the Security Council and the votes against in the General Assembly are effectively votes for the Permanent Nakba of the Palestinian people, the No-State Solution. At least, that is how they will be read across the world, not only in al-Mawasi, as the bombs get closer, but also in the demonstrations from New York to Jakarta.
West Virginia Secretary of State says 2020 election was stolen by the CIA

During a recent gubernatorial debate, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner made a bold statement, saying the 2020 election was stolen from President Trump by the CIA.

(Article by Bosun republished from 100PercentFedUp.com)

Warner, who is a 23-year U.S. Army veteran, positions himself as a battle-tested leader on his campaign website.

His military and administrative experiences form a significant part of his gubernatorial campaign.

Gubernatorial candidate Mac Warner: 'The election was stolen, and it was stolen by the CIA' - WV MetroNews https://t.co/aCGlpx5NIs  Lara Logan (@laralogan) December 12, 2023

From Raw Story:

The election was stolen it was stolen by the CIA, said Republican Secretary of State Mac Warner during a debate on Thursday night that was first reported by Metro News of West Virginia. He cited some testimony and a suspicion that there was collusion to sell a lie to the American people for the purposes of throwing the presidential election. WATCH: The Incredible Moment When Patriots Gather To Pray Over President Trump! Warner not only called out the CIA, but said that the FBI covers it up.

Gubernatorial candidate Mac Warner: The election was stolen, and it was stolen by the CIA. The election was stolen, and it was stolen by the CIA, Secretary of State Mac Warner, a Republican, said Thursday night during a MetroNews debate for gubernatorial candidates. pic.twitter.com/PXOMVNznm9  intheMatrixxx (@intheMatrixxx) December 12, 2023 He cited testimony by former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] Mike Morrell before Jim Jordans House Judiciary Committee as proof that there was collusion to prevent President Donald Trump from securing a second term.

Gubernatorial candidate Mac Warner: 'The election was stolen, and it was stolen by the CIA' - WV MetroNews https://t.co/aCGlpx5NIs  Lara Logan (@laralogan) December 12, 2023

Morell explained under oath that a Biden campaign senior adviser (who later became Secretary of State Antony Blinken had discussed a report about Hunter Bidens laptop two days prior to releasing an Oct. 19, 2020, statement from 51 former intelligence officials suggesting the story may have been tainted by a Russian disinformation campaign.

Other candidates in the debate were more reticent to make the stolen election claims, and were even complimentary of Warner.

When asked if the election was stolen like Warner claimed, businessman Chris Miller said possibly, according to Metro News of West Virginia.

Warner has been consistent in his stance that the election was stolen.

From Metro News:

For Warner, who has served as West Virginias Secretary of State since 2017, the claim was a variation on a consistent public position of casting doubt on the presidential election. Warner is now vying to become West Virginias chief executive, touting his long record in the U.S. Army and his two terms as the states chief elections officer. Polls have shown him running behind some of the other candidates, but he has picked up a key endorsement from the former presidents orbit and hopes for more. Following the 2020 election, Warner participated in a March for Trump rally and appeared in the backdrop of Right Side Broadcasting coverage holding up a Stop the Steal sign. At that point, he questioned voting methods in some states.

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Read more at: 100PercentFedUp.com
Navy medical officer reveals alarming 937% increase in heart failure among helicopter and fixed-wing pilots post-COVID-19 inoculation

Navy Medical Service Corps Lt. Ted Macie, who is an active-duty officer, a Navy health administrator and a medical recruiter, revealed late November the damning Department of Defense data indicating a massive surge in cardiac conditions among active-duty aviators in 2022, a year or so after the mandatory Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination, compared to the five-year average preceding that year.

"I went in today and I'm doing the same thing: a five-year average. However, I'm comparing it to 2022. And I'm using only fixed-wing pilots and helicopter pilots on active duty," Macie said enumerating various heart-related diseases with the corresponding percentage increase. The most shocking are cases of heart failure which went up by a whopping 973 percent. Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis incidents climbed to 152 percent and 151 percent, respectively. There was a 69 percent surge in systemic heart diseases and 62 percent in pulmonary heart diseases. Thirty-six percent increase of hypertensive diseases were reported as well as 63 percent of other forms of cardiac conditions. (Related: COVID jabs form spike proteins in heart cells, causing irregular heart contractions and full blown cardiomyopathy, researchers find.)

USA ?? Wow, The Insanity Continues ?Navy Medical Officer reveals Covax Vaccine Related Heart Issues. These numbers are astounding. "Myocarditis up 151%, Ischemic heart disease up 69%, pulmonary heart disease up 62% and Heart Failure is up 973% ?? pic.twitter.com/KoPb82uUbr  ????????????? (@Risemelbourne) November 28, 2023

In a recent episode of "Keep the Republic" with Daniel Bobinski, which featured the whistleblower's video, the host called on anybody who knows what could be causing the alarming increase of serious medical conditions suddenly appearing in the military aviators. "Please  by all means  tell someone. Our national defense could be at stake," he urged.

But anti-vaccine advocates have long been explaining and showing evidence that the "experimental" vaccines are causing this. In fact, Macie's wife, Mara Macie, has repeatedly emphasized the U.S. government's "unreasonable" treatment of military troops during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also argued that now, there is already a high level of mistrust in the military's leadership and demanded accountability as "the only answer." Mara is currently running for Floridas 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"So you may have seen my wife's recent post and I want to elaborate on that and give you an example as to why reinstatement, back pay and apologies are not enough," Macie said in his video on Nov. 27.

The recent report followed a revelation covered by the Gateway Pundit in July, which cited a leaked military study admitting a spike in myocarditis cases by at least 151 percent post-vaccination in the U.S. military. Gilbert Cisneros Jr., the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, confirmed the increase, noting 275 cases of myocarditis in 2021, a significant rise from the annual average observed from 2016 to 2020.

Officials who rolled out illegal COVID-19 mandates should be punished: Mara Macie

Now being deeply involved in the ongoing wars and a low turnout in military recruitment, Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt has been calling for the rehiring of previously discharged service members with "full back pay, rank and an apology." But that is a big NO for Mara Macie because this move would be unfair to the service members who suffered because of the unconstitutional mandates. The accountable leaders should be investigated by the Congress, she said.

"Every single military 'leader' who was informed by service members, presented them with the law, and still did nothing, should be investigated until we remove all those who put their careers above the mental and physical safety of our service members and their families," she said and pointed out that after thousands of military men were treated with "disrespect" and fired because of "tyranny," there is now a complete lack of trust among those who were not only involuntarily separated, but also those who walked away (including just shy of retirement), those who fought from within but were flagged for promotion, those who didn't want to take the shot but were coerced and their family members who have been told that the community's mental and physical health is important to that alleged leadership.

She vowed that if she gets elected to Congress, she will lead the charge for accountability and the investigation into those who violated their oath of office. She said that their honorable status would be forfeited, in exchange for personal advancement. "Justice must prevail," she stated.

Her husband agreed and posted on X that he, his wife Mara and thousands of others will not stop until there's accountability. "It's the ONLY way to right the ship. The effects from this are just beginning, and to simply overlook them is a disservice to us and the country," he said.

Meanwhile, recent information published by the U.S. Army disclosed that 97 percent of active-duty U.S. troops are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, 90 percent of Army National Guard members are fully vaccinated, and 91 percent of U.S. Army Reserve members are fully vaccinated.

Check out PharmaceuticalFraud.com for more news on Big Pharma's dangerous vaccines.

Sources for this article include:

AmericanMilitaryNews.com

DanielBobinski.substack.com

TheGatewayPundit.com
Doctors claim China is executing prisoners of conscience to HARVEST THEIR ORGANS and fuel illicit transplant industry

The innocent Chinese individuals who lost their lives due to the heinous crimes of forced organ harvesting by the Chinese communist regime are not the sole victims. When Americans opt to purchase these organs in China, they unwittingly become victims as well

This argument was presented during a virtual panel on Dec. 10, commemorating the 75th anniversary of International Human Rights Day. This panel, comprising doctors, lawyers, politicians and activists, used the platform to shed light on unaddressed abuses related to some of China's most appalling crimes against humanity, including forced organ harvesting. (Related: Japanese non-profit exec imprisoned for illegally harvesting the organs of Belarusians for Japanese patients.)

Over the past two decades, emerging evidence suggests an appalling practice: the Chinese regime has clandestinely executed prisoners of conscience on a massive scale to fuel its transplant industry. Experts who participated in the virtual conference, hosted by Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH), a Washington-based medical ethics advocacy group, emphasized that this practice persists unabated.

The primary victims are detained adherents of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice fiercely persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1999.

Dr. Howard Monsour, a Texas physician, shared a compelling story about a patient who underwent a liver transplant in China "almost immediately" after it was arranged over a decade ago. This patient was denied a transplant by hospitals in the United States due to his low survivability. He eventually received a new liver in China for $88,000.

Monsour, unaware of the Chinese transplant system at the time, later suspected his patient became an unintended victim of the regime's organ harvesting practice. This prompted Monsour to testify before the Texas Senate, contributing to the adoption of a resolution in 2021 condemning the CCP's forced organ harvesting program.

Similar instances were recounted, such as a patient of Israeli heart transplant surgeon Dr. Jacob Lavee receiving a heart transplant in China with just two weeks' notice.

Journalists in 2017 exposed a Chinese hospital offering kidneys within two days for an extra $10,000, contrary to the standard waiting time of two weeks.

The origin of these organs has raised significant questions, especially given the absence of an official organ donation system in China until 2015.

Despite decades of investigation and substantial documentation, Western media's silence on the issue has been attributed to pressure from the CCP.

China routinely denies forced organ harvesting allegations

The Chinese government dismissed these allegations two years ago after a group of UN independent experts claimed that among the ethnic and religious minority groups being targeted for organ harvesting were Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Muslims and Christians detained in China.

The Chinese government routinely denies these allegations, asserting that witness testimonies are always provided by paid actors who habitually engage in spreading slander and rumors about human rights issues in China.

"The Chinese government always follows the World Health Organization's guiding principles on human organ transplant, and has strengthened its management of organ transplant in recent years," said the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom. "On March 21, 2007, the Chinese state council enacted the regulation on human organ transplant, providing that human organ donation must be done voluntarily and gratis."

Watch this clip from the political lobbying group New Federal State of China warning that the only way to ensure the health organs of Chinese children will not be harvested is to eliminate the CCP.

This video is from the Chinese Taking Down Evil CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

China harvesting DNA from pregnant women, babies in New Axis program.

Retired Chinese surgeon recounts being forced to HARVEST ORGANS from people who were STILL ALIVE.

Nursing program head at BCIT speaks out against Chinas forced ORGAN HARVESTING.

Sources include:

NTD.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
Climate tyranny a subversion tactic by communist China to get America hooked on green technology

By the year 2049, communist China is planning to have already taken over the United Statesbecome the world's dominant power. And the dictatorial regime is effectively doing that through "green technology" tyranny

All the hullabaloo we are always hearing about concerning earth-based "fossil" fuels "polluting" the planet with carbon dioxide (CO2) and other "greenhouse gases" is a farce designed to suck America dry economically and shift superpower status over to Big Red (China).

China has already successfully gotten the United States "hooked in green technology," is how one media outlet put it. Analysts are convinced that everything currently taking place in the name of stopping global warming is a ruse aimed at destroying the U.S. and uplifting communist China on the world stage.

"The Chinese communist regime has laid out the strategy to take over the United States as the world's dominant power by 2049," reports The Epoch Times. "Meanwhile, the United States is reducing its national security by voluntarily making itself more dependent on the 'green energy' that China dominates, analysts say."

(Related: Did you know that most so-called carbon "offset" projects are complete scams?)

Green scam shifting global dominance from U.S. to China

According to Steve Malloy, a senior legal fellow at the Energy and Environment Legal Institute, China is actively subverting the United States with "green" scam tyranny to enrich itself at America's expense.

"China is using climate to subvert the United States," Malloy told Epoch TV's "American Thought Leaders" program. "China has gotten the United States and Western Europe, and really all the developed countries, hooked on green technology."

So-called "alternative" or "renewable" energy technologies, as they call them, are code names for Chinese-controlled industries that control the "ingredients" or parts needed to produce everything from wind turbines to solar panels to electric vehicles (EVs), which require rare-earth minerals like graphite to produce.

China is by far the leading world supplier and processor of many of the materials needed in green technology, which means the U.S. is fading away economically, and from an energy independence standpoint, while the world's largest communist dictatorship rises to the top.

"I think their strategy is to get the Western world dependent on China for technology," Malloy further stated. "It's a fighting without fighting."

One example Malloy shared involved the use or rare-earth minerals, which include 17 different elements on which China has a near-global monopoly.

"And all these rare earths go into wind technology and solar technology, EVs, as well as our cell phones and computers," Malloy said. "The whole world really depends on China for this."

It turns out that so-called rare-earth minerals are not technically rare in terms of their supply somewhere on earth. It is just that in the United States, rare-earth minerals are not being mined all that much, which means they must be supplied from China and other places.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) describes rare earths, as they are also called, as being "relatively abundant."

"It's just that they're present in soil at very low concentrations," Malloy explained. "So you have to strip mine to do this."

Malloy believes that one of the reasons why the West has basically ceased virtually all mining for rare earths in the modern age is because of the environmental pressure imposed by strip mining.

"But you can strip mine in China," Malloy explained, noting that communist China's environmental protection laws are basically non-existent. "They have no environmental regulations. So China has volunteered to do this."

The latest data compiled by the USGS reveals that China accounts for about 70 percent of all global rare-earth mineral mining and production.

The latest news about communist China's involvement in ringleading the green tyranny movement can be found at GreenTyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
One states collection of health data sparks privacy and digital ID concerns

Nebraskas initiative to centralize health data for all residents under the Health Information Technology Board has raised significant privacy concerns and fears of a move towards a national digital ID system.

(Article republished from YourNews.com)

The State of Nebraskas recent decision to centralize health data for all its residents has sparked a wave of criticism and concern. This initiative, led by the newly established state Health Information Technology (HIT) Board, aims to compile patient health and medical records into a single, centralized system. Critics are decrying this move as a significant breach of privacy and are alarmed at what they see as a step towards the implementation of a national digital ID.

In 2020, the Nebraska legislature unanimously approved the creation of the HIT Board. As per the HIT Boards website, its 17 members, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature, include a diverse group of healthcare stakeholders. These members range from medical professionals to hospital administrators, contributing their expertise to the management of health data.

CyncHealth, a regional health data utility, has been appointed to oversee the collection and administration of this medical data. CyncHealth manages health information for over five million patients across more than 1,100 healthcare institutions in the Midwest. Its stated goal is to not only unify health records but also to make them easily accessible to both patients and healthcare providers.

However, this swift aggregation of health data has raised concerns among critics like Stacey Skold, Ph.D., a board member of the Childrens Health Defense Nebraska Chapter. They view this development as a rapid move towards a digital ID system and potentially a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Privacy advocates have furthered their apprehensions upon learning that CyncHealth is part of the CARIN Alliance, a global coalition that advocates for digital ID. CyncHealths affiliations with major corporations like Google and Microsoft, revealed during HIT Board meetings, have only added to these fears.

Greg Glaser, a prominent digital privacy expert, has echoed these concerns, suggesting that the rapid digitization of health data in Nebraska is a troubling sign. He warns that digital IDs could transcend their purported convenience, introducing a level of control over individuals that is unprecedented.

Read more at: YourNews.com
Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Colombian Sen. Maria Fernanda Cabal warns against collectivist propaganda  Brighteon.TV

Colombian politician Maria Fernanda Cabal warned against the danger posed by collectivist propaganda during the Dec. 8 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" on Brighteon.TV

According to Cabal, a senator for the Democratic Center party, humanity is living in a twisted world where everything is upside down: evil is good and good is evil. The Colombian lawmaker attributed this to "very effective propaganda."

Recently, however, people are seeing a mutation of the collectivist propaganda. The brilliant yet evil minds behind this propaganda, Cabal said, are taking all the good or just causes and the minorities and utilizing their emotions to destroy the world. She added that the collectivists perfectly knew and understood that when emotions take people deeply, they often decide beyond reason.

"All collectivists are the same in the fact that they destroy the human individual, human being and human as a spirit for God," Cabal told Vandersteel. She added that the collectivists know Marxism is not going to win against capitalism, so they are trying to catch people's attention with sensible issues.

Collectivist propaganda infiltrating free world countries

Cabal, a two-term senator in the South American nation, said she is now seeing a free world that is at extreme risk because of the distorted principles and values introduced through collectivist propaganda. "If we don't confront collective imbecility, if we don't confront who financed them, we won't be free again because then people will be begging for the dictatorship," she warned.

Meanwhile, Vandersteel noted that Cabal penned an article about the 2020 U.S. presidential election. In her piece, the senator pointed out that polls have become propaganda tool. She also noted that former President Donald Trump, the rightful winner of the 2020 election, had called out the people creating the problem. (Related: Trump WINS election; Democrats now working overtime to STEAL it by fabricating hundreds of thousands of votes in Michigan and Wisconsin.)

Cabal expressed belief that Trump would win the 2024 presidential election and secure a second term. However, she urged Americans to be aware of what is happening in the world, not just their own country.

"So usually, the Americans don't care about what happens anywhere. Maybe that [the] wars where you send soldiers, you don't care because it's not in your common daily life. But [in] the end, to not be aware of what happens in the world puts you at risk."

Cabal added that she believes Trump will be an ally of Bogota. She also expressed hope that U.S. foreign policy with Colombia could be better because most in the U.S. Department of State either do not understand or are trapped by the Deep State. In response, Vandersteel said America's foreign policy is currently a world problem.

The "Right Now" host also remarked that the economic outlook is being measured by the amount of gross domestic product being amassed by the nations in the BRICS group that are now coming together. She also mentioned that the economic outlook in Colombia leans toward a mixed sentiment, noting a pessimistic view based on the fact that the Colombian peso is way undervalued to even the U.S. dollar.

Vandersteel then asked Cabal if Colombia would join BRICS or follow the footsteps of Argentina. Argentinian President Javier Milei said Buenos Aires won't join the group, adding that his country will adopt the greenback.

Cabal replied that she hasn't heard anything from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the nation's first left-wing chief executive.

Follow Propaganda.news for more news about propaganda propagated by different groups around the world.

Watch the Dec. 8 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" below. "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" airs weekdays at 8 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Colombia threatening to cut diplomatic ties with Israel over "neo-Nazi" GENOCIDE in Gaza.

"Believe their lies or pay the consequences"  Tucker Carlson blasts trans ideology as "just another religious war."

YES, it's communism we face, and the revolutionary playbook is unfolding right on schedule.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

TheNewAmerican.com
Department of Labor says California poultry supplier must pay $3.8 million for illegally employing children in dangerous jobs

The Exclusive Poultry Inc., a poultry processor and supplier in Southern California, has agreed to pay an estimated $3.8 million in penalties and damages after an investigation revealed that the firm employed minors in "dangerous jobs."

According to the Department of Labor (DOL), the company hired children as young as 14 to debone poultry using dangerous tools like sharp knives, and to operate power-driven lifts to move pallets.

Employers slashed the wages of workers who cooperated with DOL investigators

Officials who investigated the matter said minors worked "excessive hours" in violation of federal child labor regulations. Employers later punished workers who cooperated with DOL investigators by reducing their wages.

Investigators also accused employers of refusing to pay required overtime wages to their employees. Instead, they were paid either by piece rate or by straight-time hourly rate even when they worked grueling 50- or 60-hour weeks.

Investigators also discovered that employers failed to maintain required records when they omitted several workers from payroll records.

Jessica Looman, acting head of the DOL's Wage and Hour Division, said The Exclusive Poultry and owner Tony Bran "willfully withheld workers' hard-earned wages, endangered young workers and retaliated against employees to conceal their wrongdoing."

Looman added that the Wage and Hour Division will continue to work at every level of the industry to "prevent employers or retailers from exploiting workers, including children, for profit." (Related: State legislators would rather resurrect child labor than pay adult workers better.)

Aside from the nearly $3.8 million in fines, the settlement's terms also require Bran and The Exclusive Poultry to be monitored for the next three years to ensure their compliance.

Employers must also offer the workers, who were fired from The Exclusive Poultry following the investigation, hiring preference before they are allowed to hire more workers.

Bran denies knowing children were employed at the poultry processor

According to the judgment, Bran and The Exclusive Poultry must pay $3.5 million in back wages and damages to affected workers. Out of the total amount, $300,000 will be set aside for punitive damages.

Meanwhile, back wages totaling more than $100,000 will be paid to employees who experienced retaliatory conduct from their employers.

The employers must also pay more than $200,000 in civil penalties assessed by the DOL's division for child labor and willful violations.

Despite the proof that the investigators uncovered, Anthony McClaren, the company's lawyer, claimed that his client was unaware children had been employed at the poultry processor, adding that the $3.8 million agreement with the federal government was "in the best interest of moving forward."

"These were just allegations and the case was in its infancy. We were just beginning to do our own discovery to understand whether or not these allegations were true," insisted McClaren. He added that the company is effectively out of business following the DOL's recent judgment.

The DOL investigation included two poultry plants in the City of Industry and La Puente controlled by Bran. Evidence suggests that Bran had set up "front companies" to employ workers at these plants. The companies include Meza Poultry, Nollus's Poultry, Sullon Poultry Inc. and Valtierra Poultry.

Bran, the companies and the listed owners of the front companies are now subject to a consent judgment that prevents them from violating labor laws, including paying employees less than minimum wage, paying inadequate overtime costs, and allowing children younger than 16 to work too many hours.

Court documents reveal that the investigation was initially launched in 2022 after an adult worker reported unpaid wages to the DOL.

The judgment follows several months after the DOL received a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order against The Exclusive Poultry, preventing the company from shipping any "hot goods" into commerce and any goods from a location where the department observed child labor.

Through a statement, Marc Pilot, the agency's solicitor of labor in San Francisco, explained that when employers build a business based on wage theft or violations of child labor laws, the goods they produce are considered "illegal contraband that cannot be shipped into commerce."

Pilot added that The Solicitors Office will use all tools at its disposal to prevent and stop the shipment of "hot goods" that continue to harm workers and competition in the marketplace.

The Exclusive Poultry, which is based in La Puente, California, supplies goods to supermarkets and food distributors that sell chicken products, such as Aldi, Kroger-owned Ralphs, Grocery Outlet and Sysco Co.

According to Aldi, it has never used The Exclusive Poultry as a supplier. The company said that it has "stringent processes" for identifying suppliers to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Meanwhile, Grocery Outlet also claimed that it has never used The Exclusive Poultry as a supplier. The company also denied using any of the other companies associated with the DOL's investigation.

According to Sysco, the DOL investigation findings of The Exclusive Poultry represent "serious violations of legal and regulatory requirements and are inconsistent with the ethical standards outlined in Syscos Supplier Code of Conduct."

Sysco added that it was "evaluating the situation" and would take "appropriate remedial actions" to ensure that all its suppliers uphold company standards on labor and food safety.

Visit Enslaved.news to learn more about child labor and enslavement in the United States.

Watch the video below as the U.S. attempts to legalize child labor to deal with the labor shortage.

This video is from The TIME WE HAVE LEFT channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

America IGNORING human rights, child labor abuses in the DRC to secure supplies of METALS for EV batteries.

Child labor in America: Dozens of teenagers are employed as slaughterhouse cleaners in Nebraska, Minnesota.

After killing off labor pool with depopulation vaccines, several U.S. states now want to ramp up CHILD LABOR to fill gap.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NTD.com

LATimes.com

Brighteon.com
SANAA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saturday said they have launched cross-border drone attacks on several targets in Israel's southern city of Eilat.

"We have carried out a military operation on sensitive targets in Eilat using a large batch of drones," Yehya Sarea, Houthi military spokesman, said in a statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"We confirm that we will continue to attack Israel until its aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops," he added, without elaborating further.

There were no comments yet from Israel on the Houthi attacks, but the Egyptian local media reported that Egypt's air defenses this morning shot down a suspected drone on Egypt's eastern Sinai coast, about 120 kilometers south of Eilat.

This is the latest cross-border attack claimed by the Houthis since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7.

The attack came less than 24 hours after another missile attack launched by the Houthi fighters and targeted two Israel-bound cargo ships in the southern part of the Red Sea, near Bab al-Mandab Strait. There were no reports of casualties in the ships' crews.

The Houthi rebel group has vowed to prevent all Israel-bound commercial ships from passing through the Red Sea until the ongoing Israeli war on the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip ends.

The Yemeni Houthi rebels control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. 
Human rights group condemns escalating Israeli attacks against UN-run schools and refugee camps

Human rights organization Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has condemned escalating Israeli attacks against schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which are currently housing displaced Palestinian civilians all over the Gaza Strip.

According to the Geneva-based organization, in just one day, Israeli air and artillery strikes targeted a record five UNRWA-run schools-turned-refugee camps, including the Palestine School in the Jabalia camp in Northern Gaza, a school in the Bani Suhaila area in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, and the Al-Falah School and Salah Al-Din School, both on the outskirts of Gaza City in the north.

The attacks resulted in hundreds of casualties and a blatant violation of the legal immunity that international facilities should enjoy. Other attacks all over Gaza against civilian centers caused dozens of additional deaths.

Euro-Med Monitor reported that hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge from Israeli attacks are currently crowded into every UNRWA-run school in the Strip. Preliminary figures from the rights group indicate that 1.9 million out of Gaza's 2.3 million pre-war residents are internally displaced, with 1.2 million people living in 156 UNRWA-run facilities across the Gaza Strip. (Related: Israel admits willingness to inflict "mass civilian casualties" in Gaza  GENOCIDE is the endgame.)

Since Israel initiated its actions in the Strip on Oct. 7, UNRWA has recorded over 120 attacks on its facilities, with more than 30 of them directly targeted. Several schools, such as Al-Fakhoura School in the Jabalia camp, have been attacked more than once, resulting in numerous casualties.

Israel says "genocide" is not a war crime

In a study conducted by Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCIP), a Palestinian non-governmental organization, one child loses its life every 15 minutes due to Israeli bombings.

The toll on children has reached alarming proportions, with over 100 children losing their lives daily since the onset of Israel's airstrikes on the besieged Palestinian enclave on Oct. 7. The total casualties in the deadliest Israeli assault in decades have surpassed 3,400 Palestinians.

"We are witnessing a genocide in real time," a spokesperson for the DCIP said.

A research paper by Palestinian psychologist Dr. Iman Farajallah highlights the high psychological, emotional and behavioral price children pay in the aftermath of wars, wherein 95 percent of Palestinian children in Gaza suffer from psychological trauma.

For instance, families, such as that of Esra Abu Ghazzah, struggle to console their children amid the bombings, with heightened fear leading to physical symptoms like vomiting and bedwetting.

The impact on education is also evident as schools transform into makeshift shelters and the UN is currently housing approximately 400,000 displaced Gazans. The Education Above All Foundation, which provides scholarships at its Al Fakhoura school in Gaza, was destroyed, with the UNRWA reporting damage to at least four schools due to Israeli bombings.

International humanitarian law enshrined in the Geneva Conventions since 1949 explicitly protects children in war and safeguards civilians fighting an occupation. But despite the ratification of Israel in the conventions in 1951, the country does not recognize the 4th Geneva Convention protecting civilians in occupied territories, as it disputes the status of Palestine as occupied land.

Israel contends that its disproportionate use of military force in Gaza is a legitimate means to dismantle Hamas, claiming that civilian casualties, including children, do not constitute war crimes.

Learn more about Israel's attacks against Palestinian civilians at Genocide.news.

Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, explains why Israel is so willing to carry out massive atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Starvation as a weapon: Zionist Israel wages Holodomor against Gaza.

Israel pushes deeper into Gaza, orders MASS EVACUATIONS that are impossible for civilians to follow without being bombed.

GENOCIDE by STARVATION: Israels bombing operations have exhausted the food supply in Gaza.

Globalists weaponize food and energy supply to pave the way for global "Holodomor."

Think engineered famine could never happen? Learn the story of the HOLODOMOR as history repeats itself.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

AlJazeera.com
Is Microsoft front-running communist Chinese propaganda?

Recently leaked documents show that Microsoft has been involved in partnership agreements with various Chinese state-run propaganda outlets includingand

Microsoft reportedly provided technology to these media outlets for targeted reader engagement and an artificial intelligence (AI) robot. This revelation is raising concerns about Microsoft's involvement in disseminating propaganda in favor of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Though all such agreements have expired and were not since renewed, the fact that they were ever forged at all raises serious questions about the role American tech companies play in supporting anti-American messaging in support of the CCP.

"China Daily and People's Daily are known to be propaganda tools for the CCP, with China Daily being published by the party's Central Propaganda Department," reported Your News.

"The State Department identified People's Daily's parent company as substantially owned or effectively controlled by the Chinese government in 2020."

(Related: For pride month in 2023, Microsoft developed "special themes" for users to install LGBT flags in their Outlook profiles.)

Microsoft loves China (and money)

Microsoft first forced a partnership with China Daily in September 2016. The tech giant provided technology support to help the propaganda outlet target and profile users, allowing communist China's media industry to successfully undergo a digital transformation.

Roughly two years later in June 2018, Microsoft forged a partnership with People's Daily in which the tech giant embedded an AI chatbot called Xiaoice into the paper's English edition. Microsoft specifically tuned Xiaoice to only provide responses that are pre-approved by the Chinese government.

If that is not enough, Microsoft also forged partnerships with various Chinese government entities and research labs. Microsoft's presence in the Chinese market is now so large that the company currently employs about 9,000 employees there with plans to hire even more.

Seeing as how China is an enemy of the United States, it would seem odd, ethically speaking, for Microsoft to support it. Then again, Microsoft loves money, and apparently loves communism as well.

The fact that Microsoft has announced plans to continue expanding in China is only raising more concerns about the company as a threat to national security. Then again, China pretty much owns the United States at this point.

"These are major propaganda outlets that publish outright falsehoods attacking the ideas of democracy, attacking the very concepts that undergird our society, and yet an American company is working to spread this," said Geoffrey Cain, policy director at the Tech Integrity project, which fights CCP influence in tech companies.

"The purpose of all this is to show the Chinese Communist Party that it's firmly on the side of China and the Chinese system."

In 2020, the U.S. State Department determined that the parent company of People's Daily is "substantially owned or effectively controlled" by the Chinese government. At the time, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo remarked that the paper is one of the "mouthpieces of the Chinese Communist Party."

For China Daily, Microsoft developed a "Media Smart Cloud Innovation Technology Laboratory," the mission of which remains unclear, though it appears to be related to the Chinese New Media Laboratory. In 2019, a Chinese media scholar remarked that the Chinese New Media Laboratory "provides data support for research on [China's] international communication effects."

When the deal was first made, Microsoft and China Daily came together for a signing ceremony and photo op at which a senior company executive commented that it was "an honor to launch a strategic cooperation with China Daily," which Microsoft hoped would bring about "the success of the digital transformation of China's media industry through integration and innovation."

Multinational corporations like Microsoft are ushering the world into tyranny. Learn more at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

NaturalNews.com

FreeBeacon.com
State surgeon general EXPOSES DNA fragments in experimental COVID shots, sounds alarm

Another conspiracy theory is now shaping up as a conspiracy fact, notice a pattern here?

(Article by Vince Quill republished from WLTReport.com)

Floridas Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has penned a letter to the FDA and CDC claiming that his office has found DNA fragments in the solution for the experimental COVID-19 shots.

This lends credence to earlier, unconfirmed reports of these shots containing pieces of DNA; moreover, many have long claimed that these experimental injections can alter human DNA. Daily Noah writes:

Anyone Who Got the Covid Vaccine Should Be PissedThe Florida Surgeon General Discovered DNA Fragments within the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines.

With the discovery of SV40 in many of the vaccines, the lipid nano-particles create a deadly delivery system throughout the body.

Before The Next Crisis Hits  Prepare With A Medical Emergency Kit (Includes Ivermectin and Z-Pak)

This is confirmed via a FOIA Request in 2022 Revealed that Lipid Nanoparticles were found in Great Amounts in the Liver, Spleen & OvariesSV40 can turn on [and] activate dormant cancer cells & is a known cancer promoter.

I heard a theory at the beginning of Covid that I dismissed. That because they are (for the lack of a better word) contaminating our DNA, it makes us not human. And people who arent human have no rights.

Starting to think theres more truth to that now than not. Regardless, anyone who was vaccinated basically had their immune system tweaked against you.

Read more at: WLTReport.com
You are the carbon they want reduced: UK study says human breath contributes to greenhouse gases

Dr. Nicholas Cowans study indicates that UK citizens breathing accounts for 0.1% of the nations greenhouse gas emissions, challenging assumptions about human impact on the environment.

(Article republished from YourNews.com)

A recent study from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Edinburgh has presented findings that the act of breathing by UK citizens contributes approximately 0.1% to the nations greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Nicholas Cowan, an atmospheric physicist, conducted the study, which focuses on the emission of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) by humans.

Journal.pone.0295157 by yourNEWS Media

Dr. Cowans research highlights that these emissions, albeit small, have a role in global warming. He emphasizes that the impact of human emissions should not be overlooked, stating, We would urge caution in the assumption that emissions from humans are negligible.

The studys coverage in mainstream media has sparked debate, with some viewing it as part of a broader narrative that urges people to alter their lifestyles to combat environmental issues. This narrative often includes reducing the use of gas-powered technologies, meat consumption, and limiting freedom of travel, among other lifestyle changes.

Critics of this perspective argue that the focus should be more on major corporations and countries with significant emissions, such as China and India. They point out that while the UKs contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is less than 1%, the emphasis on individual actions can seem disproportionate.

The study has elicited a range of responses online, with some internet users humorously suggesting that those advocating for drastic lifestyle changes to address environmental concerns should lead by example in reducing their own breathing.

Hold your breath, folks! Apparently, our existence is now a threat to the environment. According to 'scientists,' the very act of breathing contributes to 0.1% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. So, let's all stop breathing and save the planet, shall we? ?? pic.twitter.com/lZ7VPZCqj1  Clown World  ? (@ClownWorld_) December 13, 2023

BREATHING is bad for the environment Gases in air exhaled from human lungs is fueling global warming, report scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Edinburgh... Will Greta Thunberg stop breathing to save our world? ? Source: https://t.co/nm8Bn85ggT$NATI pic.twitter.com/aYnnCfKjPa  IlluminatiCoin (@naticoineth) December 14, 2023

Hold your breath for this oneNow scientists say BREATHING is bad for the environment: Gases we exhale contribute to 0.1% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions https://t.co/WHAVbumg4Q pic.twitter.com/pZuqwF7kVw  ? The Three Mile Times ? (@Road_Closed1984) December 14, 2023

BREAKING: Climate scientists have just quantified the effect of human breathing on global warming. Their conclusion? They "would urge caution in the assumption that emissions from humans are negligible". The anti-human agenda has never been plainer.https://t.co/OQoRlDWZEe  Dale Cloudman (@DaleCloudyman) December 14, 2023

Read more at: YourNews.com
Ukraines largest mobile network operator hit by massive cyberattack amid ongoing conflict with Russia

Kyivstar, the largest mobile network operator in Ukraine, has just been hit by the biggest cyberattack to affect the network since the beginning of Russia's special military operation in the country in late February 2022.

The attack, which happened on Dec. 12, disrupted services, damaged information technology infrastructure and threatened the safety of the 24.8 million subscribers who rely on the network for alerts, particularly regarding potential Russian air assaults. The disruption affected air raid alert systems in over 75 settlements surrounding Kyiv and throughout northern Ukraine, particularly in the Sumy region to the northeast, where air raid services experienced outages.

"Due to a malfunction of the Kyivstar operator, the air alert system will temporarily be out of service in the territory of the Sumy city territorial community," the local administration for Sumy said in a statement.

Sumy officials assured residents that alternative notification measures would be put in place when air raid alerts needed to be broadcast. Mobile network-based notification systems are crucial for Ukrainians, providing them with early warning for possible Russian air assaults.

According to Oleksandr Komarov, the CEO of Kyivstar, the cyberattack inflicted damage on the IT structure of the company, compelling them to shut down network connections to contain the incident. (Related: Cybersecurity official warns: Americans must prepare for CYBERATTACKS from Chinese hackers.)

"War is also happening in cyberspace. Unfortunately, we have been hit as a result of this war. [The attack] significantly damaged [our] infrastructure, limited access, we could not counter it at the virtual level, so we shut down Kyivstar physically to limit the enemy's access," he told the national television.

The Security Service of Ukraine swiftly launched a criminal probe into the incident and explored the possibility of Russian special services being behind the hacker attack.

Ukraine accused Russia of hacking essential infrastructures in the country

An anonymous source close to the cyber defense agency of Ukraine claimed that the attack bore the hallmarks of a state actor, with data cable interception revealing a significant volume of Russian-controlled traffic directed at Ukrainian networks.

The absence of a ransom demand further fueled suspicions that the cyberattack was politically motivated rather than financially driven.

John Jultquist, a chief analyst at the Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant, claimed that Ukrainian telecom firms have been a target of Russian hacking groups for years, including a notorious group linked with Russias military intelligence agency.

This sector is often targeted by cyber espionage actors seeking to quietly gather intelligence but attacks can have serious military consequences as well as psychological impacts on the populace, Hultquist said.

Komarov speculated on potential motives behind the attack, including disrupting the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United States and impacting energy blackouts in Ukraine.

This cyberattack adds to a series of digital assaults on Ukrainian critical infrastructure since the full-scale invasion of Russia nearly two years ago. The impact of cyberattacks during times of conflict is challenging to assess accurately due to the fog of war.

This cyberattack follows a pattern of accusations against Russia for orchestrating similar attacks on Ukrainian entities throughout the conflict.

Victor Zhora, a former top Ukrainian cyber official, posted on X that the Kyivstar hacking "seems to be the most effective attack in Ukraine" since the invasion in 2022. Oleh Derevianko, co-founder of Ukrainian cybersecurity firm ISSP, supported the claims of Zhora. He said an attack of this magnitude requires extensive preparation and execution.

Learn more about cyber attacks and other cybercrime and hacking incidents at CyberWar.news.

Watch this video warning about how one sophisticated cyberattack could be enough to bring down Europe's banking system.

This video is from the Alex Hammer channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Cyberattack breaches software platform used by 12 ministries in Norway.

Food giant Dole temporarily halts U.S. production following ransomware cyberattack.

Cyberattack disrupts operations in hospitals and clinics operated by Prospect Medical Holdings.

MGM Resorts hit by CYBERATTACK, computer systems in companys Las Vegas properties shut down.

Several federal agencies HACKED as part of global cyberattack that exploited a flaw in popular file-sharing software.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
UN agencies have been working for decades to achieve GLOBAL DEPOPULATION

In a little over a year, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) expects that there will be a dramatic drop in the working-age population of "developed regions" of the world, which include Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

DESA maintains an online resource called "World Population Prospects" that allows anyone to view graphic representations of the UN's anticipated demographic profiles for the world. Check it out for yourself to see how the UN has projected a massive decline in global population numbers c.2025.

We know through the UN's Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Population Division of DESA that the entire UN system, if you will, has been involved in addressing population and interrelated issues for many decades now, almost as if the UN knows something about the future.

Why is the UN "predicting" a precipitous decline in population numbers specifically in the developed world, and all within the next few years? Is this just an estimation of what it thinks might happen, or is the UN privy to knowledge about what is going to happen?

(Related: By the time 2030 arrives, there will likely be far fewer people alive due to severe cold and food shortages.)

They want you and your family dead

It all started, at least at the UN, around the year 1969 when the UNFPA launched operations and assumed a leading role within the UN in promoting population, or rather depopulation, programs.

In 1994 at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, the UNFPA's mandate was unpacked in further detail with materials to help individual countries carry out the Conference Program of Action.

A 2007 report prepared for the United States Congress describes the UNFPA as the world's largest source of population and reproductive health programs. The U.S., with support from Congress, played a pivotal role, it turns out, in the UNFPA's launch.

Said report does not state the private foundations that fund the UNFPA, explaining only that the UN arm "receives voluntary contributions from many countries and some private foundations," with most of its income coming "from a handful of donors."

Japan and the Netherlands provide most of the UNFPA's financial support, helping it to organize, finance and implement the outcomes of the 1994 ICPD, also known as "The Cairo Plan."

The Cairo Plan was the first to unveil the term "population control," emphasizing that coercion and quotas could be used by governments to keep population numbers in check with globalist goals.

"The Plan recognized that population growth needed a program that increased the educational, economic and political rights of women," explains The Expose. "This in turn leads women to want fewer children."

This 20-year "program of action," as they call it, was accepted by more than 150 countries. Its aim was to keep population numbers in check while dismantling the family unit and unleashing, as we can all now see, a culture of unbridled debauchery, destruction and hell.

With all that said, it appears as though the plan is about to reach its conclusion in the next year or so as population numbers are "predicted" by the UN to collapse in a spectacularly dramatic way.

"The question is: Is this a UN 'prediction' or a hoped-for result of a planned depopulation agenda?" the Expose asked. "And if it is planned, how are 'they' planning to achieve an increase in deaths and at the same time a reduction in births?"

More of the latest about the UN's plans for the depopulation and ultimately re-wilding of the planet can be found at Genocide.news.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

UN.org

NaturalNews.com

Archive.org
500-year dominance of the West is coming to an end, Russian FM warns

The foreign minister of Russia recently expressed a sentiment that has been weighing on the minds of many in Western nations in recent years: the Wests 500-year dominance on the world stage is drawing to an abrupt close.

Speaking to the Doha Forum in a video address, Sergey Lavrov explained that he was unable to attend the event in person and hear its discussions, But I assume that you were discussing the multipolar world, which is emerging after 500 years of domination of what we call the collective West.'

Lavrov said that BRICS, ASEAN, African Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, among others, will form the building blocks of the new polycentric world.

He also took Western nations to task for how they gained their dominance, saying that it was based on a diverse history, including ruthless exploitation of peoples and territories of other countries.

According to Lavrov, the Wests enemies have used its same tactics to chip away at its dominance.

However, other countries, using exactly the principles and instruments of the Western globalization, managed to beat the West on its own turf, building the economies on the basis of national sovereignty, on the basis of balance of interests with other countries, he said.

He added that the emergence of new areas of political influence and financial growth have been transforming the worlds balance of power.

Lavrov believes that America and its allies have been attempting to stop this type of development by shifting their focus from globalization to a rules-based world order that has been used to help the West further its aims.

This, he says, can be seen in various conflicts, which the West ignites all over the world," citing Ukraine as an example. Everything goes to keep the hegemony. Intervention in domestic affairs, sanctions against all the principles of competition, regime change, and of course, direct military interventions, like we have seen in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria and elsewhere.

Lavrov then took another shot at the U.S., asking: Is there a single place where the U.S. intervened with military force, where life has become better? I think you know the answer.

Ukraine war is evidence of the Wests dominance fading

This is not just the opinion of someone who perceives themselves to be on the winning side of a global shift in power; former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has also cited the Ukraine war as evidence of the Wests dominance fading. He said that the world was entering a turning point in which the West is on the losing side as China approaches superpower status in collaboration with Russia.

In a lecture he gave in London last year, he remarked: "We are coming to the end of Western political and economic dominance."

"The world is going to be at least bi-polar and possibly multi-polar," he added. "The biggest geo-political change of this century will come from China, not Russia."

With the Chinese economy predicted to take over that of the U.S. within a decade and its world-leading efforts in realms such as regenerative medicine and artificial intelligence, the country has emerged as a bona fide contender for the worlds top superpower, in Blairs estimation.

"Chinas place as a superpower is natural and justified. It is not the Soviet Union," he said.

However, Blair warned that the West needs to take steps to prevent China from overtaking it in terms of military power. He said: "We should increase defense spending and maintain military superiority," adding that America and its allies "should be superior enough to cater for any eventuality or type of conflict and in all areas."

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

Reuters.com
Study: Worlds richest 1% emit the same amount of carbon as 5 billion of the worlds poorest

The carbon footprint of the world's wealthiest one percent is comparable to the combined emissions of two-thirds of the world's poorest population , according to a study.

The study by Oxfam International found that the emissions of the wealthy 77 million people is roughly the same amount as the emissions of five billion individuals on the bottom half of the population. It added that a person in the bottom 99 percent will take roughly 1,500 years to produce as much carbon as the wealthiest billionaires do in a year. The Oxfam study made use of data from the Stockholm Environment Institute's (SEI) analysis of carbon emissions across various income groups up to 2019.

But looking deeper, the study suggests an unexpected disparity in carbon emissions between the global elites and the rest of the population. It also fuels the ongoing debate about the apparent hypocrisy of wealthy individuals advocating for carbon reduction while indulging in extravagant, carbon-intensive lifestyles.

Moreover, the Oxfam paper underscores the actions of global leaders and policymakers who  despite leading discussions on climate change  continue their use of carbon-spewing private jets.

For instance, global leaders used 1,040 private jets to attend the World Economic Forum's 2022 meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences in 2021 (Glasgow, Scotland) and 2023 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) also had the same problem. In reality, private jets are estimated to emit 10 times more carbon dioxide per person compared to commercial flights, and approximately 50 times more than trains. (Related: Hypocrite climate change body wants ordinary Britons to turn off house heaters; ignore elites fuel-dependent private jets and yachts.)

Bill Gates and other elites get a pass because they are "helping fight climate change"

Meanwhile, global elites stood their ground despite mounting criticism from the plebs of their carbon-intensive lifestyles.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates justified his jet-setter lifestyle in an interview with the BBC's Amol Rajan. The technocrat said it is perfectly fine for him to fly around the world on private jets because he continues to "spend billions of dollars" on climate change activism. Indeed, Gates has the money to burn as evidenced by his ownership of four four private jets that cost a total of $194 million

A study by Stefan Gossling, an economics professor at Linnaeus University in Sweden, found that Gates took 59 private jet trips amounting to more than 213,000 kilometers (132,352 miles) in 2017. Meanwhile, data from the World Bank disclosed that Gates has already emitted 1,760 tons of carbon dioxide  a hundred times more than the emissions per capita in the United States.

U.S. Special Climate Envoy John Kerry also faced criticism for flying to Iceland on a private jet in 2019. The former secretary of state during the Obama administration had been awarded for his climate leadership. At the time, Kerry defended his use of private jets, citing the necessity of offsetting carbon when traveling globally to address climate issues.

However, a round trip to Iceland by private jet would emit about 90 tons of carbon. In contrast, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that a typical passenger vehicle would only produce about 4.6 tons of carbon in a year.

Gates and Kerry lecturing people about "climate change" and minimizing one's carbon footprint while flying on carbon-guzzling private jets can only be described using one word  hypocrisy.

Visit Globalism.news for more stories about the global elites.

Watch this January 2023 episode of "America Unhinged" on Brighteon.TV, where Dr. John Diamond and Bill Federer call out the globalist WEF for acting like gods.

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Video: Bill Gates says its OK for him to use private jets because hes the solution to climate change.

People may need CARBON PASSPORTS for international travel in a dystopian future ruled by CLIMATE TYRANTS.

CEO of worlds largest carbon credits company steps down after investigation reveals its mostly a SCAM.

Globalists call for an end to private ownership of all cars and trucks.

America Unhinged: Members of globalist WEF are pretending to be gods  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

InfoWars.com

Brighteon.com
Drought is an unpredictable natural calamity that affects not only society and animals but also plant life and the wider environment, including vegetation and trees. Both prehistoric and historical evidence show that drought can lead to widespread deaths and even the destruction of crops, a phenomenon that affected some ancient civilizations thousands of years ago.

In modern times, this natural disaster has persisted in different parts of the world, affecting both populated and remote areas. Since drought is characterized by scientists as a period of drier-than-normal conditions and the lack of rainfall, water-dependent living organisms and plants are affected.

However, this is not the case for some trees, even if they have a relatively abundant supply of water. Recently, scientists found trees that grow in wetter regions are less resilient to drought. Prolonged dry soil conditions are known for damaging roots, leading to weakened trees or even killing them.

Mesic Forest Drought Sensitivity

For a long time, scientists have contested whether dry conditions affect the resilience of trees to drought. Prevailing research show that water deficiency is the main factor that decreases the growth and survival rate of trees in arid and semi-arid areas.

In this context, there is a popular notion that trees situated in wetter regions have more chance of survival against drought.

In a study published in the journal Science on December 7, researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of California, Davis found that mesic forests in wetter regions showed evidence of drought sensitivity, which make the trees even more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The research team confirmed that increased drought conditions caused by climate change threatens tree growth and survival. In addition, the team concluded that greater water availability could "spoil" trees and in the long run reduce their ability to adapt during drought.

Also Read: Can Trees 'Talk' to Humans? Experts Unlock Their Communication Secrets

Tree Drought Adaptations

In an evolutionary perspective, conditions provided by nature that challenge organisms' survival can either strengthen or break them, which supports English naturalist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and the survival of the fittest concept.

In the case of drought adaptations, trees can respond to increased temperatures and altered precipitations amid ongoing climate change, even in extreme climatic events.

This is according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in 2015.

Drought Impacts

The analogy of the 2015 study implies that trees in water-stricken environments due to drought do not necessarily mean they die off easily compared with trees in water-rich habitats. Yet, drought impacts are different when it comes to humans.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drought affects approximately 55 million people globally every year, with water scarcity impacting 40% of the Earth's population. Furthermore, as many as 700 million people are at risk of being displaced due to drought by the year 2030.

Drought can occur anywhere in the world, impacting health and the environment, agriculture, economies, and energy.

Related Article: Climate Change Fuels Frequent Shift From Worsening Drought to Deadly Flooding, Research Warns
JERUSALEM, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Spokesperson of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Daniel Hagari announced on Friday night that during battles in northern Gaza in the morning, Israeli troops mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and killed them.

In his daily briefing about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Hagari named the hostages as Yotam Haim, who was abducted by Hamas from kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Samar Talalka, who was abducted from kibbutz Nir Am. The third hostage was not named following requests by their family.

"After the shooting, an immediate suspicion arose regarding the identity of the dead, and their bodies were quickly transferred for examination in Israel, where the hostages were identified," he said.

"This is a sad and painful event for all of us, and the IDF bears responsibility for everything that happened," he added.

In response to an inquiry regarding how the hostages were able to escape Hamas captivity, Hagari said the military believed that the three fled or were abandoned by the Hamas militants who held them captive.

He explained that in some cases, there were suicide bombers and attacks in which the Palestinian militants "tried to lure our forces and draw them into an ambush."

"The IDF expresses deep sorrow for the disaster and shares in the grief of the families," the spokesperson added. 
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HAIKOU, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- At the ongoing 26th China (Hainan) International Winter Trade Fair for Tropical Agricultural Products held in Haikou, capital of south China's island province Hainan, a diverse array of products including durian from Thailand, coffee from Rwanda and rice from Cambodia has drawn the attention of visitors.

Enterprises from over 20 countries and approximately 60 representatives from international organizations are participating in this year's fair, with Cambodia as the guest country of honor.

The Cambodian national pavilion, covering about 260 square meters, combines modern exhibition fixtures with traditional Cambodian architectural styles. Four leading agricultural enterprises from Cambodia displayed cashews, dried mangos and pineapples, rice, pepper, and other agricultural products.

Svay Nakry, under secretary of State with the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, highlighted the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Cambodia since 2010.

According to her, China remained the biggest trading partner of Cambodia this year, with the trade volume between the two countries reaching 11.08 billion U.S. dollars by the end of November, an increase of 4.7 percent from the same period in 2022.

"I am confident that this expo will offer a great opportunity to find the potential buyers or partners, and find a way which would bring prosperity to both sides during and after the event," she said.

Inside the Pakistani pavilion, various products including rice, tea, biscuits, chocolate and saffron are on display. Businessman Muhammad Waqas said Pakistan values the Chinese market very much.

"Pakistan and China are friends and we have very good relations with each other," he said. "The Chinese market is very big, and the population is huge, so we want to introduce our products, and we also have Chinese products in our country. It's a cooperation between two countries, to do business together."

Waqas hoped Pakistani enterprises could find some wholesale buyers and get substantial orders through this winter trade fair.

At the pavilion of Malaysia Promas International Business Society, 16 companies are showcasing Malaysia's distinctive products, including coffee and edible bird's nests.

Chey Ming Soon, director of a Malaysian bird's nest processing factory, attended the fair for the first time. "I wish to find partners and retailers here," he said.

Reflecting on his participation at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai this year, where he sold over 20 kilograms of edible bird's nests, Chey saw the immense potential of the Chinese market.

"The potential of the Chinese market is huge, because of the large population and strong demand, and the Chinese government offers help," he said, noting that the government-sponsored winter trade fair provides a good platform, not only facilitating the world's products to enter the Chinese market, but also giving them the opportunity to find new business opportunities.

"The fair is very big, and the displays are really impressive, very professional and really interesting," said Henry Robertson from an Australian agricultural company, adding he expected the fair to go more international in the future.

"I'm really confident about the Chinese market. We see a lot of growth from our company... and a big part of that is within China," he said.

The four-day winter trade fair, kicking off on Thursday and ending Sunday, is held at an exhibition hall covering about 80,000 square meters, with product categories including fruits and vegetables, grains and oils, tea, coffee, livestock, aquaculture, agricultural technologies and cross-border e-commerce. 
Sudhir Suryawanshi By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: The Congress party is gearing up for a massive rally in Nagpur, aiming to rejuvenate its demoralised cadre following defeats in three northern states. Scheduled for December 28, on the occasion of the Congress partys foundation day, the event is expected to draw a crowd of over 10 lakh people.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, assessing the situation and preparations in Nagpur, revealed on Friday that prominent leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other dignitaries will grace the mega rally.

Highlighting the growing public support for the Congress party nationwide, Venugopal pointed to significant increases in votes during recent assembly elections in four states. He emphasised the partys recent successes in Karnataka and Telangana, attributing concerns about the central governments functioning to what he described as a dictatorial approach by the BJP and security lapses, such as the recent breach in parliament.

He expressed concerns about the safety, stating that if the parliament is not secure, the nation is at risk. He criticised the BJP-led government, highlighting two attacks on the temple of democracy. He noted that when Opposition, including Congress, raised questions about parliamentary security, 14 MPs were suspended, while no action was taken against the BJP MP who provided passes to the attackers.

Nana Patole, the President of the Maharashtra Congress, shared plans for the foundation day rally, anticipating the participation of over 10 lakh people from across the state. Patole emphasised that all facets of the Congress party, including leaders, workers, Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, NSUI, and various departments, would collaborate to ensure the success of this historic rally.

Prominent leaders to attend the mega show

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, assessing the preparations in Nagpur, said that prominent leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi will grace the mega rally.



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MUMBAI: The Congress party is gearing up for a massive rally in Nagpur, aiming to rejuvenate its demoralised cadre following defeats in three northern states. Scheduled for December 28, on the occasion of the Congress partys foundation day, the event is expected to draw a crowd of over 10 lakh people. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, assessing the situation and preparations in Nagpur, revealed on Friday that prominent leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other dignitaries will grace the mega rally. Highlighting the growing public support for the Congress party nationwide, Venugopal pointed to significant increases in votes during recent assembly elections in four states. He emphasised the partys recent successes in Karnataka and Telangana, attributing concerns about the central governments functioning to what he described as a dictatorial approach by the BJP and security lapses, such as the recent breach in parliament.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He expressed concerns about the safety, stating that if the parliament is not secure, the nation is at risk. He criticised the BJP-led government, highlighting two attacks on the temple of democracy. He noted that when Opposition, including Congress, raised questions about parliamentary security, 14 MPs were suspended, while no action was taken against the BJP MP who provided passes to the attackers. Nana Patole, the President of the Maharashtra Congress, shared plans for the foundation day rally, anticipating the participation of over 10 lakh people from across the state. Patole emphasised that all facets of the Congress party, including leaders, workers, Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, NSUI, and various departments, would collaborate to ensure the success of this historic rally. Prominent leaders to attend the mega show Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, assessing the preparations in Nagpur, said that prominent leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi will grace the mega rally. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: Bihar police on Friday swung into action, interrogating the parents and other close relatives of Lalit Jha, the alleged mastermind behind the Parliament security breach incident, at their native village in Darbhanga district.

Lalit had surrendered before the Delhi police on Thursday, a day after the major security breach in the Lok Sabha. Darbhanga senior superintendent of police (SSP) Avakash Kumar said, A police team visited Jhas native village Rampur under Bahera police station in the district and collected information about the family. His parents and a brother were present in the house when the police visited them.

The SSP said that Jhas father Devanand Jha is a small-time farmer. It is being ascertained whether he was staying in the village or living with his son in Kolkata, the SSP said, adding that no incriminating documents were found during the search of his house.

The Darbhanga police set up a special team to gather information about Lalit Jha and his family following intelligence inputs. The special team is headed by sub-divisional police officer (in-charge) Manish Chandra Choudhary. Lalits father had come to the village only 10 days back. We sought some answers about his son, whose name has figured in the Parliament security breach incident, Choudhary said

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

PATNA: Bihar police on Friday swung into action, interrogating the parents and other close relatives of Lalit Jha, the alleged mastermind behind the Parliament security breach incident, at their native village in Darbhanga district. Lalit had surrendered before the Delhi police on Thursday, a day after the major security breach in the Lok Sabha. Darbhanga senior superintendent of police (SSP) Avakash Kumar said, A police team visited Jhas native village Rampur under Bahera police station in the district and collected information about the family. His parents and a brother were present in the house when the police visited them. The SSP said that Jhas father Devanand Jha is a small-time farmer. It is being ascertained whether he was staying in the village or living with his son in Kolkata, the SSP said, adding that no incriminating documents were found during the search of his house.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Darbhanga police set up a special team to gather information about Lalit Jha and his family following intelligence inputs. The special team is headed by sub-divisional police officer (in-charge) Manish Chandra Choudhary. Lalits father had come to the village only 10 days back. We sought some answers about his son, whose name has figured in the Parliament security breach incident, Choudhary said Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress and other 'INDIA' bloc constituents of indulging in "petty politics" over the December 13 Parliament security breach incident to shield those involved in it.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, the party's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the opposition 'INDIA' bloc parties are standing by the perpetrators of the security breach as their links with them were emerging.

He also took a jibe at the Congress over the launch of its crowd-funding campaign, saying those who looted the country for 60 years are now seeking donations from the same country.

The Congress has started a 'Donate for Desh' campaign to deflect public attention from the "unparalleled corruption" in the party that has once again surfaced following the seizure of a huge amount of cash from its Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu and a recent incident of crime against a tribal woman in Karnataka's Belagavi district, Poonawalla claimed.

ALSO READ | 'He's very introverted': Alleged mastermind's kin 'shocked' over role in Parliament security breach

"There should never be petty politics on an issue as grave as national security and Parliament security," he said.

"But some people's political character and political DNA is such that they would indulge in petty politics on the issue of security also there must be no compunctions in any of our minds to resonate in one voice and condemn the incident without ifs or buts," Poonawalla charged.

The BJP leader said Rahul Gandhi, the Congress' "immature" leader, has "shamefully" justified the December 13 incident by saying that it happened because of unemployment and the issue of price rise in the country.

"Rahul Gandhi ji what has happened to you? After losing three assembly polls, you will come up with such illogical arguments on such an incident whose sole objective was to terrorise Parliament anyhow," he said.

Poonawalla asked whether Rahul Gandhi implied that if someone felt there was unemployment in the country or if a person was not getting a job, then such a person should enter Parliament with a canister and release smoke.

"Is Rahul Gandhi now down to inciting people and giving them ideas and suggestions that if you feel aggrieved about a particular political narrative, then you must also take a smoke bomb or smoke canister in your hand and enter Parliament? Is it the suggestion Rahul Gandhi is giving," the BJP leader added.

He alleged that it is not just the Congress that is trying to shield those involved in the December 13 incident but the entire "I.N.D.I.Alliance and their ecosystem".

"It is because the links of the perpetrators of the incident are coming out with the Congress party and some extremist radicalised Leftist organisations supported by it," Poonawalla charged.

ALSO READ | Parliament security breach: Plotters had backup plan for demo outside House

The BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya also slammed the Congress and said, "Rahul Gandhi never disappoints; always talks trash. For the record, unemployment in India is at 3.2%, the lowest in six years."

"Instead, Rahul Gandhi and I.N.D.I Alliance leaders must explain the close linkages of those involved in the Parliament breach with Congress, TMC, and CPI(M). Rahul Gandhi, in particular, must clarify his association with Asim Sarode, who was part of Bharat Jodo Yatra and has offered to provide legal aide to the intruders," he added in a post in 'X'.

"The Congress has announced an online crowdfunding campaign. Going by their previous track record, this will turn out to be nothing but another attempt to siphon off public money and enrich the Gandhis," Malviya said, adding, "Don't donate for dynasty".

ALSO READ | Home minister mum in Parliament, but giving interview on TV: Kharge on security breach issue

On Wednesday, two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery, shouted slogans and released coloured smoke from canisters that triggered panic and chaos in the House.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress and other 'INDIA' bloc constituents of indulging in "petty politics" over the December 13 Parliament security breach incident to shield those involved in it. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, the party's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the opposition 'INDIA' bloc parties are standing by the perpetrators of the security breach as their links with them were emerging. He also took a jibe at the Congress over the launch of its crowd-funding campaign, saying those who looted the country for 60 years are now seeking donations from the same country.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Congress has started a 'Donate for Desh' campaign to deflect public attention from the "unparalleled corruption" in the party that has once again surfaced following the seizure of a huge amount of cash from its Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu and a recent incident of crime against a tribal woman in Karnataka's Belagavi district, Poonawalla claimed. ALSO READ | 'He's very introverted': Alleged mastermind's kin 'shocked' over role in Parliament security breach "There should never be petty politics on an issue as grave as national security and Parliament security," he said. "But some people's political character and political DNA is such that they would indulge in petty politics on the issue of security also there must be no compunctions in any of our minds to resonate in one voice and condemn the incident without ifs or buts," Poonawalla charged. The BJP leader said Rahul Gandhi, the Congress' "immature" leader, has "shamefully" justified the December 13 incident by saying that it happened because of unemployment and the issue of price rise in the country. "Rahul Gandhi ji what has happened to you? After losing three assembly polls, you will come up with such illogical arguments on such an incident whose sole objective was to terrorise Parliament anyhow," he said. Poonawalla asked whether Rahul Gandhi implied that if someone felt there was unemployment in the country or if a person was not getting a job, then such a person should enter Parliament with a canister and release smoke. "Is Rahul Gandhi now down to inciting people and giving them ideas and suggestions that if you feel aggrieved about a particular political narrative, then you must also take a smoke bomb or smoke canister in your hand and enter Parliament? Is it the suggestion Rahul Gandhi is giving," the BJP leader added. He alleged that it is not just the Congress that is trying to shield those involved in the December 13 incident but the entire "I.N.D.I.Alliance and their ecosystem". "It is because the links of the perpetrators of the incident are coming out with the Congress party and some extremist radicalised Leftist organisations supported by it," Poonawalla charged. ALSO READ | Parliament security breach: Plotters had backup plan for demo outside House The BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya also slammed the Congress and said, "Rahul Gandhi never disappoints; always talks trash. For the record, unemployment in India is at 3.2%, the lowest in six years." "Instead, Rahul Gandhi and I.N.D.I Alliance leaders must explain the close linkages of those involved in the Parliament breach with Congress, TMC, and CPI(M). Rahul Gandhi, in particular, must clarify his association with Asim Sarode, who was part of Bharat Jodo Yatra and has offered to provide legal aide to the intruders," he added in a post in 'X'. "The Congress has announced an online crowdfunding campaign. Going by their previous track record, this will turn out to be nothing but another attempt to siphon off public money and enrich the Gandhis," Malviya said, adding, "Don't donate for dynasty". ALSO READ | Home minister mum in Parliament, but giving interview on TV: Kharge on security breach issue On Wednesday, two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery, shouted slogans and released coloured smoke from canisters that triggered panic and chaos in the House. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Narendra Sethi By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: Over the past decade, the Congress has been struggling to regain leadership in the parliamentary seats from Uttarakhand. In an effort to change its fortunes in the upcoming elections, the party is preparing for a strong campaign in 2024. This includes appointing assembly-wise in-charges in 70 constituencies and assigning significant responsibilities to senior leaders for all five Lok Sabha seats.

According to party sources, "The Uttrakhand Congress has been instructed by the high command to strengthen the organization in the state and address the dissatisfaction of senior leaders in order to unite them in support of the party". A former MLA of the party emphasized, "It is crucial to activate senior leaders who have influence and rapport with the public and party workers before the Lok Sabha elections so that they can strategize to challenge the dominance of the BJP."

Speaking to The New Indian Express, Congress State president Karan Mahara said, "The Congress is determined to make a mark in Uttarakhand and is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to revitalize the party and gain support from the public and party workers". The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for the Congress, and it remains to be seen how the party will fare in its bid to challenge the BJP's dominance in the state.

In the current scenario, from the electoral perspective, the Congress in Uttarakhand has about half a dozen leaders as faces, with the help of which the party hopes to achieve something in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Apart from former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, the party is relying on Yashpal Arya, Pritam Singh, Tilak Raj Behad, Harak Singh Rawat, Pradeep Tamta, and current state president Karan Mahara as key players in the 2024 elections.

Aside from Harish Rawat, the party is also relying on other senior leaders, including Yashpal Arya, a seven-time MLA and minister, Pritam Singh, a six-time MLA, Tilak Raj Behad, a four-time MLA, and Pradeep Tamta, a two-time MP and one-time MLA.

After a long tussle between Harish Rawat, Yashpal Arya and Pritam Singh, the party high command handed over the command of the state to Karan Mahara as the undisputed face as an alternative to end the factionalism of the Congress in the hill state. Since the appointment of Karan Mahara, Pritam Singh has never shown any inclination to work with him.

However, despite holding all five Lok Sabha seats, the BJP faces internal tensions. Nevertheless, the continuous visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to the state, along with their consistent communication, have helped maintain a sense of discipline within the party.

Furthermore, the BJP's focus on enhancing connectivity in the state, as well as its attention to the Chardham pilgrimage and 'Manaskhand', has been accompanied by efforts to polarize public sentiment through a Hindutva agenda, in which the saffron party has also achieved success.

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DEHRADUN: Over the past decade, the Congress has been struggling to regain leadership in the parliamentary seats from Uttarakhand. In an effort to change its fortunes in the upcoming elections, the party is preparing for a strong campaign in 2024. This includes appointing assembly-wise in-charges in 70 constituencies and assigning significant responsibilities to senior leaders for all five Lok Sabha seats. According to party sources, "The Uttrakhand Congress has been instructed by the high command to strengthen the organization in the state and address the dissatisfaction of senior leaders in order to unite them in support of the party". A former MLA of the party emphasized, "It is crucial to activate senior leaders who have influence and rapport with the public and party workers before the Lok Sabha elections so that they can strategize to challenge the dominance of the BJP." Speaking to The New Indian Express, Congress State president Karan Mahara said, "The Congress is determined to make a mark in Uttarakhand and is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to revitalize the party and gain support from the public and party workers". The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for the Congress, and it remains to be seen how the party will fare in its bid to challenge the BJP's dominance in the state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In the current scenario, from the electoral perspective, the Congress in Uttarakhand has about half a dozen leaders as faces, with the help of which the party hopes to achieve something in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Apart from former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, the party is relying on Yashpal Arya, Pritam Singh, Tilak Raj Behad, Harak Singh Rawat, Pradeep Tamta, and current state president Karan Mahara as key players in the 2024 elections. Aside from Harish Rawat, the party is also relying on other senior leaders, including Yashpal Arya, a seven-time MLA and minister, Pritam Singh, a six-time MLA, Tilak Raj Behad, a four-time MLA, and Pradeep Tamta, a two-time MP and one-time MLA. After a long tussle between Harish Rawat, Yashpal Arya and Pritam Singh, the party high command handed over the command of the state to Karan Mahara as the undisputed face as an alternative to end the factionalism of the Congress in the hill state. Since the appointment of Karan Mahara, Pritam Singh has never shown any inclination to work with him. However, despite holding all five Lok Sabha seats, the BJP faces internal tensions. Nevertheless, the continuous visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to the state, along with their consistent communication, have helped maintain a sense of discipline within the party. Furthermore, the BJP's focus on enhancing connectivity in the state, as well as its attention to the Chardham pilgrimage and 'Manaskhand', has been accompanied by efforts to polarize public sentiment through a Hindutva agenda, in which the saffron party has also achieved success. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India has confirmed a case of JN.1 subvariant of Omicron, which is leading to a fresh spike in Covid-19 cases in the US, China and Singapore.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the case was detected in Kerala as part of the ongoing routine surveillance activity by INSACOG, a multi-agency pan-India network tasked with monitoring new emerging Covid-19 variants.

As the first case of JN.1, which was first identified in Luxembourg and since has been spreading fast in several countries, surfaced in India, officials said they have started conducting a series of mock drills in all health facilities to assess their public health and hospital preparedness measures.

The ministry is in regular touch with the Kerala health authorities and is monitoring various points of entry, according to a ministry statement.

The sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned Covid positive in an RT-PCR test on November 18, officials said, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) and had recovered from Covid-19.

Officials also noted that there has been an increasing trend of Covid-19 cases from Kerala in the last few weeks. This has been attributed to an increase in the number of samples from ILI cases being referred for testing."

ALSO READ | Patient who died at Kozhikode MCH tests positive for Covid

A majority of these cases are clinically mild and recovering on their own at their homes without any treatment, the officials added.

The ministry said that mock drills which started from December 13 are being carried out under the overall supervision of the district collectors and are likely to be completed by December 18.

According to Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force, JN.1 is the fastest-rising variant worldwide recently, and its presence in India is only to be expected because of global connectivity.

With the worldwide holiday season and social gatherings, a rise in Covid-19 cases is to be expected, he told this paper, adding that the last surge in India was seven months ago.

He further said that the behaviour of JN.1 is vastly different from that of its predecessor BA.2.86.

While BA 2.86 was docile, JN.1 is aggressive in its ability to spread and to infect people, he added.

It is able to infect people in spite of their past vaccination status or natural immunity from having survived Covid in the past. Therefore, non-pharma interventions such as masks in high-risk situations and social distancing in a nuanced manner will need to be brought back, obviously depending on regional severity and caseload, he added.

Although most cases are mild, repeated bouts of Covid can destabilise chronic disease conditions which are more common in older age groups, leading to undesirable outcomes, he further added.

Officials said more than 90 per cent of the Covid-19 cases in India at present are mild and they are in home isolation.

Earlier, an Indian traveller was also detected with the JN.1 sub-variant in Singapore. The person was a native of Tamil Nadus Tiruchirappalli district and had travelled to Singapore on October 25.

According to officials, the first case of JN.1 was detected as the ministry has revised surveillance guidelines in the context of Covid-19.

Now, patients with Influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) are tested for Covid-19 and positive cases are referred for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).

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NEW DELHI: India has confirmed a case of JN.1 subvariant of Omicron, which is leading to a fresh spike in Covid-19 cases in the US, China and Singapore. According to the Union Health Ministry, the case was detected in Kerala as part of the ongoing routine surveillance activity by INSACOG, a multi-agency pan-India network tasked with monitoring new emerging Covid-19 variants. As the first case of JN.1, which was first identified in Luxembourg and since has been spreading fast in several countries, surfaced in India, officials said they have started conducting a series of mock drills in all health facilities to assess their public health and hospital preparedness measures.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ministry is in regular touch with the Kerala health authorities and is monitoring various points of entry, according to a ministry statement. The sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned Covid positive in an RT-PCR test on November 18, officials said, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) and had recovered from Covid-19. Officials also noted that there has been an increasing trend of Covid-19 cases from Kerala in the last few weeks. This has been attributed to an increase in the number of samples from ILI cases being referred for testing." ALSO READ | Patient who died at Kozhikode MCH tests positive for Covid A majority of these cases are clinically mild and recovering on their own at their homes without any treatment, the officials added. The ministry said that mock drills which started from December 13 are being carried out under the overall supervision of the district collectors and are likely to be completed by December 18. According to Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force, JN.1 is the fastest-rising variant worldwide recently, and its presence in India is only to be expected because of global connectivity. With the worldwide holiday season and social gatherings, a rise in Covid-19 cases is to be expected, he told this paper, adding that the last surge in India was seven months ago. He further said that the behaviour of JN.1 is vastly different from that of its predecessor BA.2.86. While BA 2.86 was docile, JN.1 is aggressive in its ability to spread and to infect people, he added. It is able to infect people in spite of their past vaccination status or natural immunity from having survived Covid in the past. Therefore, non-pharma interventions such as masks in high-risk situations and social distancing in a nuanced manner will need to be brought back, obviously depending on regional severity and caseload, he added. Although most cases are mild, repeated bouts of Covid can destabilise chronic disease conditions which are more common in older age groups, leading to undesirable outcomes, he further added. Officials said more than 90 per cent of the Covid-19 cases in India at present are mild and they are in home isolation. Earlier, an Indian traveller was also detected with the JN.1 sub-variant in Singapore. The person was a native of Tamil Nadus Tiruchirappalli district and had travelled to Singapore on October 25. According to officials, the first case of JN.1 was detected as the ministry has revised surveillance guidelines in the context of Covid-19. Now, patients with Influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) are tested for Covid-19 and positive cases are referred for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Agencies

The Delhi police have arrested the sixth accused, Mahesh Kumawat in the Parliament security breach case on Saturday on charges of criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence. Kumawat had connected with the alleged mastermind of the case Lalit Jha and the four other accused through a Facebook group called 'Bhagat Singh Fan Page'.

Meanwhile, the Delhi police said that the five other accused arrested in the December 13 security breach case had plans for self-immolation and distributing pamphlets before settling on the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha's chamber with smoke canisters.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell, which is investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of BJP MP Pratap Simha, who had authorised the visitor passes for the two men who breached security to enter the House.

Two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- had jumped into the Lok Sabha's chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

Around the same time, two others -- Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi -- released coloured smoke from canisters while shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi" outside the Parliament premises.

ALSO READ | 'Our son not a rogue, loves to help people': Parents of Parliament security breach mastermind Lalit Jha

Lalit Jha, the fifth accused, allegedly circulated videos of the protest outside the complex on social media.

"Before finalising this plan (to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber), they (accused) had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending their message to the government," a Delhi Police official aware of the investigations told PTI.

They first explored immolating themselves by covering their bodies with fireproof gel but dropped this idea.

They also considered distributing pamphlets inside the Parliament but finally went ahead with the plan they executed on Wednesday, the official said.

A team of the Special Cell's Counter Intelligence team has also planned to record the statement of Simha, the BJP's MP from Mysore, in connection with the case, the official added.

Late on Friday, the investigators took the accused to various places where they met and conspired on the breach.

The police are likely to seek Parliament's permission to recreate the breach that occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

ALSO READ | Parliament security breach: Plotters had backup plan for demo outside House

Sources said the investigators have also not given a clean chit to Mahesh Kumwat and Kailash -- who allegedly helped Jha escape.

The police will soon take Jha to Nagaur in Rajasthan where he stayed after fleeing on Wednesday. He will be taken to the place where he claimed to have destroyed his and the other's mobile phones, another official said.

All five arrested accused have been sent to seven days' police custody.

ALSO READ | Security breach: Accused smuggled smoke canisters inside cavity of shoe sole

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The Delhi police have arrested the sixth accused, Mahesh Kumawat in the Parliament security breach case on Saturday on charges of criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence. Kumawat had connected with the alleged mastermind of the case Lalit Jha and the four other accused through a Facebook group called 'Bhagat Singh Fan Page'. Meanwhile, the Delhi police said that the five other accused arrested in the December 13 security breach case had plans for self-immolation and distributing pamphlets before settling on the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha's chamber with smoke canisters. The Delhi Police's Special Cell, which is investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of BJP MP Pratap Simha, who had authorised the visitor passes for the two men who breached security to enter the House.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- had jumped into the Lok Sabha's chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs. Around the same time, two others -- Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi -- released coloured smoke from canisters while shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi" outside the Parliament premises. ALSO READ | 'Our son not a rogue, loves to help people': Parents of Parliament security breach mastermind Lalit Jha Lalit Jha, the fifth accused, allegedly circulated videos of the protest outside the complex on social media. "Before finalising this plan (to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber), they (accused) had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending their message to the government," a Delhi Police official aware of the investigations told PTI. They first explored immolating themselves by covering their bodies with fireproof gel but dropped this idea. They also considered distributing pamphlets inside the Parliament but finally went ahead with the plan they executed on Wednesday, the official said. A team of the Special Cell's Counter Intelligence team has also planned to record the statement of Simha, the BJP's MP from Mysore, in connection with the case, the official added. Late on Friday, the investigators took the accused to various places where they met and conspired on the breach. The police are likely to seek Parliament's permission to recreate the breach that occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 attacks. ALSO READ | Parliament security breach: Plotters had backup plan for demo outside House Sources said the investigators have also not given a clean chit to Mahesh Kumwat and Kailash -- who allegedly helped Jha escape. The police will soon take Jha to Nagaur in Rajasthan where he stayed after fleeing on Wednesday. He will be taken to the place where he claimed to have destroyed his and the other's mobile phones, another official said. All five arrested accused have been sent to seven days' police custody. ALSO READ | Security breach: Accused smuggled smoke canisters inside cavity of shoe sole Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: Farmers and khaps panchayat leader under aegis Samyukta Kisan Morcha of Haryana convened a panchayat at Uchana in Jind district yesterday and demanded the release of Neelam Verma arrested by the Delhi Police under the UAPA in the Parliament security breach incident.

The panchayat passed three resolutions demanding release of 37-year old Neelam Verma from police custody, dropping of sections of UAPA registered against her in the FIR and a fair coverage by the media.

Speaking at the panchayat, HSKM leader Azad Palwa said that Neelam Verma hailed from Ghaso Khurd village in Jind and her intention was to raise the issue of unemployment and spoke for the marginalised people as she had no criminal record but was being projected as a hard core criminal thus she should be released immediately.

The youth have been booked under UAPA which is unjustified; these charges should be withdrawn as the had no intention of hurting anybody, Palwa said in his address.

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CHANDIGARH: Farmers and khaps panchayat leader under aegis Samyukta Kisan Morcha of Haryana convened a panchayat at Uchana in Jind district yesterday and demanded the release of Neelam Verma arrested by the Delhi Police under the UAPA in the Parliament security breach incident. The panchayat passed three resolutions demanding release of 37-year old Neelam Verma from police custody, dropping of sections of UAPA registered against her in the FIR and a fair coverage by the media. Speaking at the panchayat, HSKM leader Azad Palwa said that Neelam Verma hailed from Ghaso Khurd village in Jind and her intention was to raise the issue of unemployment and spoke for the marginalised people as she had no criminal record but was being projected as a hard core criminal thus she should be released immediately. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The youth have been booked under UAPA which is unjustified; these charges should be withdrawn as the had no intention of hurting anybody, Palwa said in his address. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said India recognises and greatly values Oman's crucial role in fostering peace and stability in the region.

Welcoming Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on his first state visit to India, the President said Oman holds a unique place as India's oldest strategic partner in the region, and as a cornerstone of its West Asia Policy.

"India recognises and greatly values Oman's crucial role in fostering peace and stability in the region," Murmu was quoted as having said in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President received Oman's Sultan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here and also hosted a banquet in his honour.

ALSO READ | India-Oman looking at early conclusion of CEPA

Murmu was happy to note that relations between India and Oman have now truly become multifaceted.

"Trade and investment ties have grown steadily, and excellent progress has been made in the areas of culture, health and education," the President said.

Looking towards the future, she said Oman's 'Vision 2040' and India's ongoing growth journey create the "perfect backdrop for us" to collaborate extensively in strategic areas.

The President appreciated the valuable participation of Oman in this year's G20 Summit and other related meetings, under India's Presidency.

Murmu also noted the important role played by the Indian diaspora in Oman's development and lauded their contributions to strengthening India-Oman relations.

Both leaders agreed that this visit will serve as a solid foundation for further strengthening India-Oman bilateral ties, promoting regional stability, and ushering in a new era of cooperation and progress, the statement said.

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NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said India recognises and greatly values Oman's crucial role in fostering peace and stability in the region. Welcoming Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on his first state visit to India, the President said Oman holds a unique place as India's oldest strategic partner in the region, and as a cornerstone of its West Asia Policy. "India recognises and greatly values Oman's crucial role in fostering peace and stability in the region," Murmu was quoted as having said in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The President received Oman's Sultan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here and also hosted a banquet in his honour. ALSO READ | India-Oman looking at early conclusion of CEPA Murmu was happy to note that relations between India and Oman have now truly become multifaceted. "Trade and investment ties have grown steadily, and excellent progress has been made in the areas of culture, health and education," the President said. Looking towards the future, she said Oman's 'Vision 2040' and India's ongoing growth journey create the "perfect backdrop for us" to collaborate extensively in strategic areas. The President appreciated the valuable participation of Oman in this year's G20 Summit and other related meetings, under India's Presidency. Murmu also noted the important role played by the Indian diaspora in Oman's development and lauded their contributions to strengthening India-Oman relations. Both leaders agreed that this visit will serve as a solid foundation for further strengthening India-Oman bilateral ties, promoting regional stability, and ushering in a new era of cooperation and progress, the statement said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

BHOPAL: Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Ravi Malimath seeking forgiveness for two ABVP functionaries who were arrested for taking the car of a judge to ferry an ailing person to a hospital in Gwalior.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's Gwalior secretary Himanshu Shrotriya (22) and deputy secretary Sukrit Sharma (24) were arrested on Monday under the MP Dakaiti Aur Vyapharan Prabhavit Kshetra Adhiniyam, an anti-dacoity law, after they snatched the car's key from its driver at Gwalior railway station and took Ranjeet Singh, VC of a private university in Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, to a hospital.

Their bail was rejected on Wednesday and they are in judicial custody at present.

The ABVP is the students' wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In his letter written to Justice Malimath on Friday, Chouhan said, "As it is a different sort of crime committed for a holy cause and done on humanitarian ground for saving life, it is worth forgiving. The intention of Himanshu Shrotriya (22) and Sukrit Sharma (24) was not to commit a crime. So keeping in view their future they should be forgiven."

While denying them bail, a special court judge for dacoity cases Sanjay Goyal had observed that one seeks help with politeness and not with force.

The judge, citing the police diary in the incident, said an ambulance, which is the ideal vehicle for such purposes, had arrived to ferry the ailing man.

Earlier, speaking on the issue, Sandeep Vaishnav, the ABVP's MP unit secretary, had defended the duo saying they were trying to help a man whose health condition was deteriorating rapidly and that they did not know the car belonged to a high court judge.

Some ABVP men, who were travelling from Delhi to Gwalior on a train, saw a passenger's health becoming serious.

They passed on the information to other ABVP functionaries at Gwalior station.

The activists deboarded the sick man at Gwalior station, but no ambulance reached for his help for around 25 minutes, he said.

As the man's health condition was deteriorating, the ABVP activists rushed him to a hospital in a car parked outside the station but he died, Vaishnav said.

As per Gwalior's Inderganj City Superintendent of Police Ashok Jadon, Ranjeet Singh (68), who was the vice-chancellor of a private university in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi, died of cardiac failure according to a preliminary post-mortem report.

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BHOPAL: Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Ravi Malimath seeking forgiveness for two ABVP functionaries who were arrested for taking the car of a judge to ferry an ailing person to a hospital in Gwalior. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's Gwalior secretary Himanshu Shrotriya (22) and deputy secretary Sukrit Sharma (24) were arrested on Monday under the MP Dakaiti Aur Vyapharan Prabhavit Kshetra Adhiniyam, an anti-dacoity law, after they snatched the car's key from its driver at Gwalior railway station and took Ranjeet Singh, VC of a private university in Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, to a hospital. Their bail was rejected on Wednesday and they are in judicial custody at present.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ABVP is the students' wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In his letter written to Justice Malimath on Friday, Chouhan said, "As it is a different sort of crime committed for a holy cause and done on humanitarian ground for saving life, it is worth forgiving. The intention of Himanshu Shrotriya (22) and Sukrit Sharma (24) was not to commit a crime. So keeping in view their future they should be forgiven." While denying them bail, a special court judge for dacoity cases Sanjay Goyal had observed that one seeks help with politeness and not with force. The judge, citing the police diary in the incident, said an ambulance, which is the ideal vehicle for such purposes, had arrived to ferry the ailing man. Earlier, speaking on the issue, Sandeep Vaishnav, the ABVP's MP unit secretary, had defended the duo saying they were trying to help a man whose health condition was deteriorating rapidly and that they did not know the car belonged to a high court judge. Some ABVP men, who were travelling from Delhi to Gwalior on a train, saw a passenger's health becoming serious. They passed on the information to other ABVP functionaries at Gwalior station. The activists deboarded the sick man at Gwalior station, but no ambulance reached for his help for around 25 minutes, he said. As the man's health condition was deteriorating, the ABVP activists rushed him to a hospital in a car parked outside the station but he died, Vaishnav said. As per Gwalior's Inderganj City Superintendent of Police Ashok Jadon, Ranjeet Singh (68), who was the vice-chancellor of a private university in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi, died of cardiac failure according to a preliminary post-mortem report. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Dilip Singh Kshatriya By

Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Gujarats Sanand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taught such a lesson to rioters in 2002 that no one has dared to cause riots again in the state.

"In 2002, there were riots and thereafter Modi taught a lesson not to repeat the act. Have there been any riots since then? Rioters were given such a lesson in 2002 that no one dares to cause riots in Gujarat to this day," Shah claimed at the event on Saturday.

Referencing the Indian Army's 2016 surgical strike, Shah further claimed that PM Modi "taught Pakistan a lesson" and had "made the country safer."

"Previously, bomb blasts occurred daily; in fact, there were so many bomb blasts the press forgot to cover the news; no one cared. But with a surgical and air strike we taught Pakistan a lesson...Narendra Modi has made the country safer."

The Home Minister also thanked PM Modi for the Ayodhya Ram temple, ISRO's successful lunar mission of landing Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir  a contentious move that was upheld by the Supreme Court last week.

"Since the period of Sardar Patel and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the ambition of eliminating Article 370 from Kashmir has gone unmet. However, Prime Minister Modi quickly erased Article 370... In our own country, Lord Ram lived in a tent for 550 years, and the temple could not be erected, but Narendra Modi completed the process of building the temple in an instant," the senior BJP leader proclaimed.

"The entire world had reached the moon, but your national flag did not reach and Narendra Modi sent Chandrayaan-3 to the moon and hoisted the national flag at Shiva Shakti Point," Shah alleged.

In the evening, Amit Shah addressed the 66th convocation ceremony at Sardar Patel University in Anand district and accused the Congress government of failing to treat Sardar Patel with respect and dignity.

"It is unfortunate that Sardar Patel's work has not received the recognition and reputation it deserves. Sardar Patel, a remarkable personality, did not even receive the Bharat Ratna until the end of the Congress government. Congress did an excellent job of opposing all attempts to commemorate him. However, once Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, the world's tallest statue of Sardar Patel was erected." he claimed.

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AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Gujarats Sanand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taught such a lesson to rioters in 2002 that no one has dared to cause riots again in the state. "In 2002, there were riots and thereafter Modi taught a lesson not to repeat the act. Have there been any riots since then? Rioters were given such a lesson in 2002 that no one dares to cause riots in Gujarat to this day," Shah claimed at the event on Saturday. Referencing the Indian Army's 2016 surgical strike, Shah further claimed that PM Modi "taught Pakistan a lesson" and had "made the country safer."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Previously, bomb blasts occurred daily; in fact, there were so many bomb blasts the press forgot to cover the news; no one cared. But with a surgical and air strike we taught Pakistan a lesson...Narendra Modi has made the country safer." The Home Minister also thanked PM Modi for the Ayodhya Ram temple, ISRO's successful lunar mission of landing Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir  a contentious move that was upheld by the Supreme Court last week. "Since the period of Sardar Patel and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the ambition of eliminating Article 370 from Kashmir has gone unmet. However, Prime Minister Modi quickly erased Article 370... In our own country, Lord Ram lived in a tent for 550 years, and the temple could not be erected, but Narendra Modi completed the process of building the temple in an instant," the senior BJP leader proclaimed. "The entire world had reached the moon, but your national flag did not reach and Narendra Modi sent Chandrayaan-3 to the moon and hoisted the national flag at Shiva Shakti Point," Shah alleged. In the evening, Amit Shah addressed the 66th convocation ceremony at Sardar Patel University in Anand district and accused the Congress government of failing to treat Sardar Patel with respect and dignity. "It is unfortunate that Sardar Patel's work has not received the recognition and reputation it deserves. Sardar Patel, a remarkable personality, did not even receive the Bharat Ratna until the end of the Congress government. Congress did an excellent job of opposing all attempts to commemorate him. However, once Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, the world's tallest statue of Sardar Patel was erected." he claimed. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
COLOMBO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Over 7,000 people in Sri Lanka have been affected by inclement rainy weather this week, the country's Disaster Management Center (DMC) said on Saturday in its latest situation report.

The situation report said 7,061 people, from 2,271 families, have been adversely affected by heavy rains by Saturday morning.

The DMC added that low-lying areas around rivers face the threat of flooding as water levels increase.

People would be evacuated as the occasion demands, Director General of the DMC Sudantha Ranasinghe told journalists in Colombo on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology said heavy rains would continue and heavy showers of over 100 millimeters are expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western and Eastern provinces on Saturday evening. 
By PTI

IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said that shelter cannot be denied to those seeking it on humanitarian grounds, but foreigners cannot be allowed to sneak into the state and set up illegal villages.

The administration needs to collect biometric details of those who have taken refuge in Kamjong district after fleeing from Myanmar, Singh said.

Around 2060 people from Myanmar have reached five places in the border district of Kamjong after fresh violence erupted between the army and alleged militants in the neighbouring country in November, an official said.

"We cannot deny shelter on humanitarian grounds. The only thing is to have their biometric details taken and provide shelter to them temporarily. What we have been telling them is not to sneak into Manipur and set up illegal villages," the chief minister said.

Singh was addressing the Vijay Diwas programme marking the Indian army's victory over Pakistan on this day in 1971.

"We are providing food, medicines and tents to them (Myanmarese people) to stay," the chief minister said and asked the police to be extra vigilant in border areas.

Manipur shares a 398-km-long porous border with Myanmar.

Most of the people who came to the northeastern state from across the international border belong to the Chin community, who share ethnic ties with the Kukis of Manipur.

Singh appreciated the security forces of the central and state governments for their dedication and commitment in bringing peace in the state in the last six months.

Manipur has been rocked by ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 3.

Expressing concern over the use of social media to create mistrust among communities by some vested interests, the chief minister asked the security officials to form a joint team of experts from the police, para-military forces and the army to stop such propaganda.

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IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said that shelter cannot be denied to those seeking it on humanitarian grounds, but foreigners cannot be allowed to sneak into the state and set up illegal villages. The administration needs to collect biometric details of those who have taken refuge in Kamjong district after fleeing from Myanmar, Singh said. Around 2060 people from Myanmar have reached five places in the border district of Kamjong after fresh violence erupted between the army and alleged militants in the neighbouring country in November, an official said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We cannot deny shelter on humanitarian grounds. The only thing is to have their biometric details taken and provide shelter to them temporarily. What we have been telling them is not to sneak into Manipur and set up illegal villages," the chief minister said. Singh was addressing the Vijay Diwas programme marking the Indian army's victory over Pakistan on this day in 1971. "We are providing food, medicines and tents to them (Myanmarese people) to stay," the chief minister said and asked the police to be extra vigilant in border areas. Manipur shares a 398-km-long porous border with Myanmar. Most of the people who came to the northeastern state from across the international border belong to the Chin community, who share ethnic ties with the Kukis of Manipur. Singh appreciated the security forces of the central and state governments for their dedication and commitment in bringing peace in the state in the last six months. Manipur has been rocked by ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 3. Expressing concern over the use of social media to create mistrust among communities by some vested interests, the chief minister asked the security officials to form a joint team of experts from the police, para-military forces and the army to stop such propaganda. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: With INDIA bloc parties expressing their firm resolve in seeking a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah in both Houses on the massive security lapse, stalemate continued in Parliament on Friday.

There is only a slim chance of the smooth functioning of Parliament without a statement from Shah, according to Opposition leaders. While the government is keen to pass the three new criminal bills to replace Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, the Opposition parties also made it clear that they will participate in the discussion only if their demand is met.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the collective stand of the INDIA alliance is that Shah should make a statement in both Houses and take questions on the issue. There is only a bleak chance of smooth functioning of Parliament unless the home minister makes a statement in both Houses. We want the House to function and arent even demanding the revocation of suspension of the MPs, Ramesh said.

The Congress leader also said that the government was trying to brush aside the incident on the first day as a minor one and later invoked the stringent UAPA charges against the accused. The very fact that such a stringent act has been invoked makes it incumbent upon the home minister to make a statement, he said.

Ramesh also accused Shah of contempt of Parliament by speaking to a private TV channel on the subject when the House was in session.

Yesterday, the home minister gave a detailed interview to a television channel on the security breach. It is contempt of the House and parliamentary traditions that the minister spoke on such a pressing issue when the House is very much in session, said Ramesh, expressing hope that Shah makes a statement on Monday.

There are only five days left for the session to conclude and the government has allocated up to 15 hours for the discussion on new criminal bills. However, it has to meet our demand first, he said. Meanwhile, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed acrimonious scenes leading to adjournments during the day. In RS, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar disallowed 23 notices submitted by Opposition MPs under Rule 267 seeking suspension of business to discuss the security breach.

Several Opposition MPs, including the suspended members, continued their protest in front of the Gandhi Statue in Parliament demanding action against BJP MP Pratap Simha, who allowed passes for the intruders into Lok Sabha. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi met the MPs and extended support to them.

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NEW DELHI: With INDIA bloc parties expressing their firm resolve in seeking a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah in both Houses on the massive security lapse, stalemate continued in Parliament on Friday. There is only a slim chance of the smooth functioning of Parliament without a statement from Shah, according to Opposition leaders. While the government is keen to pass the three new criminal bills to replace Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, the Opposition parties also made it clear that they will participate in the discussion only if their demand is met. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the collective stand of the INDIA alliance is that Shah should make a statement in both Houses and take questions on the issue. There is only a bleak chance of smooth functioning of Parliament unless the home minister makes a statement in both Houses. We want the House to function and arent even demanding the revocation of suspension of the MPs, Ramesh said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Congress leader also said that the government was trying to brush aside the incident on the first day as a minor one and later invoked the stringent UAPA charges against the accused. The very fact that such a stringent act has been invoked makes it incumbent upon the home minister to make a statement, he said. Ramesh also accused Shah of contempt of Parliament by speaking to a private TV channel on the subject when the House was in session. Yesterday, the home minister gave a detailed interview to a television channel on the security breach. It is contempt of the House and parliamentary traditions that the minister spoke on such a pressing issue when the House is very much in session, said Ramesh, expressing hope that Shah makes a statement on Monday. There are only five days left for the session to conclude and the government has allocated up to 15 hours for the discussion on new criminal bills. However, it has to meet our demand first, he said. Meanwhile, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed acrimonious scenes leading to adjournments during the day. In RS, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar disallowed 23 notices submitted by Opposition MPs under Rule 267 seeking suspension of business to discuss the security breach. Several Opposition MPs, including the suspended members, continued their protest in front of the Gandhi Statue in Parliament demanding action against BJP MP Pratap Simha, who allowed passes for the intruders into Lok Sabha. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi met the MPs and extended support to them. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

DARBHANGA: Days after the Parliament security breach had shocked the nation, the parents of the alleged mastermind Lalit Jha, are still in a state of disbelief.

Jha's father Devanand, who practices priestcraft in Kolkata to make ends meet, is visibly discomfited by the attention his dilapidated ancestral house in Bihar has since been attracting.

"I came to know about my son's arrest through other people. As you all can see, we do not even own a TV set," Devanand Jha told journalists at his house in Rampur Uday, a nondescript village in Darbhanga district.

His wife Manjula, who looked dazed, screamed amid sobs "My child is not a rogue. He cannot indulge in wrongdoings. He has always loved to help people. He has donated his blood three times".

It has been a week since the couple last saw their 32-year-old son, who handed himself over to the Delhi police on Thursday, two days after four persons, two of whom found their way into the Lok Sabha's visitors' gallery, entered the Parliament building carrying canisters that emitted yellow, foul smelling gases.

The security breach took place on the anniversary of the 2001 terror attack at the old Sansad Bhavan and, predictably, has triggered a political slugfest.

Some of the arrested persons shouted patriotic slogans and claimed they intended to make a statement against rising unemployment that has driven the country's youth against the wall.

However, the ruling BJP has alleged that they had been set up by the fledgling INDIA coalition.

ALSO READ | Security breach: Accused smuggled smoke canisters inside cavity of shoe sole

Lalit Jha, who had stayed back in Kolkata when his parents boarded their train to Darbhanga on December 10, has been accused of close links with the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, a key INDIA constituent, a charge vehemently denied by the party headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

However, his parents look askance when they are told about the furious speculations around their unassuming son.

"My son was a bright student who had started helping me financially by giving tuitions. We were to come together to Darbhanga together during Chhath. We did so every year. This time, because of a very high rush, we could not get the tickets. So we had to postpone our annual visit", recalled the father.

He added, "Lalit had come to see us off at the railway station and promised to join us later, saying he was going to Delhi for some work. We has never been into politics though he liked to support social causes and been associated with NGOs".

ALSO READ | 'He's very introverted': Alleged mastermind's kin 'shocked' over role in Parliament security breach

However, the parents cry out in unison when they are reminded that their son has been booked under the stringent UAPA and it may take long before a court deems it fit to grant him bail.

"We will beg the court to have mercy on our son. There must have been some mix-up. He cannot be a part of anything nefarious", they said amid sobs, bracing for the tough legal battle they must endure.

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DARBHANGA: Days after the Parliament security breach had shocked the nation, the parents of the alleged mastermind Lalit Jha, are still in a state of disbelief. Jha's father Devanand, who practices priestcraft in Kolkata to make ends meet, is visibly discomfited by the attention his dilapidated ancestral house in Bihar has since been attracting. "I came to know about my son's arrest through other people. As you all can see, we do not even own a TV set," Devanand Jha told journalists at his house in Rampur Uday, a nondescript village in Darbhanga district.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); His wife Manjula, who looked dazed, screamed amid sobs "My child is not a rogue. He cannot indulge in wrongdoings. He has always loved to help people. He has donated his blood three times". It has been a week since the couple last saw their 32-year-old son, who handed himself over to the Delhi police on Thursday, two days after four persons, two of whom found their way into the Lok Sabha's visitors' gallery, entered the Parliament building carrying canisters that emitted yellow, foul smelling gases. The security breach took place on the anniversary of the 2001 terror attack at the old Sansad Bhavan and, predictably, has triggered a political slugfest. Some of the arrested persons shouted patriotic slogans and claimed they intended to make a statement against rising unemployment that has driven the country's youth against the wall. However, the ruling BJP has alleged that they had been set up by the fledgling INDIA coalition. ALSO READ | Security breach: Accused smuggled smoke canisters inside cavity of shoe sole Lalit Jha, who had stayed back in Kolkata when his parents boarded their train to Darbhanga on December 10, has been accused of close links with the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, a key INDIA constituent, a charge vehemently denied by the party headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, his parents look askance when they are told about the furious speculations around their unassuming son. "My son was a bright student who had started helping me financially by giving tuitions. We were to come together to Darbhanga together during Chhath. We did so every year. This time, because of a very high rush, we could not get the tickets. So we had to postpone our annual visit", recalled the father. He added, "Lalit had come to see us off at the railway station and promised to join us later, saying he was going to Delhi for some work. We has never been into politics though he liked to support social causes and been associated with NGOs". ALSO READ | 'He's very introverted': Alleged mastermind's kin 'shocked' over role in Parliament security breach However, the parents cry out in unison when they are reminded that their son has been booked under the stringent UAPA and it may take long before a court deems it fit to grant him bail. "We will beg the court to have mercy on our son. There must have been some mix-up. He cannot be a part of anything nefarious", they said amid sobs, bracing for the tough legal battle they must endure. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

WASHINGTON: Indian-American legislators in the US Congress, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar released a joint statement after receiving a classified briefing from the Biden Administration on Gupta's indictment.

"We believe the US-India partnership has made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership," the five Indian American congressmen said.

"As Members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning," the statement said.

"We welcome the Government of India's announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot, and it is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again," it said.

The lawmakers said they appreciated the administration providing a classified briefing on the Department of Justice's indictment of Gupta.

On November 29, Gupta was charged by federal prosecutors in the US in connection with his alleged participation in a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen, on American soil.

The 52-year-old was charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which has a maximum sentence of a 10-year jail term.

US authorities had alleged Gupta agreed to pay an assassin USD 100,000 to kill the Sikh separatist leader living in New York City.

Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 at the request of the US in connection with his alleged participation in the plot to kill Pannun.

India has already constituted a high-level probe team to investigate the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Pannun.

Pro-Khalistan group Sikh for Justice (SFJ) welcomed the briefing by the US administration.

"It is reassuring that the US Congress is steadfast in its fundamental constitutional duty to protect the life and liberty and freedom of expression of the US Citizen at home and abroad. This is the bedrock of American Democracy," Pannun, General Counsel of SFJ, said.

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WASHINGTON: Indian-American legislators in the US Congress, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar released a joint statement after receiving a classified briefing from the Biden Administration on Gupta's indictment. "We believe the US-India partnership has made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership," the five Indian American congressmen said. "As Members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning," the statement said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We welcome the Government of India's announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot, and it is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again," it said. The lawmakers said they appreciated the administration providing a classified briefing on the Department of Justice's indictment of Gupta. On November 29, Gupta was charged by federal prosecutors in the US in connection with his alleged participation in a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen, on American soil. The 52-year-old was charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which has a maximum sentence of a 10-year jail term. US authorities had alleged Gupta agreed to pay an assassin USD 100,000 to kill the Sikh separatist leader living in New York City. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 at the request of the US in connection with his alleged participation in the plot to kill Pannun. India has already constituted a high-level probe team to investigate the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Pannun. Pro-Khalistan group Sikh for Justice (SFJ) welcomed the briefing by the US administration. "It is reassuring that the US Congress is steadfast in its fundamental constitutional duty to protect the life and liberty and freedom of expression of the US Citizen at home and abroad. This is the bedrock of American Democracy," Pannun, General Counsel of SFJ, said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ujwal Jalali and Bala Chauhan By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: :The alleged mastermind behind Wednesdays Parliament security breach revealed to the police that their team had a Plan B in case their two accomplices were unable to reach Parliament for a protest for whatever reason.

As per Plan B, two others were to approach the building from another direction bursting firecrackers and colour canisters in front of mediapersons, Lalit Jha told his interrogators. In the end, they did not need to operationalise Plan B as Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi made it to the Parliament building, released coloured smoke from canisters, and shouted slogans around the time two others intruded into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery. The two others who were part of the back-up plan were identified as Mahesh and Kailash. Both are now under the Delhi Police custody.

Jha was sent to seven-day police custody by a local court on Friday. Terror charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act have been slapped against Jha and the four others arrested on Wednesday.

The two trespassers into the Lok Sabha, Manorajan D and Sagar Sharma, had the picture of a fist against the backdrop of a Tricolour, a slogan in Hindi and a slogan in English on the Manipur violence issue.

Meanwhile, it emerged that Manoranjan had reportedly visited Cambodia in 2016 and was there for a year.

He had reportedly told his family that he was going for a job, but no one knows the nature of the job or the details of his visit to that country, a source said. Manoranjan is an engineer by training. His accomplice, Sagar Sharma, had earlier visited him in Mysuru, the source said, adding the whole plot could have been hatched in Mysuru.

Parliament paralysed

Parliament was paralysed on Friday as the Opposition kept up its protest demanding home minister Amit Shahs statement. Outside Parliament, Shah said a probe panel will submit its report in 15-20 days | P9



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NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: :The alleged mastermind behind Wednesdays Parliament security breach revealed to the police that their team had a Plan B in case their two accomplices were unable to reach Parliament for a protest for whatever reason. As per Plan B, two others were to approach the building from another direction bursting firecrackers and colour canisters in front of mediapersons, Lalit Jha told his interrogators. In the end, they did not need to operationalise Plan B as Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi made it to the Parliament building, released coloured smoke from canisters, and shouted slogans around the time two others intruded into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery. The two others who were part of the back-up plan were identified as Mahesh and Kailash. Both are now under the Delhi Police custody. Jha was sent to seven-day police custody by a local court on Friday. Terror charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act have been slapped against Jha and the four others arrested on Wednesday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The two trespassers into the Lok Sabha, Manorajan D and Sagar Sharma, had the picture of a fist against the backdrop of a Tricolour, a slogan in Hindi and a slogan in English on the Manipur violence issue. Meanwhile, it emerged that Manoranjan had reportedly visited Cambodia in 2016 and was there for a year. He had reportedly told his family that he was going for a job, but no one knows the nature of the job or the details of his visit to that country, a source said. Manoranjan is an engineer by training. His accomplice, Sagar Sharma, had earlier visited him in Mysuru, the source said, adding the whole plot could have been hatched in Mysuru. Parliament paralysed Parliament was paralysed on Friday as the Opposition kept up its protest demanding home minister Amit Shahs statement. Outside Parliament, Shah said a probe panel will submit its report in 15-20 days | P9 Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: Rajasthan witnessed a generational shift on Friday when first-time MLA Bhajanlal Sharma took over as the new CM at a grand ceremony in Jaipurs Ramniwas Bagh. It was a double delight for Sharma as he took oath as the new Rajasthan CM on a day that marked his 57th birthday.

The ceremony at the historic Albert Hall was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sharma took the oath of office and secrecy administered by Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra. Two Deputy CMs, Diya Kumari and Dr Premchand Bairwa, were also sworn in.

Two former chief ministers of the state, Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje, took part in the proceedings.

Three stages were set up at Albert Hall. The first accommodated saints and sages from across the country, the second hosted political leaders, and the third was kept for the oath-taking process. Prime Minister Modi expressed his respects to the saints before joining the stage where the Governor and the newly sworn-in leaders were seated.

Sharma assumed charge at his office in the secretariat, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Following the oath, Sharma said, We will leave no stone unturned to make Rajasthan the best and the most prosperous state of the country. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma celebrated his birthday with his family at the Chambal Power House guest house, visiting the Govind Devji temple and seeking blessings from his parents.

Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa visited the Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, while Deputy CM Diya Kumari also sought blessings at the Govind Devji Temple. The BJP named Sharma as its surprise pick for the CMs post on December 12. At the central observers suggestion, the new MLAs formally elected him as the legislature partys leader or the CM-designate.

Sharma, who is from Bharatpur district, won the Sanganer constituency of Jaipur with a margin of 48,081 votes. He was regarded as a dedicated RSS and BJP worker, who went about his job without making any fuss. He moved up the ladder in the state BJP, holding responsibilities in the organisation but never in the government.

About three decades back, he held his first public office as the sarpanch of a village in Bharatpur district.

The BJP won 115 seats in the November 25 assembly elections in Rajasthan, while the Congress got 69. Polling was held on 199 of the 200 seats in the House. With 35 years of political experience, Sharma is the first chief minister to take oath on his birthday.

Sharma has wasted no time in forming his team, with the appointment of three IAS officers in his office  T Ravikant as principal secretary, Anandi as secretary, and Soumya Jha as Joint Secretary  all on a temporary basis while they continue in their existing roles.

Will make Rajasthan the best state

Bhajanlal Sharma assumed charge at his office in the secretariat, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Following the oath, Sharma said, We will leave no stone unturned to make Rajasthan the best state of the country. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma celebrated his birthday with his family at the Chambal Power House guest house, visiting the Govind Devji temple and seeking blessings from his parents. Sharma, who is from Bharatpur district, won the Sanganer constituency of Jaipur with a margin of 48,081 votes.

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JAIPUR: Rajasthan witnessed a generational shift on Friday when first-time MLA Bhajanlal Sharma took over as the new CM at a grand ceremony in Jaipurs Ramniwas Bagh. It was a double delight for Sharma as he took oath as the new Rajasthan CM on a day that marked his 57th birthday. The ceremony at the historic Albert Hall was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sharma took the oath of office and secrecy administered by Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra. Two Deputy CMs, Diya Kumari and Dr Premchand Bairwa, were also sworn in. Two former chief ministers of the state, Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje, took part in the proceedings. Three stages were set up at Albert Hall. The first accommodated saints and sages from across the country, the second hosted political leaders, and the third was kept for the oath-taking process. Prime Minister Modi expressed his respects to the saints before joining the stage where the Governor and the newly sworn-in leaders were seated.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sharma assumed charge at his office in the secretariat, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Following the oath, Sharma said, We will leave no stone unturned to make Rajasthan the best and the most prosperous state of the country. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma celebrated his birthday with his family at the Chambal Power House guest house, visiting the Govind Devji temple and seeking blessings from his parents. Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa visited the Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, while Deputy CM Diya Kumari also sought blessings at the Govind Devji Temple. The BJP named Sharma as its surprise pick for the CMs post on December 12. At the central observers suggestion, the new MLAs formally elected him as the legislature partys leader or the CM-designate. Sharma, who is from Bharatpur district, won the Sanganer constituency of Jaipur with a margin of 48,081 votes. He was regarded as a dedicated RSS and BJP worker, who went about his job without making any fuss. He moved up the ladder in the state BJP, holding responsibilities in the organisation but never in the government. About three decades back, he held his first public office as the sarpanch of a village in Bharatpur district. The BJP won 115 seats in the November 25 assembly elections in Rajasthan, while the Congress got 69. Polling was held on 199 of the 200 seats in the House. With 35 years of political experience, Sharma is the first chief minister to take oath on his birthday. Sharma has wasted no time in forming his team, with the appointment of three IAS officers in his office  T Ravikant as principal secretary, Anandi as secretary, and Soumya Jha as Joint Secretary  all on a temporary basis while they continue in their existing roles. Will make Rajasthan the best state Bhajanlal Sharma assumed charge at his office in the secretariat, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Following the oath, Sharma said, We will leave no stone unturned to make Rajasthan the best state of the country. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma celebrated his birthday with his family at the Chambal Power House guest house, visiting the Govind Devji temple and seeking blessings from his parents. Sharma, who is from Bharatpur district, won the Sanganer constituency of Jaipur with a margin of 48,081 votes. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Nearly 10 months after the Maharashtra Shiv Sena disqualification case came up in the Supreme Court, Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar has been given the last opportunity by the apex court to deliver his order by January 10.

The disqualification petitions arose out of the previous years split in Shiv Sena, with one faction joining the BJP to form government in the state. The orders have to come by January 10, said a bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The top court had earlier asked him to decide the disqualification pleas by December 31, saying the sanctity of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (disqualification law) should be maintained. The Speaker has indicated that the proceedings will be closed on December 20 and the Speaker has sought a reasonable extension of time for declaration of the order. Bearing in mind the time limit, which was set out by this court in its previous order dated October 30, was until December 31. We grant an extension for pronouncement of orders till January 10, said the bench.

The court noted in the record the submissions of the solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Speaker. The SG said he was taking time because there were lakhs of documents that had to be examined thoroughly, requiring additional time. Therefore, the Speaker needs more time to decide the disqualification pleas against rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena and the NCP.

The Speaker has said that on December 20, the judgment would be reserved and no further time would be taken. Hearings took place even during the Assembly Session. There are 2,71,000 pages, he said. Opposing Mehtas submissions, senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for the Uddhav Thackeray group said the court should not grant them more time.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by MLA Sunil Prabhu of Uddhav Thackerays group of Shiv Sena, seeking direction to the Speaker to take an expeditious decision on the disqualification petitions pending against rebel Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, the current chief minister. The state elections are due next year, nearly six months after the parliamentary polls.

Also in top court

Justice Kishan Kaul hangs up his boots

Friday was the last working day of the second seniormost judge of the countrys apex court, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. He was set to retire on December 25, but the winter vacation starts on December 16. On his last day in court, Kaul said that as a society we must have tolerance for each other and learn to live with each other. Globally tolerance has gone down. Its time that we learn to live with each other, so that world turns a better place, he said.

List damage to places of worship

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the strife-torn Manipurs government to apprise within two weeks the court-appointed committe about what kind of steps it had taken to restore and maintain a secure environment at the places of worship that were vandalised during the ethnic violence. A three-judge bench also asked the state government to furnish a detailed list of the damaged religious structures.

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NEW DELHI: Nearly 10 months after the Maharashtra Shiv Sena disqualification case came up in the Supreme Court, Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar has been given the last opportunity by the apex court to deliver his order by January 10. The disqualification petitions arose out of the previous years split in Shiv Sena, with one faction joining the BJP to form government in the state. The orders have to come by January 10, said a bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The top court had earlier asked him to decide the disqualification pleas by December 31, saying the sanctity of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (disqualification law) should be maintained. The Speaker has indicated that the proceedings will be closed on December 20 and the Speaker has sought a reasonable extension of time for declaration of the order. Bearing in mind the time limit, which was set out by this court in its previous order dated October 30, was until December 31. We grant an extension for pronouncement of orders till January 10, said the bench.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The court noted in the record the submissions of the solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Speaker. The SG said he was taking time because there were lakhs of documents that had to be examined thoroughly, requiring additional time. Therefore, the Speaker needs more time to decide the disqualification pleas against rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena and the NCP. The Speaker has said that on December 20, the judgment would be reserved and no further time would be taken. Hearings took place even during the Assembly Session. There are 2,71,000 pages, he said. Opposing Mehtas submissions, senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for the Uddhav Thackeray group said the court should not grant them more time. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by MLA Sunil Prabhu of Uddhav Thackerays group of Shiv Sena, seeking direction to the Speaker to take an expeditious decision on the disqualification petitions pending against rebel Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, the current chief minister. The state elections are due next year, nearly six months after the parliamentary polls. Also in top court Justice Kishan Kaul hangs up his boots Friday was the last working day of the second seniormost judge of the countrys apex court, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. He was set to retire on December 25, but the winter vacation starts on December 16. On his last day in court, Kaul said that as a society we must have tolerance for each other and learn to live with each other. Globally tolerance has gone down. Its time that we learn to live with each other, so that world turns a better place, he said. List damage to places of worship The Supreme Court on Friday asked the strife-torn Manipurs government to apprise within two weeks the court-appointed committe about what kind of steps it had taken to restore and maintain a secure environment at the places of worship that were vandalised during the ethnic violence. A three-judge bench also asked the state government to furnish a detailed list of the damaged religious structures. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Acknowledging that the security breach in the Lok Sabha happened on Wednesday was a serious lapse, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that the committee formed to investigate the incident is likely to hand over its report within 15-20 days.

However, he added that the opposition shouldnt politicise the episode. The security lapse is a serious matter. Lok Sabha Speaker has taken cognisance of it. The opposition is politicising the issue. I am not denying the breach. It was a breach.

Everybody knows the security of the Lok Sabha is under the purview of the Speaker. He has written to the home ministry, and we have formed a committee under the chairmanship of the seniormost DGP of the country.

Representatives of other agencies are also part of the committee. In a few days, a report will come to the Speaker. I feel that it will be appropriate if the Speaker releases the report, said Shah on Thursday while speaking at an event held by a media house.

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NEW DELHI: Acknowledging that the security breach in the Lok Sabha happened on Wednesday was a serious lapse, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that the committee formed to investigate the incident is likely to hand over its report within 15-20 days. However, he added that the opposition shouldnt politicise the episode. The security lapse is a serious matter. Lok Sabha Speaker has taken cognisance of it. The opposition is politicising the issue. I am not denying the breach. It was a breach. Everybody knows the security of the Lok Sabha is under the purview of the Speaker. He has written to the home ministry, and we have formed a committee under the chairmanship of the seniormost DGP of the country.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Representatives of other agencies are also part of the committee. In a few days, a report will come to the Speaker. I feel that it will be appropriate if the Speaker releases the report, said Shah on Thursday while speaking at an event held by a media house. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

BAREILLY: Seven persons, including six policemen, booked in the murder case of a farmer, were declared absconders on Friday, police said.

Family members of the victim, Santosh Kumar Sharma (46), have claimed that he died after allegedly being beaten up by the staff of the Sardar Nagar outpost here, they added.

Sharma died on November 10 during treatment at a hospital here, following which his kin filed a complaint at the Bhamaura police station here, the police said.

SHO at Fatehganj West police station Dhananjay Pandey, who investigated the case, said all the seven accused, including six police personnel and an ambulance driver, have been declared absconders by the court and further action is underway.

On November 8, the accused policemen had reached the village in search of gamblers in a private ambulance, the deceased's brother Krishna Kumar Sharma said in the complaint.

As the gamblers managed to flee, Santosh who was returning from his farm was asked by the police if he knew the gamblers.

When he replied in the negative, the cops allegedly started thrashing him saying he was refusing to cooperate despite having information, the SHO said quoting the complainant.

The police personnel allegedly attacked Santosh fatally on the head with the butts of their rifle. Taking him for dead, the cops ran away and two days later on November 10, Santosh died in the hospital, the complaint added.

The post-mortem report revealed that the victim suffered injuries.

As soon as the information about Santosh's death and primary cause came to light, the accused policemen were suspended on charges of indiscipline and negligence, the SHO said.

The cops went absconding soon after and the police took non-bailable warrants against the accused from the court On November 23 but to no avail, he added.

SP (Dehat) Mukesh Chandra Mishra said Sub-Inspectors Tinku Kumar and Nepal Singh, constables Deepak, Pushpendra Rana, Manoj, Ankit, and ambulance driver Vijay were declared absconders by the court on Friday.

Notices of attachment of their property in case of non-arrest or non-appearance have also been pasted on the houses of all on the orders of the court, Mishra said.

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BAREILLY: Seven persons, including six policemen, booked in the murder case of a farmer, were declared absconders on Friday, police said. Family members of the victim, Santosh Kumar Sharma (46), have claimed that he died after allegedly being beaten up by the staff of the Sardar Nagar outpost here, they added. Sharma died on November 10 during treatment at a hospital here, following which his kin filed a complaint at the Bhamaura police station here, the police said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); SHO at Fatehganj West police station Dhananjay Pandey, who investigated the case, said all the seven accused, including six police personnel and an ambulance driver, have been declared absconders by the court and further action is underway. On November 8, the accused policemen had reached the village in search of gamblers in a private ambulance, the deceased's brother Krishna Kumar Sharma said in the complaint. As the gamblers managed to flee, Santosh who was returning from his farm was asked by the police if he knew the gamblers. When he replied in the negative, the cops allegedly started thrashing him saying he was refusing to cooperate despite having information, the SHO said quoting the complainant. The police personnel allegedly attacked Santosh fatally on the head with the butts of their rifle. Taking him for dead, the cops ran away and two days later on November 10, Santosh died in the hospital, the complaint added. The post-mortem report revealed that the victim suffered injuries. As soon as the information about Santosh's death and primary cause came to light, the accused policemen were suspended on charges of indiscipline and negligence, the SHO said. The cops went absconding soon after and the police took non-bailable warrants against the accused from the court On November 23 but to no avail, he added. SP (Dehat) Mukesh Chandra Mishra said Sub-Inspectors Tinku Kumar and Nepal Singh, constables Deepak, Pushpendra Rana, Manoj, Ankit, and ambulance driver Vijay were declared absconders by the court on Friday. Notices of attachment of their property in case of non-arrest or non-appearance have also been pasted on the houses of all on the orders of the court, Mishra said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the final credits rolled at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, a grand ceremony celebrated international filmmaking brilliance and bestowed accolades upon noteworthy creators.

Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchis Evil Does Not Exist, which depicted the challenges faced by villages caught in the throes of industrialisation, was honoured with the Golden Crow Pheasant Award (Suvarna Chakoram) for Best Film.

The Rajatha Chakoram (Silver Crow Pheasant) and Best Asian Cinema award (Netpac) for best director went to Shokir Kholikov for the film Sunday (Uzbekistan). Aattam, directed by Anand Ekarshi, secured the Netpac award for Best Malayalam Film. Shokir received `4 lakh and a certificate.

The Best Film award, including a Rs 20 lakh purse and certificate, was presented by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman and filmmaker Ranjith. Fazil Razak bagged the Silver Crow Pheasant Award for Best Debut Director for Thadavu which also won the audience poll award.

Veteran Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi, whose nomination had raised eyebrows because of his anti-communist views.

Actor Prakash Raj checks time during the valedictory function of IFFK 2023 at Nishagandhi Auditorium on Friday. Kerala Chalachithra Academy chairman Ranjith and Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi are also seen | Vincent Pulickal

Ranjith gets booed again

Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman and filmmaker Ranjith faced loud boos during the IFFK closing ceremony at the Nishagandhi auditorium, reminding the audience of similar scenes from the last edition. Ranjith, however, ignored the hubbub this year. Going ahead, however, Ranjith received applause for honouring everyone involved in making IFFK a success, especially the permanent and temporary staff of the Chalachitra Academy.

Darling Kerala

Chief guest Prakash Raj started off his speech by addressing Darling Kerala. He went on to stress that the Indian democracy was made up of diverse opinions and interpretations. Commending the state, he said, Gods own country, Kerala, keeps God away from politics. Prakash added that he was proud of the state government, and lauded IFFK for bringing the various possibilities of world cinema to the youth.

Malayalam cinema heads to Cuba

Special guest Alejandro Simancas Marin, Cubas ambassador to India, said independent thinking could be developed only through culture and education. He promised to take Malayalam cinema to Cuba, adding that his dream was to host a delegation from Kerala at next years Havana Film Festival.

AWARDS

Audience Poll Award - Thadavu directed by Fazil Razak

Best Film in the International Competition category (Fipresci award) - Prison in the Andes directed by Felipe Carmona (Chile)

FFSI K R Mohanan Award for Best Debut Director (India) - Uttam Kamati for film Kherwal

Best Malayalam Film by Debut Director - Sruthi Saranaym for B 32 muthal 44 vare

Best sound design - All the Silence (Mikhuvel Fernandes and Mario Martin) - Mexico)

Rekindling memories of a spirited debate

TPuram: During the 1998 Film Festival of Kerala, Left ideologue P Govinda Pillai engaged in a debate with Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi, countering his criticisms of the Communists. A quarter of a century later, Pillais children met Zanussi, who was here for the International Film Festival of Kerala, and reminisced about the intellectual exchange that took place between him and their father.

Parvathi Devi and M G Radhakrishnan met Zanussi during a masterclass programme at Hotel Horizon and shared their friendship. Senior journalist Radhakrishnan recalled the spirited debate between the duo, describing it as a challenge to report. He also said, Kerala Chalachitra Academy invited us to have this wonderful opportunity. Zanussi told us that whenever he thinks of Kerala, he recalls the debate and my father. Zanussi also said he misses him in this gathering.

During the meeting, they presented Zanussi with the English translation of M Gramscis Thought', originally written by Pillai and E M S Namboodiripad, and translated by M G Radhakrishnan. He noted that during that period, publishing a Malayalam book that exposed the thoughts of the Left-wing theorist Gramsci was challenging.

TNIE journos shine bright

TNIE lensman Vincent Pulickal won the Best Photographer Award, and reporter Parvana K B received a jurys special mention for Best Reporting in the print category.

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the final credits rolled at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, a grand ceremony celebrated international filmmaking brilliance and bestowed accolades upon noteworthy creators. Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchis Evil Does Not Exist, which depicted the challenges faced by villages caught in the throes of industrialisation, was honoured with the Golden Crow Pheasant Award (Suvarna Chakoram) for Best Film. The Rajatha Chakoram (Silver Crow Pheasant) and Best Asian Cinema award (Netpac) for best director went to Shokir Kholikov for the film Sunday (Uzbekistan). Aattam, directed by Anand Ekarshi, secured the Netpac award for Best Malayalam Film. Shokir received `4 lakh and a certificate. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Best Film award, including a Rs 20 lakh purse and certificate, was presented by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman and filmmaker Ranjith. Fazil Razak bagged the Silver Crow Pheasant Award for Best Debut Director for Thadavu which also won the audience poll award. Veteran Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi, whose nomination had raised eyebrows because of his anti-communist views. Actor Prakash Raj checks time during the valedictory function of IFFK 2023 at Nishagandhi Auditorium on Friday. Kerala Chalachithra Academy chairman Ranjith and Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi are also seen | Vincent Pulickal Ranjith gets booed again Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman and filmmaker Ranjith faced loud boos during the IFFK closing ceremony at the Nishagandhi auditorium, reminding the audience of similar scenes from the last edition. Ranjith, however, ignored the hubbub this year. Going ahead, however, Ranjith received applause for honouring everyone involved in making IFFK a success, especially the permanent and temporary staff of the Chalachitra Academy. Darling Kerala Chief guest Prakash Raj started off his speech by addressing Darling Kerala. He went on to stress that the Indian democracy was made up of diverse opinions and interpretations. Commending the state, he said, Gods own country, Kerala, keeps God away from politics. Prakash added that he was proud of the state government, and lauded IFFK for bringing the various possibilities of world cinema to the youth. Malayalam cinema heads to Cuba Special guest Alejandro Simancas Marin, Cubas ambassador to India, said independent thinking could be developed only through culture and education. He promised to take Malayalam cinema to Cuba, adding that his dream was to host a delegation from Kerala at next years Havana Film Festival. AWARDS Audience Poll Award - Thadavu directed by Fazil Razak Best Film in the International Competition category (Fipresci award) - Prison in the Andes directed by Felipe Carmona (Chile) FFSI K R Mohanan Award for Best Debut Director (India) - Uttam Kamati for film Kherwal Best Malayalam Film by Debut Director - Sruthi Saranaym for B 32 muthal 44 vare Best sound design - All the Silence (Mikhuvel Fernandes and Mario Martin) - Mexico) Rekindling memories of a spirited debate TPuram: During the 1998 Film Festival of Kerala, Left ideologue P Govinda Pillai engaged in a debate with Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi, countering his criticisms of the Communists. A quarter of a century later, Pillais children met Zanussi, who was here for the International Film Festival of Kerala, and reminisced about the intellectual exchange that took place between him and their father. Parvathi Devi and M G Radhakrishnan met Zanussi during a masterclass programme at Hotel Horizon and shared their friendship. Senior journalist Radhakrishnan recalled the spirited debate between the duo, describing it as a challenge to report. He also said, Kerala Chalachitra Academy invited us to have this wonderful opportunity. Zanussi told us that whenever he thinks of Kerala, he recalls the debate and my father. Zanussi also said he misses him in this gathering. During the meeting, they presented Zanussi with the English translation of M Gramscis Thought', originally written by Pillai and E M S Namboodiripad, and translated by M G Radhakrishnan. He noted that during that period, publishing a Malayalam book that exposed the thoughts of the Left-wing theorist Gramsci was challenging. TNIE journos shine bright TNIE lensman Vincent Pulickal won the Best Photographer Award, and reporter Parvana K B received a jurys special mention for Best Reporting in the print category. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council's arms embargo measures should be viewed and implemented accurately to prevent such measures from impeding capacity-building in the countries concerned, said a Chinese envoy on Friday.

The fact that Haitian gangs are rampant is inextricably linked to the illicit inflows of foreign weapons. All countries, especially those in the region, should effectively implement the Security Council's arms embargo on the Haitian gangs. At the same time, the council's arms embargo measures are meant to help the countries concerned restore national stability and normal social order, and should not impede capacity-building efforts in the countries concerned, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

The Security Council should make targeted adjustments to its arms embargo measures in light of the developments on the ground so as to help the countries concerned bolster their security capacity, he told a Security Council open debate on the impact of small arms and light weapons on peace and security.

The issue of small arms and light weapons bears on peace and development. The problem of illicit trafficking, misuse, and irresponsible transfer of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition remains severe, and is intertwined with armed conflict, terrorism, and transnational organized crime, posing serious threats to international peace and security, said Zhang.

States should assume the primary responsibility for the management, development, use, and transfer of small arms and light weapons, and improve relevant laws and regulations, and enhance law enforcement and control, he said.

"In particular, major arms-exporting countries should set a good example by strictly managing their military equipment exports and should stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries through the arms trade, stop pouring oil on the flames in conflict-affected areas, and stop transferring arms to nonstate actors," he said.

The lax gun control and severe gun violence problems of a certain developed country have not only jeopardized its own social stability and the safety and security of its own people, but have also caused growing spillover effects, creating major troubles for other countries. This certain country needs to seriously reflect on this issue and change its course of action, said Zhang. 
Asish Mehta By

Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: A 37-year-old Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) native who impersonated an Army doctor was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch for alleged anti-national activities and terror links from Jajpur district on Saturday.

The accused, Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, faces allegations of engaging in anti-national activities and is suspected of having connections with Pakistani nationals, according to officials. A native of Handwara in Kupwara district, he was in contact with suspicious persons in Kerala.

Preliminary investigation revealed Bukhari used to impersonate an Army doctor, neurosurgeon and even a senior officer at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). He also used to fake his identity as an associate of officers of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

"A detailed probe has been launched to ascertain whether Bukhari has links with Pakistan's ISI," inspector general of STF JN Pankaj told media persons here.

Acting on a tip-off, the STF conducted a raid at Bukhari's rented accommodation in Neulpur earlier in the day. Forged medical degree certificates from Cornell University in the US, Canadian Health Services Institute, Christian Medical College in Vellore and others were found in his possession.

Incriminating materials including more than 100 documents were seized during the search. Blank signed documents, affidavits and bonds, several IDs and ATM cards, blank cheques, Aadhaar cards and visiting cards were also seized from Bukharis rented premises.

The STF revealed that the accused married six to seven women from various regions, including Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. He was also active on various websites and apps and in relationships with many girls by impersonating a doctor with international degrees.

Bukhari is wanted by J&K Police in connection with a case related to cheating and forgery and a non-bailable warrant is pending against him.

A case has been registered under sections 419,420,465,467,468,471 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology (IT) Act.

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BHUBANESWAR: A 37-year-old Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) native who impersonated an Army doctor was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch for alleged anti-national activities and terror links from Jajpur district on Saturday. The accused, Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, faces allegations of engaging in anti-national activities and is suspected of having connections with Pakistani nationals, according to officials. A native of Handwara in Kupwara district, he was in contact with suspicious persons in Kerala. Preliminary investigation revealed Bukhari used to impersonate an Army doctor, neurosurgeon and even a senior officer at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). He also used to fake his identity as an associate of officers of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "A detailed probe has been launched to ascertain whether Bukhari has links with Pakistan's ISI," inspector general of STF JN Pankaj told media persons here. Acting on a tip-off, the STF conducted a raid at Bukhari's rented accommodation in Neulpur earlier in the day. Forged medical degree certificates from Cornell University in the US, Canadian Health Services Institute, Christian Medical College in Vellore and others were found in his possession. Incriminating materials including more than 100 documents were seized during the search. Blank signed documents, affidavits and bonds, several IDs and ATM cards, blank cheques, Aadhaar cards and visiting cards were also seized from Bukharis rented premises. The STF revealed that the accused married six to seven women from various regions, including Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. He was also active on various websites and apps and in relationships with many girls by impersonating a doctor with international degrees. Bukhari is wanted by J&K Police in connection with a case related to cheating and forgery and a non-bailable warrant is pending against him. A case has been registered under sections 419,420,465,467,468,471 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

RAFAH: A prolonged communications blackout that severed telephone and internet connections compounded the misery Saturday in the besieged Gaza Strip, where a United Nations agency said hunger levels had spiralled in recent days.

Internet and telephone lines went down Thursday evening and were still inaccessible Saturday morning, according to internet access advocacy group NetBlocks.org, hampering aid deliveries and rescue efforts as Israel's war against Gaza's ruling militant group Hamas stretched into the 11th week.

"The internet blackout is ongoing, and based on our records it is the longest such incident" in the over-two-month war, said Alp Toker, the group's director.

The United Nations' humanitarian affairs department said communications with Gaza were "severely disrupted" due to damage to telecommunications lines in the south.

The offensive, triggered by the unprecedented Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has flattened much of northern Gaza and driven 85% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes. Displaced people have squeezed into shelters mainly in the south in a spiralling humanitarian crisis.

On Friday, Israeli troops mistakenly shot and killed three Israeli hostages in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants in recent days. The soldiers mistakenly identified the three Israelis as a threat and opened fire, said the army's chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

ALSO READ| 'Information being murdered in Gaza', says Journalists federation

Hundreds of protesters blocked Tel Aviv's main highway late Friday in a spontaneous demonstration calling for the hostages' return. The hostages' plight has dominated public discourse in Israel since the Oct. 7 attack. Their families have led a powerful public campaign calling on the government to do more to bring them home.

Anger over the mistaken killing of the three  young men in their 20s  is likely to increase pressure on the government to renew Qatar-mediated negotiations with Hamas over swapping more captives for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Palestinians search for bodies and survivors in the rubble of a residential building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo)

Hamas released over 100 hostages for Palestinian prisoners in November. Nearly all those freed on both sides were women and minors. Talks on further swaps broke down, with Hamas seeking the release of more veteran prisoners for female soldiers it is holding.

Israeli political and military leaders often say freeing all the hostages is their top aim in the war alongside destroying Hamas. However, they argue that their release can only be achieved through military pressure on Hamas, a claim that has sharply divided public opinion.

After negotiations broke down, Hamas said it would only free the remaining hostages, believed to number more than 130, if Israel ended the war and released all Palestinian prisoners.

As of late November, Israel held nearly 7,000 Palestinians accused or convicted of security offences, including hundreds rounded up since the start of the war.

ALSO READ | Hungry, thirsty and humiliated: Israel's mass arrests sow fear in Gaza

Residents in northern Gaza meanwhile reported heavy bombing and the sounds of gunbattle overnight and into Saturday in devastated Gaza City and the nearby urban refugee camp of Jabaliya. Hamza Abu Seada, a resident, said heavy airstrikes struck Jabaliya, with non-stop sounds of explosions and gunfire.

"It was a violent bombardment," said Asad Abu Taha, another resident, by phone from the Shijaiyah neighbourhood, adding that contact with others was difficult because of the telecommunications interruptions. "We don't know what's happening."

An Associated Press journalist in southern Gaza also reported airstrikes and tank shelling overnight in the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.

With only a trickle of aid able to enter Gaza and distribution disrupted by fighting, the UN's World Food Program reported a surge from 38% to 56% in the number of displaced households experiencing severe levels of hunger in the space of under two weeks. In the north, where aid has been unable to enter, "households  are expected to face a catastrophic situation," the WFP said.

The offensive has killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Thursday before the communications blackout.

ALSO READ | Gaza war: Deadlock in Security Council shows UN is unfit for purpose

Thousands more are missing and feared dead beneath the rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Its latest count did not specify how many were women and minors, but they have consistently been around two-thirds of those killed in the conflict.

On Friday, an Israeli strike killed a Palestinian journalist and wounded another in the southern city of Khan Younis, both working for the Al Jazeera television network.

The two were reporting from a school that had been hit by an earlier airstrike when a drone launched a second strike, the network said. Dozens of mourners held funeral prayers for Samer Abu Daqqa outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the Qatari network reported.

Al Jazeera correspondent Wael Dahdouh reacts over the body of Al Jazeera cameraman, Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, during his funeral in the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo)

Khan Younis has been the main target of Israel's ground offensive in the south.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the cameraman was the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict erupted. The others included 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese.

Meanwhile, the United States, Israel's closest ally, has expressed unease over Israel's failure to reduce civilian casualties and its plans for the future of Gaza, but the White House continues to offer wholehearted support with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing.

In meetings with Israeli leaders on Thursday and Friday, United States national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed a timetable for winding down the intense combat phase of the war. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was also expected to visit Israel soon to discuss the issue.

"We do not believe that it makes sense for Israel, or is right for Israel, to occupy Gaza, reoccupy Gaza over the long term," Sullivan told journalists in Tel Aviv.

The US has pushed Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, and the government said it would open a second entry point to speed up deliveries.

While Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it wipes out Gaza's Hamas rulers, the international call for a cease-fire has grown in volume. Israel has drawn international outrage and rare criticism from the USits main allyover the killing of civilians.

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RAFAH: A prolonged communications blackout that severed telephone and internet connections compounded the misery Saturday in the besieged Gaza Strip, where a United Nations agency said hunger levels had spiralled in recent days. Internet and telephone lines went down Thursday evening and were still inaccessible Saturday morning, according to internet access advocacy group NetBlocks.org, hampering aid deliveries and rescue efforts as Israel's war against Gaza's ruling militant group Hamas stretched into the 11th week. "The internet blackout is ongoing, and based on our records it is the longest such incident" in the over-two-month war, said Alp Toker, the group's director.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The United Nations' humanitarian affairs department said communications with Gaza were "severely disrupted" due to damage to telecommunications lines in the south. The offensive, triggered by the unprecedented Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has flattened much of northern Gaza and driven 85% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes. Displaced people have squeezed into shelters mainly in the south in a spiralling humanitarian crisis. On Friday, Israeli troops mistakenly shot and killed three Israeli hostages in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants in recent days. The soldiers mistakenly identified the three Israelis as a threat and opened fire, said the army's chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. ALSO READ| 'Information being murdered in Gaza', says Journalists federation Hundreds of protesters blocked Tel Aviv's main highway late Friday in a spontaneous demonstration calling for the hostages' return. The hostages' plight has dominated public discourse in Israel since the Oct. 7 attack. Their families have led a powerful public campaign calling on the government to do more to bring them home. Anger over the mistaken killing of the three  young men in their 20s  is likely to increase pressure on the government to renew Qatar-mediated negotiations with Hamas over swapping more captives for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Palestinians search for bodies and survivors in the rubble of a residential building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo) Hamas released over 100 hostages for Palestinian prisoners in November. Nearly all those freed on both sides were women and minors. Talks on further swaps broke down, with Hamas seeking the release of more veteran prisoners for female soldiers it is holding. Israeli political and military leaders often say freeing all the hostages is their top aim in the war alongside destroying Hamas. However, they argue that their release can only be achieved through military pressure on Hamas, a claim that has sharply divided public opinion. After negotiations broke down, Hamas said it would only free the remaining hostages, believed to number more than 130, if Israel ended the war and released all Palestinian prisoners. As of late November, Israel held nearly 7,000 Palestinians accused or convicted of security offences, including hundreds rounded up since the start of the war. ALSO READ | Hungry, thirsty and humiliated: Israel's mass arrests sow fear in Gaza Residents in northern Gaza meanwhile reported heavy bombing and the sounds of gunbattle overnight and into Saturday in devastated Gaza City and the nearby urban refugee camp of Jabaliya. Hamza Abu Seada, a resident, said heavy airstrikes struck Jabaliya, with non-stop sounds of explosions and gunfire. "It was a violent bombardment," said Asad Abu Taha, another resident, by phone from the Shijaiyah neighbourhood, adding that contact with others was difficult because of the telecommunications interruptions. "We don't know what's happening." An Associated Press journalist in southern Gaza also reported airstrikes and tank shelling overnight in the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. With only a trickle of aid able to enter Gaza and distribution disrupted by fighting, the UN's World Food Program reported a surge from 38% to 56% in the number of displaced households experiencing severe levels of hunger in the space of under two weeks. In the north, where aid has been unable to enter, "households  are expected to face a catastrophic situation," the WFP said. The offensive has killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Thursday before the communications blackout. ALSO READ | Gaza war: Deadlock in Security Council shows UN is unfit for purpose Thousands more are missing and feared dead beneath the rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Its latest count did not specify how many were women and minors, but they have consistently been around two-thirds of those killed in the conflict. On Friday, an Israeli strike killed a Palestinian journalist and wounded another in the southern city of Khan Younis, both working for the Al Jazeera television network. The two were reporting from a school that had been hit by an earlier airstrike when a drone launched a second strike, the network said. Dozens of mourners held funeral prayers for Samer Abu Daqqa outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the Qatari network reported. Al Jazeera correspondent Wael Dahdouh reacts over the body of Al Jazeera cameraman, Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, during his funeral in the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo) Khan Younis has been the main target of Israel's ground offensive in the south. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the cameraman was the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict erupted. The others included 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese. Meanwhile, the United States, Israel's closest ally, has expressed unease over Israel's failure to reduce civilian casualties and its plans for the future of Gaza, but the White House continues to offer wholehearted support with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing. In meetings with Israeli leaders on Thursday and Friday, United States national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed a timetable for winding down the intense combat phase of the war. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was also expected to visit Israel soon to discuss the issue. "We do not believe that it makes sense for Israel, or is right for Israel, to occupy Gaza, reoccupy Gaza over the long term," Sullivan told journalists in Tel Aviv. The US has pushed Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, and the government said it would open a second entry point to speed up deliveries. While Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it wipes out Gaza's Hamas rulers, the international call for a cease-fire has grown in volume. Israel has drawn international outrage and rare criticism from the USits main allyover the killing of civilians. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa was killed in an Israeli drone attack while its Gaza bureau chief Wael Al Dahdouh has been seriously injured.

Wael Al Dahdouh has displayed courage and resilience after his wife, son, daughter and grandson were killed in an Israeli air raid that hit the house they were sheltering in during October 2023. The family had reportedly moved to a house in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza following Israels warning on October 13.

Samer Abu Daqqa has been working as a cameraman and video editor with Al Jazeera in Gaza since 2004, said a message posted by Dima Khatib, Managing Director of AJ+ Channels.

He is the father of 3 kids. His family lives in Belgium. He refused to leave Gaza despite the danger, Dina Khatib said.

He would say: I wont leave, one day my family will return to Gaza too, she noted.

Al Jazeera Media Network has condemned in strongest terms the Israeli drone attack on a Gaza school that resulted in the killing of cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa.

Following Samers injury, he was left to bleed to death for over 5 hours, as Israeli forces prevented ambulances and rescue workers from reaching him, denying the much-needed emergency treatment, Al Jazeera reported.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it is deeply saddened by a drone strike that killed Al-Jazeera Arabic cameraperson Samer Abu Daqqa and injured reporter and Gaza bureau chief Wael Al Dahdouh, and calls on international authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the attack to hold the perpetrators to account.

ALSO READ | Israel's onslaught on Gaza: Deadlock in Security Council shows the UN is no longer fit for purpose

On December 15, Al Dahdouh and Abu Daqqa were covering the aftermath of the nightly Israeli strikes on a UN school sheltering displaced people in the center of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, when they were wounded as a result of a missile launched from what is believed to be an Israeli drone, according to reports by their outlet and the Middle East Eye. Al-Jazeera urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate Abu Daqqa from the school to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Al-Jazeera later announced that Abu Daqqa died, which was also reported by the Beirut-based press freedom group SKeyes.

Noura Erakat, a legal scholar, and human rights attorney shared a message on platform X saying that Israel has killed 90 journalists in 70 days.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa was killed in an Israeli drone attack while its Gaza bureau chief Wael Al Dahdouh has been seriously injured. Wael Al Dahdouh has displayed courage and resilience after his wife, son, daughter and grandson were killed in an Israeli air raid that hit the house they were sheltering in during October 2023. The family had reportedly moved to a house in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza following Israels warning on October 13. Samer Abu Daqqa has been working as a cameraman and video editor with Al Jazeera in Gaza since 2004, said a message posted by Dima Khatib, Managing Director of AJ+ Channels.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He is the father of 3 kids. His family lives in Belgium. He refused to leave Gaza despite the danger, Dina Khatib said. He would say: I wont leave, one day my family will return to Gaza too, she noted. Al Jazeera Media Network has condemned in strongest terms the Israeli drone attack on a Gaza school that resulted in the killing of cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa. Following Samers injury, he was left to bleed to death for over 5 hours, as Israeli forces prevented ambulances and rescue workers from reaching him, denying the much-needed emergency treatment, Al Jazeera reported. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it is deeply saddened by a drone strike that killed Al-Jazeera Arabic cameraperson Samer Abu Daqqa and injured reporter and Gaza bureau chief Wael Al Dahdouh, and calls on international authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the attack to hold the perpetrators to account. ALSO READ | Israel's onslaught on Gaza: Deadlock in Security Council shows the UN is no longer fit for purpose On December 15, Al Dahdouh and Abu Daqqa were covering the aftermath of the nightly Israeli strikes on a UN school sheltering displaced people in the center of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, when they were wounded as a result of a missile launched from what is believed to be an Israeli drone, according to reports by their outlet and the Middle East Eye. Al-Jazeera urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate Abu Daqqa from the school to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Al-Jazeera later announced that Abu Daqqa died, which was also reported by the Beirut-based press freedom group SKeyes. Noura Erakat, a legal scholar, and human rights attorney shared a message on platform X saying that Israel has killed 90 journalists in 70 days. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

TEL AVIV (ISRAEL): The families of hostages held in Gaza called on Israel Saturday to stop fighting and make a deal to secure their release after the army admitted "mistakenly" killing three captives in the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli army has said the three hostages killed by troops on Friday were carrying a white flag and had cried for help in Hebrew.

The news of their killing has sparked protests in Israel, and the relatives of the remaining hostages are terrified their loved ones could be next.

"We only receive dead bodies. We want you to stop the fight and start negotiations," Noam Perry, daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"We feel like we're in a Russian roulette game (finding out) who will be next in line to be told the death of their loved one," said Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old soldier Itai, who is among the captives.

"They explained to us first that the ground operation would bring back the abductees," he said.

"It doesn't work. Because since then, abductees have been seen returning, but not so much alive. It's time to change this assumption," he said.

Around 250 people were taken hostage during Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel, which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement that has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins.

The territory's Hamas government says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

TEL AVIV (ISRAEL): The families of hostages held in Gaza called on Israel Saturday to stop fighting and make a deal to secure their release after the army admitted "mistakenly" killing three captives in the Palestinian territory. The Israeli army has said the three hostages killed by troops on Friday were carrying a white flag and had cried for help in Hebrew. The news of their killing has sparked protests in Israel, and the relatives of the remaining hostages are terrified their loved ones could be next.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We only receive dead bodies. We want you to stop the fight and start negotiations," Noam Perry, daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. "We feel like we're in a Russian roulette game (finding out) who will be next in line to be told the death of their loved one," said Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old soldier Itai, who is among the captives. "They explained to us first that the ground operation would bring back the abductees," he said. "It doesn't work. Because since then, abductees have been seen returning, but not so much alive. It's time to change this assumption," he said. Around 250 people were taken hostage during Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel, which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement that has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins. The territory's Hamas government says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Hyundai sells over 5L Bluelink connected cars in 4 years in India

New Delhi, Dec 15

H yundai Motor India on Friday said that it witnessed a significant increase in the sales of its Bluelink connected cars as it sold more than five lakh connected vehicles in just four years.

The connected car affinity has extensively increased from 5 per cent in 2019 to 30 per cent in 2023.

"Bluelink has witnessed a significant increase in penetration among Hyundai customers, showcasing the evolving preference for vehicles equipped with advanced connectivity features," Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said in a statement.

"This significant growth is a testament to the profound trust the customers have shown towards Bluelink technology offering seamless connectivity for all journeys," he added.

Bluelink is a connected car platform that enables an easy flow of critical information between a car and a car owner.

Launched in 2019 in India, Bluelink is an AI-based technology, with an inbuilt SIM card and a 24x7 call centre that enhances safety, security and convenience.

The platform is designed to perform more than 60 connected functions, including proactive Alerts, SOS/Emergency Assistance, Auto-crash Notification, Trip History, Remote Vehicle Status, VR, Value-Added Services, and more.

Last month, Hyundai launched the Samarth initiative for the awareness and enablement of people with disabilities in India.

The initiative is aligned with Hyundais global vision of Progress for Humanity that aims to enable an inclusive, progressive world through the power of mobility.

Through this initiative, Hyundai aims to help create a more aware and sensitized society towards people with disabilities in India.

Hyundai sells over 5L Bluelink connected cars in 4 years in India

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Mumbai, Dec 15

S inger Guru Randhawa, who is known for Lahore, Suit Suit, Ishare Tere and Morni Banke, is set to collaborate with American rapper Rick Ross for a new track. Guru took to his Instagram Stories and announced the collaboration Shot in Dubai, this fusion track is set to release anytime soon.

The untitled track is a Punjabi-English song. Its a high energy pop record consisting of Guru Randhawas Punjabi lyrics with strong verses by Rick Ross.

Earlier, Guru Randhawa collaborated with Pitbull and Bohemia.

Recently, he released his new album 'G Thing. The album features Guru collaborating with artistes such as Bohemia, Shehnaaz Gill, Sukh-E, and Arjun. The album has nine tracks including 'Deja Vu,' 'All Right,' 'Love Prayer,' 'G Class,' 'Chill Mode,' 'Da One,' 'No News,' 'Stuck on U' and 'Sunrise'.

By infusing traditional Punjabi folk melodies, instruments, and vocal styles into his pop compositions, Guru pays homage to his roots while pushing the boundaries of musical innovation. Tracks like 'G Class' and 'Chill Mode' resonate with the vibrant and rhythmic essence of Punjabi folk, creating a sonic experience that is both culturally rich and universally accessible.

Guru Randhawa shoots new music video with rapper Rick Ross

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BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from China have developed a method for constructing sequence-controlled glycooligomers that enhances the tumor targeting efficiency.

The study was published on Friday in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science by researchers from Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Henan University and other institutes.

According to the study, cancers of diverse origins exhibit more rapid and greater carbohydrate uptake and consumption compared to healthy cells. This is primarily due to factors like the Warburg effect and the high expression of glucose transporters on the surface of cancer cells, making carbohydrate efficient tools for targeting cancer. Therefore, focusing on carbohydrates offers a viable approach for selective treatment and diagnosis of cancer.

The researchers have found the synthesized glycooligomers feature affinity for binding with glucose transporters and demonstrate selective uptake by cancer cells, showing effective tumor-targeting abilities in vivo.

According to the study, the uptake of the synthesized glycooligomers by cancerous cells is found to be significantly higher than that in most healthy cells.

The study then further explored the tumor-targeting potential of the glycooligomers with optimized sequences.

"The method of constructing glycooligomers holds significant promise for biomedical uses, including precise cancer detection and treatment," said Geng Jin, a researcher at SIAT. 
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 15

A day after members in the general council of the states premier Malayalam film body, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, demanded removal of Renjith as the chairman of the academy, and reiterated their demand on Friday, Renjith said that he would not quit.

Renjith is an award winning director, actor and also a producer and a hugely successful script writer.

Confirming that nine of the 15 members took part in the meeting held to discuss the way Renjith is behaving in an autocratic way, on Friday, the detractors again said the same.

We reiterate our demand that either Renjith should correct himself, if not he should step down. The chairman is exceeding his brief and behaves in a manner not fitting his position. He is contemptuous of all and thinks he has the ultimate powers and takes arbitrary decisions. We have already intimated our deep concerns to the government, said Manoj Khana, a general council member who said that nine of the 15 members are deeply disturbed in the way the chairman is behaving.

Renjith thinks the Academy is like a shooting location but our affiliations is towards the Academy and its well being, added Khana.

Even though the wrangling between Renjith and his detractors are out in the open when the eight day 28th International Film Festival of Kerala ends here on Friday, the conduct of the event has not been affected on account of wrangling.

Trouble began when award winning film director Biju resigned from the post of director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation following the curt remarks made by Renjith about Bijus film that was screened at the ongoing film festival.

But Renjith on Friday dismissed all the wrangling and said all is fine in the Academy.

Everything whats been heard is the creation of the media. There has been no meeting at all and those who are out in the open are only a few, as three of them whom they named have told me they did not take part in any meeting. There is no question of me resigning as there exists no such issue. If at all it happens, you (media) will be the first to be told, said Renjith.

Renjith appeared to have got support when the CPI-M state secretary M.V.Govindan said nothing much needs to be looked into what is being said about Renjith, as he has done a good job organising the IFFK.

With the IFFK ending later in the day, all eyes are on the detractors and what their next action would be.

Row intensifies in Kerala Chalachitra Academy, chairman refuses to step down

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New Delhi, Dec 15

G oogle has introduced more repair features for Pixel devices that will give users peace of mind if their phone needs to be fixed.

The tech giant released a tool to help users diagnose problems with their Pixel phones.

Users can launch the app by dialling #*#7287#*#, which allows users to check whether their phone is working properly before or after a repair.

"You can now launch the Pixel Diagnostic App from your Pixel phone using the Phone App. This allows you to test your device for issues before and after a repair. You can easily check to see if your phone is properly functioning once its repaired," Google said in a blogpost on Thursday.

The company also updated its Help page so you can find resources and instructions to repair your own Pixel.

In addition, Google is releasing updated repair manuals that are "easier for technicians and DIYers to use".

Users can download repair manuals in English and French from Google's website, but they are currently only accessible for the Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro. Google said repair manuals for previous and future devices will be added "in the coming months".

Moreover, the company said that a new 'Repair Mode' feature for Pixel devices can help protect your privacy and prevent access to all the data thats on your device when its getting repaired -- and it does this without the time-consuming process of backing up, wiping and restoring your data.

"Simply turn on this feature to help protect your personal data, hand your device to a repair technician, and then turn it off again when your device is returned to you. Pixel Repair Mode is an important step in protecting privacy and making sure devices are repaired quickly and efficiently," Google explained.

Google introduces more repair features for Pixel devices, releases diagnostics app

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Mumbai, Dec 15

A ctor Manoj Chandila, who has been enjoying exploring his character on the show 'Ikk Kudi Punjab Di' that has shades of grey, said there is a lot of scope for improvisation and last-minute ad-libs.

'Ikk Kudi Punjab Di' is a high-octane drama that has begun to captivate audiences with its powerful storyline and well-written characters.

Based in Punjab, the show is a gripping narrative of strength and resilience.

Manoj plays the character of Jarnail, who is erratic by nature, which is indeed helping him grow as an actor.

The actor shared how the real talent of acting lies in expressing your character even when there is no dialogue in the scene.

Talking about the same, Manoj said: "There have been a lot of times that I've played negative roles in my career, but Jarnail is a bit different, he's unpredictable, impatient, and an angry man by nature. So, thinking like him becomes difficult at times because I am very opposite of him in real life."

"It is challenging yet exciting; there is a lot of scope for improvisation and last-minute ad-libs. When I dont have any dialogue in the scene, I have to give my 100 per cent with just the facial expressions, and I think that is the kind of acting I want to ace in. I am very grateful for Jarnail, I hope the audience loathes him, which will prove I am doing something right as an actor," he added.

In the recent episodes, viewers got to witness how Heer (Tanisha Mehta) has agreed to marry Kuldeep (Chandan Arora) without knowing that her best friend Ranjha (Avinesh Rekhi) is in love with her.

However, while Kuldeeps sister-in-law Teji (Monika Khanna) is in full support of this marriage, her husband Jarnail Singh Atwal (Manoj) is totally against this decision as Heer doesn't belong to a rich family.

Well, Manoj is doing complete justice to his on-screen character Jarnail, it will be interesting for the viewers to watch what will happen to Ranjha as Heer has agreed to marry Kuldeep against her will and for her familys happiness.

The show airs on Zee TV.

Manoj Chandila on 'Ikk Kudi': Lot of scope for improvisation

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Sunny Singh: The genre of 'Risky Romeo' is completely unexplored in our industry

Mumbai, Dec 16

A ctor Sunny Singh, who has wrapped up shooting for Risky Romeo after a one and a half months in Kolkata, feels the genre of the upcoming film is completely unexplored and said it was a bold step to showcase emotions in a different way through it.

The film is written and directed by Abir Sengupta, who had previously directed Kiara Advani starrer 'Indoo Ki Jawani'. Risky Romeo also stars Kriti Kharbanda.

Actor Sunny Singh said he feels "extremely fulfilled" wrapping up the shoot and credited Risky Romeo for offering him a character that had never come his way before.

Sunny said: "I usually do not get offered characters like this and only when I started shooting I realised what Abir had seen in me and offered me such a different character. The genre of this film is completely unexplored in our industry and its a bold step towards showcasing emotions in a very different way.

He added: And the city that Abir has chosen to film Risky Romeo is adding to the magic of the story. I cannot wait for the audiences to experience what we experienced while shooting the film."

Writer-director Abir Sengupta said the sets of Risky Romeo had a "totally different vibe" thanks to its subject and the treatment. The filmmaker also revealed that the actors in the film will feature in a look which the audience has "never seen before."

"That is also something I am extremely excited to present to the audiences. I love the way Sunny and Kriti have responded to the kind of treatment I have given to the film and that is really adding up to the madness. While we wrapped the shoot of our film, me and my whole team missed Kriti on the sets as she wrapped her shoot a few days ago.

We had a one and half month long shooting schedule in Kolkata where we all became a part of one family working towards a common goal called Risky Romeo," the director added.

Producers Anushree Mehta (Jaadugar Films), Priyanka Mehrotra and Rameshchadra Yadav (PR Motion Pictures) said in a joint statement that while the team was prepping for the shoot, they were anticipating something strikingly different and once the camera started rolling in Kolkata, even they were in for a treat.

Sunny Singh: The genre of 'Risky Romeo' is completely unexplored in our industry

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Kasbergen, 25, was not present to hear a judge resentence him to prison for growing cannabis in his house. He has failed to appear for any court hearings in the last six months.
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Endangered Mongolian gazelles find winter refuge in N China's Inner Mongolia

People's Daily Online) 15:40, December 15, 2023

With the arrival of winter, the vast grasslands in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, located in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, come alive. Large herds of Mongolian gazelles can be seen running and leaping across the snow-blanketed landscape.

The Mongolian gazelle is a national first-class protected species in China and is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

As Horqin Right Wing Front Banner has stepped up its environmental conservation efforts in recent years, the area has become an ideal overwintering site for various wild animals, including Mongolian gazelle, roe deer, and red deer. The locality has also explored winter tourism resources, attracting many domestic and international tourists to explore this snowy wonderland.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
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Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
COLOMBO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan police will launch a special operation starting from Sunday to curb organized crimes and drug-related activities, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said on Saturday.

The minister told the media that he directed the police to take stringent measures against drug smuggling and organized crimes, after a meeting with the senior police officers

He requested the public to actively support the police in their efforts to combat drug-related crimes and other criminal activities.

On Nov. 26, the Sri Lankan police, Special Task Force (STF) and army jointly carried out a pre-dawn raid in the suburbs of Colombo and arrested over 40 people. 
In response to the growing criticism of high unemployment rates, the Haryana government has taken on a role as a recruitment agent. The government plans to recruit 10,000 individuals from the state to address the significant shortage of manpower in Israels construction sector, resulting from the ongoing war with Hamas. The selection process will be managed through the Haryana Kaushal Rojgar Nigam (HKRN). This initiative aims to contribute to alleviating Israels labour shortage.

According to the job openings posted by HKRN, the minimum age requirement of candidates is 25 years while the maximum age limit is 54 years. Those applying should possess at least three years of relevant work experience and also have a minimum class 10 educational background. Given the exchange rate of 1 NIS to Rs 22, the advertised salary for these positions is 6100 NIS (in Israeli currency), or roughly Rs 1.34 lakh per month, as per the Times of India (ToI).

It is anticipated that potential candidates possess proficiency in wood formwork, industrialised building formwork, ceramic floor and wall tiling, plastering and iron bending. Furthermore, applicants must possess a solid understanding of reading construction plans.

The Haryana governments action coincides with reports of a severe labour shortage in Israel, where roughly 90,000 Palestinians have had their work permits revoked as a result of the ongoing conflict, ToI states. In addition, the Israel Builders Association has reportedly been in negotiations with India to resolve the labour shortage in the construction industry.

The decision by the Haryana government to act as a recruitment agent aligns with Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharans recent statement. He refuted claims that the Centre and Israel had engaged in discussions about replacing Palestinian labourers with Indian workers.

With 52,089, Jind district received the most applications, as per ToI. While, Kaithal (47,593), Hisar (46,453), Karnal (42,446), and Yamunanagar (34,642) were the next districts in order of submission. On the other hand, Panchkula recorded 7,565 registrations, Faridabad 4,696, and Gurugram 4,548.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the preliminary test results for Assistant recruitment 2023. Applicants who took the test can visit opportunities.rbi.org.in, the banks website, to view their results.

As part of a recruitment drive to fill 450 Assistant positions, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection conducted a preliminary exam on November 18 and 19. The RBI Assistant Mains Examination 2023 is scheduled for December 31.

The preliminary round exam for RBI Assistants lasted 60 minutes and carried a total of 100 marks. English language, numerical ability, and reasoning ability were among the subjects covered in the 100 questions that made up the test. The first session consisted of 30 questions of 30 marks each, followed by two sections of 35 questions at 35 marks each. The RBI states that a wrong answer would deduct 0.25 marks from the total number of points awarded for the question.

RBI Assistant Prelims Result 2023: How to check

Candidates must follow the steps outlined below to get the RBI Assistant Prelims Result 2023.

Step 1: Navigate to opportunities.rbi.org.in, the RBIs official website.

Step 2: From the homepage, select the vacancies tab, then the results tab.

Step 3: Next, choose the Assistant Prelims 2023 result link.

Step 4: To login, fill out all of the required information.

Step 5: Review the RBI Assistant Prelims Result 2023 and print a copy for future records.

The Prelims, Mains, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT) are the three stages of the RBI Assistant recruiting process. Soon after the RBI Prelims results for the 2023 test are announced, the admit card for the Mains exam will be made available. English, Numerical Ability, Computer Knowledge, General Awareness, and Reasoning are the five sections of the RBI Assistant Mains test. There are 40 objective questions and 40 marks in each section, for a total of 200 marks. The RBI Assistant Mains test has a total time limit of 135 minutes, with time constraints for each component.

Those who passed the online RBI Mains test and were given provisional selection will be required to take the Language Proficiency Testing. The official language of the state in question will be used to administer this test. Individuals who do not have proficiency in the Official/Local Language shall be disqualified.
Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra are one of the most loved couples in the television industry. Fans always shower them with love and praise. On Sunday, Tejasswi and Karan were seen coming out of the airport when they were captured with their coordinated black ensembles. The duo set social media ablaze with their chic and matching outfits.

In the video, shared by Snehzala, we can see Tejasswi wearing black colour joggers and the same colour crop top. She paired it with an oversized denim shirt. Karan was seen wearing a black tee with pants. The couple were seen walking and posing for their camera. Fans were quick enough to comment. Many called them cuties and some even called them an adorable couple.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snehkumar Zala (@snehzala)

After a sizzling stint on Bigg Boss, Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash are ready to showcase their sizzling romance on the sets of Temptation Island India. Hosted by Karan Kundrra and Mouni Roy, the reality series features a social experiment of testing love and commitment between couples as they separate into two villas filled with attractive tempters of the opposite sex. Tejasswis highly anticipated entry has been eagerly awaited by many Tejran fans who have patiently awaited the couples joint appearance on the show. From the recent promo, we can see that after a prolonged wait, the duo is finally making their debut together on the show in the upcoming episode. Tejasswi will be seen providing valuable insights and relationship advice to the contestants, helping them navigate through their dilemmas.

Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash met on the sets of Bigg Boss House and gradually developed feelings for each other. On the work front, Karan was last seen in the show Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal, while Tejasswi wrapped up Ekta Kapoors Naagin 6 in July.
Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16 every year, commemorates the victory of the Indian armed forces over Pakistan during the 1971 war. On this day, India pays homage to all the soldiers who laid their lives to defend their nation.

On December 16, 1971, India won the war against Pakistan after a 13-day battle, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh from erstwhile East Pakistan.

Accompanied by 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, the head of Pakistans armed forces, surrendered to the combined forces of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh. This was also the biggest-ever military surrender after World War II.

In Bangladesh, December 16 is celebrated as Bijoy Dibos or Victory Day.

On July 26, India also marks the Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate its victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War.

Who was Sam Manekshaw?

Sam Manekshaw was the Chief of the Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. He is often regarded as the architect of Indias victory during the 1971 war.

Recently, a film, named Sam Bahadur, based on the life of Manekshaw, was released in theatres. Actor Vicky Kaushal played Manekshaw on the silver screen.

5 Inspirational Quotes by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha. Give me a man or a woman with common sense and who is not an idiot and I assure you can make a leader out of him or her. A Yes man is a dangerous man. He is a menace. He will go very far. He can become a minister, a secretary or a Field Marshall but he can never become a leader nor, ever be respected. You should have to fight, a fight to win. There is no roof for losers, if you lose dont come back. Professional knowledge and professional competence are the main attributes of leadership. Unless you know, and the men you command know that you know your job, you will never be a leader.

History of Vijay Diwas

The 1971 war was triggered by a rebellion in East Pakistan against the then-Pakistani government. After the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, registered a thumping victory in the 1970 elections, the Pakistani military was accused of committing atrocities on Bengali-speaking people in the region.

Following the elections, the Pakistani military used force to influence the results. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, intervened and decided to give refuge to people who fled East Pakistan.

While Gandhi tried to seek international intervention on the matter, the situation escalated as Pakistan launched air strikes on 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971.

In retaliation, Gandhi ordered Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw to launch a full-scale war against Pakistan. The 13-day war resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. In August 1972, India and Pakistan signed the Shimla agreement as part of which India released 93,000 prisoners of war.

Significance

December 16 holds great significance in the history of modern India. It serves as a reminder of how India emerged as a celebrated nation during the war against Pakistan in 1971. On this day, India honours the bravery and strength of its armed forces. The 1971 war is also said to have altered the relationship between the US and the South Asian region.
A 21-year-old man was arrested on Friday for allegedly killing his mother and carrying her corpse in a suitcase to Uttar Pradeshs Haryana.

The accused, identified as Himanshu  a resident of Haryanas Hisar district  asked his 42-year-old mother, Pratima Devi, for Rs 5,000 on December 13.

However, a heated argument broke out between the two after the she refused to give him the money. Infuriated by the refusal, Himanshu strangled his mother to death, said Deepak Bhukar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City).

After committing the act, Himanshu packed Devis body in a suitcase and caught a train to Prayagraj with an intent to dispose of the body at Sangam, Bhukar added.

Cops from the Daraganj police station, who were patrolling the Sangam area  beside the riverfront  early on Friday, found Himanshus movement with a suitcase to be suspicious.

To check their suspicion, the policemen searched the suitcase only to find Devis corpse stuffed inside it.

The DCP said that the body has been sent for post-mortem and they have informed Haryana Police about the incident, adding that, the father and sister of the accused have also been informed.

Bhukar said that Devi used to work in a cotton mill in Hisar.

During the probe, police also contacted Himanshus landlady back in Hisar, who told them that he had bought the house about six months ago and moved in with his mother only a week ago.

Devi was last seen by the landlady on the morning of December 13, an India Today report said.

CCTV footage in teh area which showed the accused keeping something inside an auto, police said.

DCP Bhukar noted that a case has been registered against Himanshu and he has been sent to jail. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

PREVIOUS CASES 

In a separate incident, a 38-year-old man was taken into custody for allegedly killing his mother at their home in Edakkalathur in Keralas Thrissur, police said on Saturday.

The accused was suspected to be under the influence of liquor or some drugs. He attacked his mother Chandranathi (68) and hacked her with a weapon, a police officer said.

A week ago, a 68-year-old woman was allegedly hacked to death by her son after she refused him to lend money, said police.

The incident took place in Uttar Pradeshs Dhindawli village under the Titawi police station area on December 9.

The accused  Jaginder  who allegedly killed his mother Perkashi with a spade, has been arrested, SHO Jogindra Singh said.

On the same day, in another incident, a man allegedly beheaded his mother for not transferring a land parcel to his name in Uttar Pradeshs Sitapur.

The accused, Dinesh Pasi, chopped off his mothers head with a farming blade, said Sitapur SP Chakresh Mishra. Her headless corpse was recovered from outside their home and sent for post-mortem, police said.

The 35-year-old accused was an alcoholic, allegedly murdered his mother as she refused to transfer a land parcel to his name, Mishra said.

(With PTI inputs)
The Indian Navy is closely monitoring a hijacking situation of a ship in the Arabian Sea. Quickly responding to a distress signal from the Maltese vessel, the Indian warship diverted its anti-piracy patrol towards the cargo carrier MV Ruen, which has 18 crew members on board.

After receiving a Mayday signal on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) portal on Thursday, the navy diverted its maritime patrol aircraft and anti-piracy patrol warship  deployed in the Gulf of Aden  to locate and assist MV Ruen.

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate & assist MV Ruen. The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of 15 Dec 23 and IN aircraft have been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia, the Navys statement read.

The maritime patrol aircraft conducted an overflight inspection of the hijacked vessel early on Friday and since then has been consistently monitoring it.

The #IndianNavy MPA overflew MV Ruen early morning #15Dec & continues to monitor the vessel, now heading towards coast of SomaliaThe IN Warship on #AntiPiracy patrol intercepted MV Ruen, early hours of #16Dec.Situation being closely monitored#FirstResponder#MaritimeSecurity  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 16, 2023

The Indian Navy in a statement said that the Mayday message received on UKMTO indicated that six unknown persons had boarded the vessel, adding that MV Ruen was headed towards the coast of Somalia.

#IndianNavys Mission Deployed platforms respond to #hijacking in the #ArabianSea#MayDay msg from Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen on @UK_MTO portal  boarding by unknown personnelIndian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft & warship on #AntiPiracy patrol immediately diverted@EUNAVFOR pic.twitter.com/mtXqjytSfF  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 16, 2023

The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries, the statement added.

The cargo ship, Ruen, managed by Bulgarian shipping company Navibulgar was off the Yemeni island of Socotra when it was hijacked on Thursday, UKMTO said. According to the shipping company, the crew members are nationals of Angola, Bulgaria and Myanmar, an AP report said.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel commented on this situation and told reporters that necessary steps have been taken to pass on the information to all foreign partners and institutions that Bulgaria will count on to provide assistance.

The vessel hijack seems to be the work of Somalian pirates, who have been comparatively less active in the recent years. This is because several countries deployed their counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

The UKMTO on Friday also issued a warning to other ships in the region, informing them as per the beliefs of the security manager for the Ruen, the crew no longer has control of the vessel.

The European Unions anti-piracy force in the region said that Spanish warship  Victoria  was on its way to intercept the alleged pirate-hijacked vessel.

EUNAVFORs joint operations centre in Spain said, EUNAVFOR remains vigilant to this and other recent piracy-related events in the area of operations, the northwest Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that in Somalias Puntland region, a member of a group  which assisted in organising raids on ships  told that he heard pirates had managed to takeover a vessel.

Mukhtar Mohamud, from the coastal city of Qandala, said that six of his friends managed to seize a ship and they will bring to the eastern region, Puntlands coast.

(With agency inputs)
The interrogation of Lalit Mohan Jha, the sixth accused in the Parliament security breach incident and the alleged mastermind, has revealed that main motive of the group was to send across a message and not spread terror through their act, sources have told CNN-News18.

As per top Intelligence sources, Jha would avidly research the security system in and around Parliament and a crucial lesson he learnt was that technical evidence always stays in the system and can be tracked. The group was also aware that they needed a foolproof way to garner the medias attention and hence ruckus in Parliament was the only tactic to get their message across.

On Wednesday, when the accused decided to breach Lok Sabhas security, Jha had created two teams  one, for inside Parliament though he was unsure of the plans success due to security arrangements and two, for a protest outside the premises to send a strong message to lawmakers and media that everything is not well, they said.

The sources added that after Jha live-streamed the ruckus on Facebook, he realised that he would be arrested and hence he went to Rajasthan by bus and destroyed all technical evidence. He was aware of WhatsApps weak encryption and availability of data to agencies so they would switch on different encrypted apps from time to time, they said.

Initial investigation suggests that the accused have no foreign linkages and no details of funding have emerged so far but agencies are not ruling out that funding came through a third person who was unaware of being linked to a hostile group.

Agencies are already on the hunt for the accuseds association with political parties who directly or indirectly instigated them and guided them to create ruckus around Vijay Chowk or Parliament.

Scope of Parliament Breach Probe to be Widened

As per top Intelligence sources, the scope of the probe into the Lok Sabha security breach will be widened because only the ideology of the accused cannot motivate them to this extent.

Investigations suggest the accused were aware of the repercussions of the protest in Parliament but someone motivated them from behind the scenes to go ahead with the plan.

Jha seems to be the mastermind but he possibly did all this on behalf of someone else. Neelams past association is definitely one of the motivations but meeting on the Facebook page and reaching this conclusion of attack is really serious, they said.

Neelam, 36, was one of the two protesters arrested from outside Parliament for opening a smoke canister and raising slogans against dictatorship.

It is correct that they wanted publicity, but there is some invisible hand that guided them to reach Parliament for the same, sources said.
BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's lithium-ion battery sector continued to expand in September-October this year with total output up 17 percent year on year, official data showed.

The country saw 185 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of lithium-ion batteries roll off production lines in the two-month period, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The output of lithium-ion batteries for power storage surpassed 38 GWh. The installed capacity of power batteries for new energy vehicles came in at about 76 GWh.

China's exports of lithium-ion batteries increased by 21 percent over a year earlier to 82.46 billion yuan (about 11.62 billion U.S. dollars) in the period.

In the first 10 months of this year, total lithium-ion battery output surpassed 765 GWh, up 31 percent year on year. 
In 2012, on the cold and dark night of December 16, the news of the gang rape of a young woman in a moving bus in the national capital shook the nation. The rape was brutal and the woman, christened Nirbhaya, died on December 29, 2012.

The incident was so impactful that it pushed for a series of policy changes to make the county, in general, and particularly Delhi safer for women. But the rape cases and crimes against women reported in the country as well as Delhi tell otherwise.

News18 analysed the annual report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on crimes in India which shows that there has been no decline in rape cases in the national capital when compared to 2012.

In 2012, the city reported 706 rape cases. The number of cases kept increasing until 2017. Between 2017 and 2022, the rape cases reported in Delhi stood below 1,300, with 2020 being an exception when less than 1,000 cases were reported. So, roughly about three to four rape cases have been reported in Delhi every day on an average in the last few years.

Across India, the number of rape cases reported in 2022 registered a marginal drop from 2021. But it is higher than the number of rape cases registered in the county about 10 years ago.

In 2012, India reported 24,923 rape cases but since then, the country has been reporting more than 30,000 cases each year. The year 2020 was an exception when the country saw nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus and the rape cases dropped below 30,000 for the first time since 2012. The highest number of rape cases were registered in 2016 (38,947)  a record so far.

LOW CONVICTION RATE

While there are a number of strict laws, the low conviction rate paints a grim picture.

Except for 2017 and 2020, the rape conviction rate in India was below 30that is, of 100 accused, less than 30 get convicted during a year.

In 2009, Indias rape conviction rate was 26.9 per cent and for the next couple of years, it remained below 27 per cent. Post-2013, this started increasing in small numbers. The peak was in 2020 when the conviction rate was almost 40 per cent.

In 2016, India had 1.52 lakh rape cases for trial, including 4,849 gang rapes. Of the total rapes, there were convictions in 4,739 cases, while 13,813 cases saw acquittals or were discharged. The year ended with 1.33 lakh cases pending trial. The conviction rate of rape cases in India during 2016 was 25.5 per cent, while the pendency rate was 87.7 per cent. The pendency percentage is the number of cases pending trial at the end of the year of the total cases for trial.

In 2022, there were 1.71 lakh pending rape cases while 26,508 cases were added during the year. In 2022, only 5,067 accused were convicted while 12,062 acquitted. At the end of the year, 1.78 lakh rape cases were still pending. The conviction rate of rape cases in India during 2022 was 27.4 while the pendency rate was 90 per cent.

Rise in crimes against women

Among metropolitan cities, Delhi has been reporting the highest number of rape cases. In 2022, the metropolitan cities mentioned in the report registered 3,633 rape cases. Delhi, with 1,204 rape cases, was at the top position followed by Jaipur with 497 cases.

Post 2014, the NCRB report had a dedicated section for crime in metropolitan cities. The 19 cities in the list are: Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Nagpur, Pune, Patna and Surat. These 19 cities have over 20 lakh population.

In 2014, Delhi reported about 36 crimes against women per day on an average. This has increased to about 39 in 2022.

After more than seven years of the Nirbhaya rape incident, in March 2020, four men convicted for the brutal assault were hanged at Delhis Tihar Jail.

There were a total of six accused in the gang rape of Nirbhaya. While one of these was a juvenile and was convicted by the juvenile justice board, another accused died by suicide in jail.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted for an in-depth investigation of the Parliament security breach.

In a letter to the Members of Parliament, the Lok Sabha Speaker expressed his grave concern over the incident and said the committee has started working and the report will be soon shared with the house.

A high-level Inquiry Committee has been constituted for an in-depth investigation of the incident that took place inside the House. The Committee has started working. The report of this Committee will soon be shared with the House, a statement from the Lok Sabha speaker said.

In addition, I have also constituted a High Powered Committee which will review various aspects of security in the Parliament Complex and formulate a concrete action plan to ensure that such incidents do not recur, the statement added.

On December 13 afternoon, two men jumped inside the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery with canisters of yellow smoke. They were pinned down by MPs who were in the House during the Zero Hour.

With protests by the opposition disrupting Parliament proceedings, Birla wrote a letter to all MPs, informing that he had constituted a high-powered committee to review all aspects of security in the Parliament complex and formulate a concrete action plan to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Om Birla further said that he discussed with leaders from all parties on how to strengthen the security arrangements and added that some of the suggestions have been implemented immediately.

On the same day, I discussed with the leaders of all parties as to how we can further strengthen the security arrangements in Parliament. Some of the important suggestions made during the meeting have been implemented immediately, the letter read.

This committee is in addition to a CRPF director general headed panel which is investigating the incident. The speaker said he will share its report with the House once it is submitted.

The Delhi Police on Saturday arrested one more person in connection with Parliament Security Breach case, an officer said on Saturday. Mahesh Kumawat was taken into custody today for allegedly helping the mastermind Lalit Jha escape from Delhi.

Birla also said that there is no association between the Parliament security breach and the suspension of the MPs from Lok Sabha.

It is indeed unfortunate that some Members and political parties are linking the decision of the House to suspend some members from the service of the House to the incident which occurred on December 13, 2023. This is unwarranted, the Speaker said in his statement.
Menstrual leave, also known as period leave, became the subject of endless discussion and controversy on social media after the statement by Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani. The Menstrual Policy is a work policy that permits women employees to take time off when they are uncomfortable or in pain during their menstrual cycle.

Heres a look at menstrual leave policies in other countries:

Spain

Spain became the first nation in Europe to offer its female citizens menstruation leaves. It passed the bill in February 2023. According to the policy, women who experience severe menstruation symptoms, such as intense cramps, nausea, vertigo, or vomiting, have the option to take up to three days of menstrual leave every cycle. However, as the paid leave is funded by Spains public social security system, employees require a medical note for each application.

Japan

Article 68 of the Labour Standards Law of Japan, which was approved in 1947, states: A woman for whom work during menstrual periods would be difficult has requested leave, the employer shall not employ such woman on days of the menstrual period.

Even though the law requires companies to allow women to take leave, it does not mandate them to provide paid leave or extra pay for women who choose to work during menstruation.

Indonesia

The Indonesian government introduced the menstrual leave policy in 1948 and restructured it in 2003. The policy states that female employees who are having menstrual pain are not obliged to work during the first two days of their menstrual cycle.

However, the provision is discretionary. Many employers only permit one day of menstruation leave each month, and some do not grant any leave at all. This could be due to their ignorance of the law or deliberate contempt for it.

South Korea

Article 73 of the Labor Law of Korea states: An employer shall, if requested by a female worker, grant her one days menstruation leave per month.

The employer is not required to provide an allowance for the use of the leave, if requested, by the amended legislation, which now recognizes menstrual time as unpaid leave.

If both parties agree differently in the labour contract, rules of employment, or collective agreement, the allowance will still be paid.

Menstruation leave is now regarded as unpaid, however, it is legally allowed to be treated as paid to avoid having an impact on attendance when determining the number of contractual working days and attendance rate for paid holidays, yearly leave, etc.

Zambia

The Menstrual Leave Law of Zambia, known as Mothers Day, enables women to take one day off work per month freely. If the female employee fails to get leave, she is entitled to file a lawsuit against her employer.

Taiwan

Female employees have the right to request a day off every month for period leave at half their regular wage, according to Article 14 of Taiwans gender equality in employment law. However, more than these three days leave in the same year are considered as sick leave.

Vietnam

Female workers in Vietnam are entitled to a three-day menstrual leave per month, along with a 30-minute break every day during menstruation. Additional compensation is paid to women who choose not to take menstruation leave.

In India, Bihar is the only state where menstrual leave is applicable. In 1992, after months of struggle, the Lalu Prasad Yadav government granted two days period leave per month to government employees up to the age of 45.

In 2017, MP Ninong Ering from Arunachal Pradesh introduced The Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017 in Parliament. Women employed by public and private establishments that were registered with the government would have been entitled to 24 days of leave annually, or two days of period leave each month, under the provisions of the bill. It was, however, withdrawn later.

Some private employers in India do offer period leave. Zomato offers 10-days annually, Chingari allows for 2 days paid leave per month, Swiggy has 2-days paid monthly leave and Byjus offers 12 days annually.
The 28th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) concluded on a grand note in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, December 15, with Prakash Raj as the chief guest of the closing ceremony. The event concluded with a grand valedictory function held at Nishagandhi Auditorium. The much-anticipated Suvarna Chakoram for Best Film was awarded to Ryusuke Hamaguchis Japanese film Evil Does Not Exist, which delves into ecological concerns in the fast-changing world.

The prestigious award was received by the films cinematographer, Yoshio Kitagawa. The accolade came with a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh, a memento, and a certificate. Notably, the Malayalam film Thadavu and its director, Fazil Razak, emerged as double winners, with Razak honoured with the Rajata Chakoram for Best Debut Director. Additionally, Thadavu secured the coveted Audience Poll Award.

The Rajata Chakoram Best Director award was shared with Shokir Kholikov for his Uzbek film titled Sunday, which explores generational conflict in a village. Sunday also clinched the Network for Promotion of Asian Cinema (Netpac) award for the best Asian film. Anand Ekarashis directorial Attam secured the Netpac award for the best Malayalam film.

In other notable recognitions, the Mexican film All The Silence, directed by Diego Del Rio, received the special jury award for its outstanding sound design. Renowned Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi, celebrated for his impactful films such as A Womans Decision, Power Of Evil, Illumination, and Persona Non-Grata, among others, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Adoor Gopalakrishnan presented the accolade to Zanussi in acknowledgement of his extensive contributions to cinema.

The festival, which commenced on December 8 with the Sudanese film Goodbye Julia, showcased a diverse array of cinematic works. Anurag Kashyap also presented his acclaimed film, Kennedy, during the festival. The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Cuban Ambassador Alejandro Simancas Marin and filmmakers Jorge Luis Sanchez and Alejandro Gil, along with producer Rosa Maria Valdez, who represented the International Jury and were honoured alongside Cuban delegates.

The IFFK 28th edition celebrated global cinema and recognised outstanding contributions, marking yet another successful and enriching cinematic gathering.
If you have never seen the events of a horror movie unfold in front of you for real, this piece of news is exactly what you are looking for. Do you remember the 2009 psychological horror Orphan? The movie was directed by Jaume Collet Serra. The movie tells the story of how a married couple, mourning the loss of their child, adopt a 9-year-old girl from an orphanage, only to later realise the girl is in her 30s and is suffering from hypopituitarism, a condition that slows down ageing. To their horror, they find out she is actually a serial killer with a dark past.

Something of the absolute same nature happened in Ukraine about a little more than a decade back and made it to international news.

Years have passed since a couple in central Indiana adopted a girl from Ukraine and later abandoned her, after they were convinced that she was an adult pretending to be a kid. This led to a media frenzy around the world and a legal battle with authorities who accused them of neglecting their child. But even though a well-made docuseries recently debuted, expanding on the story, the enigma surrounding Natalia Graces almost unique adoption case continues to be unresolved.

The Barnetts assumed parental duties for Natalia, who was originally from Ukraine and had been placed for adoption at the age of six due to a rare bone growth disease that resulted in dwarfism. According to records, the Barnetts, who also had three sons, appeared to have quickly begun to question the veracity of Natalias stated age.

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, a new documentary series, features Michael Barnetts account of Kristines spine-tingling scream during a trip to Disney World when she discovered full pubic hair while bathing their new daughter, who was still approximately five years away from the typical age of puberty for girls. She had also begun menstruating, while women do not do that before the age of around 13.

Michael Barnett claims in the documentary that Natalia attempted to poison Kristine and even made threats to stab her new family. In the end, Michael, his wife, and his boys came to feel that they were living with a psychopath and con artist well beyond the age they thought she was.

After bringing Natalia to a doctor, the Barnetts soon learned that she was a real adult. They successfully petitioned an Indiana court in 2012 to lawfully modify her age from eight to twenty-two. According to court filings, the Barnetts rented an apartment for Natalia in Lafayette, Indiana, and left her there to live alone after the verdict significantly altered her age.
Sunny Singh, who was recently seen in Adipurush, has successfully wrapped up the shooting of his upcoming project, the neo-noir comic tragedy titled Risky Romeo, in Kolkata. Teaming up with the Kriti Kharbanda, Sunny Singh expressed his immense satisfaction with the completion of the shoot. Sunny Singh also expressed gratitude to director and writer Abir Sengupta for offering a project that has become dear to his heart. Sengupta also hinted at the actors distinctive appearance in the film, promising audiences a refreshing visual experience.

Sharing the pictures from the set, Sunny wrote, Feeling fulfilled after wrapping the shoot for a film which is very close to my heart Risky Romeo. Thank you Abir Sengupta for offering me a character that I thoroughly enjoyed playing. Now looking forward to watching the film with you. Anushree Mehta, this collaboration was long due and see, here we are like a family now. Kriti Kharbanda, missed you on the wrap. Cant wait to share with the audiences the magic that we have captured on celluloid.

Previously, speaking to Film Companion, Sunny Singh said, I usually do not get offered characters like this and only when I started shooting I realised what Abir had seen in me and offered me such a different character. The genre of this film is completely unexplored in our industry and its a bold step towards showcasing emotions in a very different way. And the city that Abir has chosen to film Risky Romeo is adding to the magic of the story. I cannot wait for the audiences to experience what we experienced while shooting the film.

Director Abir Sengupta admired Sunny and Kriti Kharbanda for their enthusiastic participation throughout the filming process. The filmmaker further elaborated on the shooting experience and mentioned that the team spent one and a half months schedule in Kolkata. During this period, he claimed that the cast and crew became family members, as everyone dedicatedly contributed towards bringing Risky Romeo to life.

Currently, the plot details of Risky Romeo have been kept tightly under wraps. However, Abir previously hinted at the movies intriguing elements, describing it as a mixture of dark humour, unconventional characters and unusual treatment. As of now, no official release date has been shared, but the film is expected to be released sometime in 2024, leaving fans eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding the movie.
Rhea Chakraborty has moved the Bombay High Court challenging the lookout circular issued against her by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with its probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Rajput was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14, 2020, and his father had, in July that year, lodged a complaint with Bihar police accusing Chakraborty, the actors then-girlfriend, and her kin of abetting his suicide.

In her plea, Rhea Chakraborty sought for the circular to be quashed and in a separate application sought temporary suspension of the circular as she has to travel abroad for a professional event. On Friday, her counsel Abhinav Chandrachud submitted to a division bench led by Justice A S Gadkari that it has been almost three years since the FIR was lodged by the CBI and the lookout circular issued but till date, there has been no other progress.

The CBI has never issued any summons to Chakraborty and has not even filed its chargesheet, her counsel told the court. Advocate Shriram Shirsat, appearing for the CBI, said the agency has filed its affidavit in reply to the plea.

The bench then sought to know if Chakraborty had travelled abroad before. Chandrachud said Chakraborty, after securing bail in the drugs case, had got permission from the special NDPS court to travel abroad but she could not do so due to the CBIs lookout circular. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on December 20.

Rajput was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14, 2020. While the Mumbai police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and started probe, his father in July 2020 lodged a complaint with Bihar police alleging Chakraborty and her family members had abetted his suicide. The case was later transferred to the CBI, which in August 2020 issued the lookout circular against Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty.

In September this year, the HC temporarily suspended the circular issued against Showik enabling him to travel abroad. Both Rhea and Showik were arrested in 2020 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a drugs case related to Rajput. They were later granted bail.
Triptii Dimri, who has been grabbing headlines for her performance in Animal, has recently set the internet on fire with new photos. She was seen stealing the spotlight in a dreamy white lehenga that left fans utterly jaw-dropped. Triptii proved once again that she is a vision to behold. In no time the photos have gone viral on social media.

Taking to her official Instagram handle, the actress shared a series of photos. She can be seen draped in an ethereal white lehenga. The intricate embroidery and delicate detailing on the ensemble accentuated her radiant aura. The flowing silhouette of the lehenga added a touch of elegance. To complete the look, she has opted for shimmer-based makeup. Fans quickly took to the comment section and called her Bhabi No 2.

Take a look at the photos here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Triptii Dimri (@tripti_dimri)

Triptii Dimri played the role of Zoya in Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal. She has become a national sensation with her stellar performance in the film. Earlier this week, IMDb released the weekly edition of the Popular Indian Celebrities Feature and Triptii Dimri topped the list. She was followed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Other celebrities on the list included The Archies star Suhana Khan and Kushi Kapoor, director Zoya Akhtar, Dunki director Rajkumar Hirani and Yash.

Previously, it was reported that the actress has gained two million new Instagram followers over the last few days. As reported by India Today, Triptiis follower count increased by 320 per cent in December 2023. The actress, who had 6 lakh followers until last month, now enjoys a following of 2.7 million.

Meanwhile, Tripti will soon be sharing the screen with Vicky Kaushal for a rom-com which Bandish Bandits fame director Anand Tiwari will direct. Last year, the two actors were in Croatia where they shot a romantic song for the film. The title and release date of the movie has not been announced as of now.
The PM Gati Shakti masterplan has revolutionised infrastructure development in India since its launch in 2021. Now, the government is planning to offer the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) across the world, with an immediate focus on developing and underdeveloped countries. India has a plan to first offer PMGS-NMP to immediate neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka for the planning and execution of certain cross-border infrastructure projects.

Subsequently, as India offers the plan to more and more countries around the world, a distinct product will also be developed for overseas projects, depending on the framework developed for domestic projects.

At the same time, India is also willing to offer such countries with limited access to the PM Gati Shakti portal, which will allow them to monitor projects from their inception right up to completion. Gati Shakti as a tool has been showcased to 30 countries in Central Asia and South East Asia so far.

The tool was also showcased at the recently concluded UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) conference in Hong Kong, at the Asia Pacific Business Forum, and the recent G20 meeting in Delhi. It is evident that the Centre is pushing the Gati Shakti masterplan at multilateral forums in a bid to market the tools potential to transform infrastructure development around the world. In fact, there is much interest within the international private sector as well, with companies looking to adopt the Gati Shakti plan to speed up projects and cut down unnecessary red tape.

India is offering PMGS-NMP to countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka first keeping its neighbourhood first commitment in mind. Also, India partners with these countries frequently for connectivity projects, which is why utilising the Gati Shakti initiative to streamline their development can serve as a model for a host of countries.

The PMGS-NMP has in recent times emerged as a pivotal tool for India, in the sense that it streamlines and facilitates the seamless development of infrastructure projects. The programme is designed to create world-class infrastructure in the country that reduces the cost of logistics and enables efficient movement of goods and services. It was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the countrys 75th Independence Day with a whopping outlay of Rs 100 lakh crore. The goal was to provide multi-modal connectivity to more than 1,200 industrial clusters, including two defence corridors across the country.

As of August 2023, as many as 96 projects  each worth over Rs 500 crore and collectively worth Rs 5.80 trillion  have been assessed on the principles of PM Gati Shakti in 53 network planning group (NPG) meetings since the launch of the national master plan. Meanwhile, various key projects worth around Rs 108 trillion are at different stages of implementation under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).

Today, large-scale infrastructure projects like UDAAN, expansion of the railway network, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, and Bharat Net are being executed under the PMGS-NMP.

PM Gati Shakti enables multiple government departments to synchronise their efforts into a multi-modal network. Presently, 16 ministries such as Roads and Highways, Railways, Shipping, Petroleum and Gas, Power, Telecom, and Aviation are able to interact with each other as part of the plan, which is helping reduce both implementation time and cost. All the existing and planned initiatives of several ministries and departments are included on a single, central portal. With this, every department and ministry can see each others work, facilitating an all of government approach to achieve targets.

Gati Shakti also brings all relevant data under one umbrella with GIS-based spatial planning and analytical tools. Separately, satellite imagery provides on-ground progress periodically, which allows all ministries and departments to review, monitor and visualise the progress of cross-sectoral projects. The tech-savviness and sheer power of the masterplan could prove to be extremely beneficial for the developing world, and cement Indias position as not just the voice, but also the leader of the Global South.

Indias Foray into Global Infrastructure Development on the Horizon?

The offer to allow countries across the world access and make use of the Gati Shakti Masterplan has the potential to place India among the nations that are involved in global infrastructure development. PMGS-NMP will help New Delhi aid developing and underdeveloped countries to streamline their infrastructure-building processes and ensure that the best practices which are now helping India overcome a series of hurdles are also shared with countries around the world. This will truly make India a pioneer in infrastructure development. The idea that various countries can soon benefit from an idea and technology conceived entirely in India will further boost the countrys Vishwaguru ambitions.

The fact that India is offering the Gati Shakti blueprint to its neighbours and subsequently to the world will also serve as a counter to China, which simply debt traps nations in the name of aiding their infrastructure development. Remember, China has revealed its intentions to take up 200 small-scale projects in the Indian Ocean Region, and that poses a threat to Indias interests.

So, the time for India to act is now, and the proposal to share Gati Shakti as a platform internationally can prove to be a significant method for India to establish itself as a country that actually helps nations develop and not debt-trap them. With PMGS-NMP in place across countries, it will be much easier for India to subsequently venture into the infrastructure development front to more comprehensively counter Beijing.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The North-South divide debate that the Congress is trying to foist on us, after its recent electoral debacle, is passe and will not strike roots anymore. Among the many myriad things he has achieved, many new narratives that he has generated, and many warped narratives that he has challenged and debunked, in the last decade, Narendra Modi has conclusively challenged, debunked and deconstructed the pernicious and mischievous North-South divide narrative. In the past, this narrative saw traction and was floated by those whose politics thrived on exacerbating faultlines  both societal and religious.

Nehru, Indira, Sanjay, Rajiv, Rahul, and Shastri had all been elected from the north and the Congress now terms the north of India as backwards just because it has been resoundingly rejected in that region. Is it a rational position or an exasperated one, from a deep frustration of being repeatedly rejected in its erstwhile bastion? Yet figures show that almost 40 per cent of voters voted for the Congress in north India. So do the north-south divide narrative peddlers reject 40 per cent of their voters? Is the Congress then rejecting this support as not-needed?

The BJP has increased its vote share in Telangana from 6.98 per cent in 2018 to 13.90 per cent in the 2023 assembly elections. BJP had three seats in the outgoing assembly and it has won eight seats this time, more than doubling its tally. BJP candidate, Katiapally Venkata Ramana Reddy, in a historic feat, defeated sitting Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and state Congress president Revanth Reddy in their bastion of Kamareddy.

Improving its tally in Mizoram, for instance, the BJP won Saiha and Palak constituencies. Saiha has a literacy rate of 90.1 per cent and is 97.1 per cent Christian. Palak has a literacy rate of 93.6 per cent and is 98.2 per cent Christian. The BJP has repeatedly proved its pan-India presence and acceptance. In West Bengal, it has emerged as the principal Opposition party after decades of democratic struggle and persistence. Why are these facts being ignored by the proponents of the regional divide narrative?

The BJP has defied and dodged all attempts of trying to straitjacket and limit it to a certain geographical location and foist on it a false label of being a limited party, elected by a limited few.

To promote such a false divide in the land of Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda and Mahakavi Bharati, is in itself, disingenuous. Those who peddle the divide narrative know it well and yet resort to being deceitful. Modis restoration of Adi Shankaras samadhi in the Himalayan heights, which was neglected after the flash floods of 2013, his historic outreach through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, his instituting a Chair on Tamil Studies at the Banaras Hindu University, his relentless championing of Tamil and its classical culture, his unveiling of iconic philosopher, reformer, poet Basavannas statue in Lambeth, London, his repeated references to the Tirukkural, his citing lines from the iconic Tamil poet of the Sangam age, Kaniyan Pungundrunar, in the United Nations General Assembly emphasising the need for united action to address civilisational crisis has shown how interlinked and integral is the cultural, religious and civilisational ethos of India.

This activism on the part of the prime minister has naturally unnerved a section of the intelligentsia and their political masters who wish to resurrect the ghost of a dead narrative. Those in the know of Indias post-independence political trajectory must be aware that within three years of its formation, the BJP won 18 seats in the Karnataka assembly elections in 1983, bagging nearly 8 per cent of the vote share.

To term a party primarily a party of the north, of the cow-belt, of the Hindi heartland is to deliberately ignore Modis and his partys pan-India appeal and electoral footprints, repeatedly demonstrated over the decades. Instead of indulging in such inanities, the Congress would do well to put together a revival or survival plan, if it believes that it has a future.

Historically and civilisationally, the north has borne the brunt of invasion and disruption. It has had its set of historical challenges and achievements. Its list of foundational centres of spirituality, culture and knowledge  Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patliputra, Ujjain, to name a few, its list of sages, poets, reformers who have profoundly influenced Indias trajectory and societal evolution is equally rich. But in a country where Swami Vivekananda made southern part his launching base to awaken India, in a country where Eknath Ranade, from the western flank, erected one of the greatest memorial of Swami Vivekananda ever, in the south where Sri Aurobindo, the famed Uttara Yogi, coming from Bengal set up his ashram in the southern enclave of Pondicherry, in a country where the iconic Sage and social reformer Adi Shankaracharya peregrinated from the southern part to the north and across the country, rekindling the underlying cultural and civilisational bases, it is callow and shallow to speak of a North-South divide.

To perpetuate this divide is to demean and deny the contribution of these sages. It is to perpetuate a divisive narrative, especially floated during colonial rule, for enforcing subjugation. In an aspirational India, where increasing opportunities and possibilities are ushering in an era of greater interconnectedness and mobility, such narratives are debilitating and have no real acceptance. Apart from a plethora of facts and figures from history, even present realities belie this false dichotomy.

Three of the top five companies, for example, in terms of GDP, are based in the north and the rest of India  these are in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The dim view that the Hindi heartland rewarded big business does stand scrutiny if one lists out the big businesses thriving in the south. The point is as if there are no big businesses in the south. Does the Congress mean that the south is devoid of big business establishments? What about the major industrial conglomerates from the south or those with corporate offices, do they want to ignore the contribution and standing of industry giants such as TVS Motors, Ramcharan & Co valued at Rs 67,500 crore, Apollo Hospital Enterprises at Rs 59,498 crore, Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company at Rs 51,107 crore, Zoho Corporation at Rs 36,800 crore, Ashok Leyland at Rs 41,640 crore, MRF at Rs 33,663 crore, to name a few?

Suffering a surprising and debilitating defeat in Chhattisgarh, a desperate and bitter Congress cried that Gautam Adani has won in Chhattisgarh. A strange and immature cry it was, if one kept in mind that Adani is an Indian businessman with investments across the country. From Krishnapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh, to Karaikal Port in Puducherry, to the Vizag terminal, to Kamarajar and Kattupalli Port in Tamil Nadu to the latest Vizhinjam port in Kerala, would the Congress then advise these states, most of which have governments of I.N.D.I alliance constituents, to send the Adani ports packing? Is this how the future of investments and developments will unfold in the India that they propose to rule?

Among the most motivated arguments by those who were depressed with Modis popularity and the BJPs resounding victory in three states in the just concluded assembly elections was that voters have appeased fascism. Not only does this pour scorn on the voters judgement and denigrate their democratic electoral choice, but it also smacks of an acute divisive mindset.

One could argue that some of those with the most intense fascist and communal mindset are also to be found in the south. The Owaisi brothers of Hyderabad in a perpetual threat-issuing mode, the spoilt heir of DMK Udhayanidhi Stalin and a cohort of his party ministers who spewed venom on Sanatana Dharma, equating it with dengue, malaria, TB and called for the need to eradicate it and its followers, the Indian Union Muslim League, the PFI and the Coimbatore bombers of 1998, the Bhatkal brothers, all have and had their base in the south. Can we then reversely argue that the south is a bastion for fascism and divisive communal forces, just because these elements function and thrive in the region?

The tenuous and insulting barb that the Opposition parties have been hurling at the BJP in its hour of triumph is that the cow belt always drags India down The despicable gau mutra states jibe by DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar, reflected the actual thinking of these parties, which is driven by hate for Hindus.

It has, in fact, become a habit with the parties which lose to Modi to heap scorn on the voters choice. They lampoon the ordinary voter, make fun of their electoral preferences and condemn them as backward. This was an unheard-of phenomenon in the past. The BJP in its decades of existence, since the days of the Jana Sangh, has never been seen to castigate the voters in such a manner when it lost. Parties speaking of a north-south divide are essentially anti-democratic in nature. They have never welcomed a verdict in which they have lost in a democratic spirit.

The cow is a sacred and revered symbol across India and Sanatanis across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka as well. The cow belt is an imaginary location, much like the elusive Bermuda Triangle, it is a narrative much akin to the Flying Dutchman, full of legend and myths but with no substance or actuality.

One of Indias biggest protests to preserve tradition was for Jallikattu and happened in Tamil Nadu. The Maatu Pongal, the day of worship during Sankranti dedicated to propitiating the cow, is a defining ritual and worship, integral to the south. Are the gau mutra state jibes then to be applicable to these occasions or moments as well? To take an example, the cow is integral to the rituals in Tirumala. The naivedyam is cultivated in fields where only organic manure made of cow dung and urine is used Is the gau mutra derision also meant for the naivedyam of this most sacred centre of Hindu faith? The Congress, the TMC and the DMK may well like to publicly clarify their stand on that issue.

The likes of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Babasaheb Ambedkar have roundly debunked the north-south, Aryan-Dravidian false dichotomy. Modis India aspires to their narrative of integration and unity. Modis call of Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat is a triumphantly unifying call, it is the call of Amrit Kaal. Those who oppose or sneer at it, are doing a disservice to India and will eventually and surely fall by the wayside.

The author is Chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation & Member, BJP National Executive Committee. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Workers collect ice from the frozen Songhua River in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 14, 2023. Ice cubes collected from the frozen Songhua River are used in the construction of the Harbin Ice and Snow World.

The renowned seasonal theme park will open for its 25th winter season on Dec. 18. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) speaks during his annual press conference and question-and-answer session in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

A woman poses for photos with lanterns on display at the Dragons and Lanterns Festival during its preview tour at Jardin d'Acclimatation in Paris, France, Dec. 14, 2023. The festival will be open to the public from Dec. 15, 2023 to Feb. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

European Council President Charles Michel (C) prepares to talk with the media after the first day's meeting of European Union (EU) leaders in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 15, 2023. EU leaders agreed on Thursday to open EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova and to grant candidate status to Georgia. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

This photo taken on Dec. 15, 2023 shows Geminids meteor shower over Yulong County, Lijiang City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Cui Wen)

People visit the site of the main tomb of Liu He, the Marquis of Haihun, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 15, 2023. The main tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, the excavation of which was one of the most significant archaeological events in the country in recent years, opened to the public on Friday in east China's Jiangxi Province.

The Western Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-25 A.D.) tomb, located in the provincial capital Nanchang, is one of the few imperial tombs that has not been looted.

The main tomb is around 8 meters deep, 17 meters long and 16 meters wide, and linked by a long path. To protect the site, visitors will observe it from above via a newly-built passageway.

According to the burial practice of the time, which required the dead to be treated as if they were alive, the interior chamber of the tomb was divided into a bedroom on the east side and a living room on the west side, resembling the living environment of the marquis Liu He when he was alive, said Fan Lijun, deputy curator of the Nanchang Relic Museum of Haihunhou State of Han Dynasty.

Visitors can have a look at the layout of the tomb and also see replicas of some unearthed items, including Liu's coffin and a dressing mirror painted with the portrait of Confucius.

In addition, naked-eye 3D technology is applied to vividly demonstrate different sections of the tomb as well as its collection of relics. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

A Long March-5 Y6 carrier rocket carrying the Yaogan-41, a high-orbit optical remote sensing satellite, blasts off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 15, 2023.

China successfully launched a new remote sensing satellite into its planned orbit from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the southern island province of Hainan on Friday. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Motorcyclists dressed as Santa Clauses ride through Vukovar, Croatia, on Dec. 15, 2023. (Mia Slafhauzer/PIXSELL via Xinhua)

The first batch of tourists visiting the eastern artificial island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge pose for a photo in south China, Dec. 15, 2023.

Group tours across Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge started trial operation on Friday.

Residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and the Chinese mainland can embark on group tours from the Zhuhai Port to explore the bridge, a megaproject connecting Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

The entire Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge tour lasts approximately 140 minutes. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has appointed MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha, replacing Sanjay Singh.

On October 4, Sanjay Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged Delhi Excise Policy.

In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, accessed by the news agency, PTI, the AAP party leadership said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has health issues, Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the partys leader in the upper house.

Sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirmed to the news agency that a letter has been received from the AAP regarding appointing Chadha as its floor leader.

The letter is with the RS Secretary General for implementation. Chadha is one of the youngest members of the Rajya Sabha. The AAP has a total of 10 MPs in the Upper House currently.

SANJAY SINGH ARREST BY ED

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh was arrested after the ED raided his premises in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. The 51-year-old leader is the third AAP member who has been arrested.

The ED raids began before 7 a.m. when the MP was home with his wife, parents, domestic help, and his pet dogs, fish, and birds. The ED raids came months after the agency raided three of his associates  Sarvesh Mishra, Ajit, and Vivek Tyagi  over their alleged involvement in the purported Delhi liquor scam.

ALLEGATIONS IN DELHIS EXCISE POLICY

It is alleged that the Delhi governments excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licenses to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge strongly refuted by the AAP.

The policy was subsequently scrapped and the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe, following which the ED registered a case under the PMLA.

(with PTI inputs)
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has sought exemption from appearing before the ED on Saturday, on fresh summons issued to him in a money laundering case linked to issuance of visa to some Chinese nationals in 2011, stating that the probe was a fishing and roving inquiry and that he required time to collect documents.

The federal agency had first asked the 52-year-old legislator from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu to depose before the investigating officer of the case on December 12 in Delhi. After the MP cited his engagement in the ongoing Parliament session, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) asked him to appear on December 16.

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. The money laundering case stems from the CBI complaint.

Karti, through his lawyer, has sent an around 100-page reply to the investigating officer of the case appending his election affidavit, Income Tax return, details of bank accounts and immovable assets while he sought exemption from appearance on Saturday as well as time to furnish all the documents sought by the agency. It was not immediately known if the ED considered his plea.

Asserting that he was willing to appear before the agency and co-operate in the investigation, Kartis lawyer said he had some contentions. He told the ED that the latest summons do not disclose the allegations against the MP and whether he was called as an accused or witness in the case.

The MP said in the letter that the information and documents sought from him are nothing but in the nature of a fishing and roving enquiry and there was no reason to call for his and his family members personal financial matters in this probe. Karti told the ED that in the spirit of cooperating with the investigation, he has already submitted to the agency the documents and records sought in the past while information relating to his financial matters was available in the public domain through his election affidavit.

The MP cited that he submitted these documents as many as 19 times to the ED in the INX Media and Aircel-Maxis case between 2018-2019. He claimed that the latest summons against him were issued mechanically but despite that he will require time to submit the documents again as they are extremely voluminous in nature and are available at his Chennai office and residence but he was in Delhi due to the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

Karti, early this week, told PTI that the case was most bogus and his legal team will take it forward. The CBI had last year raided the premises of the Chidamabram family and arrested Bhaskararaman even as Karti was questioned by it.
Dhiraj Sahu, the Congress MP from Jharkhand whose premises were searched by the Income Tax Department in what was termed as the countrys highest-ever raids, finally broke his silence on Friday and claimed that the money recovered does not belong to him. The Congress leader further clarified that the money seized by the central agency was related to his liquor firms and was not linked with Congress or any other political party.

In his first reaction to the 10-day I-T searches and recovery of over Rs 350 crore in the cash haul, Sahu admitted that the money recovered by the agency was related to his liquor firms and the proceedings from the sale of liquor. He further claimed to give account for everything to the agency as the raids concluded.

Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu Issues Clarification

What is happening today makes me sad. I can admit that the money that has been recovered belongs to my firm. The cash that has been recovered is related to my liquor firms, it is the proceedings from the sale of liquor, Sahu was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

This money has nothing to do with Congress or any other political party. The money is not all mine, it belongs to my family and other related firms. I will give account for everything, he added.

After conducting searches against a firm, Boudh Distillery Pvt Ltd in Odisha, and associated entities owned by the Congress legislator and his family, the I-T Department concluded its raids on Friday, December 15. The raids went on for 10 consecutive days and recovered over Rs 350 crore in cash, making it the highest-ever cash seizure made by any investigative agency in India.

Political Row Over Odisha Cash Haul

Soon after the name of Congress Rajya Sabha MP surfaced in the Odisha cash haul, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched its sharp criticism on the grand old party and raised corruption allegations. However, the Congress party distanced itself from the raids stating that only Sahu can explain the cash recoveries.

Reacting to the recovery of huge cash, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took a jibe at the Congress party and said, Who needs Money Heist fiction in India when we have the Congress Party.

Sharing a video posted by the BJP showing crores of cash seized during ongoing I-T raids in Odisha, PM Modi on X wrote, In India, who needs Money Heist fiction when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!

In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2023

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad wondered how could Sahu not be aware of the Rs 300 crore cash in his house. He called the recovery, the biggest raid in Indias history.

#WATCH | Patna: BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "How he (Dheeraj Sahu) could not be aware of the Rs 300 crore cash which was there in his house This is the biggest raid in India's history. This is the situation of the people of Congress party, that talks about the issue pic.twitter.com/vmfCc3woDD ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2023

Titled as CONGRESS PRESENTS MONEY HEIST, the BJP shared a one-minute clip showing stacks of the money recovered by the I-T department officials during the Odisha cash haul linked to Congress leader Dhiraj Sahu. The video also featured Rahul Gandhi dressed as one of the characters from the Netflix drama, getting super excited on seeing the pile of currency notes.
Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Ravi Malimath seeking forgiveness for two ABVP functionaries who were arrested for taking the car of a judge to ferry an ailing person to a hospital in Gwalior.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishads Gwalior secretary Himanshu Shrotriya (22) and deputy secretary Sukrit Sharma (24) were arrested on Monday under the MP Dakaiti Aur Vyapharan Prabhavit Kshetra Adhiniyam, an anti-dacoity law, after they snatched the cars key from its driver at Gwalior railway station and took Ranjeet Singh, VC of a private university in Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, to a hospital.

Their bail was rejected on Wednesday and they are in judicial custody at present. The ABVP is the students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In his letter written to Justice Malimath on Friday, Chouhan said, As it is a different sort of crime committed for a holy cause and done on humanitarian grounds for saving life, it is worth forgiving. The intention of Himanshu Shrotriya (22) and Sukrit Sharma (24) was not to commit a crime. So keeping in view their future they should be forgiven.

While denying them bail, a special court judge for dacoity cases Sanjay Goyal had observed that one seeks help with politeness and not with force.

The judge, citing the police diary in the incident, said an ambulance, which is the ideal vehicle for such purposes, had arrived to ferry the ailing man.

Earlier, speaking on the issue, Sandeep Vaishnav, the ABVPs MP unit secretary, had defended the duo saying they were trying to help a man whose health condition was deteriorating rapidly and that they did not know the car belonged to a high court judge.

Some ABVP men, who were travelling from Delhi to Gwalior on a train, saw a passengers health becoming serious. They passed on the information to other ABVP functionaries at Gwalior station.

The activists deboarded the sick man at Gwalior station, but no ambulance reached for his help for around 25 minutes, he said.

As the mans health condition was deteriorating, the ABVP activists rushed him to a hospital in a car parked outside the station but he died, Vaishnav said.

As per Gwaliors Inderganj City Superintendent of Police Ashok Jadon, Ranjeet Singh (68), who was the vice-chancellor of a private university in Uttar Pradeshs Jhansi, died of cardiac failure according to a preliminary post-mortem report.
Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy made it clear on Friday that the party would fight the 2024 Lok Sabha polls solo. He said this at a Bharatiya Janata Party office-bearers meeting which also saw the presence of Tarun Chugh, BJP national general secretary.

After the Congress won the recent Telangana assembly polls, there was speculation that the BJP would join hands with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for the 2024 general elections. The BJP state president has put an end to such speculation for the time being. In the assembly polls, the BJP had supported the Jana Sena Party in nine seats.

Reddy asked the party cadre to get ready for the Lok Sabha polls and exuded confidence about the BJPs victory. He added that it was going to be a triangular fight among the BJP, Congress, and BRS.

The party president congratulated the cadre for increasing their seat tally during the assembly polls and exhorted them to sustain the fighting spirit till the Lok Sabha polls. The party, which had only one seat, won eight this election.

Reddy also participated in the preparatory programme of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra held at the state BJP office in Hyderabad.

This programme is aimed at bringing the welfare schemes and development of the union government led by Narendra Modi to the people of Telangana. In addition to involving the beneficiaries of the central schemes in this yatra, the registration of those who have not yet received the benefits of the programmes despite meeting the qualification criteria will be done.

There is also speculation that G Kishan Reddy would step down from the post of state party president. Reportedly, he wants to concentrate on his duties as a union minister. He is also said to be keen on understanding why the BJP didnt win any seat from his own Lok Sabha segment, Secunderabad.
The first chapter of the Bharatiya Janata Partys script for the 2024 Lok Sabha election involves the composition of top leadership in the three Hindi heartland states where it secured emphatic victories this month. These three states collectively hold 65 Lok Sabha and 520 assembly seats. Overall, the Hindi Heartland states  Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Delhi  comprise 48% of Indias population, encompassing 225 Lok Sabha and 1,545 assembly constituencies.

The three new chief ministers picked in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh are not prominent figures. They have been chosen to replace political stalwarts such as Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vasundhara Raje, and Raman Singh. Their sphere of influence is primarily limited to their respective constituencies. Similar is the scenario of selection of deputy chief ministers. Each state has two deputy CMs, but besides Diya Kumari and Arun Sao, all the others are merely other legislator names in the BJPs lengthy list of victors.

Their selection follows a clever campaign strategy and election management adopted by the party. It comprises a well-balanced combination of factors such as Prime Minister Narendra Modis appeal, a better blend of caste equations, effective communication flow from top to bottom and bottom to top at the constituency level, recognition of the contributions of the partys grassroots workers, adept social media management, outreach by ministers on union governments social welfare programs, and intensive canvassing.

Among these factors, cadre-level management stands out as the most critical aspect for any partys nationwide or state-specific success, whether it is with the Indian National Congress in the past, BJPs state governments across India now, or its union government in Delhi, Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, DMK or AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, BJD in Odisha, YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh, or other regional parties in India.

BJPs internal communication within the party appears to be strategically managed, as observed previously, and this recent step further reinforces that notion. Internal communication stands as a fundamental element for organisational excellence, whether in an industrial or non-industrial context. Connected employees foster higher satisfaction levels, leading to improved output. This vertical operation is highly sought after in businesses. The BJP seems to have long adopted this norm within the party, and the message conveyed through the appointment of these chief ministers and deputy chief ministers aligns with this pattern.

MOTIVATING WORKERS  STIMULUS FOR CADRES

Rajasthans chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, aged 56, is serving his first term as an MLA. Madhya Pradeshs CM Mohan Yadav, 58, previously held the position of higher education minister in Shivraj Singh Chouhans cabinet. Yadav, perceived as a low-profile OBC leader, has been elected three times as an MLA. Vishnu Deo Sai, a former union minister and a four-term Lok Sabha MP, emerged as a dark horse to surpass other CM contenders in Chhattisgarh. He is 59 years old. All three possess extensive organisational experience with a Sangh background and align with the BJPs narrative of youthful, anti-dynastic, and grassroots political approaches.

The selection of their names aligns with the messaging thread aimed at common BJP workers, who constitute the backbone behind the partys victories. While the name of PM Modi serves as the BJPs flagship, the ground connection relies on the RSSs Shakha model and the strategy of Panna Pramukh that the BJP has adopted. Ordinary BJP workers act as the partys eyes and ears, reaching out to voters in each assembly and Lok Sabha constituency. Although the model fails as well, at times, as observed in the Karnataka or Himachal Pradesh elections, the party adopts strategies to counter such setbacks. A weak and fragmented opposition only helps.

The Congress was anticipated to secure victories in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh due to a reported pro-incumbency wave. However, the BJP achieved massive victories even while contesting elections in Prime Minister Narendra Modis name against the incumbent CMs of five years. The ground-level connection of the BJPs election machinery and the diligent efforts of its workers, from MLAs to booth-level cadres, emerged as a major reason for this outcome.

The Congress remained preoccupied with internal conflicts in Rajasthan, and Kamal Naths popularity beyond his limited sphere of influence in Madhya Pradesh was insufficient. In Chhattisgarh, Congress chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and deputy chief minister TS Singh Deo were engaged in a five-year power struggle for the top post, with workers largely neglected, many insiders say.

The BJP secured a winning mandate based on Modis name, the hard work of party workers, and the distractions within the Congress.

THE MODI STORY

A significant part of the BJPs political messaging, for both internal and external communication, revolves around Narendra Modis journey  from an impoverished tea seller to RSS Pracharak to BJP leader to Gujarats chief minister and subsequently Indias Prime Minister. The recent selection of chief ministers and deputy chief ministers reinforces this narrative.

All three new CMs come from humble backgrounds. Rajasthans CM Bhajan Lal Sharma previously served as BJPs state general secretary for four terms. The first-term MLA has been an activist in both RSS and ABVP. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav commenced his political journey within the RSS and ABVP. While Vishnu Deo Sais name did arise as a possible CM contender, his political standing in the state did not match that of other contenders such as Raman Singh, Arun Sao, or Renuka Singh.

Similar is the story of the deputy chief ministers. Each state has two deputy CMs. Apart from Diya Kumari and Arun Sao, all of them are ordinary party workers.

The message is clear within the BJP  hard work paves the way for unlimited growth, echoing the journey of Narendra Modi. Thats true even for the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Stories of Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India from 2017 to 2022, and current President of India Droupadi Murmu, work for effective communication outcomes and thus ground connection.

THEORY ON THE GROUND

The support of cadre and ground workers cannot be ignored, particularly when your rival is strong in certain pockets, even if not nationally.

Despite the Congress being humbled, it had a nearly similar vote share in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The BJP secured 41.69% of the votes in Rajasthan, while the Congresss figure stood at 39.53%. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP received 46.27% of the votes, followed by the Congress with 42.23%. Although there was an 8% gap in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress still garnered 40.40% of the votes. Some months ago in Karnataka, the Congress achieved a spectacular victory, replacing a BJP government. The party also secured impressive victories in Telangana and Himachal Pradesh.

Similar scenarios unfold in other states with various parties where the BJP is emerging as a strong political force, such as Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, or Manipur.

The BJP has its governments retained in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Assam, Goa, Tripura, and Manipur in subsequent polls. It also leads a coalition government in Maharashtra. PM Modis name will be a focal point of BJPs nationwide campaign, and the party has directed its top leaders to reach out to constituencies and engage with ground workers.

The BJP might face a challenging task ahead if the INDIA bloc eventually finalises a seat-sharing plan and contests the 2024 Lok Sabha polls unitedly. The party will require ground workers, who serve as its eyes and ears, to project the Modi brand, achievements of the NDA governments, its promises, and prospects on a winning platform against potential INDIA fronts freebie offers and collective vote shares.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

A successful communication strategy always comprises a blend of internal and external messages, each reinforcing the other.

The caste survey stands as a major demand of opposition parties in India, including the Congress. The BJP says it doesnt oppose the idea but suggests that a decision should be made after serious deliberations, emphasising that the matter should not be politicised.

By appointing OBC, tribal, and upper caste chief ministers in three states, along with two deputy CMs and one assembly speaker from SC communities, the BJP aims to convey a strong message: it respects every caste. This message is directed both internally to its party workers and externally to voters and other parties advocating for a caste census. It is going to direct the partys next campaign in this direction, in each assembly and parliamentary constituency.

Bhajan Lal Sharma hails from the upper castes as a Brahmin, while Vishnu Deo Sai is a tribal leader and Chhattisgarhs first tribal chief minister. The party has replaced a non-Yadav OBC chief minister with a Yadav OBC in Madhya Pradesh. Yadavs represent a significant portion of the population in the Hindi heartland, constituting 14% in Bihar, 12-14% in Madhya Pradesh, 12% in Haryana, and 9-11% in Uttar Pradesh. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Mohan Yadav is anticipated to be a key campaigner for the BJP, considering that its rivals in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are two parties dominated by Yadavs: SP and RJD.
Our planet is home to numerous perplexing natural phenomena, and among them is the Darvaza Crater, colloquially known as the Door to Hell. Situated in Turkmenistan, this natural gas field collapsed into a cavern and has been ablaze since the 1980s, presenting a fiery spectacle that has intrigued and confounded observers for four decades. Only one individual, George Kourounis, has ventured into this infernal pit, enduring the intense heat for a mere 17 minutes.

In 2013, George descended into the 230-foot-wide, 100-foot-deep crater equipped with a series of ropes and a specialized heat-reflective suit. His self-contained breathing apparatus and a custom-made climbing harness, designed to withstand extreme heat, were crucial for navigating the treacherous conditions. His mission was to collect gas readings and soil samples from the craters depths.

The soil samples obtained by George were slated for examination by microbiologists, aiming to determine whether bacteria could survive in such extreme heat. The potential existence of life in such inhospitable environments hung in the balance. Microbiologist Dr. Stephen Green meticulously analyzed the samples, revealing signs of life within the Darvaza crater.

In an interview, George shared his perspective on the daring expedition, describing it as a remarkable experience to explore a place untouched by humanity. He likened the sensation to being on an alien planet, acknowledging the inherent danger to life while simultaneously revelling in the thrill of the endeavour.

Recently, the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, has called for the closure of the Door to Hell. Tasking his deputy prime minister and son, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, with extinguishing the perpetual flames and shutting down the iconic crater, the president cited health concerns among residents as a primary reason for the closure. Numerous reports from news agencies indicate that additional factors have contributed to the decision to close the Darvaza Crater.

The Door to Hell remains a captivating yet enigmatic natural wonder, with George Kourouniss daring exploration shedding light on its mysteries. However, as Turkmenistan moves towards closing this fiery phenomenon, the reasons extend beyond its mesmerizing appearance to encompass health and other considerations affecting the local population.
Mustard seeds are recognised as the most valuable source of oil. Asian countries like India, Thailand, and Pakistan rely on mustard oil majorly for cooking and frying dishes. Other countries, however, like the USA, Canada, and Europe have banned the use of this oil for human consumption. Mustard oil encompasses many medicinal properties and helps in removing toxic substances from the body as well. It has been banned in some countries despite these properties because of Erucic acid. According to the US Food And Drug Administration, the amount of Erucic acid in mustard oil is quite high. It is a type of fatty acid and is detrimental to health purposes. It is not metabolised properly and harms the brain cells as well. Erucic acid is also associated with many mental disorders like memory impairment. It also leads to the increased accumulation of fat in the body. Keeping in mind these purposes, the USA, Canada, and Europe have banned the consumption of mustard oil.

All the containers of mustard oil sold in the USA are labelled for external use only. These bans dont involve mustard oils use in other applications like skin and hair care formulations. Instead of mustard oil, in the USA and Europe, soybean oil is used for cooking. Soybean oil contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which promote collagen. This brings flexibility to the body and makes the skin more supple. This oil is also helpful in brain development and reduces the wrinkles on the face. Soybean oil also comprises Vitamin E in abundance which is essential for healthy skin and hair.

Countries in which mustard oil has been banned for human consumption are trying to address the safety concerns in it. As per Anderson International Corp, research and development are underway to reduce the Erucic acid content in this oil. Canadian researchers even developed a low-Erucic acid cultivar of rapeseed in the 1950s, They named it Canola, which is a short acronym for Canadian oil with low acid. The FDA has approved one brand of edible mustard seed oil. This brand is produced from a cultivar bred explicitly for its low levels of erucic acid.
An Israeli attack killed an Al Jazeera journalist and wounded his colleague in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the Qatari network reported. Al Jazeera had initially reported that cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa and Gaza bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh were wounded in a school in Khan Yunis, where they were hit by shrapnel from an Israeli missile attack.

In a subsequent statement condemning the Israeli military, Al Jazeera attributed the injuries to a drone strike. Following Samers injury, he was left to bleed to death for over 5 hours, as Israeli forces prevented ambulances and rescue workers from reaching him, denying the much-needed emergency treatment, it said.

Al-Dahdouh was wounded in the arm and transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, according to an AFP journalist. In a news update, Al Jazeera said Al-Dahdouh was able to leave the area of the strike to look for help, but by the time he reached an ambulance, medics said they could not return to the site of the attack because it was too dangerous. The Israeli army did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

 A compassionate soul 

Al Jazeera managing editor Mohamed Moawad paid tribute to Abu Daqqa on X, formerly Twitter, saying: His unwavering commitment to truth and storytelling has left an indelible mark on our team. Samer, whose lens captured the raw and unfiltered reality of life in Gaza, was not just a skilled professional but a compassionate soul who understood the power of visual storytelling.

In the pursuit of truth, our cameraman faced immense risks to bring viewers a deeper understanding of the human experience in Gaza, Moawad said. The Foreign Press Association called on the Israeli army to investigate. We consider this a grave blow to the already limited freedom of the press in Gaza, it said in a statement.

According to the Hamas militant group, a first strike had targeted a school belonging to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Khan Yunis, which the journalists had come to cover. A second strike then took place which deliberately targeted the journalists, Hamas said. It was an attempt to intimidate journalists so that they do not document the (Israeli) massacres committed in the Gaza Strip, Hamas said.

Al Jazeera said it held Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told a press briefing that we still dont have any indications that Israel is deliberately going after journalists trying to cover this war.

In late October, emotional footage showed Al-Dahdouh learning on camera that his wife and two children were killed by an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel on October 7, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The war began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 that Israeli officials say killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring home an estimated 250 hostages abducted by militants to Gaza, Israel launched a massive offensive that has left much of the besieged territory in ruins. The Hamas government says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.
A Vatican court on Saturday sentenced a once powerful Italian cardinal to five years and six months in jail for financial crimes at the end of a historic trial.

Angelo Becciu, 75, a former adviser to Pope Francis who was once considered a papal contender himself, was the most senior clergyman in the Catholic Church to face a Vatican criminal court.

He and nine other defendants, including financiers, lawyers and ex-Vatican employees, were on trial for accusations of financial crimes focused on an opaque London property deal.

Court president Giuseppe Pignatone read out the verdict Saturday, with Becciu accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering.

His lawyer, Fabio Viglione, said they respected the sentence but would certainly appeal. He was also handed a fine of 8,000 euros.

At the heart of the trial is the 350-million-euro ($380-million) purchase of a luxury property in London, as part of an investment that began in 2014 and ended up costing the Vatican tens of millions of euros.

The trial, which began in July 2021, has shone a light on the Holy Sees murky finances, which Pope Francis has sought to clean up since taking the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013.

It is also a test of his reforms.

Just weeks before the trial, Francis gave the Vaticans civilian courts the power to try cardinals and bishops, where previously they were judged by a court presided over by cardinals.

Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had requested seven years and three months in jail for Becciu, and between almost four and 13 years for the others.

Becciu had always strongly protested his innocence, denouncing the accusations against him as totally unfounded and insisting he never took a cent.

For its part, the Holy See viewed itself as an offended party and has asked through Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for the court to punish all crimes.

Four Vatican entities are civil parties. They had requested compensation from the defendants, including 177 million euros for moral and reputational damage.

CHARITABLE CAUSES

Since the trial opened, there have been more than 80 hearings in the dedicated room within the Vatican Museums, where a portrait of a smiling Pope Francis hangs on the wall.

The process had been mired by procedural wrangling, with defence lawyers complaining about a lack of access to key evidence.

Becciu, a globe-trotting former Vatican diplomat, has been a near constant presence in the courtroom.

He was number two in the Secretariat of State, the Vatican department that works most closely with the pope, from 2011 to 2018.

He was moved to lead the department that deals with the creation of saints, before abruptly resigning in September 2020, after being informed of an investigation against him.

Initially, he told the trial, this was about a probe into 125,000 euros of Vatican money he donated to a charity in his native Sardinia, which prosecutors claim benefited his brother, who ran the organisation.

But he was later drawn into investigations into the purchase and sale of the property on Londons Sloane Avenue  resulting in losses that, according to the Vatican, dipped into resources intended for charitable causes.

When the trial opened, prosecutors painted a picture of risky investments with little or no oversight and double-dealing by both outside consultants and insiders.

Among the defendants are two brokers involved in the London deal, Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione, as well as Enrico Crasso, a former Vatican investment manager, and former Vatican employee Fabrizio Tirabassi.

Becciu is also accused over payments made to a Sardinian woman, Cecilia Marogna  who is also on trial  which he claims were to help negotiate the release of a Colombian nun kidnapped in Mali.
This aerial photo taken on Oct. 21, 2023 shows the view of the new Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda, Angola. (China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation/Handout via Xinhua)

Angolan FM highlighted that Angola and China have made a qualitative leap in their 40 years of diplomatic relations.

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- China and Angola have seen "many positive and qualitative leaps" in their 40 years of diplomatic ties, and the infrastructure built by Chinese companies in Angola today is "a source of pride for the country," said Angola's Minister of Foreign Affairs Tete Antonio.

He also said the infrastructure constitutes the "foundation for driving any development."

Antonio made these remarks during a recent press conference in Beijing, the Chinese capital, as part of his official visit to the Asian country.

He mentioned China's support during Angola's war of independence and after the end of the civil war, highlighting the crucial role China played in the country's reconstruction, and how projects carried out by Chinese companies are the fundamental drivers for development and "will make a difference in the direction of the path that the country wants to follow."

He also noted the recent inauguration of the new Luanda International Airport. Given Angola's geographical location, which is between South and Central Africa, the new airport built by Chinese companies will make Angola a traffic hub in Africa, benefiting the country itself and beyond.

According to statistics from the Chinese Embassy in Angola, Chinese companies contributed to the restoration or construction of 2,800 km of railways, 20,000 km of roads, over 100,000 housing units, more than 100 schools, and over 50 hospitals in Angola, and more than 400 Chinese companies have a presence in Angola.

This aerial photo taken on May 20, 2023 shows a ceremony for the temporary diversion of the Cuanza River at the site of the Chinese-built Caculo-Cabaca Hydropower Station in Cuanza Norte province, Angola. (China Gezhouba Group Company Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

The Angolan minister highlighted that in their 40 years of diplomatic relations, Angola and China have made a qualitative leap in their ties, with agreements signed in various areas such as agriculture, digital economy, blue economy, and health, which align with Angolan interests.

In August, during the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, and expressed willingness to implement the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development, so as to boost Africa's integration and modernization.

Angola will support these, the Angolan foreign minister said, adding that Angola has always shown a strong interest in development and is committed to achieving economic diversification.

"Of course, these goals cannot be achieved without partnerships with countries like China," he noted.

Antonio paid a visit to China from Dec. 5 to 8, which, he said, aimed to further strengthen bilateral ties. It is important to further promote the traditional friendship between the two sides, and to constantly enhance their cooperation, he added.
The three hostages killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza were shot even as they carried a white flag and cried for help in Hebrew, an army official said on Saturday.

Israel has been mourning the deaths of Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa, who were killed in a neighbourhood of Gaza City on Friday when troops mistook them for a threat, the army said.

Bringing back captives taken by Hamas militants on October 7 has been a key reason cited by the army for its assault on Gaza. The killing of the three hostages, all in their twenties, sparked protests in Tel Aviv.

On Saturday an army official detailed the findings of an ongoing preliminary investigation into their deaths in a virtual briefing to journalists.

The three emerged tens of metres from one of our forces positions, he said. Theyre all without shirts and they have a stick with a white cloth on it, he said, asking not to be named.

A soldier sees them and feels threatened and opens fire, the official said.

He declares that theyre terrorists. They (soldiers) open fire. Two are killed immediately, one is injured and runs back into the building.

The official said the soldiers heard a cry for help in Hebrew.

Immediately, the battalion commander issues a ceasefire order. But again, theres another burst of fire towards the third figure and he also dies, the official said.

He added that it was possible the hostages were abandoned or escaped.

He also said that several hundred metres (yards) away, there was a building with markings of SOS on it, and the army was investigating whether there was a connection between the building and the hostages.

The army official said the killings were against our rules of engagement.

He called it a tragic event and a very hard day, but said there was intense combat in the area and that troops had been under intense pressure.

The terrorists, they are moving around in civilian attire. Theyre wearing sneakers and jeans. And theres a lot of ambushes there.

He said fighters had been trying to pull us in to traps with deceptive tactics.

The rules of engagement are being sent out again to all the forces, he said.

The three hostages were among about 250 people taken during Hamass October 7 attacks in Israel, which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive military offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement that has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins. The territorys Hamas government says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.
The Indian American Members of the US Congress on Friday came together to caution New Delhi to set accountability of people responsible for an alleged plot to assassinate a Khalistani Sikh extremist and India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.

In a joint statement, all five Indian-American legislators in the US CongressAmi Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar said that relations between India and the United States could face significant damage if India did not fully investigate and hold the people, including the officials of the Government of India, responsible for an alleged assassination attempt at the Khalistani terrorist.

They also welcomed the Indian governments announcement of a committee of enquiry to probe the alleged foiled assassination plot and said that New Delhi should give an assurance to Washington DC that this (hatching plots to kill a US citizen in the US territory) would not happen again.

Indictment of Nikhil Gupta

The statement came after the US federal prosecutors released a new and detailed indictment of an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, for attempting to hire a hitman to kill Pannun. The indictment also mentioned an unnamed but identified Indian government official (CC-1) for recruiting Gupta, who is currently in the Czech Republic and facing extradition proceedings initiated by the US, to orchestrate the conspiracy.

What Did Indian-American Lawmakers Say?

In the press release, the US representatives said, We appreciate the Administration providing us a classified briefing on the Department of Justices indictment of Nikhil Gupta, which alleges that an Indian government official engaged in a murder-for-hire plot of an American citizen.

The lawmakers noted that they had received a closed-door classified briefing from the US administration on the charges and stressed that the safety and well-being of constituents is the most important priority

They also noted that the partnership between India and Congress has made a meaningful impact on the lives of people of both nations, however, they stressed that the safety and well-being of their constituents were of utmost priority.

Members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning. We welcome the Government of Indias announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot and it is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again, the statement said.

We believe the US-India partnership has made meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership, it added.
Iran on Saturday executed a man who was sentenced to death after being convicted of working with Israels intelligence services, the judiciary said.

The death sentence was carried out this morning against a spy of the Zionist regime in Zahedan prison in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, the judiciarys Mizan Online website said.

It did not identify the man but said he had been convicted of intelligence cooperation and espionage for the benefit for the hostile Zionist regime (Israel) He was also found guilty of collecting and providing classified information to the Mossad spy service with the aim of disrupting public order, Mizan added.

It was not immediately clear when or where the man was arrested or put on trial. Iran has previously announced the arrests of alleged agents working for foreign countries, including Israel, its regional arch-foe.

In December 2022, the Islamic republic hanged four people who had been convicted of collaborating with Israels intelligence services. Iran does not recognise Israel and the two countries have engaged in a shadow war for years.

Tehran accuses Israel of carrying out a wave of sabotage attacks and assassinations targeting its nuclear programme. The United States and Israel accuse Iran of using drones and missiles to attack US forces and Israel-linked ships in the Gulf.

According to human rights groups, including Amnesty International, Iran executes more people per year than any other nation except China. In a November report, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group said the Islamic republic had executed more than 600 people so far this year, marking the highest figure in eight years. Iran generally carries out executions by hanging.
Shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced the suspension of passage through a Red Sea strait vital for global commerce. This comes after Yemens Houthi rebels escalated attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas war.

Israeli-linked vessels have been targeted, but the threat to trade has grown as container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia have been attacked or drawn missile fire while traversing the waterway between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Around 10 percent of the worlds trade passes through the Red Sea, according to The Associated Press.

WHO IS ATTACKING SHIPS IN THE RED SEA AND WHY?

The Houthis are Iranian-backed rebels who swept down from their northern stronghold in Yemen and seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, launching a grinding war against a Saudi-led coalition seeking to restore the government. They have targeted ships in the region. Notably, the attacks have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. They have used drones and anti-ship missiles to attack vessels and in one case used a helicopter to seize an Israeli-owned ship.

They have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. The numerous attacks originating from Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen threaten international navigation and maritime security, in grave contravention of international law, the European Union foreign policy office said.

WHY IS THE RED SEA IMPORTANT?

The Red Sea has the Suez Canal at its northern end and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end leading into the Gulf of Aden. Its a busy waterway with ships traversing the Suez Canal to bring goods between Asia and Europe.

A significant portion of Europes energy supplies, like oil and diesel fuel, come through that waterway, said John Stawpert, senior manager of environment and trade for the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents 80% of the worlds commercial fleet. So do food products like palm oil and grain and anything else brought over on container ships, which is most of the worlds manufactured products.

HOW ARE HOUTHI ATTACKS AFFECTING TRADE?

Copenhagen-based Maersk said recent attacks on commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers. It noted a missile was fired at but missed one of its container ships traveling from Oman to Saudi Arabia on Thursday. We have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice, the company said in statement Friday, referring to the narrow waterway that separates Yemen from East Africa and leads north to the Red Sea.

The company says its monitoring the security situation and is working to minimize the effect on customers. Shipper Hapag-Lloyd, whose vessel was attacked Friday, said it was pausing its ships through the Red Sea until Monday and will decide for the period thereafter. Some Israeli-linked vessels have started taking the longer route around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, said Noam Raydan, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. That lengthens the trip from around 19 days to 31 days depending on vessel speed, increasing costs and adding delays, she said.

The global oil market has shrugged off the most recent attacks. Prices have fallen, and the market is more worried about weak demand in major economies. The single biggest immediate impact of the Houthi escalation has been increased insurance costs. Recent attacks show the increased threat to vessels in the Red Sea and represent a significant impediment to commercial shipping in the region, said Munro Anderson, head of operations for Vessel Protect, which assesses war risks at sea and provides insurance with backing from Lloyds, whose members make up the worlds largest insurance marketplace.

Insurance Cost Doubled

There is a further degree of instability facing commercial operators within the Red Sea which is likely to continue to see heightened rates across the short to medium term, he said. Insurance costs have doubled for shippers moving through the Red Sea, which can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to a journey for the most expensive ships, said David Osler, insurance editor for Lloyds List Intelligence, which provides analysis for the global maritime industry. For Israeli ship owners, they have gone up even more  by 250%  and some insurers wont cover them at all, he said.

While shippers are applying a so-called war risk charge of USD 50 to USD 100 per container to customers bringing over everything from grain to oil to things you buy off Amazon, thats a low enough fee that it should not drive up prices for consumers, he said. Osler expects insurance costs to keep rising but said the situation would have to get a lot worse  such as the loss of several ships  to raise prices considerably and make some ship owners rethink moving through the region. At the moment, its just an inconvenience that the system can handle, he said. Nobody likes to be paying hundreds of thousands of dollars more, but you can live with it if you have to.

(With agency inputs)
The Israeli army said its troops shot and killed three hostages on Friday after mistakenly identifying them as a threat. During combat in Shejaiya (a battleground neighbourhood of Gaza City), the IDF (army) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed, the army said in a statement.

Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field, it added, expressing deep remorse over the tragic incident.

During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified 3 Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed. 1/1 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 15, 2023

Who are they

The Israeli army said their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination where it was confirmed that they were 3 Israeli hostages and were identified. The IDF identified the hostages as Yotam Haim and Alon Shamriz, both taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamass October 7 attack, and Samer El-Talalqa, who was taken from Kibbutz Nir Am.

This is an unbearable tragedy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. The entire State of Israel mourns this evening. My heart goes out to the grieving families in their difficult time.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:Together with the entire people of Israel, I bow my head in deep sorrow and mourn the death of three of our hostages, including Yotam Haim and Samer Fouad Talalka.  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 15, 2023

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said the military bears responsibility for everything that happened. We believe that the three Israelis either escaped or were abandoned by terrorists who held them captive, he said, adding: We still dont know these details.

Hamas kidnapped around 250 hostages during its October 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,139 people, according to official figures. Israels retaliatory war against the group has killed more than 18,700 people, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli government has promised to bring home all of the hostages as one of its chief war aims.

Biden Briefed

US President Joe Biden was briefed on Friday by his national security team about Israeli forces mistakenly killing three hostages in Gaza, according to White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Its heartbreaking, its tragic, Kirby said.

Kirby said the US expected Israel would conduct an investigation to better understand the circumstances that lead to Israeli troops mistakenly killing the captives. He added that at the moment too little was known about the incident to make some sort of broad judgment about the specific circumstances here.

(With agency inputs)
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir sought American support for its planned military assault against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during a highly-anticipated official visit to the US. The high-stakes talks, attended by top US officials, covered intelligence cooperation, democracy restoration, and maintaining peaceful relations with neighbouring nations, including India.

During his first official tour to America, General Munir engaged in key discussions with top US officials, including State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary General Llyod Austin. The talks cantered on bilateral, global and regional security issues. Sources from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) told CNN News18 that General Munir stressed the significance of comprehending regional security perspectives, stressing the resolution of the Kashmir Issue in line with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The US reportedly promised to extend support for Pakistans military actions against TTP and other terrorists along the Pak-Afghan border. During the talks, intelligence cooperation and assistance were assured to Pakistan to bolster its operations in the region. In return, American officials emphasised the restoration of complete democratic governance in Pakistan, urging free and fair elections. The top US officials also encouraged Pakistan to uphold peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, with a specific reference to India.

General Munirs visit comes as Pakistan slowly plods its way towards the general elections slated to take place on February 8. There is uncertainty if the polls will be held on time due to security issues and the severe winter. Taliban militants in the country have increased their attacks against Pakistan since Afghanistan came under Taliban control in 2021.

Both Pakistan and the US share the view that Kabul has failed to keep its word to not allow militants to use its soil. The increase in the attacks during election seasons makes electioneering more daunting and hazardous. Adding to that, Pakistans political and security situation has been compounded due to economic vulnerability and it narrowly avoided the default only after the International Monetary Fund agreed to provide a USD 3 billion loan.
After six seasons and three casts, Peter Morgans opulent fiction The Crownabout the life of Queen Elizabeth II has ended. The ending of the sentimental series has reportedly been in the creators mind since the beginning, however, the Netflix show shifted slightly after the Queens death and concluded with Prince Charless long-awaited marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles.

Now King, Charles and Camilla tied the knot in 2005 after their lengthy love affair after first meeting in 1970. The late Queen, who was initially hesitant about their relationship, also reportedly gave her blessing to the nuptial.

Although Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh didnt attend the wedding itself, they turned up for church service afterwards.

In its final instalment, The Crown showed dramatised scenes of Charless proposal and subsequent request for the Queens approval to marry Camilla as the couple faced scrutiny following Princess Dianas death in 1997 as well as the fallout faced by the Royal Family over its response.

It documented the initial reserve within the royal family around the couples wedding, with both Prince William and Prince Harry giving their approval first before the Queen gave the go-ahead to the marriage.

Did Queen Approve Of the Marriage?

However, several reports suggest that the Queen, after all, did approve of her eldest sons second marriage, despite initial cynicism.

According to a report by The News, former royal butler Grant Harrold revealed Queen Elizabeth was heavily involved in the planning of Charles and Camillas wedding at Windsor Guildhall.

Queen was full of love for Charles and his new wife and secretly went above and beyond to cement her approval, the report quoted Harrold, who worked within Charles household for seven years between 2004 and 2011, as saying.

In an interview with Guides For Brides, Harold revealed that the late monarch played a huge part in organising important wedding details on the day, from the flowers to Charles and Camillas wedding rings

The Queen also gave a hilarious speech at the newlyweds reception, according to the former royal aide.

I remember walking to St Georges Hall for the reception, where they had drinks. The Queen had not attended the actual service but she gave a speech at the reception, which was seen as a big sign of her approval to the marriage, Harrold said sharing his knowledge about the event.

I cant remember her exact words but she was funny. She compared their relationship to a Grand National horse race. She was a great comedian and had a way with words, he added.

Timeline of Charles and Camillas Relationship
US President Joe Bidens job approval rating has reached a record low of 33%, according to a poll by Washington-based think tank Pew Research Center. This figure is the lowest recorded since he assumed office.

A third of Americans approve of Bidens handling of his job as president, while 64% disapprove. The share who approve of Bidens performance is down 5 percentage points since January 2023, the think tank said.

Bidens rating is particularly down among Democrats and Democratic leaners over this year. While 61% of Democrats approve of his job performance, that reflects a 9-point drop since January. Among registered Republicans and Republican-leaning individuals, approval remains at 7%.

About half of Republican voters (51%) say the campaign for the GOP nomination has been focused on the right issues, while 45% say it has not. Dive into our full report: https://t.co/ePKOG8knAf pic.twitter.com/yKRV58dCKO Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) December 16, 2023

Lack of confidence in Biden

The decline is particularly notable, with a 12-point decrease in approval among Democrats since October last year, The New York Post reported. Black Americans express 52% approval of Bidens Oval Office performance, while Hispanics and Asians are less approving, with 33% and 37%, respectively.

The lack of confidence in Bidens ability to handle various issues, including economic and immigration policy, is evident in the Pew survey. Confidence, especially in uniting the country, is notably low at 24%. Confidence in economic policy decisions stands at 36%, while immigration issues garner 32%. The poll surveyed 5,203 adults from November 27 to December 3.

Pew Research Centers findings coincide with warnings by a recent Wall Street Journal poll. According to that survey, only 37% of voters approve of Bidens Oval Office performance, with 61% holding an unfavorable view. Notably, the same poll positions former President Donald Trump ahead of Biden by four points in a head-to-head matchup and by six points when independent candidates are considered.
A US-based extremist cleric who is believed to have inspired the London terror attack has called on American Muslims to wage Jihad against the infidel West. In a video making rounds on social media, he blamed the United States led by senile Pharaoh President Joe Biden for the genocide in Palestine.

51-year-old Ahmad Musa Jibril, a radical Islamist preacher from the US state of Michigan, is seen in videos asking Muslim Americans to turn away from a mellowed version of American-Zionist Islam that rejects the idea of Jihad. Yes, there is holy war in Islam, it is Jihad, Jibril was quoted as saying by The New York Post (NYP), in one clip posted on X.

This may be a surprise to many who grew up in the West, especially those who were born or grew up post-9/11, because of the growing number of hypocrites, who are spreading the American-Zionist Islam, and it has nothing to do with Islam, that version of Islam is and Islam that suits the enemies.

Israel-Hamas conflict

This threat comes in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Israel says 116 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. Meanwhile, over 18,700 Palestinians have been killed since Israel declared war on Hamas, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The high death toll in Gaza has led to severe anger in Muslim-majority nations.

The FBI this week warned Americans of potential violence perpetuated by lone actors over the holidays. US security agencies issued a public service announcement saying the war will heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter. It said large gatherings throughout the holidays might be a convenient target for those inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities.

Wake-up call

In one of the videos, the US-based hardline preacher addressed the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, saying it should be viewed as a wake-up call for young Muslims in the US to start normalising Jihad. Jihad must be a common, normal term on your tongues, on your social media, and in the mosques and elsewhere, Jibril said.

He also attacked Biden, whom he labeled a terrorist, and his administrations policy toward Israel. You have seen that senile Pharaoh of our time, he has lost his mind of everything, except his loyalty and support for Jewish occupiers, the extremist cleric said. He claimed that with the war raging in the Middle East, now is the time for young people to understand that the infidel West, particularly the US, are the enemies of Muslims. Jibril insisted that Muslim mothers should nurse their infants with the love of Jihad and the ambition to become a mujahid and a martyr.

Earlier, US-based Newsweek reported that security experts had named Jibril as one of the most influential online recruiters for ISIS nearly a decade ago. Jibril had been calling on young people to travel to Syria and join the ranks of ISIS. He was convicted of 42 criminal counts in 2014, including conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, and possession of firearms and ammunition, the NYP report said. The US extremist cleric was sentenced to more than six years in a high-security federal prison, from which he was released in 2012, the report added.
The Israeli army said its troops shot and killed three hostages on Friday after mistakenly identifying them as a threat. During combat in a battleground neighbourhood of Gaza City, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat.

Israeli Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said the military bears responsibility for everything that happened. Hamas kidnapped around 250 hostages during its October 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,139 people. Qatar, Egypt, and the US mediated a truce that lasted seven days, from Nov. 24 to 30, which included the release of 105 Hamas hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians from Israeli jails.

Hostage Recuse Main Aim

The Israeli government has repeatedly said that bringing home all of the hostages is one of its chief war aims. I would like to clarify: The return of our hostages is a main goal. We are not relenting in our efforts even for a moment, even at this moment, the office of Prime Minister Minister of Israel said in a statement on Thursday.

I would like to clarify: The return of our hostages is a main goal. We are not relenting in our efforts even for a moment, even at this moment. Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 14, 2023

20 Died in Hamas Captivity

On Friday, Israel said that 20 are confirmed dead, with the recovery of eight bodies. Government spokesperson Eylon Levy said Hamas currently holds the bodies of 20 hostages. We know that they have been murdered in captivity.

Levy, however, refrained from commenting on potential negotiations for the release of captives but stressed that Israel remained determined to bring them out of the Gaza Strip alive at the earliest.

132 remain in Gaza  not all are alive

132 hostages remain in Gaza  not all of them alive  after 105 civilians were released from Hamas captivity during a weeklong truce in late November, The Times of Israel reported. The remaining hostages in Gaza are 113 men and 19 women, including two minors and 10 people over 75 years old.

Hamas holds 132 hostages since 10/7 (13 males, 19 females; 2 children, 10 aged 75+; 121 Israelis, 11 foreigners)Down by 3 after three bodies rescuedIncludes 20 bodies of murdered hostages110 captivity survivors, 8 bodies repatriated5 missing persons since 10/7 pic.twitter.com/4RuVVGToRH Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) December 15, 2023

Of the 132 hostages, 110 have been released so far, including 86 Israelis and 24 of other nationalities. As war continues to ravage Gaza, the Islamist group on Sunday warned that none of the hostages could be released unless Israel agreed to exchange them for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

(With agency inputs)
KIGALI, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has secured 268 million U.S. dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to confront climate shocks, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday.

The funding, approved on Thursday under the new Standby Credit Facility, will also be used to boost balance of payments, the ministry said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

A statement by the IMF said Rwanda's commitment to building a resilient and greener economy is commendable and required to be sustained.

"Enhancing social protection programs, improving human capital accumulation, and promoting private sector-led economic diversification will be critical to navigate challenging times and advance living standards," the statement said.

"Maintaining the momentum on Resilience and Sustainability Facility-supported climate-related reforms including green taxonomy will help close adaptation gaps and increase resilience to climate-induced shocks," it added.

The IMF noted that Rwanda demonstrated its ability to catalyze additional climate finance and promote collaborations between the public and private sectors during the recent 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

It said that despite the challenging environment, Rwanda's progress on the climate agenda "remains exceptionally strong." 
COLOMBO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka would attract foreign direct investment (FDI) worth 2.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, state media reported on Saturday quoting State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama.

With two weeks left in 2023, Sri Lanka has already attracted over 1.8 billion dollars in FDI, the state minister said.

Agreements on another four projects will be signed in the coming days, bringing the FDI to 2.3 billion dollars, Amunugama said.

The economic stability and steps taken to encourage FDI by the government were the main reasons for the increase, he said.

Despite the economic crisis, the Board of Investment has been able to attract FDI of 1.75 billion dollars, exceeding the targeted amount of 1 billion dollars for 2022, Amunugama told a press conference in July. 
STUNG by ongoing recalls of its Members of Parliament and councillors and still riled by its defeat in the August harmonised elections, the desperate Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction led by Nelson Chamisa is plotting anarchy to destabilise the peace prevailing in the country, The Sunday Mail has gathered.

CCC is in the throes of a devastating internal crisis that has seen the partys interim secretary-general Mr Sengezo Tshabangu recalling dozens of legislators and councillors due to internal squabbles in the structure-less opposition.

With Mr Tshabangu promising more recalls, CCC members loyal to Mr Chamisa have been left in a quagmire and are now seeking to export their confusion to the nation.

Information gathered by The Sunday Mail indicates that Mr Chamisas CCC faction has been holding meetings in various provinces across the country, urging youths to engage in sporadic demonstrations.

CCCs mobiliser Mr Amos Chibaya convened a provincial meeting in Belvedere, Harare, telling the partys supporters that the demonstrations will attract the international communitys attention.

He also told them that the demonstrations will seek to precede Mr Chamisas so-called diplomatic offensive to capture international attention and besmirch President Mnangagwas administration.

In Masvingo, The Sunday Mail also gathered that Mr Simon Ziki, a CCC member, is mobilising youths and plans to visit the provinces 26 constituencies.

Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet and Presidential Spokesperson Mr George Charamba warned those planning the demonstrations that the full wrath of the law would catch up with them.

Clearly, this is premeditated violence by the CCC, hoping to boost their leaders so-called foreign mission to subvert Zimbabwe. Let him be rest assured that it will abort, he said.

Mr Promise Mkwananzi, the CCC spokesperson, last night denied they are plotting demostrations.

Last weekend, the country held by-elections to fill nine national assembly and 12 local authority seats that fell vacant following the recalls done in October, with ZANU PF clinching seven of the parliamentary seats.

In November, Mr Tshabangu made an additional 18 recalls of legislators from CCC in the National Assembly and Senate.

By-elections for the 18 vacant seats will be held on February 3, 2024. Sunday Mail
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art announced Friday that it will return 16 major artworks connected to a trafficker to Cambodia and Thailand. The Cambodian government maintains that the Met has dozens of items that have been taken since the 1970s and has pressured the museum to return them, the New York Times reports. The Met agreed to repatriate 14 major Khmer-era antiquities to Cambodia and two to Thailand. "We appreciate this first step in the right direction," said a statement by Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. "We look forward to further returns and acknowledgments of the truth regarding our lost national treasures."

Investigators had tied the pieces to Douglas Latchford, an art dealer and Met donor who was indicted in 2019, accused of running a scheme to sell looted Cambodian antiquities on the international market. He died in 2020. The museum has cooperated with the investigation, and it repatriated two pieces traced to Latchford in 2013, per the AP. The Met expanded its South and Southeast Asian galleries beginning in the 1970s with the help of Latchford. Many of the pieces he donated to the museum were stolen, Cambodia said. (The Met also returned artworks to Italy and Egypt last year.)

One piece being repatriated to Cambodia depicts a seated Buddha. A looter claimed to have found it in a field before it ended up in Latchford's hands; he then sold it to the Met. "The act of return is an act of healing for our nation," Cambodia's minister of culture and fine arts said. Some of the pieces will remain on display at the Met while arrangements are being made for their return. (Read more antiquities stories.)
Elise Stefanik filed a complaint Friday against a federal judge who's ruled on cases involving the Jan. 6 riot and former President Donald Trump, alleging the judge engaged in "judicial misconduct," reports the Hill . The GOP congresswoman is now calling for an ethics probe into US District Judge Beryl Howell, on the heels of a speech Howell gave in November at a Women's White Collar Defense Association event. In that speech, Howell called out the "big lies" around the 2020 election that had driven the 2021 attack on the US Capitol, noting that "big lies are springboards for authoritarians."

Howellwho has issued rulings on Jan. 6 defendants and overseen the grand jury for the Trump indictment brought by special counsel Jack Smith, per NBC Newsdidn't specifically mention Trump in her speech, but Stefanik, a Trump loyalist, is making some inferences on Howell's words. In her complaint filed with DC Court of Appeals Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan, Stefanik calls Howell's speech "highly inappropriate," noting it was filled with "partisan statements, election interference, and improper extrajudicial statements while criminal cases are pending."

Stefanik also accused Howell in her complaint of "[insinuating] the election of President Trump will lead to fascism in America." Stefanik, who was one of nearly 150 Republicans who voted on Jan. 6, 2021, against certifying the 2020 Election in favor of Joe Biden, has also filed an ethics complaint against Judge Arthur Engoron, a judge now presiding over Trump's $250 million civil fraud case in New York. Howell also just wrapped up overseeing the defamation case against former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. (Read more Elise Stefanik stories.)
The US said earlier this month that Russia recently rejected a "substantial offer" to free two Americans, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan. According to Vladimir Putin, however, he's still open-minded on striking a deal, noting during his annual end-of-year presser on Thursday that he hopes to "find a solution" on the two detained Americans, reports CBS News . "We have contacts on this matter with our American partners, there's a dialogue on this issue," Putin said, per the AP . "It's not easy."

The Russian president declined to get into the minutiae of these conversations, but said "in general, it seems to me that we're speaking a language each of us understands." The Journal notes that these are Putin's first public comments on Gershkovich. Gershkovich has been in Russian custody since March, when he was detained and accused of espionage; his fourth appeal to be released pretrial was rejected on Thursday by a Moscow court. Whelan has been detained since December 2018, also on espionage charges. Both men deny those charges.

The US, however, isn't so sure that Putin's conciliatory-sounding declarations are on the up-and-up. "We would welcome them negotiating in good faith," State Department rep Matthew Miller told reporters on Thursday, per the Journal, but "if Vladimir Putin is serious about this, all he has to do is look at the proposals that we have made to secure their release, which were significant proposals that were made in good faith and, I think, showed the willingness and the determination of the United States to bring both Paul and Evan home." Miller added, "We very much want a deal." (Read more Evan Gershkovich stories.)
Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to spread. US Central Command said that the destroyer USS Carney "successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems" launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, per the AP . The drones "were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," Central Command tweeted . UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that the HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was "targeting merchant shipping." The overnight action is the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the 1991 Gulf War.

Shapps said attacks on commercial ships in the global trade artery by Yemen's Houthi rebels "represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security." "The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade," he said in a statement. The HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the US, France, and other countries. Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which, like the Houthis is backed by Iran. Houthi rebels said they fired a barrage of drones on Saturday toward the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. The announcement came hours after Egypt's state-run media reported that Egyptian air defense had shot down a "flying object" off the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea.

Earlier this month, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. A US warship shot down three drones during the assault, the US military said. French container shipping line CMA CGM Group said Saturday it had ordered all its vessels scheduled to pass through the Red Sea to "pause their journey in safe waters with immediate effect until further notice." On Friday, Maersk, one of the world's largest shipping companies, also told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to stop their journeys after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship. German-based shipper Hapag-Lloyd said it was pausing all its container ship traffic through the Red Sea until Monday.

(Read more Houthis stories.)
This undated file photo shows a displaying area of the Modular Electric Drive Matrix at Volkswagen Anhui. (Xinhua)

HEFEI, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- In Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, Volkswagen Anhui's MEB plant is buzzing with activity as more than 1,000 robots are engaged in the production of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Next to the production plant, two supplier parks have been set up, with 18 partners already moving in.

In just two and a half years, Volkswagen has built a new hub in Hefei, covering the complete value chain from R&D to manufacturing, sales and services of NEV.

"We are specifically utilizing new technologies and the outstanding infrastructure of Anhui," said Erwin Gabardi, CEO of Volkswagen Anhui. "We will also benefit from this innovative strength."

Volkswagen is among the global companies that have been consistently increasing investment in China's emerging industries. As China is promoting industrial innovation with technological innovation, more high-quality, high-end, and technologically innovative industries are becoming the new magnet for foreign investment.

Data from the Ministry of Commerce showed the actual use of foreign investment in manufacturing rose 1.9 percent year on year to 283.44 billion yuan (about 39.84 billion U.S. dollars) during the first 10 months of 2023, with that in high-tech manufacturing logging an increase of 9.5 percent.

"Take Anhui as an example, foreign enterprises here have expressed definite willingness to expand investment in industries including high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy and other related sectors," said Wang Yaping, deputy general manager of Deloitte Hefei Branch.

According to a market survey of the company, the upgrading of China's consumer market and the enhancement of sci-tech innovation have continuously strengthened foreign enterprises' willingness to seek new businesses in China, Wang added.

As one of the most representative emerging industries of China, the booming NEV industry has attracted global automakers to expand investment and build a complete industrial chain in recent years.

With an investment exceeding 7.5 billion yuan, Volkswagen is establishing the Volkswagen Group China Technology Company in 2023, which will become the largest development center outside Germany upon completion. Last month, the company announced plans to develop its first China-specific electric automobile platform.

"Over the years, we have consistently invested in facilities and platforms to support the NEV production, R&D, and sales and services. With our 'in China for China' strategy, we will develop much more technology here in the future. We will make better use of local innovative strength and respond more quickly to the needs of Chinese customers," Gabardi told Xinhua.

In May 2023, BMW Group's joint venture in China, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., began the construction of a new battery production plant in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Besides the NEV industry, China's innovative development in fields including biological medicine and digital economy has also provided sustained impetus to foreign investment.

"We will continue to develop in China, actively promote sci-tech innovation, and constantly explore new opportunities in new fields," said Liu Zhifei, president and general manager of Corning Greater China.

In September 2023, Corning opened its Advanced Flow Pharmaceutical Technology (AFPT) facility in a biomedical industrial park in Suzhou City of Jiangsu Province. The AFPT services will provide faster methods for identifying effective compounds during early-stage research and will help shorten drug development timelines.

Industry insiders believe that besides the boom in emerging industries, one of the key factors that will encourage foreign enterprises to stay and develop well in China is the building of a world-class business environment.

The central and local governments have introduced a raft of measures to build a first-class business environment. Anhui Province, for example, has rolled out targeted policies and measures to support foreign enterprises in setting up R&D centers, said Zhang Rui, an official with the Anhui provincial department of commerce.

"The local government has provided us with a fertile market environment and unwavering support," Gabardi said. "They have rolled out preferential policies that can fuel the rapid progress of our project and have supported our recruitment and nurturing of talents."

According to a survey conducted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade during the third quarter this year, over 80 percent of the surveyed companies say they are satisfied with the business environment in China. 

This undated file photo shows the exterior of Corning's Advanced Flow Pharmaceutical Technology (AFPT) facility in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom of Bahrains celebration of its national days, the anniversary of His Majesty the Kings Accession to the Throne, and the accompanying national events were featured by Google, the popular internet search engine, in an animated doodle.

On visiting the website, the kingdoms flag is seen hoisted against the backdrop of a blue sky. An animated display of fireworks in the colour of the fluttering flag appears when users click on the doodle. A page showing results on the national day of Bahrain also appears when the doodle is clicked. A tab at the top of the page contains a brief on the occasion.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain bubbles with excitement on National Day as people celebrate the country's achievements," it says. It mentioned that Bahraini culture and history date back to prehistoric times.

On the celebrations marking the occasion, the brief says: "Entertainers of all kinds put on performances, and citizens attend laser light displays, magic shows, and contests. Bahrainis also mark the event with cultural displays including art, language, and musical performances like Fjiri, which commemorates the nations pearling legacy."

"The colours of Bahrains flag, as shown in todays Doodle, can be seen across the country. Red and white lights shine onto landmarks like the Riffa Clock Tower, and hanging lights twinkle from buildings and trees. The night ends with fireworks bursting in the sky, but dont worry, the festivities will continue tomorrow! Happy National Day, Bahrain."
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council's arms embargo measures should be viewed and implemented accurately to prevent such measures from impeding capacity-building in the countries concerned, said a Chinese envoy on Friday.

The fact that Haitian gangs are rampant is inextricably linked to the illicit inflows of foreign weapons. All countries, especially those in the region, should effectively implement the Security Council's arms embargo on the Haitian gangs. At the same time, the council's arms embargo measures are meant to help the countries concerned restore national stability and normal social order, and should not impede capacity-building efforts in the countries concerned, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

The Security Council should make targeted adjustments to its arms embargo measures in light of the developments on the ground so as to help the countries concerned bolster their security capacity, he told a Security Council open debate on the impact of small arms and light weapons on peace and security.

The issue of small arms and light weapons bears on peace and development. The problem of illicit trafficking, misuse, and irresponsible transfer of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition remains severe, and is intertwined with armed conflict, terrorism, and transnational organized crime, posing serious threats to international peace and security, said Zhang.

States should assume the primary responsibility for the management, development, use, and transfer of small arms and light weapons, and improve relevant laws and regulations, and enhance law enforcement and control, he said.

"In particular, major arms-exporting countries should set a good example by strictly managing their military equipment exports and should stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries through the arms trade, stop pouring oil on the flames in conflict-affected areas, and stop transferring arms to nonstate actors," he said.

The lax gun control and severe gun violence problems of a certain developed country have not only jeopardized its own social stability and the safety and security of its own people, but have also caused growing spillover effects, creating major troubles for other countries. This certain country needs to seriously reflect on this issue and change its course of action, said Zhang.

The Chinese ambassador also stressed the need to eliminate the root causes of arms proliferation.

Development is the cornerstone of peace and security. Regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel are economically underdeveloped, and local populations live in poverty and suffer tremendously from the scourge caused by the spread of weapons, conflict and violence. The international community should help the countries concerned enhance their capacity for sustainable development, so as to allow more people to enjoy the dividends of development, thereby stemming the problem at its root, he said.

"By embracing the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, all countries should stay committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and resort to dialogue and consultation to collectively tackle global and regional security threats, such as war, conflict, terrorism, and organized crime," he said.

The United Nations should continue to promote the implementation of relevant international legal instruments, and should enhance the authority, universality, and effectiveness of relevant mechanisms. The Security Council should continue to monitor the impact of small arms and light weapons on regional hot-spot issues and provide political support for the peaceful settlement of disputes, said Zhang.

China has always actively participated in the governance of the global arms trade and has taken a prudent and responsible approach toward arms exports. China has defined cooperation in small arms and light weapons control and the implementation of the Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative as key areas of cooperation under its Global Security Initiative. China has been working hand in hand with other countries within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the China-UN Peace and Development Fund in this regard. China has completed its legal procedures of ratifying the Firearms Protocol and will submit its instrument of accession shortly, he said. "All these reflect China's determination and sincerity in safeguarding the international arms control system and in supporting multilateralism."

Addressing the issue of small arms and light weapons is a long-term task and an important mission for the international community, said Zhang.

"Following the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and acting on the Global Security Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, China has been working to combat the illicit trafficking, misuse, and irresponsible transfer of small arms and light weapons, thus contributing to the maintenance of international peace and stability and the realization of common security for all," he said. 
Craig Allen, president of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC), addresses the jubilee gala marking the 50th anniversary of USCBC in Washington, D.C., the United States, Dec. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

The past 50 years have witnessed the two countries' persistent and joint pursuit of partnership and mutual benefit despite the twists and turns, Xi said, expressing hope that the USCBC and its member companies will build more bridges for friendly exchanges between the two countries, cultivate more bonds for practical cooperation, and help write a new chapter of win-win cooperation in the next 50 years.



by Xiong Maoling, Hu Yousong

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) celebrated its 50th anniversary Thursday evening, reflecting on the past 50 years of the U.S.-China commercial relationship while looking forward to the next half-century.

Craig Allen, president of the USCBC, looked back at the council's history at a gala dinner. "To this day, the mission of USCBC remains unchanged. Our mission is to advocate for American companies doing business in China, to expand the overall bilateral U.S.-China commercial relationship," Allen told an audience of over 500 leaders from the U.S. business, political, diplomatic, and academic communities.

In a congratulatory message to the USCBC's Jubilee Gala, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the world is undergoing major transformation unseen in a century. Whether China and the United States can work hand in hand to tackle the challenges together concerns the interests of the two peoples and the future of humanity, Xi said.

The past 50 years have witnessed the two countries' persistent and joint pursuit of partnership and mutual benefit despite the twists and turns, Xi said, expressing hope that the USCBC and its member companies will build more bridges for friendly exchanges between the two countries, cultivate more bonds for practical cooperation, and help write a new chapter of win-win cooperation in the next 50 years.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng addresses the jubilee gala marking the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) in Washington, D.C., the United States, Dec. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

On the same day, U.S. President Joe Biden also sent a congratulatory message to the USCBC event, appreciating the USCBC's five decades of effort in supporting commercial relations between the two countries.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng, and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns attended the gala dinner and delivered speeches.

"The most heartwarming development recently is the successful summit meeting between President Xi and President Biden in San Francisco. It has added stability to China-U.S. relations at a critical moment, and injected positive energy into a turbulent and transforming world," Xie said.

Xie said that it is important to honor commitments, and implement the common understandings reached at the San Francisco summit, to keep business cooperation from being politicized, to complement each other, and to expand the list of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Allen, in his remarks, said that "history teaches us that economics underpins global geopolitical stability and that attempts to undermine economic interdependence can lead to greater global geopolitical instability."

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the USCBC is a non-governmental trade organization established by the U.S. side before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It has long been committed to promoting the development of China-U.S. relations and bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

The council now represents more than 200 American companies that do business with China.




The Anambra State Police Command said it has rescued four children of the same family kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.





This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Saturday by the commands spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga.





Ikenga said, On December 15, 2023, at about 2300, the police at Abagana received information via the police hotline that suspected herdsmen had abducted four children from a family at Achalla Village, Enugwu Agidi in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.





The caller, who is the mother of the children, disclosed that the family was watching television at about 2200 hrs (10 pm.) when the light suddenly went out.





The man of the house went out to find out what was amiss and the wife followed him. They observed three gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and fled for their dear lives.





By the time they summoned the courage to return to the house, they discovered that their four children who were already asleep had been abducted by the gunmen.





He added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, on receiving the report, immediately ordered the mobilisation of police personnel and vigilantes to go after the kidnappers to rescue the children.





According to him, the children were found on December 16 close to Urum, 25 kilometres away from their home in Achala village, Enugwu-Agidi.





The four children aged 13, 14, 21 and 21 years, were rescued close to Urum, 25 kilometres away from their home in Achala village, Enugwu-Agidi.





They have been reunited with their parents while the dragnet for the armed herdsmen is being extended to neighbouring communities.





The Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to those engaged in kidnapping their fellow humans for money that when caught, they will be treated worse than armed robbers.





Meanwhile security has been beefed up in the area to forestall a re-occurrence, the statement added.
Andry Rajoelina (C), re-elected president of Madagascar, attends an inauguration ceremony in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Dec. 16, 2023. Re-elected President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar on Saturday pledged to lead the country to "build a stronger and more prosperous nation." (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

ANTANANARIVO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Re-elected President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar on Saturday pledged to lead the country to "build a stronger and more prosperous nation."

"I pledge to lead Madagascar with determination to build a stronger and more prosperous nation, and to work for its development," Rajoelina said in his national address during an inauguration ceremony in Barea Stadium, in Antananarivo, the capital city.

Declared on Dec. 1 by the High Constitutional Court as winner of the Nov. 16 presidential election with 58.96 percents of the votes, Rajoelina hailed the nation's "democratic maturity," noting that the process had been carried out calmly, "a sign of a nation which is determined to continue in an environment of peace and stability."

In his speech, Rajoelina mentioned three pillars -- human capital, industrialization and governance -- as part of his program for the next five years, aiming at "producing and transforming locally the daily needs of the population."

Priorities will be given to speeding up industrialization, improving the business climate, training young people and creating jobs to improve living conditions, particularly for the most vulnerable, he added.

Rajoelina also vowed to fight corruption, underlining his firm commitment to the values of integrity, honesty and loyalty.

Rajoelina was the country's president from January 2019 to September 2023. He also served as mayor of Antananarivo. 

Andry Rajoelina, re-elected president of Madagascar, makes a national address during an inauguration ceremony in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Dec. 16, 2023. Re-elected President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar on Saturday pledged to lead the country to "build a stronger and more prosperous nation."(Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

Andry Rajoelina (C), re-elected president of Madagascar, inspects the army during an inauguration ceremony in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Dec. 16, 2023. Re-elected President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar on Saturday pledged to lead the country to "build a stronger and more prosperous nation."(Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)
The Enugu State Government says it will reopen one lane of the Enugu- Portharcourt expressway bridge for use by December 24.

The State Commissioner for Works, Gerald Otiji, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Enugu on Friday.

NAN reports that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State had on November 9, announced that the Federal Government would commence the reconstruction work on the collapsed bridge.

He said the reconstruction would begin with palliative work on the one lane of the bridge that was standing to ensure it was ready for use within the next 10 days.

Otiji told journalists that the Artisan Cattle Market Bridge is being reconstructed by the Federal Ministry of Work in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Works.

With this, we can direct all the trucks to ply the road instead of coming into the state capital.

We are also having a traffic management team that will help to control traffic in the state, he said.

On water supply, the Commissioner urged Enugu people to be patient with the government, pledging that it would do everything possible to ensure that water returned to their taps.

Otiji blamed the stoppage in water reticulation on damage and burst pipes and apologized for every inconvenience it has caused residents.

He explained that the pipes being excavated were the ones laid by Dr Michael Okpara, the Premier of the South-East region about 50 years ago.




A popular Nigerian fashion entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani, recently disclosed that she faced a harrowing experience during surgery, enduring a 10-minute episode of death when her lungs collapsed.





Lawani shared her ordeal on her Instagram page last Friday, revealing that she had been diagnosed with a degenerative spine and a cyst.





In a video clip documenting her journey from the pre-surgery phase to the challenges faced during the procedure, she explained that the surgery involved an implant for the C5 and C6 on her spine.





She recounted, I died for a whole 10 minutes. While I was pregnant with my daughter @kingtinukeleora, I started having serious neck/back/leg pains. And it got to a point where I would get paralyzed on the left side of my body, and I couldnt move at all. I was on painkiller injections all through.





Lawani further revealed the severity of her condition, stating, I was later diagnosed with a degenerative spine and a cyst in my brain. Guys, I died for a whole 10 minutes before they were able to bring me back to life.





My lungs collapsed. I developed Oedema, and from fixing artificial implants in my spine to be able to walk properly again, I went on to developing complications that got me on a tracheostomy tube for three months.
The Israeli army was on Saturday investigating the killing of three hostages which it said had been mistakenly identified as a threat by soldiers, an incident that sparked protests in Tel Aviv.

The military said Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa  all in their 20s  were shot during operations in Gaza City.

They were among about 250 people taken hostage during Hamass October 7 attacks in Israel, which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive military offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement that has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins. The Hamas-run territorys health ministry says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that during fighting in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, troops mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed.

The military said later it had started reviewing the incident and that immediate lessons from the event have been learned and passed on to all troops on the ground.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described their deaths as an unbearable tragedy.

Hundreds of people later gathered outside the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv to call on Netanyahus government to secure the release of 129 hostages still held in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

I am dying of fear, said Merav Svirsky, sister of Hamas-held hostage Itay Svirsky. We demand a deal now.

In November, a one-week truce saw more than 100 hostages freed in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, but fighting has since resumed.

The hostages deaths have heightened already fierce scrutiny of how Israel is conducting its ground and air assault in Gaza.

The White House, which provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, has voiced growing concern over mounting civilian deaths.

I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives  not stop going after Hamas, but be more careful, said US President Joe Biden this week.

News platform Axios said the director of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, was due to meet this weekend in an unspecified location in Europe with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Axios said the officials would discuss resuming negotiations for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

In Gaza, fierce fighting continued.

The Israeli army said Saturday it had raided two schools in Gaza City saying they were Hamas hiding place.

TV network Al Jazeera said Friday that one of its journalists, Samer Abudaqa, had been killed and another, Wael Dahdouh, wounded by shrapnel from an Israeli missile attack in Khan Yunis.

He died hungry, they died with nothing to eat, with hunger. Oh my darling, said his grieving mother, Umm Maher.

More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

We were reporting, we were filming, we had finished and we were with the civil defence, but when we were on the way back, they hit us with a missile, said Dahdouh, who lost his wife, two children and grandchild earlier in the war.

In the face of growing international pressure, Israel announced a temporary measure allowing aid to be delivered directly to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing.

Since the war began, a trickle of aid has squeezed into Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Aid agencies have said the volume is nothing like enough to help the estimated 1.9 million Gazans displaced by the war.

A World Health Organization representative said it was very good news.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah on Friday.

Abbas said Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

But Abbass Palestinian Authority (PA), which has partial administrative control in the West Bank only, is deeply unpopular with Palestinians and has been further weakened by the war.


The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says Ali Kachala Kawaje, a wanted terrorist leader, has been killed in an air strike in Niger state.

In a statement on Friday, Edward Buba, director of media operations at the DHQ, said Kchala was killed alongside 39 fighters, including one Machika, a terrorist bomb expert.

"During the week in focus, air assets conducted aggressive air flights on confirmed locations active with the movement of terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers. Strikes carried out resulted in over 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 of them were arrested," the statement reads.

"Recently, the military conducted two major air strikes on the terrorist enclave. One of the strikes, on Dec 6, neutralized several top terrorist commanders. Namely, one Machika, a top terrorist bomb expert and younger brother of a notorious terrorist (Dogo Gide).

"Other prominent terrorist leaders neutralised include Haro and Dan Muhammadu, both of whom are specialists in kidnapping and assault operations, respectively.

"A renowned terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Ali Alhaji Alheri, popularly called Kachalla Ali Kawaje, was neutralised in Munya LGA of Niger state along with many of his foot soldiers. The military is fast closing in on others, and they will equally suffer the same fate.

"The armed forces are hunting down prominent terrorist leadership and engaging them wherever they are hiding."
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has said that his return to the All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Accord Party is not about succeeding Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in 2027.

Adelabu stated this during his official return to APC at the party secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Adelabu left APC in May 2022 to join Accord Party after failing to secure the governorship ticket of the party.

The minister, while addressing party faithful at the event, said that he and others who left the party with him had formally returned to APC to make the party stronger.

He explained they had earlier left the party based on principle and not because they had problems with APC in the state or with party members.

I returned not because of 2027 governorship ambition or to take over the party, but because I believe this is a party that brought President Bola Tinubu to power, and we need to support him to deliver on his electoral promises.

This is not time for politics; it is time for governance, and Tinubu needs our support for him to succeed and deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda.

I have come back to the party not to take over the party and not to dissolve executives; we have come to the party to extend hands of fellowship and reconciliation.

We are assuring you that we are back for cooperation and collaboration for us to build a strong party so that the party will take over power in the state at the end of the day in 2027, Adelabu said.

In his remarks, APC chairman in the state, Isaac Omodewu, who was represented by the partys secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanike, said that the party is open for reconciliation and ready to listen to all aggrieved members to build a stronger party.

Also speaking, a former deputy governor, Moses Adeyemo, said that the party needs peace and unity of all members for progress.
Sunday Asefon, senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on student engagement, says he will ensure the s#xu@l harassment prohibition bill is signed to end abuse in Nigerias tertiary institutions.

Asefon spoke on Friday when he received representatives of the Nigerian students who presented pens to be used to assent to the bill in Abuja.

The meeting was facilitated by the partnership between the Nigerian students and the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), an organisation working to address gender and s#xu@l violence in the education sector.

The presidential aide said a collective effort is needed to curb s#xu@l harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, adding that the message of the students would be delivered to the president.

I receive these pens in good faith and will deliver the message accordingly. I assure you that the president who is our father, would do the needful on this bill, NAN quoted Asefon as saying.

We have heard a lot of cases of s#xu@l harassment by lecturers on female students and the female students with boldness report these cases but because of the lecturers influence, the cases are swept under the carpet.

This bill will give judgment to criminalise s#xu@l harassment offenders.

And I want to assure you that my office will collaborate to renew the fight against s#xu@l harassment and sex-for-marks in our institutions.

On her part, Benita Olaniyan, former students union president at the University of Abuja, called on the president to prioritise the signing of the bill to stop all forms of abuse and violence in schools.

Education system is supposed to be a safe place for learning but students have been harassed and s#xu@lly molested, Olaniyan said.

The students across higher institutions of learning in this country, in their goodwill, have donated these pens to the president and we believe there will be stricter punishment for offenders.

On November 27, the GMI asked Tinubu to sign the s#xu@l harassment prohibition bill for tertiary institutions into law.

Recently, there have been rising cases of s#xu@l harassment of students by lecturers and secondary school teachers in Nigeria.

In August, students of the University of Calabar called out Cyril Ndifon, the dean of the faculty of law, over allegations of s#xu@l harassment.

The allegation led to the suspension of the dean by the management of the institution.




Indigenes of Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State have expressed their disappointment with the ruling of the Supreme Court, which upturned the ruling of the Appeal Court on IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.





In upholding the Federal Governments appeal on Friday, the Supreme Court held that Kanu must face trial at the Federal High Court.





The Supreme Court, in the judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim but prepared by Justice Garba Lawal, held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to rule that Kanu could not be tried again based on the illegality perpetrated against him by the Federal Government following the invasion of his home.





Also, the court held that although the Nigerian government recklessly and unlawfully renditioned Kanu from Kenya, such an unlawful act has not divested any court from proceeding with the trial.





But speaking to newsmen on Friday evening about the judgement, the people of Afaraukwu Ibeku, the hometown of Mazi Nnamdi, described the Supreme Court ruling as a big disgrace to the Nigerian judiciary and a setback for human rights.





The former President General of Afaraukwu community, Ikechuckwu Ndubueze, said that the ruling delivered by the Supreme Court was in contrast to justice.





He wondered how the same apex court that acknowledged that Kanu was wrongly arrested and brought into Nigeria unlawfully from Kenya could go ahead to quash the earlier ruling by the Appeal Court freeing the IPOB leader.





Ndubueze, who described Nnamdi Kanu as a prophet, said that the Nigerian judiciary was no longer a place for justice, adding that conflicting judgements dished out by post-election courts have vindicated Kanus standpoints.





He warned that nothing must happen to their son, Nnamdi Kanu, in detention, as his kinsmen would not tolerate any harm to him.





According to the President General, the avalanche of injustice in the country has further justified Kanus call for Biafra.





Nnamdi Kanu must certainly come back to Ibekuland, and nothing must happen to him in detention. We, the Ibeku people, are fearless and would never tolerate any harm to our son, he declared.





He wondered why the Federal Government was not respecting human rights laws as enshrined in the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS charters.





It was gathered that many indigenes of Afaraukwu had prepared to stage a big celebration in their homes on Friday but suspended it after the Supreme Court judgement.
Shem Obafiaye, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who made the viral Oga At The Top remark, has been promoted to the rank of deputy commandant-general.

In 2013, Obafiaye, who was then the Lagos commandant of the NSCDC, appeared as a guest on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television breakfast programme, and stuttered when he was asked to provide the website of the NSCDC.

The website is excuse me wait it can only be made known by my Oga at the top, he said, with an index finger pointing skywards and a broad smile to boot.

But there was more after he was pressed to elucidate by the show hosts.

I cannot categorically tell you one now and my Oga at the top would give you another one, he added.

Oga At The Top went viral afterwards and hit the streets to rip-roaring effect.

The phrase instantly became a meme, morphed into danceable tunes for club goers, skit makers could not get enough of it, and it was emblazoned on T-shirts, complete with a caricature of the man behind it all.

Obafiaye was redeployed from the Lagos command of the NSCDC shortly afterwards.

Ten years on and Oga At The Top is getting a promotion.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, decorated Obafiaye alongside two of his colleagues  Fasiu Adeyinka, ex-Kwara commandant; and Raji, former Imo commandant; as deputy commandants-general.

As the chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), I decorated the three new Deputy Commandants General of the NSCDC, the minister said on Wednesday.

On December 1, the federal government approved the promotion of 32,361 personnel of all ranks in the parastatals under the ministry of interior.
Ondo State Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has frozen the accounts of the 18 local government areas and 33 local council development areas, LCDAs.

Reports also state that the acting governor told the newly created LCDA not to open new accounts.

A letter to the local councils reads: Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency the Acting Governor of Ondo State had directed that all spending/ expenditure from local government account should be suspended. No signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive.

Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.

This is worrisome

One of the caretaker chairman disclosed in confidence that the development was worrisome.

Yes, he has blocked the accounts of the local governments. We dont know why hes doing that now, the official said.

Meanwhile, the acting governor, has also said that his Deputy Chief of Staff, Omojuwa Olusegun, will be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.

A letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries reads, The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed me to inform all members of the State Executive Council and Top Government Functionaries that the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.

The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.
Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has claimed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike ignored his counsel.

According to Eze, the law of nature is at work against Wike, who is currently in a battle over who steers Rivers State with Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Eze, in a statement on Saturday, hinted that it is the law of retributive justice working against the Governor, recalling that in 2014, Wike supported five lawmakers led by Evans Bipi to sack 27 lawmakers loyal to Amaechi, then Governor of Rivers State and elected Bipi as Speaker and today five lawmakers have sacked 27 of their colleagues loyal to him.

When I told him that whatever you sow will come after you he ignored my counsel, Eze said.

Eze further recalled that in 2018, when the then Governor of Zamfara State, Governor Bello Matawalle decamped from PDP to APC, Wike was threatening fire and brimstone that he should vacate his office in line with the constitution.

According to Eze, Wike used the same strategy on Dr David Umahi of Ebonyi State and his Cross Rivers State counterpart Ben Ayade when they decamped from PDP to APC.

The constitution is clear and the law must be adhered to and going by that, the decampees have lost their seats at the state legislature, it happened in Cross Rivers State so all the noise about the ex-lawmakers in Rivers State is a noise of no value, the party chief noted.

Eze said after losing the PDP presidential ticket, Ganduje has gone on to ensure that Wike is sent back to the classroom of practical politicking to learn the rudiments.

He has been tricked into thinking that he handed over Rivers State APC to him by wrongly dissolving the Rivers State Chapter and appointing some Wikes loyalists as Caretaker Committee.

By doing so, Ganduje has created the opportunity to deal a heavy blow to the former Rivers Governor and his type of politics, whereas it was a mere ploy to drown him in the deep ocean of politics.

Eze commended Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Tinubu for turning Wike into an unlearned comedian, poor cook, unskilled dancer and untalented entertainer.
KAMPALA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has reopened a key bridge on an international highway connecting it to four other countries.

The Katonga bridge, destroyed by flash floods in May, was restored and upgraded by Chinese Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

The bridge is on the highway connecting Uganda with Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Allan Ssempebwa, the communications officer at Uganda National Roads Authority, told Xinhua by telephone Saturday that the bridge was reopened on Friday.

"When the bridge was washed away, we thought of a quick, efficient company to restore it. CCCC came to our mind because they had done similar work within Uganda," Ssempebwa said.

"With modern technology they were able to build a steel bridge in the shortest time possible to accommodate all types of vehicles," he added.

"This road is very important because it connects Uganda with other regional countries," he said. 




Two men, Rafiu Jamiu, 27, and Adeniyi Oluwaseun, 21, on Friday, appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates Court over alleged stealing and assault.





The defendants, whose addresses were not given, were charged with two-count charges of stealing and assault.





The prosecutor, ASP Caleb Leramo, informed the court that the defendants and others still at large committed the offence on December 4 at about 09:00 pm in Ijero-Ekiti.





Leramo said that the defendants and others at large stole an Infinix phone worth N73,000 belonging to one Miracle Samuel.





According to him, the offences violated Sections 302(1)(a) and 186 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.





The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.





Counsel to the defendants, Mr Gboyega Abiola, urged the court to grant them bail, that they would not jump bail.





The Chief Magistrate, Mr Saka Afunso, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each in like sum.





He adjourned the case until January 12 for a hearing.
President Bola Tinubu says his administration has commenced the process of addressing the issues of double taxation in the country.

According to a statement on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president, media and publicity, Tinubu spoke when he received Christophe Bazivamo, high commissioner of Rwanda, at the state house in Abuja.

The president also received letters of credence from Lorand Endreffy, ambassador of Hungary; Bazivamo, and Ivan Kholostenko, ambassador of Ukraine, Ivan Kholostenko.

Speaking during the visit, Tinubu guaranteed foreign investors of meticulous and predictable fund repatriation.

He said the ambassadors must prioritise the exploration of new frontiers of trade partnerships that will be mutually advantageous as they carry out their duties in the country.

Tinubu also said the long-standing concerns over trapped funds are being addressed, and the funds will be processed for release as soon as possible.

We are one family on the continent. We will continue to promote democracy and good governance. I will maintain an open-door policy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff are also available, he said.

For the avoidance of doubt, we are already working on the issues of double taxation, and it will be properly streamlined to favour business growth. Nigeria is home and a haven for investors.

Meanwhile, Tinubu asked the ambassador of Hungary to look into all possible avenues for forming alliances, particularly in the areas of agriculture and food security, as well as how to best utilise the nations technological know-how.

Thank you so much for taking care of our students who are in your country. We are a very big country, with huge potential to sustainably spur economic growth, Tinubu said.

We are ready to improve relations, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security.

Also, Tinubu told the Ukrainian ambassador that Nigeria will always strive for world peace and harmony.

We are with you in prayers. We will continue to support good governance and democracy, the president said.

In his response, the Rwandan high commissioner said the government of Rwanda was ready to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria through new visa regulations and trade agreements.

On his part, the Hungarian ambassador expressed gratitude to the president for his bold, courageous, and strategic decisions to realign the Nigerian economy.

Several areas of cooperation with Nigeria, according to the ambassador, include medical technology, education, agriculture, food security, and security.
DEAR ABBY: My neighbor Doris runs our neighborhood group that has in-person meetings once a year. She didnt have any meetings in person or even on Zoom for three years during COVID. Two weeks ago, she contacted me and asked me to come to the next meeting. I told her I didnt want to because at the last meeting I wasnt able to ask all the questions I wanted of city hall officials. Doris apologized several times and assured me it would not happen again.

Last week, I attended the meeting, and they had a sheriffs deputy speak. We were told we could ask questions, so when it was my turn, I began asking questions -- and Doris cut me off and censored me! I saw later that evening that she tried to call me, but I feel it would be redundant to have the same conversation with her. What do I do now that I have been burned twice by her behavior? -- BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

DEAR BEEN THERE: You have two choices. Either stop attending those meetings or, because you feel Doris is too controlling, oppose her leadership, run for that position (if you have the time to devote to it) and ask your neighbors for their votes. It may be time for the winds of change to blow through your neighborhood.

***

MORE FROM DEAR ABBY:

Dear Abby: Woman knows truth of mans parentage and wonders if its a story she should tell

Dear Abby: My daughter doesnt want my common-law husband around her kids

Dear Abby: I recently found out that my 20-year high school reunion took place and I wasnt invited

Dear Abby: It seems my boyfriends 22-year-old son isnt interested in his father, grandmother or me

Dear Abby: Days before my daughters wedding, her fiance called if off because shes bisexual

***

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

***

To receive a collection of Abbys most memorable -- and most frequently requested -- poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

COPYRIGHT 2023 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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A man was convicted Thursday of fatally stabbing and strangling his longtime girlfriend in Newark last year, authorities said.

A jury found Nasean Torres, 49, of Newark, guilty of murder and weapons-related offenses, the Essex County Prosecutors Office announced Friday.

Elizabeth Kelley, 55, of Newark, was found dead on the floor in the basement of a Palm Street home on July 22, 2022, the office said.

It was later determined that she died from strangulation and multiple stab wounds, investigators said.

Torres was identified as a suspect and later arrested.

It took the jury less than an hour to find him guilty following a three week trial, officials said.

Elizabeth was a mother and grandmother and her family suffered a horrible loss when she was killed, said Assistant Prosecutor Jason Alterbaum, who tried the case along with fellow assistant prosecutor Brianna Sandroni. We hope Elizabeths family can find some sort of comfort in knowing the individual who murdered their loved one has finally been brought to justice with this verdict.

Torres is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 9 and faces a sentence of life in prison.

Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Just weeks after World War II veteran James Puliti died in 2021, his Mercer County family began getting calls from Colonial Memorials offering to create a headstone for their beloved patriarch.

The family was busy dealing with final arrangements and held off choosing a memorial until the following year. After repeated contacts from Colonial, a representative from the company came to their home in September 2022 and the family wrote a check for nearly $7,000, according to Pulitis daughter, Paula.

Colonial was supposed to provide a military footstone marker recognizing Pulitis service in the U.S. Army Air Corps and engrave a headstone that was already in place at his grave. The family never researched Colonial Memorials or got any quotes from competing companies.

We didnt do any of that with this, Paula Puliti said. You never think a headstone place is going to deceive you.

Her family is among dozens in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who claim they were ripped off by Gregory J. Stefan Jr., who operated headstone companies under various names, including Colonial Memorials. The victims say they paid Stefan thousands, but never received their stones or refunds.

Now, a New Jersey headstone manufacturer that produced stones for Colonial  and said it was never paid for its work  is trying to locate customers like the Pulitis to get them their stones.

The allegations against Stefan span multiple jurisdictions and he remains jailed in Pennsylvania, where he faces the largest number of charges.

Attorneys for Stefan did not respond to requests for comment about the allegations.

The district attorneys office in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, recently charged Stefan with 280 counts, including theft by deception, deceptive business practices, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

Victims have come forward since 2014 to complain about the Stefan familys business practices, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in the Delaware County case, which describes 69 victims who paid thousands of dollars each for gravestones.

Between 2014 and 2022, the total losses to the victims exceeded $190,000, Pennsylvania officials said.

In New Jersey, Stefans also been charged with third-degree counts of theft by deception in Bergen, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer and Monmouth counties, and third-degree theft by unlawful taking in Hunterdon County. All of those charges have been filed since August.

He is currently barred from conducting business in Pennsylvania, but also operates Colonial Memorials in New Jersey.

The Better Business Bureau revoked its accreditation of Colonial Memorials in September and issued an alert on its website.

Kani International Inc. in Hillsborough  a wholesale memorial manufacturer that sandblasts, diamond etches and laser etches for headstone retailers up and down the East Coast  has about 15 stones completed for Colonial sitting in its warehouse, said marketing manager Darlene McMahon.

For nearly two years, Colonial worked with Kani and business was going smoothly with Colonial paying upon receiving completed products, McMahon said.

Then, Stefan and Colonial stopped communicating and left Kani with about 30 stones ordered in the last year that were never picked up or paid for, she said.

One of the stones never paid for or picked up is for one of Stefans own deceased family members, McMahon noted.

She has been trying to contact families of Colonial customers to let them know Kani has their stones completed. But, McMahon does not have contact information for the families because they placed their orders directly with Colonial.

Left with only the names of the deceased family members on the stones, she turned to obituaries and cemeteries to try and track down families. Shes also been in contact with several police departments investigating Colonial.

Kani International Inc., located in Hillsborough, made several gravestones for Colonial Memorials, which allegedly did not provide stones to customers or refund their money. (Ed Murray | For NJ Advance Media)Ed Murray | For NJ Advance Media

For the families they have reached, Kani is charging only what it costs to cover the companys expenses for making the stone, minus whatever markup Colonial allegedly charged, McMahon said.

She hopes it will at least bring some peace of mind for grieving families while they try to recover the money they allegedly paid Stefan.

Were just trying to get them their stones. I feel bad for these people, McMahon said. Theyve already lost their mother, their father, whomever. And now they have to deal with something else. Nobody should have to do this.

Anyone who did business with Colonial and thinks Kani may have their stone is asked to call 908-308-8962.

The Puliti family has already been in contact with Koni about James Pulitis missing stone.

The family turned over its $7,000 check to Colonial Memorials in September 2022, Paula Puliti said. The first sign of trouble came in August, when the family received a letter from Colonial stating the company had been experiencing financial problems for two years and didnt have the money to complete the job it promised the previous year.

Then, the family began investigating the companys background.

Thats when the panic set in, Paula Puliti said.

The Pulitis read about accusations against Stefan in Pennsylvania. Paula Puliti tried contacting Colonial and received no response.

She contacted Hamilton Township Police and filed complaints with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Pennsylvanias attorney general and the Better Business Bureau.

A Hamilton Township Police detective did some digging and determined Kani had the Pulitis missing military footstone marker.

In addition to providing the completed footstone, Kani is also handling the cleaning and engraving of James Pulitis headstone, as promised under the Colonial contract.

Theyre charging us, but its a real reduced fee, Paula Puliti said. They were really helpful. Really good communication from day one. They feel bad for all the people that got stiffed.

Kani is also a victim, she added.

Theyre owed money, too. Theyre just trying to help out the other victims and get us what we need, Paula Puliti said. Its just a mess all around.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has 41 open consumer complaints dating back to September 2022 related to Stefan and his business practices, a spokeswoman for the agency confirmed this week.

A grand jury in Ocean County indicted Stefan last month on a third-degree charge of theft by unlawful taking.

Hes due back in court in Pennsylvania Dec. 20 for arraignment in his Delaware County case.

Paula Puliti doesnt know if her family will ever recover the money they allegedly paid Colonial, but she wishes her father was still around as they try.

He was always the rock, she said. He came from a family of eight children. He had seven of his own children. It was just fun and family. We were so lucky to have him for so long.

James Puliti would have fought back against any alleged theft by deception, his daughter said.

He always did the right thing. And when he saw other people not doing the right thing, it really stuck in his craw, she said. He didnt put up with any nonsense like that.

Kani International Inc. made several gravestones for Colonial Memorials, which allegedly did not provide stones to customers or refund their money. Kani alleges it was never paid either. (Ed Murray | For NJ Advance Media)Ed Murray | For NJ Advance Media

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A Middlesex County urgent care doctor already accused of groping women under his care is now facing an insurance fraud-related offense along with his office manager, authorities said.

Dr. Gurvindra Johal, 56, of Colonia, was arrested earlier this year and charged with six counts of criminal sexual contact and one count of sexual assault after a woman alleged he victimized her when she visited Amboy Urgent Care in the 400 block of Cornell Street in Perth Amboy, according to a statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.

Three more female patients later alleged that the doctor touched them inappropriately, one of whom said he had sexual intercourse with her against her will, investigators said.

His office manager, Rani Patel, 32, of Carteret, was previously arrested and charged with two counts of obstruction, one count of falsifying or tampering with records, one count of destruction, falsification, or alteration of medical records, one count of insurance fraud, one count of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, two counts of computer theft, two counts of hindering, and one count of witness tampering, the office said.

The Investigation into the criminal sexual contact allegations led to additional accusations that Johal and Patel worked together to send a fraudulent letter to a victims healthcare insurance company to prevent the company from substantiating an allegation of wrongdoing against Johal, authorities said.

Patel sent the fraudulent letter to the insurance company along with the victims medical records that had been altered to bolster the phony letter, the office alleged.

Johal was charged Thursday with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, insurance fraud, and hindering his own apprehension, officials said. Patel was charged with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.

Johal is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pretrial detention hearing, according to the release. Patel was released following her a court hearing on Thursday.

The doctor is also facing similar offenses in other jurisdictions.

Johal was accused of inappropriately touched two patients under his care at an urgent care center on Broad Street in Newark, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said in March.

He is also charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact in incidents that took place involving two alleged victims at an urgent care facility last month in Freehold Township, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said.

Anyone with additional information on any of his alleged activities was asked to call Detective Lauren Leyva of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit at 732-745-4499 or Perth Amboy Police Detective Gina Betancourt at 732-324-3819.

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A felon from Monmouth County has been indicted on charges he impersonated a law enforcement officer while illegally carrying a gun at a hospital, authorities announced Friday.

Wesley Rucker, 36, of Tinton Falls was indicted on one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, false impersonation of a federal officer and possession of imitation federal law enforcement credentials, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

On Oct. 22, 2021, Rucker sought medical treatment at a Red Bank hospital emergency room when a member of the medical team noticed a gun hanging from his waistband, court documents claimed. Rucker told hospital staff he was a federal law enforcement officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration and presented false credentials when questioned about the firearm, authorities said. He repeated the story to police, officials said.

The handgun was loaded, according to the indictment. Rucker, a previously convicted felon, is not permitted to possess a firearm under federal law, the office said.

In 2010, Rucker was sentenced to three years in jail after pleading guilty in Middlesex County to charges of aggravated assault and attempt to cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon, court records show. In 2006, he pleaded to a third degree charge in Monmouth County after initially being charged with resisting arrest and eluding police in motor vehicle with risk of death, records show.

Ruckers Assistant Federal Public Defender was not immediately reachable Friday night.

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Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican serving as a senior advisor to Chris Christies presidential campaign, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends throughout. Here, they discuss the weeks events with editorial page editor Tom Moran.

Q. The House voted along party lines to open an impeachment inquiry of President Biden, citing Bidens lies, corruption and obstruction. All three Jersey Republicans supported the move. Any political fallout for them?

Julie: Tick-tock. The clock is ticking on the House doing anything to actually help Americans deal with everyday struggles. Unless these Republican members want to take credit for the legislation Democrats spearheaded and passed last Congress, they have absolutely nothing to show for their time in the majority.

Once again, Tom Kean Jr. takes marching orders from Donald Trump by voting to authorize the sham impeachment inquiry with no supporting evidence.



New Jerseyans are suffering. Instead of lowering costs or codifying rights, Kean Jr. is playing political games. Let's defeat him.  Jason Blazakis (@Jason_Blazakis) December 13, 2023

Mike: Voters are tired of the never-ending vitriol in Washington from both sides. It is why the majority keeps changing. Voters are sick of both sides and want them to get to work on helping real people, not just crushing each other.

Q. Steve Sweeney, the former Senate president, made it official Monday: Hes running for governor. How steep are the odds for him? And why didnt he mention pension and health reform, his signature accomplishment, in his video pitch?

Julie: To win, Sweeney will have to execute a nearly perfect strategy, but that goes for Steve Fulop and anyone else who may eventually throw his or her hat in the ring. No one just hands anyone a gubernatorial seat. You have to outmaneuver your opponents, as Phil Murphy did when he first ran for governor. As for the issues Sweeney mentioned in his announcement video, I suspect that they are all poll tested  or at least I hope they are, since I assume his campaign knows what it is doing.

Mike: Sen. Sweeney and his political team are smart political operators. This race is the most wide-open Democratic primary field I can remember in my lifetime. If Sweeney has a solid base in the seven South Jersey counties, can lock up labor support -- which could be a natural fit -- and the rest of the field splits up North Jersey, he could get over 30%, which may be enough to win such a crowded primary.

Q. A week after the presidents of MIT, Harvard, and Penn vacillated about antisemitism on campus in Congressional testimony, conservatives cried hypocrisy, saying the schools have proven more willing to limit speech regarding race and gender. But where should schools draw that line? Is a slogan like from the river to the sea a call for genocide, as Rep. Elise Stefanik said during the hearings? How about using the term intifada, which she called genocidal as well?

Julie: I oppose trigger warnings, safe spaces and other curbs on speech on college campuses. Real life does not give you a trigger warning. I support the right to even the most abhorrent speech, at long as it does not threaten anyones safety (which is different from making people feel deeply uncomfortable). On the other hand, this standard must be applied equally. Jews should not be told to suck it up and accept speech directed against them when other groups are protected from anything that sounds even remotely offensive. I really wish we could go back to the days when college existed to teach students to think critically by presenting them with a wide range of ideas to debate and consider.

Mike: There needs to be plain speech when combating hate speech. Answers full of legalese and equivocation are unacceptable to the public.

Q. Biden, meanwhile, had his harshest words yet for Israel, saying it was losing world support because its indiscriminate attacks in Gaza are killing too many civilians. Fair point?

Julie: Fair point. Israel has not been good at public relations for generations, although Israelis will tell you that when you are continuously fighting an existential crisis, there is not much time for PR. But Israel has not had the worlds support at any time during its existence. I dont see anyone except for the United States stepping in to truly help resolve this issue. Arab leaders have zero interest in the Palestinian cause and fear the Palestinians more than the Israelis do. Europeans have been marching for Palestinian rights for decades but have never moved to actually broker a peace process. And autocrats like Putin are using this crisis to detract from their own aggressions. So, if you are Israel, do you really care what anyone else besides the United States thinks?

Mike: Julie sums up where the world stands on this very well, and why Israel is focused mostly on the United States for support. The crisis is exacerbated by neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt being unwilling to accept Palestinian refugees. This is a complex situation that will never be solved in soundbites, protest signs and newspaper columns.

Q. First Lady Tammy Murphy, in the first test of her grassroots support, lost a straw poll in Monmouth County by a 2-1 margin to Rep. Andy Kim. The vote, in Murphys home county, was open to municipal chairs, mayors and area legislators. Kim represents 10 towns in the county. Are party leaders who rushed to endorse Murphy a bit over their skis?

Julie: Party leaders really underestimated the deep anger at Tammy Murphys candidacy. At minimum, the county chairs who endorsed her and who dont have the ability to award the line unilaterally now have to twist arms to ensure that their committees go along with them. But even if they succeed, they are stuck in a bind: Do they spend precious resources getting out the vote for Tammy so as not to get embarrassed by their own grassroots? Or do they just sit back and watch what happens, even if it means that Andy Kim, running off the line, wins their counties and also potentially brings a few insurgent county and local candidates with him?

Mike: Monmouth will be a key battleground, given that Rep Kim represents 10 of its 53 towns and is also Murphys home county, where they live in the largest town. This was a glimpse of what could shape up to be a tougher primary than originally thought.

Straw Poll at a meeting of Monmouth County Dem leaders on Monday, with ballots made available to municipal chairs, mayors, and Monmouth area legislators.



Kim 29 votes

Murphy 13 votes

Undecided 13 votes



Full convention with 700 members in February https://t.co/I1aT1LmRys  umichvoter  (@umichvoter) December 13, 2023

Q. Finally, at the UN climate summit in Dubai, more than 200 nations agreed for the first time to transition away from fossil fuels. Climate activists called this progress, but its not legally binding, and the Saudi oil minister said he didnt expect it to reduce fossil fuel exports. Do these global meetings, crawling with oil lobbyists, have any real impact?

Julie: Color me skeptical. This event was hosted by Dubai, for Gods sake. Every single road these climate activists traveled, every single hotel in which they stayed, every single venue they visited was paid for with oil money. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia and other nations who rely almost entirely on fossil fuels to prop up their economies will transition towards clean energy when every last drop of oil is gone from the earth. But Im glad that Dubai got to show off the Burj Khalifa to so many people from all around the world.

Mike: It is time for the environmental left to support pragmatism over unattainable perfection. Natural Gas will lower emissions if used to replace coal and oil. We all want more renewables, but they cannot replace coal and oil overnight, and will not be able to for decades. It is time for the left to look at lowering emissions, rather than foolishly hoping for a magic wand-wielding unicorn to show up and build solar panels and windmills all over the place. We need more solar, wind and hydro power, but we have seen in New Jersey how hard it is to build. While New York and New Jersey cancel pipelines, they drive up costs and starve New England of domestic natural gas, forcing them to burn much dirtier fuel every winter and summer.

The great @mollytaft pulled together this comprehensive look at just how much of a role PR played in really everything about #COP28UAE for @WeAreDrilled https://t.co/majDNJdNYE  Amy Westervelt (@amywestervelt) December 14, 2023

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Starting at 2:05 there comes a moment that is so pure, so fine, so... Ron Johnson is trying to say there have been tons of fake electors put forward by Democrats. Happens all the time! And all Kaitlan Collins has to do is check the books. That's when she hits him with it. https://t.co/HixbP3i44g  Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) December 12, 2023

A note to readers: Mike and Julie are deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players discussed in this column. DuHaime, the founder of MAD Global, has worked for Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and President George W. Bush, and Gov. Christie. Roginsky, a principal of Comprehensive Communications Group, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg, and Phil Murphy. We will disclose specific connections only when readers might otherwise be misled.
A Sunny Saturday in New Jersey will give way to patchy fog and wet winter weather as much of the state braces for a nasty winter storm headed into Monday, forecasters say.

Calm winds and cool temperatures are expected Saturday morning, but by Sunday into Monday theyll turn to heavy rain and strong gusty winds, posing a threat of flooding and power outages, according to the National Weather Services Mount Holly office.

At this time, it looks like the heaviest rain will focus around Sunday night, then taper off Monday, the weather service said in a statement. Be prepared for localized urban and small-stream flooding around Sunday night, possibly early Monday.

For Saturday, cooler morning temperatures will climb into the 50s with relatively dry conditions.

The rain will begin Sunday as a coastal storm arrives along the Jersey Shore.

Ahead of the storm, the weather service has issued a flood watch  which is not as urgent as a warning  for 16 counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren.

The watch, which serves as a heads-up that theres a potential for flash flooding or longer-duration flooding from overflowing creeks, streams or rivers, is effective from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon.

A wind advisory is also in effect for Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May and Burlington counties.

Staff writer Len Melisurgo contributed to this report.

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People pose for a group photo in front of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center at Mongi Slim Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia, on Dec. 15, 2023. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Center was unveiled in Tunis on Friday. (Xinhua)

TUNIS, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Traditional Chinese Medicine Center was unveiled on Friday in the Tunisian capital Tunis.

A ceremony was held to mark the establishment of the center, which is located in Mongi Slim Hospital.

The event was attended by the Tunis governorate's Regional Health Director Tarek Ben Nasr, and a Chinese delegation headed by Gong Jianping, director of the Health Commission of China's Jiangxi Province.

Ben Nasr said "the traditional Chinese acupuncture has been welcomed here in Tunisia, and I hope the center will operate under better conditions and become a model for the promotion of traditional Chinese medicine in Tunis and other places."

For his part, Gong said the establishment of the center was part of the concrete outcomes of the medical and health program launched at a ministerial conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, which would further promote medical exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

A total of 27 batches of medical teams with 1,153 members have been dispatched from China's Jiangxi Province to the North African country since 1973, providing more than 6 million outpatient services to the local people, according to Gong.

For years, Chinese doctors have provided acupuncture services at Mongi Slim Hospital to local people. 
NEW DELHI, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- India and Oman on Saturday signed agreements for mutual cooperation in various fields ranging from culture, information technology (IT) and combating financial crimes, during the state visit of Sultan of Oman Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said.

The visiting Sultan held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, during which the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. Tariq arrived in Delhi on Friday.

After bilateral talks, the two leaders adopted a vision document to shore up bilateral cooperation in around 10 key areas and also pushed for concluding a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) as early as possible.

After the talks, the two sides announced the third tranche of Oman-India joint investment fund worth 300 million U.S. dollars that would be used for channelizing investments into the fastest growing sectors of the Indian economy. 
ROME, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Italy registered a trade surplus of 24.9 billion euros (27.1 billion U.S. dollars) in the first 10 months of this year, in sharp contrast to a trade deficit a year earlier, the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) said Friday.

In the ten-month period, exports grew by 1.2 percent year on year, with exports to China jumping by 22.3 percent. Meanwhile, imports decreased by 9.9 percent.

After a setback in September, exports and imports saw an increase in October, especially in the non-EU area, said ISTAT, adding the increase in exports was mainly driven by more sales of non-durable consumer goods and capital goods.

Specifically, exports grew by 3.8 percent in October on a month-on-month basis, while imports were up by 2.8 percent. Trade balance in October alone saw a surplus of nearly 4.7 billion euros (5.12 billion U.S. dollars).

Also on Friday, the Bank of Italy, the country's central bank, reported Italy's public debt set a new record high of 2.868 trillion euros (3.12 trillion U.S. dollars) in October, up by 23.5 billion euros (25.6 billion dollars) over the previous month. 
EAST CHICAGO  The Common Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to change the name of the Heritage Hall Community Center to the Emilio A. De La Garza Jr. Heritage Center.

De La Garza was a Marine Veteran from East Chicago who in 1970 gave his life in service during the Vietnam War when he was just 20 years-old.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his sacrifice.

A resolution to rename the community center first came before the Council in September but failed when only four of the seven Council members present voted in favor.

On Oct. 11, the resolution was adopted when six of the eight Council members present voted in favor of it, but it was then vetoed by Mayor Anthony Copeland.

In a veto letter from Copeland, he said his action was not done to imply that De La Garza is not worthy of the recognition, but rather because of a lack of effort in seeking public comment and consensus and the absence of a policy that establishes criteria for renaming public buildings.

The Council needed six votes to override the veto when it met on Oct. 25, but that did not happen when only five of the eight members present voted to do so.

Councilman Dwayne Rancifer, D-at-large, had voted in favor of the resolution on Oct. 11 but did not vote to override the veto,

Rancifer said he supported the renaming but hadn't realized a policy to do so was not in place.

On Wednesday, all five Council members present (Monica Gonzalez, D-1st, Lenny Franciski, D-2nd, Robert Garcia, D-5th, Debra Bolanos, D-at-large, and Kenneth Monroe, D-at-large) voted to adopt the resolution.

Of the four members who did not attend, Council President Gonzalez said Terence Hill, D-3rd, was the only one to send notice that he would not be there.

"I'm very proud of the councilmen that did show up," said Garcia, who sponsored the resolution along with Monroe.

Bolanos said she had started an online petition regarding the renaming.

"We're at 700 signatures," Bolanos said.

Gerardo Gonzalez, commander of the American Legion Post 508 East Chicago chapter that is named after De La Garza, was among those in attendance at Wednesday's meeting.

He thanked the Council and said he hopes the resolution will be adopted for good.

"Hopefully it will get passed and we can give a good name to this man that gave his life for his town, his country," Gerardo Gonzalez said.

In an email Dec. 15 from Joseph Allegretti, legal advisor to Copeland, Allegretti said Roberts Rules of Order requires that someone who voted against the veto override would have had to make the motion to reconsider the resolution, and that did not occur.

In other city news, the Council voted to table consideration of an ordinance vetoed by Copeland regarding salaries for elected officials in 2024.

Not enough Council members were present to override the veto since six votes are needed to do so.

Council President Gonzalez said Copeland exercised a pocket veto after the ordinance was passed unanimously by the Council with the exception of one member who was not present for the vote.

Gonzalez said the ordinance did not call for raises for the Council, Mayor nor City Judge.

"Basically it's a raise for the (City) Clerk to put him up to par with the judge," Gonzalez said.

In the same email from Allegretti that addressed the renaming of the center, Allegretti said statute requires the ordinance to remain defeated unless overridden by the Council by a two-thirds vote at the first regular or special meeting following the veto.
LAPORTE  Paul Brettin planned to retire from law enforcement four years ago but stayed on when asked to serve as chief of police in LaPorte.

Hell be taking off his badge for good now after living up to a promise he made to Mayor Tom Dermody to be the police chief during his first term in office.

Brettin is ending his career where it started nearly 30 years ago as a civilian desk clerk.

He went on to hold almost every position at the department, including chief of detectives, midnight shift commander and member of the street crimes task force.

Brettin said finally deciding to retire was still difficult even though it was in the making before Dermody chose him to lead a revamping of the once depleted force.

I think I did the changes I wanted to do. Everybody gets to that point in their career that you start to think, you know what? Let the young guys take this over. It was time, he said.

Applications for the position will be accepted through Jan. 12 and the new police chief announced on Feb. 5.

Dermody said whoever is the next chief will have some big shoes to fill.

Under his watch we have cracked down on drug traffickers and violent offenders, expanded our use of modern technologies, and have made it clear that we are a law-and-order community, Dermody said.

Brettin will remain with the department until May 23 to offer support and guidance to his replacement.

Under Brettin, the department restored its number of officers to more than 40 after manpower dropped to below 30.

Brettin said money provided by the countywide public safety income tax adopted in 2022 provided the city with money to increase salaries enough to help attract more officers to the department.

His other accomplishments include more patrols with utility task vehicles and bicycles powered by electric motors, prioritized mental health by hiring the citys first-ever public safety social worker, and increased use of modern technology such as drones, FLOCK license plate readers and wireless parking enforcement, Dermody said.

He also created new units like the Emergency Response Team and Proactive Crime Team.

Brettin said hes most proud of the quality of the officers assembled during his tenure as police chief.

We have amazing officers on the department. These officers are dedicated, every single one of them, he said.

Brettin said hes also equally proud of the modern crime fighting technology added to solve crimes and other matters quicker.

What hell miss most about law enforcement is the camaraderie he enjoys with his fellow police officers.

I think theres a brotherhood, sisterhood there that most people dont understand. We see the worst life has to offer and we also see the best but we see more of the negatives. We lean on each other a lot, he said.

Brettin said he plans to keep working but itll be somewhere outside of law enforcement. He also plans to spend more time with his family.

It truly has been an honor to serve this community. Though it was a difficult decision, I am comforted by the fact that I leave behind a team of strong, well-trained, professional officers who always give 100 percent, he said.
PORTAGE  When scheduling classes for his junior year, Ronald Jackson was asked if he would like to enroll in Portages JAG program instead of having a study hall.

Why not, he thought to himself.

Jackson was unaware of the impact Jobs for Americas Graduates would have on the remainder of his high school career.

"I was a quiet, kind of skittish kid when I first started this program  I've really been able to explode my mind," said Jackson, the Portage JAG President.

JAG is a resiliency-building workforce program in 40 states that helps students who encounter barriers to graduation learn in-demand employability skills and receive career exploration experiences, according to its website. Since its inception in 2006, JAG Indiana has served 40,000 Hoosiers and graduated more than 95% of its students.

One of Jacksons biggest accomplishments in the program was creating his first resume and getting a job at Blue Beacon Truck Wash of Lake Station. He noted it was an up and down experience working nearly 40 hours each week while balancing schoolwork.

Portage Principal Michael Stills has gotten to know Jackson over the past year and a half because he asserts himself and makes sure he chats with administration each day. Stills recalled Jackson proudly sharing with him how he left Blue Beacon and was going to start working as a courtesy patrol officer at Menards.

He is always reaching out to make contact with someone, Stills said. Hes one of the nicest young men Ive ever met."

Stills was happy to note the skills Jackson has obtained through JAG have helped put Portage on the map. Jackson recently had the opportunity to travel to the U.S. Capitol to attend the JAG National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C. Jackson and Hammond Central's Tyrell Frieson were the only students from Northwest Indiana to attend the leadership conference.

"When you have someone who represents us in such a fine light, it makes you feel good," Stills said.

During the conference, Jackson attended leadership sessions, networked with students, representatives and JAG Specialists from different states, and participated in advocacy training sessions. With being a local JAG president, Jackson found the conference to be very informative because he learned how to hold class meetings and make sure every student is involved.

He recalled learning an impactful quote at the conference: "It's not helpful if it's not helping." The quote is intended to help individuals better themselves, he said.

Jackson also met with U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, to discuss current topics in Northwest Indiana.

"We're sitting in his office and I'm looking around and he has Valpo, IU and Purdue banners hanging up," Jackson said with a smile. "It's kind of crazy our congressman grew up 30 minutes away from us, and everything I've grown up to, he's kind of grown up to too."

Jackson said he and Mrvan discussed how to improve the Region's school systems. Jackson noted educational funding is something important to him since coming to Portage from the Chicago and Gary school systems. Prior to coming to Portage, Jackson wasn't aware certain school-related opportunities, like afterschool tutoring, existed, he said.

Having the opportunity to meet Mrvan and have a conversation with him was his favorite part of the trip.

"The feeling that congressmen are still human, and they're not rude and disrespectful and actually listen, it warmed my heart up," Jackson said.

Since coming back from D.C., Jackson has begun planning a food and clothing drive he wants to host at Portage before graduating in the spring. He wants to follow in the footsteps of his late aunt, who used to host turkey giveaways in Chicago each year.

Jackson said he's excited for his future after high school because he is pursuing a real estate license and attending Valparaiso University in the fall to study accounting and business management. He admires himself for having a pathway for his future  something he wasn't sure of prior to coming to Portage and enrolling in JAG.

"Ron is someone who's very responsible and outgoing, and shows kindness and respect," Jackson's JAG Specialist, Allison Knight, said. "He works full-time and has straight A's. He's going to do really awesome things in his life."

Close Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. IUN Walk Against Mental Health Stigma The "U Bring Change to Mind" organization at Indiana University Northwest hosted a walk against mental health stigma on Thursday afternoon around its campus in Gary. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health. Students, faculty and staff completed a walk around the Indiana University Northwest campus Thursday to show the school's support of decreasing stigma associated with mental health.
The White House video opens on Josette Wiggan, wearing a sequined romper with spheres jutting from the sides of her waist  a fantasy tutu befitting the storys Land of the Sweets  as she turns with open arms. She is Sugar Rum Cherry. Think of the Sugar Plum Fairy, only cooler.

Gliding backward, she heads down a hallway flanked by giant candy canes as her shoulders send a ripple down her long arms and her fingers snap to the tune of the Dance of the Floreadores, set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorns 1960 jazz arrangement of Tchaikovskys Nutcracker.

The film is an invitation to a dance  and not just to any Nutcracker, but to one that celebrates two points of American cultural pride: tap dance and jazz. Both are marginalized art forms, which makes transmitting the video from the White House all the more significant. And its also enchanting. Dr. Biden, correctly, calls it playful in her post, writing: A bit of magic, wonder, and joy brought to you by the talented tappers of Dorrance Dance.

In many ways, the Dance of the Floreadores feels like a throwback to vintage Hollywood. (The production is choreographed by Ms. Dorrance, Hannah Heller and Ms. Wiggan.) The performers, dressed as characters from the work  including a Cavalier, a Flower with a giant purple headpiece, a Rat King  light up the score with sweeping, frisky steps as they spin from room to room in solo turns and end as a group, Ms. Wiggan in front as she blows a kiss in a final flourish.

But this offering of dance joy has drawn criticism from those who see it as dystopian. Its hard to imagine that this is news to anyone, but The Nutcracker is a fantasy. It can get weird, and even a little dark. In the choreographer George Balanchines classic 1954 version, performed by New York City Ballet this month at Lincoln Center, a Nutcracker Prince goes to battle with the Mouse King, ultimately stabbing him to death. (This inevitably leads to loud applause.) The characters in all versions of The Nutcracker are over the top  thats the point.
An engineer who oversaw inspections of a Bronx apartment building that partially collapsed on Monday misdiagnosed a column that was holding up the building, calling it a decorative element in plans he filed in June, city officials said Friday.

Mayor Eric Adams and the citys buildings commissioner, James Oddo, said the city had suspended the engineers authority to inspect building facades and would seek to permanently revoke that authority.

Nobody was killed or seriously injured in the collapse. But it left more than 170 residents of the building, at 1915 Billingsley Terrace, with no place to live. In addition to the Buildings Department, officials said, the Bronx district attorneys office and the citys Department of Investigation are investigating what caused the collapse.

When those who are entrusted to keep us safe cut corners and make catastrophic mistakes, were going to take swift action and hold them accountable, Mr. Adams said in a statement. He added that the engineer had no business assessing the exterior walls of buildings in New York City.
OTTAWA, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Canada's Firearms Act received royal assent on Friday, immediately bringing into force a series of measures to combat gun crime.

According to a news release issued by Public Safety Canada, these measures include a national handgun freeze, emergency weapons prohibition orders, and increased penalties for firearms smuggling and trafficking.

Since 2009, handguns have been the most used weapon in firearm-related violent crimes in Canada. With the passing of this legislation, the national freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns has been codified in legislation, restricting the transfer and importation of handguns into Canada, the release said, noting that the handgun freeze came into effect by regulations made on Oct. 21, 2022.

To address risks to victims, including of gender-based and intimate partner violence where a firearm is present, the new laws will allow any individual to apply to the court for an emergency weapons prohibition order against a person who possesses firearms and poses a danger to themselves or others, the release said.

Other significant changes to address the criminal use of firearms have immediately come into force, including increased maximum penalties for weapons smuggling and trafficking offences from 10 to 14 years, the release said.

Other measures will come into force 30 days following royal assent, including the enactment of new offences related to the possession and distribution of computer data for use in illegal firearms manufacturing, for example by 3D printing "ghost guns," and the classification of illegally made firearms as prohibited, the release said. 
The conspiracy theorist Alex Jones proposed paying Sandy Hook families who won more than $1 billion in damages against him last year a combined total of at least $5.5 million annually over a decade, while the families aim to liquidate his Infowars media empire, according to competing plans filed late Friday.

The proposals, while far apart, signal that efforts to resolve Mr. Joness and his companys bankruptcy are entering a final phase, after dragging on for more than a year. Final hearings in the case are slated for late February in a Houston bankruptcy court.

Today is the first time Mr. Jones has publicly shared his plan to be accountable for the harm hes caused these families, said Avi Moshenberg, a lawyer for family members who sued Mr. Jones in Texas. Were very focused on the families receiving what is fair, and will share our review of Joness plan in due time.

An agreement on a bankruptcy settlement plan would help bring to a close a long-running courtroom drama that has highlighted the human cost of peddling incendiary falsehoods in an era of mushrooming disinformation. Mr. Jones, through his Infowars radio and online show, has been near the center of many recent disinformation campaigns, including coronavirus vaccine skepticism and the lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from President Donald J. Trump.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said on Friday that he expected Donald J. Trump to claim that the Iowa caucuses had been stolen if the former president, who currently leads Mr. DeSantis by roughly 30 points in that state, is defeated there next month.

If Trump loses, he will say its stolen no matter what, absolutely, Mr. DeSantis said, responding to a reporter in New Hampshire who had asked whether Mr. Trump would accept the results of the first contest in the Republican presidential primary on Jan. 15, or of the New Hampshire primary roughly a week later. He will try to delegitimize the results. He did that against Ted Cruz in 2016.

Mr. DeSantis added that Mr. Trump had protested even when The Apprentice didnt get an Emmy, referring to the former presidents onetime television show.

Throughout the 2024 campaign, Mr. Trump and his allies have continued to insist that he defeated President Biden in 2020. The constant chorus of falsehoods seems to have seeped into the consciousness of many Republicans. Nearly 60 percent of G.O.P. voters believe Mr. Bidens election was illegitimate, a survey by The Associated Press found earlier this year.
The Biden administration has 43 diplomatic nominees still awaiting confirmation in the Senate as Congress prepares to break for the holidays, a delay that is putting American national security and foreign policy interests in jeopardy around the world, the State Department said on Friday.

Any nominee not confirmed before the Senate ends its session, which is expected as soon as next week, will have to be renominated by the White House next year, leading to further delays. Those awaiting confirmation include Kurt M. Campbell, whom President Biden is trying to appoint as the deputy to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

The blockade of diplomatic nominees has continued as many Republicans in Congress have sought to condition support for Mr. Bidens foreign policy priorities on winning right-wing policy concessions. Some have shown a willingness to leave holes in the national security and diplomatic staff, even as the Biden administration confronts wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.

A single senator can hold up a nomination, and several G.O.P. senators have put holds on the nominees, similar to what Senator Tommy Tuberville, Republican of Alabama, did for months with at least 425 nominees to Pentagon positions, before senators in his own party rebelled against him.
An Al Jazeera cameraman was killed and the networks Arabic-language Gaza Strip bureau chief was wounded on Friday during an attack in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera said, the latest in a long string of journalist casualties in the war.

The cameraman, Samer Abu Daqqa, and Wael al-Dahdouh, the bureau chief, were covering the aftermath of airstrikes at a U.N. school-turned-shelter in Khan Younis when both were wounded, the network said. Mr. al-Dahdouh told Al Jazeera that he was able to walk out of the area and seek help. Mr. Abu Daqqa bled to death from his injuries, as emergency medical help was unable to reach him, the network said.

Mr. Abu Daqqa, 45, was the 13th Al Jazeera journalist killed since the network opened in 1996, according to Al Jazeera.

His funeral was held in Khan Younis on Saturday. Al Jazeera televised part of his funeral, where Mr. al-Dahdouh spoke alongside dozens of other colleagues, family members. Fellow journalists, including Mr. al-Dahdouh, wept in anguish, some caressing the cameramans bloodied face. His press flak jacket and blue helmet rested atop his shrouded body. Mr. al-Dahdouh accused Israeli forces of targeting dozens of journalists, their offices and their families. We will continue to do our duty with the best professionalism and transparency, despite the targeting of journalists, he said. We will carry our message.

The Israeli military said that it has never, and will never, deliberately target journalists, and it takes operationally feasible measures to protect civilians and journalists. Khan Younis is one of three areas that Israel has said it is targeting in its battle to eradicate Hamas from Gaza.

In October, Mr. al-Dahdouhs wife, son, daughter and infant grandson were killed at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, where they had been sheltering.

Mohamed Moawad, Al Jazeeras managing editor, described Mr. Abu Daqqa as a compassionate soul whose photography captured the raw and unfiltered reality and life in Gaza.

In the pursuit of truth, our cameraman faced immense risks to bring viewers a deeper understanding of the human experience in Gaza, he said in a post on social media. His lens became a window into the lives of those affected by conflict, shedding light on stories that needed to be told.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a nonprofit organization based in New York that defends the rights of journalists around the world, 64 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, more than in any other similar period of time since the group started collecting data in 1992.

The C.P.J. defines journalists as people who cover news or comment on public affairs through print, digital, broadcast media and other means, and media workers as essential support staff, including translators, drivers and fixers. The group has said it does not include people in its tallies if there is evidence of their acting on behalf of militant groups or serving in a military capacity at the time of their deaths.

According to the C.P.J.s data, some of the 64 killed in Gaza were freelancers and did not work for traditional news outlets, and its website noted that it was unclear whether all of them were covering the conflict at the time of their deaths. Israel and Egypt have largely prevented international journalists from entering the enclave since the conflict began; Hamas, which controls Gaza, has long restricted what the news media there can cover.

Carlos Martinez de la Serna, C.P.J.s program director, said the organization was concerned about the pattern of attacks on Al Jazeera journalists and their families.

In a statement, Al Jazeera blamed Israel for Fridays attack in Khan Younis and for systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families. It urged the international community, media freedom organizations, and the International Criminal Court to take immediate action to hold the Israeli government and military accountable.

John Kirby, a White House spokesman, said he was not aware of any evidence that Israel was intentionally targeting journalists, who he said must be protected.

Its never acceptable to deliberately target them, as they do such vital, dangerous, dangerous work, he said, adding, Thats a principle that were going to continue to abide by.

International watchdogs have said that an Israeli strike on Oct. 13 that killed a videographer for the Reuters news agency and injured six other journalists was a targeted attack carried out by the Israeli military. Earlier this year, a C.P.J. report found that no one had been held accountable for nearly 20 journalists killed by the Israeli military since 2001.

Katie Rogers contributed reporting.
Days after President Biden said Israel was losing support for its military campaign in the Gaza Strip, the presidents national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, on Friday played down differences between the two allies after meetings with Israels top leaders.

Were not here to tell anybody, You must do X, you must do Y, Mr. Sullivan told reporters in Tel Aviv, the latest emissary from the Biden administration to visit Israel to discuss the war.

His remarks came on the same day that the Israeli military said its soldiers had accidentally killed three Israeli hostages in what it described as an active combat zone. During fighting in Shejaiya, a neighborhood in Gaza City, troops mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat, the military said in a statement. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed.

The military said it realized the error during checks in the area and suspicion arose over the identities of the deceased.
If the baronessa Beatrice Monti della Corte has found a secret to life, it is stories.

At the Santa Maddalena writers residency at her rambling estate in rural Tuscany, Monti has hosted some of the foremost storytellers of our time  Zadie Smith, Michael Cunningham, Colm Toibin, Teju Cole, Sally Rooney, Olga Tokarczuk, Michael Ondaatje, Edmund White, and a couple hundred others. While authors appreciate her hushed writing rooms with olive grove vistas, her company is the principal draw.

The only things Beatrice wont talk about, Smith said, are things that are boring.

At 97, Monti is animated and unstoppable. She runs Santa Maddalena as her personal passion project, accepting no applications and choosing writers according to her instincts, in consultation with her network of friends, publishers and other authors. Her taste, developed over a lifetime of nurturing and being nurtured by literature and art, is considered a bellwether, with several fellows going on to win the Nobel, the Pulitzer, the Booker, the Prix Goncourt.
First, the little-known Emirati company set its sights on a forest the size of Maine. Then, another one that was big as South Carolina. After that, it focused on a chunk of land the size of Puerto Rico.

As the oil-rich emirate of Dubai prepared to host this years United Nations-sponsored climate summit, the company, named Blue Carbon and founded by a prince, was accumulating proposed deals on huge swaths of land across the developing world. It sought to position itself as a force for a purported solution to global warming: carbon credits.

Carbon credits are potentially one of the most important  but also most controversial  tools to speed up efforts to reduce global emissions of heat-trapping gases. The idea is simple: each credit is worth one ton of carbon dioxide emissions that was sequestered or avoided.

In theory, the carbon trade could increase the ambition of industrialized nations by letting them reduce emissions in other countries while figuring out how to do it home. It could also direct funds to developing countries that badly need them to grow their economies sustainably.
Dr. Michael H. Stone, a psychiatrist and scholar who sought to define evil and to differentiate its manifestations from the typical behavior of people who are mentally ill, died on Dec. 6 at his home in Manhattan. He was 90.

The cause was complications of a stroke he had in January, his son David said.

Dr. Stone was best known to the public as the author of the book The Anatomy of Evil (2009) and as the host from 2006 to 2008 of the television program Most Evil, for which he interviewed people imprisoned for murder to determine what motivated them to engage in an evil criminal act.

He ranked the acts on a 22-category scale of his creation. Modeled on Dantes nine circles of hell, his taxonomic scale ranged from justifiable homicide to murders committed by people whose primary motivation was to torture their victims.

Only human beings are capable of evil, Dr. Stone wrote in The Anatomy of Evil, although evil is not a characteristic that people are born with. He acknowledged that while acts of evil were difficult to define, the word evil was derived from over or beyond, and could apply to certain acts done by people who clearly intended to hurt or to kill others in an excruciatingly painful way.
Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the emir of Kuwait who took power as the ruler of his tiny oil-rich state at a time of paralysis and political infighting in 2020, has died. He was 86.

Kuwaits state news agency announced his death on Saturday. In a statement, the Kuwaiti royal court said, With great sadness and sorrow, we offer our condolences to the Kuwaiti people, Islamic and Arab nations, and the people of the world.

One of Sheikh Nawafs earliest acts was to appoint a half brother, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, a veteran intelligence and security czar, as his crown prince, or designated heir, to deputize for him at important political and state occasions.

Critics interpreted the appointment of Sheikh Mishal, now 83  possibly the worlds oldest crown prince  as a sign that Kuwait would defy a trend toward generational change among the Persian Gulfs ruling families in favor of a risk-averse gerontocracy committed to continuity.
It only took 28 years. When Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber banged his gavel on the resolution text of COP28 in Dubai on Wednesday, it marked what has been widely called a historic achievement: the first time nearly every country on Earth agreed that oil and gas play a role in driving global warming, and the first time they nodded toward the need for a fossil fuel drawdown.

For a historic text, the language was quite mealy-mouthed, since the resolution only calls on nations to contribute to transitioning away from fossil fuels  and only in the energy sector. Harder-line climate advocates had been pushing for a language of phase out, which might have helped tug the world a little bit more quickly to a postcarbon future. Instead, what they got was much more like an endorsement of the status quo, reflecting the ongoing state of play rather than accelerating it, because such a transition is already well underway.

Global sales of internal-combustion engine vehicles peaked in 2017. Investment in renewable energy has exceeded investment in fossil fuel infrastructure for several years running now. In 2022, 83 percent of new global energy capacity was green. The question isnt about whether there will be a transition, but how fast, global and thorough it will be.

The answer is: not fast or global or thorough enough yet, at least on the current trajectories, which COP28 effectively affirmed. To limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius now requires entirely eliminating emissions not long after 2040, according to the Global Carbon Project, whose carbon budget for 1.5 degrees Celsius will be exhausted in about five years of current levels of emissions. For 1.7 degrees Celsius, its just after 2050, and for 2 degrees Celsius, 2080. And despite Al Jabers claim that COP28 has kept the 1.5 degree goal alive, hardly anyone believes its still plausible.
The Corona epidemic is scaring once again. In fact, Corona cases in Singapore have crossed 56 thousand. Reports say that these figures are from last week. Last week this figure was 32 thousand. According to the Health Ministry of Singapore, corona cases in the country have increased by 75 percent in the last week. Due to increasing cases of Covid, the Health Ministry of Singapore has decided to issue Corona updates daily from December 19.

Advising people to wear masks: Reports say that the Singapore government has asked people to wear masks in crowded areas. Even if people are not sick, they are being asked to wear masks. Especially people living with elderly people have been asked to wear masks even inside the house. Singapore's Health Ministry said that soon beds for Covid patients are going to be installed in Singapore Expo Hall No. 10. Crawford Hospital is already treating Covid patients.

Patients getting infected by this variant of Corona: According to the information received so far, the number of patients admitted to hospitals due to Corona infection in Singapore is on an average 225-350 daily. Is. The daily average of patients admitted to ICU due to infection is 4-9. It is being said that most of the infected patients are infected with the Covid variant JN.1, which is related to BA.2.86. Investigations so far have revealed that this variant is not highly transmissible (transferred from one patient to another).

Corona cases increased in India too: A rapid increase in Covid cases is being seen in India too. However, there is nothing to worry about right now. On Friday, 312 new cases of Corona were reported in the country, out of which 280 are from Kerala only. Also, in the patients who have been found infected, the symptoms are also not very serious. According to government data, 17605 Covid tests were conducted across the country in the last 24 hours.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Honors 1971 War Heroes on Vijay Diwas

RSS Convenes Meeting in Jammu to Discuss J&K Politics and Election Strategies

Renowned Bengali Singer Anup Ghoshal Passes Away at 77
To the Editor:

Re Assisted-Living Fees Pile Up, as Do the Profits (front page, Nov. 23):

The recent series of articles examining the impact of our nations rapidly aging population sheds much needed light on a significant and unavoidable societal issue.

Many Americans do have sufficient savings and home equity to pay for long-term care at home or in assisted living. But many have underestimated the consequences of longer life spans and have either been unable to adequately save or have not prepared for the costs associated with the myriad physical and cognitive care needs that are common at advanced ages.

Our society does not have an adequate answer in place to help those whose savings are insufficient or who do not qualify for Medicaid funds toward assisted living (which are limited and not an option in all states).

Your reporting goes a long way in calling attention to the difficulty of finding solutions to address the cost of long-term care for our aging population. These challenges can be met with some hard work in Congress, the states, and federal and state agencies to create more options for our seniors. Policymakers need to think broadly for ways to incentivize saving for retirement, reactivate the market for long-term care insurance, expand Medicare benefits and much more.
I started training in Iraq to be a doctor in the aftermath of the 1991 gulf war. It was a dark time to commit to a career of healing. U.S. sanctions and relentless bombings had decimated our medical infrastructure and endangered our access to medical supplies. Surrounded by devastation, we fought to heal, to operate, to comfort  often with the barest of resources. Every day was a battle in itself, trying to save lives as our facilities crumbled around us.

Then in 2003 the U.S. invasion pushed a teetering health care system to the brink. Bombings and counterinsurgency operations relentlessly flooded hospitals with injured civilians. Overwhelmed with patients and scrambling for time, doctors and other medical workers around the country were forced to make heart-wrenching decisions about whom, realistically, they could save. Direct attacks on hospitals perhaps dealt the final blow to Iraqs crumbling health care capabilities, once a source of pride across the Middle East.

Now the world is witnessing another war in which a health care system that was already under distress is being destroyed. I see alarming parallels between what I witnessed in Iraq to what is happening in Gaza, from widespread shortages of essential supplies to soaring infection rates to military targeting of hospitals. When health care services, infrastructure and expertise are destroyed during war, they are often lost forever. In their absence, a permanent public health crisis threatens the lives of survivors who have nowhere else to go. As someone who has devoted much of his career to documenting the grave consequences that come from attacking health care, I cannot help but feel a haunting deja vu in Gaza.

Although targeting hospitals and health care facilities during war is illegal under the Geneva Conventions, with very narrow exceptions, these attacks have increased sharply over the past two decades, especially under the aegis of fighting terrorism. In 2021 the World Health Organization reported that at least 930 health care workers were killed in 600 attacks during the Syrian civil war. Syrian and Russian forces have seemingly attacked hospitals under the claim that they were striking terrorist targets.
This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any

I think books like this one and columns that are promoting its message dont take into account that its not that easy to get married. Its that love and companionship are a little bit more complex and messy than just telling someone, get married, its good for your kids. Theres a lot more involved.

When I saw her argument and all of the finger wagging that accompanied it, I just thought of all the people I know who would really like to be married  Im thinking mostly of my female friends  and whove really struggled to meet the right person and how smug and obnoxious that simple advice, like get married, would sound to someone like that  almost hurtful, I think, because these are people who feel lonely, who want to meet someone, who would like nothing else than companionship. But its not that easy to find. And the idea that they forgot to get married or didnt think of it or hadnt occurred to them that it was a wise thing to do for their would-be kids is really condescending.

When I think about this broader social phenomenon, I often think about a close friend of mine from college. Shes been single now for some years. And about two years ago, she made a little Post-it note that has 10 empty circles by 10 empty circles. And for every date she went on, she would fill in a circle.

Shes now almost at the halfway mark. And she still hasnt met anyone. And shes really one of the most diligent daters wherever she goes. She turns on her dating apps. She tries to meet people in other cities. She says yes to social events with the idea of expanding her social network. Shes very clear with her friends and family that she would like to meet someone, and do they know anyone? And she really struggles.

When you ask women about their dating experiences, the answers are rarely what people want to hear. So one of the really groundbreaking works of sociology in this vein is a book called Promises I Can Keep. And it was about teen mothers, some of them having children really young, and why they were having these children without being married to the fathers.

In that case, the authors, two sociologists, interviewed 162 women who were living in Camden, New Jersey, and in Philadelphia in really, really disadvantaged and under-resourced neighborhoods. And they said things like the father was using drugs or dealing drugs, there was intimate partner violence, infidelity. It wasnt because they didnt want to be married. But they didnt think that these men were going to be good long-term partners.

Why men are like this at this point in time  theres obviously been a big shift in the economy in the sense that so many more women than men are college-educated. So many more women than in generations past can support themselves and live independently. Theres been a lot of writing recently. Another book that landed with quite a splash called Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves 
The Irish expect the worst to happen at any moment. And they have what my colleague Dan Barry calls a wry acceptance of mortality.

Still, Ireland was shaken to its core in 2012 by the death of Savita Halappanavar, a beautiful, sparkling 31-year-old Indian immigrant, a dentist married to an Indian engineer. Savita was expecting her first child. She wore a new dress for the baby shower and prayed for the future. But that night she got sick. She went to a Galway hospital, where she was crushed to learn that her fetal membranes were bulging and her 17-week-old fetus would not survive.

Knowing her life was at stake, she begged the medical staff to remove the fetus. As Kitty Holland wrote in Savita: The Tragedy That Shook a Nation, a midwife explained to her, Its a Catholic thing. We dont do it here. Ireland had a long history of punishing women, sending them to religious asylums if they were pregnant out of wedlock or deemed fallen. Savita developed septic shock and died four days after her baby girl, whom she named Prasa, was stillborn.

That tragedy jolted the turbulent debate in Ireland about the right of women to control their bodies. Savitas story was vividly evoked by women and men when I covered the 2018 referendum to revoke the Vatican-approved Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution, which made abortions illegal, even in cases of rape or incest. That draconian amendment had women selling their cars and going to loan sharks to get the money to fly to England for procedures. It stamped women with a Scarlet Letter and psychological trauma because they felt their country had turned its back on them.
The final six episodes of The Crown were released this week, bringing Peter Morgans engrossing saga of the Windsors  bookended by the marriages of Elizabeth and Philip in 1947 and Charles and Camilla in 2005  to an end. The Netflix series had all the appeal of a classic prime-time soap, and sure enough, tens of millions of people have tuned in, escaping reality to dwell for an hour in a bubble of fashion, money, gossip, intrigue and betrayal.

To many, escape is the whole point of royal watching  which is why royal mania is so often dismissed as a frivolous distraction. The royals are no longer as powerful as when they oversaw the rise of modern Britain and its empire. But the world of the Windsors is still intimately, and sometimes painfully, connected to our own. In that sense, the saga of the royal family, as captured in The Crown, offers supreme lessons in resilience, demonstrating that even the most traditional leaders can change with the times, relinquishing old roles to find new ways of exerting power and influence.

It may be easy to look at the monarchy today and assume its role is almost entirely ceremonial, but kings and queens  and their extended families  still exert tremendous social influence, especially as exemplars of morality. That was a role that King George III and his advisers pioneered way back in the 18th century when, to maintain their relevance, the royal family was expected to establish standards of proper behavior and stand by them. For better and worse, that expectation persists.

In the most favorable instances, royals have used this soft power to engage in cultural repair and provide moral leadership. Queen Victoria, for example, served as the first patron of the British Red Cross, helping to reform the kind of care received by those injured during conflicts. On the eve of World War II, King George VI met with Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park, N.Y. In eating hot dogs together, the king and president telegraphed Anglo-American solidarity in the face of rising fascism.
Last week on the Senate floor, two senators rose to express disappointment with the House of Representatives. This was by itself routine enough, but the senators, Mike Rounds, Republican of South Dakota, and the New York Democrat and majority leader, Chuck Schumer werent complaining about Ukraine funding or border policy. They were complaining that the House was impeding transparency on U.F.O.s.

The back story, for those who dont follow every twist of what were now supposed to call the unidentified anomalous phenomenon (U.A.P.) debate, is that the National Defense Authorization Act, on Schumers instigation, included provisions to establish a presidential commission with the power to declassify a broad swath of records related to U.A.P.s, modeled on the panel that did similar work with President John F. Kennedys assassination.

But this disclosure effort was watered down by some House Republicans, making it more of a collection effort by the National Archives, with a weaker mandate to declassify and release.

As ever with this issue, the Senate discussion of these developments veered from the banal to the superweird. One moment, Rounds was talking as if the whole legislative effort was just an attempt to dispel myths and misinformation about U.A.P.s  sunlight as a disinfectant for conspiracy theories. The next, he was complaining that the House had stripped out a requirement that the government reclaim any recovered U.A.P. material or biological remains that may have been provided to private entities in the past and thereby hidden from Congress and the American people. Which is an odd thing to emphasize if you dont think theres a possibility that, say, Lockheed Martin is keeping something strange inside its vaults.
INTERNATIONAL

An article on Friday about the trial of a German spy accused of selling secrets to Russia misspelled the given name of a lawyer. He is Giuseppe Olivo, not Guiseppe.

Because of an editing error, an article on Wednesday about the climate footprint from food production misstated the origin of $17 billion in funds for agricultural innovations. It was raised by the United States and the United Arab Emirates from public and private sources. It was not committed by those countries themselves.

METROPOLITAN

An article on Dec. 10 about synthesizers referred incorrectly to Wendy Carlos, who introduced synthesizers to the masses. She is still alive.

NATIONAL

An article on Monday about local activists pushing for City Councils to adopt resolutions calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war misstated the name of a Southern California nonprofit organization. It is Latino Muslim Unity, not Latinos and Muslims United.
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A little over a year ago, a group of New York Times journalists met in Nairobi, Kenya, to talk about story ideas for the coming year. Laurie Goodstein, deputy editor of International and editor for the Africa region for The Times, led the charge. In attendance were many of the correspondents who cover the continent: Declan Walsh, Abdi Latif Dahir, John Eligon, Ruth Maclean, Elian Peltier and Lynsey Chutel.

One of the most exciting conversations revolved around a question that Declan had been noodling over for months: What does it mean for Africa, where the median age is 19, to be the youngest continent on the planet? The result of that conversation was the start of what became our new series this fall called Old World, Young Africa.

As Declan writes in the opening piece in the series: As the world grays, Africa blooms with youth. By 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African, a seismic change thats already starting to register. You can hear it in the music the world listens to. You can see it in movies, fashion and politics. You can sense it in the entrepreneurial drive of young Africans, and the urgent scramble for jobs. You can see it in the waves of youth who risk all to migrate, and in the dilemmas of those who remain.

As the editor of the Projects and Collaborations team at The Times, I returned from that week in Nairobi buzzing with ideas and eager to get started. Our team decided to focus on how, through the vast African diaspora, the world was increasingly becoming, culturally, more African. Our guiding question: How is what one scholar calls the youthquake in Africa shaking and shaping creativity abroad?
More than 50 years after his sister was killed, Darryl Malecki watched on Thursday as her body was lowered into her grave, for a second time, at a cemetery in Baltimore.

No one has ever been charged with the killing of Joyce Malecki, who disappeared in November 1969, when she was 20, and was found dead days later on the Fort Meade military base south of Baltimore. But the exhumation of her remains for DNA samples has raised her familys hopes that the case will finally be solved.

It is a steppingstone, Mr. Malecki, 71, said in an interview after his sisters body was returned to her grave. They removed from her whatever they needed.
The sun slipped behind the mountains and darkness fell as Kevin DePaolo lay in the freezing sand, a boulder weighing as much as 10,000 pounds bearing down on his right leg in the California mountains.

As the hours stretched on, he oscillated between a Zen-like calm and a seizing terror that rescue would never come.

At his lowest, he asked his friend, who was by his side, to call his mother and tell her: This is it. Im going to die up here. Theres no way Im going to make it through.

But his friend refused.

Help eventually arrived, in the form of Inyo County Search and Rescue, which led a daring operation, freeing Mr. DePaolo after he had spent about 10 hours trapped beneath the boulder.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, December 16, held discussions with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik with a focus on accelerating bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, including trade and investment.

The esteemed Sultan's first visit to India as the paramount leader of Oman commenced on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the diplomatic rapport shared between the two nations. Expressing warmth and hospitality, PM Modi warmly greeted His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Hyderabad House, where the stage was set for pivotal bilateral talks, as highlighted by Arindam Bagchi, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

The agenda for these discussions encompassed a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral ties while devising future pathways for enhanced collaboration between India and Oman. This agenda aligns with the shared goals of fostering stronger strategic partnerships between the two countries.

Commencing the day with grandeur, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was ceremonially welcomed at the fore-court of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, signifying the significance attached to this inaugural state visit. The Ministry of External Affairs, in anticipation of this diplomatic milestone, underlined its profound importance in fortifying the longstanding diplomatic relations between India and the Sultanate of Oman.

India and Oman share a strategic partnership that has seen a remarkable upsurge in bilateral trade and investment in recent years, solidifying their status as allies in progress and development.

This historic meeting between PM Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik encapsulates not just the strength of their nations' ties but also signifies a commitment to furthering collaboration across various domains, ensuring mutual growth and prosperity for both India and Oman.

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On his first day in office, President Biden sent a bill to Congress to restore humanity and American values to our immigration system. Nearly three years later, he is considering sweeping restrictions on migration in exchange for aid to Ukraine and Israel.

It is the latest sign of how drastically the politics of immigration have shifted in the United States, where polls suggest there is growing support, even inside the presidents own party, for border measures once denounced by Democrats and championed by former President Donald Trump.

But it is also a gamble for Mr. Biden, who risks walking away from some of the most deeply held principles of the Democratic Party and angering key parts of his core constituency, such as progressives and young voters.

Theres no doubt theres been a shift on this partly because of the influx of these migrants in these big cities, said David Axelrod, a top adviser to former President Barack Obama. There are limits to where he can and should go but this is almost a gift to have, under the cover of this broad package, to be able to do things that were perhaps tougher to do before.
Moms for Liberty, a national right-wing advocacy group, was born in Florida as a response to Covid-19 school closures and mask mandates. But it quickly became just as well known for pushing policies branded as anti-L.G.B.T.Q. by opponents.

So when one of its founders, Bridget Ziegler, recently told the police that she and her husband, who is under criminal investigation for sexual assault, had a consensual sexual encounter with another woman, the perceived disconnect between her public stances and private life fueled intense pressure for her to resign from the Sarasota County School Board.

Most of our community could not care less what you do in the privacy of your own home, but your hypocrisy takes center stage, Sally Sells, a Sarasota resident and the mother of a fifth-grader, told Ms. Ziegler during a tense school board meeting this week. Ms. Ziegler, whose husband has denied wrongdoing, said little and did not resign.

Ms. Sells was one of dozens of speakers who criticized Ms. Ziegler  and Moms for Liberty  at the meeting, an outcry that underscored the groups prominence in the most contentious debates of the pandemic era.
WHY WERE HERE

Were exploring how America defines itself one place at a time. In the Rio Grande Valley, which straddles the Mexican border in Texas, cities like Edinburg, Pharr and McAllen are steeped in old Mexican American traditions.

Dec. 16, 2023

On a recent day, Chriselda Hernandez heard a knock at her door in the Texas border town of Edinburg. It was a college student who said she was suffering from a string of bad luck. A drunken driver had crashed into her car. Then someone broke into the new car she was driving and stole her laptop. I need a limpia, she pleaded  a spiritual cleanse.

Ms. Hernandez moved to an altar in her living room that bore an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Slowly, she mixed a concoction of sage and palo santo, a wood native to South America, and lit it with a match. Then she turned back to the young woman and waved the healing smoke over her body.

You are holding on to something, Ms. Hernandez whispered to her. Let it go. There is no shame.
Fighting in Sudan has spread to the outskirts of a major city that is a refuge for displaced people and a center for aid groups, threatening to open another deadly front in an eight-month war that has devastated Africas third-largest nation.

The Sudanese Army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been clashing on the edges of Wad Madani, a city about 100 miles southeast of the capital, Khartoum, that tens of thousands of people fled to after the war began in April.

On Saturday morning, residents said that army aircraft could be heard flying over the city, with at least one neighborhood nearby coming under aerial bombardment. Many shops and businesses were shut down, and some residents were piling their belongings onto buses and rickshaws as they prepared to leave the city.

People are really afraid, said Faiz Mohamed, who fled Khartoum and said he was now leaving for Port Sudan, a city on the Red Sea.
Israeli security officials scored a major intelligence coup in 2018: secret documents that laid out, in intricate detail, what amounted to a private equity fund that Hamas used to finance its operations.

The ledgers, pilfered from the computer of a senior Hamas official, listed assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Hamas controlled mining, chicken farming and road building companies in Sudan, twin skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates, a property developer in Algeria, and a real estate firm listed on the Turkish stock exchange.

The documents, which The New York Times reviewed, were a potential road map for choking off Hamass money and thwarting its plans. The agents who obtained the records shared them inside their own government and in Washington.

Nothing happened.

For years, none of the companies named in the ledgers faced sanctions from the United States or Israel. Nobody publicly called out the companies or pressured Turkey, the hub of the financial network, to shut it down.
There was a faint tremor in the marines voice as he recounted the murderous fighting on the east bank of the Dnipro River, where he was wounded recently.

We were sitting in the water at night and we were shelled by everything, the marine, Maksym, said. My comrades were dying in front of my eyes.

For two months, Ukraines Marine Corps has been spearheading an assault across the Dnipro River in the southern region of Kherson to recapture territory from Russian troops. The operation is Ukraines latest attempt in its flagging counteroffensive to breach Russian defenses in the south and turn the tide of the war.

Soldiers and marines who have taken part in the river crossings described the offensive as brutalizing and futile, as waves of Ukrainian troops have been struck down on the river banks or in the water, even before they reach the other side.
The tensions spilling over from the war in Gaza to merchant shipping in the Red Sea escalated on Saturday when Britain and the United States said their militaries had shot down more than a dozen attack drones.

The Houthis, an armed group that controls much of northern Yemen, have been staging drone and missile assaults on Israeli and American targets since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. They have said they intend to prevent Israeli ships from sailing the Red Sea until Israel stops its war on Hamas, which rules Gaza. Both the Houthis and Hamas, like Hezbollah in Lebanon, are backed by Iran.

The shipping industry was also bracing for potential economic fallout as the Red Sea, a vital sea lane, is increasingly drawn into the regional unrest. The U.S. Central Command said in a statement that an American guided missile destroyer, the U.S.S. Carney, successfully engaged 14 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. It said the confrontation resulted in no injuries or damage to ships in the area.

Earlier in the day, Britains defense secretary, Grant Shapps, said the British warship HMS Diamond had shot down one suspected attack drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea overnight.

The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security, he said in a statement. The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.

Also on Saturday, the Houthi militia claimed to have launched a number of attack drones toward the Israeli Red Sea port of Eilat. Nir Dinar, an Israeli military spokesman, said he could not confirm that claim.
The Israeli military on Saturday said three hostages mistakenly killed by Israeli troops had been shirtless, unarmed and bearing a makeshift white flag. The troubling details of how they died have created widespread anguish and prompted renewed calls for a pause in the fighting to allow more hostages to be released.

The military, which acknowledged that the killings violated its rules of engagement, announced the deaths on Friday, hours after saying it had recovered the bodies of three other Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevy, the Israeli military chief of staff, said on Saturday that the three hostages had done everything so that we would understand that they were harmless, including removing their shirts to show they bore no explosives.

The shooting of the hostages was carried out contrary to the open-fire regulations, he said. It is forbidden to shoot at those who raise a white flag and seek to surrender.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Kerala's Thrissur, a key constituency prioritized by the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, on January 2nd. His visit will culminate in addressing a substantial gathering of 200,000 women at an event titled 'Sthree Shakthi Sangamam'.

The Kerala unit of the BJP has orchestrated this event to honor PM Modi's successful passage of the Womens Reservation Bill through both houses of Parliament, informed K Surendran, the state president of the party.

Various segments of women from diverse vocations such as Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, entrepreneurs, MGNREGA workers, Kudumbashree members, as well as social and cultural activists, have been extended invitations to participate in the 'Sthree Shakthi Sangamam'. The event is slated to take place at Thekkinkadu ground in Thrissur.

"The objective behind organizing this event is to commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the passage of the womens reservation bill in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Previously, we had organized a similar event for the youth," mentioned Surendran. He further clarified that the PM's itinerary involves attending a single event during the visit before returning.

Thrissur is among the six constituencies in Kerala that have been earmarked for special attention by the BJP in the forthcoming general elections, with actor-politician Suresh Gopi reportedly set to contest from this seat.

In a parallel development, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to visit Kerala today, December 16, for various BJP-organized events in the state. Sitharaman will be the chief guest at the Viksith Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Mangalapuram, Thiruvananthapuram district. Additionally, she will participate in a convocation ceremony at Fatima Matha College in Kollam. The Finance Minister is expected to conclude her visit by evening, marking her second trip to Thiruvananthapuram within a month.

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Woman Assault In K'taka: Five-Member BJP Fact-Finding Team Arrives At Belagavi

Bengaluru

pti-PTI

The five-member fact-finding team of BJP on Saturday reached here to collect firsthand information into the matter where a tribal woman was assaulted and paraded naked.

A delegation of MPs comprising Aparajita Sarangi, Sunita Duggal, Ranjeeta Koli, Locket Chatterjee and BJP national secretary Asha Lakra arrived at the Belagavi airport in the morning. The team will not only meet the victim and console her, but will also get detailed information about the incident.

The woman was also tied to a pole after her son eloped with a girl from the same community at Vantamuri village in Belagavi on December 11. Police have arrested eight people while eight others are still at large. The Karnataka High Court has taken up the case on its own.

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It also termed the incident worse than what had happened to Draupadi during Mahabharata, as Lord Krishna came to her rescue, but in the Belagavi incident, no one came to help the victim. The BJP will also be staging statewide demonstrations in all the districts condemning the incident.

BJP president J P Nadda and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have also condemned the assault. In a statement, Nadda said such henious crimes especially against women, are happening at regular intervals ever since the Congress government has come to power in Karnataka.

This also exposes the irresponsible behaviour of Congress governments everywhere in the country in tackling such crimes. In a post of 'X', Sitharaman said: "In @INCIndia there is no 'nyay (Justice) for the SCs and STs. The recent incident in Belagavi, Karnataka falls in the same category as those repeated atrocities against the Dalits seen till recently in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

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For Congress the downtrodden are just a votebank." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slammed Nadda for attempting to gain political mileage out of the Belagavi incident. In a strongly worded statement, the chief minister said the BJP's rule in Karnataka witnessed multiple instances of violence against women, but Nadda had forgotten this to politically target the Congress government. Unfortunately, he is using a recent incident of violence against a woman in Belagavi for politics, he charged.
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Weather Update: Will Bengaluru, Chennai Get Rains In Next 2 Days?

Chennai

oi-Prakash KL

While Chennai is predicted to get light to moderate rain in the next two days, Bengaluru might witness light rain, as per the weather-monitoring agency.

The weather forecast for Chennai indicates that the sky condition is expected to be partly cloudy. There is a likelihood of experiencing light to moderate rain in certain areas. The maximum temperature is anticipated to range between 30-31C, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 24-25C.

"Sky condition is likely to be partly cloudy. Light/Moderate rain is likely to occur in some areas. Maximum temperature is likely to be 30-31C and Minimum temperature is likely to be 24-25C," a statement from the Regional Meteorological Centre said on Saturday.

Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamilnadu. Heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Cuddalore Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai districts of Tamilnadu and Karaikal area.

Bengaluru Weather Report: Will It Rain In The Next 24 Hours? Check Latest Forecast For Karnataka

As far as the Bengaluru weather is concerned, the weather forecast suggests a generally cloudy sky. There is a chance of experiencing very light rain in some areas during the evening and night. The expected maximum temperature is around 27C, while the minimum temperature is likely to be around 18C.

"Generally cloudy sky. Possibility of very light rain in some areas towards evening and night. Maximum & Minimum temperatures very likely to be around 27 and 18 Degree Celsius respectively," the statement from the weather agency said.

The IMD further states that light rain is very likely to occur at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka. "Dry weather likely to prevail over North Interior Karnataka," the statement added.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, December 16, 2023, 16:51 [IST]
Allahabad HC Rejects VCs Plea, Orders Surrender in Illegal Conversion Case

The Allahabad High Court has taken a strong stance against illegal religious conversion, refusing to quash an FIR filed against the vice-chancellor and officials of an agriculture university in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The court has directed them to surrender by December 20 for regular bail.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The Allahabad High Court has declined to quash an FIR registered against the vice-chancellor and other officials of an agriculture university in connection with a case of alleged illegal religious conversion. The court has directed them to surrender before it by December 20 for regular bail.

Accusations Against University Officials

The accused, including Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science (SHUATS) vice-chancellor Rajendra Bihari Lal and director Vinod Bihari Lal, are facing allegations of persuading a woman to adopt Christianity by offering her a job and other inducements. The FIR was registered at the Bewar police station of Hamirpur district on November 4 based on a complaint filed by the woman.

Court's Observations

A division bench comprising justices Rahul Chaturvedi and Mohd Azhar Husain Idrisi observed that no religion or place of worship would approve of such malpractices. The court stated that while an individual's choice to convert to a different religion is a separate matter, prevailing upon a young girl's mind by providing gifts, clothing, and other amenities and then asking her to get baptized is an unpardonable sin.

Charges Against the Accused

The officials, including the VC, have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376D (gang rape), as well as provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, and the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act.

Victim's Allegations

According to the FIR, the woman, who belongs to a lower-middle-class family, was allegedly trapped by another woman who took her to church regularly. The victim has alleged that she was subjected to regular sexual exploitation by the accused and was pressured to bring other women for conversion and other illegal activities.

Petitioners' Arguments

The petitioners' counsel argued that the victim was offered a job at SHUATS but was later dismissed from service in 2022. They claimed that the victim had fabricated the story mentioned in the FIR as retaliation against the university's higher officials, including the VC.

Court's Decision

The court, while refusing to quash the FIR, noted that the allegations leveled against the accused are extremely serious and horrifying. It observed that the accused exploited the victim's financial situation and allured her to change her religious beliefs, and subsequently continued to exert influence over her.

Investigation and Report

The court, without making any judgment on the outcome of the investigation, directed the Hamirpur superintendent of police to personally supervise the probe being conducted by three senior police officers of circle officer rank. The SP has been instructed to objectively conduct the investigation and submit a report before the magistrate within 90 days.
COVID-19 Sub-Strain JN.1 Detected In Kerala Woman

India

pti-PTI

A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8, official sources said on Saturday. The sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned a positive result in an RT-PCR test on November 18, they said, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had recovered from COVID-19.

More than 90 per cent of the COVID-19 cases in India at present are mild and they are in home isolation, the sources said. Earlier, an Indian traveller was also detected with JN.1 sub-variant in Singapore.

The person was a native of Tamil Nadus Tiruchirapalli district and had travelled to Singapore on October 25. No increase in cases was observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other places in Tamil Nadu following the strain being detected in them.

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No other case of JN.1 variant has been detected in India," the source said. The JN.1 sub-variant -- first identified in Luxembourg and since spreading to several countries -- is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86). It contains a significant number of unique mutations, particularly in the spike protein, that may contribute to increased infectivity and immune evasion, a source explained.

However, initial data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments will still offer protection against JN.1 sub-strain, the source stated. This sub-variant's resemblance to earlier sub-strains with distinct spike proteins is also noteworthy.

Most of the changes in JN.1 sub-variant are found in the spike protein, which likely correlates to increases in infectivity and immune evasion. Globally, 3,608 cases of BA.2.86 and its sub-variants have been reported mostly from Europe and North America.

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, said initial data suggest that updated COVID-19 vaccines will help protect against JN.1 sub-strain. It also said an analysis from the federal government's SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group suggests treatments and testing will remain effective, they said.
Haryana Sets an Example in Stubble Management: CM Khattar Praises Farmers Efforts

Haryana has emerged as a frontrunner in stubble management, showcasing a remarkable decline in farm fires. CM Manohar Lal Khattar commended farmers contributions and outlined the states effective strategies, including financial incentives and innovative practices.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Chandigarh, December 16: Haryana has emerged as a model state in stubble management, showcasing remarkable progress in curbing farm fires. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted this achievement during the CM ki Vishesh Charcha program, where he interacted with farmers through audio conferencing.

Significant Reduction in Stubble Burning

Khattar lauded the efforts of Haryana's farmers in reducing stubble burning incidents. According to an official release, the state has witnessed a significant 36.4 percent decrease in stubble burning cases compared to the previous year. This stands in contrast to Punjab, which saw a decline of only 27.1 percent.

Innovative Measures for Stubble Management

Haryana has implemented several innovative measures to address stubble management. One such initiative is the establishment of a unique precedent nationwide by fixing a rate of Rs 2,500 per tonne for stubble purchase. Additionally, a provision has been made for an extra payment of Rs 500 per tonne for stubble with less than 20 percent moisture content.

Incentives for Gram Panchayats

To further incentivize effective stubble management, the state government has introduced rewards for gram panchayats. A reward of Rs 1 lakh is offered to panchayats that transition from the category of highly sensitive villages in terms of crop residue burning to the zero crop residue burning category. Similarly, panchayats that move from sensitive villages to zero crop residue burning receive a Rs 50,000 reward.

Promoting Low Water-Consuming Crops

Recognizing the importance of water conservation, the Haryana government has launched the Mera Pani Meri Virasat scheme. This scheme promotes low water-consuming crops by providing a grant of Rs 7,000 per acre for crop diversification in paddy fields. The initiative has led to a reduction in stubble quantity and has disbursed around Rs 118 crore to farmers.

Custom Hiring Centres and Subsidies

To prevent pollution caused by crop residue burning, the state has established over 6,700 custom hiring centers since 2018. These centers provide farmers with access to crop residue management equipment, and so far, 80,071 such equipment have been distributed. Farmers have also received subsidies worth Rs 685 crore, and 6,130 machines have been purchased on subsidy in the current fiscal year. An incentive of Rs 1,000 per acre is offered for both in-situ and ex-situ management to encourage the use of these machines.

Stubble Utilization for Biofuel Production

Haryana is exploring innovative ways to utilize stubble. On August 10, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2G ethanol Plant at Panipat Refinery, followed by the establishment of a 3G plant at the same refinery. These plants convert stubble into biofuel, offering an eco-friendly solution for stubble management.

Exploring Opportunities in African Countries

Given the diminishing agricultural land in Haryana, the state government is exploring opportunities for Haryana farmers to cultivate in African countries. Discussions are underway to make this initiative a reality, providing farmers with additional avenues for agricultural production.

Government Support to Farmers

Khattar emphasized the government's unwavering support to farmers at every stage, from sowing seeds to selling produce in markets. He highlighted the recent floods that affected several districts in the state and the assistance provided to affected farmers. Compensation of Rs 112.21 crore was disbursed to 34,511 farmers for crop damage, and 49,197 acres were replanted.

Haryana's success in stubble management serves as an inspiration for other states grappling with the issue of farm fires. The state's innovative measures, coupled with farmer cooperation, have demonstrated that effective stubble management is achievable, leading to improved air quality and sustainable agriculture practices.
President Murmu Praises Omans Contribution to Regional Peace and Stability

President Droupadi Murmu commended Omans significant role in promoting regional peace and stability during Sultan Haitham bin Tariks state visit to India. She emphasized Omans position as Indias oldest strategic partner and highlighted the growth in trade, investment, culture, health, and education between the two nations.

India

-Krishna Kripa

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday acknowledged and highly valued Oman's pivotal role in fostering peace and stability in the region. While welcoming Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on his maiden state visit to India, the President emphasized Oman's unique position as India's oldest strategic partner in the region and a cornerstone of its West Asia Policy.

India-Oman Relations: A Multifaceted Partnership

President Murmu expressed her delight in witnessing the transformation of India-Oman relations into a truly multifaceted partnership. She highlighted the steady growth in trade and investment ties, as well as the remarkable progress achieved in the fields of culture, health, and education. Looking ahead, the President noted that Oman's Vision 2040 and India's ongoing growth trajectory present an ideal opportunity for extensive collaboration in strategic areas.

Oman's Participation in G20 Summit and Indian Diaspora's Contribution

President Murmu expressed appreciation for Oman's valuable participation in this year's G20 Summit and related meetings under India's Presidency. She also recognized the significant role played by the Indian diaspora in Oman's development and commended their contributions to strengthening India-Oman relations.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Ushering in a New Era of Cooperation

Both President Murmu and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik expressed their belief that this visit would serve as a solid foundation for further bolstering India-Oman bilateral ties, promoting regional stability, and ushering in a new era of cooperation and progress. The leaders acknowledged the importance of this visit in shaping the future trajectory of the two nations' partnership.
Indian Navy Responds To Distress Call, Counters Hijacking Incident In Arabian Sea

India

oi-Prakash KL

The Indian Navy on Saturday said it responded to a hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea with unknown men who seized control of the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen, which had 18 crew members on board.

The Navy deployed its maritime patrol aircraft, engaged in surveillance in the region, and its warship on an anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and aid the vessel, MV Ruen, after receiving a distress call.

Officials said the hijacking attempt on Thursday, and the Indian Navy sent its mission-deployed platforms to the incident area early on Friday.

The Navy said its aircraft flew over the hijacked vessel and it has been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia.

"Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy diverted its naval maritime patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen," an Indian Navy spokesperson said.

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"The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of December 15 and the aircraft has been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia," he said.

The official stated that the Indian Navy's warship, engaged in anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, successfully intercepted the MV Ruen on Saturday morning. The situation is under vigilant monitoring, with coordination among various agencies in the region, according to the official.

"The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries," the official told PTI.

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Story first published: Saturday, December 16, 2023, 13:42 [IST]
Mohan Yadav Takes Part in Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Ujjain

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav flagged off the Modi ki guarantee van and led a 7 km roadshow in Ujjain as part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

India

-Krishna Kripa

On Saturday, December 16, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav participated in a function in his hometown Ujjain to mark the launch of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the yatra from Delhi. During the event, Yadav flagged off the Modi ki guarantee van and subsequently led a 7-kilometer roadshow from Dussehra Maidan. This marked his first visit to Ujjain since assuming the role of Chief Minister on December 13.

Thousands Gather for the Roadshow

Thousands of people lined the streets, enthusiastically cheering and raising slogans such as "Mohan Yadav Jindabad" as the roadshow progressed. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and support for the Chief Minister.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: Reaching Underserved Communities

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi flagged off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in five states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram. These states recently held assembly elections, which caused a delay in the yatra's launch due to the model code of conduct. The yatra aims to ensure that the benefits of various government schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a timely manner, thereby achieving saturation of these flagship programs.

Beneficiaries Share Success Stories

During the virtual launch, Prime Minister Modi interacted with beneficiaries from various states who have successfully utilized government schemes to improve their lives. These individuals shared their inspiring stories, highlighting the positive impact of these initiatives on their communities.

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a significant undertaking that underscores the government's commitment to inclusive development and social welfare. By ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach all intended beneficiaries, the yatra contributes to the overall progress and prosperity of the nation.
This Day in the World History: Every year on December 16th, Kazakhstan reverberates with joyous celebrations, marking a significant milestone in its historythe commemoration of Independence Day. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's courageous leap into sovereignty, breaking away from the confines of the Soviet Union and heralding a new era as an independent state.

The roots of Kazakhstan's Independence Day trace back to the historic moment on December 16, 1991, when the country boldly declared its autonomy from the Soviet Union. This proclamation was a testament to the resolute spirit and unwavering determination of the Kazakh people, who yearned for self-determination, freedom, and the right to shape their destiny.

The journey towards independence was not without challenges. Kazakhstan, like many former Soviet republics, faced a myriad of obstacles in establishing itself as a sovereign nation. However, guided by a collective vision and fortified by a rich cultural heritage, Kazakhstan embarked on a transformative path towards nation-building and progress.

Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has made remarkable strides in various spheres. The country has embraced economic reforms, fostered diplomatic relations worldwide, and demonstrated a commitment to bolstering its societal infrastructure and governance systems. Its rich cultural tapestry, encompassing traditions, art, music, and literature, continues to flourish and be celebrated both domestically and internationally.

The significance of Kazakhstan's Independence Day extends beyond mere commemoration; it symbolizes the resilience of a nation and the unity of its diverse populace. It serves as an occasion to reflect upon the sacrifices made by previous generations and to honor the collective efforts that have shaped the country's identity and progress.

Each year, December 16th is marked by vibrant festivities across Kazakhstan. Colorful parades, cultural exhibitions, concerts showcasing traditional music and dance, fireworks illuminating the night sky, and various public events grace the cities and towns. People from all walks of life join together, adorned in national attire, to express their pride, patriotism, and gratitude for the freedoms earned.

Moreover, this day offers an opportunity for introspection, inspiring the nation to chart a path forward, brimming with hope, innovation, and unity. It encourages Kazakhstan to reaffirm its commitment to peace, prosperity, and inclusivity, while also acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead and the collective responsibility to surmount them.

As Kazakhstan commemorates its 32nd Independence Day on December 16, 2023, the occasion stands as a testament to the nation's remarkable journeya journey marked by resilience, progress, and a steadfast commitment to a brighter future.

In celebrating this auspicious day, Kazakhstan reaffirms its dedication to fostering a prosperous and harmonious society, guided by the values of freedom, diversity, and unity.

As the Kazakh people unite in celebration, they embrace their past, cherish their present, and envision a future brimming with promise and endless possibilitiesa testament to the spirit of independence that continues to define the nation.

This Day in World History: Tanzania Marks Independence Day:,Celebrating Sovereignty, Unity
Noida Police Arrest Suspect in Security Guard Killing After Gunfight

In Noida, a 25-year-old suspect has been apprehended following a gunfight with the police. He is believed to be involved in the killing of a private security guard, Dheeraj Kumar, who was allegedly assaulted by him and his associates on Friday.

India

-Krishna Kripa

NOIDA, India - A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the killing of a private security guard in Noida, India, following a gunfight with the police.

The Incident

The victim, 29-year-old Dheeraj Kumar, was allegedly beaten to death by the suspect and his accomplices on Friday. Kumar worked as a guard at a group housing society where his brother also works. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Police Investigation

The police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified accused under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code and launched an investigation. During the course of the probe, one of the suspects, Yogendra alias Major, a resident of Roja Yakubpur village, was identified.

Arrest and Gunfight

On Saturday night, the police apprehended Yogendra after a gunfight. The suspect opened fire on the police team, prompting them to retaliate. Yogendra was shot in the leg and subsequently arrested.

Evidence and Motive

The police seized an illegal firearm and ammunition from Yogendra's possession. The motive behind the crime is yet to be determined, and the police are searching for other individuals involved in the incident.

Criminal History

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Yogendra has a history of criminal activity, with approximately six cases registered against him in the district.

The arrest of Yogendra marks a significant development in the investigation into the security guard's killing. The police are continuing their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and establish the motive behind the crime.
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Not Just Samsung Phones, Indian Govt Issues Warning For Apple Products

India

oi-Prakash KL

After Samsung phones, the Indian government's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a similar high-risk warning for Apple products.

Citing multiple vulnerabilities, the CERT said, "Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Apple products which could allow an attacker to access sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, cause denial of service (DoS) conditions, bypass authentication, gain elevated privileges, and perform spoofing attacks on the targeted systems,"

The iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and the Safari browser are among the affected products.

Similarly, the nodal agency has issued a high-risk warning for Samsung Mobile phone users. The alert highlights numerous vulnerabilities impacting millions of Samsung Galaxy phones, (both older and newer models). It also underscores critical security concerns in Samsung Mobile Android versions 11, 12, 13, and 14, potentially enabling attackers to surreptitiously access and retrieve data from your device.

"Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Samsung products that could allow an attacker to bypass implemented security restrictions, access sensitive information, and execute arbitrary code on the targeted system," the CERT said in a notification.

Centre Issues Urgent Warning For Samsung Phones: Deets Inside

The agency mentioned that the vulnerabilities are varied and affect different components of the Samsung ecosystem.

"These vulnerabilities exist due to improper access control flaw in KnoxCustomManagerService and SmartManagerCN component, integer overflow vulnerability in face preprocessing library; improper authorization verification vulnerability in AR Emoji, improper exception management vulnerability in Knox Guard, various out of bounds write vulnerabilities in bootloader, HDCP in HAL, libIfaaCa and libsavsac.so components, improper size check vulnerability in softsimd, improper input validation vulnerability in Smart Clip and implicit intent hijacking vulnerability in contacts," the statement added.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, December 16, 2023, 12:02 [IST]
Nothing Has Changed In Past Decade, Says DCW Chief Maliwal On 11th Anniversary Of Nirbhaya Rape

India

pti-PTI

Nothing has changed in the past decade and crimes against women in Delhi have only gone up, DCW chief Swati Maliwal said on Saturday on the 11th anniversary of the Nirbhaya incident -- a brutal gang-rape and assault case that stirred an outpouring of anger and grief, followed by the passage of several new sexual assault laws in the country.

A 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as "Nirbhaya (the fearless one)", was raped and assaulted by six men inside a bus in south Delhi on December 16, 2012, before being thrown out of the moving vehicle.

She died from her injuries on December 29 in Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where she was flown by air-ambulance. "A tragic incident happened with Nirbhaya in 2012 when she was gang-raped. That girl died in agony," Maliwal told PTI. "At the time of the incident, people came out onto the streets to seek change.

Nirbhaya 10 years on: Nothing has changed for women in Delhi, say her parents

But despite years after that tragedy, we stand at the same place. Crimes against women are increasing day by day. Nothing will change until the criminals are scared that the system would not spare them for such crimes," she added.

The Delhi Commission for Women chairperson called for certainty and swiftness in punishments and said governments should take such sensitive cases "seriously". "We need certainty and swiftness in punishments and such matters need to be taken seriously by governments.

Police strength and (the number of) fast-track courts should be increased. We need a system where justice is assured swiftly and systematically," Maliwal said. "Every December 16, politicians talk big about bringing change but (those are) all in vain," she claimed. Of the six men accused in the case, Ram Singh allegedly committed suicide in jail, days after the trial began.

A juvenile accused was released in 2015 after spending three years in a correctional home. The other four -- Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) -- were convicted. They were hanged in Tihar Jail on March 20, 2020. "After the Nirbhaya incident, a stringent law was introduced that made some difference.

DCW issues notice to police for Nirbhaya-like gang-rape case in Ghaziabad

If a policeman doesn't accept a rape victim's complaint, an FIR can be lodged against him too. Through the Delhi Commission for Women, we always ensure that cases of crimes against women are registered," Maliwal said.

Asked about a recent National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report that said crimes against women had shot up in Delhi, Maliwal said there is no fear of punishment in those who commit such atrocities.

Delhi recorded the highest number of crimes against women among the 19 metropolitan cities in India in 2022, according to the latest NCRB report. "There is no fear of punishment in those who commit such crimes. There are instances where even politicians were seen posing with such criminals.

What happened in the sexual harassment case of the women wrestlers of our country? (Outgoing Wrestling Federation of India chief) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is roaming free despite having serious allegations against him," Maliwal said. In 2022, crimes against women in Delhi witnessed a 1.25-per cent on-year increase to 14,158 cases from 13,982 in 2021, the NCRB data showed.

According to the data, Delhi recorded 1,204 rape cases in 2022. It also reported 129 dowry death cases and 3,909 kidnappings or abductions of women that year. In 2018, Maliwal had gone on a hunger strike to demand the death penalty for those convicted of raping minors and setting up of fast-track courts across the country to try sexual assault cases, among others.

The following year, Maliwal sat on another hunger strike and also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a time-bound redress of mercy petitions by rape convicts sentenced to death and an increase in police resources.

Nirbhaya: Still sad, but at peace knowing that justice has been delivered

The Delhi women's panel chief said the conviction rate in rape and sexual assault cases is very low and added that the commission receives more than 2,000 distress calls every day. "I think police strength should be increased and they must be held accountable for their negligence.

Are there enough CCTV cameras in police stations? What action is taken against the cops for their negligence?" Maliwal asked. She also suggested that schools should add to their curricula topics that teach boys to make women feel safer and respect them. "Schools should introduce such topics in their curriculum wherein they (boys) are taught how to make women feel safe and how to respect them," Maliwal said.

"Do the curricula mention what domestic violence is and how to prevent those? If not in schools, who will make the children understand that it is wrong when a man raises his hand on a woman?" Maliwal asked. The Delhi Commission for Women has received more than a lakh cases in the last six years and served notices to the Delhi Police in almost every one, she added.
Parliament Security Breach: Delhi Police Arrest Sixth Accused Mahesh Kumawat

India

oi-Gaurav Sharma

The Delhi Police on Saturday arrested the 6th accused in the Parliament security breach. According to the reports, the accused has been identified as Mahesh Kumawat, who was on the run since the security breach. His other five allies were detained by the police soon after the incident. Two accused had entered the jumped into the area where Members of the Parliament sit from the public viewers' gallery and busted the color smoke bombs.

Coincidently, the security breach happened on the same day, December 13, when Parliament was attacked a decade ago. Thankfully, it was not a big attack, and miscreants only wanted to raise issues like women's security, inhumanity going on in Manipur, no support to farmers, and unemployment, said one of the accused while speaking to the media.

As per the Delhi police sources, Kumawat was also part of the conspiracy and has been held for providing logistical aid to his allies for entering the Lok Sabha.

Earlier, the Delhi police arrested two men from inside the Lok Sabha, and a man and woman from outside the Parliament. Later on Thursday, one more accused Lalit Jha surrendered at the Kartavya Path Police Station.

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According to the reports, Mahesh's cousin Kailash was also questioned, but the police have not arrested him so far.

Parliament Security Breach Accused Wanted To Create Anarchy In The Country; Foreign Link To Be Probed

Reports added that all the accused were connected through a social media platform and were following a page called 'Fans of Bhagat Singh.'

Reacting to the serious incident, the Opposition is attacking the government and demanding an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A few members of parliament from the opposition also demanded Shah's resignation following the Parliament security breach.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said whatever happened was wrong, but the government should look at why this happened and what those men wanted to communicate.

On the other hand, Amit Shah, in an interview, said there should be no politics done over this sensitive issue.
PM In Surat, Varanasi On Dec 17, 18 To Launch Development Projects

India

pti-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Surat and Varanasi on December 17 and 18 to launch several development initiatives. His office said Modi will inaugurate the new integrated terminal building at Surat airport and the Surat Diamond Bourse on Sunday before travelling to Varanasi to attend the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

On Sunday evening, he will inaugurate the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at the Namo ghat, the statement said. The next day, he will inaugurate the Swarved Mahamandir at a public function and also participate in the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra'.

The prime minister is also scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 19,150 crore in his parliamentary constituency. The PMO statement said the new integrated terminal building is equipped to handle 1,200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours and has provision for further increasing the peak hour capacity to 3,000 passengers with the annual handling capacity increasing to 55 lakh passengers.

PM Modi Holds Talks With Oman's Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik

As the gateway to the Surat city, the terminal building has been designed with its local culture and heritage ensuring that the essence should reflect both in the interior and exterior, creating a sense of place for the visitors.

The Surat Diamond Bourse will be the world's largest and modern centre for international diamond and jewellery business, the statement said. It will be a global centre for trading of both rough and polished diamonds as well as jewellery.

It will comprise a state-of-the-art 'Customs Clearance House' for import and export, jewellery mall for retail jewellery business and facility of international banking and safe vaults. In line with his vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', Modi will inaugurate Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Namo Ghat and will also flag off the Kanyakumari ' Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train, the statement said.

His office said the prime minister has put a special focus on transforming the landscape of Varanasi and enhancing the ease of living for the people living in Varanasi and adjoining regions in last nine years.

PM Modi Pays Tribute To Heroes Of India's Win Over Pakistan In 1971 War

"Taking another step in this direction, the prime minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects costing around Rs 19,150 crore," it said. Modi will inaugurate the New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Nagar-New Bhaupur Dedicated Freight Corridor Project built at a cost of around Rs. 10,900 crore.

Other railway projects which will be inaugurated include Ballia-Ghazipur City rail line doubling project; Indara-Dohrighat rail line gauge conversion project. He will flag off the second Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express train, Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train and a pair of Long Haul goods trains at the newly inaugurated Dedicated Freight Corridor. He will also flag off the 10,000th locomotive made by Banaras Locomotive Works, it said.
PM Modi Holds Talks With Oman's Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik

India

pti-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik with a focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, including trade and investment.

The Sultan of Oman arrived in Delhi on a state visit on Friday, in his first trip to India as the top leader of the Gulf nation. "Giving a boost to India-Oman Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodi warmly received His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman at Hyderabad House, setting the stage for bilateral discussions," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a post on X ahead of the talks.

"Agenda includes taking stock of bilateral ties and charting pathways for the future collaboration between the two countries," he said. In the morning, Sultan bin Tarik was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the fore-court of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman hold bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi pic.twitter.com/6QzXYaNZTV  ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2023

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PM Modi Pays Tribute To Heroes Of India's Win Over Pakistan In 1971 War

"This first state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and the Sultanate of Oman," the Ministry of External Affairs said earlier this week while announcing the trip.

India and the Sultanate of Oman are strategic partners and the bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two nations has been on an upswing in the last few years.
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PM Modi Pays Tribute To Heroes Of India's Win Over Pakistan In 1971 War

India

pti-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to the heroes of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas'.

"Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the people's hearts and our nation's history," PM Modi said in a post on X.

India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit, he said. The prime minister said, "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory."

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Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2023

India's decisive win over Pakistan led to the birth of Bangladesh. Vijay Diwas is observed annually to commemorate the victory, with Pakistan's military surrendering to Indian forces.
PM Modi in Varanasi: Yogi Adityanath Hails Architect of New India

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Varanasi, describing him as the architect of a new India. PM Modis two-day visit includes inaugurating the second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, launching the Kanyakumari-Varanasi Tamil Sangam Train, and unveiling various development projects for Varanasi and its surrounding areas.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Lucknow, December 16: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his two-day visit to Varanasi. Describing the Prime Minister as the architect of a new India, Adityanath took to social media to express his greetings on behalf of the state's 25 crore people.

Prime Minister to Inaugurate Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Launch Development Projects

During his stay in the holy city of Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, an initiative aimed at strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat (One India, Best India). The Prime Minister will also launch the Kanyakumari-Varanasi Tamil Sangam Train and gift numerous projects for the comprehensive development of Varanasi and its surrounding areas.

Prime Minister's Itinerary for December 17-18

According to an official statement, Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Varanasi on December 17 and participate in various events during his two-day visit.

December 17

3:30 PM: Participation in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

5:15 PM: Inauguration of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Namo Ghat

December 18

10:45 AM: Visit to Swaraveda Mahamandir

1:00 PM: Participation in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

2:15 PM: Inauguration and laying of foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 19,150 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Varanasi is expected to bring significant developments and benefits to the region. The inauguration of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the launch of various infrastructure projects align with the government's vision of fostering cultural unity and promoting all-round growth.
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Women's Reservation Bill To Come Into Force After 2024 Census: Sitharaman

India

pti-PTI

The Centre will initiate steps to enforce the womens reservation bill after the 2024 census, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said.

Speaking after releasing a commemorative postal stamp in the name of Rani Abbakka at Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district on Friday, Sitharaman said the womens bill became a reality as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always believed in the role of women in nation building.

Lauding the courage and heroics of Rani Abbakka, the 16th century queen of Ullal who fought against the Portugese, Sitharaman said the Union government has taken steps to document the contributions of many unknown fighters who fought against imperial forces.

As part of Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the government has compiled a digital district repository with 14,500 stories, highlighting places linked with the freedom struggle, she said. The Union Ministry of Culture has also tied up with Amar Chitra Katha to bring out three books on the role of women in freedom struggle, women in the constituent assembly and tribal leaders of freedom struggle.

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The finance minister expressed the hope that a Sanik School would be opened in the name of Rani Abbakka in coastal Karnataka. She congratulated artist Vasudev Kamath for the portrait of Rani Abbakka, used for the commemorative postal stamp. Sri Kshetra Dharmastala dharmadhikari (hereditary administrator) Veerendra Heggade and chief post master general (Karnataka Circle) S Rajendra Kumar were present.
Israeli Strike Kills Al Jazeera Cameraman in Gaza

An Israeli strike killed a Palestinian cameraman for the TV network Al Jazeera and wounded its chief Gaza correspondent on Friday.

International

-Sathish Raman

In a tragic incident, an Israeli strike claimed the life of Samer Abu Daqqa, a Palestinian cameraman working for the renowned TV network Al Jazeera. The incident occurred on Friday while Abu Daqqa and his colleague, Wael Dahdouh, the chief Gaza correspondent for Al Jazeera, were reporting from a school in the southern part of the besieged Gaza territory.

Fatal Second Strike

Abu Daqqa and Dahdouh had arrived at the school in Khan Younis after it was hit by an earlier strike that day. Unfortunately, while they were there, an Israeli drone targeted the school with a second strike, resulting in devastating consequences.

Wounded Correspondent Recounts Ordeal

Dahdouh, who sustained severe injuries to his arm and shoulder, managed to escape the scene while bleeding profusely. He encountered several ambulance workers and pleaded with them to search for Abu Daqqa. However, they deemed it too risky and assured him that another ambulance would arrive for assistance.

Desperate Attempts to Save Abu Daqqa

Dahdouh, speaking from a hospital bed with his right arm heavily bandaged, recalled the harrowing moments. He described Abu Daqqa's desperate cries for help as he lay bleeding on the ground. Later in the evening, Al Jazeera reported that an ambulance attempted to reach the school to evacuate Abu Daqqa, but its efforts were thwarted due to roads blocked by rubble from destroyed houses.

Tragic Loss of a Dedicated Journalist

Sadly, Abu Daqqa succumbed to his injuries after several hours of bleeding. The Committee to Protect Journalists confirmed that Abu Daqqa is the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on October 7. Among the deceased journalists, 57 were Palestinians, four were Israelis, and three were Lebanese.

A Life Dedicated to Journalism

The 45-year-old Abu Daqqa, a native of Khan Younis, had joined Al Jazeera in June 2004, where he excelled as both a cameraman and an editor. He leaves behind three sons and a daughter, leaving a profound void in their lives and the journalism community.

Israeli Response and Al Jazeera's Accusations

The Israeli army did not immediately respond to the Associated Press' request for comment regarding Abu Daqqa's death. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera, owned by Qatar, issued a statement holding Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families.

Personal Tragedies Amidst Conflict

In late October, Dahdouh's wife, son, daughter, and grandchild tragically lost their lives in a strike on their home in central Gaza. Al Jazeera accused Israel of intentionally targeting his family. Earlier this month, another Al Jazeera correspondent, Momen Al Sharafi, suffered the loss of his father, mother, and 20 other family members in a separate strike.

Dahdouh: A Symbol of Palestinian Resilience

Dahdouh has become a prominent figure, recognized as the face of Palestinians during numerous conflicts. He is deeply respected in his native Gaza for his unwavering commitment to sharing stories of suffering and hardship with the world.

Mounting Casualties in Gaza Conflict

The ongoing Israeli air and ground assault over the past 10 weeks has resulted in the deaths of more than 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The conflict erupted following a brutal attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and led to the capture of approximately 240 hostages.
VIJAY DIWAS 2023: Every year on December 16, India commemorates Vijay Diwas to honor its triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Today, people nationwide pay respects to the brave soldiers who gave their lives for the country. The conflict began on December 3 and lasted 13 days. Let's delve into the battles fought in 1971 that led to India's victory and the birth of Bangladesh.

Key Battles that Secured India's Victory in 1971

As per the National War Memorial in New Delhi, six pivotal battles contributed to India's win against Pakistan.

Hilli Battle: Capturing Hilli was crucial to isolate Bogra from East Pakistan. The struggle commenced on November 22, 1971. Despite initial challenges, the 202 Mountain Brigade, led by 8 Guards, eventually gained control of the Northern part of Hilli. Indian troops then established a roadblock, prompting Pakistani forces to retreat and focus on defending Bogra, which was later captured by India.

Chhamb Conflict: Chhamb was significant as Pakistan aimed to reach the crucial Akhnur Bridge. The fight began on December 3, 1971, with an assault on Pir Jamal Post. Despite Pakistan's Air Force joining the next day, India's 191 Infantry Brigade thwarted their entry. Heavy artillery fire and the Indian Air Force's strong action prevented Pakistan's plans.

Basantar Struggle: The Shakargarh Bulge was strategically important for both sides. The offensive started on December 4, 1971, between the Degh and Basantar rivers. The renowned Battle of Basantar from December 15 to 17, 1971, saw significant actions. Although three grenadiers made gains, Pakistan's counterattacks were repulsed.

Longewala Clash: A small Indian post faced a Pakistani Brigade supported by numerous tanks. Pakistan aimed to seize Longewala near the Rajasthan border. With minimal support, the Indian forces successfully countered the Pakistani tanks with well-timed actions.

Meghna Heli Bridge Operation: On December 9, 1971, the Indian Armed Forces executed an airborne operation to cross the Meghna River, bypassing Pakistani defences. This strategic move facilitated the convergence of forces towards Dhaka, the final target.

Tangail Airdrop: Executed on December 11, 1971, by the Indian Armed Forces, this airborne operation captured the vital 'Poongli Bridge,' preventing the Pakistani 93 Infantry Brigade from defending Dhaka, leading to its capture.

These decisive battles in 1971 played a crucial role in India's victory over Pakistan, ultimately leading to the creation of Bangladesh.

Defense Minister and High-Ranking Military Officials Honor Fallen Soldiers on 'Vijay Diwas'

Vijay Diwas 2023: Commemorating India's Triumph in the 1971 War
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Eurasia Review 28 Dec 2023

By Dejan Azeski



We are steadily approaching the beginning of the third year of the war in Ukraine, referred to by the..
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Former journalist Joelle Bile has withdrawn from the presidential race in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in support of incumbent Felix Tshisekedi.
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In America, I was free only in battle, never free to rest.





James Baldwin

I watched episodes of Flash Gordon when I was a child. I believe these shows might have been reruns of the 1954 TV series. Buster Crabbe is the blond-haired Flash Gordon pursuing Dale Arden. Both Flash and Dale are pursued, in turn, by Ming the Merciless. Flash is forever saving Dale from the evil Ming. I was too young to recognize in Ming a "likeness" to Mao, the non-democratic leader of China. More than a menacing image, in Mao, was the embodiment of the villainous dictator.





It's the Cold War Era. The threat to the American way of life was out there. Or so it seemed to some of us.





In his article "A trump Dictatorship Is Increasingly Inevitable. We Should Stop Pretending", journalist Robert Kagan urges that we "stop the wishful thinking and face the stark reality". America may see Trump in office again and not for just another term. We'll actually experience, here in the United States, a dictatorship. And why not, he argues.





"Rarely in American history has democracy's inherent messiness been more striking. In Weimar Germany, Hitler and other agitators benefited from squabbling of the democratic parties." The Democratic Party, as a result, is in "a mounting panic about its prospects" and he is right. It's not just the Democratic Party but anyone opposed to an openly authoritarian government at the helm in the US.





Yet, once again, along with millions of voting-age Americans, I'm asked to choose. I want the democratic experiment to continue, even as that experiment has included the suffering and death to millions by way of the conquest and displacement of indigenous people and the enslavement and disenfranchisement of black Americans. So, it's democracy or the other option. Further eroding of my rights, which could result in the lost of my right as a black American to exist.





I'm not talking about the one or the other presidential candidates. Rather, I'm considering how the party, claiming to stand for the people, for human rights and justice, continues using taxpayers' money to support the suffering and murdering of children? How does a party claiming to be in opposition to fascism continue to support the use of fossil fuels? The Democratic Party rejects the ideas offered by those who know history and don't want to see a repeat of the Weimar Republic. Or, for that matter, the end of the Reconstruction era, that further institutionalized anti-democratic ideas in the US.





There are voices calling attention to a vision of the US, leading the world as a humane and compassionate beacon of democracy. A democracy that wouldn't arrest protesters, including Jews, for calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. A democracy that wouldn't think of supplying manufactures of weapons taxpayers' money to create technology to kill children and women. And yet, we are expected to be content with incremental steps of progress and then watch as each and every gain, from civil rights to voting rights, is vehemently denounced as unfair to white America!





Because the Democratic Party will respond to backlash! Anti-black backlash! So many Americans began quietly calculating how much white America will lose or have taken from them if blacks have access to the "American Dream" too. What would become of white America?





So, of course, we are here once again, calling for compassion and understanding, calling for a new way of seeing the world, seeing this country move forward, only to be met with new laws for arresting our civic duty, our activism, our recognition that we aren't islands unto ourselves. That the death of another "diminishes" me, diminishes even those who believe themselves justified in killing and therefore innocent.





Here we are witnessing the banning of the history of blacks in America. The banning, in short, of the black-lived experience, placates those whose ideas are anti-democratic. After all, as philosopher Jason Stanley writes, the "key to democracy is an informed electorate". But why would fascists "want an electorate that knows about persisting racial injustice in the United States along all its dimensions, from the racial wealth gap to the effects of over-policing and over incarceration, will be unsurprising by mass political rebellion in the face of persistent refusal to face up to these problems"?





If, on the other hand, we are faced with an electorate "ignorant of the facts", writes Stanley, then we will experience a lack of understanding and an "uncomprehending fear and horror of black political unrest". For fascists, isn't it more desirable to have a manipulable and a more docile population?





As Kagan notes, the Republican Party is now a fully anti-democratic institution, "responsible for Washington's dysfunction", and Trump benefits from this dysfunction. His solution is to offer none other than himself as dictator, for only he will have the radical fervor to dismiss "with rules". Trump will do away with the perceived problem.





What is that the problem if not democracy itself.





But, we are witnessing a set of ideas espoused by the Republicans, ideas not necessarily alien to the leadership of the Democratic Party. There is always money to hand off to corporate enterprises in war or anti-climate adventures. In the meantime, the citizenry is asked to recognize yet another villain, enemy to democracy, across the Atlantic or in the Pacific and never right there in the mirror.

I agree with Kagan that Trump offers his followers a triumphant victory "over the forces they hate in American society". This desire for justice and equity would be a fine collection of ideas if not for the democrats, Marxists, communists, socialists, leftist in general. Trump's "primary mission as president", however, will put into effect a "simple" solution. Never mind if that solution almost always come at the expense of those designated as "outsiders".





Trump, as an authoritarian head of state, would make sure, as Kagan notes, that his followers recognize in him the American Dream a dream under threat from those communists, Marxists, and interestingly, fascists! He will come for those who spoiled his potential to establish a dictatorship the first time. The administration he envisions, writes Kagan, "will be filled with people who will not need explicit instruction from Trump, any more than Hitler's local gauleiters needed instruction". People, Kagan explains, worked toward the Fuhrer then. We are witnessing in the 21st century, in the US Americans working toward Trump's brand of fascism.





And why not, if in the 21st century, in the US, Americans mean, once and for all, to return to its greatness its most perfect state of innocence? It no longer matters if believers of this narrative fail to miss it's fictional origins. All it takes is a campaign led by liars, working their magic among the gullible.





And where is the leadership of the Democratic Party? Its don't-rock-the-boat liberal class?





Trump's followers, and aspirants of a full-fledged fascist state, are far more outraged it seems than the leaders of the Democratic Party. Kagan suggests that we shouldn't expect a sudden awakening from followers of Trump. But I wonder more about the need for an awakening from the leadership in the Democratic Party. Will that ever happen?

Trump followers want freedom from blackness. One too many times I've been asked to join the MAGA movement. Work toward Trump! My mind, let alone, my voice will surely be consumed under laws and policies further eradicating my existence as a human being. But this is a key step toward a fascist state for any respectable far-right movement. In the consumption of black minds and voices, freedom for white America will rise from the aches of dead corpses. Even now, black-lived experience in the US is being erased, is it not? Where is the outrage from the Democratic leadership?





We have learned from historian Carter Woodson, as Stanley reminds us, that this deadening of the black mind has served as a sure-fire, go-to violence for white supremacists in the past. In Woodson's 1933, The Mis-Education of the Negro, the author, writes Stanley, "describes how history was taught 'to enslave the Negroes' mind' by whitewashing the brutality of slavery and the actual roots and causes of racial disparities". Today, the fascist would have Americans believe in the benefit received by African Americans as a result of our enslavement!





I would have to be "dead" to shift from a belief in democracy to a society, resembling, once again, the ruins of the Greenwood district in Tulsa, the Trail of Tears, the Japanese determent camps... Fields of mutilated and slaughtered bodies, which many of us have seen in history books, along with images of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.





"Should Trump be successful in launching a campaign of perception, and the opposition prove powerless to stop it," writes Kagan, "then the nation will have begun an irreversible descent into dictatorship." The odds, he continues, have "grown considerably because so many of the obstacles to it have been cleared and only a few are left."





As we drift toward a dictatorship, we Americans, pro-democracy, Kagan writes, will be waiting "for some intervention that will allow us to escape the consequences of our collective cowardice, our complacent, willful ignorance".





I guess that savior might be someone like Flash Gordon. But then, Flash Gordon is looking elsewhere!














Why The Pentagon Is Shaped Like A Pentagon The Triangle. The Oval. The Rectangle. The United States Department of Defense could have chosen any shape -- and ...

(Image by YouTube, Channel: Grunge) Details DMCA



The Pentagon Building

In case you missed this with all that's going on in the world, considering the Israeli assault on Gaza and the war in Ukraine. There was something else also significant only it was flying under the radar. One US government department just failed its sixth consecutive audit, the DOD, Department of Defense.

It's the largest recipient of funds the Congress approves and the president signs off on each year. Yet it's ability to accurately account where the money goes has never passed an audit.

The Department of Defense Inspector General along with independent public auditing firms conduct the audit each year.

What is most conspicuous the funds the Congress authorizes each year for the DOD has Dems and Repubs alike voting to approve them. Except for a few members that vote against the authorization, presumably because they don't receive funding from the DOD in their electoral campaigns.

Called the NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act, the DOD will receive $866 billion in the 2024 fiscal year which exceeds Medicare and Social Security funding.

As to its audit failures, Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh put it this way, "We keep getting better and better at it." When a reporter asked her when did she think the Pentagon would pass an audit she replied, "she can't predict the future, but when the Pentagon did, she would let them know."

Meanwhile Pentagon Comptroller Michael J. McCord said, "I'll just say that we remain a trusted institution. We've made a lot of progress to date."

So it goes, meaningless dissembling nonsense.

Why should the Pentagon worry about passing an audit when it knows it will receive the funds regardless whether it fails the audit.

Think about it.

There are DOD facilities in all fifty states. Does one think that's just a coincidence? C'mon. The DOD provides jobs. Are any of the politicos in those jurisdictions going to be critical of the DOD which provides jobs for their constituents? No way Jose that's going to happen, not with DOD tentacles in every state.

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Lithuania does not give up the idea of expelling Russia and Belarus from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). Thus, in March 2022 Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite already called for two these countries to be expelled from the Interpol. "There is no sense in Russia, which has no respect for any rules of international law and order, being a member of Interpol. The same applies to Belarus," she added.

Nevertheless, Secretary General Jurgen Stock, responding to her call, said that Interpol must remain neutral, otherwise it could become a political tool.

He underlined also that it is in Interpol's interests to keep channels with Russia and Belarus open so as to be able to prevent or detect serious international crimes.

Interpol, the world's largest international police organisation with 196 member countries. It is unique. It is the only organization with the mandate and technical infrastructure to share police information globally.

All 196 member countries are connected to each other and to the General Secretariat via a secure communications system called I-24/7. It also allows them to access databases and services in real-time, from both central and remote locations. It also coordinates networks of police and experts in different crime areas, who come together through working groups and at conferences to share experiences and ideas.

This year Lithuania once again tried to put pressure on the organization. Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite took part in the 91st Interpol General Assembly in Vienna on November 29.

At the meeting, the Lithuanian minister accused Russia and Belarus of using membership of the organisation to achieve their political goals and persecute dissidents.

The Minister takes a rather strange position taking into consideration her post. She should realize that successful functioning of her Ministry highly depends on international cooperation in crime prevention. Interpol is the most effective tool to cooperate and share data. In case Russia and Belarus are expelled from the organization the ?rime detection in Lithuania will decrease significantly.

Thus, many criminals will be able to escape punishment and continue to commit crimes. Such position runs counter to the interests of the country's population and, in general, to common sense. Accusations against authorities of the countries providing assistance in finding criminals and apprehending them look ridiculous and even criminal. By the way, Lithuania is on the 26th place from 42 among the EU member states according to Europe crime index.
"More than one country has descended into riot, revolution, coup or civil war territory over disputes about the integrity of its elections," I wrote in 2016. "Think it can't happen here? Think again."

At that time, Donald Trump was busy making preemptive excuses ("we are competing in a rigged election") for his expected loss in the 2016 presidential election. His opponent, Hillary Clinton, played the same game, whining that her prospective loss raised "national security issues" because the rigging gear was Made in Moscow.

Seven years later, American politics remains awash in "rigged election" rhetoric.

That rhetoric usually ignores the obvious, "rigging" by the nation's two "major" political parties, which work overtime to prevent third party and independent candidates from even appearing on ballots. Instead, Democrats lean heavily into complaints of Republican "voter suppression," while Republicans claim large-scale Democratic "voter fraud."

As an outsider and anarchist who believes the US is in its period of terminal decline, I can't bring myself to care very much which of those "major parties" runs the show or what dirty tricks it uses to get and keep the job.



Bonaparte ante la Esfinge%2C por Jean-L%C3%A9on G%C3%A9r%C3%B4me.

(Image by Wikipedia (commons.wikimedia.org), Author: Author Not Given) Details Source DMCA



On the other hand, few of us, no matter how pessimistic or cynical, really like the idea of riot, revolution, coup and civil war. Like God in the old saying, those things don't care if you believe in them -- they'll wreck your day without regard to your political sentiments.

Two presidential elections after I called out that potential, the "rigged election" tune seems to be segueing seamlessly into its second verse: The advent of the strongman.

Even as he cracks wise about it and muses that it might just be for "one day," former president and current Republican front-runner Donald Trump's recent campaign schtick leans heavily into some Americans' fear of -- and others' longing for -- a totalitarian dictatorship, complete with revenge prosecutions of political enemies and mass roundups/detentions of immigrants and malcontents.

Trump's likely opponent, incumbent Joe Biden, sticks more to themes of "democracy" and "the soul of America" when on the stump. But he's given the imperial presidency he inherited a steroid injection. He's already on the job of revenge prosecutions (of, among others Trump), bolstering the immigration police state, and instituting censorship in the name of "fighting disinformation."

It's difficult, at this point, to envision a freer, more peaceful, and more prosperous America within the confines of the existing political system. We're sliding down the pole of history toward tyranny, as most polities do, and we've reached the portion of the pole that's greased.

If we end up with a man (or woman) on horseback, our rightfully fraying faith in elections will be the horse. Politics will end up breaking us, unless we break it first.
Lithuanian EU envoy slams Orban's stance on Ukraine 16 December, 12:53 PM Viktor Orban (Photo:REUTERS/Johanna Geron)

Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the European Union, Arnoldas Pranckevicius, has sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's position on Ukraine joining the EU, saying that if he does not share the views of other member states, Budapest should consider withdrawing.

All but one Member State agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, to grant candidate status to Georgia, and to start membership talks with BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina) once conditions are met, Pranckevicius said on Facebook.

Read also: EU to hold special summit in early 2024 to push for Ukraine funding

All but one converged on the agreement of MFF (multiannual financial framework) review and providing Ukraine with 50 billion macrofinancial assistance. All but one congratulated the results of the summit. But that one is boasting in Twitter (X) with the achievements of its veto for the extra money to Ukraine, veto for the MFF review.

Video of day

I wish it never has to ask for solidarity of others and never experience allies veto vital help in the times of biggest need. The EU is strong because of solidarity and mutual trust. If you are not ready to share any of the two, there is only one proper solution: leave.

Pranckevicius wished that Hungary never experience war, which the people of Ukraine are currently going through, never have its cities bombarded and citizens killed, and never have its territories occupied by an aggressor state.

Earlier, Orban said that his government would not lift its veto on a new EUR 50 billion European Union aid package for Ukraine until the bloc releases all frozen funds to Hungary. A special European Council summit will continue discussing extending financial assistance to Ukraine in early 2024.

Orban's decision to veto the aid program came hours after the European Council decided to start negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession.

According to a source from the entourage of European Council President Charles Michel, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the room at the moment when EU leaders adopted the decision to start negotiations with Ukraine on EU accession.

It is not feasible to get Hungarian PM Viktor Orban to take a coffee break every time the EU faces a Hungarian veto on some critical decision, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Dec. 15.

This move is called constructive restraint in Brussels. It allows important decisions to be taken without the participation of some members - "if someone is not there, he is not there.

A number of heads of state and government met with Orban ahead of the summit. The European Commission also released 10.2 billion euros to Hungary that had been withheld because of the country's rule of law situation.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said that the decision to start negotiations with Ukraine on EU accession does not contain any additional conditions.

Budapest can still block Ukraine's accession process to the European Union, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on air at Kossut Radio on Dec.15. The final decision will be made by the Hungarian parliament, and later the process can be blocked at least 75 more times, Orban boasted.

Despite ongoing disputes, the European Commission has given the nod to release one-third of the frozen EUR 31 billion allocated for Hungary. But the tug-of-war between Hungary and the EU continues, setting the stage for a showdown in the upcoming EU leaders' meeting next year.

The European Union will hold a summit in early 2024 to finalize a EUR 50 billion ($54 billion) support program for Ukraine to be granted through 2027, European Council President Charles Michel announced at a press briefing on Dec. 15.

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.

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The evolving partnership between China and Russia, highlighted by their announcement of a "no-limits" partnership, has sparked global concern over the formation of a potential axis between these two nations. China and Russia declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022 when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two. This partnership signals a move towards stronger military ties, challenging previous assertions that a military alliance was not the intention. The dangerous and worrying alliance poses significant global stability risks, particularly with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the looming threat over Taiwan. These situations could lead to a multi-front crisis for the United States involving China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran - the current "axis of evil."

This alliance is particularly concerning as it represents a unified front against the US-led world order established 80 years ago, a system that enabled the US to triumph in the Cold War and manage global systems for the past three decades. The focus of the United States on global terrorism post-9/11 led to a reduced emphasis on major power competition, affecting its military and defense industry capabilities. In contrast, the China-Russia alliance is built not on shared values, as seen in US alliances, but rather as a union of authoritarian states opposing Western influence.

The military aspect of this partnership is increasingly evident, with joint military exercises and potential sharing of advanced military technologies, such as hypersonics and submarine propulsion systems. This collaboration could swiftly alter the power balance in the Indo-Pacific region. The exchange of technology and tactical strategies between China and Russia signifies a growing interoperability and deepening military cooperation. This expanding alliance and the possibility of it evolving into a more concrete military pact pose significant strategic challenges, especially for the United States and its allies. The partnership between China and Russia thus marks a pivotal shift in global power dynamics, with far-reaching implications for military balance, geopolitical stability, and the existing world order.

The economic relationship between Russia and China has grown significantly, not only in the energy sector but also through China's increased presence in the Russian market. This growth fills the gap left by Western companies that withdrew due to sanctions. There's also a push for deeper trade and investment ties, as evidenced by discussions between Chinese and Russian ministers. These ties should be seen as a clear effort to push out the West and overtake Western companies in commerce and trade.

This expansion is especially notable in regions like the Russian Far East and North Korea, which are becoming important trade zones. China is looking to import more grain from Russia, as indicated by plans for a new grain corridor. This corridor is part of China's strategy to enhance food security and underscores the economic significance of the northern axis.

However, geopolitical tensions are rising. The war in Ukraine has heightened Western awareness of the potential threat posed by the Sino-Russian alliance. Moreover, recent conflicts in the Middle East, like the Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing Israeli response, have escalated the situation. These events risk broadening the conflict and could potentially draw the U.S. into a more direct confrontation with Iran.

The U.S., while possessing considerable resources, faces challenges in refocusing its military strategy after decades of counter-insurgency warfare. There is a need for a clear strategy, particularly in light of the potential risks if Russia succeeds in Ukraine or if a larger conflict erupts in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, there is significant public support in the U.S. for robust national security measures. All of this should be seen in the context of a Sino-Russian effort to minimize Western influence and create a new global order that sees China and Russia at the top.

To effectively counter the growing Sino-Russian alliance, the U.S. needs to rally national support and bipartisan efforts. A clear and united approach to this new era of great power competition could lead to a strong response from the U.S. and its allies, potentially altering the strategic landscape.
The Hierarchy of Nine

Celebrating Adrian Korpel's Ascension towards the Centennial (2022)





Author receiving doctoral plaque from Adrian Korpel, May 1985

(Image by Monish Chatterjee) Details DMCA



My mentor and inspiration for graduate studies and much more for the past 43+ years, accomplished scientist, avid reader, conversationalist and keen humanist, Dr. Adrian Korpel, passed away at age 91 on October 1st, 2023 in his home in Tucson, Arizona.

Adrian Korpel (AK) created an extended family of graduate students (primarily the ones he guided through their doctoral research) during his years at the University of Iowa, training them for scientific inquiry and more (in my own case, to also be mindful of human affairs, respond to issues of social justice, and overall pursue life from the perspectives of such renaissance figures as da Vinci, or Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray from my own Bengali heritage) through what he called the Socratic Method. That family, with members mostly from the 1980s, is still largely together. In 2012, several of us (self, Ting-Chung Poon, Partha Banerjee, Ron Pieper, David Mehrl) had gathered in Iowa City to celebrate AK's 80th birthday (I wrote a tribute poem to mark that occasion, which appeared for a period of time in these tribute pages. I may resurrect that poem in another tribute.

I would like to mention here also that my fellow former graduate students of AK and I had a tribute article published last Fall in Optics and Photonics News (URL:

click here) which summarized some of AK's work and their impact.

In May, 2022, we gathered again in Tucson, AZ, to celebrate AK's 90th birthday. We are fortunate he attended this celebration with great enthusiasm (joined by his wife, Margaret Ann Ellsworth), even though he was a little frail, but in full possession of his wit, humor and sharp intellect.

Here is something I wrote on my Facebook timeline upon receiving the news of his loss (Oct 1st, '23):

"...Just received news that my greatest intellectual mentor (also my Advisor for graduate studies), Dr. Adrian Korpel, passed away earlier today. Dr. Korpel was among the rarest of scientists with a genuinely Renaissance Man bend. In his presence, I always felt there was no limit to what we could discuss- from our place in the Universe to the Upanishads and Hindu philosophy. The window of his mind was wide open to every possible area of human (and humane) interest- even though he was deeply rooted in the queries and discoveries of science, which stimulated him like nothing else.

Dr. Korpel was a genuinely enlightened human being (a rare feat in our human encounters).

My heart is much too heavy with the sense of loss of someone whose graciousness brought me to where I am today. In fact, my journey into the wider world would not have happened had it not been for his kindness and guidance. Hence, I am unable to write much more today. Maybe there will be another day for more. The following tribute poem I wrote in honor of AK was written to celebrate his 90th birthday (one year before he left us for eternity). Dr. Korpel was moved by the poem, and described it to me with the words "Thank you for your meditation on Nine". Here, then is the poem to Dr. Adrian Korpel on his 90th birthday.

[May I mention here that I was unable to get the tribute poem published at Optica (formerly Opical Society of America), an organization and a discipline to which he had devoted his entire career, because of their drastically reduced word limitations. This is highly regrettable. MRC]

The Hierarchy of Nine

Celebrating Adrian Korpel's Ascension towards the Centennial

February 18, 2022

2022 Monish R Chatterjee

**

A major milestone, no doubt, trekking

Across science, consciousness and the interplays of creation

For nine decades, anchored in three continents-

Exploring the frontiers of light and sound, ultrasonics

Imaging, holography and nonlinear phenomena-

Even while observing the absurdities inherent in

The living experience with temperance and goodwill.

**

The number nine (here amplified tenfold) through history

Has occupied a place of significance, perhaps more so

In the Indian context. In the royal courts, from Chandragupta

The Vikramaditya to Akbar the Great Mughal- high honor

Was bestowed upon the Nava Ratna, the nine jewels

Bedazzling the court with achievements in astronomy

The sciences, economics, arts and literature.

**

In those early times, preceding the age of the quantum

Space-time and strings by centuries, when astronomy was

Often conflated with astrology and alchemy (not even sparing

Sir Isaac), human destinies were tied to the Nava Graha

The nine planets, Pluto's recent demoted status notwithstanding.

Senses there were six, avatars there were ten, Vedas

There were four, and the Bard himself declared the Seven Ages

**

Of Man, visualizing presciently the grand theater that was

This human life. And so forth with numbers of significance

From Avogadro to Planck, from Bernoulli to Boltzmann, then

Migrating to the number wizards- Ramanujan and Hardy, Gauss

Fermat and Euler. In the decimal system, however, in its land

Of origin- nine has held sway and thereby percolated to life.

The deities have been virtually defined by nine in their myriad

**

Aspects. From the elemental nine cycled to the twelve solar

Months arose the one hundred and eight names or manifestations

Of each divine entity. From thence arose the number 864 crores

Signifying a Brahmic day. Yet in this moment of celebrating

Nine times ten, the limit need hardly be set by mythology- one

May perhaps consider also quantum folklore. One enters here

The realm of Schrodinger's cat (SC), usually anointed a paradox.

**

Now, by folklore, a cat it is said has nine, mark it, nine lives.

An appropriate question, might well be- does the paradoxical

Schrodinger cat have nine lives as well? Or, are there all these

Nested speculations in vogue: Does SC have nine full lives with

Zero non-living intervals, or nine half-lives (in the box) with

Another nine half-lives outside? Or the unresolved probabilistic

Existential issues of whether any of those lives is actually lived

**

Within or without. Perhaps only our nonagenarian sage might

Provide the answers. Or perhaps not. And so today, counting

Our good fortune of having shared these years as fellow

Travelers with you, our activities having taken us near and far

Our together years progressively receding to the farther reaches

Of the memory hole- we are gathered with gratefulness

For the training received by your hands in scientific rationalism

**

Remembering vital, younger years gathering around serialized

Presentations of The Far Pavilions and The Day After long before

The age of the internet and communications tools in every hand-

Products of the very quests and searches you had pursued and

Made us fellow participants in; the many Q&As from the

Socratic meetings- on behalf of our very special league of

Knowledge-seekers, we offer the most heartfelt compliments

**

With the fervent hope:

May your journey to 100 be a blissful ride ON CLOUD NINE !!

**

[P.S. Alas- celebrating his 100th here on earth was not to be. AK left us for the celestial sphere on October 1st, 2023 in his 91st year. MRC]

(Article changed on Dec 15, 2023 at 11:40 PM EST)

(Article changed on Dec 15, 2023 at 11:49 PM EST)

(Article changed on Dec 15, 2023 at 11:52 PM EST)
CHICAGO  Quaker Oats on Friday recalled several of its granola products, including granola bars and cereals, saying the foods could be contaminated with salmonella.

Salmonella infections can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, according to the Food and Drug Administration. In rare cases, the bacterial disease can be fatal.

Quaker, which is owned by PepsiCo, said in a news release that it has not received any reports of salmonella infections related to the recalled granola products. The full list of recalled foods includes granola oats cereals and Quaker Chewy Bars, which are also sold in PepsiCos snack mixes.

The affected products have been sold in all 50 U.S. states, as well as U.S. territories, Quaker said. The company is asking customers with recalled products to throw them away and contact its customer support line at 1-800-492-9322, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central time or visit the recall website for more information and reimbursement.

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1.35 million cases of salmonella infection occur in the U.S. each year, causing approximately 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.

 Associated Press
Portland police have publicly identified the man who died Tuesday while Milwaukie police officers were transporting him to a mental-health clinic.

Jean M. Descamps, 26, likely died of a drug overdose with contributing natural causes, according to the medical examiners preliminary findings.

Descamps had been discharged from a hospital emergency room and offered a ride to a shelter, but he would not leave the hospital, police said. Milwaukie officers arrived, determined the man was unable to care for himself and placed him on a peace-officer hold.

The officers were driving Descamps to Unity Center for Behavioral Health in Portland when he lapsed into unconsciousness. Officers and medical first responders performed life-saving measures but he died.

The Portland Police Bureau is investigating the death. Anyone who might have information pertinent to the case is asked to contact Det. Travis Law at Travis.Law@police.portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-0395, or Det. Ryan Foote at Ryan.Foote@police.portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-0781.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
The Interstate 5 bridge replacement project got a huge surge of federal funding this week, securing a $600 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The grant is the largest infusion of federal funding so far for a project with ballooning costs. The bridge is now expected to cost as much as $7.5 billion, nearly $3 billion more than previous estimates.

Members of the bridge planning team, which include Oregon and Washington transportation officials, have said they plan to seek at least $2.5 billion in federal grants. The funding announced Friday is a major step toward meeting that goal.

Oregon and Washington are expected to contribute $1 billion each. Planners have been counting on tolling revenue to cover most of the remaining costs.

Washingtons Congressional delegation touted the funding as an economic win for the region, while also making clear their plans for the scope of the bridge.

The I-5 bridge serves as a vital commerce link for the entire West Coast, said Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, in a statement. She noted that more than 130,000 vehicles move over the bridge daily, as well as goods grown and produced in both Oregon and Washington.

By upgrading and adding lane capacity, we are enabling more regional economic growth and better day-to-day travel experiences for commuters, Cantwell said.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek called the grant a big moment for the Pacific Northwest.

This project will help advance our goal of reducing emissions through a modern, multimodal bridge and will provide an infusion of federal funds to our region that will support local jobs and broader workforce opportunities, Kotek said in a written statement.

Bridge planners moved forward last year with designs that included a light rail connection into Vancouver, but also added two more lanes to the bridge.

Previous efforts to replace the bridge failed in 2014, largely due to Washington lawmakers reluctance to pay for it over opposition to light rail.

While acknowledging the need to replace the 100-year-old bridge with a new, seismically sound one, Oregon lawmakers have dragged their feet on making decisions about the project.

They ended this years legislative session without passing a policy bill to fund the bridge. The Legislature did ultimately pass a broad budget bill that contained language to borrow $1 billion over eight years to pay for the bridge. But that bill lacked the specific language of the previous one about the scope of the project.

Other details, such as the height of the bridge and how big it should be, have also hampered progress.

The U.S. Coast Guard, which must sign off on the bridge plan, has said it will not approve a bridge unless it has 178 feet of clearance  or a drawbridge  to accommodate vessels navigating the river and ferrying products manufactured by local companies. But building a bridge with a movable span would be more expensive.

Environmental activists are fervently opposed to the proposed designs. Some want a smaller design that doesnt add new freeway lanes. They say cost savings could pay for other local transportation safety improvements.

Others have pushed for replacing the aging bridge with a tunnel, a longshot option public officials consider impractical.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com
Editors note: This week and next, were counting down our favorite new Portland restaurants of 2023. At No. 7: No Saint, a new pizzeria worth knowing about, even in this pizza-mad town.

Visit most mid-sized cities in America, and youll find at least one buzzy restaurant with good pizza and wine, places designed less for Friday-night takeout than a proper night on the town (with prices to match).

That Portland has several such restaurants could explain why No Saint has flown a little under the radar, at least for me. But the former pop-up from Gabriella Casabianca and Anthony Siccardi is worth knowing about, even in this pizza-mad town.

No Saint lies on the Lovelys Fifty Fifty side of the pizza universe, embracing seasonal produce and funky cheeses; those are the only places in town Ive seen taleggio on a pizza, here as a pungent cream topping for a purple potato pie. Theres a rusticity here that lets you know the restaurant is real: A salad of rough-chopped radishes and apples served on mismatched vintage plates (good); thick-cut garlic retaining a punch of rawness under a plain pizzas mozzarella (hmm).

My favorite pie so far has been the gooey-good riff on pasta alla Gricia, which leans fully into its cheesy, peppery excess, squishy guanciale and all; one week later, it was being served with broccolini, meaning it now qualifies as healthy. But the simple cheese, the Hawaiian-ish pepperoni and pineapple quince and seasonal specials such as the fully loaded sausage and pear with goat gouda all have arguments in their favor. This isnt a sourdough spot, but the dough is plenty delicious. There wont be many end crusts left behind.

Keep your eyes peeled for baked pastas, especially the shallow tray of rigatoncini doused in a pleasantly light vodka sauce  any missing cream more than replaced by a big dollop of wobbly burrata. Yum.

What to know: The restaurants unusual layout, with its central prep area and hulking copper-sided oven, are remnants of its previous tenants, Seastar Bakery and Handsome Pizza, which closed in 2022.

What to eat: Spicy Caesar and radish-pear salads, pepperoni supreme or alla gricia pizzas, rigatoncini, the brutti ma buoni (ugly but good) -- and, better yet, best-in-town -- tiramisu.

Read more: Portlands 5 best new pizzerias of 2023

No Saint is open for dinner Thursday-Sunday at 1603 N.E. Killingsworth St., 503-206-8321, nosaintpdx.com.

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com
Oregon has more LGBTQ+ people per capita than any other state, according to a report from The Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles and shared by the Advocate.

You dont have to look far to find representation in Oregon. After Governor Kate Brown became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected as governor in the history of the United States in 2016, Governor Tina Kotek became one of the first two openly lesbian governors in 2022.

We hereby dub Oregon the queerest state! wrote the Advocate. The states 253,300 LGBTQ+ residents account for 7.8% of its overall population.

When you consider that, according to the Advocate, about 5.6% of the population of the country as a whole identifies as queer, Oregon definitely is outpacing other states when it comes to the LGBTQ+ population.

What is it that makes Oregon a place where more LGBTQ+ people live? The Advocate doesnt delve into that why, but it could be noted that, beyond our openly queer governors, Oregon is one of the states that doesnt ban healthcare for trans people and is a state where anti-gay legislation is routinely defeated.

Plus, Multnomah County was one of the first places in the country to allow gay marriage in 2004, though those marriages were later ruled invalid by Oregon Supreme Court.

There is one place that has a higher percentage of LGBTQ+ people than Oregon: Washington, D.C., where according to the Advocate, 14.3% of the population identifies as queer.

But, the Advocate wrote, until the U.S. government recognizes D.C. statehood, neither will this list.

That seals it. Oregon, once again, wins.

 Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052; lacker@oregonian.com; @lizzzyacker

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Explore the best home warranty companies tailored to your needs, ensuring protection and peace of mind for your home and appliances.

Houston, Texas --News Direct-- 3D Chess Media

Best Home Warranty Company

Understanding the Value of the Best Home Warranty Company

When homeowners consider protecting their investments, the concept of a Home Warranty often comes to the forefront. Unlike traditional insurance, which covers unforeseen accidents and natural disasters. Home Warranty Insurance is designed to provide peace of mind for homeowners facing the inevitable breakdowns of home systems and appliances. The purpose of Home Warranty Plans is to alleviate the financial burden and stress associated with repairing or replacing essential components of a home.

In today's market, the significance of finding the Best Home Warranty Company cannot be overstated. A Home Warranty is more than just a service agreement; it's a commitment to maintaining the functionality and comfort of one's home. As appliances and systems age, the risk of malfunction increases, making Home Warranty Services an essential consideration for long-term home maintenance.

Best Home Warranty Companies

To assist homeowners in navigating the vast array of options, our team has conducted extensive research into the Best Home Warranty Companies. Our methodology involved analyzing various factors that influence the quality and reliability of these companies. This included a detailed assessment of coverage options, customer service records, pricing structures, and exclusivity of services offered by different Home Warranty Companies.

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We delved into customer reviews, compared service fees, and evaluated the comprehensiveness of coverage plans offered by Top Home Warranty Companies. Our analysis also included an exploration of the unique features of each Home Warranty Company, such as Home Appliance Warranty options and Home Service Warranty specifics, ensuring a thorough and unbiased approach.

Understanding that homeowners' needs vary, our objective was to identify Home Warranty Plans that cater to a wide range of preferences and requirements. Whether it's comprehensive coverage or specific Home Warranty Services, our research aimed to highlight the Best Home Warranties available, providing a valuable resource for homeowners seeking to make an informed decision.

In the following sections, we will unravel the intricacies of selecting a Home Warranty and illuminate the pathways to choosing the Best Home Warranty Companies for your unique home needs.

 Discover the Best Home Warranty Company for reliable home protection solutions. 

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that provides repair or replacement coverage for the major systems and appliances in your home. Unlike home insurance, which covers damage from events like fires or storms, a home warranty focuses on items inside your home that break down due to wear and tear.

Best Home Warranty Companies

This can include things like your HVAC system, electrical systems, plumbing, and major appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. If something covered by the warranty breaks down, the warranty company will pay for a professional to fix it, often for just a service fee. This can save homeowners money on expensive repairs and provide peace of mind. Hopefully, this helps to answer, What is a home warranty?

 Explore our selection of Best Home Warranty Companies for top-tier coverage. 

Best Home Warranty Company: A Mini-Review of Select Home Warranty

Overview of Select Home Warranty

When discussing Best Home Warranty Companies, Select Home Warranty often emerges as a prominent contender. This Home Warranty Company has established a reputation for offering comprehensive Home Warranty Plans that cater to a wide range of homeowner needs. Known for their reliability and coverage diversity, Select Home Warranty has become a go-to choice for homeowners seeking Home Warranty Insurance and Home Appliance Warranty services.

Pros and Cons of Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty, like any Home Warranty Service, has its strengths and weaknesses. A major advantage is their inclusive coverage, appealing to those who need extensive Home Warranty Services. However, they have limitations in state availability, which might be a concern for some potential customers. Their Home Service Warranty plans are designed with the homeowner in mind, offering peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected repairs.

Key Features of Select Home Warranty

The key features of Select Home Warranty that make it stand out among other Top Home Warranty Companies include diverse Home Warranty Plans, competitive service fees, and broad coverage options. They cover a multitude of states, making their services accessible to a vast audience. Their plans are known for balancing comprehensive coverage with affordability, which is a key consideration for many seeking a Home Warranty.

Specific Plans Offered by Select Home Warranty and Their Highlights

Select Home Warranty offers several distinct Home Warranty Plans. These include options focusing on major appliances, essential home systems, or a comprehensive combination of both. Their plans are designed to suit different homeowner needs, making them a versatile choice in the Home Warranty market. Each plan comes with its unique set of benefits, ensuring that homeowners can find a plan that aligns perfectly with their requirements.

Customer Service Ratings and BBB Rating of Select Home Warranty

In terms of customer service, Select Home Warranty is rated positively, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. They boast a commendable BBB rating, reflecting their commitment to quality service and customer support. This aspect is crucial for homeowners who value responsive and helpful Home Warranty Services.

Unique Offerings or Standout Features of Select Home Warranty

What sets Select Home Warranty apart from other Best Home Warranty Companies is their unique offerings, such as their roof leak coverage, which is not commonly found with other providers. Additionally, their occasional promotions and discounts make their Home Warranty Plans more attractive and accessible. This focus on added value and customer-centric features solidifies their position as a leading Home Warranty Company.

In conclusion, Select Home Warranty stands out in the realm of Home Warranty Companies, offering robust Home Warranty Plans and exceptional Home Warranty Services. Their balance of comprehensive coverage, customer-centric service, and unique features make them a top choice for homeowners looking for reliable Home Warranty Insurance and Home Appliance Warranty solutions.

Best Home Warranty Companies

Best Home Warranty Companies: American Home Shield Mini-Review

Overview of American Home Shield

When discussing Best Home Warranty Companies, American Home Shield (AHS) is a name that frequently tops the list. As a pioneering Home Warranty Company, AHS has established a strong reputation since its inception in 1971. Renowned for its comprehensive Home Warranty Plans and reliable Home Warranty Services, AHS has become a go-to choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind in home maintenance.

Pros and Cons of American Home Shield

Pros:

Wide variety of Home Warranty Plans offering extensive coverage .

Customizable Home Warranty Service fees to fit different budgets.

Nationwide coverage, making it a top contender among Top Home Warranty Companies.

Cons:

Higher premium plans compared to some other Home Warranty Companies.

Certain exclusions and limitations may apply, as with most Home Warranties.

Key Features of American Home Shield

AHS stands out in the Home Warranty Insurance market for several reasons. Their Home Service Warranty offers:

Multiple coverage options catering to diverse needs.

Flexible service fees , giving customers control over their plan costs.

Availability across most states, ensuring widespread Home Warranty Service access.

Specific Plans Offered by American Home Shield

American Home Shield's Home Warranty Plans are diverse and cater to different homeowner needs. Their plans include:

ShieldSilver : This plan covers major systems such as HVAC and electrical.

ShieldGold : A more comprehensive option, including all features of ShieldSilver, plus major appliances.

ShieldPlatinum: The most inclusive plan, offering additional benefits like roof leak repair.

Each plan is designed to provide robust Home Appliance Warranty protection and system coverage, ensuring homeowners can find a plan that best suits their needs.

Customer Service and BBB Rating

American Home Shield's commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their Home Warranty Services. They have a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating a strong track record in resolving customer issues and maintaining good business practices.

Unique Offerings or Standout Features

Among Top Home Warranty Companies, AHS offers unique features such as:

Coverage for undetectable pre-existing conditions, which is not commonly found in typical Home Warranty Insurance.

A flexible appliance replacement program, enhancing their Home Appliance Warranty offerings.

In conclusion, American Home Shield's position as one of the Best Home Warranty Companies is well-earned, thanks to their comprehensive coverage, customizable plans, and commitment to customer service. Whether it's a Home Service Warranty or a specific Home Appliance Warranty need, AHS's plans are designed to meet a wide range of homeowner requirements.

Best Home Warranty Company

Best Home Warranty Company: A Mini-Review of Choice Home Warranty

Overview of Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty stands out as a notable player among the Best Home Warranty Companies, offering extensive Home Warranty Plans to homeowners. Established with the goal of providing reliable Home Warranty Services, they have carved a niche in the industry with their commitment to covering a wide range of home appliances and systems.

Pros and Cons of Choice Home Warranty

Pros:

Choice Home Warranty offers comprehensive Home Appliance Warranty plans , ensuring major household appliances and systems are covered.

The companys Home Warranty Service is known for its straightforward claim process, making it user-friendly for homeowners.

They offer nationwide coverage, making them a viable Home Warranty Company across various states.

Cons:

Limited flexibility in plan customization can be a drawback for those looking for more tailored Home Warranty Insurance options.

Some customers have reported delays in service, which is a critical factor in the Home Service Warranty industry.

Key Features of Choice Home Warranty

Coverage Options : Choice Home Warranty s plans are designed to cater to a broad range of home systems and appliances, making them a top choice among Top Home Warranty Companies.

Service Fees : Their service fees are competitively priced, offering affordability in the Home Warranty market.

State Availability: They offer nationwide coverage, making their Home Warranty Plans accessible to a wide demographic.

Specific Plans Offered by Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty provides two main Home Warranty Plans:

The Basic Plan : Covers essential home systems and appliances , such as plumbing and electrical systems, making it a solid choice for essential Home Warranty Insurance.

The Total Plan: This comprehensive plan covers everything in the Basic Plan, plus additional items like air conditioning and refrigerator, making it an exemplary Home Appliance Warranty.

Customer Service Ratings and BBB Rating of Choice Home Warranty

While Choice Home Warranty boasts a robust customer service framework, their BBB rating reflects areas for improvement. This aspect is crucial as Best Home Warranties often hinge on customer service quality.

Unique Offerings or Standout Features of Choice Home Warranty

One standout feature of Choice Home Warranty is their commitment to addressing major home systems and appliances without the restriction of age, make, or model. This inclusive approach positions them uniquely among Best Home Warranty Companies.

In conclusion, Choice Home Warranty embodies many qualities of the Best Home Warranty Company, offering reliable and comprehensive Home Warranty Services. Their blend of extensive coverage, competitive pricing, and nationwide availability makes them a strong contender in the Home Warranty market.

Best Home Warranty Plans

Best Home Warranty Companies: A Closer Look at First American Home Warranty

Overview of the Company

In the realm of Best Home Warranty Companies, First American Home Warranty stands out as a notable provider. Established with the commitment to safeguard homeowners against unforeseen repair costs, this Home Warranty Company has been a trusted name in the industry for years. They offer comprehensive Home Warranty Plans that cover a range of appliances and systems, ensuring that your home is protected under various circumstances.

Pros and Cons

First American Home Warranty excels in several areas, yet, like all Home Warranty Services, it has its limitations.

Pros:

Home Warranty Insurance from First American provides extensive coverage , ensuring most major home systems and appliances are included.

The company offers competitive pricing, making it an affordable option in the Home Warranty market.

Their Home Appliance Warranty is inclusive, covering items that many other companies might exclude.

Cons:

Coverage limitations in certain states mean not all homeowners can access their services.

A select few high-end appliances and systems might not be fully covered under their standard plans.

Customer feedback has indicated potential delays in claim processing times.

Key Features

Key features of First American Home Warranty include:

Coverage Options : Their Home Warranty Plans cater to a wide range of appliances and systems, from HVAC to electrical and plumbing systems.

Service Fees : They offer competitive service fees , which are a crucial consideration for many homeowners looking into Home Warranty Insurance.

State Availability: While they offer extensive coverage, services are not available in every state, which is a significant consideration for potential customers.

Specific Plans Offered and Their Highlights

First American Home Warranty's Home Warranty Plans include:

Basic Plan : This plan covers essential home appliances, making it an ideal choice for those looking primarily for a Home Appliance Warranty.

Premier Plan: A more comprehensive option, covering major systems and appliances, suitable for homeowners seeking extensive Home Warranty Services.

Customer Service Ratings and BBB Rating

In terms of customer service, First American Home Warranty has had mixed reviews. They hold a B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), reflecting a good level of trust and customer satisfaction. However, it's important for potential customers to consider both positive and negative reviews when evaluating Home Warranty Companies.

Unique Offerings or Standout Features

What sets First American Home Warranty apart in the list of Top Home Warranty Companies is their Home Service Warranty, which is known for its comprehensive coverage and affordability. Their Home Warranty Service has a unique offering where they provide coverage for improperly installed or maintained items, which is not commonly found with other Home Warranty providers.

In conclusion, when considering a Home Warranty, First American Home Warranty presents a compelling option, especially for those who prioritize comprehensive appliance and system coverage. As one of the Best Home Warranties available, they offer a balance of affordability, coverage options, and customer service that is worth considering for any homeowner.

Best Home Warranty Insurance

Best Home Warranty Company: Cinch Home Services Mini-Review

Overview of the Company

In the realm of Home Warranty Companies, Cinch Home Services stands out as a prominent player. Renowned as one of the Top Home Warranty Companies, Cinch Home Services has established a reputation for delivering comprehensive Home Warranty Plans that cater to a wide range of Home Appliance Warranty needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Extensive coverage options that cater to various Home Warranty needs.

A standout feature is their 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is a testament to the quality of their Home Warranty Services.

Offers unique coverage for items like sump pumps and doorbells, which are often considered add-ons by other Home Warranty Companies.

Cons:

Higher service fees compared to some competitors, which might impact those looking for budget-friendly Home Service Warranty options.

Some coverage limitations which are typical in the Home Warranty Insurance industry.

Key Features

Cinch Home Services excels in providing a variety of Home Warranty Plans. Key features include:

Diverse Home Warranty Plans covering major systems and appliances.

A range of service fees ($100-$150), giving customers flexibility in choosing their Home Warranty Service cost.

Availability in 48 states, making it a widely accessible option among Home Warranty Companies.

Specific Plans Offered and Their Highlights

Cinch Home Services offers three primary Home Warranty Plans:

Appliances Plan : Covers major kitchen and laundry appliances .

Built-in Systems Plan : Focuses on crucial home systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Complete Home Plan: A comprehensive plan covering both appliances and systems, ideal for those seeking a complete Home Warranty solution.

Each plan comes with its unique set of benefits, catering to different homeowner needs and making Cinch one of the Best Home Warranty Companies for diverse coverage.

Customer Service Ratings and BBB Rating

Cinch Home Services boasts a BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating of B, reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable Home Warranty Services. Their customer service is known for being responsive and helpful, a crucial aspect in the Home Warranty Insurance sector.

Unique Offerings or Standout Features

What sets Cinch Home Services apart as a Home Warranty Company includes:

Their remarkable 180-day workmanship guarantee , which is significantly longer than what most Home Warranty Companies offer.

Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions, a rare feature in the Home Warranty industry.

An inclusive approach in their Home Appliance Warranty that covers rust and corrosion, offering peace of mind to homeowners.

In conclusion, Cinch Home Services' commitment to extensive coverage, customer satisfaction, and unique value propositions solidify its standing as one of the Best Home Warranties providers. Whether you're seeking a Home Service Warranty or a comprehensive Home Appliance Warranty, Cinch offers plans that cater to a wide spectrum of homeowner needs.

Best Home Appliance Warranty

Liberty Home Guard: A Standout in the Best Home Warranty Companies

Overview of Liberty Home Guard

When discussing the Best Home Warranty Company, Liberty Home Guard invariably stands out. This Home Warranty Company has established itself as a reliable provider in the Home Warranty industry. Their commitment to offering comprehensive Home Warranty Plans and Home Warranty Services has resonated well with homeowners looking for dependable Home Appliance Warranty solutions.

Pros and Cons of Liberty Home Guard

Pros:

Extensive range of Home Warranty Plans, catering to diverse needs.

Home Service Warranty options that cover a wide array of home systems and appliances .

Positive Home Warranty Service feedback, reflecting high customer satisfaction.

Cons:

Higher premium costs compared to some other Home Warranty Companies.

Certain coverage limitations that may not fit every homeowner's needs.

Key Features of Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard offers several attractive features that make it a top contender among the Best Home Warranty Companies. These include:

Coverage Options : Their Home Warranty Insurance plans are designed to cover essential home systems and appliances, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners.

Service Fees : Liberty Home Guard offers competitive service fees , making their plans accessible and affordable.

State Availability: Their services span across a broad range of states, offering more homeowners the opportunity to benefit from their Home Warranty Plans.

Specific Plans Offered by Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard provides a variety of Home Warranty Plans to suit different needs. These plans include:

Appliance Guard : This plan is ideal for those looking for a basic Home Appliance Warranty.

Systems Guard : Focused on major home systems, it's a comprehensive Home Service Warranty.

Total Home Guard: Combining the best of both worlds, this plan covers most home systems and appliances.

Each plan is designed with the homeowner's needs in mind, ensuring they get the most out of their Home Warranty Insurance.

Customer Service Ratings and BBB Rating

Liberty Home Guard prides itself on excellent customer service, a critical aspect of any Home Warranty Company. They boast a high Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction and trustworthiness in the Home Warranty market.

Unique Offerings or Standout Features

What sets Liberty Home Guard apart in the realm of Top Home Warranty Companies is their unique offerings. These include:

Over 20 additional coverage options, allowing homeowners to tailor their Home Warranty Service to their specific needs.

A 60-day workmanship guarantee, which is a testament to the quality of their Home Warranty Services.

An extensive list of add-ons, including rare items like gutter cleaning, making them a versatile choice in the Best Home Warranties category.

In conclusion, Liberty Home Guard's comprehensive plans, flexible options, and reliable customer service make them a prominent player among the Best Home Warranty Companies. Their dedication to offering robust Home Warranty Plans and Home Warranty Insurance solidifies their position as a top choice for homeowners seeking a dependable Home Warranty Company.

Best Home Warranty Services

AFC Home Club: A Leader Among the Best Home Warranty Company

In the world of Home Warranty Plans, AFC Home Club stands out as a premier choice, often listed among the Top Home Warranty Companies. As a Home Warranty Company that prioritizes flexibility and customer choice, it has established itself as a strong contender in the Home Warranty Insurance market. This mini-review delves into what makes AFC Home Club a top choice for those seeking reliable Home Warranty Services.

Overview of the Company

AFC Home Club, notable in the realm of Best Home Warranties, offers a blend of traditional Home Warranty benefits with innovative services. Recognized for its comprehensive Home Appliance Warranty options, the company provides coverage that goes beyond the standard offerings in the Home Warranty industry.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Customizable plans : AFC Home Club provides a range of options , making it easier for homeowners to find a Home Service Warranty that fits their needs.

Choose your own technician : A standout feature in their Home Warranty Service, allowing more control over repairs.

Variety of additional benefits: From discounts to credit monitoring, adding more value to their Home Warranty Plans.

Cons:

Reporting issues : A narrow window of one day for reporting system or appliance issues can be a constraint.

Plan cancellation fee: The fees might deter some customers from opting for their Home Warranty Insurance.

Key Features

AFC Home Club's Home Warranty offerings include:

Multiple plan options : Catering to diverse Home Warranty needs.

Flexible service fees : Customizable to fit different budgets , an important aspect of any Home Warranty Company.

Nationwide availability: Ensuring that more homeowners can access their Home Warranty Plans.

Specific Plans and Their Highlights

The company offers four distinct Home Warranty Plans:

Silver Plan : Focused on essential appliances, a basic yet effective Home Appliance Warranty.

Systems Plan : Covers major home systems, a comprehensive Home Service Warranty option.

Gold Plan : A balanced Home Warranty Service plan covering both systems and appliances.

Platinum Plan: The most inclusive Home Warranty Insurance, covering additional items like plumbing stoppages.

Each plan is designed to cater to various homeowner needs, making AFC Home Club a versatile choice in the realm of Best Home Warranty Companies.

Customer Service Ratings and BBB Rating

AFC Home Club has a BBB rating of B, reflecting a solid customer service record. This rating reinforces their position among Top Home Warranty Companies in terms of customer satisfaction and reliability.

Unique Offerings or Standout Features

What sets AFC Home Club apart in the competitive Home Warranty market is its commitment to allowing customers to choose their own repair technicians. This unique feature, coupled with their extensive range of Home Warranty Plans, positions them as a versatile and customer-centric Home Warranty Company.

In conclusion, AFC Home Club demonstrates a strong presence in the Home Warranty Insurance market, offering flexible and comprehensive coverage options. Its customer-centric approach, combined with the ability to choose your own technician, elevates it as a top choice among the Best Home Warranty Companies.

Top Home Warranty Company

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: A Comprehensive Mini-Review

Introduction to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

When discussing the Best Home Warranty Companies, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty consistently emerges as a noteworthy contender. Established with the aim of providing comprehensive Home Warranty Plans, this Home Warranty Company has carved a niche for itself in the home warranty landscape.

Pros and Cons of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Pros:

Extensive range of coverage options catering to diverse Home Warranty needs.

Attractive discounts on appliance purchases through its Appliance Discounts Program.

Home Warranty Services that include unique components like concrete-encased plumbing.

Cons:

Coverage exclusions for garage doors and roof leaks unless added separately.

Limited availability, not covering Hawaii and Alaska.

Key Features of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

One of the Top Home Warranty Companies, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers an array of key features. These include:

Service Fees : Varied service fees ($65, $85, $100) provide flexibility to homeowners.

State Availability : Nationwide coverage, except in Alaska and Hawaii.

Coverage Options: Extensive coverage, from kitchen appliances to major Home Systems.

Specific Plans and Highlights

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers several Home Warranty Plans:

Simply Kitchen Plan : Focused on major kitchen appliances, including refrigerators and ovens.

Complete Home Plan : An extensive plan covering kitchen appliances and major home systems.

Pinnacle Home Plan: This plan includes all the features of the Complete Home plan, plus additional coverage for items like burglar and fire alarms.

Each plan offers a unique blend of coverage, ensuring homeowners find a Home Appliance Warranty that suits their specific needs.

Customer Service Ratings and BBB Rating

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty holds a noteworthy reputation for its customer service, reflected in its BBB rating. While the rating fluctuates, it indicates the company's commitment to addressing consumer concerns, solidifying its position as a Home Warranty Insurance provider of choice.

Unique Offerings of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

What sets 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty apart from other Home Warranty Companies are its unique offerings:

Appliance Discounts Program : Provides significant discounts on appliances from top brands.

Service Fee Guarantee : Assures customers of a refund if a service request is ineligible.

Luxury Package Option: Enhances coverage limits, catering to high-end appliances and systems.

In conclusion, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty stands out as a Best Home Warranty Company due to its comprehensive plans, customer-centric services, and unique offerings. Its dedication to offering tailored Home Warranty Plans and Home Service Warranty solutions makes it a top choice for homeowners seeking reliable Home Warranty Services.

Best Home Warranties

Definition and Purpose of a Home Warranty

At its core, a Home Warranty is a service contract designed to offer protection to homeowners against the high costs of repairs or replacements of major home systems and appliances. This type of warranty is particularly pivotal in safeguarding against the unforeseen expenses that often accompany homeownership. Unlike traditional warranties that come with individual appliances or systems, a Home Warranty typically covers multiple items under one plan, making it a comprehensive solution for homeowners.

Home Warranty Companies offer a variety of Home Warranty Plans, each tailored to meet different homeowner needs. These plans are crucial for individuals who seek peace of mind, knowing that they have a safety net against the potentially high costs associated with repairing or replacing key components of their home. Whether it's an air conditioning system failure or a malfunctioning refrigerator, a Home Warranty steps in to alleviate the financial burden.

 Secure your home with Best Home Warranty Plans tailored for you. 

Differences Between Home Warranties and Home Insurance

While both Home Warranty and Home Warranty Insurance sound similar, they cater to different aspects of home protection. Home Warranty Insurance, more commonly known as homeowners insurance, primarily covers damages to the home structure and personal property due to events like fires, theft, or natural disasters. On the other hand, a Home Warranty specifically focuses on the wear and tear of home appliances and systems. This includes items such as HVAC systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, and major appliances like ovens and dishwashers.

One of the key distinctions between these two types of protection is the nature of coverage. Home Warranty Services are designed to address issues that are inevitable due to aging and regular use, whereas Home Warranty Insurance deals with unexpected and often catastrophic events.

Best Home Warranty Companies

In essence, while Home Warranty Insurance provides a broader coverage against external risks, a Home Warranty serves as a Home Appliance Warranty and more, covering internal system breakdowns. Together, they form a comprehensive shield, safeguarding homeowners from a wide array of potential financial strains.

To summarize, understanding the nuances between a Home Warranty and Home Warranty Insurance is essential for homeowners. By choosing the Best Home Warranty Company or one of the Top Home Warranty Companies, homeowners can ensure that their investments are protected efficiently and effectively. This blend of protection not only offers financial relief but also brings a sense of security, knowing that one's home and its essential components are well covered.

 Get peace of mind with Best Home Warranty Insurance, the smart choice. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Best Home Warranty Company

Selecting the right Home Warranty Company can be a pivotal decision for homeowners looking to protect their investments. Here, we delve into the essential factors to consider, ensuring that you choose among the Best Home Warranty Companies that aligns well with your needs.

Coverage Options and Limitations

When exploring Home Warranty Plans, it's crucial to understand what is and isn't covered. Home Warranty Insurance typically includes major systems and appliances, but limitations can vary significantly. For instance, a Home Appliance Warranty might cover your refrigerator and HVAC system, but not necessarily the wear and tear on a swimming pool. It's imperative to review each plan carefully to ensure it meets your specific requirements.

Service Fees and Additional Costs

One of the key aspects of a Home Warranty Service is understanding the service fees and additional costs involved. These fees, often referred to as trade service call fees, are charged every time a service professional visits your home. It's vital to know these costs upfront as they can add up, especially if your home requires frequent repairs.

Company Reputation and Customer Service

The reputation of a Home Warranty Company and their customer service standards play a significant role in the satisfaction you'll derive from your warranty. Top Home Warranty Companies are often characterized by positive customer feedback and a history of reliable service. It's beneficial to read reviews and ratings, giving you insight into how a company handles claims and customer interactions.

Best Home Warranty Programs

State Availability and Specific Regional Considerations

Not all Home Warranty Companies offer services in every state. When looking for the Best Home Warranties, it's important to ensure that the company you're interested in is available in your region. Additionally, consider any regional specifics that might affect your coverage, such as climate-related wear and tear in certain areas.

Claim Processing and Response Times

Finally, the efficiency of claim processing and response times is a critical element when choosing a Home Service Warranty. You'll want a warranty provider that processes claims swiftly and sends out technicians promptly. Delays in addressing a broken appliance or system can lead to greater inconvenience and potential damage to your home.

In conclusion, selecting the Best Home Warranty Company requires careful consideration of various factors, including coverage, costs, reputation, availability, and response times. By thoroughly evaluating these elements, homeowners can find a Home Warranty Plan that offers peace of mind and ensures their home's systems and appliances are well-protected.

 Ensure appliance safety with Best Home Appliance Warranty, your perfect match. 

State-Specific Home Warranties: Navigating Regional Differences

When it comes to home warranties, one size does not fit all, especially considering the varied state-specific rules and regulations. Understanding these nuances is crucial in selecting the best home warranty companies suited to your region's unique requirements.

Best Home Warranty Companies in Georgia

In Georgia, known for its humid climate, HVAC systems are heavily relied upon. Therefore, the best home warranty companies in Georgia are those that offer robust coverage for air conditioning and heating systems. It's also important to consider companies that respond quickly to service requests due to the state's weather conditions.

Best Home Warranty Companies in Arizona

Arizona's scorching heat makes air conditioning systems a top priority. Best home warranty companies in Arizona are those providing comprehensive coverage and swift repair services for cooling systems. Due to the state's unique climatic challenges, companies specializing in HVAC systems are highly sought after.

Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

In Florida, with its tropical climate and high humidity, the best home warranty companies in Florida are those that include coverage for mold and mildew, which can be a common issue in such environments. These companies should also provide excellent coverage for both HVAC systems and appliances prone to humidity damage.

Best Home Warranty Companies in Texas

The best home warranty companies in Texas need to cater to a wide range of weather conditions, from extreme heat to occasional cold snaps. Companies that offer a broad spectrum of coverage options, including for major systems and appliances, are particularly beneficial for Texas homeowners.

Appliance Insurance Choice Home Warranty

Appliance insurance choice home warranty plans are particularly important for homeowners who have high-end or older appliances. These plans can provide specific coverage for appliance repair or replacement, safeguarding against the high costs associated with these items.

Best California Home Warranty Companies

California's diverse climate and strict regulatory environment make finding the best California home warranty companies a unique challenge. These companies should be well-versed in state-specific regulations and offer coverage plans that are compliant with local laws.

Best Home Warranty Company in California

Identifying the best home warranty company in California requires a focus on companies that provide coverage for systems susceptible to the state's varied climate, such as HVAC and plumbing systems, and that understand California's specific legal requirements for home warranties.

In conclusion, state-specific regulations and climatic conditions play a significant role in defining what makes a home warranty company the best choice for a particular region. Whether it's Georgia, Arizona, Florida, Texas, or California, homeowners should seek out warranty companies that not only comply with state-specific laws but also tailor their services to meet the unique needs of the region's climate and lifestyle.

 Experience premium care with Best Home Warranty Services for your home. 

Comparative Analysis of Best Home Warranty Companies

When exploring the realm of Home Warranty Services, it's crucial to perform a Comparative Analysis of the Best Home Warranty Companies. This analysis delves into the intricate differences, highlighting the unique aspects each company offers, thus guiding homeowners in selecting the ideal Home Warranty Plans that align with their specific needs.

Key Differentiators Among Top Home Warranty Companies

The market is flooded with numerous Home Warranty Companies, each vying for the title of the Best Home Warranty Company. However, what sets them apart are their distinct features, coverage options, and customer service quality. Lets take a closer look at these key differentiators.

Coverage Options and Scope of Home Warranty Plans Different Home Warranty Plans offer varying levels of coverage. Some plans focus extensively on Home Appliance Warranty, covering major home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. Others might extend to comprehensive Home Warranty Insurance, including systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. The scope of coverage is a pivotal factor in determining the best fit for a homeowner's requirements.

Customer Service and Support in Home Warranty Services The responsiveness and quality of customer support are critical in evaluating the Best Home Warranties. Top Home Warranty Companies not only provide 24/7 customer support but also ensure swift and efficient handling of claims. This factor significantly impacts the customer's overall satisfaction and trust in the Home Warranty Company.

Pricing Structure and Affordability of Home Service Warranty Affordability plays a significant role in the appeal of Home Warranty Plans. While looking for the Best Home Warranty Companies, it's important to compare the cost against the value offered. This includes examining service fees, coverage limits, and any additional costs that might be incurred. A Home Service Warranty should provide peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Flexibility and Customization in Home Warranty Service The ability to customize Home Warranty Plans according to individual needs is a distinguishing feature of the Best Home Warranty Company. Homeowners often seek flexibility to add specific systems or appliances to their plan, making the warranty more relevant and tailored to their unique home setup.

Reliability and Trustworthiness of Home Warranty Companies The track record and reliability of Home Warranty Companies play a vital role in the decision-making process. Companies with a longstanding history of fulfilling their promises and offering dependable service are often considered the Top Home Warranty Companies.

In conclusion, when conducting a Comparative Analysis of Home Warranty Companies, its essential to consider these differentiators. Whether it's the coverage extent of Home Warranty Plans, the quality of Home Warranty Services, or the flexibility and reliability of the Home Warranty Company, each aspect contributes to identifying the Best Home Warranty Companies. This comprehensive approach ensures that homeowners can make an informed decision, securing a warranty that best suits their home's specific needs and circumstances.

 Find your ideal protection with Top Home Warranty Company, trusted by many. 

Customer Experiences and Reviews

In the realm of Home Warranty Companies, customer experiences and reviews play a pivotal role. These insights offer valuable perspectives on the efficacy and reliability of various Home Warranty Plans and services. This section delves into a mini-review format, exploring the summary of customer feedback, along with the common praises and complaints associated with Best Home Warranty Companies.

Summary of Customer Feedback

When it comes to Home Warranty Services, customer feedback is diverse and enlightening. Clients often applaud Best Home Warranty Company providers for their comprehensive Home Appliance Warranty offerings. Many homeowners find solace in knowing that their appliances and systems are protected under a robust Home Warranty Policy. This sense of security is a recurring theme in positive feedback.

However, Home Warranty Insruance is not without its critiques. A common thread in customer reviews pertains to the response time of Home Warranty Company services. Some policyholders have expressed dissatisfaction with delays in service provision or claim processing. The expectation of prompt and efficient service is a crucial aspect of Home Service Warranty and when it's not met, it becomes a point of contention for customers.

Top Home Warranty Companies

Common Praises and Complaints

The praises for Best Home Warranties often center around the peace of mind they offer. Customers appreciate having a Home Warranty for Rental Property, seeing it as a vital protection for their investment. The convenience of having a single Home Warranty Service to cover multiple home systems and appliances is frequently lauded. Users of Top Home Warranty Companies also commend the simplicity and ease of having a one-stop solution for home repairs and maintenance.

Conversely, the complaints tend to focus on the limitations of Home Warranties. Some customers find that not all home systems or appliances are covered under their Home Warranty Programs, leading to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. The aspect of Cheap Home Warranties can be misleading, as lower costs sometimes translate to less comprehensive coverage or higher deductibles.

In comparing Home Warranties Companies, it's evident that customer satisfaction varies based on individual expectations and experiences. While Extended Home Warranties offer extended coverage, they might also come with added costs that customers need to be aware of. The value of Top Home Warranties is often weighed against the cost, coverage scope, and service quality.

Lastly, the concept of Home Warranties Insurance is sometimes misunderstood. Its crucial for customers to differentiate between a warranty and insurance, as they cover different aspects of home care and maintenance.

In summary, customer experiences and reviews provide a multifaceted view of Best Home Warranty Plans. From the reassurance of Home Appliance Warranties to the critical assessments of service delays and coverage limits, these insights are essential for anyone considering a Home Warranty. As the market for Home Warranty Companies evolves, so too do the expectations and experiences of homeowners seeking the best possible protection for their properties.

 Join the best, choose from Top Home Warranty Companies for unparalleled service. 

Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance

In the world of property protection, Home Warranty and homeowners insurance are two critical services that often get intermingled. However, understanding the distinction between these two is essential for homeowners. This segment provides a comprehensive analysis of their coverage and highlights scenarios where each is applicable, helping homeowners choose the best option for their needs.

Detailed Comparison of Coverage

Home Warranty and homeowners insurance differ primarily in the type of protection they offer. A Home Warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. It's not uncommon for homeowners to opt for the Best Home Warranty Company they can find to ensure reliability and comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, homeowners insurance provides coverage for damage to your home and belongings caused by specific perils such as fire, theft, and natural disasters.

Home Warranty Plans often include various systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, as well as appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Companies offering Home Appliance Warranty services focus on these critical items. The Best Home Warranty Companies often provide customizable plans, allowing homeowners to tailor their coverage to their specific needs. Conversely, homeowners insurance policies typically offer a broader scope of coverage, including structural damage, personal property, and liability protection.

Best Home Warranty Company

Scenarios Where Each is Applicable

Identifying the right scenarios for Home Warranty and homeowners insurance is crucial. A Home Warranty is most beneficial in scenarios where your home's appliances or systems break down due to age or wear and tear. For instance, if your HVAC system stops working or if your refrigerator malfunctions, a Home Warranty Service would cover the costs of repair or replacement, subject to the terms of your contract. This makes Home Warranty Services particularly appealing for older homes where appliances and systems might be nearing the end of their life expectancy.

Homeowners insurance, in contrast, comes into play during unforeseen events like natural disasters, theft, or fire. It is an essential protection for homeowners against significant financial loss due to these events. For example, if a fire damages your home, homeowners insurance would cover the rebuilding costs and replace lost or damaged personal property.

Both services are complementary, providing a safety net for homeowners. While the Best Home Warranties offer peace of mind against the inevitable breakdown of aging home components, homeowners insurance protects against external, uncontrollable events. Thus, it's not a matter of choosing one over the other but understanding how both can work together to provide comprehensive protection for your property.

In summary, homeowners should consider both Home Warranties and homeowners insurance for complete protection. While Home Warranties Companies offer plans like Home Appliance Warranties and Home Service Warranty, homeowners insurance covers risks like theft and natural disasters. Home Warranty Insurance, which is a blend of warranty and insurance elements, also presents an option for broader coverage. Each homeowner's situation will dictate the Best Home Warranty Plans and insurance policies suitable for their needs, whether they own or are looking into Home Warranty for Rental Property. Remember, Compare Home Warranties and insurance policies to find the best fit for your home.

 Best Home Warranties: safeguard your home with top-rated warranty providers. 

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

In the realm of Home Warranty services, misconceptions abound, often leading homeowners to make uninformed decisions. This section aims to address these misunderstandings, offering clarity on what Home Warranties do and do not cover.

Understanding the Scope of Home Warranty Services

One of the most common misconceptions about Home Warranty Companies is the belief that they cover virtually every issue in a home. However, it's crucial to understand that Home Warranty Plans often have specific limitations. For example, a standard Home Appliance Warranty might cover the repair or replacement of major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, but it may not cover items that have not been maintained properly or that have pre-existing conditions.

Differentiating Home Warranty from Home Warranty Insurance

Another area of confusion is distinguishing between Home Warranty and Home Warranty Insurance. While they sound similar, Home Warranty Insurance is often a broader term that might encompass more extensive coverage, including aspects not typically covered under a basic Home Warranty Plan. It's important for homeowners to compare Home Warranties to understand the specific nuances of each plan.

Home Service Warranty and Home Warranty Service: More than Semantics

The terms Home Service Warranty and Home Warranty Service might seem interchangeable, but they can imply different services. Home Service Warranty generally refers to the warranty plan itself, whereas Home Warranty Service can indicate the actual service provided, like repair work, under the warranty. Understanding this distinction helps in selecting the Best Home Warranties for individual needs.

Best Home Warranty Companies

The Reality of Cheap Home Warranties

While Cheap Home Warranties may appear attractive, they often come with limitations. Homeowners seeking the Best Home Warranty Plans should be wary of plans that seem unusually inexpensive, as they might not offer comprehensive coverage. It's advisable to thoroughly review what Home Warranty Covers before making a decision.

Home Warranty for Rental Property: A Special Case

Home Warranty for Rental Property is a unique category. Landlords might find these warranties beneficial as they can cover major appliances and systems in rental units. However, these Home Warranties are different from those for personal residences, often tailored to the specific needs of rental properties.

Extended Home Warranties: Worth the Extra?

Extended Home Warranties offer prolonged coverage beyond the standard term. While they can provide additional peace of mind, it's essential to assess whether the extra cost aligns with the likelihood of needing extended service.

Top Home Warranties vs. Top Home Warranty Companies

It's important to differentiate between Top Home Warranties and Top Home Warranty Companies. The former refers to the best plans available, while the latter indicates the companies offering these plans. Research and comparison are key in choosing from Home Warranties Companies.

Home Warranties Insurance: A Misleading Term

Lastly, the term Home Warranties Insurance is often misunderstood. It's not a traditional insurance policy but rather a service contract that covers specific home repairs and replacements. Understanding this difference is crucial in setting realistic expectations of what a Home Warranty Policy entails.

In conclusion, demystifying these common misconceptions about Home Warranties empowers homeowners to make informed decisions. Whether it's choosing the Best Home Warranty Company, understanding the limits of Home Warranty Plans, or considering an Extended Home Warranty, clarity is key in navigating the world of Home Warranty Programs.

 Invest in Best Home Warranty Programs for comprehensive home care. 

FAQs About Home Warranties

In the realm of Home Warranties, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what they entail, especially for homeowners considering Home Warranty Plans or Home Warranty Insurance. This section aims to demystify some of the frequently asked questions regarding Home Warranties and related services.

What Exactly is a Home Warranty?

A Home Warranty is a service contract designed to protect homeowners from the high costs associated with repairs and replacements of home systems and appliances. Unlike Home Warranty Insurance, which typically covers damages from unforeseen events like fires or natural disasters, a Home Warranty focuses on wear and tear of household items. Home Warranty Companies often provide a range of Home Warranty Plans, offering different levels of coverage.

How Does Home Warranty Services Differ from Home Appliance Warranty?

Home Warranty Services encompass a broader range of coverage compared to a Home Appliance Warranty. While the latter specifically covers appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washers, Home Warranty Services can also include systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. It's not uncommon for Best Home Warranty Companies to offer both types of coverage in their Home Warranty Programs.

Are Home Warranties Worth the Investment?

Determining the value of Home Warranties depends on several factors, including the age of your home appliances, their current condition, and your financial readiness for potential repairs. Home Warranties can be a wise investment, especially for older homes where systems and appliances are more prone to breakdowns. The Best Home Warranty Plans often provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected repair costs.

Best Home Warranty Companies

What is Covered Under a Typical Home Warranty Policy?

A typical Home Warranty Policy usually covers major home systems and appliances. Coverage can vary among Home Warranty Companies, but generally, it includes heating systems, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems, and common household appliances. However, it's important to read the fine print, as Home Warranty Covers may have specific exclusions.

How Does Home Warranty for Rental Property Work?

Home Warranty for Rental Property functions similarly to standard Home Warranties but is tailored for rental properties. Landlords often purchase these Home Warranties to manage the costs associated with repairing and replacing appliances and systems in their rental units. This can be especially beneficial in maintaining tenant satisfaction and property value.

What's the Difference Between Home Warranties and Extended Home Warranties?

The primary difference lies in the duration and scope of coverage. While standard Home Warranties are typically annual contracts, Extended Home Warranties offer prolonged coverage, sometimes spanning several years. Extended Home Warranties can be advantageous for new homeowners or those with newer appliances seeking long-term protection.

How to Compare Home Warranties?

When looking to Compare Home Warranties, consider factors such as coverage scope, service fees, customer reviews, and response times. Comparing Home Warranties Companies can be overwhelming, but focusing on your specific needs and budget can help narrow down the Top Home Warranties suitable for you.

Can Home Warranties Insurance Substitute for Homeowners Insurance?

No, Home Warranties Insurance cannot replace homeowners insurance. While Home Warranties Insurance covers repairs and replacements of systems and appliances, homeowners insurance covers structural damage and loss of personal property due to events like theft or natural disasters. Both types of insurance serve different purposes and offer complementary protection.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of Home Warranties and related concepts is essential for making informed decisions. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, the right Home Warranty Plan can provide both financial security and peace of mind.

 Uncover the Best Home Warranty Company for exceptional home safeguarding. 

Conclusion: The Significance of Choosing the Right Home Warranty

In the realm of home warranty companies, selecting the best fit for your needs is not just a matter of convenience, but a crucial decision impacting the safeguarding of one of your most significant investments  your home. The journey through various home warranty plans and home warranty services can be complex, yet it's essential for homeowners to navigate this path wisely.

When considering a home warranty policy, one should reflect on the unique aspects of their home and lifestyle. For instance, home warranty for rental property differs significantly in needs and coverage compared to a warranty for a primary residence. Similarly, the requirements for home appliance warranties might vary based on the age and condition of your appliances. Thus, it's not just about finding the best home warranty company but also about finding the one that aligns perfectly with your specific circumstances.

 Select the Best Home Warranty Companies for all-inclusive home system coverage. 

Throughout our analysis of various home warranty companies, we've seen a wide range of home warranty plans. Each of these plans, from extended home warranties to more cheap home warranties, offers different levels of coverage and benefits. This diversity is crucial as it provides homeowners with the flexibility to choose a plan that best suits their needs.

Moreover, the importance of compare home warranties cannot be overstated. Its not just about the cost but also about the coverage, response times, customer service, and the reputation of the home warranty company. It's about understanding the difference between home warranties insurance and home service warranty, and recognizing the nuances that make a plan more suited to your home.

In conclusion, the right home warranty acts as a shield, protecting your home and your finances from unexpected repair costs. It brings peace of mind, knowing that should anything go wrong, you have a reliable home warranty service ready to assist. Remember, the best home warranties are those that cater to your individual needs, providing the right balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability. Therefore, take the time to research, compare, and choose a home warranty that stands as a testament to your smart homeownership.

Best Home Warranty Companies

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Contact Details

Amanda Grant

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Construction on Colorado's first Buc-ee's travel center continues along I-25 near Johnston, Colo., on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. The new Colorado location is planned to be 74,000 square feet, with 116 fueling stations.

With several weeks to go before Buc-ee's opens in Johnstown, it has scheduled a mass hiring event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day Tuesday, Jan. 23, through Saturday, Jan. 27, at Embassy Suites in Loveland.

The store is expected to create 250 to 300 new jobs with starting pay ranging between $18 and $21 an hour, benefits, 100% matching of 401(k) contributions up to 6%, and three weeks of paid vacation. The hiring event is invitation only, so those interested in a job at Buc-ee's must apply at www.buc-ees.com to receive a phone call or text message invitation to the event.

The Johnstown location of the Texas phenomenon that is Buc-ee's is at the southwest corner of Interstate 25 and Weld County Road 48. At 74,.000 square feet, it is six times larger than Trader Joe's in Fort Collins.

The store, founded by Arch "Beaver" Alpin in 1982, won town approval for several land use amendments on the 140-acre site last year, and the company broke ground in June 2022. All Buc-ee's are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Johnstown location will include 116 fueling stations along with all the other favorites that made the travel center famous: homemade fudge, Texas barbecue, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky, fresh pastries and "the world's cleanest bathrooms, freshest food and friendliest beaver."

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: How to apply for a job at Buc-ee's in Johnstown, Colorado
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on citizens everywhere to draw inspiration from the work of countless rights advocates across the world and defend all human rights and fundamental freedoms
Moroni, Comoro (PANA)  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has welcomed the focus on structural reforms to strengthen Comoros financial institutions and reduce their fragility
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Manfi, has praised the role of the African Union (AU) in supporting the Libyan-led reconciliation project, underlining the continental body's continued support for everything that helps to achieve a comprehensive and inclusive reconciliation
Photo: (Photo : EMMANUEL DUNAND / Getty Images)

In a distressing turn of events, the renowned Sushi Nine restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina, is currently facing intense scrutiny as a norovirus outbreak has left 241 customers grappling with illness.

This alarming situation has not only raised concerns about public health but has also sparked an investigation into the root cause of the outbreak.

North Carolina's Sushi Nine Norovirus Otbreak

The norovirus outbreak, which has affected patrons who visited Sushi Nine between November 28 and December 5, has brought about a wave of gastrointestinal distress.

Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain have left those affected seeking answers and prompt medical attention.

Local health authorities in Wake County are diligently working to trace the origin and understand the extent of the outbreak, emphasizing the urgency of the situation to ensure the safety of the community.

In response to the outbreak, Mac Schreiber, the manager of Sushi Nine, has suggested that the norovirus may have spread from a sick customer rather than originating from the restaurant's food.

Despite the voluntary closure for deep cleaning on December 5 and the subsequent reopening on December 8 with no new reported cases, controversy surrounds the situation.

The notable decline in business this week has raised eyebrows, prompting questions about the safety protocols in place at the establishment and the potential impact on its reputation.

The outbreak at Sushi Nine has sent ripples through the local community, leaving both patrons and neighboring businesses on edge.

As the number of affected customers continues to rise, residents are expressing concern about the potential long-term impact on public health and the reputation of the beloved restaurant.

The incident has underscored the interconnectedness of businesses and community well-being, prompting a broader conversation about the need for stringent health and safety measures in public establishments.

Read Also: 7 Virginia Elementary Students Hospitalized After Ingesting Fentanyl-Laced Gummy Bears; Two Arrested

The Landscape of Norovirus in the United States

Norovirus, often colloquially referred to as the "stomach flu" or "food poisoning," is a highly contagious virus known for causing gastrointestinal distress.

It thrives in environments where people come together, such as holiday gatherings and parties, making winter months particularly conducive to its spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress the importance of practicing proper hygiene, including thorough handwashing, to prevent the transmission of norovirus, especially in crowded settings like restaurants.

In light of the Sushi Nine outbreak, health officials are reminding the public of preventive measures to curb the spread of norovirus.

These measures include meticulous handwashing, proper food handling, and the thorough cleaning of surfaces.

Norovirus holds the unenviable title of being the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for about 58% of cases, resulting in an estimated 20 million illnesses annually.

Typically peaking between November and April, the virus can be transmitted with just a few particles, and infected individuals can shed billions of them for days or even weeks after recovery.

The incident at Sushi Nine serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of norovirus and the critical importance of maintaining rigorous hygiene standards to safeguard public health.

As the investigation into the norovirus outbreak at Sushi Nine unfolds, the local community remains on high alert.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing and addressing foodborne illnesses.

Public health officials continue to work closely with the affected customers and the restaurant to determine the source and scope of the outbreak, underscoring the need for transparency and swift action in the face of such crises.

The aftermath of this event will likely shape discussions around health and safety practices in public establishments, emphasizing the need for ongoing diligence and cooperation between businesses and the communities they serve.

Related Article: Post-Pandemic Hunger Crisis: WIC's $1.3B Shortfall Impacts Food Assistance for 2 Million Families
Photo: (Photo : Jay Paul /Getty Images)

In the aftermath of the Newport News School Shooting that sent shockwaves through the community earlier this year, Deja Taylor, a 26-year-old Virginia mother, has been sentenced to two years on a state charge of felony child neglect.

The incident, where Taylor's 6-year-old son intentionally shot his elementary school teacher, Abigail Zwerner, has reignited concerns about gun safety in schools, triggering a broader conversation about mental health and the responsibilities of parents.

Sentencing Unveils Tragic Events at Richneck Elementary School

Deja Taylor's two-year sentence, handed down by Circuit Court Judge Christopher Papile, comes as a response to her son's intentional shooting at Richneck Elementary School.

While the sentence is shorter than the possible five years, it has sparked a heated debate within legal circles and the community at large. Many are questioning the severity of the punishment, wondering whether it adequately addresses the multifaceted issues surrounding the incident-gun safety, parental responsibility, and mental health.

On that fateful day of January 6, the Newport News community was confronted with the grim reality of a school shooting. Abigail Zwerner, a dedicated first-grade teacher, suffered severe injuries when Taylor's young son intentionally shot her. The incident prompted a swift and decisive response, leading to a $40 million lawsuit against the school district.

Abigail Zwerner's legal action alleges negligence on the part of the school administration, citing a failure to heed warnings about the child's access to a firearm.

The incident not only prompted a shakeup in the school administration, resulting in the ouster of the superintendent and an assistant principal, but it also brought national attention to the urgent need for enhanced gun safety measures in educational institutions.

Examining Mental Health and Domestic Dynamics

As the details surrounding Deja Taylor's case emerge, a complex narrative unfolds. The federal charge against Taylor, stemming from her use of marijuana while owning a gun, underscores challenges beyond the immediate incident. Reports reveal a history of domestic violence, adding layers to the narrative.

Furthermore, the child involved in the shooting is reported to have an "acute disability," emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the family's circumstances.

The sentencing has sparked debates on whether a punitive approach is appropriate, especially considering the mental health challenges faced by Taylor. Critics argue for a more rehabilitative approach, focusing on addressing the root causes of the incident rather than solely punishing the aftermath.

Read Also: CDC Warns of Winter COVID Surge: Variants Rise Amid Low Vaccination

Abigail Zwerner's Ongoing Struggles

In the aftermath of the shooting, Abigail Zwerner, the victim, attended Friday's sentencing and shared a victim impact statement. Zwerner, who suffers from anxiety and depression following the incident, emphasized that her life will never be the same.

The two-year sentence for Deja Taylor has intensified Zwerner's resolve to pursue justice through her $40 million lawsuit against Newport News Public Schools, alleging systemic failures that endangered teachers and students.

This Newport News School Shooting and its aftermath have not only prompted soul-searching within the community but also sparked a wider conversation on the need for comprehensive gun safety measures in schools.

The complexities of Deja Taylor's case highlight the intersection of mental health, domestic dynamics, and the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.



Related Article: The Exclusive Poultry Los Angeles Faces $3.8 Million Child Labor Penalty for Hiring Minors
Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has been adjudged the Number Two Company of the Year at the 20th edition of the Ghana Club 100 awards ceremony held at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre.



In addition, MTN Ghana was ranked the Number Three Company in Ghana for its Corporate Social Investments (CSI). MTN Ghana also received a special recognition for its consistent participation in the prestigious Ghana Club 100 for two decades, exemplifying a relentless commitment to excellence, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of Ghanas economic success.



Commenting on the awards, Selorm Adadevoh, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana said, the awards are a validation of our continuous effort to innovate and remain competitive in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. It reaffirms that we are on the right track in our quest to embrace modern technology that will be of benefit to our customers.



MTN Ghana will continue to play its role in the nations economic growth, social progress and digital inclusion, he added.







Receiving the awards, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CCSSO), thanked the organizers and reiterated MTNs commitment to creating shared value through our sustainability, diversity and inclusion initiatives in the country. Adwoa dedicated the awards to all stakeholders, customers and employees of MTN Ghana.



The 20th edition of the Ghana Club 100 awards celebrates decades of resilience, innovation and excellence demonstrated by Ghanaian businesses across strategic sectors, including agriculture and agribusiness, financial services, ICT, infrastructure, petroleum, mining services, manufacturing, tourism, health, and education.



The awards sought to recognise the best 100 companies who contributed to the growth of the countrys economy in various capacities in the year under review. The theme for this year was "Accelerating Economic Growth: Amplifying Ghanas Global Market Footprint through African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA)."





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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KO

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Coca-Cola Doesn't Make Money Selling Cans of Soda. Here's What It Sells Instead. was originally published by The Motley Fool
The Bulk Oil and Transportation Company (BOST) Limited has donated some relief items with an estimated cost of GH100,000 to victims of the Akosombo Dam Spillage.



The donation which forms part of the corporate social responsibility of BOST for the victims across nine (9) districts affected by the recent dam spillage was presented last Friday, December 8, 2023, to the North Tongu District Assembly, serving as the national operations centre for the collection and distribution of relief items.



The General Manager, Corporate Communications and External Affairs of BOST, Mr Marlick Adjei leading the delegation to present the relief items said that the company owed it a duty to come to the aid of the victims, especially in their current time of need.



He noted that the relief items, made up of 170 bags of 25-kilogram rice, 70 boxes of cooking oil and two thousand bags of sachet water were carefully selected to meet the pressing needs of the victims.



We carefully selected these items because we do know very well that the waters flooded homes, refuse dumps, cemeteries, and others. About 90 per cent of their sources of water have been polluted, and if we leave them, the real disaster is yet to begin.



When your house is flooded, you can run with your life, but when you come back and you dont get good water to drink, you end up poisoning yourself in that same house, and you die. Thats why we are bringing water.



He explained that the food items were added because we are nearing the festive season, farmers have their farms submerged, shops are submerged and its like nothing is virtually working in this part of the country anymore. How do they survive?



We are giving them these food items to at least keep them alive so they can think through their lives and work towards getting them back. This is the rationale of our interaction, engagement and this donation with the promise to do even more.



Mr Adjei reiterated the need to expedite efforts in resettling the affected victims and thus called on all Ghanaians including corporate and faith-based organisations to join the efforts in alleviating the plight of the affected victims.



Let the churches come in; this is not the time for Bible quotations. It is a good time for hand-in-pocket donations so that they can also live their normal lives going forward, and it is also time for Town and Country Planning to take the special planning of this country seriously.



Much as there are genuine disaster issues, there are some houses when you look at the places they were allowed to be built; you can see people conspired to kill people at a point in the future.



The District Chief Executive for North Tongu, Mr Osborn Divine Fenu receiving the items, expressed gratitude to BOST for the gesture and extended a call to other entities and individuals to come to the aid of the flood victims.



On behalf of the disaster management committee, I want to thank BOST for coming to the aid. Indeed, you are augmenting the number of challenges we are going through. So we want to thank you and also call on other state agencies, corporate Ghana and individuals to also come and support us because we are in the process of resettling our people and that demands a lot of resources, he pleaded.



The Queen Mother of Mepe Traditional Area, Mamaga Adzo Sreku IV, reiterated the need for more support, especially in the area of resettlement for the victims impacted by the flood.



We appreciate you for coming. Please put the word out there for us. We need that a lot, especially the resettlement part. People need to get their lives back; people need to get their dignity back, she said.



The gesture by BOST comes on the back of a recent donation of assorted items to flood victims at Buipe in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region.



The spillage of excess water by the Volta River Authority (VRA) has had a devastating impact on thousands of residents along the Volta Lake, including the loss of livelihoods, places of abode, and education in the affected areas.

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Ecobank Ghana has donated some relief items worth over GHc200,000 to three communities in the Volta Region affected by floods, following the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams.



The donated items which were presented by some management members of Ecobank Ghana last Tuesday, November 28, 2023, included 5,730 bags of sachet water, 675 bags of 5kg rice, and 6 bales of used clothing. The bank also presented assorted medications to the two district hospitals, as part of the donations.



The three beneficiary communities are Sopkoe in the South Tongu District, New Bakpa Zorotodzi and Adidome, both in the Central Tongu District.



Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Daniel Kasser Tee, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager of Ecobank Ghana said the bank shares in the pain of the displaced people in the three communities who have had their livelihoods severely affected by the floods.



Their homes are gone, they have no access to good healthcare and education for their children. It is in this regard that Ecobank Ghana, as a corporate entity, and its employees, mobilized resources for these donations. It is our contribution to efforts made by individuals, other corporate bodies and the state to help put smiles on the faces of the affected people, he said.



He further assured the three communities that Ecobank would go the extra mile to help restore livelihoods as a friend of the Volta Region by contributing to ensure that normalcy returns to the affected villages.



He referred to November 2021, when Ecobank worked through the Ghana Association of Banks to provide support to the people of Keta at a time when people in many communities were displaced by tidal waves.



Today, we have heard Torgbe Sakpiti V, Chief of New Bakpa. His appeal was that the people of his chiefdom would love to be resettled away from the low-lying areas. I see this as a bigger desperate call by a traditional ruler and I will use this opportunity to call on other corporate organisations to come to the aid of the flood victims, especially in the case of communities that have been entirely swept away by the flood waters, Dr Kasser Tee added.



The District Coordinating Director of the Central Tongu District Assembly, Mr Gabriel Adzago speaking on behalf of the District Chief Executive, Hon. Thomas Moore Zonyrah, expressed gratitude to Ecobank for the kind gesture and assured that the items would be distributed equitably among the victims, who are struggling in these difficult times.



He debunked allegations that donated items usually do not get to victims, indicating that all items received so far have been given out to cushion the pains of the affected persons.



The District Chief Executive of South Tongu District Assembly, Hon. Seth Kwasi Agbi, also applauded the donations made by Ecobank Ghana and appealed for more relief items from like-minded corporate bodies.



He further indicated that the assembly would work closely with the District NADMO Director and District Director of Health to ensure that the items reach only truly displaced people.



He gave further assurances that the district hospital would ensure judicious use of the medications to treat sick people located in the various camps in Adidome, New Bakpa and others living in nearby villages.

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The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Gladys Pinkrah, has called on all eligible voters, including men, women, youth, especially first-time voters, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to come out in their numbers to vote massively in Tuesdays District Level Elections (DLEs) for the development of their localities.



A high voter turnout is an indication of citizen involvement or participation in governance and decision-making at the local level, she said.

Mrs Pinkrah made the call at a public engagement held in Accra yesterday to educate and enhance citizens' participation in the DLEs.



The event organised by the Greater Accra Regional Directorate of the EC brought together a cross-section of the public, including the youth, women, men and PWDs.



The DLEs are meant to elect assembly members and unit committee members at designated electoral areas at the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).



The elections are in accordance with the Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462), which provides for the election of assembly members to MMDAs.



Section 5(3) of Act 462 states: Elections to a district assembly shall be held once every four years, at least six months before or after a general election of Members of Parliament."



Section 6(1) of Act 462 also provides that for a person to qualify to be elected as a member of a district assembly, the person must be a citizen of Ghana above 18 years, a registered voter, ordinarily resident in the district they are seeking election, and also be a taxpayer.



The assembly members are to serve as the representatives of the communities while the unit committee members also help in mobilisation at the community level.



Event



Addressing the participants, Mrs Pinkrah said the DLEs gave citizens the most practicable opportunity to participate actively in selecting their local representatives and contribute to local government decision-making.



She indicated that the elections would start at 7 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19 and urged citizens to exercise their right to vote.



She, however, encouraged the participants to educate voters on the DLEs, mobilise eligible voters to vote or be politically aware of issues in the community and their civic responsibilities.



A high voter turnout places legitimacy on the Assemblymen and women and Unit Committee members and is a sign of popular approval of elected representatives by the citizens, she stated.



Involve in civic education by sensitising your peers and community to why and how to vote. This education should include information about the electoral process and the importance of voting. This can foster a sense of civic responsibility and understanding of the democratic processes by many, she added.



Low turnout



Mrs Pinkrah expressed worry about the persistent low voter turnout in the DLEs since the inception of the Fourth Republic and urged all and sundry, especially the youth, to lead the campaign in educating their peers and community members on the elections.





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By Ariana Perez-Castells, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Philadelphia-born coffee purveyor La Colombe was acquired for $900 million on Friday by Chobani, a company known for its Greek yogurt.

We have never been stronger or better positioned to chart our next chapter of growth, said Hamdi Ulukaya , Chobani founder and chief executive officer in a statement.

Chobanis products include yogurts, oat milk, and coffee creamers, which are produced in New York, Idaho, and Australia, according to the company website.

Ulukaya joined the coffee company as an investor and as the majority owner in 2015. At the time Ulukaya said he had become aware of La Colombe founders because he was looking for a coffee roaster for the Chobani cafes.

I believe in the quality of the product and the brand vision of La Colombe, he told The Inquirer in 2015, saying he shared the brands mission to make better coffee available to more people.

The news of the acquisition comes as La Colombe got a $300 million investment from beverage producer and manufacturer Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. this summer as part of a new partnership. Part of the agreement includes launching a single-serve coffee capsule in 2024, and selling La Colombe coffee through the Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. distribution network. The sale of La Colombe to Chobani includes transferring the minority equity stake that Keurig Dr Peppers had in the company into Chobani equity.

Employees of La Colombe will also benefit from the acquisition.

Chobani announced in 2016 that it would give around 10% ownership stake of the company to 2,000 of its full time employees, according to the New York Times.

There will be no difference between La Colombe and Chobani when it comes to employee wages and compensations and benefits, said Ulukaya. Every La Colombe people will have the same profits and share options as Chobani employees.

Details about what that could look like could come in the next weeks or months, he said.

Going forward, La Colombe will continue to operate as an independent brand. The company operates 32 cafes in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Austin and Washington, D.C.

As for what comes next for La Colombe, Ulukaya said, Its Philadelphias unique, beautiful brand. Its about to take off to the country if not around the world and I couldnt be more proud.
The driver who crashed into a school bus Tuesday in Phillipsburg, N.J., was fleeing from police after shooting three vehicles in Warren County, investigators revealed Friday.

Suspect Brett M. Wyatt Jr., a 28-year-old Phillipsburg-area resident, was armed with three guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, authorities said based on a search of his vehicle.

The school bus was carrying nearly two dozen children, some of whom were treated for minor injuries. Wyatt suffered major injuries in the crash and was flown by medical helicopter to St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill, according to the Warren County Prosecutors Office. He remained hospitalized Friday.

Tuesdays incident began about 2:45 p.m. in Lopatcong Township, where police were dispatched to the area of Uniontown Road (Route 519) for a report of a male who had fired shots at a parked, unoccupied Ford F-450 pickup truck, Prosecutor James Pfeiffers office said Friday.

The gunfire struck a window and the tires on the passenger side, and police were given a description of a yellow hatchback said to be involved, the prosecutors office said in a news release; a responding officer observed a vehicle matching the description headed west on Route 57 near Route 519.

The driver, later identified as Wyatt, continued west on Route 57 until he was stopped in traffic in a construction zone near Strykers Road, investigators said.

While stopped, the subject fired shots at two occupied vehicles, the release states.

One was a Tesla that was stopped in the construction zone also headed west; it was shot three times in the passenger side, the prosecutors office said. Wyatt is accused also of shooting a Chevrolet sedan headed west on Route 57, striking its drivers side door.

No one was injured, investigators said.

A pursuit continued across the toll bridge into Pennsylvania, with Wyatt continuing to weave in and out of traffic and passing vehicles on the shoulder, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph, according to the release.

Due to traffic, Lopatcong police were forced to end the pursuit about 2:52 p.m. near Route 33 in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, Pa.

An alert went out to law enforcement with a description of the hatchback and partial license plate, the prosecutors office said.

About 3:15 p.m., a Pennsylvania State Police trooper along the Schoenersville Road interchange of Route 22 observed a vehicle matching the description exiting from Route 22 West, authorities said. After an attempted traffic stop, the vehicle fled onto Route 22 East.

Again, with police in pursuit, Wyatt allegedly weaved in and out of traffic, traveling on the shoulders of the highway and speeding in excess of 100 mph.

Re-entering New Jersey, Wyatt lost control on Route 22, also called Memorial Parkway, at the curve near Morris Street and crashed into the school bus, authorities said.

The search of the vehicle showed Wyatt was in possession of a 9mm Glock handgun, 10mm Glock handgun and 9mm Kel-Tec Carbine with hundreds of rounds of both 9mm and 10mm ammunition, according to the news release.

Wyatt had registered and legally owned the two handguns, while the carbine was unregistered, according to Pfeiffer. There was no motive immediately available for the suspects actions, and investigators have been unable to interview him, the prosecutor said.

Authorities further reported having recovered a quantity of a suspicious substance from the vehicle that has been submitted for New Jersey State Police laboratory testing.

Criminal charges remain pending, the prosecutors office said.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A Friday report released by the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner shows that Friends actor Matthew Perry died from the acute effects of the drug ketamine.

The report  which labeled the death accidental  also included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid-use disorder, as factors.

The Emmy-nominated actor, who was best known for his role in the popular TV series Friends, was found dead at his Pacific Palisades home on Oct. 28. He was 54 years old.

The medical examiner found high levels of ketamine in Perrys postmortem blood specimens, and said the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular over stimulation and respiratory depression, according to KTLA.

Ketamine, an FDA-approved anesthetic drug, is commonly used in hospitals but is also used illegally as a recreational drug for its psychedelic effects, according to KCRA3.

California is known to have ketamine clinics, where doctors can legally give patients the drug to help battle depression, KCRA3 said.

Perry was getting treated through ketamine infusion therapy, reportedly for depression, and last received ketamine therapy a week before his passing, abc7 said.

However, according to KTLA, the ketamine found in his system at the time of his death could not be from that infusion therapy, since ketamines half-life is three to four hours, or less. This means that ketamine is quickly expelled from body, making it hard to detect in blood and saliva after only two or three days.
Alessandro Bindocci is the second generation of his family to follow in the footsteps of legendary winemaker Piero Talenti, mentor to Alessandros father Fabrizio Bindocci and one of the founding fathers of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation.

Alessandro completed his advanced degree in enology at the University of Pisa in 2005 and then returned to Montalcino to work side-by-side with his father, bringing with him 21st century technology and style to Tenuta Il Poggione.

This father-son team brings different approaches to winemaking, with Alessandro focusing more on modern techniques. However, they both agree in producing Brunello utilizing traditional practices  picking fruit from older vines and classic large-format aging in oak casks.

Says Monica Larner, a wine critic and writer based in Rome who reviews for The Wine Advocate and eRobertParker.com: Fabrizio Bindocci and his son Alessandro are the most accomplished father-son winemaking team I can think of today in Italy. Il Poggione is owned by Leopoldo and Livia Franceschi, but the phenomenal Bindocci duo are very much in the limelight. They excel in every aspect of winemaking, from vineyard management to wine marketing.

One of the most highly regarded wineries in all of Tuscany, Tenuta Il Poggione makes powerful wines for collectors and everyday drinkers alike. Located in the tiny hilltop village of SantAngelo in Colle in the commune of Montalcino, the winery was established at the end of the 19th century by Lavinio Franceschi and is still owned today by the fifth generation of its founder. One of the original three producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Il Poggione has helped to establish the standards of excellence for the wine.

Alessandro in his second role as export manager spends a lot of his time traveling all over the world  from Europe to the United States to Japan and points eastward  as an ambassador of Il Poggione. But that doesnt stop him from being involved in the day-to-day process of vinification. Modern technology, he explains, allows him to monitor and control the winemaking process  vat by vat  using his phone. He doesnt mind the endless travel, he says, because he knows that his cozy apartment awaits him when he returns to Italy.

One wine critic calls Fabrizio Bindocci and his son Alessandro 'the most accomplished father-son winemaking team' in Italy today.Tenuta Il Poggione

He responded to these questions from PennLive related to Tenuta Il Poggione and the wines made there:

Q, How old are these vineyards you are sourcing to make these wines? Are you making any changes in the vineyards?

A, We use only estate vineyards for the production of our wines. The ones used for the Rosso di Montalcino are at least 15 years old; the vineyards we use for the Brunello di Montalcino are at least 25 years old. In years when we are not producing our Brunello Riserva, the grapes normally used for this wine, from the Paganelli Vineyard, planted in 1964, are used for Brunello. All of our vineyards are at an altitude between 150 and 450 meters above sea level. We made no changes regarding clones. All the vineyards are planted with the Sangiovese clone from a massal selection made in the 1970s in the Paganelli Vineyard.

Q, What childhood memories do you have of the winery and the winemaking?

A, Growing up in a family of winemakers, the winery was a bit of a second home. When I was little, I remember the vineyards during the harvest, trying to pick up my share of grapes, and probably eating most of it. The winery was sometimes a playground where one could easily hide behind the wooden barrels, and the benfinita, the celebratory end of the harvest meal with all the workers and their families, which took place, and still does, inside the winery. At home, when different wines were tried during meals, I always wanted my own wine glass, where, of course, just a drop of wine was poured, in order to keep me happy and to make me feel equal to others. Growing up, with more knowledge, either coming from my studies, my family legacy, and the everyday experience, I would be more curious about the processes like the fermentations and what the barrels would give to the wine and how.

Alessandro Bindocci says he and his father are making wines 'where the oak notes are like a brushstroke of color in a large painting, where the large oak barrels give the tannins and structure that allow the wine to mature slowly for many years.'Tenuta Il Poggione

Q, How different is your style from your fathers and has the technology changed at all?

A, It is actually quite similar, in that we are linked by a passion for wines in which the fruit takes center stage, without being topped by overly extreme aromas of oak, spice and more. We enjoy making wines where the oak notes are like a brushstroke of color in a large painting, where the large oak barrels give the tannins and structure that allow the wine to mature slowly for many years and be enjoyed even decades after release without overpowering the beautiful and elegant aromas of Sangiovese.

Q, What are a couple of things you know about winemaking now that you didnt when you started?

A, There are many things that I didnt know when I started and many things that I dont know now. Winemaking is an always-evolving job, new things are always learned talking to colleagues and other winemakers in and outside my area. Also, studying, trying different wines, especially together with other producers is always an occasion to grow and to learn new aspects to improve the quality of the produced wines.

Q, When a wine/winerys bar is already raised high, I always like to ask: How do you manage to keep that bar raised year after year?

A, We are lucky to have a large family of 70 colleagues working with us all year round. They know the winery perfectly, how to work on the vineyards, and how to select the best quality grapes. We are also fortunate to have old vineyards, making amazing Sangiovese no matter what the weather is like during the year; and a family, the Franceschi family, that has owned the winery for over 100 years and that understands the importance of investing in technology and high-quality oak casks. All of that, together with a long legacy of winemaking in my family, allow us to produce wines of great quality every year.

The vineyards at Tenuta Il Poggione used for the Rosso di Montalcino are at least 15 years old; the vineyards for the Brunello di Montalcino are at least 25 years old.Tenuta Il Poggione

Q, I would welcome any pairing info, especially with holiday meals.

A, Rosso di Montalcino, with its freshness and fruit flavors, is the most versatile of our wines: while it is very tasty on its own, it works well with pasta with meat sauces, cheeses, poultry, and even a casual pizza. Brunello di Montalcino, with its structure and tannins, is a perfect pairing with richer dishes, roasts, steak, aged cheeses, truffled dishes.

Q, Youre obviously well entrenched in the U.S. Are there any new markets you are looking to capture or increase your visibility?

A, We have been working in the U.S. market since the early 1970s, being one of the first Brunellos being sold in the United States. We have been with the same importer, Terlato Wines, and of course, the business relationship has turned into a strong friendship; furthermore, our presence in the U.S. grows every year. Outside of the United States, many other markets are getting more wine-savvy and looking for high-quality traditional Italian wines. That said, growing markets nowadays where we see great potential are Brazil, Canada, Scandinavian countries, and of course, in Asia, besides China  which is still a difficult market  and Japan, which is a historical one for Italian wines. South Korea and Taiwan are showing amazing potential.
By JULIA FRANKEL, NAJIB JOBAIN and SAMY MAGDY, The Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP)  Three Israeli hostages who were mistakenly shot by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip had been waving a white flag and were shirtless when they were killed, an Israeli military official said Saturday.

Anger over the mistaken killings is likely to increase pressure on the Israeli government to renew Qatar-mediated negotiations with Hamas over swapping more captives for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Hamas has conditioned further releases on Israel halting its punishing air and ground campaign in Gaza, now in its 11th week.

The account of how the hostages died also raised questions about the conduct of Israeli ground troops. Palestinians on several occasions reported that Israeli soldiers opened fire as civilians tried to flee to safety.

The military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief reporters in line with military regulations, said it was likely that the hostages had been abandoned by their militant captors or had escaped. The soldiers behavior was against our rules of engagement, the official said, and was being investigated at the highest level.

The three, all men in their 20s, were killed Friday in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants in recent days. They had been among more than 240 people taken hostage during an unprecedented raid by Hamas into Israel on Oct. 7 in which around 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians. The attack sparked the war.

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)AP

Hundreds of protesters blocked Tel Avivs main highway late Friday in a spontaneous demonstration calling for the hostages return. The hostages plight has dominated public discourse in Israel since the Oct. 7 attack. Their families have led a powerful public campaign calling on the government to do more to bring them home.

Hadas Kalderon, whose former partner is still held hostage after their two teenage children were released in November, said the Israeli government must pay any price to free all hostages. To make a deal, now, thats what Im saying. Yesterday, not now, said.

The military official said the three hostages had emerged from a building close to Israeli soldiers positions. They were waving a white flag and were shirtless, possibly in an effort to signal they posed no threat.

Two were killed immediately, and the third ran back into the building screaming for help in Hebrew. The commander issued an order to cease fire, but another burst of gunfire killed the third man, the official said.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz gave a similar account based on a preliminary investigation, saying the soldiers who followed the third hostage into the building believed he was a Hamas member trying to pull them into a trap.

Hamas released more than 100 hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a brief cease-fire in November. Nearly all those freed on both sides were women and children. Talks on further swaps broke down, with Hamas seeking the release of more veteran prisoners for female soldiers it is holding.

Israeli political and military leaders often say freeing all the hostages is their top aim in the war alongside destroying Hamas. However, they argue that their release can only be achieved through military pressure on Hamas, a claim that has sharply divided Israeli public opinion.

After negotiations broke down, Hamas said it will only free the remaining hostages, believed to number more than 130, if Israel ends the war and releases all Palestinian prisoners. As of late November, Israel held nearly 7,000 Palestinians accused or convicted of security offenses, including hundreds rounded up since the start of the war.

The offensive has killed more than 18,700 Palestinians, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Thursday before a communications blackout that has hampered telephone and internet services in the Gaza Strip. Thousands more are missing and feared dead beneath the rubble.

Al Jazeera correspondent Wael Dahdouh, reacts over the body of Al Jazeera cameraman, Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, during his funeral in the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman)AP

Dozens of mourners held funeral prayers Saturday for Samer Abu Daqqa, a Palestinian journalist working for the Al Jazeera network who was killed Friday in an Israeli strike in the southern city of Khan Younis. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the cameraman was the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict erupted: 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese.
A fire in Franklin County early Saturday morning hospitalized two people and left a home destroyed, according to two local fire and rescue companies.

The West End Fire & Rescue Company and Letterkenny Fire Department were sent to the 3400 block of Lime-Kiln Road in Southampton Township around 12:40 a.m. Saturday morning for a house fire with entrapment, according to multiple Facebook posts.

Three firefighters and a neighbor were able to rescue the two people inside the home, who were taken to an area hospital to be further evaluated, West End Fire & Rescue said.

The fire burned for about four hours, destroying the house; Fire crews left the area around 4:30 a.m., a Facebook post said. West End Fire & Rescue also said the preliminary indication is that two pets were lost in the fire.

It is not clear at this time how the fire started or how severe the two peoples injuries are.
After five days of testimony, a Dauphin County Jury convicted a Harrisburg man on all counts related to two non-fatal shootings in 2021.

Kuami Wright, 40, spent the week in a Dauphin County courtroom each day instead of state prison, where he had been serving a 32-year sentence for kidnapping and robbery convictions.

Each day he suited up, sat at the defense table and questioned witnesses, including his victims and himself  all-the-while cracking jokes. Now, hell be sent back to prison facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years  stacked on top of his current sentence.

The jury concluded Wright shot at Richard Ellis, of Harrisburg, several times on the evening of Aug. 15, 2021, after the two had a disagreement over parking.

He disrespected me, I want to [expletive] him up, Wright told Dutch  or Kaseem Harris, who assumed some type of communal responsibility for the people on that block, according to Wright.

He later came back and shot Ellis several times in the leg, and also grazed the knee of Evelyn McGhee.

Earlier that year, on July 11, Wright fired into Kyrelle Quinns car and later tracked him down and shot him.

Quinn proved to be an uncooperative victim, and Ellis testified his back was turned and he had no idea who shot him.

Meanwhile, McGhee spat back and forth with Wright when she testified, saying she knew with near-certainty Wright was the shooter  but he denied it to the end of the trial.

Wright defended himself saying he knew who the real shooter was in the Quinn case, but that he would not snitch on them.

Whatever the penalty is for refusing to answer in court? Way less than if I tell, Wright said.

Wright faced two separate cases, in which he was accused of two counts of aggravated assault each, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and reckless endangerment.

On the possession of a firearm while prohibited charges, the jury had to unanimously find that Wright possessed a gun before they were permitted to hear Wright had previously been convicted of a robbery in 2004.

Thats an issue Wright said he plans to appeal. The jury already heard glimpses into Wrights criminal past under cross-examination because he placed fellow inmates on the stand while presenting his case.

The jury also heard about his previous robbery charge when Chief Deputy District Attorney, Jennifer Gettle, cross-examined him. Wright claimed he did not like guns and did not need to use a gun to [expletive] someone up  no doubt because of his impressive physique he took every chance to mention and demonstrate during the trial.

The jury knew I was in jail. Its grounds for a mistrial, Wright said. They were never supposed to learn that. It flies in the face of the presumption of innocence.

Prosecutors are granted liberties to cross-examine witnesses for credibility, which includes disproving Wrights assertion he does not use guns.

Wright did not seem too torn up after the jury foreman read the verdict.

Thank you very much for your time, everyone, Wright called out to the jury as they left the courtroom one last time. Please enjoy your holidays!

Gettle indicated she was more than satisfied with the verdict.

I knew a lot more about Mr. Wrights history than the jury, and I recognized how dangerous he is to the community, Gettle said. Im very glad to see the community will be safe  for a significant amount of time.

Wright is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge William Tully in early February.

You write in there Im a gentleman, Wright told a PennLive reporter with a sly smile. Ms. Gettle is going to be my Valentine.
(Bloomberg) -- DocuSign Inc., whose software handles electronic signatures, rallied the most in a year after the Wall Street Journal reported that the company was considering a sale.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The company is working with advisers to explore a leveraged buyout, but the talks are in early stages, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the situation. DocuSigns market value was $12.8 billion as of Friday.

As a matter of policy, DocuSign does not comment on market rumors or speculation, a company spokesperson said.

A pandemic darling, DocuSign saw its sales and share price shoot up in 2020 as companies needed to handle more documents digitally with employees working remotely. Lately, revenue growth has slowed into single digits and economic growth in 2024 could delay any significant improvement, Anurag Rana, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, said earlier this month.

DocuSign, which went public in 2018, has been hurt by increasing competition from Adobe Inc.s document business, and its valuation suffered as investors lost their taste for unprofitable software stocks. In 2022, the company named Allan Thygesen, a former Google executive, as chief executive officer, to lead DocuSigns next growth chapter. The company has also undergone at least two rounds of job cuts this year, the Wall Street Journal reported in June.

While the market for document services is large, DocuSigns prospects may remain difficult in the near term as the company struggles to find a sustainable growth trajectory in a post-pandemic era, coupled with navigating key leadership changes and a restructuring of its sales organization, Mark R Murphy, an analyst at JPMorgan, wrote earlier this month.

Story continues

On the news of a potential sale, shares jumped as much as 15% to $64.76, the biggest intraday increase since December 2022. The San Francisco-based companys stock was virtually unchanged this year through Thursdays close.

A private equity purchaser is most likely, said Rana, of Bloomberg Intelligence. Large software companies such as Salesforce Inc. or Microsoft Corp. which could be logical acquirers, are likely too tied up with other issues to consider the deal, he added.

(Updates with comments from company in the third paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will inspect sign structures in southern central Pennsylvania starting Monday, causing lane closures on several highways in multiple counties, according to a press release.

The mobile sign structure inspections are set to take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following highways:

Cumberland County  Interstate-81

Dauphin County  State Route 22, Airport Road Connector at Harrisburg International Airport

Lancaster County  State Route 30

Lebanon County  Interstate-81, State Routes 322/72, and State Route 22

The mobile inspector(s) will have lane restrictions in place at various sign structures throughout the listed highways, according to the release. The release did not name any specific sign structures or areas for the lane closures.

Any work that is not finished during during the week will be completed in the beginning of 2024.

Drivers can see live traffic conditions, crashes, and other useful information at PennDOTs 511PA.com. You can also visit PennDOTs Facebook and X pages.
PHILADELPHIA  Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared in Philadelphia Friday to sign two bills that focus on reforming the states probation system and Clean Slate Laws.

Philadelphia native and rapper Meek Mill appeared with Shapiro at the National Constitution Center to discuss the legislation, which the governor called a commonsense step to remove unnecessary barriers for Pennsylvanians who want to rebuild their lives.

More parents will get the jobs they wanted. More people will get back up on their feet, Shapiro said.

Here is what you need to know:

What does Senate Bill 838 do?

Introduced in its current form in June, Senate Bill 838 changes a number of elements in Pennsylvanias probation laws. Supporters say it makes the probation system less severe and counterproductive. The changes will take place over the next five years, affecting an estimated 300,000 people.

Among the changes are:

1. Setting limitations on prison sentencing for technical, nonviolent probation violations.

2. Decreasing probation terms.

3. Creating incentives for people on probation to maintain employment or further their education.

4. Tailoring probation to a persons individual situation.

5. Creating a system that requires probation reviews within two years for misdemeanors and four years for felonies, and those reviews would be undertaken with the presumption that a persons probation should end, Shapiro said Friday.

The legislation will shorten Pennsylvanias probation lengths, and get more people off probation earlier, Shapiro said.

(It) is a bill to reform our probation system to ensure that it serves its real purpose as a tool to help Pennsylvanians who have been incarcerated successfully reintegrate into our communities, Shapiro said.

Mill discussed how Pennsylvanias probation system has affected his life, saying that he was sent to prison multiple times over technical violations. For years, he said, he had to break probation laws to visit his mother in New Jersey, and take his son to school.

I was actually committing crime the whole time from technical violations, Mill said. And I didnt have any way to get around that.

Changing the laws around the probation system, he added, will really help a lot of young men.

What does Meek Mill have to do with it?

The bills main advocate has been the Reform Alliance, a criminal justice reform-focused group for which Mill serves as cochair. It was formed after Mills 2017 sentencing to two to four years in prison after he was arrested for doing wheelies on a dirt bike, which violated his parole in a 2008 drug and gun case.

The decision by Common Pleas Court Judge Genece Brinkley caused an outcry. In 2019, a group of high-profile names, such as rapper Jay-Z and Fanatics founder Michael Rubin, created the Reform Alliance to address issues with the criminal justice system. The group has since advocated for the passage of 17 criminal justice reform-oriented bills in 11 states.

Mill was ultimately freed in April 2018 after five months in prison when questions emerged about the decade-old arrest that was at the root of his legal situation.

In 2019, a Pennsylvania appeals court overturned the initial charges against him, and in January, Mill was pardoned by Gov. Tom Wolf in his final days in office.

The reform in probation, however, is not just about Meek, said Rep. Jordan Harris, a Democrat from Philadelphia.

Meek was the catalyst to get people to pay attention to the fact that there are other Black and brown and white and Asian and poor folks across Pennsylvania who are trapped in a system that continued to send them back to prison for things that were minor, Harris said.

What do critics say?

The legislation has faced significant opposition. The ACLU of Pennsylvania issued a memo in June arguing that it not only fails to meaningfully reform our broken probation system, it threatens to make probation worse, Spotlight PA reported.

The group circulated a similar memo this week. The group said the bill created administrative probation for people who still have to pay restitution, but have otherwise fulfilled their probation terms.

But that could raise constitutional issues because the U.S. Constitution prevents punishment based only on the inability to pay fines or restitution, ACLU legislative director Liz Randol told Spotlight PA earlier this year. Additionally, groups including the ACLU and Abolitionist Law Center have criticized the bill for containing a number of exceptions that would allow a judge to resentence someone to prison.

On Friday, GOP state Sen. Lisa Baker, the bills prime sponsor, addressed critics briefly, saying that good policy can continue to evolve and improve.

What else did Shapiro sign?

In addition to the probation reform bill, Shapiro signed legislation that expands Pennsylvanias Clean Slate Law. That law automatically seals certain criminal charges and convictions on a persons record from public view after a certain number of years, as long as no additional offenses occur during that time.

Known as House Bill 689, it adds to the types of criminal records covered by Pennsylvanias Clean Slate provisions. Now, some nonviolent felony drug crimes are covered, whereas the law previously only applied to misdemeanor and summary offenses.

Additionally, it decreases the amount of time for automatic sealing to take effect. Automatic sealing for misdemeanors will now happen after seven years, and after five years for summary offenses. The felonies now covered by law will be sealed after 10 years, the previous length for all crimes covered under the law to be sealed.

Were showing that we believe in second chances here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Shapiro said of the legislation. And when someone gets a second chance, that should be a real opportunity to start over and succeed.

___
WILLIAMSPORT  A suspended Williamsport Area High School teacher has been acquitted of sexual misconduct with a 13-year-old female student more than a decade ago.

The verdict Friday in Lycoming County court means Christopher P. Yoder, 45, of Williamsport, has been cleared of wrongdoing in three similar cases.

Yoder burst into tears when the verdict was read. He is very grateful and hopes to get his life back in order, his attorney Kyle W. Rude said.

He would like to return to teaching, he said. Yoder has been suspended with pay since charged three years ago.

The verdict indicates jurors did not believe the alleged victims story, Rude said.

In his closing argument he called the woman, now 25, a liar and cited her testimony that she was really messed up in the head.

There is nothing to support her claim she had sexual encounters in the 2011-12 school year when Yoder was her math teacher in the alternative education program, Rude argued.

Her claim they did not again have sex until October 2020 doesnt make sense, he said, noting they reportedly exchanged emails.

Justin Phillips, who with another man went with Yoder and the woman to a restaurant and then a gentlemens club that night, testified Yoder did not drive and they did not stop at a Wine and Spirits Store.

That differed from the womans account of the 2020 incident, prompting Rude to tell jurors if they found she lied about it, they could do the same about the encounters when she was 13.

He also raised questions on why it took so long for her to come forward.

She had testified that the arrest of Roger W. Freed, a suspended high school principal, on similar sexual misconduct charges triggered her decision tell what happened.

Freed is awaiting trial on 30 counts of sexual contact with a student and one each of aggravated indecent assault, sexual assault and corruption of minors. The victim was a male student.

Assistant District Attorney Phoebe Yates asked jurors to consider the student in the Yoder case was a vulnerable 13-year-old when she claimed to have been assaulted.

The woman, whose name is not being used because PennLive does not identify victims of sexual abuse, did not come forward at the time because she was afraid and really did not understand what happened, the prosecution contended.

She did not tell anyone at school because she was afraid she would be removed from Yoders class and he was her favorite teacher, she said.

The woman testified she had told her mother when she was 15 or 16 but asked her not to tell anyone.

Of the three sexual encounters when she was 13, only one occurred in the school, she said.

Rude accused her of waiting 12 years to report the incidents because she knew all of Yoders emails and school records from then would have been destroyed.

She had denied when cross-examined on the witness stand that she was trying to get back at Yoder.

Yoder, a father of five who has been a teacher in the district since 2007, chose not to testify in his own defense.

The charges on which he was acquitted were statutory and institutional sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors.

With the verdict Yoder has been cleared in three separate cases stemming from alleged incidents with students.

In November 2022 he was acquitted of all charges related to his interaction with two female students in 2021.

A district judge in October 2022 dismissed for lack of evidence charges that included unlawful contact with a minor, sexual abuse of children and corruption of minors.

In another case, former Williamsport teacher Michelle Pulizzi is awaiting trial on sexual misconduct charges. The student victim in her charges is a male.
By Mark S. Singel

If you are keeping track of how your congressmen and senators are performing in Washington, there are some recent developments for you to consider.

On a positive note, the U.S. House and Senate passed the defense authorization bill overwhelmingly. This $886 billion package includes some aid for Ukraine but falls woefully short of what will be required for Zelenskyy to win the war. What the bill does accomplish is a bipartisan acknowledgement that securing our national defense is always a priority. With a vote of 310 to 118 in the otherwise chaotic House, it shows that real governing is still possible.

Another example of mature leadership comes from Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate. He has called the senate back into session for an additional week of legislating before the Christmas break. The purpose of holding the senators in Washington is to deliver the crucial aid that Ukraine needs to stave off Russias invasion. That package comes with substantial strings from the Republicans who are insisting that their priority - security on our Southern border  be addressed in some meaningful fashion.

The latter is a tall order considering that the immigration reform has eluded four presidents and has been a firebrand talking point for Republicans for years. Still, Schumer and President Biden have signaled that a border deal may be possible and are spending the next week in intensive discussions to make it happen.

At a news conference, Schumer said, If we believe something is important and urgent, we should stay and get the job done. Members need to be here next week. We have to get this done.

While the senate tackled serious issues, the house went home. This was not before they advanced their own political agenda. In the face of an existential fight for the existence of Ukraine and democracy; in the heat of a brutal war that pits the state of Israel against a foe that wants to annihilate her, the U.S. House of Representatives spent their time continuing their six-year torment of the presidents son.

And, by the way, they voted on a measure to begin an inquiry into the impeachment of the president, himself.

The Hunter Biden investigation amounts to charges that he incorrectly filled out an application for a gun permit and that he was late in paying his taxes. Hunter Biden has acknowledged these offenses and has, in fact, repaid all of the taxes. Political pressure has already negated a plea agreement that would have resolved the entire matter. Instead, the far right is seeking a long-drawn-out trial that could result in heavy fines and jail time.

But that is not the real focus of the Hunter Biden obsession. Voices from MAGA world are insisting that Hunters problems are the doorway to uncovering misdeeds by the president himself. The House Oversight Committee has reviewed documents, conducted hearings, and held press conferences on the President for the past two years. They have not produced a shred of evidence that connects President Biden with any illegal activity.

In a rare moment of candor, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) made it clear that the focus on the Bidens had nothing to do with justice. He said he supported the inquiry because it was necessary for the President to prove his innocence.

Far from the standard that requires proof of high crimes and misdemeanors, the Republicans are now heading toward an impeachment process without even accepting the bedrock principle that citizens are innocent until proven guilty. Rep. Norman and his colleagues have embarked on a fishing expedition that will likely cast aspersions on the President well into the 2024 election cycle.

Closer to home, the Pennsylvania legislature put the final touches on the 2023-24 budget. Gov. Josh Shapiro won most of the priorities he laid out in February. Funding for education and workforce development increased and $800 million was added to Pennsylvanias reserve fund. A strong economy with ample tax revenues allowed both parties to invest in their own priorities and the legislators completed their tasks just before the Christmas break.

The question is: what took so long? Whether they operate in Washington D.C. or Harrisburg, legislators have an obligation to serve their constituents as prudently and effectively as possible. Critical votes on defending Ukraine and preserving democracy are needed now. Sideshows like investigating the presidents son and pursuing political stunts like impeachment inquiries are distracting.

Dragging budget discussions out months beyond the statutory deadline is just sloppy.

Elected officials owe it to their constituents to do better.

Mark S. Singel is a former Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor of Pennsylvania.
The Mendonco family  from left Marisa (Spourle), Brandon, Carlos and Maryanne  is celebrating 50 years in business at 1204 Main Street in Penticton. Their shop started out as the Penticton Food Market before rebranding into La Cucina European Market and Delicatessen.
Elon Musk has called the strike action from Swedish workers "insane." Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Seven banks loaned Elon Musk $13 billion to support the blockbuster buyout of Twitter last year.

Now, Musk is under pressure to assure lenders there won't be losses to their investment.

Banks are already expected to lose at least $2 billion if they were to sell the debt, WSJ reported.

Elon Musk has been telling some bankers who supported his blockbuster buyout of Twitter last year with a $13 billion loan that they will not lose money on the deal, five people familiar with the situation told The Financial Times.

That's a bold promise considering banks are already set to lose about $2 billion if they offload the debt right now, The Wall Street Journal reported in October.

To fund a $44 billion purchase of Twitter last year, Musk sought various sources of loans, including $13 billion from seven banks: Bank of America, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Mizuho, Morgan Stanley, and Societe Generale.

The purchase itself was a risky bet. Twitter was a negative cash-flow business, and when Musk decided to follow through with the deal last October, lenders already expected to face losses in their investment. They, of course, knew that risk.

"The real value is the relationship with Elon Musk," Angelo Zino, a senior industry analyst at CFRA, told Business Insider last year.

But nine months after the purchase, Musk said that Twitter, now X, is "still negative cash flow," partly due to a roughly 50% drop in advertising revenue.

Advertisers on the platform, including IBM, Apple, Walmart, and Disney, jumped ship after a recent antisemitic comment by Musk on the platform, which the billionaire later conceded in an interview at the New York Times' DealBook summit was "literally the worst and dumbest post that I've ever done"  after telling advertisers who left the platform to "go fuck yourself."

It's unclear when Musk made promises to bankers that they wouldn't lose money on the deal, the Financial Times reported. According to the report, one person involved in the Twitter purchase said that the banks may be unable to offload their debt in 2024, meaning they'll have to keep the debt on their balance sheets at a steep discount.

Musk and a spokesperson for X did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The 2023 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague festival is winding down and will see 10,200 No-Limit Hold'em kicking off this evening at 7 p.m. local time.

Originally scheduled as a 25,000 high roller, this will now be the fourth 10,000 buy-in of the series. The two-day event is expected to draw a medium-sized field with the previous event reaching 240 entries. The field is expected to have some of the world's most accomplished poker players, including Steve O'Dwyer, Parker Talbot, Antoine Saout, Ramon Colillas, and Conor Beresford, all of whom have been active this stop.

Should he take a seat today, Hungarian online grinder Tamas Adamszki will be after his third high roller title of the series after taking down the earlier 10,200 and 50,000 events back-to-back for 117,150 and 394,670. He isn't the only grinder looking for multiple titles this stop as Oleg Vasylchenko took down 10,200 Mystery Bounty just a few days ago, earning 154,673.

Tamas Adamszki

Players will begin the tournament with a starting stack of 100,000 chips and blinds of 500/1,000/1,000 with levels lasting 30 minutes and 15-minute breaks at various intervals. The event features a shot clock from the start and each new entry will receive four time bank cards. They'll play ten levels tonight before survivors bag and tag their chips for Day 2, which begins at noon local time Sunday.

Late registration in this unlimited reentry event will remain open until tomorrow, at which point the prize pool and payouts will be determined. Approximately 15 percent of the field will be paid and the event will play down to a winner on Day 2 on December 17th.

Stay tuned as thePokerNews live reporting team is on-site here at Hilton Prague to bring you updates on the high-roller action.
The 10,300 High Roller is one of the last major events running at the PokerStars European Poker Tour. The room is quietening down, yet theres still a buzz in the air at the Hilton Prague. The Main Event is reaching its endgame, and meanwhile, high rollers are firing their final bullets of the series.

A total of 210 entries were made to the High Roller event by the end of the day, which already created a prize pool of 2,075,800. After 10 levels of play, 86 players bagged and tagged to return for Day 2. Late registration remains open until the event restarts, at which point the full number of entries, prize pool, and payouts can be confirmed.

As always, the High Roller attracted some of the best players in the world. Among them Spanish pro Juan Pardo, who has $9,623,392 in live winnings according to Hendon Mob. His recent cashes include a first place finish in the $50,000 EPT Super High Roller at the EPT Cyprus. Pardo is more than accustomed to mixing it up with the best of them and he just bagged the chip lead with 380,000.

In second place is French player Thomas Eychenne, himself no stranger to these situations. Eychennes biggest cash comes from a seventh place finish in the PokerStars PSPC in 2023, good for $801,000. Still, hell be looking to lock up an elusive first place finish here at the EPT.

In third place is another well known French player, Antoine Labat. Hes had big scores at the EPT already this year, locking up third in the 3,000 Mystery Bounty in Cyprus and second in the EPT Barcelona Estrellas High Roller. Labat is now well positioned for another EPT victory.

Tsz Him Chan of Hong Kong is currently in fourth place with 269,500, while Niklas Astedt, one of the most successful online players in the world and an accomplished live player too, sits in fifth with 268,000.

Thomas Eychenne

Top Ten Day 1 Chip Counts

Position Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 Juan Pardo Spain 380,000 253 2 Thomas Eychenne France 327,500 218 3 Antoine Labat France 302,000 201 4 Tsz Him Chan Hong Kong 269,500 180 5 Niklas Astedt Sweden 268,000 179 6 Salih Atac Switzerland 257,500 172 7 Marcelo Bonanata Argentina 246,000 164 8 Viktor Jensen Sweden 242,500 162 9 Andrii Derzhypilskyi Ukraine 219,500 146 10 Tarmo Tammel Estonia 215,500 144

Niklas Astedt

The 10,300 EPT High Roller continues on Saturday, December 16 at 12.30 p.m. local time. Action will resume at Level 11 with blinds of 1,000/1,500 with a 1,500 big blind ante. Players will receive one additional time bank card at the start of the day. The tournament will play well into the money on Day 2.

Stay tuned to PokerNews as reporters bring live updates straight from the tournament floor all the way down to a winner.
Padraig O'Neill opened to 100,000 from the hijack and was three-bet to 280,000 by Dejan Jakovljevic on the button. Action folded back around to ONeill, who called.

ONeill check-called a 160,000 bet from Jakovljevic on the 633 flop and a 380,000 barrel from Jakovljevic on the 7 turn.

The 2 completed the board and and ONeill checked once more. Jakovljevic wasnt done, however, and after using up two time extensions he fired 650,000 into the middle.

ONeill counted out calling chips and used up a few time extensions himself as he pondered his decision. Eventually, he slid calling chips into the middle, which was met with an immediate muck from Jakovljevic.

ONeill declined to show and he collected the large pot while Jakovljevic fell under a million in chips.
Jon Kyte has been living every poker player's dream over the last few days at the 2023 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague. The Norwegian poker pro ended Days 3 and 4 as the chip leader in the 5,300 EPT Main Event and he maintained his position atop the counts as the series showstopper gears up for its final day.

Just five of the record-breaking 1,285-entry field remain, with Kyte's stack of 22,875,000 (229 big blinds) leading the handful of hopefuls. His grip on the chip lead was rarely threatened throughout the day, thanks to a hat trick of early eliminations that put him in the stratosphere. He will go into the finale with more than half of the chips in play.

Kyte flipped Niall Farrell out of contention after his ace-king bested the last remaining EPT champion's pocket queens. A fortunate river in a three-way all-in made him the favorite for the trophy and 1,030,000 first-place prize as Dejan Jakovljevic and 2023 WSOP Europe Main Event winner Max Neugebauer were added to Kyte's list of victims.

Kyte is no stranger to victory at the EPT, having tasted gold in a couple of side events throughout the 2023 season, but now he's in the driver's seat to capture the big one and etch his name in poker history.

Final Table Seat Draw

Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Cheng Zhao China 8,125,000 81 2 Adam Wagner Czechia 2,760,000 28 3 Padraig O'Neill Ireland 1,265,000 13 4 Jon Kyte Norway 22,875,000 229 5 Umberto Ruggeri Italy 3,410,000 34

Player Booted from EPT Prague Main Event for Head-Butting Opponent

Four Others in the Mix

Coming into the final day as Kyte's closest rival is Cheng Zhao. The unknown quantity ended the day with 8,125,000 and did hold the chip lead for one hand during the day. The Chinese poker player has a meager $35,242 in live tournament earnings, which includes three EPT cashes.

Umberto Ruggeri rounds out the top three chip counts with a stack of 3,410,000, which he can thank the poker gods for. On one of the final hands of play, he got it in with ace-queen versus the ace-king of Padraig O'Neill. A queen on the river ensured his survival for Day 6. Ruggeri paid tribute to the late Doyle Brunson by four-betting ten-deuce just before the final table formed. It folded out the table and put a huge smile on his face. He has already banked the biggest score of his career and has added heaps to his live earnings of $44,781.

Adam Wagner

Czech poker fans will be looking to Adam Wagner to fly the flag for them as the Czech national is the last player from the festival's host country. He managed to navigate the day without too much trouble and has 2,760,000 to play with when the action restarts.

Propping up the pack is O'Neill, who has the second-best resume after Kyte. His $629,675 in live tournament earnings dwarf Zhao, Ruggeri and Wagner, so he will be hoping his experience at the felt can secure a ladder or two.

2023 EPT Prague Main Event Final Table Payouts

Seat Player Country Prize (EUR) 1 1,030,000 2 643,000 3 459,240 4 353,240 5 271,660 6 Grigorii Rodin Russia 209,000 7 Govert Metaal Netherlands 160,750 8 Marle Spragg United States 123,600 9 Vincent Meli France 95,000

Alexander Tkatschew Tops the Record-Breaking 1,100 Eureka Main Event

Day 5 Action

After Kyte's onslaught in the opening stages of the day, just 13 players remained by the time the first break came around. Serge Chechin, who was the last online qualifier standing, bowed out when play resumed. The French player had entertained onlookers over the last few days with some unorthodox strategies that included checks and bets in the dark. His mistimed jam with ten-nine marked the end of his deep run.

Jiri Kocab departed in twelfth-place after his dominated ace failed to improve against O'Neill. Kyte bagged his fourth bust-out of the day after finding an ace on the river against the pocket tens held by Mark Helou.

Preben Stokkan

Preben Stokkan was one of the more accomplished players coming into the penultimate day but failed to spin up his short stack after being card dead while on the feature table. He missed his open-ended straight draw on his final hand and his chips were sent over to Grigorii Rodin.

The nine players merged onto the final table, and the action never relented. Vincent Meli was the first casualty. His pocket jacks ran into Kyte's queens and did not improve on the runout.

With Meli out of the running, the field all locked up six-figure payouts, with sizeable pay jumps following after each elimination. Taking the eighth-place prize of 123,600 was poker pro and content creator Marle Spragg. The American was ousted by Kyte, with the latter's king-queen getting there on the river against ace-four. Spragg, who is married to PokerStars Team Pro Ben "Spraggy" Spragg, now has the bragging rights in the household as her payout bested her husband's biggest live cash of 69,120 ($86,258).

Marle Spragg

Poker veteran Govert Metaal dropped out in sixth and his 160,750 payday put him in the top ten of the Netherlands All-Time Money List. That leaderboard has seen significant change at EPT Prague, with Teun Mulder taking the top spot following his four cashes at the festival, which included a win in a 25K event.

Rodin was the last player to leave on Day 5, which marked the end of the session. As you would've guessed, his scalp was claimed by Kyte. Rodin jammed with deuces but ran into queens to cement Kyte as the runaway leader.

The finale resumes on Sunday, December 17th, at 12:30 p.m. local time with 26:37 left in Level 29 with blinds of 50,000/100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. While it may seem that Kyte already has one hand on the title, the journey to being crowned an EPT champion still has the potential to offer plenty of twists and turns.

The remaining five players have guaranteed themselves 271,660 for navigating their way this far. Tomorrow, theyll play down to a winner, so be sure to return to PokerNews to find out who will get their hands on the EPT gold-plated trophy and 1,030,000 up top.
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Congress added a provision to the NDAA blocking any president from withdrawing the US from NATO without congressional approval.

Via: The Washington Post:

The provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual bill detailing defense policy, which was passed by the House on Thursday and is awaiting the signature of President Biden.

Under the measure, advocated by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the president would be prohibited from withdrawing from NATO without the approval of two-thirds of the Senate or separate legislation passed by Congress.

Were MAGA House Republicans in such a hurry to approve the Biden impeachment investigation and go on holiday vacation that they had no idea what they were voting for?

Trumps MAGA House allies probably didnt know that they were voting to limit presidential power and kill one of Trumps biggest foreign policy dreams.

Less than two months ago, Trump was reportedly privately expressing his desire to pull the US out of NATO entirely if he returned to the White House.

The dismantling of NATO is a dream of Putins. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in more countries near Russia, including neighboring Ukraine, applying for NATO membership. NATO has gotten stronger since Russia invaded Ukraine, and a Trump victory was Putins best hope to stop the alliance.

There will never be enough votes in the Senate to withdraw the United States from NATO, so another element of Trumps plot to weaken democracy has been stopped by Congress.

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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.
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Former 1/6 investigator Denver Riggleman said that Trump should be very worried that Special Counsel Jack Smith has recovered the former presidents phone data.

MSNBCs Katie Phang asked Riggleman how concerned Trump should be that Jack Smith has his phone data.

Riggleman answered,  He should be very concerned. I mean it, it really does depend on whats in the phone. But Katie, you know, when you do a cell phone, cell phone exploitation, whether its, you know, a physical exploitation or some type of logical exploitation, what you can see is sometimes deleted files. And I think thats the thing that people dont understand. So you can see text messages, you can see other types of communications that you might not see in something like call detail records, call detail records are metadata. So thats the difference, right? You can actually see content, you can see people that you might not have seen before and if its people thats close to him, you might be able to see some types of coordination.

Video:

Denver Riggleman on why Trump should be concerned that Jack Smith has his phone data, You can actually see content, you could see people you might not have seen before. And if its people that are close to him you might be able to see some sort of subordination. pic.twitter.com/x8KH3GPlRh  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) December 16, 2023

Former Rep. Riggleman later expanded on the power of phone data, The incredible thing about ones and zeros is that they make the best witnesses, theres really no way to get out of that. So now what you can see is say, for instance, theres an intermediary that intermediary hasnt been seen before, hasnt been investigated just by having that phone, you can actually identify that intermediary and then go get their cell phone records, go get their devices and see who they were talking to.

Jack Smith having his cell phone data is bad news for Trump because the former president has been mostly able to hide the physical evidence related to what he was doing before and during the 1/6 attack.

The 1/6 Committee had to rely on witness testimony and cell phone records that Mark Meadows turned over to piece together what was happening in the White House.

Special Counsel Smith has Trumps phone data and likely others.

The criminal prosecution will know precisely what was going on and be able to debunk Trumps defenses and potential lies.

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'Everything's shut down': Joe Rogan fled California in 2020 after a single visit to Texas  and people are still leaving the Golden State in droves. Here are the reasons

Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan lived in California for about 25 years. He moved there in 1994 to pursue a career in stand-up comedy and acting, and lived in the state until 2020, when he relocated to Texas.

Rogan explained why he made the move in a recent episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.

Dont miss

Everythings shut down, everythings staying shut down, he recalled the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in California. All my friends that were in the restaurant industry were struggling.  They lost somewhere in the neighborhood of 70% of the restaurants in Los Angeles.

Dissatisfied with the situation in the Golden State, Rogan began considering other locations. He was struck by the less stringent COVID-19 measures in Texas.

I started looking out here in May [of 2020], and I went to a restaurant with my kids and they were like, we dont have to wear a mask?  we could eat at a restaurant? he remarked.

His family also saw how much fun people were having.

Then we went to the lake, and people are playing music and jumping in the water and (my kids) were like, we want to live here! Rogan recounted. That was it. Two months later I lived here.

California exodus

Rogans move mirrors a broader trend.

Data released in October by the U.S. Census Bureau on state-to-state migration shows that California has continued to lose tens of thousands more residents than it has gained, even though the pandemic has tailed off.

The state had a net loss of well over over 300,000 residents in both 2021 and 2022. Pre-COVID, annual net losses for the state were less than 200,000.

Story continues

More recently, California lost an additional 75,000 residents in 2023, a year when "more states experienced population growth in 2023 than in any year since the start of the pandemic," according to a recent Census Bureau report.

Texas, meanwhile, by adding 473,000 residents, saw the greatest numerical population increase of any state in 2023. Florida was next in line, having welcomed 365,000 new Floridians.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now cash in on prime real estate  without the headache of being a landlord. Here's how

Why are Californians fleeing?

People move for various reasons. Rogan highlighted the less stringent COVID-19 restrictions as a key motivator for him. However, even though California's economy has since reopened, two additional factors likely contribute to this migration trend: taxes and the cost of living.

California has a state income tax rate that ranges from 1% to 12.3%, according to the Tax Foundation. Theres also an additional 1% surcharge for incomes over $1 million, often referred to as the "mental health services tax," bringing the top tax rate to 13.3%, the highest state income tax rate in the country.

Both Texas and Florida offer a more favorable tax environment, notably featuring no state income tax. This aspect is especially attractive to high earners and retirees seeking financial efficiency.

Moreover, the cost of living in Texas and Florida is generally lower compared to California, especially in terms of housing costs. This makes them attractive destinations for families and individuals seeking more affordable living options.

According to real estate marketplace Zillow, the average home value stands at $298,127 in Texas and $391,213 in Florida. In contrast, the average home in California commands a significantly higher price of $746,055.

One question, given that the outflow of California residents has proved durable, is whether destination states like Texas will gradually evolve in the image of arriving Californians, whose policy preferences are precisely what people like Rogan wanted to escape.

"The concern is that people are going to move [to Texas] and vote ... to impose the same sorts of laws here," Rogan said.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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Some Iowa voters are so scared to criticize Trump that they say they will support him but plan to vote against the former president.

NBC News reported:

NBC News spoke to more than a half-dozen Iowa voters turned off by Trump  but some were anxious about talking on the record out of fear of being shunned by friends or family. One Iowan said they plan on saying they caucused for Trump when asked by members of their community but will actually caucus for Vivek Ramaswamy.

That adds up to signs going unplaced on front lawns, conversations with friends and family about other candidates avoided  and fewer opportunities for opposition to Trump to take hold in different Republican communities.

For a person who lives in a red area in a small town or city, the possibility of voters lying about supporting Trump as described in Iowa is very likely. Some Republicans are so afraid of Trump and his supporters that they wont put signs up supporting a different Republican, and they definitely wont be letting their neighbors know that they might not vote or that they might vote for President Biden in a general election.

Trump is ruling all of the Republican Party with fear. The campaign of fear isnt limited to Republican politicians or the RNC. It trickles down to the voters.

The consequence of people lying about supporting Trump is people are likely lying to pollsters.

For years, suspicion has been growing that one of the problems with polling is that some respondents may vote differently than they respond to polling questions.

None of this means that Donald Trump will lose in Iowa or the Republican nomination. Trump has a death grip on both.

It does mean that Trump, who is believing the polls, might be setting himself up for another failure. Trumps political strength with the American general electorate has been overestimated for years, and it could be happening again in 2024.

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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 lawyer-legislators hit back this week, insisting that all the stories prosecutors have told about lawyer-legislators manipulating S.C. courts to their advantage are slanderous innuendo.

So lets assume theyre right.

Lets set aside all the stories we heard from Orangeburg Solicitor David Pascoe and Rock Hill Solicitor Kevin Brackett and S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Lets just recall what we know. And then lets talk about what we can do about it.

Because the most damning allegations against South Carolinas one-of-a-kind judicial selection system arent innuendo but things we know  the stuff thats built into the system:

Legislative leaders appoint a panel  dominated by lawyer-legislators  that decides in secret which judges can stand for reelection and which candidates can run for the bench.

The Legislature elects the judges from the candidates the panel nominates.

The executive branch has no say in the process.

The Legislature controls the judiciarys budget.

The clear flaw in such a system is that it makes judges feel threatened: Rule the way a lawyer-legislator wants, or kiss your judicial career goodbye.

We also know the Supreme Court allows lawyer-legislators to skip court, no questions asked, for seven months out of every year, but we wont talk about that today, because lawyer-legislators are so very touchy about it. Besides, its more effect than cause.
New Italian and Thai dining spots, along with two new bagel shops, soon will be cooking across the Lowcountry. Also, a new retailer is on the way to the peninsula, a longtime Summerville shop changes hands, and a new cafe and market officially opens Jan. 11 in Mount Pleasant. Read moreNew restaurants coming to Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Moncks Corner
A Moncks Corner business that packages plastic pellets that are shipped to and from the Port of Charleston is under new ownership.

A&R Bulk-Pak, which operates a 240,000-square-foot warehouse off Spring Grove Drive, has been acquired by New York investment firm NOVA Infrastructure, the companies announced this week.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Over the past decade, the Port of Charleston has been one of the fastest-growing export hubs for the North American chemicals industry, and A&R has grown into a leading provider of critical supply chain solutions during that time, Allison Kingsley, NOVA's founder and partner, said in a written statement.

A&R Bulk-Pak packages tiny plastic pellets known as "nurdles" that are shipped from Gulf Coast refineries by rail to the Moncks Corner site. Once packaged, they're are transferred to the Port of Charleston.

The company's Berkeley County warehouse is next to a CSX freight-train line and includes two high-speed automated packaging lines and storage space for more than 120 rail cars.

Jason Blinkoff, executive vice president of A&R, said the company's partnership with NOVA "will allow A&R to pursue growth opportunities in support of our customers long-term strategic goals.

The acquisition also pairs A&R Bulk-Pak with Harbor Logistics, another NOVA-owned company that operates warehouses and provides packaging, distribution and transportation services for Charleston-area companies.

Micah Mallace, president of Harbor Logistics and a former marketing executive with the State Ports Authority, said the pairing will help A&R Bulk-Pak improve its operational capabilities and develop, construct, finance and operate specialized warehouses across North America.

Nurdles are among the top commodities handled by the Port of Charleston and are included in the chemicals sector that accounts for 9.2 percent of all cargo, according to the maritime agency's website.
ANDERSON  After naming two people of interest in a 2015 quadruple homicide case, two relatives have been charged with murder in Anderson County.

The Anderson County Sheriffs Office arrested Amy Vilardi and her husband, Ross Moore, in Columbia on Dec. 15 after declaring them persons of interest in the case this past March.

Each has been charged with four counts of murder and is in custody in Anderson County awaiting a bond hearing.

Sheriff Chad McBride said at a Dec. 15 press conference it was a senseless, gruesome murder and one of the worst scenes investigators had ever seen.

McBride didn't indicate what their motive might have been or what evidence was obtained in recent months to press charges. The South Carolina Attorney Generals office will be partnering with the sheriff's office to prosecute the case, he said.

Michael and Cathy Scott and their two mothers, Violet Taylor and Barbara Scott, were found on Nov. 2, 2015, after Vilardi called 911 to report their deaths. Vilardi is Cathy Scotts daughter and the granddaughter of Taylor.

I'm proud of their efforts, they just don't give up, McBride said of the investigative team. I applaud the family because they don't give up, either.

It was a team effort, including the administration before he took office in 2017, he said, and this is a great first step toward seeing justice served.

I think we knew that this day would come, he said. We were praying this day would come and, so far, we've had some really big prayers answered.
GREENVILLE  The final day of a hearing to decide if a 14-year-old charged with killing his 12-year-old classmate at Tanglewood Middle School in 2022 should be tried as an adult was divided by two distinctly presented narratives.

Through their arguments and witness testimonies, the prosecution and defense disagreed about what the shooting at Tanglewood was.

Prosecutors themed their argument around the notion that Tanglewood was a school shooting, in the colloquial sense, that was planned out and left 12-year-old Jamari Jackson dead.

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In contrast, the minor's attorneys framed his defense on how middle school bullying resulted in a tragic case of gun violence between children.

The distinction is intentional. Out of eight factors the court takes into consideration when deciding whether to move a minor's case to general sessions, one of the most important is the seriousness of the offense to the community.

What prosecutors said on Day 2 of the hearing

The hearing played out like a typical trial, with evidence being brought forward and witnesses taking the stand.

The overarching question was straightforward: Should a 14-year-old charged with murder be tried in family court, where he could face as little as 16 months, or as an adult in general session, where he could face a minimum of 30 years?

The Post and Courier is not identifying the defendant because he is charged as a minor.
Redevelopment has begun on the 51-acre Saint-Gobain site.

WORCESTER  If youre driving along Interstate 190 and glance at the Saint-Gobain industrial campus in the Greendale section of the city, you may notice that some of the long-standing factory buildings that used to be the home of the old Norton Co. are being demolished.

Not only are the buildings being leveled, the demolition project is also part of the largest brownfield reclamation project ever in Massachusetts and quite possibly New England, according to Worcester Business Development Corp. President Craig L. Blais.

Right now, just for the reclamation, just for the cleanup and the demolition and all the infrastructure, were over $50 million just to get this site ready, Blais said. And then this would be upward of $500 million once its all redeveloped. So this is a big deal.

The wheels of progress are rapidly turning at the spot of the citys 138-year-old abrasives manufacturing giant and former longtime home of Norton Co., which was acquired by Saint-Gobain in 1990.

As for the land, Saint-Gobain donated the parcels to the WBDC, plus Saint-Gobain gave the WBDC a $12 million check toward the cleanup effort, Blais said.

Abandoned building await demolition on the 51-acre Saint-Gobain site in Worcester.

To date, 10 vacated structures out of the 45 have been demolished, he said.

Were into it. The project has officially started, Blais said. Were tearing down buildings. Taking out foundations. And cleaning up the soil.

In November 2022, the WBDC acquired the 51-acre parcel in a development agreement with Saint-Gobain.

Process to take 3 years

Saint-Gobain is still in some of the buildings. Over the next 36 months, they are going to be vacating those buildings, Blais said. So we could get started, we closed on the transaction and we identified all of the properties that could be demolished. So we could go through our process of getting all of our approvals.

Blais said the WBDC has to go through historic and federal environmental reviews for approvals. To date, the WBDC has lined up $20 million in infrastructure grants, he said.

Story continues

A derelict kiln furnace awaits demolition on the 51-acre Saint-Gobain site in Worcester.

While a few buildings are being evaluated for historic significance, including the administration building on New Bond Street, a majority of the buildings are not worth saving, Blais said.

Theyre old, industrial, multilevel buildings that would need a substantial code and handicapped accessibility upgrade, Blais said. With the new environmental codes and the stretch codes, it would almost be impossible to save the buildings.

Fifty-one acres with this incredible access and visibility to 190 is extremely valuable property, once we get it all in the right form for redevelopment, Blais said. Right now, we have about a dozen developers  big developers, smaller developers  that have been talking with us that are interested in the site. We dont know if its going to be one developer, if its going to be multiple developers. We havent got that far yet.

Jobs are main goal

Blais said the goal is to turn the old parcel into a one-stop mecca for new jobs.

We need a place to create jobs. Its as simple of that. This large parcel needs to create a lot of jobs for the city, Blais said. Were going to stay focused because we can go to working with a developer and then a user that wants to create a lot of jobsOur goal is to create 1,000 new jobs.

One of the buildings awaiting demolition on the 51-acre Saint-Gobain site in Worcester.

Blais estimates 30 acres near Ararat Street will be ready for development by next summer and predicts the completion of development in three to five years, he said.

Its an exciting project for Worcester because were retaining Saint-Gobain, he said. Were rightsizing them so they stay here for years and years to come. And were reclaiming this property.

In addition to retaining, rightsizing and reclaiming, Blas stressed that WBDC will also reconnect the West Boylston Street side of Greendale to the Ararat Street side and Indian Hill neighborhood, which were originally cut off by Norton Co.

"Were opening them back up as public ways, Blais said. So New Bond Street, back to C Street to Ararat Street, youll have that reconnection from West Boylston Street, back to that whole other side of the city.

WBDC received a $2 million cleanup grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which is the largest such grant in the country, Blais said.

Redevelopment has begun on the 51-acre Saint-Gobain site in Worcester.

In addition, F & D Salvage, the demolition contractor for the parcel, reinstituted a rail spur with CSX that goes into the site, so it can truck all the debris off by rail. No trucks will be transporting debris through the neighborhood, Blais said.

And this is the real incredible part. Ninety-five percent of the debris is being recycled, Blais said.

Long history in Worcester

From its humble beginnings with a $10,000 investment and 13 employees in 1885, Norton Co. grew in just five years to become the nations most successful grinding-wheel producer with 30% of the market and more than 200 on its payroll.

In 1915, the company built 59 houses for its employees on Indian Hill, which was redubbed Norton Village.

By 1919, sales were more than $3 million a year, and in 1931, Norton purchased the Behr-Manning Co. of Watervliet, New York, adding coated abrasives and sandpaper to its line. These became two of Nortons more successful products.

Norton maintained its strength for decades. However, in 1985 1,200 Norton employees lost their jobs in a restructuring.

The company's 105-year reign as an independent company ended in April 1990 when it was purchased by Saint-Gobain of France for $1.9 billion.

In 2017, Saint-Gobain still employed 1,572 in Worcester  a significant drop from the 5,500 who worked at Norton in the '50s  but the company remains the city's seventh-largest employer and by far the biggest industrial company.

Today, Saint-Gobain in Greendale employs 1,000 workers, Blais said. Those workers will be retained through the demolition project.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Former Norton Co, site under demolition, site to be redeveloped
"I was shocked by that. I thought it would be a lot closer than that," Phillips recounted.

If there was one issue that distinguished Phillips from DeVito, it was Safe Harbor. And, as Safe Harbor's development plans became public in the late summer and early fall, it was almost certainly a deciding factor in the election.

"That was something that was different between me and Joe," Phillips said.

The Port of Port Royal has for years been a point of unrealized potential. Phillips said that residents have long been frustrated by plans that announced and never come to fruition. The South Carolina Ports Authority sold the port to a private developer in 2017, Grey Ghost Properties LLC.

They made some good progress, according to Phillips, including getting two restaurants opened: Shellring Ale Works and Fishcamp on 11th Street. But in 2021, they sold to Safe Harbor Marinas, a national chain with facilities across the U.S. with a heavy East Coast concentration.

In August, Safe Harbor presented their development plan, and nearly everyone was caught off guard. It was, according to Phillips, the first time the public and the council had heard anything about plans for Safe Harbor. Communication with the company was, he said, lacking.

"It was just completely different from anything that anyone had conceptualized. They just came out of left field," Phillips said, adding that all hell broke loose after the plans came to light.

Safe Harbor's plan, as described by Phillips, calls for a boatyard "larger than anyone ever thought" and the construction of approximately 230 build-to-rent housing units. The new homes could add as many as 400 cars to downtown.

"It's gorgeous out there, and we're just going to build 230 build-to-rent townhomes in the middle of that? Nobody saw that coming," Phillips said. "If Port Royal knew that was the plan originally, I don't think there's anybody on Council that would've made that deal."

Phillips characterized his response to the plan as more confrontational than DeVito's. Phillips made it clear, he said, that he was prepared to take on Safe Harbor, while DeVito's approach was perceived as more cooperative.
MOUNT PLEASANT  The use of illicit drugs at Lucy Beckham High School and throughout the school district has seen a "disturbing and dangerous" uptick, according to an email Principal Anna Dassing sent to parents Dec. 13. The principal detailed a spike in students using THC vapes, marijuana, and edibles packaged to resemble mainstream food items.

The use of nicotine vaping devices continues to be a persistent issue at Lucy Beckham and the rest of the Charleston County School District, but an incident involving drugs laced with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, prompted Dassing to "sound the alarm" to parents and students.

The incident involved a student with cocaine disguised as ADHD medication. The cocaine was laced with fentanyl, a drug that the National Institute on Drug Abuse says is the most common type of drug involved in overdose deaths in the United States.

School officials would not provide further specifics about the incident, including when it occurred and what happened to the student.

But the incident was "the straw that broke the camel's back," Dassing said. With an imminent two-week winter break commencing on Dec. 15, the principal said the risk of students dabbling in illegal substances rises.

"Heading into a two-week break and knowing our kids are going to be faced with lots of opportunities and lots of choices to make  I really want to warn the kids before they go on break to stay safe, be careful. There's really nasty stuff out there," Dassing said.

Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The drug is also becoming more prevalent among fake pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that seven out of 10 lab-tested pills contain potentially deadly doses of fentanyl.

Dassing urged parents not to dismiss adolescent drug use when made aware of it and to talk to their children about the dangers of substance abuse.
Parenting these days is hard. Kids have phones and tablets in their hands at an early age, a fact that leaves parents like me worrying about whether our children are getting too much screen time and what they're stumbling onto online. Of course, technology comes with plenty of benefits, but  Read moreCommentary: Parents want to protect kids online, but SC device filter bill won't help
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
Eutelsats broadcasts of Al Mayadeen TV are facing an investigation from Italys communications watchdog - WAEL HAMZEH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A French satellite giant backed by the British taxpayer has been accused of transmitting a TV channel denounced by Israel as the mouthpiece of Hezbollah.

Eutelsat, which completed a merger with UK satellite company OneWeb earlier this year, carries the TV channel Al Mayadeen, a Lebanese station that it broadcasts across the Middle East and Europe.

The Paris-listed space company transmits signals from hundreds of TV channels around the world. Eutelsat has insisted it has a policy of neutrality over its broadcasts, but it has previously faced scrutiny over some of the channels that rely on its satellites.

Last year, it was ordered by French regulators to stop broadcasting Russian channels accused of amplifying Kremlin propaganda.

In October, it pulled broadcasts of Al Aqsa TV, a channel affiliated with Hamas, after the terror groups attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people.

The Government is now a major shareholder in Eutelsat, owning roughly 11pc of the business, after it completed a merger with OneWeb, the UK satellite business, in September.

The Government holds a board seat, as does the French state, having originally bailed out a bankrupt OneWeb in 2020 with a 400m investment.

Last month, the Israeli government banned broadcasts of Al Mayadeen TV in Israel. Yoav Gallant, the countrys Defence Minister and member of Benjamin Netanyahus right-wing Likud party, claimed the channel was in practice, the mouthpiece of Hezbollah.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a member of the right-wing Likud party, claimed Al Mayadeen TV was Hezbollah affiliated - REUTERS/Shir Torem

A spokesman for Al Mayadeen said the channel was not affiliated with any party, religion, or sect whatsoever.

The spokesman said the Israeli governments claims were intended to justify silencing journalists and media institutions.

In its online content, the channel has published columns with Arabic titles such as The Holocaust  that great deception, the Jewish Chronicle reported last year.

In a report, the Diderot Committee, a group founded by academic Andre Lange that has campaigned against broadcasts of Russian war propaganda, said Al Mayadeen had given airtime to various personalities promoting apology for terrorism, adding the channel had been broadcast to the Middle East, North Africa and Europe by two Eutelsat satellites.

Story continues

In its code of ethics, Eutelsat has insisted it is a neutral provider of critical infrastructure and said it holds no opinion on the content delivered by its satellites.

The code adds the group strictly refrains from any judgement of ideological or political positioning and unequivocally follows court decisions, and instructions from relevant regulators at national and international levels.

Eutelsats broadcasts of Al Mayadeen TV are now facing scrutiny from European regulators. According to Mr Lange, Italys communications watchdog has launched an investigation into Eutelsats broadcasts of Al Mayadeen, which he said was conducted without proper authorisation.

In a letter to Mr Lange seen by The Telegraph, the Italian watchdog said there was an ongoing investigation. A spokesman for AGCOM, Italys broadcast watchdog, said it cannot release information on an ongoing inspection activity.

A Eutelsat spokesman said: Eutelsat Group has not been contacted by AGCOM in respect of any review they may decide to undertake. As with any such potential review, Eutelsat Group will cooperate if contacted and will adhere to any verdict reached by any applicable regulator.

Al Mayadeen has broadcast multiple interviews with senior leaders from Hezbollah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

In an interview with the channel in October, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who is based away from the conflict in Qatar, said the group needed the blood of the women, children and elderly to awaken within us the revolutionary spirit.

Farah Omar was one of two Al Mayadeen journalists killed in an apparent Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon - WAEL HAMZEH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

In November, two journalists from Al Mayadeen were killed on Israels border with Lebanon in an apparent Israeli military strike. The channel denounced the killing as deliberately targeting its reporters.

Israel said the reporters had been present in a dangerous area of live hostilities and it was reviewing the incident.

In December last year, Eutelsat blocked three Russian TV channels from being broadcast after an order from Frances telecoms regulator.

The French watchdog blocked the channels for their coverage of Russia invasion of Ukraine, accusing them of repeated incitement to hatred, violence and numerous shortcomings to honesty of information.

The Government was contacted for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Congress has extended Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), The Hill reports, keeping the nations warrantless surveillance powers in place until April. Those who approved the move, including some California Republicans, might recall the case of Kevin Clinesmith, a lawyer with the FBIs National Security and Cyber Law division.

In August of 2020 Clinesmith pleaded guilty to altering an email to show that U.S. Navy veteran Carter Page was not a CIA asset, when in fact he was. That FBI forgery exposed Page, an American citizen who worked with the Trump campaign in 2016, to surveillance under FISA.

For this crime, Clinesmith faced a maximum five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, but he got only a years probation, a small fine, and community service.

Judge James Boasberg a Yale law alum and Obama appointee, told the court the allegedly remorseful Clinesmith had suffered by losing his job and facing the media hurricane. That was a curious choice of words given the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane operation against Trump. The FISA warrant to surveille Page, Boasberg explained, would have been approved even without Clinesmiths misstatement. Judge Boasberg ought to know.

In 2014, John Roberts appointed Boasberg to the FISA court, and since January 2020, Boasberg had been serving as presiding judge of the FISA court. The Obama judge doubtless signed off on surveillance of Page then slipped back into his circuit court robe and let Clinesmith go with a tap on the wrist. This has no parallel with the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Senate does not hold hearings to determine whether an appointee is qualified for the FISA court. SCOTUS operates in public, with rulings and opinions endlessly analyzed. FISA operates in secret, with no lawyers present to represent those being surveilled. And so on.

The extension of warrantless surveillance under FISA greenlights more covert operations against Americans and empowers more felonies from FBI lawyers like Kevin Clinesmith, who even got his law license restored. Square that with the FBI motto of Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity.

The biggest booster of the FISA surge is the intelligence community. Their claim will be taken up in a separate post.
I long for the days when an observer could plausibly write that patriotism was the last refuge of a scoundrel. Todays scoundrels hate our country and mock its institutions, a much worse state of affairs. The most recent instance is one Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a legislative aide to Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland.

Maese-Czeropski, a homosexual, made and posted online an amateur porn video of himself receiving anal sex in what I understand to be the Senate Judiciary Committees hearing room. You can see an expurgated version of the video at the link. More about Mr. Maese-Czeropski, who was featured in a 2020 Biden campaign ad, here.

Maese-Czeropski is also reported to be the staffer who accosted Rep. Max Miller of Ohio earlier this week and went off on an anti-Semitic rant, although he denies that.

In response to publicity about his amateur porn video, Maese-Czeropski posted this on LinkedIn. He played the victim card, the last refuge of todays scoundrels:

Of course, Maese-Czeropski is not being persecuted for who I love to pursue a political agenda. He has been criticized for posting a gay porn video filmed in a Senate hearing room. I assume that violates one rule or another; in any event, it is contemptible.

I am not one of those who criticize January 6 protesters for desecrating the nations Capitol. The Capitol building is not a sacred space. But it deserves to be treated with respect as do other symbols of our country. This repellent incident is one more bit of evidence of the contempt with which liberals view our country, and their lust to degrade it.

UPDATE: Senator Cardin has fired Maese-Czeropski. Meanwhile, NBC News is holding out like the remnant of Japanese soldiers on Pacific islands who didnt know the war was over:

The staffer literally admitted to it in a LinkedIn post But sure its just alleged by conservative outlets pic.twitter.com/0SaqDfyM5t  John Hasson (@SonofHas) December 16, 2023



NBC News is a joke. But on the bright side, they arent fooling anyone.
IDF Lt. Colonel (reserve) Jonathan Conricus discusses the incredibly tragic death of the three Israeli hostages killed by IDF forces yesterday. He speaks in the seven-minute video below with a Sky News anchor with the attitude to which we have become accustomed. He finds this an opportune moment to put Conricus on the defensive. To say the same effect I also note that takes up the casualty figures disseminated by the Hamas Health Ministry without reservation. (As I write, the New York Times has posted this update on the killing of the hostages.)

The video above showed up at the top of my Twitter feed. Going to Conricuss Twitter thread to extract a thumbnail photo, I found this timely comment from his pinned tweet: I cant even count how many times journalists base their perceptions, questions and reporting on these false and misleading numbers. This thread is vital for understanding how thinly veiled Hamas lies are, and how complicit journalists who rely on them are.
Association with President Trump has led to the ruination of many of his supporters. Rudy Giuliani seems to me foremost among them, but I may be shortchanging some other prominent members of his team. These supporters of President Trump are nevertheless adults responsible for their own actions.

In my opinion, the country would nevertheless have been better served by their counseling Trump to take another path than the one he chose after he lost the 2020 election. I thought Trump needed an intervention, not that it would have made a difference.

Before yesterday I hadnt followed the defamation case brought against Giuliani by mother and daughter Georgia campaign workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss in Washington, D.C. federal district court. Giuliani suffered the misfortune of drawing Beryl Howell as the presiding judge in the case.

Trying to understand the procedural background of yesterdays verdict, I find the current stories difficult to follow. As I understand it, Judge Howell previously held Giuliani liable on the defamation claim as a result of failure to provide discovery in an earlier stage of the proceedings.

The July AP story quotes Giuliani conceding the merits of the defamation claim as well. The AP story links to the stipulation filed by Giuliani with the court at the time. The stipulation reserves possible First Amendment defenses to liability for his defamatory statements.

In the just-concluded damages phase of the trial, the jury returned yesterday with a combined award of $75 million in punitive damages against Giuliani. The jury also awarded compensatory damages of $16.2 million to Ms. Freeman and $16.9 million to Ms. Moss, as well as $20 million to each of them for emotional suffering. The verdict seems a tad excessive.

Giuliani alleged that the abuse suffered by the ladies was not his fault. I take it that was a question of fact submitted to the jury.

Giuliani himself is unrepentant. He kept up his abuse of the ladies during the damages phase of the trial. The New York Times quotes Giuliani speaking after the verdict was returned. I dont regret a damn thing, he said outside the courthouse, suggesting that he would appeal and that he stood by his assertions about the two women.

The New York Post quotes the closing argument made by Giulianis attorney to the jury regarding the amount of damages. If you award them what they are asking for, it will be the end of Mr. Giuliani, he said.

Speaking to the New York Post after the verdict was returned, Giuliani commented, Do I have $43 million? No. Am I going to fight this case until I die? Yeah. Id rather die poor with my principles than cave in to a destruction of my country that I love so much.

Judge Howell could reduce the damages awarded by the jury. Unless she does so and unless relieved of the obligation by the Court of Appeals, Giuliani would have to post a supersedeas bond securing payment of the judgment to be entered in order to take an appeal [see correction below]. He probably knows that. I doubt that hell be able to do so. Even so, the ladies would be well advised not to spend their prospective recovery yet.

As mayor of New York, Rudy Giulianis law enforcement reforms saved many lives. On 9/11, he proved to be a leader of unusual courage as well. The late, great Fred Siegel wrote the book on him. What a sorry disgrace of a man I once thought to be the finest public servant in the United States.

CORRECTION: I erred in stating that Giuliani cant take an appeal without filing a supersedeas bond. He needs to post a bond to stay collection proceedings pending appeal.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 16, 2023 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Xponential Fitness, Inc.. ("Xponential" or the "Company") (NYSE:XPOF). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether Xponential and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.[Click here for information about joining the class action]On June 26, 2023, Fuzzy Panda Research ("FPR") published a report on Xponential entitled "Abusive Franchisor That Is A House Of Cards." Citing interviews with franchisees and disclosure documents, the FPR report alleged that Xpontential's Founder and Chief Executive Officer "Anthony Geisler, has a long history of misleading investors and business partners" and that Xponential "is hiding the fact that many of [the Company's] brands and franchisees are struggling." On this news, Xponential's stock price fell $9.38 per share, or 37.36%, to close at $15.73 per share on June 27, 2023. Then, on December 11, 2023, Xponential disclosed that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission had contacted Xponential, "requesting that the Company provide it with certain documents." On this news, Xponential's stock price fell $1.61 per share, or 15.19%, to close at $8.99 per share on December 11, 2023.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 16, 2023 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Farfetch Limited ("Farfetch" or the "Company") (NYSE:FTCH) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Southern Division, and docketed under 23-cv-02857, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Farfetch securities between March 9, 2023 and August 17, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Farfetch securities during the Class Period, you have until December 19, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]Farfetch, together with its subsidiaries, operates a global platform for the luxury fashion industry. In addition to revenue, one of Farfetch's most important financial metrics is gross merchandise value ("GMV"), which the Company defines as the total dollar value of orders processed, inclusive of product value, shipping, and duty, and net of returns, value added taxes, and cancellations. According to Farfetch, the Company's GMV closely correlates with its revenue.Farfetch's largest markets include, inter alia, the United States ("U.S.") and the People's Republic of China ("China"). Despite recent softness in those markets, the Company assured investors during the Class Period that, as of the first quarter ("Q1") of 2023, those markets had either recovered or were recovering and were expected to drive future revenue and GMV growth, particularly in the second quarter ("Q2") of 2023.In May 2023, Farfetch announced the commercial launch of its European partnership with footwear and clothing brand Reebok International Limited ("Reebok"). Reebok's owner, Authentic Brands Group, partnered with Farfetch in 2022 to operate its business in Europe, re-platform its European e-commerce sites, and drive the evolution of the brand by expanding its luxury collaboration offerings globally.The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Farfetch was experiencing a significant slowdown in growth in the U.S. and China; (ii) Farfetch also faced onboarding challenges impacting the launch of its Reebok partnership; (iii) Farfetch downplayed challenges it faced with respect to, and/or overstated its ability to manage, its supply chain and inventory; (iv) all the foregoing was having a significant negative impact on Farfetch's revenue and GMV growth; (v) accordingly, Farfetch was unlikely to meet market expectations for its Q2 2023 financial results or its own FY 2023 revenue guidance; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On August 17, 2023, Farfetch issued a press release announcing its Q2 2023 financial results. Among other items, Farfetch reported revenue of approximately $572 million, significantly less than the market consensus of $650.71 million. Farfetch also issued an FY 2023 revenue forecast of approximately $2.5 billion, compared to the average analyst estimate of $2.8 billion and the Company's prior FY 2023 revenue forecast of $2.9 billion.That same day, Farfetch held a conference call with investors and analysts to discuss the Company's Q2 2023 results. During that call, Company management disclosed that significant slowdowns in growth in the U.S. and China, onboarding challenges affecting the launch of the Reebok partnership, and issues with inventory and shipping had negatively impacted Farfetch's revenue and GMV for the quarter, as well forced the Company to rein in expectations for FY 2023.Then, on August 18, 2023, media outlets reported that multiple analysts had downgraded Farfetch based on its poor Q2 2023 results and disappointing guidance for FY 2023.Following these developments, Farfetch's Class A ordinary share price fell $2.15 per share, or 45.17%, to close at $2.61 per share on August 18, 2023.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 15, 2023 / Tier One Silver Inc. (TSXV:TSLV) ("Tier One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its non-brokered private placement the terms of which were announced on October 26, 2023 (the "Offering"). In the second and final tranche of the Offering, which was extended on December 8, 2023, the Company issued 4,897,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$489,700, bringing the total gross proceeds from the Offering to C$985,100. In connection with the closing of the final tranche of the Offering, the Company paid cash finders' fees of C$6,000 (C$19,824 in total for the Offering) and issued 60,000 non-transferable finders' warrants(198,240 finders' warrants in total for the Offering), with each finder's warrant exercisable for one common share of the Company at the exercise price of C$0.25 until December 15, 2025. The proposed use of proceeds from the Offering is to fund general working capital.In accordance with applicable securities laws, the securities issued under the Offering are subject to a statutory four-month and one-day hold period from the date of issuance in Canada. As of the date hereof, the Offering is subject to customary final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, which is expected upon filing standard documentation.Insiders of the Company acquired an aggregate of 547,000 Units in the Offering for a total of C$54,700, which participation constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Such participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the securities acquired by the insiders was less than 25% of the Company's market capitalization.The securities issued pursuant to this Offering 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. Accordingly, the securities issued pursuant to the Offering may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.A Message from Peter Dembicki, President, CEO and Director:"We are thankful to our loyal shareholders and new investors for their support. Notably, it is very encouraging to have the support from our Board of Directors and management who took part in this financing. The multiple opportunities at Curibaya remain our focus for 2024."Additionally, the Company is announcing that it has engaged with Machai Capital Inc. ("Machai Capital"), a marketing, advertising and public awareness firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia, for digital marketing services, branding, content creation, and data-optimization. In consideration of these services, Machai Capital will be paid C$10,000 per month for a 1-year term and will be granted 1,000,000 common share options as part of the digital marketing agreement. The options are exercisable at C$0.10 and expire two years from the date of grant and vest as to 250,000 shares quarterly. Machai Capital is at arm's length to Tier One and has no other relationship with the Company except under the agreement. Suneal Sandhu, President of Machai Capital, can be reached at 604-375-0084. The agreement with Machai Capital is subject to customary TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TIER ONE SILVER INC.Peter Dembicki President, CEO and DirectorFor further information on Tier One Silver Inc., please contact the company at (778) 729-0700 or info@ tieronesilver.com About Tier One SilverTier One Silver is an exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through the discovery of world-class silver, gold and base metal deposits in Peru. The Company's management and technical teams have a strong track record in raising capital, discovery and monetization of exploration success. The Company's exploration assets in Peru include: Corisur and the flagship project, Curibaya. For more information, visit www.tieronesilver.com Forward Looking Information and General Cautionary LanguageThis news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events in connection with the use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and therefore may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be heavily relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators available 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.SOURCE: Tier One Silver Inc.
In the realm of real estate investment trusts (REITs), insider transactions are closely monitored for insights into the company's financial health and management's confidence in the firm's future prospects. A recent transaction by a high-ranking insider at Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc (NYSE:ARE) has caught the attention of investors and market analysts alike.Co-President and Regional Market Director (RMD) Daniel Ryan sold 10,000 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc on December 13, 2023. This move prompts a deeper look into the insider's history, the company's business model, and the potential implications of such a sale on the stock's valuation and investor sentiment.Who is Daniel Ryan?Daniel Ryan serves as the Co-President and RMD of Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc, a company that specializes in owning, operating, and developing properties for the life sciences industry. His role involves overseeing key markets and ensuring the company's strategic growth aligns with the burgeoning demand for life sciences real estate. Ryan's tenure and position within the company make his trading activities particularly noteworthy to shareholders and potential investors.About Alexandria Real Estate Equities IncAlexandria Real Estate Equities Inc is a prominent urban office REIT uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology, and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations. With a mission to create and sustain environments that inspire innovators and enhance the probability of their success, Alexandria has established a significant presence in the life sciences real estate sector. The company's properties are designed to foster collaboration and support the complex and critical needs of the world's leading scientists and technologists.Analysis of Insider Buy/Sell and Relationship with Stock PriceOver the past year, Daniel Ryan has exclusively engaged in the sale of shares, with a total of 10,000 shares sold and no recorded purchases. This one-sided transaction history may raise questions about the insider's confidence in the company's short-term growth potential or personal portfolio diversification strategies.The broader insider transaction history for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc reveals a pattern of more sells than buys over the past year, with 8 insider sells and no insider buys. This trend could suggest that insiders, as a group, believe the stock may be fully valued or that they are taking profits off the table amid broader market conditions.

Story continues

Insider Sell Alert: Co-President Daniel Ryan Sells 10,000 Shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc (ARE)

When examining the relationship between insider selling and stock price, it's important to consider the context of each transaction. Insider sells can occur for various reasons unrelated to the company's performance, such as personal financial planning or diversifying assets. However, persistent selling by multiple insiders over time may warrant a closer look by investors.Valuation and Market ResponseOn the day of the insider's recent sale, shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc were trading at $118.07, giving the company a market cap of $22.615 billion. The price-earnings ratio of 93.63 is significantly higher than both the industry median of 17.73 and the company's historical median, suggesting a premium valuation compared to its peers and its own past.Despite the high price-earnings ratio, the stock appears to be modestly undervalued based on the GuruFocus Value (GF Value) of $182.32. The price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.65 indicates that the stock may be trading below its intrinsic value, potentially offering an attractive entry point for value-oriented investors.

Insider Sell Alert: Co-President Daniel Ryan Sells 10,000 Shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc (ARE)

The GF Value is calculated considering historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates from Morningstar analysts. This comprehensive approach to valuation provides a nuanced perspective that may differ from market sentiment or short-term price movements.ConclusionThe sale of 10,000 shares by Co-President Daniel Ryan is a transaction that merits attention, but it should not be viewed in isolation. Investors should consider the company's strong position in the life sciences real estate market, the broader insider selling trend, and the stock's current valuation relative to its GF Value. While insider sales can provide valuable clues, they are just one piece of the puzzle in assessing a stock's investment potential.As always, investors are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence, considering both the quantitative data and qualitative factors that influence a company's long-term success. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc's focus on innovation-driven real estate and its current valuation metrics suggest a company with solid fundamentals, despite the recent insider sell activity.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


First Features Project, a collaboration between Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions, has hosted the private screening of Love and Life.

The exclusive event, recently held at the Ebonylife Place in Lagos, was attended by Nollywood actresses, Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Kate Henshaw, Ini Edo and Michelle Dede.

Scheduled for release on Prime Video on 29 December, 2023, the film mesmerised the audience with its authentic portrayal of lifes intricate challenges.

Speaking about the movie, Steve Gukas, the founder of Native Media and the co-founder of First Features Projects said the movie is more than a narrative. Its a reflection of our mission to bring forward new, compelling voices in Nigerian cinema. Love and Life is a testament to this vision, and I am proud of how Reuben Reng brought it to life, he said.

Rita Dominic, embodying the lead character Abike, describes her character as a beacon of strength navigating the complexities of love and life while guiding her friends through their own struggles.

Directed by Ruben Reng and written by Brenda Ogbuka-Garuba, Love and Life delves into the intricacies of relationships, emphasizing love, friendship, and the enduring strength of hope.

Synopsis

The film follows the lives of three women facing various relationship challenges, with their journey of rediscovery and empowerment highlighting the films core message: the resilience of human connections.

Despite seemingly perfect lives, they grapple with keeping love alive. Discovering the enduring strength of friendship, they find the courage to pursue passions and realise that betting on love is never a wrong choice.

The star-studded cast includes Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Michelle Dede, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Bassey Ekpo, Anthony Monjaro, Ray Adeka, Miwa Olorunfemi, Miracle Iyande, and Nadine Love.

First Feature Project

First Features Project, founded in 2020 by Dotun Olakunri and Steve Gukas, stands as a groundbreaking initiative nurturing the next generation of visionary Nigerian film directors.

With a commitment to training, mentorship, and funding, the project has produced five feature-length films, including Cake and Love and Life.

Looking ahead, the First Features Project is set to release a lineup of captivating films, including A Danfo Christmas, Almajiri, Wish Upon a Star, Katangari Comes to Town, At Ease, and Your Move.

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Veteran Nollywood actor and comedian, John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, has undergone another leg surgery.

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, told Vanguard newspaper that the actor underwent another surgery, involving the amputation of part of the same leg amputated last month.

Mr Rollas mentioned that the actor now struggles to speak.

Rollas further stated that anxiety among actors has escalated due to Amaechi Muonagors declining health. The veteran actor has been hospitalised for over two months at Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria noted that they have accepted the grim situation of the two ailing actors, whose health reportedly worsen daily.

Also confirming Mr Ibus leg amputation on X (formerly Twitter), Charly Boy urged men to prioritise their health.

Charly Boy emphasised that the actor is now legless, expressing concern and questioning God about Mr Ibus situation.

Background

Since revealing his health struggles, Mr Ibu has undergone multiple surgeries and is currently in intensive care.

On 6 November, 2023, Mr Ibus family announced on his Instagram that the actors leg was amputated due to health reasons.

They shared that accepting the new reality was tough but necessary for Mr Ibus well-being.

The decision followed an appeal for prayers and financial support after doctors recommended the amputation of his leg.

In March 2022, Mr Ibu was hospitalised at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre Abuja, blaming poisoning by his village people and relatives for some of his issues.

He claims to have been poisoned twice during trips home to his hometown in Nkanu West, Enugu State and even kidnapped and poisoned at an event in Nnewi.

These incidents, he believes, are behind his protruding stomach, but despite these challenges, the Enugu-born actor has enjoyed a successful career in Nollywood, starring in over 200 films including Mr Ibu, and Mr Ibu and His Son, and 9 Wives.

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Adejoro Adeogun, a former member of the House of Representatives for Akoko South West/ East Federal Constituency of Ondo State from 2019 to 2023, sat down with PREMIUM TIMES Managing Editor, Idris Akinbajo, and House of Representatives correspondent, Bakare Majeed, to discuss his time in the House, the politics of Ondo State, the cost of elections and other issues.

PT: What do you miss most about the House of Representatives?

Mr Adeogun: Absolutely nothing. I didnt miss anything. Im actually having a ball, being a private citizen, being a father to my children, and being able to recover from what I almost missed. I almost missed the best time of the growth of my children. I mean, when you have kids going through teenage issues, which is when they need a father most, I think, I was absent and it kind of affected my relationship with my kids. So Im having to go backward now trying to recover what I almost lost and be a fantastic father to my kids. So I am not missing anything.

PT: It does sound as if you regret going into public office.

Mr Adeogun: No, I would not say that I regret it. No, I did not because I had the opportunity to serve my people or to do a lot of things I would not have ordinarily been able to do in terms of getting jobs for a lot of young people. There are a lot of people who would not ordinarily be unemployed today that have through my intervention been able to catch up. There are some infrastructure developments in my area that you know, were because of my efforts. And there were interventions I made as a legislator within the national space and National Assembly that I think today, a landmark achievement for which, you know, Ill forever be grateful to God for the opportunity. So I have no regrets.

PT: The community you represented in Ondo State, do you think they are satisfied with your four years as their representative in Abuja?

Mr Adeogun: Let me borrow words from someone I used to work with that a masquerade does not see its back. When a masquerade is dancing, it does not see its back. The only thing you could do is probably listen to the sound of the spectators to see if they were clapping and if they were not clapping. If the sound I heard while I was holding the office and the feedback I am getting is to go back, I think they actually thought I did exceedingly well.

PT: How much did you earn in your four years in the House?

Mr Adeogun: First, national lawmakers are not paid quarterly allowance, they get paid monthly. And secondly, as a private citizen today, I earn more income than I was earning from the House of Reps and then my responsibilities are like 10 per cent of what it was. As a lawmaker, I was borrowing money every month to meet with obligations, with responsibilities. Maybe because I have a good heart or because of my level of humaneness. I couldnt afford to say no to people who come to me when they have problems and then the fact that I had about 80-something aides that I paid monthly. So at the beginning of every month, half of what I earn is gone from the day its earned. So I have also always borrowed funds from my business. So now, whatever I get from my business, is for my well-being, for my family and my kids, theyre happy for it.

PT: If the cost of staying in public office is that high, why then do politicians spend hundreds of millions to get into the National Assembly?

Mr Adeogun: You see, you have to understand this, theres something called legitimate income  and I come from a background where your legitimate income is earned. I was trained. I was educated to understand that I should be able to manage my income. So I wasnt looking for excesses. Im not saying that people arent doing it, so if there are people who are making money, I dont know how they are making it. But then, if you are dealing with the income that accrues to a legislator in Nigeria, its a pittance. It is not enough to get anything done. You know, comparatively to what citizens earn, its a lot but then you have to look at the responsibilities of a lawmaker. In 2019, when I ran for the first House of Reps, I spent about roughly N300 million to N350 million. Now you ask why I did it. I felt challenged. I felt my community was insulted. For me, it was a fight. I wanted to show them that someone could rise and take them on or fight them to a stupor, and I knew that I had to do everything possible to win and I won. For me, that was a moral victory. I recall that the present governor was seeking reelection, and then he came to make peace with us. That is what Ive always wanted.

PT: Why

Mr Adeogun: Im from Akoko South West and I had a request for only one thing, come and apologise to my community.

PT: What was his (Rotimi Akeredolu) offence?

Mr Adeogun: One week after my election, for some reason, a crisis happened because of the election, and then policemen were sent to the community and they killed people. Now in anger, I think the governor now decreed that there was a 24-hour curfew on the community. Which one is 24-hour curfew and is there war? The order was that two or more people must not be seen together going to fetch water in a community where the majority of households fetch water from wells or streams. To fetch water from a well, you need to be two, minimum. Now, a lot more people died because of that because people couldnt go to the well. So it was more like you know  more of a political war to make the community suffer for whatever error they made in supporting their son. And for me, I felt that the community was cheated, and then its more likely over time. Before then, imagine coming from a community in which nobody in the community is fit enough to be respected. So it was more like how I was asked to come and help to show that we too, we have competent people. So for me, you know, getting into politics was more like you know, to rectify the deliberate war and I was ready to sacrifice myself for that.

PT: I find it interesting that you admitted that you spent over N300 million on your first election. And you talked about income from being a lawmaker very little. But our understanding is that apart from the monthly salary that lawmakers get, you also get office running costs. How much on average do you get monthly?

Mr Adeogun: You see, Im gonna tell you this. for four years I received N450 million, total in four years. So now, when you look at the fact that you know, I had about 86 aides, and I have to pay them monthly, I have to pay traditional rulers, you have other stakeholders you have to pay. So at the end of every month, like I said, from the day I get paid at least five to six million naira is gone. And then when I look at other obligations, I was spending an average of N16 to N20 million a month, whereas the total income, salary everything, was less than nine million naira. So you find out youre spending twice what youre earning. That is the reality. And Im not just speaking for me. I can tell you that most legislators that are in the House of Reps, even the ones that are stingy, maybe because they didnt have the kind of cautioning that I have. Some will borrow money, some borrow from the week they are elected into the National Assembly, and they take loans. I mean, if you have been elected into the House, bankers will come to you and offer you a N200 to N300 million loan, and then you will find out that all the entire tenure youre serving and theres nothing left.

PT: Did you take any of those loans?

Mr Adeogun: I didnt have a need for it. I mean, when I was approached by bankers, I told them I had more financial intelligence than people who were approaching me. I had better things to do with money and then I had excess naira and I was looking to invest and not to take loans.

PT: So if you look at what you just told us, on average, you got about N9 million monthly, thats perhaps what all the teachers in your community together earn in a month. Dont you think itd be better, for example, for lawmakers to be paid like teachers? Everybody knows

Mr Adeogun: If we can make the cost of getting elected as a lawmaker, as cheap as getting employed as a teacher, if people dont have to invest in becoming a lawmaker, then you can. You see, in business this is simple. There must be risks and returns. Nobodys gonna get elected and spend N300 million to earn N10 million. And I can assure you, nobody would agree to be a legislator if all they have to do is earn nothing and throw money away. It would be like throwing money down the drain. People wouldnt do it and you wont get the best. Were looking to get the best out of us to go into public office. We need to encourage them. I recall there was something that happened, I think it was the Obasanjo government. How did he get Okonjo-Iweala? How did he get El-Rufai? He got a lot of people that they were paid in dollars. Why? Because he felt like these were the best of us, we needed to entice them. We need to do the same thing if we are trying to get the best into the National Assembly and offices. Entice them with the right wages. Take away corruption, you must entice them with the right wages, with the right resources to make what youre asking them to do commensurate with the service theyll render. If you ask someone to come and earn N10; if he knows that hed be investing more than N10, he will be looking for other means to make up and thats where corruption comes in.

PT: But do you feel that despite this money paid to the members of the National Assembly, we have our best as legislators?

Mr Adeogun: Okay, you need to understand how Parliament works in other places because the first thing for us to know is that democracy is borrowed and we must learn from the places where it was borrowed. In the United States, for instance, legislators, the reason they have unlimited tenure is for them to acquire experience. If you come into any legislative assembly, youre going to spend the first two years learning the ropes because it takes a while to understand the rudiments of lawmaking. Now with the Nigerian system, you use two years to learn, you use one year to get the job done and then the next year to contest an election, which means you practically have official legislators for one year, which is the reason we should as a rule encourage longevity. I mean, the present chief of staff to the President was effective. Why? He spent about 20 years, he had time to learn, he cruised through the process, and he became a master. Thats what we should do. People grew with it. I mean, somebody was having a good laugh and said a former prime minister (of Britain) is going to become a foreign secretary. Why? Because in the United Kingdom, you cannot be a prime minister if youre not a member of parliament, and when you leave, you can still remain a member of parliament because the experience is vital. There is a need to build the experience. Its not just about getting away from the street. But unfortunately, you know, the way the political parties in Nigeria are run does not create efficiency. A lot of things are done at the whims and caprices of the leaders. If you become governor, you suddenly become the god of your state. And if you decide that you dont like this person, you look for someone whos not so smart to take the place. So people are not allowed to assess the capacity of their elected, it is rather what the leaders want. So its, you know, those are the processes we need to change to start creating efficiency, getting people to learn. You cant become the managing director of a bank overnight. You learn through the ropes, you go through several departments.

PT: I know that the longest-serving House of Rep member, Nicholas Motu, has been around since 1999 and I have been covering the National Assembly for seven years, I can tell you that Ive not seen him up to three times. So we have situations whereby those who become Senate presidents automatically see themselves as too big to even participate in

Mr Adeogun: I dont know if you werent seeing Nicholas on the floor of the House, but I have the advantage of having known Nicholas since about 2000 when I was working in Rivers State. And I know that since the 9th assembly, he was an effective legislator. You see, you have to understand that the legislature sometimes is not just what happens inside the chambers. Theres a lot done in committee, and he was Chairman of the Committee on Gas and he was a very effective chairperson. So, I can speak for him because I know him and I know there are so many other people that are effective. The issue is you have what they call the institution memory. It is the older people who serve as the institutions memory. Now we have the 10th Assembly, I can tell you that as of now, 90 per cent of new members dont know Jack and should you give them responsibilities they will not know what to do. They would do it but not as effectively as certainly as an excellent parliamentarian would deliver. They will deliver but then because we are not doing things rightly, we have lowered the power and standard such that we are not getting the mileage we should get from having an effective parliament.

PT: So, you are saying that if lawmakers spend longer time in parliament, they will then get experience which the nation can benefit from in different ways. But an average Nigerian would argue that the longer they spend, the more corrupt they become, because then they understand the various systems of making money in the system. I mean, weve done investigations that show lawmakers essentially collecting money. Farouk Lawan is in prison in Kuje because he headed a committee that essentially was making money from people he was supposed to investigate. And weve done a recent report about another member of the House of Reps, Oluwole Oke, and others who essentially were chairing committees to make money rackets. So if people who are experienced now use those experiences to essentially make illicit money as we have seen with clear examples, will these people be worth it?

Mr Adeogun: You see, you are making an assumption. You mentioned two people. You see, those are allegations. You are making allegations. Apart from Farouk, any other allegation is unproven and we have to be careful. I dont want us to have a public trial of someone who has not been convicted, it will be unfair to the person and it will be uncharitable. Lets restrict ourselves to Farouk. Farouks case, he was an anomaly, he wasnt normal. The truth is that I know hundreds of legislators who will not collect peanuts from anybody. I headed a committee. I mean I remember someone said to me, Youre busy losing weight, your mates are growing fat. I was challenged, I was told that. Do you know the kind of harassment I faced? Even from the agencies that we investigated, I knew what was done. Truth is I already had a business before I went into public office. I already had resources and as a legislator, I was not making an extra penny aside from the institution. I wasnt. But I was earning an income because Id already invested long ago. When they did the investigation and found out that this one, every penny that enters you could trace it. Its either coming from MTN or coming from others you could trace the source of my income. There are a lot of people like that.

PT: So do you think you are the norm or the exemption, considering even the experience you just narrated because people coming to tell you that your colleagues are growing fat and you are growing lean? Do you really think you are the norm or exception to the rule when we talk about corruption?

Mr Adeogun: I am not in a place to judge because we have 360 members. I know the ones I relate with and I know that there are a lot of them.I can tell you I know hundreds of members who were elected, some are even returning, I know people who couldnt return to the 10th assembly, who today cant even afford to fuel their cars. There are a lot of people. You see, you have to understand because you were mentioning committees, committees, committees. How many committees do we have? How many chairmen do we have? How many graded committees are available where you could at least get help here and there? Its not as rosy as its painted. There are 100, 200, 250 members who can barely make ends meet because of their obligations. The ones that are not as independent-minded as myself, would probably earn their pay and submit it to the chairman of the party at the end of their tenure. The ones who have godfathers, they submit all their resources to the godfather. The ones who got sponsors, the ones who took loans to get elected, they have to repay it. You see, the bottom line is that the system is not right, and we need to actually do something to salvage this. We need a reform, a reform in terms of funding of the election process, in terms of actually asking, what is the cost of electing legislators? We need to reduce it. We need to actually strengthen legislators because one thing Ive found about Nigerians is that we see the legislators as our enemies. Theres so much focus on earning so much money. How much does the executive earn? You see, Id like to use the Yoruba adage. There is a difference between a man who shares meat with his teeth and a man who shares with a knife. The legislator shares with the knife, and the executive shares with the teeth. You dont know what gets swallowed

PT: In as much as we like the analogy, which is powerful, but the legislators you know, have the responsibility of check and balance. And that is why there is a whole lot of scrutiny on them. You are not just anybody, you have the power to investigate, to probe, and it brings me..

Mr Adeogun: Before we go there, I would like you to understand something. If Im supposed to check another person, and I invite the person to see me and you the citizens who were supposed to support me to do my job, fight me for doing my job, dont you think that would discourage me? And thats what happens most of the time. When the legislators invite members of the executive, the executive resorts to public trial. It happened with a present minister of the federation (Festus Keyamo) when he was

PT: ..the labour ministry

Mr Adeogun: Yes! He was invited, he refused and then started painting the National Assembly bad. And what did he get? The legislators didnt get sympathy. But he was wrong. Dont forget that people who are legislators are human. When youre fighting for the people and at the end of the day, you know, the people youre fighting for are the ones bullying you, you may not stop it totally. But you found out that it makes you careful. youre more careful about the steps you take. Its not everybody thats as bold as myself. Like I have nothing to lose. But lots of people have a lot to lose and they wont take risks.

PT: Im trying to get to your committee. I covered your committee extensively, week after week and that is why theres a lot of scepticism when it comes to National Assembly and investigation. Whats the status of the report of your committee?

Mr Adeogun: You need to understand one thing about investigation. What can the National Assembly do with an investigation? The reports you submitted, they cannot be published.

PT: Why not?

Mr Adeogun: Parliamentary reports that are not published for public consumption. And investigative reporting at best would make recommendations to the executive, just as we did within the legislative security summit. There was a recommendation to the executive submitted to the president for him to implement. Dont forget that the National Assembly cannot prosecute anybody. In our case, were talking about money being recovered and I was managing. Who are you going to talk to?

PT: But let me ask these questions. What time did you submit your report? Or did you submit the report?

Mr Adeogun: It was submitted before we left the House, it was even submitted twice.

PT: Was it considered by the Committee of the Whole?

Mr Adeogun: I cant recall but I think so.

PT: But this is why people dont trust your investigations?

Mr Adeogun: There are some things you need to understand in a parliament. And thats where you have the issue of collaboration between the executive and the legislature. You see, in the past, there was this lesson that each time the legislative arm tried to be confrontational, the citizens lose because, at the end of the day, there would be synergy. And then the ninth assembly, what was done was a kind of collective effort. What can be solved in-house should be solved in-house. You can call the executive and tell them to get this done without creating any crisis. And you are aware there were so many instances which, you know, there were interventions at some point a lot of people just felt that the House of Reps was doing more than they should do because at some point we were actually delving into executive issues, stopping strikes, intervening in you, know, certain crisis. Security issues, especially when things get to this point, the need to be right may not be as good as a need to bring some level of sanity. And I think the decision was taken that at this point in time, lets save Nigeria and that was the decision.

PT: With the strategy adopted by the House collective effort and collaboration, can we say the Ninth National Assembly should get the blame for some of the things that happened under the last administration?

Mr Adeogun: I need you to understand one thing. When I use the word collaboration, I said in certain instances. When they needed to salvage the nation, we weighed the need to be right. You have to understand that sometimes in a bid to be right, you may push a sinking ship to sink in that instance, youd be like lets stop being right, let us salvage this country. Like you said, there were a lot of things that were not perfect with the past government and there were instances where we felt like look, we cant pretend that we are not members of the government, Lets salvage this country and decisions were taken to salvage this country. You were mentioning issues like Ways and Means, how many of them were known at the time? You have to understand that the National Assembly can fully operate to the limit of information available to it. It wasnt everything that was done by the executive that was known to the legislators. What was brought was by the end of the day, a lot of Ways and Means things were brought after the elections for approval. There were loans that had been spent and then they now brought them forward. Now what do you do in such an instance in a country thats already suffering dislocation? Just like lets get this done. You know, in my place, sometimes when you have an elephant in a China shop, your job is not to ask what the elephant is doing here, it is to find a way to shepherd the elephant out to salvage the situation. And I think thats what we did.

PT: But its interesting for you to say that. A lot of the times when the CBN was essentially manipulating the books for the government, it was public knowledge. Premium Times wrote several editorials, several, not one, not twice, way before the final bill was brought by the Buhari administration.

Mr Adeogun: I am sure that were there so many times that the National Assembly invited the then-governor of CBN (Godwin Emefiele) and he refused to show up. There were so many times that efforts were made to even issue a bench warrant for him and at the end of it, you know people will come. With my committee. There were situations where people came and we were like look, if we take this actually, if we continue to make this communication, there would be crisis in the banking sector. it happened with one of the banks and you know, something was published overnight and people were like look, youre going to stop, youre gonna kill this country. The moment it happens to this bank, they will start financial structural adjustment and then people will be afraid to put their money in banks. So now as an individual, Im going to have to sit down and say okay, is it the right thing to do? I need to save this other institution. In handling this, we will save this other institution, what it requires, lets do it. And I can assure you, it happened at the National Assembly. Situations, especially with CBN, which we are like okay, this is the number one financial institution of your country. This is like they say, the banker to your government. Do you go out and say that the CBN is reckless? if we start saying that were telling the world that, hey! dont do business with us. You must be careful what you are spreading, and what language youre using to describe an institution. A lot of things were done internally to salvage the situation, and to try to help create some measure of sanity.

PT: Lets go to your home state, Ondo State. Whats happening in Ondo State? Whats your understanding of the governance or misgovernance going on in the state?

Mr Adeogun: Well, do I know what is happening in Ondo State? The answer will be no. The reason is everything that I know is whats in the public domain  what I read in the newspapers. We all know that the governor has been out of the state for six months, but even before then, hes been having health issues and may God help him. But the constitution provides for such a situation in the absence of a governor, power goes to his deputy governor. But unfortunately, theres a breakdown of communication between the two and a loss of confidence between the two. And so you find out that where two elephants who should take care of the rein of a state are fighting, the grass is suffering because theres nobody to look after the grass. After all, theres nobody to water the grass and theres nobody to mow the grass. Thats what in my understanding of what is happening in my state

PT: Do you think the House of Assembly is ready to take action in terms of declaring Mr Akeredolu incapacitated?

Mr Adeogun: When people mention incapacitation, you mostly understand the constitutional provision, it is not the Assembly that can declare incapacitation, which is the responsibility of the executive council. They have to vote for it. They have to get the medical board.

PT: We are going there and why I said we are going there is because at the national level, we had this kind of situation where a president could have been deemed to be incapacitated. Im talking about this late Umaru YarAdua. Several people pushed the National Assembly to come up with the Doctrine of Necessity. Why is everyone quiet?

Mr Adeogun: Unfortunately, you know, in a bid to be moral, to be sympathetic, the greater interest of the state is suffering. So, I think you know, the other side, which I said there are two sides, is that there are a lot of people who have come to say like okay, it is almost over, in another few months, there are going to be primaries of the party. In any case, and when you have primaries within the state, the focus will be on the election and all that. So why are we fighting now when theres a bigger fight upfront? I think you know, you have to look at that and so, those are things that have accounted for what is the seeming invisibility of the leaders in the state.

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Women in Nigeria are still at risk of various forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), as the country recorded over 27,000 cases in five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2020 and 2023.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, gave this disturbing data in November at a press conference to kickstart 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV), observed annually from 25 November to 10 December.

This follows her recent revelation that about 25,000 GBV cases were recorded across the country in one month, from September to 3 October 2023, giving a strong indication of an incessant increase in cases.

As a signatory to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, also known as the Maputo Protocol, Nigerias failure to domesticate and implement its provisions has continued to pose devastating consequences on girls and women in the country.

Adopted 20 years ago on 11 July 2003 in Mozambique, the Maputo Protocol is regarded as one of the worlds most comprehensive and progressive womens human rights instruments that guarantee African girls and women equality and non-discrimination.

Nigeria, after 20 years

Nigeria signed and ratified the Maputo Protocol in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Still, issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence, rape and other forms of abuse persist in the country.

Apart from the protocol, Nigeria is a signatory to other international conventions and norms such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa.

PREMIUM TIMES review of a progress report titled: Twenty Years of the Maputo Protocol: Where Are We Now? and published by Solidarity for African Womens Rights Coalition (SOAWR) shows that Nigeria still has a long way to go on the issue.

The progress report summarises the status of ratification and reporting of the Maputo Protocol across Africa.

Bunmi Dipo-Salami, the Executive Director of BAOBAB for Womens Human Rights, opined that Nigeria ratified the Maputo Protocol for box-checking because the government has failed to domesticate the treaty to fully execute its provisions for the protection of the rights of women and girls as designed.

According to Mrs Dipo-Salami, who served as the SOAWR steering committee member chair for the Maputo Protocol @20 planning committee, the much-acknowledged legal instrument is not effective for Nigerian women at the moment due to lack of domestication.

Consequently, they continue to experience discrimination, sexual and gender-based violence, poor representation in politics, low economic power, poor health indices, especially in the area of reproductive health and rights, she said.

They also experience indignities, harmful traditional practices, poor access to justice, among others. What Nigeria fails to realise is that countries which limit the progress of their girls rarely prosper. The domestication of the Maputo Protocol will advance Nigerias progress exponentially.

Nigerias scorecard on child marriage

Child marriage is one of the major human rights violations and practices that contravene the Nigerian constitution as well as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Maputo progress report shows that even though legislation such as the Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003 exists in Nigeria, girls as young as nine are still married off.

The report acknowledged that Nigeria is one of the African Union Member States with legal exemptions on child marriage, as 12 of the 36 Nigerian states have not included the CRA in their legislation, because state laws on child marriage apply.

The CRA is the law that guarantees the rights and responsibilities of all children in Nigeria and protects girls from marriage until age 18.

As of November 2022, former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, said 32 states had domesticated the CRA, noting that the states that are yet to adopt the Act are all in the northern region of Nigeria, where child marriage is prevalent.

In June 2022, a UNICEF report revealed that Nigeria has the highest number of child brides in West and Central Africa, with the number of girls and women who were first married before the legal age reaching 23.6 million out of the 60 million in the region.

According to the report, the required reduction rate to eliminate child marriages stands at 31.4 per cent, and Nigerias reduction rate has stagnated at -0.5 per cent for up to 10 years.

UNICEF also predicted that Nigeria will have 29 million child brides by 2050, noting that the rate of child marriages in the country represents 40 per cent of such cases in West and Central Africa.

Protection from violence, FGM

Under the Maputo Protocol, African countries are expected to prohibit and condemn all forms of harmful practices and have a duty through legislative measures backed by sanctions, to protect girls and women from any form of violence, including FGM.

Findings by the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), revealed that between 2013 and 2018, incidences of spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence grew from 25 per cent to 36 per cent, with spousal violence being the most prevalent.

It also showed that instances of sexual violence against women from ages 15 to 49 increased from 36.9 per cent to 44.9 per cent.

However, the Maputo Protocol progress report recognises the 2015 Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act as a standalone law that seeks to prohibit all forms of violence against persons, including women and girls in Nigeria.

In addition to addressing FGM in its National Health Policy 2016, Nigeria has also adopted a standalone National Policy & Plan of Action for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation 20212025.

The report noted that only 19 out of 36 states have established Sexual Assault Referral Centres to provide free medical, counselling and support services to survivors of sexual violence.

Reproductive rights, maternal mortality

The progress report also observed that adolescent girls are still at risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and harmful practices, as they continue to face barriers to accessing adequate reproductive healthcare in Nigeria.

On Nigerias progress with maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births, the report shows that as of 2003, Nigeria had 1,084 compared to 1,047 in 2020, showing a slight decrease, according to the World Bank (2021) Development Indicator: Maternal Mortality Ratio.

It noted that despite the advances made through various reforms, some gaps and challenges remain in meeting the commitments regarding health and reproductive rights enshrined in the protocol.

According to the report, the challenges include lack of autonomy and stigma restrictions to access health services; access to comprehensive sexual education; issues with access to and ability to use modern contraceptives; lack of safe abortion laws; conflict and insecurity.

Economic, Social Welfare Rights

Article 13 of the Maputo Protocol provides for women and girls economic and social welfare rights. It guarantees women equal remuneration for work of equal value and paid maternity leave in both the private and the public sectors.

In the 2022 World Gender Gap report, Nigeria ranked 50th in economic participation and opportunity and 134th in educational attainment.

The report revealed that Nigeria ranks 123rd out of a total of 146 countries based on gender gap parity, economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, political appointment and financial exclusion/wealth accumulation of the female gender.

About 48 countries across Africa now legally prohibit discrimination in employment based on gender, a 49 per cent increase since 2003, according to the Maputo progress report.

Nigeria, Botswana, Congo Republic, Niger, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Tunisia are the AU Member States that do not have such legislation.

The report shows that as of 2003, Nigeria had 47.3 per cent females in the labour force compared to 52.7 males, but this has reduced to 43.9 females and 56.1 males in 2023.

It also stated that while 54 per cent of AU member states mandate equal remuneration for equal work, 46 per cent, including Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt do not mandate such.

Experts review Nigerias progress

Mrs Dipo-Salami observed that apart from incorporating some of the provisions of the Maputo Protocol relating to SGBV in the VAPP Act of 2015 and submitting periodic reports to the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, not much has been done by way of domestication in Nigeria, despite repeated calls by non-state actors.

She said: Despite the intervention of BAOBAB and other organisations who are members of the Solidarity for African Womens Rights (SOAWR) Coalition in Nigeria for almost two decades, awareness of the protocol is just picking up among the population, including within government circles at nation and subnational levels.

READ ALSO: How Nigerian government can tackle electoral violence against women

This is because of the lack of interest of many stakeholders to engage with the treaty probably because they consider it just another international womens human rights instrument, instead of seeing the protocol as the best thing that has ever happened to African women, particularly those living in a misogynistic patriarchal country such as Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Vivian Emesowum, the Executive Director of the Grassroot People and Gender Development Centre (GRADE) noted that the domestication of the protocol as a womens human rights instrument is still challenging due to the poor knowledge of its content.

Mrs Emesowum observed that womens rights issues are still not generally acceptable and recognised in Nigeria because they are just perceived as women demanding what is not obtainable.

She, however, suggested that the protocol should be domesticated as a holistic approach to address girls and womens rights issues in Nigeria.

Recommendations

Mrs Dipo-Salami emphasised the need to embark on full-throttle advocacy for the domestication of the treaty.

Stakeholders should seize every available opportunity to bring the lofty provisions of the Protocol to the consciousness of Nigerians, she said.

One strategy that works very well is the involvement of the media as critical actors and a powerful tool for highlighting the benefits of the Maputo Protocol and ultimately mobilising public support for its domestication in Nigeria.

Engaging the executive and legislative arms of government will give the calls for domestication of the Maputo Protocol the necessary traction and expanding the capacity of law enforcement officers, legal practitioners and judges to appreciate the implications, benefits and use of the Maputo Protocol is also essential.

Mrs Emesowum also noted the need for capacity-building sessions for the media, civil society organisations and law enforcement officials on the provisions of the protocol.

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Although the curtains have closed on the 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), the impactful lessons and strategic decisions forged at this distinguished gathering in Lusaka, Zambia, wont be forgotten in a rush.

Under the theme Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture, the conference which lasted for four days, 27-30 November, played host to over 5,000 in-person delegates and 20,000 virtual attendees from 90 countries across the globe.

The conference, organised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa- CDC) provided a critical forum for African leaders, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to convene and deliberate on crucial matters within the realm of public health.

During the conference, participants engaged in a diverse range of topics, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, healthcare infrastructure, and health policy. The goal was to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, ultimately contributing to the development of effective strategies to address public health challenges in Africa.

PREMIUM TIMES highlights some takeaways and key activities that took place at the high-level conference.

Strengthening Health Systems in Africa

Amidst diverse discussions and insights shared during the conference, one resounding takeaway is the pivotal role robust health systems play in safeguarding the well-being of the African population.

The Africa region grapples with various health challenges, ranging from infectious diseases that pose immediate threats to maternal and child health issues, non-communicable diseases that present long-term concerns, and infrastructural gaps that hinder effective healthcare delivery.

The multifaceted nature of these challenges requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, making the strengthening of health systems not just a priority but a necessity, according to various health experts at the conference.

The Director-General of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, said a strengthened health system is the cornerstone for achieving health equity, promoting innovation, and ensuring that the people of Africa have access to quality healthcare.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the importance of resilient health systems. Strengthening these systems goes beyond addressing immediate concerns; it involves building a foundation that can withstand and adapt to future challenges, he said.

Roma Chilengi, the Director-General and Presidential Advisor on Health at the Zambia National Public Health Institute, underscored the significance of African countries cultivating preparedness for emerging health threats.

According to Mr Chilengi, this proactive approach holds critical importance, especially as Africa endeavours to redefine its position within the global health systems.

Breaking barriers

Breaking Barriers the theme of the conference underscores a fundamental truth: that health is not only a matter of medical science but also of policy, equity, and global cooperation, the Director-General of Africa- CDC, Mr Kaseya, said in his opening speech.

He said breaking barriers requires the African region to think beyond the confines of traditional healthcare models.

It beckons us to harness technologys power, embrace equity and social justice principles, and foster robust collaborations that span borders and disciplines. It demands a concerted effort to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable among us.

He said this also challenges leaders to look at the barriers that have long impeded Africas progress in public health and the need to redefine the regions position in the global health architecture.

Together, we can break, and we will break the barriers that have hindered our progress for far too long and we can forge a new public health order for Africaone that is resilient, equitable, and capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

Local manufacturing of medical essentials

Experts at the conference reiterated that the excessive dependence on imports for essential healthcare products is a matter of grave concern.

Less than one per cent of vaccines, five per cent of diagnostics, and 30 per cent of therapeutics used in Africa are currently manufactured in Africa, Mr Kaseya, the Africa CDC boss said.

He said this imbalance underscores the urgent need to strengthen Africas medical manufacturing capabilities to enhance self-reliance and reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions.

Mr Kaseya stressed the pivotal role of increased local manufacturing in vaccines, medications, and diagnostics as a crucial avenue for enhancing public health across the continent.

As I have to say it, local manufacturing is the 2nd independence of Africa, because it will mitigate our reliance on external sources, build our health security, promote local innovation, and lead to job creation, economic growth, peace and security, he said.

Many African countries got their independence in the 1960s, but we saw in COVID-19 that we are not independent.

To address this, he said the Africa CDC is actively championing an ambitious agenda aiming to ensure that by 2040, a minimum of 60 per cent of vaccines and medicines used in Africa are manufactured on the continent.

Driving this ambitious agenda is the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), which, according to Kaseya, has garnered substantial support from the Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI). Notably, Gavis policy committee has approved a substantial $1 billion investment in partnership with the Africa CDC, dedicated to supporting the development of African vaccine manufacturers.

Five-year strategic plan

At the conference, the Africa- CDC in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other development partners unveiled a five-year strategic plan (2023-2027) to strengthen Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOCs) in Africa and countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The strategic plan is expected to be operational in at least 50 African countries to leap toward enhancing health preparedness and response in the region.

It will also guide the implementation of Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOCs) in member states of these regions toward meeting the minimum requirements or core capacities of a PHEOC.

The PHEOC is critical to meeting the requirements of the international health regulations in assisting Member States to build and improve their public health emergency management capabilities.

The objectives of the strategic plan are to ensure that by 2027, at least 90 per cent of member states in Africa and Eastern Mediterranean regions will have developed and implemented the core PHEOC policy, plans, and procedures; develop and strengthen the capabilities of the PHEOC workforce (routine and surge staff) to support preparedness and response coordination.

Other objectives are to ensure that by 2027, at least 90 per cent of PHEOCs in the member states of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region have the information management and sharing platforms containing the minimum data required; and ensure that at least 90 per cent of member states in Africa and Eastern Mediterranean region have a PHEOC facility in place equipped with information, communication technology, and physical infrastructure that meets the minimum requirements by 2027.

It is also to designate eight centres of excellence PHEOCs in selected Member States in the WHO African and Eastern Mediterranean regions by the end of 2027.

Road to Universal Health Coverage

At the conference, the emphasis on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) suggests a recognition of the importance of healthcare as a fundamental human right.

It implies that efforts in public health should be directed towards not only providing medical services but also ensuring that these services are accessible, affordable, and of high quality for everyone, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

The discussions included strategies to overcome barriers that hinder access to healthcare, such as financial constraints, geographical challenges, and disparities in healthcare infrastructure. It also underscores the need for policy frameworks that prioritise inclusivity, social justice, and equitable distribution of health resources.

One major consensus among experts at the conference is that 90 per cent of Africans pay out of pocket for health care services, hence impeding the regions aim of achieving UHC by 2030.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES at the conference, Ngozi Erondu, the technical director at the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) said financial constraint and poor workforce is one of the key challenges the region is facing in achieving UHC.

Ms Erondu, a global health expert, said it is difficult to achieve UHC without adequate funding hence the need for African leaders to fulfill its commitment of allocating 15 per cent of their annual budget to health. Health is not a priority and this is a big challenge to UHC.

She noted that the workforce is one of the most important parts of UHC, hence it is important to equip the health workforce.

Healthcare for young women and girls

The high-level conference spotlighted a significant issue that is often ignored and overshadowed by societal roles  the myriad health challenges faced by women and young girls in Africa.

Various speakers at one of the side events titled For women by women; access to adequate healthcare for young girls and women in Africa emphasised the inadequate attention directed towards ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for this demographic.

Addressing a diverse audience of delegates and health practitioners, Nkandu Luo, a Zambian microbiologist and professor underscored the susceptibility of women to diseases due to the nature of their roles.

Ms Luo highlighted the increased risk of respiratory diseases among women engaged in cleaning and agricultural activities, shedding light on the lack of research in these areas.

She also emphasised the heightened vulnerability of women in sub-Saharan Africa, attributing it to psychological pressures, strenuous work burdens, and the role of women as primary caregivers in both homes and hospitals.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said the disproportionate burden on women, coupled with systemic inequalities, creates barriers to accessing adequate healthcare.

Ms Moeti said women play extremely important roles in all stages of life and household populations, hence the need to ensure they are in leadership and have access to quality healthcare.

Local perspectives from Zimbabwe reaffirmed the challenges faced by women, from informal and low-paying jobs to long distances traveled for healthcare.

The speakers advocated a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach to public health policies, acknowledging the interconnectedness of societal roles, economic factors, and healthcare disparities affecting women and young girls across the continent.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Another vital aspect highlighted during the conference is the power of partnerships and collaborations.

The discussions emphasised the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, involving governments, NGOs, academia, and the private sector, to create comprehensive and lasting improvements in public health across the continent.

The continent is not alone in this endeavour, with organisations like the Africa-CDC and GAVI actively supporting initiatives to bolster healthcare infrastructure.

The President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, said the role of collaboration in building a resilient public health system cannot be overemphasised.

Mr Hichilema said African leaders must develop the habit of collaboration and partnerships to ensure the continent becomes a force to be reckoned with.

The conference is unique because it talks about health from a holistic point. Health for one, health for families, health for countries, and health for all, he said.

Lessons learned

The lessons learned and decisions made during the event are expected to have a lasting impact on shaping policies, guiding research initiatives, and influencing the allocation of resources to address health challenges on the continent.

The hope is that the momentum generated at the 3rd CPHIA will continue to drive positive change and improvements in public health for years to come.

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The Federal University Dutsin Ma, Katsina State, said five students of the university that were abducted 74 days ago have been freed.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Armayau Bichi, told journalists in Katsina that the students were released on Friday.

Five females students were abducted by terrorists on 3 October 2023 but one of them escaped few days after the abduction.

Four of the remaining students have now been released by the terrorists.

Today (Friday) with the help of God, the students have been released. The students are on their way home but would be taken to Abuja to meet the National Security Adviser where they would also be taken to the hospital for medical checkup after which they would be handed over to their families, Mr Bichi said in a voice recording aired by the DW Hausa.

When asked if ransom was paid before the students were released, Mr Bichi said it was the effort of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, that led to the release of the students.

No money was paid before their release. Neither government nor the families of the abducted students paid money before the release of the students. It was the efforts of the National Security Adviser. He knows the effort he made to ensure the release of the students. You know its a security issue and well not be making it public, he said.

The police spokesperson in the state, Abubakar Sadik, did not respond to calls and SMS sent to him on the release of the students.

Few days before the abduction of the students, terrorists also attacked hostels of the Federal University Gusau and abducted several students. Few of them have been rescued by security agents but over 20 of them remain in captivity.

North-west Nigeria has witnessed a high rate of attack by bandits.

Terror gangs, especially in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi, kill or abduct residents from communities and highways and demand ransom, sometimes in millions of naira, before releasing the abductees.

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The Northern Governors Forum has donated N180 million to the victims of a drone attack at Tudun Biri, a community in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State.

The North-west zonal spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Halima Suleiman, confirmed that 85 people were killed in the attack.

The official said 66 others were also injured.

The victims of the strike are mostly children and women celebrating the Maulud (birthday of Prophet Muhammad).

The chairman of the forum and governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, announced that the forum had resolved to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incidence is thoroughly investigated with a view to compensating victims and taking corrective measures to prevent future occurrence.

Prior to the support of the northern governors to the victims of the attack, the federal government announced a plan to rebuild the community.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who visited the state to sympathise with the victims said President Bola Tinubu has directed that the Pullako Initiative should be kick-started in Kaduna State, with a complete package, including houses, clinics, schools, veterinary clinics, empowerment initiatives, and solar energy, among others.

Read the full Communique from the governors forum below

COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS FORUM HELD ON FRIDAY, 15TH DECEMBER, 2023 AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, SIR KASHIM IBRAHIM HOUSE, KADUNA

1. The Northern States Governors Forum under the leadership of the new Chairman His Excellency, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, CON, held its inaugural meeting today Friday, 15th December, 2023 at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.

2. The Forum commiserated with the Government and people of Kaduna State over the unfortunate bombing incident at the Tudun Biri Community of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State during which some members of the community lost their lives and properties while others who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment in various Hospitals. The Forum prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and speedy recovery of the injured. The Forum prayed for God to grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss and appreciated the Kaduna State and Federal Governments for the way and manner they handled the unfortunate incidence so far.

3. The Forum resolved to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incidence is thoroughly investigated with a view to compensating victims and taking corrective measures to prevent future occurrence.

4. The Forum resolved to vigorously pursue the collective interest of the North in areas of enhanced security, peaceful coexistence, economic development, youth employment, drug abuse and revitalisation of education at all levels.

5. The Forum commended the Federal Government for the renewed vigour in the fight against insecurity, menace of kidnaping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism, bedeviling the region. The Forum resolved to stand united in its commitment to addressing those challenges through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, strengthening local law enforcement, community engagement, adoption of modern technology and administrative reforms, as well as addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and deepening social in-equality.

6. The Forum also resolved to address the environmental challenges affecting Northern Nigeria which is threatening rural livelihood, pushing farmers into conflict with herders and adding to the general level of poverty and insecurity.

7. The Forum further resolved to collectively fast track regional integration through investment in infrastructure, human capital development, trade, commerce, agriculture, environment, digital economy and cultural exchanges.

8. The Forum received briefing on the activities of the New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC) by the Group Managing Director and accordingly constituted a committee to review the Report of the earlier committee on NNDC operations with a view to repositioning the Company for greater productivity and profitability.

9. The Forum collectively resolved to support the Kaduna State Government and victims of the unfortunate incidence of bombing at Tudun Biri Community, Igabi Local Government Area by donating the sum of One Hundred and Eighty Million Naira (N180,000,000.00) only to the victims.

10. The next meeting of the Fowillould be held on 2nd March 2024.

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The police have told Nigerians that covering their vehicle number plates is criminal.

The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a post via his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday.

Mr Adejobi, an assistant commissioner of police, said some vehicle owners often cover their number plates, and that the act is wrong and will no longer be tolerated.

It is a common thing to see many vehicle owners and drivers cover their number plates, for no reason. This is wrong and even criminal, he said.

You dont cover your number plate for any reason. It is as important and compulsory for all vehicles to be duly registered. So, its compulsory to make registered numbers visible at all times, the Force spokesperson stated.

He urged police operatives and personnel of traffic management agencies in the country to go after vehicle owners and drivers who violate the order.

This impunity must stop in Nigeria, and we need to know the right thing to do. Our officers and men and other traffic management agencies are aware of this and hereby urged to go after any violator, as such is criminal, he said.

It encourages recklessness and crimes with impunity. Lets collectively kick against it.

Exceptions

Mr Adejobi, however, said pennant officers and heads of three arms of government  executive, legislature and judiciary  are exempted from the rule given that they use pennants or flags on their official cars.

The seal of their offices or ranks (for military or police) go with their numbers and pennants, he explained.

But the spokesperson stressed that once it is 6 p.m., the pennant must go down and the official vehicles number plates should be uncovered.

He also said flags on the officials vehicles must be covered with their registered number or seal of office on their vehicle when they are not inside it.

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of ace broadcaster, Kabiru Fagge, who died on Friday in the United States of America.

Mr Fagge, aged 77, was an enduring name across the Hausa-speaking world for his long career with the Hausa service of the Voice of America (VOA), spanning 25 years.

In a condolence message, President Tinubu lauded the contributions of the deceased to nation-building, particularly his sensitisation on and advocacy for education through the well-known weekly education programme he anchored.

His desire to serve humanity through journalism started quite early from his days as a freelancer while teaching. We are grateful for his services through his chosen career and for being a good ambassador of Nigeria on such a global platform, the president said.

President Tinubu condoled with the family of the deceased, the government, and the people of Kano State, as well as the Nigerian journalism community over the loss.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 16, 2023

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The Supreme Court on Friday condemned the Nigerian governments forcible repatriation of Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya.

The court said the invasion of Mr Kanus home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State, the revocation of his bail and forcible repatriation from Kenya were unlawful.

However, the court refused to accept the illegal actions of the government as a basis to free him from terrorism and treasonable felony charges he was brought to Nigeria to face.

Mr Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was forcibly repatriated from the East African country in June 2021 to Nigeria to continue his trial on the charges first filed against him in 2015.

The case stemmed from Mr Kanus campaigns for the secession of the five South-east states and parts of neighbouring states from Nigeria as an independent Biafra nation, which the Nigerian government said constituted offences of treasonable felony.

The government arrested the separatist leader in 2015. His case passed through different judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja before ending up before Binta Nyako, who granted him bail in 2017. The judge granted bail to Mr Kanu on health grounds.

But he later fled Nigeria, following the invasion of his Afara-ukwu home in Abia State by the Nigerian military in September 2017. With his case stalled due to his continued absence from court, the Federal High Court subsequently revoked his bail and ordered his arrest.

While he was abroad, his pictures and video clips which surfaced online suggested that he was, at various times, in Israel and mostly in the United Kingdom.

But in June 2021, the Nigerian government surprisingly brought him from Kenya and amended the charges against him to introduce counts of terrorism.

Delivering judgement on an appeal that Mr Kanu filed to challenge the proprietary of the charges, the Court of Appeal ruled that his forcible repatriation from Kenya invalidated the charges against him.

The court also ordered Mr Kanus unconditional release from detention.

Supreme Court says Kanu unfairly treated

But in its ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court faulted the Federal High Courts revocation of the separatist leaders bail.

The revocation of the bail was totally wrong and unfair.

Why did the government invade Mr Kanus home? It is totally unacceptable to use brute force.

However, the five-member panel of the court affirmed that the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to entertain the charges against Mr Kanu, contrary to the Court of Appeals decision which ruled that the trial court had lost jurisdiction to entertain the case on the grounds of the illegality of the defendants forcible repatriation from Kenya.

In the lead judgement prepared by Tijjani Abubakar and which was unanimously consented to by other members of the panel, the Supreme Court said evidence obtained through illegal means is admissible in court.

The court acknowledged that the IPOB leaders arrest and repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 breached both local and international laws on extradition, but that was a valid reason to stop his trial

Buhari re-enacted Umaru Dikkos abduction from UK

The Supreme Court, in its ruling on the manner the federal government abducted Mr Kanu from Kenya, referenced the failed attempt by then Muhammadu Buhari-led military regime in the early 1980s to abduct an exiled Nigerian Second Republic minister, Umaru Dikko, in London and bring him to Nigeria.

Nigeria barely recovered from the case of Umaru Dikko many years ago, the lead judgement stated.

Thirty-six years after Mr Dikkos failed abduction by Mr Buharis military junta, the civilian administration which Mr Buhari would later lead from 2015 to 2023 re-enacted the same abduction tactic which succeeded in Mr Kanus case.

While the circumstances of the IPOB leaders arrest in Kenya remain unclear, Mr Dikkos case is well documented and the full picture of the episode is public knowledge.

Mr Dikko, a transportation minister during former President Shehu Shagaris administration, had fled to exile when Mr Buharis military government began to clamp down on the previous administrations officials accused of embezzling public funds during their time in office.

He was captured in London in 1984 by agents working for the Nigerian government. His captors handcuffed him, drugged him and packed him in a crate with a doctor by his side maintaining a tube on his throat to keep him alive.

But he was fortunate when a vigilant British customs officer, Charles Marrow, in London foiled the kidnap. The failed abduction led to a diplomatic row between the Nigerian and UK governments.

Mr Dikko died in 2014 aged 77.

What next for Mr Kanu

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that Mr Kanus case file be remitted to the Federal High Court for trial.

At the Federal High Court, the judge, Ms Nyako, in April 2022, struck out eight of 15 charges against the IPOB leader.

Ms Nyako struck out eight of the charges in her ruling on Nnamdi Kanus preliminary objection, challenging the validity of the charges.

Mr Kanu was accused of various offences in the 15 counts, including treasonable felony and terrorism, offences he allegedly committed in the course of his separatist campaigns.

Ms Nyako ruled that Counts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 were incompetent for not disclosing any valid offences against the defendant.

In this instant preliminary objection application, I have read the counts and counts 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 have not disclosed any offence, Mrs Nyako said.

She, however, ruled that Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,13 and 15 disclosed valid charges against Mr Kanu.

She asked the prosecution to proceed to trial on the remaining seven charges, ordering the prosecution to file fresh proof of evidence before 18 May 2022, the following hearing date.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the judge validated the federal governments repatriation of Mr Kanu from Kenya to face the charges pending against him in Nigeria.

Mr Kanu had pleaded not guilty to all the 15 amended charges.

Below are the full details of the seven sustained charges and the eight counts that were struck out by the court:

SUSTAINED CHARGES

The judge ordered that the case proceed to trial on Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13 and 15.

Five of the sustained charges have to do with alleged acts of terrorism, including professing to be a member and leader of IPOB, a proscribed organisation, issuing inciteful and deadly threats against individuals, and issuing directives, among others.

Count 15 has to do with the illegal importation of a radio transmitter he declared as used household items in violation of section 47 (2) (a) of the Criminal Code Act. Cap, C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Count 1

The prosecution alleged that Mr Kanu, of Afara Ukwu, Umuhahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, as a member of and leader of proscribed IPOB sometimes in September 2021, committed an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people by allegedly making a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria with intent to intimidate the population, threatened that the people would die and that the whole world would standstill. The offence is said to be punishable under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2015.

Count 2

The prosecution accused him of committing an act in furtherance of an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people made a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of the court with intent to intimidate the population, issued a death threat against anyone who flouted his sit-at-home order.

Mr Kanu allegedly ordered whoever flouted the order should write his/her will, and as a result banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, and fuel stations domiciled in the eastern states of Nigeria must not open for business. Citizens, and vehicular movements, in the eastern states of Nigeria, the prosecution said, were grounded as a result of the sit-at-home order.

The prosecution said the offence is punishable under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act (2013).

Count 3

The prosecution also alleged that on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021 within the jurisdiction of this court, Mr Kanu professed himself to be a member and leader of IPOB, a proscribed organisation in Nigeria.

This, the prosecution said was an offence contrary to and punishments under section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2015.

Count 4

M Kanu also, allegedly, on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021, made a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria inciting members of the public in Nigeria in furtherance of an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people to hunt and kill Nigerian security personnel.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is punishable under section 1(2)(h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

Count 5

Mr Kanu, also on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021, allegedly broadcasted furtherance of an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people, received and heard in Nigeria in furtherance of an act of terrorism, inciting members of the public in Nigeria to hunt and kill families of Nigeria security personnel.

The offence is said to be punishable under 1(2)(h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

Count 13

Mr Kany also alleged between 2018 and 2021 made a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria with the intent to incite violence, in furtherance of an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people, directed members of the public to burn down every federal facility in Lagos resulting in major economic loss to the federal government.

The alleged offences, the prosecution says, are punishable under section 1(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment) Act 2013.

Court 15

The prosecution also alleged that on diverse dates between March and April 2015, Mr Kanu was illegally imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulisluzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, a radio transmitter known as Tram 50L concealed in a container of used household items which he declared as used household items.

The alleged offence was said to be contrary to section 47(2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act CapC45 Laws of the Federation.

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Neurocrine Biosciences Inc (NASDAQ:NBIX), a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical industry, has recently witnessed a significant insider transaction. Eiry Roberts, the company's Chief Medical Officer, sold 13,925 shares of the company on December 12, 2023. This move has caught the attention of investors and market analysts, prompting a closer examination of the implications of such insider activity.

Who is Eiry Roberts of Neurocrine Biosciences Inc?

Eiry Roberts is known for her role as the Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. With a medical background and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Roberts has been instrumental in driving the company's clinical development programs. Her expertise has been pivotal in advancing Neurocrine's pipeline of treatments for neurological and endocrine-related diseases.

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc's Business Description

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for neurological and endocrine-related diseases and disorders. The company's portfolio includes a range of products aimed at addressing the unmet medical needs of patients with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, tardive dyskinesia, and endometriosis. Neurocrine's commitment to innovation and patient care has positioned it as a leader in the neurology and endocrinology sectors.

Analysis of Insider Buy/Sell and the Relationship with the Stock Price

Insider transactions, particularly sales, can provide valuable insights into a company's health and future prospects. In the case of Neurocrine Biosciences Inc, the insider transaction history over the past year shows a notable absence of insider buys, with 0 purchases recorded. On the other hand, there have been 51 insider sells during the same period, indicating a trend where insiders are choosing to liquidate their holdings rather than invest more in the company's stock.

Story continues

The recent sale by Eiry Roberts of 13,925 shares is part of a larger pattern of sales by the insider, who has sold a total of 135,580 shares over the past year without making any purchases. This consistent selling activity could be interpreted in various ways. It might suggest that the insider is taking profits or diversifying their personal investment portfolio. Alternatively, it could raise questions about the insider's confidence in the company's near-term prospects.

On the day of the insider's recent sale, shares of Neurocrine Biosciences Inc were trading at $120.3, giving the company a market cap of $11,802,021,000. This valuation places the stock at a price-earnings ratio of 64.58, which is higher than the industry median of 23.52. However, it is lower than the company's historical median price-earnings ratio, suggesting a mixed perspective on the company's current valuation relative to its own historical standards and the broader industry.

Considering the price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.81, Neurocrine Biosciences Inc appears to be modestly undervalued based on its GF Value of $147.83. The GF Value is an intrinsic value estimate that takes into account historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates from Morningstar analysts.

Insider Sell: Chief Medical Officer Eiry Roberts Sells Shares of Neurocrine Biosciences Inc

The insider trend image above reflects the selling trend among insiders, which could be a signal for investors to monitor closely. While insider selling does not always indicate a problem within a company, it can sometimes precede a downturn in the stock's performance or reflect internal views on the company's valuation.

Insider Sell: Chief Medical Officer Eiry Roberts Sells Shares of Neurocrine Biosciences Inc

The GF Value image provides a visual representation of the stock's current price relative to its estimated intrinsic value. The modest undervaluation of Neurocrine Biosciences Inc suggests that the stock might have room for growth, assuming the company's fundamentals remain strong and it continues to execute its business strategy effectively.

Conclusion

The recent insider sell by Eiry Roberts, the Chief Medical Officer of Neurocrine Biosciences Inc, is a significant event that warrants attention from investors. While the company appears modestly undervalued based on the GF Value, the consistent pattern of insider selling over the past year raises questions about the insiders' perspective on the stock's future performance. Investors should consider these insider transactions as part of a broader analysis of the company's financial health, business prospects, and market conditions before making investment decisions.

As with any insider activity, it is essential to view these sales within the context of the individual's personal financial planning and the company's overall insider trading policy. Nonetheless, staying informed about insider trends and valuations can provide valuable insights for those looking to make informed investment choices in the biopharmaceutical sector.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of four notorious terrorist commanders in air strikes within the week.

They are Machika, Haro, Dan Muhammadu and Ali Alheri, popularly called Kachalla Ali Kawaje.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Buba, a major general, said that Machika was a top terrorist bomb expert and younger brother of notorious terrorist (Dogo Gide) while Haro and Dan Muhammadu were specialist in kidnapping and assault operations respectively.

He said a synchronised strike between air and ground forces aimed at the same target on 11 December, killed Kachalla Kawaje, a renowned terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State.

He added that Kachalla was killed in Munya Local Government Area of Niger along with many of his foot soldiers.

According to him, the military is fast closing in on others and they will equally suffer the same fate.

Mr Buba said that air assets conducted aggressive air flights on confirmed locations active with the movement of terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers.

He added that the strikes carried out resulted in the killing of over 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 others were arrested.

The armed forces is hunting down prominent terrorist leaders and engaging them wherever they are hiding.

The military will continue to take the fight to the terrorists and their cohorts until they are destroyed or surrendered.

In the South-east, Mr Buba said the troops, in conjunction with other security agencies, on Wednesday apprehended a prominent commander of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

He said the commander, Uchechukwu Akpa, was arrested together with three other sub- commanders, namely Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere.

According to him, the trio were arrested after a raid on their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta Mgbowo, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

They gathered to plot to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command, Enugu State chapter, from the apprehended former commander, known as Chocho. They also planned to attack troop locations.

During the raid, Mr Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape.

He was the second in command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN leader currently in custody.

Subsequently, another raid connected with the arrest was conducted on 14 December where troops recovered one AK 47 Rifle, Two AK 47 Magazine, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition and one Pump action rifle.

The operations of the week in focus, equally resulted in the arrest of 66 perpetrators of oil theft and the rescued of 89 kidnapped hostages, he said.

Mr Buba said the troops in the Niger Delta area destroyed 15 dugout pits, 25 boats, 74 storage tanks, 14 vehicles, 115 cooking ovens, 13 reservoirs, 10 cooling systems, 10 receivers, three pumping machines and 64 illegal refining sites during the week.

He added that troops recovered 357,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 185,300 litres of illegally refined AGO and 20,600 litres of PMS.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former President Muhammadu Buhari on his 81st birthday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity on Saturday, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu described the former president as an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism.

He appreciated Mr Buhari for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his stalwart support for the administration.

President Tinubu extolled the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former president, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as head of state and as president.

While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, President Tinubu assures the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he has always worked for, will not be dashed, the statement said.

Mr Buhari, a retired major general, was born on 17 December, 1942.

He was Nigerias military head of state between 31 December, 1983 and 27 August, 1985.

He was elected president in 2015 and was in office until 29 May this year when he handed over power to President Tinubu after completing his two terms of eight years.

Read the full statement by Mr Tinubus media aide

President Bola Tinubu celebrates his friend and ally, former President Muhammadu Buhari, an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism on his 81st birthday.

President Tinubu extols the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former President, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.

Reeling out former President Buharis unparalleled record of infrastructural provision, comprising several new international airports, multiple standard-gauge railway lines, new seaport development, dozens of new dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways and mega-bridges, in addition to establishing Nigerias first ever national social investment and protection programme, amongst many other feats, President Tinubu fondly recalls the former Presidents aggressive push to modernize Nigerias defence architecture while working towards import substitution with the empowerment of millions of Nigerian farmers in his progressive initiative to enhance food security in the country.

The President describes former President Buhari as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause.

President Buhari is from the rarest phylum of virtuous servant-leaders. He has devoted his life to the service of the nation, even earning himself detention for his patriotism and service to our Fatherland. The emergence of leaders like my good friend, Buhari, happens only by divine orchestration. He is a man of absolute and undiluted integrity. His yea is yea, and his nay is nay, the President says.

President Tinubu appreciates former President Buhari for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his stalwart support for the administration.

While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, President Tinubu assures the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he has always worked for, will not be dashed.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 16, 2023

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Incidentally, I await the opportune moment to inquire from Mutawallen Sokoto about the PDPs commitment to the rotational presidency in the recently concluded 2023 election. But until then, heres a toast to one of Nigerias finest intellectual servant-leaders, or as one of my troublesome friend loves to call him, Governor Wikes former BFF.

If there are traits I share with my late father, I believe one of them is that we both dont suffer fools gladly. Ironically, we are not related to the Einsteins, so perhaps its just a matter of genetics. Equally noteworthy is that we both tend to be drawn to individuals, regardless of gender, who are intellectually endowed. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to meet the former Governor of Sokoto State, a stalwart of the PDP, and now a Senator of the Federal Republic. Perhaps a brief background might suffice here.

Being a Nigerian entrenched in the expansive media ecosystem, certain names, akin to iconic brands, attain widespread recognition. Aminu Tamuwal undoubtedly ranks among these influential figures within the Nigerian political milieu. However, the veracity remains that achieving popularity in a nation steeped in the abyss of mercenary political machinations and long on sleaze, is not necessarily a virtue.

A former chief whip of the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, a two-term Governor of Sokoto State, and now distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, are all prefixes appended to Tambuwals highly decorated hat. Regardless of ones privilege, you cannot make it through those labyrinths of treachery without a substantial amount of grey-matter in your skull.

During a discourse with my dear friend, Professor Farooq Kperogi, a few months ago, the name of Governor Tambuwal entered the conversation. Farooq extolled the former governor with an ardour unprecedented of him, in my observation. Familiarity with Farooq reveals his stringent criticism of individuals in and out of power. No one escapes his poisoned arrow if you come within range, including his close friends.

As a human being, Farooq once confided in me about his internal struggle in openly censuring Sheikh Isa Pantami, a purported friend at a time. However, as a man heavily guided by his conscience, he underscored that his commitment to societal welfare supersedes personal friendships and connections.

In the public denouncement of Sheikh Pantamis professorship at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), under dubious circumstances, Farooq abandoned restraint, as he harshly and openly castigated both Pantami and FUTO. It bewildered me when the same individual expressed admiration for someone I perceived as emblematic of influential vested interests in Nigeria.

Farooq recounted Governor Tambuwals admirable persona and his near-encyclopeadic understanding of the cultures and nuances of Nigerias diverse ethnic nationalities. According to him, Tambuwals proficiency extends to recounting the histories of most ethnic groups, elucidating their political subtleties, and identifying the cultural backgrounds with intellectual finesse. As an academic, I posited that Farooq succumbed to the brilliance of Tambuwal, forgiving what I contended were abundant sins in Tambuwals record.

A swift temporal shift brings us to the recent Thursday, wherein my role as a co-author of the book being launched afforded me the opportunity to encounter Governor Tambuwal at close quarters. Noteworthy was his punctual arrival at 9:50 a.m. for an event scheduled to commence at 10 a.m., a departure from the customary tardiness exhibited by Nigerian dignitaries.

In commonality with numerous progressive-minded Nigerians, particularly those hailing from the South-East, our collective aspiration rested on the anticipation that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would designate the presidency to our region in the preceding election. This aspiration was rooted not only in the objective of ameliorating residual wounds from the Nigerian-Biafra conflict and perpetuating the trajectory of national integration but also in acknowledgment of the regions unwavering loyalty to the PDP, evidenced by its substantial voting blocs. There existed an expectation that the former Governor, a preeminent figure within the party, would exhibit sympathy toward this sentiment.

Nevertheless, it remained dubious that any influence could have compelled Atiku to endorse such a proposition. For an individual heralded as a torchbearer at the forefront of constructing bridges between disparate parts of the country through the promotion of anti-ethnic, anti-religious, and anti-sectional politics during his presidential campaign, the failure to endorse this particular cause represented an unconstructed bridge. Consequently, Farooq comprehended my stance on these matters and was convinced of my immunity to the Tambuwal fervour.

A swift temporal shift brings us to the recent Thursday, wherein my role as a co-author of the book being launched afforded me the opportunity to encounter Governor Tambuwal at close quarters. Noteworthy was his punctual arrival at 9:50 a.m. for an event scheduled to commence at 10 a.m., a departure from the customary tardiness exhibited by Nigerian dignitaries. This deviation pleasantly surprised my colleagues and I, accustomed to the habitual delay of influential figures. When offered the convenience of a VIP waiting room, Governor Tambuwal gracefully declined, opting to share the common space with everyone.

While the manifestation of such decorum from an individual with no vested interest in our affairs was certainly commendable, it is a customary practice in the Western world where our residence lies. Consequently, I resisted succumbing to what has been aptly characterised as the soft bigotry of lower expectations. However, subsequent interactions revealed a man of remarkable brilliance, proficient in the extemporaneous articulation of his positions, while adeptly responding to Femi Falanas sweeping critique of Nigerian politicians. Farooqs estimation of him was unequivocally justified.

Following our book launch, the trio of authors  Farooq Kperogi, Moses Ochonu, and myself  convened at Jevinik, a reputable eatery in Abuja, for a moment of quiet reflection on our country. While collectively acknowledging that the preponderance of our nations tribulations is attributable to politicians as a collective, we concurrently acknowledged the individuals limited agency within a system steeped in corruption. The consensus was that any meaningful attempt at redeeming our nation necessitates commencing this at the apex for optimal efficacy.

This implies that the expectation is not for the Oga at the top to perform a magical resolution of Nigerias age-old problems. Rather, the leader can establish the moral tone that underpins the foundation of a rejuvenated Nigeria. Practical steps could include the reduction of the presidential entourage, curbing expenditures on the renovation of the Chief of Staffs residence, or minimising the countrys delegation to international conventions  a prescription aligned with the sagacious counsel of a reformed Adams Oshiomole, himself Mr Presidents confidante. However, what do I know. Back to the subject of Oga Tambuwal.

On a personal level, however, it is undeniably challenging not to be captivated by the mans inexhaustible energy, unassuming disposition, and charismatic presence. Particularly noteworthy is his exceptional erudition that could leave tenured Ivy League university professors green with envy.

As governor, Aminu Tambuwal methodically prioritised education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, urban and rural development, among other sectors. The establishment of the Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital, equipped with essential personnel and logistics, stands as a testament to his commitment.

Furthermore, he actively advocated for the increased participation of youths and women in politics, a dedication recognised when he was conferred with the Silverbird Man of the Year award in 2019  a distinction previously bestowed upon luminaries such as Aliko Dangote, Late Dora Akunyili, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Peter Obi, and Babatunde Fashola.

In the realm of youths in governance, Governor Tambuwal ascended to the Federal House of Representatives at the age of 45 in 2003, representing the Kebbi/Tambuwal constituency of Sokoto State. Subsequently, he emerged as the 12th Speaker in 2011, having previously served as the Chief Whip. An exemplary display of sportsmanship and inclusivity characterised his speakership, when he ensured the appointment of Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, who had lost the fiercely contested speakership race to him, as leader of the House.

A noteworthy accomplishment during Tambuwals tenure as Speaker was the comprehensive review of the flawed 1999 constitution. Currently serving as a Senator and appointed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing on 8 August, Tambuwal continues to contribute to legislative initiatives in the country. Yet, despite his formidable credentials and substantial influence in Nigerias socio-politico-cultural landscape for over two decades, Tambuwal cannot entirely divest himself from culpability in a nation beleaguered by visionless and reckless leadership.

On a personal level, however, it is undeniably challenging not to be captivated by the mans inexhaustible energy, unassuming disposition, and charismatic presence. Particularly noteworthy is his exceptional erudition that could leave tenured Ivy League university professors green with envy.

Incidentally, I await the opportune moment to inquire from Mutawallen Sokoto about the PDPs commitment to the rotational presidency in the recently concluded 2023 election. But until then, heres a toast to one of Nigerias finest intellectual servant-leaders, or as one of my troublesome friend loves to call him, Governor Wikes former BFF.

Osmund Agbo is the author of Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance.

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In a notable insider transaction, James Shaughnessy, the Chief Legal Officer of DocuSign Inc (NASDAQ:DOCU), sold 3,600 shares of the company on December 13, 2023. This move has caught the attention of investors and market analysts, as insider trades can provide valuable insights into a company's prospects and the sentiment of its top executives.

Who is James Shaughnessy?

James Shaughnessy is a seasoned legal executive with a track record of leadership in the technology sector. As the Chief Legal Officer of DocuSign Inc, Shaughnessy is responsible for overseeing the company's legal affairs, including compliance, intellectual property, and corporate governance. His role is crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape of digital transaction management and e-signature solutions, which are at the core of DocuSign's business.

DocuSign Inc's Business Description

DocuSign Inc is a leader in the field of electronic signature and agreement cloud solutions. The company's platform enables users to electronically sign and manage agreements with ease and security. DocuSign's offerings are essential in today's digital world, where remote work and online transactions have become the norm. The company serves a wide range of industries, including real estate, finance, healthcare, and more, providing a critical service that facilitates efficient and secure digital workflows.

Analysis of Insider Buy/Sell and Relationship with Stock Price

Insider transactions, particularly those involving sales, can be interpreted in various ways. While an insider sell does not necessarily indicate a lack of confidence in the company, it can raise questions among investors. In the case of James Shaughnessy, the insider has sold 3,600 shares over the past year without purchasing any. This one-sided activity might suggest that the insider is taking profits or reallocating personal investments rather than reflecting a negative outlook on the company's future.

Story continues

It is also important to consider the broader context of insider transactions at DocuSign Inc. Over the past year, there have been no insider buys but nine insider sells. This trend could indicate that insiders, on the whole, believe the stock may be fairly valued or that they see better investment opportunities elsewhere.

On the day of the insider's recent sale, shares of DocuSign Inc were trading at $55.02, giving the company a market cap of $12.87 billion. This valuation places the stock at a price-earnings ratio of 248.46, significantly higher than the industry median of 26.73 and above the company's historical median price-earnings ratio. Such a high price-earnings ratio could suggest that the stock is overvalued based on earnings, which might partially explain the insider's decision to sell.

However, when considering the GuruFocus Value (GF Value) of $86.60, DocuSign Inc appears to be modestly undervalued with a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.64. The GF Value is an intrinsic value estimate that takes into account historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future business performance estimates. This discrepancy between the high price-earnings ratio and the GF Value suggests that while the stock may seem expensive on an earnings basis, its long-term intrinsic value could be higher than the current market price.

Insider Sell: DocuSign's Chief Legal Officer James Shaughnessy Divests 3,600 Shares

The insider trend image above provides a visual representation of the selling pattern among DocuSign's insiders. The absence of buys and the presence of consistent sells could be a signal for investors to watch closely, although it should not be the sole factor in making investment decisions.

Insider Sell: DocuSign's Chief Legal Officer James Shaughnessy Divests 3,600 Shares

The GF Value image further illustrates the potential undervaluation of DocuSign Inc's stock. If the company can continue to grow and deliver on its business performance estimates, the current stock price may represent an attractive entry point for long-term investors.

Conclusion

James Shaughnessy's recent sale of 3,600 shares of DocuSign Inc is a significant insider transaction that warrants attention. While the Chief Legal Officer's sell-off does not inherently signal a lack of confidence in the company, the overall trend of insider sells over the past year could be indicative of insiders' views on the stock's valuation. Despite a high price-earnings ratio, the GF Value suggests that DocuSign may be modestly undervalued, presenting a potential opportunity for investors who believe in the company's future growth prospects. As always, investors should consider a range of factors, including insider trends, valuation metrics, and the company's business fundamentals, before making investment decisions.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


"It's an honor to accept this award as Iowa has a long history of supporting and advancing the energy sector," said Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Iowa's position of leadership in renewable energy goes far beyond one person. From working with the legislature, to our world-class research institutions, Iowa has cemented itself as a true energy powerhouse."

Earlier this week, ACP released a new report detailing the significant contributions made in Iowa from utility-scale clean energy projects. The Clean Energy Powers Iowa report found that 61% of the state's energy capacity is currently generated through solar and wind projects. Clean energy capacity in the state now stands at 13,278 megawatts (MW), enough to power 4.2 million homes.

"Iowa is a clean energy success story, producing and using clean power for a greater share of the state's electricity generation mix than any other state. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Grassley and Governor Reynolds, Iowa has achieved this success with broad public support," said ACP CEO Jason Grumet. "Senator Grassley has long championed the partnership between clean energy and Iowa's rural and agricultural communities. Governor Reynolds is leading the nation in demonstrating the economic benefits of clean energy in local communities and the statewide economy. IAED Director Durham has enabled a culture of innovation that has propelled small business development and local investment into the state's clean energy economy. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge Senator Grassley, Governor Reynolds, and Director Durham and the example they have set for the nation."

Today's Champions luncheon also marked the 40th anniversary of Iowa's renewable portfolio standard and the 30th anniversary of the Wind Energy Incentives Act of 1993, authored by Sen. Grassley.

"I have always been a strong champion of renewable energy and the ability for farmers to diversify their operations through some of Iowa's most bountiful resources: wind and solar," said Senator Chuck Grassley. "I am honored to be recognized by the American Clean Power Association for my work on behalf of the people of Iowa, and I look forward to our continued work to grow renewable energy opportunities across Iowa."

Building on the momentum of tax incentives announced in the last year, billions more in investments are projected by 2030. Iowa report highlights include:

$25 Billion  Today's total private sector investment in Iowa's utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects.

Today's total private sector investment in utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects. $13 Billion  The expected private sector investment through clean energy projects that will support Iowa's clean energy economy by 2030.

The expected private sector investment through clean energy projects that will support clean energy economy by 2030. $73.4 Million  The amount paid annually through Iowa land lease payments.

The amount paid annually through land lease payments. $61.5 Million  The annual investment in local and state taxes paid by the industry.

The annual investment in local and state taxes paid by the industry. Nearly 5,500 Iowa jobs are supported by the clean energy industry.

"It's a privilege to help honor these dynamic leaders in the renewable energy space," said Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson. "Their leadership has a long reach  from economic development and homegrown energy to the production of high-paying careers for DMACC's graduates. When the renewable energy industry grows, Iowa grows with it."

We invite you to join the continued conversation through our social press kit.

About ACP

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the leading voice of today's multi-tech clean energy industry, representing over 800 energy storage, wind, utility-scale solar, clean hydrogen and transmission companies. ACP is committed to meeting America's national security, economic and climate goals with fast-growing, low-cost, and reliable domestic power.

Learn more at cleanpower.org .

About PUI

Power Up Iowa, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of renewable energy supporters advocating for local, state and federal policies and initiatives that enhance Iowa's wind and solar energy investment. By educating, raising awareness, and participating in conversations with our state's leaders, Power Up Iowa will help make the case for renewable energy investment to revive and drive our local economies.

CONTACT:

Sabrina Fang

[email protected]

703-283-2091

Mak Heddens

[email protected]

515-450-2954

SOURCE American Clean Power Association
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 2, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS), if they purchased the Company's securities between July 22, 2019 and October 12, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Get Help

Barclays investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-bcs-4/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Barclays and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) contrary to false public assertions, the Company's former CEO, James Staley, had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein; (ii) if discovered, the relationship and potential criminal activity could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Company; (iii) the Company's response to an inquiry by the British Financial Conduct Authority regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; (iv) when the Company became aware of information contradicting its response to the inquiry, it failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action; and (v) as a result, the Company's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

The case is Merritt v. Barclays Plc, et al., 23-cv-9217.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
5,000 Teamsters Prepared to Strike if Beer Giant Fails to Reach Agreement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters working nationwide at Anheuser-Busch have voted by an overwhelming 99 percent to authorize a strike.

The resounding vote allows the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike if Anheuser-Busch fails to come to terms on a strong new contract. The union is seeking an agreement that improves wages, protects jobs, and secures health care and retirement benefits for 5,000 Teamsters across the company's 12 U.S. breweries. The current agreement expires Feb. 29, 2024.

"Teamsters stand firm in our fight for the best contract at Anheuser-Busch, and this powerful strike vote proves it. Our members' labor, talent, and sacrifice are what put Anheuser-Busch products on the shelf, and we are committed to getting a contract that rewards and recognizes their hard work," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "If Anheuser-Busch's executives can't get their act together to negotiate an agreement that respects workers, we will see them out on the streets."

Under pressure from the Teamsters, the company reached tentative agreements to end tiered health care and restore retiree health benefits last month. However, Anheuser-Busch has delayed negotiating on important job security issues since mid-November, despite repeated requests by the union. The global beermaker pulled in $58 billion in 2022. The company also recently announced $1 billion in stock buybacks to wealthy investors as it simultaneously ignores the need to protect good jobs.

"Anheuser-Busch can't kick this can down the road much longer. The Teamsters don't want to be forced onto the picket line at any employer, but we are fully prepared to walk if Anheuser-Busch doesn't get serious about negotiating a record contract that also protects good union jobs," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "It is the workers  the dedicated and tireless members of the Teamsters  who make this company a success and who have earned to share in that success."

There are no dates currently set for negotiations. Anheuser-Busch Teamsters recently rallied in New Hampshire, California, and Florida. More actions will take place soon across the country.

"If this company wasn't willing to come to a fair agreement with the Teamsters, we would strike. My Teamster brothers and sisters have a lot of fight in us and, by all means, we will stand united," said Josh Blanton, an Anheuser-Bush worker with Teamsters Local 947 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 26, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 28, 2020 and August 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Get Help

Dollar General investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-dg-2/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Dollar General and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 31, 2023, the Company announced its 2Q 2023 financial results, disclosing among other things, cuts to its FY23 sales and profit outlook, decreases in operating profits of 24.2% and EPS of 28.5%, and that it "expect[ed] an incremental operating profit headwind of up to $170 million in the second half of 2023," consisting of $95 million for markdowns on existing inventory and $75 million on increased store personnel to support inventory and pricing control measures.

On this news, the price of Dollar General's shares plummeted $19.16 per share, or 12%, on August 31, 2023, on unusually high trading volume of more than 19 million shares.

The case is Washtenaw County Employees' Retirement System v. Dollar General Corporation, et al., 23-cv-01250. A subsequent case expanded the class period, Edmonds v. Dollar General Corporation, et al., 23-cv-01259.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 26, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between August 4, 2023 and November 20, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Get Help

Fisker investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-fsr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Fisker and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On November 13, 2023, the Company announced its 3Q 2023 financial results, disclosing among other things, a loss of $91.0 million and a $0.27 loss per share, a cut to its production forecast for the year, and also that it would be unable to timely file its Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 due to material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. On this news, the price of Fisker's shares plummeted by $0.77, or 18.7%, to close at $3.34 per share on November 14, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Then, on November 20, 2023, the Company disclosed the departure of its chief accounting officer, recently hired on November 6, 2023. On this news, the price of Fisker's shares plummeted by $0.35, or 15%, to close at $2.00 per share on November 21, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The case is Zahabi v. Fisker Inc., et al., 23-cv-09976.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 8, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between February 9, 2022 and October 30, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Get Help

FMC investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-fmc/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuits

FMC and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On September 7, 2023, Blue Orca Capital reported that the Company had made a series of false statements about the status of patent protections for its flagship products following legal defeats in India, China, and Brazil, that allowed competitors to launch competing generic products at much lower prices. On this news, the price of FMC's shares dropped more than 7.4%, to close at $76.10 per share, representing approximately $630 million in investor losses, on high trading volume.

Then, on October 23, 2023, the Company disclosed further cuts to its Q3 2023 outlook and guidance for revenues for Q4 and FY 2024, projecting earnings well below analysts' expectations, citing substantially lower sales volumes in Latin America. On this news, the price of FMC's shares plummeted by $8.83 per share, or 12.18%, to close at $58.12 per share.

The case is Heeg v. FMC Corporation, et al., 23-cv-4938. A subsequent case expanded the class period, Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System v. FMC Corporation, et al., 23-cv-4842.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
DUBLIN, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Data Logger Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global data logger market is projected to reach a value of $11.37 billion by 2028 from $7.07 billion, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during 2022-2028

The Global Data Logger Market is witnessing robust growth and evolving rapidly, driven by the increasing need for efficient data collection, monitoring, and analysis across various industries and applications.

Data loggers, versatile devices that record and store data over time, have become indispensable tools in sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, logistics, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation. Key drivers of this market include the growing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 technologies, stringent regulatory requirements in sectors like healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and the rising importance of environmental monitoring in the face of climate change.

Temperature data loggers, in particular, continue to dominate the market, owing to their wide applicability and critical role in ensuring product quality and safety across diverse industries. These devices find extensive use in monitoring temperature-sensitive goods, from medications and vaccines to perishable food items. Additionally, the market offers a variety of deployment options, including USB data loggers, Bluetooth-enabled loggers, web-based systems, and wireless solutions, each catering to specific user needs.

The market's future holds promise, with ongoing technological advancements in sensor technology, increased emphasis on data security and compliance, and a growing demand for data-driven decision-making. As industries and businesses increasingly rely on data for operational optimization and compliance with regulatory standards, the Global Data Logger Market is poised to continue its expansion, offering innovative solutions to meet the evolving data collection and monitoring needs of a data-centric world.

North America, led by the United States, is at the forefront of data logger technology innovation. The region's robust industrial base, stringent regulatory requirements, focus on compliance, and extensive research and development activities drive the demand for data loggers. Additionally, North America's diverse geography contributes to its significant focus on environmental monitoring.

Key Market Trends:

Rapid Growth in IoT and Industry 4.0: The adoption of IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies is driving the demand for data loggers, as these technologies heavily rely on data collection and analysis for optimizing operations and decision-making.

The adoption of IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies is driving the demand for data loggers, as these technologies heavily rely on data collection and analysis for optimizing operations and decision-making. Wireless Data Loggers: The market is witnessing a shift towards wireless data loggers that offer greater flexibility and real-time data access through technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks.

The market is witnessing a shift towards wireless data loggers that offer greater flexibility and real-time data access through technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks. Environmental Monitoring: Data loggers play a crucial role in environmental monitoring applications, including climate research, weather forecasting, agriculture, and environmental impact assessments, driven by increasing concerns about climate change.

Data loggers play a crucial role in environmental monitoring applications, including climate research, weather forecasting, agriculture, and environmental impact assessments, driven by increasing concerns about climate change. Miniaturization and Portability: Data loggers are becoming smaller and more portable, expanding their applicability in various devices, including wearables, medical devices, and automotive systems.

Data loggers are becoming smaller and more portable, expanding their applicability in various devices, including wearables, medical devices, and automotive systems. Data Security and Compliance: Enhanced data security features and compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA are becoming crucial in the market as data collection and storage grow exponentially.

Enhanced data security features and compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA are becoming crucial in the market as data collection and storage grow exponentially. Energy Efficiency: Optimizing power consumption and ensuring energy efficiency is a challenge in data logger applications, particularly in remote or harsh environments, leading to advancements in energy-efficient data loggers.

Optimizing power consumption and ensuring energy efficiency is a challenge in data logger applications, particularly in remote or harsh environments, leading to advancements in energy-efficient data loggers. Customization and Scalability: Customers are seeking customizable and scalable data logger solutions to meet specific industry needs and accommodate changing requirements.

Customers are seeking customizable and scalable data logger solutions to meet specific industry needs and accommodate changing requirements. Cloud Integration: Data loggers are integrating with cloud platforms, enabling remote data storage, access, and analysis, enhancing data accessibility and collaboration.

Data loggers are integrating with cloud platforms, enabling remote data storage, access, and analysis, enhancing data accessibility and collaboration. AI and Machine Learning Integration: Data loggers are incorporating AI and machine learning capabilities for predictive analytics and anomaly detection, allowing real-time issue identification.

Data loggers are incorporating AI and machine learning capabilities for predictive analytics and anomaly detection, allowing real-time issue identification. Battery Efficiency: Improvements in battery technology are extending the operational life of battery-powered data loggers, reducing maintenance requirements.

Segmental Insights:

Type: Stand-alone data loggers dominate the market due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, diverse applications, portability, autonomy, and ease of maintenance. These loggers find use across various industries.

Stand-alone data loggers dominate the market due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, diverse applications, portability, autonomy, and ease of maintenance. These loggers find use across various industries. Measurement: Temperature measurement is a key driver of the data logger market, particularly in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, logistics, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes. Temperature monitoring is critical for product quality, food safety, environmental research, energy efficiency, and process control.

Challenges in the Market:

Data Security and Privacy Concerns: As data collection and storage grow, there are increasing concerns about data security, privacy, and the risk of data breaches.

As data collection and storage grow, there are increasing concerns about data security, privacy, and the risk of data breaches. Compatibility and Integration Issues: Ensuring seamless compatibility and integration with existing systems and technologies can be challenging and may lead to data discrepancies and operational disruptions.

Ensuring seamless compatibility and integration with existing systems and technologies can be challenging and may lead to data discrepancies and operational disruptions. Data Quality and Accuracy: Maintaining data quality and accuracy, including addressing sensor drift, calibration issues, and environmental factors, is crucial for decision-making.

Maintaining data quality and accuracy, including addressing sensor drift, calibration issues, and environmental factors, is crucial for decision-making. Scalability and Customization Challenges: Meeting unique industry needs and accommodating changing requirements through scalable and customizable solutions can be demanding.

Meeting unique industry needs and accommodating changing requirements through scalable and customizable solutions can be demanding. Power Management and Energy Efficiency: Managing power consumption and ensuring energy efficiency, especially in remote or harsh environments, presents significant challenges.

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Data Logger Market.

National Instruments Corporation

Omega Engineering Inc.

Keysight Technologies

Advantech Co., Ltd.

Campbell Scientific Inc.

Elpro-Buchs AG

Hioki E.E. Corporation

Testo SE & Co. KGaA

Onset HOBO

Fluke Corporation

Report Scope:

Data Logger Market, By Type:

Automated Systems/Modules

Stand-Alone Data Loggers

Data Logger Market, By Measurement:

Multi- Sensor

Humidity

Power

Temperature

Pressure

Data Logger Market, By Deployment:

USB Data

Bluetooth Enabled Loggers

Web-based Systems

Wireless

Data Logger Market, By Channel:

CAN & CAN FB

Ethernet

FlexRay

LIN

Data Logger Market, By End User:

Oil and Gas

Power

Transportation

Environment

Others

Data Logger Market, By Region:

North America

United States

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

United Kingdom

Italy

Spain

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Colombia

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Australia

Middle East & Africa

& Saudi Arabia

UAE

South Africa

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7gaicb

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Nationwide Footprint of Nashville Lender's Healthcare Group Continues to Expand

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently INSBANK's Board of Directors Promoted Blake Wilson to President of Medquity, which is the bank's division focused on healthcare services. Wilson has been a driving force for the Nashville lender's healthcare-focused businesses, having first led the bank's TMA Medical Banking division since 2013. TMA Medical Banking serves the constituency of members of the Tennessee Medical Association, thru a marketing agreement with the TMA.

Medquity, A Division of INSBANK

"Under Blake's leadership our healthcare expertise flourished and availed the bank the opportunity to develop a nationwide brand," said Jim Rieniets, President & CEO of INSBANK. "In addition to building a great team and scaling our business across the country, he has become a leader in the healthcare finance sector and certainly deserves the recognition afforded by this promotion," Rieniets continued.

Medquity serves as a nationwide lending, deposit, and treasury resource for the healthcare industry. Banking solutions range from consumer to the middle market and are focused on healthcare businesses, practices, and providers. The Medquity team is ingrained in the healthcare community to better understand its challenges and opportunities, develop niche solutions, and serve customers that are committed to improving healthcare delivery, including patient care and access.

"I'm proud of what our healthcare team has accomplished - now serving clients in almost 30 states, growing a 16-physician advisory board, developing our fintech platform, and more - but am most excited about the opportunity ahead," said Blake Wilson. "We are further investing in our commitment to be a banking resource for healthcare's operators, providers, and sponsors as they navigate the industry's evolution and growth in the years ahead."

INSBANK's well-diversified healthcare lending portfolio has steadily grown in recent years, and has become the bank's most significant niche. "While the healthcare industry is complex and lending into it requires appropriate expertise, it is of strategic importance to us given its low correlation to general economic trends, as well as our location in Nashville, which is our nation's epicenter of healthcare services," Rieniets continued.

About INSBANK

Since 2000, INSBANK has offered its clients highly personalized service provided by experienced relationship managers, while positioning itself as an innovator, utilizing technologies to deliver those services efficiently and conveniently. In addition to its commercial focused operation, INSBANK operates three divisions, Medquity, TMA Medical Banking and Finworth. Medquity offers healthcare banking solutions to physicians, partnerships, and practices nationwide, while TMA Medical Banking provides banking services specifically to members of the Tennessee Medical Association. Finworth offers nationally available virtual private client services for interest bearing deposits. INSBANK is owned by InsCorp, Inc., a Tennessee bank holding company. The bank is headquartered in Nashville at 2106 Crestmoor Road, and has an office in Brentwood at 5614 Franklin Pike Circle. For more information, please visit www.insbank.com

SOURCE INSBANK
TIM REYNOLDS, Lead Guitarist of the DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, and his electric power trio TR3, known for their fusion of Funk, Rock, and Jazz, will release their new album 'Watch It' at Jimmy's. Tickets for Tim Reynolds & TR3 at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, NH on Thursday January 18 at 7:30 P.M., as well as the current list of 2024 shows, can be found on Ticketmaster.com and Jimmy's Online Event Calendar at: http://www.jimmysoncongress.com/events.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Dec. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club Features 2x-GRAMMY Award Nominated Guitarist & Sonic Innovator TIM REYNOLDS & TR3 on Thursday January 18 at 7:30 P.M. for the release of their new album Watch It. Tim Reynolds, Lead Guitarist of the Dave Matthews Band, is best known for his seemingly effortless guitar virtuosity, his masterful command of melody and timing, and for his uncanny ability to improvise on any instrument he touches.

"Tim Reynolds has been leaving audiences spellbound...and melting faces with his electric trio, TR3..." Post this 2x-GRAMMY Nominated Guitarist TIM REYNOLDS & TR3 perform at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club on Thursday January 18 at 7:30 P.M. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com and www.JimmysOnCongress.com.

"Tim Reynolds has been leaving audiences spellbound as a solo acoustic artist and melting faces with his electric trio, TR3, when he's not with Dave Matthews Band"

 PREMIER GUITAR

"Reynolds, who now tours with both Matthews as an acoustic duo and with the full band, is also no slouch as a solo artist on his own. He's released several standout acoustic records and full-band records with his trio, TR3. He's a prolific artist..."

 AMERICAN SONGWRITER

"An under-rated master"

 ALLMUSIC (on Tim Reynolds)

Having explored almost every musical style, from Rock, Jazz, and Blues to Classical and Reggae, Tim Reynold's wide-ranging talent is evident each time he picks up his acoustic or electric guitar. Technically brilliant, yet emotionally honest, Reynolds' music is inspired, authentic, and unparalleled!

During the mid-1980s, Reynolds founded his breakthrough electric power trio, TR3, known for their fusion of Funk, Rock, and Jazz. He toured extensively with TR3, using a rotating cast of musicians during the 1980s and 1990s. It was also at this time that he met and befriended Dave Matthews and their ongoing musical collaboration began. However, Tim always stayed true to his first love  the acoustic guitar.

Reynolds spent the 1990s and 2000s as a road warrior  an acoustic guitar wizard playing to sold-out crowds who quickly determined that Reynolds was one of the most talented and thoughtful musicians on the circuit. From the widely acclaimed album Stream to his most recent solo masterpiece, That Way (2017), Tim's acoustic prowess and his genius for improvisation continue to burn hot.

In 2007, after a chance meeting with two talented musicians, Bassist MICK VAUGHN and Drummer DAN MARTIER, a few rehearsals later, and several stealth appearances throughout North Carolina, Tim resurrected the electric TR3 to widespread delight. TR3 continues to tour and release critically acclaimed live and studio albums, including their most recent opus, The Sea Versus the Mountain (2019).

TIM REYNOLDS (TR3) Tickets & Current Schedule of Shows

Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club's 2023 Schedule of Shows includes 10 NEA Jazz Masters, 51 GRAMMY Award-Winning Artists, 48 Blues Music Award-Winners, and a comprehensive list of talented musicians with 450+ GRAMMY Award Nominations amongst them. Tickets for TIM REYNOLDS & TR3 at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club on Thursday January 18 at 7:30 P.M., as well as the current list of 2024 shows, can be found on Ticketmaster and Jimmy's Online Event Calendar at: http://www.jimmysoncongress.com/events.

ABOUT JIMMY'S JAZZ & BLUES CLUB

The mission of Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club is to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience featuring serious jazz and blues music served with exceptional cuisine. Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club features a spectacular and visually breathtaking environment engineered to deliver the highest quality acoustics while utilizing state-of-the-art production, sound and lighting technologies. Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club is located within a beautifully restored 1905 building at 135 Congress Street in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For more information visit www.JimmysOnCongress.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JimmysJazzBlues and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jimmysjazzblues/. Sign-up for Jimmy's Email Newsletter to stay informed on Upcoming Shows, New Artist Announcements, Promotional Offers, Ticket On-Sale Dates, Special Performances, and Jimmy's Sunday Jazz Brunch. In June 2023, Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club was given the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its' outstanding Wine List.

PRIVATE EVENTS AT JIMMY'S

An architecturally breathtaking center of arts and culture in the heart of historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club offers a rare and spectacular venue to host important corporate functions, weddings, intimate or large-scale social gatherings, private parties, and memorable celebrations. The team at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club put heart and soul into creating a stunning full-service event space with new state-of-the-art production, sound and lighting technologies delivered with outstanding next-level culinary experiences. Our high-touch approach, provided by professional and experienced event staff, ensures that everything is tailored to exceed your expectations. To start a conversation about hosting your event at Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club, please call us at 888-603-5299, or fill out Jimmy's Private Event Request Form.

JOIN THE TEAM AT THE LABRIE GROUP FAMILY OF RESTAURANTS

Motivated by a commitment to culinary and hospitality excellence, founders Michael and Peter Labrie and their leadership team understand it is essential to seek out talented team members for each of The Labrie Group family of restaurants  Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club, The Atlantic Grill, The River House, and Rio Tequila Cantina  all in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Career opportunities and current job openings can be found at www.TheLabrieGroup.com.

Website:

http://www.jimmysoncongress.com

Contact:

Suzanne Bresette

[email protected]

888-603-JAZZ

SOURCE Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 26, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between March 10, 2021 and February 15, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Roblox investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-rblx/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Roblox and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Roblox platform had insufficient content controls and lacked user spending restrictions; (ii) these inadequate controls enabled younger users to play games with inappropriate content and make excessive, unauthorized purchases; (iii) a material portion of the Company's bookings and revenue growth was due to these excessive, unauthorized purchases; (iv) the Company's planned rollout of enhanced parental controls would negatively impact Q4 2021 and 2022 bookings; and (v) based on the foregoing, the Company's bookings and revenue growth were unsustainable throughout the Class Period.

The case is DeKalb County Pension Fund v. Roblox Corporation, et al., 23-cv-10347.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
We need more humans. Thats the message from two of the worlds richest billionaires, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

While the two compete in the space businessBezos owns Blue Origin while Musk has SpaceXthey agree on certain aspects of humanitys future.

I think in a lot of these endeavors we're very like-minded, Bezos said on an episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast released this week. He added, I don't really know Elon very well, but he said that he liked the idea of forming a friendship with him.

Asked what he hoped for humanitys future in outer space hundreds or thousands of years from now, he replied:

I would love to see, you know, a trillion humans living in the solar system. If we had a trillion humans, we would have at any given time a thousand Mozarts and a thousand EinsteinsOur solar system would be full of life and intelligence and energy.

What companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX are doing, he said, is creating the space infrastructure upon which future generations can build greater things.

When I started Amazon, I didn't have to develop a payment system. It already existed. It was called the credit card, he said. I didn't have to develop a transportation system to deliver the packages. It already existed. It was called the postal service and Royal Mail and Deutsche Post. And so all this heavy lifting infrastructure was already in place. And I could stand on its shoulders.

He said that he wanted to use his Amazon winnings to build heavy infrastructure that will be used by the space entrepreneurs of future generations.

When you can have a really valuable space company started in a dorm room, then we know that we've built enough infrastructure so that ingenuity and imagination can really be unleashed, he said. I find that very exciting.

He envisions people living in giant space stations, which have a lot of advantages over planetary surfaces, including the ability to spin them to create normal gravity. He said most people would want to live near Earth and go there for vacation, the same way you might go to Yellowstone National Park.

Story continues

He sees the Earths environment being preserved by heavy manufacturing moving into space, taking advantage of resources on the moon and the asteroid belt.

As for Musk, hes long stressed the need for humanity to become a multi-planet species, and he envisions SpaceXs Starship rockets transporting people between Earth and Mars, where a permanent human presence will be established.

We dont want to be one of those single planet species, we want to be a multi-planet species, he said in 2021 after SpaceX sent astronauts into orbit on a reused rocket.

Hes also warned about an underpopulation crisis here on Earth. In the summer of 2022, he said the declining birth rates seen in many nations presented the biggest danger civilization faces by far.

A few years earlier he had warned, The biggest problem the world will face in 20 years is population collapse.

This weekend, he sounded similar warnings while attending a political festival in Italy staged by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Its important to have children and create the new generation, he told attendees. As simple as it sounds, if people do not have children there is no new generation.

Earlier this year, after China released figures showing a plummeting birth rate, Musk tweeted: "Population collapse due to low birth rates is a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming...mark these words.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Smithfield worked with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, and their networks of local partner agencies, to invite individuals and families at risk of food insecurity to pick up a free holiday meal.

Kroger joined Smithfield in the "Hams for the Holidays" food distribution, providing 1,000 grocery bags with holiday sides to compliment the 1,000 spiral sliced hams Smithfield distributed at the event.

"I grew up in Smithfield and have lived in this area nearly all my life, and I've seen the positive impacts Smithfield Foods has made in this community in the 30-plus years of my career here," said Keller Watts, chief business officer for Smithfield Foods. "We're grateful to have the opportunity to share with our neighbors in need to assure they have a delicious Smithfield Spiral Sliced Ham for their holiday meal. We especially appreciate our friends at Kroger for providing the side dishes to round out the holiday dinner plate."

"Kroger is pleased to support the efforts of our local food bank partners, who do so much to fight hunger in the community," said James Menees, corporate affairs manager for Kroger. "Thanks to Smithfield, together we'll provide holiday meals this season for families all across Hampton Roads."

"Smithfield Foods continues to be a cherished partner of ours through their dedication to supporting our neighbors who are in need of healthy meals and hope," said Karen Joyner, chief executive officer of Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. "Their collaboration with Kroger on the Hams for the Holiday event during a challenging holiday season for numerous families visibly illuminates their philanthropic priorities of strengthening local communities and fighting hunger. We are tremendously grateful for their investment and support."

"This event exemplifies the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines the holiday season and Smithfield Foods' commitment to their hometown community," said Christopher Tan, president and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. "Hams for the Holidays not only provides nourishment to our neighbors in need during this festive time but also symbolizes the partnership between our local food banks, Smithfield, and Kroger, reinforcing the vital role collaborative efforts play in creating a hunger-free community."

Since 2008, Smithfield's signature hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes, has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein all 50 U.S. states, as well as in Poland, Romania and Mexico. In 2022, Smithfield donated nearly 25 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs across the U.S. To reflect its continued commitment to fighting food insecurity, Smithfield has pledged to donate 200 million servings of protein by 2025.

For more information about Smithfield's programs to support local communities, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/helping-communities.

About Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a U.S. food company that employs nearly 60,000 people in seven countries and partners with thousands of American farmers. As one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly." to feed a growing world population. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30% across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs in all 50 U.S. states. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich, Gwaltney and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads.

About The Kroger Co.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025.

About the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank

Established in 1986, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has been the leading hunger relief organization across the greater Peninsula serving the 1 in 8 Virginians who experience the daily hardships of food and nutrition insecurity. Food banks provide healthy food to individuals, children, families, seniors and veterans who otherwise might go without. The mission of Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is to distribute food effectively through collaborative efforts that minimize hunger, promote nutrition and encourage self-reliance through education. Our vision is to inspire hope by leading the effort for a hunger-free and properly nourished community.

About the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore

For more than 40 years, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided more than 360 million meals to those in our community who face hunger. Through our programs, facilities, and large network of community partners, we work to eliminate hunger daily. Our understanding of the need for a long-term solution has led to the creation of a refreshed strategic plan aimed at moving Hampton Roads closer to achieving the mission of eliminating hunger for those we servenot only for the day, or for the week, but for a lifetime. For up-to-date information on the Foodbank, visit www.foodbankonline.org, Facebook, or Twitter .

SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc.
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
New Delhi, Dec 15 : After the BJP targeted the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi over homeless people dying in the national capital allegedly due to cold in the winter season, Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Friday that BJP MLAs are misleading people in the Assembly by spreading lies over alleged government inaction.

He said the lies spread by the BJP MLAs can lead to a case of contempt and breach of privileges of the Assembly.

Bharadwaj said that all Delhi residents are well aware that there wasn't extreme cold in November to cause someone's death.

"It's clear from the Delhi Police's Zipnet website that not only in winters, but throughout the year, Delhi Police reports approximately 300-350 deaths per month in the national capital due to various reasons, such as murder, road accidents and other crimes," Bharadwaj said.

He said that according to the Zipnet website, in June 2023, 270 unidentified bodies were recovered, 370 in July, 382 in August, 313 in September, 316 in October, 319 in November, and from December 1 to December 15, 108 dead bodies have been recovered.

"This clarifies that in Delhi, throughout the year, approximately 300-350 bodies are recovered every month with different causes of death," he said.

The minister said that BJP MLAs in the Delhi Assembly committed a shameful act to defame the Arvind Kejriwal government by displaying a frivolous list taken from the Delhi Police website.

Bharadwaj clarified that the list is related to deaths from the previous month, containing information and pictures of all those who recently died in Delhi due to varied reasons.

He explained that this is a regular procedure conducted by the Delhi Police -- preparing a list with pictures of the deceased individuals on a monthly basis -- which they upload on their website.

Bharadwaj said that spreading lies against the Delhi government is a disgraceful act which is driven solely by dirty politics.

"From the images shown by the BJP MLAs in the Assembly, it is evident that the deceased individuals had suffered serious injuries, indicating that these individuals died either in a road accident or were victims of crime. BJP's motive behind this act is only to mislead the people of Delhi and defame the Kejriwal government," he said.

The AAP leader also said that the dates mentioned in these deaths indicate that they occurred in the month of November.

Bharadwaj also questioned the BJP government at the Centre, saying that in the last one year, the Central government's Archaeological Department demolished slum settlements near the Tughlakabad Fort, rendering thousands homeless.

"Similarly, the Central government demolished slum settlements near Mehrauli, rendering thousands homeless," he said.

The minister said that "we had explained that these poor people's children study in nearby schools, their daughters go to nearby colleges, these people work in nearby areas, and their women work in households".

"If their homes are demolished, their lives will be ruined. However, the BJP government seated at the Centre and its agencies forcibly snatched these settlements from thousands of people solely due to their stubbornness," he said.

He said that in the past few years, the BJP government and its agencies like DDA, Railways, Archaeological Department, and NDMC have been continuously demolishing homes of people living in Delhi's poor settlements.
New Delhi, Dec 15 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that signing of a peace deal with the ULFA's pro-negotiations group, is in the final stage which is expected to be finalised this month or in January.

He also issued an invitation for talks to the banned outfit's hardline faction led by Paresh Baruah.

Sarma held meetings in the national capital with Directors of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Tapan Deka, and National Investigation Agency, (NIA) Dinkar Gupta about issues pertaining to security.

The Chief Minister held discussions with Gupta on Rohingya infiltration, regarding which Assam has filed a case and the agency had conducted searches in as many as 44 locations throughout the Northeast.

He told reporters later that final touches are being given to the peace agreement with the pro-talks ULFA faction led by Aranbinda Rajkhowa, which is expected to be signed this month or in January.

He claimed that in addition to land rights, political, economic, and cultural safeguards would be included in the peace deal with the pro-talks ULFA organisation. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reached out to the Baruah-led side, offering an olive branch, saying that ULFA-I should reach a permanent peaceful settlement in the larger interest of the state and its citizens, as violence will inhibit growth and development in Assam.

"Violence is pointless and will slow down the pace of progress. At a time when Assam is experiencing growth and investments are flooding the region, it will poison the atmosphere," Sarma said.

The Chief Minister also met AK Mishra, a former IB special director who is currently an advisor to the government on Northeast affairs.
Patna, Dec 16 : Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Friday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should make a statement in the House over the recent Parliament security breach.

"The Union Home Minister should make a statement in the House about how such a serious security lapse happened on December 13 during the winter session of the Parliament. Parliament is considered as the most secure place in the country and attacks like this still happened there," Yadav said.

"The elected representatives of different parties are expecting a statement from the Union Home Minister in the House. He (Shah) should clarify how such a security lapse happened in the parliament. The security agencies should be on alert to prevent such an incident in future," the RJD leader added.

Talking to reporters here about the two-day investors' meet in the state, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it was a "historic" event which will bring investments to the tune of Rs 50,000 crore in various sectors.

"I want to congratulate Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for organizing such a successful event. If industries will be installed in the state, the people of Bihar need not go to any other state for jobs. They will get gobs here and also a lot of money will come into the circulation of Bihar," Yadav said.
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Image source: Getty Images

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New Delhi, Dec 16 : The Delhi Police's Crime Branch on Friday arrested the criminal, who fired about 45 rounds at the office of a property dealer in Delhi and demanded for a Rs 2 crore ransom on behalf of Himanshu aka Bahu of the Naveen Bali-Cheeta Baland gang.

New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) The Delhi Policeas Crime Branch on Friday arrested the criminal, who fired about 45 rounds at the office of a property dealer in Delhi and demanded for a Rs 2 crore ransom on behalf of Himanshu aka Bahu of the Naveen Bali-Cheeta Baland gang.

According to the Crime Branch officials, Subhash was arrested from MDU University area in Haryanaas Rohtak after a trap was laid there on the basis of information about his presence.

During sustained interrogation, Subhash disclosed that he, along with his other associates, fired on the owner of Om Properties near Dwarka Mor here.

Police also said that Subhash also disclosed that he had parked a scooty along with illegal weapon in bushes near Dhulsiras-Chhawla jungle road.

The sharpshooter had, on December 13, opened fire upon the property dealer, who was sitting in his office. After firing more than 10 rounds, the accused handed over a slip on which extortion demand of Rs 2 crore was mentioned.

Police also said that around 35 cartridges hit the walls, ceiling, and glass door of the office and around 10 live cartridges were also found there.

During the course of interrogation, Subhash disclosed that he entered the world of crime in 2011. He was involved in many cases of violence in his village, later robbed a car in Haryana's Meham, and in 2016, murdered Surender, a resident of Panipat, over some personal issues. Arrested and sent to jail, he, in 2017, met Himanshu in Rohtak jail and then, came in contact of his other associates.

"While he was in jail, some persons of his village misbehaved with his family members and he wanted to take revenge on them. After coming out of jail in February this year, as per direction of associates of Himanshu, he downloaded an application on his mobile phone and received a call of Himanshu on the app. Himanshu also directed him to meet his other gang members to execute the assigned task. Then, on the direction of Himanshu, he, along with other associates, opened fire at the office of Om Property," a Crime Branch official said.

The police said that Subhash was found involved in five cases in Haryana and with his arrest, two cases of Delhi have been solved.
Patna, Dec 16 : An under trial prisoner, gunned down by two assailants inside court premises in Bihar's Danapur on Friday, was a notorious criminal involved in murder, contract killing, loot, dacoity and other crimes and wanted to become like former 'Bahubali' MLA Anant Singh, officials said.

This is the reason why the deceased, identified as Abhishek Kumar, himself adopted the name "Chote Sarakar", as Anant Singh was also known by the name.

Abhishek Kumar was infamous in Bihta, Bikram, Pali and adjoining regions of Patna district and wanted to build a gang in the region.

Police said that Abhishek and his brother Rahul Kumar were in jail for taking 'supari' (contract) to kill a girl last year. Interestingly, the supari was given by a former MLA to kill his own daughter.

He was being produced in the court in this case when he was shot dead.

"The two attackers came from Muzaffarpur and were waiting for Abhishek to arrive at the Danapur court premises. As soon as he reached there, one of them attacked him with a weapon but the security personnel managed to overpower him. However, the other accused, who was some distance away from the spot, took advantage of the chaos and shot him," Patna's SSP Rajiv Mishra said.

"The security personnel managed to nab the other accused too but till that time, Abhishek had lost his life. One of the attackers also sustained a gunshot injury in his leg and was admitted in hospital for treatment," he added.

The SSP said that the accused were being questioned to find out the motive of the murder.
Man arrested on charges of killing parents, four others in Texas. Image Source: IANS News

Rome, Dec 16 : Forty-one people have been arrested in Italy in a nationwide police operation targeting juvenile criminal gangs, local authorities said.

A further 74 people were reported to the police investigators on Friday.

Four of those held and 24 of those reported were minors, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Interior Ministry.

Coordinated by the tactical unit of the country's national police forces and carried out by 500-odd police officers, the operation involved raids in 14 provinces, where "criminal incidents ascribable to juvenile groups -- or so-called baby gangs -- have recently occurred," the ministry said in a statement.

Twelve kilograms of drugs, some 10,000 euros ($10,900), along with various weapons (handguns, knives and knuckle-dusters) were also seized in the operation.

The people arrested and those under investigation have been variously charged with violence, drug trafficking, robbery and street bullying.

In September, Italy's government cracked down on so-called baby gangs -- a phenomenon Italian society perceives as being on the rise -- tightening jail terms for minor offenders, and making it easier for the police to arrest minors found in possession of weapons.

Among other measures, the cabinet's decree introduced new rules under which parents of Italian children who drop out of school could also face jail sentences.
Kiev, Dec 16 : At least 26 people were injured when a local deputy detonated several grenades in a village council building in Ukraine's western Zakarpattia region, the National Police said.

The incident occurred at about 11:37 a.m. local time on Friday in the village of Keretsky during the council meeting, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a Telegram post by the police.

Six of the injured have been hospitalized in severe condition.

According to the TSN.ua media outlet, the conflict between the attacker and the head of the Keretsky territorial community was behind the attack.

Ukrainian authorities are investigating the incident on charges of terrorism and illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives.
New Delhi, Dec 16 : As a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 by the Centre, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul recommended setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to look into human rights violations by state and non-state actors in J&K.

Why the commission is important for the people of J&K, especially Kashmir, has also been expressed by Justice Kaul in his 'epilogue' to the judgement.

"We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, are at the heart of the debate," Justice Kaul said, which, perhaps, articulates justifiably what the people of J&K have been trying to say for decades.

Since the late 1980s when terrorist violence took root in Kashmir, thousands have died. Lakhs of people were forced to abandon their homes. There are no concrete numbers of deaths, but almost each and every family in the valley has a sad tale to narrate.

Someone fell to terrorists' bullets, some died in cross-firing, some were tortured to death, some were left maimed, many women were raped and gang-raped, thousands were abused, houses looted and burnt, many left homeless, families torn apart and hundreds are still missing. Neighbours became suspects and friends the mole for the terrorists. The valley has a lakh of heart-wrenching tales.

Religion was used to justify violence and thousands of youths were made paid stone pelters. Hundreds of school buildings were burnt, temples desecrated, government buildings targeted, and the place was turned into a total war zone. The Pakistan-backed separatist leaders would set up protest calendars which had to be followed on the threat of guns. They were running almost a de facto government even when the official reins were in the hands of either the Abdullah family or the Muftis. Separatist leaders were arevereda and terrorists could enter and live in any house and do whatever. No one complained.

But all this changed with the abrogation of Article 370 and the strong action against the separatist leaders and the Pakistan-sponsored terror network.

With the hauling up of the separatist leaders like Yasin Malik, their sinister designs have been exposed. These leaders swindled money, built palatial homes and other properties in J&K, other cities and even countries. Their children were the best educated and got good jobs while common youths were goaded to take up guns, pelt stones for a cause that was fetching them money and power.

The crackdown by the NIA, ED and other agencies, and banning of outfits like the Jamaat-e-Islami have helped in establishing peace in the valley. People are no longer falling for their diktats, and Kashmiris now know how they have been misled by these leaders on the pretext of religion and so-called 'azadi'.

No longer are protest calendars made, no longer do the youth indulge in stone pelting and no longer are the terrorists able to create mass hysteria.

The decades of violence and false narrative perpetrated and pursued by the Pakistan-sponsored separatist-terrorist network dealt a major blow to the social fabric. It ripped apart communities who had been coexisting peacefully earlier, created distrust, led to anger and more violence and finally pushed a big number of youths into drug addiction.

Stressing on the need to come out of the decades-old ordeal. Justice Kaul said, "In order to move forward, the wounds need healing. What is at stake is not simply preventing the recurrence of injustice, but the burden of restoring the regionas social fabric to what it has historically been based on - coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect."

For healing the wounds which have been there for the last three decades, Justice Kaul recommended the setting up of an impartial Truth and Reconciliation Commission which will investigate and report on the violations of human rights both by the state and non-state actors perpetrated in Jammu and Kashmir at least since the 1980s and recommend measures for reconciliation.

Justice Kaul suggested a commission like South Africaas Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was set up to investigate human rights violations perpetrated during the apartheid regime. It served as a means of reckoning or catharsis for the victims and fostered peace-building.

In the past, calls for setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission have been echoed by different sections in Kashmir. In March 2011, Omar Abdullah as the Chief Minister, had suggested setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to probe the deaths and destruction in militancy-related violence in Jammu and Kashmir. He made a similar demand in 2015 for addressing the issues related to both the Kashmiri Pandits and the Muslim communities. But beyond the statements, nothing happened.

Various Kashmiri Pandits have also been demanding the setting up of Commissions, but so far no government has paid any heed.

Now with the Supreme Court putting forth the suggestion, the Centre needs to consider it.

Even though the SC recommendation has come three decades late, it is better late than never. Justice Kaul also said that this Commission should be set up expediently before memory escapes.

(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
London, Dec 16 : A cross-party group of British MPs have expressed concerns over the appointment of Indian-origin TV executive Samir Shah as the next BBC chair, according to a media report.

The 71-year-old will be in charge of upholding and protecting the BBC's independence and ensuring the broadcaster fulfils its mission to inform, educate and entertain.

Ahead of his formal appointment, Shah appeared in front of a House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select committee on Wednesday, the BBC News reported.

While the committee agreed that Shah was "appointable as chair", they questioned whether he had the necessary "strength and character" to challenge BBC executives.

"We were disappointed that Dr Shah was not willing to express a view on fundamental principles, such as board level interference in the BBC and other bodies and on political impartiality," the MPs report said.

The report added that Shah "did not sufficiently demonstrate the strength and character that is needed to challenge the executive leadership of the BBC".

The MPs said they had "serious reservations" about his willingness to offer his opinions and insight on some of the most fundamental issues facing the corporation.

At the committee hearing, Shah was asked about his opinion of allegations that a BBC board member had attempted to interfere in editorial matters. Although the BBC is politically independent, its Chairperson is appointed by the government.

The House of Commons Committee is allowed to question candidate for the top BBC post, and it operates separately from the government.

Shah will succeed Richard Sharp if the government goes ahead with his appointment.

Sharp resigned earlier this year after breaking rules over dealings with then Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of his appointment.

Shah has worked in TV for more than 40 years, starting at London Weekend Television in 1979, BBC reported.

Since then, he has held positions as the BBC's head of television current affairs, and later went on to head the corporation's political journalism across radio and television. In 2007, he was appointed as a non-executive director on the BBC Board.

Shah is currently chief executive of Juniper, an independent production company, which supplies programmes to the BBC, as well as other organisations including Channel 4, Netflix and National Geographic.

--IANS

mi/ksk
New Delhi, Dec 16 : Congress on Saturday lashed out at the BJP and Home Minister Amit Shah over Parliament security breach and accused it of politicising the issue.

Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said, "BJP and Home Minister HM, PM politicising the issue, not the Opposition.

He made the remarks at a Press conference when asked about the Parliament security breach issue and government accusing the opposition of doing politics.

Venugopal also said that Delhi Police has told the court it is a "terror attack".

He further said that Delhi Police falls under the Home Ministry.

"You told us that this is the most secure building in the world and huge money was spent on the building, despite that security lapse took place," he said.

He also slammed the government for suspensing 14 MPs for remainder of Winter Session and said, "You have suspended 14 MPs. Why? The person who provided them pass is a BJP MP (Pratap Simha)."

He also said that the role of presiding officer has become of suspending the membership.

To another question that Delhi Police wanting to record Pratap Simhaas statement, Venugopal said, "They will be recommending Bharat Ratna for such people."
Bengaluru, Dec 16 : The Special Wing of the Central City Crime Branch (CCB) here has arrested four individuals, including a married couple, on charges of honey trapping an industrialist.

The investigation revealed that the husband had portrayed his wife as a widow and sent her with an industrialist to trap him and extort money.

The arrested individuals are identified as Khaleem, Sabha, Obed Rakeem, and Ateeq. Khaleem and Sabha, a married couple, attempted to trap Atiullah, an industrialist.

Khaleem introduced his wife Sabha as a widow to Ateeulla and asked him to take care of her.

Soon, Atiullah and Sabha developed physical intimacy.

She asked the victim to accompany her with an Aadhar card to book a hotel room in RR Nagar locality. When Atiullah entered the hotel room, the accused barged in and demanded Rs 6 lakh from him to keep his affair secret from his family.

The CCB police received information while the accused were creating a scene and raided the hotel.

The sleuths caught the accused red-handed and took them into custody.

Police suspect that the accused may be involved in a series of honey trapping and extortion cases.

The FIR is being filed at RR Nagar police station, and further investigation is underway.
New Delhi, Dec16 : In its upcoming 'Beyond Bold' Contemporary Art Auction, AstaGuru is set to present a diverse collection of artworks by renowned contemporary artists such as Subodh Gupta, Nalini Malani, Jitish Kallat, Nataraj Sharma, Valay Shende, Suryakant Lokhande, Ranbir Singh Kaleka, Raqib Shaw, Ravinder Reddy, Surendran Nair, Bose Krishnamachari, N.S. Harsha, Jagannath Panda, T.V. Santhosh, Sudhir Patwardhan, and others. The meticulously curated catalogue features over 100 pieces across various mediums, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media art, providing a comprehensive snapshot of current art trends and offering insights into the future of contemporary art. The auction is slated to take place on December 16-17, 2023.

Talking about the upcoming auction, Simone Mody, Curatorial Specialist, AstaGuru Auction House says: aWe take great pleasure in presenting this extraordinary collection of works by prominent artists who are redefining the narrative of Indian art in the modern era. Rooted in their unique histories and cultural backgrounds, these experiential creations embody a distinctive fusion of personal and universal elements. They reflect the abundant diversity of contemporary Indian art, not only in terms of subject matter but also through a wide spectrum of styles and techniques. Moreover, these artists' unconventional use of materials introduces an innovative aesthetic dimension to the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art in India. These experimental practices have consistently piqued the interest of collectors seeking to diversify their art collections. We eagerly anticipate lively bidding on the day of the auction."

Leading the auction highlight is lot no. 58, a vibrant creation by internationally renowned artist Subodh Gupta. Titled aPink,a the presented lot is a work from 2008 executed with scores of steel tongs. While at first glance, the installationas attractive colour and form may resemble a cheerleaderas pompom or party decoration but is actually made of thousands of pincers or chimtas used in oneas kitchen. Staying true to his philosophy of transforming everyday objects into works of art, in this large-scale installation he astonishes the viewer by completely altering the preconceived attributes of the base object. It is estimated to be acquired at INR 60,00,000 a" 80,00,000.

A work from Nataraj Sharmaas Swimmer Manual series, lot no.44, is estimated to sell at INR 30,00,000 a" 40,00,000. Standing at the intersection of the modern era, his art practice is influenced by a multiplicity of experiences and, in essence, offers incisive commentary about the complex relationship between humans, landscapes, and urbanisation.

Adoring the auction catalogue is a work titled aAngeloas Sanctuary,a by artist Ranbir Singh Kaleka, who is well known for his complex compositions often depicting human figures and animals, rendered in a style that is both dream-like and surreal. Executed in the medium of oil on linen, is expected to sell at INR 5,00,000 a" 7,00,000.

Lot no. 79 is a creation by artist Vibha Galhotra, who focuses on the context of displacement, nostalgia, identity, existence, construction or deconstruction, the banal cultural condition, around the environment of negotiations in the new constantly changing urban atmosphere. Executed with nickel-coated ghunghroos and fabric, the beautiful work is expected to sell at INR 20,00,000 a" 30,00,000.

The auction also presents a range of works by other women contemporary artists, including Nalini Malani, Rekha Rodwittiya, Mithu Sen, Shilpa Gupta, Schandra Singh, Meetali Singh, Nidhi Agarwal, Vasundhara Tewari Broota, Kalpana Shah, Zimbri, Yashika Sugnadh, Jayashree Chakravarty.

Two important creations by artist Surendran Nair are also among the significant offerings in the auction. Often revolving around distinct protagonists, his vibrant and visually charged canvases are rich with metaphors. Lot no. 1, executed with oil on canvas in 2005 is a part of his Cuckoonebulopolis series. It is estimated to sell at INR 20,00,000 a" 30,00,000. Lot no. 90 showcases Nairas unique synthesis of classical and contemporary through a blend of modern imagery with iconography from Indian and Greek art and mythology. Executed with oil on canvas in 2002, this work is expected to be acquired at INR 20,00,000 - 30,00,000.

Lot no. 6 is a beautiful signature-style creation by artist Raqib Shaw. Executed with oil, acrylic, glitter, enamel and rhinestones on birchwood, the work is a brilliant example of Shawas multifarious influences, ranging from mythology and religion to poetry, literature, art history, textiles and decorative arts from both Eastern and Western traditions. It is estimated to sell at INR 20,00,000 - 25,00,000.

The auction will present several creations by artist Suryakant Lokhande. Lot no. 16 is a captivating rendition of Lord Krishna playing the flute by artist Suryakant Lokhande. Executed in his distinctive style and preferred medium of high gloss oil on canvas, the large-scale painting reaching five feet, exudes an aura of vivacity and draws the viewers to Krishnaas musical enchantment. This work is estimated to sell at INR 10,00,000 - 15,00,000. A sculpture by the artist, lot no 51, is also expected to fetch a similar sale price.

Lot no. 74 is an untitled sculpture by artist L N Tallur and is expected to be acquired at INR 15,00,000 a" 20,00,000. An international contemporary artist of Indian origin, L N Tallur execute works inspired by various themes ranging from the rural influences he had while growing up and those that he was exposed to and acquired while traversing across the globe.

Two important sculptures by famous artist Valay Shende are also being showcased. Taking on the form of two superheroes, lot no 11 is a rendition of Spiderman, while lot no. 110 is a Hulk frozen in a pose. Executed in his signature style with stainless steel discs, each of the lots is estimated to sell at INR 20,00,000 a" 30,00,000.

Seven also sculptural creations by artists, including Jayanta Bhattacharya, Dhananjay Singh, Shovin Bhattacharjee, Ravinder Reddy, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, K R Nariman, Akhil Chandra Das, among others.

IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in

--IANS

os/ tb
New Delhi, Dec 16 : The Netherlands-based Signify, which owns smart lighting brands Philips Hue and WiZ, is restructuring in the face of "ongoing market volatility and uncertainty" that will trigger job cuts at the company.

Signify announced it is adapting its organisation to enhance customer-centricity, speed of execution and reduce its structural costs.

"After the major transformation we achieved through the past decade, we are taking the next step by organising our company around four vertically integrated businesses. Three of these will focus on customers: Professional, OEM and Consumer. The fourth will be dedicated to conventional lighting technologies," said Eric Rondolat, CEO of Signify.

Aligned to the new customer-centric structure, the company will further adjust the size of its central organisation and reduce costs to support the company's performance in the face of ongoing market volatility and uncertainty.

Started in Q4 2023, these changes will be implemented through 2024, with the majority achieved by Q2, and generating expected annualised savings in excess of 200 million euros (around $218 million).

"Together, these measures will increase focus and accelerate the execution of our strategy, supporting our continued leadership in the transition to energy efficient connected lighting to unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world," said Rondolat.

Philips Hue and WiZ both expanded from smart lighting into smart security this year. Both brands have also embraced the new Matter smart home standard.
In this image from video provided by SpaceX, South Korea launches its first military spy satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. Using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, it was the first of five spy satellites South Korea plans to send into space by 2025 under a contract with SpaceX. The launch took place a little over a week after North Korea claimed to put its own spy satellite into orbit for the first time as tensions rise between the rivals. (SpaceX via AP)

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP)  South Korea launched its first military spy satellite into space Friday, a little over a week after North Korea claimed to put its own spy satellite into orbit for the first time as tensions rise between the rivals.

Launched from Californias Vandenberg Space Force Base using SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket, it was the first of five spy satellites South Korea plans to send into space by 2025 under a contract with SpaceX. The event had been scheduled for earlier in the week but was pushed back because of weather conditions.

South Korea had no military reconnaissance satellites of its own in space and has partially resorted to the United States spy satellites to monitor moves by North Korea.

South Koreas Defense Ministry described the launch as successful, saying the satellite had a communication with an overseas ground station.

A ministry statement said the launch allowed the South Korean military to acquire an independent space-based surveillance system. It said the satellite would also help bolster the militarys preemptive missile strike capability, a key part of its so-called three-axis system that includes missile defense and massive retaliatory capabilities.

After two launch failures earlier this year, North Korea said it successfully placed its Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit last week. North Korea has since said its satellite had transmitted imagery with space views of key sites in the U.S. and South Korea, including the White House and the Pentagon. But it hasnt yet released any of those satellite photos.

U.S. and South Korean officials confirmed the North Korean satellite entered orbit, but many outside experts question whether it can send militarily useful high-resolution imagery.

The North Korean satellite launch sparked immediate, strong condemnations from the U.S., South Korea and others. Multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions ban any satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as covers for testing its long-range missile technology.

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North Korea responded angrily, saying it has sovereign rights to launch spy satellites to cope with what it calls increasing U.S. hostilities. It said it would also launch additional ones.

On Saturday, North Koreas Defense Ministry threatened to take unspecified steps to eliminate or undermine the capabilities of U.S. spy satellites in protest of what it called the rubbish comments by an unspecified U.S. Space Command official that hinted at an attack on the North Korean satellite. The North Korean ministry said it would consider such an action a declaration of war.

The North's statement followed remarks by Sheryll Klinkel, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Space Forces that were carried in Radio Free Asia, a U.S. government-funded news service, earlier in the week.

Asked whether the United States has the ability to block the operation of North Koreas spy satellite, the RFA report quoted Klinkel as saying that Joint Force space operations could deny an adversarys space and counterspace capabilities and services using a variety of reversible and irreversible means, reducing the effectiveness and lethality of adversary forces across all domains."

North Koreas satellite launch has inflamed animosities between the two Koreas, with the rivals taking steps to breach a previous military agreement meant to ease front-line military tensions.

Spy satellites are among the high-tech weapons systems that Kim Jong Un has publicly vowed to introduce. Since 2022, North Korea has conducted about 100 ballistic missile tests  part of efforts to modernize its arsenal of weapons targeting South Korea and the United States. South Korea and the United States have expanded their military exercises.

South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers last week that Russias technological assistance likely enabled North Korea to place its spy satellite into orbit. South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have accused North Korea of seeking high-tech Russian technologies needed to enhance its military programs in return for supplying conventional arms to support Russias war in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea have denied the allegation.

___

Associated Press writer Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
BSR party IT cell staffer arrested for post against Ktaka Energy Min. Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, Dec 16 : Cyber Crime sleuths in Telangana have arrested a BSR party staffer on charges of posting against Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George on Saturday.

The accused identified as 33-year-old Ravikanth Sharma, is the son of a former corporator and resident of Karimnagar in Telangana.

Ravikanth created a post against Minister George and fabricated a fake audio clip discussing the power situation in Karnataka and Griha Jyothi, a free power scheme.

The post and audio clip were then circulated widely on social media.

A complaint was filed in this regard with the East Division of the Cyber Crime police station in Bengaluru.

The accused person's father is associated with the BRS party in Telangana, and both of his parents were corporators.

Further investigation is being conducted by the police.
Kolkata, Dec 16 : Opposition parties in West Bengal have questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's silence over the Parliament security breach amid revelations that the mastermind has state connections.

The mastermind, Lalit Jha'd probable Maoist-links have also come under the scanner of the investigation agencies.

The BJP has already started a massive propaganda campaign on social media by posting a picture of Jha with veteran Trinamool Congress legislator Tapas Ray.

Senior BJP, including the party's IT cell chief Amit Malviya and the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu AdhikarI, have gone all out in attacking the Chief Minister over her silence.

While Malviya has said that the Chief Minister cannot remain silent about the connection of Lalit Jha with her party legislator, Adhikari accused the state government and the ruling party of directly patronising the divisive and separatist elements in the state.

However, Trinamool Congress leaders, including party spokesman Kunal Ghosh, have claimed that the BJP is trying to divert the attention from the principal issue of the breach.

According to them, the BJP is also trying to shield their Lok Sabha members who issued passes to those responsible for the security breach.

Meanwhile, senior CPI(M) leader Shamik Lahiri has also questioned the Chief Minister's silence but from a different perspective.

"The Chief Minister's silence is prompted by her clandestine understanding with BJP and RSS. That is why she is also silent in the matter like the Prime Minister and the Union home minister," Lahiri said.

State Congress spokesman Soumya Aich Roy said that the total silence of the Chief Minister is really surprising especially when a link of the mastermind with West Bengal has surfaced.

"On one hand, she is claiming that she is taking the lead role in opposition INDIA bloc. But at the same time she is silent in the matter," Aich Roy said.
K'taka has potential to make 1mn chip designers in next 5 yrs: IT Minister Priyank Kharge. Image Source: IANS News

Belagavi : , Dec 16 (IANS) Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister, Priyank Kharge, said on Saturday that the southern state has the potential to prepare one million chip designers in the next five years across the country, to meet the requirement in the US

Kharge made the statement while addressing a gathering at the Techceleration 2023 in Belagavi, said an official statement.

The Minister added that the Karnataka government intends to formulate the Preferential Public Procurement Policy, ensuring support for local startups.

The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) hosted the third edition of Techceleration, a flagship event highlighting Karnataka's thriving IT, Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), and Science and Technology sectors in the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi (HDB) cluster, which concluded on Friday.

The event was aimed to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, exchange ideas and contribute to the vibrant tech ecosystem in Karnataka.

The HBD cluster has achieved remarkable progress, with the emergence of 16 new companies and the expansion of four existing ones. As many as 40 additional companies have expressed their commitment to establishing cluster industries, showcasing a robust growth trajectory.

A new manufacturing unit has been inaugurated, generating employment opportunities for 3,000 individuals.

The entrepreneurial landscape has also flourished with the launch of 150 startups, backed by a substantial capital investment of Rs 25 crore. The collective initiatives stress the dynamic and thriving business ecosystem within the HDB cluster.

Speaking at the event, the IT Minister said: "Along with our sector-specific 'Ease of Doing Business' initiatives, we are trying to develop a Preferential Public Procurement Policy that ensures government support for startups with unique intellectual property registered with our startup cell, and if invested and engaged in 'Beyond Bengaluru Initiative of Karnataka government', then the Karnataka government can be the first to launch this initiative. A government policy that ensures that your products, services with Unique IP can be procured by the government."

"We understand the journey of entrepreneurs, and the Karnataka government is here to listen, learn and adapt to meet the needs of our dynamic startup community," Kharge added.

"In this regard, the deadline for submission of application will be extended till January 5, 2024. Through this policy, our government is committed to supporting startups," he reiterated.

"Furthermore, we are focusing on creating a conducive environment for businesses 'Beyond Bengaluru Initiatives', offering more subsidies, policies and investments. It is a very important initiative that the government is doing through KDEM," he said.

Ekroop Caur, Additional Chief Secretary, IT and BT department, said, "Beyond Bengaluru, envisions a new era of growth, propelling IT and BT dominance into untapped regions. More clusters are poised to emerge as tech epicentres."

Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, KDEM, said, "Belagavi holds immense potential for achieving equitable and sustainable growth. The city's trajectory is truly promising."
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 16 : Senior Congress leaders on Saturday warned Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that they will not tolerate "criminals" in police and his party over the alleged attack by his security staff on Youth Congress supporters who waved black flags at his luxury bus during the state government's outreach programme.

State Congress president K.Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan slammed the chief minister, alleging that security staff of Vijayan attacked workers of Youth Congress in Alappuzha who were demonstrating peacefully.

"We warn Vijayan that we will not tolerate criminals in the police and his party attacking our workers, and now we have lost our patience, we will have no qualms to hit back and we will do it too," said Sudhakaran.

"We warn these criminal police officials who engage in ruthless brutal assault on our workers that Vijayan will not be the chief minister all the time," said Satheesan.

"Now Vijayan all the time speaks about the mental health and singles me out all the time and says that I have a problem. If I have a problem, I will get treated at my expenses, but all what I have to say is, I will request the cabinet Ministers who are with Vijayan on the statewide tour (since November 27) that there is every chance that Vijayan has missed taking some particular tablet and hence he is behaving like this, so it would be better to give him 'that' medicine," said Satheesan.

On the other hand, Vijayan, talking to media persons on the "attack" on Congress workers, said he had not seen such a thing, and moreover, the security staff's job is to ensure the safety.

State Culture and Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian took pot shots at the Congress, saying if anyone has to become a leader, one has to get beaten by the police during a protest.

"I have been beaten up numerous times, when we took part in protests, so these are all natural things," said Cherian.
New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the inaugural session of the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters 2023. Image Source: IANS News

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 16 : Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, said on Saturday that the youth of the country should strive to build a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047.

She made this statement while addressing students at graduation ceremony of the Fatima Mata National College at Kollam, nearly 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's state capital.

The Union Minister added that youth are revving to take India's development to the next stage.

"The youth should make use of opportunities available to them today and pursue skills based on their aptitude," said Sitharaman.

She asked the students to make use of the 'Digital Revolution' by selectively filtering credible, reliable and legitimate information from the flood of information.

The Minister also asked the students to remain positive and constructive members of the society.

"Blending education with patriotism will create eminent students who effectively contribute to society. Each student has the potential to be a job creator in today's India, as areas such as space and atomic sectors have benefitted from participation of private sector," said Sitharaman.

She added that Kerala has immensely contributed to India's startup ecosystem.

"Kerala has huge potential for startups in its coastal area, spice sector and redressal of public awareness issues. Kerala is an important contributor to India's Fintech industry and has good potential to become a knowledge hub for India," she said.
San Francisco, Dec 16 : A US-based news publisher has filed a class-action antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant is "siphoning off" news publishers' content, their readers and ad revenue via its AI technologies.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court in Washington, DC, cited new AI technologies like Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Bard AI chatbot as worsening the problem, reports TechCrunch.

The lawsuit, filed by Arkansas-based publisher Helena World Chronicle, that Google's Bard AI was trained on a dataset that included "news, magazine and digital publications," Helena World Chronicle argued that Google is "starving the free press" by sharing publishers'a content on Google, resulting in loss of "billions of dollars" for them.

"When a user searches for information on a topic, Google displays a 'Knowledge Panel' to the right of the search results. This panel contains a summary of content drawn from the Knowledge Graph database," the complaint read.

"Google compiled this massive database by extracting information from Publishersa websites - what Google calls amaterials shared across the web' - and from 'open source and licensed databases'," it added.

By 2020, the Knowledge Graph had grown to 500 billion facts about 5 billion entities, according to the report.

The lawsuit claimed that Google's recent advances in AI-based search were implemented with "the goal of discouraging end-users from visiting the websites of Class members who are part of the digital news and publishing line of commerce."

According to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal, publishers believe theyall lose somewhere between 20-40 per cent of their website traffic when Google's AI products are fully rolled out. In addition to damages, the lawsuit asks for an injunction that would require Google to obtain consent from publishers to use their website data to train its AI products. Google was yet to comment on the lawsuit.
Mumbai, Dec 16 : In the upcoming episode of 'Bigg Boss 17', comedians Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachya will be seen adding a fun flavour to the show.

Mumbai, Dec 16 (IANS) In the upcoming episode of aBigg Boss 17a, comedians Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachya will be seen adding a fun flavour to the show.

The recent chaos sparked by Munawar revealing Ankita's curiosity about the outside world becomes a humorous focal point, with Bharati and Haarsh playfully addressing the situation.

They add to the laughter by reading out comical news from the newspaper, poking fun at both host Salman Khan and the contestants, including witty comparisons of Arun and Aoora's skincare routines and humorous remarks about Mannara's facial expressions.

Then Bharati and Haarsh enter the Bigg Boss house with a vlog camera.

Munawaras ex-girlfriend Ayesha Khan. Ayesha, who shares a history with Munawar, enters the show opening up about the past they have shared and with an expectation for him to offer an apology.

Later, as the weekend unfolds with fresh twists and turns, the suspense builds upon the upcoming eviction tonight that has put Khanzaadi, Neil, Vicky, and Abhishek on the chopping block.

The show airs on Colors and Jio Cinema.
Chennai, Dec 16 : From the days of `phone banking' to turning around the fortunes of Indian public sector banks by tightening the prudential norms, mega mergers, recapitalisation, spreading the banking culture amongst the masses through Jan Dhan accounts, digital banking/payment systems, Mudra loans, the country's banking system has come a long way during the past 10 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule.

The ruling BJP leaders used to criticise the Congress leaders for ordering public sector bank officials to disburse loans to their favourites over the phone and termed that as `phone banking'.

According to the ruling party, the 'phone banking' culture had saddled the government owned banks with huge non-performing assets (NPAs) and also wilful defaulters.

The last decade also saw legal agencies going behind the wilful defaulters and wrongdoers -- whether in public or private sector banks.

According to a research report by the State Bank of India (SBI) the total asset/liabilities growth of the banking system during FY14-23 is 1.3 times higher than the growth in the last 60 years.

"Despite extreme challenges at the individual bank and banking system levels, as well as external challenges (such as demonetization, the failure of major non-banking financial companies and cooperative banks, rapid changes in monetary policy stance, and the pandemic, the Indian banking system has performed admirably over the last decade," Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist and Executive Director, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, told IANS in an interview.

Banks are better capitalised today, better positioned to handle any shock, provide faster and better services to consumers, and reach out to marginalised elements of the community in far better ways and on much larger dimensions, Hajra added.

"The non-performing loan ratio as reported by the Reserve Bank of India was on an upward trajectory going up from 4.36% in 2014, peaking to 14.6% in 2018 and thereon came down with the latest data suggesting it has been on a downward trajectory (7.3% in 2022, the latest data available).

"Looking at the market cap of public sector banks (as per the banks analysed by Anand Rathi Shares), in the same period (2014-22), it went up by 173% and their corresponding profitability went up by 134.9%," Hajra noted.

Excerpts from the interview.

Q. How has the banking sector transformed during the last decade under the premiership of Narendra Modi?

A. Ten years back, Indian banking was seeing considerable increase in non-performing loans, slowing down of credit and deposit growth, falling capital adequacy, and loss of market share for public sector banks.

The Indian banking system has improved significantly on all these parameters during the last decade. This is despite the fact that the last ten years have witnessed significant changes and challenges in the Indian banking sector.

These included tightening of prudential norms, demonetisation, the failure of DHFL, ILFS, and a major cooperative bank, serious issues with Yes Bank, consolidation of public sector banks, the pandemic, unprecedented easing followed by equally sharp increases in global monetary policy rates, and a severe escalation of geopolitical problems.

Q. What was the situation of the banking sector in 2014, when the BJP under Modi came to power?

A. The banking industry was at the heart of the 2008 global financial crisis. Aside from the volatility and uncertainty, the first impact of the crisis on Indian institutions, particularly public sector banks, was quite modest.

Non-performing loans for private sector banks began to rise, and the majority of these institutions made large provisioning, reducing their profitability. The impact on public sector banks began to be noticed at the turn of the decade, and by 2012, the situation had reached crisis proportions. The asset quality of public sector banks began to deteriorate dramatically.

There was also a considerable slowdown in business for the Indian banking industry, particularly for public sector banks. In 2013, India faced a significant external sector difficulty, and the government and the Reserve Bank of India responded by rapidly tightening monetary policy and imposing other restrictions. These restrictions had a negative influence on the Indian banking sector.

As a result, in 2014, the Indian banking sector faced numerous issues and was in a fragile state in practically all main indices, including capital adequacy, asset quality, provisioning, business growth, and high levels of lending concentration.

Q. What were the steps taken from 2014-2023 to address the issues?

A. The Indian banking system has undergone considerable policy changes and reforms over the previous ten years. Prudential standards have been tightened, and India has moved ahead of such standards after aligning the regulatory system with Basel III standards.

The Indian banks risk management system has been updated. Significant reforms affecting public sector banks have occurred, including increased operational autonomy, improved corporate governance, and massive consolidation.

One of the most significant advances in the previous decade has been the development of digital banking and payment systems. There has also been a rapid improvement in financial inclusion, particularly for the formerly financially excluded through Jan Dhan accounts.

Q. What are the positive and negative sectors at play in the banking sector?

A. Over the previous ten years, reform efforts and other initiatives have greatly improved the financial health of Indian banking. Today, Indian banks are more capitalised than they were ten years ago, despite significant tightening of revenue recognition and asset categorization criteria, non-performing loans are significantly lower, provisioning levels are much higher, and profitability levels are much better.

Large investments in digital infrastructure have resulted in significant reductions in operating costs, while the convenience with which users can obtain banking services has grown significantly.

Through the combination of financial inclusion measures and digital banking, banks have been able to reach out to even the most remote parts of the country and the most marginalised elements of the people.

At the same time, due to proactive efforts in the banking system, Indian banks are more resilient to external shocks than even advanced country banks. Regional banks in the United States and some of Europe's largest banks, including Deutsche Bank, faced a crisis in 2023 because of rising bond yields, among other things. Due to the robustness of the Indian financial sector, Indian banks were mostly immune to such changes.

Despite significant progress, comprehensive divestment of government ownership in public sector banks remains limited. It is difficult to run such banks at the same degree of efficiency and corporate governance as the major private sector banks without such measures.

Given public sector banks' continuous dominance in terms of overall bank deposits and credits, these variables reduce the overall efficiency of the Indian banking system. Furthermore, the disparity between the lending rate and the deposit rate, as well as the resulting net interest margin, remains significantly higher in India than in most of its counterparts.

This is a sort of financial repression that has a detrimental influence on the broader economy by raising the cost of capital for entrepreneurs. Rising levels of unsecured retail lending by banks, both directly and indirectly via lending to consumer finance oriented non-banking financial enterprises, could constitute a serious systemic risk. Despite consolidation of public sector banks, most banks in India continue to operate at a suboptimal scale.

As a result, only a handful of Indian banks make the list of the top 100 largest banks in the world. Further, despite tremendous improvements, the financial sector's reach to the marginalised people remains significantly lower than what is required for rapid upliftment of these groups.

Q. So, in your view, what could be the way forward?

A. In the next 10 years, we would expect further significant reduction in the operating cost of Indian banks and also a fall in the net interest margins for the banking system. These factors can play a big role in reducing the cost of funds in India.

We would also expect greater specialisation of Indian banks towards certain niches of banking sector activities rather than all banks offering the full bouquet of services to all customers.

India already has one of the best digital banking networks in the world and we expect further progress in these areas including enhanced protection of data privacy and reduced levels of cyber risk. Faster pace of transition from collateral based lending to cash flow based lending for both business and personal loans is also expected.

Moreover, the financial inclusion initiatives taken by banks are also likely to get significantly more effective in the next 10 years.

Q. On Jan Dhan accounts, other lending programmes for MSME, unorganised sectors..

A. In the previous ten years, India has made significant progress in each of these sectors. Nonetheless, collateral-based lending continues to be the primary mode of lending for the Indian banking industry. Such an approach stifles far faster progress in each of the aforementioned areas.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)
New Delhi, Dec 16 : India is expanding its renewable energy capacity at a hectic pace of 50 GW a year, which is among the fastest in the world and aims to achieve a 45 per cent cut in emissions by 2030, which will exceed the target of 43 per cent fixed at the COP28 summit in Dubai.

Minister for Power and Renewable Energy R.K Singh is confident that the country will be ahead of the curve.

"COP 28 has just concluded and one of the important points discussed was emissions intensity should be reduced by 43 per cent by 2030. This is the main point because emissions are the main reason for global warming," he said in comments to the media.

"We had pledged in Glasgow that we will have 50 per cent of our established capacity coming from non-fossil-fuels by 2030, we are confident that we will able to achieve 65 per cent. We will also achieve way beyond our target of reducing our emission intensity by 45 per cent by 2030," the minister had said earlier.

The share of non-fossil fuel sources in India's total installed electricity generation capacity reached 43.82 per cent as on 31 October, 2023, Singh informed Parliament recently.

So far, a total of 186.46 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources has been installed in the country as on 31 October, 2023, which includes 178.98 GW Renewable Energy and 7.48 GW Nuclear Power.

In addition, 114.08 GW of capacity is under implementation and 55.13 GW capacity is under tendering, the minister said.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is implementing various schemes and programmes for development and deployment of renewable energy, under which an allocation of Rs 7,033 crore was made in 2022-23 which was then increased to Rs 7,848 crore for 2023-24.

The government's efforts, combined with private sector investments and state-wise initiatives, have propelled India towards achieving its goals in renewable energy.

India has added a total of 72.02 GW solar power capacity so far. Of the total solar power capacity, 55.71 GW is from ground-mounted installations, 11.08 GW from rooftop solar, 2.55 GW from solar components of hybrid projects, and 2.68 GW from off-grid solar, the minister informed Parliament this week.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, a total budget allocation of Rs 5,917.25 crore has been made for solar energy. The government is dedicated to the development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects, with a target of establishing at least 50 solar parks with a combined capacity of 40,000 MW.

As of October 31, 2023, 50 solar parks have been approved in 12 states, with a sanctioned capacity of 37,490 MW. Out of these, 18 solar parks have commissioned 10,237 MW of solar projects.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission has also been launched with an aim to make India a global hub for production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has informed that this is expected to lead to development of 5 MMT Green Hydrogen production capacity per annum by 2030.

Green Hydrogen has the potential to replace fossil fuels including natural gas, either as a source of energy or as a feedstock, thereby contributing to reduction in dependence on import of fossil fuels.

The Mission envisages substitution of Grey Hydrogen with Green Hydrogen in industries such as fertilizer production, petroleum refining, steel, shipping, etc., thus reducing carbon footprint and dependence on imported fossil fuels. The quantum of such reduction in imports is estimated at Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030.

Besides, the government is also working on new technologies such as Small Nuclear Reactors to fulfill its commitment to clean energy transition.

Small capacity atomic power plants, popularly called Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with their unique features of modularity, scalability, small footprint and improved safety present themselves as an attractive option for repurposing of retiring coal-based thermal power station sites, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh informed Parliament recently.
As fighting between army, civil forces intensifies in Myanmar, people cross over to India. Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, Dec 16 : Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen R.P Kalita on Saturday said that peace is returning to the conflict-ridden Manipur but there cannot be set time frame for the restoration of normalcy in north-eastern state.

He said that efforts are on by the central and state governments as well as the security forces to bring a lasting peace through dialogue and other means.

"The Assam Rifles was called in after violence erupted in Manipur on May 3. We worked in a synergised manner with state police and Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) and succeeded in bringing about some semblance of normalcy in the next 7-10 days. The law-and-order situation was brought largely under control," the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command said while addressing the media on the sidelines of a solemn wreath laying ceremony at Vijay Smarak in Fort William, Kolkata, to mark India's victory against Pakistan in the 1971 War that led to the liberation of Bangladesh.

He said that in Manipur there have been sporadic incidents of violence but the efforts are on through dialogue and a proactive role played by us to restore normalcy.

He said that, however, the large number of weapons in the hands of both communities and the instability in Myanmar, across the border, has had its impact.

"There are possibilities of sporadic incidents but all efforts are on to restore normalcy. While a reconciliation process is on from the governments' side, our objective is to bring down violence," Lt Gen Kalita said.

He said that the transportation of the mortal remains of victims of the violence took place on Friday and 19 bodies have already been cremated at Kangpokpi.

"The remaining will also be cremated in a couple of days. A burial ceremony will also take place at Churachandpur soon. I am positive that things will improve," he said.

He said that, however, it is very difficult to put a time limit.

"There are a lot of historic issues and legacies involved between the two communities and such things take time," Lt Gen Kalita said.

He said that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is under control.

Responding to a question on China's decision to rename the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) as Xizang, he said that India is clear about her territory and the area under occupation by China.

"Whether they name Tibet as Xizang or something else will have no impact on our preparedness to safeguard our territorial integrity," Lt Gen Kalita said.

--IANS

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Have you been chipping away at home renovations to achieve your luxury bathroom? Or, have you been slowly transforming your kitchen into a chef's paradise? If you've spent a hefty chunk of change on transforming your New Jersey home, one study says you're not alone.

According to a recent study by real estate experts at AgentAdvice.com, New Jersey spends the most on home improvement projects nationwide. On average, homeowners spend $4,634.24 annually in the Garden State to revamp their space.

"Home renovations have gained massive popularity since the global pandemic, as homeowners wish to enhance their living space and potentially add value to their home," said, Chris Heller, chief real estate officer at OJO Labs and real estate expert with AgentAdvice.com.

A recently renovated bathroom in a Fort Lee penthouse.

The study looked at Census data on how much average households spend on renovations each year and social media data on which room of the house is most commonly renovated. The study noted that kitchen and bathroom renovations are by far the most popular, with 1.8 million and 1.4 million Instagram posts, respectively, in the home renovation category.

"The kitchen is a great place to start on any renovation projects as it is the heart of the home and a valuable communal space for those wanting to buy a new home," Heller said. "Homeowners who embark on a kitchen renovation could expect to see a 30.7% to 85.7% return on their investment when selling their home."

A newly renovated kitchen in Oakland.

The study found that in New Jersey, kitchen, bathroom and basement spaces are the most popular home renovations. In our region, the average kitchen remodel can range from $27,966 for a minor update to $164,263 for a major renovation. For bathrooms, renovations could cost, on average, anywhere from $25,468 to $78,935.

Behind New Jersey, Maryland ($4,516.97), Massachusetts ($4,473.61), Connecticut ($4,356.67) and Hawaii ($4,279.26) spend the most on home renovations nationally, according to the study.

Story continues

The states that spend the least are Mississippi ($2,547.57), Arkansas ($2,705.88), West Virginia ($2,770.12), Louisiana ($2,834.90) and New Mexico ($2,839.70).

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay , on X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How much do households in NJ spend on home renovations?
Bel Ombre : , Dec 16 (IANS) In a scintillating display of skill and precision, Sebastian Soderberg surged to the top of the leaderboard at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, captivating the audience with a remarkable 7-under 65 on the second day at the La Reserve Links course.

Soderberg, who commenced his round early in the day, showcased his mastery over the course, carding an impressive round that included seven birdies. The 32-year-old Swede's stellar performance propelled him from 37th place after the first round to the coveted top spot.

For most of the day, a trio of determined contenders fiercely chased Soderberg's lead. The trio, comprising defending champion Antoine Rozner (62-74), Daniel Brown (68-68), and Paul Warring (63-73), exhibited consistent form, each concluding the day at 8-under after 36 holes.

Louis Oosthuizen, co-designer of the La Reserve Links course, held a strong position at Tied-sixth with rounds of 68-69, while Marcel Siem, brand ambassador of the Heritage Resorts, found himself tied for 12th after consecutive rounds of 69-69.

In a late surge at the end of the day, Jacques P de Villiers, a 32-year-old playing on the Sunshine Tour, claimed the second spot by posting an impressive 5-under 67, adding to his first-round score of 68. De Villiers, displaying remarkable consistency, now sits one shot behind Soderberg at 9-under.

Notably, defending champion Antoine Rozner experienced his first over-par round in 14 rounds played at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, an event he deems as his favorite on the Tour.

Sebastian Soderberg's stellar performance was characterized by a spectacular back nine of 6-under 30, featuring a string of birdies from the 12th to the 15th. His outstanding short game and solid putting contributed to a memorable day that he described as feeling "kind of easy."

Reflecting on his exceptional round, Soderberg expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It's just one of those days where it just felt kind of easy. I mean it was windy but I was hitting my driver really well, took care of the par-fives and the two drivable Par-4s. I made birdies on all of them."

As the tournament heads into the weekend, the stage is set for an exhilarating competition, with Sebastian Soderberg leading the charge and a strong field of contenders vying for supremacy at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
Tel Aviv, Dec 17 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday said that they have killed Hamas members who were allegedly operating from inside the schools in Gaza.

The IDF, in a statement, said that in a joint operation -- the IDF's 401st Brigade and Shayetet Special Forces killed Hamas members who were operating from inside schools in Gaza.

It said that the operations took place in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City.

"The Hamas members were hiding inside of schools and the 401st Brigade and Shayetet 13 forces, under the direction of the 162nd Brigade raided the Mu'tasim Bi'llah and Farabi schools in Rimal," IDF said.

Israel launched a ground offensive inside Gaza on October 27 after Hamas attacked Israel in a surprise attack on October 7 in which 1200 Israelis were killed and over 200 were taken hostage.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel, over 21,731Palestinians have been killed including 8,697 children and 4,410 women.

--IANS

aal/dan
New Delhi, Dec 15 : After a Delhi court sent the alleged mastermind in the Parliament security breach case, Lalit Jha, to seven-day police custody on Friday, the sixth accused, Mahesh Kumawat, was also sent to police custody for a week on Saturday.

On Thursday, the same court had sent four accused persons -- Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde -- to seven-day police custody. All four were arrested from the Parliament premises on Wednesday.

Before Special Judge Hardeep Kaur of Patiala House Courts, the public prosecutor said that Kumawat was involved in destruction of mobile phones and was trying to spread anarchy in the country.

The court noted that Kumawat was involved in the conspiracy for the last two years and acknowledged the public prosecutor's submission that his custody was required to unearth the entire conspiracy.

It was further submitted that the accused wanted to create anarchy in the country so that they could compel the government to meet their unjust and illegal demands.

"He was in contact with other persons in hatching the conspiracy for the last two years. He helped mastermind Jha in the destruction of mobile phones to destroy evidence and to hide the larger conspiracy," the public prosecutor said.

He told the court that the accused's custody was required to find the actual motive behind the attack, and his possible association with some enemy country or terrorists organisations.

The police had sought Kumawat's custody for 15 days.

Kumawat was arrested earlier on Saturday on charges of destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy, the police said.

Five persons were directly involved in the planning and execution of the security breach in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack.

Two of them -- Sagar and 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.

Two others -- Neelam and Amol -- also burst smoke canisters and raised slogans outside the Parliament. Jha, believed to be the mastermind of the entire plan, reportedly fled with the mobile phones of the four others from the Parliament, sources said.

Manoranjan is from Mysuru, Sagar is a resident of Lucknow, Neelam is from Haryana's Jind, while Amol hails from Maharashtra's Latur. Jha is a native of Bihar.
New Delhi, Dec 16 : In a major breakthrough in the 2022 Attari border heroin seizure case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday said that it has arrested a key absconding accused, Amritpal Singh, who is also the handler of the cash and launderer of drug proceeds through banking and hawala channels.

An NIA spokesperson here said that Singh was arrested by the NIA on Friday. With his arrest, the NIA has arrested three people in the case.

The case pertains to recovery and seizure of a total of 102.784 kgs of heroin, valued at about Rs 700 crore. The seizures were made in two instalments, on April 24 and 26 last year, by the Indian Customs when the drugs arrived in the country from Afghanistan via integrated checkpost (ICP) Attari, Amritsar. The drugs had been concealed in a consignment of licorice roots (Mulethi).

The official said that Singh was detained by Immigration officers on December 12 while trying to flee to Dubai from the Amritsar International Airport.

The Immigration officers detained him on the basis of the orders passed by the competent authority on December 7, 2023, in view of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against by him by the NIA.

The official said that Singh's role in the conspiracy relating to the international drug nexus came to light following the examination of associates of the various persons accused in the case, and also from several incriminating transactions done by Singh in the bank accounts of the other accused.

As per NIA probe, Singh has been found involved in the larger conspiracy hatched by a global drug cartel.

"As part of the drug network, he was the conduit for circulation of drug money to various distributors in India as well as the main accused settled abroad. Singh used his travel agency and money transfer business to transfer the proceeds of drugs," the official said citing the agency's probe so far.

Based on the disclosures of the associates of the accused, the NIA had, on October 22 this year, conducted searches at Singh's residential and official premises, leading to the recovery of cash amounting to Rs 1.34 crore as proceeds of narcotics.

It was also found that Singh at the behest of Dubai-based absconding accused Shahid Ahmed aka Qazi Abdul Wadood, transferred huge amounts generated as proceeds of drugs into his (Shahid's) bank accounts and also to the latter's India-based associate Razi Haider Zaidi and some others.

The official said that on November 8, 2023, a day after the Competent Authority issued the freeze order, the NIA froze Singh's seized cash amount as 'illegally acquired property' under the sections of the NDPS Act.

The official said that investigations by the NIA, after it took over the case on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), have so far revealed that the drug consignment in question was sent to India by Afghanistan-based co-accused Nazir Ahmed Qani, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, on the directions of Shahid Ahmed.

The same was supposed to be delivered to accused Razi Haider Zaidi in India, for distribution in various parts of the country for monetary gains, the official said.

NIA had, on December 16 last year, filed a charge sheet against four accused, Shahid Ahmed aka Qazi Abdul Wadood, Nazir Ahmed Qani, Razi Haider Zaidi and Vipin Mittal, in the case.

While Mittal and Zaidi, both residents of Delhi, were arrested in August 2022, Shahid and Nazir, who are based out of India, have been declared absconding in the case.
Mumbai, Dec 16 : The Maharashtra Congress on Saturday slammed the state government and police for failing to arrest a senior bureaucrat's son who allegedly made an attempt to run over his girlfriend in Thane on December 11.

Congress' chief spokesperson Atul Londhe said although an FIR has been registered on the complaint of the victim  Priya Umendra Singh (26)  Thane Police are yet to arrest the prime accused, Ashwajit Gaikwad, and his friends, who made the murderous attempt on her.

Ashiwajit (34) is the son of Anilkumar Gaikwad, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

Singh, a beautician, had revealed the entire incident on her social media posts (IANS report  December 15), in which she named Ashwajit, his friends Romil Patil, Prasad Patil and Sagar Shelkar, while tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the state police and other dignitaries seeking action.

"There is something dubious about this and it raises suspicions An attempt was made to crush a girl under a car (SUV) in Thane. The accused Ashwaji is a leader of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and son of the MSRDC head," said Londhe.

In a jibe at Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who handles the home portfolio, Londhe said that though he is an efficient and capable leader, if such a serious incident takes place in a city like Thane, "it raises a question mark on his functioning and efficiency".

"What is the home department doing? When will the criminal in the Thane case be arrested by the police? Do BJP people think that they are above the law? Is Ashiwajit is not being arrested because his father is a high-ranking official in the government," Londhe asked.

He also questioned that if the victim cannot be given justice, why raise slogans like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and beat drums on women's security.

The Congress spokesman demanded immediate action, no matter how highly connected the criminal may be.
CIA, Egypt to join Qatar for mediation between Hamas & Israel over hostage release. Image Source: IANS News

Tel Aviv, Dec 17 : The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Egyptian government will join Qatar to mediate between Hamas and Israel over hostage release negotiations.

Media reports said that Mossad Chief David Barnea will meet Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Norway for talks aimed at finding a new deal regarding the release of kidnapped hostages.

Sources in the Israeli government told IANS that earlier also the CIA Chief William Burns and Egyptian Intelligence Minister General Abbas Kamel were involved in the negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

Source said that the CIA and Egyptian Intelligence will play a major role to take the mediatory talks forward as there is trust deficit between Hamas and Israel.

Earlier, Israel had not allowed the Mossad Chief to participate in negotiation with Qatar after a weeklong ceasefire ended on December 1.

During the first hostage deal, Hamas has released 105 civilians including 81 Israelis, 23 Thai nationals and one Filipino while the Israelis released 240 Palestinian prisoners.

It is believed that Hamas still has 129 hostages under captivity while sources have said that at least 20 hostages died due to various reasons.

Israel launched a ground offensive inside Gaza on October 27 after Hamas attacked Israel in a surprise attack on October 7 in which 1200 Israelis were killed and over 200 were taken hostage.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel, over 21,731 Palestinians have been killed including 8,697 children and 4,410 women.
New Delhi, Dec 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Saturday firmed up a vision document to conclude a comprehensive economic partnership agreement as early as possible and significantly expand bilateral cooperation in key areas of maritime security, connectivity, health and digital payments.

PM Modi and Tarik also discussed the situation arising out of the Hamas-Israel conflict and the challenge of terrorism as well as the need to try and achieve a two-state solution to the Palestine issue as a way forward.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra described the discussions between PM Modi and the visiting leader as "comprehensive and constructive".

Kwatra also highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Oman in maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.

"Our relationship has turned into a strategic partnership characterised by strong cooperation across a range of areas in diverse fields. India and Oman are partners for maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean. Both sides enjoy robust and multi-dimensional defence engagement," the Foreign Secretary said.

Kwatra said PM Modi and Sultan Tarik also gave strong impetus and push to conclude the India-Oman comprehensive economic partnership agreement as early as possible.

"Although the negotiations on CEPA have started only recently, they have made substantial progress in the last few rounds of discussions and both leaders gave strong impetus and push to conclude the CEPA as early as possible," he said.

The Sultan of Oman arrived in Delhi on a state visit on Friday which is his first trip to India as the top leader of the influential Gulf nation.

"Today is a historic day in India-Oman relations as the Sultan of Oman is on a state visit to India after 26 years... I am sincerely welcoming you on behalf of all the people of India," PM Modi said in his opening remarks at the delegation-level dialogue.
New Delhi, Dec 16 : The Adani Group's market cap is now Rs 14.4 lakh crore and is on course to touch Rs 15 lakh crore (nearly $180 billion).

New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) The Adani Groupas market cap is now Rs 14.4 lakh crore and is on course to touch Rs 15 lakh crore (nearly $180 billion).

On December 1, the market capitalisation stood at Rs 11.22 lakh crore. In the trading week that ended on December 8, the market capitalisation gained Rs 3.15 lakh crore ($37.7 billion), the highest weekly rise this year.

The highest weekly gain of Rs 83,000 crore was recorded by Adani Green Energy, which recently raised $1.36 billion in construction facilities from a consortium of international banks.

The Groupas flagship company Adani Enterprises gained over Rs 52,000 crore in the same period. Adani Total Gasa market cap was up Rs 50,000 crore and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone over Rs 42,000 crore.

The recovery in the stocks and their resurrection in the market caps the end of a tough year for Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, a period in which one of Indiaas richest men displayed his resilience in the face of unending attacks that began in January.

Shares of all publicly traded group companies took a massive hit after Hindenburg Research made accusations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud.

Although Gautam Adani denied the allegations calling it a calculated attack on India but at one point the attacks cleared out more than $150 billion in market value from the Groupas publicly listed companies.

But Gautam Adani didnat give in and started fighting back. To restore the trust of investors, investors like GQG and the Abu Dhabi conglomerate International Holding were sold shares of some companies.

The Group also paid back loans that were backed by stock. For example, only 2.4 per cent of the shares in Adani Ports continue to be pledged as of the September quarter, down from 17.3 per cent at the end of 2022.

The reports of Hindenburg Research and OCCRP posed a challenge to the Groupas growth, leverage and valuations. But its backers including TotalEnergies, Wilmar International and global banks including Standard Chartered and Singaporeas DBS stood their ground.

The U.S governmentas investment in APSEZas Colombo port project also came as a helpful endorsement. As a result, Florida-based GQG Partners, which made big bets on Group companies this year, has seen the value of its investments soar.

Strong performance

In the first half of fiscal year 2024, the Adani portfolio demonstrated robust financial performance, further enhancing its strong credit profile. During the period, the portfolio level EBITDA stood at Rs 43,688 crore ($5.3 billion), up 47 per cent Y-o-Y.

This outpaced the portfolioas historical five-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) trajectory of 26.3 per cent. It is noteworthy that H1 FY24 EBITDA surpassed the full-year EBITDA of FY22. Additionally, Trailing Twelve Month EBITDA is notably close to three times FY19 EBITDA.

The growth was driven by an impressive performance of the core infrastructure businesses, which grew by 52 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 37,379 crore ($4.5 billion), contributing 86 per cent of the total EBITDA.

These businesses include the utility (Adani Green Energy, Adani Energy Solutions, Adani Power and Adani Total Gas), transport (Adani Ports & SEZ) and other infrastructure businesses (those incubated by Adani Enterprises a" green hydrogen integrated manufacturing, airports and roads).

The expansion reflects the portfolioas focused investment in infrastructure development, which is yielding significant results. AELas strategic initiatives to bolster its infrastructure portfolio are in line with the rising demand for sustainable and robust infrastructure in India and beyond.

Market rally

In the last week of November, the Supreme Court, which is hearing four petitions in the Adani-Hindenburg case, reserved its order, saying it could not be assumed that the Hindenburg report was factually correct. This triggered a rally in the group stocks.

Following this came a statement by Group Chief Financial Officer Jugeshinder Singh that the Group plans to invest around Rs 7 lakh crore over 10 years with most funds being generated from within.

This spurt at the stock market led to Adani Enterprises Ltd being named as the best all-round wealth creator for the second time in a row in Motilal Oswalas top 10-wealth creators for 2018-2023.

Attacks by short sellers pose a huge and unique challenge for companies. While the ultimate goal of companies is to increase shareholder value, short sellers destroy them. Their only aim is to gain through a drop in the companyas stock price by releasing unfavorable information about them.

But the attack on the Adani Group does not seem to have had the desired effect; in fact, it seems to have strengthened the Group even more by rallying investors behind it. Though its stocks fell immediately after the release of the report, the Group emerged from it stronger and more resilient.
Bodh Gaya, Dec 16 : Tibetan spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama, on Saturday recited prayers in front of the statue of Buddha in the inner sanctum of the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar and prayed to overcome difficulties.

As he was leaving the temple, His Holiness told the media, "I feel it's a great honour to be able to come to this sacred place and pray before this special statue of the Buddha."

"These days things in our world, particularly in relation to the climate, are becoming very difficult. We are fortunate to be able to pray to the Buddha that we may overcome these difficulties and if, due to the power of this place, our prayers are more effective--that's good."

On Friday, following the teachings he gave at Sed-Gyued monastery in Salugara, The Dalai Lama flew from Bagdogra to Gaya. On arriving at Bodh Gaya, he was given a brief formal welcome at the main Tibetan monastery, Gaden Phelgyeling.

On Saturday, His Holiness visited the temple hall at Gaden Phelgyeling, where he paid his respects before the statues of the Buddha.

This temple was originally constructed in 1938 by a Ladakhi Lama named Ngawang Samten. Returning to Tibet, he offered it to the Tibetan government.

In 1951, Dhardo Rinpoche was appointed Abbot and under his supervision monastic quarters were constructed in 1952.

It was at this time that His Holiness gave the monastery the name Gaden Phelgyeling. In 1965, when he was appointed Gaden Tripa, Ling Rinpoche also became Abbot of this monastery.
New Delhi, Dec 16 : A woman has succumbed to her injuries which she sustained when her saree and jacket got stuck in the door of a Delhi Metro train following which she got dragged by the train for several metres, an official said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on December 14 at Inderlok Metro station when the woman was travelling from Nangloi to Mohan Nagar accompanied by her son.

Initial investigation suggests that the Metro door's sensor failed to detect the presence of the woman's clothing, leading to the accident.

The victim was dragged by the train for several metres, ultimately causing her to fall onto the tracks.

Following the incident, she was promptly rushed to Safdarjung Hospital and admitted to the ICU ward of Neuro Surgery.

"An incident occurred at Inderlok Metro station on December 14 where, prima facie, it appears that a lady passenger's clothes got entangled in a train, leading to injuries and subsequent demise in hospital today," said the DMRC spokesperson, Anuj Dayal.

"The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will be holding an inquiry into this incident," he said.
The Biden administration imposed sweeping sanctions against Russia on Tuesday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The Biden administration imposed sweeping Russia-related sanctions on Tuesday, designating more than 250 people and companies in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China and the two Koreas, on accusations ranging from sanctions evasion to acting as a Kremlin weapons procurer.

The sanctions were imposed as President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday amid efforts to convince Republicans in Congress to pass his emergency supplemental package and fund Kyiv's defense against Russia's nearly two-year invasion.

While the U.S. Defense Department has been arming Ukraine, the Treasury and State Departments have been seeking to kneecap Russia's ability to make war by cutting off its weapons supplies and sanctions evasion activities.

U.S. officials have said their efforts are working as Moscow has sought the likes of North Korea and Iran to resupply its armory as it wages war in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, the Treasury said it hit more than 150 people and companies with punitive measures, targeting third-country military procurement networks that have helped Russia acquire machine tools, key technologies and equipment for the Kremlin's industrial base.

The federal department said the sanctions follow G7 leaders earlier this month committing to targeting such actors. A joint statement Wednesday by the world leaders states that they will "continue to take actions against third country actors who materially support Russia's war, including by imposing additional measures on entities where appropriate in third countries," specifically those who help the Kremlin "acquire machine tools, equipment and key inputs."

"The Kremlin has steadily turned Russia into a wartime economy, but [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war machine cannot survive on domestic production alone," Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said in a statement Tuesday.

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"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."

At the State Department, Secretary Antony Blinken said he imposed sanctions against more than 100 people and companies involved in sanctions-evasion activities for Russia and those that bolster its future energy production and export capacity.

The sanctions imposed will restrict Russia's future energy production and export capacity, hinder its metals and mining sectors and disrupt its North Korea munitions deals, as well as constrain its defense industry and cut off its sanctions-evasion activities.

"The United States and its allies and partners are united in our continued support of Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war," Blinken said in a statement.

"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."

Sanctions generally block all property and assets of those designated while barring U.S. persons from doing business with them.

The United States is by far Ukraine's largest backer in its war against the Kremlin. The sanctions were imposed Tuesday as congressionally approved funds for Kyiv have all but been spent, and officials warn that what is at stake in the conflict is not just their ally's sovereignty, but world order, democracy and U.S. national security.

Biden said Tuesday that the United States failing to continue its support of Ukraine would be the "greatest Christmas gift" they could present Putin with, as Zelensky said that leadership from the United States is "crucial to keep the unity together for the entire free world."
Patna, Dec 16 : Angry residents of Koini Danapur village in Bihar's Gopalganj district attacked a police team on Saturday after they found the mutilated body of a local youth.

The deceased has been identified as Manoj Shah (22), who was missing for the past six days.

The body was spotted in a pit near the village. When the villagers brought Shah out of the pit, they found that both his eyes were removed, tongue slit and the private part chopped off.

Angry villagers then blocked NH 27. When a team from Majha police station reached the spot to take away the body and remove the blockade, the villagers pelted stones on them, causing injury to two police personnel.

In retaliation, the police fired some rounds in the air to disperse the mob.

aWe have registered an FIR under the relevant sections of the IPC. The victim's mobile phone is being checked to get some clues," said the SHO of Majha police station.
Bengaluru, Dec 16 : Taking objection to the Central fact-finding meeting a Dalit woman who was recently stripped naked and paraded in a village in Belagavi district, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Saturday that the act showed the team members' 'insensitivity' towards the victim.

"Despite restrictions put in place by the Karnataka High Court, the BJP leaders visited the victim woman. They not only flouted the court's direction, but also displayed their insensitivity," Siddaramaiah said.

Taking suo-motu cognisance of the incident, the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court had suggested on Saturday morning that visits to the traumatised woman, who is severely distressed, should be restricted.

This directive was issued in the context of news about political leaders planning to visit the victim woman, Siddaramaiah said.

"Considering that the woman is receiving medical treatment, interactions with visitors could impact her health. Therefore, the high court has stated that it is necessary to restrict visits for her own well-being," he added.

The high court has ordered that no individual, group, political party, or others should visit the woman without prior written permission from the chief medical officer of the hospital responsible for her treatment, the Chief Minister said.

"Despite this, the BJP leaders, in a move to use a tragic incident for political gain, have visited the victim in the name of atruth-seekinga. This shows their blatant disregard to the court's order. The insensitivity and lack of respect shown by the BJP leaders and their national President J.P. Nadda, who sent the Central team, must be condemned by everyone," the Chief Minister said.

Siddaramaiah's remarks came after delegations from the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the five-member fact-finding committee of BJP MPs met the victim, who was stripped and paraded naked in Belagavi district on December 10.
Dhaka, Dec 16 : Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday paid tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Memorial on the outskirts of the capital city marking the 52nd Victory Day.

On December 16 in 1971, Bangladesh was born as an independent country after the Pakistan army surrendered to Indian army ending the ninth-month blood-stained Liberation War to make Bangladesh an independent state.

Victory Day is a national holiday in Bangladesh while the Father of the Nation is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whom the people in Bangladesh revolted against Pakistan.

The President and Prime Minister laid the wreath at the altar of the National Memorial. A contingent drawn from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented the state salute on the occasion.

After placing the wreath, the prime minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also released a special commemorative postage stamp, an opening day cover and a data card on the occasion. She unveiled the commemorative postage stamp at a ceremony at her official Ganabhaban residence.

The Prime Minister also greeted all the Freedom Fighters (FFs) while the Freedom Fighters thanked and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister.

The Premier also sent flowers, fruits and sweetmeats to the war-wounded freedom fighters at Martyred and War-wounded Freedom Fighters' Rehabilitation Centre (Muktijoddha Tower-1) on Ghaznavi Road at Mohammadpur in the city.
Washington, Dec 16 : Congressmen of the US legislature took the Christmas break, heading home leaving two critical issues unresolved pushing the biggest battles to the New Year, such as striking a deal on the annual spending bill and the disputed Ukraine funding.

Congress resumes its sitting on January 9 after the festivities are over having just two short weeks to fund transportation, housing, agriculture and energy programs by January 19, followed by only three additional days when both chambers a" Senate & House-- need to fund all federal agencies before the government shuts down on February 2, media reports said.

Under a two-laddered formula proposed by speaker Mike Johnson , the Congressmen were given time until January 19 and February 2 to resolve the appropriations bills to avoid government shutdown.

The legislators in both the houses do not seem to agree on how much they want to spend, putting work in the bicameral legislature in a logjam to pass the Biden administration's $1.7 trillion budget now trimmed to $1.59 trillion.

The fight over funding for Ukraine (around $61 billion) and the southern border securities policies are tied to the appropriations bills.

Senate negotiators have opted to stay in Washington DC to work out a framework deal but divisions persist between the senate and the house and within the Democratic party that will make the Ukraine funding hang in the balance, reports said.

European allies of the US are exerting pressure on the Biden administration to get the Ukraine funding passed as they fear Ukraine could fall to Russia.

The Hungarian Prime Minister has opposed any funding to Ukraine.

Republican congressmen are opposing funding to Ukraine as they said the issue on the southern borders such as Texas and California needed funding to prevent the massive influx of people from South America such as Venezuela and Mexico due to disturbed political conditions at home.

USA Today in a special dispatch on Saturday said as part of the debt ceiling agreement brokered this spring, President Joe Biden and then Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy agreed to spend $1.59 trillion on the 2024 fiscal year, which began in October.

That deal, codified into law as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, included an additional $69 billion in non-defence spending that was not included in the law itself.

House Republicans voted McCarthy out of Speakership replacing him with Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana. The ultra conservative Republicans in the house are edging Johnson to drop the $69 billion they call "gimmicks" but which got many Democrats to sign on to the debt ceiling deal, Today reported.

Johnson said earlier this week that House Republicans would stick to the $1.59 trillion but reject the $69 billion, which would cut non-defence spending by more than 9 per cent below 2023 levels.

"The Senate has been projecting and writing well above (the FRA) by billions of dollars. That's not what the law says," he said.

"As the rule-of-law team, we're going to follow the law."

Johnson's statement is entirely out of step with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, where they are more aligned on adhering to the original Biden-McCarthy deal on limiting government spending.

Johnson's unique "laddered funding" set out in November to resolve the differences between his party men and the Democrat's poses a great challenge to the Congress to meet the deadlines for funding.

Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer lamented that Russian President Vladimir Putin was eager to see the appropriations fail to defund Ukraine so that he can retake the lost soviet territory before summer as a counter offensive by Ukraine military was folding up.
Guwahati, Dec 16 : The United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), a proscribed militant group, has challenged Gyanendra Pratap Singh, the director general of police (DGP) of Assam to wander free and unhindered without any security personnel around him in Guwahati for a week.

The self-styled 'Captain Rumel Asom' of the outlawed group challenged the Assam DGP in a statement posted on Saturday.

He said: "GP Singh, while speaking to the media on December 15, gave us a challenge. We have accepted it on two conditions. Firstly, use Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Indian Army (excluding youths of WeSEA region) instead of the state police officers and constables as drivers and security officers. Secondly, roam freely around Guwahati for just one week if you can."

According to Rumel Asom, ULFA-I made the decision decades ago to refrain from fighting alongside local law enforcement, Assam Police, and military officers, including those from the WeSEA region.

Notably, some of the militant groups active in the northeastern region have formed an alliance to fight against the governments of India, Bhutan and Myanmar. They use the term 'Western Southeast Asia' (WESEA) to describe the region in which they operate.

"Many officers died at our hands during the clashes triggered by senior cops like Daulat Singh Negi and RK Singh in the past. Those killed officers were our brothers, so we decided to avoid any further clashes. Now GP Singh is repeatedly trying to bring that conflict back, ULFA-I warns him to refrain from this," Rumel Asom wrote.

ULFA-I asserted that the Assam DGP lacked the guts to take them on and that the Assam police had previously killed their unarmed cadres.

Earlier on Friday, G.P. Singh issued a stern warning to the militant group ULFA-I for recent blasts that occurred in the state.

ULFA-I took responsibility for three small explosions that happened in the districts of Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Jorhat in Assam between November 22 and December 13. The banned outfit also accused the G.P. Singh of considering the state police as his "ancestral property", and the group accused him of being warned off by these explosions.

They threatened to start further explosions of this nature if Singh "does not reverse his course".

In response, Singh stated on Friday that ULFA-I should attack him directly rather than hurling grenades in public areas if they have issues with him alone.

"I live in Kahilipara and work in Ulubari in Guwahati... they (ULFA-I) are welcome to come see me. They don't frighten me," he said.
Itanagar, Dec 16 : Former Arunachal Pradesh MLA Yumsen Matey was killed in Tirap district by suspected militants on Saturday evening, official sources said.

Sources said the former legislator from Khonsa West Assembly constituency was abducted from a function in Raho village and later killed by the unidentified militants in a jungle.

The security forces have launched a search operation to nab the assailants.

While the police declined to comment on the identity of the militants, a source hinted at the involvement of NSCN-KYA militants.

Before being elected to the state Aassembly on a Congress ticket in 2009, Matey had served as the adult education officer in Changlang district.

The slain MLA was also Congressa Parliamentary Secretary before joining the ruling BJP in 2015.

Three districts of Arunachal Pradesh -- Tirap, Changlang and Longding -- are besieged by insurgency problems. The area is under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

In recent times, the area has been witnessing a rise in extortion and abduction cases.

Used as a transit route for several banned militant groups of Assam and Nagaland, Tirap, Longding and Changlang share a porous border with Myanmar.

In 2019, National Peopleas Party (NPP) MLA, Tirong Aboh from Khonsa West Assembly constituency, along with 10 others were killed by suspected militants.
Agartala, Dec 16 : Two days after two top militants, including one purportedly trained by Pakistan's ISI, of the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) were arrested in Tripura, two more hardcore cadres of the outfit and one of their collaborators were arrested on Saturday immediately after they fled from their Bangladeshi hideout, an official said.

The police said that acting on specific inputs of Special Branch, North Tripura district Police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) conducted operations in the early morning of Saturday and arrested the extremists near Bhandarima along India-Bangladesh border.

The NLFT militants -- Ganaram Reang and Raibahadur Reang -- crossed the India-Bangladesh border after escaping from their Jupui camp in Bangladesh and took shelter in the house of one Railanhya Reang.

One Chinese Pistol, some cartridges, some NLFT's subscription receipts, several incriminating documents, huge Indian and Bangladeshi currencies were recovered from the militants.

Police said that two NLFT leaders Sachin Debbarma and Uppal Debbarma were arrested late on Thursday night at Simna in western Tripura immediately after the duo entered the state from Bangladesh through a clandestine route. "Sachin was in Pakistan and he was trained by the Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan before moving to Bangladesh," a top police officer, who did not want to be named, told IANS.

A senior police official said that the extremist leaders were released from jail in Bangladesh a few days ago after several years in prison.

In Bangladesh, they had been involved in terror plots in Tripura for several years before their arrest by the Bangladesh police.

--IANS

sc/pgh
Washington, Dec 16 : A US government agency on religious freedom has called for sanctions against India for its alleged involvement in the killing of a Khalistani activist in Canada and in a plot to kill another activist in the US.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has been critical of the Indian government and has recommended sanctions on it every year since in 2020. It makes these recommendations to the US State Department, which has ignored them so far.

"The Indian government's alleged involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States are deeply troubling, and represent a severe escalation of India's efforts to silence religious minorities and human rights defenders both within its country and abroad," said USCIRF Commissioner Stephe Schneck in a statement on Friday.

"We call on the Biden administration to acknowledge the Indian government's perpetration of particularly severe religious freedom violations and designate it as a country of particular concern (CPC)."

The Canadian government first alleged India's involvement in the killing of Nijjar in British Columbia in July. Ottawa has cited human and electronic intelligence in support of these allegations but has not made them public yet. The US alleged in an indictment that a senior Indian government official used an Indian man to hire a contract killer to kill Pannun.
New Delhi, Dec 16 : A 35-year-old woman has succumbed to injuries which she sustained when her saree and jacket got stuck in the door of a Delhi Metro train following which she got dragged by the train for several metres, an official said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on December 14 at Inderlok Metro station when the woman, identified as Reena Devi, was travelling from Nangloi to Mohan Nagar accompanied by her son.

Delhi Police have sought the CCTV footage of the incident from DMRC and initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC.

"If negligence is identified, a case will be registered," said a senior police officer.

As per sources, initial investigation suggests that the Metro door's sensor failed to detect the presence of the woman's clothing, leading to the accident.

Reena Devi was dragged by the train for several metres, ultimately causing her to fall onto the tracks.

Following the incident, she was promptly rushed to Safdarjung Hospital and admitted to the ICU ward of Neurosurgery.

The neurosurgery department reported that she succumbed to severe head injuries and chest trauma at 4.20 p.m. on Saturday.

"An incident occurred at Inderlok Metro station on December 14 where, prima facie, it appears that a lady passenger's clothes got entangled in a train, leading to injuries and subsequent demise in hospital today," said DMRC spokesperson, Anuj Dayal.

"The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will be holding an inquiry into this incident," he said.

--IANS

ssh/pgh
Patna, Dec 16 : A day after undertrial Abhishek Kumar, alias Chote Sarkar, was gunned down inside the Danapur sub-divisional court premises, Patna SSP Rajiv Mishra said the murder was executed by two contract killers from Muzaffarpur.

"The deal for the murder of Chote Sarkar was fixed at Rs 12 lakh, and the killers were given Rs 2 lakh in advance. The remaining Rs 10 lakh was promised to be paid after the elimination of Chote Sarkar. We are investigating the incident. The contract killers are being interrogated. They have revealed the names of three of the four persons who hatched the conspiracy and gave the contract to the supari killers," Mishra said.

"We have the names of three persons and are making efforts to identify the fourth person who gave supari to eliminate Chote Sarkar. They were scared that if Chote Sarkar came out of jail, he would kill them. Hence, they hatched a plan to kill him," Mishra said.

As per the plan, the two contract killers came to Patna a day before the incident and put up at a place near Rajendra Nagar. They reached the Danapur court campus via marine drive.

When the security personnel at Beur jail brought Chote Sarkar to the Danapur court on Friday, one of the two contract killers attacked him.

The security staff present on the spot managed to foil his attempt, but the other contract killer took advantage of the chaos and shot Sarkar on his head and chest. He died on the spot.

The security personnel, however, managed to nab both the contract killers on the spot.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 17 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch has arrested a fraudster who used to dupe the victims by posing as a 'Neuro Specialist Doctor' and 'PMO official', an official said on Saturday.

The 37-year-old impersonator has been identified as Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, a resident of Handwara in Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir.

He was arrested from Neulpur area under Dharmasala police limits in Jajpur district on Friday, Jay Narayan Pankaj, IGP STF, said.

"We received some intelligence input from reliable sources about a fraudster from J&K who has been staying in Jajpur area since 2018 and also married a woman there was involved in some suspicious activities," said Pankaj.

Pankaj said the STF immediately swung into action and carried out a raid at the residence of the accused at Neulpur on Friday.

More than 100 incriminating documents, various ID cards, ATM cards, bank documents, affidavits and legal documents were seized from the house of Bukhari who was falsely identifying himself as an army doctor or specialist of neurology.

Numerous forged documents like medical degree certificates issued by Cornell University of the US, Canadian Health Services Institute, Christian Medical college, Vellore etc., were seized during the raid.

He also reportedly worked in many top medical institutes of the country with these fake certificates.

Many people also know him as "a very senior officer in the PMO".

He also told the victims that he has links with senior officials in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A case related to forgery and fraud has also been registered against Bukhari in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The STF also came to know that he has links with suspicious elements from Kerala and also with some Pakistani nationals," added Pankaj.

The STF during the course of investigation found that Bukhari has married six to seven women impersonating as a doctor.

"It was also found that the accused has married at least 6-7 girls from various parts of India including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. He was also active on various websites/apps and was in romantic relationships with many girls impersonating as a doctor with international degrees," said Pankaj.

Sources claimed he had been arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police for duping a person by identifying himself as an Army doctor working in Odisha.

He used to marry women and later dump them after extorting money from them.

He was also reportedly arrested by Maharashtra Police in 2017.

However, his involvement in terror links is yet to be established.

Odisha Police are in touch with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies to unearth further details in the case.
Srinagar, Dec 17 : Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police R.R. Swain on Saturday said that the police department would work towards zero infiltration, zero arms/ammunition smuggling, zero recruitment, zero narcotics and zero terror financing.

"The terrorism and the corrupt system are intertwined but we will break that. And most importantly we would work against the narrative, ideology and the philosophy which justifies, glorifies, supports and legitimise terrorism," he told the mediapersons.

He said the J&K Police have been playing multiple roles prioritising its assignments for the larger interest of the public and in this process, it might be lacking in certain areas which are being improved.

The DGP said that result-oriented policing is not possible without the support and cooperation of the people.

"It is our resolve to work for the law-abiding people," the DGP added.

With regard to the law-and-order situation, the DGP said that zero stone pelting was recorded in 2023.

Regarding the individual terror incidents, the DGP said that progress is seen not in terms of individual incidents but in terms of the overall decline.

"We have a plan which is in motion and under implementation since last four years and the features of that plan are that we try to address the problem fundamentally by way of degrading, dismantling the terror ecosystem which includes the people who recruit, who try to provide arms ammunition/logistic support, the people who try to help in infiltration and the people who help in identifying as to who is to be killed etc," he said.

He said the perpetrators involved in recent killing have been identified.

With regard to the local residents joining terror groups, the DGP said that the graph of locals joining terror groups is very low.

He said that Pakistan would always try to push terrorists here and added that every attempt would be responded to more resiliently, intelligently and in a systematic manner. "We would like to reassure our citizens that they have absolutely no reason to fear, the law enforcement, all arms and wings and resources of the government are with them," he added.

"The idea is once there is peace and stability, there would be education, health, roads, electricity, economic activities, order, justice, and if it is not there, on the other side everything falls apart, the teacher doesn't go to school, the government servant becomes corrupt and takes money without building a bridge, roads, the hospitals and we will not allow that to succeed," the DGP added.
Kolkata, Dec 17 : Kolkata Police on Saturday arrested a resident of Alwar in Rajasthan on charges of duping people by opening a fake profile an inspector-rank officer on social media.

The arrested person has been identified as Sheikh Rais.

Earlier too, he was arrested for making similar frauds and had also had spent some time behind the bars for his crime.

In the latest case, the accused opened a fake social media account in the name of the officer-in-charge of Burtolla Police Station. Thereafter, he posted an advertisement from the fake social media account to sell some furniture of the police station. After one person had shown interest in purchasing the same and contacted Rais on the fake social media account.

The accused shared attractive pictures of some furniture.

The prospective buyer was convinced and he was assured of the delivery of the future once an amount of little over Rs 1,00,000 is deposited to a particular bank account.

The convinced buyer did accordingly and soon after he deposited the amount, Rais became totally incommunicado and even the bank account where the amount was deposited was deactivated. Thereafter the duped individual contacted the Burtolla Police Station, which referred the matter to the cops of cyber crime division.

The cyber crime division started the investigation and in that process they gradually tracked the involvement of Rais in the matter.

After Rais' arrest, the police checked his background and came to know that earlier too he was arrested in a similar case.
Washington, Dec 17 : The five Indian-American members of the US House of Representatives have said in a joint statement that it's "critical" that India investigates allegations that one of its officials engaged in a plot to kill an American citizen and the failure to address these issues could "cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership".

Washington, Dec 17 (IANS) The five Indian-American members of the US House of Representatives have said in a joint statement that it's "critical" that India investigates allegations that one of its officials engaged in a plot to kill an American citizen and the failure to address these issues could "cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership".

Representatives Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthy, Pramila Jayapal and Shree Thanedar issued the statement after a classified briefing by officials.

The US attorney for the southern district of New York has alleged in an indictment unsealed in a court on November 26 that a senior Indian official directed Neeraj Gupta, an Indian citizen, to arrange for the killing of -- although not named in the court document -- Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani activist in New York.

Gupta is alleged to have contacted a man who turned out to be a confidential informant of the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the US. This informant, in turn, introduced Gupta to a contract killer, who was actually an agent of the DEA. A deal was struck for $100,000 with the go-ahead from the senior official, who was allegedly directing the plot from India.

The indictment also alleges that the Indians in the plot had talked about other targets as well, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistan activist who was killed in Canada in June.

The indictment said Gupta had been arrested and detained by Czech authorities in June at the request of the US under an extradition treaty between the countries.

India has announced a committee to investigate these allegations.

"We appreciate the Administration providing us a classified briefing on the Department of Justice's indictment of Nikhil Gupta, which alleges that an Indian government official engaged in a murder-for-hire plot of an American citizen," the five members wrote in the joint statement.

"As Members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning.

"We welcome the Government of India's announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot and it is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again. We believe the U.S.  India partnership has made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership."

These members have been generally supportive of India and have worked assiduously to improve and expand ties between the two countries. Two of them  Khanna and Krishnamoorthi  have been trying to pass legislation that would accord India the same status of NATO+5 countries for purchasing highly sophisticated defence and dual-use technology.
Tia Williams is having a moment. Sleek and elegantand looking very much like a former beauty magazine editorshes settled into a cozy booth at the Smith, an upscale diner in New York Citys NoMad neighborhood, and ordered her first hot chocolate in forever, albeit without whipped cream.

Im learning to celebrate the small moments, she says, sipping the cocoa. Ive learned the hard way that you have to grab them when you can.

That said, it feels like Williams, 48, is on the precipice of something big, given the breakout success of her 2021 romance, Seven Days in June, a bestseller and Reese Witherspoon book club pick thats being adapted for television. And expectations are sky-high for her follow-up, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, a novel that mixes romance and fantasy against the backdrop of Harlems past and present and hits shelves in February 2024 from Grand Central.

The idea for the novel, which PWs starred review calls a showstopper, came to Williams during a bout of insomnia. One night, around 2 or 3 a.m., this story came to me like it dropped out of the sky into my head, she recalls. I had these disparate elements that I had to connect: a cursed musician. A haunted piano. A brownstone in Harlem. Leap years. And then there was a florist and a woman escaping the South. What was I supposed to do with all of that?

She spent the next few hours unraveling the story, making the pieces fit together and hashing out themes. The result is the tale of 28-year-old Ricki Wilde, the youngest daughter of a wealthy, high-achieving family from present-day Atlanta, who eschews the family business and moves to Harlem to realize her dream of opening a flower shop. One February during a leap year, when its rumored that the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, she meets and falls for Ezra, a mysterious jazz musician from the Harlem of the 1920s. As the two work to understand the how and why of their meeting, Ricki finds the present colliding with the past in ways shed never imagined.

I really wanted to explore the concept of Black excellence and how it can set some very rigid expectations of what it means to be successful, says Williams, who also dug into the history of Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance. Its one of my passions, and I loved learning about it. Im a huge Stephen King fan, and, with The Shining, he talks about how houses have memories and places have emotions, and deep histories and the psychology of that. Paris. New Orleans. Charleston. Amsterdam, but especially Harlem. The history underneath the modernity.

When her orderoatmeal and a side of bacon (extra crispy)arrives, Williams, her dark hair pulled neatly back into a low ponytail, confesses that the success of Seven Days in June came just as she was about to give up writing altogether. Like many authors, Williamswhose debut novel, The Accidental Diva, published in 2004knows that success can be elusive and fleeting.

The oldest of three sisters and daughter of an Army colonel, Williams grew up in Maryland and Virginiawith a four-year stint in Germany, during which her cousins in the U.S. would mail her VHS tapes of MTV and General Hospital. We were such a pop culture family, she says. My mom was addicted to paperback romances, so I devoured them. Jackie Collins, Jude Deveraux. All the books with Fabio on the cover. And Id spend months waiting for my February issue of Mademoiselle to finally arrive via international mail.

By the time she was seven, she knew she wanted to be a magazine editor and author, and, no matter what she was reading, she would mentally recast the characters as Black. I understood Black fabulosity because it was everywhere around me, Williams says. My parents had an epic romance. My aunt Diane was a fabulous, big-city career woman. We exist. But I knew those stories were not being told. Why are we missing from the page? From the screen? So, I decided I would tell our stories.

And she did. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1997, she headed to New York University for the publishing course and took a job as an assistant at Doubleday, before switching to magazines, working at YM, Elle, Essence, and other glossies. She decided to write her first book during a stint at Glamour, right after a bad breakup.

I was 25, she says. I was a Black beauty editor in a very white world. No matter what I did, I was the only one in the room. And it was exhausting. Id kind of hit a wall. I quit my job, put all my stuff in storage, and moved to Spain to teach English. While I was there, I started rewriting the story of me and this crazy guy, but like, having it work out in my favor. And I made him awesome. Sort of like a healing journey for myself. And when I was done, I was like, oh my god, this is a book.

That book was The Accidental Diva. It was followed by the YA duology It Chicks (2007) and Sixteen Candles (2008). But then life intervened. I took a long break, Williams says, because work was a lot, and I got married, had a baby, got divorced, and was a single mom for a while. I didnt have the wherewithal.

Eventually, she regrouped and started writing again, publishing The Perfect Find (2016), which has been reissued by Grand Central and optioned by Netflix, and Seven Days in June, about a depressed, migraine-suffering single mom who finds a second chance at romance. I wanted to write a doppelganger who had the same afflictions as I did, she says, but got a happy ending.

Of course, shes also written a happy ending for herself. Williams is remarried, the editorial director of Estee Lauder, and a bestselling authorjust like she imagined herself as a teenager. I never thought wed be here, she says. And yes, Im thrilled. But I dont take it for granted. The thing isespecially with books by writers of colorpublishing is so fickle, based on the trend of the moment, as opposed to the fact that Black women exist in the universe, and therefore there should be books for us as well.

Like her other novels, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde fits that bill. But the books speculative twist is new territory for Williams. When I first came up with this, I was nervous to tell my editor because it sounded so insane, and like nothing Id ever done before, she says. But the thing that kept it from feeling so wild is that its still such a me story. Its a big romance. Its the funny dialogue. Its the quirky extended family and secondary characters, a lot of pop culture stuff. And its still really grounded. Its still a love story at its heart.

Im writing what I know, she adds. And publishinglike lifehas its moments: those continuous ups and downs. Do what you think is right for yourself, no matter the circumstances. Expect the worst, hope for the best, and you just might be surprised.

Sona Charaipotra is a journalist, editor, and the author of six books.
The power of literature was never lost on Angela Montoya, not even as a girl. Her family of writersincluding her father (a poet), uncle (a playwright), and grandfather, Jose Montoya, the former poet laureate of Sacramentocemented Montoyas admiration for storytelling while she was growing up in Auburn, Calif. Admiring her relatives as they performed at poetry events planted the idea that writing could be her future too.

In Montoyas YA fantasy debut, Sinners Isle (Joy Revolution), Rosa and powerful witches like her are trapped on the titular island and eventually sold to rich men in society to do their bidding in repentance for being born with the sin of magic. Rosa strikes a deal to escape with Mariano, a pirate who has washed up on Sinners Isle, but their plan is complicated by their discovery of how the witches entrapment plays a larger role in their societys political landscape.

Montoya didnt land on writing professionally until 2017, when a move with her partner provided her with an opportunity for a career change. All roads had been pointing to a career in education. She worked with her mother at a childcare facility for eight years and became a preschool teacher. But after relocating to Northern California left Montoya with more free time, her partner offhandedly mentioned that maybe it was time to give writing a try.

I had the freedom for once in my life to sit down and really explore what it was I wanted, Montoya says. Thankfully, my partner knew me better than I know myself and thought, try writing.

Montoya shelved her first project after several attempts of querying, but that didnt deter her. She watched YouTube videos and read books on craft, and armed with new knowledge, she felt ready to tackle a fresh idea that came to her in late 2019: the love story of a witch and a pirate.

In 2020, Montoya submitted her manuscript for Sinners Isle to the now-defunct mentorship program Pitch Wars, where she continued to learn more about writing under the guidance of her mentor Margie Fuston. After reading Montoyas project twice in one weekend, agent Larissa Melo Pienkowski at Jill Grinberg Literary Management offered to represent her. Montoya says she knew Pienkowski was the one because she understood the heart of what I was going for.

In the months that followed, Sinners Isle went through a number of changes as Pienkowski searched for a publisher. Willing to do anything, they tried bumping the book up to adult before returning to its original YA form. It was then that the book drew the attention of editors, including YA authors Nicola and David Yoon, who had just begun searching for titles for their new Joy Revolution imprint.

I just had chills, head to toe, and I was trying to play it cool, Montoya says of the moment she learned of the Yoons interest. But on the inside, I was really screaming. She recalls a Zoom call with the Yoons and her soon-to-be editor, Bria Ragin. Im just looking at them: my idols, these icons. My daughter has their books on her shelves.

The book went to auction, and Montoya accepted a two-book deal with Joy Revolution because she knew her story would be in such compassionate and passionate hands. And with Ragins help, Montoya revised Sinners Isle (which was much darker before coming to Joy Revolution) to balance its heavy themes with humor and heart.

I always knew I was going to toy with the concept of power, particularly a womans power, her control over her own body in this world that is dominated by men, Montoya says. It was me trying to grapple with all the terrible things happening. Its a heavy world we live in. But you still can find bits of joy and love and fight for that.

The concept of supporting womens empowerment came from the same family that instilled a love of writing in Montoya in the first place. Shes the first of the Montoya women to enter the family trade. One of my uncles said, The Montoya guys are out here. And now its time for the gals to push them to the side. And I was like, Yep, move aside. Its time. 

Return to the main feature.
Ever since I joined PW in April 1993, my objective has been to write and publish articles that would help everyone in the publishing industry succeed. Leveling the playing field by providing information to help smaller companies and startups compete with entrenched players has been a guiding principle. Its a rule thats helped me navigate the incredible changes publishing has experienced, since spring 1979 when I used the American Book Trade Directory to find phone numbers for independent booksellers to determine their hot-selling titles for a story for the BP Report newsletter.

While PW still reaches out to booksellers today, we, like many in the industry, now track bestsellers with BookScan. The evolution from using phone calls to gather data to using online services exemplifies one of the two most important ongoing developments that I have witnessed in my 44 years covering the business.

Technology has transformed publishing in every conceivable way, from how books are acquired to how they are printed, marketed, discovered, and sold. And while book publishing has a reputation for being technology resistant, the industry has weathered the digital revolution better than most media businesses. E-books now augment print books, rather than replacing them as had once been widely prophesied. The sales surge for downloadable audiobooks seems likely to continue, especially since the newest tech trend, AI, will allow many more stories to be converted to audio editions using synthetic narration. And online retailing has made books easier to purchase than ever. The fact that technology companies, going back to RCAs 1966 purchase of Random House, have been drawn to publishing shows the importance of the written word and quality content to what has become a knowledge-based society.

The second ongoing trend is consolidation. I had a front-row seat to watch an industry once characterized by hundreds of independent presses, many family owned, give way to the rise of corporate publishing. So, too, bookselling was transformed from those thousands of indie booksellers I found in the ABTD to a retail space that was dominated by the bookstore chains.

It was sad to see many indies go out of business as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Borders, Crown Books, B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and numerous regional chains sprung up, but the advent of the chains made all of bookselling more professional and made books more accessible. In many ways, the heyday of the chains in the 1990s was one of the most exciting periods that I experienced. The entire industry expanded to meet the greater demand for books, spurred in part by the growing number of retail outlets.

It was also during the 1990s, of course, that Amazon was born. There is no doubt that Amazon has had the biggest impact, for good and bad, on publishing and bookselling over the course of my career. (And it led to the demise of a number of those 1990s bookstore chains.) In doing research for this piece, I discovered a story I wrote in 2008: Amazon: Friend or Foe detailed publishers complaints at that years London Book Fair, including many about Amazons then-new policy of making publishers that use print-on-demand go through its BookSurge subsidiary. That same story covered publishers desire for an online competitor to Amazon to emerge, fears that the company would move into the content creation business, and concerns over e-book pricing.

 The entire publishing ecosystem would benefit from more cooperation and transparency. 

In 2023, Amazon is the unquestioned master of online sales, but consolidation has also led to a publishing ecosystem in which other parts of the business have their own dominant players. Ingram is the king of trade wholesaling; Baker & Taylor dominates library wholesaling; ReaderLink handles distribution to nontraditional retail outlets; Barnes & Noble is the dominant physical bookstore chain (though it is heartening to see the revival of indie bookstores). And of course, book publishers have the Big Five.

To be clear, all these companies are very good at what they do, but I worry that they are becoming islands unto themselves. I think the entire publishing ecosystem would benefit from more cooperation and transparency. Tackling issues that affect all of publishing, such as sustainability and AI, would be aided by a team approach. Fighting among trading partners often makes for great stories, but Im not sure its the best approach to navigate the new challenges the industry will confront.

Though, if I have learned anything since 1979, it is that publishing is full of committed people who truly care about what they are doing and believe in the power of books. I am sure that the new generation of emerging leaders will find a way to move forward.

Jim Milliot will step down as co-editorial director of PW at the end of this year and assume the role of editor-at-large.
Jim Milliot stands on the cusp of retirement, having written his first news story in 1979, having been with Publishers Weekly for 30 years, and having risen through the magazines ranks to become editorial director, a position hes fulfilled with unerring professionalism through all manner of industry and world tumult. For his years of service, mentorship, and dedication to objectively and fairly covering the books business, we are honoring him with the first-ever Frederic G. Melcher Lifetime Achievement Award.

No doubt, Jims had an amazing career. But his start at PW wasnt the most auspicious.

In early 1993, he got a call from PWs then-publisher, Fred Ciporen. Ciporen had been reading BP Report, a print newsletter that covered the business of publishing and was edited by Jim. Ciporen wanted to meet for lunch. Jim agreed, and on the appointed day, he showed up at PWs offices on West 17th Street, but Ciporen was nowhere to be found. Turns out he had forgotten about the plans and was up at Random House for some meeting or another.

So Jim waited around for an hour before Ciporen returned, and though Ciporen later said he hadnt gone in with an agenda other than to talk shop, by the time their conversation was done his mind was made up: he wanted to hire this guy. Maybe it was Jims fluency with the issues facing the industry; his encyclopedic knowledge of who was doing what, where, and for whom; or his digs about the quality of PWs business coverage at the timesoon enough Jim was PWs new business editor.

The book business of 1993 bears little if any resemblance to the one of today. Borders (remember them?) and Barnes & Noble were the 800-pound gorillas of bookselling. Nobody knew who Jeff Bezos was. Oprah was years away from naming her first book club selection. Publisher consolidation had yet to go into overdrive. Cormac McCarthy had just made his name with All the Pretty Horses after years of semi-obscurity. The internet hadnt really happened yet.

Jim has covered all the seismic changes to the industry of the past 30 years with a remarkable diligence and singular focus on objectivity. Those of us who have worked with him know well his just-the-facts-maam ethos, and hes stuck with it even as the tone of much of the media world has swerved into snark, hype, brick-tossing, spin, or plain nonsense. (One time he used an exclamation point in an email to me. It speaks volumes that I remember that.) That quality is what has put him in a place where people, no matter how highly positioned in the business, will return his calls.

From cover to cover, from the first day we met at BEA in 2008, Jim was very balanced, says Markus Dohle, former CEO of Penguin Random House. I was never worried about anything with him, because of the way he conducted his professionwith a lot of integrity, dignity, and with the typical attributes of his character. Funny, optimistic, and just a very good partner.

Oren Teicher, former CEO of the American Booksellers Association, met Jim shortly after starting with the ABA in 1990 and quickly came to appreciate him as a consummate reporter.

He always knows the right questions to ask, Teicher says. He reports on what you said accurately and fairly. The world is full of inaccurate reporting, but with Jim you could always be confident that whatever it was he was asking about, and whatever it was you said in response, hed report it accurately, fairly, and timely.

To Jed Lyons, CEO of the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Jim is the classiest, most trustworthy journalist in the industry.

You could always trust him to do the right thing in his coverage, Lyons says. He would never try to pull a fast one on a source. Thats how he became arguably the most important journalist covering the book business over the past 50 years.

I came to PW in summer 2005, my job being second from the bottom of the masthead. I was an associate reviews editor, so didnt have a lot to do with Jim or the news operation back then, but I do remember rather vividly the intensely disorganized and chaotic state of his office. He was almost certainly in violation of multiple fire safety and building code regulations with the precarious stacks of papers piled on every flat surface. After we moved offices in 2010, it didnt take more than a couple weeks for the paper towers to begin regenerating in what was previously a pristine space. (To his credit, he could usually find whatever scrap he needed at any given time, even if it was a financial report from seven years ago.)

Publishers Weekly has been on its own fairly wild ride over the past 15 years: change in ownership, changes in leadership, that whole pandemic thing, evolving from a weekly print magazine with a website to a digital media company. Jims been a steady hand at the tiller through all of it, and the whole organization is better off for it. Lucky for us he isnt walking away entirely and will be staying involved in an editor-at-large capacity.

I was talking with Jim a bit about this piece, and he sent me some notes reflecting on his career. In all of them, he nods to everyone except himself. He tips his hat to his first boss, many of his former colleagues, his current colleagues, the business itself. Anyone who knows him knows hed be the last person to give himself any credit. So, allow me to do so on behalf of a grateful staff and an industry that has relied on him for decades.

Thanks, Jim. Were all better for having known you and worked with you. Every day, you put in the work, put out the fires, and were always there with good advice, a level head, and more willingness to be a sounding board than is probably reasonable. Heres to whats next.

Frederic G. Melcher Lifetime Achievement Award

This year, we are launching the Frederic G. Melcher Lifetime Achievement Award, an annual award recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact on the publishing business over the course of their careers.

The award is named after an influential figure in Publishers Weeklys history. Melcher joined the magazine in 1918 and was involved with it for over 40 years, acting as, among other things, PWs editor and chairman of its parent company, R.R. Bowker. Melcher also served as secretary of the American Booksellers Association, helped create the National Association of Publishers, founded the

Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal for childrens books and the Carey-Thomas Awards for distinguished publishing, and helped

launch Childrens Book Week. As a model for a life filled with achievement, we thought this was a pretty good place to start.
As Lightning Source wraps up its 25th anniversary, the Ingram Content Group company has entered a new stage of life. When it was born, Lightning Source found its greatest acceptance from self-publishers and smaller traditional publishers, which used it not only for its ability to do small print runs but for its distribution capability as well. The 2013 launch of Ingrams self-publishing platform, Ingram-

Spark, provided a sales spark for Lightning and deepened its ties with the indie author world.

But in 2023, Lightning has strengthened its relationships with the countrys largest traditional publishers, including the Big Five, said Kelly Gallagher, v-p of content acquisition for Ingram. In the past two years, every single Big Five publisher has significantly increased their engagement with Lightning Source, Gallagher told PW.

The turning point came, Gallagher said, during the pandemic. With supply chains a mess and demand for books surging, publishers of all sizes turned to Lightning Source to meet their publication deadlines. An example that Ingram has cited in the past bears repeating: in the week of June 26, 2020, five of the top 10 titles on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list were supported primarily by Lightning Source.

Since the pandemic experience, large publishing has a completely different viewpoint of how to utilize Lightning to ensure they have just enough copies, but not too many,

Gallagher said. Very little of what Lightning does today is merely solving a print problem, he added, explaining that the company can supply the resources to be the back-end engine to supply content on a global basis for all of its clients.

Publishers see Lightning as a prudent way, for example, to print instant books, Gallagher said. Lightning printed several different publishers editions of the January 6th report, supplying publishers with enough copies to meet demandbut not too many, Gallagher stressed.

The company has also recently embarked on a new program in the large-print market. It set up a turnkey service that provides publishers with a conversion process to move their books into a large-print format, and creates virtual inventory that Lightning can print when orders come in. In the early going, two Big Five publishers are making 80% of their catalog available for large print rather than what has typically been around 15%.

But as important as these initiatives have been, Lightning Source has benefited the most from larger publishers getting a better understanding of how digital printing can be used in combination with offset printing. Gallagher has been one of a number of digital printing evangelists urging publishers not to merely focus on cost-per-unit manufacturing but rather on the total cost of publishing a book, including the costs of books held in inventory. He credits publishers sales teams with helping to make the case for digital printing by explaining to their bosses how POD can be used to capture lost sales opportunities. By providing files to Lightning as part of their regular workflow, publishers can guarantee availability and maintain sales continuity of fast-selling books, Gallagher said, noting the work Lightning often does to meet the demand for titles after they have won an award.

Ingram has had global aspirations for Lightning Source since its launch, and Lightnings global operation is the fastest-growing part its business, Gallagher said. At present, Lightning Source serves publishers in 148 countries and in more than 350 languages. In addition to its POD facilities in the U.S., Lightning has built plants in Australia, England, France, and the U.A.E. Those plants augment 10 Lightning Global Connect partners, which constitute a network of POD operators that Ingram has formed to facilitate the digital printing of books in overseas markets. More partners are expected to come on board in 2024, Gallagher said.

Lightnings overseas growth is being driven by several factors, among them publishers desire to make printing more environmentally friendly, which necessitates printing books closer to a publishers customers. POD was focused on sustainability before the phrase was coined, Gallagher said.

A second factor has been Ingrams interest in adding more languages to its catalog beyond English. Its catalog currently has a significant portion of world languages, Gallagher noted. While the number of titles is in the millions, Lightning is working to add numerous international publishers to its global printing program. We think this is a real opportunity and the right thing to do, he added.

Lightning already has a substantial amount of Spanish-language content, and Gallagher said 45% of that content is sold in overseas markets. One of its top 10 Spanish-language markets is India. Gallagher emphasized that adding a breadth of languages to Lightning will be key to its growth. We have a global network and we should be utilizing it not just by adding more English-language content, he explained.

Whether it is its domestic or international operations, Lightnings ability to work with publishers from pre-release titles through long-term backlistsomething larger publishers began to appreciate during the pandemichas carried into the postpandemic period. What our value proposition looks like today to larger publishers has completely changed, Gallagher said. We are excited about how our future looks.
Passengers travelling between Berlin and Paris and Berlin and Brussels can rest assured that they are doing their bit for the environment while saving money at the same time.

The first Nightjet (NJ) service between the European capitals started running last night and will run three times a week. The service is run by the Austrian national rail operator OBB. It is working in co-operation with its partners DB, SNCF and SNCB  the German, French and Belgian rail operators respectively. The first train left at 20:18 and was seen off by the transport ministers and chief executive officers of the four partner rail companies.

NJ 40424 runs from Berlin via Halle (Saale), Erfurt, Frankfurt/Main and Strasbourg to Paris. It will depart Berlin Hbf at 20:18 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, arriving into Paris Est at 10:24 the next morning. Return journeys from Paris to Berlin, train number NJ 40469, will depart the French capital at 19:12 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday arriving at its destination at 08:26.

NJ 424 runs from Berlin via Halle (Saale), Erfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Mainz, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne, Aachen, Liege-Guillemins to Brussels. The train also departs at 20:18 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, arriving at Bruxelles Midi at 09:56, with the return trip (NJ 425) departing at 19:03 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving in Berlin at 08:26.

Connections are available from Vienna to both Paris and Brussels. The new service forms the backbone of the European night train network from the 2023/24 timetable change.

Owing to the early arrival at the centre of each destination, travellers can save time as well as hotel costs. Those travelling in sleeper and couchette carriages also receive a welcome drink and breakfast served in the compartment before arrival. Nightjet tickets are available from 34.90 per person each way in the seating carriage. Couchette fares start at 54.90, with sleeper fares starting at 79.90. All tickets include a seat reservation and can be booked at OBB travel centres, online, through the OBB app and by phone at OBB customer service.

Leonore Gewessler, Austrian Federal Minister for Mobility, said: Rail travel is climate protection, especially with the night train, which also makes travelling practical and convenient. Passengers can board a train in the evening and wake up refreshed the next morning in another European capital. With the new Nightjet connections, we're bringing major European cities closer together and making climate-friendly travel in Europe even easier. I'm convinced that this is the future of mobility for us. Short and medium-haul routes in Europe belong to rail.

Andreas Mattha, CEO of OBB, added: With the new international Nightjet routes, we're continuing the systematic expansion of our night train business and underscoring our position as a leading provider of night train travel. The OBB Nightjet is already a symbol of a united Europe. Now this partnership between four European railway companies is providing a new service from Berlin to Paris and from Berlin to Brussels with appealing and climate-friendly overnight connections.

Dr Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, said: With our partners, we have set ourselves the goal of making rail travel even more attractive for our customers in Europe. The night train stands for climate-friendly travel and an integrated Europe without borders, which we also stand for with our Strong Rail strategy. At DB, we're proud to be part of the European night trainalliance.

Sophie Dutordoir, CEO of NMBS/SNCB, noted: Ever since Georges Nagelmackers founded the legendary Compagnie des Wagons-Lits, night trains have played a crucial role in Belgian rail history. And Belgium has always been at the heart of the European rail network because of its geographical position. So when OBB relaunched night trains in early 2020, SNCB was eager to join the initiative to add more European cities to Brussels' long-haul network with both day and night routes. SNCB provides maintenance services and train staff on the Belgian legs of the journeys, and it sells tickets via its own sales channels.

Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said: We're proud of this new night train service, which strengthens our European rail network. After the successful launch of the ParisVienna route, which has enough customers, the ParisBerlin route is another strong symbol of the revival of night trains, made possible with funding from the French Government. Europe has played an important role in the history and activities of SNCF Voyageurs. I would like to thank our partners for their cooperation over the past two years in launching this route to Berlin. OBB, DB, SNCB and SNCF Voyageurs have joined forces for a shared goal: the expansion of rail links in Europe.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP)  The mother of a 6-year-old who shot his teacher in Virginia was sentenced Friday to two years in prison for felony child neglect, nearly a year after her son used her gun to critically wound the educator.

Friday's sentencing was the second time Deja Taylor was held to account for the classroom shooting, which stunned the nation and shook the military shipbuilding city of Newport News.

The state sentence she received Friday from Circuit Court Judge Christopher Papile was stiffer than what is called for in state sentencing guidelines and harsher than a joint sentencing recommendation of six months prosecutors and Taylors lawyers had agreed to in a plea deal.

Taylor was sentenced in November to 21 months in federal prison for using marijuana while owning a gun, which is illegal under U.S. law. The combination of her state and federal sentences amounts to a total punishment of nearly four years behind bars.

Taylors son told authorities he got his mothers 9mm handgun by climbing onto a drawer to reach the top of a dresser, where the firearm was in his moms purse. He concealed the weapon in his backpack and then his pocket before shooting his teacher, Abby Zwerner, in front of her first-grade class.

Taylor initially told investigators she had secured her gun with a trigger lock, but investigators said they never found one.

Taylor pleaded guilty earlier this year to the felony neglect charge. As part of that plea deal, local prosecutors agreed to drop a misdemeanor count of recklessly storing a firearm.

Taylor also pleaded guilty to the federal marijuana-weapons charge. Investigators had found nearly an ounce of marijuana in Taylors bedroom following the shooting.

James Ellenson, one of Taylors attorneys, said earlier this year there were  mitigating circumstances  surrounding the situation, including Taylors miscarriages and postpartum depression. She also has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a condition sharing symptoms with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to court documents.

Taylor told ABCs Good Morning America in May that she feels responsible and apologized to Zwerner.

That is my son, so I am, as a parent, obviously willing to take responsibility for him because he cant take responsibility for himself, Taylor said.

During her sentencing in federal court last month, one of Taylors attorneys read aloud a brief statement in which Taylor said she would feel remorse for the rest of my life.

The bullet fired from Taylors gun struck Zwerner in the left hand and her upper left chest, breaking bones and puncturing a lung. The teacher rushed her other students into the hallway before collapsing in the schools office.

The 6-year-old who shot Zwerner told a reading specialist who restrained him, I shot that (expletive) dead, and I got my moms gun last night, according to search warrants.

Zwerner told the judge during Taylors federal sentencing that she remembers losing consciousness while medics worked on her.

I was not sure whether it would be my final moment on earth, Zwerner said.

Zwerner spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has endured five surgeries to restore motion to her left hand. She struggles to put on clothes or tie shoes.

She is suing Newport News Public Schools for $40 million, alleging administrators ignored multiple warnings the boy had a gun. She told the federal judge she has lost a sense of herself and suffered massive financial loss.

Zwerner no longer works for the school system and is no longer teaching. She said she loves children but is now scared to work with them.

She attends therapy and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, while also suffering from depression and anxiety.

I contend daily with deep emotional scars, Zwerner said.

Virginia is the #10 state with the most school counselors Virginia is the #10 state with the most school counselors
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Netflix added five more cast members to its comedy series No Good Deed. Linda Cardellini, Luke Wilson, Teyonah Parris, Abby Jacobson and Poppy Liu have joined the cast.

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Ray Romano was the first actor cast in the dark comedy. Lisa Kudrow joined Thursday.

Romano and Kudrow play a couple trying to sell their home. The new cast members play characters interested in the property.

Cardellini will play a woman hoping to flip the house for a profit. Wilson plays a soap opera actor interested in moving into a house smaller than his "McMansion."

Jacobson and Liu play a married couple who have liked the house since before it went on the market. Parris plays a pregnant woman married to a man not yet cast, looking for a family home.

Dead to Me creator Liz Feldman created No Good Deed. Cardellini also starred in No Good Deed.
Israeli military says it mistakenly killed 3 Israeli hostages in battle-torn part of Gaza

Israeli troops mistakenly shot three hostages to death in a battle-torn neighborhood of Gaza City, and an Israeli strike killed a Palestinian journalist in the south of the besieged territory
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department arrested two persons of interest on charges of malice murder in connection with the death of a man whose body was found near railroad tracks on Dec. 3, according to an ACCPD press release.
A 26-year-old woman was seriously injured after her boyfriend, who is the son of a senior bureaucrat in Maharashtra, allegedly tried to mow her down with his car near a hotel in Thane city, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred on December 11 and the police registered a case against accused Ashwajit Gaikwad and two others under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 279 (rash driving), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and others at the Kasarvadavali police station.

"The incident took place around 4.30 am on Monday near a hotel on Ghodbunder Road, where the woman had gone to meet Gaikwad. An argument broke out between the two. Later, when the victim collected her belongings from his car and started leaving, the one who was driving the vehicle tried to mow her down, due to which she fell down and suffered serious injuries," a police official said.

The victim later put out several social media posts to give information about the incident, the police said.

She is undergoing treatment at a hospital at present, they said, adding that Gaikwad is the son of a senior bureaucrat.

Talking to media, a senior police official denied the allegations levelled by the victim in her social media post that the police did not register the case as per her statement.

"Probe into the incident is underway and no arrest has been made so far," he said.
The five accused arrested in the December 13 Parliament security breach case have revealed they explored the idea of self-immolation after applying fire-resistent gel on their body to create more dramatic scenes without hurting themselves and get media attention, Delhi Police officials said on Saturday.

IMAGE: Two protestors, a man and a woman, who were protesting with colour smoke, have been detained by the police in front of the Transport Bhawan, outside the Parliament, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

However, they later dropped this idea, settling on the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber with smoke canisters, they said.

The Delhi Police Special Cell, which is investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pratap Simha, who had authorised the visitor passes for the two men who breached security to enter the House.

Two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- had jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

Around the same time, two others -- Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi -- released coloured smoke from canisters while shouting 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament premises.

Lalit Jha, the fifth accused, allegedly circulated videos of the protest outside the complex on social media.

"Before finalising this plan (to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber), they (accused) had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending their message to the government," a Delhi Police official aware of the investigations told PTI.

Said an official, "They wanted to explore immolating themselves by covering their bodies with fireproof gel so that they don't get hurt. By doing this drama, they wanted to get media attention. Later, they dropped this idea. However, the reason to drop this idea is not known yet."

They also considered distributing pamphlets inside the Parliament but finally went ahead with the plan they executed on Wednesday, the official said.

Late on Friday, the investigators took the accused to various places where they met and conspired on the breach.

The police are likely to seek Parliament's permission to recreate the breach that occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

Sources said the investigators have also not given a clean chit to Mahesh Kumwat and Kailash -- who allegedly helped Jha escape.

The police will soon take Jha to Nagaur in Rajasthan where he stayed after fleeing on Wednesday.

He will be taken to the place where he claimed to have destroyed his and others' mobile phones, another official said.

All five arrested accused have been sent to seven days' police custody.
The Fremont City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 12, put on hold until at least January any action regarding the citys Local Option Economic Development Plan and local option sales tax ballot language after several council members and members of the public complained about transparency and how the money from the tax would be spent.

Ward 1 Council Member Paul Von Behren, Ward 2 Council Members Dev Sookram and Blair Horner, and Ward 4 Council Member Sally Ganem all urged the council to hold off on any decisions about proposed ballot language or the officially designated financial breakdown of how the revenue from the sales tax would be used.

Numerous members of the public, including former council member Brad Yerger and local residents Gene Schultz and Steven Ray also pleaded with the council to not take any action during Tuesdays meeting, each echoing the others reasons.

Von Behren said he believed less revenue should be devoted to economic development, and more monetary emphasis should be made for city streets, the new police station and the two new fire stations. He also said the ballot language was confusing to him and others, and needed to be much more clear and understandable before being set for the May 2024 ballot.

Sookram supported the desire to delay discussion and action on the issue, stating, Id like to take a little more time on this myself.

Council President Mark Jensen said the revenue from the sales tax has in the past gone to big corporations, and that the future use of the funds is, under our microscope, for possible changes in how it is utilized.

Yerger called the effort to push the agenda item through on Dec. 12 shameful, and lambasted the council for placing it on the agenda.

I think this is shamefulbringing it so late to the public, Yerger said in urging the council to delay the issue.

According to a staff report on the item, the city would like to continue the collection of a 0.5% local option sales tax for the time period of Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2034. In order to renew the sales tax, the issue must be put before city voters during the May 2024 primary election. In order to continue the sales tax, if voters approve it, the Local Option Economic Development Plan must also be extended by the city council.

The Plan has been reviewed and updated to comply with the latest Nebraska statute and is effective June 1, 2024  May 31, 2039. This period aligns with the potentially extended local option sales tax plus an additional five year period, city officials stated in the agenda report. If the local option sales tax is extended in May 2024 but not extended in 2034, the Plan will still be active until 2039 to administer remaining funds in the local option sales tax account.

In the staff report, city officials detailed the uses of the funds raised by the sales tax and how it would be developed under the required plan, including: creating new jobs; expanding the labor market; retaining existing jobs; attracting new capital investment; broadening the tax base; and providing economic diversification to ensure economic stability and vitality for the City of Fremont and surrounding areas.

City Attorney Travis Jacott told the council that the ballot language as well as the Local Option Economic Development Plan both need to be finalized and passed before March 1. He also said the legal team that works for the city would prefer that the two items be approved in February so there is more leeway time to ensure it is fully correct and accurate.

The council voted 8-0 to delay discussion of the two items to the Tuesday, Jan. 9, meeting of the council.
Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday alleged that Lalit Jha, the alleged mastermind in the Parliament security breach case, was associated with the youth wing of the Trinamool Congress.

IMAGE: Lalit Jha, an accused in the Parliament security breach incident, being brought to Patiala House Court, in New Delhi on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The TMC, however, dismissed the allegation.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on Wednesday, two men jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow-coloured smoke from canisters and raised slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

"Lalit Jha is rank and file of Trinamool Yuva," Adhikari, the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Nandigram, told reporters at Bagdogra airport.

Adhikari claimed that Jha's photos with various TMC leaders, including MLA and councillors and TMC Yuva leaders in the state, have come to the fore.

"He is a known face of Trinamool Congress youth wing," he alleged.

Jha and his family members, who hail from Bihar's Darbhanga, have been living in Kolkata for some decades now.

Dismissing Adhikari's allegation, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told PTI that Jha was never associated with the ruling party in West Bengal.

"The biggest question is why were passes to the two persons who breached the Parliament security given by a BJP MP," Ghosh said.

BJP MP Pratap Simha had issued visitor passes to the two persons.

The TMC spokesperson said that the BJP was adopting diversionary tactics to turn the glare from the saffron party MP.

"It is a failure of the Union Home Ministry," he said.

The discovery of Jha's Kolkata connection sparked a political debate with West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday alleging TMC MLA Tapas Roy's association with the accused.

Majumdar posted two photographs on his social media handle, in which Jha is purportedly seen with Roy and other persons, and called for an investigation.

PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the photographs.

The TMC MLA denied knowing Jha and claimed that the BJP was trying to shift the blame.
Indian Army personnel rehearse for Vijay Diwas that marks the victory over Pakistan in the 1971 War.

Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year across the country on December 16.

IMAGE: Soldiers demonstrate a gun that is being displayed as part of the Indian Army's Vijay Diwas celebration at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club ground in Kolkata. All photographs: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Military personnel display their skills during the full dress rehearsal of the Military Tattoo ahead of Vijay Diwas, here and below.

IMAGE: A weapons exhibition as part of Vijay Diwas.

IMAGE: Full dress rehearsal ahead of Vijay Diwas.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday rejected suggestions that the suspension of 13 opposition members was linked to their protests over the recent security breach and recalled that the House had displayed exemplary solidarity and collective resolve when breaches had happened in the past.

IMAGE: Suspended Opposition MPs stage a protest at the Makar Dwar of the Parliament Complex, in New Delhi on Friday. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

On December 13 afternoon, two men jumped inside the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery with canisters of yellow smoke.

They were pinned down by MPs who were in the House during the Zero Hour.

With protests by the opposition disrupting Parliament proceedings, Birla wrote a letter to all MPs, informing that he had constituted a 'high-powered committee' to review all aspects of security in the Parliament complex and formulate a concrete action plan to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

This committee is in addition to a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general headed panel which is investigating the incident.

The Speaker said he will share its report with the House once it is submitted.

With opposition parties seeking a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah and some even demanding his resignation, Birla noted that security in the Parliament House Estate comes under the jurisdiction of Parliament.

"Accordingly, it is the Parliament's responsibility to formulate a detailed action plan on security measures in accordance with your suggestions, and thereafter, their implementation is also the responsibility of Parliament," he said.

Birla said 13 opposition members have been suspended from the House 'purely to uphold' its sanctity.

"At the time of inauguration of the new building of our Parliament, we had resolved that we will refrain from bringing placards inside the House; we will not create ruckus in the Well of the House," he said.

It is indeed unfortunate that some members and political parties are linking the decision of the House to suspend these members to the security breach when two persons had jumped into the MPs' chamber from the visitors' gallery on December 13, he said.

Opposition parties have slammed the suspension, noting that no action has been taken against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Prathap Simha, who facilitated the passes of two accused who carried smoke cannisters with them, while their members have been suspended for raising the issue.

"This is unwarranted. There is no association between the suspension of Hon'ble members and the incident which took place on December 13, 2023," the speaker said.

Birla noted that he had discussed the security issue with leaders of all parties on the same day and added that some of the important suggestions made during the meeting were implemented immediately.

In a message to the opposition, he said incidents such as visitors carrying pistols, shouting slogans, jumping from the visitors' gallery and throwing leaflets have occurred in the past as well.

The nation has also witnessed an incident when some members carried pepper spray inside the House, he said in a reference to the chaotic scenes witnessed during the process to divide Andhra Pradesh to form the separate state of Telangana.

At the time of all such incidents, the House displayed exemplary solidarity and expressed its collective resolve against such incidents, he said.

The speaker said people of the country do not appreciate the inappropriate conduct and interruptions during the proceedings of the House. "It was in this context that the House was compelled to take strict action of suspending Hon'ble members," he said.

As the opposition looks to intensify its protests, Birla urged all members to faithfully discharge their duties towards the nation.

Official sources noted that numerous incidents of violation of security norms have happened in the past, including three cases of visitors jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber between 1991-94.

There have been a dozen cases of people shouting slogans and throwing leaflets from the visitors' galleries, they added.

In 1983, a visitor shouted slogans and threw a slipper into the Rajya Sabha MPs' chamber.

There are at least six instances of visitors shouting slogans and throwing pamphlets in the Upper House of Parliament.
Saturday

HomeStore open, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 701 E. Dodge St., Fremont. The HomeStore sells donated items at discounted prices. Proceeds support the mission of Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity.

Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christensen Field, 1730 W. 16th St., Fremont. The event is designed for the whole family. Guests can enjoy a pancake feed, write a letter to Santa, and get a photo taken with Santa. The suggested donation is $5. All proceeds will benefit the Fremont Friendship Center.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous womens heart-to-heart group, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Line dancing will begin at 6 p.m.

Pathfinder Chorus Sounds of the Holidays concert, 2 p.m., St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3400 E. 16th St., Fremont. Everyone is welcome. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

Spaghetti with Santa, 4-7 p.m., Cedar Bluffs Auditorium. This event for the whole family is being sponsored by the Cedar Bluffs PTO. There will be food, family fun, music, arts and crafts. Santa will be visiting from 5-7 p.m. The cost is $8 per person or $25 for the whole family.

Broad Street Revue presents "Glow: A Broad Street Christmas," 4:30 p.m., Fremont First United Methodist Church, 815 N. Broad St., Fremont. The concert is free to attend. Freewill donations will be collected for Care Corps' LifeHouse. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Pathfinder Chorus Sounds of the Holidays concert, 6:30 p.m., St. Marks Lutheran Church, 1821 N. 90th St., Omaha. Everyone is welcome. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

Elf, The Musical, 7 p.m., Fremont Opera House, 541 N. Broad St., Fremont. The 20-person local cast features adults and children. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for students with identification, and they can be purchased in-person at the Wise Olde Owl gift store, at 516 N. Main St. or online at fremontoperahouse.org.

Spiritual 12-Step Recovery Program, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous The Lie is Dead meeting, 8 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Sunday

Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m., Delaney Hall, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3400 E. 16th St., Fremont. Pancakes, sausage, ham, toast, eggs, coffee and juice will be served. Everyone is welcome.

Alcoholics Anonymous Happy Sober Sunday Group, 9 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Seekers of Serenity meeting, 10:30 a.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to 6 p.m., 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. There will be a coin auction at noon.

Elf, The Musical, 1:30 p.m., Fremont Opera House, 541 N. Broad St., Fremont. The 20-person local cast features adults and children. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for students with identification, and they can be purchased in-person at the Wise Olde Owl gift store, at 516 N. Main St. or online at fremontoperahouse.org.

Pathfinder Chorus Sounds of the Holidays concert, 3 p.m., Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 S. Davis Ave., Oakland. Everyone is welcome. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday speaker, 7:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Monday

TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 9 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 850 N. Broad St., Fremont. Weigh-ins begin at 8 a.m. Visitors (preteens, teens and adults  male and female) are welcome. The first meeting is free. For more information, call 531-281-9288.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Lightkeepers Womens Group, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. There will be a trustees meeting at 4 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 p.m., Fremont Church of the Nazarene, 960 Johnson Road.

Fresh Hope Mental Health Support Group, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854 meeting, 7 p.m., Fremont Eagles Club.

Alcoholics Anonymous 12x12 meeting, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.
Dancers in a city famed for the Ramayana epic fear theyll be the last of their kind.

For 145 years, the Myanmar city of Pyapon has marked the end of the rainy season with a performance of the ancient Indian epic poem Ramayananever halting the annual ritual, even during Japanese occupation in World War II, a major uprising against harsh military rule and a catastrophic cyclone.

These days, however, the dancers who have for seven generations made the Ayeyarwady River delta region city famous for performances of the Burmese version of the Sanskrit epic fear they may be the last of their kind in a country plunged into economic hardship and political turmoil in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and a 2021 military coup.

COVID health problems arise. Political crises arise. The days of performance are getting shorter, said Zaw Oo, chairman of the Pyapon Ramayana troupe.

Funds are scarce. Jobs are scarce. Moreover, foreign culture infiltrates. It is really hard to preserve it so it wont disappear, he told RFA Burmese.

People gather to watch Ramayana, a traditional drama being performed. (RFA photo)

The 53-year-old father of two is a national gold medalist in performing as Dathagiri, the ten-headed chief antagonist in the Ramayana epic poem and the subject of worship in both Hindu and Buddhist temples in India and across Southeast Asia.

The main reason for performing is for safety, Zaw Woo said of the belief that to keep Pyapon safe, the annual reading of the play must not be broken.

If we cannot perform it, we have to serve meals for Dathagiri as a token offering every year, he told RFA. We have to perform it  even if its an hour or a verse  to keep the tradition.

The Pyapon dance troupe has made modifications to tradition to keep people in seats for a lengthy poem that in the original Sanskrit has 24,000 verses.

The Burmese Ramayanas 94 chapters used to take up to 45 days to perform. (RFA photo)

Overseas tour

The Burmese version of the Ramayana used to require 45 days to perform, but the troupe trimmed it back  to nine days and nine nights.

During the pandemic and following the February 2021 military takeover, the dance became a one-day, closed-door performance at Pyapons Shwe Nat Gu Pagoda. Last year, they put on the Ramayana for one day at the Rama theater, but this year, it ran for three days at the end of November.

The truncated version of Myanmars national epic got mixed reviews, even from sympathetic fans.

In the past, I liked watching it. Watching all nine episodes. Now its just one afternoon, said a 65-year-old woman named Myint. Im just watching it to slake my desire.

Now, young people dont dare to go out, so its not as crowded as it used to. added Myint.

The Ramayana dates as far back as 7th to 4th centuries BCE in what is now northwestern India, and became a major cultural and moral influence on Hinduism and Buddhism. Versions of the story of Prince Rama are found across South Asia and Southeast Asia, from the Maldives to the Philippines.

Children with Thanaka, a light-yellow cosmetic paste in their faces, gather to watch Ramayana being performed. (RFA photo)

She told RFA that fears of instability in Myanmar since the coup has taken away her enjoyment in going to the theater.

The Pyapon dancers  proud amateurs with day jobs  are hoping their fame in Myanmar can translate into international support for the struggling troupe.

In October they were invited to perform the Ramayana at the Indian embassy in Yangon, 75 miles (120 kilometers), which led to plans to put on the drama in India, Nepal and Indonesia, said Zaw Woo.

While he was giving us certificates of honor, the Indian ambassador  together with diplomats from the Nepali and Indonesian embassies  promised that he would do everything possible to help our Pyapon Ramayana troupe to visit these countries to perform the drama, he said.

Dancing trumps job

Passion for performing remains high in Pyapon, despite the gloom and doom.

A Ramayanaya performer backstage. The Ramayana was performed continuously even during World War II under Japanese occupation. (RFA photo)

I may not have eaten a meal, but if Im performing the drama, Im satisfied, said Wai Phyo Aung, who is playing the role of Lakshmana, younger brother of Rama and has been dancing in the Ramayana troupe for 15 of his 34 years. He is the first in his family to perform after becoming fascinated with Ramayana dancing as a schoolboy.

I used to work for a company, and I lost my job again and again after performing nine nights, he told RFA. So, in order not to lose my next job, I became a taxi driver.

Sein Myint, the 77-year-old father of Zaw Woo, winner of three gold medals in a long dancing career, urges people to help keep the Pyapon Ramayana troupe dancing.

Some people think we are performing the drama because we are receiving payments, he said.

Were not. Were manual laborers. If anyone offers to help us, well accept it at any time.

Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Paul Eckert.
Authorities fear they will defect to the armed resistance, sources say.

One hundred and three prisoners were released from Pathein Prison, seen in this file photo, in Myanmars Bago region.

More than 200 pardoned deserters have been sent back to prison after refusing to rejoin Myanmars military, according to friends and family members, in what observers say is likely a bid by the junta to keep them from defecting to the armed resistance.

On Dec. 3, the junta announced that it would accept anyone serving time in jail for desertion or absence without leave, provided they rejoin the military. Four days later, authorities released 239 such prisoners as part of an amnesty to mark Myanmars National Day.

Among the 239, some 103 were released from Pathein Prison, 63 from Taungoo Prison, 39 from Pyay Prison, and 17 each from Paunde Prison and Daik-U Prison  all in Bago region.

However, instead of being allowed to return home, the 239 were sent to nearby military training schools and persuaded to rejoin the military, said relatives and sources close to the prisoners, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal.

When 36 of the 39 prisoners released from Pyay Prison refused to rejoin the military, all 39 were sent back to jail on Dec. 12, a source close to one of the deserters told RFA.

Some pardoned deserters refused to serve in the military again, and opted for their remaining prison terms, so they were sent back to the prison, even though they had been freed, he said.

Family members said that on Dec. 7, authorities sent release papers and documents containing personal information for the prisoners released from Pyay, Paungde, Taungoo and Daik-U Prisons to No.6 Military Advanced Training Depot in Bagos Oke Twin township.

A source close to Taungoo Prison told RFA that the 63 prisoners released from the facility were also sent back to jail on Dec. 12 after refusing to serve in the military.

Kaung Thu Win, who said he served as a captain in Myanmar's military before defecting in late December, poses for a photograph after his interview with Reuters at an undisclosed location in northeastern India, Jan. 21, 2022. REUTERS/Devjyot Ghoshal





On Dec. 4, a day after the juntas announcement, junta Deputy Information Minister Major General Zaw Min Tun elaborated on the offer in an interview with state media.

Ex-soldiers who were absent without leave and deserters are requested to rejoin the defense services if they are approved, he said. We announced that these former soldiers  valid for a specific period  will be accepted at their respective military bases and those who committed minor offenses and are willing to rejoin the military will be pardoned.

He claimed that thousands of former soldiers have contacted us, asking to perform military service.

According to the Washington-based United States Institute of Peace, Myanmar maintains a standing army of around 150,000 personnel  some 70,000 of whom are combat troops  with an additional 20,000 reservists. In 2023, Myanmar allocated US$2.7 billion to defense spending, or around 4% of the countrys GDP.

More at risk on the frontlines

Former Captain Kaung Thu Win, who now serves as a military advisor to the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement, said that the juntas offer is wishful thinking, given recent losses to the armed resistance and soldier morale at an all-time low since the Feb. 1, 2021, coup detat.

Under these circumstances, [the junta] cant expect too much, he said. Nonetheless, they are trying to force deserters to rejoin the military.

The junta is facing attacks on various fronts, so the deserters will choose prison sentences and hard labor [over returning to service], he added. Their lives are more at risk on the frontlines.

Kaung Thu Win noted that the offer is being extended to soldiers who were imprisoned for breaking military rules and discipline, so even if they choose to return to the military, they are unlikely to follow orders.

A source close to Taungoo prison told RFA that the junta is returning the pardoned deserters to jail because of concerns that they will defect to the armed resistance.

Maung Maung Swe, the deputy secretary of the Ministry of Defense under Myanmars shadow National Unity Government, or NUG  mostly made up of former civilian government leaders  acknowledged that they would be useful in his administrations bid to unseat the junta, given its lack of resources compared to the military.

A source close to Taungoo Prison [pictured] told RFA that the 63 prisoners released from the facility were sent back to jail on Dec. 12 after refusing to serve in the military. (Citizen journalist)





They refused military services and chose a prison sentence, so if they were equipped with weapons, they would be more likely to fight against the junta, he said. We could persuade them [to join us] without difficulty, and we would receive their weapons. Its a win-win situation for us.

Maung Maung Swe added that forced military service is a violation of human rights, and described it as yet another failed policy [by the junta] in the lead up to its collapse.

The junta has yet to make a statement about sending pardoned deserters back to prison for their refusal to rejoin the military.

Attempts by RFA to contact the office of the juntas deputy director-general of the Prison Department went unanswered Friday.

Resignations not accepted

Former military officer Nay Myo Zin told RFA that he isnt surprised by the juntas policy, given how much the military tries to dissuade soldiers from leaving service, even in times of peace.

The state allows for resignation after 10 years of military service, but most resignations are not accepted, he said. Any officer who repeatedly submits his resignation is assigned to life-threatening duties or dangerous tasks as part of a prison sentence. So, military personnel simply desert.

Maung Maung Swe, the deputy secretary of the Ministry of Defense under the National Unity Government, says forced military service is a breach of human rights. (Screenshot from Reuters file video)

In many cases, deserters arent arrested, he said, because their commanders would prefer to have their salaries and rations to themselves.

For those who are sent to prison for deserting, prison authorities bully and mistreat them, Nay Myo Zin said, forcing them to carry buckets of other prisoners feces or perform hard labor in hot weather conditions.

Additionally, the prospects for deserters who have completed their prison sentences are dim, he added.

After serving time in prison, soldiers from the medical corps can work in health care and military engineers can find construction jobs, but soldiers from combat units have no other profession, he said. Their only option is to find work as a security guard or on a livestock farm.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.






Truong My Lan is accused of embezzling more than US$12.5 billion with the help of employees and bribed officials.

The charges against Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, include giving bribery, violating regulations on banking activities, and embezzlement, state media reports.

Vietnam on Friday issued an indictment against the principal suspect and 85 alleged accomplices in the high-profile Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank embezzlement case, state media reported.

Van Thinh Phat Groups Chairwoman Truong My Lan and her alleged accomplices are charged with accepting bribery, violating banking regulations and embezzlement.

From Feb. 9, 2018, to Oct. 7, 2022, Lan directed the creation of nearly 920 bogus loan applications, appropriating more than 304,000 billion dong, or US$12.5 billion, from the bank, the indictment said.

The case is considered to be one of the biggest corruption cases in Vietnam ever and the value of the known embezzled funds amounts to about 6% of Vietnams GDP.

The indictment said that from 2012 to October 2022, Lan acquired 85-91.5 percent of Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank, or SCB, and then controlled and manipulated the banks activities.

She is accused of directing her subordinates to recruit personnel and appoint relatives and close associates to key SCB positions.

She is also accused of establishing several SCB units dedicated to lending and disbursement at her request, establishing and using thousands of ghost companies and hiring multiple people to collude with leaders of many related businesses to commit crimes.

Lans accomplices allegedly colluded with many asset validation companies to inflate collateral values, creating a large number of fake loan applications to take money from SCB.

They are also believed to have made plans to withdraw money, manipulate money flows after disbursement, sell bad debts and defer credit grants to reduce outstanding debts and bad debts and cover up their wrongdoings as well as bribing and influencing government officers to break the law.

According to the Vietnam Supreme Procuracy, five former SCB leaders are on the run, including Dinh Van Thanh, former chairman of SCBs Board of Directors, who left the country before the case was filed; Chiem Minh Dung, the former SCB deputy director, who also fled abroad and is wanted; Tram Thich Ton, a member of SCB's Board of Directors; Nguyen Thi Thu Suong, another former Chairwoman of SCBs Board of Directors; and Nguyen Lam Anh Vu, a former SCB staff member.

Web of greed and deceit

The indictment also said that 15 former officers from the State Bank of Vietnam, three former officers from the government inspectorate, and a former officer of the State Audit of Vietnam were prosecuted for embezzlement, accepting bribes, abusing their position of authority on official duty, dereliction of responsibility, causing serious consequences, and violating regulations on banking activities.

The former government officers discovered many wrongdoings during their inspecting activities but let them happen.

Do Thi Nhan, the former director of the Inspectorate and Supervision Department is accused of receiving bribes of$5.2 million, according to the indictment.

According to the Vietnam Supreme Procuracy, Lan did not acknowledge her wrongdoing during the investigation, while 80 other defendants honestly testified and admitted their violations in compliance with the evidence and documents collected by the investigation security agency.

Lans niece, Truong Hue Van, who is the director general of Windsor Property Management Group Corporation, was said to have paid back over 1,063 billion dong ($43.7 million). Meanwhile, Lans husband Chu Lap, the co-chairman of the board of directors of Times Square Investment Company, has returned 1 billion dong ($41,000).

Former director Nhan returned $4.8 million of the $5.2 million she is accused of having received, in addition t10 savings books worth more than 10 billion dong $411,000.

RFA reported in November that experts have said that the SCB scandal is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of uncovering corruption in Vietnam.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
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
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.
Relatives of the hundreds of oil-industry workers waging a strike and camping outside company headquarters in a volatile western region of Kazakhstan gathered in front of the local mayor's office for a second day on December 16 to support the workers' plight.

They and the roughly 500 workers striking against West Oil Software in Manghystau complain that threats of dismissal have continued since the company's management fired seven strikers on December 13.

A local court has also declared the strike, which began on December 11, illegal.

With many camped out in snow and freezing cold, the workers are demanding the integration of their salary-payment system into that of the national KazMunaiGas energy corporation, as well as the renewal of their work and technical equipment.

They have complained of security forces and riot police surrounding and intimidating them.

Kazakh authorities have for years been sensitive about protests of oil workers in Manghystau, which is home to operations to exploit major oil and gas reserves in the Central Asian state and contributes heavily to the state budget, especially around December 16, which is Kazakh Independence Day.

The strikers marked the national holiday by reading out prayers for those who died during previous labor disputes and other unrest in Kazakhstan's late and post-Soviet history.

Deadly violence that killed at least 238 people and injured thousands in January 2022 began with protests in the Manghystau city of Zhanaozen over rising gas prices. Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev responded to that crisis with a nationwide state of emergency and by allowing troops from the Russia-led CSTO to patrol Kazakh streets.

West Oil Software provides transport services for oil and gas companies in the region.

Police in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, announced beefed-up security "to prevent possible lawlessness and crimes" during Independence Day celebrations.

#NotExtremists, a Telegram channel that monitors human rights violations in Kazakhstan, said on December 15 that at least eight prominent activists were jailed or charged with administrative misdemeanors in recent days.
BELGRADE -- Ninety-three-year-old Dragisa Debeljan swears he's never missed an election. And he's not about to start now.

"It's important that people who are capable of doing quality work come [into power]," Debeljan told RFE/RL's Balkan Service ahead of this weekend's snap parliamentary, provincial, and municipal elections in Serbia, including in Belgrade.

On December 17, Debeljan vowed that he'll cast his ballot with many of the capital's 1.6 million eligible voters at one of the nearly 1,200 polling stations in that city alone.

Polls have suggested that most of the races around the country will be won by the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and their allies, who will likely benefit from state capture, media saturation, and what international election monitors have said are alarming levels of fearmongering and physical attacks against journalists and the opposition.

A key exception to the ruling party's dominance, however, could be the capital, Belgrade, where the city's more progressive, cosmopolitan voters and the wider availability of independent media compared to the rest of the country give the opposition a real chance of challenging the ruling party.

On November 1, Vucic dissolved the National Assembly, Belgrade's unicameral parliament, and declared the date for the snap parliamentary elections. Vladimir Orlic, the National Assembly speaker, then announced extraordinary votes to fill provincial posts in Vojvodina and Belgrade, as well as 64 other city and municipal assemblies.

The political gamble by Vucic's SNS and its allies to call snap elections followed months of pressure and street demonstrations in the aftermath of twin mass shootings in May that shocked the nation and sparked a Serbia Against Violence movement that crystalized into an opposition coalition.

In Belgrade, voters will elect representatives to both the 110-member City Assembly, which elects a mayor for a four-year term, and to the city's smaller, constituent councils. Late polling showed the unified, pro-European opposition, the Serbia Against Violence coalition, in a tight race with the president's eponymous Aleksandar Vucic-Belgrade Must Not Stop coalition and its former mayor.

The former mayor is Aleksandar Sapic, a water polo star and a vice president of the SNS. When he stepped down on September 29 to trigger the snap polls, he predicted confidently: "I'm not the outgoing mayor. I'm the incoming mayor."

In the mayoral race, he will face off against the Serbia Against Violence coalition's candidate Vladimir Obradovic, an organizational-science lecturer, lawmaker, and former member of the national-conservative Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS). In 2018, Obradovic worked as an adviser to a staunchly pro-Russian minister in an SNS-led government. Serbia Against Violence is also led in Belgrade by Dobrica Veselinovic from the Green-Left Front and its predecessor, the grassroots Do Not Let Belgrade Drown movement, which started life organizing protests against a controversial riverside development in the capital.

The unified, pro-European opposition has campaigned fiercely in Belgrade with the message that taking the capital could be the first step toward ousting Vucic and his allies. The situation in Belgrade has drawn comparisons to one of the former Yugoslavia's watershed elections, in 1996, when nonagenarian Debeljan was a spry retiree in his mid-60s. The defeat in Belgrade of authoritarian President Slobodan Milosevic's ruling party and its allies and the subsequent electoral fraud set in motion massive protests and a brutal police crackdown that ultimately led to his downfall four years later.

Dusan Spasojevic, a professor in the political science faculty at the University of Belgrade, warned against exaggerating the parallels with 1996, when defeat in the capital essentially stripped Milosevic of any pretense of majority support nationally. However, he said that the opposition's victory in Belgrade would be a "remarkable signal" that the SNS is vulnerable.

Nearly 1.7 million of Serbia's overall population of around 6.7 million people live in Belgrade, and it is the country's unrivaled political, administrative, and cultural hub. The city's current annual budget of 191 billion dinars ($1.78 billion) is around 9 percent of the national budget's approved outlays (2.1 trillion dinars).

"The battle for Belgrade is also important because it is currently the only place where, according to polling, the opposition has a chance to win," Spasojevic said. The capital, he said, was important politically and had "strong symbolic significance."

According to Spasojevic, last-minute polling suggested that neither side appeared poised for a majority in the Belgrade City Assembly without the help of right-wing parties. And winning Belgrade wouldn't hand the opposition "a large quantum of power," Spasojevic cautioned. But it would confront the ruling SNS and its national coalition partner, the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), led by Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, with "a completely new reality," Spasojevic said.

It could also, he said, provide opponents who have spent the past decade far from the levers of power with "an opportunity to demonstrate their policies in some key areas."

While Vucic's SNS has been the backbone of the Serbian government since winning presidential and parliamentary elections in 2012, it took a further two years for the party to gain control of the Belgrade city administration.

It is the second time in less than two years that early elections have been called for the capital and the third parliamentary vote in a four-year period, in addition to the unprecedented and selective decision to move the vote calendar forward by six months in more than one-third of Serbia's municipalities.

A delegation of election monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has noted that "all but one of Serbia's parliamentary elections since 2000 [have] been snap elections." The delegation added that such a situation "negatively impacts the functioning of democratic institutions" and "strands the country in a semipermanent campaign period, and hampers the full implementation of laws and control of the executive."

There could also be some dirty tricks.

Opposition Serbia Against Violence leader Miroslav Aleksic has accused governing officials of scheming with police to improperly register hundreds of outsiders in Belgrade to boost support there.

The Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (CRTA), an independent election monitor in Belgrade, said the authorities are exploiting "pronounced advantages" that include "the abuse of institutions and manipulations of the electoral calendar." The election monitor also honed in on "reports of voter migrations, primarily in Belgrade" that appeared to further highlight the battle for control in the capital.

Vucic's party hinted at the urgency and importance it attaches to Belgrade when it entered into a local coalition there with the ultranationalist Serbian Radical Party (SRS), which is led by convicted war criminal Vojislav Seselj. The radical politician returned to politics after his release in 2014 from more than a decade of detention in The Hague for crimes against humanity committed against ethnic Croats in Vojvodina in 1992.

The SNS had previously avoided publicly collaborating with the Radicals, with Vucic ruling out formal cooperation at the national level due to "differences in programs." But with the flagging fortunes of the Socialist Party of Serbia -- which had joined forces with the SNS in a previous Belgrade election to install a mayor -- there is an incentive for Vucic's party to team up with Seselj and his allies.

Longtime Belgrade resident Milanka Spasic Platner said that she didn't plan to vote on December 17.

"I think they're all the same in some way, only some are wearing gloves and some aren't," she told RFE/RL's Balkan Service.

Turnout was nearly 58 percent in Belgrade in the last municipal elections, in April 2022, a tick below the national average of nearly 59 percent but a full 10 percentage points less than in the region with the most voting.

Bojan Klacar from the Belgrade-based Center for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID) told RFE/RL's Balkan Service that, while there's no consensus on the impact of turnout on the race, a dramatic decline would likely benefit ruling parties. That's because "the government has more disciplined voters and ways to motivate [them] that day," he said.

The CRTA is deploying 3,000 observers to follow the vote in Belgrade and the national parliamentary balloting. It has already flagged unchecked intimidation and some instances of violence, in addition to what it says are indications of abuse of state institutions to corrupt the vote.

The election monitor has sent letters to 1,600 local officials urging them "not to allow any party or private interest to take precedence over their respect for the laws of the state to which they serve."

Written by Andy Heil based on reporting in Belgrade by RFE/RL Balkan Service correspondents Jovana Krstic and Mila Manojlovic
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on December 16 met with military commanders and vowed to strengthen air defenses as the tense nation continued to take hits from multiple Russian missile and drone attacks, while he also promised to continue his diplomatic offensive with Western partners to keep the flow of aid coming.

We are preparing for further strengthening of [our] air defense, Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

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.

The theme of air defense arises in almost every meeting in talks with world leaders. There will be more systems, more protection for the sky, he added.

Zelenskiy also vowed to maintain his global diplomatic push for aid and support as the holiday season nears.

Christmas is approaching, he said. While political activity may relax in many countries, we continue to work rigorously with all partners who can help now and provide support in the future.

Zelenskiys comments come on the heels of a whirlwind international trip -- including stops in Argentina, the United States, Norway, and the U.S. military headquarters in Germany -- as he looks to bolster support.

Zelenskiy said earlier in the day that Ukraine was determined to mobilize support and "work with partners to preserve unity in the defense of Ukraine" amid mounting challenges to U.S. and European funding in the 22nd month since Russia's unprovoked full-scale invasion began.

EU leaders used an agreed loophole at a two-day summit on December 14-15 to skirt Hungarian opposition to accession talks with Ukraine. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is still blocking a proposed major funding package for Ukraine.

EU leaders have said they could turn to an alternative plan at an emergency summit in late January or early February, reportedly consisting of loans to Kyiv as opposed to outright grants.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden has been struggling to reach a deal with Republicans in Congress to pass stalled legislation to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.

U.S. lawmakers began leaving Washington on December 14 without a deal to send more military aid to Kyiv, as opposition Republicans continue to demand concurrent changes to U.S. border security policy as a condition for Ukrainian assistance. The administration is seeking $110 billion in defense funding to be earmarked for Ukraine and Israel.

On the battlefield, Russia and Ukraine each claimed on December 15-16 to have downed dozens of the other's attack drones above Ukrainian territory in Russian-occupied Crimea and other parts of southern and eastern Ukraine but also in Kyiv, with Ukraine saying the Russian attacks were aimed at many civilian targets.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko advised residents to stay in shelters as air defenses around the capital fired at multiple waves of incoming drones late on December 15.

The head of Kyiv's military administration, Serhiy Popko, later said there were no casualties and limited damage in the city.

In his video address, Zelenskiy said the countrys air defenses in just one night destroyed 30 [Iranian-made] Shahed drones.

Overall, he added that 104 of the 112 Shahed drones used by Russia have been destroyed over the past week.

Drone attacks in Russia's border regions have become more frequent, and Moscow and its outer suburbs also have been targeted.

WATCH: Zaporizhzhya's regional prosecutor's office says it will investigate a video that allegedly shows advancing Russian soldiers using Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields.

Russian forces launch drone strikes almost daily on Ukrainian towns and cities. Massive drone attacks were launched on southern Ukraine this week, and ballistic missiles were fired at Kyiv, wounding dozens of people.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on December 15 that its forces had downed 26 Ukrainian attack drones over occupied Crimea.

Explosions from air defenses sounded in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol, the Moscow-appointed governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said.

The most intense fighting is still grinding on in much of eastern and southeastern Ukraine.

Ukraine's General Staff said a monthslong Russian effort to encircle the eastern city of Avdiyivka, in the Donetsk region, was continuing but said Ukrainian troops were "standing their ground" in the face of at least 17 assaults by Russian forces in the past day.

It also said Ukraine's forces were holding positions on the left bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region as Russian forces attempt to break through the defense lines in the Lyman direction.

It added that 71 combat clashes took place in the area during the day.

RFE/RL cannot independently confirm accounts by either side in areas of the heaviest fighting.

With reporting by dpa and Reuters
Ukrainian air-defense units fired at Russian drones over Kyiv late on December 15, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, advising residents of the Ukrainian capital to stay in shelters.

"Another group of UAVs is moving towards Kyiv. At present, the work of air defense can be heard on the left bank of the capital in the Darnytskiy district," he said on Telegram.

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.

Witnesses quoted by Reuters said explosions resounded in the city as antiaircraft units went into operation.



The witnesses said air-raid sirens went off on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River, but on the opposite bank police warned residents of the air-raid alert through loudspeakers.



Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's city military administration, said air-defense units were operating in the suburbs of the capital.



Earlier on December 15, the Russian Defense Ministry said Russian antiaircraft units destroyed dozens of Ukrainian drones over the Crimean Peninsula and the border region of Kursk.



A ministry statement on Telegram said the interceptions over Crimea took place between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. local time.



Over the two-hour period, 26 drones were shot down over the peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, the ministry said, without saying if there were any victims or damage.



An earlier statement from the ministry said six drones targeting "installations on Russian territory" had been shot down in the Kursk region without giving further details.



Kursk Governor Roman Starovoit confirmed on Telegram that an attack had occurred in the region and told residents in the area to "stay calm."



In a separate statement, the Russia-installed governor of the part of the Kherson region held by Moscow, Vladimir Saldo, reported that Russian antiaircraft units downed at least 15 aerial targets near the city of Henichesk.



Saldo said on Telegram that fragments from the downed objects fell to the ground.



There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in the reported attacks. The statements could not be independently verified.



Drone attacks in Russia's border regions have become more frequent, and Moscow and its outer suburbs also have been targeted, while Russian forces launch drone strikes almost daily on Ukrainian towns and cities. Massive drone attacks were launched on southern Ukraine this week, and ballistic missiles were fired at Kyiv, wounding dozens of people.



The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said Russian troops launched two missile strikes and 11 air strikes and shelled Ukrainian positions and civilian objects 17 times with rocket launchers during the day on December 15. Ukraines air-defense forces shot down one Kh-59 guided missile, the General Staff said in its evening summary.



There were 82 combat clashes on the front line, the General Staff said, noting that Ukrainian troops repelled eight Russian attacks near Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region and others in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and that fighting continued in the Bakhmut area.



The General Staff said Ukrainian forces had carried out seven air strikes on Russian personnel and equipment concentrations and six missile strikes on Russian military targets. The battlefield reports could not be independently verified.



According to British intelligence, the Russian military is trying to capture the city of Maryinka to "further advance to the west towards Kurakhovo, but a breakthrough is extremely unlikely."



The battle-ravaged town of Maryinka has been on the front line since the invasion began, and fighting continues among the ruins almost daily.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
How the US keeps funding Ukraine's military  even as it says it's out of money

The White House says funding for Ukraine has run out and it has been increasing pressure on Congress to pass stalled legislation to support the war against Russia
Punjab Weather Update

Snowfall in Hilly Areas Intensifies Cold, Four Districts Brace for Possible Rain

Punjab Weather Update: The Meteorological department has issued a weather alert for four districts in Punjab as cold weather tightens its grip on the region. Predictions indicate a possibility of rain in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur, although the likelihood remains relatively low. The primary factors contributing to these weather conditions are the recent snowfall in hilly areas and the influx of cold winds from upper regions.

The aftermath of snowfall in mountainous terrains has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across Punjab, with several districts reporting colder temperatures compared to neighboring Himachal Pradesh. The meteorological department foresees cloudy conditions for short durations, especially in the specified districts, with dry weather and ample sunshine expected in other parts of Punjab.

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The cascade effect of snowfall in the mountains has caused a surge in cold temperatures in lower regions. The prevailing wind direction from the mountains towards Punjab further intensifies the chilly weather. Amritsar and Ludhiana recorded a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius today, highlighting the significant drop in temperatures. In contrast, Dharamshala, situated in the hilly terrain, experienced a slightly milder minimum temperature of around 6 degrees Celsius.

While day and night temperatures in Punjab remain within the normal range, the disparity between the two is noteworthy. Most cities in Punjab are registering daytime temperatures between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius, whereas the minimum night temperatures hover around 5 degrees Celsius. This temperature difference can potentially lead to health issues. Additionally, the variance may contribute to the formation of morning fog in open areas of Punjab, dissipating as the sun emerges during the day.

(For More News Apart from Punjab Weather Update News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Who is Jaskirat Singh Sidhu?

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu is set to be deported from Canada

Who is Jaskirat Singh Sidhu? In a significant development, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the Indian-origin truck driver implicated in the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash, is set to be deported from Canada following the dismissal of his appeal, as reported by Canada-based Media organisation. Sidhu, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges, faces deportation to India, marking the latest chapter in the aftermath of the devastating accident.

What's the matter?

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The Humboldt Broncos bus crash, which occurred on April 6, 2018, at the intersection of Saskatchewan Highway 35 and Saskatchewan Highway 335 near Armley, claimed the lives of 16 people and left 13 others injured. The incident brought Jaskirat Singh Sidhu to the forefront, as his semi-trailer truck failed to stop at a highway intersection, resulting in the tragic collision.

Who is Jaskirat Singh Sidhu?

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu is an Indian-origin truck driver. He received an eight-year prison sentence for his role in the accident. Notably, he had been employed for less than a month before the fatal crash. Earlier this year, Sidhu was granted parole, leading to the Canada Border Services Agency recommending his deportation.

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Despite the recommendation, Sidhu's lawyer, Michael Greene, argued that border services officials overlooked his client's previously clean criminal record and expressions of remorse. The recent judgment, however, confirms that Sidhu is now set to face deportation to India, concluding years spent in Canada where he had established a life with his wife. Nevertheless, there remains an avenue for Sidhu to request permission to stay based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Grieving Families and Public Sentiment

The aftermath of the court decision has elicited mixed sentiments. Toby Boulet, whose 21-year-old son, Logan, lost his life in the crash, expressed his reluctance to see Sidhu remain in Canada. "We have no ill feelings toward the man - we just don't want to see him ever again," Boulet emphasized, reflecting the complex emotions and the enduring impact of the tragic event.

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(For More News Apart from Who is Jaskirat Singh Sidhu News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman)




Despite being a single-cylinder bike, 2024 KTM 390 Duke highest power, torque, hardware, electronics and features than Speed 400 and MT-03

Where Yamaha YZF-R3 used to be on sale in India, this is the first time Yamaha is launching its MT-03 in the Asian subcontinent. In India, however, Yamaha MT-03 is quite a niche as it is the only 300cc to 500cc multi-cylinder street naked motorcycle. So, we pit it against 40bhp+ naked motorcycles to see how MT-03 fares.

Newly Launched Yamaha MT-03 Vs Rivals

In a recent post, we compared YZF-R3 vs its logical rivals. To compare MT-03, we have selected new 2024 KTM 390 Duke with a larger 398.63cc engine and Triumph Speed 400. We didnt involve motorcycles like BMW G 310 R or the new TVS Apache RTR 310 as they are not close to 40 bhp. Dominar 400 is out because 2024 390 Duke is a better representation of Bajaj-KTM partnership.

Zontes 350cc line and QJ Motor have worthy 40bhp+ contenders, but theyre not mainstream motorcycle brands in India yet and they cost more than 2024 KTM 390 Duke, which is not a good thing. So the trio for this comparo is Triumph Speed 400 priced at Rs. 2.33 lakh, 2024 KTM 390 Duke priced at Rs. 3.1 lakh and Yamaha MT-03 priced at Rs. 4.6 lakh (all prices ex-sh).

Considering 40 bhp power and 37.5 Nm torque priced at Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-sh), Triumph Speed 400 is the most affordable and will satisfy a wide variety of buyers that prefer old-school non techy motorcycles. It is the best-looking motorcycle in this comparison too, striking the right balance between neo and retro.

Powertrain hardware is top-notch too. DOHC, 4V head, liquid-cooling, throttle-by-wire, 6-speed gearbox, slip and assist clutch and associated performance. Both 390 Duke and MT-03 dont have universally likeable designs as they take their aggressive appeal to the max, raising quite some brows and splitting opinions.

Stepping to 390 Duke for Rs. 3.1 lakh (ex-sh) unlocks a host of electronic goodies, features and performance-related hardware updates along with actual performance. It boasts a 45.37 bhp and 39 Nm torque, highest in this comparison. It has ride modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, supermoto ABS mode and more.

2024 390 Duke from KTM offers the most value

The 5-inch fully digital instrument cluster is a coloured TFT unit and is the only one to pack it in this trio. This unlocks smartphone connectivity along with turn-by-turn navigation. Front USD telescopic forks are fully adjustable for compression and rebound. While rear mono-shock unit offers compression and rebound adjustments. Brakes and fuel tank are the largest with Duke as well.

Even at Rs. 4.6 lakh (ex-sh), Yamaha MT-03 feels quite bare bones. The high price is because Yamaha is bringing MT-03 to India via CBU route from Indonesia. It has a smaller 37mm USD telescopic front suspension setup, smallest brake rotor size, skinniest rear tyre and the least amount of features.

But MT-03 is the only one with a twin-cylinder architecture and brings a high-revving engine that has a characteristic smoothness and sound that single-cylinder bikes cant match. Yamaha MT-03 can strike a much better prospect in India if they bring it via CKD route, reducing price significantly. Until then, it remains the only multi-cylinder street naked motorcycle in 300cc to 500cc segment.
Three Fort Carson soldiers are accused of sexually assaulting the same woman on the same night in May 2021.

Spc. Mariano Rosendo faced the first of three scheduled court-martials this week in the case involving a civilian woman, who was 21 at the time of the alleged assaults.

A panel of officers found Rosendo guilty of sexually assaulting the woman. He was accused of forcing his way into her mouth, while his friend was also sexually assaulting her and before her boyfriend assaulted her. The other two men face separate sexual assault and assault charges involving weapons.

Capt. Kelsey Fleener, who was prosecuting the case, described the victim as freezing up during the assault.

"She laid there, saying nothing, doing nothing, hoping the horror would end," Fleener said.

Private attorney Lance Wood, who defended Rosendo, said that while the woman told the other two soldiers "no," she did not communicate her wishes to Rosendo. She was also awake and participating in the sex, Wood said.

During the victim's testimony, she said that she went home with her boyfriend, Spc. Gonzalo Michael Perez, a military police officer, after drinking with friends. She was "tipsy" and as the night went on the alcohol wore off, she said.

She recalled going to Perez's room, expecting to have sex with him. While she was laying on the bed, without clothes on, Perez asked if his roommate could join them, she told him no, she recalled.

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His roommate Pvt. 1st Class Stedman Bell came in anyway and raped her, while Perez was in the room, she said. Later, Perez's coworker, Rosendo entered the room and used his hand to force her mouth open, she said. The prosecuting attorney showed the jury a picture of the two having sexual relations with her. She was unaware the photos were taken, she testified.

When his friends were done, Perez also sexually assaulted her.

She didn't say anything or do anything during the alleged assault, she testified, saying she was scared and she largely kept her eyes closed. She also wanted the men to think she had gone to sleep.

"I thought that if I didn't see it, it wasn't happening," she said, during her tearful testimony.

When Perez was finished, he got off of her and went to sleep.

The woman said she then snuck into the bathroom and repeatedly called her friends to come get her from Perez's home and told them she had been raped by the three men.

She hid outside Perez's home while waiting for her friends to come get her, she said.

A military judge sentenced Rosendo to 12 months in prison, a reduction in rank down to private and a dishonorable discharge.
Aprilia RS 457 is easily the prettiest motorcycle here, along with offering the most performance and features for a reasonable price

The void of an Italian offering in 300cc to 500cc multi-cylinder motorcycle segment left by Benelli 302 R is now filled by Aprilia RS 457. But Yamaha launched its long-awaited YZF-R3 in India India yesterday. Did Yamaha steal Aprilias thunder or will the Italian hold its own? We pit other fitting rivals like Kawasakis Ninja brothers (300 and 400) along with KTM RC 390 to see whats what.

Newly Launched Yamaha R3 Vs Rivals

KTM RC 390 is a wild card entry into this comparo as it is the only single-cylinder motorcycle here. Until Triumph Thruxton 400 is launched in India, of course. The price point is the most interesting aspect of this whole comparison. Within the multi-cylinder fully-faired motorcycle umbrella, Ninja 300 is the most affordable. Still desirable or not, thats debatable.

If you are price-conscious, then KTM RC 390 at Rs. 3.18 lakh must serve you well, considering its performance and kit. Speaking of performance and kit, we think Aprilia has pulled off quite an impressive feat by cramming a lot, for very reasonable price. Aprilia has achieved this by locally manufacturing RS 457 at their Baramati plant.

Yamaha R3 is a CBU, imported from Indonesia. Depending upon response, Yamaha might introduce a CKD version as well with price advantages. But considering Aprilia RS 457s price point, it looks like there is quite a bias towards RS 457 as it offers more than R3 for a much lower price. The 47 bhp and 43.5 Nm torque are easily the highest in this comparo. Also, we think Aprilia RS 457 is the prettiest motorcycle in this comparo.

Japanese offerings in this list (Yamaha and Kawasaki) prove to be screamers, making the meat of their power at much higher RPMs. More performance at less RPMs along with significant displacement gain over others will make RS 457s case stronger. The 175 kg kerb weight of Aprilia is also impressive, yielding the highest power-to-weight ratio in this comparo.

The weight of R3 and Ninja 400 are lower than that of RS 457. Surprisingly, one would think that KTM having half of engine components should weigh less. But owing to lighter and more expensive material selection with Yamaha R3, Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja brothers are evident here.

Yamaha R3 Vs Rivals  Specs, hardware and features

Ninja 300 still offers RSU telescopic forks. Having profound riding experience with Ninja 300 for around 4 years, better componentry would help in sharper cornering. Even 160cc single cylinder motorcycles are getting USD forks these days. Other misses in Ninja brothers are halogen headlights and turn indicators. Even at Rs. 5.24 lakh (ex-sh) for Ninja 400.

Except for slip and assist clutch, they dont really offer any special attributes. That said, even the Yamaha R3 misses out on any of the special attributes and features like a TFT dash that Aprilia and KTM offer. Aprilia is the only one with adjustable front suspension (preload) and ride modes. Both Yamaha R3 and Ninja 300 get 140-section rear tyre, which is slightly skinny when compared to 150-section tyres of rivals.

None of the contenders in this comparison have a dual-disc brake setup at the front, which would have looked dope. If youre wondering, Benelli 302 R used to offer a dual-disc setup at the front. Considering everything, Aprilia RS 457 comes off as the clear value proposition in this comparo based on spec sheet. Until Yamaha brings in R3 via CKD route at a lower price point and KTM launches next-gen RC 390 with larger 399cc engine.
Part of the Ray Padre Johnson art collection at the Heritage of the Americas Museum. The Wyoming-based artist will be at the museum on Friday, Oct. 6.

Globetrotting artist and author Ray Padre Johnson, whose works have been displayed at the United Nations building in New York City has donated 25 of his original oil paintings to a museum in El Cajon.

Johnson, 78, will visit The Heritage of the Americas Museum from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6 to talk about his experience creating what he calls Faces of the Global Human Family.

Johnson the human diversity he experienced on a centerpiece painting that shows a view of the Earth from outer space surrounded by faces of 25 culturally diverse children and adults. He also painted 500 smaller portraits of people spread among 24 canvases.

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Ive tried to that inner child open to acceptance and trust in every adult face, the mischief in the childs eyes, Johnson said. Thats where we find the return to that ground in our humanity that can cause healing and help  when that open acceptance begins to breed in our adulthood.

Those works are now at the museum at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West. The museums separate wings are dedicated to natural history, archaeology, education, anthropology and fine art.

Born in North Dakota, Johnson now lives in Wyoming but in between, he called the world his home. After military service in the 1960s, he spent 12 years living among different peoples, tribes and groups around the globe  in 159 nations by his own account.

I ate, I slept and I danced every night, Johnson recalls. Every cultural dance on planet Earth I danced, and I ate everything I saw. But the dancing was the frosting on the cake.

Johnson served as a medical chaplain during the Vietnam War, working in hospitals and prisons. Part of many rescue missions, Johnson was injured twice while serving. He received a Purple Heart and a Silver Medal for valor.

His life as a professional artist began in 1979 when he took a job on a ranch in Wyoming. As he recalls, in exchange for a saddle he wanted, he gave his ranch boss a sketch he had done, and it fell into the right hands.

Johnsons sketches and paintings of people, animals and vistas reflect where he has lived and those with whom he has connected, including actor John Wayne and President Ronald Reagan.

Johnson said that former President George H.W. Bush approved of the drawing of the president who preceded him but that First Lady Nancy Reagan told Johnson that she thought there were too many lines on her husbands face.

Johnson is also the author of a 1992 book Journeys with the Global Family: Insights Through Portraits & Prose, written from both theological and anthropological viewpoints.

Johnson said he had intended to give the global faces paintings to the United Nations, where they were first displayed in 1992. Instead he decided to donate them to the museum where he has forged a friendship with director Kathleen Oatsvall.

Johnson was close with Heritage of the Americas Museum founder Bernard Bud Lueck, who opened the venue in 1993 to display his vast collection of archaeological and cultural artifacts and artworks.

Padre came out for our 20th anniversary (in 2013) and since then has been coming out once a year, Oatsvall said. He said its always been in his will for the paintings to go to the U.N. but he told us, This place feels so right to me. He feels we get the concept of the global human family and how we are all one family.

Johnsons website is at padrejohnsonworldview.com

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
Julianna Farrait, 70, is escorted by DEA agents to the Federal Court building in San Juan, Thursday, May 20, 2010. Farrait, the ex-wife of 1970s heroin dealer Frank Lucas, who inspired the movie American Gangster, was arrested after police said she tried to sell 2 kilograms of cocaine at a hotel in a popular tourist district of Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/El Nuevo Dia, Xavier Araujo) **

The ex-wife of a 1970s heroin dealer who inspired the movie American Gangster has been arrested after police said she tried to sell 2 kilograms (4 pounds) of cocaine at a hotel in Puerto Rico.

Julianna Farrait, 70, appeared Thursday in court and did not say anything except to request that the judge speak to her in Spanish. A judge will decide whether to grant her bail at an upcoming hearing.

Farrait had not yet been assigned an attorney from the public defenders office. She is charged with conspiracy to violate narcotics law, and has not yet entered a plea.

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Farrait was married to Frank Lucas, the infamous Harlem heroin dealer who was arrested in January 1975 at his New Jersey home, where police seized more than half a million dollars. Lucas was convicted that year and sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was released in 1991.

Farrait served five years in that case.

Lucas was played by actor Denzel Washington in the 2007 film by Ridley Scott. Farrait was played by Puerto Rican actress Lymari Nadal, who is married to actor Edward James Olmos.

In a recorded conversation on May 11, Farrait allegedly told an informant she had two kilograms (4 pounds) of cocaine in Puerto Rico and that another suspect had an additional eight kilograms (18 pounds) for buyers, according to the complaint.

On May 19, Farrait allegedly met with an informant at a hotel room in the Isla Verde and unveiled the drugs. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration then entered the room and arrested her, the complaint stated.

Federal agents in New York had been following Farrait since February 2009 with help from an informant, according to the complaint.

In a May 2008 interview with local newspaper Primera Hora, Farrait was quoted as saying that she was always attracted to danger.

She told the newspaper that she left Puerto Rico in 1969 for New York, where she met Lucas at a nightclub. She said she did not find out about his drug deals until a year later, and that she left him one time after fighting about it.

Farrait also said she missed taking trips and having diamonds and a Mercedes Benz.

Those who say that money is not important are lying, she was quoted as saying. People say that money does not buy happiness. It doesnt?
New archaeological discoveries from Mongolia show that, despite a fragmentary archaeological record, horse cultures of the eastern Eurasian steppe were early adopters of frame saddles and stirrups, by at least the turn of the 5th century CE. The 1,600-year-old saddle discovered at Urd Ulaan Uneet is one of the earliest known examples of a wooden frame saddle, showing evidence of both local production and connections with earlier saddle traditions. Recent discoveries from Khukh Nuur suggest that stirrups were in use on the Mongolian steppe concurrently with their earliest appearance elsewhere in East Asia.

Mounted riding appears to have been rarely attempted as a regular form of transport until the late second or early first millennium BCE, although some archaeological data suggest that horses could have been ridden as early as the first half of the second millennium BCE in the Eastern European steppes.

Early iconography, textual sources and archaeological finds show that in areas of western Eurasia these first riders often rode essentially bareback, with suspended legs and a simple blanket or soft pad separating rider from horse.

The Greek writer and soldier Xenophon, writing in the 4th century BCE, outlined best practices for cavalry riding and descibed a Greek tradition of riding bareback, gripping the horse only with the upper thighs, allowing the lower legs to dangle, and holding the mane for more security.

Despite their nearly ubiquitous use among modern riders, neither stirrups nor true saddles were apparently used by early equestrians.

The oldest direct evidence for mounted riding of equids comes from 3rd-millennium BCE contexts in Mesopotamia and the Levant, where riders mounted onagers hybridised with donkeys.

By the middle of the 1st millennium BCE, concurrent with the rise of mounted cavalry across Eurasia, soft pad saddles made of leather and stuffed with fur, fibers or other material and secured to the horse via a girth strap were employed across the Eurasian interior.

These early saddles were occasionally reinforced with wooden or horn supports and were sometimes secured to the chest or rear of the horse by a chest strap or crupper.

Across Eurasia, by the start of the 1st century CE, simple saddles were adapted to provide a greater degree of security.

In western Eurasia, Roman military saddles incorporated four large horns and handholds to give the mounted soldier greater stability; rigid internal components may have also been included but this is disputed.

Early, semi-structured saddles probably gave greater comfort and security to rider and horse, enabling mounted and armoured soldiers to engage more directly with blunt weaponry and swords.

Such innovations in saddle stability, which allowed riders to sustain collisions and ride while more heavily armed, helped heavy cavalry replace chariots on the battlefield by the end of the 1st millennium BCE across Eurasia.

In East Asia, parallel developments towards structured saddles were also taking place.

Excavations of tombs in Mongolias first steppe empire, the Xiongnu (c. 200 BCE-100 CE), have revealed that pad saddles were usually associated with a crupper and/or chest strap to secure the saddle in place, and that rigid pommel/cantle components were also often used.

By the 6th century CE in eastern and central Asia, proto-saddles were replaced by a sophisticated, composite frame saddle paired with two metal stirrups.

Ultimately, technology emerging from Mongolia has, through a domino effect, ended up shaping the horse culture that we have in America today, especially our traditions of saddlery and stirrups, said University of Colorado Boulder archaeologist William Taylor.

But these insights also come at a time when Mongolias horse culture is beginning to disappear, added Dr. Jamsranjav Bayarsaikhan, an archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.

Horses have not only influenced the history of the region but also left a deep mark on the art and worldview of the Nomadic Mongols.

However, the age of technology is slowly erasing the culture and use of horses. Instead of herders riding horses, more and more people are riding motorcycles in the plains of Mongolia.

In April 2015, Dr. Bayarsaikhan and his colleagues at the National Museum of Mongolia were notified by police that looters had destroyed a cave burial at Urd Ulaan Uneet in Myangad sum, Khovd province.

The police confiscated several organic objects that had been well preserved in the dry environment of the cave.

An intact wooden saddle was also recovered from the Urd Ulaan Uneet cave.

The saddle was made from about six pieces of birch wood held together with wooden nails.

It bears traces of red paint with black trim and includes two leather straps that likely once supported stirrups.

The archaeologists couldnt definitively trace back where those materials came from. Birch trees, however, grow commonly in the Mongolian Altai, suggesting that locals had crafted the saddle themselves, not traded for it.

Humans had used pads, a form of proto-saddle, to keep their rear ends comfortable on horseback since the earliest days of mounted riding, Dr. Taylor said.

Rigid wooden saddles, which were much sturdier, paired with stirrups opened a new range of things that people could do with horses.

One thing they very gave rise to was heavy cavalry and high-impact combat on horseback. Think of jousting in Medieval Europe.

In the centuries after the Mongolian saddle was crafted, these types of tools spread rapidly west across Asia and into the early Islamic world.

There, cavalry forces became key to conquest and trade across large portions of the Mediterranean region and northern Africa.

Where it all began, however, is less clear. Archaeologists have typically considered modern-day China the birthplace of the first frame saddles and stirrups  with some finds dating back to the 5th to 6th century CE or even earlier.

Our study, however, complicates that picture. Its not the only piece of information suggesting that Mongolia might have been either among the very first adopters of these new technologies  or could, in fact, be the place where they were first innovated.

Mongolias place in that history may have gone underappreciated for so long in part because of the regions geography.

The population density in the countrys mountainous expanses is low, among the lowest on Earth, making it difficult to encounter and analyze important archaeological finds.

Mongolia is one of the few nations that has preserved horse culture from ancient times to the present day, Dr. Bayarsaikhan said.

But the scientific understanding of the origin of this culture is still incomplete.

The teams findings were published this month in the journal Antiquity.

_____

Jamsranjav Bayarsaikhan et al. The origins of saddles and riding technology in East Asia: discoveries from the Mongolian Altai. Antiquity, published online December 12, 2023; doi: 10.15184/aqy.2023.172
Chilean copper miner Antofagasta said on Friday that it has bought a 19% stake in Peruvian metals company Buenaventura for an undisclosed sum.

Buenaventura is Peru's largest, publicly-traded precious and base metals company and a major holder of mining rights in Peru.

Antofagasta said the investment is in line with its strategy of prioritising exploration and investment in the Americas.

Chairman Jean-Paul Luksic said: "Our investment demonstrates the significant potential we see in Buenaventura's asset portfolio.

"We are excited by the prospect of working together with Buenaventura to realise that potential, in a way that maximises value for Buenaventura and its stakeholders and is consistent with responsible and sustainable operation and engagement with communities, employees, customers, suppliers, regulators and other stakeholders."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Welcome back signs were plastered near the entrances of a once-vacant Sears store in Burbank, California, this past Black Friday and a mix of mattresses, appliances, clothing and accessories filled the selling floor. In a small section of the Town Center Mall, the storied retailer quietly welcomed back shoppers for doorbuster holiday sales without fanfare or a flashy circular. Suddenly, the struggling, bankrupted brick-and-mortar portion of the Sears business was back.

Im just really happy they reopened. It feels like the Sears I remember, which is good, Katherine Sage, a shopper who stopped into Sears to pick up a polo shirt for her son, told a reporter with CNN Business. I think they have good products; I think their mattresses are awesome.

The former retail behemoth, which was perhaps most famous for its historic, money-saving catalog, started as a watch company in 1886 before shifting to mail-order goods in the 1890s.

The first retail store opened in Chicago in 1925, SearsArchives.com noted, and by 1927 there were close to 30 stores in operation. The retailer expanded rapidly over the next few decades, operating 600 stores before World War II. At the close of its 2000 fiscal year, Sears was maintaining 863 mall-based retail stores.

But there was a Kmart merger in 2005, followed by a slow pivot to e-commerce and increased competition from other big-box retailers. By 2018, Sears filed for bankruptcy and gradually began closing stores, shuttering the 46-year-old Staten Island location in 2019. According to the companys website, only 12 stores currently remain.

This Burbank relaunch, however, coupled with another new Sears reopening in Union Gap, Washington, have business experts rethinking the brands sustainability.

Big stores that offer a large variety of products, but do so in a curated way, putting together products that you want  those are thriving, Simeon Siegel, a retail analyst at BMO Capital Markets, told CNN, noting that it is still possible for a store with strong brand-name recognition, like Sears, to make a comeback, even in the internet age.

Recognizing that there is value in a brand name, even if that brand went out of business, is not something new, he added. You watched another company buy Bed Bath and Beyonds intellectual property immediately after it went out, because a brand is a tough thing to kill.

Other experts said they are doubtful.

I dont think its a serious attempt at revival, Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalDatas retail division, told the publication, hypothesizing that Sears holding company, Transformco, hasnt yet found tenants for many of its retail locations due to challenges facing the overall retail sector, so theyre giving Sears & Roebuck one last go.

I think there a lot of locations where retailers just dont want to lease out that space, and so I think the view is if no one is going to lease it out, rather than it sitting there idle, we might as well try and monetize it, Saunders said.

Shoppers are sparse in the Burbank Sears, CNN noted, and some are skeptical that Kenmore, Craftsman and other Sears staples will resonate with new generations of buyers.

I think they need to consult with the younger generation to find out more of what they want, Sage told CNN Business. Keep the products that people go in for, but innovate.
The driver who crashed into a school bus Tuesday in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, was fleeing from police after shooting three vehicles in Warren County, investigators revealed Friday.

Suspect Brett M. Wyatt Jr., a 28-year-old Phillipsburg area resident, was armed with three guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, authorities said based on a search of his vehicle.

The school bus was carrying nearly two dozen children, some of whom were treated for minor injuries. Wyatt suffered major injuries in the crash and was flown by medical helicopter to St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill, according to the Warren County Prosecutors Office. He remained hospitalized Friday.

Tuesdays incident began about 2:45 p.m. in Lopatcong Township, where police were dispatched to the area of Uniontown Road (Route 519) for a report of a male perpetrator who had fired shots at a parked, unoccupied Ford F-450 pickup truck, Prosecutor James Pfeiffers office said Friday.

The gunfire struck a window and the tires on the passenger side, and police were given a description of a yellow hatchback said to be involved, the prosecutors office said in a news release; a responding officer observed a vehicle matching the description headed west on Route 57 near Route 519.

The driver, later identified as Wyatt, continued west on Route 57 until he was stopped in traffic in a construction zone near Strykers Road, investigators said.

While stopped, the subject fired shots at two occupied vehicles, the release states.

One was a Tesla that was stopped in the construction zone also headed west; it was shot three times in the passenger side, the prosecutors office said. Wyatt allegedly then shot a Chevrolet sedan headed west on Route 57, striking its drivers side door just above the door handle.

Both vehicles were occupied only by a driver, and neither was injured, investigators said.

Lopatcong police confronted the gunman as he drove west on Route 57, merging onto Route 22, according to the release.

Wyatt then drove through a Speedway gas station, speeding back into Route 22 West, driving recklessly in and out of traffic, and traveling west in the eastbound lanes of Route 22 before returning to Route 22 West, authorities said.

The pursuit continued across the toll bridge into Pennsylvania, with Wyatt continuing to weave in and out of traffic and passing vehicles on the shoulder, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph, according to the release.

Due to traffic, Lopatcong police were forced to terminate the pursuit about 2:52 p.m. near Route 33 in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County.

An alert went out to local law enforcement with a description of the hatchback and partial license plate, the prosecutors office said.

About 3:15 p.m., a Pennsylvania State Police trooper positioned along the Schoenersville Road interchange of Route 22 observed a vehicle matching the description exiting from Route 22 West, authorities said; after an attempted traffic stop, the vehicle fled onto Route 22 East.

Again, with police in pursuit, Wyatt allegedly weaved in and out of traffic, traveling on the shoulders of the highway, and speeding in excess of 100 mph.

Re-entering New Jersey, Wyatt lost control on Route 22, also called Memorial Parkway, at the curve near Morris Street and crashed into the school bus, authorities said.

The search of the vehicle showed Wyatt was in possession of a 9mm Glock handgun, 10mm Glock handgun and 9mm Kel-Tec Carbine with hundreds of rounds of both 9mm and 10mm ammunition, according to the news release.

The investigation revealed that the 10mm Glock had misfired and a round was found jammed in the gun, the release states. Neither the 9mm Glock nor the Kel-Tec 9mm Carbine were loaded.

Wyatt had registered and legally owned the two handguns, while the carbine was unregistered, according to Pfeiffer. There was no motive immediately available for the suspects alleged actions, and investigators have been unable to interview him, the prosecutor said.

Authorities further reported having recovered a quantity of a suspicious substance from the vehicle that has been submitted for New Jersey State Police laboratory testing.

Criminal charges remain pending, as the investigation is continuing, the prosecutors office said.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An alleged dog bite incident in November has left a woman with physical injuries and no avenue to prove the owners accountability.

Maryam Khalil, a 20-year-old student-athlete at Wagner College, decided on the morning of Nov. 25 to take her 5-month-old German shepherd, Zara, for a trip to the often-frequented Silver Lake Park Dog Run.

According to Khalil, Zara was mingling and playing with other dogs when another canine, a labrador retriever, was heard growling from outside the fenced-in dog run. At this time, Khalil says, another concerned dog owner in the park began to point out the rules, which state that aggressive dogs are not permitted.

A number of signs at the dog run lay out a plethora of rules to abide by, including: No aggressive dogs. And, dog owners are responsible for their dogs actions.

Khalil says the owner of the lab made his way into the dog run anyway, releasing the dog from his leash. According to Khalil, the mans dog charged Zara, ramming into the puppy and biting her. Khalil tried to grab her puppy, an action she says resulted in two bites from the lab that ripped open her hand.

My puppy was being demolished, completely demolished, Khalil said. Nothing happened to her, thank God. She didnt se the owner anywhere for a few minutes while this was happening, she said.

Witness Sandy Kennedy, a resident of Stapleton and a regular at the Silver Lake Dog Run, recalled the days events.

The dog made a beeline for this girls dog, a beeline,' Kennedy said. It was up against the fence, she (Khalil) was trying to break them up, I was trying to grab my dog.

Of the dogs owner, Kennedy said: He didnt even get up off the bench to stop his dog from fighting. He sent his kids over.

Dog run guests tended to Khalil, who was reportedly bleeding profusely and felt faint. Mark Gales, a West Brighton resident, and another woman, were there at the time. After checking on Khalil, Gales recalls asking questions about the dog. The owner refused to accept responsibility for the dogs actions, Gales said.

There was no form of accountability on his part, he said.

Khalil contacted her parents as other dog run guests called the police.

She said she, herself, made an attempt to get information from the dog owner, but he continued to deny responsibility and left without providing any.

Police reportedly never arrived, Khalil says, and she had to make a trip to the emergency room for treatment, resulting in a stitch, a rabies shot and a tetanus shot. Additionally, Khalil said she still needs two more rounds of rabies shots.

In the hopes of action being taken, Khalil says she stopped at the NYPDs 120th Precinct, in St. George, which ultimately proved fruitless. Khalil was told to file an animal control report and was provided information on a potential course of action.

Because hes technically not a criminal, it would be more of a civil lawsuit type of thing, Khalil said.

She added that to take any further action, shed need to acquire contact information.

Now, Khalil is worried about insurance costs.

He didnt even say Im sorry. Nothing, she said. He denied the whole situation.

In the hopes of garnering aid in covering medical costs, Khalil has created a GoFundMe page, which can be accessed by clicking here.

When contacted by the Advance/SILive.com, the citys Health Department did not comment on whether a dog owner is required to remain on the scene after a bite. However, a representative did provide a page of resources on how to respond to and report a dog bite.

This sign is located in the Silver Lake Park Dog Run on Dec. 5, 2023 (Staten Island Advance / Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance / Luke Pe

DOG BITE LAW

So whats to come of a situation like this?

In truth, theres no real recourse, said Jon Ryan DAgostino, an associate with the law firm of DAgostino & Associates.

In the state of New York, dogs essentially get one free bite, he said. The victim of the bite is then left with the burden of proving that a dog had vicious propensity, he said.

If the dog doesnt have a record, meaning that the dog never bit anybody before, theres no record of any prior issue with the dog, violent issue, then ... youre left with having to show from a legal standpoint is that there was prior vicious propensity, DAgostino said.

In many cases handled by the DAgostino firm, research on a dog reveals that the canines have no prior record.

So, what we then need to show, through other circumstances, is that, for example, other people on the block were scared of this dog, any time someone came near this dog it would growl at them or snare its teeth, DAgostino said. It would show more than typical canine behavior; not just barking or jumping up on the window, something to show that it could be a vicious animal, and it probably will bite somebody if you come close to it.

In Khalils situation, that venture is difficult. How can someone gather resources and background information while not knowing anything about the dog owner?

In a situation where a dog bite victim has literally no information on the dog owner or anything, theyre kind of out of luck, unfortunately, DAgostino said.

New Jersey laws are different, DAgostino said. In New Jersey, the law states that if a person is on your property legally and your dog bites someone, youre held liable, he said. This liability even applies if an individual is lawfully in a public place, according to the New Jersey Certified Animal Control Officers Association.

You dont need to show a prior bite,' DAgostino said. You dont need to show a vicious propensity. In New York, they give you that hurdle.

In New York, a dog is treated like property and in the event that your dog injures another individual, there is at least a moral obligation to remain on the scene, if not a legal obligation in serious situations resulting in clear injuries, DAgostino said. In certain cases, a pronounced injury is not apparent, and parties part ways unaware of the extent of the inflicted injury. Its in these situations that victims are often left without the other partys information.

Regardless, the owner in Khalils case did not reportedly remain on the scene, and, in a way, it resembles a hit-and-run, DAgostino said. With no information, nothing can truly move ahead in the case.

Even if Khalil had the dog owners information, that individual would not necessarily be liable to cover any accrued medical expenses, DAgostino said.

If you do have medical expenses, or out of pocket expenses, to get those covered by the dog owners insurance you would have to bring a claim for personal injury, and that would be included in a settlement, DAgostino said.

Medical bills, as well as pain and suffering damages, would be included in a settlement, DAgostino added. The dog owner is not obligated to pay medical expenses for the person that got injured because they may not be liable if the law is protecting them.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella joined police union leaders in Manhattan on Friday to call on New York City to address a surge in violence against NYPD officers.

Fossella, Detectives Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo, and Lieutenants Benevolent Association President Lou Turco took to the Detectives Endowment Association headquarters in Tribeca to shine a light on the more than 3,200 assaults that have occurred against officers in 2023. The figure represents a 21% increase from 2022 and a 41% increase from 2021, according to data provided by the borough presidents office.

What seems to be happening across the city, state and across parts of the country is just a total reckless abandonment of doing the right thing, and a lawlessness that continues to grow without any accountability, said Fossella. Far too often, criminals are allowed to assault a police officer without any real consequence. Even if they are arrested for the assault, they might be back on the street in no time. If the individual is stopped for whatever reason, they often start a fight with the police officer. And why do they do it? Because they can get away with it.

Fossella called on the city and state to implement new policies, including a discussion of a no-plea agreement for the assault of police officers.

We stand united because we dont want to see another name on the wall downstairs, said Fossella, referencing the Detectives Endowment Association Wall of Honor. This is a very significant time to understand that we should never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our city. We dont want to have to go to another police funeral because things escalated and a cop was killed.

Joining Fossella, DiGiacomo and Turco were the families of Detectives Patrick H. Rafferty, Randolph Holder, Wenjian Liu, and Dillon H. Stewart. The detectives were all killed in the line of duty.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Idling your car could earn you a $150 fine if one New York state lawmaker has his way.

Assemblyman Chris Eachus, a Democrat who oversees District 99  made up of Orange and Rockland counties  introduced a bill on Nov. 27 that would prohibit the idling of any passenger vehicle in New York state for more than three consecutive minutes when not in motion. The first violation would result in a warning, while subsequent violations would be punishable by a fine of $150.

According to the bill, a passenger vehicle is considered any vehicle, motorcycle or light-duty truck with a gross weight of 8,500 pounds or less. Non-commercial personal transportation, such as taxis and livery cabs, are considered passenger vehicles, and would thus be eligible for fines.

Hybrid vehicles would be allowed to idle as long as the vehicle was providing energy for the vehicles battery.

The fine wouldnt be applicable to drivers of idling vehicles stuck in traffic; if idling is required for maintenance, safe loading, unloading, or transport of people with one or more disabilities; or if the vehicle contains one or more children or pets. Additionally, a fine would not be levied against drivers if the car is idling in temperatures of 32 degree or colder.

Drivers of authorized emergency vehicles would be wholly excluded while performing within the scope of their duties.

Should the bill make it to Gov. Hochuls desk, it would take effect 180 days after being signed into law.

Idling for longer than three minutes, or more than one minute while adjacent to a school, is already illegal in New York City.

According to state law, heavy-duty vehicles over 8,500 pounds are prohibited from idling for more than five minutes. Fines range from $500 to $18,000 in the case of a first violation.

The state Department of Environmental Conservations mission to cut down idling cars comes from what it identifies as health dangers caused by vehicle exhaust.

Vehicle exhaust contains pollutants that mainly affect the heart and lungs, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation, but can also affect other organs. Health problems that may result from exposure to pollutants in exhaust range from small changes in health that are hard to detect, to fatal heart attacks, as well as a range of respiratory effects and lung cancer. Young children and people with existing heart or lung disease are more vulnerable to the effects of exhaust.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorkers have 20 chances to turn a couple bucks into $25,000 with a few quick scratches.

The New York Lottery has various $2 scratch-off games with top-prizes starting at $10,000.

As of Friday, there are 20 tickets across five different $2 scratch-off games with guaranteed top prizes of $25,000.

Here are the $2 scratch-off games with top-prize tickets of $25,000 still in circulation as of Friday, Dec. 15, according to New York Lottery data:

777 MULTIPLIER

Top prizes remaining: 1

Chances of winning: 1 in 1,032,900

CASH X10

Top prizes remaining: 6

Chances of winning: 1 in 1,680,483.33

FIND THE 7S

Top prizes remaining: 7

Chances of winning: 1 in 1,021,750

IT TAKES 2

Top prizes remaining: 5

Chances of winning: 1 in 985,925

TRIPLE WINNING 7S

Top prizes remaining: 1

Chances of winning: 1 in 1,001,300

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the New York Lotterys scratch-off games, visit nylottery.ny.gov/scratch-off-games.

The New York Lottery continues to be touted as North Americas largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.6 billion during fiscal year 2021-2022 to support education in New York state.

New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school districts size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of lottery school funding.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A project to transform the former Stapleton Homeport into 550 units of housing in the coming years has begun as part of the broader North Shore Action Plan  announced in September as a massive $400 million waterfront investment stretching from Stapleton to New Brighton.

Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) and Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), toured the Homeport on Wednesday.

This is a long, long time coming, Hanks said. I think that the city of New York is finally paying attention to the final frontier of development, which is Staten Island.

The Homeport project ties into the citys plan for the southern portion of Stapletons waterfront that will transform land along Front Street that housed part of the former base for the U.S. Navy into a mixed-income community.

In September, officials said they planned to release a request for proposals by the end of the year, and a rendering EDC shared at the time shows six new apartment buildings across from the MTAs Clifton maintenance shop.

I think that the alignment here is pretty special with the councilmembers leadership...hearing the desires, as well as the frustrations and working with the councilmember very, very closely to develop the North Shore Action Plan, Kimball said. This is evidence of promises made, promises kept.

Rendering shows the Stapleton waterfront plan from the North Shore Action Plan, which the New York City Economic Development Corporation published Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. (Courtesy: NYCEDC)

The rendering also showed EDCs expectation of the privately-owned Urby project resuming construction, and the plans for the Stapleton esplanade, which will tie into other pedestrian and bike paths stretching from the southern tip of Front Street in Stapleton to the northern tip of Bank Street in New Brighton.

City officials also included in the action plan a future bridge-to-bridge concept that would see the Verrazzano and Bayonne bridges connected via pedestrian and bike paths along the North Shore.

Mayor Eric Adams joined Hanks, Kimball, and a host of other officials in September on St. Georges Pier 1, also included in the action plan, to make official what the councilwoman had been pushing for since she took office in 2022.

Most of the plan contains projects that had already been out there, but momentum, like whats happened since the September announcement, hasnt been seen on the North Shore in years.

Work has resumed at the Lighthouse Point project, which had been long-stalled looming over the St. George Ferry Terminal, and the Homeport demolition that began last month are just two examples.

Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) speaks with Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation as they walk through the waterfront property along Front Street on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) Jason PaderonJason Paderon

Apart from the FDNYs Marine 9 station on the Stapleton Homeport pier and the Urby development, the massive pieces of waterfront property that made up the Homeport have sat mostly unused since the Navy left in 1994.

The Advance first reported the federal governments plans for the Stapleton waterfront in 1983 as rumors swirled about former President Ronald Reagans administrations plans to port ships in a northeast city, and it eventually opened in 1990.

By 1994, former President Bill Clinton had taken office, the Soviet Union had been defeated ending the Cold War, and for a short time, the Pentagon had its budget trimmed.

A 1994 Advance article shows the last day the U.S. Navy called the Stapleton Homeport home. (Advance article)Advance

Since its closure, parts of the Homeport have has a variety of uses, and multiple plans were announced for new opportunities, but nothing ever stuck. A bagel factory operated in one of the buildings for years, the Islands State Supreme Court for a short time, and perhaps most notably, actor Danny Aiello tried to bring a movie studio there in the 2000s.

Now, with the citys action plan in full swing, it seems like change might finally be coming to the North Shore.

To actually see the demolition, It signifies that this is happening, Hanks said. Its just been a long time coming.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Two of Staten Islands three Community Boards will hold public meetings this week.

Community Board 1

Community Board 1 will host three committee meetings this week.

The Mariners Harbor/Port Richmond/Elm Park/Arlington Area Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18 via Zoom.

At the meeting, members will discuss liquor license applications by: Bagel Land, 1841 Forest Ave.; Port Richmond Emporium, 350 Port Richmond Ave.; China New Star Restaurant, 1640 Forest Ave.; Miyabi II Asian Fusion, 1348 Forest Ave.; Milek Olympic Grill, 1637 Forest Ave., and Cajun Restaurant Forest LLC, 1756 Forest Ave, Store A-1. The meeting ID is 878 6787 8755. The passcode is 879472.

The West New Brighton/St. George Area Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, in the Sipp Auditorium at Richmond University Medical Center, 355 Bard Ave.

The following liquor license applications will be discussed: Brighton Bagels, 843 Forest Ave.; Legends Hospitality, 75 Richmond Terrace; Bota, 402 St. Marks Place, and Morelos Deli & Fruit Corp, 6 Cebra Ave.

Also, cannabis license applications by ZenZest, LLC, 386 Forest Ave., and Best Dispensary Near Me, 350 Front St., will be considered.

And on Thursday, Dec. 21, the Clifton/Concord/Stapleton Area Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St.

On the agenda is an application to dispense cannabis in the retail store Best Dispensary Near Me, 467 Bay St.

Community Board 2

Community Board 2 will hold a meeting of its full board on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Joan and Alan Berkinow JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd.

Anyone who wishes to speak during the public session portion of the meeting must pre-register at nyc.gov no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18.

The following committees will deliver reports:

The Public Service and Traffic and Transportation Joint Committees will address the proposal by Citiva Medical, of 338 New Dorp Lane, currently doing business as Be, to co-locate up to three of its dispensaries to sell medical and adult-use cannabis at retail.

1363 North Railroad Ave., Alchemist Lounge, a new establishment, is applying for an On-Premises Liquor License with the state Liquor Authority, and the application will be discussed.

A variance application to permit the construction of a Use Group 3 Religious School at 280 Bradley Ave., which is contrary to existing zoning laws, is on the agenda.

And a variance application concerning 241 Freeborn St. to facilitate the legalization of an existing three-story, two-family building on the premises will be discussed.

Also on the agenda are discussions of a City Planning application for 125 Rockland Ave. for the expansion of an existing home or wooden deck.

And the Department of City Plannings proposed citywide zoning text amendment to support economic recovery and resiliency in New York City will be voted upon. The Proposed Action is billed to make it easier for businesses to find space and grow by lifting barriers to enable businesses to locate closer to their customers and create new opportunities for local businesses. It would affect all 59 community districts in the city.

Community Board 3

Community Board 3 has no meetings scheduled this week.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards:

COMMUNITY BOARD 1

Arlington  Castleton Corners  Clifton  Concord  Elm Park  Fort Wadsworth  Graniteville  Grymes Hill  Livingston  Mariners Harbor  New Brighton  Port Richmond  Randall Manor  Rosebank  St. George  Shore Acres  Silver Lake  Stapleton  Sunnyside  Tompkinsville  West Brighton  Westerleigh.

The board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The district manager is Joan Cusack. The telephone number is 718-981-6900.

COMMUNITY BOARD 2

Arrochar  Bloomfield  Bulls Head  Chelsea  Dongan Hills  Egbertville  Emerson Hill  Grant City  Grasmere  High Rock  Lighthouse Hill  Midland Beach  New Dorp  New Springville  Oakwood  Ocean Breeze  Old Town  Richmond  South Beach  Todt Hill  Travis.

The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number is 718-568-3595. The chairman is Fred Guinta. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico.

COMMUNITY BOARD 3

Annadale  Arden Heights  Bay Terrace  Charleston  Eltingville  Great Kills  Greenridge  Huguenot  New Dorp  Oakwood  Pleasant Plains  Princes Bay  Richmond Valley  Richmond  Rossville  Tottenville  Woodrow.

The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The board chairman is Frank Morano; the district manager is Charlene Wagner.
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UPDATE: One person in critical condition following New Brighton house fire; neighbors detail scary scene

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Two people were injured in a late-night fire in New Brighton on Friday.

The fire, which was reported at 9:58 p.m. at 208 Benziger Ave near the intersection of Bismark Avenue and Jersey Street, occurred on the second and third floors of a three-story house, according to an FDNY spokesperson.

One hundred and six firefighters and EMS personnel from 25 units responded to the fire, which was placed under control at 10:53 p.m.

Doris Quinonis died days after a two-alarm fire that occurred on Dec. 15, 2023, at 208 Benziger Ave.in New Brighton. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White

The two injured individuals were transported to Richmond University Medical Center, according to the spokesperson. Their conditions are not known at this time.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Doris Quinonis died days after a two-alarm fire that occurred on Dec. 15, 2023, at 208 Benziger Ave.in New Brighton. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White

Doris Quinonis died days after a two-alarm fire that occurred on Dec. 15, 2023, at 208 Benziger Ave. in New Brighton. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
Im a registered Republican. I totally agree with letter writer Dennis Brown, president of the Staten Island Democratic Association, in his bid for funding to keep our libraries open.

I use the libraries almost daily. Inside, I see many young and toddler children sitting side-by-side with their parents, learning to read. I see elderly people using the library computers. And, moreover, its remarkable to see people actually reading a book instead having of their noses stuck in an iPhone.

The libraries are havens for knowledge and a learning center for all. Another benefit is the free newspapers that cost up to $2.50 at retail stores.

I support the libraries and have written several times to city officials asking to expand their hours and days open.

We all know the city is strapped for cash. But, as noted, librarians dont make a huge salary. So it befuddled me that libraries did away with late book fees. I understand late fees might inhibit some patrons from using a library, but a 10-cent late fee is not draconian amount. I say that because every cent helps keep our libraries open. I am an avid bibliophile, with my own home library.

Several times, I have offered to freely donate some of my books to the library. The books are in new or good condition. Some of the authors include Hemingway, Chandler, Steinbeck, Grisham and Patterson.

Topics have included world history, fiction, non fiction, biography, philosophy and law. I consider these books an intellectual treasure. They should be shared. And yet, each time, the libraries turned me down. No reason offered.

In tough financial times like today, our libraries should accept the help offered.

The children of New York and its citizens should have the chance to read best sellers for free.

(Joseph Valente is a South Beach resident.)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  With an impending storm threatening heavy rain, damaging winds, and coastal flooding, Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday issued a travel advisory for New York City residents.

The storm, which is expected to hit the area on Sunday night and carry over to Monday, has the possibility of turning into a bomb cyclone, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.

According to the mayors office, thunderstorms with heavier downpours and localized flash flooding cannot be ruled out. Heavy rain may cause prolonged disruptions to transportation, particularly for the Monday morning commute, and minor flooding of basements, first-floor buildings, and underground infrastructures. Heavy rain may coincide with the high tides overnight, exacerbating flood conditions along the coast.

We want to remind New Yorkers to be alert, keep checking the forecast, and stay prepared, said Adams. If you have loose things outside, now is a good time to secure them, before the winds start.

Adams advised residents in low-lying and poor-drainage areas to take extra precautions. The mayor also recommended residents to clear catch basins, to make sure the rain ends up in the sewers and not in our basements and streets.

New York City Emergency Management Department Commissioner Zach Iscol cautioned those commuting or traveling on Sunday or Monday to account for potential travel delays.

Were closely coordinating with city agencies and utilities to mitigate any disruptions, and to respond swiftly to any incidents, he said. ...Please allow for extra travel time and consider using public transportation.

Rain is expected to begin late Sunday before transitioning to periods of heavy rain on Monday. Winds will peak between early and mid-Monday morning. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are possible in Brooklyn and Queens.

For access to timely and accurate updates, New Yorkers should sign up for the Citys emergency alert system Notify NYC and follow NYC Emergency Management on social media.
After meeting with Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Monday, the Yankees are feeling good, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

But theyre not alone in Yamamotos pursuit. Just this week alone, aside from the Yankees, Yamamoto has met with the Giants, Dodgers and Phillies. Hes expected to meet the Blue Jays and the Red Sox soon.

The Mets are in on the three-time Pacific League MVP winner too. Last week, a group of Mets officials, including owner Steve Cohen and David Stearns, traveled the 14 hours to Japan to meet Yamamoto.

Of all these teams, Heyman feels that Yamamoto will choose the Yankees, giving them 2-1 odds. Heres why:

The contingent of Hal Steinbrenner, Randy Levine, Brian Cashman, Aaron Boone and Matt Blake flew to Los Angeles for their meeting with Yamamoto, and if its prestige and attention he seeks, they may be the choice, Heyman wrote in The New York Post on Friday. Steinbrenner may have limits, but hes showing this is one of those winters where hes determined to improve the team off its disastrous 82-80 season.

Theres good reason for the hoopla surrounding Yamamoto. The 25-year-old posted a 16-6 record with a 1.21 ERA, his third consecutive season with a sub-two ERA, and 169 strikeouts over 164 innings for the Orix Buffaloes last season. This earned him a Sawamura Award, Japans Cy Young Award equivalent for the third year in a row.

With so much interest in the right-hander, his price tag, once believed to be around $200 million, has gone up. Recent reports indicate that Yamamoto will earn somewhere around $250 million. With a posting fee of approximately $45 million, the Yankees will need to be prepared to part ways with close to $300 million for his services.
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Im remembering all over again the books my stepfather brought into the house when he arrived in our lives. I was seven or eight, the eldest child of three, and I already had a mother and a father, a family that seemed to need no supplementation, but my mother thought differently. First, Jack Mantel came as a visitor, then he moved in, and his possessions, books included, arrived by degrees from his mothers house.

When Jack arrived at the family home, Hilary Mantels father Henry did not move out. Credit: Andrew Testa/The New York Times

The books were tattered, brown-spotted. They did not seem cared for, or read, or to have anything to do with Jack in particular. But in gleaming repair were the steel bars and weights he used to exercise. They chimed like bells when he lifted them, and his breathing  a specialised system of grunts and gasps, which helped him bear the poundage  rolled through the house and out into the street. He had a stack of magazines banded together, with black-and-white photographs of other men with big muscles. The magazine was called Health & Strength. Both these things were in short supply in our house.

When Jack arrived, my father Henry did not move out. Jack was not tall but he was a solid and vehement individual and my fathers body was about as thick as one of Jacks legs. Jack occupied my mothers bed and the back of our house, the kitchen and the glass lean-to, puffing and blowing, clanking the weights and trundling through from the street with the black, greasy parts of broken-down cars.

Meanwhile, my father went meekly to his clerical job. He came home, occupied the front of the house, played his jazz records and read his library books. I read them too, whether they were suitable for me or not.
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 Sunday Lifes most popular cover stories of 2023 See all 11 stories . Like so many 20-something women, I have turned to Dolly Aldertons writing for solace. I came to her after a break-up in my early 20s, when someone gave me their well-worn copy of Everything I Know About Love, her bestselling memoir. It chronicled her roaring 20s, detailing everything from 4am taxis and the homes of unsuitable men to mouse-infested flatshares. It showed me that I wasnt the only one finding early adulthood immensely difficult. The book, published in 2018, has sold more than 800,000 copies and last year was adapted into a BBC TV series. A male friend of mine once asked, Whats that yellow book girls always have? because hed noticed how many of the women hed slept with had it on their bedside tables. Someone messaged me the other day saying there was a bloke walking around a club with a copy so that girls would come over to him to talk about it, Alderton, 35, tells me from her postbox-red sofa, rearranging the sleeves of her Breton-striped T-shirt. Mining her own life for content was what Alderton was, and for many still is, best known for. Her second book, Ghosts, published in 2020, was fictional but readers drew comparisons between her and the protagonist, Nina, because the book shared themes with her memoir  friends drifting away when they find a romantic partner, the highs and lows of dating etc. Despite the subject matter of her writing, some of Aldertons friends doubt she is as hung up on finding love as many readers would assume. Credit: Sane Seven/The Sunday Times Magazine/News Licensing Her new novel, Good Material, is different. It is still written from the perspective of someone recently heartbroken, but this time its a man called Andy. The detail is luscious, from the folder in Andys phone titled Bald, where he stores photos of the back of his head, to the doomsday prepper he ends up lodging with who likes sending letters to Julian Assange. I couldnt write another book about yet another heartbroken woman, it would just be too depressing. Im sitting here in a flat I bought with heartbreak, Alderton explains, gesturing around her. Her cat, Goldie, named after Goldie Hawn, languishes on the jute carpet.

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I wanted to stretch myself, she continues, taking a forkful of strawberry cake (not homemade), which shes just taken out of the oven for us. I wanted to write about someone who couldnt be compared to me. Id spent my 20s writing about my sex and dating life every week in a column, posting pictures of myself daily on a walk or with my flatmates, and I had this growing feeling that it didnt serve me any more. I felt out of control with my career, social media was stressful, the conversations around me were stressful. Alderton was born to a Canadian mother and British father. They named her Hannah but she switched to Dolly in her early teens. She grew up in the north London suburb of Stanmore. Morrissey once described his teenage life as waiting for a bus that never came, she writes in Everything I Know About Love about an adolescence spent in a bland cul-de-sac. I felt out of control with my career, social media was stressful, the conversations around me were stressful. DOLLY ALDERTON Alderton attended a private all-girls school. I was one of those kids at school about whom the teachers would always say, If she spent less time trying to entertain the class and more time listening She studied drama and English at university and did a masters degree in journalism. Her blog about the messy life of a 20-something secured her a job as a writer on the scripted reality show Made in Chelsea. She started writing a dating column for The Sunday Times Style magazine in 2015, when she was 26. The High Low podcast followed in 2017. And then Everything I Know About Love changed her world. However, turning her private life into a product took its toll and she sought professional help. I started with this therapist when I was 30 and she said to me, The way youre living, with your career, who you are, some people could carry on like this. You cant. Youre not robust enough for people to know about your private life on this scale. What got you here wont get you there.

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So she changed tack, from dating columnist to Dear Dolly agony aunt, from memoirist to novelist. In 2020, while going through a painful break-up, she embarked on Good Material. She undertook months of research, asking men of all ages, backgrounds and personality types about heartbreak, love, relationships and sex. Despite the subject matter of her writing, some of Aldertons friends doubt she is as hung up on finding love as many readers would assume. She recounts a story about returning home from a holiday in Greece with a friend in the wake of the break-up that inspired Good Material. Loading Id complained a lot about how Id been mostly single for 10 years. On the way back, we had to take a bus and a boat and this good-looking guy sat next to us. And Caroline, who is married, made conversation with him for two hours. She said she looked over and watched me in my own world, reading my book and staring out of the window, and she had this realisation: Dolly does not want a boyfriend. She has wanted to be single for 10 years. Alderton is hopeful that the mould is loosening and that more women will feel comfortable outside a relationship. It takes a huge amount of bravery because there arent that many women doing the same, she says. Its a historic response to feel panic at being left behind. Like youre not cool, not normal, not feminine. But with every generation, more and more women will see that its okay to want to be on your own. We will stop seeing it as sad or transgressive. I ask her how she found turning 30. Difficult, it transpires, especially when youve spent a large portion of your 20s capitalising off being in your 20s, it can be a shock to have to leave them. Initially she says she was acting out. I was dating inappropriate men  not bad people, just people who werent at the same life stage as me. I fell in love but it was also, on an unconscious level, a resistance to choose sensibly. I went out drinking a lot, started wearing crop tops, getting tattoos and holes in my ears. She pulls her hair back to reveal a stack of chunky gold hoops running down her lobe.

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At the moment where everyone I knew was trying for children, getting married or saving up for houses  moving to the home counties because they cant afford London  I did the opposite. What I realise now is that you can design your own version of what a 30-year-old is. Her version of a 30-something looks pretty impressive to me, with her delicately tiled bathroom and bookshelves filled with the works of Joan Didion. She shows me her diary for the week, listing back-to-back press engagements for Good Material, gallery dates with Pandora Sykes, theatre, work meetings, dinners, dates. Im out four or five nights a week. I work all the time because I find work really fun. But the other thing I love is life  and I wont compromise on that, either. I was dating inappropriate men  not bad people, just people who werent at the same life stage as me. DOLLY ALDERTON Theres this thing that tends to happen when women reach a certain level of acclaim. In the beginning, the woman does some brilliant work, everyone loves it, says shes the voice of a generation, and the thing gains more and more traction. How does Alderton feel about being called the voice of a generation? I dont like people foisting those sorts of titles on me, suggesting that I represent Millennial women or anything generational. That makes me feel very uncomfortable. Its flattering, but its not something I set out to do. She lifts her legs onto a paisley foot rest and sinks further back into the sofa. I love to defend [Normal People author] Sally Rooney. Ive heard people in the industry debate whether she deserves all the accolades because theres so much sycophancy around her work. Its amazing to me how many people think shes responsible for that, that she set out to do it, like its her fault everyone fell in love with her books. She recounts a time at the Wilderness Festival a few years ago when she was queueing for the loo. These two lovely girls who were completely off their heads came over and were talking at me about the book. I was, like, Im so sorry, can you hold on one minute? Im just desperate for the toilet, and ran into the cubicle. Anyway they were in the next cubicle and I could overhear them slagging me off, like, I thought her whole thing was that shes meant to be friendly.

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Jensen was always, technically at least, a Christian. As the son of Australias most influential Anglican family of the modern era, he had no choice. His father was archbishop, his uncle Phillip  an outspoken character who once described Catholics as sub-Christian  was dean of St Andrews Cathedral, and his eldest brother, Michael, is now the rector of St Marks, Darling Point. Peter Jensens mark on the church is indelible and controversial. He fought against the ordination of women  within the family, men are the spiritual guides  and made it the dioceses explicit mission to have 10 per cent of Sydneysiders in Bible-believing churches. He was a founding member of a Southern Hemisphere Anglican coalition that effectively split from the Archbishop of Canterbury because it felt the Europeans did not follow the gospels faithfully enough, and has driven a fracture in the domestic church over same-sex blessings. Peter Jensen as Sydneys Anglican Archbishop, in 2010. Credit: Domino Postiglione

His legacy holds firm, says Muriel Porter, author of The New Puritans; The rise of fundamentalism in the Anglican Church. Sydney diocese is a more conservative place than it was when he was elected two decades ago, and the national Anglican church is now completely dominated by its representatives. So if anyone was going to be born a believer, it was the youngest son of Peter Jensen. My mum and dad loved Jesus, says Jensen the younger. Wed eat dinner as a family and wed read the Bible together every night. Wed pray after dinner as a family. He always believed Christianity was probably true. But it was an abstract thing for him, not the all-consuming passion it was for other members of his family, including his twin sister. I hit a point in my teenage years where it was just no part of my life. As a teen, he didnt tell his family about the girls and the drinking and the occasional drug use  I just lied about it. The pregnancy forced his hand. His mother banged her head on a pantry door and then sat down and asked how she could help. My parents were endlessly gracious, he says. There wasnt a single moment of, Oh, Im the Archbishop of Sydney.

The young couple wasnt forced to marry, but did anyway. Jensen had dropped out of university and was working as a furniture removalist when he saw an army recruitment ad on a bus. He went to officer training at Duntroon, then moved to Townsville with his young family. Dave Jensen with his family: Wife Sammy and boys Sonny, 10, Joseph, 8, Jesse, 6, and Frank, 2. Credit: He was faced with a series of moral choices in the army, and Jensen is the first to admit he made poor ones. He was a 20-something in charge of blokes whod fought overseas. Theyd call you sir, but theyd say it in such a way that you know they mean  Youve either got to be exceptionally competent to win their confidence,  he says that he wasnt  or try to be their friend, which never works, or you try to out-drink and  out-macho them. I threw myself into drinking  youre in a drinking, womanising, violent culture. He was in his early 20s when his marriage ended in divorce. He took the opportunity to indulge further in what he says was ego, selfishness and a desire to be admired. He got buff, played footy and partied hard. I was a very good drinker, I was very violent, I was constantly being arrested and put in the drunk tank for fights in the street, he says.

Lots of womanising. Like everyone else I knew, I looked at pornography. I wanted to be liked and admired and respected. Id lie about my background. I was proud of my dad, who was archbishop at the time  But I wouldnt volunteer that information. He was 28 and a captain living in Darwin when he watched a few sermons his sister loaded onto a laptop shed given him. I woke up one morning and for the first time ever I stopped to think about my life, he says. Im living, but I have no compass. He rang the army padre, whod studied at Moore College when he was a kid. They began talking. And talking. He began going to church after big nights out. It was like jigsaw pieces coming together. Twenty-eight years after he was baptised, he converted. It made sense of my life, he says. Im utterly convinced its true. Not just because my dad told me. I discovered it for myself. I asked if his parents were thrilled when he returned to the fold. Its safe to say they were, he says, but adds that they had never been judgmental, not even about his divorce; not one, oh youre an embarrassment. Not one, ever.

They see life, he says, from an eternal perspective. Fast-forward 14 years, and this prodigal Jensen is following in his familys footsteps with a high-profile job in the Sydney diocese, which involves itinerant preaching and working as an evangelist, or, more simply, in Christian recruitment. Dave Jensen during his army days, seated third from left on top of the armoured personnel carrier. Credit: Hes regarded as having particular expertise in the attitudes of the less faithful because he was one of them for so long. His second wife, the mother of his four sons, is also a later-life convert; she was a Catholic barmaid and spontaneously popped into a Bible-based church one evening. Shed become a Christian, he says, about a year before me. Jensen is not an ordained minister but says thats not due to his divorce, which can be a road block to advancement at Sydney Anglican, but rather to his failure to meet Moore Colleges high academic standards. Im a terrible student, he says.

He admits that reaching out to non-Christians can be a hard road. There are plenty of brick walls. It can be a thankless task. None of us like being hated, he says. And ashamed. None of us enjoy feeling rejected. But Jesus is clear, he wants us to tell people about him. He also promises us its going to be really hard and difficult. Loading Jensens job will involve helping other Christians how to approach non-believers. He wont encourage harassment of the reluctant  no means no  but says they shouldnt shy away from making an overture, and from being public about their faith. If people dont want to talk about it, dont talk about it, he says. But that doesnt mean Im not going to say, do you want to talk about it? Jensen has mixed feelings as he looks back at his life. I have huge regrets over many of the things I did, the people I hurt and relationships I damaged, he says. But Im also safe in the knowledge that God both forgives me and also used the very things I did that I regret to bring me to myself.
Boys schools have achieved more top-tier marks in the HSC than at any time in the past five years, steadily catching up to their all-girls counterparts and recording higher student success rates across all sectors.

A Herald analysis of this years HSC data reveals the gap between the average number of top scores achieved by students at all-boys and all-girls schools is closing, with public boys schools achieving the biggest gains.

The results  which only reflect top band six results  come amid escalating tensions at some of Sydneys single-sex state schools and high-fee private boys institutions over plans to merge or switch to co-education.

Balgowlah Boys High graduating year 12 students with principal Paul Sheather just after HSC results were delivered. Credit: Nick Moir

This years HSC average success rates  the ratio of top scores to total exams sat  shows that of the top 300 schools, all-girls institutions outperform boys schools overall, but the gap between the two is shrinking.
Alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann is suing Network Ten for airing a 2021 interview with his former fellow political staffer and accuser, Brittany Higgins. The defamation trial is being streamed live on YouTube, after the presiding judge, Michael Lee, ruled that the openness of the judicial branch of government in this country is a basic democratic right which the courts should actively support.

At some points during this live-streamed trial, more than 20,000 people have followed the proceedings of the court. The evidence given by Higgins and journalist Lisa Wilkinson has attracted the highest viewer numbers, despite the off peak time slot in the middle of the working day. Much of what viewers have learnt will change the way justice is perceived in this country.

Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins. Credit: Kate Geraghty, Steven Siewert

The criminal case against Lehrmann, conducted after the interview with The Project went to air, was abandoned last year due to juror misconduct. Later, the then ACT prosecutor Shane Drumgold decided not to proceed to a retrial on the basis that it would be adverse to Higgins mental health.

That outcome left nobody satisfied. Those who were persuaded that Lehrmann had committed the alleged rape remained persuaded and felt that his accuser, Higgins, had been robbed of justice. Those who were persuaded that the allegation was false never had the satisfaction of seeing Lehrmann cleared. In what is probably Australias most talked about contemporary rape case, the public was left without a satisfactory legal outcome.
Surfer Andrew Blizzard, who lives at Jan Juc on the Surf Coast, said he was not concerned that the cams were breaching the privacy of surfers. But he argued proliferation of surf cams was a commercialisation of the natural environment and detracted from the mystique of surfing. I dont see the benefit to the community, he said. People have been surfing here for 50 years without a camera. Surfer Andrew Blizzard at Jan Juc. Credit: Joe Armao Blizzard said the number of surfers had increased markedly at Winkipop, which is part of the Bells Beach surfing recreation reserve, since a camera was installed nearby, and that he worried it would result in more inexperienced surfers taking to the water. Thats an advanced, expert wave. Blizzard said he sometimes checked surf cams to monitor conditions, but insisted he did not support the cam at Winkipop.

Deakin University senior criminology lecturer Monique Mann said beachgoers may be unaware they were being filmed by surf cams  and even if people were, they had no choice to opt out. This is not closed circuit, she said. Its live broadcasting to the internet. Academic Monique Mann on the beach in Torquay. Credit: Joe Armao Mann, who is the Australian Privacy Foundations vice-chair, said the public should have stronger protections against being filmed by cams. She said the use of drones should also be better regulated on beaches. I dont want people filming me in my bikini on the beach. I dont know what theyre doing with that information.

Mann co-wrote a report on the Winkipop surf cam, which is mounted on private property, for the Surfrider Foundations Surf Coast branch. The report flagged privacy concerns and argued beachgoers may be unaware their images could be being recorded and broadcast online. It proposed three options at Winkipop: removing the camera, stronger regulation or further research. Many surfers consider Bells Beach a sacred place for surfing. Credit: Joe Armao But Swellnet, the surfing website that offers a subscription to the Winkipop cam, rejected the reports findings. Swellnet accused the authors of failing to make contact before or after the publication of their paper. A Swellnet statement said the academic paper conceded the business had not broken any laws. Swellnet is currently considering its legal options to facilitate a retraction of the report, the statement said.

Mann said she stood by her research and the values of academic freedom. Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch secretary Darren Noyes-Brown has campaigned against the surf cam at Winkipop, arguing the Bells Beach surfing recreation reserve is sacred and should be left alone. He said few people went surfing to be livestreamed. But a great many people do go surfing to get away from their worries and refresh themselves in nature, Noyes-Brown said. Noyes-Brown said the average person may not be able to identify someone using a surf cam, but regular surfers could identify each other from physical appearance and surfing style.

However, the Surf Rider Foundation Australia has no formal position on surf cams. One of the biggest operators of surf cams in Australia, Surfline, did not respond to questions from The Sunday Age. Loading Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority commercial and tourism director Andy Mathers said the authority took a conservative and considered approach to permitting CCTV cameras on the crown land it managed. Our priority is to address the operational requirements of emergency management agencies crucial to ensuring beach safety along the Great Ocean Road, he said.

The authority had previously asked for a cam mounted on the Torquay Marine Rescue Service building to be taken down. The stream from the cam is broadcast on the internet. However, the authority confirmed the cam was now allowed to remain for water safety monitoring. Cams monitoring the water at Torquay. Credit: Joe Armao The concerns about surf cams come as the federal government prepares to introduce stronger privacy protections after a review of the Privacy Act. Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus this year announced the government had agreed or agreed in-principle to the reviews proposals, which included stronger protections for children. It also recommended removing an exemption from the Privacy Act for small businesses with an annual turnover of $3 million or less. In a statement, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner said it supported looming changes to tackle invasions of privacy.
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Only a week ago the NSW government said it would take planning control of lands within 400 metres of stations including Lindfield to gain more housing (Kick in the guts: New homes under threat after NSW government reneges on funding promise, December 13). While not agreeing with that approach I do find it very odd that now its refusing funding support for project to do exactly that and on publicly owned land within 400 metres of the station being planned and promoted by Ku-ring-gai Council. Why is this? Is it because its not being driven by the state government or the development industry? Please explain! Peter Thornton, Killara

Plans to redevelop a car park near Lindfield train station into more than 130 homes are in jeopardy after the Minns government reneged on a promise of $9.8 million for the project. Credit: Ku-ring-gai Council

Nowhere to go

My father used to say never underestimate the stupidity of the average Australian voter (Voters want migration intake cut, as Albanese pledges return to sustainable levels, December 10). The Resolve Political Monitor poll for The Sun-Herald has gone a long way in restoring my faith in the average voter. Among the many reasons for curbing migration intake are the housing and cost-of-living crises, the increasing pressures on infrastructure, especially transport, and on the environment. Demand for housing has led to increased in suburban crowding, more heat islands when average global temperatures are rising, and sprawling cities are spreading over our increasingly scarce food-producing land. Australia has reached  or passed  its human-carrying capacity. Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin (ACT)

The only question the federal government should be asking themselves with regard to immigration is where on earth do they think migrants will live when affordable rentals are in staggeringly short supply? Are they so cavalier and ignorant as to disregard the current plight of so many low-income earners? We should all hope not. Kay Buckeridge, Mosman

Fuelling suspicion

What are 2500 fossil fuel lobbyists doing at COP28 in Dubai (In Dubai the COP behemoth expands, raising questions, December 10)? Are they there to witness the beginning of the end for their polluting industries? The problem is that there are billions of dollars at stake, and they almost certainly will not go down without a fight. It is likely that some of them are climate change deniers and will try to sow doubt and confusion and certainly try to slow the demise of their industries. With the huge number of attendees, the conference is beginning to sound like a circus. Far better if the annual COPs were restricted to climate scientists and government representatives who should set the objectives and must make the hard decisions as quickly as possible. Geoff Harding, Chatswood
NSW residents have less than a fortnight to claim thousands of $3000 rebates for electric vehicles, as the state government reviews its strategy for encouraging uptake after a Victorian policy was declared legally invalid.

In September 2021, the former Coalition government announced it would fund 25,000 rebates for people purchasing full battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a dutiable value of less than $68,750.

However, in this years budget the state government announced it would scrap the rebates and a stamp duty exemption  which, combined, saved NSW purchasers of the vehicles up to $5540  at the end of the year. In their place, it promised an additional $260 million for fast-charging infrastructure, prioritising drivers in the regions and those who live in apartments.

NSWs rebate for new electric vehicle purchases will end this month. Credit: Peter Rae

By the start of December, only 10,229 rebates had been paid, and 931 applications were being processed, data from the Department of Customer Service shows.
If space in your home is tight before adding six feet of shedding foliage in the month ahead, you could get your fir fix outside the house instead.
If youve yet to tire of the chrome drenched silver trend set off by Beyonce then cast a festive eye over Stella McCartneys second collaboration with Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. The limited edition capsule is an intergalactic-sci-fi infused molten wonderland of treasures riffing off Sorayamas signature Sexy Robots. I came across Sorayamas work in the late 90s when I was living in Paris says McCartney, and was absolutely mesmerised by its cheeky sensuality and airbrushed quality. I met with him when I was next in Japan; we have been friends and I have been collecting his art ever since. He makes me laugh in a naughty way, and I hope this capsule communicates the playfulness and mutual admiration we have between us. The glistening Falabella bag will make an excellent plus one to any New Years eve soiree.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, the head of road policing in Scotland, warned drivers of the impact heavy rain can have on stopping distances, urging people to consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.
The information provided by the Cardinal, gives a picture of seemingly deliberate and callous killing by IDF soldiers of innocent civilians: an elderly woman and her daughter in the grounds of a church. This killing has to stop. It can never be justified.
On Friday Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.
"Im desperate to see him over the weekend but I dont know whats happening. Im waiting for the authorities to let me know. Its been all over the news. Its breathtaking, and Im over the moon. I just cant believe it."
It is thought the three moved around from country to country before David died six months ago. Alex is said to have fled from his mother when she announced she would be travelling to Finland - where she is likely to have now arrived.
Isaac Harvey, the president of Wheels and Wheelchairs  a group of wheelchair users and skaters who skate together, told the PA news agency: This is one of the biggest skates in London and I really do look forward to it every year because it really brings the community together and its great that Im able to be a part of that, even though Im a wheelchair user.
The two senior politicians say that neither the UK nor Germany is calling for an immediate ceasefire, but the call for a sustainable ceasing of conflict is a significant shift in language by the UK Government.
In April 2022, Iranian intelligence officers arrested three people they said belonged to a group linked to Mossad. It is not clear if the executed person was one of them.
More than 9,300 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania on Friday, while a total of 201,400 Romanian and foreign citizens and 59,550 means of transport completed the control formalities at border crossings throughout the country.

"There were 114,463 persons entering Romania, including 9,319 Ukrainian citizens. Thus, from 10.02.2022 (pre-conflict period) to 15.12.2023, at 24,00 hours, at the national level, 6,871,908 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania," informs a press release the General Inspectorate of Border Police sent to AGERPRES on Saturday.

In the areas of competence, the crossing points and the "green border," the police found 30 illegal acts (14 offences and 16 contraventions) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, and the value of the fines imposed amounts to 7,250 lei, Agerpres informs.

Goods worth approximately 90,550 lei were seized for confiscation.On Friday, 26 foreign citizens were not allowed to enter the country because they did not meet the conditions provided by the law and 17 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) welcomes the 60th anniversary, on 16 December, of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Romania and the Republic of Tunisia.

''This anniversary is a good opportunity to highlight the friendship and traditional cooperation between the two countries, based on trust and mutual respect, on common values and interests, as well as on the best political, economic, cultural and social ties with considerable potential,'' reads a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to AGERPRES.

At present, Romanian-Tunisian relations are characterised by diversity and dynamism, as well as the continuation of the tradition of multi-sector cooperation. The two countries are developing cooperation relations in a wide range of areas such as political, economic, cultural, defence, research, education, higher education and vocational training, the MAE said, Agerpres informs.

Romania and the Republic of Tunisia remain fully committed to strengthening the political-diplomatic dialogue and implementing new cooperation instruments in various areas of activity of common interest.Romania recognised the Tunisian Republic in August 1956, immediately after the proclamation of independence. Diplomatic relations between Romania and the Republic of Tunisia were established on 16 December 1963, at embassy level. In the context of the 60th anniversary of Romanian-Tunisian diplomatic relations, on 8 December 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia Nabil Ammar paid an official visit to Romania at the invitation of the head of the Romanian diplomacy Luminita Odobescu.
Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, in a telephone conversation on Friday, congratulated Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski on his appointment and assured him of her full openness to work closely together to deepen bilateral cooperation within the European Union and NATO.

According to a Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) press release, Minister Odobescu welcomed the excellent bilateral relations, based on the bilateral Strategic Partnership, the dynamics and substance of the political dialogue, and highlighted the priorities of the bilateral agenda, with emphasis on further intensification of substantial economic and sectoral cooperation, Agerpres informs.

In this context, the Romanian minister pointed out that the year 2024 will mark the 105th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations and 15 years of the Strategic Partnership, and that it will also be the first year in which the Romanian-Polish Solidarity Day will be celebrated on 3 March.

"The two ministers evoked the strong cooperation within NATO, in particular regarding the reassurance decisions on the Eastern flank, and agreed to continue close coordination also in view of the NATO Summit to be held in Washington in 2024," the press release reads.At the same time, the heads of diplomacy in Bucharest and Warsaw agreed to continue working together in regional formats.Also, starting from the similar vision of Romania and the Republic of Poland regarding security challenges, the two dignitaries reiterated the importance of continued multidimensional support for Ukraine as well as for the Republic of Moldova.Minister Radoslaw Sikorski reconfirmed the strong support of the Republic of Poland for Romania's accession to the Schengen area, according to the press release.
A total of 3,500 health projects funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) are currently underway in Romania, Health Minister Alexandru Rafila announced on Friday evening at an event organised by the Ministry of Health, with the support of WHO Romania.

The event was meant to mark two years of implementation of major projects in the health system. The 3,500 projects total 11 billion lei, Agerpres informs.

"We currently have 3,500 health projects underway in Romania, major investment projects that will change the face of the health system in Romania in a short time - in one, two, three years. And we not only have family doctors' offices, we also have integrated community centres, we have specialist outpatient clinics, we have neonatology wards and, perhaps most spectacularly and most significantly for the public, there are many hospitals that have started to be built in Romania. In addition, the reform of the health system is a process we are working on together with the World Health Organization," Rafila is quoted in a press release as saying at the beginning of the event.



He stressed the importance of partnerships between health professionals from the Ministry of Health and hospitals in Romania, the media and non-governmental organisations.

Carmen Orban, state advisor to Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, said that the last two years have been "a unique opportunity" to develop investments in the health system.



Also with PNRR funding, the process of digitisation of hospitals and health insurance companies is being carried out, said Carmen Orban. No less than one hundred million euros can be used by health units for digitisation projects, which aim to increase access to and improve health services, optimise management and human resources planning.

Rector of the "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Viorel Jinga spoke as a representative of the G6 University Alliance Association, which includes the Romanian universities of medicine and pharmacy. He announced a series of reform projects that aim at: three centres for the development of professional competences for health professionals; training of one thousand doctors and nurses in health management; training of 3,000 professionals in terms of integrity and ethics.

The head of the WHO Office in Romania, Dr Caroline Clarinval, said that the PNRR was developed to create a radical change in the health system, adding that the WHO played a role of technical partner for the Health Ministry, supporting work in four areas, human resources, medical service management, care quality and digitisation, while WHO Romania and the WHO Regional Office for Europe worked together to bring international expertise to Romania.
The Ordinance on some fiscal-budget measures in the area of public expenditure for tax consolidation and combating tax evasion was published Friday evening in the Official Journal (MO) with a number of amendments and deadline extensions.

The reorganisation of public institutions was postponed until 30 June 2024, Agerpres informs.

The provisions of Government Emergency Ordinance 115/2023 on public expenditure also include, among other things, the increase in salaries of public employees by 5% from 1 January 2024 compared to the level granted in December 2023, the increase of the gross amount of base salaries of education staff, on average, by 20% in 2024, in two tranches, namely, the first stage from 1 January 2024 and the second one from 1 June 2024, as well as the maintenance of the amount of bonuses, allowances, compensation, premiums and other elements of the salary system which are part, according to the law, of the gross monthly salary, at the level of the amount granted in December 2023.

Additional working hours in the public sector will be compensated only with corresponding time off, with certain exceptions in the case of military personnel, police officers, prison officers and civilian personnel of public defence, public order and national security institutions.Moreover, vacancy filling is suspended in the public sector, according to the ordinance, in 2024.Furthermore, in 2024 the amount of money compensation, namely the food allowance, the annual financial value of the equipment quotas and the financial value of the equipment entitlements will be maintained at the level granted in December 2023.Another provision is that in 2024, the purchase, leasing or renting of cars, furniture and office equipment by public authorities and institutions, regardless of the method of financing and subordination, is suspended.In addition, in 2024-2025, reduced fares or, where appropriate, free fares will be granted only for a maximum of 3 return journeys or 6 single journeys for the transport facilities provided for in the regulations.
Senate President Nicolae Ciuca sent a message on Saturday on the 34th anniversary of the outbreak of the December 1989 Revolution, saying that the sacrifice and courage of the heroes of Timisoara were the foundations on which today's free and democratic Romania was built.

''On 16 December 1989, in Timisoara, the decisive protest against communism in Romania took place. Without Timisoara, it would not have been possible to overthrow a system that killed people, not only in Romania, but in our entire region," Nicolae Ciuca says in a Facebook post, Agerpres informs.

According to him, the repression in Timisoara exposed to the world the ferocity of a regime gripped by fear of losing power.

''The action of bringing the bodies of those murdered in Timisoara to the crematorium in Bucharest, burning them during the night and dumping their ashes in the sewer showed the extent of the contempt the communist regime had for free people. We owe gratitude to the heroes of Timisoara, their courage and sacrifice being the foundations on which today's free and democratic Romania was built," Liberal leader Nicolae Ciuca also said.
I count my blessings all year long, but especially during the holiday season. We are a family of excellent cooks who enjoy the process and happily contribute to a meal. Their contributions grant me the time and budget to make an indulgent main course. This year beef tenderloin will grace our Christmas dinner table. Two condiment-style sauces, inspired by our travels to Spain, will accompany the main dish.

Beef tenderloins mild flavor and rich tenderness merit its holiday superstar status. When there are plenty of side dishes, plan to serve about 1/3 pound per average eater. For big meat eaters, or for leftovers (cold beef sandwiches taste terrific), opt for 1/2 to 2/3 pound per guest.

Beef tenderloin cooks much quicker than a standing rib roast or turkey; no matter the size, its usually cooked to medium-rare in less than 40 minutes. Organize the rest of the meal, open the wine, and make sure guests have arrived before sliding the roast into the hot oven. While the meat cooks, finish making any side dishes and slice the bread.

When investing in expensive cuts of meat, its a good idea to invest in an instant-read thermometer to help judge doneness. The thermometer earns its keep every time  just be sure not to leave it in the oven or on the grill  its not meant for that kind of heat. Instead, insert it in the thickest portion of the meat; let it register the temperature (a matter of seconds) then remove the thermometer.

Large cuts of meat, such as the tenderloin, should be removed from the oven a few degrees before they reach their ideal doneness temperature. While the roast rests on the cutting board the temperature will rise a few degrees. This is especially important to remember when you prefer rare to medium-rare meat.

As for the accompanying sauces, traditional aioli is made from fresh eggs and oil, like a homemade mayonnaise. To save time and be cautious about food safety, bottled mayonnaise stands in for eggs and oil. A bit of plain yogurt keeps the sauces from being too rich. Make one or make both to accompany the beef.

The menu that follows serves six to eight guests with a modest portion of beef. Serve a hearty endive salad with a lemon vinaigrette as a first course while the meat rests on the cutting board.

HOLIDAY DINNER:

Radicchio and endive salad with lemon vinaigrette

Roast beef tenderloin with two aiolis (see recipe)

Roasted potatoes with herbs (see recipe)

Skinny green beans (or asparagus) with butter and chives

Mashed butternut or rutabaga with butter and black pepper

French bread or dinner rolls

Red wine, sparkling apple cider

Holiday cookies and peppermint ice cream

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Two Aiolis

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Saffron garlic aioli, see recipe

Green chile aioli, see recipe

1 1/2 tablespoons coarse (kosher) salt

1 tablespoon each: freshly cracked black pepper, sweet paprika

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 trimmed beef tenderloin (trimmed before weighing), about 4 pounds

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as a combination of parsley, cilantro and chives

1. Make saffron garlic aioli and green chile aioli up to two days in advance. Refrigerate covered. Serve at room temperature.

2. Mix salt, pepper, paprikas and garlic powder in a small bowl. Store in a jar up to several days.

3. Use kitchen string to tie the tenderloin in several places into a compact shape. This allows the meat to cook more evenly. Place beef in a shallow roasting pan. Sprinkle salt mixture all over tenderloin. Refrigerate covered up to one day; let meat rest 30 minutes at room temperature before cooking.

4. Heat oven to 425 degrees on convection setting or 450 degrees on conventional setting. Drizzle oil over beef. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 130 degrees for medium-rare, about 30 minutes, or 140 degrees for medium doneness, 35 to 40 minutes.

5. Remove roast from oven and transfer to cutting board; cover meat loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 10 minutes; temperature will rise a few degrees.

6. To serve, slice the tenderloin into thick slices. Arrange on a warm platter. Be sure to pour any juices over the slices. Garnish with chopped herbs. Pass the aioli sauces to serve alongside.

Saffron Garlic Aioli with Lemon

Makes about 1 cup

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup plain yogurt

2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

A couple of pinches of saffron threads (or 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric)

Salt to taste

1. Put mayonnaise, yogurt and garlic into a small blender jar (or use an immersion blender). Process until smooth. Add lemon juice, lemon rind, paprika and saffron. Blend smooth. Add salt to taste. Refrigerate covered up to two days. Use at room temperature.

Green Chile Aioli

Makes about 1 1/2 cups

1 small poblano chile pepper

1 clove garlic, halved

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro leaves

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt to taste

1. Set poblano over a gas burner on medium. Cook, turning with tongs, until skin is charred and blistered on all sides, about 10 minutes. Let cool. (Alternatively, place pepper on a baking sheet and roast in a 400 degree oven, turning often, until charred and soft, about 15 minutes.)

2. When the pepper is cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin, remove the stem and seeds. Rinse.

3. Tear the pepper into pieces and drop into a blender along with the garlic. Add remaining ingredients. Process until smooth. Taste for seasonings. Refrigerate covered up to two days. Use at room temperature.

Roasted New Potatoes with Herbs

Makes 6 servings

2 pounds small yellow potatoes (B-size), scrubbed, quartered

Salt

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon each: freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder

1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as a combination of parsley, cilantro and chives

1. Put potatoes into a large saucepan. Add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water. Heat to a boil. Cook, stirring once or twice, until potatoes are almost fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well. (Refrigerate covered up to one day.)

2. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Put potatoes onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat well. Sprinkle generously with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and garlic powder. Roast, turning occasionally, until deeply golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

3. Serve right away sprinkled with herbs.

(JeanMarie Brownson is a James Beard Award-winning author and the recipient of the IACP Cookbook Award for her latest cookbook, Dinner at Home. JeanMarie, a chef and authority on home cooking, Mexican cooking and specialty food, is one of the founding partners of Frontera Foods. She co-authored three cookbooks with chef Rick Bayless, including Mexico: One Plate at a Time. JeanMarie has enjoyed developing recipes and writing about food, travel and dining for more than four decades.)
ST. LOUIS  It had been a year of trepidations.

A major flood on the Mississippi River covered the Illinois bottomland to the bluffs. Summer brought malaria. In October, a comet filled the night sky.

Itinerant preachers warned of doom, and people were in a listening mood.

Shortly after 2 a.m. on Dec. 16, 1811, they were jolted awake by violent shaking and guttural groans from the earth. Dogs howled. Families fled unsteadily from rattling homes as the tremors continued for more than a minute.

I was roused from sleep by the clamor of windows, doors and furniture in tremulous motion, with a distinct rumbling noise resembling a number of carriages passing over pavement, editor Joseph Charless wrote in his Louisiana Gazette, St. Louis first newspaper. The sky was obscured by a thick, hazy fog.

Charless thought it might have been a volcanic eruption to the west. Four more shocks were felt that day, followed by many more over two months.

It was the start of the great New Madrid earthquakes, but the roughly 2,000 residents of St. Louis couldnt have known that. New Madrid was a village on the Mississippi, 70 miles below the Ohio River. Charless got his news by mail couriers on horse.

In one edition of his weekly paper shortly after the first quake, Charless explained his lack of updates: No eastern or southern mail has arrived this week.

He published tidbits confirming that two brick homes in Cape Girardeau were destroyed, that a horseman drowned when ground sank near the Black River and that people in Ohio and Vicksburg, Miss., felt the shakes.

In February, the Gazette learned that sand and coal had burst from the ground in Arkansas territory. If Charless received early word from New Madrid, he didnt print it.

That village of roughly 50 people was wrecked. Most of their dwellings were small cabins, and no one died. Few deaths were reported anywhere; no one has a solid number.

Descriptions from terrified boatmen and letter-writing locals told of the earth cracking open, giant cottonwoods splitting, flatland rolling in ocean-like waves, sulfurous haze and flashes of light at night. The Mississippi fell and rose in sudden thrashing tides. Islands disappeared.

In St. Louis, 150 miles north, a chimneys collapsed and walls cracked. Prominent townsman Charles Gratiot grumbled later that the quakes had scared away settlers.

In 1811, St. Louis barely covered todays Gateway Arch grounds. A former colonial outpost, it had been a United States possession for seven years. Charless named his paper after the Louisiana, then Missouri, territories  not his village.

Then the New Madrid fault rested, to arise on rare occasion with milder rumbles.

Modern scientists estimate the 1811-12 events were stronger than the 1906 earthquake that wrecked San Francisco and killed more than 3,000. Seismologists pick up weak tremors from the New Madrid fault every few months. The threat of another big one is still down there.

In 1990, climatologist Iben Brownings prediction of a major quake on Dec. 2-3 caused a publicity tizzy. Nothing else came of it.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Two longtime police chiefs here, in Chesterfield and Webster Groves, are retiring around the end of the year.

Chesterfield police Chief Ray Johnson, the citys first and only chief, will retire by the end of January after more than 35 years as the top cop in the city of about 49,300 residents, the second most populated in Missouris largest county.

Johnson, a former police chief in Des Peres and Cape Girardeau, built Chesterfields police department from the ground up after the city was incorporated in 1988, Mayor Bob Nation said.

Theres no words that can properly give him enough credit for all of the good work hes done, he said.

The city has named Capt. Cheryl Funkhouser, a 28-year veteran of the department, as the citys second-ever police chief.

Funkhouser, who joined the department in 1995 after two years as a University City police officer, was chosen from six finalist candidates in large part because of her experience, Nation said.

Funkhouser, who has a masters degree in public safety from the University of Virginia, has led the bureaus of community affairs and uniformed patrol, and, since 2017, the division of operational support. The city council approved Funkhousers appointment last month.

In Webster Groves, Chief Dale Curtis is set to retire Dec. 31 after 27 years as the top cop for the historic suburb of about 24,000 residents. Curtis was hired as chief in 1997 after 23 years with Clayton Police.

The Webster Groves City Council on Dec. 5 named a day in his honor.

Chief Curtis has led with courage, decisiveness, and fairness and he exemplifies the professional standards of policing, Mayor Laura Arnold said in a statement. We wish him all of the best in his retirement.

Capt. Greg Perks, a 26-year veteran of the department, will serve as interim chief while the city works with an executive recruiting firm, Strategic Government Resources, to conduct a national search for a new chief, spokeswoman Jennifer Starkey said. Finalist candidates will meet with police officers, city leaders and the community for interviews, she said.

The two cities are among a handful across the region where the job of top cop recently changed hands.

In north St. Louis County, Bellefontaine Neighbors is hiring for a new chief to succeed Jeremy Ihler, who retired in October after six years on the job for the suburb of about 10,600 residents. Maj. Timothy Sanders was named interim chief to fill the vacancy.

Moline Acres, a suburb of about 1,300 residents, is searching for a new police chief to replace Gregory Moore, who retired in November after 6 years leading the 15-member police force. Sgt. David Bobo is serving as interim chief as the city conducts a search for the next chief, Mayor Michele DeShay said.

In west St. Louis County, Ballwin Capt. John Bergfeld is serving as acting police chief to replace Douglas Schaeffler, who was fired during a closed-door meeting this month after four years as the top cop for the city of about 30,600, the fifth-largest in the county.

Meanwhile, Town and Country has named Lt. Danny Wilkey police chief to replace James Cavins, ousted by officials in a closed-door meeting. Wilkey was a police officer in Crystal City for nine years before joining Town and Countrys police force in 2014.

Two other notable cities named new police chiefs earlier this year.

Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle assumed command of the police department in the city of roughly 18,300 in March. Doyle, a former St. Louis commander, succeeded Frank McCall, who resigned after three years as chief.

And in St. Charles County, the City of St. Peters, the fourth largest city in the St. Louis region, named Andy Ramirez chief in May to succeed Rick Struttmann, who retired after four years as top cop and a total 32 years with the city. Ramirez, who was promoted from captain to chief, was a police officer in St. Louis and Richmond Heights before joining St. Peters in 2006.
ST. LOUIS  A north St. Louis nursing home abruptly shut down Friday evening, forcing the relocation of about 170 residents by shuttle bus and leaving more than 100 workers unpaid, union officials said. The last resident was moved before dawn Saturday.

Family members and friends gathered at Northview Village Nursing Home Saturday, trying to find out where their loved ones had been moved after the sudden closure. Volunteers tried to help those searching to locate residents, working from a list of long-term care facilities.

I just would like to hear my brothers voice, said a woman who has been unable to locate her brother, a resident of Northview for five years.

The woman, who didnt want to give her name out of concern it could lead to trouble for her brother, said she is the only family he has and she has been unable to figure out which nursing home he was taken to. Staff for Northview gave her a phone number to call.

I keep calling the number and Im not getting any response, she said. I dont understand why you would do patients like that.

The sudden closure took staff and residents families by surprise. And it will leave a major hole in the regions long-term care ecosystem. Northview was the largest skilled nursing facility in the city, serving many low-income patients from the historic De Paul Hospital building in the Kingsway West neighborhood.

Televisions and radios were still on in rooms, residents personal belongings remained and the building was unsecured as former staff went in and out. Some people unaffiliated with the facility were taking carts and other equipment seemingly up for grabs. One former worker was headed in to get his employee of the month picture from 2015.

Workers at the Northview Village Nursing Home, 2415 Kingshighway Boulevard, noticed Friday afternoon that their two-week paychecks didnt go through and grew concerned.

I went to talk to the administrator near the end of my shift and she just said there were no funds to pay us, said Marvetta Harrison, a certified medical technician whos worked at the nursing home for 37 years.

Harrison said then just before 4 p.m. shuttle buses from several other area nursing homes began to arrive to relocate all residents from the care center in Kingsway West. Harrison said the residents were confused and not getting many answers either.

Some of those people, we are like their family, Harrison said. They dont have anybody else or any family members.

Catina Frost, who was a human resources manager at Northview and worked there 18 years, said there were 169 people on the payroll. She said there was no warning the place would be shuttered and she actually attended a corporate training on Wednesday for a new payroll system.

The center is operated by Healthcare Accounting Services LLC, according to the organizations website. Its licensed to have up to 320 patient beds. The company owns several other long-term care facilities, including Grand Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Louis Grand Center neighborhood.

The companys owner, Mahklouf Mark Suissa, of Chicago, did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday.

State regulators learned of the situation Friday and worked through the night to find residents new accommodations, said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The sudden closure was due to workforce issues, she said.

Northview Village has a 1-star rating, out of a possible 5 stars, from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In February, investigators responded to a complaint that a resident had been able to access an elevator, get to the lobby and leave the facility on his own because no one was monitoring the lobby and the front door was left unlocked. Police found him and brought him back.

It has a lot of problems, but its also one of the biggest facilities we have in our area, said Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE, which serves as the areas long-term care ombudsman. Thats the challenge that we have. A lot of these folks need care and dont really have other places to go.

Skilled nursing facilities like Northview are required to give 60 days notice before closing so residents can have a say in choosing their new home, she said.

Residents have a right to decide where they live, Moore said. A lot of these folks have been moved quickly and obviously really without a lot of consent so we want to make sure theyre all in places that theyre happy with.

Darrin Mosely was loading up medical equipment and medication carts into a truck Saturday afternoon to take them to Superior Manor of Festus, where he said about 30 residents were transported. Another five or so residents were taken to the companys sister location, Superior Manor of Downtown, said Mosely, an owner of Superior Manor.

An assistant manager at Superior Manor, Shamell King, said residents were transported to her location without paperwork documenting their medical histories and medication needs. She and other employees of Superior Manor were trying to get nursing charts from patient rooms in Northview and contact residents doctors to get medical histories and medication needs.

Harrison, the 37-year employee, said many of the facilitys workers are living paycheck-to-paycheck, so this will mean they may struggle to pay rent or buy gifts for their kids for Christmas.

We have hustled and bustled in that building for so long and weve been through a lot to care for these people with COVID, she said. For them to do this to us is disgusting.

Harrison said its still unclear to the workers if the nursing home will reopen, if the jobs will return or if theyll ever get their paychecks.

Workers were given a phone number to call about their missed paychecks, but the number just put them on hold. Eventually, the call would just cut out, Harrison said.

Edward Graves, who just started working in maintenance at the building four months ago, said the building needed a lot of repairs. But the closure came out of nowhere, he said. There was even a Christmas party for residents on Friday, he said.

Are we gonna get paid or are they just gonna play us? Graves said. Somebody knows something. This type of thing just doesnt happen overnight.

Eric Harvey, who worked in dietary services at Northview since 2008, said he noticed leaks in the building and other repairs that ownership was slow to fix. Over the summer, the trash bill went unpaid for weeks and refuse piled up outside. He figured the place may close eventually, but he didnt think it would happen so suddenly. He worries about the residents.

You start moving a lot of older people and get them out of their comfort zone, Harvey said, and their health starts declining.
ATLANTA  The district attorney prosecuting Donald Trump over efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia says she has a duty to file charges against anyone who violates the law and that its a silly notion that the former presidents case should be paused just because he is running for office.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis declined this week to say whether she or her team has been in touch with U.S. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who has filed federal charges in an election interference case against Trump in Washington. She also raised the possibility that more of Trumps 18 co-defendants in the Georgia case could take plea deals, further paring down the number who could go on trial with him.

Willis is seeking an August trial date for Trump and his co-defendants, a time frame that would put the current front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in court defending himself in the months, weeks and even days leading up to the November general election. Trumps lawyer has said that if Trump is the nominee, that would be the most effective election interference in the history of the United States.

Willis brushed off that idea, pointing out that prosecutors all over the country are always investigating people for various crimes and that they do not stop doing so just because someone runs for office.

If the prosecutor finds that they violated the law, they have an ethical duty to bring forth charges and so this is a silly notion to me that because one runs from office that your criminal case would stop, she said.

Willis has alleged that Trump, lawyer Rudy Giuliani, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and others participated in a wide-ranging scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election after voters elected Democrat Joe Biden as president.

Four of the 19 people charged have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump, Giuliani, Meadows and the others remaining have pleaded not guilty.

Willis and her team have said they want to have a single trial for the rest of the defendants. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who is presiding over the case, has expressed skepticism about the idea of trying too many people at once. He said earlier this month that even 12 people at once could be a stretch.

Willis disagrees with the judge on that. My answer would be its whittled down now to a size we can try, but I dont know that all 15 will be at the table once they get through the process, she said.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have been exchanging evidence. Pretrial motions for most of the defendants are due early next month.

As they sift through that evidence and once the judge rules on what is permissible for trial, some defense lawyers may advise their clients that a negotiated plea is in their best interest, Willis said.

Asked whether she expects that Trump will spend time behind bars in Georgia once the case runs its course, Willis declined to speak about any particular defendant. But she noted that the indictment includes serious charges, including alleged violations of the states anti-racketeering law, that carry significant prison time.

You can look at the statutes that we charged. Its a very serious case, she said. And there are consequences to violating serious laws.

The case is one of four criminal prosecutions brought against Trump this year, and it has significant overlap with the indictment brought in Washington by Smith.

Willis would not say whether her office had been in contact with Smith, but she seemed to indicate that she had no reason to seek help from him.

A woman in Georgia is able to get evidence, look at the evidence and make charging decisions, and we can actually do it all here in the state of Georgia, said Willis, a Democrat who is up for reelection next year.

Some Republicans have suggested that her case against Trump is politically motivated.

She has been involved in a caustic back-and-forth with U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a close Trump ally. Jordan has demanded that Willis turn over documents, including any communications with the Justice Department or federal executive branch officials related to her investigation.

Closer to home, legislators in Georgia passed a law this year creating a commission to discipline and remove state prosecutors. Willis said she finds it very interesting that while the law was framed as a way to go after prosecutors who were improperly refusing to prosecute certain crimes, some Republicans tried to use it to target her, someone who actually did their job, that did bring forth cases.

Georgias Supreme Court last month refused to approve rules for the commission, preventing it from acting, for now.

Additionally, a state Senate subcommittee is looking into the problem-plagued Fulton County Jail, where Trump and his co-defendants were booked and processed shortly after they were indicted. One co-defendant, Harrison William Prescott Floyd, spent several days at the jail after failing to negotiate a bond agreement before surrendering.

A look at the 19 people charged in the Georgia indictment connected to Trump's election scheme Key people in the Georgia election fraud case Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani John Eastman Mark Meadows Sidney Powell Kenneth Chesebro Prosecutors have said Chesebro, an attorney, worked with Republicans in numerous swing states Trump lost, including Georgia, in the weeks after the November 2020 election at the direction of Trumps campaign. Chesebro worked on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Jeffrey Clark Jenna Ellis Ray Smith A Georgia-based lawyer, Smith was involved in multiple lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. He also gathered witnesses to provide testimony before Georgia legislative subcommittee hearings held in December 2020 on alleged issues with the states election. Robert Cheeley A Georgia lawyer, Cheeley presented video clips to legislators of election workers at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and alleged the workers were counting votes twice or sometimes three times. He spoke to the lawmakers after Giuliani. Michael Roman A former White House aide who served as the director of Trumps election day operations, Roman was involved in efforts to put forth a set of fake electors after the 2020 election. David Shafer Shawn Still He was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Still was the finance chairman for the state GOP in 2020 and served as a Georgia delegate to the Republican National Convention that year. He was elected to the Georgia state Senate in November 2022 and represents a district in Atlantas suburbs. Stephen Cliffgard Lee Prosecutors say Cliffgard Lee, a pastor, worked with others to try to pressure Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman and her daughter after Trump and his allies falsely accused them of pulling fraudulent ballots from a suitcase during the vote count. Lee allegedly knocked on Freemans door, frightening her and causing her to call 911 three times, prosecutors said in a court filing last year. Harrison William Prescott Floyd Also known as Willie Lewis Floyd III, he served as director of Black Voices for Trump, and is accused of recruiting Lee to arrange a meeting with Freeman and Chicago-based publicist Trevian Kutti. Trevian C. Kutti Prosecutors allege Kutti, a publicist, claimed to have high-level law enforcement connections. They say Freeman met with Kutti at a police precinct, where she brought Floyd into the conversation on a speakerphone. Prosecutors say Kutti presented herself as someone who could help Freeman but then pressured her to falsely confess to election fraud. Cathy Latham Scott Graham Hall An Atlanta-area bail bondsman, Hall was allegedly involved in commandeering voting information that was the property of Dominion Voting Systems from Coffee County, a small south Georgia jurisdiction. Also charged in the scheme were Powell, Latham and former county elections supervisor Misty Hampton. Misty Hampton She was the elections director in Coffee County. Hampton was present in the county elections office on Jan. 7, 2021, when a computer forensics team copied software and data from the countys election equipment. She also allowed two other men who had been active in efforts to question the 2020 election results to access the elections office later that month and to spend hours inside with the equipment. Read the Trump indictment in Georgia Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.
WASHINGTON  Rep. James Comer boasts of being one of the largest landholders near his rural Kentucky hometown, and he has meticulously documented nearly all of his holdings on congressional financial disclosure documents  roughly 1,600 acres in all.

But there are 6 acres that he bought in 2015 and co-owns with a longtime campaign contributor that he has treated differently, transferring his ownership to Farm Team Properties, a shell company he co-owns with his wife.

Interviews and records reviewed by The Associated Press provide new insights into the financial deal, which risks undercutting the force of some of Comers central arguments in his impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden.

In particular, Comer has attacked some Biden family members, including the Democratic presidents son Hunter, over their use of shell companies that appear designed to obscure millions of dollars in earnings they received from shadowy middlemen and foreign interests.

Such companies typically exist only on paper and are formed to hold an asset, like real estate. Their opaque structures are often designed to help hide ownership of property and other assets.

The companies used by the Bidens are already playing a central role in the impeachment investigation, which is expected to gain velocity after House Republicans voted Wednesday to formally authorize the probe. The vote follows the federal indictment of Hunter Biden on charges he engaged in a scheme to avoid paying taxes on his earnings through the companies.

But Comers high-profile role has also drawn attention to his own finances and relationships, including his ties to prominent figures from his hometown who have complicated pasts not all that dissimilar to some of those caught up in his Biden probe.

Comer declined to comment through a spokesman, but has aggressively denied any wrongdoing in establishing a shell company, calling criticisms the kind of thing only dumb, financially illiterate people pick up on.

The AP found that Farm Team Properties functions in a similarly opaque way as the companies used by the Bidens, masking his stake in the land that he co-owns with the donor from being revealed on his financial disclosure forms, which state the company is worth as much as $1 million.

Its not clear why Comer decided to put those 6 acres in a shell company, or what other assets Farm Team Properties may hold.

Ethics experts say House rules require members of Congress to disclose all assets held by such companies that are worth more than $1,000.

It seems pretty clear to me that he should be disclosing the individual land assets that are held by the shell company, said Delaney Marsco, a senior attorney who specializes in congressional ethics at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center in Washington.

Comer created the company in 2017 to hold his stake in the 6 acres that he purchased two years earlier in a joint venture with Darren Cleary, a major campaign contributor and construction contractor from Monroe County, Kentucky, where the congressman was born and raised.

Cleary did not respond to an interview request. But the two have offered mutual praise for each other over the years, including Comer having called Cleary my friend and the epitome of a successful businessperson from the House floor.

Cleary, his businesses and family have donated roughly $70,000 to Comers various campaigns, records show.

At the time he and Comer entered their venture, Cleary was selling an acre of his familys land to Kentucky so it could build a highway bypass near Tompkinsville, which was completed in 2020. He sold Comer a 50% stake for $128,000 in 6 acres he owned that would end up being next to the highway.

Comer, a powerful political figure in this rural part of Kentucky, announced his bid for Congress days after purchasing the land.

Farm Team Properties has also become more valuable. On Comers financial disclosure forms, it rose in value from between $50,000 and $100,000 in 2016 to between $500,001 and $1 million in 2022, records show.

As House Oversight Committee chairman, Comer has presented himself as a bipartisan ethics crusader interested only in uncovering the truth. As evidence, he pointed to a long career as a state legislator and official who sought to build bridges with Democrats.

Interviews with allies, critics and constituents, however, reveal a fierce partisan who has ignored wrongdoing by friends and supporters if they can help him advance in business and politics.

The Jamie Comer I knew was light and sunshine and looking for common ground. Now hes Nixonian, said Adam Edelen, a former Democratic state auditor and friend, comparing the lawmaker to the disgraced former president who resigned from office amid the Watergate scandal.

In Comers telling, he is a man of self-made wealth who founded his first farm while still enrolled at Western Kentucky University and shrewdly invested in land. He also cut his teeth in the bare-knuckled machine politics of Monroe County, Kentucky, and knew how to win allies, according to those who knew him.

When he was barely out of high school, Comer was writing campaign checks to state politicians, including a $4,000 contribution to a Republican candidate for governor in 1990, according to campaign finance disclosures published in local news stories.

Comer followed in the footsteps of his paternal grandfather, Harlin Comer, a leading figure in local Republican politics who died in 1993.

Do Americans value living near extended family? It depends Do Americans value living near extended family? It depends Some groups are more likely to live near family Importance of living near relative varies by age
The latest United Nations annual climate conference ended this past week. There were some welcome agreements, but what nations actually do in the wake of this meeting remains to be seen.

For the first time since these meetings began three decades ago, there was a formal acknowledgment that a global transition away from fossil fuel use is necessary to slow down planetary warming. The agreement calls on Parties to contribute to several global efforts considering their different national circumstances."

Tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy-efficiency improvements by 2030.

Accelerating efforts toward the phase-down of unabated coal power.

Accelerating efforts globally toward net-zero emission energy systems, using zero- and low-carbon fuels well before or by around mid-century.

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.

Phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions, as soon as possible.

As the language suggests, each country will have to find its own way of meeting these goals. But in the meantime, the warming climate continues, and in some parts of the world, it is especially noticeable.

While the effects may not be obvious in day-to-day life in the United States, they are already very apparent in the Arctic. Because it takes less energy to warm something that is cold, compared to something that is relatively warm to begin with, it is no surprise that the Arctic is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the world.

This past week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its Arctic Report Card. Issued annually since 2006, this years report was written by an international team of 82 scientists from 13 countries. The data are unsettling, though not surprising.

Last summer was the warmest in the Arctic since the start of collecting reliable data began in 1900. In turn, that warmer air tends to evaporate more water, making more of it available for precipitation in storms  both rain and snow. Fitting within that trend, annual precipitation in the Arctic was the sixth highest since 1950.

The Arctic is not covered in snow all year long; there is melting each summer. But this year brought a record low snow cover for the month of May on the North American side of the Arctic Ocean.

These data have observable effects on life in the Arctic.

Known for its inhospitable wind and cold, the Arctic tundra is turning greener. Since NASA satellites began monitoring the region 24 years ago, there has been an increase in grasses, sedges and shrubs in areas that were once dominated by lichens, mosses and smaller herbs. In effect, stronger and heartier vegetation is now moving into areas that were previously too cold and dry.

Arctic sea ice continues to decline, and while much is rightly made of the extent of the sea ice in the Arctic, a more distressing measure is the age of the ice there. In the Arctic Ocean near the North Pole, there is some ice all year round. But the amount of ice that survives each summer has been in freefall. During March, when the ice extent tends to reach its annual peak, the percentage of ice that is at least four years old has fallen from more than 30% of total ice in the late 1980s to 3% in the 2020s.

It may seem far away, but the Arctic does have effects on the rest of the globe. The more rapid warming there affects the temperature contrast between the Arctic and the middle latitudes that make up most of the contiguous United States. This temperature contrast is what drives the jet stream, governing how storms form and track.

The scientific community continues to work on the precise impact, but there is strong evidence suggesting the jet stream can become wavier with a smaller contrast in temperature between the Arctic and the middle latitudes, leading to more peaks northward and more valleys southward in the jet stream.

This configuration favors storms that tend to move more slowly, so they can produce more precipitation. But the reverse is also true, leaving broad areas of warm, dry and stagnant air that can worsen droughts.

As the calendar year ends and thoughts in some places turn to the chance of a white Christmas, reports like these suggest that places where a white Christmas was once common will find them becoming less likely in the years to come.

This year may emphasize this point, as most of the country looks warmer than normal in the week leading up to Christmas.

Sean Sublette is the chief meteorologist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia.

On the cusp of climate talks, UN chief Guterres visits crucial Antarctica
Updated at 8:13 to clarify that Anthony Sokolich is from St. Louis County.

CLAYTON  A 72-year-old St. Louis County man who admitted to killing his disabled sister after years as her caregiver was placed on probation Friday.

St. Louis County prosecutors asked for Anthony Sokolich to be sentenced to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the July 2022 beating death of his 63-year-old sister Kathryn Sokolich. St. Louis County Circuit Judge Kristine Kerr suspended his sentence and placed him on five years probation.

Its just a really sad case and honestly avoidable, Kerr said.

Sokolich spoke through tears Friday outside the courtroom after the sentence.

The press about the charges has been very one-sided. Theres more to the story, he said. Nobody knew the history. Nobody knew what I was up against as a caregiver. I didnt want to put my sister in a home.

Sokolich didnt take any other questions as a group of longtime friends led him away from the courtroom.

Court documents say Sokolich called 911 himself to report his sisters injuries the night of July 2, 2022, at their shared unit in the Hickory Sound condominium complex on Alpine Ridge Drive. He asked the dispatcher to send an ambulance because his sister was unconscious after he hit her multiple times, St. Louis County police wrote in court papers.

Police found her unconscious with injuries to her face. At the hospital, doctors told police that the woman had suffered a severe brain bleed.

Sokolich admitted to police that he hit his sister, court documents say.

His defense attorney, Bert W. Fulk, argued that Sokolichs age, health problems and law-abiding life with no previous felony convictions should lead to a lighter sentence.

In the eyes of the public at-large Mr. Sokolich has been reduced to this offense and media reports painted him as a dangerous man despite living a long and law-abiding life, including 48 years of work and 9 years as the caregiver to his sister, Fulk wrote to the judge.

Eighteen friends, family members and former coworkers from Sokolichs years working in finance, including a long stint at Express Scripts, wrote character letters supporting him.

The letters described a man who grew increasingly overwhelmed with 24/7 demands of caring for his sister.

A few months before the killing, a St. Louis County probate judge found that Kathryn Sokolich had total incapacity and total disability and appointed her brother as the guardian and conservator of her estate.

The judge said the sister was unable to manage essential requirements for food, clothing, shelter, safety, or other care, and financial resources.

The probate judge said the sisters condition required she be placed in a supervised living situation, which the brother was told to pick.

Sokolich pleaded guilty in April, but sentencing was postponed after he attempted to get control of several of his sisters financial accounts that listed him as a beneficiary totaling more than $400,000.

The St. Louis County Public Administrators Office was appointed as a conservator of Kathryn Sokolichs estate and Anthony Sokolich agreed to pay some taxes the accounts accrued and to turn over all of the estates assets.

St. Louis County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Eisha Ahmed argued that Sokolichs attempts to control the accounts should be taken into account in sentencing.

Its heartbreaking, she said. But somebody needs to stand firm and speak for the victim, she told the court.

If Sokolich violates his probation, he will face 10 years in prison in the case.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 15, 2023 / Eagle Bay Resources Corp. (CSE:EBR) ("Eagle Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement consisting of the issuance of a total of 9,999,900 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.075 per Unit, raising aggregate proceeds of $749,993.18 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Share at a price of $0.10 per Share for a period of two (2) years from closing of the Offering (the "Closing"). The proceeds of the Offering will be used for property exploration and general working capital.

All securities issued with respect to the Offering will are subject to a hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Certain directors, officer and a control person to the Company participated in the Offering and purchased a total of 3,933,300 Units. As such directors, officer and control person are related parties within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions) of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Offering constituted a related-party transaction under MI 61-101. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements in sections 5.5(c) and 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101 as the transaction is a distribution of securities for cash consideration and neither the Company nor the related parties have knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities that has generally not been disclosed, the Company trades on the CSE, the fair market value of the securities to be distributed does not exceed $2,500,000, the Company has one or more independent directors and two thirds of those independent directors have approved the transaction. A material change report will be filed fewer than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days before closing of the offerings as the details of the insider participation were not known at that time.

Early warning disclosure

Immediately prior to the acquisition of the Units pursuant to the Offering, Zimtu Capital Corp. ("Zimtu") beneficially owned 2,114,500 common shares, representing 40.01% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. As a result of the Offering and the acquisition of the Units, Zimtu beneficially now owns 3,714,500 common shares of the Company, representing 24.3% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company.

This press release and Zimtu's corresponding early warning report, which is expected to be filed on SEDAR+ in the near term, constitute the required disclosure pursuant to Section 5.2 of National Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids. The requirement to file an early warning report was triggered because the acquisition by Zimtu of the Units as part of the Offering and the completion of the Offering decreased Zimtu's beneficial ownership of the common shares by 15.7% as compared with the early warning report filed by Zimtu in connection with its earlier acquisition of common shares. The common shares acquired in connection with the Offering are being acquired by Zimtu for investment purposes and in the future, it may discuss with management and/or the board of directors of the Company any of the transactions listed in clauses (a) to (k) of Item 5 of Form F1 of National Instrument 62-103 -- The Early Warning System and Related Take-over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues and it may further purchase, hold, vote, trade, dispose or otherwise deal in the securities of the Company, in such manner as it deems advisable to benefit from changes in market prices of the Company's securities, publicly disclosed changes in the operations of the Company, its business strategy or prospects, or from a material transaction of the Company, and it will also consider the availability of funds, evaluation of alternative investments and other factors.

The early warning report that will be filed on SEDAR+ in respect of the Offering will satisfy the requirement of Section 5.2 of NI 62-104 to have the early warning report filed by an acquiror, in this case by Zimtu, with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company is a reporting issuer and which contains the information with respect to the foregoing matters and the information required by section 3.1 of National Instrument 62-103 -- The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which includes the information required by Form 62-103F1 -- Required Disclosure under the Early Warning Requirements.

A copy of the early warning report filed by Zimtu in connection with the brokered offering will be available under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website.

About Eagle Bay Resources Corp.

Eagle Bay Resources Corp. is a Canadian exploration company specializing in the acquisition and development of high potential rare earth elements (REE's) and niobium properties. Eagle Bay Resources is publicly listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange ("CSE") under trading symbol "EBR".

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

EAGLE BAY RESOURCES CORP.

Sean Charland

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 604.681.1568

Email: [email protected]

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.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Offering and that exemptions from the requirements of MI 61-101 will be available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to: changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial and capital markets; uncertainties related to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; business and economic conditions in the mineral exploration industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks related to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions; risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with the specifications or expectations, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks related to adverse weather conditions and geopolitical risk and social unrest. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law

SOURCE: Eagle Bay Resources

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 15, 2023 / Klondike Gold Corp. (TSXV:KG);(FRA:LBDP);(OTCQB: KDKGF) ("Klondike Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders held on December 14, 2023. The Company elected five directors to its board, namely Peter Tallman, Gordon Keep, John Pallot, Steven Brunelle and Anne Labelle.

The shareholders approved all other matters as proposed, including the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditors of the Company, approval of the Company's stock option plan, and the approval of the Company's new restricted share unit and deferred share unit plan.

ABOUT KLONDIKE GOLD CORP.

Klondike Gold is a Vancouver-based gold exploration company advancing its 100%-owned Klondike District Gold Project located at Dawson City, Yukon, one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world. The Klondike District Gold Project targets gold associated with district scale orogenic faults along the 55-km length of the famous Klondike Goldfields placer district. Multi-km gold mineralization has been identified at both the Lone Star Zone and Stander Zone, among other targets. The Company has identified a Mineral Resource Estimate of 469,000 Indicated and 112,000 Inferred gold ounces1, a milestone first for the Klondike District. The Company is focused on exploration and development of its 727 square km property accessible by scheduled airline and government-maintained roads located on the outskirts of Dawson City, Yukon, within the Tr'ondk Hwech'in First Nation traditional territory.

1 The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Klondike District Property was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. The technical report supporting the Mineral Resource Estimate entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Klondike District Gold Project, Yukon Territory, Canada" has been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca effective November 10, 2022. Refer to news release of December 16, 2022.

ON BEHALF OF KLONDIKE GOLD CORP.

"Peter Tallman"

Peter Tallman

President and CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Telephone: (604) 609-6138

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.klondikegoldcorp.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: Klondike Gold Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 15, 2023 / Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. (TSXV:SM),(OTCQX:SMDRF) ("Sierra Madre" or the "Company") has filed a technical report, prepared in accordance with the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") for its La Guitarra silver-gold mine and the Temascaltepec mining district ("La Guitarra") in Estado de Mexico, Mexico. Sierra Madre previously released the results of the Mineral Resource Estimate (the "MRE") on November 1, 2023. The technical report is available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website at www.sierramadregoldandsilver.com TechSer Mining Consultants Ltd. ("TechSer") of Vancouver B.C. prepared the Mineral Resource Estimate, David Thomas, P.Geo. and QP Geology and Cristian Garcia, P.Eng. and QP Mining.

Key Highlights of the MRE include:

373% increase to 27.2M oz Silver Equivalent ("AgEq") Indicated Resource

204% increase to 20.2M oz AgEq Inferred Resource

The following tabulates the La Guitarra estimated Mineral Resources.

Table 1: Summary La Guitarra 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate, David G. Thomas P. Geo (Effective Date: October 24, 2023)

Class Tonnes AgEq (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) AgEq Ozs Ag Ozs Au Ozs Indicated 3,842,000 220 146 0.96 27,207,000 18,073,000 118,000 Inferred 4,105,000 153 113 0.52 20,199,000 14,937,000 68,000

See notes following Table 3

The following tabulates the Mineral Resource Estimates by Classification and Area.

Table 2: Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate

Area Tonnes AgEq (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) AgEq Ozs Ag Ozs Au Ozs Nazareno 310,000 257 215 0.55 2,564,000 2,141,000 5,000 Coloso 432,000 346 221 1.61 4,806,000 3,071,000 22,000 Guitarra 1,649,000 220 123 1.25 11,664,000 6,544,000 66,000 Sub-Total 2,391,000 248 153 1.22 19,034,000 11,756,000 93,000 Los Angeles 690,000 177 109 0.87 3,919,000 2,419,000 19,000 Mina De Agua 761,000 174 159 0.19 4,255,000 3,899,000 5,000 Total Indicated 3,842,000 220 146 0.96 27,208,000 18,074,000 117,000

Table 3: Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate

Area Tonnes AgEq (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) AgEq Ozs Ag Ozs Au Ozs Nazareno 754,000 252 229 0.29 6,096,000 5,554,000 7,000 Coloso 374,000 317 213 1.34 3,810,000 2,565,000 16,000 Guitarra 293,000 180 113 0.87 1,690,000 1,059,000 8,000 Sub-Total 1,421,000 254 201 0.68 11,596,000 9,178,000 31,000 Los Angeles 66,000 157 76 1.05 333,000 161,000 2,000 Mina De Agua 545,000 188 178 0.13 3,301,000 3,120,000 2,000 Subtotal UG Mine 2,032,000 233 191 0.55 15,230,000 12,459,000 35,000 Inferred Tailings 2,073,000 75 37 0.48 4,968,000 2,475,000 32,000 Total Inferred 4,105,000 153 113 0.52 20,198,000 14,934,000 67,000

(1) Notes for Mineral Resource Estimate:

Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definition standards were followed for the resource estimate. The 2023 resource models used nominal cutoff grades which are based on mining and milling costs of US$50 for cut and fill mining, US$38 per tonne for long-hole, A net payable recovery of 70% (historical plant recovery plus an allowance for smelter deductions, refining costs, and concentrate transportation) Silver price of US$22 and a gold price of $1700 and a Gold Silver Ration of 77.27:1. Assays were capped at 825 g/t for silver and 6.55 g/t for gold Variable cut-off by deposit Nazareno and Coloso - Block Model 135 AgEq cut-off grade (COG) and a 1 m Minimum True Thickness Guitarra - Polygonals Estimates 135 g/t AgEq COG and a 1 m Minimum Horizontal Width Los Angeles - Block Model Long Hole Mining 90 g/t AgEq COG Mina De Agua - East District Polygonal Estimate 135 g/t AgEq COG or 90 g/t AgEq COG and > 2 m Horizontal Width The tailings used a 30 g/t AgEq COG. Mineral Resources that are not mineral reserves do not have economic viability. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Numbers may not add due to rounding. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by: metal prices and exchange rate assumptions; changes in local interpretations of mineralization geometry and continuity; changes to grade capping, density and domain assignments; changes to geotechnical, mining and metallurgical recovery assumptions; ability to maintain environmental and other regulatory permits and ability to maintain the social license to operate The 2023 resource estimate is prepared by David Thomas P.Geo. and Q.P. and Cristian Garcia P.Eng. and QP, of TechSer in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. David Thomas and Cristian Garcia are independent qualified person ("QP's") as defined by National Instrument 43-101. A full technical report, has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has been filed and is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com within 45 days of this news release.

Qualified PersonMr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Director of Sierra Madre, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and information contained in this news release. Mr. Smith has verified the technical and scientific data disclosed herein.

About Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre Gold & Silver (TSXV:SM),(OTCQX:SMDRF) is a precious metals development and exploration company, focused on evaluating the potential of restarting the La Guitarra Mine in the Temascaltepec mining district, Mexico, and the exploration and development of its Tepic and La Tigra properties in Nayarit, Mexico. The La Guitarra Mine is a permitted, past-producing underground mine which includes a 500 t/d processing facility that operated until mid-2018.

The +2,600 ha Tepic Project hosts low-sulphidation epithermal gold and silver mineralization with an existing historic resource. La Tigra, located 148 km north of Tepic, has been mined historically; Sierra Madres maiden 2022 drill program at the site intercepted shallow mineralization.

Sierra Madres management has played key roles for managing exploration and development of more than 22Moz gold and 600Moz silver in combined reserves and resources. Sierra Madres team of professionals has collectively raised over $1B for mining companies.

On behalf of the board of directors of Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd.,

"Alexander Langer"

Alexander Langer

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

1-604-765-1604

Contact:

[email protected]

Cautionary Note

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 press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the completion of the Transaction on the terms set out in the definitive agreement (or at all) and the ability of the Company to obtain requisite corporate and regulatory approvals for the Transaction, including but not limited to the approval of the Exchange, Mexican antitrust approval and other governmental approvals as currently anticipated.

In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including that the Company will be able to receive all required regulatory approvals by the timelines currently anticipated (or at all); and that the Company will be able to complete the Transaction on the terms of the definitive agreement. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk that the Company is not able to complete Transaction on the terms set out in the definitive agreement (or at all) and the risk that the Company is unable to obtain requisite corporate and regulatory approvals, including but not limited to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Mexican antitrust approval and governmental approval as currently anticipated.

Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE: Sierra Madre Gold and Silver

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 15, 2023 / Tier One Silver Inc. (TSXV:TSLV) ("Tier One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its non-brokered private placement the terms of which were announced on October 26, 2023 (the "Offering"). In the second and final tranche of the Offering, which was extended on December 8, 2023, the Company issued 4,897,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$489,700, bringing the total gross proceeds from the Offering to C$985,100. In connection with the closing of the final tranche of the Offering, the Company paid cash finders' fees of C$6,000 (C$19,824 in total for the Offering) and issued 60,000 non-transferable finders' warrants(198,240 finders' warrants in total for the Offering), with each finder's warrant exercisable for one common share of the Company at the exercise price of C$0.25 until December 15, 2025. The proposed use of proceeds from the Offering is to fund general working capital.

In accordance with applicable securities laws, the securities issued under the Offering are subject to a statutory four-month and one-day hold period from the date of issuance in Canada. As of the date hereof, the Offering is subject to customary final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, which is expected upon filing standard documentation.

Insiders of the Company acquired an aggregate of 547,000 Units in the Offering for a total of C$54,700, which participation constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Such participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the securities acquired by the insiders was less than 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

The securities issued pursuant to this Offering 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. Accordingly, the securities issued pursuant to the Offering may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

A Message from Peter Dembicki, President, CEO and Director:

"We are thankful to our loyal shareholders and new investors for their support. Notably, it is very encouraging to have the support from our Board of Directors and management who took part in this financing. The multiple opportunities at Curibaya remain our focus for 2024."

Additionally, the Company is announcing that it has engaged with Machai Capital Inc. ("Machai Capital"), a marketing, advertising and public awareness firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia, for digital marketing services, branding, content creation, and data-optimization. In consideration of these services, Machai Capital will be paid C$10,000 per month for a 1-year term and will be granted 1,000,000 common share options as part of the digital marketing agreement. The options are exercisable at C$0.10 and expire two years from the date of grant and vest as to 250,000 shares quarterly. Machai Capital is at arm's length to Tier One and has no other relationship with the Company except under the agreement. Suneal Sandhu, President of Machai Capital, can be reached at 604-375-0084. The agreement with Machai Capital is subject to customary TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TIER ONE SILVER INC.

Peter Dembicki President, CEO and Director

For further information on Tier One Silver Inc., please contact the company at (778) 729-0700 or [email protected].

About Tier One Silver

Tier One Silver is an exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through the discovery of world-class silver, gold and base metal deposits in Peru. The Company's management and technical teams have a strong track record in raising capital, discovery and monetization of exploration success. The Company's exploration assets in Peru include: Corisur and the flagship project, Curibaya. For more information, visit www.tieronesilver.com.

Forward Looking Information and General Cautionary Language

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events in connection with the use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and therefore may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be heavily relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators available 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.

SOURCE: Tier One Silver Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced one new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft delivered to Transavia. This aircraft is the first of seven new Airbus A321s confirmed to deliver to Transavia on long-term lease from ALCs order book with Airbus and the first A321-200neo to join the Dutch carriers fleet.

ALC is pleased to announce the first of seven A321-200neo aircraft delivered today to our longtime customer, Transavia, said Grant Levy, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. With these new ALC A321neos, Transavia will continue to excel by offering excellent and efficient service at affordable fares to its customers. We are honored to introduce the A321-200neo to Transavia and look forward to continuing to assist the airline with its single-aisle fleet development for years to come.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)

Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the Investors section of its website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult Air Lease Corporations website regularly for important information. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALCs website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

About Transavia

Transavia is a low-cost airline that for the past 50 years has taken great pleasure in flying passengers to over 110 destinations in Europe and North Africa. Transavia stands for accessibility and affordability: whether you are planning a holiday or a business trip, you will always find a flight that fits your budget. Transavia operates from the Netherlands and France.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231215218848/en/

Investors:

Jason Arnold

Vice President, Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Media:

Laura Woeste

Senior Manager, Media and Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Ashley Arnold

Senior Manager, Media and Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Source: Air Lease Corporation
Company immediately terminated relationship with man accused of financial crimes.

LAKE WORTH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Green Life Farms, the leading controlled-environment agriculture grower in the Southeast U.S., has terminated its relationship with Raymond Pirrello Jr. following his indictment for investment fraud.

Green Life Farms fully and completely cooperated with the investigation of Mr. Pirrello and will continue to provide any support requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission or other agencies. Green Life Farms had no knowledge of, involvement in, or benefit received from the activities of which Mr. Pirrello is accused and is deeply troubled by the charges. At various points in the companys history, Green Life Farms sold portions of its stock to several investment funds to support ongoing operations and to fund facility growth, as is typical for many small businesses at this stage of growth. These transactions followed all regulatory rules; if and when re-sale of its stock by third parties occurred, Green Life Farms did not participate in those sales.

Although self-described as a founder of the company, that is an inaccurate and inflated description of Mr. Pirrellos role. Mr. Pirrello served in a Public Relations capacity for Green Life Farms and assisted with the companys marketing and investor relations efforts. At no time was he involved with the companys accounting or finance departments, nor was he a member of the companys leadership team.

The company is conducting an independent investigation of Mr. Pirrellos activities and will pursue all legal remedies should it become evident that Mr. Pirrello abused his position with Green Life Farms for his own personal profit.

About Green Life Farms

Green Life Farms operates state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouses in Lake Worth and Punta Gorda, Florida. Another 11 additional facilities are currently in construction or development, for a total of 5.2 million square feet of greenhouses planned. By incorporating agriculture with technology and focusing on food safety and local delivery, Green Life Farms provides consumers with fresh, tasty, and clean greens that are good for their bodies, families, communities, and planet. For more information about Green Life Farms, visit GreenLifeFarms.ag.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231215523526/en/

Media Contact:

[email protected]

Source: Green Life Farms
Pressure builds on Aimbridge Hospitality properties to sign

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- More than 1700 housekeepers, cooks, dishwashers, servers, and front desk workers at nine Marriott hotels  Irvine Marriott, W Hotel Westwood, SLS Beverly Hills, Westin LAX, Sheraton Grand DTLA, JW Marriott LA Live, Ritz-Carlton LA Live, Courtyard Marriott DTLA, and Residence Inn DTLA  and Hilton Irvine are the latest to sign tentative agreements. The W Hollywood is the lone Marriott not included because of outstanding contract issues there.

Brenda Mendoza, a uniform attendant at the JW Marriott LA Live said, I am incredibly proud that my coworkers and I fought for this life-changing contract. Our hard work and dedication to each other paid off.

Once the contract is ratified, the workers at the nine Marriott hotels and the Hilton Irvine will enjoy the same standard achieved in the previous tentative agreements, including:

Unprecedented wage increases that keep pace with the soaring cost of housing

Affordable, excellent family healthcare

Humane workloads and safe staffing

Improved pension increases so that workers can retire with dignity

Language improvements, including historic Equal Justice language that, among other things, will help to provide access to union jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals and unprecedented protections for immigrant workers.

With this latest announcement, a total of twenty Southern California hotels have now signed agreements with UNITE HERE Local 11. While Marriott and some Hilton hotels have led the way, other operators like Aimbridge Hospitality continue to refuse to meet the new hotel contract standard. In response, workers at the Aimbridge-operated Sheraton Park walked out on strike Wednesday, and several others could follow as early as this weekend.

If the worlds largest hotel companies, Marriott and Hilton, agreed to raise the standard for hotel workers, what makes other hoteliers such as the Maya in Long Beach or Aimbridge Hospitality think their workers will accept anything less? Our members are more determined today to win a living wage than the first day of this historic strike. Nothing will stop them, said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11.

###

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/20231216428971/en/

Maria Hernandez | 623-340-8047 | [email protected]

Source: UNITE HERE Local 11
PALO ALTO, CA, Dec. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BuildClub, a Silicon Valley startup revolutionizing the building materials delivery sector, is thrilled to announce the addition of Christopher Dawson to its Advisory Board. Christopher, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in tech startups with successful exits such as StorageNetworks, AppIQ and Desktone. In addition to his high-tech experience, Christopher is a leader in the electrical construction and communications industry, and brings a deep understanding of the construction sector, particularly in the New York City infrastructure domain.

A New Era of Expertise for BuildClub. Christopher's illustrious career spans significant roles, including his current position as President of TC Electric, a key player in the NYC infrastructure sector. His expertise is in overseeing large-scale projects, including over $1BN worth of work for the MTA and NYCT, with a focus on the signal system, aligns seamlessly with BuildClub's mission of streamlining the supply chain in the construction industry.

Strategic Growth and Expansion. With BuildClub's recent expansion into 15 additional metro areas and a track record of over 72,000 registered users, Dawson's addition to the Advisory Board is timely. His experience in managing complex projects and leveraging technology in construction will be invaluable as BuildClub continues to disrupt the traditional home improvement and wholesale warehouse markets.

Stephen Forte, Founder & CEO of BuildClub, expressed his enthusiasm: "Having Chris on our Advisory Board and as an investor is a game-changer. His profound experience and innovative mindset are exactly what we need to propel BuildClub forward in our quest to revolutionize the building materials space. There are few executives with such an extensive background in both technology and construction, and we are honored to have him on our Board."

About BuildClub

BuildClub is a pioneering startup leveraging AI and machine learning to modernize the building materials supply chain. In addition to offering instant sourcing and 2-hour jobsite delivery in most cities, BuildClub is creating digital tools enabling a more efficient and transparent supply chain. With its mission to liberate contractors and homeowners from the inefficiencies of sourcing building supplies, BuildClub is set to redefine the landscape of the construction industry.

Stephen Forte Founder & CEO BuildClub stephen at buildclub.com

Source: The BuildClub
HOUSTON, Dec. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rockcliff Energy II LLC, (Rockcliff), a portfolio company of Quantum Energy Partners (Quantum), today announced the entry into a definitive agreement with TG Natural Resources LLC (TGNR), in which TGNR will acquire 100% of the membership interests in Rockcliff for US$ 2.7 billion, prior to customary adjustments (the Transaction).



Rockcliff is a premier upstream natural gas company focused on developing the East Texas Haynesville shale. With field headquarters in Longview, Texas, the company has a footprint in five Texas counties, operating more than 200,000 net acres with more than 1.3 Bcf/d of gross operated natural gas production.

Alan Smith, CEO of Rockcliff said, We are extremely proud of the business we have built at Rockcliff over the past eight years, becoming one of the premier private natural gas companies in the United States. The amazing growth we have been able to achieve, taking gross production from approximately 100 MMcf/d at our initial acquisitions in 2017 to over 1.3 Bcf/d today, is a testament to the tireless efforts and perseverance of the entire Rockcliff team. The continued support of our partners at Quantum  who have shared our vision from day one to position Rockliff as an industry-leading natural gas producer  has played an essential role in our exceptional growth and commercial success.

Craig Jarchow, CEO of TGNR said, On behalf of Tokyo Gas America and Castleton Commodities International, I want to congratulate Alan Smith and the Rockcliff team as well as Wil VanLoh and the Quantum team for building an impressive company. With this acquisition, TG Natural Resources is committed to leadership in the Haynesville Play, one of the worlds most important sources of clean natural gas. We will have nearly a century in rig-years of gross operated and non-operated drilling inventory in the Haynesville, not counting the important plays in the Bossier and Cotton Valley. TGNR has a strong track record of investing across commodity cycles and this acquisition positions the company for long-term success. Rockcliff has also made large investments in reducing methane emissions from their already very clean operations and we plan to continue to accelerate the drive to lower methane intensity in our combined operations.

The sale of Rockcliff will memorialize Quantums ninth successful partnership with Alan and other members of the Rockliff leadership team, said Wil VanLoh, CEO of Quantum. Partnering with passionate entrepreneurs to build businesses of significant scale and with industry leading economics such as Rockcliff has been a hallmark of Quantums success investing in the energy sector over the past 25 years. Through our partnership and collective efforts, we were able to identify a unique opportunity to transform the East Texas Haynesville into a major supplier of clean U.S. natural gas for LNG exports from the Gulf Coast.

Akira Inukai, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Tokyo Gas America said, In May 2017, we invested in Castleton Resources LLC, the predecessor of TGNR, and in August 2020, we made Castleton Resources LLC a subsidiary. The Texas and Louisiana areas where TGNR owns assets are in close proximity to new LNG export terminals where future gas demand is expected to increase, and TGNR has been seeking to acquire superior assets in these areas. We are pleased to have acquired Rockcliff, which is located adjacent to the TGNR assets and therefore aligns very well with our overall growth strategy.



The Transaction is expected to close by the end of the 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

As of the date hereof, Rockcliff expects TGNR to assume its 5.50% Senior Notes due 2029 (the Notes), outstanding under the indenture, dated as of October 4, 2021, by and among Rockcliff, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the Indenture), and, subject to the applicable terms of the Indenture, for the Notes to remain outstanding upon closing of the Transaction. The consummation of the Transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, and Rockcliff retains all rights under the terms of the Indenture.

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the Notes or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes or any such 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.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan Securities served as financial advisors to Rockcliff and Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel to Rockcliff. Greenhill served as M&A advisor to TGNR. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. served as financial advisors to TGNR on the M&A transaction. Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to TGNR.

About Rockcliff



Rockcliff is a premier natural gas company focused on developing the prolific East Texas Haynesville shale and is one of the top natural gas producers in the state of Texas. The company is producing certified responsibly sourced gas with top tier emission monitoring technology to fuel the U.S. and global economy. For further information on Rockcliff, please visit www.rockcliffenergy.com.

About Quantum Capital Group



Founded in 1998, Quantum Capital Group (QCG) is a leading provider of private equity, credit, and venture capital to the global energy and energy transition industry, having managed together with its affiliates more than $23 billion in equity commitments since inception. Quantum Energy Partners is QCGs private equity vehicle that backed Rockcliff. For more information on QCG, please visit www.quantumcap.com.

About TG Natural Resources

TGNR is one of the largest producers in the Ark-La-Tex region of East Texas and Northern Louisiana. TGNR is jointly owned by TG East Texas Resources LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Gas America, and CCI U.S. Asset Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Castleton Commodities International LLC (CCI). Please visit TGNRs website for more information: www.tgnr.com

About Tokyo Gas



Founded in 1885, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. is Japans largest provider of city gas primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding Kanto region. Since the liberalization of Japans electricity market, it has also been providing electricity in the same area. As of its groups management vision Compass2030, Tokyo Gas promotes the challenge of achieving Net-Zero CO2 and will lead the transition to a decarbonized society. Please visit Tokyo Gas website for more information: www.tokyo-gas.co.jp/en/

About Castleton Commodities International LLC

CCI is a global energy commodity merchant with integrated businesses focused on marketing, merchandising, and trading commodities, and the ownership, operation, and development of commodities-related infrastructure assets. Please visit CCIs website for more information: www.cci.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes statements regarding the Transaction and the Notes that may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Rockcliff believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions; however, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations, anticipated results or other forward-looking information expressed in this communication, including risks and uncertainties regarding the ability to consummate the Transaction on the timeline currently anticipated or at all, state and federal tax matters, Rockcliffs pro forma results after giving effect to the Transaction, capital expenditures, liquidity and financial market conditions, sufficiency of cash from operations, adverse market conditions and governmental regulations. Rockcliff undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Media Contacts



For Quantum/Rockcliff:

Jon Keehner / Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

For TG Natural Resources:

[email protected]

Chris Jones, Pierpont Communications

713-627-2223
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Aion Therapeutic Inc. (CSE: AION) ("Aion Therapeutic" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated October 23, 2023, it has completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Toppen Health Inc. ("Toppen"), a US-based innovative health and wellness company, dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art water filtration solutions (the "Acquisition").

The Acquisition was completed pursuant to a definitive share purchase agreement dated October 10, 2023 (the "Purchase Agreement") with Toppen and shareholders holding a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Toppen (the "Toppen Shares") and a separate share purchase agreement with the remaining Toppen shareholders, entered into on the closing of the Acquisition (the "Closing Purchase Agreement").

Information Concerning Toppen

Co-founded in 2019 by Owen Boyd, Bill Roche, and Al Dub, Sanford, Florida-based Toppen is a pioneering force in the field of water filtration, actively driving innovation within the industry with a commitment to delivering healthier water solutions. At the core of Toppen's mission lies the belief that every individual and community should have access to clean, safe, and healthier water and are dedicated to transforming this vision into reality.

Toppen's team has engineered a water filtration system that incorporates mechanical filtration, membrane filtration, adsorption, silver infection control, ion exchange, and chemical additions into a three-stage water purification solution designed to meet the needs of consumers, business, and industries worldwide. Toppen's flagship product, the UltraSafe series water filtration system with its proprietary MicronGuardTM, is a three-stage water filtration system that employs proprietary filters that deliver comprehensive and dependable water solutions for homes, offices, medical clinics, and industrial/agricultural facilities. The system is designed to eliminate an extensive range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, cysts, spores, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, and PFAS/PFOS/PFOA that has been independently certified verifying its capacity to remove 99.99% of PFAS from drinking water.

What truly sets Toppen apart is its system's ability to function efficiently in low-pressure environments, ensuring access to clean, safe, and healthier drinking water even in remote or underserved communities.

Toppen's 7,500 sq-ft manufacturing facility is based in Sanford, Florida, and Toppen currently has eight employees.

Toppen Dental Division

Toppen's dental division provides Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and individual dental practices across the United States with its innovative disinfection products and dental wastewater solutions, removing bacteria and viruses in a chemical-free manner from dental water lines, combatting water-born infection outbreaks.

Toppen Consumer Division

Toppen's consumer division provides innovative and affordable home water treatment solutions. Its UltraHome series water filtration system uses chemical-free, high capacity filters to produce high quality drinking water, while leaving healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium that are typically removed with reverse osmosis or like-minded treatment technologies. Toppen provides whole home (filtering the water as it comes into your home) as well as under-sink filtration options.

Toppen also produces a line of filters for hand-held water bottles perfect for individual use.

Toppen Commercial Division

Toppen's commercial division targets US-based municipalities looking for community filtration solutions, as well as home builders, condominium developers, and property managers requiring whole-home water filtration. The B2B division also concentrates on global opportunities where Toppen's products can ensure access to clean, safe, and healthier drinking water in remote or underserved communities.

Looking ahead, Toppen remains committed in its pursuit of next-generation water systems that not only purify water but also enhance hydration and cellular health, representing a significant advancement in the quest for improved well-being for individuals and communities alike.

Since its inception, Toppen has targeted its patented filtration solutions on the high-level water quality requirements in the US dental space, and is currently expanding the B2B offering into Canada. Toppen is also further developing its consumer-focused water filtration solutions (home filtration systems and other lifestyle-related solutions like filtered water bottles), targeting North American and global audiences, with an emphasis on markets in Asia.

Toppen is the assignee of a registered patent application (Pub. No. US 20190151045A1) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") for its device and system combination method for disinfecting and decontaminating water lines, for example, dental water lines in the absence of a primary chemical component. Furthermore, Toppen has submitted a provisional application with the USPTO for a patent relating to dental chair water bottle micro filters.

The Company intends to file a business acquisition report (the "BAR") with respect to the Acquisition in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company will also concurrently file a modified Form 2A - Listing Statement in accordance with the policies of the CSE, which shall include audited financial statements of Toppen for the year ended November 30, 2023 (the "Listing Statement").

Aion will not directly assume any of Toppen's debt in connection with the Acquisition. The following is a summary of certain financial information of Toppen for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, presented in US dollars. All information contained herein is unaudited and prepared on an unconsolidated basis.



Year Ended

November 30, 2022 Year Ended

November 30, 2023 Revenue $954,057 $420,033 Net Loss $145,459 $437,162 Total Assets $630,501 $537,524 Total Liabilities $640,805 $984,990

"Aion is driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to improving people's health and well-being. The addition of water solutions to our current intellectual property portfolio strengthens our wellness offering to both individuals and communities," said Graham Simmonds, CEO of Aion Therapeutic. "Accessible clean and healthier water solutions are critical to people across the globe, and we believe Toppen will allow us to quickly emerge in this market."

Toppen Management Team

Toppen's board of directors and management team following the completion of the Acquisition are expected to be comprised of Mr. Boyd, Mr. Roche, Mr. Dube, and Mr. Aluce, being Toppen's current board of directors and management team. The board of directors and management team of Aion was not altered as a result of the Acquisition.

Brief biographies of the individuals named above are provided below.

Owen Boyd (Co-founder, Director, President, Chief Executive Officer)

Mr. Boyd has been working on water filtration technology and product development for over 30 years, most notably with dental industry water solutions provider, Solmetex, which he co-founded with Mr. Dube in 1994.

He has been awarded and recognized with The Environmental Protection Agency's Innovation Technology Award, the Engineering News Record for Best Technology Award, and the National Academy of Engineering's Grainger Challenge Silver Award for advancements in water filtration technology.

Mr. Boyd spearheaded the development of Toppen's revolutionary MicronGuard" technology and jointly holds the patent for the Toppen's Ultra Dental Filter with Bill Roche.

Bill Roche (Co-founder, Director, Chief Technology Officer)

Mr. Roche has over 30 years of experience innovating water filtration products. He spent almost 10 years as the VP of Operations for Argonide Corporation in Florida, another leader in the water filtration technology space, and his experience with plastic blow molding and injected plastic parts for water filtration has been pivotal in advancing Toppen's product designs.

He jointly holds the patent for Toppen's Ultra Dental Filter with Mr. Boyd.

Al Dube (Co-founder, Director, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary)

Like his colleagues, Mr. Dube also has a long history in water filtration, co-founding Solmetex with Mr. Boyd back in 1994, and is credited with creating the dental amalgam separator (a device designed to capture amalgam particles from dental office wastewater) industry in the US.

Greg Aluce (Director)

Greg Aluce is a strategic consultant covering the energy services, exploration, and production sectors. He was a senior level executive at Layne Christiansen, a $500B+ global leader in water management, construction, and drilling. He served as Layne Christiansen's President of Water Technology from 2001 to 2010, and as Division President, Executive VP, and Corporate Officer from 2010 to 2012.

The Acquisition

The purchase price for the Acquisition was CAD $10,000,000 (the "Purchase Consideration"), satisfied through the issuance of 200,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company, issued at a deemed price of $0.05 per share (the "Consideration Shares"). The Vendor's have agreed to allocate 45,000,000 Consideration Shares to an advisor of Toppen in connection with certain M&A services relating to the Acquisition. The Company may also be required to pay contingent consideration of US $2,000,000 (the "Earn-Out Payment") if Toppen achieves revenue equal to or greater than US $5,000,000 for the period from October 18, 2023 to April 30, 2025. Eligible revenue for the purposes of the earn-out calculation must exceed forty percent gross margins.

The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, covenants and conditions for a transaction of this nature. A copy of the Purchase Agreement was filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile and are available for viewing at www.sedarplus.ca. A copy of the Closing Purchase Agreement will also be filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile.

The Consideration Shares are subject to a statutory resale restriction of four months and a day from the date of issuance and such further restrictions as may be apply under foreign securities laws. In addition, the Consideration Shares are subject to an escrow period of three years pursuant to the requirements of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"), with the first release of 10% of the Consideration Shares to take place ten days following the filing of the Company's BAR and Listing Statement, and the balance of the consideration shares in equal tranches of 15% every six months following the initial release date.

The halt in trading of the Company's securities is expected to be lifted at market open on Monday, December 18, 2023.

All information contained in this news release relating to Toppen was provided by Toppen to the Company for inclusion herein. The Company has not independently verified such information and shall bear no liability for any misrepresentation contained therein.

About Toppen Health Inc.

Toppen is a US-based innovative health and wellness company, dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art water filtration solutions. With a focus on innovation, affordability, and sustainability, Toppen's water filtration solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers, businesses, and industries around the world when it comes to accessing clean and safe water.

About Aion Therapeutic Inc.

Aion Therapeutic is a forward-thinking business within the health and wellness sector with a diverse portfolio of intellectual property. With a commitment to innovation and transformative solutions, the Company is poised to drive positive change to redefine the boundaries of health and wellness.

For further information, please contact:

Aion Therapeutic Inc.

Graham Simmonds

Executive Vice Chair & CEO

(416) 843-2881

DISCLAIMER & READER ADVISORY

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Expressions such as "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "estimates", "could", "intends", "may", "plans", "predicts", "projects", "will", "would" and other similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, are generally indicative of forward-looking information. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: Toppen's business, business goals and management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business, the Acquisition, including the benefits and terms of the Acquisition, receipt of all regulatory and other third party approvals required pursuant to the Acquisition and the filing of a Listing Statement and BAR with respect to the Acquisition; Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, such as, without limitation, the risk that the parties will be unable to receive, in a timely manner, the necessary, regulatory and other third party approvals, the failure of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Acquisition and other risks related to the completion of the Acquisition and the inability of a party to perform its obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

In addition, the forward- looking information contained in this release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as it is inherently uncertain, and no assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in such information will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances.

The securities of the Company have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This release is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191318
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Atacama Copper Corporation (TSXV: ACOP) ("Atacama Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated October 26, 2023, it has entered into a business combination agreement dated December 15, 2023 (the "Business Combination Agreement") with TCP1 Corporation ("TCP1") and 1000723052 Ontario Corporation ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of TCP1 in exchange for common shares of the Company which will result in the reverse takeover of the Company by TCP1 (the "Proposed Transaction"). The Company upon completion of the Proposed Transaction (referred to herein as the "Resulting Issuer") is expected to continue trading on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") as a tier 1 mining issuer under its current symbol "ACOP". Unless stated otherwise, all amounts referred to herein are in Canadian dollars.

Terms of the Proposed Transaction

Under the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, the Proposed Transaction will be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the laws of Ontario, whereby Subco and TCP1 will amalgamate, and the resulting amalgamated entity will continue as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, the Company will consolidate its share capital on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for each six (6) pre-consolidation common shares (the "Consolidation") and the holders of the issued and outstanding common shares of TCP1 ("TCP1 Shares") will receive 64.815 post-Consolidation common shares of Atacama Copper ("Resulting Issuer Shares") for each one (1) TCP1 Share held (the "Exchange Ratio"). An aggregate of approximately 41.7 million Resulting Issuer Shares will be issued to TCP1 shareholders, which includes shares that will be issued in connection with the exercise of certain TCP1 options. All other remaining options that may be outstanding at the time of completing the Proposed Transaction shall be exchanged in accordance with the Exchange Ratio for similar securities to purchase Resulting Issuer Shares on substantially the same terms and conditions.

Following completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will continue to hold Atacama Copper's Placeton/Caballo Muerto copper project in Chile and it will hold all of TCP1's assets. TCP1's portfolio includes the Cristina Project located in Chihuahua State, Mexico and the Yecora Project, located in Sonora State, Mexico, as more particularly described in the Company's press releases dated October 30, 2023.

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, completion of the Concurrent Financing (as defined below), the approval of the shareholders of the Company and TCP1, approvals of all regulatory bodies having jurisdiction in connection with the Proposed Transaction and approval of the TSXV for the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares issuable in connection with the Proposed Transaction and other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

In connection with the completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Company anticipates issuing up to 216,049 Resulting Issuer Shares to certain directors and officers of Atacama Copper in satisfaction of accrued and unpaid salaries and it anticipates issuing up to 1,157,408 Resulting Issuer Shares to arm's length parties in satisfaction of financial advisory services provided to the Company.

Concurrent Financing

Prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction, Atacama Copper shall complete the previously announced private placement of subscription receipts at a price of $0.18 per subscription receipt for minimum net proceeds of CAD$10,000,000 (the "Concurrent Financing") pursuant to an agreement with Cormark Securities Inc. and Stifel Canada as co-lead agents (the "Agents"). Each subscription receipt will convert into one pre-Consolidation common share of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction. The Agents are entitled to a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing (3.0% of the gross proceeds from purchasers on the President's List). The Agents are entitled to compensation warrants equal to 6.0% of the aggregate number of subscription receipts sold under the Concurrent Financing (3.0% of the aggregate number of subscription receipts sold to purchasers on the President's List). Each Agents' compensation warrant will entitle the holder to acquire a Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $0.18 (prior to giving effect to the Consolidation) for a period of 24 months following the completion of the Proposed Transaction. The net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be used to advance exploration programs across the combined portfolio, with particular focus on Cristina and Yecora, and for general corporate purposes.

The securities to be offered in the Concurrent Financing have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Principal Securityholders of the Resulting Issuer

Following closing of the Proposed Transaction, it is expected that, other than as set out below, no person or company will own of record or beneficially, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over more than 10% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer Shares after giving effect to the Proposed Transaction:





Name

Number of Resulting Issuer Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed Percentage of Resulting Issuer Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed (on a fully-diluted basis) Trinity Capital Partners Corporation (1) 18,078,537 29.8% Firelight Holdings Ltd. (2) 7,145,374 11.1%

Notes

(1) Trinity Capital Partners Corporation is incorporated under the laws of the province of Ontario and is controlled by John Graham, Doug Bell, and Ron D'Ambrosio (all of whom are resident in the Province of Ontario).

(2) Firelight Holdings Ltd. is incorporated under the laws of the province of Ontario and is controlled by Pierre Lassonde (who is a resident in the Province of Ontario).

Proposed Directors and Senior Management Team

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the following individuals will comprise the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer:

Tim Warman - President, Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Director

Mr. Warman is a mining executive and geologist with more than 30 years of experience ranging from early-stage exploration to production. He has held senior leadership roles and board positions with some of the industry's most successful companies including Fiore Gold, Continental Gold, Dalradian Resources and Aurelian Resources. Earlier in his career he held senior positions in mining and exploration companies in the Americas, Africa and Europe.

Mr. Warman is a graduate of the University of Manitoba (MSc) and McMaster University (BSc) and is a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.

Charlie Ronkos - EVP Exploration

Mr. Ronkos has 45 years of exploration experience mainly in the United States, Canada and Latin America. For more than 25 years he held executive positions with Goldcorp and Glamis Gold. As Vice President Exploration, he was associated with the discovery of over 40 million ounces of gold and 1.3 billion ounces of silver.

Mr. Ronkos is a graduate of Mackay School of Mines University of Nevada, Reno (MSc) and Wittenberg University (BA) and is a QP member of the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America.

Scott Hicks - Director

Mr. Hicks currently serves as Director of the Board and EVP Corporate Development of Strategic Resources Inc. and as VP Corporate Development and Communications of Lumina Gold Corp. Over the last 15 years he has worked on a variety of equity, debt and advisory assignments while working in Canada and Australia. He is a former investment banker working with RBC Capital Markets and BMO Capital Markets on their respective mining teams. He also served as VP Corporate Development of Anfield Gold Corp., which was merged to form Equinox Gold Corp and VP Corporate Development of Luminex Resources Corp., which is being acquired by Adventus Mining Corp. (Jan 2024 closing).

Mr. Hicks holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from the University of British Columbia.

Shannon McCrae - Director

Ms. McCrae is a professional geologist and executive who brings over 25 years of experience in the resource industry. Her experience ranges from early-stage exploration to mine sites across multiple commodities, driving economic discoveries and delivering innovation.

She has recently been involved in mining and exploration through her company, Athena Geoscience and is a Board member of Boart Longyear. She was Director of Exploration and Growth for Barrick Gold, a global role operating as a member of the senior management team until 2019. Her experience also includes senior roles with De Beers Canada and as Vice President of Business Development with Novamera.

She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Geology (BSc) from Western University and is a registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in Ontario.

Colinda Parent - Director

Ms. Parent is an investment banking specialist focused on the mining sector with extensive experience valuing and selling mining royalties and raising capital for junior mining companies through flow through shares, common shares and strategic partnerships with other mining companies. Transactions include advising Newmont Mining on the sale of 54 royalties to Maverix Metals, advising Maverix Metals on a purchase of royalties from Goldfields Exploration, advising B2Gold on the sale of a Lynn Lake royalty and advising Elliott Management on the creation of a royalty company. In 2019, she formed Mine Equities Ltd., an EMD focused on raising money for the junior mining sector. Mine Equities has participated in over 75 junior mining financings since inception, that raised over $120M.

The Corporation intends to appoint a Chief Financial Officer prior to closing the Proposed Transaction and further details regarding such appointment will be provided in a press release at a later date.

Summary of Select Financial Information

A summary of certain financial information for TCP1, disclosed in accordance with TSXV policies, is included in the tables below:

TCP1 Corporation Year ended December 31, 2022 (unaudited) Nine Month Period ended September 30, 2023 (unaudited)

$ $





Revenue Nil Nil Expenses



General and administrative $220,374 $396,178 Stock-based compensation $832,614 $600,183 Loss from operations $4,610,649 $1,452,015 Balance Sheet



Cash $2,052,363 $1,337,480 Total assets $3,993,103 $3,292,545 Total liabilities $1,247,287 $1,398,561 Total equity $2,745,816 $1,893,984

Further Information

A filing statement will be prepared and filed in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, acceptance of TSXV and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of TSXV, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Atacama intends to apply to the TSXV for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements for the Proposed Transaction based upon the Concurrent Financing and/or other exemptions available in the TSXV policies. There is no assurance that an exemption from this requirement will be obtained.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

About Atacama Copper Corporation

Atacama Copper is a resource company focusing on acquiring, exploring, and developing base and precious metals properties in the Americas. It is committed to advancing the exploration and development of its Placeton/Caballo Muerto copper project in Chile while looking to increase its asset portfolio through the acquisition and development of other high-value exploration, development, and production opportunities. Atacama's Placeton/Caballo Muerto project hosts several porphyry copper targets situated between the giant Relincho and El Morro/La Fortuna copper-gold deposits of the Nueva Union joint venture between Teck and Newmont Mining.

Additional Information - Please Contact

For more information, please contact:

Tim Warman

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Atacama Copper Corporation

Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the successful completion of the Proposed Transaction (including with respect to the success of the Concurrent Financing); the Resulting Issuer's mineral properties; and the business and operations of the Resulting Issuer after the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: failure to satisfy or waive all applicable conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction (including receipt of all necessary shareholder, stock exchange and regulatory approvals or consents, and the absence of material changes with respect to the parties and their respective businesses); the synergies expected from the Proposed Transaction not being realized; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to Chilean Peso exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding);inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Atacama Copper disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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 news release.

Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191322
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Goldstorm Metals Corp. (TSXV: GSTM) (FSE: B2U) ("Goldstorm" or the "Company") further to its news release dated November 28, 2023, due to strong investor demand, the Company has upsized and closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of $1,950,080.08 through the issuance of (i) 461,556 non-flow-through units (the "NFT Units") sold at a price of $0.18 per NFT Unit; and (ii) 9,335,000 flow-through units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit") sold at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit.

Each NFT Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "NFT Share") and one half (1/2) of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit consists of one common share of the Company issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), (each, a "FT Share") and one half (1/2) of one Warrant. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one non-flow-through common share of the Company at a price of $0.35 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the date of issuance. A total of 4,898,278 Warrants were issued under the Private Placement.

The gross proceeds received from the sale of the FT Units is expected to be used for work programs on the Company's exploration properties and the net proceeds received from the sale of the NFT Units is expected to be used for general working capital purposes.

In connection with the Offering, the Company issued 529,860 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") and paid commissions of $105,852 to certain finders. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The Offering remains subject to final acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring on April 16, 2024, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada.

Certain insiders of the Company purchased an aggregate of 55,556 NFT Units under the Private Placement, constituting, to that extent, a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities distributed in the Private Placement nor the consideration received for those securities, in so far as the Private Placement involves the directors and officers, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About Goldstorm Metals

Goldstorm Metals Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration company with a large strategic land position in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, an area that hosts some of the largest and highest-grade gold deposits in the world. Goldstorm's flagship projects Crown and Electrum cover an area that totals approximately 16,469 hectares over 6 concessions, of which 5 are contiguous. The Crown Project is situated directly south of Seabridge Gold's KSM gold-copper deposits and Newcrest Gold's Brucejack/Valley of the Kings gold mine. Electrum, also located in the Golden Triangle of BC, is situated directly between Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine, approximately 20 kilometers to the north, and the past producing Silbak Premier mine, 20 kilometers to the south.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

GOLDSTORM METALS CORP.

"Ken Konkin"

Ken Konkin

President and Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please visit the Company's website at https://goldstormmetals.com/or contact:

Chris Curran

Head of Corporate Development and Communications

Phone: (604) 559 8092

E-Mail: [email protected]

or

Carsten Ringler

Head of Investor Relations and Communications

Phone: +49 151 55362000

E-Mail: [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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "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 expectations regarding the Company's use of the proceeds from the sale of the NFT Units and FT Units and expectations regarding the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals for the Offering. 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 connation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated and that the Company will receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, that the Company will not receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering, risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating metals prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual 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 expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

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/191316
Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Jeremy McGilvrey Agency proudly celebrates its five-year anniversary of being honored with the ClickFunnels Two Comma Club Award, a significant distinction in the realm of digital marketing for earning over $1,000,000 in a sales funnel. As the agency reflects on this half-decade milestone, Tatyana Moshchenkov, the esteemed President of Operations, stands out as a pivotal figure in this achievement.





Tatyana Moshchenkov Recognized by Jeremy McGilvrey Agency For Five Years With The ClickFunnels Two Comma Club Award

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8843/191282_b7b6fc7b64392b9a_001full.jpg

The ClickFunnels Two Comma Club Award is more than just a recognition of financial success. It showcases a company's expertise in creating, executing and managing effective sales funnels that drive tangible results for clients. The sustained success and reputation that Jeremy McGilvrey Agency holds today is a testament to Moshchenkov's unwavering commitment, strategic thinking, and deep technical expertise.

Jeremy McGilvrey, founder of the agency, remarked, "Our journey with ClickFunnels has been marked by innovation, growth, and a laser focus on creating conversion-driven strategies. Tatyana's commitment to excellence and her unmatched expertise have been crucial in driving our vision and achieving consistent results for our clients."

The collaboration between Moshchenkov and the rest of the Jeremy McGilvrey team has been harmonious. Under her leadership, the agency has fine-tuned its strategies, continually adapted to the changing digital landscape, and ensured that clients' websites and sales funnels are optimized for the best results.

Through Moshchenkov's hands-on leadership and profound expertise in the industry, the agency consistently reinforces its esteemed reputation as a world-class leader in sales funnels within the ClickFunnels community.

As the digital marketing world continues to evolve at a rapid pace, having leaders like Moshchenkov at the helm ensures that Jeremy McGilvrey Agency remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering value to its clients and staying ahead of industry trends.

Looking ahead, the agency remains committed to upholding the standards of excellence that have been reinforced and elevated over the past five years. With a unique blend of expertise, innovation, and dedication, Jeremy McGilvrey Agency is set to achieve even greater milestones in the digital marketing space.

For a closer look at the agency's journey and its comprehensive range of services, visit: https://www.jeremymcgilvrey.com/clickfunnels-expert.

Media Contact:

Contact: Jeremy McGilvrey

Address: 1 Riverway Ste. 1724, Houston, TX 77056

Phone: (800) 746-1522

Email: [email protected]

Website/URL: https://www.jeremymcgilvrey.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191282
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2023) - Visionary Metals Corp. (TSXV: VIZ) ("Visionary" or the "Company")is pleased to report the results of its Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") held on December 15, 2023 (the "Meeting").

At the Meeting, the Shareholders fixed the number of directors at five and approved the appointment of John Kanderka, Wesley Adams, Darren Lindsay, Drew Clark, and David Miller as directors of the Company. The Shareholders also approved the reappointment of DeVisser Gray LLP as the Company's auditors and provided the required annual approval and confirmed the amendments for the Company's rolling 10% stock option plan that was initially adopted on May 2, 2022 and amended effective November 3, 2023. The Shareholders also approved the creation of a new control person in Wesley Adams, the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company.

Please refer to the Company's information circular dated November 16, 2023 filed on its SEDAR profile for further information with respect to the matters considered by the Shareholders at the Meeting.

For additional information regarding Visionary, please visit the Company's website at: https://visionarymetalscorp.com.

Contact:

Wes Adams, Chief Executive Officer

410-325 Howe Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

Canada V6C 1Z7

Telephone: (303) 809-4668

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191266
DUBLIN , Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "FDA QMSR and the Key Elements of QSIT cGMP Inspection and Audits for Medical Device Manufacturers" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



What are U.S. FDA cGMP requirements for the manufacture of medical devices for sale in the US? This seminar discusses the key Quality System Regulation/Quality Management System requirements of 21 CFR 820, the Quality System Regulation. QSIT for FDA inspections and anticipated changes to a QMSR.



This 2-day seminar will examine the 14 key elements of the Medical Device cGMPs, 21 CFR 820, the Quality System Regulation, the 7 key elements, and the defining 4 elements, as defined and evaluated by the FDA's QSIT. Product development and manufacturing ('realization') and its compliance and documentation. Design Control, the Device History File, the Device Master Record and the Device History Record are defined. Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) requirements and key components. Production and Process Control (P&PC) expectations. Verification and Validation, including software - Why and How? Risk management under ISO 14971, a major component of the proposed QMSR, will also be considered. Differing approaches to compliance inspections/audits internally by the company and externally by the FDA. A discussion of FDA's new proposed revised 820 incorporating ISO 13485, into the new QMSR, will also be included.



Key Benefits of Attending

Global companies must meet US FDA 21 CFR 820 (The QSR) requirements in order to sell such devices in the US, no matter where they are manufactured. These companies must pass FDA compliance inspections (audits) to 21 CFR 820. The cGMPs mandate 15 key systems and procedures that must be followed and documented to allow cleared/approved product to be sold commercially in the US. Of those 15, the FDA focuses on 7, and places extreme emphasis on 4, per QSIT.

Key Questions Answered

What does compliance look like?

What are the benefits to the company for compliance?

What role does the Risk Management File (ISO 14971) and Use Engineering File (IEC 62366-1) play in conformance and day-to-day compliance. How does failure to comply result in adulterated product, 483 Observations, Warning Letters, and worse.

What are key components of a cGMP-compliant QMS, a Risk Managements File, and a Use Engineering/Human Factors File, and their interrelationships.

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qh893f

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:



Research and Markets

Laura Wood , Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets
Sen. Grassley, Gov. Reynolds , and IEDA Director Durham were awarded for their leadership

New Report Highlights $25 Billion in Utility-Scale Clean Power Investments in Iowa

ANKENY, Iowa , Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning, the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Power Up Iowa (PUI) honored U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley , Governor Kim Reynolds , and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham as Champions of Clean Energy. Thanks to their leadership, Iowa has increased diversification in agriculture income, generated substantial tax revenue for Iowa's rural communities, and improved the state's renewable energy portfolio.

"It's an honor to accept this award as Iowa has a long history of supporting and advancing the energy sector," said Gov. Kim Reynolds . " Iowa's position of leadership in renewable energy goes far beyond one person. From working with the legislature, to our world-class research institutions, Iowa has cemented itself as a true energy powerhouse."

Earlier this week, ACP released a new report detailing the significant contributions made in Iowa from utility-scale clean energy projects. The Clean Energy Powers Iowa report found that 61% of the state's energy capacity is currently generated through solar and wind projects. Clean energy capacity in the state now stands at 13,278 megawatts (MW), enough to power 4.2 million homes.

" Iowa is a clean energy success story, producing and using clean power for a greater share of the state's electricity generation mix than any other state. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Grassley and Governor Reynolds , Iowa has achieved this success with broad public support," said ACP CEO Jason Grumet . " Senator Grassley has long championed the partnership between clean energy and Iowa's rural and agricultural communities. Governor Reynolds is leading the nation in demonstrating the economic benefits of clean energy in local communities and the statewide economy. IAED Director Durham has enabled a culture of innovation that has propelled small business development and local investment into the state's clean energy economy. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge Senator Grassley , Governor Reynolds , and Director Durham and the example they have set for the nation."

Today's Champions luncheon also marked the 40th anniversary of Iowa's renewable portfolio standard and the 30th anniversary of the Wind Energy Incentives Act of 1993, authored by Sen. Grassley .

"I have always been a strong champion of renewable energy and the ability for farmers to diversify their operations through some of Iowa's most bountiful resources: wind and solar," said Senator Chuck Grassley . "I am honored to be recognized by the American Clean Power Association for my work on behalf of the people of Iowa , and I look forward to our continued work to grow renewable energy opportunities across Iowa ."

Building on the momentum of tax incentives announced in the last year, billions more in investments are projected by 2030. Iowa report highlights include:

$25 Billion  Today's total private sector investment in Iowa's utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects.

Today's total private sector investment in utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects. $13 Billion  The expected private sector investment through clean energy projects that will support Iowa's clean energy economy by 2030.

The expected private sector investment through clean energy projects that will support clean energy economy by 2030. $73.4 Million  The amount paid annually through Iowa land lease payments.

The amount paid annually through land lease payments. $61.5 Million  The annual investment in local and state taxes paid by the industry.

The annual investment in local and state taxes paid by the industry. Nearly 5,500 Iowa jobs are supported by the clean energy industry.

"It's a privilege to help honor these dynamic leaders in the renewable energy space," said Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson . "Their leadership has a long reach  from economic development and homegrown energy to the production of high-paying careers for DMACC's graduates. When the renewable energy industry grows, Iowa grows with it."

We invite you to join the continued conversation through our social press kit.

About ACP

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the leading voice of today's multi-tech clean energy industry, representing over 800 energy storage, wind, utility-scale solar, clean hydrogen and transmission companies. ACP is committed to meeting America's national security, economic and climate goals with fast-growing, low-cost, and reliable domestic power.

Learn more at cleanpower.org .

About PUI

Power Up Iowa, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of renewable energy supporters advocating for local, state and federal policies and initiatives that enhance Iowa's wind and solar energy investment. By educating, raising awareness, and participating in conversations with our state's leaders, Power Up Iowa will help make the case for renewable energy investment to revive and drive our local economies.

CONTACT:

Sabrina Fang

[email protected]

703-283-2091

Mak Heddens

[email protected]

515-450-2954

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SOURCE American Clean Power Association
Stock Market Symbols

GIB.A (TSX)

GIB (NYSE)

cgi.com/newsroom

MONTREAL , Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) has filed with the securities regulators in Canada and in the United States its Management Proxy Circular for its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held virtually on January 31, 2024 .

CGI has also filed its 2023 Annual Information Form with the Canadian securities regulators, as well as with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as part of its Annual Report on Form 40-F, which also includes its previously-filed Fiscal 2023 Results.

An electronic version of CGI's 2023 annual filings, including its Management Proxy Circular, Annual Information Form and Annual Report on Form 40-F, are available on CGI's website at cgi.com/investors.

Notice and Access

CGI uses the Notice and Access rules adopted by Canadian securities regulators to reduce the volume of paper in the materials distributed for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. For the purposes of the Notice and Access process, the Management Proxy Circular and other relevant materials are available here and on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website www.sedarplus.ca.

Registered shareholders and non-objecting beneficial owners may request a paper copy of the materials by calling Computershare Investor Services Inc. toll free at 1-866-962-0498 ( Canada and U.S. ) or +1-514-982-8716 (international) and entering the control number indicated on the form of proxy or voting instruction form they received with the Notice of Meeting. Objecting beneficial owners may request a paper copy of the materials by calling Broadridge Investor Communications Corporation toll free at 1-877-907-7643 ( Canada and U.S. , in English or French), at +1-303-562-9306 (international, in French), or at +1-303-562-9305 (international, in English) and entering the control number indicated on the voting instruction form they received with the Notice of Meeting. To ensure that materials are received in advance of the voting deadline and meeting date, all requests for paper copies of meeting materials must be received no later than January 17, 2024 .

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 91,500 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2023 reported revenue is $14.30 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

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SOURCE CGI Inc.
SI DESEA RECIBIR ESTE AVISO EN ESPANOL, POR FAVOR MARQUE [856-451-4700]. GRACIAS

BRIDGETON, N.J. , Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CompleteCare Health Network (CCHN) is providing notice of a recent cybersecurity incident that involved certain individuals' personal identifiable information and personal health information.

On or around October 12, 2023 , CCHN detected and stopped a sophisticated ransomware attack, in which an unauthorized third party accessed some of CCHN's computer systems. CCHN immediately disconnected the affected systems, initiated its response protocols, and engaged third-party forensic specialists to assist them with securing the network environment, and investigating the extent of any unauthorized activity, including whether any patient information was accessed.

CCHN's investigation determined that the unauthorized third party may have exfiltrated personal data during this incident. CCHN took steps to ensure data will not be further published or distributed. CCHN has also notified, and is working with, federal law enforcement to investigate.

The impacted data varied by individual, but it may have contained personal information, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and some sensitive personal information and/or personal health information. Beginning on December 15, 2023 , CCHN mailed letters to affected individuals, and while, to date, CCHN is unaware of any misuse of the involved information, as a precaution, they are offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to individuals whose Personal Identifiable Information (PII) may have been impacted. Each notification letter sent to impacted individuals will include a list of specific data elements that were impacted as well as resources that they may use to protect themselves.

For more information on this incident, individuals may visit our website at [https://completecarenj.org/] or call CCHN's dedicated call center at 856-451-4700 and select option 7. Representatives are available for 90 days from the date of this posting, to assist individuals with questions regarding this incident, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time , Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

CCHN sincerely regrets any inconvenience this incident may have caused. We value the security of the data we maintain and are taking steps intended to prevent an incident like this from reoccurring.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/completecare-health-network-provides-notice-of-cybersecurity-incident-302017035.html

SOURCE CompleteCare Health Network
CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy issued the following statement in response to today's order by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) on the Performance-Based Regulation application submitted by Duke Energy Carolinas on Jan. 19, 2023 .

Duke Energy statement

"We believe this is a constructive outcome that enables Duke Energy to maintain strong progress toward building a cleaner, more reliable energy future for our North Carolina customers while continuing to meet the energy demands of a growing and economically vibrant region."

"We are currently evaluating the NCUC order on Duke Energy Carolinas' rate request and will determine the exact impacts on customer rates in the coming weeks. Our investments over the past several years  and those included in the multi-year rate plan in the coming years  strengthen the electricity grid to improve reliability for customers and facilitate a cleaner, more secure energy future in a manner that supports economic development across the state."

The full NCUC order can be found here. The order:

Approves a range of capital investments designed to ensure reliability and resilience of the system and pave the way to a cleaner energy future.

Approves the implementation of Performance-Based Regulations, which are modernized regulatory tools authorized by recently enacted law. These tools are essential in achieving the state's overall energy policy objectives.

Approves all of the settlements reached in the proceeding, which were supported by various parties and narrowed the range of contested issues.

Approves a set of Performance Incentive Mechanisms that hold the utility accountable for certain outcomes that benefit customers and/or achieve North Carolina policy goals.

policy goals. Approves a range of innovative rate designs and structures developed through collaboration with numerous stakeholders, including programs to assist low-income customers and spur economic development.

Duke Energy Carolinas

Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 19,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2.8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 24,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina .

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: Bill Norton

24-hour media line: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy
Nationwide Footprint of Nashville Lender's Healthcare Group Continues to Expand

NASHVILLE, Tenn. , Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently INSBANK's Board of Directors Promoted Blake Wilson to President of Medquity, which is the bank's division focused on healthcare services. Wilson has been a driving force for the Nashville lender's healthcare-focused businesses, having first led the bank's TMA Medical Banking division since 2013. TMA Medical Banking serves the constituency of members of the Tennessee Medical Association, thru a marketing agreement with the TMA.

"Under Blake's leadership our healthcare expertise flourished and availed the bank the opportunity to develop a nationwide brand," said Jim Rieniets , President & CEO of INSBANK. "In addition to building a great team and scaling our business across the country, he has become a leader in the healthcare finance sector and certainly deserves the recognition afforded by this promotion," Rieniets continued.

Medquity serves as a nationwide lending, deposit, and treasury resource for the healthcare industry. Banking solutions range from consumer to the middle market and are focused on healthcare businesses, practices, and providers. The Medquity team is ingrained in the healthcare community to better understand its challenges and opportunities, develop niche solutions, and serve customers that are committed to improving healthcare delivery, including patient care and access.

"I'm proud of what our healthcare team has accomplished - now serving clients in almost 30 states, growing a 16-physician advisory board, developing our fintech platform, and more - but am most excited about the opportunity ahead," said Blake Wilson . "We are further investing in our commitment to be a banking resource for healthcare's operators, providers, and sponsors as they navigate the industry's evolution and growth in the years ahead."

INSBANK's well-diversified healthcare lending portfolio has steadily grown in recent years, and has become the bank's most significant niche. "While the healthcare industry is complex and lending into it requires appropriate expertise, it is of strategic importance to us given its low correlation to general economic trends, as well as our location in Nashville , which is our nation's epicenter of healthcare services," Rieniets continued.

About INSBANK

Since 2000, INSBANK has offered its clients highly personalized service provided by experienced relationship managers, while positioning itself as an innovator, utilizing technologies to deliver those services efficiently and conveniently. In addition to its commercial focused operation, INSBANK operates three divisions, Medquity, TMA Medical Banking and Finworth. Medquity offers healthcare banking solutions to physicians, partnerships, and practices nationwide, while TMA Medical Banking provides banking services specifically to members of the Tennessee Medical Association. Finworth offers nationally available virtual private client services for interest bearing deposits. INSBANK is owned by InsCorp, Inc., a Tennessee bank holding company. The bank is headquartered in Nashville at 2106 Crestmoor Road , and has an office in Brentwood at 5614 Franklin Pike Circle . For more information, please visit www.insbank.com

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SOURCE INSBANK
FOLSOM, Calif. , Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With fewer than 1.5 percent of California students receiving financial education in the state's schools, SAFE Credit Union is stepping in to fill that gap with a new program that teaches teens and young adults how to make informed financial decisions.

The credit union brought the program, Budget Cents, to California State University, Sacramento students in an event hosted by college's Associated Students Incorporation (ASI). ASI offers services including a food pantry, childcare, a safe ride program and no-cost education events.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for students to come learn how to manage their finances, what they should be doing to prepare for the real world while in college and set themselves up for success after they graduate," says Sasha Margulies , ASI marketing coordinator.

Budget Cents is a simulation where each participant receives a persona that includes a family, debt, and income. They visit various stations representing major expenses, including childcare, housing and transportation costs.

At Sacramento State, SAFE representatives helped students with their budget and provided feedback to see how they successfully managed their money.

Student Lorena Rodriguez appreciated the program's insights. "The information to pay extra on the amount due to your credit card was very helpful," she says.

SAFE Credit Union Financial Wellness Manager Hector Madueno says students attending Budget Cents are most surprised "by how much things cost."

"When we built this program, we looked at data for the Greater Sacramento area. So, when they are running through it, they're going to see actual housing costs, the actual costs of food or dining out," he says.

Budget Cents programs are offered at no-cost.

"A lack of financial education can lead to young adults making mistakes that can impact them for years," says SAFE Credit Union Vice President of Community Relations and Financial Education Rebecca Delmundo. "Helping young people learn positive spending and budgeting practices can position them for a better future, especially when it comes time for those major life milestones like buying a house, new car, or starting a family."

About SAFE

SAFE Credit Union is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union in Northern California with over $4.7 billion in assets and more than 236,000 members. Insured by NCUA.

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SOURCE SAFE Credit Union
FILE PHOTO: The skyline of Recife is seen at sunset June 22, 2014. REUTERS/Paul Hanna

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's lower house approved on Friday a major consumption tax overhaul, seen as capable of boosting the country's potential growth, although its effective implementation hinges on subsequent bills and an extended transition period.

The reform had initially been approved by deputies in July, but had to be voted on again after the Senate made changes to the text before passing it last month.

In the two required votes, as the reform is a constitutional amendment, lawmakers voted 371 to 121 and 365 to 118 to pass the bill, both well above the required 308 votes.

The reform will now be signed into law in a joint session of Congress expected to take place next week.

The eagerly anticipated reform, repeatedly attempted by previous administrations, is a central pillar of Lula's plans to boost productivity and the potential growth of Latin America's largest economy.

It aims to simplify Brazil's notoriously complex tax system, which imposes high compliance costs on businesses.

The proposal consolidates five existing levies into a value-added tax (VAT) with distinct federal and regional rates, to be determined later through complementary bills. The full implementation of the new taxes is expected only in 2033.

It also introduces a selective tax targeting products considered harmful to the environment and health.

In contrast to the Senate version, the final text approved by the lower house excludes certain sectors the Senate had added to the list of those eligible for more advantageous tax schemes, such as sanitation services, highway concessions and air transportation services.

The reform also shifts the tax base from the point of production to the point of consumption over a 50-year transition period starting in 2029, a change expected to favor Brazil's wealthier and more populous states.

To offset these changes, the reform introduces various funds and compensation mechanisms for states, many of which have been viewed with reservations by analysts due to their high fiscal cost over an extended period.

(Reporting by Maria Carolina Marcello and Marcela Ayres; Writing by Peter Frontini; Editing by Kylie Madry)
N'DJAMENA (Reuters) -The Chad government on Sunday said it had declared four Sudanese diplomats persona non grata and ordered them to leave within 72 hours following what it called "grave statements" by Sudanese officials accusing it of interfering in the conflict in Sudan.

The diplomats are the first counsellor of the embassy, the defence attache and two consuls.

The decision came after "grave statements that lack any basis," made by top Sudanese officer, General Yassir al-Atta, and repeated by Sudan's foreign minister on local television, the statement, signed by Chad's government spokesman, said.

"The recurrence of such statements by Sudanese authorities with regards to Chad and its government is simply not acceptable, hostile, and masks a hidden agenda," the statement said.

(Reporting by Mahamat Ramadane. Writing by Bate Felix. Editing by Jane Merriman)
View of what Israeli army says are weapons seized from an area around Kamal Adwan hospital in a location given as Beit Lahia, Gaza, as seen in this screen grab taken from a handout video released December 16, 2023. Israeli Army/Handout via REUTERS

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -Gaza's Al Shifa hospital is providing only basic trauma stabilization, has no blood for transfusions and hardly any staff to care for a constant flow of patients, the World Health Organization said on Sunday.

After a U.N. visit to deliver medicines and surgical supplies, the team described the emergency department in the enclave's main health facility as resembling a "bloodbath".

The WHO said there were hundreds of wounded patients, with new ones arriving by the minute and trauma injuries being stitched on the floor, with almost no pain management available.

Only four hospitals of 24 working in north Gaza before the war with Israel began have even partial service, and three of those are barely functioning, the WHO said.

The WHO said it was urgently gathering information at the Kamal Adwan hospital, where Gazan authorities said Israeli forces this week used a bulldozer to smash through the perimeter of a site Israel has said was used by Hamas fighters.

The group which governs Gaza has denied using the Kamal Adwan or other hospitals for militant activities.

Israel has also said Al Shifa, which it had occupied earlier in the war, had been used by Hamas.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians are believed to remain in north Gaza, after Israelis forces pushed most of the population to the south during the first days of the bombing campaign and ground war that began after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Gazan health authorities under the Hamas government say that more than 50,000 Palestinians have been injured during the Israeli operation, and 19,000 killed.

The WHO said "tens of thousands" of displaced people were using the Al Shifa hospital for shelter, describing severe shortages of safe water and food.

Gaza is home to 2.3 million people, most of whom have been displaced from their homes by the offensive.

KAMAL ADWAN

At the Kamal Adwan hospital, the Gazan health ministry said Israeli troops made hundreds of internally displaced persons leave, and evacuated wounded patients and medical staff to the hospital grounds.

Citing the ministry's reports, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was "extremely worried" about the situation.

The Israeli military said the hospital had been used as a Hamas "command and control centre" and that soldiers had detained around 80 militant fighters before leaving the site on Saturday. Gazan authorities said some 70 medical staff were detained by Israel, including the head of the hospital.

Video obtained by Reuters showed two bodies in shrouds, an injured boy along with a wrecked car, smashed and burnt walls and piles of abandoned belongings at the hospital. Reuters could not determine the cause of the fatalities or the injuries.

"They raided the building, and they took all the employees for investigation, also the injured people were being investigated," said Ahmed Al Kahlot, a doctor at the hospital.

The military released video on Saturday it said showed soldiers shooting at the hospital, finding weapons hidden in medical apparatus, and displaying several guns and grenades.

Reuters could not independently verify the accounts.

Reuters was also unable to verify reports, including from the Palestinian health minister Mai AlKaila, citing witnesses who claimed civilians were buried under earth moved by Israeli army bulldozers in the vicinity of the hospital.

Gazan health official Munir Al-Bursh demanded an international investigation into what he called a "deliberate crime" by Israel at the Kamal Adwan hospital.

Israel did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the allegations.

(Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alexander Smith)
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary will veto Bulgaria's entry into Europe's passport-free Schengen Zone unless it scraps a transit tax on Russian gas, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

The veto threat follows Thursday's agreement among all 27 European Union members except Hungary to start accession talks with Ukraine despite its invasion by Russia, bypassing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's grievances by getting him to leave the room.

Orban's resistance in Brussels gained him some bonus points in Moscow, with whom his nationalist government has maintained regular contacts even during the war in Ukraine, and which still supplies landlocked Hungary with most of its gas.

Citing Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the ministry said Hungary had made it clear to Bulgaria that it would veto its entry if the tax on Hungary's main gas import route remained in place.

"We have made it clear to the Bulgarians that if they keep this in place for long, if they jeopardise the safety of Hungary's energy supply for long, then we will veto their Schengen entry," Szijjarto said.

He said Hungary would lift its veto as soon as the transit tax is repealed.

While Western European countries have made big efforts to wean themselves off Russian gas, Hungary has been receiving 4.5 billion cubic metres of gas per year from Russia under a deal signed in 2021, mainly via Bulgaria and Serbia.

Szijjarto said Bulgaria's move, which he said went against European regulations, threatened the safety of supply not just in Hungary, but also Serbia and North Macedonia.

"While the tax aims to reduce Gazprom's profits, which, according to agreements concerning gas provision, should shoulder the cost, it could nevertheless result in transit disruptions and/or higher costs for the countries receiving gas through this route," economists at UniCredit said in a note.

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Editing by Alison Williams and Giles Elgood)
(Reuters) -An agent of Israel's Mossad intelligence service was executed on Saturday in Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"This person communicated with foreign services, specifically Mossad, collecting classified information, and with participation with associates, provided documents to foreign services, including the Mossad," it said.

It did not name the person.

It said the accused had handed classified information to a "Mossad officer" with the aim of "propaganda for groups and organizations opposed to the Islamic Republic". It did not say where the alleged handover had taken place.

It was not clear when the person was arrested, but IRNA said an appeal had been rejected.

The execution, which took place in a Zahedan jail in Sistan-Baluchestan, came a day after Baluch militants attacked a police station in the province, killing 11 security personnel and wounding several others.

A state funeral was held on Saturday for the men in the town of Rask where the attack took place, according to state television. Two militants of the Jaish al-Adl group were also killed in ensuing clashes.

The impoverished Sistan-Baluchestan province, which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan, has long been the scene of frequent clashes between security forces and Sunni militants. The population of the province is predominantly Sunni Muslim, while most Iranians are Shiite.

([email protected]; Editing by William Mallard, Kirsten Donovan)
(Reuters) - SpaceX said it was targeting Thursday, Dec. 28 for the launch of the U.S. military's X-37B robot spaceplane on its seventh mission to orbit.

"Now targeting no earlier than Thursday, December 28 for Falcon Heavy to launch USSF-52 to orbit from Florida," SpaceX said in a post on X on Friday, after it stood down on the launch earlier this week to perform additional system checkouts.

The original plan to send the spacecraft to orbit late on Sunday was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

(Reporting by Baranjot Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Sandra Maler)
DHAKA (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of supporters of Bangladesh's main opposition party took to the streets of the capital on Saturday defying fears of being arrested ahead of the country's national election early next year.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose top leadership is either jailed or in exile, has demanded that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina step down and make way for a neutral government to oversee the Jan. 7 poll, which the opposition party has boycotted.

Many leaders and activists of BNP who are in hiding since Oct. 28, the day a police officer was killed and hundreds were injured during an anti-government protest, joined the Victory Day rally.

Some supporters and activists gathered in front of the padlocked headquarters entrance in Dhaka. Many of the senior party leaders are either in jail or absconding dozens of lawsuits filed by the police and the ruling party.

"If the government has the courage, it should resign and hold the election under a caretaker government, Abdul Moyeen Khan, a former minister and member of the BNP's highest policy-making body, told the rally.

"The government has turned this Victory Day into a day of defeat by killing democracy," he said.

BNP activists were chanting anti-government slogans while heavy police presence was seen.

The election is being "stage-managed, by way of putting up 'dummy candidates' as well as through 'horse trading' of some politicians," Khan told Reuters earlier.

Hasina, seeking a fifth term -- the fourth consecutive -- has repeatedly rebuffed opposition calls to resign, blaming the BNP for deadly street protests in recent days in support of their demand.

BNP said nearly 10,000 people have been arrested since the election was announced on Nov. 15. Police say they have arrested only those responsible for violence.

Dozens of buses and vehicles have been set on fire over the past month, authorities said.

Rights groups have accused the government of targeting opposition leaders and supporters.

The government denies the accusations but it is under pressure from Western countries to hold free, fair and participatory elections.

The United States, the top buyer of Bangladeshi garments, said in May it was implementing a policy allowing for the restriction of visas to Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic election process in the country of nearly 170 million people.

Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan said: "People do not want this election. People will not go to vote," calling it a "farcical" election.

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; editing by Clelia Oziel)
By Huseyin Hayatsever

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria plan to sign a deal in January on a joint plan to clear mines floating in the Black Sea as a result of the war in Ukraine, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said on Saturday, after months of talks between the NATO allies.

Black Sea states Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria met officials from Georgia, Poland and Ukraine in April 2022 to discuss clearing the mines after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Defence ministers from the three countries also held talks on the plan at a NATO meeting in Brussels in October, and in Ankara last month as they worked to finalise the initiative.

Speaking to reporters at a meeting in Ankara, Guler said the "Trilateral Initiative" would only include Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria for now, and their defence ministers planned to hold a signing ceremony in Istanbul on Jan. 11.

"Due to the Ukraine-Russia war, there are mines placed in both Ukrainian and Russian ports. These untangle sometimes and reach our straits due to the current," Guler told journalists.

"Our mine-clearing vessels will carry out constant patrols to the point where Romania's (sea) borders end," he added.

Britain said on Monday it would transfer two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy, as it sets up a new maritime defence coalition alongside Norway to help strengthen Ukraine's sea operations.

Turkey, which maintains good ties with both Kyiv and Moscow, is also working with the United Nations, Ukraine, and Russia to revive the Black Sea grain initiative which Moscow quit earlier this year, though there have been no public signs of progress on those talks.

(Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; editing by Giles Elgood)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak talk as they meet at Palazzo Chigi, in Rome, Italy, December 16, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

ROME (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Saturday that he would push for global reforms to the asylum system and warned the threat of growing number of refugees could "overwhelm" parts of Europe.

In a speech in Italy, Sunak made some of his strongest criticisms of the global asylum system as he tries to revive his government's plans to send refugees to live in Rwanda.

Sunak made the comments at a political festival organised by the party of his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, where he warned that some "enemies" were deliberately "driving people to our shores to try and destabilise our societies".

"If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most," Sunak said.

"If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that."

Britain's former Home Secretary Suella Braverman earlier this year called for changes to United Nations Refugee Convention that obliges all signatories to grant asylum to people fleeing persecution.

The provision has been one of the biggest legal barriers to the British government's efforts to stop small boat crossings and to send would-be asylum-seekers to Rwanda for processing.

Britain and Italy announced plans on Saturday to jointly co-finance the journey home for migrants stranded in Tunisia, according to statements from both countries, but did not say how much would money was being provided.

Last month, Italy agreed with Albania to build sea migrant reception centres in Albania to host migrants trying to come ashore in an effort to try to bring down numbers that have nearly doubled in the past year.

A few days ago, Sunak survived a major threat to his leadership on Tuesday when he won a vote in parliament on an emergency bill to revive his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, seeing off a rebellion from some of his lawmakers.

(Reporting by Francesca Landini and Andrew MacAskill; editing by Clelia Oziel)
By Diane Bartz and Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Friday struck down a Federal Trade Commission order against Illumina's purchase of cancer diagnostic test maker Grail, a former subsidiary, saying the agency had applied a wrong legal standard.

The New Orleans-based panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 34-page order that will require the FTC to reconsider the deal.

The three-judge panel said the agency had substantial evidence to show the deal would lessen competition as companies seek to bring to market a blood test to detect many kinds of cancer.

An FTC spokesperson said the panel's opinion was "an important victory for antitrust enforcement because it clearly recognizes how vertical mergers can threaten competition."

But the panel also said the FTC failed to properly consider Illumina's pledge to continue selling its DNA sequencing services to other firms. Illumina has offered to sign contracts to supply any of Grail's rivals and to not raise prices.

"We are reviewing the decision," Illumina said in a comment issued after the ruling.

The court rebuffed Illumina's argument that the FTC unconstitutionally exercised its powers.

"Illumina's constitutional challenges to the FTC's authority are foreclosed by binding Supreme Court precedent," it wrote.

The FTC spokesperson added that the court's decision marked "a pivotal moment for those who want to protect open, competitive markets, and a huge win for consumers in the modern economy."

San Diego-based Illumina had filed the appeal in June after the FTC demanded that it divest Grail, saying that the agency had denied it due process.

Grail, valued at $7.1 billion under Illumina's deal, is seeking to market a powerful test to diagnose many kinds of cancer from a single blood test, known as a liquid biopsy.

The FTC is concerned that Illumina, the dominant provider of DNA sequencing of tumors and cancer cells that help match patients with the best treatment option, might raise prices or refuse to sell to Grail's rivals.

The agency filed a complaint aimed at stopping the deal in March 2021, but lost before an FTC administrative law judge. The case went back to FTC commissioners, who reinstated the case. Illumina then took it to an appeals court.

Despite the fight with the FTC, and a similar battle in Europe, Illumina closed the acquisition of Grail in mid-2021.

Europe has since proposed measures for Illumina to unwind its acquisition of Grail. Illumina is arguing it does no business in Europe and therefore the EU competition enforcer has no jurisdiction.

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella, Diane Bartz, Costas Pitas and Kanishka Singh; Editing by Diane Craft and Tom Hogue)
A man holds the flags of India and the U.S. while people take part in the 35th India Day Parade in New York August 16, 2015. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/ File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. religious freedom watchdog on Friday again called on the Biden administration to designate India as a "country of particular concern" under the U.S. Religious Freedom Act, citing its alleged targeting of religious minorities overseas.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal government commission, said "recent efforts by the Indian government to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad pose a serious threat to religious freedom."

"USCIRF implores the U.S. Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern due to Indias systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief," it said in a statement.

USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck called the Indian government's alleged involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a plot to kill another Sikh activist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in the United States "deeply troubling."

The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Indian government routinely denies any discrimination in the Hindu-majority country.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said this month that an Indian national had worked with an unnamed Indian government employee on the plot to assassinate a New York City resident who advocated for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India. India's government has denied involvement in the plot.

The issue is highly delicate for both India and the Biden administration as they try to build closer ties in the face of an ascendant China perceived as a threat for both democracies.

USCIRF said it had recommended each year since 2020 that the State Department label India a country of particular concern, a designation under the 1998 U.S. Religious Freedom Act. The act allows a range of policy responses, including sanctions or waivers, but they are not automatic.

USCIRF Commissioner David Curry said India's extension of domestic repression to target religious minorities from India living abroad "is especially dangerous and cannot be ignored."

India's foreign ministry dismissed the recommendation when it was first issued in 2020, criticizing "biased and tendentious comments."

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell speaks as Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo looks on during a press conference at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, July 18, 2023. REUTERS/

SEOUL (Reuters) - The United States and South Korea plan to draw up joint guidelines on nuclear defence strategy by the middle of next year and establish an integrated system to deter North Korea's nuclear weapons, Yonhap news agency said on Saturday.

Washington and Seoul have decided to complete a comprehensive guideline by next year on how to contain and respond to Pyongyang's nuclear threat together, Yonhap reported, citing Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea's deputy national security adviser speaking to reporters in the U.S.

The guideline is expected to include methods of sharing sensitive information related to North Korea's nuclear weapons, the consultation process in the event of a nuclear crisis, and real-time communication channels between the two countries' leaders, it said.

The U.S. and South Korea are also expected to include nuclear operation exercises in next year's joint military drills, Yonhap said.

North Korea may test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this month, which is a nuclear threat regardless of its range because it can carry a nuclear warhead, Kim had said on Friday.

North Korea has developed and tested a range of ballistic missiles that can reach targets in South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. mainland.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Soldiers from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment fire a 155mm M777 howitzer in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq in June 2019. (Capt. Jason Welch/U.S. Army)

The Armys 3rd Cavalry Regiment from Fort Cavazos will deploy to South Korea for a planned winter rotation, the Pentagon announced Friday.

The Texas-based unit will replace the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson in Colorado.

The 3rd Cavalry Regiment is a combined-arms unit from the III Armored Corps that can act as a reconnaissance and security force or as a Stryker combat team, according to the Armys website.

The previous two Army rotational deployments to South Korea used Stryker combat teams under a Pentagon policy moving away from tank-heavy armored brigades to mobile units with more infantry that can maneuver quickly.

The U.S. plans to maintain an active-duty force of roughly 28,500 personnel in South Korea under the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the annual Pentagon policy and spending bill passed this week by Congress.

Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base overseas, about 40 miles south of the capital of Seoul, is the headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea.
The Hapag Lloyd containers ship is seen in Rotterdam's Harbour, in Rotterdam on Aug. 1, 2022. (John Thys/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Spiraling attacks on merchant ships by Houthi militants off the coast of Yemen have prompted widespread trade disruption with some of the worlds biggest vessel owners evaluating whether its safe to send crews through the Red Sea.

Two of the worlds largest container shipping lines said on Friday that they were pausing transits through the Red Sea after their vessels were attacked. Two oil tanker companies have now said they are insisting on a clause in charters that will allow them to send their ships around Africa if they deem the waters off Yemen unsafe.

The moves will pile pressure on the US and its allies to improve security along one of the worlds most important trade corridors to avoid undermining the global economic recovery. An international trade group called for more military support to end the attacks.

Houthi militants have been attacking more and more merchant ships in the Red Sea  especially vessels that they claim are connected to Israel  in response to the war in Gaza.

A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, the worlds second-largest owner of container ships, said in a statement on Friday that it has instructed its vessels heading for the southern entrance of the Red Sea to pause their voyages. Its vessel Maersk Gibraltar was attacked.

Shortly after Maersks announcement, Germanys Hapag-Lloyd AG announced a halt until Monday, then will decide for the period after.

Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice, Maersk said.

Bab al-Mandab is a narrow stretch of water that links the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea. Any ship using the Suez Canal as a short cut between Asia and Europe must go through it it.

Maersk said its No. 1 priority was the safety of its crews, highlighting the challenge of balancing its customers needs against the duty to look after the staff. Sailing the long way around Africa would add thousands of miles to trade routes, boost fuel bills and delay cargo deliveries.

Euronav NV, an owner of oil supertankers, said it was insisting that its vessels be granted an option in all charters to avoid the Red Sea. On Thursday, Maersk Tankers said the same thing after one of its vessels was attacked.

While its unclear how long-lasting Maersk and Hapag-Lloyds pauses will ultimately be, such steps underscore how serious and potentially economically damaging the attacks could be. Maersk owns a fleet of over 300 ships. Hapag-Lloyd ranks eighth, according to data from Clarkson Research Services Ltd.

About 12% of global trade depends on the Suez Canal and 5% on the Panama Canal, according to Marco Forgione, director general at the Institute of Export & International Trade. Panama is disrupted by drought.

They are fundamental to the flow of international trade, he said. Without them operating smoothly, the domino effect of damage and disruption to supply chains caused by ships delayed and in the wrong places will be substantial.

The Houthi attacks appear to have escalated in the past several days with individual ships connections to Israel becoming less obvious. That suggests risks are widening for the industry at large, with insurance costs climbing. At least three container ships have been attacked or disrupted near Yemen in the past day or so.

Maersks decision in particular will add new urgency to a US push  in the works for weeks  to form a maritime task force that will protect ships traveling through the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. White House and Pentagon officials have said the Biden administration is working with partners to form that group, with an announcement expected any day.

More broadly, the attacks will also add pressure on the US to respond to the Houthis at source, possibly with military strikes to eliminate drones and missiles before theyre launched.

The administration has resisted taking military action against the Houthis for fear of provoking a regional war, but officials including deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer have acknowledged theyre not ruling out strikes.

Disruptions in the area can snarl supply chains and world trade. Back in 2021, the grounding of the Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal for almost a week, throwing ships off schedule for months and tightening the available of cargo space. That accident was estimated to have cut capacity by 20% to 30% for several weeks.

We are deeply concerned about the highly escalated security situation in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Maersk said in its statement Friday. The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers.

The International Chamber of Shipping, which represents the shipping industry, on Friday praised the actions of naval forces that had assisted vessels so far. It called for the support of the full naval security forces in the region to prevent any more attacks on shipping. It also said more ships are considering diverting away from the Red Sea.

Earlier, the Yemen-based  and Iran-backed  Houthi militants said they attacked the MSC Alanya and MSC Palatium III with naval missiles. Maersks vessel, Maersk Gibraltar, was the target of an attack that missed on Thursday.

The ships were targeted after refusing to respond to warnings from Yemeni naval forces, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said during a protest for Gaza.

Hapag-Lloyd also said one of its vessels, the Al Jasrah, was attacked in the Red Sea on Friday.

Maersks notice on Friday didnt say what would happen next. The company deals with the worlds largest retailers.

We are committed to best possibly ensuring the stability of our customers supply chains, and we are working closely with all our logistics teams and are taking steps to minimize impacts to customers, it said.

With assistance from Brendan Murray and Kateryna Kadabashy.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Rudy Giuliani speaks during a news conference outside the federal courthouse in Washington on Dec. 15. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

WASHINGTON  A jury awarded $148 million in damages on Friday to two former Georgia election workers who sued Rudy Giuliani for defamation over lies he spread about them in 2020 that upended their lives with racist threats and harassment.

The damages verdict follows emotional testimony from Wandrea Shaye Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, who tearfully described becoming the target of a false conspiracy theory pushed by Giuliani and other Republicans as they tried to keep then-President Donald Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election.

There was an audible gasp in the courtroom when the jury foreperson read aloud the $75 million award in punitive damages for the women. Moss and Freeman were each awarded another roughly $36 million in other damages.

Money will never solve all my problems, Freeman told reporters outside Washingtons federal courthouse after the verdict. I can never move back into the house that I call home. I will always have to be careful about where I go and who I choose to share my name with. I miss my home. I miss my neighbors and I miss my name.

Giuliani didnt appear to show any emotion as the verdict was read after about 10 hours of deliberations. Moss and Freeman hugged their attorneys after the jury left the courtroom and didnt look at Giuliani as he left with his lawyer.

The former New York City mayor vowed to appeal, telling reporters that the absurdity of the number merely underscores the absurdity of the entire proceeding.

It will be reversed so quickly it will make your head spin, and the absurd number that just came in will help that actually, he said.

Its not clear whether Giuliani will ever be able to pay the staggering amount. He had already been showing signs of financial strain as he defends himself against costly lawsuits and investigations stemming from his representation of Trump. In September, his former lawyer sued him, alleging Giuliani had paid only a fraction of nearly $1.6 million in legal fees he racked up.

His attorney in the defamation case told jurors that the damages the women were seeking would be the end of Mr. Giuliani.

Wandrea Shaye Moss, left, and her mother Ruby Freeman, right, leave after speaking with reporters outside federal court in Washington on Dec. 15. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Giuliani had already been found liable in the case and previously conceded in court documents that he falsely accused the women of ballot fraud. Even so, the former mayor continued to repeat his baseless allegations about the women in comments to reporters outside the Washington, D.C., courthouse this week.

Giulianis lawyer acknowledged that his client was wrong but insisted that Giuliani was not fully responsible for the vitriol the women faced. The defense sought to largely pin the blame on a right-wing website that published the surveillance video of the two women counting ballots.

Giulianis defense rested Thursday morning without calling a single witness after the former mayor reversed course and decided not to take the stand. Giulianis lawyer had told jurors in his opening statement that they would hear from his client. But after Giulianis comments outside court, the judge barred him from claiming in testimony that his conspiracy theories were right.

The judgment adds to growing financial and legal peril for Giuliani, who was among the loudest proponents of Trumps false claims of election fraud that are now a key part of the criminal cases against the former president.

Giuliani is still facing his biggest test yet: fighting criminal charges in the Georgia case accusing Trump and 18 others of working to subvert the results of the 2020 election, won by Democrat Joe Biden, in that state. Giuliani has pleaded not guilty and characterized the case as politically motivated.

Jurors in the defamation case heard recordings of Giuliani falsely accusing the election workers of sneaking in ballots in suitcases, counting ballots multiple times and tampering with voting machines. Trump also repeated the conspiracy theories through his social media accounts. Lawyers for Moss and Freeman, who are Black, also played for jurors audio recordings of the graphic and racist threats the women received.

On the witness stand, Moss and Freeman described fearing for their lives as hateful messages poured in. Freeman described strangers banging on her door and recounted fleeing her home after people came with bullhorns and the FBI told her she wasnt safe. Moss told jurors she tried to change her appearance, seldom leaves her home and suffers from panic attacks.

Our greatest wish is that no one, no election worker or voter or school board member or anyone else ever experiences anything like what we went through, Moss told reporters after the verdict. You all matter, and you are all important.

Defense attorney Joseph Sibley had told jurors they should compensate the women for what they are owed, but he urged them to remember this is a great man.

An attorney for Moss and Freeman, in his closing argument, highlighted how Giuliani has not stopped repeating the false conspiracy theory asserting the workers interfered in the November 2020 presidential election. Attorney Michael Gottlieb played a video of Giuliani outside the courthouse on Monday, in which Giuliani falsely claimed the women were engaged in changing votes. Giuliani kept pressing false election claims even after the verdict, telling reporters, I know my country had a president imposed on it by fraud.

Mr. Giuliani has shown over and over again he will not take our clients names out of his mouth, Gottlieb said. Facts will not stop him. He says he isnt sorry and hes telegraphing he will do this again. Believe him.

The judge overseeing the election workers lawsuit had already ordered Giuliani and his business entities to pay tens of thousands of dollars in attorneys fees. In holding Giuliani liable, the judge ruled that the former mayor gave only lip service to complying with his legal obligations while trying to portray himself as the victim in the case.

Richer reported from Boston. Associated Press reporter Michael Kunzelman contributed from Washington.
U.S. Special Operations Command intends to buy 75 of the AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft by 2029, according to command officials. The Sky Warden is a single-engine, turboprop aircraft specially outfitted to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations and can carry 500 pound to 1,000 pound bombs, .50-caliber machine guns and 20mm cannons, according to its manufacturers. (L3Harris)

The Pentagon could be planning to purchase too many of a new, small aircraft for watching over special operators working in austere locations, a federal watchdog concluded in a new report.

The Government Accountability Office  an independent government agency  recommended the Pentagon slow a more than $2 billion program to purchase armed, overwatch aircraft for U.S. Special Operations Command until defense officials can better determine how many of the two-man planes are needed. SOCOM intends to buy 75 of the AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft by 2029, the command announced last year.

The watchdog was critical of the analysis that SOCOM used to arrive at its 75-plane purchase, writing the commands own force structure criteria would arrive at a required fleet size substantially smaller than SOCOMs planned 75 aircraft.

Command officials appear to have decided to purchase at least 70 armed, overwatch aircraft roughly two years before completing their own studies, the GAO wrote in the report published Thursday entitled DOD Should Slow Acquisition of Armed Overwatch Aircraft Until It Conducts Needed Analysis.

Special operations forces are supposed to analyze their operational requirements to ensure that purchases like these planes meet mission needs, GAO wrote in the Congress-directed analysis of the program. But this analysis wasnt completed before [the Defense Department] decided to buy the planes. DODs special operations mission requirements have also changed in recent years, and it hasnt evaluated if it still needs all 75 planes.

The Sky Warden is a single-engine, turboprop aircraft specially outfitted to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations and can carry 500 pound to 1,000 pound bombs and guns from .50-caliber machine guns to 20mm cannons, according to its manufacturers L3 Harris and Air Tractor. The Pentagon last year committed to spending up to $3 billion on the program through fiscal 2029.

The Sky Warden is meant to replace two retiring Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft, the U-28 Draco and MC-12 manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance planes, according to Special Operations Command. The new aircraft was developed to perform several missions -- primarily close-air support and live ISR collection in support of troops below -- with a single aircraft that previously required multiple airframes. AFSOC officials have said the platform would be most useful in supporting special operators on missions where they do not face a threat from the sky, such as in Africa where operators help battle violent extremist groups.

To date, SOCOM has purchased 16 of the aircraft and plans to buy another 12 by April, according to the GAO.

Congress ordered the GAO assessment of the armed, overwatch aircraft in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, the annual Pentagon policy and spending priorities bill, after lawmakers expressed skepticism about the programs size. A second GAO report on the program, which will look at the capabilities armed, overwatch aircraft can provide the military, is expected to be published next year, the watchdog wrote.

Pentagon officials agreed to conduct new analysis on the force structure and aircraft requirements for the armed overwatch program, the GAO said. They partially agreed with a second GAO recommendation to slow the purchasing of Sky Wardens beginning in 2025 to the minimum possible rate that the manufacturers need to warrant keeping their production lines open, according to the watchdog. GAO recommended the Pentagon remain at the low rate until the final force structure analysis is completed.

Pentagon officials said they might continue the program at pace until SOCOM has enough aircraft to train new aircrew effectively on the Sky Warden. GAO officials wrote setting up that training pipeline was an essential part of the development of the program, but SOCOM needed to be certain how many aircraft that it would need in the future to best set up its training program.

dickstein.corey@stripes.com

Twitter: @CDicksteinDC
Kani International Inc. made several gravestones for Colonial Memorials, which allegedly did not provide stones to customers or refund their money. (Ed Murray for NJ Advance Media/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Just weeks after World War II veteran James Puliti died in 2021, his Mercer County family began getting calls from Colonial Memorials offering to create a headstone for their beloved patriarch.

The family was busy dealing with final arrangements and held off choosing a memorial until the following year. After repeated contacts from Colonial, a representative from the company came to their home in September 2022 and the family wrote a check for nearly $7,000, according to Pulitis daughter, Paula.

Colonial was supposed to provide a military footstone marker recognizing Pulitis service in the U.S. Army Air Corps and engrave a headstone that was already in place at his grave. The family never researched Colonial Memorials or got any quotes from competing companies.

We didnt do any of that with this, Paula Puliti said. You never think a headstone place is going to deceive you.

Her family is among dozens in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who claim they were ripped off by Gregory J. Stefan Jr., who operated headstone companies under various names, including Colonial Memorials. The victims say they paid Stefan thousands, but never received their stones or refunds.

Now, a New Jersey headstone manufacturer that produced stones for Colonial  and said it was never paid for its work  is trying to locate customers like the Pulitis to get them their stones.

The allegations against Stefan span multiple jurisdictions and he remains jailed in Pennsylvania, where he faces the largest number of charges.

Attorneys for Stefan did not respond to requests for comment about the allegations.

The district attorneys office in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, recently charged Stefan with 280 counts, including theft by deception, deceptive business practices, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

Kani International Inc. made several gravestones for Colonial Memorials, which allegedly did not provide stones to customers or refund their money. Kani alleges it was never paid either. (Ed Murray for NJ Advance Media/TNS)

Victims have come forward since 2014 to complain about the Stefan familys business practices, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in the Delaware County case, which describes 69 victims who paid thousands of dollars each for gravestones.

Between 2014 and 2022, the total losses to the victims exceeded $190,000, Pennsylvania officials said.

In New Jersey, Stefans also been charged with third-degree counts of theft by deception in Bergen, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer and Monmouth counties, and third-degree theft by unlawful taking in Hunterdon County. All of those charges have been filed since August.

He is currently barred from conducting business in Pennsylvania, but also operates Colonial Memorials in New Jersey.

The Better Business Bureau revoked its accreditation of Colonial Memorials in September and issued an alert on its website.

Kani International Inc. in Hillsborough  a wholesale memorial manufacturer that sandblasts, diamond etches and laser etches for headstone retailers up and down the East Coast  has about 15 stones completed for Colonial sitting in its warehouse, said marketing manager Darlene McMahon.

For nearly two years, Colonial worked with Kani and business was going smoothly with Colonial paying upon receiving completed products, McMahon said.

Then, Stefan and Colonial stopped communicating and left Kani with about 30 stones ordered in the last year that were never picked up or paid for, she said.

One of the stones never paid for or picked up is for one of Stefans own deceased family members, McMahon noted.

She has been trying to contact families of Colonial customers to let them know Kani has their stones completed. But, McMahon does not have contact information for the families because they placed their orders directly with Colonial.

Left with only the names of the deceased family members on the stones, she turned to obituaries and cemeteries to try and track down families. Shes also been in contact with several police departments investigating Colonial.

For the families they have reached, Koni is charging only what it costs to cover the companys expenses for making the stone, minus whatever markup Colonial allegedly charged, McMahon said.

Darlene McMahon, marketing manager for Kani International Inc., stands with some gravestones stored at the facility in Hillsborough, N.J., on Wednesday, Dec., 13, 2024. McMahon says the company has about 15 unclaimed stones at their warehouse and they are trying to locate customers who were allegedly bilked thousands of dollars by another individual, for gravestones they never received. (Ed Murray for NJ Advance Media/TNS)

She hopes it will at least bring some peace of mind for grieving families while they try to recover the money they allegedly paid Stefan.

Were just trying to get them their stones. I feel bad for these people, McMahon said. Theyve already lost their mother, their father, whomever. And now they have to deal with something else. Nobody should have to do this.

Anyone who did business with Colonial and thinks Koni may have their stone is asked to call 908-308-8962.

The Puliti family has already been in contact with Koni about James Pulitis missing stone.

The family turned over its $7,000 check to Colonial Memorials in September 2022, Paula Puliti said. The first sign of trouble came in August, when the family received a letter from Colonial stating the company had been experiencing financial problems for two years and didnt have the money to complete the job it promised the previous year.

Then, the family began investigating the companys background.

Thats when the panic set in, Paula Puliti said.

The Pulitis read about accusations against Stefan in Pennsylvania. Paula Puliti tried contacting Colonial and received no response.

She contacted Hamilton Township Police and filed complaints with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Pennsylvanias attorney general and the Better Business Bureau.

A Hamilton Township Police detective did some digging and determined Kani had the Pulitis missing military footstone marker.

In addition to providing the completed footstone, Kani is also handling the cleaning and engraving of James Pulitis headstone, as promised under the Colonial contract.

Theyre charging us, but its a real reduced fee, Paula Puliti said. They were really helpful. Really good communication from day one. They feel bad for all the people that got stiffed.

Kani is also a victim, she added.

Theyre owed money, too. Theyre just trying to help out the other victims and get us what we need, Paula Puliti said. Its just a mess all around.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has 41 open consumer complaints dating back to September 2022 related to Stefan and his business practices, a spokeswoman for the agency confirmed this week.

A grand jury in Ocean County indicted Stefan last month on a third-degree charge of theft by unlawful taking.

Hes due back in court in Pennsylvania Dec. 20 for arraignment in his Delaware County case.

Paula Puliti doesnt know if her family will ever recover the money they allegedly paid Colonial, but she wishes her father was still around as they try.

He was always the rock, she said. He came from a family of eight children. He had seven of his own children. It was just fun and family. We were so lucky to have him for so long.

James Puliti would have fought back against any alleged theft by deception, his daughter said.

He always did the right thing. And when he saw other people not doing the right thing, it really stuck in his craw, she said. He didnt put up with any nonsense like that.

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FILE - This June 3, 2020, file image released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife shows a wolf on a CPW-owned game camera in Moffat County, Colo. Government attorneys are due before a federal judge to defend a decision from the waning days of the Trump administration to lift protections for gray wolves across most of the U.S. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife via AP, File)
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Friday night issued the much-awaited schedule for the general polls, set to take place on February 8, 2024, following the Supreme Courts order.

The polling process begins four days from today, December 19, when the returning officer (RO) will issue a public notice, while the ECP also resumed the training for the ROs and district returning officers (DROs).

The election programme also applies to the reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the national and four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

The commission issued the election schedule late at night in line with the Supreme Court's orders.

In a hiccup to the polling process, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had suspended the commission's notification for the appointment of the ROs and DROs from the executive branch  in defiance of the SC's orders.

The LHC's verdict was issued on a petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)  the same party that had called for timely polls in a plea filed in the Supreme Court.

Due to the LHC's order, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja met with senior officials to ensure that everything went according to plan.

Following detailed deliberations, the commission filed a petition in the top court seeking the annulment of the LHC's order. The SC accepted the plea a few hours back, putting the process back on track.

The political parties had also voiced concerns against a possible delay in the elections, noting that it was crucial for the democracy that polls take place on February 8.

In a statement a day earlier, the ECP had also rebuffed claims of the PTI that the upcoming general polls could be delayed, claiming that "all preparations" were completed.
After meeting senior United States officials in Washington, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir called on the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss issues pertaining to Kashmir and Gaza, said the militarys media wing Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief is in the US on his official maiden visit during which he held meetings with Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other high-ranking defence officials in Washington.

Gen Asim's meeting with Antonio Guterres took place at the UN headquarters in New York, the statement read. During his interaction, the COAS particularly highlighted the ongoing Kashmir and Gaza issues.

The army chief said that peace in South Asia will remain elusive until a peaceful solution to the longstanding Kashmir Dispute is found in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He also condemned unilateral and illegal Indian efforts to change the status of Jammu and Kashmir, as it is in violation of the UNSC resolutions.

While reiterating Pakistans stance on the Palestine issue, Gen Asim urged the UN chief to mobilise the international community for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza to prevent the unfolding human tragedy and highlighted that an enduring solution to the issue lies in the two-state solution.

He particularly shared deep concerns over the plight of the innocent civilians who are being brutally targeted and are not being provided with sufficient humanitarian relief.

Upon arrival, Antonio Guterres warmly welcomed the army chief and appreciated the contributions made by the Pakistan Army and contingents of the law enforcement agencies who have remained committed to the peace and stability of the world, the ISPR said.

The COAS reaffirmed Pakistans continuous support to the UN in all its earnest efforts.
Mr Fahy, of Gofton Hall, Finglas, is charged with unauthorised taking or use of three motorbikes, taking a van and stealing a tax disc in a burglary, as well as possession of another stolen van.

A Dublin man has been accused of driving into car parks in a van with cloned plates and stealing motorbikes by loading them into the back of the vehicle.

Matthew Fahy (46) is facing multiple vehicle theft allegations and the case against him was adjourned for the directions of the DPP.

Mr Fahy, of Gofton Hall, Finglas, is charged with unauthorised taking or use of three motorbikes, taking a van and stealing a tax disc in a burglary, as well as possession of another stolen van.

The incidents are alleged to have happened in Dublin, Kildare and Meath between August and September this year.

Objecting to bail, a garda said it was alleged the accused was seen on CCTV at Augustine Court car park, Dublin 8, on a date in September this year.

On the footage, a stolen Peugeot van is seen entering and the accused is allegedly seen walking from it seconds later, the garda said. He said there was one way in and out and nobody else was seen entering or leaving at that time.

A tax disc found in the van had been taken in a burglary at Lease Plan, Ballymount.

CCTV there allegedly shows the accused visiting the premises on September 8, entering a restricted area and removing a tax disc, the garda said. He is allegedly seen looking through a box of keys before a Ford Transit van is seen driving off.

The accuseds mothers house in west Dublin was searched and gardai found clothing that was allegedly a direct match to what they saw in the CCTV.

The accused was allegedly in an underground car park on September 21 and was easily identified on footage from more than one camera.

This time, he is allegedly seen unloading a stolen motorbike from a van he had been travelling in. He is seen moving the bike into the exact position gardai later found it, it is alleged.

According to gardai, clothing found in a search of his bedroom was an exact match for what was worn that day.

Mr Fahy was allegedly seen driving a Fiat into a multi-storey car park at the Intel campus in Leixlip, Co Kildare, on May 26. The van reversed beside a motorcycle and Mr Fahy and another man were allegedly seen loading it into the rear of the van, without the owners consent.

Mr Fahy and another man allegedly loaded another motorbike into the same Fiat van at Intel on September 12.

When later seized in Finglas, this van allegedly had cloned plates to disguise its identity.

Applying for bail, defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said Mr Fahy had handed himself in to gardai by appointment.

Judge Treasa Kelly granted bail subject to conditions. Mr Fahy has not yet entered pleas.
Karl McCabe (38) had come out of a shop to find his car clamped when he attempted to get it off with the power tool but was spotted by a passing garda, a court heard.

A painter-decorator was caught using an angle grinder to try to cut a clamp from his parked car in central Dublin.

Karl McCabe (38) had come out of a shop to find his car clamped when he attempted to get it off with the power tool but was spotted by a passing garda, a court heard.

He was fined 200 when he appeared in Dublin District Court.

Mr McCabe, with an address at North Summer Street, North Circular Road, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a padlock belonging to Dublin Street Parking Services.

The court heard the incident happened on Gardiner Place in the north city centre on November 2 this year.

A garda sergeant told Judge Bryan Smyth that officers were on duty in the area at 9.30pm on the night in question when they saw the accused with a hand-held angle grinder, attempting to cut a clamp from his car.

The court heard the damage caused to the clamp was 20.

The accused had previous convictions but nothing in recent years, the court heard. Mr McCabe was working in painting and decorating and the offence speaks for itself, his solicitor Brian Doherty said.

Mr McCabe had gone into a pharmacy and when he came out, the lock was on his car.

Afterwards, he communicated with the parking service and paid the clamping fine, Mr Doherty said, asking Judge Smyth for leniency.

The judge told Mr McCabe to pay for the cost of the damage and adjourned the case briefly for the accused to get the money. After this was done, the judge fined and convicted Mr McCabe.

The accused was given four months to pay the fine.
She is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin this morning.

A woman is due in court this morning following the seizure of cannabis herb worth an estimated 280,000 at Dublin Airport yesterday.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was arrested by gardai on Friday following the discovery by Revenue officers.

She is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 at a Garda station in North Dublin.

The woman has since been charged and is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin this morning.
They'll never check, I bet ya they wont, theyll think Im bluffing...Im safe as houses there

A gangland criminal who escaped from garda custody in Drogheda, Co Louth, on Thursday night appears to be mocking gardai online over his whereabouts.

A Facebook page in the fugitives name, which depicts the Roadrunner cartoon character, is now being monitored by gardai.

Officers suspect the on-the-run criminal is behind the social media account. Efforts to track the IP address of the person who set up the account are now underway, in the hope it could lead gardai directly to the criminal, whos aged in his 30s.

I didnt know ya wasnt allowed outside the station for a jog, according to the person claiming to be the criminal, who added: The whole station was behind me too they couldnt keep up As they said to me its just a game, your (sic) getting remanded. Yeah, sound, remanded back too (sic) the hood.

The person behind the account also posted a family members address, and claims to be staying there. Im in [address removed] for the evening if anyone looking for me. Theyll never check I bet ya they wont, theyll think Im bluffing... Im safe as houses there.

A garda manhunt remains underway this weekend to try to locate the criminal. He was being questioned over money laundering and organised crime offences when he managed to flee. He was charged with some criminal offences in the station and was due to appear in court on Friday before he escaped.

The fugitive is considered a key member of the so-called anti-Maguire faction which is involved in the ongoing Drogheda feud that has claimed four lives.

It is understood he managed to flee the station at around 9pm on Thursday when he was allowed out of his cell to have a cigarette.

On his way back, he just ran through the station and was gone, a source said.

This led to a major search and sources say some of the clothing that he was wearing was later found in the nearby home of one of his well-known criminal associates.

But the fugitive has still not been located by gardai.

It is extremely rare for detained people to be able to flee from garda stations and a full internal review of the incident will now be carried out by gardai.

However, sources say their main priority is now to locate the suspect, who has links to Co Roscommon, but has been based in Drogheda for a number of years where he became associated with the anti-Maguire gang.

He has previous convictions for offences such as burglary and drug offences and is very well known to gardai.

A garda spokesman confirmed the escape on Friday evening, saying: Gardai are investigating the escape from garda custody of a male on Thursday, December 14,2023 from a garda station in the Garda Northwest Region.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.

Last month, the Irish Independent revealed the gang the fugitive is linked to is behind a spate of recent attacks, including a home invasion involving firearms.

The gang is led by two brothers, who are currently living outside Ireland to avoid serious domestic charges here.

Gardai are aware of one incident a month ago during which associates of the gang broke into a property in the Moneymore area armed with handguns. During the home invasion, the occupants phone was stolen and his car was also taken before being burnt out.

The Drogheda feud, which has claimed four lives, began in July 2018 when mob boss Owen Maguire was left paralysed after being shot by gangland serial killer Robbie Lawlor, who was himself murdered as part of the same criminal dispute in April 2020.

It was the brutal murder and dismemberment of the body of Keane Mulready Woods (17) in January 2020 by hitman Lawlor that elevated the feud into an international news story.

A key figure in the bitter warfare was Cornelius Price, who died in a Welsh hospital in February.
Editor's note: Almost two years into the war, Gazette Photo Editor Christian Murdock has traveled to Ukraine to capture the struggle of a generation. For the next couple of weeks, his images and stories aim to better connect us to the plight of a people not so far away.

STELMAHIVKA, Ukraine  Lyudmila Tkachenko was feeding her chickens on her modest farm near the Russia border Feb. 24, 2022. She and her partner, Anatoly Tolmachov, had spent their whole life living in the small village.

Tkachenko, 72, had retired from a life of milking cows and Tolmachov, 82, from driving a farm truck during the years of Soviet Union rule. They had their pensions. They were living the good life.

Then, things changed. Russia invaded their village of 500 at the beginning of the war and occupied it until October of 2022.

I was frightened when I realized what was going on, Tkachenko said this week from their new home, a dorm room to the northwest at the university in Kharkiv.

Ukrainian forces evacuated their village after liberating them from the Russians. The village was unsafe  and continues to be unsafe  because of the constant shelling from Russian forces.

The house was the only home Tolmachov remembers. He had lived there his whole adult life. Raised a daughter, four grandchildren and too many great grandchildren to count, he said.

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Now the couple sits in their dorm room waiting for the war to end.

Many of refugees from the Luhansk region live in the college dorms throughout Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city. The students are home studying online.

The couple sits next to a window as the snow falls outside.

Tkachenko knits floor mats, one she insisted I bring home, and Tolmachov shows me the refrigerator they purchased. They keep in touch with their old friends who are living in other dorms with their cellphone.

But its not the life they ever imagined.

We lived in a close village where everyone knew everyone, Tolmachov said. We didnt need much. We had a rich life with friends and family.
The injured gardai are currently receiving treatment for their injuries following the incident earlier today

A Garda car is taken away from the scene of an incident in Dublin city centre. Photo: Damien Storan.

Gardai at the scene of an incident involving a Garda car in Dublin city centre on Friday. Photo: Damien Storan.

TWO gardai have been hospitalised after their patrol car was rammed in a suspected targeted attack in Dublin city centre.

The injured gardai are currently receiving treatment for their injuries following the ramming earlier today.

The patrol car was travelling along Brunswick Street North, Dublin 7, shortly after midday when it was approached by a black Renault car.

The Renault subsequently ploughed into the Garda car before both vehicles came to a stop outside the entrance of the Coroners Court building on the street.

A Garda car is taken away from the scene of an incident in Dublin city centre. Photo: Damien Storan.

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and is currently being held at a city centre garda station.

Gardai are continuing to investigate the incident and believe the ramming was a deliberate and targeted act.

One source said: At this stage indications are that this was not a random incident and that the garda patrol car was deliberately driven into, potentially putting both members in serious harm. Gardai had not interacted with this vehicle prior to being rammed.

Thankfully both members have not suffered any serious injuries but this targeted incident shows again the dangers gardai face every day.

Its understood that both gardai are awaiting scans in hospital but are expected to be discharged soon and are receiving support from the organisation.

A garda spokesperson told the Irish Independent: Gardai are investigating an incident which occurred on Brunswick Street in Dublin 7 shortly after midday today, 15th December 2023.

A Garda vehicle was rammed during this incident. Two Gardai were later taken to the Mater Hospital to receive medical treatment.

A man (40s) has been arrested for an offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1991 and is currently detained at a Garda station in North Dublin under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Investigations ongoing.

All members involved are receiving support from their colleagues and local Garda Management and the wider organisational supports of the Peer Support Service, Chief Medical Officer and 24 hour counselling service have been provided if required.
The fugitive, aged in his 30s, is considered a key member of the so-called anti-Maguire faction

A major Garda manhunt is in place for a suspected gangland criminal who escaped from Drogheda Garda Station where he was being questioned about serious offences.

The fugitive, aged in his 30s, is considered a key member of the so-called anti-Maguire faction who are involved in the ongoing Drogheda feud that has claimed four lives.

It is understood he managed to flee the station at around 9pm on Thursday when he was allowed out of his cell to have a cigarette.

On his way back, he just ran through the station and was gone, a source said.

This led to a major search and sources say some of the clothing that he was wearing was later found in the nearby home of one of his well-known criminal associates.

But the fugitive has still not been located by gardai.

The suspect was being detained and questioned by officers about money laundering offences and membership of a criminal organisation at the time he escaped.

It is extremely rare for detained people to be able to flee from garda stations and it is expected that a full internal review of the incident will now be carried out by gardai.

However, sources say their main priority is now to locate the suspect, who has links to Co Roscommon, but has been based in Drogheda for a number of years where he became associated with the anti-Maguire gang.

He has previous convictions for offences such as burglary and drug offences and is very well known to gardai.

When contacted by the Irish Independent tonight, a Garda spokesman said: Gardai are investigating the escape from Garda custody of a male on Thursday, 14th December 2023 from a Garda Station in the Garda Northwest Region.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.

Last month, the Irish Independent revealed the gang the fugitive is linked was linked to a spate of recent attacks, including a home invasion involving firearms.

The gang is led by two brothers who are currently living outside of Ireland to avoid serious domestic charges here.

Gardai are aware of one incident a month ago during which associates of the gang broke into a property in the Moneymore area armed with handguns.

During the home invasion, the occupant's phone was stolen and his car was also taken before being burnt out.

The deadly Drogheda feud, which has claimed four lives, started in earnest in July 2018 when mob boss Owen Maguire was left paralysed after being shot by gangland serial killer Robbie Lawlor, who was himself murdered as part of the same criminal dispute in April 2020.

It was the brutal murder and dismemberment of the body of Keane Mulready Woods (17) in January 2020 by crazed criminal Lawlor that elevated the feud into an international news story.

A key figure in the bitter gangland warfare was Cornelius Price, who died in a Welsh hospital in February.

The 41-year-old gangster, considered a key member of the Maguire faction, was charged with conspiring to falsely imprison and blackmail two brothers in July 2020in the UK.

He was unable to stand trial with his five alleged associates as he was suffering a brain disease.

The anti-Maguire faction have also been left seriously weakened by garda operations against them.

Two brothers who are considered the mobs leaders are forced to live abroad, and many of their key associates are either dead or locked up in prison.

This has meant individuals such as the criminal who is currently on the run now have a more serious role to play in the criminal organisation.
Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio was one of the first on the scene to disarm a knife-wielding attacker during the horrific incident on November 23

Caio Benicio poses with his family on his return to Brazil

DUBLIN stabbings hero Caio Benicio has enjoyed an emotional reunion with his family after flying back to his native Brazil to spend Christmas and New Year with them.

The hero Deliveroo driver was filmed embracing his 12-year-old son Breno after touching down at Rio de Janeiros main international airport before kissing and cuddling his wife Clara Biscaia and daughter Lara, 18.

Caio, one of the first on the scene to disarm a knife-wielding attacker in the horror November 23 incident which left three children and their teacher injured, was gifted nearly 370,000 from the public via a GoFundMe appeal set up after the stabbing attack.

The 43-year-old jumped off his motorbike and used his crash helmet as a makeshift weapon.

His wife told him after locking lips with him for the first time in six months: We missed you so much, we were so looking forward to this reunion.

In an emotive social media post in Portuguese and English alongside a photo of him with his loved ones at the airport taken moments after their hugs and kisses, former restaurant owner Mr Benicio said: We're all back together.

After a bunch of things happened, I came to get some strength from being with them - my family. Love you all. And, big thanks to the Irish folks. I'll be back soon.

Caio Benicio

He interspersed his post with emoticons of the tricolour and Brazilian national flag as well as heart and kissing emojis.

Caio, whose last trip back to Brazil had been in June to combine a holiday with knee surgery, said he will return to Dublin in the New Year.

His heroic actions triggered a GoFundMe titled Buy Caio Benicio a pint which nearly doubled its original 200,000 target by raising more than 369,000.

He said in a heartfelt response late last month, revealing he was in contact with the five-year-old girl left seriously injured in the stabbing: Hi everyone, Caio here.

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated over the last few days. It has been so overwhelming seeing all of your support and I am so grateful.

I wanted to share with you all that I have been in contact with the family of the little girl and I have offered to assist them in any way I can.

"They have yet accept this offer, but it is my intention to support them the way you have all supported me.

Deliveroo rider Caio Benicio

The parents of the little girl described her as a warrior in an update posted online last week and said they hoped she would be moved out of an intensive care ward before the end of the year.

It was reported earlier this month creche worker Leanne Flynn, who was also seriously injured in the attack as she shielded children in her care, had been moved out of intensive care.

The chief suspect is a 49-year-old Algerian-born citizen who was hospitalised as a result of injuries he suffered when brave passers-by intervened.

Caios proud son said after his dads brave actions: My dad is my hero. He doesnt use a cape but he uses a helmet.

His daughter Lara added: For us as his children, it was very emotional to see my dad performing such a wonderful deed because he put his own life at risk to save the lives of others.

After he stepped in to defend the stab attack victims and confront the knifeman along with other Good Samaritans like trainee chef Alan Loren-Guille and Warren Donohoe,

it emerged Mr Benicios move to Ireland had been triggered by a blaze at his restaurant in Brazil.

Caio had to leave his wife and two children behind after being unable to fund the repair of the damage to the trendy lounge bar and eatery in the November 2019 blaze.

Reports at the time pointed to a possible electrical overload being to blame, with witnesses claiming an electricity pylon caught fire before the flames spread to an awning and wood in the facade of the premises and then reached the kitchen and caused a gas canister to explode.

An investigation was launched but it wasnt immediately clear today if it had ever confirmed why the fire started.

The blaze at Barkana in an area of the city of Niteroi near Rio de Janeiro called Icarai, was brought under control by firefighters mobilised shortly after 7.30pm local time on November 6 2019.

But pictures published at the time showed the gutted and blackened inside of the premises, described at the time as a popular bohemian haunt.

Speaking of his intervention last month as the stabbing horror unfolded Caio said: I slowed down my motorcycle to see what was going on and I realised it was a fight with a man and a woman and a little girl were involved.

Later I found out she was a teacher. She was very very brave.

The man grabbed the girl and then I saw him take out a knife and when I saw the knife I stopped my bike and just acted on instinct.

I just took off my helmet to protect myself and could use it as a weapon and just hit him in the head with all my power and Im just praying for her to survive.
Niamh King from Newtownbutler Co. Fermanagh but originally from Killashandra in Co Cavan, tragically died following a collision on the Belfast Road, Lisbellaw.

A 20-year-old pedestrian who lost her life in an accident in Co Fermanagh on Wednesday has been named locally.

Niamh King from Newtownbutler Co. Fermanagh but originally from Killashandra in Co Cavan, tragically died following a collision on the Belfast Road, Lisbellaw.

A 25-year-old man who was arrested following the fatal collision has been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries to take place.

Locals said Niamh absolutely loved animals who worked at the Fermanagh Fun Farm in Enniskillen.

Locals said Niamh was a lovely pleasant wee girl who always had a big smile on her face and always by her mummys side. Heaven has gained another angel.

In a statement the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said investigations are ongoing at this time.

They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have captured dash-cam or other footage in the area at the time to please get in touch.

Niamh is survived by her mother Nicola, brothers of Robin and Daniel and sister Leila.

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Niamh will take place on Sunday at 2.00pm in Galloon Parish Church, Newtownbutler, followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard.

Donations in memory of Niamh are to creating a new area at the Fermanagh Fun Farm in her memory for the animals.
Questions over ex-Antrim mans position at Edinburgh bar

The life and times of disgraced All-Ireland GAA star Kevin McGourty just got more bizarre after it emerged that hes helping to run a famous Scottish pub for free.

It comes just months after McGourty was exposed for posing as a legal representative in a Glasgow court and a few years after he was convicted of carrying out a sickening campaign of harassment against a female solicitor.

McGourty, who comes from a famous Antrim GAA family, won a coveted All-Ireland club title with west Belfast side St Galls and also represented the county at senior level.

But now hes been apparently pulling bar shifts for no pay.

The 42-year-old is lending a hand at the Earl of Marchmont in the heart of Edinburgh University student land, according to his partner Damayanthi Anushka Ponniah.

Local online news website The Edinburgh Reporter revealed this week how McGourty was actually running the pub with his partner.

They discovered the boozer is being operated by 3NationsPub Ltd, a firm set up on November 16, 2020, by Damayanthi Ponniah and registered to an address in Airdrie, Lanarkshire.

Caoimhean MacDhorchaidh (the Irish name McGourty also uses) was appointed as a secretary of 3NationsPub Ltd on February 28 2022, which was terminated on May 8, 2022, when he was appointed a director.

On October 11, 2023, MacDhorchaidh resigned as a director, but on October 19, 2023, it was noted that since July 28, 2022, he had been a person with significant control and held directly or indirectly more than 25% but not more than 50% of the shares in the company.

Despite this, his partner told the Edinburgh Reporter that McGourty was not running the pub and she alone was responsible for it.

She said: This is my bar, its my name on the lease and he has nothing to do with the business apart from helping me out when I had some staffing issues.

A bunch of staff left when I took over the pub and he helped me out with some shifts here and there.

I have a full-time job. Im trying to do my best running my own business and when he has helped out in the past, he just done it as a favour and I didnt think there was any issue with that.

Hes not involved in the running of the pub. He was not employed, there was no contract, he didnt even get paid for those shifts, there is no P45, he was literally just helping me out.

Given McGourtys criminal past and bizarre behaviour posing as a solicitor in court earlier this year, the owners of Earl of Marchmont said they were investigating the claims.

Star Pubs & Bars, part of the Heineken UK group, confirmed they own The Earl of Marchmont, but the pub is leased to an independent company to run as their own.

A company spokesperson said: We are taking this information and allegation seriously and are investigating the situation.

Earlier this year, we revealed how McGourty made a swift exit from Glasgows Justice of the Peace court after his credentials as a lawyer put him on the back foot. McGourty had turned up to represent an alleged criminal hed apparently met in a pub.

Using the Irish spelling of his name, he identified himself to the prosecution, other defence lawyers and a court official as a solicitor.

His client said theyd met in a pub and had their legal consultation in a coffee shop, sources claimed.

He asked for his case to be called first as he needed to be in Peterhead to represent another accused, but he didnt have a traditional black court gown and had to borrow one from another lawyer.

But when officials began asking questions, they found no record of him with the necessary qualifications to practise law.

McGourty said that both he and his firm, which he called The 3 Nations Legal Consultancy/Services, were registered with the Law Society of Scotland and that he held a valid practising certificate.

The Law Society of Scotland has no record of a lawyer by the name Caoimhean MacDhorchaidh or that firm.

When the case was called in court, McGourty told his client there was a problem with his licence and said he would need to get another lawyer to represent him. He then left the building.

The Glasgow Bar Association was informed and said it had been reported to the Law Society of Scotland.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said the procurator fiscal were also notified.

Five years ago, McGourty was in court as the defendant when he was convicted of carrying out a sickening campaign of harassment against a female solicitor. He was eventually sentenced to 18 months probation after he pleaded guilty to disclosing a sexual photograph of his victim and harassing her over a near two-month period.

He was also hit with a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting or going within 30 metres of the woman or her brother, to whom he sent the topless image.

McGourty bombarded the woman with hundreds of texts, emails and phone calls over a six-week period.

He even turned up at family celebrations, causing the woman distress and upset.

The disgraced sportsman threatened to send an explicit photograph and video of the woman to her brother and father if she didnt speak to him.
He is paranoid about his personal security and is rarely seen on the (Shankill) Road, but it hasnt stopped him stepping up the pressure on his dealers.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 24/10/2005 William Mo Courtney arrives at Belfast high court this morning for the start of the Alan McCullough murder trial. Courtney and another UDA man Ahab Shoukri are accused of the murder of McCullough last year when he arrived back in Northern Ireland after being exiled with former UDA leader Johnny Adair.

Under pressure drug chief Mo Courtney is turning the screw on his Shankill narcotics operation.

Veteran dealer Courtney has been top dog in the lower Shankill estate since his former boss Johnny Adair was forced to quit the country in 2003, but his previously unassailable position is coming under increased pressure.

In an attempt to cover rising drug debts and combat an increasing number of outside dealers moving into the area, he has laid down the law to his network of sellers, imposing a sharp increase in the tax payments which allow dealers to trade on his patch in return for payment.

The Sunday World understands he has slapped a 10 per cent increase in payments which has left many dealers up in arms. They are now faced with having to pass the rise on to customers which is not going down well.

Sources told us Courtneys behaviour has become increasingly unpredictable and aggressive. Those close to him say he has lost weight and has become even more gaunt than normal in recent weeks.

He looks haunted, one source told us. He is paranoid about his personal security and is rarely seen on the (Shankill) Road, but it hasnt stopped him stepping up the pressure on his dealers.

He has also recruited more runners  mostly teenagers paid to deliver drugs  which has further angered residents fed up with the drug scourge in their community.

Gerry 'Vermin' Verner

It is understood the main source of his stress is a deteriorating relationship with a number of Dublin-based crime gangs, including the Kinahan Cartel. Courtney owes them money and they are calling in the debt.

These are the type of people you dont want to owe money to, said a source. They dont care about his cash flow problems, all they care is getting their money.

Part of the problem was Courtneys willingness to let customers run up drug debts.

When they cant pay they cant pay, said the source. He has put the squeeze on parents, hes tried everything but he cant make the numbers work.

It had been thought Courtney was raking in a fortune from the drugs trade but with less money in the community because of the cost of living crisis, cash flow has slowed.

He gave people too much credit and now hes up to his balls in debt to the Kinahans with no cash to pay them, the source said.

He has told associates he is fearful he will be targeted unless he settles the debt.

The most recent sign of money troubles came in July when Courtney pocketed money intended to pay for street party celebrations to mark the Twelfth.

Prior to that he faced a community backlash after it was revealed he was selling heroin on the Shankill despite an earlier promise he wouldnt trade in what loyalists regard as the dirty drug.

One of Courtneys runners was arrested in possession of the killer drug which has seen a surge in abuse and is being blamed for a series of suicides across Northern Ireland. It is favoured by hardline drug dealers because it brings in huge profits.

The Sunday World revealed the man caught in possession of the drug was working for Courtney.

Disgusted members of the Shankill area took to social media to expose Courtney and his gangs involvement in the heroin trade. Courtney is a hate figure on the Lower Shankill, with the majority of hard-working residents resenting him for lining his pockets from their misery.

Cocaine and cannabis are sold on a daily basis  but it appears Courtney and his gang have gone too far this time by bringing the soul-destroying drug on to the streets.

Calls for Courtney to be kicked out of the area are being voiced by parents. Not only does Courtney sell drugs to schoolchildren, the gang also recruits them to sell drugs to pay off debts or face punishment beatings.

His Kinahan debt is not the first time he has fallen foul of Irish organised crime. Last year he was revealed to have been behind the theft of guns from a vulnerable man in east Belfast. The victim, who was beaten, was persuaded to return the weapons in exchange for cocaine.

He had been keeping them for sex offender Gerry Verner, who has close drug links with the East Belfast UVF organised crime gang, who in turn was keeping them safe for a Dublin crime gang.

It resulted in a car full of Dublin gangsters cruising the Shankill in search of Courtney. It is understood a deal was brokered which saw the guns returned  but a deal with the Kinahans may not be so easy.

His involvement earlier this year in a power grab with convicted fuel smuggler Mark Pollock may also come back to haunt him. He is known to have been involved in an attack on the Berlin Bar which was run by Pollock and wife Becky, daughter of former UDA commander Jim Spence.

The bar remains shut and Spence has stepped back from criminal activity. But if Courtney thought he would be the man to step into the void, he was wrong.

The Sunday World understands a gang of three has mopped up the drug trade once controlled by Spence and now pose another threat to Courtneys reign.
The graffiti comes in the wake of a series of incidents in an escalating campaign of racial hatred

Loyalist paramilitary elements are believed to be behind the latest race hate graffiti to appear in east and south Belfast.

Slogans demanding local housing for local people were daubed on walls at Glenvale Street off the Woodvale Road in the east of the city during the week and similar graffiti appeared on Sandy Row on Friday morning.

The Sunday World understands the attacks, which have been designated hate crimes by the PSNI, are the work of elements within the UDA and UVF.

The east Belfast incident occurred close to the offices of a well-known estate agents. It was named in the graffiti and according to sources was targeted because it has let properties to foreign nationals.

The Sunday World contacted the company but no one was available for comment.

The Sandy Row graffiti comes in the wake of a series of incidents in an escalating campaign of racial hatred, including the targeting and burning of a shop owned by an Algerian national.

Hate crimes across the Sandy Row and neighbouring Donegall Pass areas have doubled in the last five years.

According to research carried out by The Detail, Botanic  which includes the two loyalist strongholds  routinely comes top of the list of areas in Northern Ireland with the highest number of race hate crimes.

Of the 880 race hate offences recorded in Northern Ireland in 2022/23, around one in six were recorded in Botanic.

Graffiti

The area has seen a series of attacks against immigrant-owned businesses over the summer.

One shop owner in the area, who is from an immigrant background, revealed loyalist paramilitaries tried to extort money following a race hate attack in November last year.

The victim, who was too frightened to be identified, said a man was arrested after he came into the shop and shouted racist abuse.

After the arrest, three men approached the owner, told them not to call police in future and tried to extract protection money.

Elsewhere, Mohammed Idriss computer shop on Sandy Row in south Belfast was destroyed in an arson attack in September. In recent months several businesses owned by immigrants have been targeted.

Mr Idris, who is originally from Sudan, said his premises had been targeted in five attacks over two months  all of which were reported to police.

His shop had only recently moved to premises on Sandy Row after operating on Great Victoria Street for eight years without any issues.

I lost everything, everything in that premises, he said.

Mr Idris said he and other business owners from immigrant backgrounds felt unsafe.

Last night the PSNI confirmed they had received reports about race hate graffiti.

Police received a number of reports of criminal damage in north Belfast on Tuesday, 5th December.

Racist graffiti and stickers had been placed on two commercial premises and one residential address in the Woodvale Road / Glenvale Street area.

It is believed that the incidents took place between 8pm and 8.30pm on that date.

Chief Inspector Hagan said: We are treating these reports as hate crimes. There is no place in our society for this type of behaviour and I would ask anyone with any information to contact police at Tennent Street on 101, quoting reference number 1805 of 05/12/23. Alternatively, you can report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The ship recently arrived in the region to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security

A Royal Navy warship has shot down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea, the Defence Secretary has said.

It is the first time in decades that the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger.

Grant Shapps said it was believed merchant shipping in the Red Sea was the intended target, in the latest such incident in the key global shipping route.

The Red Sea lies between north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

The HMS Diamond, the Type 45 destroyer that shot down the suspected drone, was only sent to the region two weeks ago amid growing international concern about the threat to shipping.

One Sea Viper missile fired and successfully destroyed the target, Mr Shapps said in a statement.

The ship recently arrived in the region to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security.

The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea.

The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.

HMS Diamond (MoD/PA)

Earlier this month the US military said the Bahamas-flagged Unity Explorer, owned by a UK company, was among three commercial vessels targeted in an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

On Friday Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

The incident is believed to the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the First Gulf War in 1991.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key said: One sixth of the worlds commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.

The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas.

The Ministry of Defence has not said who was behind the attack.

But Yemens Houthis have been behind the a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel in response to its war against Hamas in Gaza.
Im not going, Im not going to leave you alone and Im not going to leave you behind

Rubble lies next to a building following an Israeli raid at Kamal Adwan hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the northern Gaza Strip December 16, 2023. REUTERS/Fadi Alwhidifa

A Palestinian child looks on at the site of an Israeli strike on a house

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a small number of Irish citizens remain in Gaza.

In a statement issued this afternoon, a spokesperson said it will continue to work consistently with the relevant authorities on additional cases where these arise and to assist in instances where other Irish citizens and accompanying dependants wish to exit Gaza.

Irish-Palestinian citizen Zac Hania is one of those who remains trapped after he was stopped at the border last month, his wife has said.

His four sons and wife, Batoul, were able to leave the conflict zone in November, but Mr Hania and his nephew were stopped at the border and have had to remain in Gaza since.

Speaking to Saturday with Brian Lenihan on RTE Radio One, Ms Hania said it was heartbreaking to be separated at the crossing, adding: It was not just saying goodbye to somebody. If you are in extraordinary conditions, you are leaving somebody in danger.

She said the situation was very, very difficult, describing how her husband pleaded with her to take their children and get out of Gaza.

I was crying for him, Im not going, Im not going to leave you alone and Im not going to leave you behind. I dont know what will happen to you. He was telling me that if I was killed, at least you and the kids are in a safer place.

Palestinians inspect damages following an Israeli raid at Kamal Adwan hospital

Ms Hania said their family should be together and not separated with one in danger and the other in a safer place.

She said the Government is making efforts to get her husband out of Gaza, adding that she wished she had heard more promising words .

Ms Hania said she attempts to call her husband each morning, but the connection is often impacted due to the ongoing conflict.

Every day, every morning I try to contact him just to know that he is still alive and breathing and when the connection goes bad, which is more frequent, I just get very frustrated and get very scared about him and this morning, I heard the phone, he sent me a voice message  the regular, routine message that We are still here, Im not dead yet.

For me, its not enough because I want to ask him many questions to make sure about my parents, if they are okay because they are in different areas but in the same city.

I wanted to make sure about other families, to check on other family members that they are OK, they are still good and what theyre eating, what theyre doing, how is the health of everybody? We dont have this flexible chat, this family chat.

She told how she was making another appeal to the relevant Irish authorities who could help her family and help her husband.

I am appealing to anybody of authority, any political figure and the authorities, please, please do something about this shattered family. I know that all the families in Gaza are under attack are in danger but please if you cannot ceasefire, if you cannot do something for everybody in Gaza, do something for your own citizens.

I know that the mother does not abandon her children. Please, Irish Government, you are the mother of every Irish citizen in Gaza. Now they are in danger.

They are suffering in danger every minute, she said, asking for intervention that would bring her husband and his nephew, Muhammad, here to their families.

"Its Christmas time. Every family here is going to have a good time next week but unfortunately not my family.

She said she is grateful that her family was brought to safety, but safety and security for her is to be together as a wife with my husband, for my kids to be with their father.

Please, reunite these families together again.
There sort of wasnt meant to be a second season originally, it was all very much sold to me as a one off, a limited series

Jamie in action in the new series of The Tourist

JAMIE Dornan has revealed the only way he was going to do a second series of The Tourist is if it was filmed not in Australia but closer to home in Ireland.

And heres the first look at the end result, in which Jamie is seen shooting scenes for the second series in counties Wicklow and Mayo.

Jamie (41) is married to actress Amelia Warner and they have three young daughters. He disclosed to Graham Norton on his BBC1 show last night that because of his family situation he wanted to base the new series in Ireland, where the mystery tourist Elliot stranded in the outback, hails from.

The Tourist was the most watched drama in Britain in 2022 and the new series kicks off on January 1.

Jamie and Danielle in the trailer for The Tourist

There sort of wasnt meant to be a second season originally, it was all very much sold to me as a one off, a limited series. Jamie explained. Then a lot of people watched it and that changes the way the big wigs think, lets say.

But I did take a wee bit of convincing, because its a lot to be out in Australia for five months. I had my family with me, the kids went to school there in Adelaide, it was a big undertaking.

So, I was. look if we need to go again, I love Australia but I cant be taking my family back out there so soon, its too much.

So, if theres a world that we could make it, make sense, from the land that Im from, specifically Ireland, that would be great.

He added that there was always a way that could be done as his character is Irish.

He reveals that the new series opens up with Elliot and Helen (Danielle MacDonald) in Ireland, with opening some of the opening scenes showing a kidnapped Elliot in the back of a van and making an escape.

He confirms Elliot and Helen are now in a relationship and are trying to get away from all the madness in the first series and be normal and put it all behind them.

He adds: But then theres questions he still has about literally who he is and wants answers, so they decide to make a choice about to go after some answers and that leads to anarchy.

The story leads to Ireland.

The first couple of weeks of that shoot was just me rolling around the streets, chuckles Jamie about the chase scenes. And rolling up and down hills and sprinting up and down hills. I was knackered.

Most of the scenery is in Co Wicklow, with Jamie praising its beauty.

It kind of becomes a character, he reflects. To be honest it was a wee bit of a worry for us. I think a bit part of the success of the first series was the Australian outback, it added so much drama by proxy of what it looks like.

And youre offering up something which couldnt be more visually different.

Actually, it ends up being very nice. I dont want to over egg the pudding given its another series, like it feels different because its in a totally different landscape and hopefully we care enough about the characters to stay on board, but it definitely feels like a different show.

Asked by Graham where the locations were, Jamie replies: We are mostly in Wicklow and we went west to Achill Island in Co Mayo for a couple of days during what sounds like isnt right for Ireland, a heatwave, and I was doing a lot more running around in the heat.

Producers have given further teasers about the plot by revealing that the new series sees Elliot and Helen dragged into a longstanding feud and faced to deal with the consequences of his past actions.

After Elliot quickly goes missing, Helen seeks the help of Detective Ruairi Slater (Conor MacNeill, Industry, The Fall), before secrets of Elliots past are later uncovered.

Series two introduces a raft of new characters including Niamh Cassidy (Olwen Fouere, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Northman) and the McDonnell family  Donal (Diarmaid Murtagh, Vikings, Outlander), Orla (Nessa Matthews, Fair City), Fergal (Mark McKenna, Sing Street, One of Us is Lying), and Frank (Francis Magee, Kin, Then You Run). The images also feature Monsieur Tiote (Reginal-Roland Kudiwu, Crime, The Widow, Tom Clancys Jack Ryan).

Series one launched with 11.4 million viewers in the UK and holds the title as the UKs most-watched drama of 2022 across all platforms. Internationally, sales for the first series spanned five continents, with the show seen from South Korea to Scandinavia and was crowned the winner of three Golden Nymph Awards at the Monte Carlo Television Festival including Best Series, the festivals highest accolade.

The Tourist returns on Monday, January 1 2024 on BBC One and iPlayer. The full series will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am, ahead of episode one airing at 9pm on BBC One.
Police are making enquiries and the Serious Crash Unit is investigating following a fleeing vehicle crashing and catching fire.

Police have apprehended six youths following a fleeing driver event in Waikato.

The incident happened after Police attempted to stop a vehicle on Powells Road in Fairview Downs, Hamilton, about 3am on Saturday December 16.

"The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit was authorised," says Waikato Police Duty Inspector Hywel Jones.

"A short time later, the fleeing vehicle crashed into a vehicle parked on Tramway Road in Ruakura and caught fire."

The six occupants fled on foot and were located soon after.

Four people were treated for injuries sustained in the crash.

One person received treatment for a dog bite to their leg.

"Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening and no members of the public were injured," says Waikato Police Duty Inspector Hywel Jones.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating and enquiries are ongoing.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz
Firearms, machetes, an axe and a knuckle duster are amongst items seized as Police monitor a gang procession in eastern Bay of Plenty on Saturday.

Police have maintained a visible presence in Whakatane today and 15 people have been arrested as Police monitor a tangi procession.

"Of those arrested, 14 are either associated with or are patched members of gangs," says Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney.

"Some of the arrests made were executed using the Search and Surveillance Act through gang conflict warrants."

As well as arrests made, a variety of weapons were seized in relation to the warrant including:

 Cut down Ruger Semi-automatic .22 rifle.

 Cut down Rossi Semi-automatic .22 rifle.

 Knuckle Duster

 2 machetes

 1 Axe

 Variety of Knives

 Variety of Ammunition

Three people were arrested on warrants to arrest after previously failing to appear in court.

Four people have been arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.



Other charges include: Breaching of release conditions, Failing to stop for Police, Possession of drugs, Dangerous driving and Driving while disqualified.

Police also seized six motorcycles.

"The Police Eagle helicopter is in Whakatane to assist Police on the ground," says Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney.



"Police acknowledge those wanting to pay their respects at the tangi, however, unlawful activity will not be tolerated, and we will not hesitate to hold those people to account.

"There will continue to be a Police presence in the area into tomorrow, and we will also be following up any incidents of unlawful behaviour after the fact."
Tony Bryant Malaga Saturday, 16 December 2023, 07:11 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Andalucia has long been one of the most popular destinations for British tourists, especially the Costa del Sol, where hundreds of thousands head every year to enjoy the sun, as well as the abundant attractions it offers that cater for the whole family.

British visitors, whose numbers are now reaching pre-pandemic levels, have long had an affinity with the region, not only because it offers many comforts of home, such as British style bars and cafes offering familiar cuisine, but also because it offers more than 320 days of sunshine, golden beaches with every amenity imaginable; a complete range of hotels, from budget to boutique; plenty of attractions for the children, such as theme parks, nature reserves and leisure spaces; along with an excellent public transport system that facilitates travel between the eight provinces.

The regional government is well aware of the need to ensure that British people planning their holidays will still consider the south of Spain as their first choice, and the Costa del Sol, for example, launched a 1.5-million-euro promotion campaign at the start of the 2023 summer season.

Excellent air connections

Andalucia is also attracting new types of tourists who spend longer in a destination than the average holidaymaker. This target market includes remote-working professionals now dubbed digital nomads, as well as so-called energy nomads, those looking to spend the coldest weeks of the year in warmer climates where energy costs are lower.

Another factor that makes Andalucia a favourite for British tourists is that it is easily reached because of excellent connections by air.

Figures from Spains Aena airport authority show that travellers from the UK account for 30 per cent of all those who use Malaga Airport. Even in low season there can be as many as 90 flights a day to or from the UK, and around 40 of them connect Malaga with London.
A view of Malaga city centre, with the cathedral, the central Calle Larios and the castle on the hill.

SUR in English Malaga Saturday, 16 December 2023, 07:16 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Malaga city has grown as a tourist destination over the last few decades, since it became a favourite for city breaks, rather than just day trips from the Costa.

Picasso was the first pull, as art lovers discovered his birth house and then, exactly 20 years ago this autumn, the Malaga Picasso Museum opened its doors.

This sparked the arrival of more museums and galleries, such as the pop-up branch of the Pompidou, the Carmen Thyssen and the Russian Collection, among others.

Malaga has been on the global art stage this year especially, as part of Picasso Celebration 1973-2023, a programme of around 50 exhibitions at renowned galleries in America and Europe to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the painter. The show The Echo of Picasso, with work by a host of other world-renowned artists, from Francis Bacon to Louise Bourgeois exhibited alongside that of the Malaga-born painter.

This explosion of culture over the last 20 years has seen a significant evolution in facilities available in the city and especially in their quality.

The vibrant city is more than prepared to welcome the premium traveller, with a growing number of four and five-star hotels already open and more ambitious luxury projects in the pipeline.

Malaga Airport boasts seasonal connections beyond Europe, bringing in visitors from the US (New York) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi and Doha, among others), and those touring the Mediterranean in style can now sail straight into the city harbour with its the new mega-yacht marina.

Thanks to the city halls extensive promotional work, prestigious cruise companies are looking to include Malaga on their itineraries.

And while these visitors are here, they can enjoy, not just the culture, but also the incredible culinary experiences on offer in the city, with everything from traditional tapas bars and beachside fish chiringuitos to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Shopping is also now an alternative holiday activity as more and more top brand boutiques open in the city centre to complement the McArthurGlen designer outlet village on the outskirts of the city.

The increase in hotel accommodation and facilities has made the city the ideal place to host congresses and professional events.

Malaga city goes to the World Travel Market in London with the confidence that it is already a favourite destination among the British. Between January and September this year, nearly 100,000 British visitors arrived in the city, accounting for more than 260,000 overnight stays in hotel accommodation. This means an increase of 21.3% on the same period of 2022.

The city of Malaga is, therefore, a complete destination, offering art, culture and quality cuisine, as well as spectacular monuments, all on the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.

The attractive lifestyle in Malaga can prove irresistible, as more visitors decide to stay for longer, to join the range of Spanish language courses on offer or use the city as the ideal base for a stint of remote working in the sun.
King Ferry, N.Y.  A man was airlifted to a Syracuse hospital Thursday after he was kicked by a cow and then hit his head, firefighters said.

At 10:34 p.m. firefighters from the King Ferry Fire Department arrived at Belltown Dairy at 181 Mahaney Rd., said Guy Van Benschoten, the public information officer for the King Ferry Fire Department.

When firefighters arrived the fire chief called for a helicopter to airlift the man, who worked at the farm, to Upstate University Hospital, said Van Benschoten. The man had a traumatic injury, he said.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse man was sentenced to six and a half years in prison Friday for having illegal guns and drugs as well as a bulletproof vest he claimed was for fashion.

Police raided the home of James Bolds, 36, on Collingwood Avenue on Oct. 13, 2022, where they found 27 grams of cocaine, a loaded gun, 67 rounds of ammunition and a bulletproof vest, according to court documents filed in the Northern District of New York.

The gun, ammo and vest were illegal for him to have because he is a felon, prosecutors said. He previously served time for robbery and assault. He had the cocaine and intended to sell it, prosecutors said.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse man was sentenced to eight years in prison Friday after police found cocaine in his cereal box, prosecutors said.

On Nov 8, 2022, Rodney Sumlin, 37, had 108 grams or 0.2 of a pound of cocaine in a cereal box on top of his fridge at 418 Hiawatha Blvd East, prosecutors said in court documents filed in the Northern District of New York court. The cocaine was found during a search warrant, prosecutors said.

Sumlin also had a gun illegally stashed under his mattress, prosecutors said. It was illegal for him to have the gun because of previous convictions, prosecutors said.
Happy weekend everyone. As we head to the end of 2023, NY Cannabis Insider covered some important stories on the Empire States weed industry. Lets take a look at what we covered.

On Monday, NY Cannabis Insider looked at the fallout of the lawsuit spearheaded by Carmine Fiore and three other service-disabled veterans, which led to an injunction that barred hundreds of CAURD businesses from opening for nearly four months.

In an exclusive interview following the settlement and resumption of the CAURD program, Fiore told NY Cannabis Insider that he believes veterans would have been ignored if not for the litigation. Among other service-disabled veterans in the states weed industry, opinion is split.



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We also ran an article that examined how those within New Yorks cannabis industry felt about the terms of the settlement between state regulators and plaintiffs in the Fiore case.

Several stakeholders criticized the Office of Cannabis Management for making decisions that created legal vulnerability and agreeing to a settlement that, they believe, may encourage more people to sue. Others expressed relief that CAURD licensees could move forward with opening their stores.

We ran a long-form profile focused on New York State Cannabis Connect and the creators of the platform: Tiffany Walters and Jumaane Hughes.

In her 39 years, Walters has developed expertise from industries ranging from cannabis to communications to child care, which have enabled her and her partner, Hughes, to build a statewide cannabis training and information platform that could become a key driver of workforce development in New Yorks legal cannabis industry.

Reporter Mel Hyman contributed a story about reactions in New Yorks cannabis community to OCMs decision to discontinue Cannabis Growers Showcase events, one of the few initiatives that cannabis licensees have roundly praised as a success.

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.

We ran another story by Hyman, which took a look at how cannabis retail applications are swamping cities in New York State with paperwork.

The surge coincides with the open enrollment period for adult-use cannabis cultivator, processor, distributor and retail dispensary license applications. The OCM opened the application period on Oct. 4, and it will close on Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.

In a guest column Scott Mazza, co-founder of Buffalo-based Vitality CBD, wrote about what the federal Farm Bill extension means for CBD producers, consumers, regulators.

Its a bittersweet moment for those of us following along, Mazza wrote. Without the extension, the funding for some farm programs would have expired at the end of the year. But another year under the conditions of Farm Bill 2018 equates to an extension of uncertainty for CBD.

Lastly, we added two new entries to our People to know in NY cannabis series: Wyatt Harms, the cofounder and CEO of FLAMER, a Brooklyn-based cannabis brand; and Zoe Wilder, who grew up in Atlanta during the height of the War on Drugs, and has dedicated her life since the 90s to advocating, researching and promoting cannabis.

Have a great weekend everyone, well be back with plenty more next week.
If it seems like it's been a more active start to the snow season, then you'd be correct.

With 4.1 inches of snow from the winter storm that blew through much of southern Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday, Colorado Springs has both above-average totals for December and the overall season.

Colorado Springs has recorded 8.4 inches of snow in December and 17.8 inches this season, 6.6 inches and 8.9 inches above normal for this time of year, respectively.

Manitou Springs was the local winner with 4.5 inches of snow this week.

Meteorologist Mark Wankowski of the National Weather Service in Pueblo said the increased snowfall seen so far this season is in line with the projected El Nino forecast in Colorado.

Weve been showing for the winter that above-normal precipitation is expected, Wankowski said.

Wankowski added that the current outlook on the winter season ahead is calling for slightly increased levels of precipitation and average temperatures throughout January, February and March.

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Following this past spring and summers above-average levels of precipitation seen across the state, Colorado's drought levels have increased significantly over the past six months, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update.

In June, 75% of the state was experiencing zero drought conditions. This week, 36% of Colorado was experiencing zero drought conditions.

The best conditions are largely along the Front Range and west into the central mountains. The worst conditions  extreme drought  are found at the southern border with New Mexico in Costilla, Saquache, Conejos and Rio Grande counties.

El Paso County and Colorado Springs are experiencing no drought and only 3.29% of the county has abnormally dry conditions.

Anticipated sunshine and temperatures in the 50s Saturday and Sunday are expected to melt away most of the snow, said Meteorologist Alex OBrien with Gazette news partner KOAA.

What are the chances of a "White Christmas" next week?

Climatologically, there is only a 5% chance of seeing 1 inch of snow or more on Christmas, but a White Christmases usually come in the form of snow already on the ground, OBrien said, adding that theres a 40% chance of trace snow being on the ground for Christmas Day along with temps in the 30s.

O'Brien added that December is usually among the driest months of the snow season; March and April are typically the snowiest.
Why it matters: Utah's Supreme Court has found that criminal suspects have the constitutional right not to provide their phone's password to the police because it would violate their Fifth Amendment privilege. The ruling joins other opinions on the subject from state Supreme Courts, some of it conflicting. The Supreme Court has not considered this particular scenario to date and could well take up this case.

Utah's state Supreme Court has upheld a court of appeals ruling, finding in the State v. Valdez that the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination allows criminal suspects to refuse to provide the passwords to their phones to police.

The state's top court unanimously ruled in favor of Alfonso Valdez, who had been arrested for kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. When he was arrested, the police found a cell phone in his pocket and obtained a search warrant for its contents. However they were unable to crack the password and Valdez refused to provide it when asked. The police were never able to search the phone.

At his trial, the state argued that Valdez's refusal and the police's inability to search the phone undermined one of his defenses. He was convicted in the jury trial, which was reversed by the court of appeals that agreed Valdez had a right under the Fifth Amendment to refuse to provide his passcode, and that the state violated that right when it used his refusal against him at trial. The court reversed Valdez's conviction and remanded the case back to the district court for further proceedings.

The state Supreme Court also noted that the case raises important questions about how the Fifth Amendment extends to law enforcement efforts to unlock smartphones. The justices noted, as an example, law enforcement obtaining an order to compel a suspect to provide an unlocked device, thus circumventing the necessity of having them disclose the password.

With the Valdez case, the police asked him to verbally provide his password and did not get an order to compel him to unlock the device. The Supreme Court hasn't addressed this particular scenario, the justices said, however "we conclude that these facts present a more straightforward question that is answered by settled Fifth Amendment principles."

How the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination applies to unlocking phones has been a major issue in the law of digital evidence investigations, says Berkeley Law Professor Orin Kerr, who maintains that the lower court case law is a "total mess" and it is impossible to determine what the actual law is.

Kerr believes that the Valdez case is a good candidate to go to the US Supreme Court, particularly as other state Supreme Courts have split on how the Fifth Amendment privilege applies to orders to compel a password to execute a warrant for a phone, he writes. Valdez now joins the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in upholding the privilege in that setting, while the New Jersey Supreme Court has disagreed.
JD.com and other Chinese tech firms' stocks saw a surge in early trading as investors reacted to a substantial stimulus injection and contemplated the potential for additional measures.

The People's Bank of China injected a record-breaking 800 billion yuan ($113 billion) into the banking system through one-year loans, according to Barron's. Moreover, Beijing and Shanghai introduced fresh measures to prop up the struggling property market, including reductions in down-payment ratios for home purchases and extended mortgage repayment deadlines. There are indications from state media reports that China may implement further policy adjustments to support economic recovery in 2024.

Investors remain upbeat despite Friday's mixed economic statistics, which saw retail sales outperform estimates but housing prices fall. November retail sales rose 10.1%, up from 7.6% in October but below the expected 12.5%, while Chinese house prices fell 0.2% year-over-year, the fifth straight month, and industrial production rose 6.6%, exceeding estimates.

This combination of stimulus measures and hopes for additional support in 2024 fueled the rise in stocks. Alibaba shares rose by 3.7%, and JD.com experienced a 7% jump in Hong Kong trading, while Baidu and PDD also saw increases in U.S. premarket trading. The market reaction reflects the delicate balance as investors navigate between the positive impact of stimulus and the ongoing need for economic support.

JD Logistics Launches Worldwide Express Delivery

The development comes as JD Logistics (JDL), a subsidiary of JD.com, has launched a new expedited shipping service for customers in Europe and the United States. TechTimes reported that JD Logistics' one-way international delivery service is initially directed towards the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Mexico, the US, France, and Germany.



Notably, several of these regions already house JDL warehouses, facilitating streamlined logistics. The initiative is consistent with the Chinese e-commerce behemoth's overall plan to promote global development.



Residents in Shenzhen and Guangzhou can access this service, with JDL expressing intentions to extend its coverage to more major Chinese cities soon, according to a company statement released on Friday.

Read Also: Mark Zuckerberg's Doomsday Oasis: Report Exposes Meta CEO's $270M Fortress in Hawaii



In October, JD Logistics introduced express delivery services in Hong Kong and Macau, heightening competition with Cainiao, Alibaba Group Holding's logistics arm, as per a report from Yahoo! Finance. The services encompass free door-to-door delivery in both cities and 4-hour express deliveries in Hong Kong.



As part of its efforts in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), JD Logistics successfully completed its inaugural international cargo flight between mainland China and Vietnam in September. This development allowed JDL to transport e-commerce parcels and agricultural produce between the two countries.

JD.com Commits To Service Improvement

The expansion into overseas delivery markets is crucial for JD.com, particularly as the company, alongside its rival Alibaba, grapples with challenges stemming from a faltering domestic economic recovery. The downturn in high-ticket and discretionary spending by Chinese consumers has impacted JD.com's sales growth, a company traditionally renowned for its premium offerings.

In response to internal challenges, Richard Liu Qiangdong, founder and chairman of JD.com, acknowledged mismanagement in a recent imemo. He emphasized the need for improvements, acknowledging the company's size and inefficiency.

"So many issues have emerged, certainly because I mismanaged," Liu noted in the internal memo.



In September, JD Logistics' air cargo unit further expanded its international reach by inaugurating a route connecting China to Vietnam.

Related Article: Amazon Reveals Space Laser Tech to Revolutionize Broadband Coverage

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Windows 11's latest preview build, 22635.2915 (KB5033456), introduces significant upgrades to Voice Access, showcasing Microsoft's continued focus on accessibility features.

The Beta channel release brings notable improvements, including customized voice shortcuts, expanded language support, and enhanced multi-monitor capabilities.

What Can Voice Access Do?

The new update allows users to create personalized voice shortcuts by assigning trigger phrases to specific commands. For instance, a command like 'insert work address' can be set up to input the designated workplace address into documents swiftly. This customization feature proves to be a time-saving boon for users handling repetitive tasks, according to TechRadar.

Related Article: Microsoft's Windows 11 to Add 'Energy Saver' Feature for Laptops, PCs

Extended Language Support: More Options for Voice Access

Language support for Voice Access sees an expansion, welcoming French (France), French (Canada), German, Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Mexico) in addition to existing languages. This enhancement makes the Voice Access feature more inclusive, catering to a broader user base.

Apart from that, Windows 11 now offers support for multiple monitors within Voice Access. Users can summon a grid overlay on any connected screen, directing mouse clicks to specific desktop areas.

Previously restricted to the primary display, the grid overlay now seamlessly extends to secondary monitors. Switching focus between monitors is intuitive, using letters (A, B, C) or their phonetic equivalents (Alpha, Bravo).

Drag and Drop Across Displays: Seamless Transfer of Files

A notable addition is the drag-and-drop feature, facilitating the effortless movement of files or shortcuts between different displays. This feature enhances user convenience, enabling smooth interactions across multiple monitors.

What's more, Windows 11's screen casting is upgraded in build 22635, including a help option in the Cast flyout from Quick Settings. This addition is a troubleshooter, offering assistance when users face challenges projecting their desktop to another screen.

Enhanced Device Identification: Renaming for Nearby Sharing

The update introduces the ability for users to rename their devices, enhancing identification in the Nearby Sharing feature. This feature streamlines recognizing and selecting the intended device for seamless sharing.

Introducing custom voice shortcuts marks a significant stride in Voice Access functionality, providing users with a versatile tool for executing various tasks.

As part of this evolution, Windows Speech Recognition has been deprecated in this build, with users encouraged to leverage the superior capabilities of Voice Access.

With AI integration, Microsoft has the upper hand to improve Copilot and other AI-related features on Windows 11. This would also position Voice Access as a central component in the evolving Windows 11 interface, making it more useful to regular users and those with mobility disabilities.

Meanwhile, Tech Times reported that Windows 10 has extended the security updates to three more years. Since we're seeing them until 2028, we can expect that more users won't migrate sooner to Windows 11.

Although this is good news for those who don't want to upgrade to the latest Windows OS, there's a catch to this perk. You will need to pay for a yearly Microsoft subscription.

Read Also: Bugs Prompt Microsoft to Withdraw Upgrade for Windows 11 Video Casting Feature

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Following the controversy of Sam Altman's sudden departure and subsequent return to OpenAI, the firm's Superalignment has maintained its focus on addressing the intricate challenge of controlling artificial intelligence (AI) beyond human capabilities.

Ilya Sutskever, a co-founder and chief scientist of the Superalignment team, is responsible for developing strategies for controlling, regulating, and governing superintelligent AI systems. Despite skepticism within the AI research community about the prematurity and relevance of superalignment efforts, Sutskever, involved in Altman's ouster, actively leads the team, focusing on governance and control frameworks for future powerful AI systems.

Comprising members such as Collin Burns, Pavel Izmailov, and Leopold Aschenbrenner, the team recently unveiled its latest work at NeurIPS, the annual machine learning conference in New Orleans, as reported by TechCrunch.

Study Results Not Perfect, Though Promising

The team utilizes an analogy where a weaker AI model, like GPT-2, guides a more advanced model, such as GPT-4, toward desired outcomes and away from undesirable ones. This approach is crucial in achieving alignment goals for superintelligent AI, addressing the nuanced challenges involved.

In the future, humans will need to supervise AI systems much smarter than them.



We study an analogy: small models supervising large models.



Read the Superalignment team's first paper showing progress on a new approach, weak-to-strong generalization: https://t.co/BiBpGdqtKj pic.twitter.com/jmbbwcrmm8  OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 14, 2023

In a recent study, OpenAI trained its GPT-2 model to perform various tasks, including chess puzzles and sentiment analysis. Utilizing the responses generated by GPT-2, the researchers then trained the GPT-4 model. According to Tech.co, results indicated a performance improvement of 20-70% compared to GPT-2, showcasing GPT-4's superiority but falling short of its full potential.

GPT-4 demonstrated the ability to avoid many mistakes made by its predecessor, GPT-2, highlighting a phenomenon known as 'weak-to-strong generalization.' This occurs when a model possesses implicit knowledge of task execution, allowing it to perform correctly despite receiving suboptimal instructions.

Researchers think that if weak-to-strong generalization exists in humans supervising superintelligent AI, then future AGI models might be better at spotting dangerous actions, especially ones that could cause huge damage.

Despite favorable results, GPT-4's performance was still impaired after training with GPT-2. The experiment underscored the need for further research before deeming humans suitable supervisors for stronger AI models.

OpenAI, a pioneer in AI development, has consistently expressed concerns about the potential dangers of superintelligent AI. Co-founder Sutskever emphasized the "obvious" concern of preventing AI from going rogue, acknowledging the technology's potential hazards, including the disempowerment or even extinction of humanity if left unchecked.

Read Also: Mark Zuckerberg's Doomsday Oasis: Report Exposes Meta CEO's $270M Fortress in Hawaii

To bolster research in this area, OpenAI introduced a $10 million grant program for technical research on superintelligent alignment. Academic labs, nonprofits, individual researchers, and graduate students are eligible for various grant tranches.

Additionally, OpenAI plans to host an academic conference on superalignment in early 2025, providing a platform to share and promote the work of prize finalists.

The grant program notably includes funding from Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO and chairman, renowned for his advocacy of AI doomism. Despite potential commercial benefits, Schmidt emphasizes the importance of aligning AI with human values and expresses pride in supporting OpenAI's efforts to develop and control AI for public benefit responsibly.

Pope Francis Warns World Leaders on Possible AI Exploitation

Amid the fast-paced development of AI, Pope Francis issued a cautionary message to global leaders regarding the risks posed by the unbridled progress of the technology, emphasizing its profound threat to humanity.

According to Fox News, the pontiff acknowledged the benefits of scientific and technological advancements in an address before the 57th World Day of Peace, but he expressed concern about the unprecedented control over reality that these advancements present, suggesting possibilities that could jeopardize survival.

The Pope urged leaders to scrutinize the aims and interests of AI developers, cautioning against selfish motives and emphasizing the need to direct research toward peace, the common good, and integral human development.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church also warned against the potential exploitation of AI efficiencies by technocratic systems, risking unclear decision criteria and concealed "obligation to act for the benefit of the community."

Related Article: Microsoft Rolls Out 'Improved' Voice Access on Windows 11 Following Removal of Windows Speech Recognition

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A recent development has cast a shadow of concern over this dynamic, as Google's AI-powered search tool undergoes testing on a significant user base of approximately 10 million.

(Photo : Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: The Manhattan Google headquarters is seen on January 25, 2021 in New York City.

Citing AI's Harms to News Content

A new class action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court in D.C., accusing Google and its parent company Alphabet of engaging in anticompetitive behavior.

As per TechCrunch's report, this violates U.S. antitrust laws, including the Sherman Act. Filed by Helena World Chronicle, an Arkansas-based publisher, the lawsuit alleges that Google utilizes anticompetitive means to "siphon off" news publishers' content, readers, and ad revenue.

The complaint specifically highlights the detrimental impact of Google's new AI technologies, such as the Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Bard AI chatbot, on the issue.

The lawsuit contends that Google's actions are adversely affecting the free press by sharing publishers' content on its platform, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars for news publishers.

Besides the latest AI technologies, the suit also addresses Google's older question-and-answer technologies, including the "Knowledge Graph" launched in May 2012, as contributing to the problem.

As of 2020, the Knowledge Graph had expanded to encompass 500 billion facts related to 5 billion entities. However, according to the complaint, a significant portion of the collective intelligence integrated into Google's Knowledge Graph was allegedly obtained through the misappropriation of content from Publishers.

Additionally, the complaint points out that other Google technologies, such as Featured Snippets, contribute to diverting traffic away from publishers' websites. In this approach, Google algorithmically extracts answers directly from web pages.

Furthermore, the lawsuit addresses the potential impact of AI on publishers' businesses, a concern highlighted in a recent report by The Wall Street Journal. The report, published on Thursday, opened with a startling statistic.

Addressing This Issue

In a simulation, incorporating AI into Google search resulted in the AI answering the user's query without necessitating a click-through to the website in 75% of cases, leading to a loss of traffic. This revelation holds significant implications for publishers, given that Google currently accounts for nearly 40% of their traffic.

Bloomberg reported that certain publishers are taking proactive measures to address this issue. For instance, Axel Springer recently signed an agreement with OpenAI to license its news for AI model training.

However, the general sentiment among publishers is that they anticipate losing a significant portion of their website traffic, estimated to be between 20-40%, once Google's AI products are fully deployed.

Also Read: Meta Starts Cutting Access to News on Facebook, Instagram in Canada Amid Online News Act

The lawsuit echoes this concern, asserting that Google's recent strides in AI-based search were implemented with the specific intention of discouraging end-users from visiting the websites of Class members who are part of the digital news and publishing sector.

The lawsuit also raises additional concerns, touching upon issues such as fluctuations in AdSense rates and indications of improper spoliation of evidence on Google's part.

This is exemplified by the destruction of chat messages, a matter previously brought to attention in the recent Epic Games lawsuit against Google regarding app store antitrust issues, a case in which Epic emerged victorious.

Related Article: Infobot AI-Generated News Network Promises the Use of AI for Publicly Available Information to Create News Content

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Albany held its first public Hanukkah celebration on Thursday, Dec. 14, outside of City Hall, for the eighth and final night of the Festival of Lights.

A crowd of about 50 people watched the lighting of a 15-foot hanukkiah, a special nine-candle menorah.

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 feat involved the help of the Albany Fire Department, which supplied its aerial ladder to hoist Rabbi Menachem Angster of Chabad of OSU and Corvallis, ready with his torch.

"Look into the light and listen to what they tell you," said Rebbetzin and co-director of Chabad, Zahava Angster. "A tiny light in a dark room can light it up, and if we all light up our own lives in small ways, then the whole world will be lit up with light."

The eight candles on the special-sized menorah are lit using the shamash, the large candle in the middle. One candle is lit on the first night at sundown, and one more is added each night until all eight candles  nine including the shamash  are lit by the end of the holiday.

Before lighting the hanukkiah, Rabbi Angster announced he must first partake in a special Jewish custom. He then whipped out his cellphone to take a selfie as he laughed.

The public lighting was the first for the city. Last year, Corvallis held its first municipal menorah lighting, and other cities like Salem also have public Hanukkah celebrations.

Albany Councilor Steph Newton thought Albany should have its own celebration, she said. She was sporting a Hanukkah-themed sweater, attending with her husband.

Albany marked the third lighting Chabad of Corvallis had done for this years holiday, Zahava Angster said. One of those was the first public menorah at Oregon State University, she said.

I grew up here, and we never had anything like this, said Sam Sachs, who made the trip down from Portland. Maybe its because there wasnt a big Jewish community here, but to have menorah-lighting is so inspiring, especially with everything happening right now.

The celebration of Hanukkah this year comes amid the Israel-Hamas war. Since it started, there has been an increase in both antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States.

Im terrified of the growing antisemitism, said attendee Tamara Musafia. Her mother was 3 years old in Sarajevo when the Holocaust started, she said.

But the hanukkiah-lighting marked a time of celebration. Rabbi Angster tossed silver chocolate coins, known as gelt, from the aerial ladder to the families down below. Then the crowd ate dreidel-shaped cookies and listened to music.

"Hanukkah is a time to overcome darkness, Zahava Angster said. A simple act of goodness and kindness has the power to dispel darkness in the world.

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The next-gen flagship smartphone from one of the top tech companies is confirmed for its January 2024 launch, with the OnePlus 12 coming soon, including in the US. However, recent reports have confirmed that it will bring a second device with it upon launch, and this is in the OnePlus 12R version, believed to be a budget variant of the mainline smartphone.

It is expected that this OnePlus 12 release will be the most powerful from its lineup to arrive in the world, heavilly speculated throughout the year.

OnePlus 12 Coming to the US, with Global Release in January

(Photo : OnePlus )

In a recent announcement from its global social media account (via X), OnePlus has revealed the next-gen releases of the company, the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R which will release the device this January 23, 2024.

There are various features and specs to expect from this release of the company's flagship smartphone, centering on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 as its main processor.

OnePlus 12 is the next in line from the company, and it aims to bring back wireless charging to the device, including the new camera array.

This new flagship is also set to bring an impressive display, with its OLED screen offering the brightest there in the industry.

Read Also: OnePlus Ace 2 Pro Features 'Rain Water Touch' That Works Reliably Despite Wet Hands or Screen

OnePlus is also Releasing the 12R Budget Variant

In the US release of the device, OnePlus' terms and conditions talked about several giveaways for customers, talked about two devices to release, and it is with the OnePlus 12 and another smartphone. However, the second device was not revealed by the company, rather, it only called it "another new phone," and this is speculated as the OnePlus 12R which was confirmed by the company in its global post.

The OnePlus 12R is also regarded as the budget variant of the device, but it remains unknown why the company did not address it for the US release.

OnePlus 12 Leaks: What to Expect

There have been plenty of rumors regarding the next flagship release of OnePlus, centering on the upcoming smartphone that has been one of the topics throughout 2023 for the company. This is with the OnePlus 12, and the device is said to feature the brightest OLED screen that would deliver as much as 3,000 nits of brightness to the user.

It is expected to use the Snapdragon 8's latest flagship release, the Gen 3, as speculated by the many reports behind the smartphone.

Moreover, there would also be a different kind of finish to feature for the device, particularly a Wood Variant, to bring a touch of 'nature' to the flagship device.

The innovative and feature-packed devices from OnePlus have been a treat for all, and it has proven to be a competitive device in the market, also centering on its OxygenOS for the experience. Soon, the world will see the next-gen flagship of the company, but speculated for a two-variant release, with the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R.

Related Article: OnePlus Watch 2 Is Expected to Launch in 2024-Here's What to Know

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Shortly after granting creators the ability to showcase artistic depictions of nudity on streams, Twitch swiftly retracts its artistic nudity policy. The decision to roll back the policy was prompted by community concerns surrounding the content permitted under the new guidelines.

(Photo : MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)

This illustration picture taken on July 24, 2019 in Paris shows the US live streaming video platform Twitch logo application on the screen of a tablet.

Retracting Artistic Nudity Policy

Twitch unveiled an extensive update regarding sexual content, lifting previous restrictions on various sexually themed material. The revised guidelines now permit the intentional showcasing of breasts, buttocks, or the pelvic region, as well as fictionalized depictions of fully exposed female-presenting breasts and/or genitals regardless of gender.

The Verge reported that this reversal comes in response to streamers producing content that violated Twitch's policies, notably after the platform initially approved the showcasing of artistic nudity.

The initial acceptance of sexually explicit material elicited a critical response from the media and community, prompting Twitch to recognize an overstep in its initial policy alteration.

Although a significant aspect of the initial decision aimed to permit the "digital depiction" of artistic nudity, the company has elaborated on the concerns associated with digital representations of sexual content.

Twitch clarified that the use of artificial intelligence to generate realistic images raises apprehensions, as distinguishing between digitally produced content and authentic photography becomes challenging.

Highlighting Considerable Concerns

The statement highlighted a considerable amount of community concern surrounding the generated content, expressing shared apprehensions. Upon reflection, Twitch acknowledged that the recent policy change was an overreach, particularly emphasizing the unique challenge posed by digital depictions of nudity.

The specific mention of AI suggests a connection to concerns that the revised artistic nudity policy might open avenues for artists and streamers to showcase AI-generated "deepfakes" as permissible art. The essence of the artistic nudity policy initially aimed to provide artists the freedom to draw sexual material during streams without facing repercussions.

Twitch's initial update acknowledged and sought to support the artist community, criticizing previous sexual content policies as overly punitive. Activities such as employing fully nude avatars or incorporating nude drawings into stream overlays emerged, prompting a reevaluation of the policy's impact.

Furthermore, Twitch has implemented modifications to its content recommendation system for the homepage. Streams categorized under content classifications associated with drugs, intoxication, excessive tobacco use, violence, graphic depictions, gambling, and sexual themes will be excluded from the homepage recommendations shelves.

Also Read: Twitch to Shut Down Its South Korea Operations in 2024: Here's Why

At the recent TwitchCon event in Las Vegas, as reported by Engadget , Twitch introduced new measures in content moderation with the goal of ensuring appropriateness within stream chats.

The persistent issues of inconsistent moderation policies and concerns about sexual abuse have been ongoing challenges for the live-streaming platform. To confront these issues and improve its reputation in moderation practices, Twitch took significant steps by establishing the Safety Advisory Council in 2020.

Related Article: New Twitch Policy on Sexual Content Allows Illustrated Nipples

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A team of researchers from Hong Kong has developed an innovative antenna. This boasts the unique capability to dynamically, simultaneously, independently, and precisely control all essential aspects of electromagnetic waves through computer software.

(Photo : City University of Hong Kong)

Professor Chan Chi-hou (left) and Professor Wu Gengbo (right) showcase the universal metasurface antenna developed at CityU, which allows unprecedented manipulation of electromagnetic waves.

Promising Future for 6G

Described as the 'Holy Grail' by researchers, a team led by Professor Chan Chi-hou at the City University of Hong Kong has designed a groundbreaking antenna with the ability to manipulate all five crucial aspects of electromagnetic waves through computer software.

Named the 'microwave universal metasurface antenna,' Interesting Engineering reported that it can dynamically, simultaneously, independently, and precisely control essential wave properties via software.

Professor Chan emphasized that having a universal component capable of managing all fundamental wave properties is a significant breakthrough for physicists and engineers.

This advancement holds great promise for the future of 6G wireless communication systems, offering unique capabilities for controlling and securing signals across various applications involving sensing, information gathering, communication, and data transmission.

Revolutionizing Wireless Communication

The groundbreaking antenna revolutionizes the simultaneous adjustment of wave strength, timing, frequency, direction, and vibration, which is a remarkable achievement in the field. This innovation represents the first instance of an antenna performing all these functions concurrently, marking a substantial breakthrough.

What sets this antenna apart is its applicability in advanced information systems, offering exceptional capabilities for future technologies. Its proficiency in handling extensive data while ensuring robust security makes it a valuable asset.

Additionally, CityU cited that the antenna boasts wireless power transfer capabilities, enabling the charging of devices without physical connections.

A notable feature of the antenna is its ability to govern the direction of electromagnetic radiation. This unique attribute enhances privacy and security, making it an ideal choice for communication systems where safeguarding against eavesdropping or unauthorized access is paramount.

These advancements significantly broaden the potential applications of the universal metasurface antenna (UMA) across various fields, including augmented reality, holography, integrated sensing and communications for 6G, quantum optics, and quantum information science.

Also Read: LG Sets New Distance Record for Data Transmission Using 6G Tech

Professor Wu Gengbo, the primary author of the paper, expressed optimism about the UMA's role as a cost-effective, highly integrated, and low-power information transmitter.

As published in Nature Communications, the researcher emphasized that while the UMA has been demonstrated in the microwave band, its underlying concept can be extended to terahertz frequencies using specific technologies.

This extension opens up possibilities for applications in augmented reality, holography, integrated sensing and communications for 6G, quantum optics, and quantum information science.

The collaborative success in developing the universal metasurface antenna, a groundbreaking achievement, was realized through the partnership between CityU and Southeast University.

The research received support from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council under the Theme-Based Research Scheme and the Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Big Data Imaging and Communication.

Professor Chan highlighted the pivotal role played by the collaboration, emphasizing that the combined expertise and resources of both institutions were crucial in overcoming complex research challenges and attaining remarkable results.

He stated that the invention brings novel elements to the integration of sensing and communications, opening up exciting prospects for the future.

Related Article: China: 6G Tests over Terahertz Allegedly Achieves 100 Gbps Download Speeds

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NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory has captured the most powerful solar flare in years, which led to a temporary disruption in radio communications on Earth.

The solar flare occurred on Thursday, emitting a burst of energy from the sun that caused two hours of radio interference in some parts of the United States and other sunlit regions worldwide. Scientists have identified this event as the biggest solar flare since 2017.

"This is likely one of the largest solar radio events ever recorded. Radio communication interference with aircraft were reported by multiple NWS (National Weather Service) Center Weather Service Units (CWSU) co-located at FAA facilities," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in an update.

"These impacts were felt from one end of the nation to the other. Additionally, SWPC (Space Weather Prediction Center) is analyzing a possible Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) associated with this flare," it added.

Solar Flare Causes Radio Disruptions

Pilots across affected areas reported disruptions in communication, prompting attention from the SWPC. The interference was notably experienced in various regions of the US.

Experts are closely monitoring the sunspot region responsible for the flare. They are investigating the potential occurrence of a coronal mass ejection - a release of plasma from the sun - directed towards Earth.

As reported by the center, the eruption originated from the far northwest section of the sun. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory documented the solar flare in extreme ultraviolet light, capturing the moment of the powerful surge of energy as a brilliant flash.

The imagery offers a stunning glimpse into the sun's dynamic and energetic behavior. In a statement, the SWPC classified the solar flare as an X2.8 flare, which is a powerful burst of energy. It reportedly originated from Region 3514, situated in the far northwest area of the sun.

This incident is reported as potentially one of the largest solar radio events ever recorded.

Read Also: A Sunspot With the Size of Four Earths Ejects 10 Million Degree Solar Flare, Causes Radio Blackout over the Pacific

X-Class Solar Flares

According to NASA, the X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about the flare's strength. NASA emphasizes that while these solar flares are captivating celestial events, they carry potential implications for various aspects of life on Earth.

Radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and even spacecraft and astronauts can be impacted by the powerful outbursts from the sun.

Meanwhile, the SWPC said on Friday that multiple CMEs from December 14 to 15 could likely cause G1-G2 (minor-moderate) geomagnetic storm conditions between December 16 and 17.

Related Article: 'Portrait of the Sun:' World's Most Powerful Solar Telescope Snaps The Face of the Sun in Crisp Detail

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Microsoft's Activision Blizzard has agreed to settle a case filed by the California Civil Rights Department that alleged gender discrimination in the company by denying women promotion opportunities and paying them less.

In the proposed settlement agreement, Activision Blizzard will have to pay nearly $55 million to provide relief to female workers and contractors from October 2015 to December 2020.

Activision Blizzard's Settlement

As outlined in the California Civil Rights Department statement, around $46 million of the total settlement amount will have to go to the fund for affected women.

The 2021 lawsuit filed by the California Civil Rights Department, which was previously known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, made allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation against Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit brought attention to the issue, prompting an investigation.

Subsequently, the Wall Street Journal reported that the company's CEO, Bobby Kotick, was aware of internal misconduct allegations but did not disclose all relevant information to the board.

The settlement, if approved by the court, is seen as a significant step forward, providing direct relief to workers affected by the alleged discrimination. California Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish emphasized their commitment to promoting and enforcing women's civil rights in the workplace.

"California remains deeply committed to promoting and enforcing the civil rights of women in the workplace," said Kish. "If approved by the court, this settlement agreement represents a major step forward and will bring direct relief to Activision Blizzard workers. At the California Civil Rights Department, we will continue to do our part to fight for the rights of our state's residents."

Read Also: Microsoft's $69 Billion Activision Blizzard Deal Gains Preliminary Approval from UK Regulators

Alleged Violations of Activision Blizzard

The lawsuit, filed before the Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleged violations of California's Equal Pay Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act. These laws play a crucial role in protecting individuals in the state against discrimination in various aspects of the workplace.

Activision Blizzard, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, is renowned for its popular video game franchises, including "Call of Duty," "World of Warcraft," "Guitar Hero," and "Diablo."

Activision Blizzard's recent announcement serves as an additional measure to complement the company's actions, which include the 2021 consent decree with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the proactive recruitment and retention initiatives outlined in the 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report.

Upon court approval of the settlement agreement, Activision Blizzard will be obligated to furnish financial relief, allocate any surplus settlement funds to charitable organizations, engage in an independent consultant to assess compensation and promotion policies and persist in endeavors to include qualified candidates from underrepresented communities.

Compensation eligibility extends to women employed or worked as contract workers for Activision Blizzard in California from October 12, 2015 to December 31, 2020.

Those falling within the scope of the proposed agreement will receive further updates and information from a settlement administrator, requiring no immediate action at this time, according to the department.

Related Article: UPDATE: Microsoft Xbox to Bring Growth to its Gaming Leg via Mobile and Ads

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Do you find yourself constantly battling the dreaded low battery warning on your Android device? Well, you're not the only one who is experiencing this problem.

Google has unveiled three critical mistakes that many Android users unknowingly make, leading to the premature demise of their devices. Pay attention to these common things that are often overlooked by many people.

Adjust Settings Wisely for Prolonged Battery Life

As reported by The Sun, Android users can significantly enhance their device's battery life by making smart adjustments to their settings. Simple tweaks, such as reducing screen brightness and lowering sound volume, can substantially decrease battery consumption. This trade-off, though seemingly minor, can result in a more efficient and enduring smartphone experience.

Related Article: BEWARE: If You Have These Battery Charging and Keyboard Apps, Delete Them ASAP

Stick to the Original Power Adaptor

Google emphasizes the importance of using the original power adaptor that comes with the phone. Using alternative chargers not provided by the phone manufacturer can lead to long-term damage. To ensure the longevity of your device, stick to the charger that accompanied your phone during purchase.

Maximize Battery Life By Avoiding 'Harmless' Activities

Google reveals that extending battery life involves strategic actions within users' control. Avoiding hotspots, turning off GPS, and refraining from excessive video streaming can contribute to a longer-lasting battery.

Interestingly, seemingly harmless activities like watching videos on WhatsApp or engaging in interactive games can gradually drain your device's battery.

Google suggests a simple yet effective solution: switch your phone to airplane mode to isolate it, offering a protective shield for your battery.

Google's AI Assistant Pixie As Game-Changer for Pixel Phones

In an effort to outshine competitors like Samsung, the search engine giant plans to introduce its revolutionary AI assistant, Pixie, exclusively to Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro smartphones.

By leveraging data from Gmail, YouTube, and other Google products on the user's Pixel phone, Pixie aims to provide personalized suggestions, marking a significant advancement in AI technology for Android devices.

Android Phone Hacks For Faster Charging

Now that you know the most common mistake that can drain your phone's battery, it's time to crack the code that will help you charge faster when you're not using it.

According to MakeUseOf, here are tips you can do to preserve your gadget's battery longer.

Put your phone into Airplane Mode. Shut down your device. Limit phone usage when it's charging. Enable Charge Mode. Use a Wall Socket. Use a Power Bank. Ditch Wireless Charging. Remove your phone's case while charging. Invest in a high-quality cable. Utilize a fast charger adapter.

For Apple users, only use an authentic Apple Watch charger for your smartwatch. In doing so, you can avoid experiencing risks that can damage your wearable. Don't buy unauthorized or third-party chargers for your peace of mind.

Read Also: How to Restart Your Android in 2023-Hard Restart vs Soft Restart

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
2023 has witnessed the rise of 10 new Android banking malware families, collectively setting their sights on a staggering 985 bank and fintech/trading apps spanning 61 countries.

Since we're getting closer to 2024, it's always important to stay protected against any kind of virus that might harm our device and data so we can leave this year malware-free.

Evolution of Banking Trojans

In an analysis by Zimperium, a mobile security firm, there are new trends that threat actors do with malware. Either way, each of the banking trojans poses a risk not only to the user's device but also to their personal and financial data.

In the meantime, take a look at these trends that are happening in the cybersecurity space.

Automated Transfer Systems (ATS): a disturbing trend involves the integration of Automated Transfer Systems (ATS). It enables the capture of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) tokens, initiating unauthorized transactions, and executing fund transfers.

Social Engineering Sophistication: Cybercriminals are adopting social engineering tactics, masquerading as customer support agents to manipulate victims into downloading Trojan payloads voluntarily.

Live Screen-Sharing Capability: Adding a layer of direct remote interaction, the malware now features live screen-sharing, allowing cybercriminals to gain real-time access to infected devices.

Subscription-Based Malware: A concerning development is the introduction of a subscription model, with these malicious tools offered to fellow cybercriminals for a monthly fee ranging from $3,000 to $7,000.

Related Article: Nexus Android Trojan Infects Hundreds of Banking Apps

Beyond Banking Credentials

Beyond the conventional focus on banking credentials and financial transactions, banking trojans are expanding their horizons. The latest trend indicates a shift towards targeting social media, messaging apps, and personal data. The scenario poses an elevated risk to users' comprehensive digital identities.

According to Bleeping Computer, here are the 10 Android banking trojans that have been notorious for attacking banking apps this year.

Nexus: Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) with 498 variants, offering live screen-sharing, targeting 39 apps across nine countries. Godfather: MaaS with 1,171 variants, supporting remote screen-sharing, and targeting 237 banking apps in 57 countries. Pixpirate: Trojan with 123 variants, featuring an ATS module and targeting ten bank apps. Saderat: Trojan with 300 variants, focusing on eight banking apps across 23 countries. Hook: MaaS with 14 variants, driven by live screen-sharing and targeting 468 apps in 43 countries, available for rent at $7,000 per month. PixBankBot: Trojan with three variants, equipped with an ATS module for on-device fraud, targeting four banking apps. Xenomorph v3: MaaS operation with six variants, capable of ATS operations, targeting 83 bank apps across 14 countries. Vultur: Trojan with nine variants, targeting 122 banking apps in 15 countries. BrasDex: Trojan focusing on eight bank apps in Brazil. GoatRat: Trojan with 52 known variants, empowered by an ATS module, targeting six banking apps.

Best Practices to Protect Yourself From Banking Trojan

To safeguard against these threats, users are advised to exercise caution:

Download only from Official Stores: Stick to Google Play and avoid downloading APKs from external sources.

Thoroughly Vet Apps: Read user reviews and research the developer/publisher before installation.

Monitor Permissions: Scrutinize requested permissions during installation and avoid granting access to 'Accessibility Services' without certainty.

Beware of External Updates: Treat requests for external updates upon app launch with suspicion and avoid if possible.

Avoid Unknown Links: Refrain from clicking on links in SMS or email messages from unfamiliar senders.

Prevention is always better than cure. There's no need to wait for the perfect time to avoid the malware before it infects your device and steals your precious credentials.

Read Also: Google Discloses Common Charging Mistakes Android Users Do: Here's How to Take Care of Your Phone's Battery

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Oregon House candidate and former Corvallis city councilor Andrew Struthers announced he was withdrawing from next year's Democratic primary.

Struthers had announced in October he was running for the up-for-grabs District 16 seat, which represents Corvallis and Adair Village, but said his pathway to victory was currently unattainable, according to a news release sent Thursday, Dec. 14.

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 race was left wide open earlier this fall after current office holder and House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, said he was running to be Oregon's next attorney general.

Struthers said he's informed the two remaining candidates of his decision, and said he has no plans to endorse either until he has a chance to meet with both to discuss their campaigns, according to the news release.

The two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination are Corvallis School Board members Sami Al-Abdrabbuh and Sarah Finger McDonald.

Struthers, a former Corvallis City Council member, said he plans to remain active in city and Benton County issues.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today.

"I look forward to working with whoever is the next representative to the Oregon House of Representatives for the 16th District," he said in the release.

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It looks like Lebanon will be working with an interim city manager for the foreseeable future.

After hosting an executive session this week to interview two finalists for the city's top administrative job, the Lebanon City Council opted to suspend its search for a new city manager, according to a Dec. 14 news release.

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."

Mayor Ken Jackola acknowledged the decision was a setback but expressed appreciation for both candidates and said it was more important to make the right decision rather than a hasty one, according to the news release.

The move comes after a monthslong recruitment process. The two finalists were interviewed by a community panel and the city's director team on Dec. 7 and attended a citizen meet-and-greet that evening.

The council reviewed comments from those events, and following their own interviews with candidates on Dec. 13, they decided neither was right for the position, according to the release.

The two candidates were Brandon Neish and John Morgan. Neish is Lebanon's finance director, and Morgan has worked as a city manager and interim city manager at other Oregon cities.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today.

City engineer Ron Whitlatch, who has served as interim city manager since August, will continue to hold the post until a new manager is chosen, according to the release.

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LEXINGTON, Ky.  One Kentucky family got a little something extra when they picked out their Christmas tree this year: a baby owl.

Lexington resident Michele White told WDKY-TV that it's a tradition for the family to pick out a Christmas tree every year and this year seemed no different. They had the tree in their home for four days and didn't notice anything unusual.

I have three dogs, White said. We use this room nonstop: watch TV; the kitchens right here; no indication.

Bobby Hayes, who owns Magic Carpet Cleaning and was at the home while the family was out, first noticed the bird after plugging in a piece of equipment and seeing the tree start to sway.

The owl was literally sitting on a lower limb here, Hayes said.

It crawled up into the tree further, Hayes said. It took me several minutes to even find it.

He sent photos to White, who said she was glad he was there to deal with the animal. Hayes said he was able to safely release the owl in the family's backyard.

Everybodys going to be able to have a merry Christmas now, Hayes said.
Women hunted. Not just small game, but big game. And the evidence is not scant  its in archaeological records and ethnographic studies and the consequences are compelling. Previously, evidence of female hunters was dismissed as anomalous. In 1963, archaeologists found that a projectile point, usually used for killing game was buried with the remains of a nearly 10,000-year-old woman in Colorado. But they decided it must have been used as a scraping knife. In 2018, after female bones were found alongside an elaborate hunting kit in Peru, researchers revisited previous findings about burials in the area, and determined that both men and women hunted game between 14,000 and 8000 years ago. A team of five female scientists from University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University grew suspicious that bias might have obscured or ignored the true role women had in prehistoric groups. They decided to go back and re-examine the data, records published over the past 100 years. Instead of looking at the summaries, they went back to the original ethnographic reports of early populations to see what had been written about the hunting strategies. They found 63 foraging societies  including in Australia, North America, Africa and Asia  with first-hand accounts of hunting. Women hunted in 50 of them  and in 100 per cent of the groups where hunting was the primary source of food. This research, published earlier this year, also found the hunting status of women did not change once they became mothers. Study co-author Cara Wall-Scheffler, a professor and co-chair of biology at Seattle Pacific University, said most of these female hunters were purposely hunting and going out to expressly hunt animals. We were surprised that it wasnt just opportunistic. Everyone in their community knew they would go hunting, and that was their job.

Why do I think this is significant? Well, preconceptions shape data, and data shapes stereotypes, which then can shape policy. Loading Archaeologist Randy Haas, who was part of the Peru excavation, said weve had biased interpretations. And the idea that sexual division of labour is an inherent part of human biology is a trope that has played out in structural inequalities today. The five researchers claimed their finding dramatically shifts stereotypes of labour, as well as mobility. Questions around child care and paternity leave, for example. Wall-Scheffler says women didnt just stumble on game and kill it (like Gina Chick when she caught a wallaby with her bare hands when she went out to do a wee in Alone). The vast majority of the time, the hunting was purposeful. Women had their own toolkit. They had favourite weapons. Grandmas were the best hunters of the village. Girls were trained, mothers hunted, grannies slayed. Not how we usually think of old ladies, is it?

No wonder patriarchal cultures have fought so hard to stop women from reading, or being educated. Once women go back and read the original texts, clear off the dust of sexist assumptions, suddenly the world  and our role in it  looks a whole lot different. Robert Kelly, anthropology professor for the University of Wyoming, said the view previously held by him and his colleagues was based on field work and anecdotal impressions of reports  no-one had actually done a systematic tally. Loading American history professor Kimberly Hamlin stated: I think that next to the myth that God made a woman from mans rib to be his helper, the myth that man is the hunter and woman is the gatherer is probably the second most enduring myth that naturalises the inferiority of women. Along with this, the idea that men are biologically hunters, has, she says, fomented the idea that men are supposed to be violent, theyre supposed to be aggressive, lending itself to a cultural leniency towards male violence. The idea of men as naturally more aggressive hunters cultivates the idea that women are prey too. As Alfred Tennyson wrote in The Princess, Man is the hunter; woman is his game  We hunt them for the beauty of their skins/ They love us for it, and we ride them down. Men mowing down women like predators do prey  what could possibly go wrong? Who needs consent when women love being hunted?
A 10-year-old girl was struck by lightning and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition as thunderstorms lashed south-east Queensland again on Saturday.

The girl is fighting for life after she was struck by lightning about 2.20pm at a private property in Beerwah, about an hours drive north of Brisbane, as more wild weather descended on Queensland causing life-threatening flooding in Cairns.

Paramedics rushed the child to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, before she was flown to Queensland Childrens Hospital where she remains in a critical condition, Queensland Police confirmed.

An emergency warning was issued on Sunday morning as Cairns started to experience major flooding due to the Barron River quickly rising.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When Meshilin Marrogi died of COVID-19 in 2021, aged just 30, it marked the beginning of the end for the Notorious Crime Family. The founder and boss of the NCF might have been the infamous career criminal George Marrogi, but the chaos inside the billion-dollar drug empire following his sisters death proved Mesh was the brains behind the operation. Clockwise from top left: Meshilin Marrogis crypt and memorial at Preston General Cemetery; with brother George Marrogi; and stills from CCTV footage of the break-in at the cemetery on July 30. Meshilins central role in the Marrogi criminal empire has been documented by The Sunday Age through interviews with police investigators, information from four underworld sources who cannot be named, financial and telecommunication records tendered as evidence in multiple criminal proceedings and published court judgments. When she died in September 2021, Meshilin had held in her mind a blueprint that detailed a complex portfolio of tens of millions of dollars of illicit profits hidden in property investments, artworks, yachts, jewellery, cars and cash stashes. George, who was running the NCF from inside a maximum security jail cell while awaiting his trial for murder, was seriously caught out when his de facto vice president died. [Meshilin] had it running extremely well. She had it running as a business even though it was illicit money, an illicit business driven by drugs, said Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Nathan Toey, who oversaw the Marrogi money laundering investigation, Operation Steelers.

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Loading She was aware of the money trail, she was the contact point for all the associates. Even though it was at Georges drive and behest, she was the brains behind it all. The underworld take is more direct. Once she died, it all turned to shit, said a source, who cannot be publicly identified. The siblings relationship  both personally and in the NCF business  was so tightly intertwined that it would ultimately result in a gangland rival ordering Meshilins body be stolen and desecrated years later in the ultimate act of revenge against the Marrogi family. Two peas in a pod George and Meshilin were bound not just by blood and business but were the best of friends, which is somewhat ironic given he has spent less than a year of his adult life outside of prison. George was the hothead gangster who wanted to be a kingpin. Meshilin, by outside appearances, was the glamorous younger sister and entrepreneur who ran a beauty salon.

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Meshilin Mesh Marrogi, also known as Mish Moshey. She was a proper, healthy-looking individual, who is a businesswoman. She had a successful shop; she was looking at opening another one. And she had a few good investments, the underworld source said. But she was never far from George as he orchestrated crimes and waged his bloody feuds. Meshilin was a wizard at washing dirty money clean, deploying tried-and-true money laundering techniques such as property investments, and more sophisticated schemes including trading in paintings, digital artwork and diamonds. Even the siblings romantic lives were enmeshed with their underworld business. George and Meshilin often dated associates and friends that each had drawn into their joint criminal circle, creating a tight-knit family from love interests turned co-conspirators and vice versa. Many of Georges girlfriends, both on the street and after he went to prison, were introduced to him by Meshilin.

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Loading This included Jessica Homa and Antonietta Mannella, both of whom have pleaded guilty over their involvement in the Marrogi money laundering syndicate. Court documents detail how Meshilin lured Mannella  her friend and employee  into the syndicate by introducing her to her crime boss brother while he was in prison. Mannella, otherwise a cleanskin  although she was the daughter and niece of Italian crime figures, Vincenzo and Gerardo Mannella, both murdered in 1999  fell in love with George even though rules in his high-security prison meant the relationship could never be consummated. Ms Mannella knew that the Marrogis were involved in dubious activity and she soon became involved herself through her close friendship with Mesh, the judge in George and Antonietta Mannellas drug case found. Mannella received a 13-year prison term in February 2023 for her role in the drug trafficking operation. Next week, she will be sentenced over her involvement in the money laundering syndicate. George Marrogis partner Antonietta Mannella (left) and late sister, Meshilin. Credit: Instagram

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Mannella had grown so close to Meshilin that the 30-year-old made her the executor of her will  which has been obtained by The Sunday Age  five months before her death, leaving her and George a $1.7 million property portfolio. Meshilin, in turn, became involved with several of Georges hardcore criminal associates. When setting up companies to help launder money for the gang, Meshilin used the alias Mish Moshey, which was a nod to one of Georges mates and a former love interest, convicted cocaine trafficker Moshey Youkhana, according to police and underworld sources. Loading She also had an affair with a convicted drug trafficker and one-time Marrogi ally who cannot be identified because they are currently awaiting trial on a massive methamphetamine importation. By all accounts, George was shattered by Meshilins sudden death caused by COVID-19 in 2021. Her funeral, which was recorded and posted on the internet, was marked by scenes of profound grief. The siblings mother, Madlin Enwiya, had the coffin opened at the viewing in order to give her a kiss from Georgie. Meshilin would be buried in an extravagant white dress and veil, wearing a diamond ring worth an estimated $100,000 and in a coffin that included a viewing window.

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Melbournes food banks say they are overstretched and under-resourced in the lead up to Christmas, with one service in the inner north grappling with a 1200 per cent surge in demand.

Collingwood drop-in community centre and food relief hub The Wellington was providing groceries to approximately 40 people a week at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. As of last month, the charity was handing out fresh produce and frozen meals to more than 500 people every seven days.

The line for Collingwoods Wellington food bank can stretch around the corner. Credit: Wayne Taylor

Over the past year, the service has gone from distributing 7400 kilograms of fresh produce and 700 frozen meals a month to just over 12,000 kilograms of fresh produce and 2000 frozen meals.

Were seeing more people turn up that would probably call themselves middle class, manager Chris Sprake said. Theyre saying they need to choose between food and rent, and so theyre coming to us for food.
Indigenous weapons vital for battle readiness for future wars

PUNE,

FUTURE battlespace will be cluttered, congested, contested and complex, said Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Thursday, underscoring the need to reimagine, reform, redesign and rebuild the traditional war fighting machinery to adapt to this emerging paradigm. He also tomorrows wars cannot be fought with imported weapons and it was imperative to develop indigenous weaponry, particularly air-launched weapons. The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) was delivering the General B C Joshi Memorial Lecture on Transformation of IAF into a Contemporary and Future Ready Aerospace Force here at the Savitribai Phule Pune University. Chaudhari articulated the vision of the Indian Air Force as laid down in its latest edition of IAFs doctrine (2023) - to be an agile and adaptive air force that provides decisive aerospace power in the furtherance of the countrys national interest. To be able to achieve the vision, the IAF needs to see first and see the farthest, reach first and reach the fastest, and hit first and hit the hardest, he said. The CAS highlighted the importance of acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and platforms to ensure air superiority in the region including airborne and unmanned platforms, sensors, communication and electronic warfare systems. Chaudhari spoke about the significance of well-trained personnel and the complexities of a technology-driven battlespace.

He said investment in innovation and disruptive training programmes with a focus on technology infusion for skill development will prove to be decisive in future multi-domain operations. The IAF chief also touched upon the steps taken by the force towards automating its operational, maintenance and administrative processes by employing Al (artificial intelligence) and big data analytics to improve efficiency. The CAS spoke on IAFs commitment towards fostering strategic partnerships with friendly nations through joint exercises, information sharing mechanisms and collaboration to imbibe best practices and enhance operational effectiveness. Chaudhary brought out IAFs contribution to nation-building highlighting the sterling role played by the force towards humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during natural calamities and evacuation of Indian diaspora from conflict zones. The Air Force network has been upgraded and 5G handsets have been procured for all personnel and all airmen will be provided with these upgraded devices, he said.

The biggest lesson to take away from the ongoing conflicts across the globe is that we cannot fight tomorrows wars with imported weapons. We have to develop indigenous weapons, particularly indigenous air launched weapons. This was the area where we were not progressing much but the thrust on atmanirbharta (self-reliance) is gaining ground and we are proud to host a whole lot of such weapons, he said. The Air Force is the offensive arm of the nation. Ability to hit first, hit the hardest, hit the farthest with accuracy is something for which we have to continue homing our skills. We have seen the ongoing conflicts between Russia-Ukraine or Israel and Hamas. It is the Air Force which has delivered the punch with long range precision strike, he pointed out. The IAF has remained steadfast in its view that integration and jointness is the only way ahead, he said.
7-day police custody to mastermind





NEW DELHI,

A DELHI court on Friday sent Lalit Jha, arrested in the Parliament security breach case, to 7-day custody of the Delhi Police that claimed he was the mastermind of the shocking incident. Special Judge Hardeep Kaur remanded Jha in Delhi polices custody on an application moved by the prosecution, which said he was required to be questioned to unearth the entire conspiracy. During the brief hearing, the prosecutor told the court that Jha was arrested on Thursday night, after which he was subjected to detailed interrogation. He disclosed how he is the mastermind of the entire conspiracy...

He is required to unearth the entire conspiracy and the modus operandi, the public prosecutor told the court while seeking his remand for 15 days. Police also said he needed to be questioned about a phone he was using and has not been traced yet. Jha, accompanied by a man, turned himself in at the Kartavya Path police station in the national capital last evening where he was arrested before being handed over to the Special Cell.
Council passes Lokayukta Bill





Staff Reporter

The Maharashtra Legislative Council has approved the Lokayukta Bill 2022 which brings the Chief Minister and council of ministers under the ambit of the anti-corruption Ombudsman. The Bill, which had initially been cleared by the State Assembly during the previous Winter Session, faced scrutiny in the Council which led to its referral to a joint committee. Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar reintroduced the Bill in the Upper House after incorporating recommendations from the joint committee. The revised Bill garnered unanimous support during the Friday session which marked a crucial step in enhancing transparency and accountability in the States governance.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the Legislative House, highlighted the collaborative effort involved in drafting the bill. He cited numerous joint meetings between a team led by social activist Anna Hazare and government officials. He stressed that the Lokayukta Bill integrates provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act and it would serve as a deterrent against corruption as it encompasses the Chief Minister and council of ministers under the ombudsmans jurisdiction. Fadnavis said, The appointment of the Lokayukta would be transperent as the search committee would comprise the Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers, both Leaders of Opposition, Speakers of both Houses, and the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. He noted the incorporation of provisions from the Centres Lokayukta Act into the state bill.

Explaining the operational aspects, Fadnavis clarified that if the Lokayukta receives a complaint against the Chief Minister and finds evidence therein, a preliminary inquiry can be initiated. The Lokayukta would then seek the Speaker of the Assemblys permission to prosecute the Chief Minister. Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap stressed the importance of maintaining integrity in the bill, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir urged immediate provision of necessary infrastructure for the Lokayukta. Ahir stressed the ombudsmans role in setting an example akin to Nyay Mandir.
Girl shot dead by youth in Narsinghpur





Our Correspondent

GOTEGAON (Narsinghpur),

A girl was shot dead in Gotegaon, Narsinghpur and the accused has been arrested by the police. He is being interrogated and in the investigation so far, it has been described as a case of murder out of one-sided love. The incident took place late Thursday night near Sheetal Dharamshala in Sindhi Colony. According to the police, Kajal Sahu (22) was returning to her home in Gotegaon after working from Jabalpur. After leaving the railway station, she had walked a short distance when a young man named Devendra alias DK (23) shot her in the head and ran away. People took Kajal to the community health center. The doctors there declared her dead. CCTV footage of the incident has also surfaced. On Friday morning, the girl's family members staged a blockade demanding justice. They also gave a memorandum to the SDM. The protest lasted for about 6 hours and they ended the blockade after the administration assured them of action against the accused.

The girl's brother said that the accused has taken our sister's life, he should be given death sentence. The girl's mother said that the accused had been harassing her daughter for last two years. The daughter had complained several times and now her life has been taken away. The family members told that many times they advised the accused not to harass the girl, many a times minor altercations also took place. Even after this, the accused was not giving up chasing the girl, but because there was not much dispute, she never complained to the police. Police said - the matter seems to be a one-sided love. As soon as the information was received, the police reached the spot. They searched for the accused and was arrested in the night itself. SDOP, Bhavna Maravi said that the matter seems to be a love affair.
IMTs conference on Sustainability and Management Strategy begins





Business Reporter

The Institute of Management Technology, Nagpurs two-day 8th International Conference on Sustainability & Management Strategy started on Friday. The event is being organised in collaboration with California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), United States and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur. The Centre for Sustainability, Growth, and Development Committee at IMT Nagpur orchestrated the conference, commencing with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a soulful rendition of the Saraswati Vandana. Dr Gajavelli V S, Conference Chair for ICSMS 2023, Professor, Economics and General Management, welcomed the participants, setting the tone for the insightful discussions that followed. Dr Bigyan Verma, Director of IMT Nagpur, delivered the inaugural address, emphasising the significance of sustainability and management strategies in the contemporary global landscape. Distinguished keynote speaker Dr Vipin Gupta, Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Global Management at California State University, San Bernardino, enlightened the audience on the theme Self-awareness Dimension for the Sustainability of Digital Transformation. Dr Vipin Gupta delved into a thought-provoking discourse on the classes of self-organising leaders, ideal followers, and the diverse types of entities during his presentation.

He explored the qualities essential for a leader and organiser, shedding light on the science of the Ideal and its belief that every cell holds significance for the collective potential. Dr Gupta also touched upon the science of reality and religion, viewing religion as a dimension borrowed from the past to divine the future, aligning with the spirit of reason within time. Dr Elizabeth A Castillo, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Management at CSUSB, shared her expertise on Integrated Reporting as a Strategy Tool for Sustainable Value Chain. During her presentation, Dr Castillo provided insights into the intricate flow of energy within tropic levels. She delved into the concept of integrated reporting, emphasizing its significance in the Indian context. She discussed the strategic potential and functional benefits of integrated reporting, offering valuable perspectives on its implications for research, teaching, and practical application. Furthermore, she explored a case study on the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, illustrating the application of integrated reporting guiding principles. Dr Castillos discussion encompassed the nuanced aspects of integrated reporting, shedding light on its relevance and impact within the broader landscape of organisational practices and reporting methodologies.

Dr Atya Kapley, Head of the Environment Biotechnology and Genomics Division at CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, delivered a compelling talk on Closing the loop for a sustainable ecosystem, emphasising the stark reality of climate change. Dr Kapley discussed how climate change has profoundly affected life on Earth, stressing the interconnectedness of all species and the need for humans to align with the natural world. She addressed issues through the lens of metagenomics, shedding light on the impact of biowaste entering water sources and disrupting ecosystems. She highlighted the significance of distinguishing between good and bad bacteria, pointing out the repercussions of antibiotic resistance due to the improper disposal of biowaste. She also emphasised the lack of rules implementation and data availability as contributing factors to our current environmental state. Dr Anup Kumar, Associate Professor, Operations Management, proposed the vote of thanks. The conference aimed to provide an interdisciplinary forum for professionals, academicians and administrators to present their views and assess the extent of collective action to encourage cooperation on the path to sustainable solutions.
Rs 50,000 cr Worth of drugs seized by Govt in recent months





Staff Reporter

Expressing deep concern over the rise in drug addicts, amount of seized drugs in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister informed State Assembly on Friday that Government would take aggressive measures to curb the drug menace. He made the House aware of establishment of Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in the State and drugs of around Rs 50,000 crore seized in recent past. He did not specify the exact period during which the drugs were seized. Fadnavis, who is Home Minister too, said, The quantity of seized drugs was very small earlier. But now, more quantity of drugs is being seized from various places. Opposition MLA of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Rohit Pawar raised a question about the arrest of Lalit Patil and the Governments role in the case. He also pointed out that Gujarat Government seized drugs worth Rs one lakh crore while Maharashtra Government could seize drugs worth Rs 300 crore only.

Replying to Pawar, Fadnavis said that the police had seized drugs worth Rs 50,000 crore in the recent past. The police discreetly tracked 2,200 small shops (selling drugs) in Mumbai and removed them to curb the menace of drugs. Taking serious cognisance, Amit Shah, Union Home Minister recently convened a meeting of Director Generals and Home Ministers of all States and he told us that the fight against drugs will be a joint effort and not state-specific. A coordination committee under district collectors has been formed, explained Fadnavis. Government is keeping a watch on chemicals being imported which could be used to make drugs. We have also found that closed factory sites are being used for drug production, Fadnavis added.
SECURITY BREACH High-level probe on: Joshi





NEW DELHI,

PARLIAMENTARY Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday said a high-level probe is on in the Parliament security breach incident, as Opposition MPs continued with their protest, demanding a statement on the issue from Home Minister Amit Shah and a discussion in both Houses. Asked about the Oppositions allegation that the Centre is trying to suppress its voice, Joshi said, No one is trying to suppress anyones voice, it is their opinion. I want to say, come and debate. Two bills are listed today. On Monday, there are three important bills to replace the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act. We want a detailed discussion. We have allotted 15 hours. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on Wednesday, two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during the Zero Hour, released a yellow-coloured smoke from canisters and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

Amid demands from Opposition leaders for a statement from the Home Minister on the incident, Joshi said both the Parliament buildings fall under the purview of the Lok Sabha Speaker. Both the buildings are under the Speakers purview. We are following the Speakers order. A high-level enquiry is going on. Saying that we will not allow the House to function ... They (opposition) should behave responsibly, he said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP S P Singh Baghel accused the Opposition of trying to politicise the issue. The Opposition is intentionally not allowing both Houses to function. The Speaker has written to the Home Minister, the probe has been given to the DG of the CRPF. The probe will be carried out. What ideology they were influenced by, what was their intention -- the Home Minister can make a statement only after these details come out.

He will not make a statement with half information, he said. Opposition MPs meanwhile blamed the BJP-led Centre for the disruptions and questioned why Shah is not making any statement in Parliament, even as he has spoken to a television channel over the issue. The Home Minister is responsible for the Delhi Police, for the nations security. He is speaking to media channels outside. His principal accountability when the Parliament is in session is to the very House he is a member of. He should come and speak to the MPs. Had he done it, this crisis could have been diffused a very long time ago, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha said the Opposition leaders are ready to wait for the probe report, but the home minister should come to the House and make a statement on the incident.
Sharma demands ban on round the clock opening of meat shops in Bhopal





Staff Reporter

BJP State Vice President and former Mayor Alok Sharma has once again raised the issue of meat shops opening till late night in some areas of Bhopal. On Friday, he met District Collector Ashish Singh and sought a ban on shops that run overnight. Sharma said that meat shops remain open 24 hours in Quazi Camp, Laxmi Talkies, Budhwara, Chowki Imambada, Mangalwara, Shabban Square, Jinsi Market.

He said that shops in New Market, MP Nagar in new Bhopal or Zumerati, Hanumanganj, Chowk Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Hamidia Road in old Bhopal too are closed by 10 pm. On the other hand, shops in Qazi Camp, Lakshmi Talkies, Budhwara, Char Batti, Imami Gate, Itwara, Jahangirabad, Jinsi Square etc. remain open throughout the night. There is a gathering of anti-social elements at these places. Due to this the young generation is getting addicted to drugs.
THEY DESERVE IT





THE decision of the chair to suspend as many as 14 Members of Parliament (MPs) for the remaining part of the Winter session of Parliament for their unruly conduct on the floor of the House is fully justified. Those MPs deserved such a treatment simply because they refused to see sense in dignified behaviour even as they wanted to make their point as regards the serious security breach that took place two days ago. The MPs ire can be understood well, and the authorities in charge of Parliament also have acknowledged their own lapse. Yet, there was no justification whatsoever for the unruly conduct on the floor of the House by the 14 Opposition MPs because such an approach has never solved any problem at least so far. Let the people not shy away from the fact that disturbing the smooth flow of parliamentary procedures has been the style of the Opposition for the past some years. On several occasions, the Opposition MPs have created problems by blocking the work on the floor of the House. So dirty was their behaviour on several occasions that the person in chair had felt very disgusted and defeated. This time also, when the chair was willing to discuss the issue, the Opposition MPs were interested only in creating ruckus rather than facilitating a smooth conversation on the issue of security breach. Despite several warnings from the chair, they were hell bent upon not allowing a non--partisan dialogue.

That forced the chair to suspend their membership for the rest of the Winter session. Everybody across the nation felt a sense of hurt when the so-called protesters intruded in to the proceedings of the Lok Sabha. It was only natural for the MPs to feel enraged and have discussion on the issue and come up possibly with a proper solution. But what was in evidence was the unruly conduct of the Opposition MPs who refused to let the Government respond to the situation and then make a statement in the House. That is never the way parliamentary democracy works at the highest level. Hence the punishment of suspension -- which the Opposition appeared to have invited by ignoring the word of caution from the chair. This has been the trouble with the Opposition for the past 8-9 years. They do raise issues all-right, but generally miss the point that dialogue is the essence of democracy and that it should produce result after detailed discussion and debate. Their interest appears to be more in disrupting the proceedings of the two Houses of Parliament. The serious security breach needs to be tackled by the authorities like nothing else. But the Oppositions interest was not in exploring how to solve the problem, but only in blasting the Government -- as a matter of habit. Blocking of discussion appeared to be the Oppositions interest.

Sensing that, the chair delivered the verdict of punishment. Even as this happened, the nation is now beginning to feel that a deeper political conspiracy was at the root of the intrusion. We suspected this right as the news came, and that suspicion appears to get strengthened with passage of time. There is no doubt that a breach has taken place in Parliaments security, but that does not mean that Opposition should be unwilling to discuss the issue. Yet, the Opposition did not listen to the Governments wise counsel not to politicise the issue. Details emerging from early investigations are throwing up facts of how the so-called protests had a political agenda and that the woman caught outside Parliament has been a professional protester who participated in several political agitations previously -- and that her not getting a job is just a hollow excuse. Did the Opposition want to protect her and her likes?
Washout in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha





NEW DELHI,

PARLIAMENTARY proceedings were completely washed out on Friday after Opposition protests in both the Houses over the security breach issue amid demands that Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement followed by a discussion. While Lok Sabha was adjourned within moments after it met for the day and again till 2 PM and then within a minute after that, Rajya Sabha saw similar adjournments - first within minutes of the laying of papers and Standing Committee reports and then again for the day within a minute of it meeting at 2 PM. This is the third day when parliamentary proceedings were disrupted over the security breach issue in Parliament. Two persons jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber on Wednesday and opened yellow smoke canisters inside the house, leading to a scare. The Opposition is also protesting the suspension of 14 MPs - 13 from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha after they raised their demand for a statement from Shah on the security breach and a discussion thereafter.
Zero Mile Samvad today Army chief Gen Manoj Pande to attend





Staff Reporter

General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, the Chief of the Army Staff, will be on a two-day visit to the city on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, he will deliver the keynote address in the Zero Mile Samvad summit at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Nagpur on Saturday. The General Officer, who is The Colonel Commandant of The Bombay Sappers, hails from Nagpur. He is the 29th Chief of the Army Staff. General Manoj Pande will deliver the keynote address on the topic Growth Through Defence: Indian Armys Role in Securing Indias Growth Story. The keynote address is scheduled at 4.15 pm at the Convention Centre in IIM-Nagpur campus. Prior to his session, there will be a panel discussion from 3.30 pm at the Convention Centre. Lt Gen Vineet Gaur, AVSM, Director General (Capability Development); Maj Gen Vasudhesh Arya (retd), Executive Director, Solar Group, will speak on Possibility or a Dream: Can Indias Defence Become Self-Reliant Without Sacrificing Global Standards?. Prof Shailendra Nigam, Faculty, IIM-Nagpur, will moderate the panel discussion.

As per the agenda of the Zero Mile Samvad, the panel discussion and keynote by General Manoj Pande may touch upon various aspects including the strategies that India can implement to ensure a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry, initiatives required to nurture the talent needed for a self-reliant defence industry, and role that emerging enterprises can play in advancing self-reliance and technological innovation in defence sector. In his four decades of distinguished military career, General Manoj Pande has tenanted important and challenging command and staff appointments in different operational environments which include command of an Engineer Brigade in the Western Theatre, as part of Strike Corps, an Infantry Brigade along Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, a Mountain Division in the High Altitude Area of Western Ladakh and command of a Corps, deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in Counter Insurgency Operations area of Eastern Command.

The General Officer has served as Chief Engineer in the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. He has also tenanted the appointments of Additional Director General in the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters, Chief of Staff Headquarters Southern Command, and Director General Discipline Ceremonial & Welfare at the Army Headquarters. He was Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) from June 2020 to May 2021, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command from June 2021 to January 2022. He held the appointment of Vice Chief of Army Staff before assuming the appointment of the Chief of the Army Staff on April 30, 2022.
Fulton Bank N.A. lifted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report) by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,727 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 376 shares during the quarter. Fulton Bank N.A.s holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $1,012,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of IJR. Clearstead Trust LLC increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 56.2% during the 2nd quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 289 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares during the period. Hoese & Co LLP boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 80.0% during the 2nd quarter. Hoese & Co LLP now owns 306 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 62.0% in the 2nd quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors now owns 324 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $36,000. Finally, Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 354.9% in the 1st quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 414 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares during the period.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Up 2.9 %

Shares of NYSEARCA IJR opened at $107.11 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $74.82 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $87.32 and a 52-week high of $108.24. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $94.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $97.34.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Company Profile

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Shares of ABB Ltd (NYSE:ABBNY  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $43.05 and last traded at $43.05, with a volume of 19398 shares. The stock had previously closed at $42.62.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Citigroup raised shares of ABB from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th.

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ABB Trading Up 0.1 %

The businesss 50-day moving average is $37.16 and its two-hundred day moving average is $37.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $81.42 billion, a PE ratio of 20.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 1.13.

ABB (NYSE:ABBNY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The industrial products company reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.53 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $7.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.60 billion. ABB had a return on equity of 29.96% and a net margin of 12.44%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that ABB Ltd will post 1.97 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On ABB

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Money Concepts Capital Corp acquired a new position in ABB in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in ABB in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in ABB by 225.5% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,224 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 848 shares during the last quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in ABB in the 4th quarter valued at about $46,000. Finally, Salem Investment Counselors Inc. raised its stake in ABB by 62.7% in the 2nd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 1,742 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 671 shares during the last quarter. 1.37% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

ABB Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ABB Ltd manufactures and sells electrification, automation, robotics, and motion products for customers in utilities, industry and transport, and infrastructure in Switzerland and internationally. Its Electrification segment provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable power solutions, modular substation packages, distribution automation products, switchboards and panel boards, switchgears, UPS solutions, circuit breakers, measuring and sensing devices, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems, and intelligent home and building solutions.

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Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the thirteen research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $117.80.

Several brokerages have recently commented on ABT. UBS Group reduced their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Raymond James reduced their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, TheStreet downgraded Abbott Laboratories from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, October 16th.

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Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 1.2 %

Shares of ABT stock opened at $107.29 on Monday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $98.73 and a 200 day simple moving average of $102.49. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $89.67 and a fifty-two week high of $115.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $186.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.15% and a net margin of 12.92%. The business had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.82 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.15 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be given a $0.55 dividend. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.05%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 69.39%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total value of $4,702,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,725,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $632,515,969.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 9.8% during the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,415,759 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $154,346,000 after acquiring an additional 126,547 shares during the last quarter. Core Alternative Capital increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 27.0% during the 2nd quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 1,290 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $141,000 after acquiring an additional 274 shares during the last quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 315.5% during the 1st quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC now owns 12,182 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,234,000 after acquiring an additional 9,250 shares during the last quarter. Freestone Capital Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 12.8% in the 1st quarter. Freestone Capital Holdings LLC now owns 99,836 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $10,109,000 after buying an additional 11,303 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Harbour Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Harbour Investment Management LLC now owns 26,750 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,709,000 after buying an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.70% of the companys stock.

About Abbott Laboratories

(Get Free Report

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:AEOJF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 1,273,200 shares, an increase of 15.1% from the November 15th total of 1,106,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently  days.

AEON Financial Service Price Performance

Shares of AEON Financial Service stock opened at $8.39 on Friday. AEON Financial Service has a 52 week low of $8.39 and a 52 week high of $9.01. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $8.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is $8.84.

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About AEON Financial Service

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AEON Financial Service Co, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides various financial services in Japan. The company operates through five segments: Retail, Solutions, China Area, Mekong Area, and Malay Area. It is involved in processing, banking, short-term insurance, bank agency, ATM, credit guarantee, acquiring, Internet, housing and other loans, property leases, installment sales, life and non-life insurance agency, life insurance sales, loan purchases, credit card purchase contracts, collection and payment agency, guarantee, credit card, and electronic money businesses, as well as bank and business management activities.

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Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its position in shares of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD  Free Report) by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 9,497 shares of the basic materials companys stock after buying an additional 273 shares during the quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADVs holdings in Air Products and Chemicals were worth $2,691,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Air Products and Chemicals by 102.3% during the 2nd quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 89 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 132.1% during the 2nd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 123 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Solstein Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 173.9% during the 2nd quarter. Solstein Capital LLC now owns 126 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Air Products and Chemicals during the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Finally, Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 1,540.0% during the 1st quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 164 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 154 shares in the last quarter. 82.62% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $328.00 to $340.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $310.00 to $295.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Air Products and Chemicals in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Redburn Atlantic cut shares of Air Products and Chemicals from a buy rating to a sell rating and set a $240.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $300.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $317.42.

Air Products and Chemicals Stock Up 0.0 %

Air Products and Chemicals stock opened at $270.86 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $60.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.33 and a quick ratio of 1.17. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $251.63 and a fifty-two week high of $320.90. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $274.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $285.14.

Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The basic materials company reported $3.15 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.11 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.35 billion. Air Products and Chemicals had a net margin of 18.26% and a return on equity of 17.02%. The businesss revenue was down 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.89 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. will post 12.98 earnings per share for the current year.

Air Products and Chemicals Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 12th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be paid a $1.75 dividend. This represents a $7.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 29th. Air Products and Chemicalss payout ratio is presently 67.83%.

Insider Activity at Air Products and Chemicals

In related news, CEO Seifi Ghasemi bought 11,000 shares of Air Products and Chemicals stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 13th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $264.42 per share, for a total transaction of $2,908,620.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 670,673 shares in the company, valued at $177,339,354.66. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Air Products and Chemicals Profile

(Free Report)

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc provides atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, equipment, and related services in the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, and internationally. The company produces atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon; process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and syngas; and specialty gases for customers in various industries, including refining, chemical, manufacturing, electronics, energy production, medical, food, and metals.

Further Reading

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. (NYSE:BLX  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $25.73 and last traded at $25.47, with a volume of 13704 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $25.25.

Analyst Ratings Changes

BLX has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. in a research report on Monday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $37.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock.

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View Our Latest Analysis on BLX

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. Stock Down 2.0 %

The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $23.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $22.77. The company has a market capitalization of $889.72 million, a P/E ratio of 5.92 and a beta of 1.14.

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. (NYSE:BLX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The bank reported $1.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $71.78 million during the quarter. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. had a return on equity of 13.55% and a net margin of 23.54%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. will post 4.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 16th. Investors of record on Monday, October 30th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 27th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.08%. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A.s payout ratio is presently 24.15%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BLX. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. during the third quarter valued at approximately $976,000. Uniplan Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. by 13.0% during the first quarter. Uniplan Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 307,465 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,343,000 after purchasing an additional 35,410 shares during the last quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. during the third quarter valued at approximately $630,000. LSV Asset Management boosted its position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. by 2.9% during the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 999,108 shares of the banks stock valued at $22,040,000 after purchasing an additional 27,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Diversified Trust Co acquired a new position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. during the third quarter valued at approximately $488,000. 7.02% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A., a multinational bank, primarily engages in the financing of foreign trade in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company operates through two segments, Commercial and Treasury. It also offers bilateral loans; structured loans including syndicated and clubbed, such as acquisition and pre-export financing, A/B loan financing, bridge loans, and liability management; and project financing.

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Barclays PLC boosted its position in shares of Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:J  Free Report) by 36.0% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 198,606 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 52,623 shares during the quarter. Barclays PLCs holdings in Jacobs Solutions were worth $23,613,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in J. Clear Street Markets LLC increased its position in Jacobs Solutions by 93.8% in the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 250 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC increased its holdings in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 47.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 254 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 210.5% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 295 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new position in shares of Jacobs Solutions in the 4th quarter valued at about $46,000. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA grew its position in Jacobs Solutions by 101.4% in the second quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 425 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 214 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.77% of the companys stock.

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Jacobs Solutions Stock Performance

Shares of Jacobs Solutions stock opened at $126.79 on Friday. Jacobs Solutions Inc. has a one year low of $109.00 and a one year high of $141.16. The company has a market capitalization of $15.98 billion, a PE ratio of 23.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 1.37. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $131.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $128.43.

Jacobs Solutions Dividend Announcement

Jacobs Solutions ( NYSE:J Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 21st. The company reported $1.90 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.02 by ($0.12). Jacobs Solutions had a net margin of 4.07% and a return on equity of 14.19%. The firm had revenue of $4.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.21 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.80 earnings per share. Jacobs Solutionss revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Jacobs Solutions Inc. will post 8.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 27th were issued a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 26th. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.82%. Jacobs Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 19.66%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on J shares. HSBC assumed coverage on Jacobs Solutions in a research note on Friday, September 15th. They issued a hold rating and a $149.00 price objective for the company. Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $150.00 price target on shares of Jacobs Solutions in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Jacobs Solutions in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and issued a $160.00 target price on shares of Jacobs Solutions in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Finally, Raymond James cut shares of Jacobs Solutions from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Jacobs Solutions presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $149.60.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Jacobs Solutions

Insider Activity

In related news, SVP William B. Allen, Jr. sold 1,500 shares of Jacobs Solutions stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.50, for a total transaction of $194,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 28,150 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,645,425. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Jacobs Solutions news, insider Steven J. Demetriou sold 6,666 shares of Jacobs Solutions stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $136.62, for a total transaction of $910,708.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 556,439 shares in the company, valued at approximately $76,020,696.18. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP William B. Allen, Jr. sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.50, for a total value of $194,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 28,150 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,645,425. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 23,832 shares of company stock valued at $3,186,983 over the last ninety days. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Jacobs Solutions

(Free Report)

Jacobs Solutions Inc provides consulting, technical, engineering, scientific, and project delivery services for the government and private sectors in the United States, Europe, Canada, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through Critical Mission Solutions, People & Places Solutions, Divergent Solutions, and PA Consulting segments.

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Barclays PLC raised its stake in ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO  Free Report) by 227.8% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 1,010,093 shares of the transportation companys stock after acquiring an additional 701,969 shares during the quarter. Barclays PLCs holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) were worth $25,333,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Veritas Asset Management LLP purchased a new position in ZTO Express (Cayman) in the second quarter valued at about $25,832,000. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC increased its position in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) by 16.9% during the second quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 10,128 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $254,000 after acquiring an additional 1,465 shares during the last quarter. GTS Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) during the second quarter worth about $302,000. National Pension Service increased its position in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) by 34.6% during the second quarter. National Pension Service now owns 142,385 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $3,591,000 after acquiring an additional 36,587 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Caxton Associates LP purchased a new stake in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) during the second quarter worth about $215,000. 41.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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ZTO Express (Cayman) Stock Down 2.4 %

Shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) stock opened at $19.83 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The firm has a market cap of $12.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.31, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.03. ZTO Express has a fifty-two week low of $19.72 and a fifty-two week high of $30.05. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $23.00 and a 200 day moving average price of $24.69.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ZTO Express (Cayman) ( NYSE:ZTO Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The transportation company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.06. ZTO Express (Cayman) had a return on equity of 15.56% and a net margin of 23.07%. The company had revenue of $1.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.45 billion. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that ZTO Express will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com raised ZTO Express (Cayman) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday. TheStreet lowered ZTO Express (Cayman) from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their target price on ZTO Express (Cayman) from $36.00 to $31.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Citigroup dropped their target price on ZTO Express (Cayman) from $36.50 to $30.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Finally, Bank of America lowered ZTO Express (Cayman) from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $34.00 to $28.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $33.40.

Read Our Latest Research Report on ZTO Express (Cayman)

About ZTO Express (Cayman)

(Free Report)

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. It offers freight forwarding services; and delivery services for e-commerce and traditional merchants, and other express service users. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

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Baystate Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 1,333.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 258 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $26,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. HB Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 0.9% during the second quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,674 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,077,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.7% during the second quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 2,187 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $221,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Bill Few Associates Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.9% during the second quarter. Bill Few Associates Inc. now owns 3,590 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $362,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 10.2% during the second quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 1,153 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $106,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First National Bank of Hutchinson grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 3.3% during the second quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson now owns 3,397 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $343,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on TSM shares. Susquehanna cut their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, October 20th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Barclays began coverage on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, October 23rd. They issued an overweight rating and a $105.00 target price on the stock. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $116.67.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 0.9 %

TSM opened at $102.53 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.15, a quick ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 1-year low of $72.84 and a 1-year high of $110.69. The company has a market capitalization of $531.76 billion, a PE ratio of 18.44, a PEG ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 1.05. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $94.81 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $95.70.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.13. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 41.42% and a return on equity of 28.28%. The business had revenue of $17.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.90 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.79 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.97 EPS for the current year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 11th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 19th will be given a $0.5415 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 18th. This is an increase from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. This represents a $2.17 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.11%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.44%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors.

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Baystate Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (NYSEARCA:PCY  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 1,439 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of PCY. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 75,326 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,703,000 after buying an additional 1,729 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 3.5% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $361,000 after buying an additional 542 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 54,915 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,242,000 after buying an additional 1,651 shares during the period. Finally, Red Wave Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Red Wave Investments LLC now owns 156,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,527,000 after buying an additional 551 shares during the period.

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Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of PCY opened at $20.59 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.71 and a 200-day simple moving average of $18.98. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF has a 1 year low of $17.30 and a 1 year high of $20.67.

Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Company Profile

The Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (PCY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks a tier-weighted index of US-dollar-denominated sovereign debt in emerging markets with at least 3 years to maturity. PCY was launched on Oct 11, 2007 and is managed by Invesco.

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Baystate Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:HEFA  Free Report) by 40.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,174 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 337 shares during the period. Baystate Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $36,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in HEFA. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF in the second quarter valued at $1,427,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC increased its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 11.4% in the second quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 46,560 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,443,000 after buying an additional 4,756 shares in the last quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC increased its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 4.8% in the second quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 10,517,230 shares of the companys stock valued at $326,034,000 after buying an additional 481,932 shares in the last quarter. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP increased its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 48.1% in the second quarter. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP now owns 5,593,841 shares of the companys stock valued at $173,409,000 after buying an additional 1,817,110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF in the second quarter valued at $6,210,000.

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iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance

HEFA opened at $31.45 on Friday. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF has a fifty-two week low of $26.88 and a fifty-two week high of $30.88. The company has a fifty day moving average of $30.38 and a two-hundred day moving average of $30.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.08 and a beta of 0.70.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Company Profile

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted, USD-hedged index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries outside the US and Canada. HEFA was launched on Jan 31, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Western Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 318 shares of the restaurant operators stock after purchasing an additional 23 shares during the quarter. Western Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $680,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cerity Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5.0% during the first quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 2,910 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $13,299,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares during the period. Simplicity Solutions LLC increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 27.7% during the second quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLC now owns 936 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,003,000 after acquiring an additional 203 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.3% during the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 7,893 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $16,883,000 after acquiring an additional 324 shares during the period. Titleist Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the first quarter valued at approximately $442,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.8% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 196,895 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $421,158,000 after acquiring an additional 1,500 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.19% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently commented on CMG shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,185.00 to $2,425.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. TD Cowen restated an outperform rating and issued a $2,200.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Stephens restated an overweight rating and issued a $2,330.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,010.00 to $2,070.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $2,280.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,180.78.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Down 0.2 %

CMG stock opened at $2,271.47 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 1 year low of $1,344.05 and a 1 year high of $2,346.35. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $2,066.02 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2,006.47. The firm has a market cap of $62.33 billion, a PE ratio of 53.88, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.33.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The restaurant operator reported $11.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.46 by $0.90. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 12.27% and a return on equity of 45.26%. The business had revenue of $2.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.47 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $9.51 EPS. Chipotle Mexican Grills quarterly revenue was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 44.04 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,044 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,830.95, for a total transaction of $1,911,511.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,747,189.65. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,060 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,950.00, for a total transaction of $2,067,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at $45,526,650. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,044 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,830.95, for a total transaction of $1,911,511.80. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,747,189.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 4,677 shares of company stock worth $9,405,538 in the last quarter. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Profile

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

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McDermott International (OTCMKTS:MDRIQ  Get Free Report) and BrewBilt Manufacturing (OTCMKTS:BBRW  Get Free Report) are both small-cap oils/energy companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, risk, profitability, institutional ownership and earnings.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings for McDermott International and BrewBilt Manufacturing, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score McDermott International 0 0 0 0 N/A BrewBilt Manufacturing 0 0 0 0 N/A

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets McDermott International -52.07% N/A -13.26% BrewBilt Manufacturing -588.06% N/A -327.37%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

This table compares McDermott International and BrewBilt Manufacturings net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

1.0% of McDermott International shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of McDermott International shares 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.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares McDermott International and BrewBilt Manufacturings top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio McDermott International $8.43 billion 0.00 -$2.91 billion ($5.95) -0.01 BrewBilt Manufacturing $1.44 million 0.21 -$7.49 million N/A N/A

BrewBilt Manufacturing has lower revenue, but higher earnings than McDermott International.

Volatility and Risk

McDermott International has a beta of 1.64, meaning that its share price is 64% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BrewBilt Manufacturing has a beta of 5.23, meaning that its share price is 423% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

McDermott International beats BrewBilt Manufacturing on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About McDermott International

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McDermott International, Inc. provides engineering, procurement, construction and installation, and technology solutions to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through five segments: North, Central and South America; Europe, Africa, Russia and Caspian; the Middle East and North Africa; Asia Pacific; and Technology. It designs, engineers, and constructs upstream offshore oil and gas facilities, downstream oil and gas facilities and pipelines, gas-fired power plants, liquefied natural gas import and export terminals, atmospheric and refrigerated storage vessels and terminals, water storage and treatment facilities, hydrocarbon processing facilities, and refining and petrochemical facilities, as well as performs pipe and module fabrication. The company also provides gas processing, refining, petrochemical and coal gasification technologies, as well as supplies proprietary catalysts, equipment, and related engineering services. It serves national, integrated, and other oil and gas companies, as well as producers of petrochemicals and electric power. The company was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. On January 21, 2020, McDermott International, Inc., along with its affiliates, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

About BrewBilt Manufacturing

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BrewBilt Manufacturing Inc. custom designs, hand crafts, and integrates brewing, fermentation, and distillation processing systems for the craft beer industry in California. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Grass Valley, California.

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Confluence Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 6,154 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $205,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 38,228 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,161,000 after acquiring an additional 268 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA raised its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 35.5% during the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA now owns 1,057 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 277 shares during the last quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 54,530 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,085,000 after buying an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. Azimuth Capital Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Azimuth Capital Investment Management LLC now owns 97,449 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,180,000 after buying an additional 328 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Candriam S.C.A. raised its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 7,489 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $245,000 after buying an additional 341 shares during the last quarter. 61.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Brookfield Asset Management Stock Down 2.5 %

BAM opened at $37.98 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $32.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $33.15. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 52 week low of $26.76 and a 52 week high of $39.21. The company has a market capitalization of $15.68 billion and a PE ratio of 31.39.

Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend

Brookfield Asset Management ( NYSE:BAM Get Free Report ) (TSE:BAM.A) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $893.00 million for the quarter. Brookfield Asset Management had a net margin of 51.79% and a return on equity of 91.07%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.36 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm 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 $0.32 per share. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.37%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio is 105.79%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on BAM shares. Bank of America decreased their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $42.00 to $37.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on shares of 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. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective 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, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $33.00 to $31.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Brookfield Asset Management presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $37.41.

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About Brookfield Asset Management

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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.

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Confluence Investment Management LLC decreased its holdings in Infosys Limited (NYSE:INFY  Free Report) by 11.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,823 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 1,451 shares during the period. Confluence Investment Management LLCs holdings in Infosys were worth $185,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of INFY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in shares of Infosys by 14.4% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 83,099,498 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,335,409,000 after purchasing an additional 10,480,541 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Infosys by 138.5% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 14,876,013 shares of the technology companys stock worth $239,056,000 after purchasing an additional 8,638,307 shares in the last quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP increased its holdings in shares of Infosys by 93.7% in the 2nd quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP now owns 16,525,269 shares of the technology companys stock worth $265,561,000 after purchasing an additional 7,995,119 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in shares of Infosys by 34.6% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 19,989,499 shares of the technology companys stock worth $497,539,000 after purchasing an additional 5,143,124 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Infosys by 294.2% in the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 5,570,314 shares of the technology companys stock worth $89,515,000 after purchasing an additional 4,157,198 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.39% of the companys stock.

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Infosys Stock Performance

NYSE INFY opened at $18.67 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $17.20 and its 200 day moving average is $16.89. The company has a market capitalization of $77.27 billion, a PE ratio of 25.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.95. Infosys Limited has a fifty-two week low of $14.71 and a fifty-two week high of $19.59.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Infosys ( NYSE:INFY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 12th. The technology company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.18. The business had revenue of $4.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.55 billion. Infosys had a return on equity of 32.51% and a net margin of 16.28%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.18 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Infosys Limited will post 0.7 EPS for the current year.

INFY has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and issued a $22.00 price target on shares of Infosys in a research note on Monday, September 18th. StockNews.com upgraded Infosys from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Infosys from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $14.00 to $16.80 in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Nomura upgraded Infosys from a reduce rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Infosys in a research note on Tuesday, August 22nd. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $18.93.

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Infosys Profile

(Free Report)

Infosys Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, technology, outsourcing, and next-generation digital services in North America, Europe, India, and internationally. It provides application management and application development services, independent validation solutions, product engineering and management, infrastructure management services, traditional enterprise application implementation, support, and integration services.

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Accsys Technologies (OTCMKTS:ACSYF  Get Free Report) and West Fraser Timber (NYSE:WFG  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, profitability, dividends, valuation and institutional ownership.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations for Accsys Technologies and West Fraser Timber, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Accsys Technologies 0 0 0 0 N/A West Fraser Timber 0 0 4 1 3.20

West Fraser Timber has a consensus target price of $106.50, suggesting a potential upside of 38.69%. Given West Fraser Timbers higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe West Fraser Timber is more favorable than Accsys Technologies.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Accsys Technologies N/A N/A N/A C($0.13) -5.83 West Fraser Timber $9.70 billion 0.64 $1.98 billion ($1.41) -54.46

This table compares Accsys Technologies and West Fraser Timbers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

West Fraser Timber has higher revenue and earnings than Accsys Technologies. West Fraser Timber is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Accsys Technologies, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Accsys Technologies and West Fraser Timbers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Accsys Technologies N/A N/A N/A West Fraser Timber -1.65% 0.28% 0.21%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

25.5% of Accsys Technologies shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 46.2% of West Fraser Timber shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.8% of West Fraser Timber shares are owned 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.

Summary

West Fraser Timber beats Accsys Technologies on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Accsys Technologies

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Accsys Technologies PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of solid wood and wood elements in the United Kingdom, Ireland, rest of Europe, the Americas, and internationally. It offers solid acetylated wood for use in windows, doors, shutters, decking, and cladding under the Accoya brand; and wood chips to manufacture panel products under the Tricoya brand. The company also provides technical and engineering services to licensees, as well as sales and marketing services; sells acetic acid; manufactures colored acetylated wood. Accsys Technologies PLC was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

About West Fraser Timber

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West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., a diversified wood products company, engages in manufacturing, selling, marketing, and distributing lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals and renewable energy. It offers spruce-pine-fir and southern yellow pine lumber, treated wood products, medium density fiberboard panels and plywood, oriented strand board, and laminated veneer lumber wood products, as well as particleboards. The company also provides northern bleached softwood Kraft pulp and bleached chemical thermo-mechanical pulp used to produce various paper products, including printing and writing papers, paperboard products, tissue and towel products, and a variety of other paper grades. Its products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, papers, tissue, and box materials, and industrial applications. The company sells its products to major retail chains, contractor supply yards, and wholesalers, as well as industrial customers for further processing or as components for other products in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and internationally. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Home Product Center Public (OTCMKTS:HPCRF  Get Free Report) and Floor & Decor (NYSE:FND  Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk and institutional ownership.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Home Product Center Public and Floor & Decors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Home Product Center Public N/A N/A N/A $0.26 1.23 Floor & Decor $4.26 billion 2.80 $298.20 million $2.57 43.52

Floor & Decor has higher revenue and earnings than Home Product Center Public. Home Product Center Public is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Floor & Decor, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Analyst Recommendations

3.4% of Home Product Center Public shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.5% of Floor & Decor shares are owned 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.

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Home Product Center Public and Floor & Decor, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Home Product Center Public 0 0 0 0 N/A Floor & Decor 2 9 6 0 2.24

Floor & Decor has a consensus target price of $92.76, indicating a potential downside of 17.06%. Given Floor & Decors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Floor & Decor is more favorable than Home Product Center Public.

Profitability

This table compares Home Product Center Public and Floor & Decors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Home Product Center Public N/A N/A N/A Floor & Decor 6.30% 15.69% 6.24%

Summary

Floor & Decor beats Home Product Center Public on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Home Product Center Public

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Home Product Center Public Company Limited operates as a home improvement retailer in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The company trades in goods and materials for construction, extension, refurbishment, renovation, and improvement of buildings, houses, and residences; and range of related services. It also offers 3D, installation, maintenance, home makeover, cleaning, warehousing, and distribution services. In addition, the company leases space. Home Product Center Public Company Limited was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

About Floor & Decor

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Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-channel specialty retailer and commercial flooring distributor in Georgia. The company offers tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, and natural stone flooring products, as well as decorative accessories, wall tiles, and installation materials and tools. It also sells products through its Website, FloorandDecor.com. The company serves installers, commercial businesses, and other sectors. The company was formerly known as FDO Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. in April 2017. Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Coursera, Inc. (NYSE:COUR  Get Free Report) CFO Kenneth R. Hahn sold 23,869 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.06, for a total value of $502,681.14. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 552,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,640,177.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Coursera Price Performance

Coursera stock opened at $19.76 on Friday. Coursera, Inc. has a one year low of $9.91 and a one year high of $21.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.01 billion, a PE ratio of -20.34 and a beta of 1.65. The businesss fifty day moving average is $19.05 and its 200 day moving average is $16.56.

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Coursera (NYSE:COUR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.21) by $0.01. Coursera had a negative return on equity of 21.18% and a negative net margin of 24.28%. The company had revenue of $165.54 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $158.32 million. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Coursera, Inc. will post -0.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of COUR. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in Coursera by 0.9% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 312,725 shares of the companys stock worth $7,205,000 after purchasing an additional 2,907 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in Coursera in the first quarter worth about $2,214,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Coursera by 55.4% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 40,863 shares of the companys stock worth $941,000 after purchasing an additional 14,570 shares during the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. boosted its position in Coursera by 2.6% in the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 71,452 shares of the companys stock worth $1,623,000 after purchasing an additional 1,798 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in shares of Coursera by 45.7% during the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 13,892 shares of the companys stock valued at $320,000 after buying an additional 4,357 shares in the last quarter. 64.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $17.00 price objective on shares of Coursera in a report on Monday, September 18th. KeyCorp raised their price target on Coursera from $18.00 to $22.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. Telsey Advisory Group restated an outperform rating and set a $20.00 price target on shares of Coursera in a report on Monday, October 23rd. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on Coursera in a report on Thursday, October 12th. They set an outperform rating and a $24.00 price target for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Coursera from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $20.45.

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About Coursera

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Coursera, Inc operates an online educational content platform that connects learners, educators, organizations, and institutions. It offers online courses that include data science, business, computer science, physical science and engineering, language learning, information technology, health, social sciences, math and logic, project management, and arts and humanities; campus student plans; degree courses; and certification education.

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Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $110.98 and last traded at $110.98, with a volume of 5322 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $107.82.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Crane in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Vertical Research initiated coverage on Crane in a report on Monday, November 20th. They set a hold rating and a $110.00 price target for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Crane in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $118.00 price target for the company. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Crane from $140.00 to $105.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, CJS Securities assumed coverage on Crane in a report on Monday, October 30th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $103.83.

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Crane Trading Up 1.1 %

The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.62, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.49. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $99.59 and a 200-day moving average of $91.15.

Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.87 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $530.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $509.32 million. Crane had a return on equity of 24.45% and a net margin of 13.10%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.86 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Crane will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Crane Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th were paid a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.65%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 29th. Cranes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 9.54%.

Insider Activity at Crane

In other Crane news, CEO Max H. Mitchell sold 22,542 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.45, for a total transaction of $2,399,595.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 322,628 shares in the company, valued at $34,343,750.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Crane news, CEO Max H. Mitchell sold 22,542 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.45, for a total transaction of $2,399,595.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 322,628 shares in the company, valued at $34,343,750.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Richard A. Maue sold 27,527 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.13, for a total transaction of $2,893,913.51. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 67,071 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,051,174.23. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Crane by 0.5% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 48,125 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,768,000 after buying an additional 241 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp increased its holdings in shares of Crane by 88.4% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 242,042 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $17,677,000 after buying an additional 113,579 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its holdings in shares of Crane by 182.9% during the second quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 10,187 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $767,000 after buying an additional 6,586 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Crane during the second quarter worth $1,243,000. Finally, Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Crane by 30.8% in the first quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC now owns 31,980 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,630,000 after purchasing an additional 7,524 shares during the last quarter. 85.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Crane Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The company has three segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, and Engineered Materials. The Aerospace & Electronics segment supplies critical components and systems, including original equipment and aftermarket parts, primarily for the commercial aerospace, and the military aerospace, defense, and space markets.

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Intrepid Potash (NYSE:IPI  Get Free Report) and PureBase (OTCMKTS:PUBC  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations and profitability.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Intrepid Potash and PureBases top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Intrepid Potash $337.57 million 0.91 $72.22 million $0.42 55.50 PureBase N/A N/A N/A $0.00 -73.66

Intrepid Potash has higher revenue and earnings than PureBase. PureBase is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Intrepid Potash, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Intrepid Potash 1 1 0 0 1.50 PureBase 0 0 0 0 N/A

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Intrepid Potash and PureBase, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Intrepid Potash currently has a consensus price target of $25.00, suggesting a potential upside of 7.25%. Given Intrepid Potashs higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Intrepid Potash is more favorable than PureBase.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

49.1% of Intrepid Potash shares are owned by institutional investors. 18.2% of Intrepid Potash shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Intrepid Potash and PureBases net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Intrepid Potash 1.94% 1.83% 1.65% PureBase N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Intrepid Potash beats PureBase on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Intrepid Potash

(Get Free Report)

Intrepid Potash, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the extraction and production of the potash in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Potash, Trio, and Oilfield Solutions. The company offers muriate of potash for various markets, such as agricultural market as a fertilizer input; the industrial market as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells, as well as an input to other industrial processes; and the animal feed market as a nutrient supplement. It also provides Trio, a specialty fertilizer that delivers potassium, sulfate, and magnesium in a single particle; water for oil and gas services industry; salt for various markets, including animal feed, industrial applications, pool salt, and the treatment of roads and walkways for ice melting or to manage road conditions; magnesium chloride for use as a road treatment agent for deicing and dedusting; brines for use in oil and gas industry to support well workover and completion activities; and metal recovery salts. Intrepid Potash, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

About PureBase

(Get Free Report)

PureBase Corporation, an industrial mineral and natural resource company, provides solutions to the agriculture and construction materials markets in the United States. It offers PureBase Shade Advantage WP, a natural mineral plant protectant that reduces sunburn damage to plant tissue exposed to UV and infrared radiation. The company also provides humic acid products; and private labels product for other agricultural companies. It exports its products to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The company was formerly known as Port of Call Online, Inc. and changed its name to Purebase Corporation in January 2015. Purebase Corporation was incorporated in 2010 is headquartered in Ione, California.

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Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (NYSE:DEA  Get Free Report) Chairman Darrell W. Crate bought 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $13.14 per share, with a total value of $105,120.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chairman now directly owns 92,174 shares in the company, valued at $1,211,166.36. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

Easterly Government Properties Trading Down 1.5 %

NYSE:DEA opened at $13.92 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.99. The stock has a market cap of $1.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.18 and a beta of 0.73. Easterly Government Properties, Inc. has a 1 year low of $10.27 and a 1 year high of $16.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 5.00 and a current ratio of 5.00.

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Easterly Government Properties Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 9th were issued a $0.265 dividend. This represents a $1.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.61%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 8th. Easterly Government Propertiess payout ratio is currently 321.21%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Easterly Government Properties from $16.00 to $14.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. StockNews.com raised Easterly Government Properties from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 28th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and one has given 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 $14.50.

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Institutional Trading of Easterly Government Properties

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Easterly Government Properties by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 17,482,804 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $253,501,000 after purchasing an additional 508,729 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Easterly Government Properties by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,646,010 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $167,888,000 after purchasing an additional 247,551 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Easterly Government Properties by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,943,747 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $86,184,000 after purchasing an additional 78,575 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Easterly Government Properties by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,060,156 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $29,872,000 after purchasing an additional 97,570 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. raised its stake in Easterly Government Properties by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 1,910,930 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $40,397,000 after acquiring an additional 80,930 shares during the last quarter. 84.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Easterly Government Properties

(Get Free Report)

Easterly Government Properties, Inc (NYSE: DEA) is based in Washington, DC, and focuses primarily on the acquisition, development and management of Class A commercial properties that are leased to the U.S. Government. Easterly's experienced management team brings specialized insight into the strategy and needs of mission-critical U.S.

Further Reading

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Eagle Rock Investment Company LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 8.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,987 shares of the companys stock after selling 440 shares during the period. Eagle Rock Investment Company LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $2,678,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Retirement Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 159.1% in the second quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 57 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $60,000. 81.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have commented on LLY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $673.00 to $722.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. TheStreet cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and set a $650.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $570.82.

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.4 %

Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $571.46 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $589.61 and a 200-day moving average of $530.78. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $309.20 and a one year high of $629.97. 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 company has a market cap of $542.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.53, a P/E/G ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.33.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. The company had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.88 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.91%. 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 is presently 81.88%.

Insider Activity

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, December 7th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 19th will be given a dividend of 0.57 per share by the basic materials company on Tuesday, January 16th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 18th. This is an increase from Ecolabs previous quarterly dividend of $0.53.

Ecolab has increased its dividend by an average of 3.7% per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 31 consecutive years. Ecolab has a payout ratio of 34.6% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Ecolab to earn $6.00 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.12 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 35.3%.

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Ecolab Stock Down 0.0 %

Shares of Ecolab stock opened at $196.66 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $177.96 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $179.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The company has a market capitalization of $56.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.63, a PEG ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 1.07. Ecolab has a 1-year low of $140.13 and a 1-year high of $201.62.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Ecolab ( NYSE:ECL Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $1.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $3.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.99 billion. Ecolab had a return on equity of 18.81% and a net margin of 8.18%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Ecolab will post 5.18 EPS for the current year.

In other Ecolab news, Director David Maclennan bought 800 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The shares were purchased at an average price of $191.53 per share, with a total value of $153,224.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 16,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,077,887.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, Director David Maclennan acquired 800 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $191.53 per share, for a total transaction of $153,224.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 16,070 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,077,887.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Laurie M. Marsh sold 11,917 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $191.41, for a total transaction of $2,281,032.97. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 20,538 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,931,178.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ecolab

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ECL. United Bank increased its holdings in Ecolab by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 4,149 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $733,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Ecolab by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 6,172 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,090,000 after purchasing an additional 434 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Ecolab by 23.0% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 1,893 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $334,000 after purchasing an additional 354 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC grew its holdings in shares of Ecolab by 6.7% in the 1st quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 1,707 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $301,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. grew its holdings in shares of Ecolab by 17.1% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 73,182 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $12,920,000 after purchasing an additional 10,676 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 73.91% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on ECL shares. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $213.00 price target on shares of Ecolab in a research report on Thursday. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on Ecolab from $187.00 to $193.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. StockNews.com upgraded Ecolab from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on Ecolab from $170.00 to $195.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Finally, Mizuho restated a neutral rating and issued a $194.00 target price on shares of Ecolab in a report on Friday, September 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Ecolab presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $195.67.

Read Our Latest Report on ECL

About Ecolab

(Get Free Report)

Ecolab Inc provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries.

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Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD  Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) had its price objective upped by investment analysts at National Bankshares from C$19.00 to C$21.00 in a research report issued on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. National Bankshares price objective indicates a potential upside of 24.04% from the companys previous close.

ELD has been the subject of several other research reports. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$12.20 to C$11.70 in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Stifel Canada upgraded shares of Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$17.00 to C$18.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$16.00 to C$17.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note 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 equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eldorado Gold presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$17.53.

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Get Our Latest Analysis on Eldorado Gold

Eldorado Gold Stock Performance

Shares of ELD stock opened at C$16.93 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 4.00, a quick ratio of 2.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.04. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$15.30 and a 200 day moving average price of C$13.81. The company has a market cap of C$3.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.33, a PEG ratio of 56.20 and a beta of 1.21. Eldorado Gold has a 12 month low of C$10.69 and a 12 month high of C$18.30.

Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD  Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported C$0.23 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.02 by C$0.21. The firm had revenue of C$329.04 million during the quarter. Eldorado Gold had a net margin of 5.88% and a return on equity of 1.70%. Sell-side analysts predict that Eldorado Gold will post 0.7177585 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Eldorado Gold news, Senior Officer Mehmet Yilmaz sold 10,195 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$17.63, for a total value of C$179,737.85. In other news, Senior Officer Lisa Marie Ower sold 39,621 shares of the 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. Also, Senior Officer Mehmet Yilmaz sold 10,195 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$17.63, for a total transaction of C$179,737.85. Insiders sold 61,813 shares of company stock valued at $996,636 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.71% of the companys stock.

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.

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Elk River Wealth Management LLC reduced its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 0.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 19,109 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 38 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group makes up 2.1% of Elk River Wealth Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest position. Elk River Wealth Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $9,634,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Zullo Investment Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 0.7% during the second quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 3,001 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,443,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the period. Northern Financial Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 0.6% in the second quarter. Northern Financial Advisors Inc now owns 3,381 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,625,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Addison Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 9.0% in the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 241 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $116,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Elgethun Capital Management boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 0.3% in the second quarter. Elgethun Capital Management now owns 7,793 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $3,746,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Finally, Investmark Advisory Group LLC boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 2.6% in the second quarter. Investmark Advisory Group LLC now owns 776 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $373,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. 85.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at UnitedHealth Group

In related news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of 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 can be accessed through the SEC website. In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total value of $65,688,578.70. Following the transaction, the director now owns 521,818 shares of the companys stock, valued at $282,084,374.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total transaction of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,017,173.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072. Corporate insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. StockNews.com downgraded UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 21st. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. HSBC initiated coverage on UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. They set a hold rating and a $540.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $596.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $565.00 to $503.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $578.05.

View Our Latest Stock Report on UNH

UnitedHealth Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:UNH opened at $531.12 on Friday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12 month low of $445.68 and a 12 month high of $554.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $537.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $506.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $491.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.05, 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 earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.58% and a net margin of 6.02%. UnitedHealth Groups revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $5.79 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast 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. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 4th were issued a dividend of $1.88 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 1st. This represents a $7.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.42%. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is 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.

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Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:EAGG  Free Report) by 70.5% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 3,743 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,548 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $177,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 64.8% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,113,774 shares of the companys stock valued at $194,047,000 after buying an additional 1,617,705 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 36.5% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,729,554 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,826,000 after buying an additional 462,830 shares in the last quarter. PFS Investments Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $13,262,000. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 85.5% in the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 128,224 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,048,000 after buying an additional 59,085 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new position in shares of iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,491,000.

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iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Price Performance

EAGG opened at $47.45 on Friday. iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $44.07 and a fifty-two week high of $48.73. The companys 50 day moving average price is $45.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.20.

iShares ESG Aware U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile

The iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of US dollar-denominated bonds from issuers evaluated for favorable ESG practices. EAGG was launched on Oct 18, 2018 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Sealed Air Co. (NYSE:SEE  Free Report) by 705.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 5,373 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,706 shares during the quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLCs holdings in Sealed Air were worth $215,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in Sealed Air by 97,798.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 266,885,887 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $10,675,435,000 after buying an additional 266,613,271 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Sealed Air by 13.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 24,679,011 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,133,013,000 after buying an additional 2,965,808 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Sealed Air during the 4th quarter worth approximately $73,895,000. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Sealed Air by 53.8% during the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,431,328 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $57,253,000 after purchasing an additional 500,846 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Sealed Air during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $15,400,000. Institutional investors own 89.45% of the companys stock.

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Sealed Air Trading Down 1.5 %

SEE stock opened at $35.70 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $5.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.60, a PEG ratio of 7.44 and a beta of 1.25. Sealed Air Co. has a twelve month low of $28.50 and a twelve month high of $56.43. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.34. The business has a fifty day moving average of $32.28 and a 200-day moving average of $36.29.

Sealed Air Announces Dividend

Sealed Air ( NYSE:SEE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The industrial products company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by $0.14. Sealed Air had a return on equity of 126.77% and a net margin of 5.65%. The business had revenue of $1.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.36 billion. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Sealed Air Co. will post 2.92 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st were paid a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.24%. Sealed Airs payout ratio is 37.21%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

SEE has been the topic of several recent research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Sealed Air in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. William Blair lowered Sealed Air from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Sealed Air from $43.00 to $38.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Raymond James initiated coverage on Sealed Air in a report on Friday, October 20th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price objective on Sealed Air from $41.00 to $37.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Sealed Air presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $43.55.

View Our Latest Report on SEE

Sealed Air Company Profile

(Free Report)

Sealed Air Corporation provides packaging solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and NewZealand. It operates through two segments, Food and Protective. The Food segment offers integrated packaging materials and automation equipment solutions to provide food safety and shelf life extension, reduce food waste, automate processes, and optimize total cost for food processors in the fresh red meat, smoked and processed meats, poultry, seafood, plant-based, and dairy markets under the CRYOVAC, CRYOVAC Grip & Tear, CRYOVAC Darfresh, Simple Steps, and Optidure brands.

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Robinson joins Great West

Great West Engineering announces the hiring of Ilene Robinson has joined Great West Engineering as a human resource coordinator in the Helena office.

Robinson has worked in the oil and gas industry for 12 years. Her most recent position was office administrator.

When not at work, Ilene enjoys practicing yoga, long walks, biking, kayaking, reading, and traveling. Her favorite thing is spending time with her two grandchildren, Rance and LuLu.

Helena WINS says program was a hit

Helena WINS, the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce's workforce program, hosted its first Engineering and Architecture event on Nov. 29, and organizers called it a huge success.

The chamber thanked those who made this event a success.

It was a free opportunity for students to learn, engage, and explore the vast possibilities in engineering and architecture fields. The chamber also thanks those who sponsor the Helena WINS program.

Those interested in collaborating with Helena WINS as an employer or want to learn about what you might have missed the Engineering and Architecture night as a student or parent, contact info@helenachamber.com for more information.

MSU releases manufacturing report

Montana manufacturing continues to be one-fifth of the states total economic base, according to a report released by the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center at Montana State University.

The 2023 Montana Manufacturing Report provides data about manufacturing, shows the results of surveys given to manufacturers and displays how MMECs services provided help the industry. The Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana conducts the annual economic analysis and develops the report. This report marks the 27th year of collaboration between MMEC and BBER.

The report covers the year 2022. According to the report:

 Manufacturing makes up 21% of Montanas economic base.

 Careers in manufacturing pay about $57,180 in earnings, which is above the state average.

 Manufacturing employs more than 22,500 employees

 Manufacturing accounted for 5.5% of total state earnings at $1.95 billion.

 Manufacturing made up 6.6% of the gross state product at $3.3 billion.

This years report confirms that manufacturing is a robust sector within the Montana economy, MMEC Director Paddy Fleming said in a news release.

He said they continue to see strong increases in employment and earnings for Montana workers. Moreover, manufacturers are optimistic about starting new businesses here, with the total number of manufacturing firms growing to more than 4,400.

In particular, there is large growth among companies that produce food and beverages, transportation equipment and advanced technologies such as photonics, Fleming said

The MMEC is part of MSUs Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering and provides services to manufacturing companies across the state to help improve business operations through in-person specialist assistance.

The manufacturing report and those from previous years can be found at montana.edu/mmec/news/reports.

Tribal members sought for PA jobs

The Montana Department of Commerce, in partnership with AccelerateMT, recently granted and enrolled seven more Montana tribal members into the Production Assistant media training and certification program.

The grant is through Commerces Office of Indian Country Economic Development (OICED) Tribal Tourism program.

Liane Taylor, administrator of the Business MT Division at the Montana Department of Commerce, said since the partnership with AccelerateMT started in August, 13 tribal citizens have completed the course and are now certified PAs ready to work behind the scenes in film, commercials, live theater and concert productions.

Participants who complete the certification can opt-in to ready-to-work databases managed by AccelerateMT and the Montana Film Office, who respond to production companies seeking local PAs for projects. PAs can also travel out of state with their certifications, expanding their employment opportunities.

The scholarships are exclusively for Montanas enrolled tribal citizens aged 16 or older. Most scholarship recipients prefer the in-person training method; awardees who take the training course on-line have 60 days to complete it before it expires.

The application period is open now through Feb. 15. Up to five awards per tribe will be granted for a total of 40 awards this round; some awards will be reserved for round four. Scholarship applicants will receive information about upcoming in-person 2024 training dates and locations.

Awardees will be notified Feb. 16.

For more information, email Rachelle Brown, Tribal Tourism Officer at Commerce, or call 406-841-2734.
Foundations Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF (NYSEARCA:EWH  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 79,147 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,357,000. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC owned 0.23% of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of EWH. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $37,000. Sharper & Granite LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sharper & Granite LLC now owns 69,787 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,349,000 after purchasing an additional 2,145 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF by 36.0% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 11,811 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $243,000 after purchasing an additional 3,127 shares during the last quarter. GenTrust LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. GenTrust LLC now owns 79,962 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,546,000 after purchasing an additional 3,300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Evergreen Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 73,035 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,648,000 after purchasing an additional 3,349 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF Stock Performance

Shares of EWH stock opened at $17.27 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $17.12 and a 200 day moving average of $18.11. iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF has a 1 year low of $16.26 and a 1 year high of $22.65.

iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index Fund, formerly Shares MSCI Hong Kong ETF, (the 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 Hong Kong market, as measured by the MSCI Hong Kong Index (the Index).

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Foundations Investment Advisors LLC reduced its position in Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) by 28.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,384 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after selling 4,878 shares during the quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Oracle were worth $1,312,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its position in Oracle by 94,707.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,122,984,792 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $133,736,259,000 after buying an additional 1,121,800,302 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Oracle in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,409,896,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 112,785.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 10,832,530 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $885,451,000 after purchasing an additional 10,822,934 shares during the period. Capital World Investors lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 83.8% in the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 15,057,067 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $1,793,146,000 after purchasing an additional 6,863,334 shares during the period. Finally, Putnam Investments LLC lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 10,989,627 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $1,021,156,000 after purchasing an additional 3,664,269 shares during the period. 42.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Oracle Stock Performance

Shares of Oracle stock opened at $103.29 on Friday. Oracle Co. has a 12 month low of $79.43 and a 12 month high of $127.54. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.84. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $110.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $113.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $283.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.05.

Oracle Dividend Announcement

Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, December 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.34 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.33 by $0.01. Oracle had a return on equity of 703.26% and a net margin of 19.64%. The company had revenue of $12.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.05 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.21 EPS. Oracles revenue for the quarter was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Oracle Co. will post 4.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 10th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.55%. Oracles dividend payout ratio is currently 44.20%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Oracle

In other Oracle news, Director George H. Conrades sold 2,325 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $264,492.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 17,836 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,029,023.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 42.80% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on ORCL. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Oracle from $121.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Oracle from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $112.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. Monness Crespi & Hardt downgraded shares of Oracle from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Oracle from $107.00 to $106.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Oracle from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Oracle currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $127.14.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Oracle

About Oracle

(Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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Fulton Bank N.A. grew its position in Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) by 7.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,926 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 324 shares during the period. Fulton Bank N.A.s holdings in Arista Networks were worth $906,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 55.7% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 302 shares of the technology companys stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares during the last quarter. Shelton Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of Arista Networks in the 1st quarter worth approximately $246,000. Impax Asset Management Group plc lifted its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 36.7% in the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 6,680 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,083,000 after acquiring an additional 1,795 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 18.2% in the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 5,926 shares of the technology companys stock worth $960,000 after acquiring an additional 912 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Texas Permanent School Fund Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 52,380 shares of the technology companys stock worth $8,489,000 after acquiring an additional 778 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.13% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Rosenblatt Securities upped their price objective on shares of Arista Networks from $190.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Arista Networks in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. JMP Securities increased their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $223.00 to $248.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Arista Networks in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $219.59.

Arista Networks Trading Up 1.9 %

Shares of ANET opened at $235.46 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $207.66 and its 200-day simple moving average is $185.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.24, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.11. Arista Networks, Inc. has a twelve month low of $107.57 and a twelve month high of $237.21.

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The technology company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $1.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. Arista Networks had a net margin of 33.97% and a return on equity of 31.16%. On average, analysts predict that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 5.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Arista Networks

In related news, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 22,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $231.11, for a total value of $5,084,420.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,710,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $395,198,100. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Arista Networks news, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 22,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $231.11, for a total transaction of $5,084,420.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,710,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $395,198,100. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $225.83, for a total transaction of $790,405.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 205,600 shares in the company, valued at $46,430,648. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 209,140 shares of company stock valued at $44,632,236 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 18.99% of the companys stock.

Arista Networks Profile

(Free Report)

Arista Networks, Inc develops, markets, and sells cloud networking solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The company's cloud networking solutions consist of extensible operating systems, a set of network applications, as well as gigabit Ethernet switching and routing platforms.

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Shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (NYSE:ASR  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $238.50.

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on ASR. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. Finally, Citigroup cut shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $228.00 to $222.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 28th.

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View Our Latest Research Report on Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. Price Performance

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC increased its holdings in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 19.9% in the 3rd quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 2,347 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $577,000 after acquiring an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. Bar Harbor Wealth Management grew its holdings in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bar Harbor Wealth Management now owns 30,783 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $7,564,000 after buying an additional 209 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 19.1% during the 3rd quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 145,555 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $35,765,000 after buying an additional 23,306 shares in the last quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 161.6% during the 3rd quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 3,780 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $928,000 after buying an additional 2,335 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Advisors Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,284 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $561,000 after buying an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. 13.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

ASR opened at $294.78 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 2.97 and a current ratio of 2.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.57, a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 1.05. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $226.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $256.24. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. has a 52-week low of $165.00 and a 52-week high of $314.48.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (NYSE:ASR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The transportation company reported $5.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.75 by ($0.56). Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. had a net margin of 39.16% and a return on equity of 21.15%. The company had revenue of $371.57 million for the quarter. As a group, analysts predict that Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. will post 20.34 EPS for the current year.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 28th were issued a $5.7115 dividend. This represents a yield of 2.4%. This is a positive change from Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V.s previous annual dividend of $5.65. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 27th. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V.s dividend payout ratio is currently 26.84%.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. holds concessions to operate, maintain, and develop airports in the southeast region of Mexico. The company operates airports that are located in the cities of Cancun, Cozumel, Merida, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Tapachula, and Minatitlan.

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BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust (NYSE:BIGZ  Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 331,854 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were bought at an average price of $7.37 per share, for a total transaction of $2,445,763.98. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 41,074,994 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $302,722,705.78. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, December 13th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 247,405 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were bought at an average price of $7.38 per share, for a total transaction of $1,825,848.90.

On Friday, December 8th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 357,959 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were bought at an average price of $7.34 per share, for a total transaction of $2,627,419.06.

On Wednesday, December 6th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 495,100 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were bought at an average price of $7.31 per share, for a total transaction of $3,619,181.00.

On Monday, December 4th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 375,746 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $7.37 per share, with a total value of $2,769,248.02.

On Friday, December 1st, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 217,175 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $7.36 per share, with a total value of $1,598,408.00.

On Wednesday, November 29th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 310,487 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $7.21 per share, with a total value of $2,238,611.27.

On Monday, November 27th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 596,593 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $7.24 per share, with a total value of $4,319,333.32.

On Wednesday, November 22nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 150,305 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $7.28 per share, with a total value of $1,094,220.40.

On Friday, November 24th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 155,036 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $7.22 per share, with a total value of $1,119,359.92.

On Monday, November 20th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 533,883 shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $7.22 per share, with a total value of $3,854,635.26.

BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust Stock Down 2.0 %

Shares of NYSE BIGZ opened at $7.45 on Friday. BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust has a twelve month low of $6.21 and a twelve month high of $8.35. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $6.96 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.41.

BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust Cuts Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $0.0449 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $0.54 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.23%.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Walleye Capital LLC acquired a new position in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust during the 3rd quarter worth $828,000. Comerica Bank acquired a new position in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust during the 3rd quarter worth $413,000. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust by 7.5% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 1,473,815 shares of the companys stock worth $10,257,000 after purchasing an additional 102,257 shares in the last quarter. 1607 Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. 1607 Capital Partners LLC now owns 775,844 shares of the companys stock worth $5,400,000 after purchasing an additional 5,500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its stake in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 431,761 shares of the companys stock worth $3,005,000 after purchasing an additional 31,064 shares in the last quarter.

About BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust is a mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc and managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust is based in United States.

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Flotek Industries, Inc. (NYSE:FTK  Get Free Report) Director David Nierenberg purchased 33,118 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $3.53 per share, for a total transaction of $116,906.54. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 753,202 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,658,803.06. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link.

David Nierenberg also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 11th, David Nierenberg bought 9,006 shares of Flotek Industries stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $3.19 per share, with a total value of $28,729.14.

Flotek Industries Stock Performance

FTK opened at $3.64 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $107.96 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.14 and a beta of 1.60. Flotek Industries, Inc. has a one year low of $2.90 and a one year high of $9.24. The businesss fifty day moving average is $3.88 and its two-hundred day moving average is $4.33.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Flotek Industries ( NYSE:FTK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The oil and gas company reported $0.04 EPS for the quarter. Flotek Industries had a net margin of 1.85% and a negative return on equity of 22.76%. The firm had revenue of $47.27 million for the quarter.

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Flotek Industries from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 8th.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Flotek Industries

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Flotek Industries

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of FTK. Truist Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of Flotek Industries by 430.5% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 1,107,548 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $813,000 after acquiring an additional 898,760 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Flotek Industries in the 1st quarter valued at about $286,000. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Flotek Industries by 14.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 613,610 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $450,000 after purchasing an additional 79,181 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of Flotek Industries by 11,418.7% during the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 76,369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 75,706 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Flotek Industries during the first quarter worth about $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 11.80% of the companys stock.

Flotek Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Flotek Industries, Inc operates as a technology-driven chemistry and data company that serves customers across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Chemistry Technologies (CT) and Data Analytics (DA).

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Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:KEYS  Get Free Report) SVP Soon Chai Gooi sold 14,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.03, for a total transaction of $2,205,647.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 239,488 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $35,451,408.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Keysight Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE KEYS opened at $158.53 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $132.13 and its 200 day moving average price is $144.43. Keysight Technologies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $118.57 and a 1 year high of $189.32. The company has a market capitalization of $28.15 billion, a PE ratio of 26.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 1.87 and a current ratio of 2.35.

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Keysight Technologies (NYSE:KEYS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $1.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.30 billion. Keysight Technologies had a net margin of 19.34% and a return on equity of 28.98%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.02 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Keysight Technologies, Inc. will post 6.58 earnings per share for the current year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently commented on KEYS. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Keysight Technologies from $174.00 to $165.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Keysight Technologies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $165.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 15th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Keysight Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Keysight Technologies from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on shares of Keysight Technologies from $144.00 to $134.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Keysight Technologies presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $171.18.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Keysight Technologies

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Keysight Technologies

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Financial Insights Inc. purchased a new position in Keysight Technologies during the third quarter valued at $894,000. David R. Rahn & Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in Keysight Technologies by 39.8% during the third quarter. David R. Rahn & Associates Inc. now owns 2,812 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $372,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of Keysight Technologies by 58.8% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 8,938 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $1,183,000 after buying an additional 3,308 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Keysight Technologies by 14,134.3% in the third quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 314,720 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $41,641,000 after buying an additional 312,509 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank lifted its stake in shares of Keysight Technologies by 66.0% in the third quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 33,899 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $4,485,000 after buying an additional 13,476 shares in the last quarter. 81.72% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Keysight Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Keysight Technologies, Inc provides electronic design and test solutions to commercial communications, networking, aerospace, defense and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Its Communications Solutions Group segment provides electronic design automation (EDA) software; radio frequency and microwave test solutions, and related software; hardware and virtual network test platforms and software applications, including data center, routing and switching, software defined networking, security, and encryption; oscilloscopes, logic and serial protocol analyzers, logic-signal sources, arbitrary waveform generators, and bit error rate testers; and optical modulation analyzers, optical component analyzers, optical power meters, and optical laser source solutions, as well as resells refurbished used Keysight equipment.

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Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX  Get Free Report) SVP Richard S. Kinney sold 997 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.30, for a total value of $96,011.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 9,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at $907,820.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Matson Stock Performance

NYSE MATX opened at $101.69 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $3.57 billion, a PE ratio of 11.69 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Matson, Inc. has a twelve month low of $56.51 and a twelve month high of $104.45. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $92.99 and a 200-day simple moving average of $87.11.

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Matson (NYSE:MATX  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The shipping company reported $3.40 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.36 by $0.04. Matson had a return on equity of 13.53% and a net margin of 10.06%. The company had revenue of $827.50 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $798.86 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $6.89 EPS. Matsons revenue for the quarter was down 25.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Matson, Inc. will post 7.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Matson Announces Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 9th were issued a dividend of $0.32 per share. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 8th. Matsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 14.71%.

Several research analysts recently commented on MATX shares. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Matson from $90.00 to $102.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. StockNews.com cut Matson from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Finally, Wolfe Research increased their price target on Matson from $113.00 to $116.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MATX

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Matson

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Matson in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Matson by 43.1% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 362 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 109 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Matson in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of Matson by 41.4% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 413 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the period. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc purchased a new position in shares of Matson in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. 85.04% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Matson

(Get Free Report)

Matson, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides ocean transportation and logistics services. The company's Ocean Transportation segment offers ocean freight transportation services to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, as well as to other island economies in Micronesia.

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Invictus Private Wealth LLC trimmed its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Free Report) by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 64,604 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 637 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for approximately 1.0% of Invictus Private Wealth LLCs holdings, making the stock its 21st largest position. Invictus Private Wealth LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $9,369,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 2nd quarter valued at about $67,000. VitalStone Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 46,300.0% in the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 464 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 463 shares during the last quarter. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 1st quarter valued at about $70,000. True Wealth Design LLC bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 4th quarter valued at about $76,000. Finally, Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 17.9% in the 2nd quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 678 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $99,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. 68.94% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance

NYSE:JPM opened at $164.81 on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a one year low of $123.11 and a one year high of $165.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market cap of $476.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.84, a PEG ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.13. The firms fifty day moving average is $149.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $147.91.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend

JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate 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 business had revenue of $40.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $39.63 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.12 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 24.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.62 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.55%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s payout ratio is 25.07%.

Insider Transactions at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In other 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 transaction of $5,158,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 131,962 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,113,920. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.79% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

JPM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $187.00 to $191.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $158.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Friday, September 8th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.80.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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.

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Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV trimmed its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 23,636 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 467 shares during the quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADVs holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $1,638,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in EW. Truvestments Capital LLC boosted its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 260.0% during the 2nd quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 270 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares during the last quarter. Castleview Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences during the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Compass Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp purchased a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the 1st quarter worth $33,000. 79.25% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Edwards Lifesciences Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock opened at $76.90 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $46.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.86, a PEG ratio of 4.54 and a beta of 1.01. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $68.28 and a 200-day moving average price of $77.22. The company has a quick ratio of 2.45, a current ratio of 3.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a twelve month low of $60.57 and a twelve month high of $94.87.

Insider Buying and Selling

Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $0.59 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.59. The firm had revenue of $1.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.48 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 24.54% and a net margin of 24.59%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.61 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, VP Catherine M. Szyman sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.68, for a total transaction of $363,400.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 34,814 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,530,281.52. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Catherine M. Szyman sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.68, for a total value of $363,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 34,814 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,530,281.52. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Daveen Chopra sold 7,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.25, for a total transaction of $547,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 23,950 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,874,087.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 171,538 shares of company stock worth $12,002,987 over the last three months. 1.29% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

EW has been the topic of a number of research reports. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $87.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Truist Financial raised their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $76.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $88.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Mizuho dropped their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $90.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $83.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.59.

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About Edwards Lifesciences

(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.

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Mental health  the very topic itself causes inherent confusion and differences of opinion.

Yet at its core, the reality exists that it is something very important to the health of the person, their ability to function within social and vocational circles, and their ability to grow and maintain healthy relationships in their personal lives.

Additionally, the mental health of a person affects their lives in another way that is not often considered, their spiritual lives, which is as important as any other area of their life.

Traditionally, mental health has not been a focus of science or understood like it is today.

A great example of this, although not quite a hundred years ago, was the famous incident where Lt. Gen. George Patton, one of the highest-ranking officials in the US Army of World War II, struck and berated shell-shocked soldiers, going as far as to throw them from the medical tent they were receiving treatment in. In his mind and words, the soldiers were weaklings. The soldiers were suffering from what is now commonly known as post-traumatic stress disorder and unfortunately, the Generals opinion about the mens struggles would continue to exist in many minds for decades to come.

As time progressed from the mid-1900s and to the early 2000s, science and study continued to progress in its understanding of the effect of mental health on the person. Thankfully, this also started the change of public opinion regarding mental health. Those with struggles went from crazy, cast-outs, and isolated, to people who simply needed additional care, attention, and help. Today, a stigma still exists towards those needing and asking for help with their mental health, but it has significantly declined.

Many organizations across Montana and world make it a part of their mission to serve and promote healing and healthy lives for those seeking help, which will continue to lead toward positive steps away from the negative stigma of the past.

About a year ago, I submitted an article to the Independent Record that was published and focused on the tenants and direction of Catholic social teaching. As a brief summary, Catholic social teaching guides all persons, Catholic or not, on humanitys journey to create a just and holy society.

The success of this journey requires everyone to contribute, thriving on the participation of healthy community members willing to lead and lend a hand to those who need it. Quite often, those who need help with their mental health cannot fully participate in society due to the issues afflicting them.

They need a hand up to fully contribute to society and be the ones to provide the same hand up in the future. Like any health condition, this can be a difficult thing to achieve, though, with quality therapy and support, can be managed and/or cured. Once managed and/or cured, a person can embrace growth and the joy of returning to full participation in society and help those that are in the place they once were.

Similarly, the same progression is naturally made regarding a person and their spiritual lives.

The world asks a lot of people, regardless of the condition of their mental health. Life can be stressful, anxiety causing, and often difficult to manage. Work can be too much. Family and friendships can be a lot to maintain. Leaving the house can feel impossible. So-on and so-forth.

With those issues wreaking havoc on the mind, spirituality suffers. When spirituality suffers, when the person struggles to feel the love and warmth the Lord provides, they slide further away from participation in society. The seeming loss of this love and warmth, which always exists and never actually leaves them, can drive them into a dark place.

It is our responsibility, regardless of our religious denomination or if we identify as religious at all, to take care of and provide a hand up to those in need.

We are our brothers and sisters keepers, and it is our place to ensure they can live healthy, joyous, and spiritual lives. Without us, how can we expect them to make a recovery from their afflictions? It does not just happen on its own. Indifference towards these issues is the greatest enemy. This would lead us to ask, How can I help?

The answer is simple.

Step outside your comfort zone and be generous. Take a class and learn about common mental health conditions and how you can help someone experiencing a crisis. A great example of this is a program called Mental Health First Aid. Many professionals in the medical or social services world know about this, but the knowledge within is useful to everyone.

Catholic Social Services of Montana (CSSM) is planning to offer an education session in Helena in this program in 2024. Similar programs exist.

Another great way you can help is to financially support a nonprofit that is working in this field by providing counseling and other mental health services. There are quite a few, including CSSM, across the state doing their best to help and give a hand up to those in need by providing accessible counseling services. By providing accessible and low-cost charitable services, these organizations help those struggling, but create a deficit for themselves as they pay their licensed professionals for the good work they do. A year-end gift or ongoing support helps them continue to grow their outreach and serve those in Helena and across Montana.

Mental health is a tough topic and solutions are difficult to find, but this does not change the fact it is our responsibility as participating members of our community to take care of those in need, especially since it will benefit their personal and spiritual lives.

We can only make the world a better place through our actions to serve others. As we consider how we can help those in need, let us pray to Saint Dymphna, the patron saint of mental affliction. Saint Dymphna, patroness of those who suffer mental affliction, pray for us. Saint Dymphna, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.

Have a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Free Report) by 25.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 66,517 shares of the natural resource companys stock after buying an additional 13,291 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADVs holdings in Freeport-McMoRan were worth $2,480,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 98,120.6% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 11,353,320 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $454,133,000 after purchasing an additional 11,341,761 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 102.9% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 8,698,016 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $355,838,000 after purchasing an additional 4,410,429 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors increased its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 6.5% in the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 59,495,524 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $2,379,818,000 after purchasing an additional 3,630,991 shares in the last quarter. Carmignac Gestion bought a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan in the first quarter worth approximately $117,323,000. Finally, FMR LLC increased its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 2.6% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 105,191,820 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $4,303,397,000 after purchasing an additional 2,667,362 shares in the last quarter. 77.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

FCX has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com downgraded Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Eight Capital set a $55.00 price objective on Freeport-McMoRan and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Freeport-McMoRan from $47.00 to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 20th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Freeport-McMoRan from $49.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Finally, Raymond James decreased their price target on Freeport-McMoRan from $44.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $43.38.

Freeport-McMoRan Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of NYSE FCX opened at $41.51 on Friday. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a one year low of $32.83 and a one year high of $46.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 2.90 and a quick ratio of 1.67. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $36.03 and its 200-day moving average price is $38.37. The stock has a market capitalization of $59.52 billion, a PE ratio of 28.05 and a beta of 2.02.

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The natural resource company reported $0.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $5.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a return on equity of 9.98% and a net margin of 9.50%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.26 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.54 EPS for the current year.

Freeport-McMoRan Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Investors of record on Friday, October 13th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.45%. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 20.27%.

Freeport-McMoRan Profile

(Free Report)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

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Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ  Free Report) by 1.4% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 21,669 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 298 shares during the quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADVs holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $1,306,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EWJ. North Star Investment Management Corp. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 8.1% in the second quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 2,273 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $141,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. JGP Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 4.1% in the second quarter. JGP Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,927 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $305,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the period. Oarsman Capital Inc. raised its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 3.4% in the first quarter. Oarsman Capital Inc. now owns 5,980 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $351,000 after buying an additional 198 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 1.9% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 10,809 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $634,000 after buying an additional 199 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harbour Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 6.1% in the second quarter. Harbour Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,715 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $231,000 after buying an additional 215 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI Japan ETF Stock Down 0.9 %

Shares of NYSEARCA:EWJ opened at $63.17 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $13.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.76 and a beta of 0.68. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 52 week low of $53.27 and a 52 week high of $64.11. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $60.98 and a 200 day moving average of $61.42.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF Company Profile

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).

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Park National Corp OH grew its holdings in Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO  Free Report) (TSE:BMO) by 7.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,935 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 200 shares during the period. Park National Corp OHs holdings in Bank of Montreal were worth $248,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in Bank of Montreal during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $11,302,000. Brown Shipley& Co Ltd bought a new position in shares of Bank of Montreal in the 2nd quarter valued at $149,000. Alberta Investment Management Corp grew its position in Bank of Montreal by 23.8% during the 2nd quarter. Alberta Investment Management Corp now owns 1,315,325 shares of the banks stock worth $118,923,000 after acquiring an additional 253,046 shares during the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Bank of Montreal during the 2nd quarter worth $2,258,000. Finally, Resources Management Corp CT ADV lifted its holdings in Bank of Montreal by 2,026.4% during the 2nd quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV now owns 22,880 shares of the banks stock worth $2,066,000 after buying an additional 21,804 shares during the period. 43.89% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on BMO shares. Barclays boosted their price objective on Bank of Montreal from $123.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 21st. StockNews.com started coverage on Bank of Montreal in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company.

Bank of Montreal Price Performance

Bank of Montreal stock opened at $92.51 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $66.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.13, a PEG ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.15. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $81.18 and its 200 day simple moving average is $85.36. Bank of Montreal has a 12 month low of $73.98 and a 12 month high of $102.79. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12.

Bank of Montreal Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 27th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 30th will be given a $1.1137 dividend. This represents a $4.45 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 29th. This is an increase from Bank of Montreals previous quarterly dividend of $1.11. Bank of Montreals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 103.59%.

Bank of Montreal Company Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers.

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Park National Corp OH reduced its holdings in shares of Ambev S.A. (NYSE:ABEV  Free Report) by 30.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,688 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,147 shares during the quarter. Park National Corp OHs holdings in Ambev were worth $30,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its stake in shares of Ambev by 117.5% in the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 8,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 4,448 shares during the period. Ruggaard & Associates LLC acquired a new stake in Ambev in the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Ambev in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Cresset Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Ambev in the first quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Psagot Value Holdings Ltd. Israel bought a new stake in Ambev during the first quarter worth $31,000. 8.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Ambev Price Performance

Shares of Ambev stock opened at $2.89 on Friday. Ambev S.A. has a one year low of $2.40 and a one year high of $3.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market cap of $45.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.03, a P/E/G ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 1.12. The stocks fifty day moving average is $2.69 and its 200 day moving average is $2.84.

Ambev Cuts Dividend

Ambev ( NYSE:ABEV Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $4.16 billion during the quarter. Ambev had a return on equity of 17.95% and a net margin of 18.24%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Ambev S.A. will post 0.18 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.1443 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 22nd. This represents a yield of 3.7%. Ambevs payout ratio is currently 66.67%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have issued reports on ABEV. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Ambev in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. They issued a hold rating and a $2.86 target price on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded Ambev from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Morgan Stanley raised Ambev from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Citigroup started coverage on Ambev in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, TheStreet raised Ambev from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $3.30.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Ambev

Ambev Profile

(Free Report)

Ambev SA, through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, and sale of beer, draft beer, carbonated soft drinks, other non-alcoholic beverages, malt, and food products. It offers beer primarily under the Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Brahva, Budweiser, Bud Light, Beck, Leffe and Hoegaarden, Bucanero, Cristal, Mayabe, Presidente, Presidente Light, Brahma Light, Bohemia, The One, Corona, Modelo Especial, Stella Artois, Quilmes Clasica, Pacena, Taquina, Huari, Becker, Cusquena, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Pilsen, Ouro Fino, Banks, Deputy, Patricia, Labatt Blue, Alexander Keith's, and Kokanee brands.

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Park National Corp OH bought a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 9,220 shares of the natural resource companys stock, valued at approximately $344,000.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan during the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan in the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. Retirement Group LLC raised its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 97.1% in the 2nd quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 670 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 330 shares in the last quarter. Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, BDO Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 626.5% in the 2nd quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 741 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 639 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.96% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have weighed in on FCX. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $42.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. StockNews.com lowered shares of Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $49.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Eight Capital set a $55.00 target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, Raymond James decreased their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $44.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Freeport-McMoRan currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $43.38.

Freeport-McMoRan Trading Down 1.1 %

FCX opened at $41.51 on Friday. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $32.83 and a fifty-two week high of $46.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 2.90 and a quick ratio of 1.67. The firm has a market capitalization of $59.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.05 and a beta of 2.02. The companys 50 day moving average price is $36.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $38.37.

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The natural resource company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.05. Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 9.50% and a return on equity of 9.98%. The firm had revenue of $5.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.43 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.26 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.54 earnings per share for the current year.

Freeport-McMoRan Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 13th were given a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.45%. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.27%.

Freeport-McMoRan Profile

(Free Report)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

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Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 32,689 shares of the pipeline companys stock, valued at approximately $1,067,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in Williams Companies during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Missouri Trust & Investment Co grew its position in Williams Companies by 300.0% during the second quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 800 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares during the period. Steward Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Williams Companies during the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its position in Williams Companies by 52.5% during the second quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 915 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 315 shares during the period. Finally, Avalon Trust Co purchased a new stake in Williams Companies during the first quarter valued at about $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.76% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

WMB has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Williams Companies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Mizuho upped their target price on Williams Companies from $41.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Williams Companies from $39.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 29th. Barclays increased their price target on Williams Companies from $35.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Williams Companies in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a neutral rating and a $35.00 price target for the company. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Williams Companies presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $36.50.

Williams Companies Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE WMB opened at $34.62 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $35.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $42.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.52, a PEG ratio of 4.65 and a beta of 1.12. The Williams Companies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $27.80 and a 52-week high of $37.45.

Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The pipeline company reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $2.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.63 billion. Williams Companies had a return on equity of 16.90% and a net margin of 24.52%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 15.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.48 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that The Williams Companies, Inc. will post 2.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Williams Companies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a dividend of $0.4475 per share. This represents a $1.79 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.17%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Williams Companiess payout ratio is 80.27%.

Williams Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Williams Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in the United States. It operates through Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, West, and Gas & NGL Marketing Services segments. The Transmission & Gulf of Mexico segment comprises Transco and Northwest natural gas pipelines; and natural gas gathering and processing, and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, as well as various petrochemical and feedstock pipelines.

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Portside Wealth Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund bought 30,514 shares of the electronics makers stock, valued at approximately $1,069,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of Corning during the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. Tilia Fiduciary Partners Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Corning by 134.5% during the 2nd quarter. Tilia Fiduciary Partners Inc. now owns 1,107 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 635 shares during the period. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of Corning during the 2nd quarter worth about $45,000. Fred Alger Management LLC bought a new stake in Corning in the 1st quarter valued at about $49,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC boosted its holdings in Corning by 222.4% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 1,409 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 972 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 67.74% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

GLW has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. TheStreet downgraded shares of Corning from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Corning from $39.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Corning in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Corning from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the company from $37.00 to $30.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Corning from $38.00 to $33.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $34.89.

Corning Price Performance

GLW stock opened at $30.45 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $28.15 and a 200 day simple moving average of $31.14. The stock has a market cap of $25.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.78, a P/E/G ratio of 11.15 and a beta of 1.07. Corning Incorporated has a 1 year low of $25.26 and a 1 year high of $37.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 1.08.

Corning (NYSE:GLW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The electronics maker reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $3.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.51 billion. Corning had a return on equity of 12.73% and a net margin of 4.50%. Cornings revenue for the quarter was down 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.51 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Corning Incorporated will post 1.7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Corning Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were given a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. Cornings dividend payout ratio is 164.71%.

Corning Profile

(Free Report)

Corning Incorporated engages in the display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses worldwide. The company's Display Technologies segment offers glass substrates for flat panel displays, including liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes that are used in televisions, notebook computers, desktop monitors, tablets, and handheld devices.

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ProVise Management Group LLC bought a new position in shares of FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX  Free Report) during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund bought 812 shares of the shipping service providers stock, valued at approximately $201,000.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of FDX. Archer Investment Corp lifted its stake in shares of FedEx by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Archer Investment Corp now owns 5,417 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $1,343,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of FedEx by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 6,904 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $1,712,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Wealth Management lifted its stake in shares of FedEx by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Wealth Management now owns 1,405 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $348,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Camarda Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of FedEx by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Camarda Financial Advisors LLC now owns 6,419 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $1,591,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zullo Investment Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of FedEx by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 5,497 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $1,363,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. 73.61% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on FDX shares. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on FedEx from $284.00 to $285.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on FedEx from $290.00 to $293.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on FedEx from $269.00 to $278.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on FedEx from $200.00 to $205.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, Robert W. Baird reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $300.00 price target on shares of FedEx in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $282.96.

Insider Activity

In other news, VP Jennifer L. Johnson sold 13,348 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.25, for a total value of $3,447,121.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,428 shares in the company, valued at $885,281. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 8.73% of the companys stock.

FedEx Stock Performance

NYSE FDX opened at $281.06 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.14, a PEG ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 1.32. FedEx Co. has a twelve month low of $162.61 and a twelve month high of $284.52. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $252.91 and a 200 day moving average of $252.56.

FedEx (NYSE:FDX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 20th. The shipping service provider reported $4.55 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.71 by $0.84. FedEx had a return on equity of 16.14% and a net margin of 4.71%. The company had revenue of $21.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.74 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.44 EPS. FedExs quarterly revenue was down 6.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that FedEx Co. will post 18.21 EPS for the current fiscal year.

FedEx Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 11th will be paid a $1.26 dividend. This represents a $5.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 8th. FedExs payout ratio is currently 30.73%.

FedEx Company Profile

(Free Report)

FedEx Corporation provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally. It operates through FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Services segments. The FedEx Express segment offers express transportation, small-package ground delivery, and freight transportation services; and time-critical transportation services.

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ProVise Management Group LLC bought a new position in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 2,049 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $225,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GE. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of General Electric by 19.8% in the 2nd quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,217 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $222,000 after acquiring an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. CTC Alternative Strategies Ltd. bought a new position in shares of General Electric in the 2nd quarter valued at $363,000. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL bought a new position in shares of General Electric in the 2nd quarter valued at $47,774,000. Comerica Bank bought a new position in shares of General Electric in the 2nd quarter valued at $12,970,000. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC lifted its stake in shares of General Electric by 187.9% in the 2nd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 2,502 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $275,000 after acquiring an additional 1,633 shares during the last quarter. 74.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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General Electric Stock Up 1.5 %

GE opened at $123.18 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $114.99 and a 200-day moving average price of $112.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $134.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.42 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.82. General Electric has a one year low of $59.57 and a one year high of $123.67.

General Electric Announces Dividend

General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The conglomerate reported $0.82 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.26. The firm had revenue of $17.35 billion during 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 businesss revenue for the quarter was up 19.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.35 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that General Electric will post 2.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 25th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 27th. General Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 3.61%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently weighed in on GE shares. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on General Electric from $130.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. TheStreet downgraded General Electric from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded General Electric from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $115.00 to $144.00 in a report on Friday. StockNews.com began coverage on General Electric in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of General Electric from $135.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $126.64.

Get Our Latest Stock 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.

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ProVise Management Group LLC cut its position in NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE  Free Report) by 16.6% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 2,846 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 567 shares during the period. ProVise Management Group LLCs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $211,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp acquired a new stake in shares of NextEra Energy in the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Magellan Asset Management Ltd acquired a new stake in NextEra Energy during the first quarter worth approximately $32,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in NextEra Energy during the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Tower View Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in NextEra Energy during the second quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, West Tower Group LLC acquired a new stake in NextEra Energy during the second quarter worth approximately $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.48% of the companys stock.

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NextEra Energy Stock Performance

Shares of NEE opened at $61.43 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $126.04 billion, a PE ratio of 16.25, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.51. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $56.96 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $65.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.50 and a quick ratio of 0.43. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 1 year low of $47.15 and a 1 year high of $86.47.

NextEra Energy Announces Dividend

NextEra Energy ( NYSE:NEE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The utilities provider reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.86 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $7.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.07 billion. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.15% and a net margin of 27.82%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.85 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.12 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 24th were given a $0.4675 dividend. This represents a $1.87 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 22nd. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 49.47%.

Insider Activity

In related news, major shareholder Nextera Energy Inc purchased 3,097,524 shares of NextEra Energy stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $24.21 per share, for a total transaction of $74,991,056.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 4,097,524 shares in the company, valued at $99,201,056.04. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other NextEra Energy news, major shareholder Nextera Energy Inc bought 3,097,524 shares of NextEra Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 6th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $24.21 per share, for a total transaction of $74,991,056.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 4,097,524 shares in the company, valued at $99,201,056.04. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Nicole S. Arnaboldi bought 8,500 shares of NextEra Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 8th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $59.59 per share, with a total value of $506,515.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 11,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at $686,655.57. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.38% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

NEE has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on NextEra Energy from $105.00 to $84.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on NextEra Energy from $88.00 to $72.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on NextEra Energy from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on NextEra Energy from $90.00 to $89.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. Finally, Evercore ISI dropped their target price on NextEra Energy from $80.00 to $66.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $73.14.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on NEE

NextEra Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets.

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The Helena Public School District plans to launch a new mobile application for all grades that will become much more than an anonymous tip line for students and staff.

The Montana Cares Program is an application ran by the company STOPit Solutions which specializes in safety software for businesses and schools around the nation.

The company started in 2013 as an anti-cyberbullying software to give everyone a voice and the ability to seek help in difficult situations according to the companys website.

The website continues by mentioning that the company serves over 8,000 companies across the nation giving the businesses ways to create safer workspaces and classrooms.

The Montana Cares Program will feature three areas according to Lona Carter, a Helena Public Schools employee, said at the Dec. 12 board of trustees meeting.

If students hear something, see something, they can say something, Helena Public Schools superintendent Rex Weltz said.

The areas mentioned include resources, the 988 national suicide hotline and a tip line for anything.

The resources on the app will feature connections to basic needs services offered in Helena for example food insecurity or if a family is wondering who to call if they cannot keep the heat on in their house according to Carter.

STOPits website mentions that the district can benefit by decreasing the stigma around mental health and normalizing asking for help.

Another are is the notional suicide hotline that will offer 24/7 365 day care for anyone in need via text or phone call.

It is either a voice or a text tip line. Lots of folks dont want to talk to somebody, they want to talk to somebody by texting and it provides them a platform by which they can talk to a trained professional, Carter said.

Lastly, the third area of coverage within the app will be an anonymous tip line that is not just for scary bad things.

The tip line can allow the caller to stay anonymous if they wish. An example given by Carter at the meeting was if a student has a friend that is homeless they can report that to the line and the app will alert others to give the homeless student a call or notification.

Weltz mentioned that something the district has been focusing on is where the students information will be stored because he did not want to leave a digital footprint since the data is personal.

The school district plans to launch the application in January district-wide as the first AA school district in Montana to be signed onto the application.

The company is giving the district a year and a half to test it out and see if it works for the district. The application will be funded through a federal grant from the Department of Justice and will not take money from the districts budget.

No specific price point was given at the meeting if the district decided to keep the application after the trial period.

Parents will be contacted from their respective schools about the launching of the application early next year.
Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc bought a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XTWO  Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 4,955 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $242,000.

A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in XTWO. Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $3,877,000. Venturi Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,024,000. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $414,000. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $301,000. Finally, WealthPLAN Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $230,000.

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BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:XTWO opened at $49.40 on Friday. BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 52 week low of $48.61 and a 52 week high of $50.28. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $48.97 and a 200 day simple moving average of $49.00.

About BondBloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF

The Bondbloxx Bloomberg Two Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XTWO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of two years. XTWO was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx.

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Salem Investment Counselors Inc. raised its stake in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:VGK  Free Report) by 176.4% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 7,835 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Salem Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF were worth $454,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in VGK. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 327.1% in the first quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 457 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 350 shares during the last quarter. FAS Wealth Partners Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $39,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $63,000.

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Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of VGK stock opened at $63.48 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.10 and a beta of 0.95. The firms 50 day moving average is $59.41 and its 200 day moving average is $60.36. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF has a 12 month low of $54.92 and a 12 month high of $64.44.

Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Company Profile

Vanguard European Stock Index Fund is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of stocks issued by Companies located in the markets of Europe. The Fund on focuses indexing investment approach by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the common stocks included in the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index.

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Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 100.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 510 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 255 shares during the quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $164,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $551,000. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 23.0% in the 2nd quarter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC now owns 5,308 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,712,000 after purchasing an additional 991 shares during the period. Chapin Davis Inc. boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 23.8% in the 2nd quarter. Chapin Davis Inc. now owns 4,195 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,353,000 after purchasing an additional 806 shares during the period. Delphi Management Inc. MA acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,230,000. Finally, Lavaca Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 10.8% in the 2nd quarter. Lavaca Capital LLC now owns 7,500 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,419,000 after purchasing an additional 730 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 69.06% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

GS has been the subject of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley increased 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 note on Monday, December 4th. HSBC initiated coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $403.00 price objective for the company. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $447.00 to $468.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $400.00 to $380.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $393.99.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE GS opened at $380.29 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.77. The firm has a market cap of $124.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.41, a P/E/G ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 1.44. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $327.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is $329.82. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $289.36 and a 52 week high of $386.20.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 business had revenue of $11.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.15 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 7.37% and a net margin of 7.77%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $8.25 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 22.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a $2.75 dividend. This represents a $11.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.89%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 53.24%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total value of $51,740.54. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 397,954 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,547.34. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other 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 sale, the insider now directly owns 10,471 shares in the company, valued at $3,509,355.65. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, 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 shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total value of $51,740.54. Following the sale, the insider now owns 397,954 shares in the company, valued at $282,547.34. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

The Goldman Sachs Group 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.

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The Southern Company (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the thirteen research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $73.00.

SO has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Southern from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Bank of America upgraded shares of Southern from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the stock from $67.00 to $68.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Southern from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on shares of Southern from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 31st. Finally, Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Southern from $68.00 to $64.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th.

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Southern Price Performance

SO stock opened at $70.86 on Monday. Southern has a 52 week low of $58.85 and a 52 week high of $75.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $68.89 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $69.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $77.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.07 and a beta of 0.55.

Southern (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.42 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.10. Southern had a net margin of 11.60% and a return on equity of 10.26%. The business had revenue of $6.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.38 billion. Analysts anticipate that Southern will post 3.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Southern Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 20th were given a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 17th. Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 101.08%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Southern

In other news, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.23, for a total value of $356,150.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 106,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,570,609.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.39, for a total value of $693,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 28,691 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,990,868.49. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.23, for a total transaction of $356,150.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 106,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,570,609.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 25,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,722,000. Company insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Southern

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL lifted its stake in Southern by 12.2% during the 3rd quarter. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL now owns 62,400 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,039,000 after acquiring an additional 6,800 shares during the period. Headinvest LLC acquired a new stake in Southern during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $108,000. CCM Investment Advisers LLC increased its holdings in shares of Southern by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter. CCM Investment Advisers LLC now owns 172,358 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $11,155,000 after purchasing an additional 4,348 shares in the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Southern by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 40,814 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,641,000 after purchasing an additional 1,121 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hudson Bay Capital Management LP increased its holdings in shares of Southern by 10.1% during the 3rd quarter. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP now owns 112,875 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,305,000 after purchasing an additional 10,375 shares in the last quarter. 62.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Southern

(Get Free Report

The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations.

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Tsfg LLC raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Free Report) by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 5,751 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 101 shares during the quarter. Tsfg LLCs holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $592,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in 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 acquiring an additional 1,858,338,022 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 118,562,086 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,766,428,000 after purchasing an additional 2,174,829 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 68,563,817 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,294,504,000 after purchasing an additional 6,546,946 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 52,723,457 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,068,750,000 after purchasing an additional 1,504,701 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 41,850,081 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,643,267,000 after purchasing an additional 4,000,816 shares during the period. 74.59% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Merck & Co., Inc.

In related news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total value of $213,052.78. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total value of $213,052.78. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the companys 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 completion of the transaction, 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 insiders.

Merck & Co., Inc. Price Performance

Merck & Co., Inc. stock opened at $105.64 on Friday. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52-week low of $96.36 and a 52-week high of $119.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $267.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.69, a PEG ratio of 9.03 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $103.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $106.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share (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 business had revenue of $16 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.30 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.85 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $0.77 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.92%. This is a positive change from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio is currently 162.22%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on MRK shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $132.00 target price for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. 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 for the company. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $122.00 target price on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $117.00 to $122.00 in a report on Friday, October 20th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Merck & Co., Inc. has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $125.14.

View Our Latest Analysis on MRK

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.

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Unite Group PLC (LON:UTG  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 1,069 ($13.42) and last traded at GBX 1,065 ($13.37), with a volume of 77163 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1,007 ($12.64).

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Bank of America restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,030 ($12.93) price objective on shares of Unite Group in a report on Monday, November 20th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Unite Group presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 1,098 ($13.78).

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Unite Group Stock Down 0.4 %

Insider Activity at Unite Group

The stocks fifty day moving average is GBX 943.50 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 925.11. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 35.73. The company has a market capitalization of 4.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 2,980.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.19.

In other news, insider Dame Shirley Pearce DBE purchased 28 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 960 ($12.05) per share, for a total transaction of 268.80 ($337.43). 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Unite Group

(Get Free Report)

Unite Group PLC, owns, manages, and develops purpose-built student accommodation facilities for the higher education sector in the United Kingdom. The company operates through Operations and Property segments. It manages rental properties, as well as offers asset management services. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Bristol, England.

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Shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $49.44 and last traded at $49.40, with a volume of 2554463 shares. The stock had previously closed at $47.76.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

WFC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $44.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Friday, September 22nd. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, HSBC began coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $45.00 target price on the stock. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $49.56.

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Wells Fargo & Company Trading Down 0.5 %

The firms 50-day simple moving average is $42.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $42.48. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The stock has a market cap of $182.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.86, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.18.

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 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $20.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.09 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.06% and a return on equity of 11.18%. The businesss revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.30 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.05 earnings per share for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were issued a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 2nd. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.24%.

Insider Activity

In other Wells Fargo & Company news, Director Richard K. Davis bought 3,500 shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $41.22 per share, for a total transaction of $144,270.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 4,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $174,937.68. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Wells Fargo & Company

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Dodge & Cox lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 120,385,253 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,500,001,000 after acquiring an additional 1,662,877 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 69,071,445 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,940,412,000 after buying an additional 324,823 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors lifted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 69.1% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 61,833,769 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,638,987,000 after buying an additional 25,268,032 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth $2,049,693,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp increased its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 38,197,624 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,560,755,000 after purchasing an additional 129,300 shares during the last quarter. 72.47% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Western Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 4.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 21,493 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 893 shares during the period. Western Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $917,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Caxton Associates LP acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 2nd quarter valued at $4,967,000. Pegasus Partners Ltd. bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the 2nd quarter valued at $226,000. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 8,260.6% during the 2nd quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 1,781,638 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $76,040,000 after acquiring an additional 1,760,328 shares during the last quarter. Cynosure Management LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 94.3% during the 2nd quarter. Cynosure Management LLC now owns 153,455 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,549,000 after acquiring an additional 74,460 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atria Investments Inc boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 18.2% during the 1st quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 185,306 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,927,000 after acquiring an additional 28,551 shares during the last quarter. 72.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have commented on WFC shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $44.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Odeon Capital Group upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $56.08 price target on the stock in a research report on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $48.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.56.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Down 0.5 %

Wells Fargo & Company stock opened at $50.28 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $182.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.86, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The companys 50-day moving average price is $42.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $42.48. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52 week low of $35.25 and a 52 week high of $50.77.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $20.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.09 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.06% and a return on equity of 11.18%. Wells Fargo & Companys quarterly revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.30 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 2nd. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.78%. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is 30.24%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Wells Fargo & Company

In other Wells Fargo & Company news, Director Richard K. Davis acquired 3,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were bought at an average price of $41.22 per share, with a total value of $144,270.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 4,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $174,937.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.07% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Western Wealth Management LLC trimmed its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 8,133 shares of the companys stock after selling 184 shares during the period. Western Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $615,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group boosted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 173.6% during the second quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group now owns 15,870 shares of the companys stock worth $1,199,000 after purchasing an additional 10,070 shares during the period. CTC Alternative Strategies Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the second quarter worth approximately $468,000. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the second quarter worth approximately $85,648,000. Idaho Trust Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the second quarter worth approximately $332,000. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 3.6% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 172,066 shares of the companys stock worth $13,020,000 after purchasing an additional 5,990 shares during the period. 77.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ADM has been the subject of several research reports. Stephens decreased their price target on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $90.44.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Price Performance

Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock opened at $75.75 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $73.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of $76.77. 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 Company has a 1-year low of $69.31 and a 1-year high of $96.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.55 and a beta of 0.82.

Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 earnings per share for the quarter, topping 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 analysts expectations of $23.69 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.86 earnings per share. Archer-Daniels-Midlands revenue for the quarter was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.26 earnings per share for the current year.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th were paid a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands payout ratio is currently 25.07%.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company 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.

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Western Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in The Progressive Co. (NYSE:PGR  Free Report) by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 4,808 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 206 shares during the period. Western Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Progressive were worth $636,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CHICAGO TRUST Co NA lifted its holdings in shares of Progressive by 3.3% in the second quarter. CHICAGO TRUST Co NA now owns 10,644 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,409,000 after purchasing an additional 341 shares in the last quarter. EA Series Trust bought a new position in shares of Progressive in the second quarter valued at approximately $3,189,000. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Progressive in the first quarter valued at approximately $2,714,000. Van Hulzen Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Progressive by 5.9% in the second quarter. Van Hulzen Asset Management LLC now owns 79,700 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $10,550,000 after purchasing an additional 4,413 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Modera Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Progressive in the second quarter valued at approximately $301,000. Institutional investors own 83.66% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

PGR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup raised Progressive from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the company from $120.00 to $158.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Progressive from $140.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on Progressive from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Progressive from $160.00 to $164.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Progressive from $163.00 to $167.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Progressive has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $161.47.

Insider Activity at Progressive

In other Progressive news, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 90,000 shares of Progressive stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.89, for a total transaction of $14,660,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 465,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at $75,863,574.15. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Progressive news, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 90,000 shares of Progressive stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.89, for a total transaction of $14,660,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 465,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at $75,863,574.15. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Daniel P. Mascaro sold 1,570 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $140.39, for a total value of $220,412.30. Following the sale, the insider now owns 31,706 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,451,205.34. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 117,342 shares of company stock valued at $18,839,791. Company insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

Progressive Price Performance

Shares of NYSE PGR opened at $153.39 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $89.74 billion, a PE ratio of 33.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.42. The Progressive Co. has a fifty-two week low of $111.41 and a fifty-two week high of $165.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.33. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $158.07 and a 200-day moving average of $140.92.

Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The insurance provider reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.38. The company had revenue of $15.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.66 billion. Progressive had a return on equity of 17.36% and a net margin of 4.67%. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Progressive Co. will post 5.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Progressive Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Investors of record on Friday, January 19th will be paid a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 18th. Progressives dividend payout ratio is 8.68%.

Progressive Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property.

Further Reading

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Panera Bread, the national fast-food chain, has acquired the northeast corner of the old Capital Hill Mall site and is seeking approval from the Helena City Commission to install additional angled parking along Vandelay Avenue.

The commission will consider during its 6 p.m. Monday meeting whether or not to grant more angled parking.

As of Aug. 29, there were 2,131 bakery-cafes, company and franchise, in 48 states and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. names, the company's website states.

Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, one of the largest fast-casual restaurant companies in the U.S., comprised of Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Panera boasts restaurants in Billings, Kalispell and Missoula, according to the company's website.

Built in 1965, the mall, sandwiched between 11th and Prospects avenues on the city's eastside, was once a sign of bustling business in Helena. Over time, more and more tenants left the mall, leaving only a few businesses remaining in the 2010s.

Tenants at one time included Dillard's and J.C. Penney. The mall's final tenant, Lucky Lil's Casino, closed in early 2019.

After changing hands several times over the last few years, the property was purchased by D&M Development, a company headed by Dick Anderson Construction president Dick Anderson and vice president Mark Esponda.
WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $43.47 and last traded at $43.37, with a volume of 418046 shares. The stock had previously closed at $41.75.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently commented on WRK. Argus upgraded shares of WestRock from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of WestRock in a research note on Sunday, December 10th. They set a hold rating for the company. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of WestRock from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of WestRock from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $37.57.

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Read Our Latest Report on WRK

WestRock Stock Down 1.4 %

The firm has a market cap of $10.91 billion, a PE ratio of -6.60, a PEG ratio of 5.23 and a beta of 1.12. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $37.98 and its 200 day moving average price is $34.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 0.95.

WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The basic materials company reported $0.81 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $5 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.11 billion. WestRock had a negative net margin of 8.12% and a positive return on equity of 7.52%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.43 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that WestRock will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current year.

WestRock Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 21st. Investors of record on Monday, November 13th were given a dividend of $0.3025 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. This is a positive change from WestRocks previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.21 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.84%. WestRocks payout ratio is presently -18.76%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On WestRock

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new position in WestRock during the second quarter worth about $25,000. NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new position in WestRock in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new position in WestRock in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Gyon Technologies Capital Management LP acquired a new position in WestRock in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Cornerstone Management Inc. boosted its holdings in WestRock by 75.0% in the 1st quarter. Cornerstone Management Inc. now owns 1,050 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. 85.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About WestRock

(Get Free Report)

WestRock Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates 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.

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Windsor Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Free Report) by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,940 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 189 shares during the quarter. Windsor Capital Management LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $1,732,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in JPM. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the second quarter worth about $67,000. VitalStone Financial LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 46,300.0% in the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 464 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $67,000 after purchasing an additional 463 shares during the period. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 1st quarter worth about $70,000. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 4th quarter worth about $76,000. Finally, Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 17.9% in the 2nd quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 678 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $99,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. 68.94% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on JPM shares. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $167.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com started coverage on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Oppenheimer raised their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $233.00 to $243.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, Odeon Capital Group downgraded JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $140.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $168.80.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance

Shares of NYSE JPM opened at $164.81 on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $123.11 and a fifty-two week high of $165.28. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $149.36 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $147.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25. The firm has a market cap of $476.47 billion, a PE ratio of 9.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.13.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 return on equity of 17.97% and a net margin of 22.79%. The firm had revenue of $40.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $39.63 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.12 EPS. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s quarterly revenue was up 24.4% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be paid a dividend of $1.05 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.55%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.07%.

Insider Transactions at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In other news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. 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 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 legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.79% of the companys stock.

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.

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A new homeowner organization on Friday filed a legal challenge against four bills passed by the Legislature to create more housing.

The group, Montanans Against Irresponsible Densification, LLC, consists of homeowners in Whitefish, Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Columbia Falls and Kalispell.

The lawsuit, which names the State of Montana as the lone defendant, alleges the four bills are "top-down" measures imposed on large communities in place of local control.

Rather than solving affordable housing issues, the new laws encouraging density "pose a serious irreversible threat to the quality of Montana's core urban neighborhoods and to middle-class property values," plaintiff homeowner Glenn Monahan said in a statement Friday.

Affordable housing has been one common denominator in the last session for political figures across the aisle as communities have struggled with housing affordability and availability. Developers have often blamed burdensome zoning laws as part of their decision not to build housing in urban cores. Last year Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte assembled as housing task force that introduced several bills now under the homeowners' legal challenge.

Senate Bill 528, for example, required cities to allow accessory dwelling units on single-family lots. Senate Bill 245 requires cities with populations of 5,000 or more to allow "mixed use" and "multiple unit" dwellings in commercial areas.

"Montana is in the midst of a housing crisis," Senate GOP spokesperson Kyle Schmauch said Friday in response to the lawsuit. "This lawsuit seeks to permanently screw Montanans out of homeownership, forever locking young families out of financial security and accelerating the transition of the Last Best Place to a playground that only the rich can afford."

The solutions that emerged from the task force rode through the legislature on largely bipartisan efforts. Former Rep. Danny Tenenbaum, a Missoula Democrat, was appointed to Gianforte's housing task force and said Friday he was proud of the diverse coalition's work.

"What a weird lawsuit," he said in a text to Lee Newspapers' Montana State News Bureau. "The reforms this new LLC is trying to block were supported by environmental groups, chambers of commerce, tribal nations, student groups, and affordable housing advocates."

The lawsuit takes additional aim at Senate Bill 382, which requires communities to establish planning commissioners, provide continuous public participation and adopt land use plans and land use maps. Called the Montana Land Use Planning Act, it would ostensibly provide a quicker process for planning reviews of development proposals.

Montanans Against Irresponsible Densification argues the law in fact diminishes public participation, moving public input on projects to the front end of the planning phase and limiting it in the site-specific developments and on matters not previously identified or considered in the adoption of the land use plan.

The homeowner group alleges these laws create "chaotic and uncoordinated" upheaval at the local level without state funding to achieve the state's directives. The group alleges together the laws are unconstitutional by denying citizens' due process and in fact reduce the ability of the public to engage in government decision making.

"These uncoordinated bills, which seriously erode the prerogatives of local governments, claim to be a so-called 'solution' to the problem of affordable housing," plaintiffs' attorney Jim Goetz said in a statement. "They won't make the slightest dent in that problem, but they will destroy this State's beautiful historic neighborhoods."

Missoulian reporter David Erickson contributed reporting to this story.
'Blood Vessel is a how-to film on misrepresenting a people. It reminds of Hollywood's Black Hawk Down who made Sudanese appear and speak anything like Sudanese and Bruce Willis' Tears of the Sun which, apart from making neighboring Cameroon and the US seals the ultimate savior of the Igbo race, also gave Igbos a version of Igbo that sounded anything but igbo. It is therefore heartbreaking that indigenous filmwriters will align with Hollywood's mischievousness.

In a broader context, the identity hollowness of the film is a billboard advertisement as to why, as Nigerians, we must know ourselves a little more and that history has to return to our classrooms'

While the harmmattan is peaking and we all seem to be at a loss what to do with our lives this festive season, there seems to be a new bride in town that, quite honestly, snucke in on all of us: Netflix's Blood Vessel. A film set in the Nembe region of Niger Delta, in what we must assume to be present day (at least the creators of Blood Vessel gave us that liberty either by design or gaffe)

The film, directed by previously and constantly head-butted Moses Inwang follows the curious lives of six individuals, natives of Nembe who have mostly hard enough of the destructive indifference of multinationals operating in their area. The opening scenes are a bit paradoxical, an artistic triumph of fascinating clips of floating butterflies, oil spills, beautiful babies, poverty, 'olokpa' brutality, a young hand tearing through a woman's blouse and drone shots of the beautiful creeks of what we desperately try, but fail, to believe are parts of the Nembe Kingdom.

Of the Blood Vessel six, first comes Boma, a fraternal leader of sorts with imposing stature and heart to match, revolutionary but in vague courses. The first clue he is a revolutionary is when, disgusted, he turns to Abbey (David Ezekiel) and says 'I know what I fight...what do you fight for' In the course of the two-hour film, one may try to see what he fights for without grasping anything other than his obtuse thought he could get the multinationals out and save his land by throwing a few molotov cocktails on units of soldiers armed to the teeth. He didn't have the oratory of Hitler, the mobilizing skills of Mandela, the poetic followership of Alexandria and the craftiness of those, whether cynical or otherwise, who gun for change.

Enter Degbe, a gangster of too many words for a 2-eye-see. Apart from being Boma's ever 'capping' sidekick there isn't much to him asides unwittingly opening the movie to its first, inevitable blood shed.

The two following characters seemed to have their act together, at least they knew what they wanted and how to get it: to Jakpa and seek greener pastures on a ship, through the Atlantic, to Brazil aided by the films' most notorious Jakpa plug called Mr P. (Francis Duru)

The original Jakpa gang are two brothers Boms and his younger brother Tekena while Nollywood's reigning lovebirds, our very own Romeo and Juliet are Oyinbraekemi (Adaobi Dibor) and Abbey.

Their drive to Jakpa was as accidental and fierce as Oyinbraekemi father's violent opposition of their love affair and its resultant pregnancy which irks the old man even further.

The above characters, in pairs, will chance upon themselves while running from the rampaging Nigerian Army contracted to protect the fictional Axis oil at Nembe. Their fear, love and unyielding spirit will unite them in a common goal to seek for greener, safer pastures abroad in the base of a phsycho's ship streaking off to South America.

Now, the following are a sordid fundamentals.

ACTING/PLOT

In-between zig-zagging plots, incoherent themes and glaring structural may-days, there was problem of melodramatic acting instituted, probably, by the directors. The veteran acts at the fringes of the movie's cast seemed to be contained and truly veteran, their many screen years well tumbled before us.

The younger cast, especially the film's focused six showed innate skills but something seemed to be missing, perhaps it could be that the directors wanted an acting as humongous as their imagination of Blood Vessel's worth. The brutish Captain Phillips, sorry, scratch that, Captain Igor of Eastern Europe is the smart, meticulous antagonist we love to hate in movies until he begins to intimidate his own men, soberly breaking up with call-girls in what should be the heart of the Atlantic with a passport speedboat somehow always available to ferry them to land. Organizing a fight to the death in a cargo boat with charged atmosphere were enemy 'spies' are still on deathly prowl and, at his death, crying when he still had more than a fighting chance to save himself. Some of these gaffes can safely be attributed to sheer directorial incompetence.

INTELLECTUAL LAZINESS

As a Bayelsan Ijaw, going through the movie was painful. The Nembe people, culture, tradition, language and whatnot was placed on the chopping board of criminally thin research. It is forgivable the film wasn't shot at actual Nembe locations and had not a single Nembe cast, it is, however, hard to forgive that the filmmakers did not spend even three minutes on Google googling the Nembe Kingdom and the Ijaws. There are sufficient materials online to have guided against the language mismatch, historical inaccuracy and cultural appropriation that characterized the entirety of the movie.

The Nembe Language, a dialect of the Ijaw Language, is spoken predominantly in the Nembe Local Government Area and Brass Local Government of Bayelsa State. Although of same linguistic tree (Ijaw here as the mother tree), Nembe Language varies from the other dialects of Ijaw. Some of the variations are as distinct as German is to its near cousin, Dutch and English as well.

In this sense, sadly, non of the characters, including the blazing six, bears a Nembe name. Boma is Rivers Ijaw (Kalabari/Okrika axis) Same as Tekena (but you could find a few Nembe people bearing Boma and Tekena, and in that case it is usually out of respect to a friend or a distant, distant relative) Oyinbraekemi is never a Nembe name but more of the mien, Tarakiri and Western/central Ijaw generally. Likewise Degbe, Olotu, Ebieye and others. Abbey is rather an Ijaw pronoun for hey-you-man or hello for a male, the one for female being Ama. So, the name is seldom used as a name anywhere in Izon land.

In the first thirty minutes of reel time, the film achieved an orgasm of cultural inconsistency when Boma and Degbe, both supposed natives of Nembe, on Nembe soil, killed and ate a python that had somehow taken hold of a visibly possessed Tekena. In a bid to appear progressive and endear themselves to the worlds increasingly left leaning TV audience and industry, the directors constructed a taboo that was anything but possible in this earth.

Snakes and especially Pythons are revered in Nembe land, they are not hound down and slaughtered. They are rather welcomed with auspicion and celebratoryatmosphere. This culture is so strong Nembe people would rather be shot on their foreheads than to kill or eat a python. In the near impossible scenario a defaulter surfaces, such individual is instantly lynched and barnished for life. Elaborate spiritual cleansing would happen across the kingdom and the python will get a royal's burial. This is the most sacred of all Nembe traditions, spanning nearly a millennium, captured even in Wikipedia that hardly recognizes the divine. This is what these directors trivialized to a mere incident and a left-wing stunt to appeal Netflix's sensibilities of being unabashedly liberal, just like Hollywood and the other big screen companies. If the Nembe people should forgive them for dressing their natives up in entirely different clothings alien from the Nembe culture, they shouldn't forgive the python eating scene and must demand apology and reediting of subsequent copies of the film.

Another curious scene was Oyinbraekemi trying to tell some folklore to the other forlorn jakpaees when she suddenly delved on the inner strength of their people (i used 'their' because no one knew if the people were Ijaw or Igbo anymore) and how they would rather jump and drown in the Atlantic with their chains than slave away in plantations. The camera swirls to the past and her ancestors, Ijaws as was to be expected, began singing songs of sorrow in Igbo. The connection is puzzling. It didn't end there. An elderly lady, which we are to believe as Oyinbraekemi's grandmother, whose role in the film is under question, begins speaking feckless Igbo with Oyinbraekemi who communicates just as immaculately. This is the next scene of the flash back. It is barefaced cultural appropriation and cynical rewriting of history. Blood Vessel is a how-to film on misrepresenting a people. It reminds of Hollywood's Black Hawk Down who made Sudanese appear and speak anything like Sudanese and Bruce Willis' Tears of the Sun which, apart from making neighboring Cameroon and the US seals the ultimate savior of the Igbo race, also gave Igbos a version of Igbo that sounded anything but igbo. It is therefore heartbreaking that indigenous filmwriters will align with Hollywood's mischievousness.

In a broader context, the identity hollowness of the film is a billboard advertisement as to why, as Nigerians, we must know ourselves a little more and that history has to return to our classrooms.

ORIGINALITY

It fails heavily on this, Blood Vessel is as false as an eyelash. While it is clear the scriptwriters and those behind the story have apparent influences from Paramount Picture's Captain Philips (2013) a little background check confirms the movie is a plagiarism of Deadly Voyage (1996) released by the BBC and HBO and directed by John MacKenzie. Deadly Voyage is also about Africans seeking greener pastures abroad, a story that, to be intellectually fair to the crew of Blood Vessel, is quite cliched and anyone, anywhere could have thought of such story.

Problem is some similarities are too striking to ignore.

1. The stowaways in Deadly Voyage fight the ship's crew, same happened in Blood Vessel.

2.The fight in Deadly Voyage ensued when the stowaways ran out of supplies and they came out of hiding to scavenge, same happened in Blood Vessel.

3. Such ships have rudders, why did the stowaways of Blood Vessel follow their Deadly Voyage counterparts into a basement?

4. The stowaways in Deadly Voyage are six, guess the number of stowaways in Blood Voyage...six

5. Deadly Voyage had just one female and that female was pregnant. Well, Blood Vessel also churned in their own pregnant female.

6.The crew in Deadly Voyage are Eastern Europens. Let's have three guess of the crew from Blood Vessel...China, No...Canada, No...last chance! Eastern Europe, bingo!

Pathetic.

What tries to salvage the film is the score, though there was no central theme which should have stuck to one's heart long after viewing, still the score in the first thirty minutes connected to the raw emotions the film's opening elicits. The picture, cinematography isn't bad and the camera sequencing is good. The subtitles are standard and the fact they actually rented a ship for the shoot (though little effort was made to show the aquatic beauty of Nembe land) is worth commending. The regular Nollywood movie would have shot in an hotel room and the imagination would have been left for us.

Blood Vessel's crew has potential for much greater films. They just shouldn't allow the innate ignorance and arrogance of capitalism get the better of them next time.

From this end, Blood Vessel is a 3/10.

JULIUS BOKORU is an award winning writer, journalist and critic. He lives in Abuja.
Thai cops spearhead global effort against crime assets

BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Police has invited representatives from the police divisions of more than 50 countries to a discussion on intelligence cooperation.

crimepolice

By National News Bureau of Thailand

Saturday 16 December 2023 08:00 AM

Gen Surachate Hakparn has sent invitation to officers from 54 countries to talk about crime assets. Photo: National News Bureau of Thailand

The move came after the Interpol General Assembly in Austria on November 29th which saw member countries propose an initiative to exchange information to seize assets related to transnational crime, reports the National News Bureau of Thailand. The initiative involves using the Silver Notice to coordinate and alert member countries in tracking and seizing assets related to financial crimes, enhancing the effectiveness against transnational crime. This type of notice is designed to enable INTERPOL to track and seize assets linked to various crimes, including those facilitated by virtual currencies like Bitcoin. The notice aims to assist in the identification, monitoring, seizure, and confiscation of both movable and immovable assets belonging to international criminals and terrorist organizations. Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Gen Surachate Hakparn, sent the invitation to approximately 100 liaison officers from 54 countries for discussions regarding the matter. Police General Surachate acknowledged Thailands vulnerability to transnational crimes, particularly online, including call center scams, and human trafficking. He emphasized the need for global police cooperation to address these issues.
A group of ultra-conservative Illinois House members known as the Eastern Bloc has been stirring up trouble with the establishment in both parties for years.

The Republican districts they represent stretch from north of Decatur, over to Tuscola, and down to Mattoon, Shelbyville, Effingham and Vandalia.

They are the fellas (theyre all men) who demanded that Chicago be kicked out of Illinois.

The most famous member youd likely know of is Darren Bailey, who served in both the Illinois House and the Senate and then ran for governor last year and is now running for Congress against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.

Those folks were so steadfast against pandemic mitigations that they sometimes came off as almost pro-COVID. They love guns, they think abortion is an abomination, theyre up in arms about a Chinese company opening a huge electric vehicle battery factory in Kankakee County, and they rarely if ever pass any substantive legislation.

There are now a handful of primary races in that region which could tell us a lot about the future of the Republican Party in this state. Bailey vs. Bost is one of them. The race to replace retiring Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is another. The father of the kick Chicago out of Illinois movement is Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), and hes being challenged by an equally right-wing opponent because Halbrook broke his term limit pledge.

The Eastern Bloc rebranded themselves as the Illinois Freedom Caucus and is gearing up to challenge Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) with one of their own. Severin is conservative, but not sufficiently pure for them. Hes accepted a few union contributions, for instance.

The race were going to talk about today is related to the Severin battle. Its in the 110th House District, which is currently held by Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City). Hes every bit of the fire-breather that Darren Bailey is, but without the burning desire (so far) to seek higher office.

Wilhour has been fighting a behind the scenes war with House Republican Leader Tony McCombie all year. Hes also taken on the teachers unions, which are trying to reestablish ties to Republican legislators now that their wealthy anti-union benefactors like Bruce Rauner and Ken Griffin have fled to Florida.

Back in September, Reps. Wilhour and Chris Miller (who is married to U.S. Rep. Mary Miller) demanded that the Illinois Republican Party change its rules to declare that Republican candidates who solicit money from teachers unions or refuse to return their contributions shall be condemned and automatically disassociated from the Republican Party.

Several weeks ago, Illinois Department of Corrections employee Matt Hall started quietly circulating petitions to run against Rep. Wilhour in the Republican primary.

The IEA confirmed that it had been looking for a candidate against Wilhour. A union spokesperson said the IEA did not recruit Hall, but said, we are excited about his candidacy and believe our members who live in the district will be as well.

Asked if he would accept union contributions, Hall said, I will accept everyones support and I expect to get everyone's support. He said he decided to run because Wilhour quit doing what I think a state representative needs to do, including being responsive to constituents.

He just doesn't do anything, Hall said. In my opinion, all he does is kick and scream and doesnt get anything passed. Wilhour also hasnt stopped any Democratic bills, Hall claimed. We need to learn how to work together and get things done and care about this district.

A primary fight with the teachers union has been a forgone conclusion, Rep. Wilhour said in response. Its always been about them finding their tool willing to carry their woke agenda.

People on Wilhours side are convinced that House GOP Leader McCombie is somehow behind Halls race. I prefer not to speak of who I've had contact with, Hall said when asked if hed spoken with McCombie about his candidacy. A McCombie aide said the Leader was focused on holding and picking up seats.

Hall ended up filing his petitions. They were solid, and he had help from the IEA.

Interestingly enough, a formal objection was filed against Rep. Wilhour's petitions. It looks like a concerned citizen filed the complaint and were interested to see what comes of it, said an IEA spokesperson.

Sure.

Anyway, if Hall manages to beat Wilhour, a shockwave will reverberate through the far right of the party. But, if nothing else, a barrage of union money aimed at Wilhour could divert Eastern Bloc resources away from their hoped-for battle against Rep. Severin.


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Today

Snow showers this morning. Peeks of sunshine later. High near 15F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%.

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Low -6F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.

Tomorrow

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around in the morning. High -3F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
The Calcutta High Court (HC) has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to remove CCTV cameras installed at the SSKM Hospitals cabin where the state food and supplies minister Jyotipriya Mallick, an accused in the ration distribution scam in the state, has been undergoing treatment and asked the investigating agency to depute CRPF jawans in front of his cabin to monitor exit and entry of outsiders.

After an appeal by the investigating agency, the court had allowed the installation of CCTVs inside the cabin.

Tirthankar Ghosh, HC judge, has issued the directive on Friday.

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The HC has asked that central security personnel to be deployed in front of the cabin to keep a watch on the minister.

It has also asked the ED, probing the alleged ration distribution scam to maintain a visitors register where outsiders as well as the guests of the accused will have to write their names and time of arrival and departure during their visit.

The security personnel have to strictly monitor the system forcing visitors to follow the HC directives.

Two ED officials will keep in touch regularly with the security personnel before taking decisions on entry of outsiders to his cabin, according to the HC directive.

The court has also asked that footage of CCTV cameras installed at the common passage outside his cabin should be shared with the investigating ED officials.

He was arrested by the central investigating agency on charges of his alleged involvement in the public distribution system (PDS) scam in October and was brought to the SSKM Hospital from Presidency correctional home after he fell ill with high blood sugar level and neurological problems.
While Trinamul Congress senior leaders demanded the resignation of BJP Lok Sabha MP Pratap Simha in parliament security breach case, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the state for fostering urban naxals.

Minister Dr Shashi Panja today said that the Union home minister must issue a statement on the Parliament security breach. We present three critical demands concerning the national security breach in the Parliament: BJP MP @mepratap must resign and be expelled from the Lok Sabha for issuing passes to the accused. HM @AmitShah must issue an official statement on the matter. PM @narendramodi, despite holding a meeting with his ministers within the Parliament complex, chooses silence. Why? she tweeted.

Meanwhile, criticising Parliament attack key accused Lalit Jhas Kolkata connection, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari today has accused the state government of fostering an ecosystem that supports urban Naxals, encouraging the so-called Tukde Tukde Gang, and facilitates the safe passage and stay of illegal immigrants and intruders.

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Adhikari today alleged that the state has now become a hub for anti-national activities, serving as a sanctuary and breeding ground for individuals with anti-national interests.

Adding fuel to the fire, BJPs national IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya has today asked Mamata Banerjee to address the association between Lalit Jha and her senior party leader, Tapas Roy.

Malviya claimed that the silence from the chief minister on this matter is of concern, especially with TMC MPs reportedly creating a ruckus.
Amid the SFI challenge that they wont allow the Governor to enter any university in the state, Arif Mohammed Khan arrived at the Calicut University campus on Saturday around 7 pm.

Hundreds of SFI, the student wing of CPI-M, activists protested against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on the university campus before the Governors arrival there. They were removed by the police at least an hour before the Governors arrival. However, a group of around 50 SFI activists, returned to the national highway near the University gate and shouted Go Back Governor around 7.15 pm.

The police have made heavy security arrangements on the campus in connection with the Governors programme. More than 500 policemen have been deployed for security. Police increased security in the context of SFIs challenge that the Governor will not be allowed to set foot in the university. Security has been provided under the supervision of Kondotty DySP.

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The SFI on Tuesday declared that it will not allow Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to enter any of the universities in Kerala. Governor Khan is the chancellor of all the universities in the state.

Taking up the challenge of the student wing of the CPI-M, Governor Khan has decided to stay at the Calicut University Guest House from the 16th to the 18th of this month. He had earlier decided to stay at the government guest house in Kozhikode. However, the Governor changed his decision after the SFI issued the threat that the Governor would not be allowed to set foot on any of the campuses in Kerala.

Kerala SFI president P M Arsho had on Tuesday said, The Governor would not be allowed to enter any university in the state if he went ahead with the plan to saffronise universities. The SFI is fighting for the higher education sector. He (Khan) had unilaterally nominated persons to the university bodies, as per a list provided by the RSS. The Governor has flouted all norms. There would be strong protests against saffronisation.

Before leaving for Kozhikode, Governor Khan told media persons in New Delhi on Saturday morning that he would confront SFI activists if they attempted to block his car. If they come near my car, I will stop the car and get down from it, he said.

I am simply not putting up any allegations. You can see from the video how the protesters jumped into my car. However, just imagine the same protest happening against the Chief Minister. Would the police allow anyone to go near his convoy? he asked.

Anyway, I am taking up the SFI challenge. Those people are gangsters and I have no peace pact with them. I have no concern about police security either, the Governor added.
I felt it necessary to write about the importance of the opinion expressed in Richard Virgins article, We need voices of reason to step up. I feel Mr. Virgin zeroed in on the harmful effect Donald Trump has had on American culture. He states Trump often spoke of individuals and groups with disgust and in very hateful ways. It became more commonplace for people in our society to begin to mimic this behavior. People felt fee to voice hatred toward individuals and groups of persons.

Mr. Virgin goes on to state the Republican candidates have followed Trumps lead, using language in his same hateful manner. In the Republican debates all the candidates spoke about individuals, countries and groups of people in very strong, hateful terms and talked about how harshly they would treat such groups if they were elected President. They sounded like a group of bullies ganging up on the outsider.

Hare speech is wrong. It is often the precursor of violent behavior and discrimination. The Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers demonstrated this at the Jan. 6 insurrection. The so-called Christian right members who support Trump are hypocrites. Jesus stated, Love your enemies do good to those who despitefully use you. Its time the people returned to loving your neighbor and behave as civilized individuals not barbarians.

Lewis Kerr, Decatur
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Saturday said that the statement of Dhiraj Sahu, its Rajya Sabha MP at the centre of the Rs 350 crore cash recovery, has made it clear that the money does not belong to the Congress party.

Reacting to Sahus clarification, Tiwari said, He (Dhiraj Sahu) has given a clear statement that the money is related to those firms that are run by his family. He clearly said that Congress or any other party has nothing to do with it. The money belongs to their business and trade and those firms will explain them. Income Tax officials can do the interrogation.

Earlier on Friday, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu reacted for the first time to the recovery of a huge cash haul during Income Tax raids at properties linked to his liquor firms. The IT department has reportedly unearthed Rs 350 crore in cash.

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Speaking to news agency ANI, Sahu said, I can admit that the money that has been recovered belongs to my firmThe cash that has been recovered is related to my liquor firms, it is the proceedings from the sale of liquor.

The Rajya Sabha MP further clarified that the money belongs to his familys liquor firms and has nothing to do with the Congress or any other political party.

This money has nothing to do with Congress or any other political party as is being saidThe money is not all mine, it belongs to my family and other related firms, he said.

Sahu further added that now that Income Tax department has conducted its raids, he will give the account for the money recovered.

The recovery of such a huge cash haul, said to be the biggest sum seized by any probe agency in a single operation, made national headline, prompting the BJP to level corruption charges against the Congress party.

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his ministers, BJP leaders slammed the Congress party and questioned Rahul Gandhis silence over the issue.

The Indian National Congress is in no way connected with the businesses of Dheeraj Sahu, MP. Only he can explain, and should explain, how huge amounts of cash have been reportedly unearthed by the income-tax authorities from his properties, the Congress party had said.

The Congress, however, distanced itself from Dhiraj Sahus businesses and said that the Rajya Sabha MP should explain how such a huge amount of cash has been recovered from his properties.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. Jaishankar said that he values his guidance for further deepening of strategic partnership between India and Oman.

In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, Honoured to call on His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman as he begins his State visit. Value his guidance for further deepening of our Strategic Partnership.

Earlier in the day, Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tarik landed at the Delhi airport for his three-day State visit to India. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan welcomed him at the airport.

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Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the visit of Oman Sultan will further reinforce the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by @MOS_MEA at the airport. The visit will further reinforce the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India & Oman and strengthen bilateral ties, Arindam Bagchi posted on X.

According to MEA, this is the first state visit of Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India and marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and Oman.

Oman Sultan arrived in India at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. During his visit, he will be received by PM Modi and President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for a ceremonial welcome on Saturday.

He will also visit the National Gallery of Modern Art here and hold a meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House on day two of his visit.

During his visit, PM Modi will also host a luncheon in his honour. The visit will be an opportunity to explore avenues for future collaboration between India and Oman for regional stability, progress and prosperity, the MEA release said.

Notably, India and Oman share a long-standing friendship rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties. Furthermore, people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back 5,000 years. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1955, and the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008.

Oman is Indias closest defence partner in the Gulf region as well, and defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Oman, according to MEA.

Oman is the only country in West Asia with which all three services of the Indian Armed Forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and service-level staff talks.

Given the strong relationship with Oman, India also extended a special invitation to the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country under Indias G20 Presidency. Oman actively participated in over 150 working group meetings, and nine ministers from Oman participated in various G20 ministerial meetings.
The education commencement ceremony of the Patanjali Indian Institute of Ayurveda and Research (Patanjali Ayurveda College) was held at the college campus in Haridwar on Friday. During the ceremony, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna blessed the students.

The education of the postgraduate students was commenced under the guidance of the colleges principal Dr. Anil Kumar and vice-principal Dr. Girijesh K.J.

The program began with the lighting of a lamp and the recitation of a prayer to Dhanvantari.

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At the program, Yog Guru Baba Ramdev said, You all should be determined that after being graduated from Patanjali Ayurveda College, you will go to different provinces of the country and engage in service work.

Acharya Balkrishna also addressed the students and said, You all have to propagate Ayurveda all over the world. When each student of Patanjali Ayurveda College will come out with the flag of Ayurveda, then the day is not far when the prestige of Ayurveda will be established as the main medical system.

In the program, the students of the Batch-2022 presented a prayer to Ganesha.

The students of the Batch-2023 concluded the program with a bhajan ( devotional song).

Dr. Vibhuti Chandrakar and Dr. Neha Barua coordinated the state management for the ceremony.

In the program, Dr. Amrita Lal, Professor and Research Chair, University of Pretoria, South Africa and Chief Advisor to Patanjali University, Mr. K.N.S. Yadav, Chancellor of I.E.S. University, Bhopal, Dr. Anurag Varshney, Chief Scientist of Patanjali Research Institute, and Dr. Vedpriya,Chairperson of Patanjali Herbal Research Division, were present as special guests.

Dr. C.B. Dhanraj expressed his gratitude to all the guests and the participants of the program, Dr. Pratyush Kumar, Dr. Sachin Ravan, and Dr. G.V. Karunakara.
The Indian Navy on Saturday said it responded to a hijacking call from Malta-flagged Vessel MV Ruen and diverted its maritime patrol aircraft and warship in the Arabian Sea.

The Navy said that it recieved a mayDay message from the vessel about the boarding of unknown personnel near Somalia coast on December 15.

Indian Navy Mission Deployed platforms respond to hijacking in the Arabian Sea. MayDay msg from Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen on @UK_MTO portal  boarding by unknown personnel. Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft & warship on Anti Piracy patrol immediately diverted, the Navy said in a statement on X.

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Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) overflew MV Ruen Vessel, which is now heading towards coast of Somalia and Navy said that it is monitoring the vessel.

The Indian Navy MPA overflew MV Ruen early morning 15Dec & continues to monitor the vessel, now heading towards coast of Somalia, the statement read.

The IN Warship on Anti Piracy patrol intercepted MV Ruen, early hours of 16Dec. Situation being closely monitored, it added.

According to reports, the crew has lost control of the vessel and six Somali Pirates have taken hold of it.

Meanwhile, the European Unions Somali counter-piracy force has said that a Spanish Navy ship is heading towards the Malta-flagged vessel at full speed.

According to news agency Reuters, Somalias breakaway Puntland region, a member of a group involved in raids on merchant ships said that pirates had managed to seize a vessel.

Six of my pirate friends managed to capture a ship and they will bring it to the coast of the eastern region of Puntland, Mukhtar Mohamud told the agency by phone from the coastal city of Qandala.
The alleged attack on Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who comes under the Z+ security, by the workers of SFI, the student wing of the CPI-M, on the streets of Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, raises questions about the double standard of police in protecting the state Chief Minister and the Governor.

Although the CM and the Governor are of the same security category, the police were seen taking different approaches towards them. While no one is allowed to come closer to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans motorcade, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan was attacked in the middle of the streets of Thiruvananthapuram on Monday evening.

The opposition UDF and the BJP have been highlighting the double standards of the state police in providing security to the Governor and the Chief Minister, though both of them come under the Z+ security cover.

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A serious police lapse was confirmed in the incident when SFI workers stopped the Governors cavalcade at three places in the state capital on Monday. Only a few police forces were deployed in these places which adds to the doubts about police complicity in the case.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has alleged police complicity in the entire incident and claimed that the agitators were brought to the spot in police vehicles. The Governor alleged that attempts were made to hurt him physically by goondas at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

It has been reported that the pilot vehicle accompanying the Governors motorcade slowed down as soon as the SFI protesters were seen and the policemen got out of the car for a while. When the pilot vehicle stopped, the Governors car too stopped abruptly. This facilitated the SFI workers to come near the Governors car to show black flags and raise slogans. They also hit his car and thrashed the bonnet and rear glass of the vehicle.

The police neither tried to stop the protesters, who were on the side of the road, or prevented them from jumping in front of the convoy.

The state Intelligence had issued three warnings about the Students Federation of Indias (SFI) plans to protest against the Kerala Governor. The three warnings issued in 24 hours warned about the display of black flags and a possible attack against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Although the Intelligence report had suggested that additional security should be provided to the Governor, the higher-ups in the police ignored it.

It has been reported that the Intelligence department has found that the Governors travel route, which the City Police Commissioner had instructed to keep confidential, was leaked to the SFI on Monday morning by a leader of the police association.

It is been alleged that the police attitude was soft towards the SFI protesters. At first, the police booked the SFI workers under minor offences, including unlawful assembly, rioting, obstructing traffic, and assaulting public servants from discharging their duty. It may be noted that the police invoked IPC Section 124, which pertains to assaulting the governor with an intent to restrain him from exercising his lawful powers, against the SFI workers after the Governor issued instructions to the DGP and the Chief Secretary in this regard.

The Governor alleged that while attempt to murder charges were invoked against the Congress activists who threw shoes at the Chief Ministers vehicle, only milder sections were invoked against the SFI workers who hit his vehicle and tried to assault him.

In its order on Thursday, the Thiruvananthapuram Judicial First Class Magistrate dismissed the bail applications of seven SFI workers, observing that the incident was serious and the act of the accused persons against the Governor, who is under Z+ security, can only be considered as an attack.

Meanwhile, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan accepted the challenge of the SFI leadership that they will not allow him to set foot on university campuses in the state. Taking up the challenge of the student wing of the CPI-M, Governor Khan reached Kozhikode on Saturday and will stay at the Calicut University Guest House till Monday.

Before leaving for Kozhikode, Governor Khan told media persons in New Delhi on Saturday morning that he would confront SFI activists if they attempted to block his car. If they come near my car, I will stop the car and get down from it, he said.

I am simply not putting up any allegations. You can see from the video how the protesters jumped into my car. However, just imagine the same protest happening against the Chief Minister. Will the police allow anyone to go near his convoy? he asked.

Anyway, I am taking up the SFI challenge. Those people are gangsters and I have no peace pact with them. I have no concern about police security either, the Governor added.

Kerala SFI president P M Arsho had on Tuesday said, The Governor would not be allowed to enter any university in the state if he went ahead with the plan to saffronise universities. The SFI is fighting for the higher education sector. He (Khan) had unilaterally nominated persons to the university bodies in accordance with a list provided by the RSS. The Governor has flouted all norms. There would be strong protests against saffronisation.
Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Saturday accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of having a sadist mindset.

Speaking to media persons in Kozhikode, Satheesan alleged that Chief Minister Vijayan is taking criminals with him. He said that criminals who have heard the name of the police force are escorting him on his Navakerala Sadas journey.

Satheesan alleged that the mental balance of the Chief Minister is lost. The Chief Minister has a sadistic mentality. It is suspected that the Chief Minister is forgetting to take his medicine, the ministers should take it and give it to him, Satheesan said.

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He asked whether anybody has the right to stage a protest against the government and the CM in Kerala or not.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans personal security staff has come under scathing criticism for overstepping the bounds of their official duty and assaulting Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists who staged a black flag protest as the motorcade ferrying the Cabinet to a Navakerala Sadas venue in Kayamkulam Assembly constituency in Alappuzha district on Saturday morning.

Satheesan said the Chief Ministers security team has no role in maintaining public peace. Such authority is the preserve of the local police, he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijayan said that he was not aware that his personal security officer assaulted KSU activists.

The security team is duty-bound to protect the Chief Minister. There is nothing illegal about officers performing their official obligations, said Chief Minister Vijayan.
The Uttar Pradesh government has given a green signal for the development of the capital city Lucknow as an artificial intelligence (AI) city, solidifying the city of nawabs as the emerging IT hotspot of the country.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a comprehensive action plan has been formulated for establishment of an AI City in Lucknow, and the implementation process has been initiated by the UP Electronics Corporation Limited (UPLC).

To facilitate this initiative, UPLC has called for applications through Expression of Interest from prominent real estate developers and agencies in accordance with the UP Electronics Manufacturing Policy (UPEMP) for the design, development, and operation of the city, officials here on Saturday said.

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It is noteworthy that under this project, the way will be paved for the construction of Grade-A certified commercial space, state-of-the-art data centres, Grade-A flexible workplaces and tech labs for IT companies. At the same time, the way will be paved for the construction of many world-class amenities including luxury and affordable housing residential complexes, recreation areas, green areas along with commercial spaces.

Under the project, the IT and Electronics Department has identified potential land parcels for the development of AI City at prime locations in Lucknow. In this context, a 40-acre land parcel owned by the Department of IT and Electronics has been earmarked as a potential development site for the AI City. Situated in the Nadarganj Industrial Area, the land holds a prime location, approximately 3 kilometers away from Lucknow International Airport.

The land is currently completely fenced and is accessible via a two-lane road. With its proximity to the Lucknow-Kanpur highway, excellent connectivity, prime location base, and modern facilities, this area presents a favourable opportunity for the establishment of AI city. In such a case, UPLC has issued an EOI inviting applications from leading real estate developers. They will have to work on a detailed action plan to design, construct and operate all the infrastructure and facilities related to AI city in this area.

The developer companies will be given 40 acres of land in the prime location of Nadarganj industrial area for the project. Under this, assistance will be provided in land acquisition, zoning rules and other relevant approvals. At the same time, financial assistance will also be provided to the developer through attractive financial incentives, including one-time capex support of 25% to Rs 20 crore for IT Park and capex support of up to Rs 100 crore for IT City.

Simultaneously, according to IT and ITES Policy 2022, 100% stamp duty exemption, non-financial assistance will also be provided for lease rental, cloud service cost, electricity charges and bandwidth expenses.

The developers will develop prestigious state-of-the-art infrastructure in AI City by building Grade-A LEED certified offices based on plug and play infrastructure. There will also be the development of a tower with grade-A office space for incubators, startups and corporates, a dedicated area for AI testing and prototyping facilities that will provide space for research centres and top technology educational institutions. The developers who will be given preference for this work will have an annual turnover of more than Rs 1000 crore.

Due to these factors, Lucknow has emerged as the most suitable area for an AI City.

Noida is already famous as an IT hub in Uttar Pradesh, but the development of Lucknow as an IT hub and AI city will pave the way for the development of tier-2 cities across the country and the state.

Lucknow has the presence of over 800 thriving tech-related businesses and over 200 technology startups, including BPM. The city also has centers of excellence in areas such as AI and Med Tech (with extensive AI integration).
Barely six to seven per cent of Indias population seeks the help of a dentist when faced with any dental problem, Dr Ashok Dhable, the Secretary General of the Indian Dental Association (IDA), said.

Pointing out that the percentage of people seeking help for dental issues was abysmally low, Dr Dhable said it needed to be improved to at least 15 per cent.

Dr Dhable, who was speaking at the inaugural programme of the 39th state conference of the IDA at Siksha O Anusandhan (SOA) here on Friday, said, Children should be taught the need for proper dental care at an early age. Therefore, there is the need for a national school oral health programme.

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Dr Dibyendu Mazumdar, President of the Dental Council of India (DCI), who was the chief guest at the event, said there were 370 dental colleges in India which had more than three lakh dental surgeons.

He stressed the need for a national task force for proper implementation of the dental curriculum. He congratulated SOA for the fine performance of the Institute of Dental Sciences (IDS), the universitys faculty of dental sciences, as it had been ranked 9th in the country by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

The programme was presided over by SOA Vice Chancellor Prof Pradipta Kumar Nanda who outlined the various research work being undertaken by the university.

The gathering was also addressed by Prof Neeta Mohanty, Dean of IDS and President of IDA Kalinga, Dr Michael John, President of IDA Odisha, Dr Sanjeeb Kumar Pradhan, Secretary of IDA Kalinga and Dr Subash Chandra Nayak, Secretary of IDA Odisha. Dr Abhilash Mohapatra, Organising Chairman and Dr Anurag Satpathy, Scientific Chairman for the programme, also spoke on the occasion.

Dr P K Nanda was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion while Dr Deepak Kumar Majhi was chosen as the best Secretary of the local branch. Dr Ipsita Mohanty, Organising Secretary of the event, proposed a vote of thanks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to the heroes of Indias victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war on the occasion of Vijay Diwas.

Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the peoples hearts and our nations history, he wrote on X.

The PM said India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit. Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory, he said.

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President Droupadi Murmu also paid homage to armed forces personnel for displaying unparalleled courage and achieving a historic victory on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. The nation remembers with gratitude the selfless sacrifice made by our armed forces during the 1971 war. On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to the bravehearts who displayed unparalleled courage and achieved historic victory, Ms. Murmu said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief, Gen Manoj Pande, IAF Vice Chief, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar paid their respects to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also paid tributes. In a post on X, Mallikarjun Kharge said, We bow to the indomitable courage, valour and determination of our Armed Forces and Mukti Bahini. The geography of the world changed today in 1971, as our brave Indian Armed Forces defeated Pakistan and liberated Bangladesh. It was a momentous occasion for humanity, under the dynamic and decisive leadership of Indira Gandhi. We bow to the indomitable courage, valour and determination of our Armed Forces and Mukti Bahini, Kharge said.

Indias decisive win over Pakistan led to the creation of Bangladesh. Vijay Diwas is observed annually to commemorate this victory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman on Saturday held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi. During the meeting, the leaders took stock of the bilateral ties and discussed future collaboration between New Delhi and Muscat.

Prime Minister Modi said that the Oman Sultans India visit is a historic day in the bilateral relations of both the countries

I am happy to welcome you to India. Today is a historic day in Oman-India relations as after 26 years, the Sultan of Oman has come to India on a state visit and I have got the opportunity to welcome you. On behalf of the people of India, I welcome you, PM said at the beginning of the delegation-level meeting.

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#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi pic.twitter.com/uPvlP6xxnC  ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2023



Earlier on Friday, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq arrived in Delhi on a three-day state visit to India. He was welcomed at the Delhi airport by Union MoS for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan.

His visit is seen a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between India and Oman.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi said that the visit will further give a boost to the India-Oman strategic partnership.

Giving a boost to India-Oman Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodi warmly received His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman at Hyderabad House, setting the stage for bilateral discussions. Agenda includes taking stock of bilateral ties and charting pathways for the future collaboration between the two countries, Bagchi said.
The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police arrested a wanted Kashmiri fraudster, who posed as an officer in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), with suspected link with anti-national elements.

The arrested man, identified as Sayed Ishaan Bukhari (37), a native of Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir, has history of crimes including impersonation, cheating, forgery and links with antinational elements.

Acting on a tipoff, Bukhari was arrested from Neulapur village under Dharmasala police station jurisdiction of Jajpur. The accused impersonated as a doctor with fake pass-out certificates of medical colleges.

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During raid, several incriminating materials including more than 100 documents were seized. The accused was found to be impersonating as a Neurosurgery specialist doctor, an Army doctor, an officer in Prime Ministers Office PMO), a close associate of some high ranking National Investigating Agency (NIA) officials, etc.

Numerous forged documents like medical degree certificate issued by Cornel University of USA, Canadian Health Services Institute, and Christian Medical College Vellore etc. were also seized, STF officials said.

Some blank signed documents, affidavits, bonds, numerous Identity cards, ATM cards, blank cheques, Aadhaar cards, visiting cards, etc., were also seized.

It has also been found that the accused has married at least 6-7 girls from various parts of India including Kashmir, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha.

He was also active on various websites/apps and was in romantic relationships with many girls impersonating as a doctor with international degrees.

It was also found that he was in touch with suspicious persons in Kerala and some Pakistani nationals too. It is also learnt that the accused is wanted by Kashmir Police in connection with a case of cheating and forgery and a non bailable warrant is pending against him, STF officials concluded.
The Beijing Internet Courts rul- ing that content generated by artificial intelligence can be covered by copyright has caused a stir in the AI community, not least because it clashes with the stances adopted in other major juris- dictions, including the United States. In fact, that is partly the point: The ruling advances a wider effort in China to surpass the United States to become a global leader in AI.

Not everyone views the ruling as all that consequential. Some com- mentators point out that the Beijing Internet Court is a relatively low-level institution, operating within a legal system where courts are not obligated to follow precedents. But, while tech- nically true, this interpretation misses the point, because it focuses narrowly on Chinese law, as written. In the Chi- nese legal context, decisions like this one both reflect and shape policy.

In 2017, Chinas leaders set the ambitious goal of achieving global AI supremacy by 2030. But the barriers to success have proved substantial and they continue to multiply. Over the last year or so, the US has made it increasingly difficult for China to acquire the chips it needs to develop advanced AI technologies, such as large language models, that can com- pete with those coming out of the US. President Joe Bidens administration further tightened those regulations in October.

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In response to this campaign, Chinas government has mobilised a whole-of-society effort to accelerate AI development, channelling vast investment toward the sector and lim- iting regulatory hurdles. In its Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Ser- vices  which entered into effect in August  the government urged administrative authorities and courts at all levels to adopt a cautious and tolerant regulatory stance toward AI.

If the Beijing Internet Courts recent ruling is any indication, the judiciary has taken that guidance to heart. After all, making it possible to copyright some AI-generated content not only directly strengthens the incentive to use AI, but also boosts the commercial value of AI products and services.

Conversely, denying copyrights to AI-generated content could inad- vertently encourage deceptive prac- tices, with digital artists being tempt- ed to misrepresent the origins of their creations. By blurring the lines between AI-generated and human- crafted works, this would pose a threat to the future development of AI foundational models, which rely heavily on training with high-quality data sourced from human-generated content.

For the US, the benefits of pro- hibiting copyright protection for AI- generated content seem to outweigh the risks. The US Copyright Office has refused to recognise such copyrights in three cases, even if the content reflects a substantial human creative or intellectual contribution. In one case, an artist tried over 600 promptsa considerable investment of effort and creativityto create an AI-generated image that eventually won an award in an art competition, only to be told that the copyright would not be recognised.

This reluctance is hardly unfounded. While the Beijing Internet Court ruling might align with Chinas AI ambitions today, it also opens a Pandoras box of legal and ethical challenges. For instance, as creators of similar AI artworks dispute copy- right infringement, Chinese courts could be burdened by a surge of litiga- tion at a time when Chinese courts must face the contentious issue of whether copyright holders can obtain compensation for the use of their AI- generated works in AI training. This makes a revision of existing copyright laws and doctrines by Chinese courts and the legislature all but inevitable.

Questions about copyrights and AI training are already fuelling heat- ed debates in a number of jurisdic- tions. In the US, artists, writers and others have launched a raft of lawsuits accusing major AI firms like OpenAI, Meta and Stability AI of using their copyrighted work to train AI systems without permission. In Europe, the proposed AI Act by the European Par- liament requires that companies dis- close any copyrighted materials they use for training generative-AI systems  a rule that would make AI firms vul- nerable to copyright-infringement suits, while increasing the leverage of copyright-holders in compensation negotiations.

For China, addressing such ques- tions might prove to be particularly complicated. Chinese law permits the free use of copyrighted materials only in very limited circumstances. But with Chinese courts increasingly aligning their rulings with directives from Beijing, it seems likely that, to facilitate the use of copyrighted mate- rials by AI firms, they will soon start taking a laxer approach and approve a growing number of exceptions.

The price, however, could be steep. The adoption of a more lenient approach toward the use of copyright- ed materials for AI trainingas well as the likely flood of AI-generated content on the Chinese marketmay end up discouraging human creativity in the long term.

From the government to the courts, Chinese authorities seem fix- ated on ensuring that the country can lead on AI. But the consequences of their approach could be profound and far-reaching. It is not inconceiv- able that this legal trend could lead to social crises such as massive job losses in creative industries and wide- spread public discontent. For now, however, China can be expected to continue nurturing its AI industryat all costs.

The Kathmandu Post/ANN.
What would an institu- tion do with 297 mo- ulded bricks and ar- chitectural fragmen- ts; five large seated Buddha ima- ges in high relief; and a smaller figure within a niche of a stand- ing male figure holding a flower in relief; two roundels and rec- tangular bricks depicting the image of Kubera, a few rectan- gular bricks bearing the proba- ble image of Jambala, a large of number of sun-dried clay tablets and fragment of a stone depict- ing a Jataka tale? If the institution were enga- ged in research-writing and cur- ating like the Chhatrapati Shiva- ji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai, what would emerge, evolve and develop from the collection would be a full-length study of Buddhist architecture and the discovery of a lost stupa at Kahu-jo-daro in Sindh, Pakistan. The focus would be on the archaeological site in Mirpurkhas town, ren- owned for its terracotta art, that would lead to understanding facets of art history, cultural his- tory and religious inspiration with its seemingly infinite shor- es of understanding of how our ancestors lived, offered prayers, and celebrated their lives. In more ways than one, an ancient past would be reconstructed for the benefit of our globalized audiences. Buddhism in Sindh does so- und puzzling at first. For too long Buddhism was thought as growing, radiating, and becom- ing a major religion from the east: with its centres in todays Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh; and later parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, with the movement to Tibet, Mongolia, China, and Sri Lanka giving Buddhism its global char- acter. The CSMVS research which commenced in 2008, and reach- ed culmination in 2022 with the publication of The Lost Stupa of Kahu-jo-daro, sub-titled An at- tempt at reconstruction, takes us through crossroads of culture where Gandhara up in mountai- ns and valleys of north-western Pakistan, Mathura along the Indo-Gangetic belt, Ajanta in the Deccan plateau and Rajgriha in the plains of Bihar contributed and influenced the art-forms discovered at Kahu-jo-daro in Sindh. Come to think of it, cen- turies and millennia ago, cultur- al ties between Rajgriha in Bihar and Roruha in Pakistan were a reality, and today, the story is dramatically and traumatically different! For Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director general of CSVMS who helmed the research, to say it was an immensely difficult task would be an understatement as the project began without ins- criptions or literary evidence. Kahu-jo-daro was remote, and beyond our reach and my mate- rial resources were only those in the CSMVS collection, he said, acknowledging the contribution of a line of venerable historians- art historians and curators like Dr Moti Chandra, Dr Kalpana Desai, Dr Devangana Desai, and Dr Pratapaditya Pal. Their col- lective knowledge and pioneer- ing works gave the lost stupa research its new direction, high- lighting the riverine culture, ur- ban centres, trading towns, be- sides significance of religious places where people prayed, contributed their earnings, keeping places of worship alive through cen- turies. In 1909 the lost and found stupa story began with British archa- eologist Sir Henry Cousens, who was the first to have ex- cavated the Kahu- jo-daro site. Fifty years earlier, Gen- eral John Jacob, acting commis- sioner of Sindh, had noticed the dilapidated Bud- dha site but not realised its historical significan- ce. In 1859, James Gibbs, anoth- er senior official, described the site as remains of a brick plat- form and even excavated the upper part of the mound. His diary entry recorded finding an earthenware pot filled with mud and pieces of amethyst and crystal; whereabouts of this pot or vase are unknown. Sir John Woodburn, the col- lector of Hyderabad (Sindh) in 1894, contributed to the story as he accidentally rescued a large painted terracotta seated Bud- dha image, and the head of a second image, from railway con- tractors. As in the case of Moh- enjodaro, the largest of Harap- pan metropolises in Sindh, it was railway workers-contractors who were digging and using bricks for laying local railway tracks, having no idea of how old the bricks were nor their signifi- cance. To imagine that bricks, of uniform size and shape, sur- vived two millennia and were now laying the foundation of a modern transport in early 20th century! Sir Cousens, having begun excavations in 1909-1910, noted that despite railway workers dig- ging the bricks, there was so much of the stupa remaining at the north-end of the site. He remained true to his training as Surveyor and Superintendent at the Archaeological Survey Department of India when he documented, catalogued, and surveyed the monuments in his charge across western India. Not only Kahu-jo-daro, but Ahmed- abad, Champaner and Bijapur owe much to his perseverance and diligence. His book The Antiquities of Sind with Histori- cal Outline is regarded as a sem- inal work and provided a credi- ble platform upon which the CSMVS built its research. Owing to scarcity of archae- ological and literary material, it is difficult to know when and how Buddhism found its footing in the Sindh region. In the nor- th-west, it was the Gandhara re- gion where Budd- hism took deep roots, thanks to efforts of the Mau- ryan Emperor Asoka. Explained Sabyasachi Mukh- erjee in The Lost Stupa, the great river Sindhu, whi- ch is the Sanskrit name of river In- dus, passed throu- gh the valley from the north to the south and acted as an important tra- de, religious and cultural connec- tion for the Indus Valley, Punjab and the Gandhara region. This riverine connection, water-highways of the ancient world, had a continuing and deep impact on Sindhs social, cultural, and economic history, providing crossroads and bridg- es for people of the region. Bud- dhism as a religion and way of life found adherents in Sindh. It is very important for global citi- zens, especially the young, to understand that (the) Indian sub-continent was always part of the globalized world, said Mukherjee, referring to the pre- sent era of globalization which most netizens feel is a historic unique one. Kahu-jo-daro in Mirpurkhas, he emphasized, is not an isolated instance of artis- tic activity in the area. He drew links between this site of the ruined Buddhist stupa with Tak- shashila, the chief city in the eastern region of Gandhara. Originally, the Kahu-jo-daro stupa was decorated with 11 terracotta relief panels of seated Buddhas in the niches of the four faces of the platform. Each of the north, east and south faces had three large pan- els on either side of the entrance to the stupa from west side, it is explained. At the time of excavation only seven large images, and a small one, were found on site, it is reported. Kahu-jo-daro is probably the one site in the regi- on that has yielded so many relief panels of Buddha images so far. The CSMVS team began digital reconstruction of the lost stupa, which as Mukherjee explained, is one of the few examples of decorative terracot- ta stupa architecture in the Indus Valley. Utilising the collection at CSMVS, and some surviving architectural fragments, the task began of imagining reconstruc- tion of the original shape of the stupa, built probably in 500 CE, even though Sir Cousens assig- ned the stupa to c 400 CE, a cen- tury earlier. One can easily imagine the magnificent scene around the stupa in the valley of Kahu-jo- daro, he said, adding, the main stupa with its majestic harmika stood nearly 20 metres tall, its towering presence inspiring devotees and pilgrims approa- ching from over a long distance. Thousands of local devotees, and those from all over India, perhaps even other countries, must have thronged here to pay their respects to the great soul whose corporeal remains were enshrined in the stupa. The main entrance was em- bellished with decorative bricks and a torana or gate, as seen in Sanchi too. For pilgrims the cir- cumambulation or going round the stupa is a sacred ritual, fol- lowed in Hinduism and Jainism too. At Kahu-jo-daro the visual gallery of seated Buddhas, in niches of the platform walls before entering the stupa, was the source of piety, inspiration and austerity. Shrines inside the stupa would have contained images of the Buddha; it would seem these images were moved to another site, probably to ensure their safety from invasions before the entire stupa itself was covered in sand and left buried, forgotten for centuries. Kahu-jo-daro, as The Lost Stupa details, belong- ed to a much earlier era; it could have been a reconstruction of a ruined stupa erected under Emperor Asokas orders in the 3rd century BCE. In todays time of peace and prosperity, preservation of cultural heritage has to become a top priority for UNESCO, gov- ernments of different countries and civil society too, said Muk- herjee, emphasizing, I strongly believe that the power of culture can change the world as it unites people, countries, religions, and customs. It works as a healing tool in our broken societies. The Lost Stupa is about finding and building everlasting peace.

The writer is researcher- writer on history and heritage issues and a former deputy curator of Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya

Photos: CSVMS publication

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Dhaka, December 16, 1971. It was the day that Pakistan surrendered in the Indo-Pak War. And it was the day that Bangladesh was born.

Among those to still recall that day, fifty-two years ago, in vivid detail, is Lt. General H.S. Panag (Retd). He was twenty-three years old at that time and an officer in the Indian Army. His formation had been stationed in West Bengals northern district of Nadia, near the border with what was then East Pakistan.

December 16, 1971, was preceded by days and months of atrocities that rulers of West Pakistan had unleashed on the East Pakistani Bengalis.

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On March 25 that year the Pakistani Army, controlled by West Pakistan, had launched Operation Searchlight, the codename for a planned, military operation, the goal of which was to crush and really eradicate the movement by East Pakistans Bengali-speaking population for autonomy.

On March 26, the day after the genocide started, Lt Gen Panag remembers the road from Boyra (near East Pakistans border with West Bengal) all the way down to Ranaghat, fifty-four kilometers away, being choked with refugees fleeing East Pakistan. I recall the sheer numbers.it was a sight that is etched in my memory, he says.

The demand for autonomy had, of course, been brewing for over two decades. As early as 1947, soon after India was partitioned and East and West Pakistan came into being by carving out parts of Bengal and Punjab, it became amply clear to the Bengali-speaking population of East Pakistan that West Pakistan would take control of everything from the governance to the economy to even the culture and the language of the newly-formed country. This period is well-documented.

In his foreword to the tome, Heroes of 1971: The Bravehearts of the War That Gave Birth to Bangladesh, edited by The Tribune editor-in-chief Rajesh Ramachandran, NN Vohra, President of The Tribune Trust, Chandigarh gives it fresh perspective.

He writes, While India had, since Independence, remained intensively engaged in tackling the challenges of nation-building and placing its democratic framework on a firm footing, the governance of Pakistan, had since 1958, firmly settled in the hands of its military generals, who were openly opposed to democracy.

He further points out, Pakistans eastern wing, East Pakistan, lay 1,600 kilometers away from West Pakistan. In terms of growth and development, it had suffered adversely for many years because of the highly discriminatory policies of the federal government of Pakistan, which had refused to provide the much-needed political and economic support to East Pakistan. As unashamedly pronounced by the commanding Pakistani generals, one of the reasons for their harsh treatment of the people of East Bengal was because they were not Urdu but Bengali speaking.

Indeed, the demand for recognition of the Bengali language as one of Pakistans official languages and the dissent that stemmed from the outright refusal to pay heed to this demand resulted in the first violent clashes between East Pakistanis and the rulers of West Pakistan. In what has come to be known as one of Bangladeshs bloodiest days and one which has gone down in history as Martyrs Day is February 21, 1952. On this day, just four years after Independence, Pakistani police opened fire on protesters demanding the recognition of their language Bengali as an official language. They included intellectuals, activists, teachers and students, including scholars of Dhaka University.

Five men, Abdus Salam, Abdul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar and Shafiur Rahman were killed in that police firing and many were injured.

Though the dissent was temporarily and outwardly crushed, the anger, the fury, the frustration and the restlessness continued to simmer just underneath the surface. And then it erupted. Finally, the day after the pogrom, on March 26, 1971, Mujibar Rahman, then a rising star in Pakistani politics and leader of the political party Awami League (which had swept the elections but was denied by West Pakistans military government the right to govern) declared Independence from the tyrannical and oppressive West Pakistan.

Documenting the period in his book, Indias Secret War, BSF and Nine Months to the Birth of Bangladesh, journalist Ushinor Majumdar writes on how Indias Border Security Force too, along with Indias armed forces, played a crucial role in helping Bangladesh wrest freedom from West Pakistan including taking part in training the

Mukti Bahini, the now celebrated guerilla warriors of the liberation war.

War was formally declared on December 3, 1971 and thirteen days later, Pakistan surrendered and Bangladesh was born. Lt Gen Panag recalls a speech made by his then senior in the Indian Army, Lt Gen Aurora, who was addressing his officers. He said, Hum Pakistan ke tukde tukde kar denge (We will shred Pakistan to bits), says Lt Gen Panag, quoting Lt Gen Aurora.

And they did that. East Pakistan was sliced off from West Pakistan. Lt Gen Panag vividly remembers that day too, the day Bangladesh was born.

The Indian Army had brought about psychological collapse of the Pakistan Army. At Dacca. Dacca had become the Centre of Gravity, explains Lt Gen Panag. It was part of the strategy of the Indian Army to psychologically destroy the Pakistan Army, which was thrown off-guard, expecting the fighting to be nearer the borders. They were a 30,000 strong force. We had only 3,000 surrounding Dacca, points out Lt Gen Panag. But the Pakistani Army had psychologically given up. It was a matter of time before it surrendered.

And the rest, of course, is history.
At least 26 people were injured when a local deputy detonated several grenades in a village council building in Ukraines western Zakarpattia region, the National Police said.

The incident occurred at about 11:37 a.m. local time on Friday in the village of Keretsky during the council meeting, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a Telegram post by the police.

Six of the injured have been hospitalized in severe condition.

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According to the TSN.ua media outlet, the conflict between the attacker and the head of the Keretsky territorial community was behind the attack.

Ukrainian authorities are investigating the incident on charges of terrorism and illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon Dec. 8 at new member StretchLabs new facility at 84 Taunton St. in Plainville. State Rep. Marcus Vaughn, R-Norfolk, presented a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. According to its website, StretchLab is a wellness concept offering customized assisted-stretch sessions in a group setting. From left are flexologist Elizabeth Crehan; sales associate Ariel Hart; general manager Michael Cairone; URCC board chair and leadership and growth coach Josh Vanada; owner Eric Peabody; URCC board member Jason Hawkes of Primerica; URCC member Marcie Rappa of Marcie Rappa Homes and Associates; Vaughn; URCC member Mike Bokelman of The Washington Trust Co.; and URCC board members Rebecca Marshall-Howath of The Last Word, Zach Patten of Oak Grove Insurance, and Alan Benjamin of Bluestone Bank.
Washington Countys Board of Supervisors has awarded money to help rescue agencies who provided aid during the recent loss of a fireman in Abingdon, Virginia.

The board agreed on Tuesday to reimburse local fire and rescue agencies that assisted the Abingdon Fire Department following the accidental death of firefighter Cameron Craig on Oct. 19.

The board voted on Dec. 5 to pay $14,880.36 to assist local rescue agencies with expense incurred during the aftermath of Craigs death.

Its a little bit of everything, said Theresa Kingsley-Varble, the countys director of emergency management.

When the fatality happened, obviously, things went awry quickly, she said. Abingdon Fire Department went out of service for understandable reasons for an undetermined amount of time.

Washington County Fire and Rescue personnel, for one, had to work overtime, Kingsley-Varble said. Employees worked extra shifts. It was overtime for them

Firefighters from Bristol, Virginia, were also temporarily hired for a couple of weeks to make sure everything was covered, Kingsley-Varble said.

Abingdon was obviously out of service, she added. It was just to make sure that we had the manpower there.

Firefighters were also helped from Green Spring in Washington Country, Virginia, and Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia.

More assistance came from the Washington County Life Saving Crew, she said.

Supervisor Phil McCall made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Wayne Stevens, to approve reimbursing expenditures to rescue agencies.

I want to thank all of the fire deparments from Washington County, all from Bristol, all these all over the state for coming and supporting us in this endeavor, McCall said. I really appreciate everything theyve done for us.
India Navy responded swiftly to a Mayday call from a Malta-flagged commercial vessel which was heading towards Somalia. The ship was reportedly hijacked in the Arabian Sea and UK Maritime Operations has said the crew has lost control of the vessel.



Indian Navy in a statement said, Indian Navy's Mission Deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving hijacking of Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen. The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 23, indicating boarding by approx six unknown personnel.

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen. The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of 15 Dec 23 and IN aircraft have been continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia, it said. Indian Navys warship, mission deployed in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol, has also intercepted MV Ruen at early hours of 16 Dec 23, Navy added.

The naval force said they are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with other agencies. The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries, it said.

In a recent tweet, the European Union Naval Force said, Based on first information available on MV RUEN, #OperationAtalanta Flagship ESPS #VICTORIA is proceeding fast towards the alleged pirate-hijacked vessel to gain more awareness & evaluate following actions, also in coordination with @CMF_Bahrain.

The UK Maritime Operations has advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is convening a two-day coordination committee meeting with its affiliated organisations in Jammu starting today. The focus is to discuss the evolving political situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.



This meeting holds significance in light of the recent Supreme Court verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370. The court has also directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct elections in J&K by September 30, 2024. There is a possibility that the ECI might not conduct the assembly and Lok Sabha polls simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir.

The BJP is optimistic about securing power in J&K following recent victories in MP, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Additionally, the party has introduced four bills with significant political implications for regional parties, and advantage to the BJP.

Key figures expected to participate in the meeting include Seh Sarkariva Dr Krishan Gopal from Sangh, BJP leaders Tarun Chugh and Ashish Sood, RSS Pranth Pracharak Rupesh Kumar, and heads of various Sangh sister organizations. Chugh and Sood are anticipated to attend the BJPs upcoming workshop on the Vishwakarma Yojna announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The one-day workshop, set at the BJP Headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, will involve J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina, general secretary Ashok Koul, senior leaders, UT office-bearers, district presidents, Morcha heads, and OBC Morcha leaders from across the UT led by president Sunil Prajapati.

The RSS Coordination Committee meeting, inclusive of senior BJP leaders and its affiliates, will deliberate on the ongoing political scenario in the UT and the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in J&K. Discussions on the possibility of concurrent assembly elections in the UT with next year's Lok Sabha polls will likely take place. Considering that Assembly polls for four states coincide with the Lok Sabha elections, the issue of J&K assembly elections holds significance in these discussions.

The meeting aims to enhance cooperation among RSS affiliates to address identified shortcomings and prepare effectively for the upcoming polls. The BJP workshop will emphasize the benefits of PMs Vishwakarma Yojna, for which a budget of Rs 13,000 crore has been allocated.

A subsequent five-day registration camp aims to expand the scheme's reach among individuals from various trades across the UT. Participants will receive training, stipends, tool kits, diplomas, and access to new technologies to enhance their skills.

The BJP has also scheduled an office-bearers meeting to strategise for the Lok Sabha polls, review the implementation of Modi Government schemes, assess the impact of Viksit Bharat Yatra, and organise events commemorating former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's birthday on December 25, alongside other party programmes.
Still stunned with the ease in which Parliaments security comprising four visible and two invisible layers of security was breached by four untrained youth with no previous crime record on December 13, investigators probing the intrusion are yet to categorically assign an irrefutable motive even as a sixth person was arrested by Delhi Police on Saturday.

The arrested, Mahesh Kumawat was also in Delhi on the day the massive breach of Parliament took place which incidentally was the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack by Pakistan-supported Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists that killed nine people.

The breach was also very glaring in view of warnings issued a few days ago by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a US-based Sikh separatist and proponent of Khalistan, who threatened to shake the very foundation of Parliament on December 13.

Kumayats name popped up when the main mastermind behind the intrusion into the brand new ParliamentLalit Jhawas found to have fled to Rajasthan with him to seek refuge. It was the latter who was instrumental in the destruction of the mobile phones of the four persons who were nabbed by the police on December 13.

Kumawat has now been sent to seven-day police custody after hours of intense interrogation by Delhi Police. He was in Delhi on the day of the intrusion.

About 1 pm on Wednesday, when the Zero Hour was in progress in the Lok Sabha, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D. leaped down from the visitors gallery into the floor of the House and exploded coloured smoke canisters, spreading shock and panic. Their parliamentary passes had been signed by BJP MP from Mysuru, Pratap Simha.

At the same time, just outside the Parliament complex, Amol Shinde and Neelam, sprayed more coloured smoke.

The group were also shouting sloganstanashahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship wont be allowed), Jai Bhim (Victory to Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar) and Bharat Mata ki Jai (Victory to Mother India).

The charges on the fourSagar Sharma (26), Manoranjan D (34), Amol Shinde (25) and Neelam Devi (37)include severe anti-terror charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act besides charges of criminal conspiracy, trespass, wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot, obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions and assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duties under provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

On Saturday, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla also wrote to all parliamentarians about the setting up of a high-level committee to probe the breach. The committee will also assess the entire security aspect of the Parliament complex and look into ways in which such incidents are prevented and thwarted in future.
Under-fire Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu has finally broken his silence over the country's highest-ever cash haul in an Income Tax department raid on an Odisha-based distillery firm owned by his family, and linked entities.

The searches against the Boudh Distillery Pvt. Ltd. (BDPL) and its linked entities in Odisha and Jharkhand, which began on December 6 and ended yesterday, yielded Rs 351 crore in cash.

Talking to ANI, Sahu admitted that the money recovered was linked to his liquor firms. I admit the money that has been recovered belongs to my firm. The cash that has been recovered is related to my liquor firms; it is the proceedings from the sale of liquor.

This money has nothing to do with Congress or any other political party as is being said. The money is not all mine, it belongs to my family and other related firms. I will give account for everything, Sahu told ANI.

I-T officials also covered the family house of the Congress Rajya Sabha MP in Ranchi, apart from a number of entities including distributors and some hawala operators during the 10-day-long search, which was initiated on charges of alleged tax evasion and "out of book" transactions.

As many as 30-34 premises in Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal were raided and about three kg of gold jewellery was also seized during the operation.

A ground scanning wheeled machine was, reportedly, deployed at Sahu's house in Ranchi, to scan for valuables beneath the surface even as three dozen currency counting machines were brought in to count the huge stash of cash. Help from banks and staffers was also taken during this process.

The counting machines failed multiple times as they were being continuously used and also by the fact that many notes were soiled leading to the blocking of the infrared sensors that read the thread on the currency to tally the bunch placed inside. Many note bunches were counted twice or thrice..

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders took a dig at the Congress and the INDIA bloc partners over the cash haul, the party distanced itself from Sahu.

"The Indian National Congress is in no way connected with the businesses of Dheeraj Sahu, MP. Only he can explain and should explain, how huge amounts of cash have been reportedly unearthed by the income-tax authorities from his properties," AICC general secretary Communications Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.
Want to visit?

The houses are located at 310 N. Center St., Hickory. Visitors should enter the Hickory History Center first for admission into the Harper House.

The History Hickory Center is free for individuals and groups less than 10. Groups of 10 or more are $8 per person plus tax.

Guided tours of the Harper House are $10 for adults and $8 for ages 6-17. Admission for ages 5 and under is free.

Harper House tours on the hour are at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Check in at the Hickory History Center first.

For more information, visit www.catawbahistory.org/our-sites/harper-house-hickory-history-center.
The conspiracy to breach the security of parliament had been under way for the last two years and the accused individuals had conducted several meetings in Mysuru, Delhi and Gurgaon, the Delhi Police told the Patiala House Court on Saturday.

Public prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh also informed the court that Mahesh Kumawat, the freshly arrested accused, had attended all such meetings.

"He (Kumawat) was in contact with other accused persons in hatching the conspiracy for the last two years. He helped the mastermind accused, Lalit Jha, in the destruction of the mobile phone to destroy evidence and to hide the larger conspiracy," Singh told the court

The prosecutor further argued that the accused wanted to create anarchy in the country so that they can compel the government to meet their unjust and illegal demands".

The court remanded Kumawat in police custody for seven days, though the city police had requested his custody for 15 days.

According to police, Kumawat was arrested on charges of destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy.

Kumawat had come on his own to a police station along with Lalit Jha on Thursday night and both were handed over to the Special Cell. He was being questioned since then though his arrest was registered only on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police officials said the accused had explored self-immolation and distribution of pamphlets before settling on the plan to jump into the Lok Sabha's chamber with smoke canisters, reported PTI.

"Before finalising this plan (to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber), they (accused) had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending their message to the government," an official told the news agency.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell, which is investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of BJP MP Pratap Simha, who had authorised the visitor passes for the two men who breached security to enter the House, said the report.

In a major security breach on Wednesday, two persons, identified as Sagar Sharma and D. Manoranjan, jumped into the chamber of Lok Sabha from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs and security personnel.

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.

Police arrested all the four from the spot while Lalit Jha, believed to be the key conspirator, surrendered before police on Thursday.
Shambhu Jha, the elder brother of Lalit Mohan Jha, the alleged mastermind behind the Parliament security breach, has expressed shock over the incident, stating that the entire family is still in a state of disbelief.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, on Wednesday, two men jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during the Zero Hour, released yellow-coloured smoke from canisters and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

Lalit was arrested in New Delhi on Thursday evening.

ALSO READ: Attackers plotted anarchy to make govt meet demands, say police

"We don't know how he got involved in all this. He always stayed away from trouble. He was a calm and quiet kid since childhood and was very introvert. We knew he was involved with NGOs and, apart from being a private tutor, we are really shocked to see his images on television channels," Shambhu told reporters.

Since Wednesday night, Shambhu's phone has not stopped ringing, with both police and relatives inquiring about the whereabouts of Jha.

"We last saw him on December 10 when we left for our hometown in Bihar. He came with us to see us off at Sealdah station. The next day he called us and said he was going to New Delhi for some personal work. That was the last time we spoke with him," he said.

In Bihar's Darbhanga, Lalit Jha's father Devanand told reporters he could never imagine that his son would be involved in such an incident.

I don't know how this happened. His name never featured in any criminal case in the past... He was a very good student since childhood, Devanand said.

We have been living in Kolkata for the past 50 years. But, on the occasion of Chhath puja, we visit our ancestral village (Rampur Udai in Darbhanga). This year, however, we could not come to our village on time.... Later, we boarded a train from Kolkata for Darbhanga on December 10, but Lalit did not come with us, he added.

Meanwhile, neighbours of Lalit were surprised to see his images on news channels, recalling him as a reserved individual who seldom engaged with the community at Burrabazar in Kolkata.

Papun Shaw, a tea stall owner at Rabindra Sarani in Burrabazar area, the business district of the city, identified Lalit as a teacher who disappeared two years ago.

"He was known as a teacher, used to teach local students, Shaw said. A few years ago, he came to the area and was living alone. He hardly used to interact with locals. At times, he would have tea at my stall. He used to keep a very low profile. He suddenly left the area two years ago and never returned."
Delhi police on Saturday arrested Mahesh Kumawat, one more accused in the Parliament security breach case allegedly on the charges of providing logistical aid to the accused.

According to police, Kumawat allegedly helped Lalit Jha, the mastermind behind the security breach to escape from Delhi. According to police, it was on Jhas instruction that December 13 was fixed to carry out the smoke scare, on the day the nation commemorates the 2001 Parliament terror attacks. Police arrested Jha on December 14.

Jha is a resident of Kolkata and a teacher by profession. Influenced by revolutionary Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Jha and others were highly motivated to commit an act which could draw the country's attention to them.

In a major security breach on Wednesday, two persons, identified as Sagar Sharma and D. Manoranjan, jumped into the chamber of Lok Sabha from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs and security personnel.

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.

Meanwhile, accused Neelam's parents moved an application in Patiala House Court of Delhi, seeking a copy of the FIR registered against her and others. Parents also seek the court's direction to Delhi Police to allow them to meet with her during the remand period. The concerned court issued notice to Delhi Police and fixed December 18 for a detailed hearing in the matter, ANI reported.

-with agency inputs.
The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday appointed Raghav Chadha as the partys leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Sanjay Singh who is behind bars in the Delhi liquor policy case.

Sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirmed to news agency PTI that a letter had been received from the AAP regarding the appointment of Chadha as its floor leader.

Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the upper house in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", the party said in the letter.

With 10 MPs, the AAP has the fourth largest strength in the Rajya Sabha after the BJP, the Congress and the Trinamool Congress.

Singh was arrested in October by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. He was the second high-profile leader after Manish Sisodia, a former deputy chief minister, to be held in this case.

The anti-money laundering agency has alleged that an accused businessman Dinesh Arora gave Rs 2 crore in cash at the Rajya Sabha MP's residence in two tranches. Singh has rebutted the claim.
In a significant achievement for India's defense capabilities, the Defence Ministry has announced the successful flight trial of an indigenous high-speed flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator catapults India into an exclusive group of nations equipped to produce such advanced platforms.

The maiden flight of this cutting-edge UAV took place in July 2022, followed by six subsequent flight trials, each showcasing different developmental configurations. These tests validated the robustness of the aerodynamic and control systems, integrated real-time and hardware-in-loop simulations, and demonstrated the state-of-the-art ground control stations. The culmination of these efforts led to the successful seventh flight in the final configuration.

Designed and manufactured by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment, this aircraft prototype boasts a complex arrowhead wing platform constructed from lightweight carbon prepreg composite material developed indigenously. Notably, the composite structure, impregnated with fiber interrogators for health monitoring, exemplifies India's self-reliance in aerospace technology.

One of the most remarkable features of this high-speed UAV is its autonomous landing capability, eliminating the need for ground radars, infrastructure, or a pilot. This unique capability allows for take-off and landing from any runway with surveyed coordinates. The achievement was made possible through the fusion of onboard sensor data and the utilization of indigenous satellite-based augmentation using GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) receivers. This integration significantly enhances the accuracy and integrity of GPS navigation.

The successful flight demonstration of this autonomous stealth UAV marks a significant advancement in India's technology readiness levels, positioning the nation alongside the elite few who have mastered the controls for flying wing technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the DRDO, the armed forces, and the industry for their unwavering commitment and collaboration, emphasizing that indigenous development of critical technologies will bolster the strength of the country's armed forces.
Expressing concern over Indian government's recent efforts to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad, the US religious freedom watchdog has called on the Joe Biden administration to designate India as a "country of particular concern" under the US Religious Freedom Act.

Citing Indian government's alleged targeting of religious minorities overseas, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal government commission, said, "USCIRF implores the U.S. Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern due to India's systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief," it said in a statement.

The Indian embassy in Washington is yet to respond.

The development comes in the wake of allegations of Indian government's involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a plot to kill another Sikh activist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in the United States.

ALSO READ: 'Forced to eat beef': Nikhil Gupta, accused of plotting Pannun's murder, moves SC seeking release

Last month, the US federal prosecutors charged an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, with working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, an American and Canadian citizen. The Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic arrested Gupta at the behest of the US, which is attempting to extradite him to the country.

The Indian government has denied involvement in the plot.

USCIRF said it has been recommending since 2020 that the State Department label India a country of particular concern, a designation under the 1998 US Religious Freedom Act. The act allows a range of policy responses, including sanctions or waivers, but they are not automatic.

Reuters reported USCIRF Commissioner David Curry as saying that India's extension of domestic repression to target religious minorities from India living abroad "is especially dangerous and cannot be ignored".
A Vatican court has convicted Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 75, of several counts of embezzlement and sentenced him to five years and six months in jail. Cardinal along with nine other defendants awaited verdict in the historic Vatican fraud trial case on Saturday. Along with embezzlement, cardinal was charged with abuse of office and trying to induce a witness to give false testimony.

The trial had exposed infighting and those of high power involved in corruption in the Vatican. Becciu was one of the powerful figures in the Vatican, who held the position of sostituto (substitute) in the Holy Sees Secretariat of State. The position came with immense privileges including walk-in visits and meetings with the Pope.

The panel of three lay judges of the Vatican's criminal court retired at 11.30 am (Rome time) to consider its verdicts on Saturday. Reading a note of thanks to lawyers and the media, Court President Giuseppe Pignatone termed the trial as "particularly complex".

More details of the verdict is yet to known.

The trial revolved around the purchase of a building in London by the Secretariat of State, the Vatican's key administrative and diplomatic department. In 2014, Becciu held the number two position in the office when it began investing in a fund managed by Italian financier Raffaele Mincione, securing about 45% of the building at 60 Sloane Avenue, in an upmarket district of the capital, reported Reuters.

In 2016, Becciu had moved to another Vatican post, the Secretariat of State felt it was being deceived by Mincione and turned to another financier, Gianluigi Torzi, for help in squeezing Mincione out and buying the rest of the building.

Torzi had obtained a great deal of money in the process as well and he was charged with fraud, and corruption too.

Meanwhile, the Vatican sold the building last year, taking an estimated loss of about 140 million euros.

Becciu was fired by Pope Francis in 2020 for alleged nepotism. Among other accusations against the cardinal include funnelling money and contracts to companies or charitable organisations controlled by his brothers on their native island of Sardinia.

Reportedly, Becciu was also accused of hiring a self-styled security analyst to help a nun escape, who had been kidnapped in Mali.

Analyst Cecilia Marogna also received money from the Secretariat of State in 2018-2019. According to the prosecutors, the money was sent to a company she had set up in Slovenia and she received some in cash.

Italian police said Marogna had spent much of the money for personal use, including luxury brand clothing and visits to health spas. She is charged with embezzlement.

The other six defendants include the former president and director of the Vatican's Financial Intelligence unit, the cardinal's former secretary, Father Mauro Carlino, and three former Vatican employees. Four companies associated with individual defendants were also indicted.
After Israeli troops mistakenly killed three hostages, massive protests erupted in Tel Aviv on Saturday. Families of hostages held in Gaza, along with many others, gathered demanding a deal to bring them back. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said they had initiated a probe into the incident.

Reportedly, the initial IDF probe revealed that the hostages (all three men) were shirtless and were holding a makeshift white flag. According to IDF, the soldier, on seeing them, shouted terrorists, while the other soldiers initiated fire at the men.

Hostages identified asYotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa  all aged in their 20s  were shot during operations in Gaza. They were among the 240 people taken hostage during Hamas's October 7 attack. Around 130 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas.

Meanwhile, amid rising incidents of targeting ships in Red Sea, the British defence secretary, Grant Shapps said that a navy ship, HMS Diamond, shot down a suspected attack drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

Taking to X, Shapps said HMS Diamond shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

One Sea Viper missile was fired and successfully destroyed the target, he added.

In a similar incident, Egyptian air defence also shot down a suspected drone off the Red Sea coast near the resort town of Dahab on Egypts eastern Sinai coast.

IDF also opened a military investigation into the killing of two Palestinians in the West Bank after an Israeli human rights group posted videos that appeared to show Israeli troops killing the men  one who was incapacitated and the second unarmed  during a military raid in a West Bank refugee camp.

The security camera visuals that surfaced on social media showed two Israeli military vehicles pursuing a group of Palestinians in the Faraa refugee camp in the northern West Bank.

Mossad agent executed: Iran

Iran on Saturday claimed to have executed and Israeli Mossad spy in the country's southeast.

According to Iran, the spy was linked to foreign intelligence services, including Mossad, and charged with involvement in releasing classified information.

The judiciary body executed the person in a prison in Zahedan, the capital of the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

In April 2022, Iranian intelligence officers arrested three people they said belonged to a group linked to Mossad.

Iran and Israel have accused each other of spying and waging a shadow war for years. Iran occasionally announces the detention of people it says are spying for foreign countries, including the United States and Israel.

In 2020, Iran executed a man convicted of leaking information to the U.S. and Israel about a prominent Islamic Revolutionary Guard general who was later killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.

Meanwhile, inorder to revive talks about the release of hostages held in Gaza, Israel and Qatari officials were set to meet in Norway.
HICKORY  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Phi Omega Chapter members celebrated their 40th anniversary of the chartering of the chapter on Dec. 9 at Lake Hickory Country Club.

The chapter was chartered on Oct. 2, 1983, in Hickory.

Xi Phi Omega Chapter is one of over 1,000 chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. founded in 1908 at Howard University located worldwide with an emphasis on service in local communities where chapters exist.

A few of Xi Phi Omegas service activities to the community have included giving scholarships to high school students entering college, educating the community on health initiatives, providing school children supplies at the local Salvation Army, volunteering at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, making donations to families in need, and providing financial planning workshops.
Only one in four firms expect their staff to be in the office full time in the coming years.

This is according to a survey of more than 1,000 businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and technology firm Cisco.

In recent weeks, several heavyweights in the City  including Lloyds and Nationwide  have ordered staff make a return to their desks.

But the BCC's research has found that less than 30 per cent of companies expect staff will be spending all their time in the office over the next five years.

The data shows that hybrid working  when workers split their time between working in the office and from home  is 'now part of the fabric of the modern workplace', according to BCC policy director Jane Gratton.

All change: The data shows that hybrid working  when workers split their time between working in the office and from home  is 'now part of the fabric of the modern workplace'

The suggestion that hybrid working could be here to stay will come as gloomy news for bosses who are trying to encourage their staff back after Covid.

Earlier this month, Nationwide Building Society said its 13,000 workers must be in the office at least two days a week, or 40 per cent of their time.

And US bank Citi said that staff who do not come into the office at least three days a week could have their bonuses docked.

Lloyds Banking Group also said earlier this year that it was monitoring the swipe cards of its 40,000 staff who would normally work in the office  they are expected to come in at least two days a week.

Even Zoom, the video calling company which cashed in on the Covid lockdown when workers had to stay at home, this summer demanded staff make a return to the office for part of the week.
Last-ditch talks to save Farfetch from collapse continue this weekend as administrators wait in the wings.

The British online luxury retailer's founder Jose Neves is trying to take the US-listed company private after its shares lost nearly all their value since floating in New York five years ago.

But only one bidder remains. Private equity group Apollo, which was reportedly interested, is not involved.

The London shopping website helps wealthy shoppers buy designer labels online.

It sells Burberry's clothing around the world and has also teamed up with Gucci to offer a 90-minute delivery service for the Italian fashion house's clothes and accessories.

Bad sign: The online luxury retailer's founder Jose Neves is trying to take the US-listed company private

It also acts as a portal to thousands of independent boutiques. Once valued at 19billion, it was launched amid much fanfare as the well-connected Neves sought to capitalise on the luxury goods industry's reluctance to embrace digital technology.

But despite a pandemic boom in online shopping and luxury spending, Farfetch has struggled to make money.

Keen to avoid paying discounts to online retailers, top brands have baulked at selling via third-party platforms like Farfetch. The shares have slumped to just 77 cents, valuing Farfetch at less than 200m.

Its debts of 1.3billion are not due to be repaid before 2027 but investors are worried it doesn't have the cash to cover its costs in the meantime.
Standard Chartered Bank is facing a 300 million High Court battle after losing a key legal fight over allegations that it broke US sanctions on an 'industrial scale'.

The bank  Britain's fifth largest  is being sued by more than 200 investors who claim it made misleading or untrue statements about breaking US sanctions between 2007 and 2019. The claims by investors will amount to at least 286 million, the court heard.

The cases in the US and UK will focus on the bank's network of Iranian clients and their links to the Tehran regime, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its network of terror groups.

Allegations: Standard Chartered is being sued by more than 200 investors who claim it made misleading or untrue statements about breaking US sanctions

Separately, along with a raft of international banks including HSBC, Standard is facing at least 11 cases in the US brought by the families of dead military personnel over claims that it helped to facilitate attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the latest High Court development, Mr Justice Michael Green has ruled that submissions from British bank executive turned whistleblower Julian Knight can be admitted.

Standard had tried to have Knight's evidence  pointing to it having broken sanctions against Iran on an 'industrial-scale'  thrown out.

But the judge ruled last month that the cases by investors could go ahead, stating that evidence from Knight showed 'specific and detailed knowledge'.

US lawyer Gary Osen, who represents families bringing several cases against the bank, believes Standard could be facing damages of 'several billions of dollars' if it loses the cases which have yet to come to trial.

Standard was fined by the US authorities a total of 1.6 billion in 2012 and 2019 for breaching US sanctions relating to Iranian, Sudanese and Cuban individuals and entities between 2001 and 2014.

In 2019, it was fined 102 million by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority for anti-money laundering breaches that included 'shortcomings' in its counter-terrorism controls in the Middle East.

As part of its US deferred prosecution agreement in 2012, Standard said it would not 'knowingly' deal with 'any person or entity, resident or operating' in Iran or for that nation. Investors claim that the bank failed to reveal the full extent of its dealings after this cut-off.

Knight supplied bank data to US regulators and lawyers that showed the bank was still dealing with Iranian entities. His US legal action has been thrown out on technical grounds and he is now appealing.

Standard said: 'We regard this claim as being without merit and will continue to vigorously defend the allegations.'
Sendero Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Free Report) by 7.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 135,563 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 9,912 shares during the period. Bank of America comprises 0.8% of Sendero Wealth Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest position. Sendero Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $3,712,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Albert D Mason Inc. lifted its stake in Bank of America by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter. Albert D Mason Inc. now owns 17,585 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $481,000 after acquiring an additional 1,078 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New Hampshire lifted its stake in Bank of America by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 94,365 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,584,000 after acquiring an additional 614 shares in the last quarter. LifePro Asset Management raised its position in Bank of America by 58.6% in the 3rd quarter. LifePro Asset Management now owns 27,847 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $762,000 after purchasing an additional 10,292 shares in the last quarter. Bay Rivers Group raised its position in Bank of America by 20.4% in the 3rd quarter. Bay Rivers Group now owns 10,186 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $279,000 after purchasing an additional 1,725 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harbour Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in Bank of America by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Harbour Capital Advisors LLC now owns 110,849 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,035,000 after purchasing an additional 1,705 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.06% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of America

In other Bank of America news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank sold 17,769 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.94, for a total value of $176,623.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on Bank of America from $39.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Bank of America from $43.00 to $40.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on Bank of America from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Bank of America from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their price target for the company from $29.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Monday, November 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.58.

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Bank of America Trading Down 0.6 %

NYSE:BAC opened at $33.75 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $28.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.94. The company has a market capitalization of $267.09 billion, a PE ratio of 9.51, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.40. 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 Co. has a 52-week low of $24.96 and a 52-week high of $37.00.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $25.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.13 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 18.69%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.81 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.44 EPS for the current year.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.84%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently 26.89%.

Bank of America Company Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans.

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Greenfield Savings Bank lifted its stake in Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR  Free Report) by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,883 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 255 shares during the period. Greenfield Savings Banks holdings in Emerson Electric were worth $665,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EMR. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 94,950.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 96,464,073 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $8,719,388,000 after acquiring an additional 96,362,586 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 105,280.8% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 54,417,593 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,227,354,000 after acquiring an additional 54,365,954 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 24,568,180 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,220,718,000 after acquiring an additional 64,875 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 28.4% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 11,835,398 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,136,909,000 after acquiring an additional 2,621,089 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,538,130 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $949,669,000 after acquiring an additional 225,683 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.02% of the companys stock.

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Emerson Electric Trading Down 0.1 %

EMR stock traded down $0.09 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $96.45. 798,216 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,154,171. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $90.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $91.75. Emerson Electric Co. has a fifty-two week low of $76.94 and a fifty-two week high of $100.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 2.75 and a quick ratio of 2.35. The company has a market capitalization of $54.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.21, a PEG ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.32.

Emerson Electric Increases Dividend

Emerson Electric ( NYSE:EMR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The industrial products company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by ($0.01). Emerson Electric had a return on equity of 11.78% and a net margin of 87.17%. The firm had revenue of $4.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.20 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.53 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Emerson Electric Co. will post 5.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were given a dividend of $0.525 per share. This is a boost from Emerson Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.18%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. Emerson Electrics payout ratio is presently 9.16%.

Insider Transactions at Emerson Electric

In related news, CEO Surendralal Lanca Karsanbhai purchased 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 17th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $88.20 per share, with a total value of $882,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 148,542 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,101,404.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Surendralal Lanca Karsanbhai purchased 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 17th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $88.20 per share, with a total value of $882,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 148,542 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,101,404.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Arthur F. Golden purchased 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $85.64 per share, for a total transaction of $256,920.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 97,504 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,350,242.56. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently commented on EMR. Argus upgraded shares of Emerson Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $110.00 price target for the company in a report on Monday, August 28th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Emerson Electric from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Emerson Electric from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $83.00 to $107.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $112.00 to $109.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Stephens lowered their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $120.00 to $105.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 10th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Emerson Electric currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $104.61.

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Emerson Electric Company Profile

(Free Report)

Emerson Electric Co, a technology and software company, provides various solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. It operates in six segments: Final Control, Control Systems & Software, Measurement & Analytical, AspenTech, Discrete Automation, and Safety & Productivity.

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Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 7,426 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,312,000.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of IWM. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 1,087.5% during the second quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 190 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 174 shares during the period. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF during the second quarter worth $37,000. VitalStone Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF during the second quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Godsey & Gibb Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF during the second quarter worth $40,000.

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iShares Russell 2000 ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA IWM traded down $0.68 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $198.03. 16,700,310 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 31,057,656. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $175.43 and a 200-day simple moving average of $182.26. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 1-year low of $161.67 and a 1-year high of $200.04.

iShares Russell 2000 ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index.

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Daymark Wealth Partners LLC lifted its position in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 180.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 172,421 shares of the CRM providers stock after buying an additional 110,907 shares during the period. Salesforce makes up about 1.8% of Daymark Wealth Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest position. Daymark Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Salesforce were worth $34,964,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of CRM. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA boosted its stake in Salesforce by 374.1% in the 2nd quarter. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA now owns 128 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Union Savings Bank acquired a new stake in Salesforce in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Salesforce by 30.4% in the 4th quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 270 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new stake in Salesforce in the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, HBC Financial Services PLLC boosted its stake in Salesforce by 350.0% in the 2nd quarter. HBC Financial Services PLLC now owns 225 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.52% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have commented on CRM shares. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $229.00 to $247.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 24th. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $250.00 to $275.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. JMP Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $275.00 to $293.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $252.00 to $277.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, Northland Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, September 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating, twenty-five have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $256.31.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $215.05, for a total transaction of $3,225,750.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 15,771,166 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,391,589,248.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Salesforce news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $215.05, for a total value of $3,225,750.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 15,771,166 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,391,589,248.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 164 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.97, for a total transaction of $32,959.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,576 shares in the company, valued at approximately $517,698.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 877,297 shares of company stock valued at $197,647,060. 3.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Salesforce Price Performance

Salesforce stock opened at $257.31 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $220.60 and a 200-day simple moving average of $216.58. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $249.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 97.84, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.24. Salesforce, Inc. has a 52-week low of $126.34 and a 52-week high of $263.43.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 29th. The CRM provider reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.05 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $8.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.71 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 7.63% and a return on equity of 9.19%. The companys revenue was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.73 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Salesforce, Inc. will post 6.02 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Salesforce Company Profile

(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.

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Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO bought a new stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 7,997 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $754,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IJR. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 8.3% in the 1st quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 78,641 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $8,484,000 after acquiring an additional 6,036 shares during the period. United Bank lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 27,546 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,972,000 after acquiring an additional 1,456 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 67.2% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 52,705 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,686,000 after acquiring an additional 21,177 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 24,791 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,674,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares during the period. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 19.7% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 8,847 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $954,000 after acquiring an additional 1,455 shares during the period.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Price Performance

Shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF stock traded down $0.52 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $106.56. 2,085,784 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,125,037. The firm has a market cap of $74.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 52 week low of $87.32 and a 52 week high of $108.24. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $94.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of $97.34.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Company Profile

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Greenfield Savings Bank purchased a new position in AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 72,444 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,088,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in AT&T during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new stake in AT&T during the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. Financial Freedom LLC acquired a new position in shares of AT&T in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA increased its holdings in shares of AT&T by 2,188.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA now owns 2,288 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 2,188 shares during the period. Finally, Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of AT&T by 60.0% in the 2nd quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 2,415 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 906 shares during the period. 53.65% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on T shares. StockNews.com started coverage on AT&T in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on AT&T from $20.00 to $19.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on AT&T from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on AT&T from $18.00 to $17.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on AT&T from $17.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $20.68.

AT&T Trading Down 0.5 %

T stock traded down $0.08 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $16.57. 8,872,314 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 38,496,340. AT&T Inc. has a twelve month low of $13.43 and a twelve month high of $20.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.24.

AT&T (NYSE:T  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The technology company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $30.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $30.25 billion. AT&T had a negative net margin of 9.29% and a positive return on equity of 16.26%. AT&Ts quarterly revenue was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.68 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that AT&T Inc. will post 2.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

AT&T Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 10th will be paid a $0.2775 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 9th. This represents a $1.11 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.70%. AT&Ts payout ratio is -72.08%.

AT&T Profile

(Free Report)

AT&T Inc provides telecommunications and technology services worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Communications and Latin America. The Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services; and sells handsets, wireless data cards, wireless computing devices, and carrying cases and hands-free devices through its own company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores.

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Professional Advisory Services Inc. raised its stake in shares of Stryker Co. (NYSE:SYK  Free Report) by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 67,382 shares of the medical technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,286 shares during the period. Stryker accounts for about 3.0% of Professional Advisory Services Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Professional Advisory Services Inc.s holdings in Stryker were worth $18,413,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. New England Research & Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Stryker in the third quarter worth about $847,000. Rise Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Stryker by 692.9% during the third quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 111 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Stryker during the third quarter worth about $430,000. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its position in shares of Stryker by 2.4% during the third quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 2,190 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $600,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its position in shares of Stryker by 1.6% during the third quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 58,035 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $15,859,000 after purchasing an additional 898 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.24% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Srikant M. Datar sold 750 shares of Stryker stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $287.57, for a total value of $215,677.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,528,722.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Srikant M. Datar sold 750 shares of Stryker stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $287.57, for a total value of $215,677.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,528,722.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO William E. Berry, Jr. sold 573 shares of Stryker stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $292.28, for a total value of $167,476.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 2,909 shares in the company, valued at $850,242.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 58,306 shares of company stock worth $16,791,134. 5.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Stryker Trading Down 2.5 %

Shares of SYK stock traded down $7.37 on Friday, reaching $289.73. 481,158 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,369,467. Stryker Co. has a 52 week low of $235.81 and a 52 week high of $306.93. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $110.07 billion, a PE ratio of 44.08, a P/E/G ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.94. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $279.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $283.83.

Stryker (NYSE:SYK  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The medical technology company reported $2.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.44 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.87 billion. Stryker had a return on equity of 22.62% and a net margin of 13.00%. Strykers revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.12 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Stryker Co. will post 10.41 EPS for the current year.

Stryker Increases Dividend

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 issued a $0.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. This is an increase from Strykers previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.10%. Strykers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 44.51%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Stryker from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Truist Financial increased their target price on Stryker from $270.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $325.00 target price on shares of Stryker in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Bank of America upgraded Stryker from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $310.00 to $315.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Stryker from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Stryker presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $314.95.

View 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.

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Because I spend much of my time encouraging constructive engagement across political difference, through such programs as Duke Universitys North Carolina Leadership Forum, readers sometimes ask me if I think political differences are more appearance than reality  that if we just tried hard enough, we could reach a broad public consensus on many seemingly contentious issues.

Thats not what I believe at all. I think political differences are very real, very deeply ingrained, and very difficult to bridge.

Learning how to disagree without coming to blows or resorting to personal ridicule and attack is important precisely because the political divide is a semi-permanent feature of our cultural topography. We cant pretend it isnt there. We cant wish it away. And we shouldnt expect it to wither away as a result of inevitable social forces.

Why not? Because the political divide isnt primarily an artifact of statistical claims or carefully reasoned political ideologies. Its about differences in how we see the world and our place in it.

The Cato Institutes public-opinion analyst, Emily Ekins, provided a fascinating example in her Welfare, Work, and Wealth poll. Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the survey asked a representative sample of 1,700 Americans a wide range of questions about political, economic, and social issues.

Most relevant here is the battery of questions about what psychologists call locus of control. If you tend to believe that the major events in your life are largely the consequence of your own choices and efforts, you are considered to have an internal locus of control. On the other hand, if you tend to think what happens to you isnt greatly determined by your choices and efforts, you have an external locus of control. While in reality both external forces and personal choices play a role, Ekins observed, the question is what individuals emphasize.

Their answers appear to be related to political identification. While Americans as a whole lean toward internal locus of control to a remarkable degree  much more so than Europeans and Asians tend to do  American conservatives are more likely than American progressives to express the internal-control view.

Consider this statement: My life is determined by my own actions. While 52% of respondents identified as very conservative agreed with this statement, only 33% of very liberal respondents agreed. Heres another one: When I get what I want, its usually because I worked hard for it. Support was 53% among the very conservative and 30% among the very liberal.

Perhaps even more to the point: I feel like what happens in my life is mostly determined by powerful people. Fully 61% of the very conservative disagreed with this statement, while only 34% of the very liberal did.

Ive long cited another survey finding when I teach classes on navigating political differences. At first glance, you may find this Pew Research Center question to have little bearing on politics: Would you prefer to live in a community where 1) the houses are larger and farther apart but schools, stores, and restaurants are several miles away; or 2) the houses are smaller and closer to each other but schools, stores, and restaurants are within walking distance.

Americans as a whole lean toward the former over the latter, with 57% favoring spread-out communities and 43% wanting their community amenities within walking distance. When you adjust for political views, however, a striking pattern emerges  72% of Republicans and 77% of conservative Republicans say they prefer the lower-density, automobile-oriented lifestyle while 56% of Democrats and 65% of progressive Democrats say they prefer higher-density, walkable communities.

These are correlations only. We cant say for certain what the casual factors are. What we can say is that our political differences extend far beyond our contrasting views on specific pieces of legislation or electoral candidates. Deeply held feelings and values are at play, including preferences for how we live, work, and play. These differences arent easily modified. The best we can do is accommodate them.
Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Raymond James from $76.00 to $80.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. Raymond James currently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock.

Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $77.00 target price on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on Brown & Brown from $83.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Citigroup increased their target price on Brown & Brown from $81.00 to $83.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. Bank of America began coverage on Brown & Brown in a research report on Tuesday. They set a neutral rating and a $77.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Brown & Brown from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Brown & Brown presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $77.22.

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Brown & Brown Trading Down 3.4 %

Shares of BRO opened at $69.48 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.85 and a quick ratio of 1.85. Brown & Brown has a 1 year low of $52.82 and a 1 year high of $76.25. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $71.82 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $70.42. The firm has a market cap of $19.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.76.

Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.09. Brown & Brown had a net margin of 18.08% and a return on equity of 15.72%. The business had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.04 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.50 EPS. The companys revenue was up 15.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Brown & Brown will post 2.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Brown & Brown Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 1st were given a dividend of $0.13 per share. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.75%. This is an increase from Brown & Browns previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 31st. Brown & Browns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 19.77%.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Stephen M. Boyd sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.64, for a total transaction of $176,600.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 64,471 shares in the company, valued at $4,554,231.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 17.02% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brown & Brown

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its holdings in Brown & Brown by 93.7% in the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 461 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 223 shares in the last quarter. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new stake in Brown & Brown in the second quarter worth about $26,000. West Tower Group LLC acquired a new stake in Brown & Brown in the second quarter worth about $27,000. PSI Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Brown & Brown in the second quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Brown & Brown by 1,427.8% in the second quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 550 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 514 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.33% of the companys stock.

Brown & Brown Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Brown & Brown, Inc markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail segment provides property and casualty, employee benefits insurance products, personal insurance products, specialties insurance products, risk management strategies, loss control survey and analysis, consultancy, and claims processing services.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Copa (NYSE:CPA  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning.

Other analysts have also issued reports about the stock. TheStreet lowered shares of Copa from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Copa from $160.00 to $170.00 in a report on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their price target on shares of Copa from $152.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Copa has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $142.14.

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Copa Stock Down 1.6 %

CPA stock opened at $101.37 on Wednesday. Copa has a 12 month low of $78.12 and a 12 month high of $121.20. The firm has a market cap of $4.00 billion, a PE ratio of 9.69, a P/E/G ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.37. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $89.65 and a 200 day simple moving average of $99.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.88.

Copa (NYSE:CPA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The transportation company reported $4.39 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.62 by $0.77. Copa had a net margin of 12.07% and a return on equity of 39.91%. The business had revenue of $867.71 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $870.57 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.91 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Copa will post 15.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Copa Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th were paid a $0.82 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.24%. Copas dividend payout ratio is presently 31.36%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Privium Fund Management B.V. acquired a new position in Copa in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,159,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Copa by 455.0% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 277,712 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $30,709,000 after purchasing an additional 227,672 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Copa during the 1st quarter worth $1,851,000. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Copa by 43.0% during the 2nd quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,761 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $416,000 after purchasing an additional 1,131 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP increased its stake in shares of Copa by 147.5% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 257,191 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $28,440,000 after purchasing an additional 153,275 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.94% of the companys stock.

Copa Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Copa Holdings, SA, through its subsidiaries, provides airline passenger and cargo services. The company offers approximately 327 daily scheduled flights to 78 destinations in 32 countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean from its Panama City hub. As of December 31, 2022, it operated a fleet of 97 aircraft comprising 67 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, 9 Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft, 1 Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, and 20 737-MAX aircraft.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Belden (NYSE:BDC  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on shares of Belden from $106.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Belden from $75.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Belden in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 price objective on the stock. Fox Advisors cut shares of Belden from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Loop Capital reduced their price target on shares of Belden from $110.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $99.60.

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Belden Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BDC opened at $75.88 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $3.16 billion, a PE ratio of 12.30 and a beta of 1.17. The companys fifty day moving average is $71.66 and its 200 day moving average is $85.80. Belden has a 52 week low of $60.54 and a 52 week high of $99.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 2.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96.

Belden (NYSE:BDC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The industrial products company reported $1.78 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $626.81 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $628.00 million. Belden had a net margin of 10.16% and a return on equity of 26.52%. Research analysts anticipate that Belden will post 6.5 earnings per share for the current year.

Belden Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 13th. Beldens payout ratio is currently 3.24%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Belden news, SVP Leah Tate acquired 1,550 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $64.53 per share, with a total value of $100,021.50. Following the completion of the purchase, the senior vice president now directly owns 3,360 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $216,820.80. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.42% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Belden

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky grew its holdings in shares of Belden by 96.2% during the third quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 14,281 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,378,000 after buying an additional 7,002 shares during the last quarter. Walleye Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Belden during the third quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Creative Planning purchased a new stake in shares of Belden during the third quarter valued at approximately $269,000. Ironwood Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Belden by 5.8% during the third quarter. Ironwood Investment Management LLC now owns 18,368 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,773,000 after buying an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in shares of Belden by 8.2% during the third quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 329,624 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $31,825,000 after buying an additional 25,053 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.16% of the companys stock.

About Belden

(Get Free Report)

Belden Inc provides portfolio of signal transmission solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates in two segments, Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions. The Enterprise Solutions segment offers copper cable and connectivity solutions, fiber cable and connectivity solutions, interconnect panels, racks and enclosures, and signal extension and matrix switching systems for use in applications, such as local area networks, data centers, access control, 5G, fiber, and home and building automation.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (NYSE:TLK  Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report released on Wednesday.

Separately, Bank of America lowered shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th.

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View Our Latest Report on TLK

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE TLK opened at $25.53 on Wednesday. Perusahaan Perseroan has a one year low of $21.67 and a one year high of $29.58. The companys fifty day moving average is $23.73 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.72.

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (NYSE:TLK  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.64 billion for the quarter. Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk had a net margin of 14.21% and a return on equity of 14.51%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Perusahaan Perseroan will post 1.73 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 the company. Citigroup Inc. lifted its holdings in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 44.9% in the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 221,001 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,326,000 after purchasing an additional 68,438 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 14.7% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 372,213 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,970,000 after purchasing an additional 47,788 shares in the last quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk in the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,551,000. Sei Investments Co. lifted its holdings in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 11.0% in the 3rd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 362,496 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,736,000 after purchasing an additional 35,861 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Altrinsic Global Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 39.2% during the 3rd quarter. Altrinsic Global Advisors LLC now owns 23,807 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $574,000 after acquiring an additional 6,709 shares during the last quarter.

About Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk

(Get Free Report)

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk provides information and communications technology, and telecommunications network services worldwide. The company operates through mobile, consumer, enterprise, Wholesale and International Business, and Other segments. The Mobile segment offers mobile voice, SMS, value added services, and mobile broadband services.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Tuesday.

Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on VMI. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Valmont Industries from $334.00 to $298.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. TheStreet cut Valmont Industries from a b rating to a c rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Northcoast Research cut Valmont Industries from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Valmont Industries presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $294.00.

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Valmont Industries Trading Down 1.3 %

Shares of Valmont Industries stock opened at $224.12 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $4.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.11. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $216.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $246.89. Valmont Industries has a 1-year low of $188.63 and a 1-year high of $341.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 2.49 and a quick ratio of 1.54.

Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The industrial products company reported $4.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.70 by $0.42. The business had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.12 billion. Valmont Industries had a return on equity of 20.32% and a net margin of 3.62%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.49 EPS. Analysts predict that Valmont Industries will post 14.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Valmont Industries Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Valmont Industriess dividend payout ratio is presently 33.24%.

Institutional Trading of Valmont Industries

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Barclays PLC increased its holdings in Valmont Industries by 33.4% in the first quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 8,564 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,734,000 after buying an additional 2,144 shares in the last quarter. Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 17.1% during the 2nd quarter. Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. now owns 41,000 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $11,933,000 after purchasing an additional 6,000 shares in the last quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 14.4% during the 2nd quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA now owns 94,035 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $27,369,000 after purchasing an additional 11,829 shares in the last quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 41.4% during the 1st quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 2,216 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $708,000 after purchasing an additional 649 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Impax Asset Management Group plc increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 650,449 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $189,313,000 after purchasing an additional 30,436 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.15% of the companys stock.

About Valmont Industries

(Get Free Report)

Valmont Industries, Inc produces and sells metal products in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Infrastructure and Agriculture. It manufactures and distributes steel, pre-stressed concrete, composite, and hybrid structures for lighting, transportation, and telecommunications equipment, as well as electrical transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; and provides coatings services to preserve metal products.

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Suncor Energy (TSE:SU  Free Report) (NYSE:SU) had its price objective reduced by BMO Capital Markets from C$51.00 to C$50.00 in a research report released on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other equities analysts have also commented on the company. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on Suncor Energy from C$44.00 to C$47.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. ATB Capital lifted their target price on Suncor Energy from C$52.00 to C$53.00 in a research report on Friday, October 20th. TD Securities decreased their target price on Suncor Energy from C$52.00 to C$50.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. National Bank Financial lifted their target price on Suncor Energy from C$57.00 to C$74.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, National Bankshares lifted their target price on Suncor Energy from C$57.00 to C$74.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$55.24.

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Suncor Energy Trading Down 1.3 %

Suncor Energy stock opened at C$41.38 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 36.93, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.24. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$44.76 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$43.04. The firm has a market capitalization of C$53.79 billion, a PE ratio of 6.68, a PEG ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 1.54. Suncor Energy has a 52 week low of C$37.09 and a 52 week high of C$48.26.

Suncor Energy (TSE:SU  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SU) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported C$1.52 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.19 by C$0.33. The business had revenue of C$12.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$10.93 billion. Suncor Energy had a return on equity of 20.56% and a net margin of 16.37%. Equities research analysts forecast that Suncor Energy will post 6.2427035 earnings per share for the current year.

Suncor Energy Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 22nd will be issued a $0.545 dividend. This is an increase from Suncor Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. Suncor Energys payout ratio is presently 35.22%.

Insider Transactions at Suncor Energy

In other Suncor Energy news, Senior Officer Karen Liane Keegans bought 2,674 shares of Suncor Energy stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$29.73 per share, with a total value of C$79,498.02. 0.01% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Suncor Energy

(Get Free Report)

Suncor Energy Inc operates as an integrated energy company in Canada and internationally. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; and Refining and Marketing segments. The Oil Sands segment explores, develops, and produces bitumen, synthetic crude oil, and related products. This segment also engages in syncrude oil sands mining and upgrading operations; and marketing, supply, transportation, and risk management of crude oil, natural gas, power, and byproducts.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes (NYSE:GOL  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Wednesday.

GOL has been the subject of several other research reports. Citigroup cut shares of Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes from a neutral rating to a sell rating and dropped their target price for the company from $3.30 to $3.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on shares of Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes from $3.10 to $2.65 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn cut shares of Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $4.04.

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Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes Price Performance

GOL stock opened at $3.46 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $3.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $3.57. Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes has a fifty-two week low of $2.00 and a fifty-two week high of $5.59. The stock has a market capitalization of $865.83 million, a PE ratio of 49.44 and a beta of 1.70.

Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes (NYSE:GOL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 6th. The transportation company reported ($0.25) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.04 by ($0.29). The company had revenue of $956.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $974.37 million.

Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a  dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 21st were issued a $0.0115 dividend. This is a positive change from Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentess previous  dividend of $0.00. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 20th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in GOL. American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes in the 1st quarter valued at $87,000. HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 85,750 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $618,000 after purchasing an additional 2,550 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 698,744 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $5,031,000 after purchasing an additional 8,670 shares during the period. Engineers Gate Manager LP acquired a new position in Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes in the 1st quarter worth $760,000. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 64,556 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $465,000 after purchasing an additional 2,340 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 0.29% of the companys stock.

Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA provides scheduled and non-scheduled air transportation services for passengers and cargo; and maintenance services for aircrafts and components in Brazil and internationally. The company offers Smiles, a frequent-flyer programs to approximately 20.5 million members, allowing clients to accumulate and redeem miles.

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Shares of WPP plc (NYSE:WPP  Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 272,014 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 149% from the previous sessions volume of 109,363 shares.The stock last traded at $47.97 and had previously closed at $46.14.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WPP has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Bank of America cut their target price on WPP to $46.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. StockNews.com lowered WPP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 30th. BNP Paribas lowered WPP from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered WPP from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered WPP from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued 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 price target of $403.00.

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WPP Stock Down 1.1 %

Institutional Trading of WPP

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $44.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $48.35.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of WPP. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in shares of WPP by 187.0% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 617 shares of the business services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its position in shares of WPP by 85.1% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 583 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 268 shares during the last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of WPP during the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Advisory Services Network LLC increased its position in shares of WPP by 166.8% during the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 675 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 422 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. increased its position in shares of WPP by 54.0% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 973 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 341 shares during the last quarter. 4.34% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About WPP

(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.

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Colliers International Group Inc. (TSE:CIGI  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$162.12 and last traded at C$161.52, with a volume of 72337 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$154.22.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Colliers International Group from C$130.00 to C$121.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 3rd.

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Colliers International Group Stock Down 0.8 %

Colliers International Group Company Profile

The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 116.22. The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$136.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$138.23. The stock has a market capitalization of C$7.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 240.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.48 and a beta of 1.57.

(Get Free Report)

Colliers International Group Inc provides commercial real estate professional and investment management services to corporate and institutional clients in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It offers transaction brokerage services, including sales, leasing, and debt finance services, as well as landlord and tenant representation services; capital markets and investment services; and mortgage investment banking services.

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National Bank of Canada FI boosted its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 142.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,572,534 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,512,632 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI owned approximately 0.14% of Altria Group worth $106,957,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of MO. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 100,097.6% in the second 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 acquiring an additional 1,099,261,791 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 108,222.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 18,590,308 shares of the companys stock worth $849,763,000 after buying an additional 18,573,146 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 8.5% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 96,401,945 shares of the companys stock worth $4,367,008,000 after buying an additional 7,546,851 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp increased its position in Altria Group by 240.6% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 4,425,386 shares of the companys stock worth $200,470,000 after purchasing an additional 3,126,027 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $130,228,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.94% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com upgraded Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 13th. Bank of America reduced their price target on Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. UBS Group reduced their price target on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price target on Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.53.

Altria Group Price Performance

Shares of MO stock traded down $0.36 on Friday, hitting $41.75. 23,248,722 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,045,464. The company has a market capitalization of $73.84 billion, a PE ratio of 8.50, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.66. The companys fifty day moving average is $41.43 and its 200 day moving average is $43.21. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $39.06 and a 1-year high of $51.57.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.29 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 237.91% and a net margin of 35.58%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.28 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 EPS for the current 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 issued a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.39%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 79.84%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Robert Matthews Davis bought 1,200 shares of Altria Group 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 completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 8,473 shares in the company, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

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The author is the principal of Bozic LLC, a company that owns intellectual property rights to DRP, LRP, and LGM and manages these programs in a partnership with USDA.

Over the past five years, considerable efforts have been made to improve dairy producers financial stability through enhancements in Dairy Margin Coverage and the introduction of Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP). Beef sales constitute a substantial portion of revenue for some dairy producers, accounting for approximately 10% of their overall revenue. The decline in cattle and beef prices since September has highlighted the need to offer better tools to protect revenue from sales of cull cows and dairy calves. Here we present options and challenges in enhancing the dairy safety net to offer effective coverage for dairy producer revenue from cattle and beef sales.



Many producers are familiar with DRP, but fewer may be aware of a similar program for cattle and swine called Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). Like DRP, LRP is a private-public partnership program that is sold by licensed livestock insurance agents and offered through private insurance companies, with subsidies and reinsurance provided by the federal government. While LRP has existed for 20 years, its adoption expanded considerably since 2020 when program rules were modified to make it more affordable and effective for cattle and swine producers.

Since the beginning of 2023, 4.8 million head of feeder cattle were protected under LRP. This program also offers coverage for dairy cattle under the predominantly dairy type, but only 25,000 head of dairy cattle were protected since the start of the year. Producers should discuss with their insurance agent how LRP can help them protect revenue from sales of dairy steers and heifers sold for beef, or any feeder cattle raised in beef-on-dairy programs.

To further facilitate coverage of dairy calves, USDA should modify the rules to no longer require sales receipts to show dairy calf weight, as day-old calves are typically not weighed at sale time. Additionally, minimum insurable weight should be reduced from 100 to 85 pounds.



Protecting cull cow value

The most recent drop in cattle prices also emphasizes the need to protect the revenue from sales of cull cows. Cull cow prices are closely tied to the dynamics of the ground beef market and cattle byproduct prices. However, a substantial connection persists between cull cow markets and broader cattle markets.

For fed cattle (beef), LRP insurance is settled against five area average cattle prices for over 80% Choice steers. Over the last 10 years, monthly cull cow prices, as reported by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, were on average 40% cheaper per hundredweight (cwt.) than the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) prices used for LRP fed cattle. However, the correlation between these price series is very high, and a $10 per cwt. drop in fed cattle prices is typically accompanied with a $7.20 per cwt. drop in cull cow prices.

Unfortunately, LRP does not currently allow for coverage of cull cows. A rule change to allow for such coverage would, in our opinion, substantially benefit dairy producers. Our team is currently working on a proposal to request the modification of LRP rules.



More affordable DRP

Perhaps the biggest difference USDA can make to improve the dairy safety net in 2024 will be to adjust the subsidies for Dairy Revenue Protection to encourage producers to buy DRP coverage earlier (for example, for more distant quarters).

DRP was designed to offer dairy producers a risk management instrument that would be easy to understand, affordable, cash-flow friendly, and effective in offsetting low milk prices. Based on historical experience, bouts of extremely low milk prices tend to last nine to 15 months. DRP is most effective if producers use it consistently and purchase endorsements for quarters that start at least nine months after the sales effective date.

Such use of the DRP program protects producers for the entire duration of a typical milk price down cycle. However, because greater market volatility since 2020 has led to prohibitively expensive long-horizon DRP endorsements, many dairy producers have resorted to using DRP to cover near-term quarters with comparatively lower premium rates. Such use of the program diminishes its effectiveness, as expected prices typically collapse with the onset of the crises, and dairy producers are likely to seek ad hoc assistance from USDA to cover quarters for which they do not have DRP coverage.



In October 2023, with the support of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the Milk Producers Council, and National All-Jersey Inc., we submitted the request to USDAs Risk Management Agency to consider an increase in subsidies for coverage of quarters which start more than seven months after the sales effective date from 44% to 55%, and that subsidies for coverage of quarters that start more than 10 months after the sales effective date be increased from 44% to 65%. In the focus group organized by the NMPF, we met with dairy farm leaders across the country and presented more than a dozen potential modifications to DRP.

The change we requested in our latest submission was the most requested change by producers and the most important modification on the list, which also has the strongest potential to induce wider adoption and change producer behavior. This request is currently being analyzed by USDA attorneys and underwriters, and we expect the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation board of directors will vote on it in February 2024.




CONCORD  After eight years of serving as a Concord council member for District 2, including a stint as mayor pro tem, W. Brian King left his position Thursday night, as Lori Clay, who defeated him in last months election, officially took his place.

Before Clay and the other victorious council members were sworn in, King, who began his time on council in December 2015, received a high honor as Mayor Bill Dusch proclaimed Dec. 14, 2023, to be W. Brian King Day.

Dusch praised King, noting he never missed a single meeting during his tenure. Whereas Brian is a proud individual that has been extremely responsive to the citizens in his job as a city council member, often visiting, sometimes in their home or office, and help answer their questions and resolve their issues, he said.

Dusch also highlighted how King played a key role in creating the first mountain bike trail in the city and has been a strong advocate for the citys Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which was adopted in 2016, and the $60 million Parks and Recreation General Obligation Bond, which voters approved last year.

In brief remarks before the packed crowd, King thanked his family, including his wife and parents, who were in attendance and talked about how much he enjoyed serving the citizens of Concord. He also highlighted how much he appreciated working with the other council members.

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, King said, noting the best part of his position was meeting the people  both citizens and city of Concord employees. Were all just people sitting up here trying to make the best decisions that we can.

I believe this from the bottom of my heart: We have the greatest city in the world, King added. Were one of the most desirable places for people to want to move and raise families, and thats because (of) the staff in here that works so hard for us.

King, who wished Clay the best in her new role, ended his remarks by telling the crowd he loves Concord and will find other ways to get in trouble and do things fun and productive for the city.

While Kings career as a city council member was ending (at least for now), Clays was just beginning as she was sworn in with her family, including her mother and son, by her side.

In brief comments after being sworn in, Clay mentioned how fabulously welcome everyone has made me feel, adding that she looks forward to working for the citizens of Concord.

Incumbents Andy Langford, representing District 1, Jennifer Hubbard, representing District 6, and John Sweat Jr., representing District 7, were also sworn in. Hubbard was selected as mayor pro tem for the upcoming year.
[December 15, 2023]

AC MARTIN ANNOUNCES ARCHITECTURE OFFICE EXPANSION AND UNVEILS LANDMARK PROJECTS

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AC Martin celebrates a remarkable period of expansion and innovation in 2023, marking its continued commitment to design excellence and community impact. AC Martin announces the relocation of its Los Angeles headquarters to the Wilshire Grand Center, the establishment of its newest office in San Diego, and several innovative projects throughout California.

The AC Martin-designed Wilshire Grand Center, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, is a testament to the firm's commitment to architectural excellence. Its iconic presence in the Los Angeles skyline exemplifies the firm's ability to merge functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

The expansion into San Diego signifies AC Martin's strategic approach to meeting the growing demands of clients and communities beyond its Los Angeles headquarters. This new office positions the firm to serve clients in the Southern California region better while fostering closer collaboration and engagement in the architectural landscape of San Diego. Recently, the fim has expanded into Northern California with offices in the Bay Area and Sacramento. A selection of notable projects include:







Commenting on the firm's growth, Tom Hsieh, CEO and President of AC Martin, expressed enthusiasm and gratitude. "The expansion into San Diego and the diversity of projects we've undertaken signify our dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural excellence. Our team's passion and expertise continue to drive us toward innovative solutions that positively impact the communities we serve."

AC Martin is a California-based architecture, planning, interior architecture, and research firm that uses an integrated design approach to create enduring environments for the 21st century. Founded in 1906, AC Martin is one of the oldest firms in California. With a continuous design legacy that spans more than four generations, the firm is still recognized today as a thought and practice leader in the AEC industry.

Contact: Angela Barker, Communications Manager, AC Martin

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 213-614-6198

https://www.acmartin.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ac-martin-announces-architecture-office-expansion-and-unveils-landmark-projects-302017163.html

SOURCE AC Martin
With the holiday season underway Kansas City confronts another tragic milestone . . .

ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH DECEMBER, WE'RE FIVE MURDERS AWAY FROM BREAKING ANOTHER HISTORIC HOMICIDE RECORD!!!

Again, when we factor in the previous record in 2020 . . . KCMO hasn't ever witnessed this level of local violence in recorded history.

Here's tonight's report from the "Indian Mound" neighborhood and more info from local news sources . . .



Homicide St. John and White

On 12/15/23 just after 7:00pm officers were dispatched to the intersection of St. John and White on a reported shooting.



Officers arrived on scene and were flagged down to a nearby residence. When officers entered the home they located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid until EMS arrived and transported the victim to an area hospital. The victim later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.



The circumstances surrounding this incident are unknown.



A person of interest has not been identified and police do not currently have anyone in custody. Detectives do not believe there is a continued threat to the public or surrounding areas.



Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to begin gathering evidence and collecting witness statements.



This is being investigated as a homicide and is ongoing at this time.



If anyone was in or around the area at this time and saw or heard anything they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

#############



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KCPD investigating deadly shooting near St. John, White Avenue The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting Friday night.

One person shot to death Friday night in Kansas City, Missouri One person was shot to death Friday night at St. John Boulevard and White Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.

KCPD identifies 14-year-old killed in shooting in area of St. John, White Ave. Police responded to a shooting call shortly after 7 p.m. Friday night in the area of St. John and White Ave.

Developing . . .


For close reader of the blog we share these local stories that feature EXCELLENT CRIME REPORTING, updates on local cases and just a hint of good news toward the end of the compilation.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

KC mayor visits Washington, DC seeking help to curb violent crime Mayor Quinton Lucas went to Washington, DC Wednesday to ask for help address violent crime in Kansas City.

11-year-old girl paralyzed by stray bullet in Kansas City released from hospital An 11-year-old girl paralyzed by a stray bullet from a rolling gun battle is out of the hospital and back home with family.

Judge seals Grayson O'Connor case, including all charges and documents A Jackson County judge sealed the case involving Grayson O'Connor, including all charges and documents, after police handed the case file to prosecutors.

Bond modification granted for man charged with crash that killed 9-year-old boy in Shawnee 25-year-old Matthew Jacobo is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, related to the death of Nolan Davidson

Kansas City, Kansas, man charged with sex crimes involving minor A 44-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, man has been charged with three counts of sex crimes involving a minor dating back to Oct. 28 in Olathe.

Two women's stories lead to conviction of former teacher, coach Josh Hood Hood sentenced to five years in prison for second-degree statutory rape from 2010

Teen pleads guilty in death of elderly man in Shawnee crash An 18-year-old Shawnee man pleaded guilty Thursday in a May 2023 crash that killed one man and critically injured a woman.

21-year-old killed with AR-style gun in KC was 'the glue' for his family, fundraiser says "Nothing prepares you for the loss of a child, much less, planning their memorial and figuring out life without them," a family friend of 21-year-old Jaden James wrote on GoFundMe.

Missouri Dept. of Revenue owed more than $78 million in delinquent temporary tag fees If passed, the measure would allow law enforcement officers to confiscate expired vehicle tags, forcing the driver to either stop driving the vehicle or get it registered.

For nearly 50 years, retired officer Richard White has fed KC's seniors a free Christmas dinner Now, the former KCPD officer is hoping the next generation is ready to take on the mantle

Developing . . .
CONCORD  New districts, a partisan school board race, newcomers and lots of familiar faces are part of the 2024 elections as filing ended at noon Friday, Dec. 15.

The GOP field is crowded for the 6th District Congressional seat, and there are no Democrats.

Christian Castelli of Southern Pines, Mary Ann Contogiannis of Greensboro, Bo Hines of Salisbury, Addison McDowell of Raleigh, Jay Wagner of High Point and Congressman Mark Walker are running.

Congresswoman Kathy Manning, a Democrat, chose not seek reelection after the Sixth District was realigned and now favors Republicans.

This race is expected to be hotly contested, with some figures already weighing in.

Castelli has been endorsed by NASCAR legend Richard Petty and former President Donald Trump.

Northwestern Cabarrus voters and all Rowan voters are going to be in the 6th District for Congress in 2024. Walker is seeking a sixth term. He had previously announced a run for governor but changed his mind. Hines was the GOP nominee for the 13th District in 2022.

Plenty of competition in 8th District

One Democrat is running in the 8th District, Justin E. Dues of Concord.

The GOP field has six candidates: Allan Baucom of Monroe, N.C. Rep. John R. Bradford III of Cornelius, Don Brown of Charlotte, Concord Realtor Leigh Brown, Mark Harris of Indian Trail and Chris Maples of Rockingham.

Most of Cabarrus (except the northwest corner) is in the 8th District for 2024. That district stretches south and east to Robeson County. It includes some southeastern Mecklenburg County precincts.

Harris name will be familiar to voters. He has run for Congress before, including in 2018, when he appeared to win.

Harris led Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes after the votes were tallied. But the election board declined to certify the results and ordered a do-over election the following year amid accusations that McCrae Dowless, an operative hired by Harris campaign consultants, organized an illegal scheme to collect and mark absentee ballots.

Dowless was later indicted and faced three felony counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and two counts of possession of absentee ballots  but died before the case went to trial.

Harris, who was not charged criminally in the case, later announced in 2019 that he would not run in the do-over election, which Bishop, then a state senator, won narrowly.

Congressman Bishop decided not to seek reelection this year and is running for N.C. Attorney General.

Bradford appears to live outside the district, but that is allowed in congressional races. He previously had run for N.C. State Treasurer.

New N.C. State House races

In N.C. House District 82 GOP race, Rep. Kevin Crutchfield is being challenged by Cabarrus GOP Chairman Brian Echevarria.

Sabrina Berry of Concord is running as a Democrat and does not face primary opposition.

This district wraps around the southern portion of Cabarrus from western Concord to Harrisburg, Midland and to Mount Pleasant.

There will be no primary for the N.C. House District 83 seat.

N.C. Rep. Dr. Kristin Baker, a Republican, is not seeking reelection. Dr. Grant Campbell, a Republican, has filed to seek the N.C. House District 83 seat. Joanne Chesley is running as a Democrat.

The 83rd District is made up of precincts in northwestern Cabarrus County and southwestern Rowan County.

In the N.C. House District 73 race, former Cabarrus school board member Holly Edwards is facing Jonathan Almond in the GOP primary. Both are from Concord. N.C. Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams, a Democrat, is seeking another term after she narrowly defeated Echevarria for a House seat in the 2022 elections. District 73 is made up of several Concord and Kannapolis precincts and extends to the northeast corner of Cabarrus County.

N.C. State Senate races

In N.C. Senate District 34, Sen. Paul Newton of Mount Pleasant filed to seek reelection. He is a Republican.

Kim Sexton-Lewter of Kannapolis will be challenging as a Democrat, and Thomas Hill of Concord is running as a Libertarian.

The 34th District includes all of Cabarrus County except a handful of precincts along the southern border that go with western Union County to form the 35th District.

The 34th District Senate candidates are both from Union County: Republican Todd Johnson of Monroe and Democrat Robin Mann of Waxhaw.

8 people to battle for 2 commission seats

In the Cabarrus County Commissioners race, Chair Steve Morris filed for reelection, but Tim Furr did not seek election. Furr was appointed to the board to replace Barbara Strang, who resigned before her term ended. Furr had been on the Cabarrus School Board.

Morris will be joined in the GOP primary by Ray Helms, Jack Lambert, current Cabarrus School Board member Laura Blackwell Lindsey, former N.C. Rep. Larry Pittman and Brent Plott.

Pittman was appointed to the General Assembly in October 2011 and was elected and reelected until deciding not to run in 2022. He was often a controversial figure in Raleigh.

Democrats Ingrid Nurse and Eulonda Rushing are also running. With only two candidates, no primary will be necessary.

Lambert ran unsuccessfully for Concord City Council in November.

Nixon unopposed for Register of Deeds

Cabarrus County Register of Deeds Wayne Nixon, a Republican, does not have opposition for a four-year term.

Nixon, a local attorney and former assistant district attorney, has been the register of deeds since 2013.

10 file for Cabarrus School Board

There are four seats up for election on the Cabarrus County Board of Education, and for the first time it will be a partisan election after actions by the General Assembly earlier this year.

Democrats Rob Cerulo, Namu Kachroo, Keshia Sandidge and Mishell Williams are running. There will be no primary for the Democrats since there are four seats.

A crowded Republican field means there will be a GOP primary. The candidates are Greg Mills, Catherine Bonds Moore, Melanie Freeman, Bubba Hartsell, Robert Rob Walter and Amanda Wortman.

The incumbents are Walter, Sandidge, Brian Floyd and Denise Adcock. Floyd was appointed to finish Furrs term on the school board after he was appointed to the county commissioners. Floyd said he would not run for the seat.

Kannapolis School Board set

Incumbents Anita Parker and Kevin Clark both filed for reelection to the Kannapolis City Schools Board of Education Area I. There is no opposition.

Board Chair Todd Adams is also running unopposed in Area II.

District court judges unopposed

Two Cabarrus judges have filed for reelection, and both are Republicans: Judge Nat Knust, District 25, Seat 5; and Judge Michael G. Knox, District 25, Seat 6. Both are unopposed.

The 2024 primary election will be Tuesday, March 5, and the general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 5.
This fill-in post is more of a reminder for TKC than anything else . . .



Here's the most important passage from today's presser . . .



Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick will announce his findings at 1 p.m. on Monday in Jefferson City.



The audit began last September after the Jackson County Legislature welcomed the audit. The audit aims to scrutinize the procedures employed for property value assessments, which saw an average increase of 30 percent for property owners in Jackson County.



"While the audit for the Jackson County Assessment Department is still in progress, Fitzpatrick will share some of the preliminary results for the benefit of homeowners who have questioned whether the large increases to the assessed values of their homes were done in compliance with state law," his office said in a news release about the press conference.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Kansas City has an idea of artist Peregrine Honig that needs to be updated.



For some she's an entrepreneur and the leader of a local artistic movement.

For others she's an urban pioneer who has paved the way for countless artists to gain social standing and notoriety for their work in the Crossroads.

Caveat . . . The KC "Crossroads" as we think of it today wouldn't exist without Honig's bold vision to imagine a local district wherein creatives and all manner of local weirdos could find a "safe space" to express themselves. Unbeknownst to most Gen Z "trendsetters" is the fun fact that they're merely exploring territory that Honig crafted in her image about 20 years ago.

On the opposite side of the spectrum . . .

So many of our conservative friends have underestimated Honig's influence in the international art market. Those who have a general understanding of this world know that Peregrine Honig is a name that has garnered global recognition for artistic work that often defies categorization and is both political and personal.

Few artists have achieved Honig's level of success and her latest exhibit reveals that she continues to produce pieces that captivate & challenge collectors and critics.



Accordingly . . .

Here's her overview of her latest exhibit "Player"  A collection that has garnered rave reviews and stands as the latest indication that Honig continues to produce important contemporary American artwork.

Check-it:



"One of the main concepts of these paintings is this idea of waiting. As women we wait. We wait for our period, we wait for our breasts, we wait for our children to be born, we wait for the sonogram and we wait for all of these social things. We wait to get married, we wait to be told who we are by other people. So there's this idea of women in waiting. Or this idea of the waiting room and what it is to be a woman in waiting."



Take a look via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Peregrine Honig's Player
Consider . . .

Locals will only hear about the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City when activists are complaining about tax money that they would rather throw away on schools . . .

OR . . .

In the event of an inevitable lawsuit and sketchy financial deets in the 15th paragraph of an overwrought newspaper report from a scribe who DESPERATELY wants to move to a better media market.

And so . . .

Here's a bit of hype that hopefully offers a new start and hope for the old school local practice of selling dreams . . .



The economic development agency has throughout his tenure faced headlines detailing lawsuits alleging misappropriation of funds and other potentially illegal behavior by past EDCKC officials, along with other accusations following the firing of its former executive.



We had some leadership challenges and staff challenges, and that eroded our relationship with the city, Tracey Lewis, the EDC's new presidents & CEO, acknowledged, noting the ongoing process of overcoming reputation-related issues at EDCKC.



Lewis priority, he said, has been to focus the EDCKC on the agencys mission: real economic growth by drilling deep into affordable housing, business attraction, and entrepreneurial support in Kansas City.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Missouri is neither kinder nor gentler as of late . . .

Our TKC centrist example that should make everyone unhappy:

Kansas City's historic homicide total is blamed on uncaring Republicans in Jeff City. Meanwhile, Missouri GOP leaders indict Prez Biden & Mexicans for rampant rural Missouri opioid self-destruction. Neither faction willing to recognize desperation and serious cultural failings in their own community.

Accordingly . . .

Here's a life lesson about Missouri curriculum focused on an attempt to craft some small element of empathy into curriculum that was summarily cancelled by politicos . . .

The board was originally considering whether to adopt social emotional standards. That hit a nerve with some people.



Some said teaching this type of learning is a way to justify diversity, equity, and inclusion education. Another opposing theme said the learning would encourage teachers to act as psychologists, but without a license. A third theme said social-emotional education is the role of the parent, not the school.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Councillor Stephen Holyday is taking issue with the citys executive committee decision to remove the Etobicoke Coat of Arms amid complaints it is racist, saying councillors misread the historic emblem.

Last week, Toronto councillors on the committee voted to receive the city managers report Holyday had requested stating concerns raised by city staff and the public since 2018 relating to the "use of the stereotypical and offensive Indigenous imagery and language in the Coat of Arms.

The Etobicoke Coat of Arms depicts an Indigenous man on the left and European explorer Etienne Brule on the right. Both figures are kneeling. The word tradition appears under the Indigenous man, the name Etobicoke in the middle, and the word progress beneath Brule.

It was used as the official seal of the former City of Etobicoke. It also appears on the Toronto mayors chain of office.

The four-page report further states the city taking steps toward removal of the Etobicoke Coat of Arms aligns with the Citys commitments to truth, justice, and reconciliation in the (citys) Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2032 and is important for creating a safe and inclusive working environment for City staff, free of harmful imagery.

But Holyday disagrees with interpretation by staff in their report.

Part of my speaking was to the committee and part of my speaking was to the public record, Holyday said, in an interview following the meeting. Clearly, this information didnt make it into the staff report. Thats really why I placed the original council motion to try to ensure some facts were put in there so members of council, or the committee in this case, can be held accountable for the decision that they make.

The Etobicoke Centre councillor told the committee and Toronto City Council last month that in research he conducted in the Toronto Archives on the Etobicoke Coat of Arms, the words in the scroll were not in the original sketches.

In my research of this emblem, I was able to disprove the myth the word tradition on this scroll is connected to the Indigenous supporter on the left, Holyday said in an interview after the executive committee vote. Some people have misread this emblem, or theyve made up their own story about it.

Holyday researched heraldry, including the Canadian heraldic authority on the Governor General of Canadas website, which he said showed numerous examples of other coats of arms where the words dont relate to supporters above them.

You can see parts like the scroll is separate from the supporters within a coat of arms, Holyday said. I showed the committee the original sketches that demonstrate the coat of arms was developed without the words under it.

Holyday cited as a prime example the preamalgamation Toronto Coat of Arms.

It shows Dexter, a Mississauga First Nations man on the left, and a female figure of Brittania on the right.

The motto written on the scroll beneath them reads: INDUSTRY  INTELLIGENCE  INTEGRITY.

Surely, you dont think the other supporter lacks integrity, Holyday said of the motto on the preamalgamation Toronto emblem.

Holyday also found evidence in his Toronto Archives research the Indigenous man supporter appears to be modelled after a photograph of the second chief of the Ojibway at Manitouwaning.

But the executive committee members  including Deputy Mayor for the west of the city, Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor Amber Morley, who moved the motion to receive the city managers report  saw it differently.

For us to look back on history and times when we were making decisions without the inclusion of communities, representing communities in ways that did not have their consent and to continue to perpetuate a narrative through imagery, through words  if we hope to live in a better world, we really do need to take these commitments  to reconciliation, to truth, to justice for people  very seriously, Morley told the meeting. We need to walk in a good way as weve all committed to do.
A Toronto woman is facing murder charges in connection with a Toronto police investigation into the suspicious death of her two children.

Police, in a Friday, Dec. 15 news release, said they responded on Sunday, Dec. 10, at about 7:31 p.m., to a call for unknown trouble at 5 Glamorgan Ave. in Scarborough.

It is alleged, stated the police report, that a woman was located on the ground outside of the apartment building with injuries sustained as a result of falling from a balcony.

Following this, police located the woman's two children, boys aged four and five, respectively, without any vital signs inside an apartment unit.

The children were transported to a hospital where they were both pronounced dead.

The woman was also taken to a hospital where she remains with serious injuries, police said.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, a 25-year-old Toronto woman was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

She appeared in court via telephone and was remanded into custody, police say.
When independent, Inuit-owned bookshop Inhabit Books opened its doors to the public on a recent November afternoon in Toronto, the occasion felt like a bigger celebration than your regular launch party.

The company that owns the shop, Inhabit Media, had faced a number of challenges after buying the Mount Pleasant Road building (long-time home to The Little Dollhouse Company, which moved to nearby Millwood Rd.), in 2019. Among them, a buildout fraught with setbacks and budget surprises  admittedly, par for the course with most build-outs  and a pandemic that wreaked undue health havoc on staff.

The idea behind the bookstore, according to co-founder Louise Flaherty, is: to educate the world about the authentic Inuit language and culture coming from authors that live in Nunavut. And so in addition to the merely curious, attendees at the launch included authors and illustrators Aviaq Johnston, Ashley Qilavaq-Savard, Roselynn Akulukjuk, Sarabeth Holden, William Flaherty, Maika Harper, Jamesie Fournier, Jaypeetee Arnakak, Monica Ittusardjuat, Marcus Cutler, Joanne Schwartz, and Ibi Kaslik, some of whom had flown in for the occasion.

There, too, signing some prints and books, was Governor General's Award-winning illustrator Germaine Arnaktauyok (in Nunavut, shes known simply as Germaine), who had plans to stay on after the launch and work out of Inhabits back offices for a few weeks.

The stores exterior has been painted an elegant black, the better to highlight the colourful shelves inside, warmly illuminated by large Victorian mullioned windows. Childrens and YA books, which make up about 80 percent of Inhabits offerings, are available in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, French and English, or a combination of those languages (as with an Inuktitut-English version of Julia Donaldsons "The Gruffalo").

What the adult section lacks in size it makes up for in interest and diversity. Genres include ecology, mythology, memoir, law, climate change, fiction, horror, and poetry. Even the dictionaries make for surprisingly compelling reading.

Inhabit Books is actually the tip of the much larger iceberg that is Iqaluit-headquartered Inhabit Media, which takes up the warren of hallways, offices, studios, and workstations accessible beyond a set of double doors at the back of the shop.

Founded in 2005 by Louise, 53, and brothers Neil and Danny Christopher (51, 48), Inhabit Media comprises four sister companies: animation studio Taqqut Productions; educational consulting and development company Inhabit Education; educational publisher Arvaaq Press; and Inhabit Media, the trade publisher that supplies the vast majority of Inhabit Books stock.

Though Louise, Neil and Danny co-own all four (with Louise having a majority stake), each company functions independently, with its own staff  collectively about 70-90 people across both locations. The trio travel back and forth throughout the year, with Louise, who grew up in Clyde River, primarily based in Iqualuit, and Danny in Toronto. Neil is the most peripatetic, bouncing between Toronto and the north monthly.

(Two fun facts about Louise: She was born on an airplane bound for Iqaluit  then Frobisher Bay  and is married to William Flaherty, grandson of Robert Flaherty, who directed the pioneering 1922 documentary "Nanook of the North.")

Ottawa-born Neil met Louise when he was a prof in the teacher education program at Nunavut Arctic College, and she his supervisor. (His one-year plan to help start a community high school in Resolute Bay had already failed, eventually turning into a 26-year residency.)

At the time, most educational resources were from the south, and in English. If a teacher wanted material in Inuktitut, they had to write it by hand themselves. For some students, this seemed to suggest that their culture was somehow lesser, so one of Neil and Louises earlier collaborations involved adapting these resources to local realities and raising their production values.

Another frequent complaint was about the lack of books written from a local perspective. After mulling this over, Louise turned to Neil over coffee one day. Maybe we should try.

Working at the faculty of education meant that Louise and Neil already knew good writers. And Louises connections in Nunavuts 26 communities ran deep (She knows everybody, says Neil.) It helped, too, that Neil had recently developed a traditional stories course involving local elders, and a survey course on major Inuit folktales, myths, and legends.

Louise and Neils first book, which they produced as a non-profit, was about a terrifying mythological creature called Mahaha and aimed specifically at getting boys to read. Though the book was a success, the experience made them realize that being published by a not-for-profit had limitations for authors, a key one being that the latter couldnt access grants and other forms of funding.

For that to happen, theyd have to become bona fide publishers. And so Inhabit Media was born, and soon joined by Danny, who brought to the company a background in graphic design. Their initial goal, the preservation of creation myths and traditional stories, was galvanized by a casual comment dropped by a colleague at the college, Susan Sammons. You know a culture is dying when the children forget their creation myths, shed said.

For several years, the trio maintained their day jobs, donning their publishers caps only at night. In 2017, Louise made a foray into politics, first as Deputy Minister of Culture and Heritage for Nunavut, then Deputy Minister of Education. She eventually quit the latter, convinced shed have more of an impact on her community through Inhabit Media. Unlike government programs, she reasoned, a book couldnt be dismantled.

Now, as then, Louises role at the company is to review submissions, reach out to elders to gather traditional knowledge and stories, and arrange for Inuktitut language translations and editing. Neil handles contracts and project funding, while Danny is in charge of strategic publications and projects, and art direction.

Because the companys primary mission is to create authentic content for Nunavummiut  and for the rest of the circumpolar north  they will publish books that have little value commercially, but massive value in terms of cultural and linguistic preservation. As such, they prioritize firsthand northern voices over those of visitors .

Among some key exceptions is an Inhabit title from 2012, "Caribou Skin Clothing of the Iglulik Inuit." A comprehensive guide to the creation of traditional Iglulingmiut clothing, including original patterns, it was based on research done in the early 1970s by Quebecoise anthropologist Sylvie Pharand, whod contacted Inhabit in 2011, concerned about the fate of the information in her possession.

Inhabit flew Pharand to Igloolik for the summer, where she met with children of the elders shed interviewed decades ago  now elders themselves  and played recordings of their grandparents to them. It was a moving scene. More crucially, had Pharand not reached out, much of what shed documented would almost surely have been lost.

Inhabit publishes non-traditional stories as well, always looking to identify those with potentially wide appeal, like Aviak Johnstons "What's My Superpower," or "Leah's Mustache Party," a funny account of author Nadia Mikes experience of her daughter wanting a mustache.

So why did Inhabit Books choose to land in Toronto? Neil points to its importance as a publishing centre, and also to the sense of urgency he, Louise, and Danny all feel about their work given the ongoing loss of northern languages, especially Innuunaktan. If Inhabit had stayed Nunavut-based, he reckons theyd be publishing one or two books a year.

To produce the 10 to 40 books the educational side alone requires annually meant bringing in outside editors, illustrators, and graphic designers, among others. The team may be idealistic, but theyre also deeply practical.

Going forward, children will remain Inhabits main focus. Our world will be either lost or saved by children, says Neil. Cultural identity, instilling pride in the land, all that is so much easier in those formative years. Easier, anyway, than trying to reclaim something.
More than four years after the operational launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ghana is participating in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), a pilot trading programme of the AfCFTA Secretariat launched in October 2022 to test the operational instruments of the AfCFTA. Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania and Tunisia are also trading certain goods under the GTI. To participate in the GTI, countries must have ratified the AfCFTA Agreement, submitted a modality-compliant tariff offer and have the necessary customs procedures in place to allow traders to trade under the rules of the AfCFTA. As the host country of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana has played a key role in promoting the importance of the GTI to other member states. There have also been discussions on the expansion of the GTI for trade in goods and commencement of a GTI for trade in services. However, before moving forward there is the need to review trade-related measures of participating countries to determine whether other member states are truly prepared for the full implementation of the AfCFTA. The success of the GTI is crucial as participating countries have been given the opportunity to showcase the operationality of the AfCFTA and to demonstrate to the global community that the AfCFTA can play a role in a new, prosperous and integrated Africa.

Status of the Guided Trade Initiative

Trading under the GTI commenced with about 96 products on the transaction list. These items aligned with the AfCFTAs objective of value chain development and included batteries, coffee, sugar, pasta, tea, dried fruits, ceramic tiles and processed meat products. In contributing to the agenda, Ghana has reportedly assisted 30 companies to obtain Certificates of Origin to export goods from the country under the initiative, however it appears that only a few of those companies are actively trading under the GTI. Additionally, the majority of these transactions are imports with comparatively fewer exports from Ghana heading to other GTI countries. Goods imported into Ghana under the GTI so far include shipments of tea and batteries arriving from Kenya, coffee beans from Rwanda, meat products and cement from Egypt as well as tea and dried fruits from Cameroon. Earlier this year, the National AfCFTA Coordination Office (NCO) indicated that two Ghanaian companies have been exporting palm oil products to Kenya and ceramics to Cameroon under the pilot trading programme. This figure is expected to have increased in recent months. Although trade between Ghana and the remaining GTI countries may not have reached very high levels, there is evidence that the initiative has succeeded in increasing economic activities between countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly trade activities between Ghana and Kenya. Other local companies such as Kasapreko Company Limited, a popular local manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, have taken advantage of the AfCFTA and trade facilitation by the government of Ghana and related governments, to export their products to other African countries in anticipation of the full implementation of the AfCFTA.

Ghanas AfCFTA Strategy

The Government of Ghana has adopted the National AfCFTA Policy Framework and Action Plan (Framework) and issued Guidelines for Local Authorities to create a supportive business environment which integrates its local economy into the regional or continental markets and boosts its trade performance. The Framework focuses on seven key areas, i.e. the Development of an AfCFTA National Trade Policy, Trade Facilitation, Enhancing Productive Capacity, Trade-Related Infrastructure, Trade Finance and Development, Trade Information, and Factor Market Integration. Progress of the countrys efforts so far are measured in these thematic areas.

In line with the governments decision to facilitate trade and raise awareness of the AfCFTA, customs officers were taken through various training programmes in preparation for the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. The overall goal is to build on preferential trade that Ghana enjoys under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take advantage of the new trade preferences of the AfCFTA. Once the AfCFTA is fully operational all Ghanas bilateral trade on the continent will take place under preferences  either the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) or the AfCFTA. Although commendable, these trainings must be monitored to ensure that the benefits trickle down to the officials stationed at the border posts who carry out these policies daily. The Noepe-Akanu one-stop border post where Ghanaian and Togolese customs officials work hand-in-hand is a good example of how integrated border management can be used to simplify the process for traders. As an ECOWAS member, Ghana has taken the step to update its tariff book to reflect the liberalisation of 90% of its tariff lines, and the list of sensitive and excluded goods. This is very important information for Ghanas importers and for exporters from other AfCFTA State Parties. The smooth operation of all the above are key for effective border management.

To further streamline the process for Ghanaian entrepreneurs interested in trading under the AfCFTA, the application process for the issuance of a Certificate of Origin will be automated to prevent delays. Full automation has, however, not begun. Businesses may therefore be required to submit a manual form during the transition period. A single window platform was also established to allow traders to submit all documentation on a common platform to be accessed by various government agencies, resulting in less cumbersome administrative procedures, ultimately facilitating trade. Another step the government has taken is the establishment of the NCO, an institution which communicates with the AfCFTA Secretariat and provides relevant trade-related information which may not ordinarily be available to businesses.

The National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) is Ghanas strategy to diversify exports by focusing on the exportation of non-traditional products to other countries. These non-traditional products are expected to increase the production of goods further along the value chain and include the following:

Processed cocoa

Cashew Nuts

Motor vehicles

Articles of Plastics

Pharmaceuticals

Machines and machine components

Textiles

NEDS was initiated after the AfCFTA came into force and shares a common goal of value chain development. Since its creation, the government has gone to great lengths to convince key investors to position Ghana as a manufacturing and industrial hub for large multinational businesses. Well-known automobile companies such as Nissan, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Toyota, Suzuki and Sinotruck have already established vehicle-assembling plants in the country, positioning Ghana as a prime destination for investors in the automobile industry.

Financial institutions and organisations within the country have also developed several funding packages to stimulate production by domestic businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mission to boost Ghanas exports to the rest of Africa. In addition, the Bank of Ghana and several commercial banks are participating in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to support cross-border payments on the continent. Participating banks include the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Ecobank, Cal Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank among others. Many commercial banks in the country have also signed onto the MANSA due diligence platform; a database of African companies and financial institutions which allows potential investors to conduct due diligence checks on African businesses. This is expected to reduce the perceived risks of doing business in Africa. These initiatives are a step in the right direction under Ghanas trade finance and development agenda.

However, questions arise when we look at the laws developed to protect local industries from being pushed out of business by global corporations with the financial power to do so. Many have asked how they will affect the free trade which the AfCFTA seeks to promote. The restrictions on the types of businesses that foreigners can conduct and the US$1 million minimum capital requirement required of foreign entities looking to engage in trade are serious non-tariff barriers. Such restrictive laws are also prevalent in African countries. Another key aspect of Ghanas AfCFTA trade policy objectives is the development of a Competition Policy. Recent discussions suggest that the Competition Bill will be passed and the relevant investment law amended, following the adoption of the Competition and Investment Protocols. This is to align the domestic laws with the AfCFTA. The Competition Protocol has been adopted and wait for the Competition Bill to be passed by Ghanas parliament. Delays in passing the Competition Bill, however, as well as the other aforementioned factors, may work against the initiative to attract foreign direct investments. We also cannot ignore that Ghana, like many African countries, has not yet ratified the AU Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons amidst security concerns. Such issues must be addressed as the movement of goods and people go hand-in-hand.

Private Sector Perspective on Governments Efforts So Far

Many SMEs are still unaware of the various initiatives carried out by government and supporting institutions, whilst larger enterprises appear to have benefited much more from the governments sensitisation programmes. The situation is even more dire for women-and-youth owned businesses, many of which do not know how to better position themselves to leverage the potential of the AfCFTA. The priority products identified by the NEDS must not forget the contributions of the smaller entities in the private sector who are essential to the value chain. The right partnerships must be struck up with these stakeholders through an open-door policy.

Ghana must also address the issue of loss of skills resulting from the constant relocation of young, skilled professionals outside the country. While participating in the GTI may give Ghana a head start, it is essential that the lessons of the GTI are embraced to better prepare it for the full implementation of the AfCFTA.
Denmark has announced a new green tax on air passengers starting in 2025. The tax aims to reduce carbon emissions and is a key part of Denmark's climate action strategy.

Denmark Sets Green Tax on Air Travel for 2025

Denmark has announced a new green tax on air travel, set to take effect in 2025. The Danish government aims to encourage more environmentally friendly travel and reduce carbon emissions from the aviation sector.

According to DD News, the tax will vary depending on the flight's destination. Short-haul flights will see a lower tax, while long-haul flights will be taxed higher. The goal is to make air travel more sustainable and to fund research and development for greener aviation technologies.

Denmark's government has also proposed that all domestic flights should be operating on 100% sustainable fuels by 2030. This ambitious plan highlights Denmark's commitment to being a leader in environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

The tax is part of a broader strategy by Denmark to tackle climate change. The country has set significant goals to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. The introduction of the green tax on air travel is a critical step in this direction.

Read Also: Experience Sailing From Denmark To Iceland

Passengers flying from Denmark must consider this tax when planning their travels from 2025. While some travelers might see this as an added expense, the Danish government believes protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices in the aviation industry is necessary.

Regarding prices, The Local revealed that starting in 2025, passengers flying from Denmark will pay extra, depending on their destination. For short European flights, the tax will be 30 kroner in 2025 and 50 kroner in 2030. Medium-distance flights, like to the USA or parts of Africa, will cost 250 kroner in 2025 and rise to 310 kroner in 2030. Long-distance flights will start at 300 kroner in 2025 and reach 410 kroner in 2030.

This move by Denmark is aimed at decreasing domestic flights and funding green initiatives.

New Flight Routes from Denmark Set to Soar in 2024

In 2024, Denmark is set to see a significant expansion in flight options as airlines like Norwegian, airBaltic, and Ryanair introduce new routes and services. This update brings exciting travel opportunities for those departing from Danish airports.

Norwegian Airlines is leading the way by launching 40 new routes, including nine from Denmark. Another report from The Local stated that starting June 3, Aalborg will have two weekly flights to Nice, France. From late March to early May, Aarhus Airport will see new routes to Alicante, Malaga, and Mallorca, Spain. Billund Airport will offer flights to Malaga, Alicante, Mallorca, and Stockholm with varying schedules starting in April.

With new routes to several European cities, Copenhagen will benefit significantly, including Milan/Bergamo, Basel, Bilbao, Bari, Tivat, Toulouse, Valencia, Wroclaw, and Zadar. These routes will be available from early April to late June, with different frequencies.

AirBaltic is introducing a route connecting Billund to Gran Canaria starting Dec. 1 This service caters to winter vacationers and will operate twice weekly until March 29, 2024, followed by a weekly flight in April.

Related Article: Global Peace Index 2023 Reveals Most Peaceful Countries-Which Country is Number One?
[Provisional translation]



I would like to extend warm greetings to the people of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. I am KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan.



This year, Japan and Viet Nam are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the past year, more than 500 commemorative events have been held in both countries. It works out to at least one event held in either Japan or Viet Nam to celebrate the 50th anniversary, which reminds us of the depth of the emotional ties between the peoples of the two countries. Many of you may have participated in the Japan Festivals held throughout Viet Nam. I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Viet Nam for their efforts to promote friendly relations between our two countries through their many events.



From December 16th, I will host the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and welcome Prime Minister Chinh of Viet Nam and other leaders of ASEAN countries to Tokyo.



Japan initiated dialogue with ASEAN in 1973, ahead of the rest of the world. Since then, Japan has walked alongside Viet Nam and other ASEAN countries on its path of development and integration for a half century. Japan has supported the development of the ASEAN region including Viet Nam through development cooperation in various fields. Japan and ASEAN are each other's major trading partners, and Japan is the second largest direct investor in ASEAN after the United States. In recent years, Japanese direct investment in ASEAN has averaged about 2.8 trillion yen annually. Japanese companies have approximately 15,000 business establishments in ASEAN, bringing the vitality of the fast-growing ASEAN region into the Japanese economy and also creating products, services and employment in ASEAN countries, thus contributing to their economic development.



The relationship between Japan and ASEAN, including Viet Nam, go beyond business. The foundation of Japan-ASEAN relations as true friends is a relationship of mutual trust with "heart-to-heart" connections. It has been nurtured over the years through "people-to-people" exchanges in a wide range of fields.



Both the public and private sectors have continued to be engaged in various exchange initiatives, including the JENESYS youth exchange program. Japan has hosted some 40,000 government-sponsored international students from the ASEAN countries to date. In addition, JICA has sent JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and NIHONGO (Japanese-language) partners under the "WA Project". Many other exchange programs have been implemented by the private sector over the years.



Japan and ASEAN have reached out to each other and have been "trusted partners" through many challenges such as the 1997 Asian currency crisis, the 2004 Sumatra earthquake and Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019.



The international community is now at a turning point in history, and the free and open international order based on the rule of law is under serious challenge. We also face complex and compounding challenges such as climate change, inequality, public health crises, digitalization, and AI governance. I look forward to working more closely than ever with the people of ASEAN based on strong "trust" to "co-create" a peaceful and stable world where everyone can live with dignity and also a sustainable and prosperous future.



At the conclusion of the 50th Year of ASEAN-JAPAN Friendship and Cooperation, I would like to summarize the past half century of ASEAN-Japan relations, and to set out a new vision and concrete cooperation for the future at the Commemorative Summit that will welcome the leaders of ASEAN countries.



In particular, Japan would like to propose a comprehensive exchange program to connect and strengthen "heart to heart" partnerships for the next generation, new initiatives to co-create solutions to the challenges shared by our economies and societies, efforts to address climate change such as further promotion of the Asian Zero Emission Community initiative, and industrial cooperation. I would like to make this historic Commemorative Summit a "Golden Opportunity" to carry our "Golden Friendship" into the next generation.



Viet Nam is an important partner for Japan in realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. During their visit of President Thuong and his spouse Madam Tam to Japan in November, two countries upgraded the bilateral relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. Under this new partnership, I would like to hold concrete discussions with Prime Minister Chinh to further strategically develop Japan-Viet Nam relations in the future, and to shape a cooperation policy for the next 50 years.








BELLEVILLE  More than 6 million feral swine are present in the U.S. across 35 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Illinois officials investigated more than 30 reported spottings in the state last year.

Only a fraction of feral swine reports in Illinois turn out to really be the invasive hog, but members of the species have been seen in the Land of Lincoln in recent years.

"They are one of the most destructive possible invasive species we could get," Peggy Doty, natural resources, environment and energy educator with the University of Illinois Extension, told the News-Democrat.

Feral swine, also referred to as feral pigs, feral hogs, wild boar and razorbacks, weigh an average of 75 pounds to 250 pounds as adults, though some can reach closer to 500 pounds.

One of the reasons feral swine are dangerous is their opportunistic nature. They're omnivorous and will eat practically anything, and their rooting and wallowing can destroy agriculture and habitats for endangered species in Illinois.

A small group of feral swine can completely annihilate a habitat overnight, Doty said, and they can create food shortages for native species.

The invasive species also poses a threat to human health and the economy in Illinois, as they can carry more than 30 different types of disease and 30 parasites. They can transmit leptospirosis, salmonella, trichinosis and brucellosis to humans, and diseases can affect pets and livestock, too.

"They could be pretty devastating to our pork production in Illinois," Doty said.

Feral swine can also degrade water quality, according to Bradley Wilson, feral swine coordinator for U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services in Illinois, and they can live and thrive in pretty much any area that has a water source.

"They are a very harmful and destructive invasive species," Wilson said. "Their geographic range is rapidly expanding and populations are increasing across the nation."

Where have feral swine been reported in Illinois?

Illinois does not have and has not had a permanent feral swine population, Doty said. Isolating sightings have been reported, though, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports two self-sustaining breeding populations have been identified in the state.

"On average I would say we receive about 40 reports of feral swine each year, but only a tiny fraction of those are actually truly feral swine," Wilson said.

Out of 31 reports of feral swine in Illinois in 2022, many involved what were actually loose domestic pigs or pets, Wilson said.

Three of the reports pertained to an adult boar in the Shawnee National Forest area in Pope County, and one was about an adult boar IDNR had been tracking in the Jackson County/ Union County area.

Officials with the USDA and IDNR investigate and track reports of feral swine, and those that turn out to be loose domestics are often handled by local animal control departments.

Feral swine usually begin as dumped pets, free-range livestock or pigs released for sport hunting, the USDA reports. While there is a trend on YouTube to corral feral swine from other states to shoot in Illinois, it is illegal to transport the animals, release them or hunt them in an enclosure in the state, according to IDNR.

People lawfully hunting in deer season with a license can shoot feral swine they find in the wild, but many experts say it's not a good idea.

"The one thing you don't want to do is shoot them, because they're so smart," Doty said.

The reason you shouldn't shoot a feral hog is because you'll only get one out of the herd, Doty continued, and the rest will learn to avoid bait and humans even more than they do naturally. The group will instead scatter and reproduce, furthering its population.

Under ideal conditions, an adult sow can produce up to 20 piglets each year. Female juvenile pigs can begin reproducing as young as 6 months old, Doty said, and the species has the greatest reproduction rate potential of any large mammal.

Feral hogs: A growing US problem

Feral hog populations have been established in more than 30 Missouri counties, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Texas is the most affected state in the country by feral swine, according to Captain Experiences, a website for hunting and fishing trip bookings. Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and other states also have high volumes of feral swine reports.

If you happen to stumble upon a feral hog in Illinois, or you see signs of rooting and wallowing, officials ask you to report it immediately.

"It's just such a threat environmentally and agriculturally, we just can't let them take hold here," Doty said.

You can report suspected feral swine to the USDA Wildlife Services Illinois State Office at 217-241-6700. In Missouri, you can make reports to 573-522-4115, ext. 3296 or online.

Photos: Illinois State Fair political days through the years 2012 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2007 State Fair 2008 State Fair 2008 State Fair 2009 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2005 State Fair 2004 State Fair 2003 State Fair 2003 State Fair 2006 State Fair 2007 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2018 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2021 State Fair 2021 State Fair
On Friday the Caribbean Football Union will stage the 2024 Next Gen Referees Course for Regi
On December 16, 2023, the Ukrainian Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe signed a Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) for 2024-2025.

The relevant statement was made by the Ukrainian Health Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The document was signed in Kyiv by Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Liashko and Gundo Weiler, WHO/Europes Director of the Division of Country Support and Partnerships and acting Regional Emergency Director (on behalf of Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe).

WHO is a long-term strategic partner of Ukraine and of our Ministry. The signing of the new cooperation agreement will continue the history of our fruitful cooperation to maintain the stability of the medical system despite the challenges of a full-scale war and continue the process of reforming the industry. High-quality, affordable and free health care for Ukrainians is our common goal, Liashko emphasized.

According to Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, the new collaborative agreement will support Ukraine in further strengthening the countrys health system and responding to the challenges posed by the war, providing humanitarian assistance along with strategic advice on continued health sector reforms and recovery efforts.

The evolving health situation, heavily impacted by the war, requires both immediate life-saving services and a continuum of care across the country. Amid the ongoing war, we will continue to work hand in hand with the Government of Ukraine and other partners to support the health response to the war, implementing health system reforms and designing comprehensive recovery programmes, Weiler noted.

In particular, the agreement will enhance collaboration between WHO and Ukraine in the following areas:

- effective and timely emergency response services;

- integrated package of health services for all, focused on primary care;

- efficient health system with fair and equitable financing;

- preventing future disease outbreaks;

- reducing major risk factors associated with noncommunicable diseases;

- sustainable and healthy societies;

- strengthening health institutions as a key contributor to Ukraines EU accession process.

Through the agreement, WHO will support Ukraine in meeting the urgent and pressing direct and indirect health emergency needs triggered by the war. WHO and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine will also work towards further implementation of health reforms to create a more effective, people-centred, resilient and accountable health system that can adapt to emerging needs and deliver high-quality services to all.

WHO and the Government of Ukraine will work towards ensuring access to essential services such as rehabilitation, primary health care, and public health surveillance, and increasing financial protection of the Ukrainian people in terms of affordability of health care, including access to medicines and services.

The collaborative agreement also aims to intensify and expand the availability of technical assistance to Ukraine compared to previous years.

Moreover, the BCA will operationalize the strategic priorities set out in the newly developed Country Cooperation Strategy, outlining how WHO in Ukraine will continue working closely with the Government of Ukraine in implementing health priorities along with national recovery, and development agendas by 2030.
CRYSTAL LAKE  A county board incumbent in Illinois wants election officials to disqualify his primary opponent because he misspelled "Republican" on his nomination papers.

McHenry County Board member Eric Hendricks has filed an objection to primary opponent Bob Nowak's candidacy, the Northwest Herald reported Wednesday.

Hendricks wrote in the objection that Nowak filed to run as a member of the "Republian Party," omitting the "c" in "Republican." Hendricks argues such a party does not exist.

Nowak said he had heard there was an objection to his candidacy but hasn't seen a copy of it.

County officials have scheduled a hearing on the objection for Tuesday. The primary is March 19.

Nowak previously served on the county board but lost his seat to Hendricks in 2022.
In a bold move, the Edelson PC law firm has decided to cease its on-campus recruiting of Harvard Law students, citing concerns over the university president's recent congressional testimony on antisemitism. Founder Jay Edelson conveyed this decision in a letter addressed to Harvard Law's director of recruitment and operations, outlining the firm's commitment to justice, equality, and ethical boundaries.

A Closer Look at President Claudine Gay's Handling

The trigger for this decision was Harvard President Claudine Gay's testimony before Congress on antisemitism, which stirred controversy and accusations of plagiarism. Despite the intense backlash and calls for her removal, Harvard's top leadership stood by Gay, further fueling the dissatisfaction of external entities such as the Edelson PC law firm.

READ ALSO: Biden Stays Silent On Ivy League President Resignations Over Anti-Semitism

Edelson Urges Harvard to Address the Core Problem

Jay Edelson, in his statement to Fox News Digital, emphasized the need for a "sea change" on campus before the law firm would consider resuming on-campus recruiting. He urged Harvard to address the aftermath of Gay's testimony, proposing a town hall on a major TV network where tough questions from journalists and the public could be addressed transparently.

Harvard Law's response to Edelson's decision was succinct, stating that they had nothing to share at the moment but would update as necessary. This noncommittal response indicates the severity of the situation and the potential impact it could have on Harvard's reputation and relationships with other external entities.

Edelson's letter highlighted the law firm's commitment to justice and equality, noting that their decision was a response to the ethical boundaries that were transgressed. He underscored that the move was not a reflection on the students but a stance against the university administration's handling of the congressional testimony.

The broader context of this decision involves a growing concern over antisemitism on university campuses. Last month, two dozen Wall Street law firms issued warnings to universities, declaring their refusal to hire students engaged in antisemitism. This move aimed to pressure law schools to address and combat student organizations promoting support for entities like Hamas.

In a related incident, Davis Polk & Wardwell had rescinded job offers for three law students from Harvard and Columbia universities who signed open letters supporting Hamas against Israel. The open letter from Harvard, signed by about 30 student groups, blamed Israel entirely for the unfolding violence following a terrorist attack on October 7.

Universities Navigate Freedom of Expression and Ethical Boundaries

Edelson's decision to halt on-campus recruiting aligns with the broader industry stance against antisemitism and its consequences. By making this move, the law firm joins a growing chorus demanding accountability and ethical responsibility from educational institutions.

The situation underscores the delicate balance universities must strike between protecting free speech and ensuring that such expressions do not cross ethical boundaries or promote harm. As Harvard grapples with the fallout from Gay's testimony, it faces not only external pressures but also the need for internal reflection on how it addresses sensitive issues and manages the aftermath of controversial statements.

Edelson PC's decision to cease on-campus recruiting at Harvard Law serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of leadership actions on institutional relationships. The incident sheds light on the delicate interplay between freedom of expression and ethical boundaries, prompting universities to navigate these challenges with transparency and accountability.





RELATED ARTICLE: Harvard President Claudine Gay To Retain Position Amid Antisemitism Hearings In Congress
In a controversial move, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order on Wednesday effectively banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public colleges and universities across the state.

The order prohibits the use of state funds, property, or resources towards DEI initiatives, calling for the dismissal of "non-critical personnel." While effective immediately, institutions are given until May 31, 2024, to comply with the directive.

Governor Stitt's Stance and Responses from the Opposition

Stitt justified the order by stating that it aims to implement greater protections for Oklahomans and their tax dollars. However, critics argue that the move appears disproportionate, especially considering that only around $10.2 million was spent on DEI programs in the past decade, accounting for three-tenths of one percent of all higher education spending in the state.

Stitt asserted that Oklahoma should focus on supporting low-income and first-generation students instead of allocating resources based on race. However, DEI programs traditionally extend support not only to students from marginalized racial backgrounds but also to veterans, low-income individuals, first-generation students, single parents, and students with disabilities.

In response to the executive order, Joseph Harroz Jr., the president of the University of Oklahoma, addressed the concerns within the OU community. Harroz emphasized the university's commitment to accessible education, highlighting foundational values such as access and opportunity for all, a sense of belonging, dedication to free speech and inquiry, and civility in interactions. He reassured the community that these values remain unwavering, regardless of political ideology.

READ ALSO: Missouri Women's College Adapts Admissions Policy To Include Transgender And Non-Binary Students

University of Oklahoma's Concerns

The University of Oklahoma's Black emergency response team, a student organization focused on activism, advocacy, and social justice, expressed deep concerns over the executive order. In a statement, the team emphasized the critical role played by DEI departments and programs in providing a safe and inclusive space for minority and marginalized communities on campuses. They argued that these initiatives offer students a platform to voice concerns, establish a sense of belonging, and foster unity within the student life community. Any attempt to remove personnel, funding, and programming, they believe, jeopardizes the very existence of these essential spaces.

Pushback Against DEI Initiatives

Oklahoma's ban on DEI programs is part of a broader trend across the United States, with various states attempting to roll back DEI initiatives that gained momentum during and after 2020. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed bills earlier this year prohibiting institutions from spending federal or state dollars on DEI initiatives. Last month, the Iowa Board of Regents directed the state's public universities to cut DEI programs that are not deemed necessary for research contracts or accreditation.

On the same day Governor Stitt signed his executive order, Wisconsin Republicans successfully influenced the University of Wisconsin to freeze DEI staffing through 2026 and eliminate or refocus about 40 positions dedicated to diversity. These actions underscore a national debate on the role and funding of DEI programs within higher education institutions.

Governor Stitt's executive order in Oklahoma reflects a contentious stance on the prioritization of educational resources and a national conversation on the role of DEI programs. As universities grapple with these decisions, the challenge lies in finding a balance between fiscal responsibility and ensuring that institutions remain inclusive spaces for all students, irrespective of their background or identity. The unfolding developments in Oklahoma contribute to a larger dialogue on the future of DEI initiatives in higher education and the values that underpin the nation's learning institutions.

RELATED ARTICLE: US Department Of Education Investigates Whitman College For Discrimination; What We Know So Far
Australia's Albanese government is ushering in a bold 10-year migration plan, targeting a revamp of the immigration system by curbing the number of migrants while tightening rules for international students. The plan aims to address what has been described as a 'broken' system, with a key focus on bolstering the integrity and quality of international education.

Key Changes in the Migration Plan

1. Restructuring Visa Pathways

A fundamental shift in visa pathways is at the core of the plan. The current 'temporary skills shortage' visa will be replaced by a 'skills in demand' visa, featuring three sub-categories:

- Specialist Skills Visa Pathway

Targeting highly skilled workers, particularly in technology and green energy industries.

- Core Skills Visa Pathway

Adapting to changing workforce demands with regularly updated lists of occupations essential for the country.

- Essential Skills Pathway

Focused on labor jobs with worker shortages, addressing lower-income roles.

2. Cracking Down on Visa Misuse and Exploitation

To combat misuse of the visa system and exploitation of migrant workers, the plan introduces a roadmap to ensure stricter adherence to the visa process. This includes the establishment of a home affairs student visa integrity unit, signaling a commitment to safeguarding the rights of migrant workers.

3. Rigorous English Language Testing

To further ensure that students are genuinely in Australia for educational purposes, the plan introduces more stringent English language testing. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirements will be raised, with a score of 6.0 required for student visas and 6.5 for graduate visas, up from the current 5.5.

4. Addressing 'Visa Hopping' Issues

The plan takes a stance against 'visa hopping,' where students reapply for studies or change courses to extend their stay while engaging in unskilled work. Measures will be implemented to label potential 'visa hoppers' as high-risk students, subjecting their applications to slower and more complicated processes.

READ ALSO: Supporting The Needs Of First Generation College Students

The Rationale Behind the Overhaul

1. Skills Crisis Mitigation

One of the primary motivations behind the plan is addressing Australia's skills crisis. By reshaping visa pathways and prioritizing highly skilled workers, the government aims to channel resources to areas where there is a shortage, particularly in technology and green energy sectors.

2. Combating Permanent Temporariness

The plan acknowledges the issue of 'permanent temporariness,' where international students stay in Australia for extended periods, often engaging in repeated course applications. The revamped system seeks to streamline pathways for genuine students while introducing hurdles for those attempting to exploit the system.

3. Crackdown on Poor-Quality Education

Acknowledging the need to address poor-quality education, the plan aims to close loopholes that allow students to enroll in reputable institutions only to later transfer to lower-quality institutions. The focus is on protecting the reputation of Australian universities and ensuring that students receive quality education aligned with their chosen fields.

Mixed Reactions and Concerns

While university bodies generally support the migration plan, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on international student numbers. Some fear that the tighter restrictions may discourage students from choosing Australian universities. However, proponents argue that the changes will close loopholes and prevent exploitation of the system.

Australia's 10-year migration plan represents a bold step towards reshaping the nation's immigration landscape. The focus on skill needs, language proficiency, and preventing misuse of the system reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the education sector and addressing workforce challenges. As the plan unfolds, finding the delicate balance between attracting top talent and safeguarding against exploitation will be crucial for its success.

RELATED ARTICLE: New Zealand Universities Must Choose Between Protecting Free Speech Or Paying Penalties
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Anwwar-ul-Haq Kakar says nine years ago, the enemy unsuccessfully tried to undermine the morale of this nation in the war against terrorism.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Dec 16th, 2023) Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said the tragic incident of Army Public school Peshawar has strengthened the determination of our nation against terrorism.

In his message on the 9th anniversary of the APS tragedy, Anwwar-ul-Haq Kakar said nine years ago, the enemy unsuccessfully tried to undermine the morale of this nation in the war against terrorism. It was a tragedy that moistened the eyes of the whole world.

The Prime Minister said the sympathies of the entire nation are with the parents whose children made a great sacrifice in this tragedy.

Anwaar ul Haq Kakar said Principal Army Public School Shaheed Tahira Qazi and other teachers stood in front of these beasts as a rock wall to protect their students, and sacrificed their lives.

The Prime Minister said cowardarly terrorists can never defeat this nation where fearless people like Shaheed Tahira Qazi and Shaheed Aitzaz Hasan do not even care about their lives to save others.

The Prime Minister said the nation has won the war on terror and foiled all the tactics of the enemy to spread mischief and chaos in the country.

He the entire nation is proud of its great martyrs and their families.

Anwwar-ul-Haq Kakar said the nation is surely saddened by the memory of the Army Public School tragedy, but it is stronger than ever and united against this menace.

He said the Pakistani nation stands by its security forces until all the miscreants are brought to justice.

The Prime Minister said the nation pays tribute to all the personnel of the security forces, including the police, rangers and Pak Army, who hunted down the terrorists from their hideouts and brought them to their end after this tragedy.

The Prime Minister said his clear message to the terrorists and the enemy of Pakistan's peace is that the Pakistani nation is united.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Dec, 2023) Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi Saturday said that the day of December 16 would always be remembered for the great sacrifices of the martyrs of Army Public School.

In a message on the 9th anniversary of APS martyrs, he said, "Nine years have passed since the tragedy of APS, but the grief of those who lost their lives was still fresh today."

The minister said that cowardly miscreants attacked the future of the nation, the young children and martyred them.

Murtaza Solangi said adding no one could hold back their tears remembering that tragic day.

Paying tributes to the martyrs of APS tragedy, he said they united the nation against terrorism.

After this incident, he said all the political parties and organizations united against terrorism, a twenty-point national action plan was adopted and the terrorists were defeated.

Unfortunately, without taking the opinion of parliament and public institutions, a government of the recent past allowed the terrorists to return, due to which the nation facing a new wave of terrorism today.

"Terrorism has never ended due to the appeasement of terrorists around the world", he maintained. The people of Pakistan will defeat this new wave of terrorism with the strength of their state institutions and this was the message of today.

"Our resolve is firm and our passion is true, our war against terrorism will continue", Murtaza Solangi remarked.

Solangi stated that Pakistan had come a long way to defeat terrorism as all state institutions, including civil and military leadership, were on the same page to protect homeland and national security.

"Pakistan is moving towards lasting peace and development," he added.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls of the martyrs of Army Public school in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the tragic loss with fortitude.

The minister also paid tributes to the martyrs of Pakistan Armed forces who sacrificed their lives for peace in the country.
Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in his message on the anniversary of the martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar, affirmed that the significance of December 16 will forever evoke the memory of the profound sacrifices made by the martyrs

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Dec, 2023) Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in his message on the anniversary of the martyrs of Army Public school Peshawar, affirmed that the significance of December 16 will forever evoke the memory of the profound sacrifices made by the martyrs.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the nation would remain eternally indebted to the sacrifices of the children and teachers of Army Public School. He acknowledged that these young souls inscribed the history of a secure Pakistan with their precious blood, laying the foundation for a peaceful nation.

Highlighting the poignant contribution of the little children who offered their lives for a noble cause, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi underscored that the martyrs of APS played a pivotal role in uniting the Pakistani nation against terrorism.

He credited the great sacrifices for inspiring unprecedented unity and consensus throughout the nation's fight against terrorism.

The Chief Minister expressed that the unparalleled courage and determination drawn from the sacrifices of the martyred children led to the defeat of the brutal enemy, transforming Pakistan into a cradle of peace. He hailed the martyred children and teachers as heroes of the entire nation, extending heartfelt salutes to their families.

Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed solidarity with the families of the APS martyrs, emphasizing that there is no room for terrorism and extremism in Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Pakistan. He concluded by noting that the entire nation pays homage to the eternal sacrifices of the great martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar.
Social Security will be insolvent in just 10 years. Some politicians think we can ignore the problem or grow our way out of it. But thats a recipe for disaster.

Without action, the law calls for an immediate 23% across-the-board benefit cut upon insolvency. Thats a $17,400 cut for a typical 67-year-old couple retiring in 2033, and an even more devastating cut for current low-income retirees who count on the program.

Politicians would be clamoring to avoid this cut in a normal world. Democrats would be focused on how to get more revenue into the system. Republicans would advocate for bringing growing cost under control. The two sides would agree on the need to target any changes on those who can afford them most and would be open to compromise for the greater good. And both would demand we act soon to stave off this potential crisis.

Sadly, the real world is far more dystopian. In his State of the Union address earlier this year, President Joe Biden declared Social Security should be off the books for discussion. Former President Donald Trump has similarly promised not to touch Social Security. And in a recent Republican presidential campaign, half the candidates gave bogus do-nothing answers for how to save it.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida declared that achieving 3% annual economic growth would solve Social Securitys woes. Not to be outdone, Vivek Ramaswamy claimed we could get between 3% and 5% economic growth.

This is wishful thinking, and it wont solve the problem.

Economic growth is great  and the more, the better. Faster growth means higher incomes, more retirement savings and a stronger Social Security system.

But the idea were going to achieve this level of growth is fantasy. And even if we did, it wouldnt save Social Security.

Every prominent economic forecaster  from the Congressional Budget Office and the Federal Reserve to the Blue Chip survey and the White Houses Office of Management and Budget  projects long-term sustained growth over the next decade will average around 2%. How on earth are we going to double it?

Achieving 3% sustained growth would require growth in productivity, capital and labor force participation last seen in the 1990s  an unlikely prospect given our aging population, lagging productivity and near-record levels of national debt. Sure, we may be lucky to get one or two years of fast growth  like in 2021, when the economy grew by nearly 6% due to the COVID recovery and reopening  but its doubtful we can sustain much higher growth. Even the most aggressive mix of growth-enhancing policies wouldnt be enough to get there.

And even if we did somehow achieve dramatic improvements in economic growth, it would be unlikely to save Social Security. Faster growth means more taxes coming in. But because benefits are indexed to wages, it also means more benefits going out. The Social Security Trustees estimate that boosting real wage growth by 50% would only delay trust fund exhaustion by one year.

The only way we are going to fix Social Security is by actually fixing Social Security. That means boosting Social Security taxes and slowing the growth of benefits. Ideally, we would do so in ways that focus on higher earners, improve the program and promote economic growth.

To their credit, two GOP candidates  former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie  proposed doing just that when they endorsed raising the Social Security retirement age. An age increase would improve solvency and help grow the economy by boosting labor force participation. Evidence also shows that delayed retirement results in greater wealth, higher life expectancy, improved physical and mental health, stronger social networks and even more happiness.

Any increase in the retirement age should be accompanied by improvements that protect the most vulnerable older adults. We also should consider increasing the income subject to the payroll tax and slowing the growth in benefits for higher earners.

We need real solutions, not magical fixes. If we dont make these choices today, all beneficiaries will face a deep benefit cut within a decade.
UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Dec, 2023) Pakistan has expressed its concern over the "generous" supply of conventional weapons to "one state" in South Asia --

an obvious reference to India, saying it was fueling instability and jeopardizing the delicate balance in the tension-ridden region.

"The policy of double standards towards South Asia, based on narrow strategic, political and commercial considerations, must be eschewed," Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon, the deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UN Security Council here late Friday.

He was speaking in a debate on 'addressing the threat posed by diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition to peace and security', in which over 60 countries took part.

During the day-long debate, the speakers highlighted the threats posed by those weapons to global and regional security, as well as the nexus between those firearms, terrorism and organized crime. They sounded the alarm about their uncontrolled spread and easy availability, which, they said, undermine human security and impact a range of areas including development and fulfillment of basic human rights.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon regretted that the goal of limiting and gradual reducing conventional weapons has not been realized. "Instead, we find ourselves amidst a persistent increase in global military expenditures."

"Many destabilizing developments are evident in South Asia where one States military spending vastly outnumbers that of all others," the Pakistani envoy told the 15-member Council.

"The generous supply of conventional weaponry to this state, together with its strategic capabilities, is fueling instability, jeopardizing the delicate regional balance, hindering resolution of longstanding disputes, reinforcing its sense of impunity and hegemonic designs and impeding the realization of durable peace and sustainable development in the region.

"This conventional imbalance can also lead to outbreak of conflict between nuclear-armed states due to the inherent danger of escalation", the Pakistani envoy added.

Pakistan, he said, was committed to the establishment of a strategic restraint regime in South Asia, which includes an element of conventional force balance.

"Pakistan neither wants, nor is engaged in an arms race in the region," Ambassador Jadoon said.

Pakistan, he added, was of firm view that peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through the resolution of disputes in accordance with Security Council resolutions and the maintenance of a balance of conventional and strategic military forces.

The Pakistani envoy also called for a stronger commitment from the international community to support developing countries with eliminating the scourge of illicit weapons proliferation.

Recalling a recent attack on Pakistans security forces post by terrorist group Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, he expressed concern about the groups possession of modern and sophisticated arms, calling for an investigation into how these weapons were acquired.

"While we successfully neutralized all of those involved, the possession of sophisticated weaponry by these terrorists, none of which they have the capability to manufacture, indicates a bigger problem today.

"It is the responsibility of all States, this Council and the United Nations to take measures to prevent illicit trade, transfer and diversion of these arms, Ambassador Jadoon added.

Urging to expand the scope of arms control to cover conventional weapons, he pointed to the accumulation of conventional capabilities in cyber and outer space, which creates dangerous imbalances and can trigger conflicts.

Opening the debate, UN's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, noted that the Security Council began its biennial consideration of small arms in 2007 and has since recognized that their illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse threaten international peace and security.

"Small arms and light weapons are the weapons of choice in initiating, sustaining and exacerbating conflict, armed violence, terrorism and other forms of organized crime, she said, warning that their misuse facilitates human rights violations and gender-based violence.

In 2021 alone, 260,000 people were killed by small arms, amounting to 45 per cent of all violent deaths  more than 700 people a day, or one every two minutes.
Western nations and the European Union Friday urged Israel to "take concrete steps to halt unprecedented violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank," in a joint statement published by France's foreign ministry.

The call from Australia, Britain, Canada, France, the European Union and several other European countries  but notably excluding Germany and the United States  highlighted "an unprecedented number of attacks perpetrated by extremist settlers" since early October that they said had claimed eight Palestinian lives and wounded 83 people.

Reiterating that Israel's settlement policy "is illegal under international law," the signatories of Friday's statement said that "as the occupying power, Israel must protect Palestinian civilians in the West Bank" and "bring those responsible for this violence to justice."

Friday's statement comes days after EU chief Ursula von der Leyen backed imposing sanctions on "extremist" Israeli settlers  although not all of the bloc's 27 nations agree.

While some members such as Spain have sharply criticized Israel's response to Hamas' October 7 attack, others including Germany stand firmly behind the state.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and in recent months troops have repeatedly carried out deadly raids on the Jenin refugee camp in the territory's north.

More than 280 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the war in Gaza erupted on October 7, health officials say.

Over the same period, more than 18,700 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive on Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run besieged Palestinian territory.

The war broke out with an attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, which Israeli officials say killed around 1,200 people and saw some 240 people taken hostage, of whom 105 have been released and several killed.

Most of those killed in both Israel and the Palestinian territories have been civilians.
Edris Niazi had "a normal life," back in Kabul, working as a government employee, but his life "turned upside down" after the Taliban seized power in 2021.

Niazi, 32, is now working as a welder in Turkeys Kayseri province with "no future," as he fears being deported to Afghanistan.

"There is no way that I return to Afghanistan," Niazi said. "My life is in danger, and I would try whatever it takes to go to a third country, either through legal or illegal routes."

Many urban, educated Afghans like Niazi escaped after Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban.

According to the U.N., more than 1.6 million Afghans have fled since August 2021, bringing the total number of Afghan refugees in the neighboring countries to 8.2 million.

More than 300,000 Afghan refugees live in Turkey. Many of them, like Niazi, are hoping to be relocated to a third country.

"Turkey is not the place that one would like to stay in it permanently," Niazi said. "Turkey serves as a bridge" for refugees hoping to go to Europe.

Waiting for relocation

Many Afghan families in Turkey have been waiting for resettlement in third countries for years.

Munir Mansoori, who fled with his family to Turkey in 2016, is still waiting to be relocated to a third country.

"We have tried all the venues [for relocation] but our efforts have yet to yield results," said Mansoori, who worked as a journalist with Ariana TV back in Afghanistan.

"Here in Turkey, we cant work in our profession. We cant work here. It is a different country with a different culture and language," he said.

He said that he is afraid of deportation as his life would be in danger in Afghanistan.

"I am afraid of being deported. I received threats because I was hosting a music show in Afghanistan before coming to Turkey," he added.

Ali Hikmat, the co-founder of the Afghan Refugee Solidarity Association, told VOA that in just one week in November, "Turkey arrested 820 Afghans in the eastern part of Turkey and deported them by air to Kabul."

Hikmat added that Afghans are also pushed back to Iran via the land border.

Last year, Human Rights Watch reported that Turkey was "routinely" pushing back tens of thousands of Afghan refugees to Iran or sending them back to Afghanistan, "with little or no examination of their claims for international protection."

Based on the information provided by the Turkish authorities, HRW reported that Turkey deported 44,768 Afghans by air to Kabul in the first eight months of 2022.

Worries about education

Shabnam Mohammadi was in high school in Afghanistans western province of Herat when the Taliban seized power in 2021.

She, together with her parents and three brothers, left Afghanistan two months after the takeover and crossed the border to Iran and then to Turkey.

Mohammadi told VOA that as soon as the family reached Turkey, they "applied for relocation [to a third country] but heard nothing."

"It is difficult here. We left everything behind and had to start from the beginning," she said, "We cant go to school. We dont have a future here and cant go to Afghanistan."

Mohammadi added that the family still hopes to be resettled in a third country where she and her brothers can attend school.

"But now that we are in Turkey, it is not clear what is going to happen to us," she said.

Mohammadi said that she would not be able to go to school or work if she returned to Afghanistan.

After seizing power in 2021, the Taliban banned girls secondary and university education. Women are also barred from working with NGOs, going to parks and gyms and long-distance traveling without a male chaperone.

"Like everyone else," Niazi said, "I would like to go to a place where my daughter can get an education. I want her to have a better future."

This story originated in VOAs Afghan Service.
It could be a cold, grim New Year for thousands of migrant families living in New York Citys emergency shelter system. With winter setting in, they are being told they need to clear out, with no guarantee theyll be given a bed elsewhere.

Homeless migrants and their children were limited to 60 days in city housing under an order issued in October by Mayor Eric Adams, a move the Democrat says is necessary to relieve a shelter system overwhelmed by asylum-seekers crossing the southern U.S. border.

That clock is now ticking down for people like Karina Obando, a 38-year-old mother from Ecuador who has been given until January 5 to get out of the former hotel where she has been staying with her two young children.

Where she will end up next is unclear. After that date, she can reapply for admission to the shelter system. A placement might not happen right away. Her family could wind up getting sent to one of the citys huge tent shelters far from where her 11-year-old son goes to school.

"I told my son, Take advantage. Enjoy the hotel because we have a roof right now," Obando said in Spanish outside Row NYC, a towering, 1,300-room hotel the city converted into a shelter for migrants in the heart of the theater district. "Because theyre going to send us away and were going to be sleeping on the train, or on the street."

A handful of cities across the U.S. dealing with an influx of homeless migrants have imposed their own limits on shelter stays, citing a variety of reasons, including spiraling costs, a lack of space and a desire to put pressure on people to either find housing on their own, or leave town entirely.

Chicago imposed a 60-day shelter limit last month and is poised to start evicting people in early January. In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, has capped the number of migrant families in emergency shelters at 7,500.

Denver had limited migrant families to 37 days but paused the policy this month in recognition of winters onset. Single adults are limited to 14 days.

In New York, the first families were expected to reach their 60-day limits just days after Christmas, but the mayors office said those migrants will receive extensions through early January. Roughly 3,500 families have been issued notices so far.

Unlike most other big cities, New York has a decades-old "right to shelter" obligating the city to provide emergency housing to anyone who asks.

But officials have warned migrants there is no guarantee they will get to stay in the same hotel, or the same city borough, for that matter.

Adult migrants without children are already subject to a shorter limit on shelter stays: 30 days.

Those who get kicked out and still want help are told to head for the citys so-called "reticketing center" that opened in late October in a former Catholic school in Manhattans East Village.

Dozens of men and women, many with their luggage and other belongings in tow, line up every morning in freezing weather where they must petition for a renewed stay.

They are offered a free, one-way ticket to anywhere in the world. Most people decline.

Some are able to secure another shelter for 30 days, but many others say they leave empty-handed and must line up again the next day to try their luck.

"Im scared of dying, sleeping on the street," Barbara Coromoto Monzon Pena, a 22-year-old from Venezuela, said as she spent a second day waiting in line on a recent weekday.

Obando said her eldest son, who is 19, hasnt been able to find a place to rent since he and his wife exhausted their 30 allowed days at the Row NYC hotel.

"As a mother, it hurts," she said, breaking down in tears. "Hes sleeping on the train, on the street, in the cold. Hes in a lot of pain, and now its our turn. They told me that this country was different, but for me its been hell."

Adams has insisted the city is doing a lot more for migrant families than almost anywhere else. New York is on track to spend billions of dollars opening shelters, paying for hotel rooms, buying meals and offering assistance overcoming bureaucratic hurdles for asylum-seekers.

The mayor also has warned repeatedly that the citys resources are stretched thin, with more than 67,200 migrants still in its care and many more arriving every week.

"Were doing everything in our power to treat families as humanely as possible," said Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Adams. "We have used every possible corner of New York City and are quite simply out of good options."

She stressed that the administration intends to avoid having families sleeping on the streets and said there will be an orderly process for them to request another 60-day stay.

Advocates for immigrants say the end result will still uproot vulnerable families during the coldest months of the year and disrupt schooling for new students just settling into classes.

"Its maybe the most Grinch move, ever," said Liza Schwartzwald, a director at the New York Immigrant Coalition. "Sending families with children out like in the middle of winter right after the holiday season is just cruel."

Adams has stressed that migrant children would not be required to change schools when they move. But some kids could potentially face epic commutes if they are placed in new shelters far from their current schools.

Migrant parents say two months simply isnt enough time to find a job, get kids settled into childcare or school and save up enough for rent.

Obando, who arrived in the U.S. three months ago, said that outside of the odd cleaning job, she has struggled to find consistent work because there is no one to care for her 3-year-old daughter with her husband still detained at the border in Arizona.

"Its not that we Ecuadorians come to take their jobs or that were lazy," she said. "Were good workers. More time, thats all we ask."

For Ana Vasquez, a 22-year-old from Venezuela who is eight months pregnant, the situation is more urgent.

Her baby is due in late December, but she has until January 8 to leave the Row NYC, where she has been staying with her sister and two young nieces for the past four months.

"They are going to leave me out in the cold," Vasquez lamented in Spanish one chilly morning this month outside the hotel. "We dont have an escape plan. The situation is difficult, even more so with the baby."
A Royal Navy warship has shot down a suspected attack drone targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, Britains defense secretary said Saturday.

Grant Shapps said that HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was targeting merchant shipping. The overnight action is the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the 1991 Gulf War.

Shapps said attacks on commercial ships in the global trade artery by Yemens Houthi rebels represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security."

The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade, he said in a statement.

Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which like the Houthis is backed by Iran. The Houthis have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel.

Houthi rebels said they fired a barrage of drones Saturday toward the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. The announcement came hours after Egypts state-run media reported that Egyptian air defense had shot down a flying object off the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea.

Earlier this month, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen, and a U.S. warship shot down three drones during the assault, the U.S. military said.

On Friday Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the United States, France and other countries.
I was so glad to hear of the opening of Parachute Plasma Donation Center in Charleston. They pay those who donate blood while helping their fellow man. This is called free market.

While it has gotten easier, it is still very difficult to shop around for medical services. So called non-profit hospitals and clinics, whose top employees make millions, make it difficult to compare costs and seek the least expensive provider.

I needed the battery changed in my pacemaker. This is a low-risk procedure which takes minimal expenses for providers. Since I am covered by a truly non-profit Christian healthcare sharing ministry, while not required to, I felt it my duty to have the procedure done at the lowest cost.

Local hospitals all quoted $80,000 to $90,000 plus for the short out-patient procedure. I found a quality hospital and cardiologist five hours away and had it done for $40,000. True, it was inconvenient.

My Christian healthcare ministry paid all my expenses, and sent me a thank you note. It would have been nice if they would have rewarded me financially for saving them $40,000.

Why do not insurance companies give a financial incentive for patients to shop around? This would eventually bring down the insanely high insurance premiums. With the current situation, so called non-profits make almost all physicians employees which allows them to legally price-fix their fees. There is no free market.

Dr. Don Selvidge, Mattoon
A Vatican court Saturday sentenced a once powerful Italian cardinal to five years and six months in jail for financial crimes at the end of a historic trial.

Angelo Becciu, 75, a former adviser to Pope Francis who was once considered a papal contender himself, was the most senior clergyman in the Catholic Church to face a Vatican criminal court.

He and nine other defendants, including financiers, lawyers and ex-Vatican employees, were on trial for accusations of financial crimes focused on an opaque London property deal.

Court President Giuseppe Pignatone read out the verdict Saturday, with Becciu accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering.

His lawyer, Fabio Viglione, said they respected the sentence but would "certainly" appeal. He was also handed a fine of 8,000 euros ($8,727).

At the heart of the trial is the 350 million euro ($380 million) purchase of a luxury property in London, as part of an investment that began in 2014 and ended up costing the Vatican tens of millions of euros.

A test of Francis' reforms

The trial, which began in July 2021, has shone a light on the Holy See's murky finances, which Francis has sought to clean up since taking the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013.

It is also a test of his reforms.

Just weeks before the trial, Francis gave the Vatican's civilian courts the power to try cardinals and bishops, where previously they were judged by a court presided over by cardinals.

Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had requested seven years and three months in jail for Becciu and between almost four and 13 years for the others.

Becciu had always strongly protested his innocence, denouncing the accusations against him as "totally unfounded" and insisting he never took a cent.

For its part, the Holy See viewed itself as "an offended party" and has asked through Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for the court to "punish all crimes."

Four Vatican entities are civil parties. They had requested compensation from the defendants, including 177 million euros ($193 Million) for moral and reputational damage.

Since the trial opened, there have been more than 80 hearings in the dedicated room within the Vatican Museums, where a portrait of a smiling Pope Francis hangs on the wall.

The process had been mired by procedural wrangling, with defense lawyers complaining about a lack of access to key evidence.

Once high ranking

Becciu, a globe-trotting former Vatican diplomat, has been a near constant presence in the courtroom.

He was number two in the Secretariat of State, the Vatican department that works most closely with the pope, from 2011 to 2018.

He was moved to lead the department that deals with the creation of saints, before abruptly resigning in September 2020, after being informed of an investigation against him.

Initially, he told the trial, this was about a probe into 125,000 euros of Vatican money he donated to a charity in his native Sardinia, which prosecutors claim benefited his brother, who ran the organization.

But he was later drawn into investigations into the purchase and sale of the property on London's Sloane Avenue  resulting in losses that, according to the Vatican, dipped into resources intended for charitable causes.

When the trial opened, prosecutors painted a picture of risky investments with little or no oversight and double-dealing by outside consultants and insiders.

Among the defendants are two brokers involved in the London deal, Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione, as well as Enrico Crasso, a former Vatican investment manager, and former Vatican employee Fabrizio Tirabassi.

Becciu is also accused over payments made to a Sardinian woman, Cecilia Marogna  who is also on trial  which he claims were to help negotiate the release of a Colombian nun kidnapped in Mali.
Democratic Republic of Congo recalled its ambassadors from Kenya and Tanzania for consultations on Saturday, after a new Congolese military alliance that includes rebels was launched in the Kenyan capital.

Alain Tshibanda, spokesperson for Congo's foreign ministry, made the announcement on the X social media platform, formerly called Twitter.

The envoy to Tanzania was recalled because Tanzania hosts the headquarters of the East African Community, which Congo also belongs to.

Earlier on Saturday, the Kenyan embassy's head of mission had been summoned to the foreign ministry in Kinshasa. The Kenyan government could not immediately be reached for comment.

On Friday, Congolese politicians and groups including the M23 rebels, who have seized territory in eastern Congo, and Corneille Nangaa, a former Congo election commission chief, launched the Congo River Alliance in Nairobi.

Speaking at the launch, Nangaa, who was sanctioned by the U.S. for corruption and obstructing the 2018 election, said the alliance would bring together various Congolese armed groups, militias, social and political organizations.

"I am looking for a lasting solution; all communities must live together in Congo," Nangaa told Reuters on Saturday.

Congo is due to hold presidential and legislative elections on December 20.

The new alliance is an additional concern in a region where insecurity has persisted for decades, fueled by ethnic rivalries and a tussle over land and resources with regional implications.

Bintou Keita, head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo, said in a post on social media platform X that she was "extremely concerned by the creation of a new political-military platform."
Overseas Hong Kong pro-democracy activists tell VOA they will not be swayed by a fresh round of bounties issued by authorities for information leading to their arrest over alleged violations of the Chinese territorys National Security Law.

In interviews with VOA's Cantonese Service, one of the activists named in Thursday's announcement called the bounties "absurd," while another called the issuing of arrest warrants for more dissidents nothing more than a "publicity stunt."

On Thursday, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force issued a bounty of 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($128,200) each for the arrest of five activists, the latest to be added to the authorities bounty list. All five have left Hong Kong and now live overseas. One is a U.S. citizen.

Those named are Simon Cheng Man-kit, Frances Hui Wing-ting, Joey Siu Nam, Johnny Fok Ka-chi and Tony Choi Ming-da.

According to Hong Kong authorities, 24-year-old Hui is suspected of "colluding with foreign countries or forces to endanger national security." She is currently the director of the advocacy group We The Hong Kongers in the U.S.

Hui went into exile to the U.S. in 2020, and received political asylum in 2022, becoming the first Hong Kong person to be granted political asylum by the U.S. federal government.

In a video interview with VOA Cantonese, Hui said she was not particularly surprised when the news of her arrest warrant came out, because she prepared herself for such possibilities when announcing her exile in 2020. Hui said, "These things will happen, sooner or later," if one continues to advocate for Hong Kong's human rights.

Although the National Security Department did not explicitly state which of her actions were illegal, Hui believes that it has a lot to do with the Hong Kong Sanctions Act  a U.S. bill calling for sanctions against Hong Kong officials, including judges and prosecutors. Hui had a role in promoting the bill, and she described the Hong Kong government as "seemingly offended."

"It has always seemed to be a sore point for the Hong Kong government to have their officials, especially the judiciary, sanctioned. They are very sensitive to this. In fact, most of the people in the last round of the wanted list had openly pushed for foreign sanctions," Hui said.

In November, five members of the United States Congress introduced the Hong Kong Sanctions Act to the House of Representatives and the Senate, listing 49 Hong Kong officials, judges and prosecutors, most of whom had tried or participated in Hong Kong National Security Law cases.

The Hong Kong Sanctions Act requires the U.S. president to determine whether certain Hong Kong officials violated human rights and whether sanctions should be imposed in accordance with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 or the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.

Hui said the Hong Kong National Security Bureaus press conference was clearly "a political message" meant to intimidate her.

She told VOA Cantonese, "For me, the 1 million bounty, the arrest warrant and the transnational crackdown, they all are just a publicity stunt."

In July, the National Security Department issued the same bounty for eight people. At that time, Steve Li Kwai-wah, the superintendent of Hong Kong's National Security Department, said the bounty was not a stunt but law enforcement.

Hui said she would continue her advocacy work for Hong Kong, including pressing for the sanctioning of Hong Kong officials, as well as building overseas Hong Kong communities and promoting Hong Kong's local culture.

Joey Siu Nam, also 24 years old, is another of the five wanted people and an American citizen. This is the first time that a U.S. citizen is wanted by the Hong Kong government for allegedly violating the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Siu is a former spokesperson for the Hong Kong activist group HKIAD, which lobbied foreign countries for sanctions against Hong Kong.

In a post on her Instagram account, Siu said calling for the arrest of U.S. citizens proves that Hong Kong is no longer an international financial center with an independent judicial system and rule of law.

"My response to the Chinese Communist regimes intimidation is short: I will never be silenced, I will never back down," she wrote.

'A lifelong honor'

Another wanted expatriate is 33-year-old Simon Cheng Man-kit, a former employee of the British Consulate General in Hong Kong. Cheng left Hong Kong to settle in the United Kingdom in 2019.

According to the Hong Kong National Security Department, Cheng, together with others, set up political organizations, such as the Association of Hong Kongers in Britain and the Hong Kong Shadow Parliament, repeatedly advocated for the independence of Hong Kong on social media platforms, and proposed to foreign countries to sanction Hong Kong officials and judicial personnel.

Cheng responded on the social networking platform X, formerly Twitter, saying that "being hunted by China (Hong Kong)'s secret police, under a one-million-dollar bounty, is a lifelong honor."

In a phone interview with VOA Cantonese on Thursday evening, Cheng said: "I wasnt surprised at all when I heard the news. I even thought it was a bit too late. I see the absurdity of this regime and the political police, so I do not expect much from them.

"Three or four years ago, we criticized the regime with a very humble manner. It's our duty to make this society better. If that's a crime, I have nothing else to say," he added.

The Hong Kong government issued an arrest warrant for Cheng in 2020. As for why a bounty is now put on him, Cheng told VOA Cantonese that he thinks the Chinese Communist Party is very mindful of the fact that overseas Hong Kongers and other Chinese people have established independent organizations not subject to Chinas influence.

"What we have done is for the interest of the people. Our humble wish is to make this society more democratic, free and open," Cheng said.
An Israeli intelligence officer was executed Saturday in Iran, according to IRNA, Irans state news agency.

The alleged agent was accused of stealing secrets and giving them to Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, IRNA said.

This person communicated with foreign services, specifically Mossad, collecting classified information, and with participation with associates, provided documents to foreign services, including the Mossad, IRNA said.

The execution took place in Zahedan, the capital of the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

It said the accused had handed classified information to a "Mossad officer" with the aim of "propaganda for groups and organizations opposed to the Islamic Republic." It did not say where the alleged handover had taken place.

It was not clear when the person was arrested, but IRNA said an appeal had been rejected.

The execution came a day after Baluch militants attacked a police station in the province, killing 11 security personnel and wounding several others.

A state funeral was held on Saturday for the men in the town of Rask, where the attack took place, according to state television. Two militants of the Jaish al-Adl group also were killed in the ensuing clashes.

The impoverished Sistan and Baluchestan province borders Afghanistan and Pakistan and has historically seen clashes between security forces and Sunni militants. The population of the province is predominantly Sunni Muslim, while most Iranians are Shiite.

In April 2022, Iranian intelligence officers arrested three people they said belonged to a group with connections to Mossad, although it is not clear whether the executed person was one of them.

Iran and Israel have long accused each other of spying. Israel views Iran as its greatest threat and repeatedly has threatened to take military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies it is seeking such weapons and has vowed a harsh response to any aggression.

Iran occasionally announces the detention of people it says are spying for foreign countries, including the United States and Israel.

In 2020, Iran executed a man convicted of leaking information to the U.S. and Israel about a prominent Islamic Revolutionary Guard general who was later killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.

Iran does not recognize Israel and supports anti-Israeli armed groups across the region, including Hezbollah and Hamas.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
With more than 18,000 Palestinians killed in Israel's war against Hamas, a top Biden administration official says he has asked Israel's prime minister to transition from high-intensity operations to a more targeted phase of the war. Meanwhile, the Israeli military says it mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages in fighting in northern Gaza. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
Several hundred families, friends and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza rallied Saturday in Tel Aviv at the "Hostages Plaza," calling on the Israeli government to negotiate the hostages' release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the hostages' deaths an "unbearable tragedy" and vowed to continue "with a supreme effort to return all the hostages home safely."

The army's chief spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Israeli troops erroneously identified the hostages as a threat and fired on them Friday as they were coming out of a building waving a white flag to show that they were posing no threat.

He said it was not clear whether the hostages had escaped their captors or had been abandoned. Their deaths occurred in Gaza's Sheijaia, the scene of bloody battles between Israel's military and Hamas militants. Hagari said the army expressed "deep sorrow" and is investigating.

After the first two hostages were shot, the third young man ran back into the building screaming for help in Hebrew. The commander issued an order to cease fire, but another burst of gunfire killed the third man, an Israeli military official said.

According to a preliminary investigation, the soldiers who followed the third hostage into the building believed he was a Hamas member trying to pull them into a trap, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.

The soldiers' behavior was "against our rules of engagement," the military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told reporters. He noted the incident was being investigated at the highest level.

The account of how the hostages died raises questions about the conduct of Israeli ground troops. Palestinians on several occasions have reported that Israeli soldiers opened fire as civilians tried to flee to safety.

Hamas has claimed other hostages were previously killed by Israeli gunfire or airstrikes, without presenting evidence.

Intense fighting continued Saturday in Gaza between Israeli forces and the U.S.- and EU-designated terror group Hamas  despite urgings from U.S. officials for Israel to use more precise targeting of Hamas leaders in Gaza, rather than widespread bombing and ground operations.

Residents in northern Gaza reported heavy bombing and the sounds of gunbattles overnight and into Saturday in Gaza City and the nearby urban refugee camp of Jabaliya.

Airstrikes and tank shelling overnight also were reported in the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. Palestinian media said Saturday dozens of Palestinians were killed in the airstrikes.

The Israeli army said Saturday it had raided two schools in Gaza City, saying they were a Hamas hiding place. On Friday, the military said its troops had destroyed a Hamas command-and-control hub in Gaza's Sheijaia district and conducted a "targeted raid" on militant infrastructure in Khan Younis.

US envoy

During a visit to Israel, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Washington was urging Israel to use more precise targeting of Hamas leaders in Gaza, rather than widespread bombing and ground operations.

"There will be a transition to another phase of this war, one that is focused in more precise ways on targeting the leadership and on intelligence-driven operations," he told reporters Friday following two days of meetings with Israeli officials.

So far, the Israel Defense Forces have resisted increasing global pressure to curb the Gaza offensive.

Sullivan also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday. During the meeting, Abbas called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and increased aid for the enclave.

The Middle East has been a tinderbox since Iranian-backed Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,200 people while taking about 240 people hostage, according to Israel. Israel's retaliatory strikes and ground offensive have killed more than 18,000 Palestinians, a large percentage of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

While reiterating U.S. support for Israel and its military response to the deadly Hamas attack against Israel two months ago, U.S. President Joe Biden and other officials have expressed concern about the number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has defended its tactics, saying it is taking unprecedented steps to minimize civilian casualties, such as ordering people to evacuate areas where it plans to carry out military operations.

Israel's military also has blamed Hamas for intentionally operating in populated areas.

The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency says nearly 1.9 million people, about 85% of Gaza's population, have been forced from their homes, with more than 1.1 million currently registered at the agency's shelters in central and southern Gaza. The agency said the average shelter is nine times over its intended capacity.

VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell contributed to this report. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Israel says it will take months to destroy Hamas as it face increasing international isolation over the devastation from the campaign in Gaza. We hear from John Lyndon with the Alliance for Middle East Peace. Families of those still held hostage by Hamas demand more is done to rescue them. A conversation with the mother of a young woman who is one of those still captive. EU leaders historic decision to open membership talks with Ukraine, but military funding for the war weary nation is in limbo.
Japan and Malaysia signed a security assistance deal Saturday including a grant of 400 million yen ($2.8 million) to boost Malaysia's maritime security, as Asian nations seek to counter an increasingly assertive China.

Japan will provide equipment such as rescue boats and supplies under the official security assistance deal, signed by the two countries' foreign ministers on the sidelines of a Tokyo summit marking 50 years of ties between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida welcomed the elevation of the Japan-Malaysia relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," Japan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

In addition to Malaysia, ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of the South China Sea disputed by China, which claims almost all the waterway that is a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis.

China and Japan last week accused each other of maritime incursions after a confrontation between their coast guards in waters around islands they both claim in the East China Sea.

Japan's aid to Malaysia follows similar deals with the Philippines and Bangladesh this year and is part of a plan announced in April for Japan to provide developing countries with financial assistance to bolster their defenses.

In the three-day summit through Sunday, Japan is offering ASEAN members support to boost their standing as international actors and help them manage their relations with others, including China, said an official at Japan's foreign ministry.

Kishida is expected to meet separately with the leaders of all the ASEAN members, which also include Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos and Timor-Leste.
As Thai diplomats negotiated for the release of Thai workers taken hostage in Hamas' deadly attack on Israel, prominent Thai Muslims, including a member of a university alumni association, operated on a parallel, more personal track.

Lerpong Sayed, a political science lecturer at Iran's Al-Mustafa International University, was teaching when Hamas terrorists stormed out of Gaza on October 7, killing 39 Thais and abducting 32 others along with the hundreds of Israelis killed and kidnapped.

Lerpong, the president of a Thai-Iran alumni association, immediately began reaching out to associates who might have access to Hamas leaders, establishing an informal group.

While it is unclear whether his group's intervention was decisive, Hamas has released 23 Thais since late November, most of them agricultural workers who earned about $1,500 a month, five times what they could earn at home.

"I think Thailand was the most successful in the world in helping the hostages," Lerpong said to VOA Thai. "From now on, we will use a similar channel  to ask for [Hamas] to free Thai people."

Official outreach

There are about 3 million Muslims among Thailand's predominantly Buddhist population of 70 million. Many of them have lived under emergency rule in parts of the country's south, where a Muslim insurgency has claimed thousands of lives over the past two decades.

Days after the Hamas attack, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs began engaging with its direct counterparts while encouraging the opening of other channels for discussion, according to an official source who asked not to be identified. The goal: unconditional release of the hostages.

Soon after the attack, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, a veteran Muslim politician and current parliamentary speaker, and Syed Sulaiman Husaini, the leader of Thailand's Shia Muslims, connected with Lerpong's group and asked that its members use their personal and professional networks in Iran.

Lerpong told VOA Thai by phone that it made sense to reach out to Iran, a longtime supporter and financial backer of Hamas. As a onetime activist for Palestinian rights, he said, he already knew Hamas figures in Iran.

He was "already in Iran facilitating with the involved party there to find ways to release Thai captives" when the two prominent Thai Muslims called, Lerpong said, adding that Iranian authorities with connections to Hamas "also helped out."

By October 26, a Thai delegation was meeting with Khaled Qaddoumi, the Hamas representative to Iran. Twice sanctioned by the U.S., Qaddoumi was described by one of the negotiators as being "among America's top targets," according to Channel News Asia.

"After our group met Hamas officials, it appeared that they promised us that, if there was a cease-fire, Hamas would release the captured Thais unconditionally," Lerpong told VOA Thai.

And when a Qatar-brokered cease-fire came into effect on November 24, 10 Thais were among the first hostages released.

Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Thailand's foreign minister, told VOA Thai in November that logistical complications added to the difficulty of obtaining the hostages' release.

'Captors are not single group'

Middle Eastern officials had told their Thai counterparts that "it was difficult to bring the hostages out at that time because the captors are not single group; there are more than one, maybe even more than two. And the hostages may be kept separately," Parnpree said.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was quoted on December 5 by the Standard, a Thai media outlet, saying the remaining hostages would be released if there was another cease-fire.

However, there has been no further halt to the fighting since the beginning of December, and more than 130 hostages remained in Gaza as of Friday, according to Reuters.

Lerpong said the alumni group's negotiation team has reached out to "those who are involved from Hamas and Iran" to confirm the number of Thais who are still hostages and try to determine their fate.

"As long as Thai people are under captivity, our duty still stands," Lerpong said.

He said that in the future, Thai authorities may have to reconsider allowing workers to take jobs in possible conflict areas.

"During the negotiation, Hamas told us that they had no problem with workers from all over the world, especially from Thailand," Lerpong said. "But the problem is that their work site was in the disputed area."

Wasamon Audjarint contributed to this report.
An American destroyer shot down more than a dozen drones Saturday in the Red Sea launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

"The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS CARNEY... operating in the Red Sea, successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched as a drone wave from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen," CENTCOM said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The aerial vehicles were "assessed to be one-way attack drones and were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," according to the statement.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since Hamas militants poured over the border into Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Around 240 people were kidnapped in the attacks.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive military offensive that the Hamas-run territory's health ministry says has killed more than 18,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the Hamas government in Gaza.

The Houthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip.

The latest attacks mark a significant escalation in the threat to shipping in the area.
The board of directors shakeup at HanesBrands Inc. will advance on Dec. 31 when chairman Ronald Nelson becomes one of three members to retire on that date.

Nelson, listed as age 70 as of HanesBrands March 15 regulatory proxy filing, has served as non-executive chairman since April 2019 since replacing Richard Noll in that role. Nelson has served on the board since 2008, including as lead independent director from 2015 to April 2019.

Cheryl Beebe, 67, and Ann Ziegler, 64, are retiring from the board, which will reduce its membership back to 10.

William Simon, 63, who joined the board in June 2021, will take over as chairman on Dec. 31.

Simon is an executive advisor to the investment firm KKR & Co. and president of WSS Venture Holdings LLC, a consulting and investment company. From 2010 to 2014, Simon served as president and chief executive of Walmart U.S.

There is a Walmart connection involving Simon and HanesBrands chief executive Stephen Bratspies, who served as chief merchandising officer at Walmart before being hired by HanesBrands in August 2020.

Even with the pending retirements of Beebe, Nelson and Ziegler, the age range of the current board members remains between 55 and 72.

On Nov. 17, HanesBrands announced the additions of Colin Browne, Natasha Chand and John Mehas to the board, effective on that date. Their ages have not been disclosed by the company.

Their appointments were in response to months of pressure from shareholder and activist investor Barington Capital Group. They represent Barrington on the board.

Since August, the Winston-Salem apparel manufacturer has been facing Baringtons public calls for major organizational changes, including potentially replacing Bratspies.

On Sept. 19, the company disclosed it is considering selling its global Champion business  which includes the U.S. operations  as part of a broad range of alternatives to maximize shareholder value. A decision could be made in early 2024.

Champion, along with Hanes, are the basic apparel manufacturers two primary brands.

Baringtons goal is reversing a major share-price decline this year. HanesBrands share price closed Thursday at $4.21, up 20 cents. Its 52-week share price range is $3.54 to $8.80.

HanesBrands said with the appointments of the Barington representatives that the board would have 13 members before shrinking back to 10 after the 2024 shareholder meeting.

In exchange, Barington has agreed to customary standstill, voting and other provisions, as well as provide advisory services ... from time to time with respect to the companys business, operations, strategic and financial matters, corporate governance and the composition of the board.

HanesBrands has been fortunate to benefit from the strategic leadership, operational expertise and financial acumen that Ron, Cheryl and Ann each brought to the board, Bratspies said in a statement.

I look forward to working with Bill in his new role as chairman as we accelerate and continue to advance our strategic initiatives.

Simon said that as the board moves ahead with fresh perspectives gained from our recently appointed new directors, (it) continues to be intensely focused on delivering enhanced shareholder value. We are collectively committed to supporting management as the team executes on opportunities to drive improved growth and profitability.

HanesBrands is one of Forsyth County's largest private employers and had been the county's lone Fortune 500 companies until falling off the 2023 list.

The last official workforce count HanesBrands provided listed about 2,300 employees in Forsyth County and about 2,800 in North Carolina, counting a distribution center in High Point.

However, it is likely the local workforce is under 2,000 following two workforce reductions of at least 310 and 250 positions this year.
On 14 December 2023, the European Council, composed of Heads of State or Government of EU member states, has decided to begin formal accession talks with both Ukraine and Moldova.

 Ukraine is a country at war. Russias special military operation was launched in compliance with Security Council Resolution 2202 [1], in order to implement the Minsk Agreements, validated by the resolution itself, as well as to honor the declaration by Presidents Petro Poroshenko, Francois Hollande and Vladimir Putin, as well as Chancellor Angela Merkel, in their role as guarantors of the agreements. However, the EU equates this public security operation with an aggression in clear violation of the United Nations Charter.

In 2021, the European Court of Auditors issued a special report on corruption in Ukraine [2]. It states:  State capture by blocks of powerful political and economic elites that are pyramidal in structure and entrenched throughout public institutions and the economy has been seen as a specific feature of Ukraines corruption. The court then made seven recommendations. It was obviously impossible to implement them during the war, in particular recommendations 2 (support for civil society organizations and investigative journalism) and 3 (removing impediments to free and fair competition). However, instead of improving, the situation got worse. The Commission had thus concluded that the opening of an accession process was impracticable. Today, despite a sharp rise in corruption (for example, the weapons supplied to Ukraine ending up in the hands of Hamas), the Commission has revised its position.

 Moldova is a country at peace. However, on 2 September 1990, i.e. eleven months before its independence, the autonomous region of Transnistria had proclaimed its own independence from the USSR. The Soviet Union used this small region to house secret military research institutes. The population of Transnistria is Russian and boasts a very high level of scientific education; it is distinct from the Moldavian population, with which it doesnt even share the language.

In 1992, relying on Romania, NATO attempted to overthrow the government of Transnistria and take over the Soviet research institutes on its territory. But, despite launching a major military operation, the alliance did not succeed [3].

For 23 years, Transnistria has developed a unique form of government, drawing on the communist model in the social field, while scrupulously protecting individual and public freedoms. In two reports presented on 5 September 2019 before the US House of Representatives [4], the Rand Corporation expounded a plan to weaken Russia. It was ultimately through the violation of the Minsk Agreements and by fomenting the war in Ukraine that this plan came to fruition [5]. It further foresees that the United States may push NATO and the EU into integrating Moldova, and then prod the latter to denounce the 21 July 1990 ceasefire [6], thereby opening a new front against Russia .

The announcement of the opening of negotiations with Moldova does not mention the existence of Transnistria (officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic) which the European Union considers as a Moldovan territory although it has never depended on Chisinau.

There is therefore no doubt that the simultaneous opening of the EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova is an act of war against Russia.
Photo: Tyler Golden/ABC via Getty Images)

Can we have abruptly-announced news, for $1000, please? Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!, Mayim Bialik said in a social media statement on Friday. I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Jeopardy! family. For all of you who have supported me through this incredible journey and to the fans, contestants, writers, staff and crew of Americas Favorite Quiz Show, thank you.

In a statement to Vulture, Jeopardy! said that the next season of the syndicated show will have one host to maintain continuity for our viewers. Who is  Ken Jennings? Thats correct! According to Jeopardy!, Jennings will be handling the hosting duties. So, does that mean weve already seen Bialiks final Jeopardy? Not necessarily. We are truly grateful for all of Mayims contributions to Jeopardy!, and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials, the shows statement said. (Tournaments and primetime specials arent syndicated.)

Bialiks appointment as host was criticized by some fans who questioned her credibility due to controversial past comments regarding pseudoscience and Harvey Weinsteins victims. Still, she went on to share Jeopardy! hosting duties with Jennings for two years. In May 2023, Jennings temporarily took over because Bialik refused to continue taping out of solidarity with the then-ongoing writers strike.
Because Kong is part of the MonsterVerse, its fitting that theres an echo of King Kongs famous last lines in this episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. It was beauty that killed the beast  err, rather it killed the beast-studying research operation as it once existed as a scientific force for good. Episode six returns to the 50s after two episodes without any flashbacks to Monarchs early days, and we learn that Monarchs downfall began when Lee tried to choose love over duty. The guilt the elder Shaw must still feel about it is motivating him to do more this time around. Godzilla is back, and unless Shaw helps him, something worse will happen.

The trouble starts at a swanky party in Washington, D.C., in 1955. Lee, Keiko, and Billy havent seen another Titan since the army nuked Godzilla, killing him, as far as anybody knows. But they still need military support and funding for their continued research, which tonight means that Lee and Keiko need to dress up and glad-hand General Puckett and fellow high-ranking officials. Puckett has taken a shine to Lee and Monarch, not because he genuinely liked them or believes in the mission, but because theyre his. He can get the credit and he can claim Lee as his protege as he rises up the ranks.

Lee and Keiko have taken a shine to each other, too. Theyve grown close over the years and theyve got serious chemistry, as seen in a very romantic dance. As the party winds down, theyre about to go up to a room in the hotel to almost certainly sleep together, but a message from Billy interrupts at the last minute. Hes detected an isotopic signature, the sort they havent seen since the Philippines. Billy and Keiko head to Japan to check it out, but theres a crucial budget proposal coming up that Lee needs to stay behind for, much to his chagrin. He wants to be in the field, but more than that, he wants to be with Keiko.

A conflicted (but not that conflicted) Lee goes to visit General Puckett at his house, which is two ticks away from being a Tim Burtonesque parody of a 50s vision of Americana. Puckett, in no uncertain terms, informs Lee that he has the ability to rise through the ranks and run Monarch the way he wants to run it if he just plays ball. If he doesnt, well 

Lee follows his heart (or something lower) rather than his brain, joining Keiko and Billy in Japan, where theyre on Hateruma Island working with a man named Doctor Suzuki, who has created a device that can lure Titans. Billy is surprised to see Lee appear, though he seems to have some understanding of whatevers going on between Lee and Keiko and sees himself out. This is a little bit confusing, as the episode sends mixed messages on whether Billys trying to box Lee out as they vie for Keikos affections (he doesnt acknowledge Lees questions about how shes doing while theyre talking on the phone earlier), and he clearly has a connection with his fellow scientist as well. Theres been suspicion among viewers that Lee is actually Hiroshi Randas dad, not Billy, and while this episodes reveal that Lee and Keiko do indeed have the hots for each other makes that theory seem very plausible, what happens as a result of them almost getting together makes me less convinced they end up consummating.

Keiko and Lee have a conversation by the water where Suzukis Titan-lure is floating, and Keikos upset that he blew off the budget proposal. She says they have to put the greater good before their own desires. Lee claims he doesnt care as they kiss, but she stops, telling him that he does care, actually. Just then, the lure disappears before flying out of the water, narrowly missing them. Its Godzilla. Hes still alive, and upon getting back to Washington, Lee races to inform Puckett. But theres a nasty surprise waiting for him. Because Lee went to Japan  and because he rebuffed Puckett  there have been some organizational changes. Project Monarch is now being run by smug military men. This is where Monarchs fall truly accelerates, and its because Lee puts his own desires before the greater good.

In 2015, Shaw has a chance to make up for Lees mistakes, thanks to the help of someone else who has become disillusioned with Monarch. Duvall has defected, and she springs Shaw from custody so she can help him do whatever it is he thinks he can do to stop another Titan Emergence. She knows where to find Cate, Kentaro, and May because May snitched at the end of the last episode. After a quick but tense reunion, the five head to the next location on Hiroshis map, way in the middle of the Sahara Desert in Algeria. They hope to stop what Shaw threatens could be G-Day times 100, maybe times 1,000. Cates primary concern is still just trying to find her dad, not all this Monarch business, and May is dismayed to be in the Sahara desert. Duvall promised she could go home if she ratted on the trio, but Duvall says that circumstances have changed. Shaw and Duvall are working toward a great good, if you will.

They meet up with another Monarch defector who is one of the good ones, but if Du-Ho got the short end of the stick before he was killed in a Titan attack, this new guy is even more of a redshirt. He so blatantly exists almost entirely so that theres a disposable body who can get killed while our protagonists stay safe that its kind of amazing. I hope the next episode of Monarch introduces another one of Shaws allies; one for them to get killed in the same opening shot where theyre introduced.

Anyway, this rando dude dies shortly after our heroes see Hiroshi! From afar, theyre waving and celebrating, only for Shaw to realize, with horror, that he recognizes the device Hiroshis working with. Its a version of the Titan lure that summoned Godzilla back in 1955. As Hiroshi tries to wave them off before fleeing himself, the ground begins to shake. Godzilla emerges from the earth he was buried under, sending everybody flying and killing that one guy. He also knocks Tim and some other Monarch agents  who were able to figure out the Sahara was the next destination thanks to some clever detective work by Tim in Hiroshis San Francisco office  out of the sky in their helicopter. (Shaw later says there were no survivors, but Im not convinced that this is the last well see of Tim.)

Its a chaotic scene, but theres a moment of awe as Cate makes eye contact with Godzilla. Its their second meeting. A year prior, he smashed through the Golden Gate Bridge and traumatized her. Now, though, she says that Godzilla saw her. Shes not ready to be friends with Godzilla just yet, though. And shes taken aback when Shaw reveals that hes not trying to stop Godzilla. Jesus, Cate, Shaw says with true incredulity. Im trying to help him!

Cate and May and, somewhat more reluctantly, Kentaro dont want to continue Shaw and Duvalls mission. Cate just wants to find her dad, so Shaw sends the three on their merry way toward civilization  but hes keeping the map. Shaw and Duvall go their way while the trio go theirs, only for May to come clean. Shes been on the run from some powerful people she pissed off, and shes been operating under an assumed identity in Japan. She made a deal with Monarch to get that old life back, but that deal didnt pan out, obviously. Cate does not have any sympathy for being sold out as they head to the nearest town.

I cant say I have much sympathy for Cate here, though. Even without the obvious parallel echoes to the mistake Lee made in 1955, as Shaw is working toward the greater good while Cate is pursuing her own desires, whats her deal? Not only does stopping something that will be 100 to 1,000 times worse than G-Day, the most traumatic day of your life seem like a worthwhile goal, but Shaw and Duvall did lead her to Hiroshi! They wouldnt have found their dad, albeit briefly, without Shaw and Duvalls resources. Its worth remembering that Hiroshi is absolutely pursuing some sort of greater good compared to his duty to his, uh, two families. That might be understandably nagging at Cate. But, also, there are giant monsters that need stopping. Lets keep our eye on the kaiju-size ball.

Up From the Depths

 Some fun allusions to old Godzilla movies: When the big guy comes out of the sand, its reminiscent of a similar scene where he emerges from the earth in 1964s Mothra vs. Godzilla. Also cute is Suzuki calling Hateruma Monster Island, an overt Easter egg referencing the island home of many kaiju toward the end of the Showa-era films, beginning with 1969s All Monsters Attack.

 It turns out Duvall is very connected to the MonsterVerse lore. She reveals that she had a sister, Sandra, who worked in the (fictional) Japanese city of Janjira and that she joined Monarch to prevent something like that from happening again. Weve seen Sandra, actually! As played by Juliette Binoche, Sandra was the wife of Bryan Cranstons Joe Brody and mother of Aaron Taylor-Johnsons Ford, the protagonists of the 2014 Godzilla. Sandra dies in the opening scene when a MUTO attacks the power plant where she and Joe worked. Small world, huh?

 Theyll build an even bigger weapon and try again. If that doesnt work, a bigger one. And if that doesnt work, maybe theyll find someone else to use it on.  Keiko, to Lee, but also Oppenheimer (2023).

 Cant believe my favorite thing about children is making them was a line that came very, very close to working on Keiko.
One of the most rewarding elements of Reachers first season was the deliberate pace at which it let us watch an unlikely team coalesce. Grieving big-city detective Oscar Finley (Malcolm Goodwin) and sharp-witted patrol officer Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald)  the only two cops in Margrave, Georgia, who werent bent  were locking the big man up when we met them. Their gradual realization that he wanted to solve the killings that had rocked their sleepy town even more than they did was predictable but pleasurable in the antagonistic buddy-cop tradition. By the time Finley stripped down to his A-shirt for some John McClane or Roger Murtaughstyle Im-not-a-cop-tonight payback and lit a fuse using one of the cigarettes hed tried so earnestly to quit, the Reacher-Conklin-Finley trio  plus the late-arriving Frances Neagley (Maria Sten), a longtime Reacher ally  had gelled into a unit wed follow anywhere. Or at least into a burning warehouse full of innocent hostages; thick-necked henchmen; pallets of counterfeit hundred-dollar bills; at least one verbose, patricidal sociopath; and, most crucially, vertigo-inducing catwalks (the better to throw you from, my dear).

This second season has followed what Im calling the Neagley Arc rather than the Finley Arc, leaning heavily on Reachers unbreakable bond with the surviving members of his old unit, the 110th Special Investigators. (Motto: You do not mess with the Special Investigators. I mention it here because only one individual person speaks it aloud this episode one single time. Maybe some script pages went missing.) Their hoo-ah camaraderie is fun, and who wouldnt want to be part of a group that has as much faith in and loyalty to one another as this one, but their open adoration of their size-XXL leader just isnt as much fun to watch as Reacher schooling the locals  and occasionally being humbled by the revelation that they actually know what theyre doing sometimes too.

Third episode Picture Says a Thousand Words gives us both. It opens with a flashback to poor Calvin Franzs torture and murder via helo-drop, letting us see for the first time that Robert Patrick isnt a just an evil puppet master but the kind of bad guy who gets his hands dirty, personally breaking Franzs legs with a crowbar when Franz refuses to talk. When he asks the bloodied, broken man why hes smiling, Franz says hes just thinking what the big guy is gonna do to you. Hero worship to the end.

Now we find the big guy at a sporting-goods store, helpfully explaining to the proprietor the Reacher-size loopholes in New York gun laws that will allow him to walk out with two Glock 19s, a Glock 17, and a Beretta 92. (Well shortly learn which member of the team favors each specific sidearm, because, again, this is a show for dads.) Reacher plunks a fat wad of 50s on the counter to remind the gun-store guy just how open to interpretation these weak-ass gun laws are. The arm-twisting pedantry with which Ritchsons Reacher explains things to the shopkeep is, as ever, a joy to behold, but its gotten awfully hard to enjoy scenes like this in blood-soaked 21st-century America.

Now that theyve all got some firearms to bear  besides the legally registered ones that they cant use for whatever extralegal justice theyre about to perpetrate, I mean  the four are immediately pulled over by an NYPD squad car. Reacher, intuiting whats about to happen from the fact that the patrolman does not immediately call Emergency Services, the New York National Guard, and maybe the Giants defensive line for backup, tells his pals hell be taking a nap until hes arrested. This is the most enviable of Reachers superpowers: his ability to sleep anywhere for exactly the amount of time he has available or that he wishes to remain unconscious.

That detective Reacher air-bagged and coldcocked in the prior episode, now fully recognizable as televisions Domenick Lombardozzi, is the guy who wakes him by rapping on the passenger-side door. There are three jokes at the expense of Rutgers University Law School as ODonnell introduces himself as Reachers attorney. That detective, whose name is Russo, puts Reacher and ODonnell in an interrogation room without formally booking Reacher, deepening the big guys suspicion that Russo might be dirty. Russo is so offended by Reachers suggestion hes bent that he removes Reachers cuffs when dared, becoming the latest physically unremarkable specimen to reveal that his survival instinct is critically misfiring by challenging Reacher to fisticuffs.

But Russo really just wants to know whats up with all these bodies dropping, especially since several of them have dropped from 3,000 feet. After Russo earns an ounce of credibility with Reacher and ODonnell by sharing a clue the Special Investigators missed  an arrest warrant for a suspected terrorist that was in the print queue at Sanchezs trashed office, but which was held up by a low-ink cartridge  Reacher and ODonnell decide to trust the cop with the list of names they got from Franzs flash drive. The name on the warrant and the names on the list all share the initials A.M.

Russo runs the names and finds that one is booked on a flight from Denver that very day, but A.M.  who turns out to be the dapper guy weve previously seen burning just-stamped passports and casually throwing perfectly good comic books into airport trash cans, which he does again this episode  is one cool customer. Arriving at the airport, he instantly spots the extra security personnel disguised as travelers, confirming his suspicion by pretending to bump into one of them and knocking over his suitcase. Its empty, which means the guys a cop. Cool detail!

Meanwhile, Dixon and Neagley visit some outfit called New Age Enterprises, following up on the parking pass they found in the car of one of the goons who tried to kill Dixon and Reacher in our last exciting episode. They get the address of the person to whom the parking pass was issued, which Reacher intuits is another trap. This leads us to the episodes big set piece, a raid on a house in Queens that finds all four reunited members of the 110th engaging in some John Wickstyle close-range gun-fu. Reacher actually executes a signature Wick move, giving one assailant two shots to the body and one to the face. Upstairs, Dixon finds that at least one of these goons is wearing body armor that apparently bestows magical powers upon him, in that after taking several close-range shots to the chest, hes able to leap right up and do some kung-fu fighting after playing possum for a few seconds. ODonnell disproves Dixons claim that he couldnt hit a donkeys ass with a banjo by saving Dixons life with a head shot that finishes her attacker.

The capper to this big set piece comes when Reacher spots a man driving by to check on the success of the ambush thats been laid for the Special Investigators (unsuccessful, obviously) and Reacher, again demonstrating his surprising speed and agility for a guy who looks like he ought to move like a tectonic plate, chases the vehicle down on foot. The driver is a pudgy, sedentary type with an I.D. from New Age Technologies and an evident aversion to violence. He immediately goes into cardiac arrest when Reacher pulls him from his vehicle, leading us to a very funny bit wherein Reacher is administering chest compressions to the man while attempting to question him. When I last renewed my CPRFirst Aid certification, the instructor told us to be careful about how much force we exert when giving chest compressions. I can only imagine that getting them from Reacher would turn ones rib cage into bag of tortilla chips thats been stepped on and then run over by a Humvee.

Russo, being a law-enforcement professional, gets word of the big gunfight in Queens and charges over to the cheap hotel room the 110th have booked, demanding to know what theyve done. He admits to having protected them by scrambling their physical descriptions in his report of the incident but, being an honest man, warns Reacher never to put him in that position again  and no more cowboy shit.

Naturally, cowboy shit is exactly what Reacher has planned for his friends. They return to New Age Technologies that very night, smashing a van into the lobby of the place and stealing all the files and hard drives and such that they can find within the two-minute window of exposure theyve given themselves. But their big discovery requires no password guessing or disk decrypting. Its a framed all-staff photo that shows one of their missing-and-presumed-dead old buddies, Tony Swan, smiling right next to Robert Patrick. Thats right: Swan was an employee of the outfit the surviving veterans of the 110th are now pretty sure has been trying to kill them.

Now were cooking with pipe bombs. Detective Russo proving himself an ally rather than an antagonist is an appealing echo of the Reacher-Finley relationship from season one. Finley was smarter, though. He stood up to Reacher but never implied he could take the big guy physically.

In an Investigation, Details Matter

 Russo responds to ODonnells unimpressive first showing as Reachers attorney by calling him Dershowitz. Later, ODonnell returns the jab by calling Russo Sipowicz. Did Domenick Lombardozzi ever turn up on NYPD Blue? That seems, like Thanos, inevitable.

 Hey, did no one ever think to test Alan Ritchson for Thanos?

 Looking over the cache of firearms Reacher has extralegally sourced for the team, Neagly says she likes her Beretta 92F. That fits with her pop-cultural era: The 92 was a staple of 80s and 90s action cinema, carried by Mel Gibsons Martin Riggs in all four Lethal Weapon films and by Bruce Williss John McClane in the first three Die Hards. I kinda hate that I didnt at least have to look this up. I do not own firearms.

 The unabridged audio version of Bad Luck and Trouble, the 2007 novel on which this season is based, like many other of Lee Childs Reacher novels, is read by a man with the Reacheresque moniker of Dick Hill. I can only assume that Mr. Hills early life resembled Reachers, and that his own mother addressed him simply as Hill, while calling his siblings, if any, by their Christian names.
Italy marks 800 years since first Nativity scene in Greccio.

The pilgrimage town of Assisi in Italy's central Umbria region lights up this Christmas in honour of the first living Nativity scene created by St Francis in Greccio north of Rome in 1223.

Assisi marks the 800th anniversary by illuminating its monuments and streets as part of the Natale in Assisi: Citta Presepe programme with more than 250 events.

The video-mapping project will see Nativity-related scenes beamed onto the exterior of the Basilica di S. Francesco, dedicated to Italy's patron saint, and the Basilica di S. Chiara, among other landmarks around Assisi.

Assisi lights up for Christmas

The light show will be visible every day, from 17.00 to 01.00, until 7 January 2024.

The Vatican also evokes the first Nativity of St Francis with its Christmas crib in St Peter's Square this year.

In addition to the Holy Family, the manger features life-sized terracotta statues depicting the saint and some of the people who helped him recreate the first presepe vivente.

For more details about the Natale in Assisi project see Il Natale di Francesco website.
The final round of candidate filings involving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County for the March 5 primary features a second Democratic challenge to Mayor Allen Joines.

Meanwhile, Southwest Ward Democratic city councilman Kevin Mundy chose not to file for a second term, leaving Democrat Scott Andree-Bowen as the lone candidate for the seat. Andree-Bowen ran against Mundy in the 2020 primary.

Frankie Gist filed Thursday, joining Joines who is going for his seventh term in office and JoAnne Allen, who is making her third bid for mayor. There is no Republican candidate.

Gist is a community activist with a focus on halting gun violence and founder of H.O.P.E. Dealers Outreach.

Allen gave Joines his closest-ever challenge during the 2020 primary, gathering 31% of the vote in the primary. It was the largest percentage that any challenger has scored against Joines since he won 78% of the vote to win his first term in 2001 over then-incumbent Jack Cavanagh.

Still, Joines beat Allen by almost 15,000 votes in the 2020 primary, beating Allen by more than two to one.

Mundy decision

Mundy shared with the Winston-Salem Journal his letter to Joines and the Winston-Salem City Council disclosing his decision not to run for a second term after much self-searching and internal deliberation, lots of discussions with family and friends, and consults with my physicians (as recently as this morning).

My decision was driven partially by some healthcare concerns. I am still dealing with residual problems that stemmed from the infection and ensuing sepsis that nearly did me in this summer. This ordeal also exacerbated a couple of chronic conditions that had been in check prior to the infection.

While things may improve over time, I am not bouncing back as quickly as I thought I would. At my appointment this morning, my doctor strongly recommended taking things off my plate rather than adding more on if I expect things to see my health change for the better.

Mundy said another factor in his decision is my very real concern about Winston-Salems preparedness for the future to attract and retain the Zoomers, Millennials and GenXers.

We need more younger people for the workforce that fuels our economy and to be in positions that can impact citizens who will be most affected tomorrow by the decisions made today.

Citing that Andree-Bowen is 20 years younger and has become a political confidant, Mundy said that while I can and have advocated for the generations coming behind me, I dont walk in their world.

So, I feel that by stepping down, I am creating a place at the table for someone younger to step up. Now that Scott has filed to fun for the Southwest seat, I feel even more comfortable with my decision, and I certainly plan on endorsing him.

Mundy said he views his final year on council with the intention of freeing me to say and do the right things for the right reasons without the worry of repercussion on Election Day. And thats a nice feeling.

Other council races

The Winston-Salem City Council had filings Thursday from Southeast Ward Democratic incumbent James Taylor, who is running unopposed. There is no Republican candidate.

For the East Ward, Phil Carter filed Friday and Christopher Ward on Thursday, joining Jared Lamkin in challenging Democratic incumbent Annette Scippio. There is no Republican candidate.

There are two challengers to North Ward Democratic incumbent D.D. Adams in Eunice Campbell and Kymberli Wellman. There is no Republican candidate. Campbell challenged Adams in the 2020 Democratic primary,

In the Northeast Ward, Democratic incumbent Barbara Burke is facing Paula McCoy. There is no Republican candidate.

In the Northwest Ward, Regina Hall and Robert Hartwell are competing for the Democratic nomination, while Herbert Burns Jr. and James Hodson Jr. (who filed Friday) are the Republican candidates. Incumbent Democrat Jeff MacIntosh chose not to run for re-election.

In the South Ward, Democratic incumbent John Larson is running against Carolyn Highsmith, Vivian Joiner and Adrian Smith. There is no Republican candidate.

Highsmith ran for the seat in 2016 and came within an inch of winning it when there was no incumbent in the contest. Highsmith ran again in the 2020 Democratic primary, but didnt do as well in a three-candidate contest that Larson won.

In the West Ward, Republican incumbent Robert Clark filed for re-election, while Christopher Smith filed Friday as the lone Democratic candidate.

Forsyth races

For Forsyth County, the main 2024 primary campaign is for District B on the Board of Commissioners.

Republican incumbents Richard Linville, Dave Plyler and Gloria Whisenhunt filed for re-election. They are being challenged by Terri Mrazek, Ralf Walters and Gray Wilson.

Democratic candidates are Valerie Brockenbrough, Curtis Fentress, Kendall Fields and Marsie West. Fentress filed Friday.

Incumbent Register of Deeds Lynne Johnson has a Democratic primary challenge from Brittany Bailey.

For the Forsyth Superior Court District 31C race, Republican incumbent Eric Morgan was the lone candidate for Seat 1.

For the Forsyth District 31 Court races, Democrats incumbents Camille Banks-Prince (Seat 5), Carrie Vickery (Seat 7), Whit Davis (Seat 8), Kristin Kelly Broyles (Seat 9) are the only candidates for their seats.

Democrat Artrese Ziglar is running for Seat 6 where Larry Fine is retiring. Republican incumbent David Sipprell is the lone candidate for Seat 11.

For Seat 10, Erin Brock is the lone Republican candidate, while Democratic candidates are Shonna Alexander, Andrew Keever and Lauren Tuttle.

Republican incumbent Victoria Roemer did not run for re-election. Roemer serves as Chief District Court judge.
Recipes

What do you want to cook today?
London: A US warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea on Saturday, and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships, the British and American militaries said.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest shipping routes, and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to spread.

An image of HMS Diamond firing its Sea Viper missile to engage and shot down an aerial drone over the Red Sea. Credit: Royal Navy

US Central Command said that the destroyer USS Carney successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The drones were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries, Central Command tweeted.
China, Vietnam sow seeds of win-win agricultural cooperation

Xinhua) 16:34, December 15, 2023

NANNING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Vine grower Nguyen Van Nghiep, from Bac Giang Province in northern Vietnam, proudly talks about his successful cultivation of the Summer Black grape with technical experts from China's Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, noting how this seedless grape variety commands attention in the region during the month of December.

In 2019, under technical guidance from the academy and Bacgiang Agriculture and Forestry University in Vietnam, Nguyen Van Nghiep utilized 5,000 square meters of his greenhouse for cultivating the Summer Black grape, with the output surpassing that of mesh melons he had previously planted.

"I then used the remaining 1 hectare of land for Summer Black grape cultivation. The grape yield now stands at 8.5 tonnes per season, with top-quality fruit fetching 135,000 VND/kg (approximately 5.56 U.S. dollars/kg)," Nguyen Van Nghiep said.

As early as two decades ago, the scientific and technological accomplishments of the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences began spreading across ASEAN countries through collaborative projects.

Lyu Ronghua, an expert from the academy, has witnessed the evolving landscape of agricultural cooperation between China and Vietnam. Over the years, Lyu and his colleagues have undertaken numerous visits to agricultural demonstration bases in northern Vietnam, actively contributing to scientific research endeavors.

"At the forefront of China's opening up and collaboration with ASEAN countries, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has intensified agricultural exchanges and partnerships with ASEAN countries in recent years," Lyu said.

According to the regional department of agriculture and rural affairs, by the end of 2022, Guangxi had exported over 750 new varieties of high-quality vegetables, rice and other crops to ASEAN countries. Additionally, more than 190 plant and animal species, including rice, fruits, vegetables and fish fry were introduced to Guangxi for cultivation tests and promotion.

In recent years, an increasing number of agricultural enterprises in Guangxi have actively ventured into the ASEAN markets, while there has also been a notable surge in the import of high-quality crop varieties from ASEAN countries to Guangxi.

The giant freshwater prawn, originating from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, has gained significant popularity in Guangxi's major aquatic product markets.

"Guangxi will continue to support enterprises in fostering collaboration with ASEAN countries in areas such as agricultural production, processing and warehousing logistics," said Zhong Huan, director of the foreign exchange and cooperation office of the regional agriculture and rural affairs department.

"The region will also serve as a bridge for promoting more agricultural products from ASEAN countries in the vast Chinese market," Zhong added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
This column is the first of two commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. The second appears Sunday.

Born 300 years ago in Boston in May 1723, John Malcom became an angry man, quick to take offense.

By his own accounts, he had some success as a ships captain and partial owner of numerous vessels carrying trade goods, but as real success eluded him, he remained both self-centered and corrupt. Malcoms historical visage is often seen, but few know his story or his villainous connection to North Carolina.

John Malcom married in 1750 and by 1759 had five more mouths to feed. Despite his claims of success at sea, he took a position ashore in 1769 in Newport, R.I., as surveyor of tides, enabling him to be titled Esquire.

In Newport, however, his reputation for unpaid bills owed to the butcher and baker called into question his character and jeopardized his status as gentleman. So, at age 47 he eagerly accepted in early 1771 appointment as comptroller of His Majestys Customs in Currituck, N.C.

A stalwart lover of king and country, Malcom soon joined with other elites from Down East with North Carolinas Royal Gov. William Tryon, marching colonial militia into the backcountry to quell the rebellion arising among the Regulators. Tryon made Malcom a captain and aide-de-camp. The captain later proudly boasted of having two horses shot from under him during the Battle of Alamance.

Afterward, Malcom was busy at Currituck doing exactly what had incited the Regulators to protest  abusing the powers of his office to extort from citizens for his benefit. After a year, complaints aroused an investigation. Royal Gov. Josiah Martin wrote of the matter, calling Malcom hair brained and a Bully Drawcansir, referring to a century-old theatrical character  a belligerent, swaggering braggart.

The governor removed Malcom from his post for venality and corruption, but Malcom soon gained another position back in Massachusetts along the Sheepscot River in Falmouth, now Portland, Maine.

In late October 1773, while ships carrying taxable East India Co. tea were arriving at four colonial ports, through an underhanded administrative maneuver, Malcom seized an empty brigantine at port, declared himself the commander and viciously berated the crew.

Word of Malcoms ravings spread among other sailors at port. They gathered as a council and gave Malcom a genteel tarring and feathering, meaning over his clothes. They had punished the scoundrel for his behavior but not cured him of his temper.

In January, about a month following the destruction of the tea on Dec. 16 and on a day so bitterly cold that Boston Harbor froze over, Malcom was angrily berating a young boy sledding on the streets of Boston. The lad had grazed Malcoms feet. As Malcom waved his metal-tipped cane, threatening to strike the child, George Robert Twelves Hewes, a cobbler and one of the men who had dumped tea into the harbor, interceded for the boys safety.

Malcom called him a rascal and a vagabond, chastising him for his impertinence for addressing a gentleman.

After Hewes replied, Well, at least I have never been tarred and feathered, Malcom whacked Hewes hard on the skull, nearly knocking him out.

A crowd followed Malcom home that afternoon and Malcom threatened them all, declaring that he could split down the yankees by the dozens and receive 20 pounds per head for destroying them.

A larger mob gathered at Malcoms home that evening, climbing up ladders to break a window, enter the home and drag Malcom outside.

The mob stripped Malcom naked and tarred and feathered him, displaying him to the jeers of the 1,200 citizens gathered as they carried him by cart to the Liberty Tree,where he was bidden to denounce the king and Gov. Hutchison. Malcom refused and was flogged, then carted to the gallows and bidden again with a noose around his neck. Again, he refused, but when threatened with having his ears cut off, Malcom relented to the mobs demands.

Barely surviving the bitter cold that night, and the slow, painful removal of the tarred skin later, it took months for Malcom to recover enough to sail for London.

Meanwhile, through 1774, colonists began reconsidering the benefits of being a British colony subject to the whims of a distant king and disconnected Parliament.
Since he started dancing at a young age, Elkhorn native Adrian Fry has seemingly found himself involved in some kind of incarnation of "The Nutcracker" every time Christmas rolls around.

Growing up, there was the Ballet Omaha version co-produced by Robin Welch, who later founded the Omaha Ballet Theater and with whom Fry trained extensively for years.

Then, during Fry's stint with the Oregon Ballet Theatre, there was the George Balachine production, perhaps the most recognizable version performed in the U.S.

And now, Fry, a principal artist at the prestigious Ballet West company in Salt Lake City, routinely performs in the 1944 San Francisco Ballet rendition  the first full-length "Nutcracker" performed in the U.S., which Ballet West has continued to put on annually, making it the longest-running production of its kind.

Simply put, come Christmas, it's pretty hard to avoid the ubiquitous Tchaikovsky suite if you're a ballet dancer.

"It's very much in our bones, in our blood at this point, just by the frequency with which we dance it," said Fry, who has another "Nutcracker" on deck, this time at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, where the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company will stage its annual production on Saturday and Sunday.

Fry is one of this year's guest artists for the 39th annual production and will reprise the role of the Cavalier alongside his Ballet West partner Katlyn Addison, who will portray the Sugar Plum Fairy. It's the first time in 10 years Fry has returned for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet's production, which features more than 165 youth cast members and a live orchestra.

"The Lincoln one is really special to me because it's a homecoming and also it's wonderful to have live music, it's wonderful to perform for friends and family that rarely get to see me; old teachers will be coming," Fry said. "My career, it feels special to be able to share it with people that kind of were there at the beginning."

For several years, Shari True, artistic director of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, was hoping to have Fry back for the production she's overseen for nearly 40 years. Although Ballet West puts on about 40 "Nutcracker" shows a year  it's "the money-maker" Fry said  the company has eight rotating casts, allowing dancers to slip away to join other productions. True happened to ask early enough this year to get something lined up.

"I think any time that you see a dancer succeed in the professional word, coming from Midwestern roots ... it's always gratifying," True said. "I also think it's really great for the kids to share the stage with him, knowing he is from Nebraska and has done an amazing job and has an amazing career. This is just so cool for the young dancers in our community to see him up close and personal."

Appearing alongside Fry are a number of youth dancers, including Julia Radu in the lead role of Clara; Ariana Cunningham as the Snow Queen; and Clara Wolfe as Dew Drop.

Lincoln's annual "Nutcracker" has grown from a $500 show in its first year to a more than $187,000 production today, True said.

"The very first 'Nutcracker' had 22 company members ... and we didn't have a big enough cast to do a whole show," she said. "Now, it's become a community staple."

Fry, a 2005 graduate of Elkhorn High School, started dancing at about age 6 at a local studio. By the time he was about 13, he started training more exclusively with the Omaha Theater Ballet under Welch and became a full-time apprentice there in high school. That was followed by training at the School of American Ballet in New York and the Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle.

Fry ended up staying in the American West, first getting a job dancing at the Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland before joining Ballet West in Salt Lake City in 2010. He eventually rose to the rank of principal artist  the highest level a dancer can reach  in 2017.

His guest appearance this weekend, he hopes, will inspire others to follow in his ballet shoes.

"I want to show these kids that a career in the arts, a life in the arts is possible," Fry said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "The Nutcracker" presented by the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company.

WHERE: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 12th and Q streets.

WHEN: Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

TICKETS: Available online at liedcenter.org. For ticket information, call 402-472-4747.

Close Nutcracker Seventeen-year-old Elyse Kohler (left) and fellow dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company wait outside the Everett Elementary School gymnasium on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 before doing a special performance there of scenes from the Nutcracker ballet. Nutcracker Nutcracker cast members Emily Yost, 15 (left), and Leah Andersen, 14, perform as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company appear at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Josie Fillmore, 14, helps Reagan Gadeken with some hairspray as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company prepared to perform at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. 'The Nutcracker' Dancer Abigayle Reiber performs in the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker ballet at Everett Elementary School on Friday. Nutcracker Thirteen-year-old Tierny Blankenhorn (left) and Ansley Sothan, 12, take turns helping each other stretch as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company prepared to perform scenes from the Nutcracker at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Sarah DeVoer (clockwise from left), Matthew Hakel, Kiley Tomes and Allison McElroy perform as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company appeared at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Emily Yost waits in costume as she and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company prepared to perform at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Allison McElroy, 18, gets ready before she and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company perform scenes from the Nutcracker at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Alexandra Linsgott, 14 and Kevin Pynes, 13. dance in a scene from the Nutcracker ballet as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company perform at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Cast members from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker" clown around in a makeshift dressing room for a group photo after performing at Everett Elementary School on Friday. Nutcracker Cast members from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker" introduce themselves after performing at Everett Elementary School on Friday. Photos: Nutcracker Ballet at Everett Nutcracker Seventeen-year-old Elyse Kohler (left) and fellow dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company wait outside the Everett Elementary School gymnasium on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 before doing a special performance there of scenes from the Nutcracker ballet. Nutcracker Nutcracker cast members Emily Yost, 15 (left), and Leah Andersen, 14, perform as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company appear at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Josie Fillmore, 14, helps Reagan Gadeken with some hairspray as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company prepared to perform at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. 'The Nutcracker' Dancer Abigayle Reiber performs in the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker ballet at Everett Elementary School on Friday. Nutcracker Thirteen-year-old Tierny Blankenhorn (left) and Ansley Sothan, 12, take turns helping each other stretch as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company prepared to perform scenes from the Nutcracker at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Sarah DeVoer (clockwise from left), Matthew Hakel, Kiley Tomes and Allison McElroy perform as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company appeared at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Emily Yost waits in costume as she and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company prepared to perform at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Allison McElroy, 18, gets ready before she and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company perform scenes from the Nutcracker at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Alexandra Linsgott, 14 and Kevin Pynes, 13. dance in a scene from the Nutcracker ballet as they and other dancers from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company perform at Everett Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Nutcracker Cast members from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker" clown around in a makeshift dressing room for a group photo after performing at Everett Elementary School on Friday. Nutcracker Cast members from the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker" introduce themselves after performing at Everett Elementary School on Friday.
Proposed retrofitting works at Westport Leisure Centre would account for almost half of the carbon emissions cut that Mayo County Council needs before 2030. The Westport facility was the council-owned building with the highest emissions output in 2022, closely followed by the Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre in Castlebar.

At last weeks meeting of the Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), members learned that if the Westport complex is chosen under Pathfinder II, a Government programme to reduce carbon emissions in certain locations, it could cut the councils total emissions by around 23%. The local authority is required to cut its carbon emissions by 51% by 2030.

The council used 23 million kilowatt hours last year and four buildings produced 40% of the local authority's overall emissions. Apart from the leisure centres in Westport and Castlebar, the other buildings in the top four were Aras an Chontae in Castlebar and Ballina Swimming Pool.

Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn said he was surprised to see the new leisure centre in Lough Lannagh producing such high emissions.

I would have thought that with it being a state-of-the-art facility it would be more efficient. We're now going to have to make more of an investment in a new building."

Party colleague Cllr Donna Sheridan said the long-term future of Aras an Chontae should be considered and suggested moving the councils headquarters to the Imperial Hotel and converting the existing offices into a hotel.

Anywhere you go in the world, the local authority is based in a wonderful, historical building. The Imperial has a lot of history and wonderful things attached to it.

If the Council were to relocate there, could we look at the Aras as a hotel in the town? It has car parking and we are putting a lot of investment into it already. It is something to consider, she said.

Climate Action Officer Laura Dixon said the leisure centre at Lough Lannagh had recently undergone works to rectify some snags that had arisen during its original development and the council expects to see an improvement in its emissions usage by the end of 2023.

She added that Aras an Chontae is a very efficient building and replacing old windows with triple-glazed windows will go a long way towards improving its energy efficiency. The estimated cost of replacing the windows is 1 million but the council expects to receive grant aid of 50% from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under Pathfinder 1.

Director of Services John Condon said Lough Lannagh is probably the most efficient leisure centre in the country. The council was unable to add measures such as solar panels during construction as it had a budget limit but it now has more options available.

Cllr Peter Flynn said the council was not being ambitious enough and should aim to be 100% carbon neutral by 2031
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.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Kuwaits ruling emir, died on Saturday after a three-year, low-key reign focused on trying to resolve the tiny, oil-rich nation's internal political disputes. He was 86.

Kuwait state television broke into programming with Quranic verses just before a somber official made the announcement.

With great sadness and sorrow, we  the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world  mourn the late His Highness the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today, said Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, who read the brief statement.

Authorities gave no cause of death.

Kuwait's deputy ruler and his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, now 83, had been the worlds oldest crown prince. The state-run KUNA news agency said Sheikh Meshal, a longtime leader in the country's security services, had been named emir Saturday afternoon and now is one of the Gulf Arab countries' last octogenarian leaders.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to a hospital for an unspecified illness. In the time since, Kuwait had been waiting for news about his health. State-run news previously reported that he traveled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.

The health of Kuwaits leaders remains a sensitive matter in the Middle Eastern nation bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which has seen internal power struggles behind palace doors.

Those from Sheikh Nawaf's lifetime, born before oil fully transformed Kuwait from a trading hub into a petrostate, have been fading away with age. That, as well as other Gulf Arab nations putting younger and more assertive rulers in power, has increasingly put more pressure on the Al Sabah to pass power onto the next generation.

In neighboring Saudi Arabia, King Salman, 87, is widely believed to have placed day-to-day rule of his nation in the hands of his 38-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as emir in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, following the death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The breadth and depth of emotion over the loss of Sheikh Sabah, known for his diplomacy and peacemaking, was felt across the region.

Sheikh Nawaf previously served as Kuwaits interior and defense minister. His political fortunes were never certain despite being part of the ruling Al Sabah family. As defense minister, Sheikh Nawaf oversaw the rapid collapse of his forces during Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of his country in August 1990. He faced widespread criticism for his decisions during the war.

A letter reportedly sent to the country's ruler at the time alleged that Sheikh Nawaf ordered tank crews not to fire on the approaching Iraqi forces. The reasoning behind the alleged order remains unclear. Iraq's battle-hardened forces, after years at war with Iran, easily overwhelmed the country.

A U.S.-led, multinational force later expelled the Iraqis from Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. The Al Sabah never published the findings of its investigations into the government's actions around the invasion.

"Our main target is the liberation. After we return, we will repair our own house, Sheikh Nawaf said in 1991. You have to reform yourself and correct any previous mistakes.

U.S. President Joe Biden said that he was saddened by the death.

Sheikh Nawaf was a valued partner and true friend of the United States throughout his decades of service, Biden said in a statement.

We honor his life and the vision we shared for greater peace and stability across the Middle East, he said. We will continue to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and Kuwait as we pursue that future together.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stopped off in Kuwait on Sunday to pay his respects to Kuwaiti officials, and is expected to be in Israel on Monday.

Sheikh Nawaf faced a demotion and then didn't hold a Cabinet-level position for about a decade afterward, serving as a deputy chief of the country's National Guard. Even on his return, analysts viewed him as not particularly active in government, though his low-key approach later appealed to some Kuwaitis who ultimately moved on from his wartime performance.

Sheikh Nawaf was largely an uncontroversial choice for emir, though his advancing age led analysts to suggest his tenure would be short. It was  he had the third-shortest tenure of any emir since the Al Sabah ruled Kuwait beginning in 1752.

During his term, he had been focused on domestic issues as the nation struggled through political disputes  including the overhaul of Kuwaits welfare system  which prevented the sheikhdom from taking on debt. Thats left it with little in its coffers to pay bloated public sector salaries, despite generating immense wealth from its oil reserves.

In 2021, Sheikh Nawaf issued a long-awaited amnesty decree, pardoning and reducing the sentences of nearly three dozen Kuwaiti dissidents in a move aimed at defusing a major government standoff. He issued another just before his illness, aiming to resolve that political impasse that also saw Kuwait hold three separate parliamentary elections under his rule.

He earned his title  he has a nickname here, they call him the emir of pardons, said Bader al-Saif, an assistant professor of history at Kuwait University. No one in modern Kuwaiti history has gone this far to reach out to the other side, to open up.

Kuwait is perceived as having the Gulfs freest parliament that comparatively allows for dissent.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, restored ties after years of a boycott of Doha, easing regional tensions and allowing Sheikh Nawaf to focus on issues at home.

Kuwait, a nation home to about 4.2 million people which is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey, has the worlds sixth-largest known oil reserves.

It has been a staunch U.S. ally since the 1991 Gulf War. Kuwait hosts around 13,500 American troops in the country, as well as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.
LONDON (AP)  A U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea on Saturday, and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships, the British and American militaries said.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest shipping routes, and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to spread.

U.S. Central Command said that the destroyer USS Carney successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems" launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The drones were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries, Central Command tweeted.

U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was targeting merchant shipping. The overnight action is the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the 1991 Gulf War.

Shapps said attacks on commercial ships in the global trade artery by Yemens Houthi rebels represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security."

The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade, he said in a statement.

HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the U.S., France and other countries.

Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which like the Houthis is backed by Iran.

Houthi rebels said they fired a barrage of drones on Saturday toward the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. The announcement came hours after Egypts state-run media reported that Egyptian air defense had shot down a flying object off the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea.

Israeli-linked vessels also have been targeted, but the threat to trade has grown as container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia have been attacked or drawn missile fire while traversing the waterway between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Earlier this month, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. A U.S. warship shot down three drones during the assault, the U.S. military said.

French container shipping line CMA CGM Group said Saturday it had ordered all its vessels scheduled to pass through the Red Sea to pause their journey in safe waters with immediate effect until further notice.

On Friday, Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, also told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to stop their journeys after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship. German-based shipper Hapag-Lloyd said it was pausing all of its container ship traffic through the Red Sea until Monday.

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdel-Salam said Saturday that the rebels have engaged in communications and discussions with international parties, brokered by Oman, on the Houthis attacks on ships in the Red and Arabian seas.

He tweeted that the Houthis would continue targeting Israel-linked vessels until the aggression stops" and the siege of Gaza is lifted. He added that "any genuine steps responding to the humanitarian situation in Palestine and Gaza through bringing in food and medicine would contribute to reducing the escalation.

Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo.
READING, Pa. - Law enforcement agencies are investigating a series of bomb threats targeting synagogues in Pennsylvania and multiple other states across the country.

One of those threats was received by a Jewish organization in Berks County.

Rabbi Brian Michelson of Reform Congregation Oheb Shalom in Wyomissing said although his synagogue did not receive an emailed bomb threat on this particular occasion, the Jewish Federation of Reading did.

Michelson said on the advice of police and out of an overabundance of caution, K9 units, bomb sniffers and the head of the bomb squad did both a sweep of his building as well as a full search at the Jewish Federation of Reading.

Wyomissing Police confirmed that the Jewish Federation of Reading did receive a bomb threat but a search of the facility found no explosives.

The investigation is ongoing.
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - The South Whitehall and Upper Macungie township police departments and State Police teamed up for the annual Heroes for the Holidays event Friday. The festive crew took advantage of the amusement park they have in their backyard to connect with local kids.

"You probably want to get both for mom," said Pennsylvania State Trooper Charles Inserra. "That's not someone you want to chance out on."

It's good advice from a trooper one second grader calls his best friend.

"I got surprised," said second grader Kaysen Defrancisco. "I felt happy."

Defrancisco was over the moon when Trooper Inserra picked him up for Heroes for the Holidays.

"Come on buddy," Inserra said as they walked through the Cedar Crest Target.

"These are kids who are doing great things, that are rising above and really excelling in the world," said South Whitehall Township Police Chief Glen Dorney.

"They're picked basically based off their behavior, how they act in the school," said South Whitehall Township Police Sgt. of Community Relations Jason Grozier. "The department's school district recommended a handful of children. They were later interviewed by police officers."

It was in that interview Defrancisco mentioned Inserra.

"Kaysen's grandparents live in my development in North Whitehall Township, and every now and again, I take the patrol car home from work," said Inserra. "We've developed a great friendship."

"I give him a big hug," said Defrancisco.

"The influence that trooper has on this young child's life is amazing," said Dorney. "That the trooper on his own time, own volition comes out and spends time with his neighbor...this little boy's eyes light up."

It's for reasons like this some officers consider this day their favorite of the year.

After Parkland students pick out gifts for their families at Target, everyone ventures to Dorney Park. They wrap presents, take photos with Santa and the Grinch, and enjoy Chickie's and Pete's.

"It gives the officers an opportunity to speak with those kids and become their friend...and if they ever need anything, person in uniform, we're there for them," said Dorney. "Policing in the Lehigh Valley is truly a community-oriented policing."

"Volunteers are the Parkland Education Foundation, Parkland Cares Food Pantry, officers, the South Whitehall Board of Commissioners and just anybody else that really want to help us out," said Grozier.

The impacts go beyond the sounds of the Christmas bells.

Defrancisco says he hopes to one day become a police officer, too.

Monday, there will be more shopping at Target with middle and high schoolers.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has endorsed a candidate for Auditor General ahead of next spring's primary: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia).

Kenyatta received the endorsement over two Democratic candidates from 69 News' viewing area: Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley and State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-Berks).

The winner of the primary will face incumbent Auditor General Tim DeFoor, a Republican, in the general election next November. DeFoor announced his intent to run for another term on Dec. 6 and is running unopposed on the GOP side.

A press release from Kenyatta's campaign noted the the "historic nature" of his endorsement. If he wins the primary, Kenyatta would be the first openly LGBTQ person ever nominated for statewide office by a Pennsylvania political party, the press release said.
PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. - As if a high-speed police pursuit ending with a crash into a school bus isn't shocking enough, Warren County's prosecutor revealed brand-new details on Friday.

"There are a lot of high-speed chases that take place," Warren County prosecutor Jim Pfeiffer said. "And that's unfortunate."

But a high-speed chase, with multiple shots fired, an illegal gun recovered, and ending with a crash into a school bus?

"That generally is not part of the scenario," Pfeiffer said.

Those 22 children involved in that crash Tuesday afternoon -- some with minor injuries -- were just one shocking piece of a bigger puzzle revealed to 69 News on Friday.

"We have these unprovoked shootings, innocent individuals, so that's always, that's troubling," Pfeiffer said.

Pfeiffer says the driver of the yellow Ford Focus involved is 28-year-old Brett Wyatt, Jr.

Pfeiffer says he and other officials don't know why the Phillipsburg man allegedly first shot at a parked truck around the area of Uniontown Road in Warren County, New Jersey, on Tuesday afternoon.

"A yellow car fired several shots at a truck," first responders could be heard saying in audio obtained by 69 News.

Lopatcong police first responded to shots fired at a parked truck around Uniontown Road, around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The truck was found to have damage to its passenger-side window and tires.

Luckily no one was inside that truck, Pfeiffer says. But the next two cars Wyatt shot at, on Route 57, each did have a driver inside, Pfeiffer says. Wyatt was stopped in traffic at construction, Pfeiffer says, when he fired three shots into the passenger side of a Tesla that was also stopped in the construction traffic.

"Without provocation, opened fire on the individual that was in the Tesla," Pfeiffer said.

Officials say Wyatt then fired more shots at a Chevy sedan traveling in the opposite direction.

"These shots were fired at close range," Pfeiffer said. "But for the fact that they were ricocheted off by something with the metal within the door, they would have struck those drivers."

Neither driver was injured.

"But for the grace of God, both of those individuals would be seriously injured or dead," Pfeiffer said.

Lopatcong police then chased the car, now racing at speeds around 100 miles per hour. That chase was ended in traffic by the police department. A BOLO, or "be on the lookout," was sent.

The yellow Ford Focus next raced off to Route 22, turning a corner and leaving two Lopatcong police face to face, as the subject sped west toward Pennsylvania, Pfeiffer said.

"Be advised, still westbound," first responders' audio rang out.

But a Pennsylvania State Trooper was waiting for Wyatt in the wings, Pfeiffer said.

The yellow hatchback turned around and headed back to New Jersey, at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, with the trooper tailing it all the way back into New Jersey, authorities said.

Wyatt raced down Route 22 toward the Phillipsburg post office, authorities said. That's when he finally lost control, crashing into the school bus at an extremely fast rate, according to Pfeiffer.

"Almost causing that bus to flip over," Pfeiffer said. "But for the fact that it hit the guardrails."

The 22 first and second graders, as well as the bus driver, all survived, some with minor injuries.

Pfieffer says officials are in the process of downloading the information from the vehicle's black box to determine the exact speed it was going.

Three guns with hundreds of rounds were found inside the car, Pfeiffer said. One of those guns recovered is an assault rifle, not legally registered in New Jersey, according to Pfeiffer.

An unknown substance was also found in the car, Pfeiffer says, which officials are sending out to the lab. They're also testing Wyatt's blood to find out whether drugs or alcohol may have played a part in the crash.

Criminal charges are pending, as Pfeiffer says Wyatt remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

The incident remains under investigation.
The Israeli military mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages Friday during its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, military officials said. The armys chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said it was not clear if they had escaped their captors or been abandoned, and the army was investigating.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian president met with United States officials to discuss postwar arrangements for Gaza that could include reactivating Palestinian security forces driven out by Hamas in its 2007 takeover of the territory.

Any role for Palestinian security forces in Gaza is bound to elicit strong opposition from Israel, which seeks to maintain an open-ended security presence there. The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank but is deeply unpopular with Palestinians.

More than 18,700 Palestinians have been killed since Israel declared war on Hamas, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says 116 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:

 An Israeli strike on a school kills an Al Jazeera camera operator in southern Gaza, the network says.

 The Israeli military opens an investigation after videos show Israeli forces killing two Palestinians at close range.

 The Pentagon has ordered a U.S. aircraft carrier to remain in the Mediterranean near Israel.

 Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.

Heres whats happening in the war:

ISRAELI DRONE STRIKE ON GAZA SCHOOL KILLS AL JAZEERA JOURNALIST, INJURES ANOTHER

An Israeli strike killed a Palestinian camera operator for the TV network Al Jazeera and wounded its chief Gaza correspondent Friday as they reported at a school in the south of the besieged territory, the network said.

Camera operator Samer Abu Daqqa and correspondent Wael Dahdouh had gone to the school in the southern city of Khan Younis after it was hit by a strike earlier in the day. While they were there, an Israeli drone hit the school with a second strike, the network said.

Dahdouh was heavily wounded in his arm and shoulder, while Abu Daqqa was found dead Friday evening after an ambulance that tried to reach the school to evacuate him had to turn back because roads were blocked by the rubble of destroyed houses, the network said in a statement.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Abu Daqqa is the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict erupted between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 7. That number includes 57 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese journalists.

The 45-year-old Abu Daqqa, a Khan Younis native, joined Al Jazeera in June 2004, working as both a cameraman and an editor. He leaves behind three sons and a daughter.

The Israeli army did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment about Abu Daqqas death.

BIDEN BRIEFED ON 3 HOSTAGES WHO WERE MISTAKENLY KILLED BY ISRAEL MILITARY IN GAZA

President Joe Biden was briefed on Friday by his national security team about Israeli forces mistakenly killing three hostages in Gaza, according to White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

Its heartbreaking, its tragic, Kirby said.

Kirby said the United States expected Israel would conduct an investigation to better understand the circumstances that lead to Israeli troops mistakenly killing the captives. He added that at the moment too little was known about the incident to make some sort of broad judgment about the specific circumstances here.

UNITED NATIONS SAYS REOPENING BORDER CROSSING TO GAZA WILL INCREASE FLOW OF HUMANITARIAN AID

UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations is welcoming Israels announcement that the border crossing at Kerem Shalom will be opened for the direct delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, saying the sooner the better.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters Friday that the fast implementation of this agreement will increase the flow of aid and a humanitarian cease-fire will increase the distribution of that aid across Gaza even more.

Israel closed the crossing, the main entry point for Gaza-bound cargo, immediately after the surprise Oct. 7 Hamas attacks inside the country from Gaza.

U.N. humanitarian officials reported Friday that the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians in Gaza has been compounded by flooding after heavy rains in the past few days in the territory, Dujarric said.

Kerem Shalom opened Tuesday as a second inspection point for screening aid for trucks from the U.N. and international aid organizations, according to Dujarric, but the trucks had to drive to the Rafah crossing from Egypt to enter Gaza.

Israels announcement late Friday will allow direct entry of aid to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which the U.N. has been urging because of the humanitarian crisis and shortage of food, water, medicine and other key supplies.

3 ISRAELI HOSTAGES MISTAKENLY KILLED DURING GROUND OPERATION, ISRAEL MILITARY SAYS

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says it has mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages during its ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

The armys chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, says Israeli troops found the hostages on Friday and erroneously identified them as a threat. He said it was not clear if they had escaped their captors or been abandoned.

The incident occurred in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have engaged in fierce battles against Hamas militants in recent days.

He said the army expressed deep sorrow and was investigating.

LUFTHANSA SAYS FLIGHTS TO TEL AVIV WILL RESUME IN THE NEW YEAR

BERLIN - German airline Lufthansa says that it and its subsidiaries plan to resume flights to Tel Aviv in the new year.

The company said Friday that flights will resume on Jan. 8. It says Lufthansa will initially operate four flights per week from Frankfurt and three from Munich, Austrian Airlines will run eight flights per week and Swiss will operate five. Thats about 30% of the regular flight schedule.

Lufthansa and its subsidiaries suspended regular flights to Tel Aviv on Oct. 9.

Flights to the Lebanese capital, Beirut, also have been suspended, but were resumed on Friday by Lufthansa, Swiss and Eurowings.

ROCKETS AIMED AT CENTRAL ISRAEL, RESCUE SERVICE SAYS; SIRENS BLARE IN JERUSALEM

JERUSALEM  A rare rocket barrage directed at central Israel sent air raid sirens blaring across Jerusalem.

Israels rescue service said it had received reports of a hit Friday, but said there were no immediate casualties.

It was not immediately clear how many rockets had been fired, but an Associated Press reporter heard numerous launches of Israels Iron Dome missile defense system.

Israeli media reported that it was the first time in a month and a half that sirens rang in Jerusalem. Since the war began on Oct. 7, rocket barrages have been far more common in the coastal city of Tel Aviv and areas bordering the Gaza Strip.

EUROPEAN NATIONS, AUSTRALIA AND CANADA URGED ISRAEL TO STOP WEST BANK VIOLENCE BY SETTLERS

COPENHAGEN, Denmark  Twelve European nations joined by Australia, Canada and the European Union have called on Israel to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

In a joint statement released Friday by the Swedish government, the countries expressed their grave concern about the record number of attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.

They said the rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians is unacceptable and that Israel, as the occupying power, must protect the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank.

The joint statement said that those responsible for the violence must be brought to justice and that attacks on Palestinians undermines security in the West Bank and the region and threatens prospects for a lasting peace.

The European countries are Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

HAGUE COURT REJECTS BID TO BAN TRANSFER TO ISRAEL OF F-35 FIGHTER JET PARTS FROM DUTCH WAREHOUSE

THE HAGUE, Netherlands  A Dutch court rejected a request Friday by a group of human rights and humanitarian organizations to order a halt to the transfer to Israel of parts for F-35 fighter jets.

The organizations went to court Dec. 4 arguing that delivery of parts for F-35 jets makes the Netherlands complicit in possible war crimes being committed by Israel in its war with Hamas. The parts are stored in a warehouse in the Dutch town of Woensdrecht.

In a written statement, the court said that the judge who heard the civil case concluded that the Dutch government weighed the relevant interests before agreeing to the delivery of parts. It was not immediately clear if the groups that brought the civil case would appeal.

Government lawyer Reimer Veldhuis told the judge hearing the civil case that a ban on transfers from the Netherlands would effectively be meaningless as the United States would deliver these parts to Israel from another place.

A LIBERIAN-FLAGGED CARGO SHIP IS HIT BY A PROJECTILE FROM REBEL-CONTROLLED YEMEN

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  A Liberian-flagged cargo ship caught fire Friday in the Red Sea after being hit by a projectile launched from rebel-controlled Yemen, a U.S. defense official and a private intelligence firm said.

The attack on the Al Jasrah further escalates a campaign by Yemens Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have claimed responsibility for a series of missile assaults in recent days in the Red Sea and its strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The attacks come as a response to the Israel-Hamas war and the pounding air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip, though linking the ships targeted in the rebel assaults has grown more tenuous  or nonexistent  as the attacks continue.

The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the assault.

The Al Jasrah is operated by German-based shipper Hapag Lloyd, which declined to immediately comment about the attack. It wasnt yet clear if any of the crew on board the vessel had been hurt in the attack, which may have come from either a drone or a missile.

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell contributed.

A FRENCH ISRAELI HOSTAGE'S BODY IS FOUND IN GAZA, FRANCE SAYS

PARIS  Frances foreign minister says the body of a French-Israeli citizen taken hostage by Hamas militants has been found in Gaza.

The minister, Catherine Colonna, posted on social media her "immense sadness at the death of Elia Toledano.

She said the Israeli military announced that his body had been found. He was reported to have been taken hostage at a music festival attacked by militants during Hamas' Oct. 7 assault on Israel.
Crews from the Omaha Housing Authority have been cleaning up garbage and debris at the vacant Spencer Homes East public housing apartments since a World-Herald story exposing the dirty, dangerous conditions there.

The agency also has told City Councilwoman Juanita Johnson that the property will be fenced off after a demolition contract is awarded, and that it has requested more police patrols of the site.

Johnson said the housing authoritys CEO, Joanie Poore, told her that a demolition contractor will be able to immediately put up a fence around the area once they are awarded the contract to raze the buildings at 27th and Spencer Streets.

She doesnt know how quickly theyll be able to do that, Johnson said. In the meantime, the workaround is to do more security and continue cleaning up.

An Omaha Police Department spokesman confirmed Thursday that the department had received a request this week for more patrols.

OPD has agreed to increase patrols in the area when call load allows and we have requested ABLE 1 (the police helicopter) to check the area when they are on patrol, Officer Chris Gordon said by email.

The response came after North Omaha community advocates demanded action, including the immediate demolition of the six apartment buildings that are in a residential neighborhood and across the street from homes, including duplexes owned by the Omaha Housing Authority.

An article in Tuesdays World-Herald revealed that the buildings, which were vacated in June 2022, had become a magnet for dumping, scavenging and people seeking shelter during the months the apartments have been left unsecured.

Advocates Celeste Butler and Sherman Wells said they had been trying to get action from the city and OHA for months. They are demanding that the buildings be demolished and insisting that people from the neighborhood and North Omaha be included in deciding how the site is redeveloped.

Poore said Monday that she was disappointed in how long it was taking to get the buildings demolished. Tearing down Spencer East is part of a multimillion redevelopment project in North Omaha, funded in part by a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Choice Neighborhoods program.

The City of Omaha, OHA and Brinshore Development from the Chicago area are partners in the redevelopment. Poore said Monday that they had intended to demolish Spencer East after families were moved out in 2022, but then discovered they didnt have enough money for the demolition.

A contract to demolish the buildings, and to abate lead and asbestos contamination there, is on the Omaha City Council agenda for Tuesday. Under the contract, the city and OHA would pay $305,000 to Cox Contracting Co. of Council Bluffs.

Of that, $265,000 would come from a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant, and $40,000 from the Omaha Housing Authority.

The contract calls for the work to start when the Omaha City Planning Department gives Cox a notice to begin, and to be completed by March 15, 2024.

Kellie Johnston Dorsey, an assistant director in the Planning Department, estimated that the city could issue the notice to proceed by Jan. 5.

We hope to issue the notice to proceed sooner, Johnston Dorsey said Wednesday by email. The demolition estimated duration is 10 weeks from notice to proceed. Work will start immediately after the notice to proceed is issued. Lead and asbestos abatement will occur first.

Omaha police ask that people call 911 whenever they see someone trespassing on the site so they can respond promptly, Poore said Thursday.

The demolition contractor is responsible for fencing the site throughout demolition, Poore said by email. I do know that the city wants to provide notice to proceed as soon as possible once the contract is approved. The contractor has been contacted and knows that we want to begin as soon as the approval to proceed is in place.

Photos: Vacated Omaha apartments left wide open and in disrepair
Greenfield Savings Bank reduced its holdings in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 40,472 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 541 shares during the period. Greenfield Savings Banks holdings in Bank of America were worth $1,108,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sendero Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 7.9% in the 3rd quarter. Sendero Wealth Management LLC now owns 135,563 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,712,000 after buying an additional 9,912 shares during the period. Albert D Mason Inc. increased its position in Bank of America by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. Albert D Mason Inc. now owns 17,585 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $481,000 after buying an additional 1,078 shares during the period. Bank of New Hampshire grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 94,365 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,584,000 after purchasing an additional 614 shares in the last quarter. LifePro Asset Management grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 58.6% during the 3rd quarter. LifePro Asset Management now owns 27,847 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $762,000 after purchasing an additional 10,292 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bay Rivers Group grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 20.4% during the 3rd quarter. Bay Rivers Group now owns 10,186 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $279,000 after purchasing an additional 1,725 shares in the last quarter. 68.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Bank of America

In other Bank of America news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank sold 17,769 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Bank of America Trading Down 0.3 %

NYSE BAC traded down $0.10 on Friday, reaching $33.84. The company had a trading volume of 13,917,108 shares, compared to its average volume of 48,544,957. The stocks 50 day moving average is $28.48 and its 200-day moving average is $28.94. The stock has a market cap of $267.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.51, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.40. 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 Co. has a 52 week low of $24.96 and a 52 week high of $37.00.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.13 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 18.69%. The firms revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.81 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.84%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently 26.89%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective 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. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on Bank of America from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 15th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Bank of America from $34.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on Bank of America from $35.00 to $33.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Bank of America in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $35.58.

View Our Latest Report on Bank of America

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.

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Tsfg LLC raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 5.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 96,213 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 4,715 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories accounts for about 3.2% of Tsfg LLCs holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest position. Tsfg LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $9,318,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $131,000. United Bank increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.2% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 27,280 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,229,000 after acquiring an additional 1,826 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 813,253 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $96,257,000 after acquiring an additional 15,521 shares in the last quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 19,467 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,304,000 after purchasing an additional 436 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lumature Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 636.2% during the first quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,216 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $262,000 after purchasing an additional 1,915 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.70% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total value of $4,702,500.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,725,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $632,515,969.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 1.2 %

ABT opened at $108.58 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $89.67 and a fifty-two week high of $115.83. 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 firms fifty day moving average price is $98.52 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $102.46. The company has a market capitalization of $188.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.70.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.15%. The firm had revenue of $10.14 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.82 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.15 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 13th were paid a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.88%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 69.39%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ABT has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. TheStreet lowered shares of Abbott Laboratories from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Four equities research 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, Abbott Laboratories presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $117.80.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Abbott Laboratories

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.

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National 4-H Congress is the premier leadership event for 4-H members ages 15-19. Nebraska delegates are selected for the trip to National 4-H Congress by submitting an Achievement Application for state competition. Pracheil submitted his in the area of STEM. He is a member of the Little Green Giants 4-H club.

National 4-H Congress was a lot of fun! said Pracheil. My favorite part was getting to meet other 4-Hers from Nebraska and all over the country. At the beginning of the trip, none of us knew each other, but by the end we all got to know each other well. One of the girls in our group even said that we were one big Nebraska family.
Bank of New Hampshire decreased its position in shares of Yelp Inc. (NYSE:YELP  Free Report) by 12.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,780 shares of the local business review companys stock after selling 544 shares during the period. Bank of New Hampshires holdings in Yelp were worth $157,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of YELP. TD Asset Management Inc raised its holdings in shares of Yelp by 44.6% in the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 44,100 shares of the local business review companys stock worth $1,606,000 after buying an additional 13,600 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Yelp by 1.8% in the second quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 35,652 shares of the local business review companys stock worth $1,298,000 after acquiring an additional 640 shares during the period. River Road Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Yelp by 1.8% in the second quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC now owns 2,043,960 shares of the local business review companys stock worth $74,421,000 after acquiring an additional 35,663 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group acquired a new stake in shares of Yelp in the second quarter worth $2,903,000. Finally, Ergoteles LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Yelp in the second quarter worth $2,207,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.11% of the companys stock.

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Yelp Price Performance

Shares of YELP stock opened at $44.79 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $43.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $41.53. Yelp Inc. has a 12 month low of $25.30 and a 12 month high of $47.59. The company has a market capitalization of $3.07 billion, a PE ratio of 35.55 and a beta of 1.40.

Insider Buying and Selling at Yelp

Yelp ( NYSE:YELP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The local business review company reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.44. Yelp had a net margin of 7.05% and a return on equity of 13.23%. The company had revenue of $345.12 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $341.24 million. Sell-side analysts forecast that Yelp Inc. will post 1.39 EPS for the current year.

In other Yelp news, insider Carmen Orr sold 4,326 shares of Yelp stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.83, for a total transaction of $189,608.58. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 79,447 shares in the company, valued at $3,482,162.01. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Carmen Orr sold 4,326 shares of Yelp stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.83, for a total value of $189,608.58. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 79,447 shares in the company, valued at $3,482,162.01. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CTO Sam Eaton sold 25,402 shares of Yelp stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.75, for a total transaction of $1,162,141.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief technology officer now owns 168,756 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,720,587. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 84,178 shares of company stock worth $3,755,628 over the last three months. Insiders own 7.20% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Yelp in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Craig Hallum decreased their price objective on shares of Yelp from $60.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Yelp from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $39.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, October 27th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $41.44.

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Yelp Company Profile

(Free Report)

Yelp Inc operates a platform that connects consumers with local businesses in the United States and internationally. The company's platform covers various local business categories, including restaurants, shopping, beauty and fitness, health, and other categories, as well as home, local, auto, professional, pets, events, real estate, and financial services.

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Beese Fulmer Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 0.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 92,263 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 239 shares during the period. Chevron accounts for about 1.8% of Beese Fulmer Investment Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest holding. Beese Fulmer Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Chevron were worth $15,557,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Chevron by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 12,694 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,140,000 after purchasing an additional 639 shares in the last quarter. CIC Wealth LLC raised its holdings in Chevron by 1.4% in the third quarter. CIC Wealth LLC now owns 14,328 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,416,000 after buying an additional 203 shares during the last quarter. CCG Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Chevron in the third quarter worth approximately $1,078,000. Bank of New Hampshire increased its position in shares of Chevron by 0.7% during the third quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 21,795 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,675,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Triangle Securities Wealth Management increased its position in shares of Chevron by 1.1% during the third quarter. Triangle Securities Wealth Management now owns 16,000 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,698,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Chevron Stock Performance

NYSE:CVX opened at $149.33 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.25. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $149.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $156.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $281.90 billion, a PE ratio of 11.09, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.11. Chevron Co. has a 52-week low of $140.72 and a 52-week high of $187.81.

Chevron Announces Dividend

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.70 by ($0.65). The firm had revenue of $54.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $51.41 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 16.15% and a net margin of 12.11%. Chevrons revenue was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $5.56 EPS. Analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.28 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $1.51 per share. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 44.84%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Chevron from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $184.00 to $182.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Chevron from $194.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. StockNews.com began coverage on Chevron in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Chevron from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 14th. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Chevron from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $190.00 target price on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen 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 price target of $186.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis 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.

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Beese Fulmer Investment Management Inc. lowered its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 36,937 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 344 shares during the quarter. Beese Fulmer Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $1,509,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. Studio Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 288.0% during the 2nd quarter. Financial Connections Group Inc. now owns 741 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. Institutional investors own 72.47% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

WFC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $48.00 to $43.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $49.56.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Richard K. Davis bought 3,500 shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $41.22 per share, with a total value of $144,270.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 4,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at $174,937.68. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Up 5.7 %

WFC stock opened at $50.50 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $183.40 billion, a PE ratio of 10.91, a P/E/G ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 0.87. The firms fifty day moving average is $42.18 and its 200 day moving average is $42.42. Wells Fargo & Company has a one year low of $35.25 and a one year high of $50.55.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.15. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.06% and a return on equity of 11.18%. The business had revenue of $20.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.30 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.05 EPS for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were given a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 2nd. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.77%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.24%.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $69.94 and last traded at $69.28, with a volume of 188460 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $67.87.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Berry Global Group from $64.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of Berry Global Group from $80.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on shares of Berry Global Group from $86.00 to $83.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com raised shares of Berry Global Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on shares of Berry Global Group from $78.00 to $74.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Berry Global Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.00.

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Berry Global Group Stock Down 0.1 %

The stocks fifty day moving average is $60.58 and its 200 day moving average is $62.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79. The company has a market capitalization of $7.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.24.

Berry Global Group (NYSE:BERY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 16th. The industrial products company reported $2.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.14 by $0.14. Berry Global Group had a net margin of 4.81% and a return on equity of 27.56%. The business had revenue of $3.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.14 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.19 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Berry Global Group, Inc. will post 7.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Berry Global Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a $0.275 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. This is a positive change from Berry Global Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.60%. Berry Global Groups dividend payout ratio is 22.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Evan Bayh sold 14,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.57, for a total value of $763,980.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 27,258 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,487,469.06. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Carl J. Rickertsen sold 7,849 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.81, for a total transaction of $508,693.69. Following the sale, the director now owns 2,758 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $178,745.98. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Evan Bayh sold 14,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.57, for a total transaction of $763,980.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 27,258 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,487,469.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 117,383 shares of company stock worth $7,527,732 in the last three months. 3.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Berry Global Group

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BERY. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Berry Global Group by 335.6% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 12,736 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $738,000 after buying an additional 9,812 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Berry Global Group by 71.3% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 11,152 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $646,000 after buying an additional 4,640 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Berry Global Group in the first quarter worth approximately $329,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Berry Global Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $156,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can raised its stake in Berry Global Group by 4.0% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 8,248 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $509,000 after acquiring an additional 314 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.25% of the companys stock.

About Berry Global Group

(Get Free Report)

Berry Global Group, Inc manufactures and supplies non-woven, flexible, and rigid products in consumer and industrial end markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Consumer Packaging International; Consumer Packaging North America; Engineered Materials; and Health, Hygiene & Specialties segments.

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Tourmaline Oil (TSE:TOU  Free Report) had its price target reduced by BMO Capital Markets from C$82.00 to C$78.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other brokerages have also commented on TOU. Desjardins dropped their price objective on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$86.00 to C$85.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price objective on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$75.00 to C$78.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$77.00 to C$78.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Raymond James raised their price objective on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$85.00 to C$90.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, September 8th. Finally, ATB Capital dropped their price objective on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$93.00 to C$92.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Tourmaline Oil currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$84.88.

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Tourmaline Oil Trading Down 2.6 %

Shares of TSE TOU opened at C$58.58 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average is C$67.80 and its 200-day moving average is C$66.53. The stock has a market cap of C$19.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.20, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.40. Tourmaline Oil has a twelve month low of C$52.34 and a twelve month high of C$74.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.64.

Tourmaline Oil (TSE:TOU  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported C$0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.47 by C($0.67). Tourmaline Oil had a return on equity of 7.30% and a net margin of 19.10%. The firm had revenue of C$1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$1.46 billion. Equities research analysts predict that Tourmaline Oil will post 6.8120045 EPS for the current year.

Tourmaline Oil Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This is a positive change from Tourmaline Oils previous quarterly dividend of $0.26. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.91%. Tourmaline Oils payout ratio is currently 38.62%.

Insider Transactions at Tourmaline Oil

In other news, Senior Officer Mike Rose acquired 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 6th. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$63.05 per share, for a total transaction of C$157,624.00. 5.35% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Tourmaline Oil

(Get Free Report)

Tourmaline Oil Corp. explores for and develops oil and natural gas properties in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. It holds interests in properties located in the Alberta Deep Basin, Northeast British Columbia Montney, and the Peace River High Triassic oil complex. The company was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of CEMEX (NYSE:CX  Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday.

Separately, Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a $8.20 price target on shares of CEMEX in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $9.07.

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CEMEX Trading Down 0.6 %

CEMEX stock opened at $7.80 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $6.65 and a 200 day moving average of $7.01. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.29, a P/E/G ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 1.42. CEMEX has a 12-month low of $3.98 and a 12-month high of $8.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50.

CEMEX (NYSE:CX  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The construction company reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. CEMEX had a net margin of 3.09% and a return on equity of 3.80%. The company had revenue of $4.57 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts predict that CEMEX will post 0.78 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Capital International Investors boosted its position in shares of CEMEX by 76.6% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 45,688,398 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $323,474,000 after acquiring an additional 19,823,297 shares during the last quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP lifted its position in CEMEX by 12.6% in the first quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 34,964,848 shares of the construction companys stock worth $193,356,000 after buying an additional 3,913,008 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in CEMEX by 0.3% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 19,312,861 shares of the construction companys stock worth $125,534,000 after buying an additional 61,954 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its position in CEMEX by 41.4% in the third quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 18,924,664 shares of the construction companys stock worth $122,996,000 after buying an additional 5,542,723 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its position in CEMEX by 5.6% in the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 15,815,233 shares of the construction companys stock worth $111,972,000 after buying an additional 832,865 shares during the last quarter. 31.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

CEMEX Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CEMEX, SAB. de C.V., together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, distributes, and sells cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, urbanization solutions, and other construction materials worldwide. The company also offers asphalt, concrete blocks, concrete block paving, rail sleepers, and flooring systems; architectural concrete products; and box culverts, bridges, drainage basins, barriers, and parking curbs.

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CIC Wealth LLC reduced its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 34,909 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 697 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories makes up 1.2% of CIC Wealth LLCs holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest position. CIC Wealth LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $3,381,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Covea Finance increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 148.3% during the third quarter. Covea Finance now owns 459,905 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $44,542,000 after purchasing an additional 274,700 shares during the last quarter. Tsfg LLC increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.2% during the third quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 96,213 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $9,318,000 after acquiring an additional 4,715 shares during the last quarter. Allied Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 4.5% during the third quarter. Allied Investment Advisors LLC now owns 74,263 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $7,192,000 after acquiring an additional 3,202 shares during the last quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 4.1% during the third quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 22,322 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,162,000 after acquiring an additional 873 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Butensky & Cohen Financial Security Inc. increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 6.7% during the third quarter. Butensky & Cohen Financial Security Inc. now owns 30,155 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,921,000 after acquiring an additional 1,891 shares during the last quarter. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $108.58 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $89.67 and a 52-week high of $115.83. The company has a 50 day moving average of $98.52 and a 200 day moving average of $102.46. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The company has a market capitalization of $188.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 0.70.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.82 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.15%. The companys revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.15 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 13th were issued a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.88%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 69.39%.

Insider Activity

In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total value of $4,702,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,725,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $632,515,969.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on ABT shares. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $122.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Raymond James lowered their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.80.

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About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Greenfield Savings Bank increased its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 26,421 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 269 shares during the period. Greenfield Savings Banks holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,533,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 86,002.1% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 659,143,253 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $42,152,211,000 after acquiring an additional 658,377,716 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 175,584,734 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $12,169,778,000 after purchasing an additional 2,856,746 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 92,570,288 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $5,919,870,000 after purchasing an additional 858,922 shares during the period. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 12.8% in the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 69,296,006 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,431,517,000 after acquiring an additional 7,878,833 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 39,034,341 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,489,314,000 after acquiring an additional 225,065 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 74.98% of the companys stock.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of NYSE:BMY traded down $0.56 on Friday, reaching $50.91. The company had a trading volume of 2,306,360 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,021,641. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $48.25 and a 52-week high of $75.18. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $52.28 and its 200-day simple moving average is $58.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $103.59 billion, a PE ratio of 13.06, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.34. 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 ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.24. The firm had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.96 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.99 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback plan on Thursday, December 7th that allows the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the biopharmaceutical company to reacquire up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared 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. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.71%. This is a boost from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 57.87%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 3,071 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was bought at an average price of $48.86 per share, with a total value of $150,049.06. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 79,384 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 3,071 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $48.86 per share, for a total transaction of $150,049.06. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 79,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Theodore R. Samuels II acquired 8,500 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The shares were bought at an average price of $49.81 per share, with a total value of $423,385.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 35,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,768,255. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders bought 13,571 shares of company stock valued at $672,994. 0.09% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on BMY shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $55.00 price objective for the company. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $84.00 price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the company from $68.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $60.00 price objective (down from $70.00) on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $81.00 to $69.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.59.

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About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new position in shares of Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 2,461 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $299,000.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of EXR. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 29.7% in the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 17,876,089 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,660,805,000 after buying an additional 4,096,408 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 0.3% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 9,421,581 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,402,402,000 after buying an additional 23,698 shares in the last quarter. Cohen & Steers Inc. boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 23.2% in the second quarter. Cohen & Steers Inc. now owns 5,599,950 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $833,528,000 after buying an additional 1,054,442 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 3.2% in the second quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 5,327,074 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $792,936,000 after buying an additional 166,625 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital International Investors boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 98.7% in the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,216,200 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $627,581,000 after buying an additional 2,094,409 shares in the last quarter. 66.40% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Extra Space Storage Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of EXR stock opened at $154.06 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $32.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.32, a PEG ratio of 14.97 and a beta of 0.71. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $122.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $131.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a current ratio of 0.50. Extra Space Storage Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $101.19 and a fifty-two week high of $170.30.

Extra Space Storage Increases Dividend

Insiders Place Their Bets

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $1.62 dividend. This is an increase from Extra Space Storages previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.21%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Extra Space Storages payout ratio is presently 44.85%.

In other Extra Space Storage news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis bought 4,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 13th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $118.21 per share, for a total transaction of $496,482.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 31,301 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,700,091.21. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis acquired 4,200 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction on Monday, November 13th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $118.21 per share, with a total value of $496,482.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 31,301 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,700,091.21. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Joseph Saffire sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.32, for a total value of $1,393,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 82,344 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,472,166.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.55% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Bank of America lowered Extra Space Storage from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $155.00 to $119.00 in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Citigroup cut their price target on Extra Space Storage from $160.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. Raymond James cut their price target on Extra Space Storage from $165.00 to $145.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. StockNews.com lowered Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on Extra Space Storage from $185.00 to $165.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $146.27.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage Profile

(Free Report)

Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of September 30, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,651 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.5 million units and approximately 279.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands.

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Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO raised its stake in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,810 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management COs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $683,000 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. Retirement Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 264.7% in the second quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 62 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC bought a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the first quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Milestone Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in Deere & Company during the first quarter valued at $40,000. 66.27% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on DE. HSBC initiated coverage on Deere & Company in a report on Friday, September 15th. They set a buy rating and a $486.00 price objective for the company. UBS Group increased their price objective on Deere & Company from $383.00 to $408.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, August 21st. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their price objective on Deere & Company from $400.00 to $375.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 27th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Deere & Company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded Deere & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the company from $530.00 to $400.00 in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $443.83.

Deere & Company Stock Down 1.0 %

NYSE DE traded down $4.00 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $384.42. The stock had a trading volume of 557,810 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,615,201. Deere & Company has a 1 year low of $345.55 and a 1 year high of $450.00. The stock has a market cap of $110.71 billion, a PE ratio of 11.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $373.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $393.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 1.90 and a quick ratio of 1.70.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 22nd. The industrial products company reported $8.26 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.46 by $0.80. Deere & Company had a net margin of 16.60% and a return on equity of 45.91%. The company had revenue of $13.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.64 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $7.44 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Deere & Company will post 28.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Deere & Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 8th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a $1.47 dividend. This is a positive change from Deere & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Deere & Companys payout ratio is presently 15.58%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Deere & Company news, insider Ryan D. Campbell sold 6,073 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $379.19, for a total transaction of $2,302,820.87. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 18,519 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,022,219.61. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.26% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Deere & Company

(Free Report)

Deere & Company manufactures and distributes various equipment worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Production and Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Production and Precision Agriculture segment provides mid-size tractors, combines, cotton pickers and strippers, sugarcane harvesters, harvesting front-end equipment, sugarcane loaders, pull-behind scrapers, and tillage and seeding equipment, as well as application equipment, including sprayers and nutrient management, and soil preparation machinery for grain growers.

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MONDAY Al-Anon: 8 p.m., Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3350 Lathrop Ave.

Retired Involved Nurses Group: 11:30 a.m., Crystal Bay, 3900 N. Main St. Lunch is at noon. The cost of membership is $15 and lunch is $15. A business meeting will follow. For more information or reservations, call Marge Orth, secretary, 262-884-0742.

WEDNESDAYCaledonia Senior Card Club: Sheepshead, for ages 55 and older, noon to 3 p.m., Franksville Memorial Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave., Franksville. For more information, call 414-856-9550.

Kiwanis Club of West of Racine: 7:30 a.m., in-person at Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave. Kiwanis is an international organization dedicated to serving the children of the world. To attend a meeting, contact Shirley Meyer, membership chair, at 262-260-8101 or email aquashirl4@yahoo.com.

FRIDAYRacine Founders Rotary Club: 7 a.m., Racine Country Club, 2401 Northwestern Ave.

DAILY/OTHERSCaledonia Historical Society Meeting: 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Franksville Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave. The meeting is open to the public. There will be no meetings December through March. https://caledoniahistoricalsociety.org.

Overeaters Anonymous: 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday, Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave., a free fellowship group for all eating disorders using the 12 steps and 12 traditions. For more information call 262-652-5635.

Racine Duplicate Bridge Club: Each week two ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games are played in Racine  at 12:15 p.m. Monday and Friday at The Lanes, 6501 Washington Ave., Mount Pleasant. People must have proof of COVID-19 vaccination to play. Call Henry Kensler, club manager, at 262-652-6173 for reservations. Recent winners are:

Dec. 8: Mark Langer and Daniele Langer, first place; George Urquhart and Janet Urquhart, second place; Richard Arneson and Gloria Arneson, third place.

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Lighthouse Quilters Guild: Open to quilters of all skill levels, 7 p.m., on the last Monday of each month at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St. For more information, lighthousequiltersguild.com.

Racine Welcome Club: Drop in coffee 9-11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at TheDish, 1220 N. Ohio St. The group is open to women interested in making new friends, learning about community resources, and being involved in philanthropic and social activities. Call 262-994-0957 for more information.

Racine NAACP: A membership is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 23. at the Dr. John Bryant Center, 601 Caron Butler Drive, Racine.
Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat reports.

Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com started coverage on Manulife Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. TheStreet downgraded Manulife Financial from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $30.43.

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Manulife Financial Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of NYSE MFC opened at $21.12 on Tuesday. Manulife Financial has a 12 month low of $17.07 and a 12 month high of $21.43. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $18.86 and a 200-day moving average of $18.85. The company has a market capitalization of $38.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.56, a P/E/G ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.10.

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.69 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.09. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 15.07% and a net margin of 10.79%. The company had revenue of $6.95 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.07 billion. Analysts predict that Manulife Financial will post 2.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Manulife Financial Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be given a dividend of $0.263 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 21st. This represents a $1.05 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.98%. Manulife Financials payout ratio is 52.50%.

Institutional Trading of Manulife Financial

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 65,706,458 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,402,832,000 after acquiring an additional 2,032,695 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 31,721,712 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $599,526,000 after acquiring an additional 505,891 shares during the period. Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 26,424,327 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $499,482,000 after acquiring an additional 1,373,221 shares during the period. Beutel Goodman & Co Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Beutel Goodman & Co Ltd. now owns 24,637,206 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $466,212,000 after buying an additional 120,055 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Manulife Financial during the 4th quarter worth $406,195,000. 45.02% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Manulife Financial

(Get Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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NextEra Energy Partners (NYSE:NEP  Free Report) had its price objective cut by Mizuho from $40.00 to $33.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the solar energy providers stock.

Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on NEP. Raymond James raised NextEra Energy Partners from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $60.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 29th. Guggenheim decreased their price target on NextEra Energy Partners from $42.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on NextEra Energy Partners from $40.00 to $24.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Bank of America decreased their price target on NextEra Energy Partners from $60.00 to $30.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut NextEra Energy Partners from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $80.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.27.

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NextEra Energy Partners Price Performance

Shares of NEP opened at $30.16 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $2.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.68, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.91. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $24.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.61 and a quick ratio of 0.57. NextEra Energy Partners has a 12 month low of $20.17 and a 12 month high of $77.21.

NextEra Energy Partners (NYSE:NEP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The solar energy provider reported $0.57 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $367.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $414.16 million. NextEra Energy Partners had a return on equity of 0.85% and a net margin of 9.58%. The firms revenue was up 21.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.93 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that NextEra Energy Partners will post 1.03 earnings per share for the current year.

NextEra Energy Partners Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 14th. Investors of record on Monday, November 6th were given a $0.8675 dividend. This is a positive change from NextEra Energy Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.85. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 3rd. This represents a $3.47 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 11.51%. NextEra Energy Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 260.90%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On NextEra Energy Partners

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Credit Suisse AG boosted its position in shares of NextEra Energy Partners by 28.8% in the 1st quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 557,818 shares of the solar energy providers stock valued at $33,887,000 after purchasing an additional 124,575 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in NextEra Energy Partners by 4.0% during the 1st quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 18,680 shares of the solar energy providers stock worth $1,135,000 after acquiring an additional 716 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. boosted its position in NextEra Energy Partners by 14.3% during the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 19,892 shares of the solar energy providers stock worth $1,166,000 after acquiring an additional 2,489 shares during the period. EA Series Trust acquired a new stake in NextEra Energy Partners during the 2nd quarter worth about $950,000. Finally, Atria Investments Inc boosted its position in NextEra Energy Partners by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 23,847 shares of the solar energy providers stock worth $1,449,000 after acquiring an additional 410 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.99% of the companys stock.

About NextEra Energy Partners

(Get Free Report)

NextEra Energy Partners, LP acquires, owns, and manages contracted clean energy projects in the United States. It owns a portfolio of contracted renewable generation assets consisting of wind, solar, and battery storage projects, as well as contracted natural gas pipeline assets. NextEra Energy Partners, LP was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida.

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Ninety One SA PTY Ltd bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 14,579 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,855,000. Eli Lilly and Company makes up approximately 1.5% of Ninety One SA PTY Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest position.

A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 33,878,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,888,300,000 after buying an additional 642,274 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 20,324,267 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,979,760,000 after buying an additional 314,349 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 533,336.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 19,059,681 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,938,609,000 after purchasing an additional 19,056,108 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,205,501 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,111,568,000 after purchasing an additional 338,077 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,411,740,000 after purchasing an additional 3,691,436 shares during the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently weighed in on LLY. Argus lifted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target 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 lifted 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 report on Friday, November 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $710.00 price objective (up from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, October 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $570.82.

Insider Transactions at Eli Lilly and Company

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, 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 document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, 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 document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $573.69 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $589.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of $529.77. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $309.20 and a one year high of $629.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $544.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.93, a PEG ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.33.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. The business had revenue of $9.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.88 billion. On average, analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 EPS for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.91%. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 81.88%.

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Northcoast Research upgraded shares of A. O. Smith (NYSE:AOS  Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. Northcoast Research currently has $90.00 target price on the industrial products companys stock.

AOS has been the subject of several other reports. StockNews.com assumed coverage on A. O. Smith in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus restated a hold rating and issued a $80.00 target price on shares of A. O. Smith in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, Citigroup raised their target price on A. O. Smith from $76.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.38.

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A. O. Smith Stock Performance

A. O. Smith stock opened at $79.20 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $73.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $71.36. A. O. Smith has a 52-week low of $55.41 and a 52-week high of $80.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.60, a P/E/G ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 1.25.

A. O. Smith (NYSE:AOS  Get Free Report) last released 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 firm had revenue of $937.50 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $910.81 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.69 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that A. O. Smith will post 3.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A. O. Smith Increases Dividend

The company 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.62%. 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 (DPR) is presently 64.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Idelle K. Wolf sold 1,000 shares of A. O. Smith stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.16, for a total value of $76,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 47,954 shares in the company, valued at $3,652,176.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other A. O. Smith news, Director Mark D. Smith sold 2,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.01, for a total transaction of $205,227.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 114,548 shares in the company, valued at $8,706,793.48. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Idelle K. Wolf sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.16, for a total value of $76,160.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 47,954 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,652,176.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 133,725 shares of company stock worth $9,686,543 over the last three months. 0.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On A. O. Smith

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of A. O. Smith by 4.7% during the 3rd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 3,230 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $214,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of A. O. Smith by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 4,762 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $315,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares in the last quarter. Eukles Asset Management lifted its holdings in shares of A. O. Smith by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Eukles Asset Management now owns 28,987 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,110,000 after purchasing an additional 152 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its holdings in shares of A. O. Smith by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 4,105 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $299,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Republic Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of A. O. Smith by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,922 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $652,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. 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.

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Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO  Free Report) had its target price boosted by Raymond James from $76.00 to $80.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on BRO. Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Brown & Brown in a report on Tuesday. They issued a neutral rating and a $77.00 price objective for the company. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $85.00 target price on shares of Brown & Brown in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $77.00 target price on shares of Brown & Brown in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $83.00 to $85.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $81.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brown & Brown currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $77.22.

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Brown & Brown Stock Down 3.4 %

Brown & Brown stock opened at $69.48 on Tuesday. Brown & Brown has a twelve month low of $52.82 and a twelve month high of $76.25. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $71.82 and a 200-day moving average price of $70.42. The company has a market capitalization of $19.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.85, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60.

Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.71 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.04 billion. Brown & Brown had a net margin of 18.08% and a return on equity of 15.72%. Brown & Browns revenue for the quarter was up 15.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.50 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Brown & Brown will post 2.76 EPS for the current year.

Brown & Brown Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 1st were given a dividend of $0.13 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 31st. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.75%. This is a boost from Brown & Browns previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. Brown & Browns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 19.77%.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Stephen M. Boyd sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.64, for a total transaction of $176,600.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 64,471 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,554,231.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 17.02% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Brown & Brown

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new position in shares of Brown & Brown during the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. West Tower Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Brown & Brown during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Quilter Plc bought a new position in shares of Brown & Brown during the 1st quarter valued at $438,906,000. Clear Street Markets LLC grew its holdings in shares of Brown & Brown by 93.7% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 461 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PSI Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Brown & Brown during the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.33% of the companys stock.

About Brown & Brown

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Brown & Brown, Inc markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail segment provides property and casualty, employee benefits insurance products, personal insurance products, specialties insurance products, risk management strategies, loss control survey and analysis, consultancy, and claims processing services.

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Sendero Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,418 shares of the credit services providers stock after buying an additional 149 shares during the quarter. Sendero Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $1,749,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in MA. ERTS Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Mastercard by 1.9% in the second quarter. ERTS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,376 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $541,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the period. Werba Rubin Papier Wealth Management raised its position in Mastercard by 3.0% in the second quarter. Werba Rubin Papier Wealth Management now owns 869 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $342,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the period. Acropolis Investment Management LLC raised its position in Mastercard by 1.6% in the second quarter. Acropolis Investment Management LLC now owns 1,677 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $660,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the period. New World Advisors LLC raised its position in Mastercard by 2.0% in the second quarter. New World Advisors LLC now owns 1,300 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $511,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the period. Finally, Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC raised its position in Mastercard by 2.0% in the first quarter. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC now owns 1,386 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $504,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the period. 74.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Mastercard Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE MA opened at $414.27 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $388.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 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 business has a 50-day moving average of $398.18 and a two-hundred day moving average of $395.65. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1 year low of $336.43 and a 1 year high of $426.37.

Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The credit services provider reported $3.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.21 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $6.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 188.83% and a net margin of 44.85%. Mastercards revenue for the quarter was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.68 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard declared that its board has initiated a stock buyback program on Tuesday, December 5th that allows the company to buyback $11.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the credit services provider to reacquire up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

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 $0.66 dividend. This is an increase from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.64%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 8th. Mastercards payout ratio is presently 19.86%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Richard K. Davis bought 1,000 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $390.96 per share, with a total value of $390,960.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 9,743 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,809,123.28. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Ajay Bhalla sold 2,093 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $415.00, for a total value of $868,595.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 6,235 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,587,525. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Richard K. Davis acquired 1,000 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $390.96 per share, with a total value of $390,960.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 9,743 shares in the company, valued at $3,809,123.28. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 516,776 shares of company stock valued at $199,190,431. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have commented on MA. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating and issued 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 note on Thursday, October 12th. Morgan Stanley dropped 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. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Mastercard from $425.00 to $480.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Mastercard in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Mastercard currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $451.32.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Mastercard

Mastercard 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.

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Strathcona Resources (TSE:SCR  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by BMO Capital Markets from C$28.00 to C$25.00 in a research report released on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on SCR. Scotiabank set a C$40.00 price target on Strathcona Resources and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 6th. TD Securities decreased their price target on Strathcona Resources from C$34.00 to C$32.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 14th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on Strathcona Resources from C$35.00 to C$33.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, CIBC set a C$40.00 target price on Strathcona Resources and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$34.00.

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Strathcona Resources Stock Performance

Insider Buying and Selling at Strathcona Resources

Shares of SCR stock opened at C$21.69 on Tuesday. Strathcona Resources has a 52-week low of C$20.16 and a 52-week high of C$30.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 67.47, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 11.09. The company has a market cap of C$4.65 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.89. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is C$24.68.

In other news, Director Andrew Kim bought 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$22.42 per share, with a total value of C$67,251.00. In related news, Director Cody Church purchased 1,140 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$22.00 per share, for a total transaction of C$25,080.00. Also, Director Andrew Kim bought 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 15th. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$22.42 per share, for a total transaction of C$67,251.00.

Strathcona Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Strathcona Resources Ltd. acquires, explores for, develops, and produces petroleum and natural gas reserves in western Canada. It operates through three segments: Cold Lake Thermal, Lloydminster Heavy Oil, and Montney. The Cold Lake Thermal segment includes three producing assets in the Cold Lake region of Northern Alberta; and Lindbergh, Orion, and Tucker.

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Symmetry Partners LLC lowered its stake in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report) by 16.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 45,914 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,130 shares during the period. Symmetry Partners LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $2,570,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 103,297.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 57,734,303 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,672,479,000 after acquiring an additional 57,678,466 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Coca-Cola in the 4th quarter valued at $2,937,315,000. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 15.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 79,101,856 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,031,669,000 after acquiring an additional 10,722,435 shares during the period. Barclays PLC grew its position in Coca-Cola by 164.7% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 14,430,093 shares of the companys stock valued at $868,981,000 after buying an additional 8,979,379 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in Coca-Cola in the 2nd quarter valued at $429,854,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.96% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Coca-Cola

In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $4,956,681.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,835,527.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $4,956,681.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,835,527.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Henrique Braun sold 52,696 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.97, for a total transaction of $3,002,091.12. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 26,272 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,496,715.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 349,316 shares of company stock valued at $19,716,506. 1.00% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Coca-Cola Price Performance

Coca-Cola stock opened at $58.90 on Friday. The Coca-Cola Company has a 52 week low of $51.55 and a 52 week high of $64.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $56.68 and its 200 day simple moving average is $58.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $254.65 billion, a PE ratio of 23.71, a P/E/G ratio of 3.62 and a beta of 0.58.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $0.74 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.05. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 23.92% and a return on equity of 42.44%. The business had revenue of $11.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.45 billion. On average, equities research analysts predict that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.68 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Coca-Cola Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a $0.46 dividend. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.12%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Coca-Colas payout ratio is 73.90%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently weighed in on KO. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $59.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Coca-Cola from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Monday, November 13th. They issued a hold rating and a $64.00 price objective on the stock. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $66.20.

View Our Latest Report on KO

Coca-Cola Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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Thomasville National Bank lowered its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report) by 5.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 10,864 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 566 shares during the period. Thomasville National Banks holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $412,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of EEM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 125,500.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 144,937,968 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,493,149,000 after buying an additional 144,822,572 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 96,952.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 53,678,016 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,123,502,000 after purchasing an additional 53,622,708 shares in the last quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 39,739.1% in the 1st quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 22,246,553 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $877,849,000 after purchasing an additional 22,190,712 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 16,816.5% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 6,821,065 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $269,159,000 after purchasing an additional 6,780,743 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 20.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 39,172,754 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,484,647,000 after purchasing an additional 6,765,030 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.58% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of EEM opened at $40.00 on Friday. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 12-month low of $36.38 and a 12-month high of $42.53. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $38.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $39.18.

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).

Further Reading

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Thomasville National Bank grew its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 107,630 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 840 shares during the quarter. Thomasville National Banks holdings in Pfizer were worth $3,570,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in Pfizer by 98,197.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,948,438,709 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $71,468,732,000 after purchasing an additional 1,946,456,532 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 445,384,893 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $18,171,704,000 after acquiring an additional 2,516,132 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 287,201,692 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $10,534,558,000 after acquiring an additional 5,374,611 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 9.8% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 218,931,933 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $8,932,423,000 after acquiring an additional 19,602,359 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 89,592.7% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 161,143,638 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $8,257,000,000 after acquiring an additional 160,963,976 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently weighed in on PFE. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $39.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 16th. TheStreet lowered shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, September 25th. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $40.35.

Pfizer Price Performance

PFE opened at $26.59 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 2.38 and a quick ratio of 2.05. The company has a market capitalization of $150.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.61. The firms fifty day moving average price is $30.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $34.05. Pfizer Inc. has a 1 year low of $25.76 and a 1 year high of $53.14.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.77 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.30% and a return on equity of 16.72%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.32%. This is a boost from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 25th. Pfizers payout ratio is presently 89.62%.

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Republican lawmakers on Friday called for layoffs at Wisconsin agencies and criticized remote work policies after an audit revealed that state employees were spending substantially more time working from home than in their offices.

However, a majority of the agencies surveyed said that remote work had increased their efficiency. Most state agencies allow employees to work remotely up to five days a week, and employees at several agency headquarters seldom used their ID cards to access the buildings, according to the audit published Friday by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau.

The audit shows massive waste on expensive unnecessary physical structures, Republican Sen. Eric Wimberger, who co-chairs the Legislatures audit committee, said in a statement.

Key card data reviewed by auditors also suggested that some state employees may be working in person less often than stipulated by their remote work agreements.

Wimberger said that since agencies say remote work makes them more efficient, he believes staff cuts are in order. Auditors proposed renting fewer state office spaces if officials dont require employees to return to in-person work.

Of the 39 agencies in Democratic Gov. Tony Evers administration that auditors reviewed, 26 allowed employees to work from home up to five days a week. The same held true for most University of Wisconsin institutions.

In the first six months of 2023, more than 3,000 state employees at four major headquarters buildings in Madison used their key cards to access the buildings an average of 1.3 times a week.

The Legislative Audit Bureau reported that on average less than a third of work stations were in use at the University of Wisconsin system and the offices of 15 state agencies that they visited repeatedly in July and August.

UW System has also seen skyrocketing tuition to accommodate expensive workspaces that house a growing administrative employee payroll, Wimberger said. I believe it is fair to ask UW System if cuts can be made to reduce infrastructure or administrative staff.

His comments come after university officials agreed earlier this week to limit diversity, equity and inclusion positions on campus in order to free up funding for pay raises and construction projects that had been withheld in negotiations with Republicans who control the Legislature.

Office occupancy rates in major cities are at about 50%, according to reporting by CNBC and others that doesnt distinguish between private and public employers. Private office space wouldnt be paid for with tax dollars, while public office space would.
StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the technology companys stock.

WidePoint Trading Down 2.1 %

Shares of WidePoint stock opened at $1.86 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $16.44 million, a PE ratio of -1.40 and a beta of 1.29. The business has a 50 day moving average of $1.86. WidePoint has a one year low of $1.60 and a one year high of $2.28.

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WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The technology company reported ($0.10) EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $25.73 million during the quarter. WidePoint had a negative return on equity of 69.76% and a negative net margin of 11.48%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On WidePoint

WidePoint Company Profile

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of WYY. UBS Group AG purchased a new position in WidePoint during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new position in WidePoint during the 2nd quarter valued at $37,000. Citadel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in WidePoint by 121.1% during the 3rd quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 13,577 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 7,437 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in WidePoint by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 390,757 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $833,000 after acquiring an additional 34,072 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in WidePoint by 27.5% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 43,483 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $79,000 after acquiring an additional 9,377 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 10.51% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

WidePoint Corporation provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe. The company offers TMaaS solutions through a secure federal government certified proprietary portal and secure enterprise portal that provides ability to manage, analyze, and protect communications assets, as well as deploy identity management solutions that provide secured virtual and physical access to restricted environments.

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XPO (NYSE:XPO  Free Report) had its price target boosted by Citigroup from $88.00 to $100.00 in a research note released on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the transportation companys stock.

XPO has been the topic of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of XPO from $87.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Benchmark lifted their target price on shares of XPO from $87.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of XPO from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on shares of XPO from $82.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of XPO from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $82.05.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on XPO

XPO Stock Performance

NYSE XPO opened at $85.41 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 275.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 2.11. The companys fifty day moving average is $81.11 and its two-hundred day moving average is $70.47. XPO has a 52-week low of $29.02 and a 52-week high of $90.78.

XPO (NYSE:XPO  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The transportation company reported $0.88 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.24. XPO had a net margin of 0.48% and a return on equity of 33.40%. The business had revenue of $1.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.93 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.45 EPS. The firms revenue was up 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that XPO will post 2.79 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at XPO

In other XPO news, Director J Wes Frye purchased 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was bought at an average price of $79.71 per share, for a total transaction of $119,565.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,000 shares in the company, valued at $239,130. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 1.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky grew its holdings in XPO by 93.9% during the third quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 39,480 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $2,947,000 after purchasing an additional 19,116 shares during the period. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP grew its holdings in XPO by 42.9% during the third quarter. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP now owns 251,796 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $18,799,000 after purchasing an additional 75,564 shares during the period. USA Financial Formulas acquired a new position in XPO during the third quarter valued at approximately $103,000. Comerica Bank acquired a new position in XPO during the third quarter valued at approximately $3,656,000. Finally, Creative Planning grew its holdings in XPO by 9.1% during the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 4,132 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $308,000 after purchasing an additional 344 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.67% of the companys stock.

About XPO

(Get Free Report)

XPO, Inc provides freight transportation services in the United States, rest of North America, France, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, North American LTL and European Transportation. The North American LTL segment provides customers with less-than-truckload (LTL) services, such as geographic density and day-definite domestic services.

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Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

NANNING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua)  President Xi Jinping has urged Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to free the mind, innovate, promote ocean-oriented economy, and further opening up and development during an inspection tour to the southern Chinese region from Thursday to Friday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the coastal region to write its chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

On Wednesday, Xi returned to China after a state visit to Vietnam. From Thursday to Friday, he went to places including Nanning, capital city of the region, and Laibin City.

Inspecting the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. in Nanning, Xi pointed out that the building of the China-ASEAN Information Harbor is an important measure to promote Belt and Road cooperation, as well as to enhance connectivity between China and ASEAN countries.

Visiting the Panlong community in Nanning, Xi said that communities are the basic units of grassroots self-governance, as well as the foundation of the country's governance system.

Xi said that Guangxi's efforts to build a demonstration zone for forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should start from the community level, calling on the region to further enhance ethnic unity.

Upon leaving the community, Xi said that it will further benefit Guangxi's opening up and development to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance.

Noting that Guangxi is an autonomous region with the largest population of ethnic minorities in China, Xi said that no ethnic group should be left behind in the building of a modern socialist country in all respects.

On Thursday afternoon, Xi inspected the city of Laibin. While visiting a sugarcane base in the city, he noted that Guangxi, the country's major sucrose production base, should further develop its characteristic sugar industry so as to play a bigger role in ensuring national sugar security and increasing sugarcane farmers' income.

He also urged more efforts in building modern agriculture industrial parks.

China's sugar industry is faced with fierce international competition, Xi said while visiting a local sugar company, calling for efforts in boosting sci-tech innovation, extending the industrial chain and increasing added value to promote the high-quality development of the industry.

On Friday morning, Xi heard a briefing on the work of the regional Party committee and government.

Xi said Guangxi should modernize the industrial system at a faster pace, and build several pillar industries featuring local characteristics and strengths, a rather large scale and strong radiation effect. The region is urged to give full play to its geographic advantage and boost maritime economy and port industry.

The region should put scientific and technological innovation in a more prominent position, constantly expand opening up to the domestic and international markets, and build a more dynamic open economy, Xi stressed.

Xi urged greater efforts to build Guangxi into an important strategic hinterland of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

It is necessary to jointly build the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and implement a number of major transportation infrastructure projects, the president said.

He called on Guangxi to actively serve the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and deeply integrate into the joint construction of the Belt and Road.

Noting that rural revitalization is a basic project for building up China's strength in agriculture, Xi said Guangxi should implement related plans and make solid progress.

He also urged Guangxi to give full play to its advantages of rich resources and vigorously develop modern characteristic agricultural industries.

Xi urged the region to carry out all its work with a focus on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and to continue taking a pioneering role in promoting ethnic unity and progress.

To promote the common prosperity for all, it is imperative to steadily narrow the gaps between urban and rural areas, and among various regions and ethnic groups, Xi added.

Xi pointed out that the key to delivering solid outcomes in all areas of work lies in upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership.

At the turn of the year, Party committees and governments at all levels must work to ensure a safe and joyful holiday for the people, Xi stressed.

Noting that widespread moderate to heavy snowfalls have occurred in regions such as North China and Yellow and Huaihe river basins, affecting both production and daily lives of the people, Xi called on all localities and relevant departments to closely monitor the situation and strive to minimize the impact.

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, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

On Friday morning, Xi met with senior officers of the armed forces stationed in Nanning. Zhang Youxia also attended the meeting.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Yan Yan]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, communicates with residents while inspecting the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, communicates with residents while inspecting the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, communicates with residents while inspecting the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, communicates with residents while inspecting the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, communicates with residents while inspecting the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Yan Yan]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, communicates with residents while inspecting the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday morning inspected the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. During the inspection, Xi visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and the Panlong community in Liangqing District, and conducted a field study concerning economic and trade cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the development and application of informatization, the improvement of urban community governance system and strengthening ethnic unity. [Xinhua/Yan Yan]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a sugarcane base in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday afternoon inspected the city of Laibin in Guangxi. During the inspection, Xi visited a sugarcane base and a sugar company in the city, learning about the breeding, planting and harvesting of sugarcane and the development of the sugar industry. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a sugarcane base in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday afternoon inspected the city of Laibin in Guangxi. During the inspection, Xi visited a sugarcane base and a sugar company in the city, learning about the breeding, planting and harvesting of sugarcane and the development of the sugar industry. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects a sugarcane base in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from Thursday to Friday. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a sugarcane base in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday afternoon inspected the city of Laibin in Guangxi. During the inspection, Xi visited a sugarcane base and a sugar company in the city, learning about the breeding, planting and harvesting of sugarcane and the development of the sugar industry. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects a sugarcane base in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from Thursday to Friday. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a sugarcane base in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday afternoon inspected the city of Laibin in Guangxi. During the inspection, Xi visited a sugarcane base and a sugar company in the city, learning about the breeding, planting and harvesting of sugarcane and the development of the sugar industry. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a sugar company in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday afternoon inspected the city of Laibin in Guangxi. During the inspection, Xi visited a sugarcane base and a sugar company in the city, learning about the breeding, planting and harvesting of sugarcane and the development of the sugar industry. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a sugar company in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday afternoon inspected the city of Laibin in Guangxi. During the inspection, Xi visited a sugarcane base and a sugar company in the city, learning about the breeding, planting and harvesting of sugarcane and the development of the sugar industry. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, talks with employees while inspecting a sugar company in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. Xi on Thursday afternoon inspected the city of Laibin in Guangxi. During the inspection, Xi visited a sugarcane base and a sugar company in the city, learning about the breeding, planting and harvesting of sugarcane and the development of the sugar industry. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with senior officers of the armed forces stationed in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 15, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from Thursday to Friday. [Xinhua/Li Gang]

(Source: Xinhua)


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...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. &&
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

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COVID is spreading throughout Britain ahead the holiday season, with the new JN.1 variant accounting for one in every 13 cases in November.

The end of systematic testing means hospitalisations are the only real indicator of the spread of the disease. These are rising sharply. In the week to December 8, in England, 2,622 infected patients were admitted to hospital, a 40 percent increase on the total a fortnight ago.

People queue for coronavirus booster jabs at St Thomas' Hospital, with the National COVID Memorial Wall in the foreground, in London, December 13, 2021. [AP Photo/Matt Dunham]

The ruling elite long ago declared the pandemic over, ditching every public health measure in place. This was done with the lie, supported by all parliamentary parties, that everyone wanted to abandon all efforts to control the virus, denounced as an affront to peoples freedom.

For the ruling class, what living with the virus really means is that nothing can be allowed to interfere with the profit making of the corporations, whatever the cost to the health and lives of the population.

This attitude is expressed in the denial of vaccine boosters to millions (anyone younger than 65 and without specific health conditions) and the lack of any effort to encourage those eligible to get their shot. Only 2.3 million people out of a population of 66 million in Britain have received this winters booster.

Under these conditions, a survey by the More in Common think tank has sent shockwaves through ruling circles, making clear that millions are opposed to this agenda. More in Common projects an ostensibly liberal outlook, having been founded by the husband of Labour MP Jo Cox after she was murdered by a fascist during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign.

Over 2,000 people in Britain were asked between November 30 and December 4: Currently, there are no legal Covid-19 restrictions in place in the UK. Thinking of the current health situation in the UK, would you support or oppose the Government re-introducing each of the following Covid-19 restrictions at the current time?

A fifth of adults responded that they would support the reintroduction of a lockdown, leaving home only for essential shopping, work and an hour of exercise. Over a fifth (22 percent) of those aged 18-24 (Gen Z) supported the measure. Of those aged 25-40 (Millennials), almost 28 percent were in favour. For those aged 41-55 (Gen X), 56-74, and 75-plus, the rates of support were over 19 percent, nearly 16 percent and nearly 14 percent.

The highest rates of support across all age groups (45 percent overall) were for wearing masks on public transporta highly effective measure for preventing the spread of the disease.

Measures to close pubs and restaurants were backed by 20 percent of those polled, with almost 25 percent of Gen Z supporting the move, and over 25 percent of Millennials. One third of those aged 25-40 backed the closing of nightclubs, as did almost a third of those aged 18-24.

Nearly a quarter of respondents (23 percent) said they would support limiting meetings to outdoor settings and only in groups of up to six. Among Millennials, support for the measure rose to 29 percent. Even among the oldest age grouptending to be the most opposed to public health measures despite their increased risk profile for COVIDsupport for this measure still reached 18 percent.

Significantly, support for public health measures was highest in Londonthe capital, and by far the most densely populated area of the UKand the North East of England, one of the countrys poorest regions.

Drunk on its own propaganda agitating for the end of any public health response to the pandemic, the right-wing media responded to its rude awakening with wild denunciations. The response was summed up by the pro-Tory Daily Mails headline: Proof Britain has gone completely bonkers?.

Screenshot of MailOnline headliine "Proof Britain has gone completely bonkers?" [Photo: dailymail.co.uk]

The newspaper interviewed Professor Keith Willison, chair of chemical biology at Imperial College London and among those who favoured a return to work as early as May 2020 to reactivate the economy, while COVID was still rampant. Willison told MailOnline in horror, It is upsetting that 20 per cent of UK adults feel this way about reintroducing lockdown restrictions. It demonstrates the effectiveness of project fear which was initiated four years ago now It is going to take many years to recover from the lockdown disaster Project fear also helped drive the emergence of the working from home lifestyle.

More in Common itself was taken aback by the results of its survey. UK associate Ed Hodgson told the right-wing GB News, We did the poll twice just because we wanted to make sure people understand this was not a hypothetical, we werent asking what would people want if COVID got worse. We were asking what they thought right now.

Trying to downplay the findings, Hodgson told MailOnline, it should be stressed support for these measures in the abstract doesnt always translate into support in real life when the impacts of such policies become clearer.

But this is belied by More in Commons own earlier multi-nation polling of 14,000 people in September 2020 which found that No country reports higher numbers of people following COVID-19 rules than Britain. The other countries surveyed were France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, and the United States. At that time, 58 percent of Britons followed the rules very closely; and 36 percent somewhat closely. Very small minorities of 4 percent followed the rules not very closely and 3 percent not closely at all.

According to an Ipsos poll published this September, a significant section of the population were already or were planning in the next two weeks to take measures to stop the spread of COVID. It found that more than a third of people reported not going or planning not to go to pubs and restaurants, among them two fifths of young people, specifically to avoid them or their family catching COVID. Half of young people said they still wore/planned to wear face masks, along with 30 percent of people aged 55-75. More than two fifths of people said they were taking lateral flow tests, despite them not being available for free from the National Health Service since April 1, 2022.

Again, these findings were met with disbelief by those conducting the survey, with Cameron Garrett, research manager at Ipsos, stating, we will have some overclaim on surveys like this where we are prompting them to think about COVID. There will also be some who read it and say they are avoiding it when actually they dont do these things in the first place.

The reality is that many people do not accept the incessant propaganda fed to them by a ruling elite already responsible for over 233,000 COVID deaths and another almost 2 million debilitated by Long COVID. The lived experience of millions, as they themselves fall ill with COVID, along with other people around them, is at odds with the lies of a homicidal ruling elite which could not care less about the human cost of living with a deadly, mutating virus.

Nor is the response recorded in the surveys authoritarian, in Hodgsons words to the Independent. What he and the media denounce as heavy handed interventions are in fact scientifically informed measures understood by many to be the only rational and humane answer to a pandemic which is being allowed to run out of control.

What really incenses the right-wing media is the spirit of collectivism and social responsibility revealed by the survey figures, which is anathema to the dog-eat-dog individualism promoted by capitalism. The fact that this is more pronounced among younger layers, who have grown up with global economic, geopolitical and climate crises, fuelled by the profit lust and greed of the super rich, is significant.

It should also be noted that the results of these polls are snapshots of social consciousness, under the pressure of enormous propaganda and with no organised political opposition mounted outside of the World Socialist Web Site. By the New Year, with tens of millions having gathered together for the holiday season, the virus spreading even more widely and the regular National Health Service winter crisis in full swing, many more will have drawn the same conclusion.
Political events of the past week in the Australian state of Queensland have provided a graphic picture of the extent to which the top trade union bureaucrats control the countrys Labor governments. They also point to the developing crisis of these pro-business, right-wing governments.

Newly elected Premier Steven Miles being sworn by Queensland Governor Jeannette Young, December 15, 2023. [Photo: X/Twitter/@StevenJMiles]

Just days after union powerbrokers forced the immediate resignation of Queensland Labor Party Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last Sunday, she was replaced by Steven Miles, the former deputy premier. He was formally sworn into office yesterday by the states governor.

The same combination of so-called Left and Right union chiefs who unceremoniously dumped Palaszczuk, who had been in office for nearly nine years, installed Miles after sealing backroom deals.

Labor members of state parliament dutifully endorsed Miles elevation shortly before he was sworn in. Miles got the post with the obvious backing of United Workers Union (UWU) national political director, Gary Bullock, who sits on the Labor Partys national executive as a representative of Labors Left faction.

Bullock and his union apparatus are said to command the allegiance of 34 of the 52 Labor MPs in Queenslands single-house state parliament. That includes Miles, who conspicuously referred to Bullock as one of his mentors in his inaugural media conference as premier.

As part of a power-sharing deal with Labors Right faction leaders, their representative, Treasurer Cameron Dick, was likewise installed as deputy premier. The Right faction secured one extra seat in the governments cabinet, which has been expanded from 18 to 19 members to accommodate that arrangement.

Dick, backed by the Right faction union chiefs like Australian Workers Union (AWU) boss Stacey Schinnerl, agreed to anoint Miles to kill off a brief challenge by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Reportedly, Fentiman had been endorsed by a Left sub-faction led by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) bureaucrats.

In return, Dick will also bolster the Right factions position by becoming trade and investment minister, as well as treasurer and taking control of Miles portfolios of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

All this makes a mockery of the efforts being made by Miles and the corporate media to present his government as a renewed and fresh face. Five new members will join the cabinet, all of whom were already assistant ministers under Palaszczuk. In turn, their assistant ministry posts will be filled by five others, each hand-picked by union-aligned factional powerbrokers.

Since taking office in 2015, the state Labor government has presided over worsening staff shortages and resources in the states public hospitals and schools, and a growing social housing and homelessness crisis. During the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, it imposed a two-year wage freeze on public sector workers, enforced by the union leaders.

After winning re-election most recently in 2020 by claiming to protect people by shutting the states borders in response to the pandemic, the Palaszczuk government joined all the countrys other governments, both Labor and Liberal-National, in scrapping every health safety measure, letting COVID rip at the cost of an estimated 1,000 lives in Queensland.

In a transparent bid to adopt a new image, Miles and Dick have announced several token measures, including to set a higher target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2035, and to freeze car registration fees and public transport fares, for one year, in 2024, before a state election due in October.

But in his inaugural speech, Miles made plain the intensified right-wing, pro-business and repressive character of the governments agenda, to be implemented in close partnership with the union bureaucrats. First, he announced a consultative body, the Queensland Leaders Forum to bring together business, industry, community and unions in the one room to work together.

Second, Miles declared the government would increase police resources because youth crime in Queensland is unacceptably high. The Queensland government already jails more children, many of them indigenous, than any other Australian state or territory. This year, responding to a media witch hunt over youth crime amid the deepening social crisis, the Palaszczuk government twice rushed through parliament laws to lock up more children in adult cells, suspending the states Human Rights Act to do so.

Miles has personally associated himself with this law and order crusade. Last year, when a magistrate released children being held in the Townsville police watch house, Miles publicly attacked the courts, claiming the safety of people was being held to ransom by rogue courts and rogue justices.

Miles vow of an even greater crackdown on youth crime is another warning of the police-state type conditions to which governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, will resort against the working class as the social and political crisis deepens.

With Labor governments currently in office federally and in every mainland state and territory, the abrupt switch in Queensland has clear implications more broadly. Palaszczuk was the third Labor premier to suddenly quit this year, following the departures of Mark McGowan in Western Australia and Daniel Andrews in Victoria.

The ruling capitalist class is relying heavily on the union-backed Labor governments, particularly that of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to impose its widely-opposed program of war and austerity on the working class. That includes assisting the US-supported Israeli genocide in Palestine, escalating preparations to join a potential US-led nuclear war against China and making workers and youth bear the burden of militarism and the cost-of-living crisis.

Like Palaszczuks government, however, media polls indicate disintegrating support for Albaneses administration, which has fallen below the one-third of the primary vote that it obtained to scrape into office in May 2022. These polls are only a pale and distorted expression of the disaffection in the working class, particularly over the Gaza genocide and the sharp decline in real incomes and living conditions.

Most significantly of all, the events in Queensland highlight the extent to which the union chiefs control the Labor governments, which depend on them to police the program of Labor and the ruling class as a whole.

For four decades, the union machines have ruthlessly strangled and suppressed rank-and-file opposition to the measures through which successive governments, both Labor and Liberal-National, have inflicted an ever-widening gulf between the wealthy corporate elite and the deteriorating working and living conditions of workers.

One of the chief mechanisms of this suppression has been the anti-strike enterprise bargaining laws that the union leaders helped draft for the Hawke and Keating Labor governments from 1983 to 1996, and reinforce for the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments from 2007 to 2013. These laws made them the industrial police of the employers.

Every time that workers have sought to fight cuts to jobs and conditions, even during brief enterprise bargaining periods, union officials have shut down any stoppages as quickly as possible, and vehemently opposed any unified working-class strike action, declaring that such a struggle would be illegal and severely punished.

Working hand-in-glove with the current union chiefs, the Albanese government has introduced further workplace relations laws designed to try to strengthen the waning capacity of the union apparatuses to contain the working-class unrest that has been increasingly brewing up as a result.

Now the Queensland turmoil has laid bare the reality that the ruling class and its political servants in the Labor governments could not survive without the union bureaucrats who pull the strings behind the scenes, no less committed to the capitalist and militarist agenda.

Noticeably, in media interviews Miles defended the union bureaucracys grip over the Labor Party. The trade union movement has a very strong role in the Labor Party, he stated.

Miles himself typifies this relationship, having written a university PhD thesis on trade union renewal. Before securing a seat in the state parliament in 2015, he was a Labor staffer and union official, first as the industrial relations director for the Queensland branch of the public sector union and later as national campaign director for what would become the UWU.

Miles actually began his climb up the political ladder in Labors Right faction. He was an adviser to then Right faction Deputy Premier and Treasurer Andrew Fraser in the Bligh state Labor government, which was thrown out of office in an electoral landside defeat in 2012 after axing thousands of public sector jobs and privatising rail and other basic services.

After failing to gain parliamentary pre-selection from the Right faction, Miles switched to the Left faction, eventually winning a seat in 2015 on his third attempt. Now he has been put in charge, together with the union bureaucrats, of deepening the offensive in Queensland against the working class and enforcing the war program.
We are publishing here the tribute to Helen Halyard given by Joseph Kishore, the national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (US), to a memorial meeting for Comrade Helen held on December 3.

Dear Comrades and friends,

I am currently en route to Sri Lanka. The conditions for speaking to this meeting are not ideal, but I am honored to be able to participate in this very important and historic event.

What can one add to the previous statements of comrades about Helen? She was an extraordinary comrade, an extraordinary person. The adjectives used by comrades in todays meeting give a sense of her character: principled, self-sacrificing, warm, dedicated, cultured, honest, devoted, empathetic, blunt, unpretentious, tenacious, generous, optimistic, and, in the revolutionary and materialist sense, the real thing, the genuine article.

Joe Kishore, Margaret Rees, Frank Gaglioti, Eddie Benjamin and Helen Halyard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2000.

Comrade Helen Halyard reflected the strength of the party and, in turn, imparted her strength to the party, in many different ways. As Comrade North noted, a full summary of Comrade Halyards influence would require a review of the history of the Trotskyist movement over the past half-century. She played an important role in the struggles of the Workers League and the International Committee, in the fight against Wohlforths renegacy and the struggle, led by Comrade North, against the national opportunist degeneration of the Workers Revolutionary Party. She was centrally involved in the fight to expose the political assassination of Comrade Tom Henehan, in the campaign to free Gary Tyler, in the opposition to the victimization of Roger Cawthra and Mary Coleman, in countless strikes and struggles of the working class, and, of course, in the early election campaigns of the Workers League.

My own experiences with Helen began shortly after I came into contact with the movement. She was one of the first comrades I met in Detroit, in 1999. The discussion we had addressed many issues with which, at that point, I had very little familiarity: Pabloism, the Socialist Workers Party, the history of our party, Trotskyism, the Russian Revolution. I stayed with her and Comrade Tim when working for a summer at the plant. I recall not only the many political discussions, but also the immense amount of literature, books and pamphlets, that filled their basement and shelvessomething that I came to learn was a common feature in the houses of comrades.

Helen talks with friends at her 65th birthday, November 24, 2015

It is impossible to recount all the discussions, all the many elements of the work of the party she contributed to in the years since I became national secretarythe development of the work in Detroit, the Committee Against Utility Shutoffs, the fight to defend the Detroit Institute of Arts; the finance work, which involves critical discussions with contacts and supporters. If it was necessary to make a call to an important contact to have political discussion, one could always rely on Comrade Helen.

I think she took most pride, however, in her work in politically educating the younger members. Up until the final week of her life, despite many health problems, she participated in educational classes of the South and Southeast branches. She took very seriously the responsibility of the older generation to bring to the newer generations the experiences of the past. The comrades have spoken often of her indispensable role in providing guidance and leadership.

As comrades have reviewed, Helen was won to the party through a political struggle, against Pabloism, against black nationalism and its promotion by the Socialist Workers Party. Having been won to the party, she fought for the program of the party, guided by the understanding that there was no higher personal responsibility or personal satisfaction.

Helen Halyard speaking at the1975 Young Socialists East Coast Regional Conference, in New York City.

What imparts to the Trotskyist movement its strength, its endurancean endurance that is imparted to the cadre who are won to the movement? It is the correspondence of the program of the party with powerful revolutionary tendencies in the objective situation.

This correspondence developed through different historical periods, during which it was more or less evident. There were periods in history when the Trotskyist movement was isolated, when the forces of reaction were able to deliver it terrible blows. The movement persisted and fought, animated by revolutionary optimism in the role of the international working class, convinced that the course of events would, as Trotsky put it, leave of the old organizations not one stone upon another. And so it has.

Traveling to Sri Lanka, I have been thinking of the trip Helen herself took just over three decades ago, as part of the partys powerful presidential election campaign in 1992. I have been thinking about the movement and its strength, which is so much tied up with its international character.

Helen Halyard, right, meets workers in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone in Sri Lanka, during her world tour as the Workers League candidate for US President, in 1992. Wije Dias is on the left.

We are a party with powerful historical roots, as Helen would so often emphasize. We are a party of history. We strive at every point to connect the present with the immense experience embodied in the history of the movement itself. This is so closely tied to the partys international character, its international perspective.

Marxismand Trotskyism is the Marxism of the 21st centuryis based on irreconcilable opposition to all forms of nationalism, of which racial politics is one expression. Marxism is a movement based on the common interests of workers of all countries, of all races. The proletariat has no fatherland.

How powerfully this perspective corresponds to objective developments today! The contradictions of the capitalist system are driving the ruling class to barbarism, to reaction, to war and genocide, to fascism and authoritarianism. But the working class, the American and international working class, is a social power of enormous and growing force.

In her remarks in Sri Lanka in 1992, Comrade Helen explained: The growth of global economy strengthens the working class, creating the objective conditions to unite workers across national boundaries. It is only the Fourth International that builds a world party in the struggle for world socialism.

Leading members of the Workers League, from left: Larry Porter, Fred Mazelis, David North and Helen Halyard, in 1994

This point was made seven years after the split with the Workers Revolutionary Party, as the International Committee of the Fourth International analyzed the significance of globalization, of revolutionary changes in technology and communications. It was six years before the founding of the World Socialist Web Site, which has created the conditions for an extraordinary integration of the work of the World Party of Socialist Revolution.

Over the past three decades, these tendencies have grown enormously. Global internet usage has increased from only 3 percent in 1996 to more than 65 percent today. The international perspective of the party corresponds powerfully to reality.

The perspective of Pabloism, the orientation to the national bureaucracies, to Stalinism, Castroism, Maoism, to all the supposed alternatives to the building of a revolutionary leadership of the working class, has ended in shipwreck. There is an immense working class that is entering into struggle and the perspective of the party is winning a growing audience. The International Committee is growing and expanding throughout the world, as this meeting has powerfully demonstrated.

We understand, as Trotsky explained, that the crisis of mankind is ultimately reduced to the crisis of revolutionary leadership.

Comrades, in her life and in her political work, Comrade Helen fought untiringly for the perspective of Trotskyism. We mourn her loss, as a comrade, as a friend. It is our task to ensure that her life and work are carried forward, with increased devotion, through the political struggle of the Socialist Equality Party and the International Committee of the Fourth International, and the victory of socialism throughout the world.
A recent report by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) found that young women in the United States are experiencing a decline in well-being when compared to the previous generation. The report, titled Losing More Ground: Revisiting Young Womens Well-Being Across Generations, expanded on research from 2017 that found that social progress for Millennial women was stalling in comparison to Generation X.

Chief Nurse Executive Danielle Maness stands in an empty examination room that was used to perform abortions at the Women's Health Center of West Virginia in Charleston on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v Wade, the clinic had to suspend abortion services because of an 1800s-era abortion ban in West Virginia state code. [AP Photo/Leah Willingham]

According to the reports metrics for social well-being, Millennials (born between 1981 and 1999), have seen a six percent decline in overall well-being in comparison to their parents in Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980). In 2017 the decline had only been one percent, demonstrating the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people. The PRB used a series of metrics to rate well-being, using Gen X as a base of 100 points.

A number of key metrics stand out as worrying indicators of the decline in the health and safety of young women.

Increases in suicides and homicides

There has been a rapid increase in the suicide rate for young women in recent years. When Gen X was aged 25-34, suicide rates for women were at a low of 4.4 per 100,000 people. By 2017 the figure for Millennial women had risen to 6.3 and by 2023 that number is now 7 per 100,000. This rise in suicide rates is connected to socio-economic factors, such as high rates of loneliness, depression, and stress. The report notes that two-thirds of young women report feeling overwhelmed with stress most days.

The overturning of the constitutional right to abortion by the Supreme Court, leading to bans in multiple states, likely also plays a role. Nearly 20 percent of postal-natal and maternal deaths are attributed to suicide.

Suicide rates for white women declined somewhat between 2018 and 2021 from 9.5 per 100,000 to 8.5. Meanwhile, rates for non-white populations have risen by similar amounts. Black women saw an increase from 4.9 to 5.7, Hispanic women from 5.1 to 5.4, and people who reported multiple races from 5.8 to 6.4. By far the most impacted group is Native American and Alaska Native women, with an increase from 23 to 26.9 per 100,000.

Millennial women are not just harming themselves at increased rates, homicide rates have also increased substantially. Unlike suicide rates, homicides were declining as late as 2017 but saw a significant increase during the pandemic along with increased rates of domestic violence. The homicide rate overall for young women was 3.3 per 100,000 in 2017, rising to 4.5 by 2023. Black and Native American populations face considerably higher homicide rates than their white, Hispanic, and Asian peers. The homicide rate for black women is 14 per 100,000 and 11 for Native American women, while the homicide rates for white, Hispanic and Asian Millennials are 4, 3 and 1 per 100,000 respectively.

Homicide has even become a leading cause of death for pregnant and post-natal women. According to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, homicides of pregnant and post-natal women exceeded the three main medical causes of maternal mortality (hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage and sepsis).

Highest maternal mortality rate in 90 years

This figure is in the context of rising maternal death rates over the past two generations. Maternal death rates saw their lowest point in history during the Baby Boomer generation, at 7.5 per 100,000 births. By 2017 that number had risen to 19.2 and during the pandemic rose to 30.4, higher than during the Silent Generation (born 1928 to 1945).

COVID-19 played a significant role in this most recent spike, being involved in every one-in-four maternal deaths. As states and congressional Republicans move to implement full bans on abortion, maternal mortality will only increase further. A full ban on abortion nationwide is expected to increase maternal mortality by 20 percent.

A number of preventable medical issues make up the bulk of maternal deaths. Hemorrhage accounts for 14 percent, cardiac and coronary issues 13 percent, infection, thrombotic embolism and cardiomyopathy each 9 percent, and hypertension 7 percent. The leading cause of death, however, is not a physical ailment but a mental health crisis among pregnant women and new mothers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health related causes of death like suicide and overdose are the leading contributors to maternal mortality, at 23 percent of deaths.

Different factors are leading causes of death when women are divided by race and ethnicity. Mental health is the leading cause for white and Hispanic women, while cardiac and coronary issues were the leading cause for black women and hemorrhage was the leading cause for Asian women. Women in Alaska Native and Native American communities see mental health conditions and hemorrhage account for 50 percent of maternal deaths combined.

The rate of maternal mortality for black women is twice the national average. A wide array of factors contribute to this, including community health risks, improper health care in majority African American areas, and racial discrimination. Black women have higher rates than average of pre-existing health risks and perinatal complications that can contribute to maternal mortality.

One study published in the World Journal of Gynecology & Womens Health found that 75 percent of black births occurred at hospitals with a high delivery rate for black mothers. These black serving hospitals are more likely to be located in an urban area, located in the South, be a teaching hospital, have a higher delivery volume, have larger bed size, and have a higher proportion of Medicaid deliveries, and had higher rates of maternal mortality than hospitals with a lower proportion of back mothers.

The researchers concluded that existing comorbidities and location of delivery play a significant role in maternal health risks. While black mothers have higher risk across the board, white mothers had increased risk at the same hospitals as their black peers, suggesting that location and quality of care is a major contributor to increased maternal deaths for women of all races.

Historical indicators of well-being hide deep class inequalities

The PRB report notes the decline in the health and safety of young women is paired with an increase in well-being through other metrics. Millennial women are more likely to have a college education, be in higher paying professional careers, have lower incarceration rates, and make more than previous generations of women at their age. The gender wage gap for all women is reported at around 80 percent but for Millennial women that number is closer to 90 percent. These are important metrics that show that key indicators of social well-being are no longer guarantees of increased health and safety, nor are they reflective of the well-being of that group as a whole.

What is missing from this analysis is any attempt to break this data down by class. The report spends a considerable amount of time examining the data by race and ethnicity, but makes no effort to explore how these trends affect women of different social classes amid record levels of social inequality.

Regardless of what is missing from the data, the findings in the PRB report are a stark indication of the assault on working-class living standards in the United States, especially during the pandemic. These impacted women in a particularly harsh way, as businesses were shut down for in-person service or forced their workers to labor in unsafe conditions. Now that pandemic-era financial supports, such as expanded funding for food programs and child tax credits, are gone, many women are facing a new wave of economic and social pressures. This is especially true for single mothers and families where the mother is the primary income earner.

During a webinar on the findings of the report, Cata Brumfield, Associate Director at the Georgetown Center on Poverty, noted that Poverty is a policy choice. This rings true beyond the narrow definition of poverty in the United States, but speaks more broadly to failure of the capitalist system as a whole.

The rapid decline in the well-being of young women, and all workers more broadly, is the product of policies pursued by both the Democrats and Republicans to suppress wage growth, increase unemployment, and force the working class to pay for profits of Wall Street and the funding of imperialist war and genocide around the wold. The question before the working class is not policy reform, but socialist revolution to transform society to meet the needs of all, rather than the profit interests of a few.
The national security advisors of the US, Japan, and South Korea met on December 9 in Seoul for discussions aimed at furthering their accelerating plans for war against China. Cooperation between the three governments has developed into a de facto trilateral military alliance that is escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, center, at a joint news conference with South Korea's National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong, right, and Japan's National Security Secretariat Secretary-General Takeo Akiba, left, at the presidential office, Dec. 9, 2023, in Seoul. [AP Photo/Chung Sung-Jun]

The talks involving the US national security advisor Jake Sullivan and his Japanese and South Korean counterparts, Takeo Akiba and Jo Tae-yong respectively, were ostensibly focused on North Korea, though they did little to conceal the real target of their discussions. The meeting was a follow-up to the Camp David war summit in August between US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, which Washington has stated launched a new era of trilateral cooperation in a White House statement released Saturday.

At the meeting in Seoul, the three sides drew up plans for holding joint military exercises over multiple years and for sharing military intelligence in real time. Bilateral and trilateral war games between the US, Japan, and South Korea have already become regular occurrences, staged on Chinas doorstep. The US has also carried out several highly provocative visits to the Korean Peninsula this year involving nuclear-capable strategic assets, including B-52 bombers and an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.

The recent discussions also included implementation of the commitment to consult, which came out of the Camp David summit. It is a trilateral pledge to coordinate responses to and share information regarding supposed threats in the region. In practice, this means Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul have pledged to work in lockstep as part of the US-led war drive against Beijing.

If there is not a formal military alliance at present, it is in large measure because of popular hostility in South Korea towards Tokyo as a result of crimes committed by Japanese imperialism during its colonization of Korea from 19101945, as well as widespread anti-war sentiment in both countries. These trilateral war plans are proceeding virtually entirely behind the backs of both populations.

This includes Washingtons attempts to goad Beijing into a war over Taiwan, just as it did with Russia over Ukraine. The White House statement on the security advisors meeting declared that the three reaffirmed the fundamental importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and underscored their commitment to freedom of navigation and to international law, including in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Not a major meeting involving the US and its principal allies goes by now without some reference to the Taiwan Strait. In doing so, Washington is undermining the One China policy which recognizes that Taiwan is a part of China and has governed cross-strait relations for decades. Beijing has made clear it will not allow Taiwan to declare formal independence, fearing that it would set a precedent for carving up Chinese territory and turning the island into a base for US imperialism.

Beijing asserts that it has some form of jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, which includes internal waters, its territorial sea (extending 12 nautical miles from the coast), and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ, extending 200 nautical miles from the coast). Under the One China policy, which the US, Japan, and South Korea all still nominally recognize, these territorial claims extend from both the mainland and Taiwan.

The US denies this, saying the strait constitutes international waters and regularly sends warships through the waterway without acknowledging Chinas claims. While nations are granted the right of passage through an EEZ, Washington is arrogating to itself the right to operate militarily in the strait supposedly to defend peace and stability, provocatively challenging Beijings jurisdiction and tacitly backing the conception that Taiwan is not a part of China. As a result, Washington has sharply increased tensions over Taiwan.

In addition, Sullivan, Akiba, and Jo agreed to expand cooperation on economic issues. According to the White House statement, the three national security advisors discussed next steps in trilateral cooperation on economic security, including our supply chain early warning initiative, and on our efforts to align our three countries respective Indo-Pacific Strategies and capacity efforts throughout the region.

The economic issues are not separate from the war drive. Washington is working to secure its supply chains and access to vital war materials, including strategic minerals and semiconductors. The US also wants to encourage countries to economically separate themselves from China, making them more willing to participate in a future war. This is part of Washingtons efforts to create a system of alliances in the Indo-Pacific, in which Japan and South Korea are playing leading roles.

Notably, South Korean President Yoon declared on Wednesday during a state visit to the Netherlands and summit with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte that the two countries would upgrade relations to that of a semiconductor alliance, making clear this was important for South Koreas military needs.

The Netherlands is home to chipmaking equipment company ASML, which is the worlds only producer of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines necessary for manufacturing the most advanced chips. South Koreas Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are both major ASML customers.

Yoon stated in an interview with AFP before the start of the trip that South Korea and the Netherlands shared the view that the economy is now synonymous with security and vice versa. Yoon added that this cooperation would extend to the US and Japan.

To further justify this agenda, Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul are also targeting Russia and North Korea (DPRK) and last weekend discussed the deepening partnership between the DPRK and Russia and agreed to work in close coordination to counter its destabilizing effects. Washington and Seoul claim, with little evidence presented, that arms transfers from North Korea to Russia are taking place in exchange for Moscows assistance in developing ballistic missile technology.

If military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang is taking place, it is because the two have been pushed closer together as a result of US imperialism. Washington provoked a war with Russia in Ukraine and maintains a crippling economic blockade of North Korea. Significantly, the Washington Post revealed this month that at the start of the year South Korea began supplying large quantities of 155mm shells to Ukraine, surpassing all European countries combined in the amount provided.

The Yoon administration has made South Korea an active participant in the Ukraine war no less than it has lined up for war against China in league with US and Japanese imperialism.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of the United States announced it would hear a case on the availability of medication commonly used to terminate a pregnancy, its first abortion litigation since the far-right dominated court overturned the constitutional right in Roe v. Wade last year.

Boxes of the drug mifepristone line a shelf at the West Alabama Women's Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on March 16, 2022. [AP Photo/Allen G. Breed, File]

The case was brought to the Supreme Court by the Biden administration after a panel of judges from the US Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana, ruled in September that the drug was legal but required curbs on its distribution and restrictions on patient access. Among the restrictions imposed are that mifepristone cannot be sent by mail and it cannot be prescribed by telemedicine.

The appeals court decision was in response to a preliminary ruling last April by Trump-appointee and anti-abortion activist from Texas Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk. Judge Kacsmaryk issued a preliminary ruling at that time which invalidated the FDAs approval of the drug and would have blocked its production.

The right-wing and Christian-fundamentalist campaign to ban entirely or curtail access to mifepristone, a drug which has been available since 2000 after it was approved as safe by the FDA, has been underway for years. A coalition of anti-abortion groups and social media activists who posed as experts in medical safety filed the lawsuit in November 2022. They argued that the FDAs approval of the drug was flawed, and that mifepristone was unsafe.

In achieving the appeals court ruling, the anti-abortion advocates have succeeded in pushing the rules of access for mifepristone back to what they were before 2016. Those rules required that the drug only be prescribed by a doctor and be picked up in person. Patients also had to visit a doctor three times during the abortion process before they could be prescribed and receive the drug.

Responding to the Supreme Court discussion prior to taking on the case, the Christian fundamentalist advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom argued that the high court did not need to weigh in on the matter since the appeals court ruling was a modest decision that merely restores the common-sense safeguards under which millions of women have taken chemical abortion drugs.

Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, is a medication typically used in conjunction with misoprostol to induce a medical abortion or manage an early miscarriage. According to studies, the combination of the two drugs is 97 percent effective during the first 63 days of a pregnancy.

The drug accounts for more than half of all abortions in the US, and it has been used more than 5 million times since 2000.

Mifepristone is taken by mouth and many studies have shown it is both highly safe and that serious complications are rare. Medical experts have reported that fewer than 1 percent of women who take the drug require hospitalization. Mifepristone, if taken by itself, can also be effective in abortions after one to two weeks of pregnancy.

The lawyer representing Danco Laboratories, the company that makes the name brand version of mifepristone known as Mifeprex, attacked the anti-abortion claims about the drug. Attorney Jessica Ellsworth said, The declarants offer nonspecific statements that are untethered to actual facts about what drug a patient took. They often say, The patients cant tell me what they took, so we dont know even that it was FDA-approved mifepristone.

However, as Ellsworth pointed out, the examples given by the anti-abortion fanatics involved a patient who took an unidentified drug from India, which was not FDA-approved, and another instance where a pregnant woman took mifepristone while on blood thinners, after being told she was not eligible for medication abortion. Neither example case supports the right-wing contention that mifepristone is an untested, risky medication.

By agreeing to hear the case, the Supreme Court is attempting to inject its increasingly obscurantist legal arguments into matters of science and sensitive personal decision-making between medical professionals and pregnant women. The door has been opened for another anti-abortion decision by the high court by both the Christian fundamentalist Judge Kacsmarykwho has referred to homosexuality as disordered and being transgender as a delusionand the panel of three appeals court judges, two of whom are Trump appointees.

In a petition submitted to the Supreme Court, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote, 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.

The case is scheduled to be argued in the spring, with a decision to be made by late June. This means that the Supreme Court will be making a major ruling on the fundamental right to an abortion in the middle of the 2024 presidential and congressional campaigns.

Since its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022, more than two dozen states have enacted bans or restrictions on abortions that were not in place prior. However, poll after poll has shown that the public supports the right to abortion by a supermajority, even in so-called conservative leaning states.

The fact that both federal and state courts are hell-bent on making abortion illegal by overturning decades of precedent is significant proof of the collapse of democratic forms of rule in the US.
The Israeli militarys reign of terror directed against the Palestinian populationincluding its leading cultural and intellectual figurescontinues unabated. The beating and shooting of journalists, the assassination of poets, the murder of painters and writers in air strikesthis is one distinctive feature of the hideous face of the Netanyahu-Biden genocide in Gaza, accompanied as well by renewed brutality and murder in the occupied West Bank.

On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a raid against the Freedom Theatre in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, destroying as much of the theatres equipment as the IDF thugs could get their hands on and arresting three of its leading artists.

Freedom Theatre in Jenin [Photo: Adnan Torokman, the Freedom Theatre]

According to a statement by the theatre, on the morning of December 13, the Israeli army began attacking and ransacking the Freedom Theatre. They shot from inside the theatre, destroying the offices and knocking down a wall.

Zoe Lafferty, the theatres associate director, described the attack to the Middle East Eye as a form of cultural genocide. The IDF took the new computer we bought to run our shows from, Lafferty said. It wasnt expensive but it is a huge amount of money for the Freedom Theatre. We needed to use it for the next eight years.

The theatres statement explained that the army then went to the homes of [artistic director] Ahmed Tobasi and [producer and manager] Mustafa Sheta, blindfolded, handcuffed and took them away. That evening the army went to the home of [recently graduated acting student] Jamal Abu Joas and severely beat him and then took him.

The theatre added that We can confirm that Tobasi has been released. He is suffering from leg and back pain where the Israeli army beat him. We will update his condition as soon as possible.

IDF destruction of Freedom Theatre [Photo CreditAdnan Torokman, the Freedom Theatre]

The Middle East Eye commented that before detaining him, Israeli forces made Tobasi take off his jacket and lie in the street in the rain. They then broke into his home, destroying everything they could, even taking plants and throwing them on the ground, the theatre added.

Upon his release, Tobasi said, They treated us like animals. They are trying to hurt us in any way they can, but its important we stay strong. Sheta and Joas remain in Israeli detention as of this writing.

Shetas wife, Rasha Sheta, said that her husband had been handcuffed in front of their children. My children spent their night crying. We felt so scared without him being around with us, she said in a statement.

The theatre pointed out that this weeks attacks follow the murder of three members of the Freedom Theatre in the last few weeks, including 17-year-old theatre participant Yamen Jarrar, 26-year-old Jehad Naghniyeh and 30-year-old Mohammed Matahen. In June 2023, 15-year-old Sadeel Naghnaghia and 17-year-old Mahmoud Al-Sadi, theatre youth participants, were also murdered. Earlier, in July, the Freedom Theatre was damaged due to bombing, during a three-day invasion and [theatre technician] Adnan Torokman was detained for four days by the Israeli army.

Various theatres and theatre artists have denounced the attack on the Freedom Theatre.

Freedom Theatre ransacked by IDF [Photo CreditAdnan Torokman, the Freedom Theatre]

One of the most prestigious theatres in Europe, the Royal Court in London, released a statement reporting that it was shocked to learn that Mustafa Sheta & Jamal Abu Joas of @freedom_theatre have been arrested. We demand their immediate release. Ahmed Tobasi was also arrested & has since been released. He is suffering injury as a result of being detained.

The Royal Court, its statement went on, was also horrified to read of the attack on the theatre, destruction of offices and assaults on staff yesterday which followed the murder of members of the Freedom Theatre including Yamen Jarrar, Jehad Naghniyeh and Mohammed Matahen, and the arrest of hundreds of others in Jenin. We demand their immediate release. The London theatre added, We stand together with our colleaguesthe writers, artists and studentsfor whom the Freedom Theatre is their creative home. We stand against the killing and silencing of artists and the destruction that cultural sites in Gaza and the West Bank have suffered in this war.

The Tara Theatre in London, which champions South Asian voices and artists, made clear that it continues to stand in solidarity with our friends and colleagues at Freedom Theatre who were arrested and detained by Israeli forces.  We are also horrified at the attack on the theatre, the raid and destruction of their offices and the brutal violence enacted on staff.

More than 100 Scottish playwrights and theatre writers, including Rona Munro, Stephen Greenhorn, Liz Lochhead, Gregory Burke, Adura Onashile, Alan Bissett, May Sumbwanyambe and Karine Polwart have signed an open letter condemning the attack on the Freedom Theatre.

The letter noted that the Jenin theatre company performed in Glasgow, at the Tron Theatre, with their show The Siege as recently as 2015. Ahmed Tobasi performed the show And Here I Am at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017 at the New Town Theatre, and contributed to the multi-artist celebration of Arab work Chill Habibi at Summerhall that same year. The Freedom Theatre are valued members of our international community. The targeting of their theatre and their violent detainment at the hands of the Israeli military is an affront to us all.

The Freedom Theatre, in its statement, made the point that for decades, Palestinian artists have been arbitrarily detained by Israel, sometimes for years, who also target and destroy cultural buildings, a war crime under international law. In the last few weeks in Gaza, an unprecedented number of writers, poets, theatremakers and journalists have been killed, including Dr. Refaat AlAreer, who was deliberately targeted and murdered.
On November 13, the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Board of Education in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced a plan to consolidate schools in the district with the purported aim of increasing facility utilization to 75 percent. The plan, known by the title Reimagine GRPS with Us calls for shuttering ten elementary and middle schools and further displacing students at various schools by repurposing buildings.

East Leonard Elementary [Photo: Grand Rapids Public Schools]

On November 7, the public voted on a $305 million bond for GRPS. The boards plan is to use these funds over the next several years as part of its plan to close the ten schools beginning in 2024 and ending in 2031. As of this writing, this is what the plan looks like, by school year:

2024-2025:

The East Leonard and Stocking elementary schools will be permanently closed, and their 302 students split up between four nearby schools.

2025-2026:

Alger Middle School students will be permanently transferred to Ottawa Hills High School, and the building will be repurposed.

Riverside Middle School students will be permanently moved 3 miles away to Innovation Central High School, while the building is repurposed.

Ken-O-Sha Park students will be moved to Sherwood Park until renovation is finished on their building the next year.

Students at the alternative high school Southeast Career Pathways, currently at a school-owned facility on Jefferson Street, will be transferred 2.4 miles away to another facility on Sigsbee Street.

2026-2027:

Brookside Elementary School will close permanently, and its students will be sent to the renovated Alger Middle.

Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, Montessori Middle High, and North Park Montessori will close, with all PK-12 students crammed into the Riverside campus. The first two will be permanently closed, while North Park might become a new elementary school, or a new one will be built in northeast Grand Rapids.

2027-2028:

Palmer and Aberdeen Elementary will close permanently, their 433 students transferred to other schools. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders at Aberdeen will be moved 3.8 miles away to Innovation Central.

2028-2029:

All 154 Westwood Middle School students will be permanently moved to Union High School.

2029-2031:

Mulick Park Elementary, Campus Elementary, and Ridgemoor Park Montessori will be renovated.

Although the district has not officially released figures for the schools to be closed, it is clear that thousands of students will be displaced, most of them permanently. To justify the plan, the district cites the low utilization of the buildings and deferred maintenance costs, i.e., maintenance that has not been done due to lack of funding. Altogether, the ten schools on the chopping block account for $63 million in deferred maintenance.

The official language of the Reimagine plan on the GRPS website states, The proposal takes actionable steps to realign programs to better meet the needs of GRPS scholars. This verbiage is designed to conceal the fact that the shutdown of one fifth of the public schools in Grand Rapids is an attack on the rights of the working class population of the city.

The GRPS board is scheduled to vote on the Reimagine plan at its next meeting on Monday, December 18. Following a period of so-called gathering community input through online and in-person comments, the board is intending to go ahead with their original plan with minimal adjustments and modifications.

The attempt to palm off the closure of ten schools as a wonderful new beginning for GRPS scholars is the part of the collaboration of the school administration and members of the school board with Democrats and Republicans in Michigan who have cut public school funding and diverted government resources to private and for-profit charter schools in the state.

Grand Rapids is the home of former-Trump administration Education Secretary and billionaire Betsy DeVos, who is a leading figure in the Republican Party and advocate of charter schools. DeVos has been a key force behind the defunding of public education in Michigan and across the US and the handing of education funds over to the growing number of educational corporations.

GRPS is one of many school districts across the country that is in a deep crisis of declining enrollment and shortage of staff. At a recent meeting, Board of Education president Kimberly Williams said enrollment has gone from over 30,000 students to less than 15,000 over the past twenty years. Anya Lusk, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, told the board that the district is currently confronting 109 teacher vacancies.

The staffing crisis has reached the point where some teachers are working at more than one building in each day. The district recently began outsourcing work to virtual teachers and is in the process of doing the same with social workers.

The abysmal pay rate for GRPS teachers is a major factor in teachers leaving the school district and potential hires taking positions elsewhere. At a finance committee meeting on November 27, Anya Lusk confessed to the committee that the district currently compensates teachers in the bottom third of districts in the area.

Lusk went on to say that the Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA) educators union had submitted a request to reopen negotiations on wages. In her words, she refused this request because it was too formal, and she implied that no changes would be made until the current contract expires in June 2025. She concluded by claiming that that district would provide increased pay for teachers, if we can afford it.

Cara Williams-Gardner, a fourth-grade teacher at CA Frost Elementary and member of the GREA executive board, spoke at the December 4 Board of Education meeting. After reiterating that teachers in Grand Rapids, the second largest city in the state of Michigan, have insultingly low pay, Williams-Carter complained that the Reimagine plan devalues teachers and said, We have remained silent too long and ask that you bargain with us in good faith to realize these goals.

It is clear from both these statements and the GREAs history of blocking any fight against decades of attacks on public education that teachers, staff and parents cannot put their trust in the union bureaucracy. Aside from Williams-Gardners complaint and a few memes posted on the union Facebook page, the GREA has not made any public statement regarding the Reimagine plan or advanced any program of struggle against it.

In contrast, the plan to close ten schools has met with public outrage. Hannah Worth, a former English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and mother of a student at Palmer, pointed to the expected impact on the refugee and immigrant students in the district.

These children have often already experienced disruptions and interruptions in their educations when they were forced to leave their home countries, she said to a December 4 board meeting. Is it truly just and equitable to force them to move schools again?

She went on, It is with my own former students in mind, along with my sons friend Mohammed [an Afghani refugee in his class at Palmer], and other refugee and immigrant children throughout the district that I ask you to please consider how the Reimagine proposal disproportionately affects some of the most vulnerable children and families in our communitythat is, the youngest children in ESL classes throughout GRPS.

Currently, ESL programming is only offered at 30 percent of buildings across the district, yet 60 percent of the buildings proposed for closure are schools where ESL programming exists, and 100 percent of the Northeast quadrant buildings housing ESL programming are proposed for closure.

Another parent, crying as she spoke to the board, powerfully addressed the staffing crisis. I will ask you to imagine with me: What if you paid our teachers well above a livable wage? What if you asked our teachers how many hours they actually work in a week and why?  What if you prioritized the wellbeing of these people spending their days with our children?  What if you show our other district staff, our families, and our scholars that their teachers matter and, in turn, that scholars matter?

She also spoke about the close relationship between her children, who are neurodivergent, and their teachers, highlighting the anger of the public for the impact of the plan on special education students.

Cut off only by the three-minute time limit, she concluded, Passive change starts here, with you and me, with the way we view and treat our teachers. Without them, theres no point in updating our buildings to be more safe and secure, and so on.

At their December 11 meeting, the Board of Education also highlighted the issue of student-to-teacher ratios. GRPS currently sits at 1 to 15, but the current plan will greatly increase these ratios. The current contract limits the maximum class size by grade, with grades five through twelve able to have 30 students per class, while physical education classes can have up to 50. The smallest limit, for pre-kindergarten, is 23 students per class.

Whatever the numbers provided by the board, teachers and parents can be certain that there will be massive increases in students per class. One likely scenario will be an attempt by the district and the union to come to a rotten deal that will provide a meager pay increase in exchange for an increase in the maximum class sizes.

Teachers, staff and parents at Grand Rapids Public Schools cannot rely on the GREA leadership or the supposed goodwill of the Board of Education to halt the destruction of their schools. The present crisis in the district is not an act of nature with no origin and no solution. It is rather the product of the ongoing bipartisan attack on public education in the US. While there is supposedly no money for public education, the state can give millions to the auto companies and the federal government can burn hundreds of billions of dollars on the military and wars waged across the globe.

Teachers and workers in Grand Rapids must organize themselves independently of the union and the Board of Education to fight against this attack directed at them. It is only through the struggle of the whole working class, united across every job title and every school district, that the systematic defunding of public education can be put to an end. The first step is the formation of a committee of trusted teachers, parents and students, as part of the Michigan Educators Rank-and-File Committee, to mobilize the widespread opposition that exists against these attacks on the rights of the working class to public education. Fill out the form below to get involved.
With bipartisan votes in both houses of Congress, the two parties of American imperialism this week authorized a record Pentagon budget for fiscal year 2024.

In the face of massive protests in the US and internationally against the US/Israeli genocide in Gaza and collapsing popular support for Washingtons proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, the Democrats and Republicans combined to adopt a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that calls for $883.7 billion in military spending in the coming year, an increase of $145 billion, or 20 percent, since 2020.

The topline figure includes $841.4 billion for the Department of Defense, $32.4 billion for national security programs within the Department of Energy, and $438 million in defense-related activities. The total authorization consumes more than half of the annual federal discretionary budget.

An aerial view of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 15, 2023. [Photo: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza, US Department of Defense]

This is under conditions where hunger and homelessness are soaring, corporations are slashing jobs, and the Biden administration is using the bogus end of the COVID emergency to strip Medicaid and food stamp benefits from millions of workers and poor people. The full cost of the boost in war spending is to be imposed on the working class, while military contractors enjoy a profit bonanza.

The Senate passed the 3,000-page bill by a lopsided 87-13 vote on Wednesday, and the House followed suit by a vote of 310 to 118 on Thursday, easily surpassing the two-thirds margin required for expedited passage under a suspension of normal procedural rules.

The NDAA is not really a defense bill. It is a blueprint for global war, including stepped-up preparations for nuclear war, aimed at reversing the world economic decline of US imperialism by military means. It particularly targets China for military aggression, followed by Russia, Iran and North Korea, while affirming and expanding US military support and involvement in Israels war of annihilation against the Palestinians.

The FY24 National Defense Authorization Act summary released by the Republican-controlled House Armed Services Committee makes this clear. It begins:

America faces unprecedented threats from China and ongoing threats from Russia, Iran, North Korea and terrorist organizations. All of our adversaries are aligned in their desire to end American dominance. Threats from these adversaries are constantly evolving.

The document affirms: The FY24 NDAA provides sufficient investment to build and maintain the lethal fighting force we need to prevail on future battlefields.

Mike Rogers, the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said of the bill: Its laser-focused on deterring our adversaries, especially China.

Republican Senator Roger Wicker, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said, Our bill should signal to China, Russia and others that we will not accept a world where America does not have the best fighting force.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer agreed, declaring, Passing the NDAA enables us to hold the line against Russia, stand firm against the Chinese Communist Party and ensure that Americas defenses remain state-of-the-art.

The single longest section in the House summary, headed Countering CCP Aggression, begins, The FY24 NDAA builds and maintains the overmatch we need to counter CCP aggression. It lists among the bills provisions:

Implementing the anti-China AUKUS agreement between the US, the UK and Australia and authorizing the sale of nuclear-capable submarines to Australia.

Increasing the scale and frequency of exercises conducted by the US Indo-Pacific Command.

Authorizing $14.7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and establishing a training, advising and capacity-building program for the military forces of Taiwan, including the training in the US of up to two battalions of troops on new weapons systems and military tactics.

Increasing funding for new technologies to deter the CCP on future battlefields, including AI, autonomous systems, cyber, mobile micronuclear reactors, and high-energy lasers.

Expanding the deployable capacity of US nuclear forces to counter the CCPs unprecedented nuclear buildup.

Expanding the list of munitions eligible for emergency and multiyear procurement authorities.

Adding Israel and Taiwan to a program started last year to expedite the delivery and replenishment of munitions to Ukraine.

The House summary also cites billions of dollars for additional combat aircraft, drones equipped to fire missiles, another seven C-130J transport aircraft, used to rapidly deploy troops, tanks and artillery to new war zones, more Army helicopters, more Navy warships, and the redesign of artillery, tanks and armored vehicles for future warfare against near-peer competitors (war with Russia, China or another major power).

The document lists a major upgrade and expansion of nuclear war readiness, calling for across-the-board modernization of US nuclear weaponry, begun under Obama and continued under Trump, including submarine-fired missiles, land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and heavy bombers capable of intercontinental flight.

On Ukraine, the NDAA authorizes an extension of military aid through the end of 2026 and $300 million in the current fiscal year and the next one for a program that pays industry to produce weapons for Ukraine, rather than drawing directly from US weapons stockpiles. The $60 billion for Ukraine in Bidens supplemental spending bill remains in limbo as the White House and House Republicans work toward a bipartisan deal to further gut the right to asylum and virtually close the US-Mexican border to desperate workers fleeing poverty and oppression.

The NDAA does, however, fully fund the deployment of National Guard troops to the southwest border.

On Israel, the NDAA extends Defense Department authority to transfer weapons systems to the Zionist regime, including precision-guided munitions. It further requires the US Central Command to hold regular joint training exercises with Israel and authorizes Israel to participate in NATO pilot training programs.

The bill increases the pay of soldiers and civilian Pentagon employees by 5.2 percent, the biggest annual increase in 20 years, and includes increased benefits for housing, education and childcare. This is a cynical bid to attract young people unable to secure a decent-paying job, as the concentration of wealth in the hands of the top 1 percent in the US hits new records, now surpassing the wealth held by the entire middle 60 percent of households.

The moves by the House GOP toward the impeachment of Biden and its support for Trump did not prevent the White House and the Democrats from joining hands with the Republicans to further Washingtons preparations for World War III.

This spectacle of reaction and war-mongering demonstrates the futility of all attemptssuch as those promoted by the pro-Democratic Democratic Socialists of Americato end war, genocide and the danger of fascism through appeals to any section of the ruling class or its political parties. Their response to the growth of the class struggle nationally and internationally and the emergence of a mass, global anti-war movement is to double down on war and repression.

Capitalism is rotting on its feet. Its mortal crisis can be resolved only in one of two ways: barbarism or socialism. The fight against war and dictatorship must be rooted in the working class and the building of an independent, international movement to put an end to the profit system and establish socialism.
Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV car burns after it was hit by targeted Israeli shelling in the Alma al-Shaab border village with Israel, South Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was murdered in military strike. [AP Photo/Hassan Ammar]

The Biden administration dispatched National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to Tel Aviv Friday to underline Washingtons unyielding support for the Israeli regimes genocide against the Palestinians. As Sullivan reiterated that US imperialism places no restrictions on Israels onslaught and threatened a wider war against Hezbollah and Iran, the Israeli regime continued its savage onslaught on Gazas defenceless population.

The Zionist regimes barbarism was demonstrated once again Friday with the targeted killing of Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abudaqa. Abudaqa was fatally wounded in a drone strike on a school in Kahn Younis. His colleague, Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh, suffered light injuries. A third journalist, Ramy Budair of the New Press Agency, also died in Khan Younis Friday. Earlier in the conflict, Dahdouh was forced to mourn the loss of almost his entire family following a deliberate Israeli air strike on his house.

The Network holds Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families, stated Al Jazeera in an official statement condemning Abudaqas killing. In todays bombing in Khan Younis, Israeli drones fired missiles at a school where civilians sought refuge, resulting in indiscriminate casualties. Following Samers injury, he was left to bleed to death for over 5 hours as Israeli forces prevented ambulances and rescue workers from reaching him, denying the much-needed emergency treatment.

Denouncing Israel for carnage and crimes against humanity, the statement called for the International Criminal Court to pursue war crimes charges. The statement noted that over 90 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since 7 October.

Dahdouh later described how the attack unfolded as the media team accompanied a civil defence unit seeking to evacuate a family from their destroyed home. We captured the devastating destruction and reached places that had not been reached by any camera lens since the Israeli ground operation started, he recounted. While he managed to escape to safety, Abudaqa remained stranded. An ambulance trying to rescue the cameraman came under fire from Israeli soldiers.

Abudaqas killing prompted international outrage. The Committee for the Protection of Journalists appealed for international authorities to independently investigate the attack and hold those responsible to account. The International Federation of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders issued their own statements condemning the deliberate attack.

Israel has a notorious record when it comes to the targeted killing of journalists. In May 2022, IDF snipers shot and killed respected journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The 51-year-old Palestinian-American reporter was covering brutal Israeli raids in the West Bank city of Jenin for Al Jazeera when she was assassinated.

On Friday, video emerged of Israeli security forces beating photo journalist Mustafa Haruf in East Jerusalem.

The Zionist regimes deliberate targeting of journalists is inseparable from its explicit policy of genocide against the Palestinians. The savage bombardment of Gaza has officially claimed the lives of well over 18,000 people, with an additional 7,000 people reported missing. Some 85 percent of the enclaves 2.3 million residents have been forced to flee their homes. Using bombs supplied by the United States, the IDF has systematically targeted academics, engineers, artists, and other prominent Palestinians. The targeted killing earlier this month of professor and poet Refaat al-Areer provoked a wave of outrage around the globe.

The strategy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government is to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip and force the remaining inhabitants into Egypts Sinai Desert. The elimination of journalists on the ground is a critical component of this plan. The fascistic members of Netanyahus government hope that they can conceal the horrendous war crimes they are committing from the world.

Sullivan left no doubt during his visit of US imperialisms endorsement of Israels savagery. There are no disagreements between the White House and Netanyahus government that the war in Gaza will take months, he told a press conference.

Reiterating the blank cheque extended by Washington to Israel throughout the onslaught, he added, Were not here to tell anybody you must do X, you must do Y. Sullivan added that in his meetings with Israeli government officials, he did not hear [them] say things that would lead me to feel I need to answer the hypothetical question of how Washington will respond if the current phase drags on. In other words, Israel can continue using US-supplied weapons to indiscriminately slaughter men, women and children with impunity.

Underlining the looming danger of an escalation into a region-wide conflict, Sullivan also took aim at Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Israeli citizens from areas near the northern border with Lebanon have to be able to return to their homes and have to be able to do so with a true sense of security, Sullivan said. This entails dealing with the threat that comes from the other side of the border. Although he asserted that for the time being, Washington feels that threat can be dealt with through diplomacy and does not require the launching of a new war, he added ominously that deterrence is needed to send a clear message to Hezbollah.

Shortly after Sullivans remarks, reports emerged of the Israel Defence Forces dropping leaflets over southern Lebanon threatening civilians who fail to stop Hezbollah from infiltrating the area. The IDF is currently conducting intensive war simulations on the Lebanese border for mandatory and reserve troops entitled Valuable Time.

Some of Sullivans most provocative remarks were reserved for the Houthis in Yemen, who have fired missiles at several ships in the Red Sea bound for Israel. The Houthis are a threat to freedom of navigation, he declared, and added that Washington is working with the international community, with partners from the region and from all over the world to deal with this threat. While the Houthis are pulling the trigger, he continued, theyre being handed the gun by Iran.

Coming from one of the Biden administrations top representatives, these statements must be taken with the utmost seriousness. US President Joe Biden has already deployed two aircraft carrier battlegroups to the region and a nuclear-capable submarine.

Earlier this week, Central Command chief Erik Kurilla paid unannounced visits to Iraq and Syria to discuss current regional and local security concerns with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and visit multiple bases in Syria, according to the Pentagon. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone Friday with his British counterpart Grant Shapps to discuss the significant international problem posed by the disruption to the Red Sea, a key trade route.

The largest presence of US military hardware in the region for decades is aimed at setting the stage for a war engulfing the entire Middle East. Iran is viewed by American imperialism as a major regional obstacle to the consolidation of its hegemony. Washingtons goal is to expand the Middle East front in what is increasingly developing as a third world war to secure the lions share of the spoils in a new imperialist redivision of the world.

The task of halting the imperialists war plans and stopping the genocide in Gaza falls to the working class. The mobilization of workers in every country to prevent the supply and manufacture of all military equipment destined for Israel must be combined with the struggles of the working class developing in all the major imperialist powers against the ruling elites attempt to make working people pay for the war through austerity and wage cuts. This fight necessitates the construction of a global anti-war movement guided by a socialist and internationalist perspective.
Work at USPS? We want to hear from you: Fill out the form at the end to tell us about your working conditions.

A USPS employee works outside post office in Wheeling, Illinois December 3, 2021. [AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh]

Anger among United States Postal Service (USPS) workers in Bemidji, a town in northern Minnesota, and other rural areas is building over demands that they prioritize Amazon deliveries over regular mail. Last month, postal workers in Bemidji picketed to draw attention to unbearable workloads and grueling work schedules, up to 12 hours a day, six or seven days a week.

In November, the contract for the delivery of Amazon packages in Bemidji was transferred from UPS to the post office, leading to days- and week-long delays in mail deliveries and a growing outcry by residents. The change also followed major overhauls nationwide this year as to how rural letter carriers are paid. This system, named the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS), already caused massive pay cuts of up to $20,000 a year.

While Amazon has had agreements with USPS since at least 2013, the online retail giant has increasingly used the postal service for so-called last mile delivery in rural areas. In its 2019 fiscal year, the US Postal Service was already delivering over 1.5 billion packages for Amazon, according to documents released under a Freedom of Information Act request.

Details of the contracts between Amazon and USPS have been kept from the public. However, USPS spokesman David Partenheimer stated recently, Like any prudent business, we do not publicly discuss specifics of our business relationships.

In response to growing national media attention on their struggles, USPS employees in Bemidji reported being instructed not to mention Amazon or issues at their workplace, according to a report in the Washington Post. If asked, theyre to be referred to as Delivery Partners or Distributors rather than Amazon, a Bemidji mail carrier told the Washington Post. Its ridiculous. USPS workers also reported to the Post being told there could be consequences if they attended a recent public listening session in Bemidji held by state and local officials.

A rural letter carrier elsewhere in Minnesota described the extreme conditions workers face, telling the WSWS, Our branch has been forced to work six days a week for 11-plus months. The week before Thanksgiving this year we were informed no more forcing on our off day which has lasted three weeks and now are back to forcing carriers on their off days.



During the first three-fourths of the year we were short-staffed, and the average new hires only stayed six months if that. Most new hires get burned out working six days a week 12-hour days, barely get enough training, support or followup. It feels like we arent even human, just pawns.

Everyone deserves a balance of work/life. USPS treats everyone like we live to work for USPS and nothing else.

The issues are becoming increasingly prevalent in the postal service across the United States. USPS workers in Washington state have had a surge of incoming Amazon packages so large that tents were recently set up outside of the Friday Harbor, Washington, USPS facility to house the incoming packages, according to a report by a local Fox News affiliate. Deliveries are also being significantly delayed in several rural Washington towns.

A rural postal worker in Mississippi commented to the WSWS, This Amazon deal is absolutely killing us rural carriers, we have no help, we are working 12- and 14-hour days. Its dangerous for us ladies to be out so late delivering Amazon. Our customers are so upset with regular mail being delivered so late.

I know whats up. This damn Postmaster General DeJoy is trying to privatize the USPS.

USPS management, however, has arrogantly sought to dismiss reports of mail delays due to Amazon as misinformation.

Replying to an inquiry by a Minnesota congressman over mail delays, a USPS representative wrote, Let me begin by stating unequivocally that the U.S. Postal Service does not prioritize the delivery of mail or packages based on the customer or sender, including businesses such as Amazon. This is an unfortunate and inexplicable falsehood that I regret seeing congressional offices also expressing publicly.

In reality, both the recent articles in the Washington Post and the political intervention by Minnesota senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith and other Democratic Party politicians are an expression of the nervousness and sensitivity by the ruling class to the explosive anger building up among postal workers. The Post is owned by former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the worlds third-richest man, who has a fortune of $172 billion. Patty Stonesifer, the Posts interim CEO, also sits on Amazons board of directors.

They are working 12 hours a day, six days a week

At the December 5 listening session in Bemidji, attended by staff from Klobuchar and Smiths offices, one resident after another indicted the conditions letter carriers, and by extension, other sections of the working class face.

Government representatives, for their part, began the session by immediately trying to placate letter carriers. Attempting to evade any responsibility for the increasingly disastrous conditions facing postal workers, they claimed that they did not have the authority to change any policies.



Workers, their family members and retirees spoke of extremely despotic and exploitative working conditions following the implementation of the Amazon policy. The fact that rural letter carriers were threatened with disciplinary action for attending was openly stated at this session within the first 10 minutes.

The first speaker immediately denounced the prioritization of Amazon packages, stating, One of our concerns is there are people who get life-giving medication delivered by mail. If Amazon packages are prioritized, how is that person going to get this medication?



Theyre delivering mail at 11 oclock at night. You tell us that theyre not prioritizing Amazon, and that theyre prioritizing packages. That is false. Last night, I was supposed to receive seven packages, and I only got two: they were both Amazon.

I work in a community where I work in a group home setting. We have had diabetics not receive necessary supplies. We have people not getting their paychecks. Its not just postal workers who are getting screwed, its all of us.

Tim, a retired letter carrier, added, I have three kids, and they are rural letter carriers. They are working 12 hours a day, six days a week, and thats taking a toll on them. My daughters blood pressure has gone up. My youngest son is mentally and emotionally drained; he has to put up a big front when he goes home with his kids. My oldest son has lost weight too. My daughter-in-law has been sent down to Brainerd [a distant rural town] because they have a mess, and shes even gone to Duluth [another distant city] to help out there. Shes put in a lot of hours too. Its going to take a toll on people.

Another resident said, They are delivering Amazon packages without the necessary equipment or tools, requiring them to make several trips back to the post office before they begin delivering regular postage. Many rural letter carriers have quit because of the policy, the worker added.

One worker at the meeting spoke at length about the decades-long efforts to privatize the postal service, referring to the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, which required USPS to fund pension obligations for 50 years. He called for the dismissal of Louis DeJoy and those who supported him.

Minnesota Democratic senators Klobuchar (a candidate in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries) and Smith have feigned shock and outrage over the mail delays and prioritization of Amazon deliveries, presenting themselves as fighting against the policy, releasing open letters requesting information from DeJoy and the postal Board of Governors.

These gestures are hypocritical on their face, as the USPS has been deliberately gutted and starved of funding under both Democratic and Republican party-controlled administrations. Klobuchar herself has backed attacks on postal workers contained within the Postal Service Reform Act, which ended the postal worker healthcare system and forced retiring workers onto Medicaid, among other attacks. Additionally, contrary to Klobuchars efforts to politically grandstand as an adversary of corporate attacks on public services, she voted along with her Democratic Senate colleagues to ban a railroad workers strike last year and impose a pro-corporate contract.

The way forward for postal workers opposing these measures is to turn to their allies in the working class and not to the big business politicians in the Democratic and Republican parties. Postal workers across the country have initiated the USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee to take the struggle into the hands of the workers themselves and out of the hands of the political parties of Wall Street and the pro-corporate union bureaucracies.

The USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee is putting forward demands based on what workers need, not what the corporate-controlled parties claim is affordable. These demands include an end to RRECS, TIAREAP and other surveillance programs, the re-establishment of the 8-hour day, an immediate 25 percent pay increase to make up for decades of lost wages, full transparency in collective bargaining talks and an end to the Delivering for America program, among other demands.
The mammals were approximately 6 weeks old at the time of their rescue

Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 3 orphaned lion cubs at San Diego Zoo.

Three orphaned mountain lion cubs have found a new home at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Earlier this month, members of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the University of California's Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife rescued the animals, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE.

Using data obtained from a GPS collar worn by the cubs' mother, the organizations were able to determine where to search for the animals, the release said. On the first day of searching, team members from the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center found the first cub hiding in a hole, and the second was found that same day between two rocks.

Three days later, researchers found the third baby in chaparral. After continuing their search for several more days, the groups, as well as remote trail cameras, found no evidence of other cubs, and rescuers suspended their search.

Per the release, each cub was found within 250 feet of each other, and they likely would not have survived more than one week on their own, given their young age.

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Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Related: Oakland Zoo Welcomes 2 Orphaned Female Mountain Lion Cubs  See the New Additions!

After they were rescued, the three baby mountain lions were reunited at the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center, where they were "nursed back to full health," per the release.

The cubs were approximately 6 weeks old at the time of their rescue, and because they were orphaned at an early age, the release added they could not be safely reintroduced into their native habitat.

Charlie de la Rosa/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Orphaned lion cub being rescued.

Mountain lions are a keystone species right here in our own backyard," Lisa Peterson, the executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said in a statement. Its 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," she added.

Mountain lions, which are also known as cougars, pumas or panthers, can be found across the globe, from Canada to South America, according to the National Wildlife Federation. The mammals, per the organization, are currently threatened.



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Holly Waddington tells PEOPLE about the lengthy process of creating the elaborate wardrobe for the Emma Stone-led film

Searchlight Pictures

Director Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things is a fantastical  if not overtly sexual  Frankenstein-inspired movie starring Emma Stone as Bella Baxter, Willem Dafoe as God (his name, not the celestial being) and Mark Ruffalo as Duncan (Bella's part-time lover).

The film, which is saturated in color and humor, is also an explosion of beautiful costumes, helmed by costume designer Holly Waddington. The Critics Choice Award nominee, who has previously worked on Atonement and Clash of the Titans, crafted hundreds of costume pieces alongside her team to outfit the cast while filming in Hungary.

In the movie, Bella is given a second chance at life, thanks to God, and she rediscovers the world around her. Her wardrobe grows with her and evolves in color and silhouette. It also matures right along with her as she discovers the joys of sex  or "furious jumping" as she comes to call it.

The costume pieces in the film are some of the most elaborate and intricate we've seen in awhile, and Stone has praised Waddington's work openly. She and the costume designer did an interview together with Interview this week, where Stone even said some of the pieces from this movie are her favorite costume pieces she's worn in her entire career.

Ahead, Waddington sits down with PEOPLE to reveal her process for building the magnificent wardrobe for the film, which is in theaters now.

Warning: Some spoilers for Poor Things ahead.

Related: Taylor Swift Supports Her Friend Emma Stone at Poor Things Premiere in All-Black Look

Searchlight Pictures Emma Stone in Poor Things

The Brothel Wardrobe Is a Celebration of 'Nude' Colors

Most sexy underwear is black. We're very saturated with images of sexy underwear and pornography and sex work. A Victorian brothel normally has a certain color palette. So I just wanted to come up with something that was unique to the film. So I thought, what is the most unsexy underwear? Oh, maybe neutral tones. So let's make a whole palette based on that. And I quite liked it actually. I thought it was really soft and easy on the eye.

I took the color palette from this range of women. The women in the brothel are a really diverse group. Skin tones are really varied, and I wanted it to be a sort of celebration of them and their bodies. Many have their breasts exposed, and I just thought it was quite a funny subversion of "nude."



Related: Mark Ruffalo Poses with Daughter Bella and Wife Sunrise Coigney on Red Carpet at Poor Things U.K. Premiere

Searchlight Pictures Emma Stone in Poor Things

The Whole Concept of Bella's Wardrobe Before Leaving Home Is That of a Child Who Is Always Half Dressed

It started with deciding who is dressing her. So in my mind it was [housemaid] Mrs. Prim (Vicki Pepperdine). Baxter would probably be getting really nice things made for her because he loves her and cherishes her. So the clothes needed to feel kind of luxurious and beautiful and a bit childlike, but not too childlike. There would be a sense of half-dressed. This was the thing that I wanted to do. So it came from observing. I have children  I was observing how my kids, especially when they're tiny, seem to have this drive to lose their clothes and end up half-dressed. So often, even if they're going to a wedding or a party, they've got their pants missing. They're dressed from the top.



Through her undress, I like the idea that we would get to see a glimpse of some underpinnings. When I was looking at what those would be, I came across a reference of a bustle that looked like it was quilted. I really wanted to recreate this thing because I just felt like the language of it, its puffiness, its kind of quilty, weird, strange sponginess. It felt very interesting and correlated very well with the space that we were in. I like the idea of this strange lobster tail puffer thing. (Above)

The idea is that she's removed a skirt and we're seeing what's underneath, and it's just odd. And I suppose that with a lot of the clothes, I was striving to find things that had an organic quality. Lots of my references were sea creatures and things that live under the sea or the textures that are in the body, like the lining of an intestine or the bubbly texture on something like a sea sponge. So I wanted everything to feel like it was living and breathing.



Related: 'Poor Things' Director Yorgos Lanthimos Says Star Emma Stone Had to Have 'No Shame' Filming Movie's Sex Scenes

Searchlight Pictures Director Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone behind the scenes of Poor Things

They Made 3 of the Blue Dress from the Opening Scene and Overdyed the Fabric to Get the Right Color

Let me start with the color. I just love blue, but I am very, very particular about color palettes and so is Yorgos, and I knew that we had this very dreamy, soft, quite optimistic palette for Bella's wardrobe, and I needed a total contrast for her wardrobe when she was the person that she was before. This blue [in the beginning] isn't an easy blue, it's very rich. It's a bit toxic. The fabric was beautiful and already blue but not intense enough, so we overdyed it and overdyed it. I worked very closely with a dyer and she did about 20 different samples of how she could push this blue and identified this particular shade.

But then we had to make this dress in repeat because Bella throws herself off the bridge and it gets covered in mud and water, so we three. It's a lot of fabric. It was not at all cost-effective doing this dress this way. Never do this if you're a fashion designer. We had these Hungarian costume assistants literally spending weeks folding and ironing, folding and ironing making these dresses. It was torture for them but they came out beautiful.



The idea for the dress was that she was married to an army general, and this was almost like a piece of armor and the sleeves were taken from the idea of suit of armor. So that's why they've got the articulated folds going down the arms. That was the concept.

We had these Hungarian costume assistants literally spending weeks folding and ironing, folding and ironing making these dresses. It was torture for them but they came out beautiful.



Related: Emma Stone Says She Made Poor Things to Explore 'What It Is to Be a Woman' in Extended Preview

Searchlight Pictures Emma Stone in Poor Things

Emma Stone's Favorite Look in the Film Is Bella's Wedding Dress

"Before we even went to Budapest and did all of the research, I plotted everything and had boards with references to early 20th century French designer Madeleine Vionnet. She was absolutely brilliant. She was the person who came up with the bias cutting in the 1930s. She did this dress in the 1930s called the Beehive Dress, and it was a black evening dress, and it combined these tubes with netting. I felt like this combination of horizontal bands was a really good analogy for marriage. It felt like it was good for her wedding dress to almost be like an expression of a cage that you could almost see right through.



These sleeves are huge. They're some of the biggest sleeves in the film, and they hold themselves up. They're like balloons, but they're made of nothing. They're made of hat netting and organza. They're just flimsy. It was a nightmare to make it. It was very difficult to make it. Partly, we couldn't easily get fabrics between Hungary and the U.K., because of Brexit. So we were just scatting around.

The dress is actually Emma's favorite. She liked it.



Related: Poor Things Director on Why Emma Stone Didn't 'Shy Away from' Sex Scenes: 'She Had to Be Free'

Searchlight Pictures Emma Stone in Poor Things

It Took About 40 People Roughly 22 Weeks to Create the Wardrobe

With the full team, we had 11 weeks of shooting and then prep, about 22 weeks of work.

The team was about 40 people, which is big. We had four cutters, lots of makers, one dyer working with me all the time, dyeing everything. I very rarely use a fabric just on its own. Everything is dyed and dyed and overdyed. Crowd costume people doing things and on-set people. A lot of people. I needed more people. There's never enough time. There were never enough people.



Related: Emma Stone Finds Life Fascinating  and Slaps Mark Ruffalo  in 'Poor Things' Teaser Trailer

Searchlight Pictures Director Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone behind the scenes in Poor Things

The Color Story During the Black-and-White Scenes Is 'Rotting Apples'

I came up with a palette for the first part of the house, which was based on rotting apples, and that was Yorgos' idea. So he defined this color to me, which absolutely knocked me sideways when he said it to me. I was coming up with references of things that were sort of fleshy and skin tones and quite like the body colors. I wanted Emma to just keep going back to the fact that she was a creation.

I described colors to him through words, through images, and he said, "What you're describing to me is the color of a rotting apple." And I went off and had a little look on my phone and noticed that he was absolutely right. It was the palette of a rotting apple. But just the fact that he would know that says about this man's ability for visuals.

But then that all ended up being black and white, didn't it? So we did a lot of work on the color, and then it was black and white, but that kind of worked, because Bella arrives in Lisbon and it's like the world has just exploded in front of her. She's seeing the world for the first time. Suddenly she's out of the house and she sees everything in technicolor.

Usually when you film in black and white, you think about the contrast, but I didn't really do it like that, because I didn't know ahead of time. We did end up remaking a few pieces with more contrast, but we didn't have time to start over after deciding about the black-and-white bit.





Related: Mark Ruffalo Praises Poor Things Costar Emma Stone: 'She's a Once in a Generation Talent (Exclusive)

Atsushi Nishijima/Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo in Poor Things

Bella's Exaggerated Sleeve Motif Was Director Yorgos Lanthimos' Idea

I started off doing a lot of concept work for Yorgos. One idea was setting it a little bit earlier and having the sleeves tight with the skirts almost phallic. They looked basically like giant penises. I liked the idea of the clothes referencing body parts somehow and having an organic unruly quality. Then I did a lot of research on these sleeves and he very much went to the sleeves. That was him. He was just like, "Give me the sleeves."

Then I went to meet Emma with a big suitcase of clothes in Athens about 10 weeks before the shoot began and tried lots of shapes, had different varying degrees of sleeve to try on her, and actually just found that silhouette in that fitting, the huge sleeve.

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Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures Emma Stone in Poor Things

Bella's Clothes Are Meant to Make Her Blend In with the Men in Medical School

When Bella's going to the medical school in Paris, I wanted her to be a bit more formed. So she has this proper suit, and I wanted her to be totally blended with men. I didn't want her to be at all conspicuous in that scene in the medical school. I wanted her to be in tailoring like them, black like them, but for there to be a small little flip so that when she gets up and you see her legs, she has no skirt on. But the fabrics are weightier. They're heavier than her earlier outfits, they're more structured, they've got more body. It's suddenly like proper serious tailoring. It isn't light air-filled, dreamy, cloudy, girly stuff.

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Janai Kai is ready to take 2024 by storm.

2023 has been quite a successful year for Janai Kai. With 2024 right around the corner, though, The Kick Demon is aiming to elevate herself even higher. During a recent interview with WrestleZones Ella Jay, Kai revealed some of her personal and professional goals for the upcoming 2024 year, which includes more appearances across the United States, as well as Europe.

I was just writing them down a couple of days ago, to be honest, as far as what my personal goals are, and of course, my wrestling goals. Personally, I just want to keep learning and growing and making more moves in my personal life, be a step further than I was this year, Kai said. I wasnt held back, but I could have done a lot more and thats just me being picky on myself. I was busy a lot with wrestling, which is nothing to complain about too. That kind of took over my personal life schedule and plans.

Im very, very satisfied with how the wrestling part went this year, but I do want to travel a lot more. I do want to debut a lot more places. Im looking at more so like the west coast [of the USA] or even more countries in Europe to debut at. [I want to] just wrestle those who just have that hustle and that attitude in the ring. I want to wrestle more people like that so I can learn a lot more. Theres a lot more things I need to learn. Also just upping my game, when it comes to being behind the scenes, behind the camera, more character development, which Im personally working on.

European Possibilities

When asked about potential future ventures into the European wrestling scene, Janai Kai revealed one competitor whom shes particularly keen on facing one day. Kai is also looking to work with some of Europes most notable promotions.

There are specific companies for sure [that Im looking at]. In Europe, I did make my UK debut at Pro-Wrestling EVE and I had two matches, and I loved both of them. I love the style over there, I love the roster that Pro-Wrestling EVE has. Would like to go back there, or I would like to even go to PROGRESS. I know theres wXw in Germany. I see a lot of my friends going over there, so I would like to make a stop over there for sure. Millie McKenzie, thats one [opponent] for sure that Ive had an eye on, but all of them, from what Ive seen, have that attitude, that grit. Thats what I kind of want to face.

RELATED: Janai Kai Recalls Standout Performances Against Jungle Kyona & Queen Aminata

Watch our full interview with Janai Kai below:

The post Janai Kai Reveals Goals For 2024, Promotions Shes Eyeing To Work In Europe appeared first on Wrestlezone.
If you are curious about how to watch Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 Episode 4 online, then your search ends right here. This drama series revolves around Cha Se-Eum, a former violinist who becomes a famous conductor of an orchestra. After 20 years, she returns to South Korea to lead the orchestra at The Hankang Philharmonic. It follows the several personal and professional struggles that she faces while starting afresh in South Korea.

Heres where you will be able to watch Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 Episode 4 online.

Is Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 Episode 4 streaming online?

Yes, you will be able to stream Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 Episode 4 on Hulu.

Lee Young-ae takes on the lead role of Cha Se-eum in the series. The cast also includes Lee Moo-saeng as Yoo Jung-jae, Hwang Bo-reum-byeol as Lee Ru-na, Kim Young-jae as Kim Pil, Jung Dong-hwan as Cha Ki-baek, Ye Soo-jung as Bae Jeong-hwa, Kim Young-ah as Lee Hye-jeong, Kang Ji-eun as Woo Young-seon, Park Ho-san as Jeon Sang-do, Yang Jun-mo as Ma Yo-seop, Jin Ho-eun as Kim Bong-ju, and more talented actors.

How to watch Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 Episode 4 and stream online

As Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 is available to watch via Hulu, you will be able to watch its episodes by signing up.

Hulu offers two subscription plans for users to choose from:

Hulu (With Ads) subscription plan  Priced at $7.99 a month, this plan provides users access to Hulus streaming library with commercials. Hulu (No Ads) subscription plan  Priced at $17.99 a month, this is the premium Hulu subscription plan that offers users access to Hulus streaming library without commercials.

The official synopsis for Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 reads:

Maestra, one of only 5% of the worlds female conductor seeks the truth of the incident surrounding the orchestra while hiding her secret.

Disney Pluss new TV and movie releases for December 11-17 include Science Fair: The Series and the finale of Dancing

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 7 days ago

HBO Maxs new TV and movie releases for December 11-17 include the 2014 dystopian sci-fi drama film The Giver, the

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 7 days ago

Amazon Prime Videos new TV and movie releases for December 11-17 include the highly anticipated second season of Alan Ritchson

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 7 days ago

Netflixs new TV and movie releases for December 11-17 include The Crown Season 6 Part 2, the fourteenth season of

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 7 days ago

The post Maestra: Strings of Truth Season 1 Episode 4 Streaming: How to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Hey, there Delaware.

We are expecting a beautiful start to this weekend, so unless you were hoping to go snowshoeing or sledding, you should be pretty happy.

Saturday will be a great day to be out and about, with a high of 55 in the Wilmington region with sunny skies. Sunday is expected to have a high of 55 as well, but with more clouds and a chance of showers. So, sweater weather but you can leave those heavy coats at home.

If you do want to sip some seasonal goodness, here are some places to get hot chocolate.

The Eagles don't play til Monday, but if you're still licking your wounds from last Sunday, here is some potentially good news as the Birds face off against the Seahawks.

Looking to fill some of your spare time usually taken up by football (or snowshoeing)?

If you are using this weekend to get a lot of holiday items crossed off your list, you will want to consult our 2023 Holiday Guide for fun things to do, places to go, shopping and dining tips and much more.

Here are some more fun things to do this weekend:

Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at Sofi stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Aug. 7, 2023.

You couldn't afford Taylor Swift tickets when the "Eras Tour" stopped in Philadelphia last May.

You couldn't get tickets to the "Eras Tour" movie at the local theater.

Well, Dec. 13 was Taylor Swift's 34th birthday, and the West Reading, Pennsylvania, native celebrated with a present for you. The "Eras Tour" extended version movie was released for streaming at home Wednesday.

Jimmie Allen performs onstage at iHeartRadio Theater on June 23, 2022 in Burbank, California.

Jimmie Allen will deck the halls in Dewey Beach with a second charity Christmas concert, and tickets are still available for the second night.

That second show is at the Bottle & Cork on Saturday, Dec. 16. Both shows benefit Sussex Consortium.

The second concert features a full band and will be for ages 21 or older.

Don't be surprised if the Milton country star performs his fan-approved cover of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" at the Cork.

Wilmington Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' makes history

Dancer Alyss Ayres, 13, performs as a wind-up soldier during a rehearsal of The Nutcracker at the Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023.

Delaware's longest-running production of "The Nutcracker" will continue the storied tradition that Wilmington Ballet has held since 1967. The dance company will take the audience on a whimsical adventure with a magical doll and plenty of charming characters.

Read all about the innovative and collaborative production here.

The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Tickets are $30-$45. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 888-0200.

Dover Christmas Parade

The legend from the North Pole is headline to the Capital City for the 'Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade' on Saturday, Dec. 16.

The Capital City will brave the cold for the heartwarming event "Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade." The parade starts on Federal Street and travels West on Loockerman Street.

Federal Street, Dover, from 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Visit facebook.com/dashingthroughdover or call (302) 736-7005.

Newark adds more cheer with 'Hodie' show

This joyous season that just started is quickly winding down. That's why New Ark Chorale is coming to the rescue to dish up Mark Hayes' "Hodie Christus Natus Est" in this Christmas extravaganza.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church (701 S. College Ave., Newark) at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Tickets are $20. Free for guests under age 18. Visit newarkchorale.org or call (302) 353-6515.

'Nightmare Before Christmas' the concert

Punk and rock vibes abound as bands Kitty Rotten, The Galaxy Has Eyes and Penny Death drum up some fun in this "Nightmare Before Christmas" concert. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes. Vendors, including Kristen Margiotta and Blessed Hex Candle Co., will be on-site for folks to do last-minute holiday shopping.

The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Advance tickets are $12 plus fees. Visit thequeenwilmington.com or call (302) 400-7020.

Chesapeake Brass Band grooves Newark

The Chesapeake Brass Band won't let the Grinch steal your holiday spirit, at least not this weekend. The Hockessin-based outfit features about 35 members and is an all-brass, British-style band. The group, which performs throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, will deliver a holiday-themed musical show for listeners.

First Presbyterian Church (292 W. Main St., Newark) at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Visit chesapeakebrassband.org or call (302) 530-2915.

Greg Giesen and Andre Lamar contributed to this story.

Delaware food & drink stories

Hot Dog!: The Dog House, an iconic Delaware landmark since 1952, has new owners & a breakfast menu

Taco .... Saturday?: The best birria and carnitas tacos near Philly are in Delaware. Here's where ... and why.

Toast the holidays: From Big Beers & Swamp Water to Dewey Devils & Shark Attacks: 13 must-try Delaware drinks

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Nightmare Before Christmas concert, Dover parade, more Delaware fun
"I am eternally grateful to the fans for loving Erica Kane, even when she wasn't so lovable. Thanks to them, I got to continue to play her again and again," the legendary actress said in her acceptance speech

Kevin Winter/Getty Susan Lucci accepts a "Lifetime Achievement Award" onstage during the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles on December 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Susan Lucci received the recognition she deserved for her decades-long career when the actress was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday.

The award was presented by Shemar Moore, who also gave Lucci her first Daytime Emmy in 1999 for outstanding lead actress in a drama series  a win that followed 19 separate nominations since 1978.

"She's been in TV series as well as film and stage... she's been ranked as one of the 50 greatest television stars of all time and I couldn't agree more," Moore, 53, said, as he listed off her accolades, including starring as Erica Kane on the ABC daytime drama All My Children for nearly 40 years.

Moore also called Lucci a "true living TV legend," and joked that the last time he presented the actress her award, "I flipped over the card and I didn't think she was gonna win... and I said, 'The streak is over!'"

After Moore's introduction, a video package of Lucci's film and television credits rolled, followed by personalized messages from her loved ones, including her son Andreas, All My Children alums Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and Carol Burnett, and friend Andy Cohen.

Taking the stage, Lucci, 76, thanked everyone in the room and stated, "How lucky am I to dream my dreams of becoming an actress and grow up and have my dreams come true? There were obstacles and there were roadblocks  they were wannabe obstacles and roadblocks  but tonight's a night to celebrate."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Susan Lucci attends the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles on December 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

Lucci recalled Moore previously announcing her Emmy win and said she "began by thanking God for the many blessings," at the time, "and I begin there again tonight, starting with my parents for their love."

"I thank them for the example they set for me ... for telling me I could shoot for the moon and the stars, and to never be afraid," she said, before thanking her teachers for "giving me the tools to be the kind of actress I wanted to be," and All My Children creator Agnes Nixon.

"She was a trailblazer, visionary storyteller who gave me the part of the lifetime, the fabulously flawed Erica Kane," Lucci said, calling her character the "naughty girl in town... she had spirit."

"I am eternally grateful to the fans for loving Erica Kane, even when she wasn't so lovable," she continued. "Thanks to them, I got to continue to play her again and again."

Lucci also thanked her fellow All My Children castmates, calling them the "most accomplished and talented actors in NY."

"I am so proud to be part of this community, this community of storytellers, in such a collaborative genre," she said. "We get to do what we love to do, we get to entertain and tell stories, and in that, we illuminate our human condition ... and on our best days, even make a little magic."

In a final note, Lucci thanked her son Andreas and her late husband Helmut Huber, who died in March 2022 at age 84.

"The icing on the cake tonight is that my son Andreas is with me. It means so much to me to have you here with me," she said. "I feel your dad's presence here with us tonight too. I thank my husband Helmet Huber because he has everything to do with me standing up here tonight and receiving this incredible award."



Desiree Navarro/WireImage Susan Lucci (center) with son Andreas Huber (left) and husband Helmut Huber in 2013

Related: Shemar Moore Will Present Susan Lucci with Daytime Emmys' Lifetime Achievement Award (Exclusive)

Lucci got her big break in the role of Erica Kane on All My Children in 1970 and played the role for 41 years until the show ended in 2011. She had many memorable moments on the show and ultimately earned 21 nominations at the Daytime Emmy Awards for her iconic role.

Beyond All My Children, the actress found time to explore other projects, starring in the 1999 Broadway production of Annie Get Your Gun and had solo performances in theaters and cabarets across the country.

On television, Lucci landed recurring roles on shows like Hot in Cleveland, Dallas, Army Wives and Devious Maids. In 2008, she competed on season 7 of Dancing with the Stars with partner Tony Dovolani, finishing sixth.

Carol Kaelson/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Susan Lucci on 'All My Children' in 2010.

The actress is also a New York Times bestselling author after releasing her autobiography, All My Life, in 2011, and has championed several charitable causes in her lifetime, including United Cerebral Palsy of NYC, the National AFib Campaign, March of Dimes, the New York Cancer Project, the American Stroke Association, and the American Heart Association, of which she currently serves as the National Ambassador for the Go Red for Women Movement.

On the personal front, Lucci shares Andreas and daughter Liza with Huber. The two wed in 1969.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty 'All My Children' alum Susan Lucci with Charles Frank in 1971.

Lucci's award comes months after she recovered from her second heart surgery in four years.

"I'm doing really well. I always keep an eye on myself, what's going on, Lucci told PEOPLE in March, adding, "It is so far so good."

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.

The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are airing live on CBS and Paramount+.



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Amidst the vibrant culinary mosaic of New York City, the Cuban sandwich emerges as a savory gem, symbolizing the city's rich blend of cultural influences. Although Miami often comes to mind as a prime location for delicious Cuban sandwiches in America, which it is, New York also holds its own when it comes to this dish, sometimes in ways that might surprise you. For instance, when Chinese immigrants to Cuba fled Castro's regime, many of them came to New York, which provided a haven for their families and welcomed their unique blend of Cuban-Chinese food with open arms.

Even so, the sandwich remains spectacular in every shape and form. As long as it contains the requisite ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on good bread, it's going to be a success. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the eclectic neighborhoods of Brooklyn, authentic interpretations of the Cubano abound in local delis, food trucks, and other eateries, reflecting the city's ability to preserve culinary masterpieces such as this. In every bite of a Cuban sandwich in New York, one experiences not just a celebration of Cuban and American influences but also an exploration of the cultural forces that brought this food to our shores. So let's take a look at which restaurants offer the best Cuban sandwiches in New York City, based on personal experience and reviews.

Read more: Restaurant Foods That Always Taste Better Than What You Make At Home

Cafe Habana

Cuban sandwich on plate - @cafehabana / Instagram

We go to some restaurants because we want to be pampered and comfortable. We go to others because we want food that is so good it can't be topped. Cafe Habana falls in the latter category. It focuses all its attention on the quality of the food, which is top-notch, and that's all anyone can really ask for in a restaurant.

That is not to say you won't be comfortable. The place has the appearance of a dive but with a warm and welcoming neighborhood feel. This sentiment only grows once you bite into the Cuban sandwich here, which is made with citrus-marinated roast pork, chipotle mayo, and the rest of the usual gang of ingredients. Pair it with the grilled corn with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime to make the most of your visit.

https://www.cafehabana.com/(212) 625-200117 Prince St, New York, New York 10012

Rincon Criollo

Tray of Cuban sandwiches - @rinconcriollo76 / instagram

Queens has some of the most diverse cuisine in all of America, packed within just a few blocks. Cuban food is no exception, and Rincon Criollo is a fine example of it. Although the place is largely known for its meat and bean specials, you also can't go wrong with a Cuban sandwich.

Just be sure to check the menu before you head in, or call and ask about those specials. They change daily, and the Cuban sandwich might not always be available. But there are plenty of other delectable options to choose from, including the cassava stuffed with ground beef, the arroz con pollo, and a long list of Latin American desserts. You can always come back for the sandwich another time.

https://www.rincon-criollo.com/(516) 506-16532232 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, New York 11040

Victor's Cafe

Cuban sandwiches cut up - @victorscafenyc / Instagram

Many Cuban places in the city are fairly casual affairs. Food trucks, counters, and dives abound in this genre. But Cuban food can also be sophisticated and fancy, and you will learn this if you ever go to Victor's Cafe, in Midtown. Indeed, there a not a lot of Cuban places that offer tasting menus for lunch and dinner, but Victor's Cafe is one of them.

The Sandwich Cubano here is just as sophisticated, made with hand-carved pork and accompanied by tropical chips. For an even more tropical experience, wash it all down with an expertly made Mojito, served with plenty of fresh mint. And if you have time before your show (because we're smack in the middle of the Theater District here), try the house flan, a delicious Cuban-style custard topped with caramel sauce.

https://www.victorscafe.com/(212) 586-7714236 W 52nd St, New York, New York 10019

Margon

Cuban sandwich on plate - @margonrestaurantnyc / Instagram

Margon is one of the few places in or around Times Square where you can get good food at a decent price. Indeed, it's an all-around great place to eat in the Theater District. In particular, you can get a great Cuban Sandwich with rice and beans for only $16, practically a steal for any area in the city, never mind smack in the middle of it.

Margon has made a name for itself by using fresh ingredients and preparing good food quickly. In fact, the crowd that flocks to this little hole-in-the-wall tend to be actors on break from rehearsals or office workers -- essentially the local labor force that needs a quick bite of something good before getting back to their jobs.

https://ordermargon.com/(212) 354-5013136 W 46th St, New York, New York 10036

Coppelia

Cuban sandwich on plate - @coppelianyc1 / Instagram

Coppelia, one of those all-night diners that stay open 24 hours a day, offers a breakfast menu through it all, and so perfectly represents the city that never sleeps, also happens to be a pretty good Cuban restaurant. Owned by Mexican restaurateur Julian Medina, this diner offers a diverse menu of Latino food, including Caribbean and South American dishes, with standouts like the ropa vieja and lomo saltado.

Another great item on the menu is the Cuban Sandwich, of course, which hits the spot at any time of day. If you're still hungry after finishing that, just order another one, as no dessert on the menu can top it.

https://ilovecoppelia.com/(212) 858-5001207 W 14th St, New York, New York 10011

Guantanamera

Cuban sandwich on plate - @guantanamerany / Instagram

This restaurant on Eighth Avenue boasts some unassuming charm that has been able to resist the trends of modern mixology and fleeting Instagram fame. The atmosphere is bustling and unpretentious, and you're just as likely to see a patron dancing as you are to see them eating.

And one of the things they might be eating is the Cuban sandwich. The one at Guantanamera is as unassuming as its surroundings, but an impressive rendition nonetheless. Wash it down with a mojito, which comes with deep, unfiltered flavors from pounded lime, bruised mint, and rum. Live music adds to the vibrant ambiance, creating an unconventional space that defies the typical restaurant experience.

https://guantanamerany.com/(718) 575-5755110-80 Queens Blvd, Queens, New York 11375

El Castillo De Jagua

Cuban sandwich and other foods - El Castillo de Jagua / Facebook

The Cuban sandwich here is one of the best value meals you'll get in New York City. It comes in at only $13 and offers a side of red beans, rice, plantain chips, or a salad -- basically everything you need to fill you up. Aside from that, El Castillo de Jagua is a beloved neighborhood spot offering several other Latin American cuisines, including Dominican and Puerto Rican.

The kitchen consistently delivers satisfying fare, from breakfast eggs and mangu to battered steak with a crunchy crust. The decor, characterized by white stucco walls and harsh lighting might not be the most appealing to the senses, but the food will more than make up for that.

https://www.castillodejagua.com/(212) 982-6412113 Rivington St, New York, New York 10002

Pilar Cuban Eatery

Cuban sandwich - @pilarcubaneatery / Instagram

Pilar Cuban Eatery, a Bedford-Stuyvesant favorite since it opened in 2009, transports diners to the essence of Cuban cuisine. The menu boasts staple dishes with a twist, such as the sticky-sweet maduros made with ripe plantains and crispy tostones served with ropa vieja and camarones enchilados. Plantains feature prominently, even in the grilled cheese sandwich.

One place you will not find them (except for maybe as a side) is in the Cuban sandwich, which doesn't need them anyway. It's already delicious as it is, a true classic of Cuban cuisine made especially well here at Pilar. Run by Ricardo Barreras and Lizbeth Moreno, the restaurant offers a weekly rotation of complexly flavored dishes all served alongside the ghostly presence of Ernest Hemingway, whose beloved fishing boat, the Pilar, inspired the restaurant's name.

https://www.pilarny.com/(551) 210-2294397 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11216

Calle Dao

Cuban sandwich on plate - @calledaonyc / Instagram

Calle Dao, which boasts three locations in Manhattan, is one of the few remaining Cuban-Chinese restaurants in the city. Inspired by the history of Chinese immigrants settling in Cuba, the menu combines Asian and Latin American ingredients, paying homage to the Cuban-Chinese eateries that once thrived in Chelsea and the Upper West Side.

Chef Humberto Guallpa, embracing a non-authentic approach, skillfully melds flavors and techniques from both cultures, exemplified by the Cuban sandwich spring rolls (although they also have the real thing on occasion). Though not strictly a sandwich, between the roast pork, ham, salami, and mojo lime mustard, the spring rolls feature the best of what makes the soul of a good Cuban sandwich. The restaurant's ambiance, reminiscent of Hemingway's Havana, adds to its charm. Calle Dao has brought us a successful and tasteful revival of Cuban-Chinese cuisine, a culinary tradition that is sadly fading.

https://www.calledao.com/(646) 476-569638 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

Cuba Restaurant And Rum Bar

Cuban sandwich on plate - @cub_nyc / Instagram

When you want a Cuban sandwich, it's only natural to head to a place called Cuba Restaurant and Rum Bar. With such a name, you'd think you'd be able to scratch your itch, and you would be right. Not only will you find a Cuban sandwich there, it'll be a good one.

But don't forget about the rum. There are plenty of options to choose from here, spanning a wide swathe of the Caribbean and representing everything from sweet, pineapple flavors to dark and smokey notes. Sample some rum on its own or drink it as part of that mojito you plan on ordering for your boozy brunch.

https://cubanyc.com/(212) 420-7878222 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

Sophie's Cuban

Cuban sandwiches held up - @sophiescubancuisine / Instagram

With several locations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn, you're never too far from a Sophie's Cuban, and therefore from a good Cuban sandwich. Although Pete Wells of The New York Times described this place as appearing "inauthentic," citing, for instance, the fact that the owners are Peruvian and not Cuban, he also ended up not giving a hoot about that. The food is that good.

In particular, the Cuban sandwich "hits all the marks," according to Wells, which is exactly what we need when seeking out this ultimate Cuban comfort food. Indeed, this is the ideal place to go if you need to get your mojo back, especially since the Cuban sandwich serves it up in the form of mojo pork and mojo sauce.

https://www.sophiescuban.com/(212) 608-676976 Fulton St, New York, New York 10038

Amor Cubano

Cuban sandwich with fried plantains - @amorcubanorestaurant / Instagram

Amor Cubano, located in El Barrio, a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood, stands out as a rare Cuban establishment in the area. The vibrant bar and restaurant offer a tropical atmosphere and a lively stage for salsa enthusiasts. Known for its traditional Cuban cuisine, the establishment boasts a variety of mojitos, with highlights like the Cojito, a twist on the classic made with coconut rum, muddled limes, mint leaves, and coconut water.

But remember to drink responsibly, so before you go wild on the drinks, be sure to get some food in you. We recommend the Cuban sandwich, of course, which comes with all the usual fillings and accouterments, but is prepared with unusual dexterity. Complete the dish with a side of fried yucca and cilantro sauce or sweet plantains.

http://www.amorcubanonyc.com/(212) 996-12202018 3rd Ave, New York, New York 10029

Court Street Grocers

Sandwiches from the Court Street Grocers - @courtstreetgrocers / Instagram

It stands to reason that one might find a Cuban sandwich at a sandwich shop. However, this isn't usually the case. Luckily, Court Street Grocers bucks that trend and serve up a delicious Cuban sandwich made with bacon fat, confited pork shoulder, ham, Swiss cheese, sour pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, and a freshly baked loaf of bread.

This is a great place to go for lunch with friends if you can't agree on cuisine. You can get your Cuban sandwich here, as you should, while your friends indulge in an Italian combo with mozzarella and pecorino and the late riser among you can order the breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, cheddar, and arugula. Go for the sandwiches, but stay for the groceries -- this place is a treasure trove for oddball items like Quisp cereal, which is usually only found online.

https://www.courtstreetgrocers.com/(833) 533-3200485 Court St, Brooklyn, New York 11231

Mi Salsa Kitchen

Cuban sandwiches on plates - @misalsakitchen / Instagram

If you want a side of live music with your Cuban sandwich, Mi Salsa Kitchen, in the Lower East Side, is the place to go. According to the restaurant's website, this item is among the most ordered for Mi Salsa Kitchen's catering events, which is reason enough to try it if you stop by the restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Another reason to try it is that the restaurant focuses on using seasonal, local, and high-quality ingredients, the trifecta for any good dish. This may also be why their sauces are so good. Be bold and dip your Cuban into one of these delights, including the mojo criollo sauce or the honey mustard sauce, if the mustard on your sandwich is not enough.

https://misalsakitchen.com/(646) 649-4929205 Allen St, New York, New York 10002

El Punto Cubano

cuban sandwich on plate - @elpuntocubanony / Instagram

Next time you head to the Alamo Drafthouse to see a movie, stick to the drinks and save your appetite for the market downstairs. The DeKalb Market Hall is chock full of delicious food stands encompassing a wide span of New York's culinary offerings, from specialty pickles to Caribbean jerk.

Cuban sandwiches figure prominently in this space, as offered up by El Punto Cubano, an authentic Cuban spot that also offers delivery. Make a B line for this stand and you won't have to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of options offered by this bustling market. Just be aware that they prepare the sandwich a little differently, with roasted chicken instead of ham, while the presence of the Swiss cheese, mustard, and mayo remains constant.

https://el-punto-cubano.square.site/(516) 340-9945DeKalb Market Hall, 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, New York 11201

Tina's Cuban Cuisine

Cuban sandwich on plate - @tinascuban.3ave / Instagram

This small chain with three locations around Midtown is ideal for grabbing a good Cuban sandwich on the go. Most locations are not open for dinner, so head here on your next break from the office, or if you happen to be around anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Indeed, they are strictly geared towards the working crowd, as they're closed on weekends.

When you order the Cubano sandwich, expect the classic version made well, with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo, mustard, and all. And don't be afraid to make it to order: you can add extra Swiss cheese for that luxurious bubbly effect, or take it away if you're looking for a dairy-free experience.

https://tinascubancuisine.com/Multiple locations

Floridita

Cuban sandwich on foil - Eating in Translation / Facebook

This Cuban and Dominican spot in Washington Heights serves the community well, making it unnecessary to head all the way downtown for a Cuban sandwich fix. Their version is large, satisfying, and at a mere $6, great value. It is possibly the cheapest Cuban sandwich in New York, or at least the cheapest good one.

What's even more exciting is that Floridita is open 24 hours a day, which means you can get that Cuban sandwich, or any of the other delicious offerings the restaurant has on the menu, whenever you want. One factor that sets this specimen apart from the rest is the pickles. There is just a tad more than the average Cuban sandwich, which helps to further cut through the fatty pork. Perfect for pickle-lovers.

https://www.floriditanyc.com/(212) 928-06534162 Broadway, New York, New York 10033

Beso

Cuban wrap with salad - @besonyc11 / Instagram

Staten Island may be dominated by Italian food due to the large community there, but many other great cuisines have also been gaining a foothold over the years, and Beso contributes a lion's share to the options available for Cuban food. In particular, the restaurant offers a fantastic Cuban sandwich, made with slight variations to the basic ingredients: Spanish Mahon cheese instead of Swiss cheese and the addition of shredded cabbage.

Don't let these variations turn you off. They are not random choices -- the chefs at Beso know what they're doing and the combination of these ingredients is considered and pleasing to the taste buds. The sandwich thus manages to maintain the ideal balance of tangy pickles with fatty roasted pork while giving patrons something new to sink their teeth into.

https://besonyc.com/(718) 816-816270 Bay St, Staten Island, New York 10301

Bermudez Bakery

Cuban sandwich on foil - @bermudezbakery / Instagram

The Bermudez Bakery may blend into its East Harlem surroundings fairly well, with its bright yellow awning and neighborhood joint feel. But what's inside stands out in the best possible way by providing some of the area's tastiest Cuban sandwiches. This shouldn't come as a surprise, since bread features prominently in Cuban sandwiches, and Bermudez Bakery knows how to make good bread.

In fact, when you order your sandwich, you'll probably see employees grab a loaf of bread right off of a rack freshly taken out of the oven. Then all the usual trappings go on before the whole, delicious mess goes into the sandwich press to become the tight, flavor-packed sandwich we know and love.

https://www.instagram.com/bermudezbakery/(212) 427-28771875 Lexington Ave, New York, New York 10035

Casa Adela

Cuban sandwich cut open - @casaadelarestaurant / Instagram

This Puerto Rican place in Alphabet City does more than just churn out delicious Puerto Rican food, which is already no small thing. It also makes a very good classic Cuban sandwich for only $10. Order it with a side of rice and beans, because then you get to choose between three different types of beans -- kidney, black, or pinto.

The atmosphere at this cozy place is casual and welcoming, an ideal setting for taking in the comfort foods available. There are many of these: In addition to the Cuban sandwich, Casa Adela is also known for its rotisserie chicken, avocado salad, and roast pork. If you decide to try them all in one go, wake yourself up from your food coma with a perky cafe con leche.

https://casa-adela-puerto-rican-restaurant.business.site/(212) 473-188266 Loisaida Ave, New York, New York 10009

Methodology

homemade Cuban sandwich - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

The restaurants chosen for this article were based on professional reviews from the top authorities in the New York City food scene, including food critics for the New York Times and NYMag. Other recommendations came from local food blogs, which were then confirmed with positive customer reviews of the restaurants. The author also weighed in personally based on their own experiences dining at places like Coppelia and DeKalb Market Hall.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
A recent Instagram post from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) posted by The Nature Conservancy In NJ (@nature_nj) has sparked widespread enthusiasm.

The post showcases the beginning of a significant environmental undertaking: the removal of the Paulina Dam from the Paulins Kill in New Jersey. This project, part of a larger habitat-wide restoration plan started in 2013, is crucial for the safety and ecological balance of the region.

The TNC post states that the Paulina Dam is classified as a Significant Hazard Dam, due to its proximity to the town of Blairstown, New Jersey.



Removing the dam is part of a comprehensive effort by TNC to revitalize the entire habitat of the Paulins Kill. The dam removal will reconnect critical habitats for fish and other aquatic species, enhancing the rivers biodiversity and ecological resilience.

The project is also anticipated to boost recreational activities along the river, providing fishing, kayaking, and hiking opportunities to enrich the local communitys connection with nature.

The initiative is a testament to the commitment of TNC and its partners to restore the natural flow and health of New Jerseys waterways. This action follows the successful removals of the Columbia and County Line Dams, pivotal steps in reconnecting 45 miles of river habitat along the Paulins Kill.

Removing dams can have profound environmental impacts, as seen in other notable projects. The largest dam removal project in history along Californias Klamath River is revitalizing the rivers salmon population. This historic effort is set to restore the rivers natural state, with immense ecological benefits.

Similarly, the remarkable transformation of the Klamath River after dam removal, captured in before-and-after images on Instagram, illustrates the dramatic impact of these initiatives.

The removal of the Paulina Dam reflects TNCs deep understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding our natural resources.

As this project progresses, it stands as a beacon of hope for similar environmental initiatives, demonstrating the profound impact of community engagement and strategic ecological planning.

The communitys reaction to the Instagram post and the project underscores a collective dedication to environmental stewardship. As the final step in restoring the Paulins Kill, removing the Paulina Dam symbolizes a harmony between human development and natural conservation.

Such great news! one user stated enthusiastically.

Wonderful work, TNC! another applauded.

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In central Kenya, A-List travel advisor Deborah Calmeyer is partnering with poet David Whyte to create a more thoughtful, meditative type of expedition.

Courtesy of Segera Retreat A male lion pauses on the grounds of Segera Retreat, in Kenya.

As a born and raised Zimbabwean, Ive spent my lifetime working to share the transformative magic of Africas wilderness with travelers. This land can have a powerful, almost healing impact on visitors as they feel awe and joy seeing elephants, lions, and beautiful landscapes. I want to help preserve Africa's magic as much as I can  that passion underpins every part of my work as an A-List travel advisor at Roar Africa. But as a safari expert, sometimes I wonder: How do I find the words to convey what happens to travelers' psyches when they embark on a safari?

The answer: Plan a trip with a famous writer to combine the wonder of an African safari with the meditation of poetry. That's the goal of the upcoming safari, Return to the Wild With David Whyte, which will take place June 12-17, 2024 at Segera Retreat in Kenya.

Deborah Calmeyer Poet David Whyte speaks with safari-goers in Kenya.

An Unexpected Pairing: A Poetry Safari

I first encountered poet, zoologist, and philosopher David Whyte when I heard his poem Sometimes in northern Kenya. In each stanza, Whyte invites the reader to consider the questions that can make or unmake a life. That poem changed my life as I thought about what questions will guide my life  and my travel decisions.

My question is, what and who will we be if we lose this great source of joy  Africa's untamed wild? At that moment, I knew that Whyte had an innate ability to translate the inherent wonder of the wild. So, with the team at Roar Africa, I created a safari trip to Kenya in which travelers could experience poetry and the safari experience together.

In February 2023, we co-hosted Into the Wild With David Whyte, a six-day safari at Segera Retreat in central Kenya. I designed this journey to be anchored in the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Whyte's poetry, along with incredible animal sightings and a team of intuitive wellness specialists who focus on sound, breath, touch, and energy, brought calm and openness to our group.

Courtesy of Segera Retreat Giraffes outside Segera Retreat.

During that trip, our days were spent rising with the sun and resting with the stars. One day, I sat spellbound at the rare sight of a pack of wild dogs leaping across a dry riverbed. On another, I basked in the graceful movements of elephants that sauntered past our lodge. The world stood still. I felt fully present in my body and in each exquisite moment. Its a strange sensation to feel your senses come roaring back to life  everything looked brighter, tasted better, smelled stronger, and sounded clearer. The big questions Whyte talks about  the ones that make or unmake a life  seemed easier to answer. That time spent amid Kenya's grasslands returned me to my senses, returned me to myself.

Months later, Im still digesting the profound shift that occurred in me during that trip. Those days, captured in the golden light of Whyte's words and the extraordinary surroundings, allowed me to reset my internal rhythm. The uninterrupted time in Kenya's wild grasslands furthered my personal journey of life and spiritual evolution. I thought about how I want to move through this world, and how I can cherish and support our planet's African wildlife.

I am forever changed by that fateful week. I returned back to my home in New York a touch kinder, gentler, and more determined to share a poetry-driven safari with travelers. Poetry is a conduit that opens our minds and hearts to the ancient wisdom of the wild.

Return to the Wild With David Whyte will take place June 12-17, 2024, at Segera Retreat in Kenya.



Deborah Calmeyer is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in custom east and southern Africa trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Calmeyer by contacting her at welcome@roarafrica.com.



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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Australian womenswear brand Dissh has opened a store in Bondi, near Bondi Beach in Sydney.

The 1,292-square-foot boutique is the brands seventh Dissh location, all of which are located in Australia. The shop is designed in collaboration with Brahman Perera, one of Australias leading interior designers, and the Dissh store design team. They worked closely with an environmental consultant and every element has sustainability at its forefront, from the building processes to the responsibly sourced materials and the stores 100 percent renewable energy contract.

More from WWD

Eighty-five percent of the furniture is second hand, reclaimed or sustainability sourced. Changing rooms feature smart lighting, allowing customers to play with different moods during their try-on sessions. The custom ceramic flute wall scones are made by Melbourne artist Sarah Nedovic.

A view of the new Dissh store near Bondi Beach.

Dissh, whose owner and director is Lucy Henry-Hicks, is owned, run and led by women. The brand is known for its feminine silhouettes and easy-going pieces that reflect its Aussie roots. Dissh offers clothing and accessories.

Best of WWD
A.P. Moller-Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have temporarily halted their vessels from traversing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into the Red Sea Friday after both ocean carriers have endured attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militants.

The strait links the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea, and is a key passage that enables ships coming from Asia to travel to Egypts Suez Canal.

More from Sourcing Journal

An estimated 12 percent of global trade flows through the Suez Canal, a vital gateway for any business seeking to ship product via ocean freight from Asia to Europe, or for those looking to reroute shipments away from the backlogged Panama Canal.

Maersk has put all vessel movement bound to pass through the strait on hold until further notice, the company said. Hapag-Lloyd said it would suspend voyages in the area until Monday, and will then decide whether they want to continue the suspension.

We are deeply concerned about the highly escalated security situation in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Maersk said in a statement. The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers.

On Thursday, it was reported a missile was fired at the Maersk Gibraltar vessel while en route from Salalah in Oman to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The missile did not strike the ship.

A Hapag-Lloyd spokesperson confirmed that the 15,000 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessel Al Jasrah was attacked early Friday while sailing close to the coast of Yemen. The ship was sailing on the Asia-to-Mediterranean MD2 service route. No crew members were injured.

Also on Friday, a Mediterranean Shipping Company-operated vessel, the 2,546-TEU MSC Palatium III, was struck. The vessels master reporting an explosion on board that resulted in a fire that was extinguished.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea in recent weeksparticularly vessels that are claimed to be connected to Israelin response to the war in Gaza.

In a statement, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) called the Houthi attacks unacceptable acts of aggression and flagrant breach of international law.

ICS deplores the actions of the Houthis in the strongest terms and calls for the immediate cessation of these attacks, the global trade association for shipowners and operators said. States with influence in the region should, as a matter of urgency, work to stop the actions of the Houthis in attacking seafarers and merchant ships, and de-escalate what is now an extremely serious threat to international trade.

The potential for future attacks could have an impact on global trade if the Suez sees a slowdown, like when the Ever Given container ship got stuck in the waterway two years ago and brought traffic to a standstill for six days. That blockage resulted in a holdup of $9.6 billion in goods per day.

In a Q&A posted Friday morning, Peter Sand, chief analyst at ocean and air freight analytics platform Xeneta, said it was highly unlikely the Suez Canal will close, but if there are further significant escalations then we cannot rule it out completely, even if it is just for a few days.

Sand pointed out that the only real alternative to the Suez Canal is going around Africas Cape of Good Hope, which can add up to 10 days sailing time on an Asia-to-North Europe or Asia-to-East Mediterranean service.

Ironically, the stocks of various container shipping firms including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have leapt in the wake of the attacks, presumably on the grounds that the rerouting of ships around Africa would increase freight rates.

Since Tuesday, Maersks stock price has increased nearly 16 percent, while Hapag-Lloyds jumped almost 22 percent.

Sand acknowledged freight rates on routes from the Far East to North Europe could double from todays level if the situation continues to escalate.

There is always the risk rates will be impacted in a scenario such as this. Whenever there is uncertainty there is the opportunity for carriers and forwarders to increase rates, Sand said. I would expect some kind of overreaction, at least in the short term, where rates jump on all trades which utilize the Suez Canal. Whether that is a 5, 10 [or] 30 percent increase, we will not know until we see how the situation evolves in the next few months.

As of Thursday, spot freight rates across the major global trade lanes are down 28 percent from year-ago figures to $1,521 per 40-ft container, according to Drewrys World Container Index (WCI).

In response to the Houthi attacks, the U.S. is expected to announce a multinational task force that will start operating in the Red Sea to deter the rebels from further attacks and counter them, according to a Thursday report from Bloomberg.
The National Cancer Institutes (NCI) Smokefree.gov initiative and the Indian Health Service (IHS) have joined forces to announce the availability of SmokefreeNATIVE, a free text messaging program to help American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) quit smoking commercial tobacco.

SmokefreeNATIVE is a 68 week (depending on when a quit date is set) texting program that braids together evidence-based smoking cessation support with key themes and content reflecting Native cultural experiences, worldviews, and traditions. People who are ready to quit smoking commercial tobacco can enroll online or by texting NATIVE to 47848.

The American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) in collaboration with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, supported NCI and IHS in their efforts to create a culturally aligned digital resource to improve access to evidence-based smoking cessation support for AI/ANs.

This project supports new actions federal agencies are taking to advance the mission of the White House Cancer Moonshot.

Traditional tobacco has been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes by AI/ANs for generations and is central to culture, spirituality and healing. This lifeway was prohibited until the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was passed in 1978, which led to increases in commercial tobacco use as a replacement for traditional tobacco. Due to cultural shifts, commercial tobacco use is a driver of health inequities among AI/AN populations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizations that have played a pivotal role in achieving this significant milestone, making the journey to quit commercial tobacco more accessible to our relatives across Indian Country. Together, we can heal with culture and reclaim Indigenous health, the American Indian Cancer Foundation said in a statement.



For more information and enrollment, visit SmokefreeNATIVE or text NATIVE to 47848

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
South Dakota isnt a state known for moose hunting, but Shauna Woodward did her best to change that last month. Hunting on her family farm, she arrowed a heavily palmated whitetail nicknamed "Moose" that she'd had been chasing for three seasons. Were pretty serious about letting bucks get fully mature before we try to tag them, and this buck was the only deer on my hit-list for the fall, Woodward told F&S. The veteran bowhunter displayed extreme patience in her pursuit of Moose, finally arrowing him on November 13.

Woodard and her husband Richard first spotted the buck in 2021. He was a basic 4X4 with an long extra tine that swooped up and out from the base, which made him easy to spot, she said. We guessed him to be 4- years old that fall, and he was not on our hit list. The next fall, 2022, he'd added a lot more bone and had really blown up. Unfortunately we had a really bad drought that year and lots of bucks had brittle antlers and were breaking off points. So we ended up not killing any bucks off our farm that year.

Right to left: Trail camera pictures of Moose in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Going into the 2023 season, there was no doubt Moose was on Woodards hit list. Hed become incredibly palmated, and when we started getting pics of him in velvet, I knew he was the only buck I wanted to kill, she said. I was actually in Manitoba bear hunting when our archery season opened back home, and all I could think about was how I should be home, hunting for Moose. Woodard took up the pursuit as soon as she returned home, and she actually had several encounters with the monster buck. He was definitely the dominant buck on the farm, and several times I had him at 60 or 70 yards away, then hed trot off to chase a doe or run off a smaller buck. I tried to stay smart and keep out of his bedding area so I didnt spook him.

That all changed November 13, when Woodard made a careful stalk to her stand. I left about 10 a.m.,, knowing it would be a slow process to sneak past bedded deer and reach the stand, she recalled. I actually had a small 8-point walk in front of me at 10 yards; he got nervous and trotted off and I was holding my breath, hoping he wouldnt spook too many deer. When he bounded off, I saw a palmated rack emerge from the woodsMoose! He was 50 yards off and acting a little nervous, wondering what had spooked the smaller buck. Eventually he ran off across the pasture, following that small buck into a strip of cedars. I managed to sneak over to a Redneck blind wed set along that line of cedars.

Patience paid off for Shauna Woodward when she arrowed the huge palmated buck.

Woodard reached the blind, opened only one window to minimize her scent, and settled in to wait. Deer started moving, and I could see the small buck bumping does in and out of the cedar strip. Then Moose emerged, following the does as they moved toward my stand. A big doe was only 50 yards away, and I opened a window in that direction as I could hear Moose in the cedars, thrashing trees and grunting. Eventually the doe walked out of the strip to just 20 yards, and I prayed that Moose would follow her same path. When he did, I was at full draw; I settled in and shot him as he walked. I knew the shot was a bit back, but he was quartering away. I snuck back to the house and waited three hours, then came back and took up the trail." Woodward found found Moose only 80 yards from where she'd shot him. "The saga of Moose was over, and he was a prime example of why we let them go, so they can grow.
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There's more than one way to crack an egg, and many countries and cultures have their classics. Take China and its tiger egg recipe for instance. No, it's not an actual tiger's egg as tigers are mammals and don't lay eggs. However, its crispy skin certainly resembles that golden bronze of the jungle cat. Essentially, a tiger egg is a boiled egg that's also been deep-fried. It's an ingredient that can be combined in any number of ways, making it a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

Cooking a tiger egg is a two-step process. The first step should be familiar to anyone who has ever boiled an egg. Toss your eggs into boiling water until they've cooked to your preferred level of doneness and peel off their shells. From there, use oil and high heat to fry them to a crisp. You can use either a wok, frying pan, or small pot to fry your eggs.

Cooking tiger eggs can be a bit tricky. You will want to get a nice crispy texture to the outside of the egg's skin, but you must be careful because eggs can burn quickly. Continuously moving the eggs around in the pan will keep this from happening.

Read more: 14 Liquids To Add To Scrambled Eggs (And What They Do)

Historical Origins Behind Tiger Eggs

fried boiled egg - Habs Photography/Shutterstock

Deep-fried hard-boiled eggs have been prevalent in many cultures outside of China. For instance, one Egyptian recipe calls for deep-fried boiled eggs served in a stir fry with an assortment of vegetables. This recipe fries the eggs in ghee (clarified butter) instead of oil. However, within China, the recipe for tiger eggs stretches back hundreds of years. The recipe originated during the Ming Dynasty, which ruled China between 1368 to 1644.

The exact origins of tiger eggs are currently unknown, with their original chef being lost to the records of the time. However, what is known is that Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was a particular fan of the invention. Also known as the Hongwu Emperor, Yuanzhang ruled from 1328 to 1398 and may have helped popularize the recipe in the country.

Despite the popularity of Chinese food in America, tiger eggs are a relatively obscure food item still among the nation's cuisine. However, social media platforms like TikTok are spreading the word about the delicious take on eggs. Some are even sharing their own recipes and takes on tiger eggs. In particular, the eggs are often paired with a soda.

Try It With A Coke

tiger eggs in bowl - xiaoxiao9119/Shutterstock

Tiger eggs can be eaten by themselves, but many recipes pair the eggs with a sauce. It's here that you can get bold and experiment with different seasonings and flavorings, including a particularly popular sauce made using Coca-Cola. The soft drink is used as a marinade to drench the already-fried eggs before the mixture is put to a simmer. You can combine cola with other sauces such as oyster sauce and soy sauce for a flavorful combination.

Likewise, if you're looking for a marinade with a stronger flavor, consider adding beer into the mix instead. This alcohol-tinged marinade will provide a sharper, bitter tang to your eggs than cola may give. If you're wondering why so many recipes pair tiger eggs with a sauce, you should know that the fried outer layer of the boiled eggs is perfect for capturing flavor.

That being said, if you don't want a dish that pops or erupts during cooking, consider partly slicing open the eggs before frying. It will allow them to reduce some of their moisture and prevent any unintended accidents.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.
A cruise that goes up a mountain may conjure images of Noahs ark, wedged unceremoniously on top of Mount Ararat after the Flood. But, in fact, there are a few innovative lines who have realised that there are plenty of passengers who love the comfort and inclusiveness of a cruise, but dont necessarily want to spend their entire holiday bobbing along at sea level. The result? Theyve decided to inject a little altitude  and with the (literal) highs and lows of some of the worlds most spectacular corners combined, boy does it make for some epic itineraries.

One such cruise company is Viking, which has partnered with the iconic Rocky Mountaineer railroad to offer an inspired extension to its Alaska cruise. The trip begins amongst the 49th states frozen bays and inlets, before rocketing up into deep gorges, dense forests, soaring snow-topped mountains, rivers of rushing white water, and vast lakes.

On the water, I saw countless glaciers spread across miles of high mountain terrain or glistening blue and dropping down into the ocean, the ship close enough that we could hear their groans as they calved icebergs into the freezing green waters.

Discover Alaska from the sea and the land with Viking's Rocky Mountaineer cruise extension - Viking

On a catamaran in Resurrection Bay, a sea otter floated by; a bald eagle sat among deep green trees; a dozen sea lions lounged on the rocks; while jelly fish  looking remarkably like fried eggs, transparent but for a bright yellow centre  drifted past on the teal-coloured waters of an inlet. Meanwhile, a seal colony peered at us short-sightedly from a pebble beach, then a pod of around 30 orcas arrived to swim alongside us until one hurled himself out of the water in three magnificent breeches.

Then it was onto the tracks and into the Rockies, where bears fished at the waters edge, deer stared out from the woods, ospreys nested on bridges, bald eagles soared and salmon leapt  all framed by the huge panoramic windows of warm, glass-domed carriages. Not your typical cruise, then.

Essentials

Anna Selby was a guest of Rocky Mountaineer (rockymountaineer.com) and Viking Cruises (0800 319 66 60; viking.com), which has the 10-night Alaska and the Inside Passage cruise from 5,590 per person, calling at Vancouver, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Valdez and Seward. Includes flights, transfers, all meals (including drinks), excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Departs May 14. The five-night Rocky Mountaineer extension costs from 3,999 per person.

7 more mountain cruises to book now

The Jungfrau, Switzerland

Taucks cruise through the Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam starts pretty high (in Zurich) and just keeps getting higher as you ascend by cog-wheel train to the Jungfraujoch station, aka the top of Europe, at 3,454m above sea level. The scenery is quite breathtaking (except when youre actually inside the mountain) and theres a snowy  even in summer  outdoor platform for the ultimate altitude selfie.

Journey to the 'top of Europe' at Jungfraujoch, 3,454m above sea level - Getty/iStock

After two nights at the Hotel Bellevue Palace in Bern, on the third day youll board your ship in Basel and cruise the Rhine, that most romantic of rivers, for the next week, stopping off at Karlsruhe, Cologne and Baden-Baden, with plenty of excursions and events (such as a private dinner with the owners of a 14th-century castle) en route.

Book it: Tauck (0800 810 8020; tauck.co.uk) has the nine-night The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam cruise from 5,030 per person, including all excursions, gratuities, drinks and transfers but excluding flights. Several sailings in April and May, then from July to October.

Machu Picchu, Peru

So numerous are the mountains involved on Hurtigrutens Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands cruise, that you dont actually see your ship until day six. Before that, youll be high in the Andes, staying in Lima, Quito and Cusco and visiting not just the iconic Machu Picchu but also the Cotopaxi Volcano (Neck of the Moon in Quechua) in Ecuador. Youll walk to around 12,800ft and see not just the active volcano (19,393ft) and its yawning crater, but one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world. So, is it all downhill from day six? Only in the most literal sense.

Hurtigrutens Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands cruise takes guests on trips to iconic sights on land - Moment RF/Getty

The next stop is the Galapagos and then its a week of giant turtles, evolving iguanas and blue-footed boobies.

Book it: Hurtigruten (0208 846 2666; hurtigruten.co.uk) has several 13-day cruises from Machu Picchu to the Galapagos from 7,700 per person, including all tours, accommodation, local and international flights and transfers. Various departures between now and March.

Ben Nevis, Scotland

A little closer to home are Scotlands Highlands and Western Isles. Hebrideans Footloose through the Western Seaboard itinerary is tailor-made for walkers, so one of the few cruises where you wont put on the usual half a stone in a week (though they do their best nevertheless, with two gala dinners in just seven nights). The best known mountain scenery here is in the evocative landscape of Glencoe, where you can take a full days hike in the foothills of Ben Nevis  but there are also the Paps, the wild mountain landscape of the Isle of Jura.

Guests of Hebridean Island Cruises spend almost as much time on land as they do out at sea - Brian Harrison

There are plenty of gentler walking options, too, and spectacular scenic cruising around Mull, Islay and the Firth of Lorn.

Book it: Hebridean Island Cruises (01756 704704; hebridean.co.uk) offers a seven-night round trip from Oban from 5,200 per person, fully inclusive. Departs April 23, with three more Footloose cruises scheduled later in the year, all with different itineraries.

Mount Etna, Sicily

Not exactly a mountain  rather Europes largest active volcano, rising some 11,000ft (3,340m). Star Clippers offer two excursions to Etna on its Amalfi and Sicily cruise: either take a 4x4 and complete a gruelling hike to the peak, so you can gaze out with some satisfaction across the Gulf of Catania and the woods, orchards and vineyards below; or take a scenic bus ride around the lower levels and enjoy a Sicilian brunch on the slopes. Etna falls midway on a cruise that starts and ends in Civitavecchia (the port of Rome) and visits Lipari, Messina, Amalfi, Sorrento and Ponza.

Star Clippers offer two excursions to Etna on its Amalfi and Sicily cruise - Getty/The Image Bank

Your cruise is on Star Flyer, a replica four-masted clipper ship  the aim is to use the sails as much as possible, so expect plenty of 19th-century romance, but with far bigger cabins than youd have found on the original tea clippers.

Book it: Star Clippers (01473 242666; starclippers.co.uk) has a seven-night trip from 1,899 per person, including return flights from London, full board, transfers and port charges but not extra excursions. Departs May 11 (with multiple alternative dates).

Mount Athos, Greece

The spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world sits atop the easternmost leg of the Halkidiki peninsula in the Aegean Sea, its densely forested slopes reaching up to the summit (6,670ft). Commonly thought of as a monastery, Mount Athos actually has 20 of them. Its home to around 2,000 monks, some of whom live in cells and caves dotted around the mountain. Religious protocol means that only men are allowed to visit, but while they hike, the ladies can watch from the comfortable deck of the Maid Marian 2, while sipping on the free-flowing champagne or riding on a Seabob (water scooters that can dive 40m).

Privately owned vintage yacht Maid Marian 2 is available for charter between May and September

The privately owned vintage yacht is available for charter between May and September, and you have a crew of six on board, including an excellent chef. You plan your own itinerary with the captain, meaning that a typical week could begin in Thessaloniki and go on to Sani Marina (aka Greeces Monaco), Mt Athos and the lovely hidden beaches, tiny islands and seaside villages of the region  Afitos, Vourvourou, Neos Marmaras, Parthenonas  where youll often have the place to yourself.

Book it: Maid Marian 2 (maidmarian2.com) has a seven-night trip for 10 adults (sharing) for 80,000 (68,580), including all meals, drinks and excursions but not international flights.

Table Mountain, South Africa

A whopping three months in length, Fred Olsens The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean voyage is likely to be rich in highlights. Amongst them will surely be the three nights spent in Cape Town under Table Mountain, and indeed a day on top of its remarkably flat summit. You can take the long hike up (it takes around nine hours, though you do stop for lunch and take the cable car down) or opt for one of the less demanding options.

Fred Olsens 'The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean' voyage takes guests on an excursion to Cape Town's Table Mountain - Digital Vision/Getty

Other stops include Zanzibar, Madagascar, the Maldives and Seychelles, the Suez Canal, the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, India, Oman, Senegal and Togo  not to mention spotting Africas Big Five on a safari. Another highlight? The television wildlife presenter, Michaela Strachan, will be on board from Cape Town as part of an enrichment programme.

Book it: Fred Olsen (fredolsencruises.com) has the 93-night Intrepid Beauty of Africa & Indian Ocean trip from 9,999 per person (departs from Southampton November 19). Alternatively, you can opt to do a single section, such as the 60-night Seychelles to Southampton sailing (from 7,999 per person including flights; departs December 21), or the 36-night sailing from Seychelles to Cape Town (from 5,999 per person including flights; departs December 22).

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.
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Along with traditional foods, Christmas is also associated with quite a few traditional beverages. In Jamaica, Christmas wouldn't be the same without a glass of sorrel. The key ingredient in this beloved holiday beverage comes from the leaves of the roselle plant, a type of hibiscus flower. Cooking down the leaves in hot water creates a tangy beverage with flavors similar to cranberries in terms of tartness. However, most people add other ingredients to sorrel to temper its flavor, which can be a bit overpowering on its own.

In addition to its unforgettable flavor profile, sorrel is also very versatile when it comes to preparations. Some people enjoy drinking it cold, while others may heat it up prior to serving. You can also allow the drink to age for an extended period to get a more intense flavor. The drink even contains vital nutrients, including vitamin C. Keep in mind that added ingredients, such as sugar and alcohol, may somewhat diminish its nutritional value.

Read more: 10 Of The Healthiest Beers You Can Drink

Tips For Flavoring Your Sorrel

assortment of spices on table - Sgaphoto/Getty Images

Sorrel is beloved for its pleasantly tart flavor, but incorporating additional ingredients can temper some of the tartness if you prefer. That's why many recipes include simple syrup, which allows you to control the sweetness of the beverage based on how much you add. You can also swap the simple syrup for agave nectar, which bears some resemblance to honey, albeit with a milder flavor. As for spices, ginger, cloves, and allspice are all common accompaniments to sorrel.

The length of time you allow the sorrel to steep also has a significant impact on flavor. By allowing the beverage to rest before straining it, it will better absorb the full potency of the sorrel leaves remaining within the brew. You'll get the boldest flavors if you allow the sorrel to steep in the refrigerator for about three days before straining and serving, but steeping overnight will also create a flavorful result.

Which Liquor Goes Best With Sorrel?

man holding bottle of liquor - Hispanolistic/Getty Images

Much like eggnog, which is often served spiked with liquor at Christmastime, lots of people add alcohol to sorrel once it's fully steeped and ready for drinking. If you want to go the traditional route when incorporating alcohol into the beverage, a nice Jamaican rum is a great selection. Considered one of the most popular rums in Jamaica, many holiday revelers opt for Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, which meshes beautifully with sorrel thanks to flavor undertones like bananas and nuts. And with 63% alcohol by volume, this rum makes for a highly potent Christmas celebration.

If you'd like to experiment with other types of liquor, tequila is another fine selection to pair with sorrel. In this case, look for varieties of tequila associated with flowery notes or those with herbal and fruit-forward qualities. When putting a new spin on the traditional beverage, tequila with these flavors will pair best with the inherent flavors of sorrel. No matter how you choose to enjoy the hibiscus-based drink, it's bound to become part of your yearly Christmas tradition going forward.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.
16 dramatic photos show what it's like to ride Europe's swankiest train  a once-in-a-lifetime journey with breathtaking views

Business Insider's reporter captured a scenic route on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxury overnight train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most luxurious overnight trains in the world.

I took the historic train from Paris to Venice in November.

I had constant views of stunning interiors, extravagant details, and passing scenery.

I recently traveled on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, one of the most luxurious trains in the world.

The luxury overnight train is comprised of nearly 100-year-old carriages from the iconic Orient Express fleet, and travels through Europe on 10 different routes with destinations from Italy to the Netherlands.

For my trip on the train, from France to Italy with stops in Switzerland, naturally, I had to bring my camera.

From the moment I stepped onboard to the time I disembarked, I had stunning views, from the bar cart to my cabin window.

Onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the dramatic views are nonstop.

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express travels through Switzerland. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took the luxury train comprised of historic Orient Express carriages from Paris to Venice on a route through Switzerland and saw jaw-dropping scenery.

A landscape in Switzerland from the author's cabin window onboard the luxury train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The window in my cabin opened halfway, so I was able to get clear views of the environment around me.

The train passes a forest on the route. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I saw the majestic Swiss Alps for the first time.

A close-up of snow-topped trees in the Swiss Alps. Joey Hadden/Insider

As we passed small towns, I wondered what it would be like to live amid the epic mountain range.

Homes beneath the Alps. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Every so often, the train stopped for 15-20 minutes, and I was able to step outside for a closer look at my surroundings.

The train stops in Switzerland. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The sunrise views were particularly stunning.

The train crosses a bridge during sunrise. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

As we entered Italy, the surrounding landscapes changed.

The train passes through Italy. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While there were still mountains, the snow was gone, and the architecture shifted to more colorful homes.

Houses in Italy, as seen from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Throughout the trip, looking out the window felt as entertaining as watching TV  without the headache.

A view of the route from the cabin window. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Even indoors, the views were dramatic. With a cohesive, art-deco design, the vibe felt formal from the moment I stepped onboard.

A corridor leads to the train's bar car. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The cabins and suites were marvelous. Every piece of furniture and decorative detail appeared to be thoughtfully planned out.

A grand suite accommodation on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (the author did not stay in this cabin). Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The service included big and small luxuries, like afternoon tea.

The author pours afternoon tea served in her cabin. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The communal cars from the restaurants to the bar looked like they were designed in the 1920s.

Inside the luxury train's bar car. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

And at night, the bar car came to life. Musicians performed and passengers dressed to the nines. I felt like I was traveling back in time.

Guests gather and socialize in the bar car. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Read more: I spent an evening on the ultimate luxury train. It was so magical by night that I didn't want to go to sleep.

On my first luxury train ride, every detail felt dramatic.

Decorative details in a communal train car. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

And I don't think I'll ever forget it.

The author prepares to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Read the original article on Business Insider
Oklahoma's district attorneys and their association, the DAs Council, are not violating state law by collecting $40 probation supervision fees, state Attorney General Gentner Drummond said.

Drummond made the statement in a letter to state Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane. Earlier this week, Humphrey asked the attorney general to investigate the DAs for what he called a "money laundering scheme." Late Thursday afternoon, Drummond told Humphrey that the DAs were "in full compliance of the law."

"Although the legislature's increased appropriation to the district attorney's system was intended to offset the loss of revenue from the redirecting of offender fees from district attorneys to Oklahoma's general revenue fund, no direct correlation exists between the amount of fees collected by the various district attorneys and the legislature's appropriations to the district attorney system," Drummond wrote. "There was no money laundering and, as such, no further inquiry into the statutory authorized collection of probation fees by district attorneys or the legislatively mandated deposit of those funds into Oklahoma's general revenue fund is warranted."

On Friday, Humphrey described Drummond's response as "b---s---." He said district attorneys were charging those on probation a fee and then not supervising those on probation. "How the attorney general and the DAs can't see that is beyond me," he said.

Oklahoma Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane

Humphrey said the act of charging money for something that you don't provide is either fraud or debt.

He said he would work to reduce the fees when the Legislature returned to the Capitol in February for the 2024 legislative session. "It's a ripoff to those people on probation and it's a ripoff to the state," he said. "The DAs and the attorney general should be ashamed."

Humphrey had sent Drummond a letter on Monday asking the AG to investigate the practice. Humphrey said his own inspection of the process "discovered issues that appear very worrisome and possibly illegal."

"My fear is that the district attorneys across the state have illegally collected probation fees for approximately 11 years," Humphrey wrote in the letter. "The fees have never been applied to the actual act of supervision. If my calculation is correct, that would mean district attorneys illegally have collected approximately $209 million."

Paid by those who have been released and sentenced to probation, state probation fees are almost always paid to the district attorney's office. District attorneys offices across the state rely in some part on fees to fund operations.

Humphrey's request also drew a terse response from the state district attorney's council. Christopher Boring, chairman of the District Attorney's Council, called Humphrey's accusations "willful neglect and completely beneath the dignity of the Oklahoma House of Representatives."

"The District Attorneys Council has an open-door policy with legislators, and together, we have a track record of success in creating good public policy that benefits Oklahomans and the criminal justice system," Boring said in a statement released earlier this week. "We hope that the attorney general will review both letters and bring a quick resolution to this matter so our district attorneys can get back to protecting Oklahomans and upholding the rule of law.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: State rep. and AG continue to disagree over DA fees
Customers braved frigid temperatures and waited in line for up to eight hours to be among the first to dine at Idahos very first In-N-Out Burger.

The Meridian, Idaho, location  No. 400 for the Southern California-based burger chain  opened Tuesday morning to hordes of hungry fans, some of whom camped out overnight, the Idaho Statesman reported.

In-N-Out president and CEO Lynsi Snyder, who cut the ribbon at the grand opening, shared photos on Instagram of her greeting employees and customers.

How many of these In-N-Out secret menu items do you know?

Opening in Idaho with Store 4-0-0 because after 75 years our Customer is our hero! Snyder posted. Were forever grateful for our Family of Customers who have made us the Company we are today, and we cant wait to serve you quality burgers at this special store!

Lynsi Snyder is seen with employees and customers at Idahos first In-N-Out Burger location in Meridian on Dec. 12, 2023. (IG: @lynsi_snyder)

Customers wait to order at Idahos first In-N-Out Burger restaurant on opening day, Dec. 12, 2023. (Idaho Statesman)

Customers wait to order at Idahos first In-N-Out Burger restaurant on opening day, Dec. 12, 2023. (Idaho Statesman)

In-N-Out is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and has recently announced plans to expand into Tennessee and New Mexico. The fast-food chain, known for its simple menu and speedy service, now has locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon and Colorado.

Lynsi Snyder is the only granddaughter of founders Harry and Esther Snyder, who started In-N-Out as a tiny burger stand in Baldwin Park, California in 1948.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A high-profile special election is taking shape in New York's third congressional district, as both Republicans and Democrats hope to lay claim to a seat left vacant by ousted GOP Rep. George Santos in a battle over control of the House of Representatives.

The special election will occur on Feb. 13 of next year, a date set by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. In this case, the relevant county parties must appoint candidates rather than host primaries.

Democrats have chosen a recognizable figure in the form of former Rep. Tom Suozzi, who had represented the district for three terms before stepping away to pursue a failed bid for governor in 2022.

Meanwhile, New York Republicans on Friday announced Mazi Melesa Pilip, a former Israeli army soldier and current county legislator, as their candidate. This selection sets the stage for an intense showdown, with the Cook Political Report now categorizing the race as a "toss-up."

Republicans hope to hold the district with a unique candidate

"This is a very historic moment for me and my family. ... I am the example of the American dream. I have overcome many challenges in my life, and that's why I want to be the voice for our middle-class families," Pilip said at her campaign launch event on Friday, where she also spoke about supporting law enforcement, Israel and tax relief.

Pilip, an Ethiopian-Israeli Jewish mother of seven, was born in Ethiopia. In 1991, at the age of 12, she joined her family in evacuating to Israel during Operation Solomon, an Israeli operation to bring Ethiopian Jews to Israel as they faced political and economic concerns. She served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a paratrooper for around two years, according to an interview she did with The Forward.

MORE: George Santos discussing plea deal with federal prosecutors, legal filing shows

MORE: George Santos has been expelled from Congress. Here's how his replacement will be chosen

"She has a personal and political biography that's almost as fabulous as George Santos imagined his to be. She is, in some ways, nearly a unicorn for a diverse swing suburban district," Lawrence Levy, the executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University on Long Island, told ABC News.

PHOTO: Mazi Melesa Pilips at her campaign launch on Dec. 15, 2023 in New York. (WABC )

Beyond her personal background, "she was the first Republican to win a race in what had been one of the major Democratic centers in Nassau County," Levy said, adding that when she won with more than a majority of the vote in November 2022, "she showed something that political leaders in suburban communities really value: an ability to get crossover votes, and to do it consistently and to begin to develop her own brand."

Pilip has already been endorsed by the Republican Jewish Coalition, as well as key congressional GOP leaders like the conference's chairwoman, Rep. Elise Stefanik.

Her resume isn't without controversy. Pilip is a registered Democrat in New York -- despite being elected as a Republican member of the Nassau County Legislature -- according to Politico. This hasn't gone unnoticed by Santos, who admonished the Nassau County GOP in a video on his X page on Dec. 6 for floating Pilip as a possible pick.

Pilip has recently posted on social media about combating antisemitism, fundraising for the IDF and calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

Locally, her outspokenness on Israel could help her in the district, Levy said.

"There are a large number of Jewish people in the community that, as in most Jewish communities, they've pretty much come together to support Israel [amid the Israel-Hamas war]. She's been outspoken from the beginning, even as a county legislator who's supposed to deal with things at a much more granular, civic level," Levy told ABC News.

There is also a sizable Orthodox Jewish community in the district, and those voters have often supported Republicans in recent decades, Levy said.

But many of her positions on major issues, like abortion and gun laws, are vague or unknown, which Democrats are already seizing on.

"The people of Northeast Queens and Long Island deserve to know what Pilip stands for after Republicans completely tarnished voters' trust in New York's third district," Ellie Dougherty, the spokesperson for the DCCC, official campaign arm for Democrats in the House of Representatives, said in a statement.

Democrats hope to swing the district back

Suozzi had already announced a bid for the House seat he once held before Santos' ouster, stating his interest in the race ahead of being formally chosen by the county Democrats for the special election.

During his campaign launch in October, Suozzi admonished his Republican successor by name.

"The madness in Washington, D.C., and the absurdity of George Santos remaining in the United States Congress is obvious to everyone," Suozzi said.

"You know me. I've never sat on the sidelines. From the cost-of-living to immigration, crime, climate change, combating terrorism in the Middle East and globally and simply helping people, we need more common sense and compassion and less chaos and senseless fighting," he said.

PHOTO: In this April 6, 2022 file photo, Rep. Tom Suozzi and New York State Governor candidate speaks during the 2022 National Action Network's Annual Convention at the Times Square Sheraton hotel in New York. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE)

Suozzi had vacated his seat to mount an unsuccessful bid for New York governor in 2022, losing in the Democratic primary to Hochul.

Levy said Suozzi likely won't suffer for having given up the seat for his gubernatorial primary bid.

"I think a lot of voters are going to think that he's still the congressman. As his name is so familiar, he's almost -- it's almost like running an incumbent campaign, in a sense," he said.

MORE: Republican George Santos becomes first House member expelled in more than 20 years

MORE: Former NY Rep. Tom Suozzi launches bid to get his old seat back and beat George Santos

When it comes to the Israel-Hamas war, Suozzi could face some headwinds that Pilip does not.

Suozzi has a pro-Israel voting record in Congress and strong relationships with the Jewish community in the district, Levy said.

But "there is more of a schism within the party [about Israel], and that's kind of one of the bellwethers you look for; are there enough young Democrats in the community who are certainly not nearly as supportive of the government of Israel? They're most certainly not going to vote for the Republican in this case, but will they stay home? And which people?" Levy said.

How the race could affect national politics

Levy highlighted that in the 2022 election cycle, Republicans flipped House seats on Long Island -- even when the "expected red wave" of Republican wins did not materialize nationally in 2022 -- by campaigning on mostly local issues, including crime and the economy.

"That's how George Santos was elected. I can't imagine that a single person went into the voting booth and voted for him. ... I think they just said, 'I'm not backing Democrats because I'm mad at them' for whatever various reasons that they had," he added.

PHOTO: In a video posted to her Facebook account on Dec. 1, 2023, New York's Nassau County Legislature Mazi Melesa Pilip speaks about supporting Israel. (Mazi Melesa Pilip - County Legislator District 10/Facebook)

How the February election might preview the presidential contest later in the year and how much voters are motivated by their feelings for or against President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump remains an open question. Biden won the district in 2020, but his support has winnowed nationally.

MORE: Which states could get new congressional maps in 2024?

But Levy noted that congressional district maps in New York remain in flux, meaning that those races -- and their national significance -- are even more difficult to predict.

"So this race is of most value to see how the parties do, what themes they use, what worked [and] what [doesn't], in preparation for November 2024. And that's basically it, because this district is going to be redrawn," Levy said.

The state's Court of Appeals recently mandated a bipartisan redistricting commission to redraw congressional maps that were set in place in 2022. New York Democrats are likely to seek approval for a map that aligns more favorably with their party, intending to shift a handful of swing districts away from the Republicans who flipped them during the midterm elections.

ABC News' Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.

What to know about the candidates for the special election to replace George Santos, and why it matters originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
As expected, the state has signaled its intention to appeal Judge David Ruoffs order finding the the system of funding public schools unconstitutional to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

In November, Ruoff found state funding for an adequate education of $4,100 per pupil constitutionally insufficient and required the Legislature to set the base cost of an adequate education at a minimum of $7,356.01.

The state asked the court to stay the order until the Supreme Court has considered its appeal and rendered final judgment, and after that until one session of the Legislature has passed.

Rockingham County Superior Court Judge David Ruoff is seen in April presiding over the lawsuit brought by ConVal and multiple other New Hampshire school districts.

In its motion to stay Judge Ruoffs order, the state argues that if the order were to take effect immediately, the state would be unable to distribute state aid in the form of adequacy grants to school districts until the Legislature remedied the flaws in the existing system of funding education.

At the same time, the state argues that the court s order violates the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the state constitution and past precedent. The state cites precedent to hold that the Legislature and judiciary are coordinating departments of the state government; and it is the policy of the law that each, when acting within the scope of its authority, shall be supreme in the exercise of the powers committed to it, and that neither shall be subject to the control or supervision of the other. And the motion adds that the Supreme Court ruled that New Hampshire follows the rule that exempts the Legislature from the control of the court.

In support of its position, the state refers to an opinion of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which it paraphrases to conclude that the Supreme Court has uniformly deferred to the General Court to fix an unconstitutionality unfettered by a court-imposed injunction forcing it to act in one or more ways.

However, in that same opinion, the justices also wrote, Respectful of the roles of the legislative and executive branches, each time this court has been requested to define the substantive content of a constitutionally adequate public education, we have properly demurred. Deference, however, has its limits. For almost thirteen years, we have refrained from doing so and continue to refrain today. However, the judiciary has a responsibility to ensure that constitutional rights not be hollowed out and, in the absence of action by other branches, a judicial remedy is not only appropriate but essential.

These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH to appeal ruling education funding is too low, unconstitutional
Sussex I and II State Prisons are located off U.S. Route 460 just west of Waverly.

WAVERLY  One of Sussex Countys two high-level prisons will close next July, the Virginia Department of Corrections announced Friday.

Sussex II is one of four facilities VADOC will shut down in July 2024, the department said in a statement. The others are Augusta Correctional Center near Staunton, Haynesville Correctional Unit #17 in Richmond County and Stafford Community Corrections Alternative Program in Stafford County.

Its companion prison, Sussex I, will remain open.

VADOC also will take control of the states only privately run prison in Lawrenceville, about 47 miles southwest of Petersburg.

VADOC said in its statement that the decision to close the facilities was made to enhance employee, inmate, and probationer safety, to address longstanding staffing challenges, and in consideration of significant ongoing maintenance costs.

Sussex II, who with its companion prison Sussex I are about 25 miles southeast of Petersburg, had been beset with financing problems since 2010 when the state stopped paying a service fee to the county instead of tax dollars. Del. Otto Wachsmann, R-Sussex, unsuccessfully tried twice to have that fee reinstated in Virginias budget.

Sussex II currently holds slightly more than 500 inmates, according to VADOC data from October 2023. That is one-quarter of the inmate population total for all four targeted institutions.

Between them, the Sussex prisons employed around 700 people. VADOC said the staff at Sussex II has been temporarily reassigned to Sussex I.

Sussex I and II opened in 1998.

In the statement, VADOC director Chad Dotson said he was committed to ensuring that the affected employees will be able to stay on board in the department if they so wished.

Our dedicated employees work every day to create long-term public safety in the commonwealth of Virginia, Dotson said in the statement. I value them, and our leadership and human resources staff are here to answer their questions and hear their feedback as we support them during this transition.

Last month, VADOC announced it was transferring the warden of Augusta Correctional Center to take over at Greensville Correctional Center near Jarratt following a state investigation into substandard conditions and several inmate deaths there. A senior leader from the Sussex I prison was also transferred to Greensville.

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Sussex II one of four Virginia prisons to close next year
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.
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Autostrada Sibiu-Pitesti. Imagini inedite cu Daniela, tunelul din Arges, de sub dealul Momaia

Pe pagina de Facebook a CNAIR au fost publicate imagini spectaculoase cu lucrarile la primul tunel de pe o autostrada din Romania. Acesta are o lungime de 1,3 kilometri si subtraverseaza dealul Momaia. [citeste mai departe]
Din nou sens unic pe strada Bucegi

Strada Bucegi a revenit, incepand de astazi, la regimul de sens unic pe tronsonul delimitat de intersectia cu strada Ariesului pana la intersectia cu strada Bistritei, anunta Primaria Municipiului Buzau. Reamintim ca restrictia a fost ridicata temporar pe perioada executarii lucrarilor de reabilitare a acestei strazi. Articolul [citeste mai departe]
MCCOOL  When Hank McGowan signed up to lease around 350 acres of his land for a solar panel facility in May 2020, he never thought everyone was going to be so upset about it.

Rather, McGowan told the News-Times recently, he saw an opportunity to help both himself and his community of McCool Junction.

McGowan realized that the lease would be significantly more profitable and less risky than farming. And since he wasnt sure that his kids were going to come home and farm, the lease could ensure that the land stayed in his family.

Plus, McGowan learned that a significant portion of the taxes on the 2,800-acre solar panel facility would go towards McCool Junction schools  hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

There were also potential environmental benefits to the community by using the land for solar rather than farming, McGowan said. He would be causing less soil erosion, drawing less on Americas depleting water table, and applying less nitrate fertilizer to the soil, which can contaminate groundwater and has been linked to pediatric cancers.

McGowan, along with over 20 other parties, ultimately signed up for the K-Junction Solar Project, as it is also called. The facility would provide approximately 310 megawatts and has the potential to power approximately 59,000 homes, according to materials from Omaha Public Power District.

There wasnt a single person who signed up for it who thought it would hurt anybody, McGowan said.

But more than three years after McGowan first leased his land, the project is at a standstill, as the York County Zoning Board considers passing regulations that would prevent the project from going forward.

Some time after landowners signed up, a group of McCool residents with property near the proposed facility formed an advocacy group, Our Voices Count. Members of the group claim that the solar facility could lead to a wide range of environmental and economic issues for the area, including a loss of revenue for local agricultural businesses and damage to nearby farmland.

Some of the landowners who signed up for the project, meanwhile, are surprised by the controversy it has sparked.

Clinton Schwartz, who signed up all 300 acres that he owns, told the News-Times hes confident it wont harm the land, as critics allege. If I thought this was really going to be harmful to the environment, I would have never signed up, he said.

Meanwhile, Larry Blum, who signed up 320 acres for the solar project, said, I could understandif this was a feedlot that was going to smell or something that was going to make a noise.

I dont see why this would hurt anything, he added.

I told them absolutely not

In late 2019, EDF Renewables North America, a renewable energy company with headquarters in San Diego, began contacting landowners in McCool Junction about signing their land up for a possible solar project, according to McGowan.

Gene Jackson, a member of Our Voices Count whose land would neighbor the project, told the News-Times that a representative from EDF contacted him by phone in January 2020, with an offer. I told them absolutely not, Jackson said.

It is not clear how many McCool Junction landowners EDF contacted in total, but McGowan said that he was the second-to-last landowner who signed up  he joined the project in May 2020. In total, 23 parties have signed up, according to OPPD Community Relations Strategist Dustin Marvel.

Then, for well over a year there was almost no public discussion about the project  controversial or not.

Rumors about the project began circulating around this time, McGowan said. People claimed that EDF would sell the water from the leased land; they also alleged that the solar panels would heat up adjacent land.

EDF did not do anything to explain to the public why those rumors were false, according to McGowan.

The News-Times published its first article about the solar facility in January 2022, when potential neighbors to the project who had formed Our Voices Count went before the York County Board of Commissioners to express concern about the project.

Jackson shared some of his concerns with the News-Times earlier this year, including about water use and temperature effects from the solar panel.

Omaha Public Power District, a public utility based in Omaha, addressed these environmental concerns at a community conversation at the end of October, after purchasing the solar facility from EDF in July. Brad Underwood, vice president of systems transformation at OPPD, said at the community conversation that there is no evidence of temperature effects on nearby land and that OPPD does not have the right to ship the water from the land, per the lease.

It is not clear why EDF decided to sell the project. EDF declined to comment for this article, but pointed to a press release from August, in which the company said we have enjoyed our collaboration with the community. The company expressed confidence in OPPD, which has a longstanding presence in Nebraska.

I think OPPD is doing an excellent job, McGowan said.

Adam Beck, a potential neighbor to the project who is skeptical of it, told the News-Times that although he opposes the solar facility, OPPD has been more transparent than EDF.

The golden horseshoe of McCool Junction?

According to McCool landowners who have signed up, one of the major reasons that they are in favor of the project is the potential revenue increase for McCool Junction Public Schools.

Schwartzs father, three sisters, and four kids all graduated from McCool Junction Public Schools.

Theres nothing we want more than keeping that school open. This will ensure it, Schwartz said.

The total tax revenue estimate for York County from the 2,800 acre project for 2023, if built at 310 megawatts, is approximately $1.2 million, according to Marvel.

That total tax revenue comes from real property tax and the nameplate capacity tax  a tax on renewable energy facilities in Nebraska. Public power districts are not subject to the nameplate capacity tax, but OPPD said at its community engagement meeting that it plans to find a solar developer that would be subject to the tax.

Around $800,000 of that $1.2 million would have been allotted to McCool Public Schools in 2023, according to Marvel, based on the 2023 tax levies, which York County Assessor Kurt Bulgrin shared with OPPD.

McGowan compared that new source of revenue to holding eight record-setting school fundraisers. The 2023 Evening with the Stars raised $98,389.43, which is the highest amount ever raised, according to an Evening with the Stars committee member.

That is why McGowan called the solar project a golden horseshoe, a nod to McCools mascot, the mustang.

It is impossible to know the exact amount of tax revenue that would be allotted for the school each year. The amount would depend on the tax rates in the year that the solar facility became operational and also the size of the solar facility  whether it is 310 megawatts, for instance, or less.

In addition, critics of the project have suggested that even if the school gained this new source of revenue, aid from the state would have to go down and there may not be a net gain.

However, according to State Board of Education Director of Finance Bryce Wilson, this new source of revenue would not have caused McCool Junctions state aid to go down in the 2023-2024 school year.

Still, Wilson could not speak to the amount of state aid the school would receive in the future if it had this new revenue source. That depends on whether or not factors in McCools state aid calculation, such as equalization, change in the future due to shifts in the school districts needs or new legislation.

With this new source of revenue, the school could try to expand its budget or lower the amount it asks property owners to pay in taxes. A 2023 bill from the Nebraska Legislature, LB 243, places limits on how much a school district may expand its budget, so instead of expanding its budget with the new revenue source, the school would potentially be forced to lower property taxes.

If you would like a tax break and you would like to see our school get this extra money, you need to speak up or if not, pay your taxes and dont complain about it, Blum said.

McCool Junction Public Schools Superintendent Dade McDonald told the News-Times that the school has adopted a neutral position on the solar project.

Some awfully nice farm ground

My biggest concern, Beck said, is that we arent getting more farm ground. Beck is concerned that this project will remove highly productive corn and soybean farmland from U.S. production. Lets not jeopardize this source, Beck said.

Why cant we go to some of those desert regions? Beck asked about the solar facility.

Indeed, McGowan said, The only argument I agree with is that it takes out some awfully nice farm ground.

However, McGowan says that is why he hopes to still be a steward of the land by grazing sheep amongst the solar panels. The combination of solar and agriculture is known as agrivoltaics. OPPD expressed interest in agrivoltaics at its community engagement meeting in October.

In addition, a recent study from the science journal Nature suggests that Nebraskas farmland may be a very good place for solar, if not one of the best. The 2019 study found that cropland is the best terrain in the world for solar energy productivity. Solar panels are most productive with plentiful insolation, light winds, moderate temperatures and low humidity, the study said. Barren terrain ranked fifth.

Beck also expressed concern that the land was shifting out of food, fiber and fuel production and towards energy production.

In a way, corn farms are already being used for energy production, Scott Schaw, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Iowa, who grew up on a corn farm, previously told the News-Times. Ethanol, Shaw said, can be analyzed in terms of energy production.

According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 40% of the corn grown in Nebraska is used for ethanol.

A 2023 paper from CleanWisconsin, an environmental protection organization, found that even after taking into account coproducts of ethanol production like livestock feed, solar panels still generate 14-17 times more gross energy per acre than corn produces.

That figure is based on an average yield of 180 bushels per acre and max yield of 210 bushels per acre. Using the same calculation method, even if the average were 250 and the max 280, solar panels would generate 11 to 13 times more energy per acre. That also does not take into account the fact that solar is likely more productive in Nebraska than Wisconsin, according to one of the papers authors, Paul Mathewson.

Still, Beck told the News-Times that he is concerned about the potential negative impact of the project on the local agricultural economy, which depends on farmers for revenue. How is that going to affect local and area businesses? Beck asked.

Economic impact

The News-Times contacted 12 ag businesses in the area for this article to understand the economic impact on local ag businesses. Six declined to comment and five did not get back to us before publication. Only one company, the Sioux Falls-based POET Ethanol, which has a plant in Fairmont, responded.

The company did not respond to a question about the potential economic impact of the project.

POET Ethanol told the News-Times over email, While we generally support clean energy sources, POET is not directly involved in this solar project and supports the local communitys ability to make the decision thats best for York and the surrounding area.

An economic study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which was commissioned by EDF Renewables, found that the construction of the solar project would have a one-time net positive impact of approximately $181.6 million on the region surrounding York, taking into account the loss of productive farmland.

The study also found that the project would lead to an annual impact from operations of about $16.9 million, also taking into account the loss of productive farmland. This figure does not include the local annual tax revenue from the project.

According to Jackson, the farm numbers used in the study were flawed. Eric Thompson, chair of the department of economics at the UNL College of Business, who conducted the study, told the News-Times that he used crop prices from a typical year, rather than a peak year.

Beck, meanwhile, expressed doubts about the UNL study because it did not take into account the end use of the grain, such as if it is sold to an ethanol plant in the community, which may employ local residents.

Thompson told the News-Times that the report did not take into account the further processing of grain produced through farming, but said that the report also did not take into account the electricity produced through the solar facility.

In addition, the study also did not take into account the potential positive economic benefit from an agrivoltaic use of the land, according to Thompson.

While York County may not have significant sheep production, according to a 2022 article by UNL Extension Educators Jenny Rees and F. John Hay, grazing sheep potentially could be another income source for landowners, while also taking care of vegetation management. McGowan called the potential dual use of the land a slam dunk.

Regardless of the future economic impact of the project, the controversy around it has already had an effect. According to Lisa Hurley, York County Economic Development Corporation executive director, an out-of-state company looking to locate in a lower regulation and lower tax state did not attend its site visit in York County because of the controversy around the solar project.

Whats next?

Ultimately, McGowan said, If the zoning commission finds that this isnt right, thats OK with me, as long as they know all the facts. I dont want people to base their decision on propaganda.

The York County Zoning Board has not yet set a date for its public next meeting, according to York County Zoning Administrator Nathaniel Heinz. At the next meeting the board will review its proposed regulations again.

The zoning boards regulations serve as a recommendation to the York County Board of Commissioners, which makes the final decision about zoning regulations.

The latest draft of the regulations, which the board shared with the public on Nov. 13, include a required half-mile set back between the solar panels and adjacent non-participating land. The Center For Rural Affairs, an advocacy group for rural communities based in Nebraska, recommends setbacks of 100 to 300 feet.

At the Nov. 13 meeting, Dana Jackson, who is married to Gene, told the zoning board that the regulations made her group, Our Voices Count, feel like were supported.

According to Marvel, based on the proposed setbacks, the project could only be five to 10 megawatts, which would be economically infeasible.

McGowan emphasized that he thinks a reasonable amount of setbacks should happen. He also told the News-Times that the zoning board needs to make a decision soon because he has to make plans for his farm, such as whether to buy new irrigation equipment.

I need to make some longer term decisions this winter, McGowan said. I will be a farmer regardless.
A study was presented recently at the College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunologys annual meeting in California reporting results from a small number of people who tested positive for COVID between 2020 and 2022.

They were treated with saltwater gargles and nasal irrigation for 14 days. The goal was to see if that very old treatment for mainly sore throats would change the course of their infection. There is definitely some background to and for this idea. Be warned: There will be some rather salty remarks in this Hint.

The study was done by the medical school at Houston. It identified 55 people with positive COVID tests. Half were to use either a lower dose of salt, about teaspoon, or a higher dose of about 1 whole teaspoon dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water for gargling and nasal rinsing four times a day for the two weeks. These folks outcomes were compared with 9,398 individuals with positive COVID tests for rates of hospitalization.

The rates of hospitalization were 18.5% for the low dose saline/salt group and 21.4% for the higher dose group. For the reference group the rate was 58.8%. There were no significant differences in other outcomes among the groups. The director of the study said, We found that both saline regimens/concentrations appear to be associated with lower hospitalizations rates compared to controls. We hope more studies can be done to further investigate the association.

A Nov. 9 Washington Post article, as well as many other reports, discussed the study. It had several observations from others in the field. Infectious disease specialists not involved in the study described the findings as interesting, but said more research is needed (as Dr. Espinoza also said). They stressed that gargling and nasal washing should never be used as a substitute for vaccinations or treatment with medications such as Paxlovid.

Earlier small studies suggested that saltwater gargles and nose irrigation could reduce viral load and help clear it from the throat and nose. At the beginning of the pandemic, a variety of claims flooded social media (which we all know is the best news source available) claiming prevention and cure of the first COVID strain. Even then the WHO and several other sources stated clearly that saltwater gargles would not prevent or cure the infection. Many different cultures like parts of India, Africa and Japan have saltwater gargles heavily entrenched as part of a regimen to treat many causes of sore throat. It is part and parcel of several complementary medicine philosophies such as naturopathy and homeopathy.

Dr. Espinoza said he conceived the study after reading reports that saltwater gargles helped prevent respiratory infections among Muslim Hajj pilgrims during their annual gathering. He also suggests using the lower salt dose. I actually tried it myself when I got infected (with COVID) of his two bouts, neither resulting in hospitalization. I tried both concentrations to compare and found the higher one a little uncomfortable, but it helped with congestion. I could breathe better and rest better. (Truly salty remarks)

The head of allergy, asthma and clinical immunology at Mayo Clinic, Arizona, said, I dont think the current evidence is strong enough to recommend it for infection, although patients could choose to do this, as the harm is likely low in trying it. If it isnt going to cause more problem, why not? Cheaper you cant get.

Should you choose to give it a go, do it for a minutes duration. Gargle, spit out that bit, and use a fresh batch. The suggestion is to boil the water first and let it cool until it is warm. Do it two to four times a day. For noses, if using a Neti pot, the suggested delivery method, is not your cup of tea, or saltwater, you can take the water in clean hands, close one nostril and inhale with other. (To be honest, I havent tried it myself.)

The final thought is that, like any idea, you can take this advice with a grain of salt, or in this case, a third of a teaspoon in warm water.
New Delhi: 2010's FICCI Woman Entrepreneur Award winner Patricia Narayan is the director of Sandheepa Chain of Restaurants. Her perseverance, passion, and hard work have all contributed to her success. Patricia is a successful businesswoman who inspires women everywhere after overcoming great adversity. Her success story will undoubtedly motivate other women who aspire to achieve their goals. Previously restricted to the kitchen, women are now breaking down barriers and aiming for success in traditionally male-dominated fields. Patricia Narayan is a prime example. This is her tale of success.

The Early Life Of Patricia Narayan:

Patricia was born in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, into a devout Christian family. Against the wishes of her family, she married the Hindu Brahmin boy Narayan when she was seventeen years old. Her husband was revealed to be an abusive drug addict after a few months of marriage. He didn't have time for either her or their kids. She made the decision to divorce her husband after a year of marriage. However, she had nowhere to go with her two kids. Fortunately, her father chose to accept them and forgive her. Patricia, though, wished to avoid becoming her parents' burden. She desired to move out and become independent as soon as possible.

Patricia has always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen and cooking. She therefore made the decision to pursue her love of cooking as a career. She desired to take on a job to help provide for her two children and herself. She began preparing jams and pickles at home after borrowing money from her mother. Her mother's coworkers sold out of everything in a single day. Patricia felt more hopeful and confident as a result. It was finally improving in her life after all that had happened. She put all of her earnings aside to produce more pickles and jams.

Steps Towards Success:

Patricia made the decision to pull a cart to Marina Beach, one of the busiest public areas in Chennai, in an effort to boost sales and serve a bigger crowd. She hired two disabled people to assist her in selling tea, coffee, fresh juice, and snacks. Even though she only sold one cup of coffee on her first day, she remained optimistic. Her sales increased to Rs. 700 the following day. Afterwards, she added sandwiches, french fries, and ice cream to her menu. She carried on with her business and made enough money to sustain her family from 1982 to 2003.

The Slum Clearance Board Chairman was once impressed by the calibre of her food. He gave her the opportunity to oversee a canteen in his workplace. Following that, she began to open additional branches in all of Chennai's offices. She joined the Sangeetha Restaurant group as a partner in 1998. But in 2004, a car accident claimed the lives of her daughter and son-in-law, bringing her life yet another tragedy. She needed nearly two years to come to terms with her daughter's passing.

In loving remembrance of her daughter, Patricia and her son opened Sandheepha, their first restaurant, in 2006. She hasn't turned around since. Patricia was mentioned by India.com in one of their articles titled "The Story of How 12 Homemakers Became Millionaires."

Lessons We Can Earn From Patricias Story:

With 14 locations and more than 200 employees, the Sandeepha Chain of Restaurants operates today. Her narrative is incredibly motivating for demotivated people everywhere. She gives us courage and motivates us to never let anything or anyone prevent us from achieving our goals. Being an entrepreneur requires ambition and determination. Simply keep going forward and never lose faith in yourself. Patricia never wavered in her self-belief, path-following, adherence to her knowledge, or self-assurance. You don't need to have a high level of education to succeed as an entrepreneur, as demonstrated.
IIM CAT Result 2023: IIM Lucknow is anticipated to unveil the results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2023 shortly on iimcat.ac.in. The upcoming release is consistent with the previous year's schedule, as the results were announced on December 22. Considering historical patterns, it is expected that CAT 2023 results will be disclosed in the coming week. The provisional answer key was made available by IIM Lucknow on December 5, 2023, and candidates had until December 8, 2023, to submit objections. Following this process, the final answer key will be formulated, taking into account the objections raised by candidates. To access the CAT 2023 Result, candidates should have their login ID and password ready for authentication.

Indian Institute of Management (IM) Lucknow held the CAT 2023 Exam on November 26, 2023, in three different timeslots: 8.30 AM to 10.30 AM, 12.30 PM to 2.30 PM, and 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM.

The exam was administered at 167 examination centres across India. There were three sections of the paper: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each division contained 24, 20, and 22 questions.

IIM CAT 2023: Steps To Download Scorecard

Visit the official website (iimcat.ac.in)

Click on 'CAT 2023 scorecard download'

Enter CAT 2023 ID and password.

Click on the 'scorecard' tab.

Download the CAT result 2023 PDF.

There were over 3.28 lakh individuals that enrolled for the CAT 2023 Exam, while approximately 2.88 lakh participants took the exam. The overall attendance rate was around 88 percent. Based on prior trends, the IIM CAT result 2023 is scheduled to be issued this month or early in January.
NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of Income Tax raids revealing a staggering Rs 351 crore in cash at Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu's premises, the politician has broken his silence, asserting the funds stem from his family's liquor business, vehemently disassociating it from any political affiliations.

Speaking exclusively to news agency ANI, Sahu expressed his dismay, stating, "In the last 30-35 years of my political career, this is the first time that this kind of incident has taken place, due to which I am hurt. What is happening today makes me sad. I can admit that the money that has been recovered belongs to my firm. The cash that has been recovered is related to my liquor firms; it is the proceeds from the sale of liquor."

Understanding Cash Limits: What the Income Tax Rules Say?

Against the backdrop of this high-profile raid, questions arise about the permissible limits of cash holdings at home and the implications of the latest Income Tax rules.

According to the Income Tax Act, there's no specific restriction on the amount of money stored at home. However, during an income tax raid, it becomes crucial for an individual to substantiate the source of the money. Unaccounted funds can result in penalties, with income tax officials authorized to seize the unexplained money, imposing fines of up to 137% of the total amount.

Crucial Cash Rules To Remember

No Acceptance Of Rs 20,000 or More in Cash for Loans or Deposits: The income tax department strictly prohibits any person from accepting Rs 20,000 or more in cash for loans or deposits.

PAN Numbers Mandatory For Transactions Above Rs 50,000: According to the Central Board of Direct Taxation, individuals must provide PAN numbers for deposits or withdrawals exceeding Rs 50,000 at a time.

Scrutiny Of Cash-Based Asset Transactions Above Rs 30 Lakh: Indian citizens engaging in the purchase or sale of assets via cash exceeding Rs 30 lakh may come under the scrutiny of investigating agencies.

Investigation Into Credit-Debit Card Transactions Above Rs 1 Lakh: Payment exceeding one lakh rupees through credit or debit cards at a time may trigger investigations.

2% TDS on Withdrawals Exceeding 1 Crore: Individuals withdrawing more than Rs 1 crore in cash from the bank in a year are liable to pay a 2% TDS.

Fine For Cash Transactions Over 20 Lakhs: Cash transactions surpassing 20 lakhs in a year may attract penalties, while the purchase and sale of cash property over 30 lakhs can prompt investigations.

Caps On Cash Payments: Limits include not paying more than 2 lakh in cash for purchases without PAN and Aadhaar details, and restrictions on transactions above Rs 1 lakh with credit-debit cards.

Family Transactions And Loans: Receiving more than Rs 2 lakh in cash from a relative in a day or taking a loan above Rs 20,000 in cash from anyone else is prohibited.

Understanding these rules is paramount to avoiding legal repercussions and ensuring compliance with income tax regulations.
India's defence prowess is now known to the world with the country showcasing its Tejas and Brhamos capabilities at global forums. Now, in another significant advancement, the Defence Research and Development Organisation recently successfully conducted a flight trial of an indigenous high-speed flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The successful flight trial of autonomous stealth UAV not only put India into an elite club of nations to have the technology but will prove to be a booster shot for armed forces and the Make In India initiative.

According to the Defence Ministry, the UAV prototype has been designed and manufactured with lightweight carbon prepreg composite material developed indigenously. The development of such indigenous capabilities will make India self-reliant in this technology as India has been purchasing stealth drones from Israel and is in touch with the USA to get combat drones.

#DRDOUpdates | DRDO successfully conducted flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator with Tailless configuration from Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/42XQki1seV  DRDO (@DRDO_India) December 15, 2023

With India facing terror challenges in the mountain terrain and high-altitude areas having terror hideouts where the fatality probability is high for armed forces, stealth UAVs can enhance not only firepower but can help detect hidden targets and eliminate them. UAVs can be deployed in any armed offensive be it war or anti-terror operations. Many of these drones remain undetected by radars as well and help in intelligence gathering as well.

The UAVs can execute precision strikes with pinpoint accuracy and can turn the tide in favour of the deployer. Beyond their traditional reconnaissance and strike capabilities, they are also being fitted with artificial intelligence and autonomy that allows them to have enhanced decision-making capabilities. This means, they can not only engage targets effectively but can also differentiate between enemies and friends in future.

As technology advances further, these unmanned systems will continue to play a pivotal role, reshaping the future of conflicts and the strategies employed to mitigate them. In the tapestry of modern warfare, the presence of stealth UAVs stands as a testament to the fusion of innovation, strategy, and technological superiority.
New Delhi: Former Congress MLA Yumsen Matey was shot dead near the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. Matey was killed by unidentified assailants while attending a social event in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district.

According to reports, The ex-lawmaker and three companions were in the village when an individual led them to a nearby forest, where Matey was fatally shot on the spot. The assailant fled towards Myanmar. Although the police have not disclosed the attackers' identity, there are suspicions of a connection to the NSCN-KYA terrorist group. Authorities have initiated a search for the perpetrator.

Matey won the Khonsa West Assembly Constituency for Congress in 2009. Throughout his term, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary, responsible for the Departments of Women and Social Welfare, as well as Social Justice and Tribal Affairs. In 2015, Matey joined BJP and, earlier this year, expressed his readiness to participate in the 2024 assembly elections.
NEW DELHI: In a remarkable display of maritime prowess, an Indian Navy warship and patrol aircraft averted a potential hijacking crisis in the Arabian Sea. The incident involved the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen, en route to Somalia, and unfolded with alarming speed.

Distress Call Ignites Operation

The Indian Navy swung into action following a distress call from MV Ruen, swiftly mobilizing its assets to counter the emerging threat. The Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft, engaged in surveillance in the region, and a warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden were diverted to the scene, demonstrating the Navy's commitment to rapid and effective response.

"The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 23, indicating boarding by approx six unknown personnel," reported officials. The Navy's immediate and coordinated efforts were aimed at locating and assisting MV Ruen in thwarting the hijacking attempt.

#IndianNavy's Mission Deployed platforms respond to #hijacking in the #ArabianSea#MayDay msg from Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen on @UK_MTO portal - boarding by unknown personnel



Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft & warship on #AntiPiracy patrol immediately diverted@EUNAVFOR pic.twitter.com/mtXqjytSfF  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 16, 2023

Indian Navy's Commitment To Security

In an official statement, the Indian Navy reiterated its commitment to being a first responder in the region, collaborating with international partners and friendly foreign countries to ensure the safety of merchant shipping. The Navy continues to closely monitor the overall situation in coordination with other agencies in the area.

The #IndianNavy MPA overflew MV Ruen early morning #15Dec & continues to monitor the vessel, now heading towards coast of Somalia



The IN Warship on #AntiPiracy patrol intercepted MV Ruen, early hours of #16Dec.

Situation being closely monitored#FirstResponder#MaritimeSecurity  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 16, 2023

Piracy Resurfaces: MV Ruen's Ordeal

MV Ruen, bound for Somalia, found itself at the centre of the hijacking attempt on Thursday. The UK's Marine Trade Operations reported that the vessel's crew had lost control, marking a resurgence in piracy incidents in the region. This event is notably the first major attack by Somali pirates since 2017, indicating a concerning lapse in counter-piracy efforts.

Caution Advised In Arabian Sea

In response to the incident, the UK Marine Trade Operations issued a warning, urging vessels to exercise caution while traversing the Arabian Sea near Somalia. The advisory emphasized the presence of an active piracy action group in the area and urged ships to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity.

As the Indian Navy remains on high alert, this incident underscores the persistent threat of piracy in crucial maritime corridors and the necessity for continued collaborative efforts to safeguard international waters.
New Delhi: Breaking his silence for the first time days after the Income Tax raids on his premises, unearthing a staggering sum of Rs 350 crore, Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu has said that the money in question has nothing to do with the grand old party or any other political entity. The Congress politician has admitted that the recovered money belongs to his liquor firm, emphasizing that it is the proceeds from the sale of liquor.

Reflecting on his political journey spanning three decades, Sahu expressed deep anguish over the unprecedented incident. "In the last 30-35 years of my political career, this is the first time that this kind of incident has taken place, due to which I am hurt," he conveyed.

#WATCH | Delhi | First reaction of Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu on I-T raids and recovery of hundreds of crores of rupees in cash from premises linked to him.



He says, "...What is happening today makes me sad. I can admit that the money that has been recovered belongs to my pic.twitter.com/TgpMXhCC2B December 15, 2023

'Cash Bleomgs To Family's Century-Old Liquor Business'

Elaborating on his family's legacy, Sahu revealed a century-old liquor business that has contributed to development works, including the establishment of schools and colleges. Defending the cash transactions inherent in the liquor industry, he emphasized that the seized money is linked to his family's longstanding business.

"You may also know that transactions in the liquor business are done in cash only. My firm has been in business for over 100 years. The money that has been seized belongs to him," he affirmed. Sahu categorically stated that the recovered funds have no ties to Congress or any political party, challenging the ongoing narrative.

Sahu Responds To BJP's Allegations

Responding to BJP's allegations of the cash being black money, Sahu urged the Income Tax Department to determine whether it is 'Kaala Dhan' or 'Safed Dhan.' Confidently asserting that he is not directly involved in the business, he emphasized that his family members would provide answers to any inquiries.

Congress Tells Sahu To Explain Mega Cash Haul

As the Income Tax Department concluded its raid on Sahu's premises in Odisha's Balangir, the Congress party distanced itself from the massive cash discovery. The party asserted that only Dhiraj Prasad Sahu could provide an explanation for the money recovered from the premises linked to him.

In the midst of these revelations, the true nature of the Rs 350-crore haul remains a mystery, with Sahu pledging to account for every detail in the face of ongoing scrutiny.
New Delhi: Ever since we were little kids, if there was one adage that almost every elder loved to throw our way, it was try and try till you succeed. It could have been for as simple a thing as building 'creative' lego structures, or colouring within the lines, winning a biscuit race, and even scoring well on a test.

Somehow this was a pet dialogue that came our way often, and eventually kind of grew on us. But what happens when constant setbacks and peer pressure suggest that you give up and move on?

22-year-old Jodharam Patel's story is one such where he fought against family and friends to fight for his dreams when they had given up on him. A resident of Dedawas Ka Goliya village in Rajasthan, Patel has done the unthinkable by cracking NEET with AIR 3,886 after trying and trying hard for five long years.

But this achievement didn't come easy for him. Not being an outstanding student in academics, topped with below average marks in his 10th and 12th boards almost snatched away Patel's dream of becoming a doctor.

Back in 2012, after scoring poorly in 10th, Patel's father asked him to take up manual labour in Mumbai. However, his elder brother Mevaram and his school principal encouraged him to keep pursuing his dream.

Again, after I scored poor marks in plus two (60 percent), the sound of failure surrounded me. People asked me to take small jobs or help my family in farming. But I want to be a doctor, and I tried hard for five years to get a good rank in NEET examination, Jodharam Patel told The Indian Express.

He further added that, I am the first one from my village to crack the NEET examination. The last one who became a doctor from this village was in 2004. Upon completing his MBBS, Patel wants to help students in his village, just like Anand Kumar of Super 30. Like Anand Kumar, I want to teach the poor meritorious students so that they can also shine with others with a good career.

If this doesn't prove that we do find success if we try hard enough, what will?
NEW DELHI: In a startling twist to the Parliament security breach case, the alleged mastermind, Lalit Mohan Jha, has told Delhi Police that he and his associates had planned to immolate themselves inside and outside the Parliament. However, the plan was thwarted due to a lack of funds for the intended 'fire retardant gel.'

Plan B: Use Of Smoke Canisters

Facing financial constraints, Jha and his group opted for Plan B, involving the use of smoke canisters. Jha's admission adds weight to the belief that the group wasn't merely seeking publicity but had a more sinister agenda. The disclosure raises questions about the depth of the conspiracy and the potential threat it posed.

Accused Destroyed Mobile Phones

Lalit Jha, also known as 'Masterji,' due to his teaching background, reportedly destroyed mobile handsets, reinforcing suspicions about his central role in the conspiracy. The revelation occurred during his interrogation, shedding light on the extent of the group's preparation and their efforts to cover their tracks.

Plot To Create Anarchy: Cops Tell Court

According to Delhi Police, Jha and his co-accused aimed to create "anarchy" in the country to force the government to meet their demands. The police are also considering seeking Parliamentary approval to recreate the incident, highlighting the severity of the threat and the need for preventive measures.

Delhi Police Intensifies Probe

Intensifying its probe into the security breach incident, the Delhi Police have so far arrested several individuals. The arrests include individuals detained both inside and outside Parliament. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D were apprehended within the Lok Sabha chamber, while Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde were detained outside the Parliament building.

Elaborate Planning Uncovered: Google Searches, Secure Communication

Jha's interrogation revealed a meticulous planning process, including the use of Google for information gathering. The group studied old videos of Parliament security measures, learned about secure communication methods, and exclusively used the Signal App to avoid detection.

Accused Fled To Rajasthan From Delhi

Jha's escape to Rajasthan after the incident is under scrutiny. He threw his phone and burnt the phones of others involved to cover his tracks. Investigations will extend to Rajasthan to retrace his steps and determine if there are any links to an enemy country or a terrorist organization.

Search For Footwear Designer, CCTV Footage Scrutiny

The police are on the lookout for the footwear designer who crafted the shoes concealing the smoke canisters. Parliament's CCTV footage is undergoing thorough scrutiny, pixel by pixel, while mobile phone data around the scene is being collected for leads.

Terrorism Charges Against Accused

The accused duo, Sharma and Manoranjan, face charges under the stringent UAPA for smuggling smoke canisters into Parliament. Delhi Police has also received a diary allegedly belonging to Sagar Sharma, providing potential insights into his mindset leading up to the incident.

Lalit Jha's Family In Shock

Lalit Jha's family expresses deep shock over his involvement. Describing him as a calm individual with no history of trouble, the family is struggling to comprehend his role in the intricate web of the Parliament security breach conspiracy. Shambhu Jha, the elder brother of Lalit Mohan Jha, the alleged mastermind behind the Parliament security breach, has expressed shock over the incident, stating that the entire family is still in a state of disbelief.

"We don't know how he got involved in all this. He always stayed away from trouble. He was a calm and quiet kid since childhood and was very introvert. We knew he was involved with NGOs and, apart from being a private tutor, we are shocked to see his images on television channels," Shambhu told reporters.

In Bihars Darbhanga, Lalit Jhas father Devanand told reporters he could never imagine that his son would be involved in such an incident.

I dont know how this happened. His name has never appeared in any criminal case in the past... He was a very good student since childhood, Devanand said. We have been living in Kolkata for the past 50 years. But, on the occasion of Chhath puja, we visit our ancestral village (Rampur Udai in Darbhanga). This year, however, we could not come to our village on time... Later, we boarded a train from Kolkata for Darbhanga on December 10, but Lalit did not come with us, he added.

As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits further revelations about the motives and players behind this audacious plot.
New Delhi: The sixth accused in the Parliament security breach case Mahesh Kumawat has been arrested by Delhi Police. Kumawat allegedly helped the 'mastermind' of the parliament attack Lalit Jha to flee Delhi after the attack on parliament. According to Delhi Police, Mahesh was also involved in the conspiracy to launch an attack on the parliament.

Delhi police located Mahesh Kumawat, apprehending him for interrogation concerning the security breach. Subsequently, Delhi Police arrested him following extensive questioning.

On the day of the Parliament attack, Mahesh arrived in Delhi when two individuals entered the Lok Sabha, deploying smoke bombs during the session, causing widespread alarm across the nation.

Lalit Jha, the orchestrator of the entire assault in New Delhi, sought refuge at Mahesh's hideout in Rajasthan while evading the police. According to reports Mahesh was also involved in destroying the mobile phones of the four individuals arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach.
New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan, the name alone conjures images of charm, charisma, and a smile that melts hearts. But his journey to becoming the undisputed king of Bollywood is a story far richer and deeper than mere good looks. It's a tale of grit, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of dreams.

Born in Delhi to a middle-class family, Shah Rukh's early life was marked by both hardship and exposure to diverse cultures. He lost his mother at a young age but found solace in theatre and storytelling. His talent was undeniable, yet the path to stardom was far from paved. He moved to Mumbai with dreams in his eyes and a meagre suitcase, facing rejection and underestimating roles.

But Shah Rukh never let the rejections define him. He honed his craft, learning from every experience, and eventually found his footing in television. His charm and wit resonated with audiences, making him a household name. The leap to cinema was inevitable, and in 1992, he embarked on a journey that would rewrite Bollywood history.

His initial success came with anti-hero roles, showcasing his acting prowess in films like "Darr" and "Baazigar." However, it was "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" in 1995 that truly catapulted him to superstardom. The film, a timeless love story set against the backdrop of Indian tradition and global aspirations, resonated with audiences across generations and solidified Shah Rukh's image as the quintessential romantic hero.

He followed this success with a string of iconic films like "Dil To Pagal Hai," "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...," each one further cementing his place as the king of hearts. His charm transcended borders, making him a global phenomenon with a fan following that stretches from India to the Middle East and beyond.

But Shah Rukh wasn't content with just being a romantic hero. He pushed boundaries, experimenting with diverse roles in films like "Chak De! India," "Swades," and "Paheli," showcasing his acting depth and versatility. He became a producer, a television host, and a philanthropist, using his platform to advocate for social causes and inspire millions.

Through his journey, Shah Rukh has faced his fair share of challenges, from personal tragedies to industry controversies. Yet, he has emerged stronger each time, his resilience and unwavering optimism inspiring millions.

Today, Shah Rukh Khan stands tall not just as a Bollywood superstar, but as a cultural icon and a global ambassador of Indian cinema. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, talent, and unwavering belief. It's a reminder that even the most ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements, and that dreams, no matter how big, can indeed come true.

This is just a brief glimpse into the multifaceted story of Shah Rukh Khan. His journey continues to evolve, with new chapters waiting to be written. But one thing is certain: the legacy of the King Khan will forever illuminate the Indian film industry and inspire generations of aspiring dreamers to reach for the stars.
As India continues its ascent as a beacon of technological prowess in cloud adoption, CoRover.ai has joined hands with Google Cloud as its technology partner to launch BharatGPT, an Indigenous generative AI platform meticulously tailored for the Indians, often touted as the country's ChatGPT rival.

According to a statement by the company, BharatGPT champions the linguistic diversity of the nation, supporting over 14 Indian languages across text, voice, and video interactions. Google Cloud as CoRover's Cloud service provider will help CoRover enhance and scale BharatGPT.

Ankush Sabharwal, CEO of CoRover, said, "Our intent with BharatGPT is about crafting a platform that encapsulates India's rich cultural heritage and flourishes in a cloud-first world. BharatGPT, which is built on Google Cloud's fortified infrastructure, confidently addresses these challenges, carving a niche as a trusted AI mainstay that is grounded and reliable." The platform's expansive feature set encompasses custom knowledge base integration, ERP/CRM system collaboration, an integrated payment gateway, and much more.

Bikram Singh Bedi, Managing Director, Google Cloud India said, "This technology has the potential to transform lives and our language and generative AI capabilities built into the platform will make access easy and democratize the use of the platform. This will help strengthen India's position as an AI first nation."

CoRover.ai has already served more than 1.25 Billion users and now with BharatGPT, becomes a human-centric conversational AI platform with contextual Generative AI (LLM) and faster Machine Learning.
Actress Ariyana Glory who captured the attention of the fans during Bigg Boss Telugu 4, set the internet on fire with a recent post on her Instagram. She is renowned for captivating admirers with her immaculate sense of style. Fans were recently treated to stunning photos of Ariyana Glory wearing beachwear. She was seen wearing a white see-through lace shrug with a multicolored bikini. She wore merely earrings as her lone piece of jewellery and went for a natural makeup look. She had fans swooning with her contagious grin.

Ariyana Glory wrote in the caption, "Nows the Time. You Have the Potential, so Dont Get Trapped in Your Own Closed Mind and Dont Fear Failure or What Others Think, but Be Curious and Be Different, Thats How I Think #ariyanaglory #ariyana" (Jacqueliene Fernandez's Best Party Tracks To Pump Up Your Weekend - Check List)

Checkout the post here:

In terms of her career, Ariyana has been very quiet and hasn't yet found public success. She has performed in a few films, including the television series Avakai Animutyam and the film Anubhavinchu Raja. She took part in a number of reality shows as well. There aren't any published news confirming her next projects as of now.
New Delhi: Ahead of the much-awaited release of 'Salaar Part 1: CeaseFire', Prabhas has made some noteworthy relevations about the film. In a recent interview, star Prabhas threw light on the premise of the film, and his character in the film said, "Deep emotions will be seen between the characters in 'Saalar'; the audience will see me in such a character on screen for the first time."

Since the film is just one week away from its grand release on December 22nd, 2023, lead actor Prabhas in one of the recent interviews was asked about the workshops and preparations he did to get into the skin of the character. Responding to the same, Prabhas said, "I and Prashanth just worked together, like I told him what I was thinking and he told me what to do. I told them some body language, which I thought was right for the film. He also liked some parts. We used to talk before any important session, and he used to tell me that because of the way I was looking at the character, it could be said that we used to workshop together while relaxing, having fun, and talking."

Continuing the same, Prabhas spoke about his working experience with filmmaker Prashanth Neel and said, "This is the best director in my 21 years of life. I was worried about when he would call me for the shoot. More than going to the set or performing, I wanted to spend time with Prashant. This was the first thing that came to mind, and I had never felt this in the last 21 years. I felt this pain for 6 months. I think within a month we became very close."

It is to be noted that the film Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire shows the brotherly bond of two characters.

The action has a duration of 2 hours and 55 minutes and was given an 'A' certificate by the censor board. The movie has several bloody combat scenes, violence, and battle scenes. The 'A' certificate news is evidence of the film's scale.

Hombale Films, Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire will star Prabhas along with Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Jagapathi Babu. Made under the direction of Prashanth Neel, the film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur. The film will be released in theaters on December 22, 2023.
Tel Aviv: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) killed three of its hostages after opening fire on them, mistakenly identifying them as 'threats', Times of Israel reported citing IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Hagari said the IDF bears responsibility for the "tragic incident." "This is an area where the soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers," he added.

Out of the three Israeli hostages, two have been identified as Yotam Haim, who was abducted from Kfar Aza and Samar Talalka, who was abducted from Nir Am. However, the third hostage was not named by Hagari due to requests by their family, Times of Israel reported.

During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified 3 Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed. 1/1  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 15, 2023

Tel Aviv: In a heartbreaking incident, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) mistakenly opened fire, leading to the tragic death of three Israeli hostages in Gaza. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed deep sorrow, calling it an 'unbearable tragedy.'

Identification Of Victims

Out of the three hostages, two have been identified as Yotam Haim from Kfar Aza and Samar Talalka from Nir Am. The third victim remains unnamed upon the family's request, reported Times of Israel.

IDF Acknowledges Responsibility

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari admitted the military's responsibility for the "tragic incident." He explained that the area was rife with encounters with terrorists, including suicide bombers, leading to mistaken identification of the hostages as threats.

Hagari suggested that the hostages might have fled or been abandoned by their captors, leading to the unfortunate incident. Immediate suspicion arose post-shooting, prompting a swift transfer of the bodies for examination in Israel, where the victims were identified.

Ongoing Investigation

The IDF is actively working to gather facts and clarify the details surrounding the incident. Hagari emphasized the complexity of the battle zone, highlighting previous encounters with terrorists and ongoing battles.

Condolences & Mourning

Expressing deep sorrow, Hagari conveyed the IDF's condolences and shared the grief of the victims' families. Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, stating, "The entire State of Israel mourns this evening." This is an unbearable tragedy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. The entire State of Israel mourns this evening. My heart goes out to the grieving families in their difficult time.

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         Benjamin Netanyahu -   (@netanyahu) December 15, 2023

International Response

US President Joe Biden was briefed on the tragic incident, and White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called it "heartbreaking" and "tragic." The US expects Israel to conduct a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances leading to the hostages' deaths.

Hamas Attack On Israel

Hamas had kidnapped approximately 250 hostages during its October 7 attack on Israel, resulting in a significant loss of lives. Israel's retaliatory actions have claimed more than 18,700 lives, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures. The Israeli government remains committed to bringing all hostages home as a primary war objective.
Plumes of thick dark smoke and sounds of explosions rose over southern Gaza, during the afternoon hours of Saturday (December 16), as heavy fighting raged in the strip. Israeli and Qatari officials were set to meet in Norway on Saturday in an effort to revive talks about the release of hostages held in Gaza in return for a ceasefire and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

Israeli tanks and planes intensified their bombardment of the Gaza strip, although Israel was urged by the U.S to scale down its military campaign and narrowly target Hamas leaders. Dozens of Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Saturday in air strikes by Israel, Palestinian media said.

Israel has been pounding the 25-mile (40-km) length of Gaza with no sign of a pause in hostilities or a ceasefire that would enable delivery of more desperately needed basic supplies for civilians to survive as their homes have been destroyed.

A hostage who was mistakenly killed by the Israeli military while being held hostage in Gaza by Islamist group Hamas was laid to rest at a funeral in southern Israel on Saturday (December 16).

Around 300 people turned out to mourn Samer Fouad Al-Talalka, 25, a member of Israel's Bedouin Arab minority, in his hometown of Hura. The three Israeli hostages had been holding up a white flag, a military official said on Saturday, citing an initial inquiry into the incident that has shaken the country.

A soldier saw the hostages emerging tens of metres from Israeli forces on Friday (December 15) in Shejaiya, an area of intense combat in northern Gaza where Hamas militants operate in civilian attire and use deception tactics, the official said.

"They're all without shirts and they have a stick with a white cloth on it. The soldier feels threatened and opens fire. He declares that they're terrorists. They (the Israeli forces) open fire. Two (hostages) are killed immediately," the official told reporters in a phone briefing.

More than 100, women, children, teens and foreigners were released in a deal struck in late November. Others have been declared dead by Israeli authorities. More than 100 hostages remain in Gaza, Israeli authorities say.


VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents.

Today we are talking about William Jefferson Clinton  better known as Bill Clinton.

Clinton took office in 1993, and was re-elected in 1996. In many ways, historians consider his time in office a success. The economy expanded, and the country was largely at peace.

But Clinton had some notable failures, too. He could not persuade Congress to accept a plan to reform the nations health care system.

And, in his second term, the House of Representatives took steps to remove him from office. But the Senate decided not to act.

Clinton finished his second term with high approval ratings. Yet he is also remembered for being only the second U.S. president to be impeached.

Early life

Bill Clinton came from a town with a memorable name: Hope. He grew up there, and in another nearby town in the Southern state of Arkansas.

For most of his early life, Bill was raised by his grandmother and his mother, both nurses. His father had died in a car accident before he was born.

People who knew Bill as a young man remember him as very intelligent, charming with people, and talented in music. His mother told him he would be president one day.

Sure enough, Clinton pursued activities that would lead to a political career. He attended college at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he studied international affairs; led student government groups; and took a position as a clerk in the U.S. Senate.

He went on to study at Oxford University in England on a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Then he graduated from law school at Yale University. There, he met another student who would be his wife, Hillary Rodham. The two went on to have one child together, a daughter named Chelsea.

After finishing his studies, Clinton returned to his home state of Arkansas and pursued political office. At 32, he became one of the youngest governors ever in the country.

Two years later, he was voted out of office, and -- as historian Russell Riley notes -- he became the youngest former governor.

And that is how a good deal of Clintons political career continued: in a pattern of successes and failures.

His successes often came as a result of his centrist policies, which appealed to people of different political beliefs. He also was an effective public speaker and, to many, a likable, charismatic person who seemed to care deeply about others.

But, his critics pointed out, Clinton also appeared to make many decisions simply for political advantage. And he sometimes tried to please so many people that he pleased no one.

Following a series of increasingly national roles  as well as a series of setbacks  Clinton campaigned for president in 1992. At first, he did not do well in the campaign. He was young and not well-known. He also suffered from reports that he had relationships with women who were not his wife.

But in time, Clinton began winning primary contests. Reporters called him the Comeback Kid. He earned a public image as a politician who could survive problems.

In the general election, Clinton competed against the sitting president, Republican George H.W. Bush. The two men also faced an unusually strong third-party candidate named Ross Perot.

On Election Night, Clinton prevailed. Because Americans had split their votes among three major candidates, Clinton earned less than 50% of the popular vote. But he won enough electoral votes to become the next U.S. president.

Presidency

The people who worked on Bill Clintons presidential campaign adopted an informal motto. They said, Its the economy, stupid. In other words, campaign officials believed that most Americans cared primarily about how a presidents policies would affect their financial concerns.

So, President Clinton quickly set about making a series of economic changes. They included raising taxes on wealthier Americans and cutting spending to help poorer Americans.

In a few years, the U.S. budget deficit was gone, the federal government had a surplus, and the countrys financial situation was strong and healthy  although not everyone approved of the steps Clinton took to get there, or believed he should get all the credit.

Early in his first term, Clinton sought an additional reform he believed would help voters financial concerns: affordable health insurance for all Americans. Most people in the U.S. either bought private health insurance or did not have any insurance to help pay for medical costs. Clinton wanted to find a way for the U.S. government to support Americans health-related expenses.

He appointed his wife, first lady Hillary Clinton, to lead a healthcare reform effort. Hillary Clinton, a lawyer, had led a similar effort to reform education in Arkansas when her husband was governor there.

But some lawmakers in Congress  as well as some voters  rejected her efforts. The reform effort failed.

Clinton also struggled in some early foreign policy moves. He withdrew American troops from Somalia after their humanitarian efforts there turned into a bloody military struggle.

He was also criticized for failing to intervene quickly in the genocide in Rwanda, where hundreds of thousands of people were killed.

Later, Clinton won praise for some of his foreign policy. His government helped restore the elected president in Haiti after a coup. It also helped negotiate peace agreements in Bosnia and Ireland. And it cooperated with NATO to intervene in the Kosovo area and stop attacks on Albanians there.

In general, Clinton believed the U.S. had an important role to play in maintaining peace and protecting human life around the world. At the same time, he did not want to use too many American resources to do so. He aimed to cooperate with other nations, and to set moderate goals.

As usual, Clinton adopted an approach that was not too extreme on one side or another.

Impeachment

During most of his time as president, Clinton had been under investigation. Federal judges had appointed a special counsel, named Kenneth Starr, to find out if the president had committed any crimes related to financial investments before he took office.

During the investigation, Starr learned that the president had been having a sexual relationship with a young woman who worked in the White House. Starr asked Clinton about the affair under oath.

Later, Starr accused Clinton of lying about his relationship with the woman. Starr said that Clinton had also tried to prevent others from telling the truth about some of his activities.

In time, the president publicly admitted the relationship, and he apologized to voters and his family. But he said he had not lied or told anyone else to lie for him.

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives did not accept Clintons defense. They advanced two articles of impeachment.

Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate then considered the case. It is their job to examine the evidence and decide whether to remove a president from office. A majority did not believe the actions Clinton was accused of were serious violations against the country. They voted to acquit Clinton of the charges and permit him to continue as president.

Legacy

In the U.S., a president can serve only two full terms. After his second, Bill Clinton and his wife settled in a town outside New York City. In time, Hillary Clinton became the U.S. senator from New York, as well as a secretary of state and the Democratic Partys candidate for president.

Bill Clinton, like many other U.S. presidents, wrote about his experiences and helped develop his presidential library. He also worked on humanitarian, health, and economic issues with his familys organization, the Clinton Foundation.

For many, Clintons time in office is remembered as a mixed experience. The economy was at one of its strongest in U.S. history. Most people could find jobs, and many Americans bought homes for the first time. In the mid-1990s especially, the Internet and other new developments created a technology boom.

In addition, Clinton was an effective public speaker, and he inspired new groups of people to support his Democratic Party. Many voters approved of his appointments of women and minorities to positions of power in his government. They also liked the steps he took to reduce the use of handguns, protect the environment, and provide paid time off work for some people to care for themselves or their families.

But both Democrats and Republicans found fault with some of Clintons efforts. And even his supporters note that the president had to spend much of his time in office answering charges of wrongdoing.

Im Kelly Jean Kelly.

Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

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See how well you understand the story by taking this listening quiz. Play the video, then choose the best answer.

Quiz - America's Presidents: Bill Clinton Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

impeach - v. to charge (a public official) with a crime done while in office

clerk - n. a person whose job is to keep track of records and documents for a business or office

centrist - adj. having political opinions that are not extreme; having beliefs fall between those of liberals and conservatives
The presidents of three well-known American universities recently spoke to members of the U.S. Congress about antisemitism on college campuses.

Antisemitism is the word used to describe a hatred of Jewish people.

The Houses Committee on Education called Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Sally Kornbluth of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a five-hour hearing in Washington, D.C.

The Republican-led committee chose the three leaders because their schools "have been at the center of the rise in antisemitic protests, a committee spokesperson said in a statement.

The protests are related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. On October 7, Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack in Israel and killed over 1,200 Jewish people. Since then, the conflict has led to the deaths of more than 18,000 people in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.

Protesters who supported Palestine used the word intifada, an Arabic word for resistance, and the phrase from the river to the sea. Some people believe the phrase is a call for the death of all Jews.

Yes or no?

Representative Elise Stefanik is a Republican lawmaker from New York state. Stefanik, who went to Harvard, asked each university leader about how their school would react to calls to kill a large number of Jews, something described as genocide.

Stefanik asked Magill: Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penns rules or code of conduct? Yes or no?

Magill did not answer yes or no. Instead, she said the university only considers if speech turns into conduct. By that, she meant the university respects an individuals right to free speech. But if the speech became directed and severe, pervasive, as the president said, it would then be considered more serious. In response to a question about whether a student would be punished for their speech, Magill said it depended on context.

When faced with the same questions from Stefanik, Gay of Harvard and Kornbluth of MIT also did not say yes or no.

Gay answered that it depended on the context. She added that when speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies. And Kornbluth answered that she had not heard calling for the genocide of Jews on our campus.

Criticism and questions of free speech

The answers brought serious criticism from national and state political leaders, students, and members of the college community.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said Magills answer was unacceptable. He said talk of genocide against any group of people is all in the wrong She needed to give a one-word answer.

A spokesman for President Joe Biden criticized the three college presidents answers. In a statement, he said they did not go far enough to condemn antisemitism on campuses. And calls for genocide go against everything we represent as a country.

All three university presidents later apologized for not speaking out against Jewish genocide. Magill called for a review of Penns policies which she said have long been guided by the U.S. Constitution. Gay wrote that calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard.

Free speech experts say the college presidents answers at the hearing did follow the current understanding of the Constitutions right to free speech.

Suzanne Nossell is the leader of the nonprofit PEN America, a free-expression organization. She said the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects even deeply hateful speech.

The outcome

The congressional hearing took place on December 5.

By December 9, Magill resigned under pressure from wealthy donors and alumni. The pressure had started earlier this autumn when the university permitted a meeting on campus despite charges that some speakers had shown antisemitic views in other comments.

At MIT, the schools leadership group, called the MIT Corporation, announced its support for Kornbluth, who is Jewish, two days after the hearing. It said in a statement, She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate 

Gay faced pressure from Harvard's donors and alumni to step down. But more than 600 Harvard professors voiced their support for her leadership. They say that the school should not be influenced by political pressure.

Laurence Tribe is a well-known law professor at Harvard. He was critical of Gays answer at the hearing. But he supported her continued leadership. Tribe said that it is dangerous for universities to be bullied into micromanaging their policies.

On Tuesday, the Harvard leadership group announced that it would stand behind Gay and she would continue as the universitys president.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

Quiz - What Led to the Resignation of an Ivy League President? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

campus n. the physical location of a college or universitys buildings

genocide n. the deliberate killing of people who belong to a particular racial, political, or cultural group

code of conduct n. rules on how to participate in a group, such as how to be a student at a university

pervasive adj. spreading to all parts of something

context n. the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning

vile adj. evil, immoral, unpleasant

alumni n. the people who graduated from a school or university

bully v. to frighten, hurt, or threaten (a smaller or weaker person) : to act like a bully toward (someone)

micromanage v. to try to control all parts of something usually in a way that is not wanted

We want to hear from you. Do you think the universities dealt properly with their presidents?
At 3:30 a.m., Omaha police responded to the crash at 36th and L streets. An investigation showed that Cameron Christian was driving east along L Street in a Jeep Grand Cherokee when the SUV left the road and struck the pole. Police said Christian was partially ejected from the vehicle.
A bicyclist sustained serious injuries Friday after being hit by an SUV in the town of Elba.

Dodge County deputies were dispatched to Highway 16/60 near Roche Road at 5:20 p.m., where the driver of a 2017 Ford Explorer struck a bicyclist while driving near the fog line. The bicyclist, Bronson Crites, 35, of Fond Du Lac, was wearing a helmet, but his clothing was dark and he had no lighting, according to Sheriff Dale Schmidt.

The bicyclist was taken via Life Star EMS to UW Hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. The driver, Flor Sanchez, 28, of Columbus, was not injured in the crash.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office Crash Investigation Team is investigating the crash. The Columbus Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
A Madison woman charged with the attempted homicide of a fetus for an attack last year that prosecutors said she instigated against a pregnant rival was acquitted of the charge Friday following a jury verdict.

Lawyers for Brittany L. Holsten, 28, never denied that Holsten attacked Isabelle Hoppman outside Hoppmans apartment building on Madisons South Side on Nov. 30, 2022, but said prosecutors hadnt proved that the attack was an attempt to kill Hoppmans 14-week-old fetus.

Instead, the attack was motivated by Holstens anger that Hoppman had been talking about Holsten and her daughter on social media, attorney Oren Jakobson told jurors.

Prosecutors told a jury of eight men and four women Friday that Holsten was angry that Hoppman was keeping the baby, who was fathered by the same man who fathered Holstens child, because it meant that Hoppman would be in Holstens life for years to come.

The jury deliberated for about three hours before finding Holsten not guilty of attempted first-degree intentional homicide of an unborn child.

Last week, a different jury in the court of a different Dane County judge heard much of the same evidence before finding a co-defendant of Holsten, Cynthia M. Dominguez, 25, of Wisconsin Dells, guilty of the attempted homicide charge.

The conviction carries up to 60 years of combined prison and extended supervision.

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Josann Reynolds issued an order asking prosecutors and defense attorneys in the Dominguez case to submit written arguments to tell Reynolds whether she should affirm the conviction, set the guilty verdict aside or order a new trial for Dominguez because of what Reynolds now believes may have been improperly admitted but unchallenged hearsay evidence. A decision on that issue wont be issued until after the last written brief is filed by Jan. 26.

District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said on Wednesday that he believes Dominguezs conviction will stand.

The evidence at both trials indicated Dominguez played a supporting role in the attack, jumping in after Holsten had landed the first blow. Hoppman testified she did not even know who Dominguez was until she had researched Holstens Facebook friends.

Baby unharmed

Hoppman said that during the attack, Holsten told Dominguez to hit Hoppman in the belly, and said both women repeatedly kicked her there and in the head. She said she was able to protect her baby from harm by getting into a fetal position. Doctors testified that most of Hoppmans injuries were to her face, and while she did not have any visible injuries to her torso, some tenderness in her belly was noted during an examination.

Holsten testified Thursday that neither she nor Dominguez hit Hoppman in the belly, but instead said she punched Hoppman in the face twice and Dominguez hit her in the face a few more times before the two of them left.

Jakobson told the jury that Holstens version of the parking lot confrontation better fits the description of Hoppmans injuries. He also argued that police failed to fully investigate all of the social media posts and messages that they could have from the prior months, and by doing so they would have seen that Hoppman had been bad-mouthing Holsten behind her back, and it was not a one-sided text attack.

Social messages

Early during the period after Hoppman learned she was pregnant, Jakobson said, the messages from Holsten to Hoppman at first insisted that she not keep the child. But Holsten backed off of that position, Jakobson said, until she never mentioned it during her stream-of-consciousness text rants at Hoppman closer to the assault in the parking lot.

By then, Jakobson said, Holstens anger had turned to focus on comments she had been told by others that Hoppman had been making on social media about Holsten, and that was what instigated the assault. Holsten fully admits she attacked Hoppman, he said, but in no way attempted to kill her unborn child.

Holsten afterward avoided police, Jakobson said, because she knew she did something wrong.

It was a foolish thing for her to do, probably a crime, but not the crime the state charged but a different crime, he said.

Lies to police

Prosecutors argued that the lies Holsten told police and others after the attack, and the fact she had changed her appearance, showed she knew she had done more than simply punch out another person.

Responding to Jakobsons argument, Assistant District Attorney Annie Jay told the jury that Holsten had the benefit of seeing all of the police reports and listening to all of the testimony in court before she testified, so she could adapt her testimony to fit what she had heard.

Hoppman, on the other hand, Jay said, from the moment it happened until just a few days ago, had told the same, consistent version of events.
Families received more than 8,700 toys this year through the Empty Stocking Club, which works to make sure every child has a gift for the holidays.

Organizers behind Empty Stocking, the charitable arm of the Wisconsin State Journal, said the need was greater than ever. This year, 2,711 families received gifts, about 500 more than in 2022. Gifts were also given to organizations that could get toys to children.

How to help To donate, visit emptystockingclub.com You can also mail donations to: Empty Stocking Club 1901 Fish Hatchery Road Madison, WI 53713

Families picked out their toys at the Toy Depot, a two-day event at the Alliant Energy Center.

Its always rewarding, said Nikki Masterson, who volunteered for the Toy Depot for the first time this year. To see that people are getting what they want for their kids and knowing that the kids will have a good holiday, it just makes you feel good.

The Empty Stocking Club started in 1918 and provides families in need with new toys every year around Christmas. The effort is funded by readers and community members, and this year it served over 500 more families than in 2022. To donate, visit emptystockingclub.com.

Empty Stocking Clubs Toy Depot featured 600 varieties of toys, along with free books from the Madison Reading Project. With so much to choose from, registered parents and caregivers can pick out each of their free gifts, with help from hundreds of volunteers.

The fact that parents get to just pick them out gives them one less thing to worry about, said Lynn Wood, executive director of the Empty Stocking Club.

While volunteer numbers for the Toy Depot have increased significantly over the past couple of years, interest this year hit an all-time high, forcing the Empty Stocking Club to make a waiting list, Wood said. More than 600 volunteers came to help set up or run this years Toy Depot. Some volunteers got involved individually, while others helped out alongside their co-workers, members of their church congregation or classmates.

The volunteers really are incredible. Theyre so willing to do whatever we ask of them, said Lisa Maly, Toy Depot volunteer coordinator. They put energy into this room.

Every year, Melissa Clark gets a group of people from her workplace, Promega, to volunteer at the Toy Depot. Clark volunteered for Empty Stocking Club four years ago, and the Toy Depot is something that she looks forward to every year.

I was a parent that could have definitely have used a hand, so it makes me feel fulfilled to help out with this, Clark said. It just brings you joy to be here.

Along with so many different kinds of new toys, all families received a free book from Madison Reading Project, an organization that provides books to children of all ages. For the Toy Depot, the organization offered families books in English, Hmong and Spanish, to make the selection process for parents as inclusive as possible.

Across the two days, Madison Reading Project was able to sign up nearly 450 children for Dolly Partons Imagination Library, which sends a free book monthly to children, starting at birth to the age of 5.

We love having a wide breadth of different books available to people, because people get so excited about books, said Rowan Childs, executive director of the Madison Reading Project. Every year, the book giving portion does get bigger.

While some parents may have worried about items running out, there were always plenty of toys left for families, and any toys that are left over from the Toy Depot are either saved for the next year or donated to local charities, organizers said.

With all the pressures that a parent or caregiver may face during the holiday season, every year the Toy Depot helps to take the common stressor of gift shopping off of the to-do list.

Theres always that person who has so many things going on and they come in at the last minute and theyre so stressed thinking theyre going to miss out, Wood said. So then we just all breathe and say, Lets go in here.
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 a charge of obstruction of an official proceeding that has been brought against more than 300 people. The charge refers to the disruption of Congress' certification of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory over Trump.

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.

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.

A lawyer for Trump didnt immediately return a message seeking comment on the Supreme Courts decision to review the charge.

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, 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 Pennsylvania 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.

Defense attorney Kira Anne West, who has represented several Jan. 6 defendants charged with obstruction of an official proceeding, said the courts will have to undo a whole bunch of cases and adjust many sentences if the Supreme Court rules in their favor.

This is a watershed day, she said. In our world  defense lawyer world  this is huge.

West represents a man scheduled to be tried in early January on charges including the obstruction count. She doesnt yet know if she will seek a delay until the Supreme Court resolves the challenge.

More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot, and more than 700 defendants have pleaded guilty.

Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer in Boston and Michael Kunzelman in Silver Spring, Maryland, contributed to this report.

This story has been corrected to reflect that Joseph Fischer was a police officer in Pennsylvania, not Boston.

Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.
A quarter of U.S. congregations in the United Methodist Church have received permission to leave the denomination in the past five years over disputes involving the churchs LGBTQ-related policies.

This year alone, 5,641 congregations received permission from their regional conferences to leave the denomination as of Thursday, according to an unofficial tally by United Methodist News. In total, 7,658 have received permission since 2019. Thursday marked the last scheduled regional vote, according to the news service, when the Texas Annual Conference authorized four congregations departures.

The vast majority are conservative-leaning churches responding to what they see as the United Methodists failure to enforce bans on same-sex marriage and the ordaining of openly LGBTQ persons.

Among them was the largest Methodist congregation in Dane County, Asbury United Methodist Church, 6101 University Ave., which in March voted 224-76 to disaffiliate.

Its heartbreaking and sad, lead pastor Harold Zimmick said then of members choosing to leave the church. Our bond in Christ is stronger than any difference we have, and my hope is that we could be a church with differences, knowing that our unity is in Christ. But some people feel like the issue of marriage is stronger.

Former Asbury members who voted to remain in the UMC, however, saw the churchs decision as out of step with social justice or anti-gay.

Statewide, 43 Methodist churches chose to disaffiliate from the larger church this year, according to Lisa Wink, director of communications for the UMCs Wisconsin Conference. They had to specify that their decision was because of the denominations positions on human sexuality, but the conference has not determined how many left because they agree with the denominations current approach or disagree with it, she said. Three hundred and ninety-six churches remain in the conference.

The new year is expected to bring more changes for U.S Methodists.

The first denomination-wide legislative gathering in eight years, slated for spring 2024, will consider calls to liberalize policies on marriage and ordination. It will also debate rival proposals, either to decentralize the international church  which has at least as many members outside the United States as in  or provide overseas congregations with the same exit option their U.S. counterparts had.

The schism marks a historic shift in a denomination that was until recently the third-largest in the United States, and perhaps the closest to the mainstream of American religious culture  its steeples prominent in rural crossroads and urban squares, scenes of countless potluck suppers, earnest social outreach, and warm yet decorous worship.

Many departing congregations have joined the more conservative Global Methodist Church, with others joining smaller denominations, going independent or still considering their options.

United Methodist rules forbid same-sex marriage rites and the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals, but progressive Methodist churches and regional governing bodies in the U.S. have increasingly been defying these rules.

Conservatives have mobilized like-minded congregations to exit. The Global Methodist Church has declared its intention to enforce such rules.

We are sad about losing anybody, said New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the United Methodists Council of Bishops. Theres also  at the end of the year  grief and trauma, parishioners that have said goodbye to friends, pastors who have had relationships over the years that have ended.

He depicted the debates in the church as difficult, and said some who urged churches to disaffiliate used falsehoods.

This whole disaffiliation process has in large measure not been about human sexuality. Its been about power, control and money. Thats surprising and disappointing, Bickerton said. Its time for this denomination to pivot to focusing on mission rather than disaffiliation votes.

Extensive reach

The United Methodists had a U.S. membership of 6.5 million in 30,543 churches as of 2019, according to its website. It had at least one church in 95% of U.S. counties, more than any other religious group, according to the 2020 Religion Census, produced by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies.

Theres no immediate estimate on how many individual members are leaving the UMC, since some members of departing congregations are joining other UMC churches, but the departing churches include some of the largest in their states. UMC officials are already preparing historic budget cuts to denominational agencies in anticipation of lower revenue from fewer churches.

The UMC also reported having 6.5 million members overseas as of 2018, the vast majority in Africa, where more conservative sexual mores are common.

In 2019, a special legislative gathering of Methodists voted to strengthen longstanding bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. The votes came from a coalition of conservatives in the U.S. and overseas, particularly from fast-growing African churches. At the same time, that conference offered a five-year window for U.S. churches to leave under somewhat favorable terms, such as being able to keep their properties while compensating the denomination for certain costs.

That measure was expected to be used by progressive congregations dissenting with the letter of the church law, and a handful did take the church up on its offer. But in the end, the vast majority of departing congregations reflect conservative dismay over what they saw as the denominations failure to discipline those defying church law, as well as other liberal trends.

In the legislative General Conference, scheduled for April and May in Charlotte, North Carolina, efforts to lift bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination are expected to have a strong chance, given the departure of many conservative votes.

Separate standards

The delegates will also consider a decentralization plan favored by progressives  which, among other things, would enable U.S. and overseas churches to set separate standards for ordination and marriage  and another sought by conservatives enabling overseas churches to leave under the same provisions that U.S. churches had.

The Rev. Keith Boyette, who is the Global Methodist Churchs top executive, said it has registered about 4,100 U.S. churches so far  former UMC churches as well as new ones organized by former United Methodists whose congregations voted to stay in the UMC. It has been organizing in other countries where United Methodist churches or individuals left that denomination, he said, such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, Kenya, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Its unclear how many U.S. churches are going independent, but the fact that so many churches have aligned indicates their commitment to wanting to be part of a connectional system, Boyette said.

The Rev. Scott Field, president of the conservative Wesleyan Covenant Association, which has advocated for churches leaving the UMC, said congregations experiences varied in regional conferences, depending on what financial and other conditions they have required of churches. Its been punitive in some and its worked seamlessly in others, he said.

Under the slogan, Fair for some, fair for all, the group will be advocating for overseas churches to have the same option to leave.

Field predicted an African wave of churches seeking to leave.

Several African bishops, however, issued a statement in 2022 denouncing efforts to get churches to leave as false and destructive.

Field also predicted many U.S. churches, despite missing the 2023 deadline, may try to exit under other church law provisions.

Wed like every congregation, whether its a liberationist church or a solidly evangelical church, to end up where theyd like to be, Field said. It makes no sense for our United Methodist Church to attempt locking the gate.

Broken relationships

Jan Lawrence, executive director of the Reconciling Ministries Network, said the personal toll of the schism is deep.

She knew members of a church that had an acrimonious break after it chose to disaffiliate. It really broke relationships, she said.

She expressed hope that the 2024 General Conference will open ordination and marriage rites to LGBTQ persons  realizing a decades-long goal for the network.

Those churches that are disaffiliating and joining the Global Methodist Church, I hope they find what theyre looking for and theyre able to thrive as a new denomination, she said. I dont know anyone that doesnt want everybody to live into what they believe God is calling them to do.

Bickerton said he particularly laments the departure of many churches that are longtime, rural-area fixtures.

When Methodism came to the United States, it went to where the people were. It was carried in the saddlebags of the circuit riders, he said.

A return to informal ministry may be needed to maintain a presence in many regions, he said.

The hallmarks of United Methodism is a theology based on grace, hope, joy, love and justice, he said. Where do we send people strategically so that message can be heard?

The Wisconsin State Journal contributed to this report.

These 2 charts show how Gen Z is changing the makeup of the LGBTQ+ population in the US These 2 charts show how Gen Z is changing the makeup of the LGBTQ+ population in the US 1 in 5 of America's youngest generation identify as LGBTQ+ Bisexual identities more common with younger generations Coming Out 101: What does it mean to be uniquely you?
A judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence for two people implicated in the death of a 58-year-old Gooding man to face trial.

In a nearly two-hour-long preliminary hearing Friday, Gooding County Sheriffs Detective Alex Boyer described interviewing Nicholas James, 31, and Athena Miller, 50, who have been charged in the murder of 58-year-old Roger Driesel.

The two reported to police that Driesel went missing May 15; his body was found May 27 in a shop outside the Gooding city limits.

James confessed to shooting Driesel seven times with a .22 rifle, and realizing that the victim was still alive, once with a .380 pistol, Boyer said.

He said it wasnt right to let him suffer, Boyer recounted.

That last shot was at the base of Driesels skull, testified Gooding Police Chief Dave Fisher.

Things got out of hand, is how James related the incidents, Boyer said. James said Miller had told him that Driesel was beating her, and asked him to kill Driesel, her boyfriend who she had been living with in a house at 1848 S. 2100 E.

James said he lured Driesel out to a large shop near the house and shot him, Boyer related in his interview. After firing the seven shots with the .22 and seeing Driesel was still moving, James went inside the house and asked Miller for the .380 pistol she stored in her pickup, according to testimony.

A day or two later, the two helped clean up inside the shop, rolling Driesels body into an oil pit used for vehicle repair, and covered him with a tarp and furniture, according to Boyer.

The body was found more than a week later, and sheriffs office Detective Derek Walker described obtaining a search warrant before going into the shop. He smelled decomposing flesh upon entering the structure and found Driesels badly decomposed body, he said.

The body was put in a body bag and it took four people to lift it out of the pit.

Miller reported her handgun stolen, with James hiding it in the shop of an acquaintance, according to testimony. A trail cam set up by police caught James later hunting for the gun that Fisher had since removed, Walker said.

As far as the .22 rifle, James said he cut it up, burned it and threw the remains off the Perrine Bridge, Boyer said.

Boyer said he asked Miller if she would have done anything different, and she replied, I wouldnt have asked Nick to shoot him.

Miller is charged with aiding and abetting murder, while James is charged with first-degree murder. Both face charges of grand theft, destruction of evidence, and providing false information to law officers.

Court records say Gooding man was shot 8 times Pair charged with death of Roger Driesel are being held without bond

Boyer said his interviews with James and Miller were recorded, but none of the recordings were played during Fridays hearing. Prosecuting Attorney Trevor Misseldine, however, had part of a confession reportedly written by Miller admitted into evidence.

Defense attorneys Steven McRae, representing James, and Phillip Brown, representing Miller, didnt call witnesses.

Magistrate Judge Casey Robinson quickly ruled that Misseldine had met the standard of probable cause for the case to move forward.

The pairs arraignment into district court has been set for Jan. 8.
Spearheaded by a man of integrity, initiative

Infra-driven projects to bring in global investors, spur growth  MIC chief

A seasoned C-level executive known for his business acumen, Rafael D. Consing Jr holds another premium distinction of being the first ever CEO and president of Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC).

Soon after his appointment to that post by President Marcos Jr. last month, Consing hit the ground running, driven by a strong commitment to serve the people, flag and country.

I was eager to leverage my expertise in finance and investment promotion, honed by over three decades in the private and public sectors, to contribute meaningfully to the MICs success and, ultimately, the nations prosperity, he said during an interview following his presidential appointment.

Having accustomed to the ways of conglomerates like the global port operator ICTSI, Consing has his job aptly cut out for him, with a veteran legislator-economist describing the CEO as a perfect fit for MIC.

Before he joined the government as executive director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Investments and Economic Affairs in January, Consing was chief financial officer of International Container Terminal Services Inc. During his stint at ICTSI, he was named Asias Best CFO (Investor Relations) for seven straight years.

Rafael D. Consing: Jr: Well-suited for the job.

Operating Principles

Since MIC still is in its nascent and formative phase, Consing deems it wise to firstlay down the operating principles that will be followed in organizing the state-run corporation.

Consing said that the MIC will be managed by a world-class professional team whose members will be hired on the basis of the three Is: integrity, intelligence and initiative  in that order. This requires the MIC to recruit and retain highly qualified and experienced professionals who are committed to ethical and transparent business practices.

We will make sure that all decisions and actions the MIC will take are publicly known and easy to understand, making the corporation accountable to the public, he said. MIC will disclose all relevant information about its activities in an annual report to be posted in its website, he emphasized.

National Development Fund

An investment banker during the early years of his notable career, Consing clarified that a more accurate classification of the fund would be that of a national development fund. This means that, unlike a typically defined sovereign wealth, a national development fund aims to achieve the double bottom line objectives of generating financial returns and achieving policy goals for the countrys socioeconomic development.

As a national development fund, MIFs investments will be domestically- and long-term focused, strategic and targeted in scope, and collaborative in nature. Once it has generated surplus money, the fund can widen its investment breadth to include strategic projects beyond the countrys borders.

Guiding factors: ESG

Taking on the common complaint from investors about unsteady government policies, Consing pointed out that the MICs investment committee will establish a process through which all investment decisions will be made, regardless of industry, type of investment and classification of companies.

Consing believes in using the factors of environment, social and corporate governance (ESG) to guide an organizations development efforts.

It will incorporate environmental responsibility, social responsibility and strong corporate governance practices into the corporations investment decisions. This approach will ensure sustainability, social well-being and ethical business conduct, he added.

Tourism infra as driving force

Consing pointed out that the MIC will promote sustainable growth, as well as spur economic and social development anchored on four key investment areas: Tourism Infrastructure, Agroforestry-Industrial Urbanism, Energy Security, and Digital Infrastructure.

With tourism as the driving force, his choice of MICs priority investment areas shows the depth of Consings understanding of how investors think in relation to the Philippines development needs.

Under his tourism infrastructure plan, he is incentivizing the expansion and modernization of regional airports, the upgrading of passenger seaports and the construction of new ones in strategic areas by offering investors the possibility of immediate returns from a rejuvenated tourism market, which already generated US$3.68 billion for the country in 2022.

The plan fosters public-private sector partnerships and promotes investments in green infrastructure, such as renewable energy systems and eco-friendly transportation options to reduce the environmental impact of tourism.

Agroforestry Industrial Urbanism

To fully transform the countrys urban and agriculture landscape, the MIC will utilize a groundbreaking approach which Consing refers to as Agroforestry Industrial Urbanism. This innovative concept envisions the strategic combination of investments in agroforestry-industrial mega ecozones and township clusters, he explained.

This concept of agri-industrial clusters, he said, will serve as the cornerstone of the Maharlika Funds agricultural strategy. It will bring together farmers, processors and other stakeholders along the value chain.

To complement these agri-industrial clusters, industrial mega ecozones will be developed, he continued. These ecozones will be equipped with world-class infrastructure  utilities, transportation networks, and telecommunications facilities  all powered by clean energy, he said.

MIC will lay the groundwork for these agri-industrial clusters and mega ecozones, and will thus create an environment that will attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) and domestic capital which will strengthen the agriculture sector that will, in turn, secure the countrys food supply.

It will also enable restorative forestry to improve air quality, mitigate climate change and enhance biodiversity. Further, carbon credits can be generated and monetized to raise additional capital. It will likewise prompt the creation of mega ecozones that will create more jobs, boost exports, and enhance technology transfer.

Advancing energy security

The MIC can also play a crucial role in advancing and sustainintg energy security for a resilient Philippines, Consing said  as MIC will invest in renewable energy, systems that promote energy efficiency, generation, distribution, storage, and district cooling as well as support grid modernization.

This way, the MIC can help the country reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, reduce the effects of climate change, and create a more equitable and sustainable energy future for all Filipinos, he added.

Bridging the digital divide

Consing also aims to empower rural communities by creating a world-class digital infrastructure and exploring other forms of digital communications technology. We will give farmers access to digital tools and platforms, such as e-commerce and agricultural information systems, that will allow them to connect with markets, access real-time market prices, and enhance their productivity and profitability, he explained.

By connecting rural schools to a modern digital infrastructure and the resources it offers, we will provide students in the provinces, including those living in the remotest barrios, access to online learning platforms, educational software and connectivity, and thus bridge the gap between urban and rural education, he said.

Supporting PPP projects

Consing also disclosed that MIC will explore investments in other FDI- and domestic private sector-led initiatives, including other private-public partnership (PPP) projects that do not fall under the previous investment areas. These are the projects that have been determined as capable of generating potentially strong financial returns, deemed socially impactful, or which aim to meet the socioeconomic development goals of the government.

In this area, he is taking a cue from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) list of public health-related projects approved for PPP such as the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center Project and the UP PGH expansion project.

Along with public health, education is another area to which the MIC will attract investor interest, Consing noted. This means we will involve multinational capitalists to make their investible funds available to building schools and climate change-resilient facilities, he said.

Public schools, particularly those in the rural areas, serve two objectives: Apart from being educational facilities, they also serve as shelters for rural people impacted by adverse climate phenomena, he said.

Optimal return: Achievable

Consing directly addressed the criticisms made by some economists regarding the P75 billion seed money the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines infused into the MIC. He pointed out that MIC has the ability to raise the remainder of what it needs by itself.

He revealed, One of my material contributions to the Revised IRR (implementing rules and regulations) may seem to be innocuous, especially for non-finance experts. The Revised IRR now provides MIC greater flexibility to raise funding at different levels of its capital structure through the global capital and private markets, Consing added.

We will raise the bulk of our envisioned capital from foreign and local investors as needed, he said. Ive done this successfully before in the companies where Ive worked for.

A family legacy

Living an ethical life and keeping true to ones duties have long been an honored tradition in the Consing family. In one defining moment, Consing recalled that his grandfather, Horacio Consing, served as a spy for the US military during World War II at great peril to his life; when he was finally captured, he chose to die rather than talk.

He was able to turn into asset an officer who was working in the Japanese High Command and from whom he got valuable information that he passed on to the Americans via a guerilla network, Consing recounted. Unfortunately, he was captured and, when he refused to pledge allegiance to Japan, he was executed.

The heroism of Consings grandfather is chronicled in the book, Under the Red Sun, A Letter from Manila that was authored by Jesuit priest, Fr. Forbes Monaghan. The book has since gone out of print but Consing managed to acquire two copies of the hardbound book that was published by The Delan X. McMullen Co. in 1946.

Consing is also the great grandson of educator and founder of the University of the East and the co-founder of Far Eastern University, Francisco T. Dalupan Sr.

To keep his reputation unstained and preserve his familys honor were the twin reasons Consing quickly made himself available to media to clear his and his familys name when newspaper reports, alleging cases of estafa, cropped up following his appointment as MIC president-CEO.

The reports, presumably orchestrated by unseen hands, resurfaced two cases that were filed in 2000 against Consing and his mother relating to the sale of a property in Cavite. For this sale transaction, Consing simply acted as an attorney-in-fact for his mother, and, as such, should not have been included in the cases in the first place. In 2006 and in 2016, both the Imus and Makati courts, respectively, which heard the cases acquitted him, with the latter also absolving him of civil liabilities.

With the resolution of these cases, Consings integrity and his willingness to fight for the truth no matter how daunting the hurdles may have been affirmed.

Informed sectors who know Consing say that these qualities fortify Consings innate capacity to fulfill his mandate as MIC chief executive, and the Fund would be in highly competent, nurturing hands for the greater good. ***
Malta and Albania are interested in forging a bilateral labor agreement (BLA) with the Philippines, with talks already in their early stages.

The Philippine Embassy in Italy, which has concurrent jurisdiction over Malta and Albania, also said it plans to recommend to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) the proposal given the number of Filipinos working in the two countries.

In a text message on Friday, Philippine Ambassador Neal Imperial said a possible labor deal with the two states would not only address their labor shortages but also protect the rights of overseas Filipino workers.

The Philippines paramount consideration has always been the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers, he said.

Therefore, any BLA signed with another country must have provisions that adequately ensure the well-being of our OFWs and protect them from possible abuses, he added.

The Philippines proposed a BLA with Malta first considering that several OFWs there were hired from third countries, making them susceptible to illegal recruitment and labor trafficking.

In the embassys high-level meetings with officials of the government of Malta, the latter expressed their openness to the idea of negotiating a BLA, Imperial said.

Albania, meanwhile, expressed interest in signing a BLA with the country amid its labor shortage brought about by a boom in its tourism sector.

Albanias idea is for the government to mediate between businesses, employers and potential migrant workers to ensure that the rights of both parties are protected.

Imperial said the embassy expected to receive a proposed draft of the labor deal with Albania in the coming days while talks with Malta are still in the initial stages.

Workers in the tourism and service sectors, including hotels, restaurants, and spas are in demand in Albania.

The employment opportunities available in Malta, meanwhile, are jobs in accounting, information and technology, tourism and retail, and caregivers.

Albania hosts at least 400 OFWs while around 10,000 are working in Malta as accountants, engineers, managers, chefs, hotel staff, entrepreneurs, bus drivers, nurses, and caregivers, Imperial said.

Imperial discussed forging stronger labor and economic relations with the two European countries when he presented his credentials to Malta President George Vella and Albania President Bajram Begaj this month.
DANVILLE  After about three decades serving in the Virginia legislature, state Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Mecklenburg, announced Friday morning that he will retire, citing issues of health following a diagnosis of cancer.

Ruffs announcement marks the second this week for a Dan River Region lawmaker. On Tuesday, Del. Les Adams announced he was resigning from his seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. On Thursday night, Henry County businessman Eric Phillips won the Republican nomination to replace Adams.

The governor set a Jan. 9 special election to fill both seats. Senate candidates have until Wednesday to file.

The General Assembly returns to Richmond for its new session Jan. 10.

Running unopposed, Ruff won election in November to the newly drawn 9th District for the Virginia Senate. That covers Danville and Pittsylvania County. It also includes the counties of Halifax, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Charlotte, Lunenburg and part of Prince Edward.

Ruff was elected to the state Senate in 2000 after serving in the House of Delegates.

It has been the honor of my life to represent and serve the people of our communities, Ruff said in a statement. Whether on the Mecklenburg Board of Supervisors, in the House of Delegates or in the Senate of Virginia, I believed public service was always about finding good policy solutions that improved the lives of those we represent.

He said that was his goal each day in Richmond.

Having recently been diagnosed with cancer, and entering into an aggressive and ongoing treatment regimen, I have concluded I may not be able to devote 100% of my focus to doing the work needed in the General Assembly, Ruff said.

Thats why he decided to step down at the end of his current term.

By Friday afternoon, Ruff had endorsed Tammy Brankley Mulchi, a former legislative aid, to replace him.

Mulchi is a member of Clarksville Town Council.

I have never been more honored about anything than I am to have Frank Ruffs endorsement for my run for the Virginia Senate, she wrote on Facebook. My friendship with the Ruff family dates back to the days when Frank and my father served on the Mecklenburg Co. Board of Supervisors together.

Before Ruffs announcement was official via a news release Friday morning, Democrat Trudy Berry announced she planned to seek the seat.

It has just come to my attention that Senator Frank Ruff is retiring due to health reasons, Berry wrote in a Facebook post. I wish him the best as he attends to his health.

Berry said she would be filing the necessary paperwork for the special election.

Berry waged a write-in campaign for the 9th District in November after a typo snafu left her off the ballot.

Virginia Senate Republican Caucus leaders praised Ruffs leadership for his 30 years working in the Virginia General Assembly.

Senator Frank Ruff has been a consummate statesman, meticulously and persistently working to deliver positive results for the people of his region and for Virginia, Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle, R-Hanover, wrote in a statement.

When serving in the House of Delegates, Ruff was a member of the first GOP majority in the states history, according to a news release.

He also was chair of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and chair of the of the Center for Rural Virginia. In addition, he was a founding member of GO Virginia, an economic development initiative dividing the state into different sectors.

Ruff said he was proud of what he had accomplished during his tenure, especially for Southside.

Southern Virginia was able to make steps forward on economic development by bringing Microsoft and other companies to the region, he said in a statement. The investments that were made in our communities through the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, on which I have served since its inception and currently chair, have greatly expanded opportunities for our citizens.

State Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr., R-James City, has been a member of the Virginia Senate since Ruff was elected and lauded Ruffs dedication to the residents he served.

Franks fellow senators know him to be a workhorse, tirelessly devoting the long days and hours necessary to pass landmark legislation, to protect Virginias rural heritage through his work with the Center for Rural Virginia and the Tobacco Commission, and to expanding opportunities for the people of his region through his leadership on workforce development and with our community college system, Norment said in a statement. Franks work has changed countless lives for the better.

Of everything hes done, Ruff said hes the most proud of investments in community colleges.

Every Virginian should have the opportunity to pursue a trade or higher education close to home, and we are so much closer to making that a reality, he said.
Thursday morning I got a phone call from a lady who said she was with the Victim/Witness Program asking me if I could arrange to be in a Henry County courtroom in about 20 minutes.

She had discovered the case of a man, charged with stealing my wallet, had pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to be tried without the presence of the witness, which was me.

I couldnt make the trip in time, but the judge, realizing I had not been subpoenaed to appear, arranged for me to testify by phone.

My wallet was recovered, but it lacked the $62 I had in it when it was stolen and the lady said it was part of her job to help me recover the stolen money.

The man was convicted and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of my monetary loss.

Although the amount was relatively insignificant, the efforts by the system to restore me to my previous state before the theft was a surprise and I was grateful for it.

Earlier in the week I had written a story about a man in Patrick County who nearly stabbed another man to death. The victim incurred over $120,000 in medical bills and Medicaid settled the hospital bill for a little over $22,000.

The attorney for the criminal successfully appealed the judges decision to require restitution be paid because the victim didnt incur a financial loss, but Medicaid did.

The case reached the Supreme Court of Virginia, and the decision by the appeals court was reversed and the restitution was reinstated.

It occurred to me that strict interpretation of laws often flies in the face of commonsense. In fact, the lack of commonsense, especially when it comes to money, is more pervasive than ever.

I regularly cover local government meetings where it is commonly stated that the funding of a program comes at no cost. Its free, and doesnt cost a thing, I hear often.

It takes no imagination to understand the source of most of this funding is on the federal level, doled out to states, who determine how it should be spent.

Our Treasury Department says our federal government collects revenue from a variety of sources including individual income taxes, payroll taxes, corporate income taxes, and excise taxes. The operative word here is taxes.

The Center of Budget and Policy Priorities says in 2023, health insurance subsidies including Medicare, Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) together account for 24% of the federal budget, or $1.5 trillion dollars.

Im not questioning whether this money is well-spent, but I am questioning how anyone could fathom an argument that there is no victim involved when the federal government settles the medical bills of someone who is viciously attacked by another person.

The federal debt held by the public (thats you and me) including the debt held by federal trust funds and other government accounts is estimated to be nearing $34 trillion dollars.

I was listening to a talk show on Friday and heard a professor say the United States is not broke. Once we pay back the $34 trillion we owe, then well be broke, he said.

If you get a chance, go to the website usdebtclock.org and spend a minute watching how fast our collected money is disbursed for Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, defense, and even the interest on the debt we owe. It boggles the mind.

What doesnt boggle the mind is the lunacy of arguing why someone who injures another person during a criminal act, could not be obligated to pay restitution for the cost of medical care that is saddled squarely on the shoulders of taxpayers.

For a country that has programs in place that can and do take great care to see to the restitution of $62 stolen from a mans wallet, we should also be as attentive to the untold amount of money that is frequently referred to as free, and at no cost to anyone.
A man was killed in a rollover crash early Friday after a series of attacks where he sexually assaulted a woman and robbed and kidnapped three others in the citys South Loop, Chicago police said.

The chain of events began when the unidentified man entered a residential building in the 1500 block of South Wabash around midnight. According to an email sent to residents of the Wabash Avenue building where the spree began, the attacker accosted a resident in the buildings parking lot and used their keys to access the building.

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The man approached a 48-year-old woman and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint, according to police. While the assault was occurring, two 27-year-old women approached. Holding his knife, the man forced all three women into a condo and robbed them, police said.

Another man, also 27, stumbled upon the scene inside the condo and was robbed at knifepoint, police said.

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At that time, the woman who had been assaulted was able to get away. She was later taken to Rush Hospital in fair condition, according to police.

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All three victims held at knifepoint were forced into one of the womens cars by the offender, who drove them to a restaurant in the 700 block of West 31st Street in the Bridgeport neighborhood, police said.

He allegedly forced the kidnapped man into the restaurant and took money from the register. In the process, he cut the shoulder of a different 36-year-old man, who later refused medical attention.

The kidnapped man stayed inside the restaurant while the offender returned to the car with the other two women and drove off, according to police. The car smashed into a police squad car before fleeing the scene.

Moments later, the fleeing vehicle crashed in the 3000 block of South Pitney Court and rolled over. The driver was thrown from the wrecked vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The two victims inside were transported to Stroger Hospital in good condition.

The Cook County medical examiners office didnt immediately release the mans identity.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
Head of Moroccos DGSN & DGST Abdellatif Hammouchi held Thursday and Friday in Rabat talks with General Director of French Internal Security (DGSI) Nicolas Lerner, who was on a working visit to Morocco.

According to a statement released by the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), the two officials had the opportunity to evaluate security cooperation and intelligence matters between Morocco and France. They also reviewed operational cooperation mechanisms in security matters of common interest.

Both officials emphasized the importance of advancing this cooperation and expanding the scope of technical assistance to ensure the exchange of experiences and expertise to strengthen common security and address challenges and threats facing both countries.

The statement specified that this meeting is part of Moroccos commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the fields of security and intelligence, with Morocco being a serious and reliable partner in preserving peace and stability at regional and international levels.

It is worth noting that Nicolas Lerners visit to Morocco comes a few days after that of Frederic Veaux, head of the French national police, on December 12.

Frederic Veaux held a working session with Abdellatif Hammouchi on several subjects of common interest at the heart of bilateral security cooperation, and discussed ways to strengthen mechanisms of cooperation in different areas, including combating drug trafficking, illegal immigration, terrorist threats, cybercrime, and other forms of transborder crime.

The DGSN had then said in a press release that 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 in 2024.

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.
From parades and planes to markets and shows, here are some ways to help ring in the jolliest time of the year in Burke County.

Did we miss your event? Send information about it to news@morganton.com and well add it in.

TODAY

New Dimensions School: Holiday Windows

The students of New Dimensions School will take the stage at CoMMA Performing Arts Center, 401 S. College St., Morganton, with a performance of Holiday Windows, a musical play about the holiday season. Kindergarten through second graders will perform at 5:30 p.m., with grades 3-5 set to perform at 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $4.50, non-NDS student tickets are $2.50, NDS students get in free with a ticket and children under 4 get in free with a ticket. Visit www.commaonline.org for more information.

THURSDAY

Bands of Freedom:

Christmas Memories

The Bands of Freedom will present a show called Christmas Memories at CoMMA Performing Arts Center, 401 S. College St., Morganton, at 6:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $10.50, and student tickets are $6.50. Visit www.commaonline.org for tickets.

FRIDAY

Carriage rides

Carriage rides will be offered from 5:30-9 p.m. around downtown Morganton, starting at the food truck court behind the amphitheater stage on the old courthouse square. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Santa Claus will be in the workshop until 8 p.m.

SATURDAY

Parade and fireworks

The town of Rutherford College will host its Christmas parade and fireworks show at 6 p.m. The parades route will start at First Baptist Church of Rutherford College and end at Hilltop Street.

Christmas market

Twisted Sisters Barn and Venue, 433 Lost Corner Road, Morganton, will host Christmas at the Barn, a Christmas market, from 2-6 p.m.

Christmas performance

The Hickory Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will host The Light of Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5-7 p.m. at 901 Bethel Road, Morganton. The performance will feature a live nativity, performances from local musicians, family fun and inspiration, a holiday movie, crafts, treats and live camels.

Carriage rides

Carriage rides will be offered from 5:30-9 p.m. around downtown Morganton, starting at the food truck court behind the amphitheater stage on the old courthouse square. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Santa Claus will be in the workshop until 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

Santa Run

Chesterfield Fire Rescue will escort Santa Claus around the Chesterfield community around 3:30 p.m. Hell stop by as many places as possible, providing candy and maybe a small gift to children of all ages that he sees waving to him on his tour if the elves have enough time. If you or your community organization is interested in helping Santa, email info@cfr76.org. The elves would appreciate anyone who could help with providing candy and small gifts for children. Any gifts should be new and unwrapped.

World Ballet Series: The Nutcracker

The stage at CoMMA Performing Arts Center, 401 S. College St., Morganton, will be filled with the twirling tutus of snowflakes with two performances from World Ballet Series set for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Get tickets at www.commaonline.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 19

Home for the Holidays

Pick up a shelter pet from Burke County Animal Services and let them get a little time away from the shelter for the holidays. Pick up a pet between Dec. 19-22, and return them between Dec. 28-30  unless you fall in love and decide to adopt them. BCAS will provide all the supplies needed for the fostering period and the animals will come with their own gifts to open Christmas morning. The program is free of charge.

Cookies with Santa

The town of Rutherford College will host Santa Claus at town hall, 980 Malcolm Blvd. No tickets are required. Warm Christmas snacks will be offered while folks snap a photo with the jolliest man around.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20

Home for the Holidays

Pick up a shelter pet from Burke County Animal Services and let them get a little time away from the shelter for the holidays. Pick up a pet between Dec. 19-22, and return them between Dec. 28-30  unless you fall in love and decide to adopt them. BCAS will provide all the supplies needed for the fostering period and the animals will come with their own gifts to open Christmas morning. The program is free of charge.

Carolina Christmas Show

The Carolina Christmas Show, a heartwarming, fun-filled holiday production with live music, dancing and comedy, will take the stage at the Old Rock School, 400 Main St. W., Valdese, at 7 p.m. Tickets are between $15-$28 each and can be purchased by visiting https://bit.ly/47PR9r2 or calling 855-222-2849.

THURSDAY, DEC. 21

Jazz concert

CoMMA Performing Arts Center, 401 S. College St., Morganton, will host Joseph Hasty & Centerpiece Jazz for a show packed with Christmas and holiday classics at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $43. Visit www.commaonline.org for more information and to buy tickets.

Carolina Christmas Show

The Carolina Christmas Show, a heartwarming, fun-filled holiday production with live music, dancing and comedy, will take the stage at the Old Rock School, 400 Main St. W., Valdese, at 7 p.m. Tickets are between $15-$28 each and can be purchased by visiting https://bit.ly/47PR9r2 or calling 855-222-2849.

Home for the Holidays

Pick up a shelter pet from Burke County Animal Services and let them get a little time away from the shelter for the holidays. Pick up a pet between Dec. 19-22, and return them between Dec. 28-30  unless you fall in love and decide to adopt them. BCAS will provide all the supplies needed for the fostering period and the animals will come with their own gifts to open Christmas morning. The program is free of charge.

FRIDAY, DEC. 22

Carolina Christmas Show

The Carolina Christmas Show, a heartwarming, fun-filled holiday production with live music, dancing and comedy, will take the stage at the Old Rock School, 400 Main St. W., Valdese, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are between $15-$28 each and can be purchased by visiting https://bit.ly/47PR9r2 or calling 855-222-2849.

Home for the Holidays

Pick up a shelter pet from Burke County Animal Services and let them get a little time away from the shelter for the holidays. Pick up a pet between Dec. 19-22, and return them between Dec. 28-30  unless you fall in love and decide to adopt them. BCAS will provide all the supplies needed for the fostering period and the animals will come with their own gifts to open Christmas morning. The program is free of charge.

SATURDAY, DEC. 23

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Stidhams Axe Throwing, 420 W. Fleming Drive, Suite E, Morganton, will host an ugly Christmas sweater party at 3 p.m. The party will feature an ugly sweater contest, snacks, discounted axe throwing, mechanical bull rides and karaoke.

Check out this roundup of festive events taking place throughout the holiday season.
The Gianforte Family Foundation granted $1 million to St. Andrew School in Helena in support of the schools initiative to purchase a new building for grades six through 12, it was announced Friday.

A new building would allow more capacity as well as give students more room to learn according to the school.

The current facility at 1900 Flowerree St. is bursting at the seams, school principal Doug Tooke said in a news release from St. Andrew announcing the grant.

The school would operate as a split campus rather than a conjoined one as it currently sits.

We are overwhelmed and blessed by the generosity of the Gianforte Family Foundation as we are now able to launch into a future of expansion for our St. Andrew School community, Tooke said.

The new building purchase will be a part of a massive revitalization plan, according to school officials. The construction of a new building would move grades six through 12 into the new facility while leaving the current facility solely for the younger grades.

The school now serves over 200 students, but with the expansion project the schools population could grow by 50% in the next three years.

Were pleased to help St. Andrew School build their capacity, creating greater educational opportunities for students and families in the Helena area. Our hope is that this gift will boost their campaign so they can quickly begin using their new facility and serving more families, the foundations executive director Catherine Koenen said in the news release.

The Gianforte Family Foundation was established in 2004 and has since donated over $108 million to initiatives across the state. The foundation was created by Gov. Greg Gianforte and his family.

The organization values other organizations that work to improve education, support entrepreneurship and create jobs for the community according to the foundations website.
Of the nearly 1,300 freshmen who started at the University of Montana in the fall of 2017, fewer than half have graduated six years later.

Despite UM having just celebrated its largest enrollment increase in 14 years, its six-year graduation rate has remained stubbornly low when compared with its peers nationally. Since 2002  the earliest graduation data is available through the Montana University System  its vacillated between a low of 44% and a high of 51%. That includes freshmen who began at UM but then transferred and graduated from another campus within the states 16-school system.

By comparison, the national average six-year graduation rate for students who began college at a public or private two- or four-year university in fall 2017 is 62%, according to a report published in November.

Dave Kuntz, UM director of Strategic Communications, acknowledged that we need to make improvements on these long-term graduation rates, but he also said theres a story behind the numbers that gives administrators reason to be optimistic.

Our mission is completely rooted in accessibility, Kuntz said. We go above and beyond to ensure that every single student and every single Montanan can access a high-quality education.

One in five UM students are the first in their family to attend college. Almost 35% of students identify as non-white, and nearly 30% of the student body is part time. Kuntz points to these characteristics as emblematic of the schools access mission, and a sign of how the university provides space for people who may not otherwise see themselves represented on college campuses even if it might correlate with lower completion rates.

UM isnt an outlier across the state. Over 4,700 people enrolled as first-year students in Montana four-year programs in fall 2017, and 53.3% have since graduated. MSU-Northern in Havre and MSU-Billings report the lowest six-year graduation rates, while Montana Technological University in Butte and MSU-Bozeman boast the highest with 62% and 59%, respectively.

Although graduation rates have improved at every MUS campus in recent years, all fall short of the national average of 67% at public four-year universities.

Tyler Trevor, the deputy commissioner for Budget and Planning at OCHE, said that a main focus of the Board of Regents in recent years has been determining how to get more Montanans graduating from universities in their home state without compromising the inclusivity thats long been essential to the systems mission.

If youre born in Montana, its your God-given right to be a Cat or Griz, Trevor said. Thats what people believe, and thats how it goes.

Montanas two flagship universities have invested significant resources into keeping students enrolled and on track for graduation, officials said, with a particular focus on retention rates  the number of first year students who return for their second.

MSUs retention rate hit its highest of the decade at nearly 78% of freshmen who started in 2022 coming back to campus, and UMs has jumped in the last five years to 76%.

Graduating with a degree from MSU is a pathway to increased earnings over the course of their careers, which is good for our graduates and good for the Montana communities where they live and work, Michael Becker, MSU spokesperson, said in an email.

MSU launched a new initiative this semester to assist 250 incoming freshmen and help keep them on track to graduate; UM and others have grown resources for students who might be at risk of not graduating, bulking up financial literacy and academic counseling support; and Tyler said that systemwide theres been an emphasis on community building for new students so they feel tied to their campus and efforts to make it easier for students to graduate more quickly.

For example, OCHE allocates money to universities to pay for students additional tuition for credits beyond the first 12 in a given semester. So, a student pays the same price for 12 credits as for 18 credits, reducing the time and cost of achieving a degree.

At MSU, 81% of students are taking higher course loads this semester, according to Becker, which should lower the price tag on their college experience.

Montana universities continue to make the case that the value proposition of higher education bears out. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers over the age of 25 with a bachelors degree make nearly 68% more in weekly earnings than those with a high school diploma, and the latter are almost twice as likely to be unemployed.

Thats why officials say they work hard to give students the support they need to graduate, even if it looks a little different than the traditional four-year undergraduate experience.

We want every student to be able to come here and achieve their own success, Kuntz said. While we understand that people will look at this metric and make opinions off of it, it only tells a small snapshot of the incredible success that is happening here.
A pair of environmental groups are suing BNSF Railway over what the groups describe as preventable deaths of grizzly bears struck by trains in northwestern Montana.

WildEarth Guardians and Western Watersheds Project filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Missoula on Thursday. The groups are represented by the Western Environmental Law Center.

The lawsuit states that 52 grizzlies, which are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, were killed by trains around the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem from 2008 to 2018. In 2019, train-related grizzly deaths in the NCDE hit an annual high of eight that year. And three grizzlies were killed by trains just days apart from each other in September 2023.

The railway and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which implements the Endangered Species Act, should have already finalized a plan for BNSF to reduce grizzly mortality, the lawsuit states, and in exchange the agency could grant BNSF an incidental take permit acknowledging that railway activities may unintentionally kill some grizzlies.

But that hasnt happened, the groups note, citing stalled approval of a mitigation plan BNSF submitted to FWS. The groups argue that BNSFs lack of an incidental take permit means it has long been in violation of the ESA and continues to violate the law by conducting activities known to kill grizzlies.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare BNSF in violation of Section 9 of the ESA. Further, the suit asks the court to order BNSF to stop injuring or killing grizzly bears. The lawsuit mentions a variety of measures that could be taken to mitigate train-related grizzly deaths, but does not make a specific request of measures the groups would like a court to order the railway to take. It was unclear how any potential future court order for BNSF to stop killing grizzlies could take shape.

We are extremely disappointed that, after all these years, BNSF has refused to change its business practices to prevent the unnecessary deaths of Montanas iconic grizzlies, resulting in the tragic deaths of three bears just this fall, Sarah McMillan, the wildlife and wildlands program director at the Western Environmental Law Center, stated in an announcement of the lawsuit Thursday. When a company chooses to operate in the epicenter of key habitat for a threatened species, it must take some responsibility to adapt practices to minimize its impacts on these animals.

BNSF, which stands for Burlington Northern Santa Fe, is by far the largest railway in Montana. The Texas-based railway is the primary railway in the Pacific Northwest and northern Midwest, and operates a significant network throughout the entire Midwest, alongside Union Pacific.

In Montana, the railway operates 1,955 miles of active track and leases another 817 miles of active track to Montana Rail Link.

BNSF lines in Montana cut through the middle of the NCDE generally along U.S. Highway 2, with Glacier National Park on the north and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to the south. Amtrak also operates its famed Empire Builder passenger trains between Chicago and Seattle on the BNSF line through the NCDE.

The NCDE is one of six ecosystems identified for grizzly bear recovery under the ESA. It holds the largest population of the species in the Lower 48 with more than 1,100 bears  slightly more than the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

The section of rail line through the NCDE, between Cut Bank on the east and Stryker on the west, was the primary area of grizzly deaths identified in the lawsuit. Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar stated that 206 miles of BNSF lines run through the key grizzly habitat that is the NCDE.

The lawsuit also noted that BNSF lines bisect the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem in far northwest Montana. MRLs leased line, soon to be returned to BNSF, borders the southern edge of the ecosystem. Grizzlies in that ecosystem numbered about 60 as of 2017, but may be declining, according to more recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service data. The lawsuit states that trains have killed grizzlies there, too.

The lawsuit suggested mitigation measures that included preventing grain spills from railcars, which attract bears; installing train-triggered advance warning systems to scare grizzlies away from tracks as a train approaches; and installing electric mats to prevent bears from walking onto high trestles, where multiple grizzlies have died. Trains could also travel slower through grizzly habitat, particularly around curves, the lawsuit stated.

In 2004, BNSF submitted to FWS a habitat conservation plan that included some of those measures, and sought an incidental take permit. BNSF submitted updated plans and sought a permit again in 2020 and earlier this year. The latest plan included $2 million to hire and support three additional grizzly bear technicians, two for the state and one for the Blackfeet Nation, and to implement projects to reduce bear deaths. The plan also included $1 million for additional projects identified by new science or changing conditions. FWS has not finalized any of the plans.

The Burlington Northern railway runs right alongside Glacier National Park, some of the most prime grizzly habitat in the world, so the railway should be expected to slow down and take precautions to ensure grizzly bears arent put at risk from train operations, Molvar stated Thursday. With the addition of Montana Rail Link, BNSF now has additional responsibilities to protect grizzly bears in the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem.
A Napa man was hospitalized with major injuries after crashing his pickup truck near Lake Berryessa early Friday morning, in an incident authorities said may result in a felony drunken driving charge. Two passengers also were hospitalized after the wreck.

At about 12:30 a.m., a 2017 Toyota Tacoma driven by 34-year-old Marco Antonio Flores Toscano was headed east on Highway 128 east of Knoxville Berryessa Road, according to Officer Gary Talaugon of the California Highway Patrol. The pickup went out of control and ran off the roadway, overturning several times before landing in an embankment, Talaugon said in an email.

Flores Toscano suffered major injuries and was taken by ambulance to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center. Before being released to the hospital, he was cited for a felony count of causing injury by driving under the influence, according to Talaugon.

Two male Napans, ages 33 and 28, who were passengers in the Toyota sustained minor injuries in the wreck and were taken by American Medical Response ambulance to the Queen, CHP reported.

PHOTOS: 2023 Napa Christmas Parade Napa Christmas Parade 1 Napa Christmas Parade 2 Napa Christmas Parade 3 Napa Christmas Parade 4 Napa Christmas Parade 5 Napa Christmas Parade 6 Napa Christmas Parade 7 Napa Christmas Parade 8 Napa Christmas Parade 9 Napa Christmas Parade 29 Napa Christmas Parade 10 Napa Christmas Parade 11 Napa Christmas Parade 12 Napa Christmas Parade 13 Napa Christmas Parade 14 Napa Christmas Parade 15 Napa Christmas Parade 16 Napa Christmas Parade 17 Napa Christmas Parade 18 Napa Christmas Parade 19 Napa Christmas Parade 20 Napa Christmas Parade 21 Napa Christmas Parade 22 Napa Christmas Parade 23 Napa Christmas Parade 24 Napa Christmas Parade 25 Napa Christmas Parade 26 Napa Christmas Parade 27 Napa Christmas Parade 28 Napa Christmas Parade 30 Napa Christmas Parade 31
Napa education leaders are grappling with how California's deepening budget shortfall may affect local public schools' finances.

Thursday night, the Napa Valley Unified School District shared with board members its first interim budget report for this school year  calling the revenue outlook "very, very poor" for schools across the state.

The report predicted a state shortfall of $68 billion between last year, this year and the 2024-25 academic year. The overestimation is largely due to this year's delayed filing deadline for state income taxes, which California pushed back from April to November in most counties due to damage from winter storms and flooding.

NVUSD's business services director Rabinder (Rob) Mangewala explained that due to the expiration of COVID-19-era emergency one-time funding and temporary adjustments to the state attendance formula that drives per-student funding to school districts, this shortfall feels especially stark. The district, which oversees schools in Napa and American Canyon, should prepare for either flat or lower revenue in the coming years, he told the NVUSD board.

Some of the worst effects that could come from a shrinking state budget are cutbacks to some district programs and departments. During the pandemic, NVUSD received one-time-only funding to pay for positions and resources to address student learning loss resulting from remote learning.

Mangewala said that reduction and possible halting of these funds will feel like a decline for the district. He also pointed to a possibility that the state will even pull back some of the one-time money it has awarded Napa schools.

Divisions will need to make difficult decisions and cut expenditures within those added programs based on what is and isnt working, he said.

While layoffs in NVUSD are not necessarily anticipated for 2024-25, school staff cuts are likely elsewhere in the state, Mangewala added.

When you spend 80-85% of your budget on your employees, the only way to respond to a revenue cut or even just flat revenues you didn't plan for is to reduce your number of employees, he said during the presentation.

Mangewala made clear that this wouldnt necessarily be the case in Napa, but said that a hiring freeze on vacant positions could be necessary. He added that due to falling enrollment at the high school level, especially within the city of Napa, there will need to be some reductions at the secondary level.

Its clear were on a roller coaster here and the governments announcement of a spending freeze is certainly beyond concerning, the NVUSD board's vice president Eve Ryser said after the report.

Trustee David Gracia agreed, calling on the Napa district's business office to make changes and cuts necessary for non-negative budget next school year.

The fiscal outlook for our district appears grim," he said. "Im concerned about how this very significant drop in revenue will affect our solvency going forward.

Earlier in the week, the Napa County Office of Education heard a similarly sobering budget report on the county level.

The county offices chief business officer Josh Shultz said that like the Napa school district, NCOE is in a fairly healthy position, but the coming years would be lean financially.

This revenue drop-off is akin to what happened at the start of the dot-com bust and the start of the Great Recession, so its going to be a tough time for the state unless something turns around economically very quickly, Schultz said.

Photos: Napa Valley Faces and Places, December 16, 2023
Supporters of the Pettiford family stream out of the courtroom following the arraignment for Damarri Conner and Kenneth Merritt at the Bridgeview Courthouse on Dec. 15, 2023, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Kenneth Merritt, one of two suspects accused of committing a violent carjacking in Beverly last month, turned and looked into the gallery as he walked into Judge Thomas J. Hennellys courtroom in Bridgeview Friday.

Looking back were two dozen neighbors of the Beverly family he allegedly robbed at gunpoint, some of whom had attended his pretrial detention hearing last month.

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The turnout, organized by Ald. Matt OShea, 19th, was an effort to show community support for the victims, Beverly resident Meg Massaro said.

This type of crime can happen to anybody. If we dont take a stand against these heinous and violent, repulsive acts, nothing gets changed, she said.

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Ald. Matt O'Shea, 19th, speaks to the media on Dec. 15 before the arraignment for two individuals charged in the November armed carjacking of the Pettiford family at the Bridgeview Courthouse. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Merritt, 26, and his co-defendant, Damarri Conner, 20, pleaded not guilty to the 20 felony counts each of them faces. The men are accused of holding Michele Pettiford and her husband, Jeff Pettiford, at gunpoint while robbing them and stealing the familys 2012 Audi sedan.

Michele Pettiford had just pulled her car into her backyard garage after picking up her 12-year-old daughter from volleyball practice when she was attacked, her husband told the Tribune in November. Video of the armed robbery captured by surveillance camera drew widespread attention.

Two weeks after the first attack, the couples other car was stolen from in front of their house, apparently using keys that had been inside a purse stolen in the carjacking.

The Beverly neighbors who came for Fridays hearing waited an hour and a half to watch the brief arraignment. When the case came up, they crowded into the small courtrooms wooden pews, filling the seating area.

Massaro said she thought of her own grandchildren when she first heard of the carjacking. Video of the attack shows thieves shoving Michele Pettiford to the ground and holding at gunpoint the woman and her husband, who ran outside to help after hearing his daughter scream.

Im sure that was the only thing going on in their heads, they didnt want anything to happen to their children. And yet, theyre all going to be traumatized for a very long time, Massaro said.

Both defendants were ordered detained at an earlier hearing and will remain in custody. The two men will be represented by court-appointed public defenders, Hennelly said.

Prosecutors previously said Merritts face was clearly visible in surveillance footage tying him to the attack. Police found clothing in Conners closet identical to the outfit worn by the other assailant, who was masked in the video, prosecutors said.

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Merritt, 26, has been convicted of five felonies, including for possession of a stolen car, armed robbery and burglary. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2017 and paroled in 2021, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records.

Conner, 20, was awaiting trial on an aggravated use of a weapon charge when he allegedly robbed the Pettiford family.

The crime rate in Beverly is among the lowest in Chicago, according to Police Department data. The number of violent crime victims in Beverly is down 18% this year compared with the same period last year, though the total number of vehicular hijacking victims is up to 14 this year compared with 10 from the same period a year ago.

After Fridays hearing, OShea met with members of the community to talk about what took place and tell them about attending the next scheduled court date, a video hearing set for Jan. 8.

Talking to reporters, OShea praised cooperation between police and Beverly residents. Nine officers involved in the arrest were named Officers of the Month at a ceremony Thursday hosted by the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Jeff Pettiford, center, leaves the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago surrounded by neighbors and supporters following the arraignment of two men charged with armed carjacking on Nov. 16, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

The turnout from the neighborhood was intended not only to show support for the family but also send a message to the court, OShea later told reporters.

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We want to see justice for this family, he said. However many court dates it takes, we will be here.

Jeff Pettiford was out of town for work and unable to attend the hearing Friday, which had been rescheduled, he said. He commended his neighbors for supporting him and his family inside the courtroom and back at home.

The community has been there from day one, and they still keep showing up, Pettiford said. I have no idea how we would be without it. Its why we live where we live, the people around.

The criminal justice process has been frustrating, he said. But he thinks the cooperation between police and residents in Beverly and the support hes seen from his community could be an important way to combat crime.

I dont know what the answer is to the larger problem in Chicago and really the country, he said. But youre looking at some of it.

About a month and a half after the attack, the Pettifords are doing better, he said. But their recovery isnt complete. The family had felt safe in the home theyve lived in for 15 years, Pettiford said, but now his wife is afraid to go into their backyard at night.

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jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
For the first year since COVID-19 upended our lives, the number of deaths from all causes is expected to fall under 300,000 in the Golden State, closer to pre-pandemic levels.

The decline is primarily due to fewer COVID deaths  there have been close to 6,000 deaths from the coronavirus so far this year, compared to over 18,000 at this time last year. To date, the virus has killed more than 104,000 Californians.

Although the final tally is not in, the lower death projections are evidence that with effective vaccines and three years of experience and exposure, COVID-19 has taken its place alongside flu and pneumonia as an endemic disease. But they all can still kill.

From 2017 through 2019, about 270,000 people died each year from all causes in the Golden State. In 2020, the first year with COVID in the mix, annual deaths shot up to over 315,000 and grew to nearly 330,000 lives lost in 2021. Last year 310,000 deaths were reported, still 15% higher than pre-pandemic averages.

Dr. Bob Wachter, the UC San Francisco medical department chair, has seen the change firsthand in his hospital. COVID deaths have come down significantly  a manifestation of widespread immunity, he said.

The last three years, not only were there a lot of deaths from COVID, there were a lot of additional deaths from non-COVID causes, which are probably attributable to people not receiving the medical care that they normally would have received when emergency rooms were overflowing with COVID patients, Wachter noted.

And it seems like both of those are improving, he said, now that access to health care is also returning to normal.

If the rest of 2023 mirrors last November and December, California would end up reporting about 295,000 total deaths, the lowest since the start of the pandemic.

The final tally will depend on how the next few weeks of respiratory virus season goes. Last week, Bay Area public health officers announced the three big respiratory viruses are all on the rise: COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

And in this new post-pandemic era, public health officials are finding new ways to inform the public when there is more virus in the air while also accepting that COVID is here to stay.

One step in that direction? Last week the California Department of Public Health released a new respiratory virus dashboard that will track testing, hospitalizations and deaths for the flu and for COVID side-by-side, a replacement for the COVID dashboard.

Why not take advantage of better tools and increased public interest in (respiratory viruses)  mirroring what has been produced for COVID? Wachter said of the new dashboard. I think thats progress.

While this years COVID deaths are lower, they still greatly outnumber annual flu deaths.

During the first two years of the pandemic, California reported record lows for flu deaths, a result of social distancing and masking to stop the spread of COVID.

Now flu has also started to return to pre-pandemic levels. Flu season usually peaks some time between December and February, and with hospitalizations on the rise, flu deaths for this respiratory season will continue into the new year.

Although COVID-19 killed more than 33,000 Californians in 2020, and nearly 45,000 in 2021, heart disease and cancer continued to claim the most lives every year in California. Of the 243,000 deaths in the first 10 months of 2023, 51,000 people died from heart disease and 50,000 people died of cancer, followed by accidents, strokes and Alzheimers disease  each of which killed between 13,000 and 15,000 people.

Photos: Napa Valley Faces and Places, December 16, 2023
Armenia ruling power lawmaker: Today there is no basis for war with Azerbaijan

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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

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Sargis Khandanyan: Not aware of any arrangements for Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in January

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About $70M allocated to programs for persons forcibly displaced from Karabakh to Armenia, minister says

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Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria plan to sign an agreement in January on a joint plan to clear mines floating in the Black Sea as a result of the war in Ukraine, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said on Saturday after months of talks between the NATO allies, Reuters reported.

Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Guler said the Trilateral Initiative would only include Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria for now, with their defense ministers planning a signing ceremony in Istanbul on January 11.

"Because of the Ukrainian-Russian war, mines are planted in both Ukrainian and Russian ports. Sometimes they ... reach our straits because of the currents," Guler told reporters.

"Our mine clearance vessels will carry out constant patrols to the point where Romania's (maritime) borders end," he added.

Black Sea states Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria met with officials from Georgia, Poland, and Ukraine in April 2022 to discuss demining after the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

Defense ministers from the three countries also held talks on the plan at a NATO meeting in Brussels in October and in Ankara last month, working to finalize the initiative.
One of the Western leaders has repeatedly sent signals that it is necessary to start negotiations regarding Ukraine and European poverty. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reported during a press conference following a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart, Moskovskiy Komsomolets reports.

At the same time, he emphasized that he "had no right to name names."

According to him, one of the very well-known leaders of a Western country sent signals several times through different channels, three at least, that it would be possible to meet and discuss the Ukrainian conflict and European poverty.

Lavrov noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry has been observing such "tricks" and the need to start negotiations regarding Ukraine for the past six months.






A person rides a bike past tents at a homeless encampment on Milwaukee Avenue near West Fulton Street in Chicago on Dec. 15, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

City authorities plan to remove a group of tents under several West Loop viaducts for cleaning after residents raised safety concerns following recent violence.

The encampments near Union and Ogilvie stations are the subject of an ongoing debate between Mayor Brandon Johnsons office and Ald. Bill Conway, 34th. Conway previously told the Tribune that a top Johnson adviser tied an offer to address safety concerns there to the aldermans votes on two key City Council ordinances.

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The cleaning is scheduled to begin Monday morning and will include power washing and graffiti removal that requires encampment residents to temporarily remove their tents, a Conway spokesperson said.

The areas encampments were the site of a fatal shooting Dec. 7. A week earlier, police arrested a man at one of the campsites with a gun and $60,000 in drugs.

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Johnson spokesperson Ronnie Reese on Friday described the move as routine cleaning that is generally done twice a year.

But while the mayors office played down the cleaning, Conway celebrated the decision that came after months of requests.

This expanded cleanup effort is a big step forward, he said in a statement. But I recognize it does not solve this problem. Many people may return, some immediately, as these viaducts remain a viable location for drug dealing and distribution.

[ Johnson administration tied fate of homeless encampment to aldermans votes ]

People living under the viaducts have been notified and asked to move their belongings, Conway said. As city workers reached out to them, seven encampment residents accepted rapid rehousing and were provided with shelter, though 15 more declined rehousing, he added.

The alderman previously said city plans to remove the tents in October were canceled by the mayors office. Efforts to remove new winterized tents and clean the area last winter also faced resistance from activists.

People pass by a tent at a homeless encampment on West Fulton Street near North Clinton Street in Chicago on Dec. 15, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Emails recently released by the city show that plans to power wash the viaducts were underway in October but canceled because the mayors office didnt approve the work.

On Oct. 16, a Department of Family & Support Services staffer emailed colleagues, saying that city Streets and Sanitation crews would be posting the Clinton, Milwaukee and Fulton area on Wednesday for power washing next week. If this needs to be cancelled, we should let them know by today or tomorrow, the latest.

Minutes later, another city official emailed back, It needs to be cancelled. It wasnt approved by MO, referring to the mayors office.

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Conway told the Tribune last month that top Johnson adviser Jason Lee offered him a trade: The administration would support tent removal if Conway voted in favor of a referendum for an increased real estate transfer tax on properties over $1 million to help fund citywide homeless services and an ordinance ending subminimum wage for tipped restaurant workers.

Lee acknowledged linking the issue of the camps with votes for the marquee Johnson policies, but defended it as an appropriate deal and said police would continue to respond to the encampments. Conway ultimately voted against the real estate transfer tax referendum, and both ordinances passed.

In mid-November, around 1,500 area residents signed a petition calling for the mayors office to remove tents from the areas sidewalks, citing safety issues. On Dec. 8, the mayors office responded to the petition, stating its goals to reduce unsheltered homelessness, ensure public safety at encampments and prevent them from growing.

[ Debate over controversial homeless encampment boils over in wake of fatal shooting ]

We strive to balance the rights and safety of all residents regardless of their housing status, said the letter, signed by Deputy Mayors Jennifer Johnson and Garien Gatewood.

At least four armed robberies and four shootings have occurred near the camps since early October, including the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old man on Dec. 7, according to Conways office.

This used to be a peaceful homeless encampment, Conway said at a news conference at the site hours after the shooting, gesturing to the tents under a viaduct on Lake Street. Those things exist certainly, but this is very far removed from that situation.

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The alderman sent Johnson a letter Tuesday describing the tents and furniture on sidewalks as an impediment to residents who use wheelchairs and a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Potential ADA violations could leave the city vulnerable to lawsuits, he wrote.

Chicago Tribune reporter Gregory Royal Pratt contributed.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 16: The SMX CSR Change Maker Summit & Awards 2.0, held at the BSE Convention Hall in Mumbai on December 1, 2023, commenced with a Welcome Address by Rahul Jain, MD of InnoServ Group, setting the tone for the day's discussions. Dr Sandeep Pachpande, Chairman of ASM Group of Institutes, delivered the Theme Address, emphasizing the importance of corporate social responsibility in nation-building. This was followed by a Special Address from Gopalakrishnan Ramachandran, Chairman of InnoServ Group. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee, CEO of Anil Agarwal Foundation (VedantaGroup), setting the stage for the insightful panel discussions and industry presentations that followed. The summit featured six engaging panel discussions, covering topics such as the importance of CSR in nation-building, India's approach to ESG & CSR post-COVID, and the future focus of CSR on skill development, education, and livelihoods. Additionally, five industry presentations showcased innovative CSR projects and initiatives, highlighting the remarkable efforts of organizations, such as the Nirmaan Organization, Ennoble Social Innovation Foundation, and Sneh Asha Foundation. The summit culminated with the presentation of awards to exemplary organisations and individuals, recognising their remarkable efforts in various CSR domains. Notable awardees included: * Best CSR Impact Award for Sustainable Livelihood: End Poverty* SMX Lifetime Achievement Award: Pratyush Panda* Emerging CSR Leader of the Year: Rajesh Das* NGO of the Year for Water Conservation: Art of Living* Best CSR Leader of the Year: Ketan Deshpande* NGO of the Year: Sneh Asha Foundation* Best Innovative CSR Project Award: The We Foundation* NGO of the Year for Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women, Ensuring Environmental Sustainability and Healthcare: Good Universe* Best CSR Impact Award for Sanitation: Hindware* CSR Changemaker of the Year Award: Dr Subramanya Kusnur* NGO of the Year for Healthcare and Public Utilities: Manrao Charitable Trust* Best CSR Impact Award for Women Empowerment: HSBC* Best CSR Impact Award for Specially Abled People: InOrbit Malls* NGO of the Year for Elderly Support: My Retired Life Foundation (MRLF)* Best NGO Award of the Year for Rural Development: Project Chirag The SMX CSR Change Maker Summit & Awards 2.0 served as a platform to honour CSR excellence and inspire future endeavours in the realm of social responsibility. About SMX As global businesses face new and complex challenges relating to carbon neutrality and meeting new governmental and regional regulations and standards, SMX is able to offer players along the value chain access to its marking, tracking, measuring and digital platform technology to transition more successfully to a low-carbon economy.www.smx.network (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India PR Distribution Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 16: In a historic move spearheaded by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship under the Government of Maharashtra, more than 500 students have already undergone training in Generative AI in Mumbai within a week of the program's launch. The initiative, a collaboration with Maharashtra State Skills University (MSSU), aims to train over 10,000 students, marking the first time any state government has introduced such comprehensive training in Generative AI for school and college students. Partnering with deep technology firm Sapio Analytics, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha is championing this pioneering movement to ensure Maharashtra's youth are equipped with cutting-edge skills crucial for the future. The program, conducted under the guidance of the Minister, highlights the government's commitment to staying ahead of the curve in technological education. A quote from the Hon Minister emphasises the significance of this initiative: "In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, we must prepare the youth for the future. Generative AI is a critical skill set, and through this program, in collaboration with MSSU, we aim to empower students, making Maharashtra a leader in fostering innovation and technological excellence." More than just a theoretical program, the certificate course includes physical sessions led by AI experts and virtual guidance. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of Generative AI and ChatGPT, offering students from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to enhance their technical and non-technical skills. Ashwin Srivastava, CEO of Sapio Analytics, and the program's designer, stresses the importance of Generative AI in shaping future careers: "Just as proficiency in English and basic computer skills became prerequisites for career growth, Generative AI is the next crucial step for learning in every field. This course is designed to provide Maharashtra's students with a competitive advantage on a global scale, and we're proud to offer it free of cost to all participants." The Government of Maharashtra's leadership in this initiative positions the state as a trailblazer, ensuring that the mandatory learning of the future becomes an integral part of the educational journey for young students. This groundbreaking initiative aligns with the government's vision to empower the youth with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. To register for the course and secure a place at the forefront of technological education, students can sign up here: http://bit.ly/mplchatgpt. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SRV Media New Delhi [India], December 16: In a significant stride towards bolstering economic relations between India and the rest of Asia, the President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO), Dr Asif Iqbal, play a pivotal role at the Horasis Asia Meeting in Binh Duong, Vietnam. This esteemed gathering of business leaders, innovators, and policymakers is a platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and exploring new avenues for economic cooperation. Connecting Indian Businesses to the Global Landscape: The Horasis Asia Meeting, in Binh Duong, is positioned as an ideal arena for IETO to engage in meaningful discussions on trade, investment, and innovation. The focus was on creating connections between Indian businesses and the dynamic markets of Asia. During the Horasis Asia Meeting, he actively participated in discussions addressing key economic trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the region. IETO, under Dr Iqbal's leadership, aimed to leverage this platform to promote bilateral trade, share valuable insights on India's economic landscape, and explore collaborative initiatives that will benefit both Indian and Asian businesses. "This gathering provided a unique opportunity to foster partnerships, exchange ideas, and contribute to the growth of our economies. We look forward to strengthening existing relationships and establishing new connections that will drive economic progress for both India and Asia," said Dr Asif Iqbal, President of the IETO. In a significant stride towards enhancing economic cooperation and fostering stronger ties between India and Vietnam, members of the Indian Economic Trade Organization participated in a series of business-to-business (B2B) meetings held in the vibrant port city of Hai Phong with the Global Genius Network. This event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to boost trade relations between the two nations as delegates from various sectors explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit with the city of Hai Phong's Strategic Significance. As one of Vietnam's key economic and industrial hubs, Hai Phong holds strategic importance in the country's economic landscape. Its well-developed infrastructure, thriving seaport, and business-friendly environment make it an ideal destination for fostering international trade relations. The Indian delegation's decision to hold B2B meetings in Hai Phong reflects the recognition of the city's economic potential and its role as a gateway to the broader Vietnamese market. The delegation brought together key players from both the public and private sectors, fostering a comprehensive and inclusive approach to bilateral trade discussions. One of the primary focuses of the B2B meetings was to explore synergies in manufacturing and technology. With India's prowess in information technology and Vietnam's rapidly growing manufacturing sector, there exists immense potential for collaboration in areas such as electronics, software development, and high-tech manufacturing. Services Sector and Skill Development. The MOU signed in Hai Phong between the Indian Economic Trade Organization and their Vietnamese counterparts Global Genuius Network represented by Nguyen Phu marks a significant step forward in strengthening the economic ties between India and Vietnam. As both nations navigate the evolving global economic landscape, these meetings serve as a foundation for sustained growth and prosperity through mutual cooperation and understanding. The outcomes of these engagements are likely to yield tangible benefits for businesses, economies, and people on both sides, ushering in a new era of economic partnership between India and Vietnam. Nguyen Phu was appointed as the Vietnam Director of Asean India Trade Council The Joint delegation embarked on a mission to meet with the Indian Ambassador in Vietnam- Sandeep Arya IFS. The primary objective of this meeting was to provide updates on their ongoing collaborations and explore new avenues to enhance bilateral trade between the two nations. A key focus was on identifying new investment opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology. The delegations sought the Indian Ambassador's support in promoting these opportunities to attract more investors from both sides. Beyond economic collaboration, the delegations expressed interest in promoting cultural and educational exchanges. Initiatives such as student exchange programs and cultural events were discussed to strengthen people-to-people ties. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Actor and film producer Jessica Chastain credited Taylor Swift with helping her get over a previous breakup, reported People. The 'Scenes from a Marriage' actress revealed on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon' that Swift, 34, sent her a break-up playlist after the pair met for the first time at the 2011 Met Gala. "We were both sitting next to each other ... and she was so sweet," Chastain, 46, told host Jimmy Fallon, also explaining that it was the first time she had been invited to the annual fashion event. She continued, "I just went through a break-up and I was talking to her about that, and we went and danced together -- it was such a fun night." "And then the next day, I had an email from iTunes that said, like, 'Taylor Swift' or whatever, and I just thought that it was a Taylor Swift album," continued Chastain, before adding that she discovered Swift, "had made me a break-up playlist that she sent me! Isn't that the sweetest thing?" "What are you kidding me? That's unbelievable!" Fallon, 49, responded. "I know! And here I thought it was like a Taylor Swift advertisement," added Chastian. "And she had, like, curated all these break-up songs to send me to help me get through my break-up." Although Chastain did not specify who she split up with in 2011, she did meet her future husband Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo a year later in 2012. The couple has been married since 2017. Fallon shared a photo of Chastain visiting Swift backstage with pals at her Eras tour earlier this year on the show, and Chastain has continued to support Swift in return. "I was in Mexico City and she was touring there and I was like, 'Oh, I'm going to Taylor's concert,' " Chastain explained of the photo. "This is my assistant Ali and she is like, obsessed with Taylor Swift and it was like the best day of her life. And I met Taylor, she's actually really sweet," she added. Chastain will next be seen in the upcoming film Memory, written and directed by Michel Franco, alongside Peter Sarsgaard. The film follows Sylvia (Chastain), a social worker whose life is turned upside down when Saul (Sarsgaard) follows her home from their high school reunion, revealing secrets from her past. "It was so much about how this woman has been calcified by life and is only really moving through the world using trauma as a shield to prevent anyone from getting close," Chastain told IndieWire of the film in September. The film was nominated for the top honor of the Golden Lion at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, and Sarsgaard, 52, also won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his work in the project. Memory is released in theaters nationwide on December 22, reported People. (ANI)
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Nariman said on Friday that if independent reporting has led to a tax raid, judges should declare it illegal and unconstitutional. "The moment there is any onslaught on the media, the courts must be vigilant to instantly scotch it. If you find that there is some independent reporting that has led to something as a result of which there is a tax raid, then for that reason alone, without more, you must say that the tax raid is illegal and unconstitutional," Justice Nariman said. While delivering the 30th Bansari Sheth Endowment Lecture on the theme "The Constitution of India: Checks and Balances" at the Durbar Hall in Mumbai, the former Supreme Court judge said, "That is the only way you can protect the media in this country. Otherwise, you are finished. It is our watchdog. And if our watchdog is killed, then there is nothing that remains." Speaking on the appointment of governors, Justice Nariman suggested that the government should look into the pool of people who are doing well in different walks of life rather than looking into its own pool of politicians. "Have a healthy convention of appointing people who are independent. I gave the example of Dr Abdul Kalam. You have people who are doing so well in this country from so many walks of life. Why do you look for that pool instead of looking for the pool of your own politicians whom you wish to somehow push up?" the former Supreme Court judge said. Justice Nariman also said that the practise of sending a bill to the centre whenever it comes to the governor should be revisited. "When a bill comes into the hands of a governor, he just sends it to the president. That is the end of the bill. And that's the end of federalism. That needs to be looked into," he said. The former Supreme Court judge said that, fortunately, we have a judgement that says that arbitrary removal of governors by the Centre can be challenged in court. "When the Governor is removed, we still fortunately have a judgement that says that when he is removed, though he is at the pleasure of the Centre, if he is removed malafidely or arbitrarily, reasons have to be given to the court and his removal can be set aside," Justice Nariman said. Speaking about the collegium system, Justice Nariman said that though it is the worst, there is nothing better than it. He suggested having a collegium of retired judges selected by the bar. "We do have a collegium system, which is the worst but then there is nothing better. I would suggest a collegium of retired judges. Who will select those retired judges? The practising bar of the Supreme Court and the High Courts," he said. Explaining the rationale behind having the Bar select the collegium of retired judges, the former Supreme Court judge said, "Because the Bar are our judges. Judges have judges and we are judged all the time by practising judges. So it is important to have practising bars all over the country who vote for retired judges like the present, who are known for their indendence, who will then sit with a secretariat, be consulted by everybody, including the Chief Justice of India, Chief Justice of High Courts, Law Minister, and ultimately recommend persons for the higher judiciary." "If this happens, then your present slew of judges, where you have outstanding judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts, then you have a lot of people who are only in transit and then you have some who are more executive-minded than the executive, the proportion between these three will drastically change," he added. (ANI)
In a significant accomplishment, the farmers of Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir cultivated over 3,000 quintals of mushrooms, resulting in a revenue of at least Rs 6 crore. The Chief Agriculture Officer of Udhampur, Sanjay Anand, said in the current year, the UT has added 500 new growers who planted about 1 lakh bags of mushrooms. "In the current year, we have planted about 1 lakh bags of mushrooms. We have also added about 500 new growers to our network. Over 1 lakh bags of mushrooms have been cultivated in the district of Udhampur, yielding over 3,000 quintals of mushrooms. This has resulted in a revenue of at least Rs 6 crore for the farmers of Udhampur," Anand told ANI. The chief agriculture officer said mushroom cultivation is a good source of income for women and the elderly in Udhampur, adding that with proper training and guidance, anyone can succeed in this occupation. "Mushroom farming has set new benchmarks in the Udhampur district. Mushroom cultivation is a good source of income for women and the elderly. It is also a good way to use the available resources productively. We encourage our youth to come forward and take advantage of government schemes. Mushroom cultivation is a profitable business opportunity," he said. "With proper training and guidance, anyone can succeed in this field. Mushroom cultivation is a promising new crop for the Udhampur district. With the support of the government and the agriculture department, mushroom cultivation has the potential to become a major source of income for farmers in the district," Anand added. Som Singh, a mushroom farmer, also expressed his gratitude to the government and the agriculture department for their support in mushroom cultivation. "I am grateful to the government and the agriculture department for their support. Mushroom cultivation is a good business opportunity for our youth. I encourage them to take this up as a profession," Singh said. (ANI)
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, a series of commemorative events were held across India. At the National War Memorial, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar paid their respects to the fallen soldiers. MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. In Jammu and Kashmir's Jammu, Major Gen Gaurav Gautam, GOC TIGER Division, paid respect to the fallen soldiers at the Balidan Stambh. He expressed his deep respect for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, stating, "I salute the sacrifice of our soldiers." Meanwhile, Lt Gen RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Eastern Command, also paid respect to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at Vijay Smarak at Eastern Command Army HQ, Kolkata, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. December 16, 1971, was the day when Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, following a 13-day India-Pakistan War. With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force. Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh were devastating events for West Pakistan, the aftershocks of which continue to this day. Along with the physical fall of Dacca, Pakistan was also defeated psychologically. The two-nation theory, that Muslims of the subcontinent formed a nation, was demolished. Pakistan is still searching for a rationale for the dismemberment. For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. Because of this, December 16 is commemorated nationwide as "Vijay Diwas" to honour India's triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 have been injured during the Battle of 1971. (ANI)
Sonic Runway is one of the light features the city of Aurora wants to bring to its new festival next fall in the city's downtown. (City of Aurora/HANDOUT)

The Aurora City Council Finance Committee Thursday recommended contracts with two companies to provide light features for a new city festival next year.

The new fall festival of light will take place for four weeks between Oct. 4 and Nov. 1. Both are first Fridays of the month, meaning the festival will tie in with the monthly First Fridays celebrations sponsored by the Aurora Downtown group for both months.

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But the festival itself will run for an entire month, city officials said.

The ultimate goal is to create another successful festival downtown, said Alex Alexandrou, the citys chief management officer. Were going to do a lot of marketing for this. We expect this to be another in a long line of successful events downtown.

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Jen Byrne, the citys Public Arts director, said the festival was conceived featuring lights as a nod to Aurora being one of the first cities in the country to light its streets with electricity, leading to the citys nickname City of Lights.

Earlier this year, the City Council approved accepting a $192,779 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which the city would match with its own funds from the Public Art budget.

Byrne has said the light festival is modeled after such festivals in places like Cincinnati; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Baltimore. Byrne said the closest place in the Midwest is Cincinnati.

Geographically, there really isnt anything like this in the Chicago area, she said. Its a pretty exciting project.

The proposed contracts would be with two companies, Creos Experts-Conseils Inc., of Quebec, Canada, and Wireframe Studio Inc., based in Montreal, Canada, to provide three light features. Byrne said these are the first of the contracts, there will be more to come.

The event will include light displays, digital markers and roving entertainers.

Creos would provide a 400-foot-long Sonic Runway along the length of the Water Street Mall.

Byrne said the light-art installation converts audio signals into patterns of light that shoot down the corridor of 23 LED-lined arches at the speed of sound. At the front of the runway, the observers see musical sound waves rippling away from them. Walking down the corridor, sound and light are always in sync. Looking back from the far end, walkers can see the sound waves coming at them, and hear the music as the pattern reaches them.

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Xposure is among the light features the city of Aurora wants to bring to its new festival of light in 2024. (City of Aurora/HANDOUT)

Wireframe would provide three inflated spheres called Xposure on which people could paint with light, as well as a feature called Shadowing, which is four streetlight-like things that record someones shadow, then plays it back.

The time of year for the festival was chosen to try to balance when there is enough darkness for the light features, but there is less risk of the weather being too cold, rainy or snowy.

Byrne said that while the clocks have not changed back from Daylight Savings Time by then, it still gets dark shortly after 6 p.m. She said by at least 7 p.m., it will be plenty dark.

It does not have to be completely dark to enjoy these, she said.

Byrne said she saw the Sonic Runway in San Jose, California, in October, and officials there like it so much, they are making it a permanent feature in their city.

slord@tribpub.com
According to an order issued on Friday evening, Singh, an IAS officer from the 1997 batch, has also been given the additional charge as principal secretary of the state government and Public Service Management Department.

Singh would replace Manish Rastogi, an IAS officer from the 1994 batch who held the previous charge and has now been appointed as principal secretary to the state government.

The reshuffling of the administration comes just two days after the state got a new chief minister in Mohan Yadav, bringing to an end the long tenure of his predecessor Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

CM Mohan Yadav took his oath of office on Wednesday.

Governor Mangubhai C. Patel administered the oath of office to Yadav at Motilal Nehru Stadium, Lal Parade Ground in the state capital.

Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda also took oath as deputy chief ministers at the ceremonial event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among the top dignitaries at the event.

Briefing the media after chairing his first cabinet meeting, CM Yadav announced curbs on the unregulated use of loudspeakers at religious and other public places.

He informed further that his government had banned the sale of meat, fish and poultry products in the open. (ANI)
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the armed forces on Vijay Diwas. Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. In a post on 'X,' Mallikarjun Kharge said "We bow to the indomitable courage, valour and determination of our Armed Forces and Mukti Bahini." "The geography of the world changed today in 1971, as our brave Indian Armed Forces defeated Pakistan and liberated Bangladesh. It was a momentous occasion for humanity, under the dynamic and decisive leadership of Indira Gandhi. We bow to the indomitable courage, valour and determination of our Armed Forces and Mukti Bahini," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah honoured the fallen soldiers in a ceremony in Bengaluru. December 16, 1971, was the day when Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, following a 13-day India-Pakistan War. With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force. On this day, along with the physical fall of Dacca, Pakistan was also psychologically defeated. The two-nation theory, that Muslims of the subcontinent formed a nation, was demolished. Pakistan is still searching for a rationale for the dismemberment. For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 have been injured during the Battle of 1971. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to the soldiers of the armed forces on Vijay Diwas, saying that the country will forever be indebted to them. "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the people's hearts and our nation's history. India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on 'X'. (ANI)
Amid the BJP planning a nationwide protest over the stripping and parading incident at Belagavi, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said all culprits involved in the incident have been arrested and none will be spared at any cost. In a shocking incident, a 42-year-old woman in the Belagavi district was stripped, assaulted and paraded after her son allegedly eloped with another woman. Speaking to ANI on Friday, the deputy chief minister said, "Our government swung into action immediately after learning of the incident. We have arrested all the culprits. The law will take its course and there's no question of shielding or protecting anyone. The Congress is committed to ensuring women's safety across the country." Earlier, speaking on the incident, state Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "It is an unfortunate incident. A boy, about 24 years old, fell in love with a girl from the same village and the same community and eloped. After learning of the elopement, the girl's parents ransacked the boy's house and allegedly took away his mother, disrobed her before tying her to an electric pole." The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), meanwhile, sent a notice to the state government on Friday over the Belagavi incident. The commission sought a report from the Congress government within four weeks on the action taken in the case and also decided to send a fact-finding team to the district. "The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report carried on December 12, 2023, that a 42-year-old woman was stripped, paraded naked, tied to an electric pole and assaulted at Hosa Vantamuri village, Belagavi district, Karnataka, after her son eloped with a girl from the same village," the panel stated in an official release. The panel stated that the contents of the news report, if true, do point to a serious violation of the victim's human rights. "The purported act, as reported, seems to have a stereotyped patriarchal approach, which is a clear demonstration of the violation of the right to life and dignity of the victim. It is the duty of the state to safeguard vulnerable sections of society, especially women, children, elderly persons and people," the NHRC stated in the release. The panel also issued notices to the chief secretary and the state's director general of police, seeking a detailed report within four weeks. "It (the report) should include the status of the registration of the FIR, progress in investigation, arrest, if any, compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme, if paid and the steps taken or to be taken to prevent such incidents in the state," the NHRC stated further in its release. The panel also asked its DIG, Investigation, to constitute a team to conduct an on-the-spot fact-finding inquiry at the earliest and submit a report within two weeks. BJP national president JP Nadda also condemned the incident and announced the setting up of a five-member committee to gather facts on the incident. "BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda has strongly condemned the heinous incident of parading a tribal woman naked in Belgavi, Karnataka. Such heinous crimes, especially against women, have been happening at regular intervals ever since the Congress government came to power in Karnataka. This also exposes the irresponsible behaviour of Congress governments everywhere in the country in tackling such crimes," the party stated in a media release. Stepping up heat on the Congress government in the state in light of the incident, BJP MPs staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the new Parliament complex. Earlier, on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday accused Nadda of resorting to politics over the Belagavi incident. "BJP's rule in Karnataka witnessed multiple instances of violence against women, but BJP National President JP Nadda has forgotten this to politically target us. Unfortunately, he is using a recent incident of violence against a woman in Belagavi for politics," Siddaramaiah posted on X. "The violence inflicted on a woman and her family members in Belagavi is highly condemnable. It is shameful that BJP President Nadda is exploiting such an incident for political gain," the CM added. (ANI)
Security measures have been heightened in Ayodhya ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. IG Ayodhya Zone, Praveen Kumar, while speaking to ANI about the security arrangements, said, "We have made all the arrangements. We are alert and we are not just relying on our manpower but also taking the help of technology, which we keep on continuously upgrading." "Multiple drones will be active throughout the event and with the help of anti-drone solutions, we will keep an eye on drones being flown without permission. We have also used AI in our cameras," further said IG Kumar about the security measures. The IG Ayodhya Zone exuded confidence that despite the challenges, the 'Pran Pratishtha' will be organised in a great manner. On being asked about transportation facilities, IG Kumar said, "Our aim is to make such transport arrangements that people face no problem. We will inform the public about the diversion plans in advance to ensure no one faces any inconvenience." CCTV cameras have also been installed across Ayodhya to strengthen security in view of the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Temple on January 22, 2024. The Ram Temple is to be inaugurated in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple between noon and 12:45 pm on January 22, next year. The trust has invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya next year. Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, next year, a week before the main ceremony. A Vedic priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahautsav. A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised, in which thousands of devotees will be fed. Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand consecration of the Ram Temple. According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people. Local authorities are gearing up for the anticipated surge in visitors around the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony and are in the process of implementing enhanced security measures and making logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the 1971 war at Shaurya Smarak in the state capital Bhopal on Saturday. On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, CM Yadav said, "On this day, India had conquered Pakistan, divided Pakistan into two parts and Bangladesh was formed. It was the pinnacle of our bravery that the army followed the government's decision in the war and carried it out to the end. Our all three forces, the Navy, Army and Air Force made 93 thousand soldiers surrender. On this occasion, I would like to remember the soldiers who have given this glorious moment to India. We are proud of our Army." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also saluted the brave heroes of the 1971 war, whose sacrifices led to a decisive victory for India. "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the people's hearts and our nation's history. India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'. In a post on 'X' the Indian Army said, "December 16 marks the Historic Victory of Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the India Pakistan War of 1971. On this day, let us salute the courage & fortitude displayed by the Indian Armed Forces." Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. December 16, 1971, was the day when Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, following a 13-day India-Pakistan War. With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force. The creation of Bangladesh was a devastating event for West Pakistan, the aftershocks of which continue to this day. Along with the physical fall of Dacca, Pakistan was also defeated psychologically. The two-nation theory, that Muslims of the subcontinent formed a nation, was demolished. Pakistan is still searching for a rationale for the dismemberment. For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. Because of this, December 16 is commemorated nationwide as "Vijay Diwas" to honour India's triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 were injured during the war of 1971. (ANI)
Amid the continuing war of words between the Treasury and the Opposition over the Parliament security breach on Wednesday, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Saturday demanded a statement from the Centre calling the incident a very 'serious' security lapse. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the DMK MP, who also happens to be the sibling of Chief Minister MK Stalin and departed party patriarch M Karunanidhi, said, "Two men intruded into the Parliament while two more were protesting outside. The incident showed that not even members of the Parliament are safe and our temple of democracy could be attacked any day. The incident represents a glaring security lapse. We need to understand this. They could have carried guns or explosives instead of smoke cans. It showed anyone could breach the security in the new Parliament building. The security for the members isn't enough." Demanding a statement from the central government over the incident, the DMK MP said, "When the Parliament was attacked (in 2001), then Home Minister LK Advani gave a statement (in the Lok Sabha). We are asking for a similar clarification now." "The Union government should take responsibility for the incident and issue a clarification. Earlier, when the (old) Parliament was attacked (in 2001), then-Home Minister LK Advani had given a statement to the (Lower) House. We are asking for a similar clarification now. They should at least offer an explanation to the Opposition members over the incident. When we raised the issue, we were suspended. How could this be fair?" Kanimozhi added. Along with 13 Congress members, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien was also suspended by House Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for the remainder of the ongoing Winter Session. The DMK MP, meanwhile, participated in an event to distribute relief materials at KK Nagar for the people affected by floods in the aftermath of cyclone 'Michaung'. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Kanimozhi said, "On behalf of the DMK's women's wing, we are here today distributing relief material to the people affected by the floods." After the cyclone wreaked havoc across the state and left several areas flooded in its wake, Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an immediate interim relief fund of Rs 5,060 crore. The CM also requested PM Modi to send a central team to review the damages caused by the cyclone. So far, almost Rs 1000 crore has been released in two instalments on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for aid to Chennai. (ANI)
Tributes were paid to the valiant personnel of the Armed Forces, who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 war.

A floral wreath was placed at the 'Victory at Sea' War Memorial by Vice Admiral G Srinivasan, AVSM, VSM Director General Naval Projects, Visakhapatnam.

A 50-man guard was paraded at the venue and a two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the valiant souls.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, paid their respects to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt also paid tribute to the slain soldiers at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas.

In Jammu, Major Gen Gaurav Gautam, GOC TIGER Division, paid his respects to the fallen soldiers at the Balidan Stambh.

Recalling the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers on the line of duty, the Raksha Mantri said, "I salute the sacrifice of our soldiers."

Meanwhile, Lt Gen RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Eastern Command, also paid his respects to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at Vijay Smarak at Eastern Command Army HQ, Kolkata, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas.

The nation celebrates Vijay Diwas on December 16 every year to commemorate the historic victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

On this day in 1971, the world saw the unconditional surrender of regular Pakistani troops to the tri-service theatre commanders of the Indian Armed Forces in Dhaka, resulting in the liberation of Bangladesh. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Aprajita Sarangi on Saturday targeted the Congress-led Karnataka government over the Belagavi incident, saying there has been a complete failure of law and order in Karnataka. "It is an unfortunate incident. PM Modi and party president JP Nadda have nominated us to come here, they want to know what the situation is here. We have come here to see under what circumstances this incident took place. The incident happened around 1.30 am but the police arrived after 2-3 hours...There has been a complete failure of law and order in the state of Karnataka,'' BJP MP Aprajita Sarangi said. Earlier, the five-member BJP fact-finding team, comprising Aparajita Sarangi, Sunita Duggal, Ranjeeta Koli, Locket Chatterjee and BJP national secretary Asha Lakra, met with the victim's family on Saturday. BJP national president JP Nadda had announced the setting up of a five-member committee to gather facts on the incident. "BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda has strongly condemned the heinous incident of parading a tribal woman naked in Belgavi, Karnataka. Such heinous crimes, especially against women, have been happening at regular intervals ever since the Congress government came to power in Karnataka. This also exposes the irresponsible behaviour of Congress governments everywhere in the country in tackling such crimes," the party stated in a media release. Earlier in the day, members of the BJP's Mahila Morcha and workers staged a protest on Saturday in Bengaluru over the stripping and parading of a woman in the Belagavi district. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest, BJP leader and former chief minister DV Sadanand Gowda said, "We are here today to protest against the prevailing law and order situation in Karnataka. This (Congress) government has failed abjectly to ensure the protection of citizens." The protest came in light of a horrific incident in which a 42-year-old woman in Vantamuri village of Belagavi district was allegedly assaulted, paraded naked, and tied to an electric pole after her son eloped with a girl from the same village. The incident took place on December 11. (ANI)
The Kerala Police on Saturday detained members of the BJP's Mahila Morcha, who had taken out a protest march against the accused in connection with the murder of a six-year-old girl in Vandiperiyar. The members of the BJP's women's wing alleged that the police helped the accused escape stringent charges. Meanwhile, Kerala Police decided to challenge the ruling of the Special Fast Track Court at Kattappana, acquitting the accused, 24-year-old Arjun, in connection with the rape and murder of a 6-year-old girl at Vandiperiyar in Idukki, the office of the state police chief informed. Acquitting the accused, the judge of the fast-track court, V. Manju said the prosecution had failed to prove their case against him and furnish enough prosecutable evidence. The incident in question took place in 2021. A six-year-old girl was found hanging at her home. She was staying with her parents at a hut on an estate in the Idukki district. The police later arrested the accused, Arjun, under POCSO, rape and murder. However, not satisfied with the verdict, the victim's family said they did not get justice. Opposition leader VD Satheesan, too, alleged that the verdict shocked the conscience of Kerala, adding that the post-mortem revealed that the victim was tortured before being murdered. "The accused confessed to the crime and the police must investigate whether there was any external interference behind the case failing to stand legal scrutiny despite enough evidence being collected against the accused," Satheesan said. Calling the court verdict 'disappointing', Surendran alleged that the police went soft on the accused from the beginning owing to his political affiliation and excluded serious sections in the chargesheet filed against him. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram, the five states where assembly elections were held recently. The yatra started in other states earlier, and its launch in the five states were delayed due to the model code of conduct in place due to the elections. After flagging off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in the 5 states, PM Modi said, "For the resolution of developed India, our cities have a huge role. For a long time after independence, development was limited to a few big cities. But today, we are focusing on the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities." "Under the Amirt Mission or SMART City Mission, basic facilities are being improved in the small cities. We are trying to ensure that facilities like water supply, drainage, sewage systems, traffic systems, CCTV networks, etc. are upgraded constantly," he said. "Cleanliness, public toilets, and LED street lights are also being worked upon for the first time on this level. This has a direct impact on ease of living and ease of doing business," added the PM. Talking about the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra further, the Prime Minister said, "With the vision of a developed India, Modi's guaranteed vehicle is reaching every corner of the country. It's been a month since we started this journey. In just one month, this journey has reached thousands of villages as well as 1,500 cities." The yatra has been flagged off in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram, also beginning today. The launch of VBSY got delayed due to the model code of conduct in place due to the elections. "I request every state government to expand the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra rapidly in their respective states. Even though Modi has flagged off the yatra, the truth is that the countrymen have taken command of that journey all by themselves," said the PM. Earlier, during the virtual interaction with the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "It was PM Modi's concern that no one should be left behind. Many people do 'yatra'. Some for physical benefits and some for personal gains, but this 'yatra' is such that it is for the benefit of the 140 crore people of the country." Interacting with the beneficiaries of the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', PM Modi inquired about their experiences, discussed what schemes benefitted them and also asked if they faced any hurdles while receiving the benefits of the central government's schemes. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by the Prime Minister on November 15 in Khunti, Jharkhand. As a part of on-the-spot services under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, health camps are being organised at the places of the halt of the IEC Van in the Gram Panchayats. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a nationwide initiative to inform and empower citizens about government schemes. It is being undertaken across the country to attain the saturation of flagship schemes of the government by ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time-bound manner. As of November 26, 5,470 Health camps have been conducted in 995 Gram Panchayats, reporting a total footfall of more than 7,82,000 people, according to a government release. (ANI)
Rabbi Lazer Hershkovich blessed the public menorah in Uptown for the eighth night of Hanukkah on Thursday. (Richard Requena)

Park Ridge city officials helped light a menorah in the citys Uptown for the eighth night of Hanukkah on Thursday.

About 50 people attended the lighting, organized by Rabbi Lazer Hershkovich. He asked the attendees to close their eyes and think about the hostages taken during the Israel-Hamas war. Friends, you need to be their light. We need to be their light, he said.

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Hershkovich invited Park Ridge Mayor Marty Maloney to light the shamash, or helper candle, in the middle of the menorah. Hershkovich also invited his family, as well as other Park Ridge leaders, to light the candles, and invited children to light the last two candles.

Park Ridge Mayor Marty Maloney lights up the helper candle of the public menorah during the eighth day of Hanukkah in Park Ridge's Uptown on Thursday. (Richard Requena)

Fifth Ward Alderman Joseph Steinfels spoke at the lighting and said the Hanukkah lights are meant to bring light to others. Let us pray that the message of the Hanukkah lights will illuminate the everyday life of everyone personally and of the society at large, for a brighter life in every respect, both materially and spiritually, with esteem and blessings in the spirit.

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Retired Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Teacher Karen Rosenbluh said the traditional latkes and Jewish doughnuts, sufganiyot, which were set out for attendees to enjoy, are cooked in oil in honor of the miracle of Hanukkah that allowed one jar of oil to last for eight days, when it was supposed last one day during an invasion of ancient Israel.

There was also gelt, chocolate coins covered in gold-colored foil, another Hanukkah tradition.

Traditional Jewish jelly doughnuts, sufganiyot, were served at the public menorah lighting in Uptown on Thursday. The doughnuts are served during the holiday of Hanukkah. (Richard Requena)

Rosenbluh said this year, many Jews were also lighting up an additional candle on the side of the menorah to represent the hostages. Its all about unity, she said. And our survival throughout the centuries.

Valerie Malinkovich and her son Jacob Malinkovich, of Glenview, attended the menorah lighting together, as members of Hershkovichs congregation. Jacob Malinkovich said menorah lightings are usually a family tradition, but he was drawn to celebrate it publicly in a more social setting.

Weve known the rabbi and his family for many years, Valerie Malinkovich said. Rabbi Lazer and his wife Rivky are just so kind-hearted  they would do anything for anyone. They organize throughout the year to help others in need; they give back to the elderly and sick. Theres no better place where we could publicly share the last night of Hanukkah.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday requesting him to deploy adequate personnel and staff at Sabarimala temple to reduce waiting time for devotees. In the letter, the Union Minister also requested Vijayan to ensure that basic amenities such as food, water, sanitation, medical facilities are provided to devotees. The Union Minister requested that he address the inconveniences being faced by Lord Ayyappa devotees during their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple. Taking to his social media handle X, Reddy posted, "Wrote a letter to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to address issues and inconveniences being faced by the Lord Ayyappa devotees during their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. I also requested to ensure adequate staff and personnel, safe and secure passage, improved basic amenities and medical assistance during their journey to Sabarimala." In his letter to the Kerala Chief Minister, Reddy wrote, "The Sabarimala Temple and the associated 40-day spiritual journey undertaken by the devotees of Lord Ayyappa are considered to be one of the most revered belief systems within the Hindu faith." "You would be aware that every year close to 1 crore devotees visit Sabarimala, with a majority of them paying their respects to Lord Ayyappa during the Mandala season between November and January. Devotees from the Telugu states of Telangana, where I hail from, and Andhra Pradesh account for more than 15 lakh devotees," it read. It has come to my attention first-hand from Ayyappa Swami bhaktas and through various news reports of the severe inconveniences being faced by devotees due to long wait times at the Sannidhanam. The recent death of a young girl while waiting to avail of darshan has also caused much anguish and pain, the Union Minister said. It is of vital importance that the devotees availing of Lord Ayyappa's Darshan are provided a safe and secure passage without any inconveniences. The Government of India is ready to support initiatives in this regard, added the letter. "I would also like to request that you consider permitting NGOs that are ready to provide assistance to operate on the temple premises and around the trekking path from Pampa to Sannidhanam," it stated. Reddy further requested a swift response and urged the Kerala CM to take all necessary action in the matter. Earlier on Friday, alleging lack of basic facilities in Sabarimala temple, Hindu Aikya Vedi held a protest march against the Kerala government in front of the Travancore Devaswom Board head office. The protests came days after a surge in pilgrims strained the crowd management system in the hill temple, causing long queues and several hours of waiting for the pilgrims to get the Darshan. However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday that the situation at the Lord Ayyappa temple was under control and asserted that the government machinery was intervening diligently in temple matters. A mismanagement-related situation erupted at Sabarimala following the sudden surge of pilgrims a few days ago. The hill shrine generally witnesses a heavy rush during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, which began on November 17 this year. After the incident, the Kerala government has come under attack by opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the culture of politics in the country. While inaugurating the party's newly constructed District Karyalaya in Sundar Nagar in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, Nadda highlighted the transformative impact Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had on the political landscape in India. Nadda said, "As far as elections are concerned, I would like to discuss a few things with you. PM Modi has changed the culture of politics in India." He stated that the public perception of elections has evolved, emphasizing the need to understand this shift. "Media, journalists and everyone else were saying that out of the five states, BJP can win Madhya Pradesh, there is no chance for Chhattisgarh and the party will somehow manage to form government in Rajasthan. But I would like to tell you that the citizens of India have started understanding and viewing elections differently, we need to understand this," Nadda said. Nadda urged party members to recognize that the citizens of India are eager to embrace the BJP. "When you go to polls once again in 2024, I would like to tell you that the public is waiting for you," Nadda said. He contrasted the party's approach with that of the Congress, accusing them of deception and misleading the people. In contrast, he praised PM Modi for consistently serving the nation with honesty. "You need to believe that they are ready to bless you. The reason is that the Congress has also deceived people, it has always misled them, it has always tried to trick them while PM Modi has always served them with an honest heart," he added. The BJP chief held a mega roadshow earlier today at Sundar Nagar. The roadshow was organised from Jawahar Park to PWD rest house in Mandi. Nadda was escorted by a huge crowd of supporters, dancing and cheering his motorcade. Also earlier today, Nadda and Union Minister Anurag Thakur attended the felicitation ceremony at the Municipal Council ground in Himachal's Bilaspur. As per party sources, Nadda will participate in BJP's Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra later today in which PM Modi will join through videoconferencing. (ANI)
After flagging off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in five States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his intention to elevate the yatra to new heights and ensure that it reaches every poor person in rural and urban areas. Speaking to the mass audience via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said, "I want to make this yatra reach each and every poor person in the village and the cities. In 2047, when India will complete 100 years of independence, we have to make sure that this country will be developed." "We have to generate this environment. We will do everything good and make the country good. This yatra will be beneficial in making this environment," said PM Modi. The Prime Minister also said that street vendors and hawkers had become hopeless and that the Modi government connected them with the banking system, which, as a result, benefited over 50 lakh people by receiving loans from banks under the PM SVANidhi scheme. "Our street vendors and hawkers had become hopeless. They had accepted that they had to live like this and thought nothing was going to change. No one was there to ask them anything. Our government connected them with the banking system. They are getting easier loans from banks under the PM SVANidhi scheme," said the PM. "More than 50 lakh such people have benefited from it. During this yatra, 1.25 lakh people have applied for the scheme. More than 75 per cent of the beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme are Dalits, backwards and tribal. And in that too, 45 per cent are women," he added. PM Modi also spoke about the Jan Aushadhi Kendras and said, "Till now, people living in cities have saved more than Rs 25,000 crores because of the Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The number of PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra will be increased to 25,000 soon." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram, the five states where assembly elections were held recently. The yatra started in other states earlier, and its launch in the five states was delayed due to the model code of conduct in place due to the elections. "I request every state government to expand the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra rapidly in their respective states. Even though Modi has flagged off the yatra, the truth is that the countrymen have taken command of that journey all by themselves," said the PM. During the virtual interaction with the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "It was PM Modi's concern that no one should be left behind. Many people do 'yatra'. Some for physical benefits and some for personal gains, but this 'yatra' is such that it is for the benefit of the 140 crore people of the country. "Interacting with the beneficiaries of the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', PM Modi inquired about their experiences, discussed what schemes benefitted them and also asked if they faced any hurdles while receiving the benefits of the central government's schemes. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by the Prime Minister on November 15 in Khunti, Jharkhand. As a part of on-the-spot services under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, health camps are being organised at the places of the halt of the IEC Van in the Gram Panchayats. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a nationwide initiative to inform and empower citizens about government schemes. It is being undertaken across the country to attain the saturation of flagship schemes of the government by ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time-bound manner. (ANI)
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was summoned again by the MP/MLA court on January 6 in connection with a 2018 case on his remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a Bengaluru conference. Advocate Santosh Pandey confirmed that Rahul Gandhi has been summoned again, and the court appearance is scheduled for January 6. The court earlier summoned the Congress MP to appear before it today, failing to which the court issued a summons once again to Rahul Gandhi, he said. The summons follows a case filed by BJP leader Vijay Mishra who was BJP District Vice President at that time. Earlier speaking to ANI on the case, Vijay Mishra said, "I was the vice president of BJP when this incident happened. Rahul Gandhi had accused Amit Shah in Bengaluru that he is a murderer. When I heard these allegations, I felt very pained because I am a 33-year-old worker of the party. I filed a complaint regarding this through my lawyer and this continued for almost 5 years. Today the decision came in this." While advocate Pandey said that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi can be given a maximum punishment of 2 years if sufficient evidence is found against him. "On August 4, 2018, this case was filed in the District and Sessions Court of MP-MLA Court Sultanpur. This statement came from Rahul Gandhi during the Karnataka elections in Bengaluru in 2018. When the information came through social media and TV news channels, the then-District Vice President of BJP, Vijay Mishra filed a complaint," Pandey said. "Statements of three witnesses were taken in the complaint. He (Rahul Gandhi) can be given a maximum punishment of 2 years in this entire case if sufficient evidence is found against him. Either Rahul Gandhi should appear in the court and get his bail and if he does not come then the court can take action against him," he added. (ANI)
One more accused has been arrested in the Parliament security breach case and will be produced shortly before the concerned judge of Delhi's Patiala House Court. Six accused have been arrested in the case so far. The arrested accused has been identified as Mahesh, friend of mastermind Lalit Jha. Jha met his friend Mahesh in Kuchaman, who got him a room for the night. Both of them had met through Facebook, as revealed by Jha during his interrogation. Lalit Jha burnt the mobile phones of his associates along with his friend Mahesh after fleeing to Rajasthan's Kuchaman, said police sources. However, Delhi police are verifying all the claims made by Jha. Jha was also present outside the parliament and captured the video of two of his accomplices with the intent to publicise it. Delhi Police has so far arrested six accused in the Parliament security breach case. Apart from this, the police have detained Kailash. Five arrested accused are on a seven-day police remand, and being continuously interrogated by DCP level officers. During interrogation, Lalit told the police that he destroyed the mobile phone and threw it away. The Special Cell Police will also recreate the scene for which they will need permission from the Speaker of Parliament. Police are following the procedure in an attempt to recreate the incident. There are also reports that the police can record the statement of MP Pratap Simha on whose reference passes were issued to the two infiltrators Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D. Despite continuous questioning of the five accused mastermind Lalit Jha, Neelam, Amol, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, the police have still not been able to find out the motive. The five accused were made to sit face to face and interrogated. The police had also recorded separate statements of the five. Wherever police are finding contradictions during the interrogation, they are asking them to answer those questions again. The police have extracted the call details of the accused from their mobile numbers, and through that, the police are also trying to establish their locations wherever they visited before committing the crime and the places where they went together before the act. Ahead of the incident, all four accused had handed over their mobile phones to Jha so that crucial investigation details could not get into police hands as they were anticipating their arrest. The security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two people--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 anti-establishment slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. Outside it, in another incident, two protestors--Neelam (42) and Amol (25)--protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. (ANI)
National Commission for Women (NCW) member Delina Khongdup on Saturday said that it will not tolerate crimes like the Belagavi incident. She also added that we should change our mindset and not let such incidents happen again in any part of the country. "This should not happen again. So I want to convey the message to every citizen of this country that we should change our mindset and not let such incidents happen again in any part of the country. So far it is fine (police action). Our first and foremost priority is to protect women's rights and we will not tolerate this type of crime," National Commission for Women (NCW) member, Delina Khongdup said. Earlier in the day, Members of the BJP's Mahila Morcha and workers staged a protest on Saturday in Bengaluru over the stripping and parading of a woman in the Belagavi district. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest, BJP leader and former chief minister DV Sadanand Gowda said, "We are here today to protest against the prevailing law and order situation in Karnataka. This (Congress) government has failed abjectly to ensure the protection of citizens." The protest came in light of a horrific incident in which a 42-year-old woman in Vantamuri village of Belagavi district was allegedly assaulted, paraded naked, and tied to an electric pole after her son eloped with a girl from the same community. The incident took place on December 11. Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sent a notice to the state government over the Belagavi incident. The commission sought a report from the Congress government within four weeks on the action taken in the case and also decided to send a fact-finding team to the district. "The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report carried on December 12, 2023, that a 42-year-old woman was stripped, paraded naked, tied to an electric pole and assaulted at Hosa Vantamuri village, Belagavi district, Karnataka, after her son eloped with a girl from the same village," the panel stated in an official release. The panel stated that the contents of the news report, if true, do point to a serious violation of the victim's human rights. "The purported act, as reported, seems to have a stereotyped patriarchal approach, which is a clear demonstration of the violation of the right to life and dignity of the victim. It is the duty of the state to safeguard vulnerable sections of society, especially women, children, elderly persons and people," the NHRC stated in the release. The panel also issued notices to the chief secretary and the state's director general of police, seeking a detailed report within four weeks. "It (the report) should include the status of the registration of the FIR, progress in investigation, arrest, if any, compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme, if paid and the steps taken or to be taken to prevent such incidents in the state," the NHRC stated further in its release. The panel also asked its DIG, Investigation, to constitute a team to conduct an on-the-spot fact-finding inquiry at the earliest and submit a report within two weeks. (ANI)
Governor Tamilisai expressed deep gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership and commitment to public welfare through various flagship schemes.

She emphasized the importance of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in accelerating the saturation of these schemes and ensuring timely delivery of benefits to all eligible beneficiaries in Telangana.

The event featured the solemn administration of a pledge for the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, followed by inspiring testimonies from successful beneficiaries who shared their personal experiences of transformation under various government programs, under the theme "Meri Kahaani Meri Zabaani" (My Story, My Voice).

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a nationwide campaign aimed at achieving swift and comprehensive implementation of the government's flagship schemes.

In Telangana, the Sankalp Yatra will focus on ensuring that all targeted beneficiaries receive the benefits of these schemes within a specified timeframe, thereby contributing to the realization of a developed India. (ANI)
The Odisha Special Task Force (STF) arrested a Kashmiri fraudster who was also wanted by Kashmir Police in connection with cheating and forgery and has a non-bailable warrant pending against him. The accused has been identified as Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, also known as Ishaan Bukhari and Dr Ishaan Bukhari. As per an STF release, the accused was found to be impersonating a Neuro Specialist Doctor, an Army Doctor, an officer in PMO, a close associate of some high-ranking NIA officials etc. The 37-year-old accused hails from Kupwada district in Jammu and Kashmir and is suspected to have anti-national links, the release said. As per the release, it was also found that the accused has married at least 6-7 girls from various parts of India including Kashmir, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha. He was also active on various websites/ Apps and was in romantic relationships with many girls impersonating a doctor with international degrees. "On getting reliable information, on December 15, a team of STF with the help of local police officials and in the presence of witnesses, conducted a raid at Neulpur, Dharmshala, Jajpur and arrested one Sayed Ishaan Bukhari @ Ishaan Bukhari @ Dr Ishaan Bukhari, 37 Years S/o. Sayed SaifeUddin Bukhari @ Peer Mohammad Muqbool At-85, Peer Mohalla, Handwara, Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir-193221 At/Pr. Neulapur PS. Dharmasala Dist. Jajpur, Odisha for impersonation/cheating/ forgery and links with anti-national elements," the release stated. A case has also been registered by STF under Sections 419/420/465/467/468/471/120(B) IPC r/w. Sec. 66 C/66 D of IT Act, 2000. During the raid, many incriminating materials including more than 100 documents were seized, the release stated. JN Pankaj Inspector General, STF Odisha said that it was also found that he was in touch with suspicious persons in Kerala and some Pakistani nationals. Numerous forged documents like medical degree certificates issued by Cornel University of USA, Canadian Health Services Institute, Christian Medical College Vellore etc. were seized. Some blank signed documents/ affidavits/ Bonds, numerous Identity cards, ATM cards, blank Cheques, Aadhar cards, visiting cards etc. were also seized, he added. Further investigation is underway, the release added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi starting from December 17. During his visit, he will launch several infrastructure projects and is also expected to announce a second Vande Bharat train between the city and New Delhi. As Varanasi gets ready to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a two-day visit from December 17, extensive preparations are underway at both the workers and administrative levels. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a factory that can produce 10000 engines and will also flag off the movement of two goods trains. Ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, the city has been adorned with vibrant decorations and spotless streets as part of a comprehensive cleanliness campaign. The entire city has been beautified with hoardings, cutouts, and paintings adorning various locations. "Preparations have been made to ensure a warm welcome for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit. The city has been transformed, and we are ready to showcase the cultural richness of Varanasi," Varanasi Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma said. As per the official sources, the Prime Minister's itinerary includes travelling from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport to the venue, followed by a visit to Namo Ghat for the Tamil Sangam program. After the program, the journey will continue from Namo Ghat to BLW, with the entire city planning to extend a warm welcome with drums and flowers throughout the route, the sources added. "This visit holds special significance as Prime Minister Modi is coming to Varanasi after winning elections in three states. It is a moment of pride, and the workers have left no stone unturned in preparations," BJP President of Kashi Province, Dilip Patel remarked. (ANI)
The Chief Minister prayed to God to "give place to the virtuous soul at his holy feet and to give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this immense suffering".

Abhimanyu Rai, 33, died in a trainer jet crash in a nearby village after he took off from the Air Force Training Academy in Hyderabad earlier this month.

He is survived by his wife, Flight Lieutenant Akshaita Rai, also an IAF pilot stationed in Hyderabad. (ANI)
This image provided by Kate Cox shows Kate Cox. A Texas judge has given the pregnant woman whose fetus had a fatal diagnosis permission to get an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to the states ban that took effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned last year. It was unclear Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 how quickly or whether Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from the Dallas area, will be able to obtain an abortion. State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble says she will grant a temporary restraining order that will allow Cox to have an abortion. (Kate Cox via AP) (Uncredited/AP)

As Donald Trump embraces an online campaign filled with vulgar imagery attacking women, he continues to brag that he killed abortion by appointing Supreme Court justices who reversed more than 50 years of womens reproductive freedom under Dobbs.

Last weeks Texas abortion case and others like it show that the only thing Republicans have killed is their own claim that banning abortion is about saving lives.

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The Dobbs ruling leaves womens medical decisions up to the vote of strangers, and Republican state Attorneys General are trying to tighten the screws.

Over the summer, Republican state AGs served a notice of rulemaking opposition on the Department of Health & Human Services, to block a federal HIPPA rule designed to protect private health care information of women obtaining abortions in states where abortions are legal. Demanding access to out-of-state abortion medical records, Republican AGs claimed, fantastically, that there was no legal or legislative need to protect the medical privacy of these women, because no states that outlaw or heavily restrict abortion access penalize people who seek abortions.

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Enter Todd Rokita of Indiana and Ken Paxton of Texas, breast-beating about their legal prerogative to make sure abortions  even legal ones  are penalized.

Indianas AG pretended to protect the privacy of a 10-year-old rape victim

Following Dobbs, an Ohio girl was raped and impregnated by a 27-year-old man. Because Ohio Republicans had passed a law that would force the child to carry and give birth to her rapists child, she sought an abortion in neighboring Indiana, where the Republican-dominated legislature had not yet passed its abortion ban. The 10-year-old child obtained a legal abortion in Indiana with the help of Indianapolis obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Caitlin Bernard, who spoke about some details of the case with an Indianapolis Star reporter.

Incensed that the public saw evidence that children were, indeed, raped and impregnated and in need of state protection, Rokita set out on a face-saving vendetta to destroy Bernard.

Rokita filed an official misconduct complaint against Bernard with the state Medical Licensing Board, seeking to end her medical career and suspend her license to practice medicine, mainly because she allegedly violated the childs medical privacy when she went public with the (anonymous) childs story. Rokita appeared on Fox News to gloat and accused Bernard of being an abortion activist acting as a doctor  with a history of failing to report, comments he was later reprimanded for by the Indiana Supreme Court.

The justices termed Rokitas comments attorney misconduct that served no substantial purpose than to embarrass or burden Bernard, while possibly prejudicing a hearing against her, the justices wrote in an decision released last month.

After Indianas medical board sanctioned Bernard mildly, Rokita then filed a lawsuit against the doctors employer, Indiana University Health, alleging it had also violated the girls privacy rights.

Rokita, naturally, is among the 19 Republican AGs who formally assert that women getting legal abortions have no right to medical privacy.

To date, Rokita has not reconciled his embrace of privacy rights for a rape victim whose pregnancy embarrassed him with his simultaneous position that women seeking an abortion are not entitled to medical privacy at all.

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Something is amiss in Texas

Rokitas abuse of power, galling though it is, has just been upstaged in Texas.

Last week, a Texas judge ruled that expecting mother Kate Coxs pregnancy met the states save the life of the mother medical exception under the states abortion ban, because of a diagnosis of trisomy 18. A genetic condition that almost always ends in death to the fetus, it is known to present serious medical risks and extreme pain to the mother, jeopardizing her future ability to give birth.

When the judge ruled that Cox was legally entitled to an abortion, Paxton was livid. Immediately following the ruling, Paxton threatened Texas health care providers with felony prosecutions. He sent an intimidating letter to each individual hospital where Coxs doctor held admitting privileges, warning them not to permit Coxs abortion despite the judges ruling authorizing it. The courts ruling, Paxton threatened the hospitals, will not insulate you, or anyone else, from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas abortion laws, including first-degree felony prosecutions.

The rub is that Coxs trisomy 18 diagnosis itself was never in dispute. The problem, according to Paxton and the all-Republican band of Texas Supreme Court justices, was Ms. Coxs physicians determination under a good faith belief that Coxs condition met the medical standard for a legal exception under the states abortion ban.

Reversing the lower court and denying Coxs plea for a legal abortion, the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court decided that Coxs doctors good faith medical belief was not sufficient. They wrote, Some difficulties in pregnancy, even serious ones, do not pose the heightened risks to the mother the (Texas) exception encompasses.

Via pen and hubris, the shockingly callous justices substituted their own medical opinion for that of Ms. Coxs doctor, ruling that she may have been in danger, but she wasnt close enough to death to meet the medical exception under Texas abortion ban.

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Its hard to respect jurists who ignore the Constitution

As Alito so dismissively quipped in Dobbs, women are not without electoral or political power.

May we use our vote to rein in an activist court hellbent on our subjugation.

Sabrina Haake is a Chicago attorney and Gary resident. She writes the Substack newsletter The Haake Take.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Aprajita Sarangi criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government regarding the Belagavi incident and said that the entire Gandhi family has remained silent on the matter. Speaking to ANI, BJP MP and member of the fact-finding team Aprajita Sarangi said, "It's extremely unfortunate that the entire Gandhi family is keeping mum on this incident. Neither Sonia Gandhi nor Priyanka Gandhi, being women have said anything. As far as Rahul Gandhi is concerned he is a veteran as far as diverting topics are concerned." Sarangi emphasized the severity of the incident involving the brutal assault and public humiliation of a woman. She criticized the Gandhis for their silence, stating that even in such a grave situation, the family has chosen not to speak out. "We are talking of a victim woman who has been brutally assaulted and paraded naked. This is an extreme form of inhumanity. And even at this juncture, the entire, family of Gandhi chooses to keep mum," the BJP MP said. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday also attributed the "careless and casual approach" of the Congress government in Karnataka in dealing with law and order as a reason behind the Belagavi incident. "I have already told that due to the careless and casual approach of the Congress government, this has happened and already NHRC has asked for the report. The government should take it seriously," Joshi told ANI. After meeting the Belagavi incident victim's family, BJP MP and member of the fact-finding team Aprajita Sarangi said, "On 11th December a heinous crime occurred. A woman, 42 years old was dragged out of the house, she was stripped naked, she was paraded, she was dragged to an electric pole located on a hillock. She was brutally assaulted in the full glare of the neighbours. More than 15 people had gotten into her house when the woman was sleeping." "We went to the hospital and we spoke to the woman. We also went to the village and we spoke to all the people who had assembled there. We spoke to the victim's husband. We spoke to the inspector in charge who had just been appointed there in the aftermath of the suspension of the then-inspector in charge. We collected lots of information and we are aghast," Sarangi added. She further said that there are two types of actions- preventive and punitive actions. "Punitive actions always take place after the commencement of a crime. Now what is the punitive action that has been taken by the state government of Connecticut? 11 out of 13 people have been put behind bars." "The announcement has been made that Rs 5 lakhs will be given as compensation to the family of the victim. The district legal services authority will give Rs 50,000 to the family, but these are all announcements. There was a tremendous sense of fear in the village we went to. Nobody was willing to come out into the open and talk to us. There is fear and there is a sense of apprehension," she stated. "The only request that all these women and all the villagers made to us was, to please ensure that they do not come out of the prison. In case they come out the prison, the state government should assure us, should stand by us and should give us the assurance that we are not harmed hereafter. Why did it happen at all? That's the question," she stated. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also gave his reaction on the same and said, "JP Nadda and BJP are doing politics over this issue. The atrocity did happen to that woman. Whatever legal actions have to be taken has been taken by the government. Our home minister met the victim. The accused were arrested immediately. Just open the National Crime Bureau once you come to know how many cases happened in their tenure. Do you know the one who was jailed yesterday (in UP) is a BJP MLA? What did he do? He raped a 9-year-old girl. We will take strict action against culprits and they will be punished." Five-member BJP fact-finding team met with the victim's family on Saturday. The five-member BJP fact-finding team comprised Aparajita Sarangi, Sunita Duggal, Ranjeeta Koli, Locket Chatterjee and BJP national secretary Asha Lakra. Member of the fact-finding team Asha Lakra said, "I'm an Adivasi woman so what happens with an Adivasi family, saddens my heart. On one side there is PM Modi who wants to encourage the Tribal community and on the other hand, there is the Congress government which doesn't want the development of the Adivasi community. BJP will keep fighting until justice is served." Another member Ranjeeta Koli said, "No woman was ready to talk. Look at the government here that the women have a feeling of fear. They (the government) have given the compensation on paper but nobody knows what would happen on the ground level." Sunita Duggal, another member of the team also shared her opinion on the incident and said, "The one who has done this crime has a background of Congress party, he is also affiliated with the Ministers here. This makes it clear why the police proceeding took time...They changed the sections in the FIR after PM Modi sent a delegation here. There is a terror in the environment" Fact-finding team member Locket Chatterjee said, "Nobody here is willing to give a statement, everybody is scared. This means that women are scared here under the Congress Government. We want CM to come here and give a statement on this situation. We want the Congress party to pay some respect to women it's being done under the leadership of PM Modi. They have made the government with the votes of women so they should pay a little respect to women." BJP national president JP Nadda had announced the setting up of a five-member committee to gather facts on the incident. Earlier in the day, members of the BJP's Mahila Morcha and workers staged a protest on Saturday in Bengaluru over the stripping and parading of a woman in the Belagavi district. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest, BJP leader and former chief minister DV Sadanand Gowda said, "We are here today to protest against the prevailing law and order situation in Karnataka. This (Congress) government has failed abjectly to ensure the protection of citizens. "The protest came in light of a horrific incident in which a 42-year-old woman in Vantamuri village of Belagavi district was allegedly assaulted, paraded naked, and tied to an electric pole after her son eloped with a girl from the same village. The incident took place on December 11. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for politicising the Belagavi incident, wherein a woman was stripped naked and assaulted after being tied to an electric pole early this week in Karnataka's Belagavi district. "JP Nadda and the BJP are doing politics over this issue. Atrocities did happen to that woman. Whatever legal action needed to be taken has been taken by the government. Our home minister met the victim. The accused was arrested immediately," said the Chief Minister. "Just open the National Crime Bureau once you know how many cases happened during their tenure. Do you know the one who was jailed yesterday (in UP) is a BJP MLA? What did he do? He raped a 9-year-old girl. We will take strict action against culprits and they will be punished," questioned the Karnataka CM. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also reacted to the matter and said that the BJP was trying to do politics on the incident in spite of the state government taking action against the culprits. Replying to reporters' query at the 'Excon 2023', he said, "The Home Minister, Women and Child Welfare Minister, and District In-Charge Minister have taken necessary action regarding this incident and yet the BJP is trying to exploit it politically. Our government is committed to protecting women in the state. Strict legal action will be initiated against the culprits." Taking to his social media handle X, the Chief Minister posted, "Despite the Karnataka High Court's restrictions, the BJP leaders have visited the victimised woman who was partially stripped in a village in Belagavi district, thus not only flouting the court's directive but also displaying their insensitivity." "The Chief Justice of the High Court, while suo-motu taking cognisance of the incident, had suggested this morning that visits to the traumatised woman, who is severely distressed, should be restricted," he added. "Considering that the woman is receiving medical treatment, visitors' interactions could impact her health and treatment. Therefore, the High Court stated that it is necessary to restrict visits to the woman for her well-being," he posted further. "The High Court had ordered that no individual, group, organisation, political party, or others should visit the woman without prior written permission from the chief medical officer of the hospital responsible for her treatment," he said. Despite this, the BJP leaders, in a move to use a tragic incident for political gain, have visited the victimised woman in the name of 'truth-seeking'. "It shows their blatant disregard for the court's orders and instructions. The insensitivity and lack of respect shown by BJP leaders and their national president, J. P Nadda, who is supporting this behaviour, must be condemned by everyone," stated the post. Earlier in the day, BJP MP and member of the fact-finding team, Aprajita Sarangi, said, "It's extremely unfortunate that the entire Gandhi family is keeping mum on this incident. Neither Sonia Gandhi nor Priyanka Gandhi, being women, have said anything. As far as Rahul Gandhi is concerned, he is a veteran as far as diverting topics are concerned. We are talking of a victim woman who has been brutally assaulted and paraded naked. This is an extreme form of inhumanity. And even at this juncture, the entire Gandhi family chooses to keep mum." Earlier, the five-member BJP fact-finding team, comprising Aparajita Sarangi, Sunita Duggal, Ranjeeta Koli, Locket Chatterjee and BJP national secretary Asha Lakra, met with the victim's family on Saturday. A 42-year-old woman was stripped naked, paraded, and assaulted after being tied to an electric pole early on Monday in Karnataka's Belagavi district after her son eloped with a woman, police said, adding that they had arrested seven people in connection with the incident. (ANI)
With an aim to disseminate information about the government's flagship schemes and ensure their benefits reach every corner of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra entered Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram, the five states where assembly elections were held recently. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by the Prime Minister on November 15 in Khunti, Jharkhand but the launch of the yatra was delayed in some States as the Model code of conduct was enforced due to elections. BJP has formed its governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh while in Telangana, Congress has dethroned the KCR government. PM Modi emphasized the crucial role of cities in the development of a prosperous India. PM Modi said, "For the resolution of developed India, our cities have a huge role. For a long time after independence, development was limited to a few big cities. But today, we are focusing on the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities." PM Modi provided an overview of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, highlighting its progress over the past month, reaching thousands of villages and 1,500 cities. The yatra aims to disseminate information about the government's flagship schemes and ensure their benefits reach every corner of the country. Talking about the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra further, the Prime Minister said, "With the vision of a developed India, Modi's guaranteed vehicle is reaching every corner of the country. It's been a month since we started this journey. In just one month, this journey has reached thousands of villages as well as 1,500 cities." Interacting with the beneficiaries of the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', PM Modi inquired about their experiences, discussed what schemes benefitted them and also asked if they faced any hurdles while receiving the benefits of the central government's schemes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted key achievements and transformative initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government while addressing a gathering at Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra on Saturday at Changodar in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district. The Home Minister highlighted the government's ambition to create two crore 'Lakhpati didis', underscoring the commitment to women's economic empowerment. Shah also lauded PM Modi's efforts in industrial development, raising the standard of living for 60 crore impoverished citizens and facilitating essential services like water, grains, and vaccinations. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya highlighted PM Modi's resolution for India to become the most powerful country globally by the completion of 100 years of independence, and the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a step toward realizing this vision Earlier, during the virtual interaction with the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "It was PM Modi's concern that no one should be left behind. Many people do 'yatra'. Some for physical benefits and some for personal gains, but this 'yatra' is such that it is for the benefit of the 140 crore people of the country." At 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' programme in Delhi, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "To ensure that the benefits of every scheme reach the 140 crore people of the country is the resolution and guarantee of PM Modi. He makes the dreams of the common men his guarantee." On 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy said, " The 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' began in the country but could not begin in the 5 states of the elections. Today it has begun in those 5 states also. We will make sure that every home has a gas cylinder. This yatra will continue till the Republic Day." Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected to this yatra, I welcome him. We welcome this yatra being taken out in the state today... Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said, "Today the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra began in our state. It was delayed due to the elections. More and more people will know about the schemes of the government and will be benefitted from it. All the promises made by our government would be fulfilled." At the program of 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' in Jaipur, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma says, "We are working to make sure that women and children are safe and secure. We will work on the policy of zero tolerance for corruption. Better law and order and security is our resolution." Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari said, "It is the vision of PM, Narendra Modi, that India becomes a developed country - that we become a developed nation by 2047, when we complete 100 years of independence. We are going ahead toward that. The yatra began in Rajasthan today...The 'rath' will reach every village, every city, every Vidhan Sabha constituency and all public representatives, officials will together have to avail the benefits of schemes. We also have to get in touch with people who have already availed the benefits..." Talking about the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a resolution on completion of 75 years of independence, that on completion of 100 years of independence, India should become the most powerful country in the world. This Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a part of that. By visiting from village to village, people are being informed that India will become the most powerful country in the world The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a nationwide initiative to inform and empower citizens about government schemes. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan participated in a 'padayatra' in Odisha's Cuttack district en route to attending PM Modi's virtual program for the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. The yatra, launched on November 15 in Jharkhand, is a nationwide initiative aimed at informing and empowering citizens about government schemes. It involves health camps at various stops to provide on-the-spot services. As of November 26, over 5,470 health camps have been conducted in 995 Gram Panchayats, with a total footfall exceeding 7,82,000 people. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 15 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed during a telephone conversation with Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the latest developments in the region, and their fallout at the humanitarian and security levels. During the call, the two top diplomats explored ways to boost regional and global efforts to de-escalate the situation and protect civilians, while boosting humanitarian response to support the people of the Gaza Strip and sustain such support. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the importance of bolstering regional and global efforts to end extremism, tensions, and escalating violence in the region, as well as the need to ensure the protection of civilians and the sustainable supply of relief and medical aid to the people of Gaza. (ANI/WAM)
Hours after Pakistan's Supreme Court ruling, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday night issued the election schedule for the general polls set to take place on February 8, 2024, Dawn reported. The polling process will begin on December 19, when the returning officer (RO) will issue a public notice, while the ECP will also resume training for the ROs and district returning officers (DROs). The election programme also applies to the reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the national and four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Notably, the commission issued the election schedule late at night in line with the Supreme Court's orders. In a hiccup with the polling process, the Lahore High Court suspended the commission's notification for the appointment of the ROs and DROs from the executive branch--in defiance of the SC's orders, Dawn reported. The Lahore HC's verdict was issued on a petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the same party that had called for timely polls in a plea filed in the Supreme Court. Following detailed deliberations, the commission filed a petition in the top court seeking the annulment of the HC order. The Pakistan SC accepted the plea a few hours back, putting the process back on track. Earlier, Pakistan President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly three days before the completion of its five-year term, upon the advice of then-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The former government prematurely dissolved the lower house to ensure that the polls were scheduled 90 days later, in line with the Pakistan Constitution. However, that didn't happen, as ECP stated that it couldn't follow the 90-day deadline as it had to work on fresh delimitation of constituencies after the Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved the results of the 2023 digital census. Following the ECP decision, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and several others filed a plea in the top court seeking timely polls. On the same plea, the SC ordered the ECP and the president to consult, which resulted in a consensus date of February 8, Dawn reported. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], December 16 (ANI/WAM): Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, warmly welcomed Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), along with her accompanying delegation, at the Dubai Police General Headquarters. During the meeting, Lt Gen Al Marri emphasised Dubai Police's strong commitment to promoting effective communication, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practises with local and international entities across various specialised fields. He highlighted the significance of collective efforts in addressing the challenges and risks posed by climate change, emphasising the need for adaptability, resilience, and the integration of cutting-edge technological tools to enhance infrastructure and essential services. Meanwhile, Mami Mizutori expressed the UNDRR's keenness to establish and enhance collaboration with diverse government entities in the UAE. She emphasised the importance of fostering a strong partnership in areas of mutual interest to develop and strengthen cooperation across various domains in alignment with the strategic goals of both parties. Al Marri accompanied the UN delegation to the Command and Control Centre, where they were briefed about the latest services and initiatives that enhance security and safety in the emirate, as well as the centre's equipment and latest additions, such as the 3D map that covers Dubai and the patrols dispatching system that ensures swift and efficient response to reports and emergency calls. The delegation was introduced to the interactive educational platform "Efaad," which has made a significant impact with its solid initiatives and valuable content. It has become a pioneering model sought after by both government and private entities as it focuses on equipping students with essential skills. The platform stands out in providing scholarship services and has set a benchmark for best international practises in the field of scholarship. Furthermore, Efaad has successfully fostered collaboration and coordination with various educational institutions and training centres, effectively meeting Dubai Police's academic and training requirements while aligning with their strategic objectives. (ANI/WAM)
A jury on Friday (local time) ordered the former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, to pay USD 148 million to two former Georgia election workers over his false allegation of rigging the 2020 presidential polls against former President Donald Trump, The Hill reported. During the four-day civil trial, the eight Washington, DC, residents heard harrowing testimony from the workers--Rose Freeman and Shaye Moss--who said their lives were turned upside down as they faced a "torrent of racist and violent threats" following the accusations. Giuliani, the former lawyer for Trump, was found liable in the defamation case months ago, and the jury only convened to decide how much the former federal prosecutor must pay in damages. Before deliberations began, the mother-daughter duo asked for more than USD 47 million. "Everyone who spread lies about Moss and Freeman should be held accountable," Michael Gottlieb, a lawyer for the two women, said in closing remarks. The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours before ordering Giuliani to pay the election workers a total of USD 148.7 million. Moss would receive nearly USD 17 million for Giuliani's defamation and USD 20 million for his infliction of emotional distress. Freeman would receive nearly USD 16.2 million for the defamation and USD 20 million for emotional distress. The mother and daughter received an additional USD 75 million in punitive damages, The Hill reported. However, it remains unclear how Giuliani will be able to pay such a sum. Meanwhile, after the verdict, Moss told reporters that she and Freeman's "greatest wish" is that no one -- "no election worker, voter, school board member or anyone else" -- has to experience what the two women have since Giuliani's false claims were made, The Hill reported. "We hope no one ever has to fight so hard just to get your name back," Moss said. Following the 2020 election, Giuliani led former President Trump's 'unsuccessful' legal efforts seeking to overturn President Biden's victory. Through press conferences, legislative hearings, media interviews and other statements, Giuliani made Freeman and Moss a focal point of his allegations, according to The Hill. But, even after the verdict, Giuliani doubled down on his claims of 'election fraud'. "The absurdity of the number really underscores the absurdity of the entire proceeding," Giuliani told reporters while leaving the courtroom. Much of Giuliani's accusations revolved around a video of the duo working in State Farm Arena in Atlanta, counting ballots. The former mayor claimed in December 2020 that the footage showed the workers "pulling suitcases stuffed with ballots from under a table." Freeman and Moss's lawyers centred their case on the notion that their clients had lost their names and were forced to live their daily lives in secret. The two women sued Giuliani on claims of "defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil conspiracy, and punitive damage," The Hill reported. (ANI)
Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that India is aware of the reports of minority persecution in Pakistan and has also taken up the matter with the Islamabad government multiple times. Muraleedharan said this in a written reply to BJP MP Gopal Chinnaya Shetty, who asked about the reports of alleged heinous crimes against minority communities in Pakistan. He said that New Delhi, from time to time, has come across reports of alleged heinous crimes faced by minority communities abroad. "The government has also taken note of various incidents of persecution, killing, abduction, forced conversions and forced marriages of members of minority communities in Pakistan," he said in the reply. The MoS said that it is the Pakistani government's responsibility to discharge its "constitutional obligation," adding that New Delhi has also taken up the matter with the Islamabad government. "It is the responsibility of the government of Pakistan to discharge its constitutional obligations towards its citizens, including those from minority communities," the BJP leader said. He added, "Based on the reports of atrocities committed against minorities in Pakistan, the Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan and asked it to take steps to protect and promote the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities." The MoS further informed the Parliament that India has also highlighted the human rights violations in Pakistan at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. (ANI)
The Kremlin has said that it has "no information" about jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who reportedly has been missing from prison since December 6, Al Jazeera reported. Navalny's lawyers have not been able to see him since December 6. The prison authorities moved him from the penal colony, where he was serving his sentence for multiple charges, including extremism, but have not said where he was transferred to. Prison officials told a court on Friday (local time) that Navalny had left the IK-6 facility in the town of Melekhovo in the Vladimir region, about 230 km (140 miles) east of Moscow, Al Jazeera reported, citing Vyacheslav Gimadi, the head of the legal department at Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. On being asked if the Kremlin had any information about Navalny, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "No. I repeat again: we do not have the capacity, or right, or desire to track the fates of those prisoners who are serving sentences by order of a court." Navalny, who rose to prominence by lampooning President Vladimir Putin's "elite" and alleging "extensive corruption" was sentenced in August to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 and a half years he was already serving, Al Jazeera reported. "We don't know [where he is] for the 10th day," Navalny's lawyer posted on X. The allies of the Putin critic had been preparing for his expected transfer to a "special regime" high-security facility, the harshest grade in Russia's prison system, before he was moved. "Where he was taken is not known," Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, posted on X, saying he was moved on December 11. "Let me remind you that the lawyers have not seen Alexei since December 6." Earlier, Navalny's team had alleged that the jailed Russian leader suffered a serious health incident. Meanwhile, another Navalny ally, Maria Pevchikh, has urged the United Nations Human Rights Committee to help them locate the jailed leader. "What is happening with Alexei is, in fact, an enforced disappearance and a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights. Answers must be given," she said on Thursday. Several rights groups have also weighed in on Moscow's criticism. Amnesty International acknowledged "the possibility that he may be in transit to another prison colony." "As if attempted poisoning, imprisonment and inhumane conditions of detention were not enough, Alexei Navalny may now have been subjected to an enforced disappearance," it added. The dissident was taken from Russia to Germany in 2020 after he was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent. Navalny had to be airlifted from the Siberian city of Omsk and arrived comatose at a hospital in Berlin, CNN reported. Navalny was immediately incarcerated upon his return to Russia in January 2021 on charges of violating the terms of his probation related to a fraud case brought against him in 2013, which he also dismissed as politically motivated. He has also campaigned from prison against Russia's war against Ukraine and has even attempted to mobilise public opposition to the war. According to CNN, Navalny posed one of the most serious threats to Putin's legitimacy during his rule, which has spanned more than two decades. When Navalny was sentenced to 19 years in a maximum-security penal colony in August, he said, "the number of years does not matter." (ANI)
The US envoy to China, Nicholas Burns, on Friday said relations between the two countries are not necessarily improving, but he was 'hopeful' of better ties, The Hill reported. "I don't feel optimistic about the future of U.S.-China relations because I feel that we need to see how things develop," Burns said at an event hosted by the Brookings Institution. "We had a good and productive meeting in California. Can we now sustain that engagement? Can we meet our commitments to each other?" he added. "I've lived the past. The roller-coaster past where communications is cut off and then put back on again," he said, adding, "So, wouldn't say I'm optimistic. I'm careful about this. Maybe realistic. Hopeful, if you will. But hopeful is different than optimistic." "So far, the Chinese have met their commitments on fentanyl, and I think will in terms of our military-to-military context but let's see that happen over time," Burns said on Friday. The diplomat said he hoped the two countries could create a relationship where they could compete, adding, however, that it must be done in a responsible way that brings down the possibility of conflict. His comments come a month after President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at a friendly summit in San Francisco. The forum was largely viewed as a positive encounter despite the president calling Xi a "dictator" immediately after it, The Hill reported. Part of the agreement between the two leaders was establishing military contacts that were severed last year. It was a high-priority task for Biden, something he views as essential to avoid potentially disastrous, accidental conflicts, The Hill reported earlier. After meeting the Chinese President, Biden informed that Xi said he would keep the lines of communication open between the two leaders. They also agreed to restart cooperation on counternarcotics, as the U.S. pushes China to crack down on the export of chemicals used in fentanyl, The Hill reported. (ANI)
China's game market sales revenue tops 300 billion yuan

Xinhua) 16:36, December 15, 2023

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The actual sales revenue of China's domestic game market in 2023 has reached around 303 billion yuan (about 42.7 billion U.S. dollars), up 14 percent year on year, according to an industrial report released on Friday.

The annual report on China's game industry was released during the 2023 China Game Industry Annual Conference held in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.

According to the report, China now has a total of 668 million game players, a new record high.

The country's self-developed game products have raked in about 16.4 billion U.S. dollars overseas in 2023, achieving a revenue scale of over 100 billion yuan for four consecutive years, said the report.

The United States and Japan remain the two major overseas markets for Chinese mobile games, accounting for 32.5 percent and 18.9 percent, respectively, in terms of market share, followed by the Republic of Korea.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
You are here: Business

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows ships unloading cargo at the ore wharf of the Caofeidian port area of the Tangshan Port in north China's Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's economic recovery continued to gather steam in November, with multiple indicators showing strong performances, putting the world's second-largest economy on solid footing to meet its 2023 annual growth targets.



Indicators such as industrial output, services production, consumer spending and exports improved last month, and the country is well-positioned to achieve its full-year growth targets, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) spokesperson Liu Aihua told a press conference on Friday.

The country has set an approximate annual economic growth target of 5 percent for 2023, and its economy grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters.

Recovery gaining momentum

Value-added industrial output climbed 6.6 percent year on year in November, accelerating from October's 4.6 percent rise and the fastest growth in more than two years.



Retail sales expanded 10.1 percent year on year last month, with the pace of growth accelerating for the fourth consecutive month.

The country's exports in yuan-denominated terms reversed a downward trend, up 1.7 percent year on year in November, rising for the first time since April.

Its services production index increased 9.3 percent year on year in November, with a growth rate 1.6 percentage points faster than the October figure.

Employment remained stable, with the surveyed urban unemployment rate unchanged at 5 percent in November, according to the NBS data.

As the country's macroeconomic policies gradually took effect, the national economy maintained a trend of continuous improvement last month, laying quite a solid foundation for the economy to achieve its full-year targets, Liu said.

The November data came after various international organizations, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank, raised their growth forecasts for China, citing favorable prospects.

"China's stable economic growth has made a significant contribution to global economic recovery," Liu said.

She noted that the country will not experience deflation as the government expects its economy and domestic demand to improve gradually.

Looking forward, Liu warned that the economy still faces lots of unstable and uncertain external factors while domestic demand has remained sluggish, and efforts should be taken to cement the foundation for economic recovery further.

Innovation driving growth

China has continued to promote innovation-driven development, with its ranking on the Global Innovation Index, which is released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, climbing from 35th in 2013 to 12th this year.



As the country's economic recovery continued apace, new growth drivers prospered to become bright spots in the economy. Analysts believe this will underpin the country's longer-term development.

Last month, high-tech manufacturing registered a 6.2 percent increase in industrial output, up 4.4 percentage points from October.

High-tech products such as solar cells, services robots and integrated circuits continued to perform phenomenally in November, with output surging 44.5 percent, 33.3 percent and 27.9 percent, respectively.

The production and sales of new energy vehicles totaled 8.43 million units and 8.3 million units during the January-November period, with those figures respectively surging 34.5 percent and 36.7 percent year on year.

Online retail sales of physical goods rose 8.3 percent year on year during the first 11 months, accounting for 27.5 percent of the total retail sales of consumer goods.

Fundamentals remain sound

Despite headwinds from home and abroad, the country's economic development is underpinned by various favorable conditions, including a vast domestic market, a complete industrial system, a large talent pool, deepened reform and opening-up, and ample policy space, Liu said.



"The country's long-term sound fundamentals remain unchanged," she said.

China has built the largest high-speed rail and expressway networks on the planet, as well as world-class ports, and its population of 1.4 billion -- with a 400-million-strong middle-income group -- comprises an enormous market, said Wu Hao, an official of the National Development and Reform Commission.

"If we make full use of the immense market, the potential and vigor of the Chinese economy will be continuously unleashed," Wu said.

In the next 15 years, China's middle-income group is expected to exceed 800 million, driving the development of its enormous market further.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday and discussed future collaborations between the two countries. PM Modi received the Oman Sultan at the Hyderabad House after he arrived at the venue. Taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi shared about the meeting saying, "Giving a boost to India-Oman Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodi warmly received His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman at Hyderabad House, setting the stage for bilateral discussions. Agenda includes taking stock of bilateral ties and charting pathways for the future collaboration between the two countries." PM Modi will also host a luncheon in Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik's honour. Earlier today, Sultan of Oman was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his state visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu received the Sultan at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik then inspected a Guard of Honour by the combined defence services. On December 15, Sultan arrived at the Delhi airport on Friday for a three-day State visit and was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan. Earlier, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, said the visit by the Sultan of Oman will further boost the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. "His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by @MOS_MEA at the airport. The visit will further reinforce the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India & Oman and strengthen bilateral ties," Bagchi posted from his official handle on X. The MEA noted that the maiden State visit by the Sultan of Oman marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Muscat. The visit will be an opportunity to explore avenues for future collaboration between India and Oman for regional stability, progress and prosperity, the MEA release stated. Significantly, India and Oman share a long-standing friendship rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties. Furthermore, people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back 5,000 years. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1955 and were upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008. Oman is India's closest defence partner in the Gulf region as well, with defence cooperation emerging as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries, according to the MEA. Oman is the only country in West Asia with which all three services of the Indian Armed Forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and service-level staff talks. India also extended a special invitation to the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country under India's G20 Presidency. Oman participated in over 150 working group meetings, with nine of its ministers taking part in various G20 ministerial meetings. (ANI)
In a significant development in the India-Oman economic partnership, the third tranche of the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund has been announced, marking a major milestone in trade and capital cooperation between the two nations. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, in a special briefing at the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday, highlighted the importance of this achievement during the State Visit of the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, to India. "An important achievement in terms of India-Oman trade and capital cooperation was the announcement of the third tranche of the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund," he said. The Foreign Secretary also said that the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund, a 50-50 joint venture between the State Bank of India and the Oman Investment Authority, aims to bolster economic ties by directing investments into the fastest-growing sectors of the Indian economy. "This fund would be worth 300 million dollars, approximately 2500 crores, purely as a point of elaboration. The fund was established as a 50-50 joint venture between the State Bank of India and the Oman Investment Authority, which essentially channelled investments into the fastest-growing sectors of the Indian economy," Kwatra added. The fund's earlier two tranches, valued at 100 million and 200 million dollars, respectively, laid the groundwork for a strong economic alliance. "The initial two tranches--the first valued at 100 million and the second at roughly 200 million--captured the underlying belief between the two countries and leadership, forging a very strong base of economic ties through direct capital investments in the growing sectors of the Indian economy. The third tranche, as mentioned, is 300 million," said Kwatra. The announcement of the third tranche of the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund not only signifies a substantial financial commitment but also cements the long-term vision of both nations to deepen economic and cultural ties. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two leaders adopted a new 'India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for future' under which both countries will work in ten different areas. The Sultan of Oman was also accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his state visit to India. The Sultan was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, as he arrived at the Delhi airport on Friday for a three-day State visit. (ANI)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar met with Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in the national capital on Saturday. The Sultan of Oman is on his maiden visit to India. "This is also the first state visit from Oman to India in the last 26 years," said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra today while addressing a briefing on the ongoing visit of the Oman Sultan. Earlier in the day, the Sultan of Oman met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders held delegation-level talks with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. "The prime minister has just concluded his talks with the Head of State of the Sultan of Oman, who is currently on a state visit to India," Kwatra also said. "Talks were both in restricted format and in delegation-level format and covered a wide range of areas of our bilateral cooperation, which also reflected the multi-faceted nature of the India-Oman bilateral relationship," Kwatra added. The Sultan of Oman began his three-day state visit to India on Friday. He is visiting the country with a high-level delegation of senior ministers and officials, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official release. "His Majesty is accompanied on this visit by a very high-level delegation comprising his Deputy Prime Minister for Defence, seven Cabinet ministers and three Vice Ministers," the Foreign Secretary noted. The Sultan of Oman was also accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his state visit to India. "As part of his state visit, His Majesty was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier this morning and later in the evening, His Majesty will be hosted by the Honourable Rashtrapati for a state banquet," Kwatra said while briefing Oman Sultan's schedule for the remainder of the day. The Sultan was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, as he arrived at the Delhi airport on Friday for a three-day state visit. (ANI)
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Saturday said that discussions are underway between India and Oman about utilising the UPI stack, adding that talks on the possibility of Rupee trade which is an "important element of cooperation,' is still at the "exploratory stage". Kwatra's remarks came while addressing a special briefing at the Ministry of External Affairs on the State Visit of the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, to India. "Another element of discussion where we would try to move forward is the possibility of Rupee trade which can work between the two countries but this is still at an exploratory stage but can be an important element of cooperation going forward," Kwatra said while responding to ANI question. On talks of digital payment cooperation between Oman and India, the Foreign Secretary said both sides discussed utilising the UPI stack with the potential corresponding digital stack in the Omanis ecosystem. "There are also other elements of the Indian stack in terms of the digital infrastructure that can be suitable to Omanis priorities with regard to using now financial inclusion and financial technology payment systems; those are only one element of it but the interface of the UPI with a corresponding Oman platform is something we can talk about," he added. Kwatra also talked about the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and mentioned that the negotiations have started recently, which have made substantial progress in the last few rounds of discussion and both leaders gave strong impetus to conclude it as early as possible. "An area that featured very prominently in the discussions between the two leaders was ongoing discussions between the two countries for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Although the negotiations on CEPA have started only recently, they have made substantial progress in the last few rounds of discussion and both leaders gave strong impetus and push to conclude the CEPA Agreement as early as possible," Kwatra said. Briefing further on the Sultan of Oman's maiden visit to India, Kwatra said, "This is the first visit of Sultan of Oman to India. This is also the first state visit from Oman to India in the last 26 years. Some of you would recall that the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said visited India in 1997 and he was also awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 posthumously." The visit gained added importance due to the recent exchanges between the two nations, including Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Sultanate of Oman in February 2018. Kwatra underscored the significance of Oman's successful participation as a special guest country in the G20 during India's presidency, particularly at the G20 summit in September. "Most recently in our exchanges over the last few years. PM Modi visited the Sultanate of Oman in February 2018. The visit by His Majesty is also important as it follows Oman's very successful participation as a special guest country in the G20 during the India Presidency and their participation, particularly at the summit of the G20 in September this year," said the Foreign Secretary. Kwatra also highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Oman, which is rooted in a long history of cultural ties and has evolved into a comprehensive collaboration spanning political, security, defence, trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people relations. "India shares a special relationship with Oman anchored in an old history of contacts between our people today," he said. Notably, India and Oman are key partners in maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, reflecting the depth of their cooperation. "Our relationship has turned into a strategic partnership characterised by strong cooperation across a range of areas in diverse fields. India and Oman are partners for maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean. Both sides enjoy robust and multi-dimensional defence engagement," the Foreign Secretary added. Kwatra acknowledged the strong bond shared by the two nations and the special role played by the Indian diaspora in Oman, numbering around seven million individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of Oman's economy. "Oman is also home to a large Indian diaspora. About seven Indians called Oman their home and, in the process, made significant and meaningful contributions to the development of the Omanis economy," he also said. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. "Transforming India-Oman ties! PM @narendramodi held productive discussions with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. The leaders reviewed bilateral relationship covering the areas of political, security, defence, trade, economic, cultural and people to people ties. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues," posted MEA spokersperson Arindam Bagchi on X, following their meeting. The two leaders adopted a new 'India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future' under which both countries will work in ten different areas. The Sultan of Oman was also accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his state visit to India. The Sultan was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, as he arrived at the Delhi airport on Friday for a three-day state visit. (ANI)
On the occasion of Bangladesh Vijay Diwas, Andalib Elias, Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner, highlighted the strong personal relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Elias emphasised the mutual trust and respect between the leaders, stating that such camaraderie strengthens the overall relationship between the two neighbouring countries. "PM Narendra Modi and my Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina enjoy a wonderful personal relationship built on mutual trust and respect. So that's very important when two heads of government of two neighbouring countries, respect each other. They have very good contact with each other. They can talk to each other whenever necessary. That really strengthens the relationship," Elias told ANI. He further extended warm greetings on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, commemorating the victory day of Bangladesh 52 years ago. Elias expressed profound thanks to the Indian government, people, and the Armed Forces for their significant role during the war, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces personnel. "First of all, many greetings to everyone on behalf of this occasion of the Vijay Diwas. The victory day of Bangladesh. It's one of the greatest occasions for us, 52 years ago. On this day, the final victory of Bangladesh was achieved," he said. The day commenced with the formal flag-raising ceremony for Bangladesh, accompanied by the National Anthem. Elias announced a two-day cultural event, inaugurated by Sobhondeb Chattopadhyay, Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs Minister of the Government of West Bengal, to celebrate the occasion. "We will be having a series of different performances, like songs, dances and recitations, today and tomorrow. So these are all the testimonies of the friendship that we have between the two countries," Elias added. As a testament to their enduring friendship, Elias acknowledged the Indian Army's programmes and expressed gratitude for their hospitality during his visit to an Indian Army village. "We will be having a series of different performances, like songs, dances and recitations, today and tomorrow. So these are all the testimonies of the friendship that we have between the two countries. So the Indian Army has a lot of programmes for them and I was also invited. I spent the whole day with them at the village of Indian Army and I'm thankful to them for that," he added. Looking ahead, Elias expressed confidence in the golden phase of the relationship between India and Bangladesh, anticipating further strengthening under the visionary leadership of both nations. "The relationship is built on blood and sweat and they have taken it further. We have reached the golden phase of our relationship and we are confident that under the leadership of these two very visionary global leaders, this relationship will further strengthen and cement in the coming days," he also said. Elias also highlighted the significance of the pivotal year 2024 as both countries, vibrant democracies, prepare for major elections, showcasing the power of people's choices in shaping the destiny of nations. "2024 is a turning year for, I will say, a very important pivotal year for India and Bangladesh. There is huge excitement and festivity in the festive mood in Bangladesh already. In the same manner, next year, by the middle of next year, we will have the largest parliamentary election in India, the largest democracy in the world. So these two countries are again testimonies to the world of how a vibrant democracy and people's choices can lead the countries to their successes. It's so best of luck to the people of India and to my countrymen," Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner said. Notably, India was the first country to recognise Bangladesh as a separate and independent state and established diplomatic relations with the country immediately after its independence in December 1971, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI)
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  One person is dead after crashing a vehicle into the stairs of an apartment building on Mohawk Drive in Portsmouth Friday, a city fire official confirmed.

All I hear is a boom, boom, boom, said Haley Nother, who lives a few houses down from the apartment building on Mohawk Drive, we walk over there and this guys on fire. The guy didnt make it.

The crash took place around 6 p.m., as the driver of a vehicle drove into a building in the 100 block of Mohawk Drive, just off of Portsmouth Boulevard, and the vehicle immediately caught fire, a Portsmouth Fire Rescue official said.

A car come sliding past us with a big ball of fire behind it and started flipping over and stuff and it slid into that building. It happened all so fast. The car just burst into flames. It was pretty traumatic. He had to have been doing at least 100 mph, said mechanic Arthur Elliott who works at Salas Auto, directly across from the apartment building.

Witnesses told 10 On Your Sides Michelle Wolf that the car was driving at a high speed down Portsmouth Boulevard before it crashed.

Video of the car fire from WAVY viewer Lee Hoggard shows it at the bottom of the stairs to the building, engulfed in flames as other vehicles were driving on Portsmouth Boulevard and Mohawk Drive.

Sirens could be heard as fire crews were enroute to the fire.

It appeared the driver was already dead after Portsmouth fire crews put out the flames, a Portsmouth Fire Rescue official said.

Nother told us the building the car crashed into was just renovated into apartments, with both tenants living on the second floor. The car crashed into the exterior stairwell and did not breach the wall.

The fire is under control, the official said, and the Fire Marshals Office and Portsmouth Police will be investigating the cause.

A WALL OF FIRE: A man is dead after his car crashed into an apartment building on Mohawk Drive in Portsmouth. Witnesses tell us the car was flying at high speeds down Portsmouth Blvd before it crashed. The latest on @WAVY_News at 10 and 11. pic.twitter.com/i8RXyjgARr  Michelle Wolf (@MichelleWolfTV) December 16, 2023

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A man was found fatally shot Friday night inside a residence in Kansas Citys South Indian Mound neighborhood, according to police.

Officers were dispatched around 7 p.m. to St. John and White avenues on a reported shooting, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a Kansas City police spokeswoman.

The officers were flagged down by people on the block and directed to a home on White Avenue, Gonzalez said.

They provided medical aid until emergency medical services arrived, she said, and the man was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he later died.

Police did not know the circumstances surrounding the shooting or have a suspect identified Friday night.

Preliminary information gathered by investigators indicated the shooting was not a random attack, Gonzalez said. Detectives remained on scene Friday night in search of witnesses, surveillance footage and other evidence.

The killing Friday marks Kansas Citys 178th homicide of 2023, according to data maintained by The Star.

It comes as the city is experiencing its second-deadliest year on record. Kansas City remains on pace to meet or exceed the greatest number of homicides in a year, which came in 2020 when 182 people were killed.

Kansas City police were asking anyone with information to contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or call the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A suspect is dead after an officer pursuit turned fatal in Josephine County early Friday afternoon, police said.

Earlier that day, officers from Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, and Josephine County Sheriffs Office were searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation. Just after noon, they found the suspect in their car near Grants Pass, according to OSP.

Police said that the suspect then fled and officers pursued. Then, officers from all three agencies discharged their duty weapons, ending the chase at Highway 199 and Allen Creek Road.

Portland police ease restrictions on pursuing suspects in cars

The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Kelly Lynn Mason, died at the scene, authorities say.

OSP said all officers involved were placed on traumatic event leave.

Officials have not yet released the reasoning behind the weapons discharge.

The Jackson County Sheriffs Office is currently leading the investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
One person was killed and four others were hospitalized a suspect opened fire at a Willowbrook shopping plaza on Friday.

Los Angeles County deputies received calls of an assault with a deadly weapon on the 200 block of East El Segundo Boulevard at around 2:23 p.m.

Arriving deputies found the victim, identified only as a 32-year-old man, suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Four other men between 40-50 years old who were standing nearby were also struck by gunfire, authorities said.

One person was killed and four others were hospitalized after shots rang out at a Willowbrook shopping plaza on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

One person was killed and four others were hospitalized after shots rang out at a Willowbrook shopping plaza on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

One person was killed and four others were hospitalized after shots rang out at a Willowbrook shopping plaza on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

One person was killed and four others were hospitalized after shots rang out at a Willowbrook shopping plaza on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

They were transported to the hospital where three remain in stable condition on Friday night. The fourth victim was listed as critical but stable.

The suspect, described as an adult male, walked up to the area and began shooting at the victims, deputies said. He was last seen running away southbound on San Pedro Street.

Protesters calling for ceasefire in Gaza block roads near LAX

Its unclear what initially prompted the deadly shooting.

The victims identities have not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident can call the LASDs Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

This developing story will be updated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
HOLLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A 38-year-old man was seriously injured following a crash in Holland Charter Township Friday evening, according to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies responded to a report of a three-car crash with a man stuck in one of the vehicles at the intersection of 120th Avenue and Riley Street at 6:08 p.m.

An Investigation revealed that a 65-year-old Zeeland resident driving a pickup truck east on Riley Street made a wide turn onto south 120th Avenue, hitting a Volvo in the left turning lane on northbound 120th Avenue.

The impact pushed the Volvo into a car northbound on 120th Avenue, trapping the Volvo driver. The victim was freed by Holland Township Fire and Rescue.

The driver was taken to Holland Hospital with serious injuries. 120th Avenue at Riley Street was shut down for a period of time due to the crash.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The crash remains under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
As a visitor who had just finished a tour of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge  the world's longest cross-sea bridge  on Friday, Yu Mei said she was impressed by both the beautiful bay scenery and the construction achievements of the bridge.

"As a former engineer, I was so impressed by the magnificence of this national super engineering project after gaining insights into its construction," said Yu, a resident of Zhuhai, Guangdong province, who admired the project on the first day of its trial tourism operation.

During the tour, Yu and other visitors completed a 140-minute escorted shuttle bus ride starting from the Zhuhai end of the bridge to the western artificial island, also known as Blue Dolphin Island.

Yu was one of the first 1,200 tourists to visit the bridge, she said, adding that she paid 188 yuan ($26.4) for her ticket.

According to the official WeChat account of the bridge tour, prior booking is required and can be done via WeChat, with ticket prices varying from 128 yuan to 298 yuan.

Tourists from the Chinese mainland with valid ID cards and those from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions who have entered the mainland with valid travel permits are eligible to join the tour during the trial operation, according to Zhuhai Customs.

The bridge, with a length of 55 kilometers, opened to traffic in November 2018.

Conducting tourism activities on the bridge marks a historic breakthrough nationwide, as the route is located among the Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao ports, and within the Customs supervision zone and designated areas, said Zheng Shunchao, director of the administration bureau of the bridge.

"The bridge tour offers unique experiences different from regular sightseeing, as visitors can appreciate the magnificence of a national engineering project and experience the wonder of the bridge's construction," Zheng said.

During the tour, visitors also have the chance to admire wild Chinese white dolphins, known as the "giant pandas of the sea", as the tour route passes by the world's largest habitat of these dolphins.

"Though tourism will give new vitality to Blue Dolphin Island, it will also present challenges requiring additional maintenance and safety work," Zheng said.

With the trial operation, the director said the bureau will improve support facilities and services to provide a better visiting experience.

"We will enhance the role of the bridge as a new channel for economic and trade exchanges between Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Macao to facilitate the free flow of people, goods, capital, and innovation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," said Huang Zhihao, the mayor of Zhuhai.




MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man is in critical condition and two people have been charged after a domestic violence-related shooting in Uptown early Saturday morning, Memphis Police say.

According to reports, officers responded to the shooting at 302 Mill Avenue at 4 a.m.

One man, identified by family as Brandon Smith, was transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition and three others were detained on the scene, police say.

Mill Avenue shooting scene

Mill Avenue shooting scene

WREG spoke to the sister of the victim, Jerica Smith, who says she received a terrifying call from her brother early Saturday morning claiming his wife, April Smith, had shot him.

As soon as I answer the phone Bruh, April shot me! and Im sleeping and Im like run that back, said Jerica. He called me thinking he was going to die. Thats why he told me who shot him.

Two dead, three critical after targeted attack at car wash

Jerica says the incident stemmed from an argument between the two.

Hes inside. Shes outside. He said the door was closed, and she shot I guess through the door and hit him, she said.

Jerica says the couple has gotten into altercations in the past, but its never escalated to this extent.

She says her brother is going to be ok, but she wants justice to be served.

I just really wish this gun violence would stop. Just stop. Theres a different way to solve whatever little issue or beef or drama you have. Theres a better way, said Jerica.

According to an affidavit, April Smith initially told police that her husband was throwing her belongings out of the house and fired a shot at her.

April Smith (Memphis Police Department)

Tony Clayborn (Memphis Police Department)

Video evidence reportedly shows April firing two shots into the ground and one shot at her husband from her vehicle.

Police say the video also shows Aprils brother, Tony Clayborn, fire one shot toward the doorway where Brandon Smith was standing.

April was taken into custody where she denied ever shooting a gun and claimed that her husband never fired shots at her.

She was charged with aggravated assault, domestic violence.

Clayborn was also charged with aggravated assault.

If you have any information regarding this incident, call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A person was taken by CareFlight to the hospital after crashing their vehicle into a power pole in Darke County early Saturday morning.

>>PHOTOS: 40+ people disappeared in the Miami Valley; no one knows where they are

Darke County Sheriffs deputies and medics were dispatched around 4:28 a.m. to the area of West Fort Loramie and State Line Roads on initial reports of a crash.

Initial scanner traffic indicated that a transformer was on top of a vehicle and power lines were down.

CareFlight transported the victim to the hospital with unknown injuries, dispatchers told News Center 7.

The crash remains under investigation.

We will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
Greece has long called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum. Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

Countries have looted and traded artifacts from one another for centuries.

Governments and repatriation activists have called for objects' return to their places of origin.

Some famous artifacts, like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles, are subjects of dispute.

The old adage of "finders, keepers" has been put to the test as countries have called for the return of various ancient artifacts.

For centuries, legendary artifacts have been looted, traded, and taken far away from their original lands. Many of the items housed in cultural institutions like London's British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City were looted from colonized people.

In recent years, governments and repatriation activists have called for the return of internationally-renowned objects like the Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes, and the Parthenon Marbles.

On Friday, the Met announced it will return 16 Khmer sculptures to Cambodia and Thailand. The sculptures were all tied to an art collector who was charged with illegally selling artifacts in 2019.

Here are 10 cultural artifacts that countries are still fighting over.

The Rosetta Stone dispute between Egypt and Britain

The Rosetta Stone. David Cliff/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Rosetta Stone is one of the most famous artifacts in the British Museum. The inscriptions on the slab of granite were crucial in enabling experts to decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Most scholars agree that soldiers in Napoleon Bonaparte's army in Egypt discovered the stone in July 1799 in the town of Rashid, known by the French as Rosetta.

After Napoleon was defeated in 1815, the British took the Rosetta Stone, arriving in England with it in February 1802, according to the British Museum.

Recently, thousands of Egyptians have called for the return of the stone.

"The British Museum's holding of the stone is a symbol of Western cultural violence against Egypt," Monica Hanna, dean at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, told the Associated Press in 2022.

But some experts believe the British Museum is unlikely to relinquish one of its most treasured acquisitions, as Business Insider previously reported.

"We have received no formal request from the Egyptian Government to repatriate the Rosetta Stone. The British Museum works with partners all over the world including with colleagues throughout Egypt on projects, exhibitions and research and we enjoy a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities," a British Museum spokesperson said.

Greece calls for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, but the British refuse

Selections of the Parthenon Marbles on display at the British Museum. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Also known as the Elgin Marbles, the Parthenon Marbles are another source of controversy for the British Museum.

For nearly 400 years since 1453, Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. The British ambassador to the empire, Lord Elgin, successfully petitioned to remove about half of the sculptures from the Parthenon's ruins to Britain.

Greece has since contested these rights, calling for the repatriation of the marbles to its country of origin.

But the British Museum has refused to return the marbles. In 2019, the museum's director said the displacement of the artifacts themselves were "a creative act."

The director's comments drew sharp criticism. George Vardas, a Greek Australian activist who has fought for the return of the Elgin Marbles, told a Greek newspaper that the comments came from a place of "astonishing historical revisionism and arrogance."

"Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon Partnership are on-going and constructive," a spokesperson for the British Museum told Business Insider. "We believe that this kind of long term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum."

Native American tribes demand the return of burial remains

A mummified body is prepared for dissection at Harvard's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in 1978. George Rizer/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

As the US pushed Native Americans from their homes throughout the 1800s, archaeologists and museum collectors looted their remains from ancient graves, homes, and worship sites.

In 1990, the federal government passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a law that called for the remains of Native Americans to be returned to tribal nations or descendants.

But museums and other institutions still hold the remains of more than 110,000 Indigenous ancestors, ProPublica reported.

In 2022, 250 boxes of Native American remains and artifacts were discovered at the University of North Dakota, which has since announced it will return the remains to tribal nations. Harvard University still has thousands of Native American remains.

Harvard University has not responded to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Ethiopia urges England to return the Maqdala crown

An Ethiopian crown taken during the Battle of Maqdala. Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images

In 1868, British forces captured the mountain fortress of Maqdala as part of a larger conquest of the Ethiopian empire. In addition to more than a thousand manuscripts, which were carried on the backs of 15 elephants and hundreds of mules, the soldiers also took an ornate gold crown.

The crown was likely given to an Ethiopian church as a gift from King Iyyasu II and his mother, the Empress Mentewwab, according to the Victoria & Albert Museum, where the artifact now resides.

The filagreed gold crown's bottom two tiers depict the 12 Apostles, and the top tier are the four Evangelists who wrote the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

In 2007, the Ethiopian government officially demanded the return of the crown and various other artifacts. Although some artifacts were since returned, the V&A has still held onto the crown.

"The V&A, like other national institutions, hold our collections in trust for the nation. Our policy is to be open and transparent about the way in which objects entered our collection, to develop renewable cultural partnerships and engage in collaborative research with museums and cultural institutions around the world," a spokesperson for the museum said. "Restitution claims are considered on a case-by-case basis, as the scenario under which an object enters the V&A collection is always unique."

"In recent years, the V&A has enjoyed close, fruitful discussions with the Ethiopian government. As yet, no formal agreement has been finalized, but our position and commitment remain the same, that we would be delighted if we could find a way to place the golden crown and chalice on display in Addis," the spokesperson said.

Egypt wants a 3,000-year-old bust of Nefertiti back from Germany

The Nefertiti bust at the Neues Mseum in Berlin, Germany. Michael Sohn/AP Photo

The bust of Nefertiti, the wife of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten, is one of the most iconic works of ancient Egypt. Nefertiti, which means "the beautiful one has come forth," was known for her otherworldly beauty.

The limestone bust, dating back to 1345 BCE, was discovered in the workshop of Thutmose, who was thought to have been the official court sculptor.

In 1913, a German archaeologist named Ludwig Borchardt found the bust, and, in violation of rules that prohibited smuggling, hid the bust under a layer of clay and stole it out of the country, Zahi Hawass, the former minister of the Egyptian government's antiquities affairs, claimed. The bust is now on display at the Neues Museum in Berlin, Germany, as its "undisputed star," per the museum.

Since the bust was officially unveiled in Germany in 1924, Egyptian authorities have called for its return. But Germany claims the bust was taken out of Egypt legally, and has insisted that the bust is too fragile to transport.

A spokesperson for the Neues Museum confirmed "there is no change in the status quo."

A lavish gold throne is among several treasures India wants back from the British

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's gold throne. Courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum

In the early 19th century, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh was at the peak of his power over the Sikh empire. The goldsmith Hafiz Muhammad Multani crafted the throne out of wood and resin, which he covered in thick sheets of gold. The two tiers of lotus petals forming its base symbolize purity.

In 1849, the British East India Company annexed the Punjab and took the contents of the Sikh treasury, including the throne. The jewelry, silver furniture, and weapons were auctioned in Lahore shortly after, but the throne was sent to London for exhibition.

The throne is now on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

The Indian government has signaled it will call for the return of the throne, along with several other artifacts like the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond, but the Victoria & Albert Museum still retains possession of the objects.

"Ranjit Singh's throne has also been exhibited globally as part of the V&A's extensive international loans program. Currently, it is on display in London at V&A South Kensington. It is not subject to a restitution claim from South Asia," the spokesperson for the museum said.

France is still holding onto the famous Bangwa Queen statue

The Bangwa Queen sculpture. Hughes DuBois/Museum Dapper Archives

The Bangwa Queen is a wooden sculpture of spiritual significance to the Bangwa, a people indigenous to what is now Cameroon in Africa. These types of figures, called lefem, personified special ancestors and were symbols of authority, according to scholars.

Around 1899, German soldiers invaded the palace of Fontem Asonganyi and looted the Bangwa Queen, along with other sculptures. The sculpture wound up at the Ethnological Museum of Berlin before being sold to an art dealer.

Art collector and businesswoman Helena Rubinstein acquired the Bangwa Queen in the 1930s. From there, it passed hands until France's Dapper Foundation bought the statue for $3.4 million.

The Bangwa people have since sought its return. Although the Dapper Foundation closed its Paris Museum in 2017, it has stalled talks over the repatriation of the sculpture.

The Dapper Foundation has not responded to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Turkey wants Russia to return its legendary cache of Trojan treasures

Sophia Schliemann wearing the Jewels of Helen, part of Priam's Treasure. Getty Images

Priam's Treasure is a cache of gold and other artifacts, like silver knives, terracotta goblets, and two gold diadems called the Jewels of Helen. It also includes nearly 9,000 gold rings, buttons, and other small objects.

In the 1870s, the archaeologists Frank Calvert and Heinrich Schliemann went to the site of the historical Troy to search for artifacts. There, they discovered thousands of artifacts, which Schliemann dubbed Priam's Treasure.

Unbeknownst to the Ottoman government, Schliemann reportedly smuggled the treasures to Germany. Authorities only discovered the looting because Schliemann had his wife, Sophia, wear the jewels in public, according to several historical accounts.

The Ottoman government threatened to sue Schliemann and revoked his rights to dig, and Schliemann eventually returned some of the treasure for permission to continue his archaeological work.

But the Soviet army secretly took the rest of Priam's Treasure during WWII. It wasn't until 1994 that the Pushkin Museum admitted to having the treasures, claiming they were war reparations against Germany by Russian law.

The Pushkin Museum has not responded to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Easter Island has tried to get the British Museum to return Moai statues

Moai statues on Easter Island. Yulia Malega/Shutterstock

Moai are huge stone statues often placed on ceremonial platforms, and are a hallmark of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui. The British Museum currently houses two moai, which are believed to have been carved between 1000 to 1600 AD.

In 1868, the crew of a British ship, the HMS Topaze, visited Easter Island and took both of the moai back to England, where they have remained ever since.

In 2017, the Rapa Nui people gained self-administration over their island, and sought to recover the moai in July 2018. In November that year, a delegation from Rapa Nui visited the British Museum.

"I believe that my children and their children also deserve the opportunity to touch, see, and learn from him," Tarita Alarcon Rapu, governor of Easter Island, said after seeing one of the moai for the first time, as Business Insider previously reported.

"We are just a body," she added. "You, the British people, have our soul."

Despite this, the British Museum has retained possession of the moai. Other museums like the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and museums in Paris, New Zealand, and Belgium also have moai.

Nigeria seeks hundreds of bronze plaques from Britain

The Benin Bronzes at the British Museum. David Cliff/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

In 1897, the British Empire sent troops to the Kingdom of Benin, now-modern day Nigeria, to punish rebels who resisted imperial power. The British soldiers burned and looted its palace, and confiscated the royal treasures inside it.

Among the treasures were bronze and brass plaques, sculptures, and items of royal regalia. Many of them were commissioned for the altars of past Obas, or kings, and Queen Mothers, and were also used in rituals. The brass plaques, which once adorned the Benin palace, served as historical records of the kingdom.

The more than 900 bronzes are part of the British Museum's collection of "contested objects," along with the Parthenon Marbles, Easter Island moai, and the Maqdala collection.

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has sought the return of the Benin Bronzes.

"These are stolen artifacts, and they should be returned to Nigeria to the communities that they belong to," Abba Isa Tijani, director of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, told Sky News in August.

While some institutions in England and Germany have returned their collections of bronzes, the British Museum still has not.

"We are collaborating on international projects with a range of Nigerian partners including the Nigerian Government, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Benin Royal Palace, and the Museum of West African Art Trust (MOWAA), as well as working closely with local communities in Benin City. We actively engage with these partners through the Benin Dialogue Group and the Digital Benin initiative, while research and cultural exchange are also key priorities that we deliver through our African Histories and Heritage Program," the spokesperson said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
From a Frans Hals retrospective in Amsterdam to a first-of-its-kind display of Ethiopian art in Baltimore, there are several riveting museum exhibitions opening around the world this winter. Here are 10 worth a look-see:

'Imagined Fronts: The Great War and Global Media' - Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Felix Edouard Vallotton, Verdun, 1917, oil on canvas

Through posters, newspapers, photographs and film, "Imagined Fronts: The Great War and Global Media" examines how World War I unfolded in the press and cinema. Visitors will see how the fighting was described to audiences around the world and how the images were used to rally support. The exhibition isn't just showcasing professional art and images by war photographers; there are also objects on display that once belonged to the soldiers who battled in the Great War. Runs Dec. 3, 2023 - July 7, 2024

'Ethiopia at the Crossroads' - The Walters Art Museum

A panel from 17th century Ethiopia showing the Virgin Mary and Jesus

Ethiopia has a rich cultural and artistic history, with more than 80 religious groups and ethnicities calling it home. That's reflected in the more than 220 objects, both religious and secular, selected for "Ethiopia at the Crossroads" at The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. The exhibition spans 1,750 years, with early Christian icons, paintings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures and crosses on display alongside contemporary works. This is the first major Ethiopian art exhibition of its kind in the United States. Runs Dec. 3, 2023 - March 3, 2024

'Women Dressing Women' - The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dresses on display at the

The Costume Institute's newest exhibition, "Women Dressing Women," isn't just about famous fashion luminaries. Womens wear made by new designers, those whose names have been lost to time and anonymous dressmakers whose names were never known at all will be on display, alongside ensembles created by Elsa Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, Ann Lowe and Rei Kawakubo. The exhibition will feature 80 objects, created between 1910 and the present, and its guest co-curator Karen Van Godtsenhoven said the "connective thread between different generations of professional women reveals how subsequent generations have built and expanded upon the legacy of their predecessors." Runs Dec. 7, 2023 - March 3, 2024

'Cecilia Vicuna: Dreaming Water' - MALBA

Cecilia Vicuna arrives at an event at the Guggenheim in 2021

More than 200 works by the Chilean artist, poet and activist Cecilia Vicuna will be on display at MALBA in Buenos Aires, including paintings, drawings, installations, silkscreens, photographs, textiles, collages and video. This is the "most encompassing anthological exhibition ever held" of Vicuna's art, the museum said, and specifically focuses on her work "from a South American perspective." It's a comprehensive look at six decades of art, from 1964 to the present, and visitors will walk away with a sense of Vicuna's deep commitment to fighting for human rights and the empowerment of women and the working class. Runs Dec. 8, 2023 - Feb. 26. 2024

'Tree and Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India' - National Museum of Korea

The Amaravathi panels

The arrival of Buddhism in southern India led to a "flourishing array of fresh and intricate artworks" filled with "enigmatic yet mystical narratives," the National Museum of Korea said. Some of those pieces will be presented in the museum's "Tree and Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India" exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nearly 100 artifacts, some dating as far back as 200 B.C.E. to 400 C.E., will be exhibited, including items more recently found in the Phanigiri ruins in Telangana. Runs Dec. 22, 2023 - April 14, 2024

'The Brilliance of Caravaggio: Four Paintings in Focus' - Toledo Museum of Art

Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi) Italian, 1571-1610, Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy, c. 1595-96, Oil on canvas, 37 x 51 in. (94 x 129.5 cm)

The Toledo Museum of Art will pair four paintings by Caravaggio  "The Cardsharps," "Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy," "The Musicians" and "Martha and Mary Magdalene"  with works by later Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish artists to "demonstrate the breadth and intensity" of his influence. The Caravaggio paintings were all completed in the 1590s after he moved to Rome, and "Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy" was his first religious painting. Before viewing the exhibition, read up on the artist and his tumultuous life: Caravaggio was arrested for everything from carrying a sword without a permit to throwing a plate of artichokes in a waiter's face and fled Rome in the early 1600s after receiving a death sentence for murder. Runs Jan. 20, 2023 - April 14, 2024

'Legion: Life in the Roman Army' - The British Museum

Copper alloy Roman legionary helmet

Being a Roman solider wasn't just about chalking up battlefield wins, as the exhibition "Legion: Life in the Roman Army" will attest. Following a real soldier named Claudius Terentianus from his enlistment to retirement, the exhibition will focus on every day experiences like putting on armor and setting up camp at night. Artifacts on display will include a complete wood, leather and bronze Roman legionary long shield from the early 200s A.D. and an elaborate iron sword from 14-19 A.D.. Runs Feb. 1, 2024 - June 23, 2024

'The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy' - The National Gallery of Art

Child on the Veranda, Son Titus drypoint on wove paper

When Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Kathe Kollwitz were working in the 1910s and 1920s, it was a time of upheaval, and this was reflected in the complexity of their art. Visitors to "The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy" will see parallels between "the intensity of human emotion and experience conveyed" by these expressionists during a transformational period and "current responses to the cultural and political shifts taking place in our world today," National Gallery of Art Director Kaywin Feldman said. The exhibition is split into four sections, with more than 100 prints, portfolios, sculptures, drawings and illustrated books created between 1908 and 2021 on display. Runs Feb. 11, 2024 - May 27, 2024

'Frans Hals' - Rijksmuseum

The marriage portrait of Isaac Massa and Beatrix van der Laen

The Dutch painter Frans Hals is described by the Rijksmuseum as "way ahead of his time," and visitors will be able to see for themselves at the biggest retrospective of his work in decades. For "Frans Hals," the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will display some of the innovator's well-known works from its collection, including "The Merry Drinker" and "Portrait of a Couple," plus loans like "The Laughing Cavalier," which rarely leaves the Wallace Collection in London, and "The Banquet of the Officers of the St. George Civic Guard," which is traveling outside of Haarlem for the first time in history. Runs Feb. 16, 2024 - June 9, 2024

'In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine' - Lower Belvedere

Alexandra Exter, Three Female Figures, 1909-10

Ukraine's Modernist movement blossomed during the turbulent era from the end of World War I to the foundation of the Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic in 1922, before Stalin's suppression of the region during the 1930s. The exhibition "In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine" at the Lower Belvedere in Vienna will feature vibrant works completed in the first half of the 20th Century, when futurist Oleksandr Bohomazov developed Spectralism and monumentalist Mykhailo Boychuk co-founded the Ukrainian State Academy of Arts in Kyiv. This is the first comprehensive exhibition of modernist Ukrainian art to be shown outside the country. Runs Feb. 23, 2024 - June 2, 2024
At just 17 years old, a California law clerk has become the youngest person ever to pass the states rigorous bar exam, achieving the history-making feat on his first attempt.

Peter Park, who took the California Bar Exam in July and received his results in November, has been on the fast track to a legal career since he was 13.

In 2019, he simultaneously enrolled in high school in Cypress, California, and a four-year Juris Doctor program at Northwestern California University School of Law, according to the Tulare County District Attorneys Office.

A California state bar rule allows students to apply to law school through completing the College Boards College-Level Examination Program, the district attorneys office said in a news release.

I aspire to become a prosecutor because I am driven by a moral obligation to uphold liberty, equality and justice in society, Park said in the release. I admire how prosecutors keep our community safe and bring closure to victims.

Park, who turned 18 last month, graduated from high school in 2021 after taking the California High School Proficiency Exam, and from there, he continued his law school career and graduated in 2023, according to the release.

He became a law clerk with the Tulare County District Attorney in August, and was sworn in on December 5 as a practicing California attorney.

Peter Park - Tulare County District Attorney's Office

We are remarkably proud of Mr. Parks accomplishment, that cannot be overstated. We are excited for that drive and determination to be used on behalf of victims and their families here in Tulare County, the countys District Attorney Tim Ward said in a statement.

The State Bar of California also congratulated Parks accomplishment on social media, wishing him tremendous success as he embarks on his promising legal career.

Park now works as a deputy district attorney and is undergoing new prosecutor training at the Tulare County District Attorneys Office, according to his LinkedIn page.

Parks passing of the bar exam places him among over 196,300 active attorneys in the Golden State, according to the State Bar of California. Its demographics show the average age of attorneys admitted to the state bar was 31 in 2022.

Of 7,555 people who took the California bar exam in July, the overall pass rate was 52%  the lowest bar exam pass rate of the 50 states and Washington, DC that month, according to the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Park said his achievement was not easy, but worth it.

It required discipline and strategy to pass the Bar, and I made it in the end, Park said.

I am extremely blessed to have discovered this path, and my hope is that more people will realize that alternative paths exist to becoming an attorney, he said.

He will formally enter his new role in early January pending a few state bar documents and the countys new employee onboarding payroll procedures, Tulare County communications director Stuart Anderson told CNN in an email.

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An 18-year-old male has been charged in connection with a shootout that left one person dead in southwest Charlotte Thursday night, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

On Dec. 14, two people were found shot on Apex Landing Way near West Tyvola Road.

Both were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. One of the victims, later identified as 18-year-old JahZir Elijah Jackson, died at the hospital, according to police.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Shootout involving teens leaves 1 dead in southwest Charlotte, CMPD says

CMPD said two groups of people were shooting at each other during this incident. One of the groups was inside a vehicle, and the other group was by the Avion Points apartment complex.

Al-Terrik Bogar has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, attempted murder, and discharging a firearm into an occupied property for his actions while shooting the second victim, according to police.

CMPD said they are not searching for any other suspects in connection with this case. However, the investigation is active and ongoing.

VIDEO: Shootout involving teens leaves 1 dead in southwest Charlotte, CMPD says
















Authorities are investigating after an 18-year-old was found fatally stabbed in Jersey City on Friday night.

Officers discovered the victim, identified as New Jersey resident Naseer Munroe, near Duncan Avenue and Wilmont Street around 8:55 p.m., ABC 7 reported. He was suffering from a single stab wound to the torso, police said.

Munroe was rushed to the Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m. His exact cause and manner of death are currently pending, and will be released by the Regional Medical Examiners Office.

What exactly occurred in the moments leading up to the stabbing remained unclear as of Saturday afternoon.

Both the Hudson County Prosecutors Office Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department said they are actively investigating the case.

Theyve requested that anyone who may have information relevant to the deadly violence come forward.

Fridays killing is the eighth reported homicide in Jersey City this year.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - Montgomery County Police are investigating an armed robbery during a meet-up to make a sale of electronic merchandise in Wheaton.

Police say the incident occurred on Sunday, November 26, in the 11400 block of Amherst Avenue. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the publics assistance in identifying him.

Man robs victim at gunpoint during failed electronic merchandise sale

According to police, the victim and suspect arranged to meet at the location to make a sale of electronic merchandise. When the suspect was unable to produce the cash needed, the victim began to leave the scene.

The suspect then approached the victim, displayed a black handgun and demanded the electronics. The victim complied with the suspects demands. The suspect then left the scene with the stolen electronics.



Authorities say the suspect is described as a light-skin Black male, approximately 18-years-old and 5-feet, 8-inches tall. The suspect has freckles, black hair, was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, and Yeezy Boost 700 Wave shoes.
The two workers killed following an incident at a sanitation facility in Kentucky on Thursday have been identified.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 2 dead after accident at sanitation facility

On Friday, police identified the workers who died as 23-year-old Mason Neises, of Alexandria, Ky., and 26-year-old Josh Mason of Moscow, Ohio, , according to our news partner WCPO in Cincinnati.

News Center 7 previously reported emergency crews were dispatched to the Sanitation District No. 1 site just before noon for reports of a drowning.

A preliminary investigation found three employees were working on a project when some kind of failure occurred and entrapped them.

One person was found and taken to a hospital by family members.

Emergency crews recovered the two remaining bodies. They found the first body just after 6 p.m. and police told WCPO they had recovered the second body by midnight.

The three people were employed by Building Crafts Inc., a contractor based in Wilder, KY, WCPO said.

The company has released a statement.

Building Crafts, Inc. expresses its deepest condolences to the loved ones of our two co-workers who lost their lives in todays tragic accident. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and first responders investigating the incident. Additional details may be released as information becomes available. We ask that the media and the public please respect the privacy of the workers families during this extremely difficult time.

We will continue to follow this story.




A 22-year-old college student vanished after leaving his New York home, deputies said.

Three weeks later, his mother got a phone call with the news he had been found, fire officials said.

Matthew Grant, an athlete studying mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, was last seen leaving his home Nov. 20 in the Rochester area, according to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office and a Facebook page dedicated to finding him.

Grant left his phone behind and had his wallet stolen before he went missing, according to the Facebook page.

A toll captured his E-ZPass at an exit near Syracuse, the Facebook group said, but there were no other signs of him.

The authorities, his family and community members began tirelessly searching for him.

Vehicle found prompts search efforts on trail

Then, on Dec. 12, his vehicle was found at a trailhead used by hikers to trek the Appalachian Trail in the Delaware Water Gap area in Pennsylvania, his father, Mark Grant, told WROC.

Rescuers began searching the area for the missing collegiate wrestler, according to the Delaware Water Gap Fire Department.

The next day, his mother was at the command post with the search team when she got a call from Grant saying he was safe and in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, fire officials said.

He called from a police station when he realized rescuers were looking for him, officials said and the Democrat and Chronicle reported.

Grants vehicle was parked at the trailhead while he hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Adirondack Mountain News reported from police accounts.

I feel incredibly grateful to have people like you all in my corner. Its hard to understand just how much support you will have, regardless of how you are doing personally. I am doing much better now that I am reunited with my family, Grant said in a statement posted to Facebook on Dec. 14.

The Appalachian Trail is 2,198.4 miles long and spans 14 states, running from Maine to Georgia.

Woman found dead in field with protective dog that may have killed her, WA cops say

Woman found beaten, stabbed and burned 42 years ago now identified, California cops say

Missing camper spent cold nights curled up with dog after getting lost, AZ cops say
A spokesperson on Friday voiced support for mainland departments to mull over corresponding measures in accordance with relevant regulations after an investigation found that Taiwan's trade-restrictive measures against the mainland constitute trade barriers.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks after the Ministry of Commerce announced the conclusion of the trade barrier investigation.

Citing the investigation, Zhu said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have adopted unilateral restrictions on a large number of product items from the mainland, with the categories of prohibited imports expanding in recent years. By the end of November 2023, the imports of 2,509 items of products from the mainland were prohibited.

With clear facts and solid and sufficient evidence, the conclusion of the investigation is objective and fair, said Zhu, adding that the DPP authorities' trade restrictions go against the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement and have damaged the interests of industries and companies on the mainland, as well as the interests of Taiwan consumers.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project announced Monday that it still has more than 250 wish lists remaining to be adopted in its Wo Otuhan Wi (Moon of Giving Away Presents) Toy Drive. Less than two weeks remain to make sure these childrens holiday wishes come true, the Project said in a press release.

The Cheyenne River Youth Project still has more than 250 wish lists remaining to be adopted in its Wo Otuhan Wi (Moon of Giving Away Presents) Toy Drive.

CRYP Executive Director Julie Garreau said there are several ways supporters can help support the youth projects nationwide effort to bring joy and magic to Lakota children on the remote Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.

You can visit our website, adopt a childs wish list and shop for that child, she explained. You also can visit our CRYP wish list on Amazon and purchase gifts directly through them; we will make sure the gifts get to the children who are hoping to receive them this holiday season. And, we always welcome financial contributions; we are happy to do the shopping for you.

The Wo Otuhan Wi Toy Drive is CRYPs largest and longest-running program. Founded in 1990, just two years after the organization opened its doors in a former Main Street bar, the toy drive now serves more than 1,000 children in 20 prairie communities scattered across an area the size of Connecticut.

Each child who submits a Wish List will receive three to four gifts from that list, addressed specifically to them. CRYP staff and volunteers also make sure that child receives much-needed winter clothing and shoes. To learn more about this years Wo Otuhan Wi Toy Drive and how you can help, visit lakotayouth.org/toy-drive.

Garreau also noted that time is running out for this years Winter Solstice Star Quilt Raffle, which also supports the toy drive. Tickets to win the queen-sized Blue Moon star quilt may be purchased through 12 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25 at lakotayouth.org/win-a-star-quilt/; CRYP staff will announce the winner via Facebook Live on Friday, Dec. 29.

To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call 605-964-8200 or visit www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: 250 wish lists remain in the Cheyenne River Youth Projects toy drive
A British teenager missing for six years escaped a spiritual commune in France after his mother announced she was leaving to travel to Finland.

Alex Batty was allegedly abducted by his mother Melanie Batty and his grandfather David Batty, when the trio went on a holiday to Spain in 2017, leaving the boys legal guardian and grandmother Susan Caruana at home in Oldham.

Ms Caruana is set to be reunited with her now 17-year-old grandson after Alex was found walking, carrying only a skateboard and 100 in cash, in the French Pyrenees in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A video was released by Greater Manchester Police of Alex Batty (L) with his mother, Melanie, and grandfather, David, after he went missing (Supplied)

I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well, she said in a statement issued on Friday. I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I cant wait to see him when were reunited.

Toulouse assistant public prosecutor Antoine Leroy told a press conference on Friday that Alex had made his escape after his mother announced plans to take him to Finland. The teenager told authorities his grandfather had died six months beforehand.

The trio, Mr Leroy said, had been living a nomadic lifestyle in spiritual communites in Spain, Morocco and France after vanishing on holiday near Marbella six years ago.

When his mother indicated that she was going to leave with him to Finland, this young man understood that this had to stop, Mr Leroy said. So then he decided to leave the place where he was with his mother and walked for four days and four nights.

He had 100 on him and was trying to get to Toulouse without meeting many people. Thats why he was travelling at night and sleeping during the day.

Alex Batty went missing with his mother and grandfather when he was aged 11 (PA)

The teenager, said to be tired but in good health, had told officers his mother had a phobia of solar panels.

Mr Leroy added: He [Alex] doesnt describe any kind of physical violence, without talking about emotional violence. The mother experienced a sort of fear of solar panels, so they were travelling to house to house with solar panels.

The commune they lived in was spiritual, Mr Leroy said, with a focus on meditation and no connection to the real world.

Alex escaped by walking for four days, moving at night and sleeping during the day, to avoid detection. However, on Wednesday at 2am, delivery driver Fabien Accidini spotted the exhausted teenager and picked him up before taking him to police in Revel, near Toulouse.

Mr Accidini, a chiropractic student, said: He explained that he had been walking for four days, that he set off from a place in the mountains, though he didnt say where. I typed his name into the internet and saw that he was being looked for.

French prosecutor Antoine Leroy said Alex had told police he had left his mother after she decided to move to Finland (Reuters)

In her statement, Ms Caruana asked for privacy as she looked forward to welcoming Alex back. She added: The main thing is that hes safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

However, some in the family fear of the impact of being away from home for so long on Alex. His aunt, Maureen Batty, told The Daily Mail: Alex has been brainwashed by the religion David was in. Alex hasnt had any education while out there, so we dont know what hell be like when he comes home. [He] has had it rough. It is a mess.

Ive been told that Alex said that he had escaped and he didnt want to lead that lifestyle. I just want to know the truth about whats gone on.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, of Greater Manchester Police, said he was relieved and overjoyed and was working with the French authorities to bring the teenager home in the next few days.
Abu Hamzas distinctive hooks have been replaced with a range of prosthetics which frequently break - BRENDAN MCDERMID/REUTERS

Abu Hamzas wife has pleaded for her husbands release from a maximum security prison in Colorado, as new court filings reveal his health is deteriorating rapidly.

Najat Chaffe, the second wife of the convicted terrorist, has filed a letter to a New York judge calling for him to be allowed to come back home to his family, where he truly belongs.

Mr Hamza, 65, was jailed for life in 2015 for a variety of terror offences, following his extradition from the UK, where he was a hate preacher at a North London mosque.

His legal team has launched a series of appeals against his incarceration in ADX Florence, Americas highest-security prison, where he has been kept in solitary confinement for eight years.

In her letter, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, Ms Chaffe portrayed her husband as a family man, and complained she has spent countless years alone, shouldering the immense responsibility of raising our children.

The yearning to have him back in our lives has only intensified over time, she wrote last month, adding: To witness his reunion with our precious grandchildren and to enjoy quality time together as a family would be a dream come true.

Abu Hamza was jailed for life in 2015 following charges or terrorism and kidnap - STEPHEN LOCK

Another letter from his son, Imran Mostafa Kamel, asks the court to recognise the enduring scars that the absence of a parent can leave on a family.

I, a 30-year-old man, still find myself crying myself to sleep at times, struggling with the profound loss and the emotional turmoil it brings, he wrote.

Mr Hamza was extradited to the US in 2012 to face 11 terrorism charges, including the kidnapping of 16 tourists in Yemen, assisting terrorists, and attempting to set up an al-Qaeda training camp in Oregon.

Lord Cameron, then prime minister, hailed the guilty verdict at the time, arguing it was good that he has faced justice and justice has been done.

Following a series of unsuccessful legal appeals, Mr Hamzas lawyers have now filed a last-ditch habeas corpus petition to secure his release, arguing that he has been kept in extraordinary and unimaginable conditions as his health deteriorates.

A 500-page legal filing sent to an appeals judge on Friday details the impact of his imprisonment on his extensive medical problems, including a double-arm amputation following a chemical accident in Pakistan in 1993. It says his sentence has become nothing short of a living hell.

The petition says Mr Hamzas distinctive hooks have been replaced with a range of prosthetics which frequently break, and leave him unable to use toilet paper or apply cream to his patches of dry skin.

Violates extradition terms

It adds that he is only able to open pouches of food by ripping them with his teeth resulting in severely damaged nerves and several lost teeth.

Although he was given safety scissors to open the packets they are difficult, bordering on impossible, for him to use, it says.

The terrorist also suffers from overgrown toenails, which require professional care that he has been denied, the lawyers said, and has contracted Covid-19 several times.

Mr Hamza is permitted three 15-minute phone calls each month, which he uses to speak to his wife, children, grandchild and Stephen Coles, a North London vicar he befriended in London. He is allowed to send letters, but is limited to three pages to one person each week.

The lawyers claim his treatment at ADX Florence violates the terms of his extradition from the UK, where a Westminster judge said he was only likely to be imprisoned in solitary confinement for a relatively short period of time, and that a longer stint in a maximum security jail could breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Hamzas lawyers have requested that he is allowed to return to England to live with his wife and children, noting that because of the nature of his conviction, he will be monitored by the British security services.

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Police officers detain an environmental activist of the Code Red coalition during a demonstration against the aviation industry in Antwerp (Simon Wohlfahrt)

Hundreds of climate protesters on Saturday blocked a distribution hub for Chinese online giant Alibaba and an airport for private jets in Belgium, activists said.

The anti-fossil fuel Code Red coalition said hundreds of demonstrators were detained by police during the action aimed at disrupting the aviation industry.

"In Liege, activists are blocking Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. Planes filled with consumer goods from China cannot be unloaded and trucks cannot leave the site," Code Red said in a statement.

"In Antwerp, with 40 activists still on location, the air traffic of private jets is paralysed despite over 700 other activists being arrested."

An AFP journalist at the airport near the city of Antwerp said that police had fired tear gas and forcefully detained protesters dressed in white overalls as they tried to storm into the facility.

The protest is the latest in a string of civil disobedience actions by the Europe-wide Code Red coalition in Belgium.

Chinese giant Alibaba opened its 30,000-square-metre European distribution hub in Liege in 2021.

"Liege airport is the fastest growing airport in Europe," said Code Red activist Louis Droussin in a statement.

"Millions of euros of public money support this expansion, which is to the detriment of hundreds of hectares of agricultural land."

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A Belgian municipality on Saturday stripped French cinema legend Gerard Depardieu of the title of honorary citizen over misogynistic comments broadcast recently.

Depardieu, 74, was charged with rape in 2020 and has also faced 13 accusations of sexual harassment or assault.

A documentary titled "The Fall of the Ogre" aired on French TV this month showed the actor on a 2018 trip to North Korea repeatedly making explicit sexual comments in the presence of a female interpreter and sexualising a small girl riding a horse.

In a statement, the Belgium municipality of Estaimpuis said it was revoking the title given to Depardieu when he lived there in 2013.

The local authorities said the comments by the actor broadcast on television "run counter to the values promoted by the municipality of Estaimpuis".

The Belgian decision comes after France's culture minister denounced Depardieu's behaviour and said a "disciplinary procedure" was being launched to decide whether to strip Depardieu of the country's top honour, the Legion of Honour.

The actor -- who has more than 200 roles to his name, including in the 1990 comedy "Green Card" and the Netflix series "Marseille" -- has denied any wrongdoing.

In the face of the growing controversy in France, Belgian media has reported that Depardieu has returned to live in the country in a village close to the French border.

Depardieu's initial move to Belgium back in 2012 was heavily criticised in his homeland as it was viewed as a way of dodging the French tax system.

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A Belgian municipality on Saturday stripped French cinema legend Gerard Depardieu of the title of honorary citizen over misogynistic comments broadcast in a French documentary earlier this month.

Depardieu, 74, was charged with rape in 2020 and has also faced 13 accusations of sexual harassment or assault, all of which he denies.

The documentary, "The Fall of the Ogre", aired on French public television on December 7, showed clips of the actor during a 2018 trip to North Korea.

He repeatedly makes explicit sexual comments in the presence of a female interpreter, sexualising a small girl riding a horse.

The actor's lawyers criticised the documentary in a statement Saturday, saying that it was "a contested and questionable programme which broadcast a montage of images captured in the intimate and private sphere".

But the Belgium municipality of Estaimpuis announced it was revoking the title given to Depardieu when he lived there in 2013.

The local authorities said the actor's comments broadcast on television "run counter to the values promoted by the municipality of Estaimpuis".

The Belgian decision comes a day after France's culture minister denounced Depardieu's behaviour.

Rima Abdul Malak said a "disciplinary procedure" was being launched to decide whether to strip him of the country's top honour, the Legion of Honour.

- 'Manhunt' -

The French film star's lawyers told AFP on Saturday that he was putting his Legion of Honour award at the disposal of the minister.

However, Depardieu's lawyers, Beatrice Geissmann Achille and Christian Saint-Palais, suggested in a statement that such a move could deal "a further blow to an already dying presumption of innocence".

They also questioned whether it was part of Abdul Malak's role to participate "so actively in the manhunt" and "media lynching" to which they believe their client is being subjected.

The actor -- who has more than 200 roles to his name, including in the 1990 comedy "Green Card" and the Netflix series "Marseille" -- has denied any wrongdoing.

In the face of the growing controversy in France, Belgian media has reported that Depardieu has returned to live in the country in a village close to the French border.

Depardieu's initial move to Belgium back in 2012 was heavily criticised in his homeland as it was viewed as a way of dodging the French tax system.

The Canadian province of Quebec on Wednesday stripped Depardieu of its top honour over his "scandalous" comments against women in the France 2 report.

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 Flash

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in Beijing on Friday, calling for a closer community with a shared future for China and ASEAN.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that over the past 10 years, the China-ASEAN community of shared future has become increasingly close. The two sides have made major achievements in the Belt and Road cooperation, and actively practiced the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in bilateral relations.

As the biggest neighbor of ASEAN, China will continue to be ASEAN's trustworthy and reliable long-term comprehensive strategic cooperative partner to jointly advance Asia's modernization, he said.

China supports ASEAN in playing its due role on the Myanmar issue and is willing to work with ASEAN countries to promote the proper settlement of the Myanmar issue, he said.

Diplomatic envoys of the ASEAN countries said that China has provided great opportunities for ASEAN countries to achieve peace, development and prosperity. ASEAN countries appreciate China's valuable support, and are willing to work with China to further advance Belt and Road cooperation.

ASEAN countries are ready to take the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, build a brighter and more sustainable future for ASEAN-China relations, and contribute to regional peace and development, the envoys added.

The Ambassador of Timor-Leste to China attended the meeting.

Wang also met with the outgoing Cambodian Ambassador to China Khek Caimealy Sysoda separately in Beijing on Friday.
The Faces of Hope Foundation, which has operated out of the Faces Victim Center in an Ada County-owned building on 6th Street in Boise since 2006, has been ordered to leave by the end of January.

The Ada County Commission on Friday ended the countys partnership with Faces of Hope, citing what was called a lack of cooperation from the foundation board.

The Faces Victim Center opened in 2006. The county leases building space at the center to entities that provide services to victims of abuse and violence. For most of the tenants, there is no charge, but the county requires them to provide their services to residents at no cost in exchange for the space.

Other tenants of the building include the Boise, Meridian and Garden City police, St. Lukes and Saint Alphonsus, and the Ada County Sheriffs Office.

For the past 17 years, the Faces of Hope Foundation had a licensing agreement with the county to provide services to violence victims at no charge, but this year the foundation declined to adhere to the Ada County license and partner agreement, according to the county.

The FACES of Hope Victim Center, located at 417 South 6th Street in Boise, was opened in 2006 to provide needed services to Ada County victims of crimes.

Shawna Dunn, chief criminal deputy with the Ada County Prosecutors Office, said during a meeting with commissioners on Friday that the county sent the licensing agreement to the foundation, which returned a red-line version that had major changes.

The changes were considerable and included deletion of the entire partnership/relationship (section), Dunn said.

Foundation says it will announce future plans soon

Paige Dinger, executive director of the foundation, told the Idaho Statesman in an email that Faces of Hope was surprised by the move and expected to come to a mutual agreement with the county to continue offering services in the building.

This notice is the first time any intention to either stop the agreement negotiation or remove our services from county property has been mentioned, Dinger wrote. We regret the county has decided to move on without needed services provided by Faces of Hope.

The foundation provides counseling, legal advocacy and resources such as clothing and a place to stay to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, stalking, human trafficking and child abuse. Dinger told the Statesman that last year, the foundation provided services to 1,366 clients and saw 4,820 visits.

Dinger said the foundation would share its next steps in the coming weeks.

Ada commissioners cite website, Meridian satellite location

The three Republican commissioners ordered the foundation to leave by Jan. 30, 2024, according to a letter provided to the Statesman.

Over the past several months, it appears that the Foundations priorities have shifted away from supporting the mission and services of FACES and its partners, to focusing heavily on the provision of its own services, the commissioners wrote.

The commissioners said they also were concerned with the foundations use of the same name at its new Meridian location, where it can offer services to victims in western Ada County without them having to travel to Boise. The commissioners said victims could be confused if they were looking for the Victim Center in downtown Boise. They said there have not been fruitful discussions about the name between the county and foundation.

The Ada County Commission also noted that the Faces foundation placed its individual phone number on the Victim Center website in such a manner that a victim would be inclined to call that number and not the phone number of the FACES building, which has been the phone number to the front desk since 2006.

Victims of abuse can reach the Victim Center at 208-577-4400 or the foundation at 208-986-4357.

Ada sheriff wants jail bond put to voters again. What county commissioners just told him

4 student suicides in less than two months send shocks through Boise schools. Its terrifying
Ukraine downed 30 of the 31 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said on Dec. 16.

Ukrainian authorities have warned that Russian attacks are expected to escalate during the winter, with Moscow focusing on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and other civilian sites.

The drones were launched from Russian-occupied Crimea, Bryansk Oblast, and Kursk Oblast, and then directed to different regions of Ukraine, according to the Air Force.

The drones were shot down over 11 oblasts in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kherson, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts.

Loud explosions were recorded in Kyiv just after midnight on Dec. 16, an hour after the Air Force warned that drones had been spotted heading to the city from the south.

Officials said that air defense was operational and warned residents to stay in bomb shelters.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin exaggerates number of Russian troops in Ukraine, intelligence says

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Al Jazeera is preparing a legal file to send to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over what it called "the assassination" of one of its cameramen in Gaza, the Qatari-based network said on Saturday.

The cameraman, Samer Abu Daqqa, was killed by a drone strike on Friday while reporting on the earlier bombing of a school used as a shelter for displaced people in the southern Gaza Strip, according to the Qatar-based broadcaster.

Al Jazeera said Israeli drones fired missiles at the school that left Abu Daqqa with fatal injuries. Reuters could not verify the details of the incident.

"The Network established a joint working group, which comprises of its international legal team and international legal experts who will collaboratively initiate the process of compiling a comprehensive file for submission to the court's prosecutor," Al Jazeera said in a statement.

"The legal file will also encompass recurrent attacks on the Network's crews working and operating in the occupied Palestinian territories and instances of incitement against them."

Commenting on the incident, the Israeli army said in a statement it has "never, and will never" deliberately target journalists. It also said that remaining in an active combat zone during exchanges of fire "has inherent risks".

The ICC already has an ongoing investigation into any alleged crimes within its jurisdiction committed on Palestinian territory and by Palestinians on the territory of Israel.

In 2021, ICC judges ruled that the court has jurisdiction after the Palestinian authorities signed up to the court in 2015 and were granted United Nations observer state status.

Israel does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC over the Palestinian territories and has previously refused to cooperate with the court.

The ICC office of the prosecutor does not typically comment on the details of ongoing investigations.

The 10 weeks of war in Gaza have taken a heavy toll on journalists, with at least 64 reporters and media workers killed, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Friday.

The CPJ called on international authorities to "conduct an independent investigation into the attack to hold the perpetrators to account".

An Israeli tank crew killed Reuters visuals journalist Issam Abdallah and wounded six reporters in Lebanon on Oct. 13 by firing two shells in quick succession from Israel while the journalists were filming cross-border shelling, a Reuters investigation found.

The Israeli military said the incident took place in an active combat zone and was under review.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba, Stephanie van den Berg and Dan Williams, writing by Hatem Maher, editing by Andrew Heavens)
British teenager Alex Batty, who was found in France after being missing for six years, has returned to the UK, Greater Manchester Police has said.

Alex vanished in 2017 while on holiday in Spain with his mother and grandfather.

His mother does not have parental guardianship of the 17-year-old and her current whereabouts are unknown.

The force said at a press conference it is yet to establish the circumstances about his disappearance.

Police are yet to determine whether there will be a criminal investigation.

Alex was found on Wednesday by a motorist, who spotted him on a road in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, near Toulouse.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said his force are yet to determine whether there will be a criminal investigation

Speaking at a news conference on Saturday night, GMP Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said: "It gives me great pleasure to say Alex has now made his safe return back to the UK after six years."

He continued Alex was met at Toulouse airport by a family member and specially-trained officers earlier, before flying back to the UK.

"This moment was undoubtedly huge for him and his loved ones and we're glad that they have been able to see each other again after all this time."

GMP said as it had not obtained formal statements from Alex, it could not comment on details disclosed by French authorities about what he may have been doing whilst he has been missing.

"Speaking with him at a pace that feels comfortable to him will ultimately determine how this case is progressed and whether a criminal investigation is to ensue," ACC Boyle added.

"We are yet to fully establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance."

Alex is believed to have been living a nomadic lifestyle in spiritual communities with his mother and grandfather for the past few years.

French officials said he decided to leave when his mother wanted to go to Finland.

Alex is believed to have walked through the mountainous terrain of southern France for four days before being found by a delivery driver in the middle of the night.

The driver, Fabien Accidini, said he lent the teenager his phone and let him use his Facebook account to contact his grandmother, Susan Caruana.
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is caring for 30 new dogs after nearly 70 animals were rescued from a property in Armstrong County.

PHOTOS: HARP caring for 30 dogs saved from Armstrong County property

A news release said the animals were living in severely unsanitary conditions including straw heavily soaked with urine and feces and inadequate shelter, meaning the animals could not maintain their body temperature.

The dogs all did have food and water. They did appear in good body condition, said Angie Fry, Humane Society Police Officer. But the sanitary conditions were absolutely probably one of the worst Ive seen on a farm.

The group rescued a number of breeds of all ages including several week-old puppies. Fry said the fur on some of the dogs was heavily matted and caked in feces, dirt, urine and rocks.

There are a handful of them that are very fearful. Not aggressive. They just dont know what life is like outside of a kennel, on a leash with a human, said Fry.

Rescuers say over the next several days, all of the dogs will be given needed vaccinations, be either spayed or neutered and microchipped. Theyll also be working with the dogs to help them decompress and adjust to human interaction to get them ready to be adopted.

They are really sweet dogs deep down and we are going really slow with them, said Dr. Amy Kalinauskas, Director of Medical Services. They are tolerating everything that were doing to them medically but they just need some time to come out of their shells and just learn what it is to be a dog.

Click here to see a list of available pets.

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On Tuesday, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity objected to Georgias new voting maps. It says it doesnt create more opportunities for Black voters to choose Congress and the General Assembly candidates.

The 2023 proposed plans fail to address the vote dilution found by this court after (the) trial. They instead perpetuate it, attorneys wrote, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

The objection comes as Gov. Brian Kemp signed new legislative and congressional political maps into law last week. The maps were drawn after a federal judge ruled that the districts created by the General Assembly in 2021 suppressed the Black vote and were in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Alpha Phi Alpha had successfully sued the state. Today, they allege that the new maps did not fix the issue. Republicans remain at a 9-5 majority in Georgias U.S. House delegation and have control of the General Assembly.

U.S. District Judge Steve Jones set a hearing on Dec. 20 to discuss the newly drawn district lines. If he rules that the maps continue to exclude Black voters, an expert may be appointed to redraw the maps again. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court could have the final say.

Georgia election officials have indicated that districts should be finalized in January in anticipation of the 2024 general election in November next year.
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OCALA, Fla. - An Altamonte Springs dentist has been sentenced to federal prison for hiding more than $600,000 he was supposed to pay in taxes  in his mother's bank accounts.

Frantz Brignol was sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay the IRS $896,588.89 for his tax liabilities, the Department of Justice said.

Brignol, who was found guilty in August, collected more than $600,000 in tax liabilities to the IRS between 2014 and 2020. The DOJ said he evaded tax payments on his income by hiding hundreds and thousands of dollars in his mother's accounts.

He was also trading funds overseas in his mother's name, and making materially false statements to the IRS on financial disclosure forms.

Brignol pleaded guilty in April to one count of tax evasion and one count of failing to file a tax return.
U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink on Dec. 15 urged Congress to reach a deal on additional support for Ukraine as soon as possible, describing the situation as urgent.

It's critical to secure and hold the gains that the Ukrainians have made so far. And also to protect our own national security, she said.

Kyiv has been largely dependent on foreign aid and security assistance from Washington and Brussels since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec. 12 tried to persuade U.S. lawmakers to approve more aid, but left largely empty-handed.

The U.S. Senate is expected to delay its scheduled three-week holiday break to continue negotiations on additional aid for Ukraine and Israel on Dec. 18.

Any deal reached in the Senate must be approved by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson has vowed he will not vote for any bill authorizing more foreign aid unless it includes sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy.

Read also: US Senator: Republicans holding Ukraine aid hostage

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine is developing a drowning not waving problem. It is struggling to say clearly how badly the war is going.

Giving a candid public assessment of how poorly a conflict is going can be an unwise move as it can result in morale and support draining. After Obama boosted troops in Afghanistan, public support declined over the years, in part because of a lack of realism about how the war was going.

Ukraines acutely bad presentation of its troubles is mostly due to the myopia of its allies.

The lack of understanding in parts of US Congress is breathtaking. A congressman this week suggested Ukraine should name a finite price tag and a specific, simple goal. Its staggering after two American wars of choice in two decades, costing trillions of dollars, that congressional memories are so short, and comprehension so limited.

Instead, Kyiv consistently points to past successes and future goals. They have reclaimed about half the territory Russia took last year; they have damaged its Black Sea presence strategically. They have a plan for 2024, Zelensky said, but it is secret.

Yet in truth, the most useful headline for Kyiv should be how unutterably bleak the frontlines are for them now. In nearly every direction, the news is grim. Russian forces are hiving off parts of the eastern city of Avdiivka, yet another town Moscow seems content to throw thousands of lives at despite its minimal importance. Along the Zaporizhzhia frontline, where the counteroffensive was focused but ultimately slow and unrewarding, Russian units have come back with renewed vigor and the defense is costly for Ukraine. Ukraine has made a plucky (or foolhardy) dash across the Dnipro River, with some small progress into Russian lines. The casualties have been immense, their supply lines are problematic, and their prospects dim.

Henrik Pettersson and Renee Rigdon, CNN

Kyiv is now facing almost nightly cruise missile attacks, mostly held back by air defenses, Ukrainian officials say. So long as these protections continue, Ukraine might have a chance of entering spring with its infrastructure intact. But air defenses might be the first to be impacted, according to the Biden administration, when US money runs out.

Zelensky has had a truly abysmal week. His team trumpeted the symbolic victory of EU accession negotiations, and he called it a sign history is made by those who dont get tired of fighting for freedom. But for actual EU membership the war has to end, and it has to end with Ukraine remaining a viable nation. Neither of these things are currently guaranteed.

Instead, Zelensky must put a brave face on two urgent funding disasters in four days. Hungarys decision to veto $55bn in EU funding for Ukraines war efforts was met with assurances from EU officials that early January would likely see a unanimous, positive vote. But Viktor Orban  a right-wing populist with an inexplicable fondness for indicted war criminal Vladimir Putin  has opened the door to European disunity. The Wests cohesion up to this point was an outlier. The elections across Europe and vacillation ahead will likely hear greater demands for diplomacy and answers as to how the war ends.

Zelenskys trip to Washington, and the heartfelt pleas it delivered, failed. Even if Washington manages to resume funding early next year, it has already damaged Ukraine. Stalling and political theater have made vital assistance  to defend the USs European NATO allies from being dragged deeper into the worst land war in Europe since the 1940s  fair game for partisan horse-trading.

The Congressional debate was not about war policy in Ukraine, or Kyivs efficiency, or why the counteroffensive had failed. It was far shallower: a tit-for-tat trade on US border policy, coupled with unreasonable demands for Ukraine to predict the future course of the war. It is a jaw-dropping failure of American foreign policy the consequences of which will echo over the next decades. Not since Neville Chamberlain had a piece of paper in his hand, suggesting the Nazis could be negotiated with, has so much been at stake.

The bleak military picture for Ukraine was the case before Congress stalled US aid. Now the challenge ahead  the possibility Ukraine may face Russia without NATO backing  weighs on the minds of those who should be focused on the winter battles ahead.

Without aid, we are finished, one morose Ukrainian medic told me Thursday, after months of patching troops back together, and losing a colleague in the summer. Others troops manage to be more stoic, and insist they will fight on as they have no choice. But be in no doubt: No US or EU money  or just one of those failing  quite likely means most of Ukraine will fall under Russian occupation in the next two years.

That would put a belligerent, super-charged, revenge-hungry Russian military right on NATOs borders, something which would immediately become Washingtons problem. Why? Because outside of the NATO treaty of mutual defense, on a purely practical level, secure and free democracies in Europe are key American trading partners and the bedrock of the USs global heft.

Yet Zelensky faces an ally in the US so split and ignorant in part of its body politic, he must pretend things are not that bad. To admit Ukraine is struggling bolsters the argument there is no point funding a loser. If he says Ukraine is winning, then why does he need more help? If it is a stalemate, then surely that is not too bad after two years?

Some fringe Republicans insist Russia was always going to win, so why delay the inevitable by providing aid that gets Ukrainians killed? Those who want to say no to Ukraine need little excuse. But it delays the next, darker question, of when do you finally say no to Moscow? How much of Ukraine, or maybe later its European neighbors, is it acceptable for Putin to subjugate or flatten? Does this question feel at all familiar?

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 Flash

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 15, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met on Friday in Beijing with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani.

The guests are in China for the first meeting of the China-Saudi Arabia-Iran trilateral joint committee.

Wang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said that China always supports the people of the Middle East in independently exploring development paths, supports the Middle East countries in working together to solve regional security issues, and supports Saudi Arabia and Iran in continuously advancing the process of improving relations.

China is willing to take this trilateral meeting as an opportunity to inject new impetus into the good-neighborly friendship between Saudi Arabia and Iran and make new contributions to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, he added.

Wang put forward three suggestions on continuing to advance the process of improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Firstly, he called for unwavering adherence to the strategic choice of reconciliation. It is hoped that the two sides will continue to enhance mutual trust through dialogue and consultation, and achieve lasting and comprehensive good-neighborly friendship.

Secondly, he suggested further progress in improving relations. China welcomes the two sides to actively explore cooperation and expand personnel exchanges in such fields as economy, trade, security and people-to-people exchanges, and stands ready to strengthen exchanges with the two sides to help improve their relations.

Thirdly, he said that the two sides should reject external interference. The destiny of the Middle East should be in the hands of the people of the regional countries.

China has always stood on the side of Arab and Muslim countries and supported the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, Wang said.

Elkhereiji and Bagheri thanked China for hosting the meeting, saying Saudi Arabia and Iran welcome and support China's greater role in the development of the Middle East.

During the trilateral meeting, Saudi Arabia and Iran expressed their commitment to the full implementation of the Beijing agreement. China stressed that it will continue to play a constructive role and support Saudi Arabia and Iran in continuing to take steps to strengthen relations. The three sides discussed trilateral cooperation in various fields.
Arizonas governor signed an executive order deploying National Guard troops stationed in the state to its southern border Friday.

With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government wont, Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) said in a statement on the new order.

The order comes after U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it would close the Lukeville, Ariz., port of entry on Dec. 1, taking effect on Dec. 4 until further notice. Hobbs blamed the decision for a resulting unmitigated humanitarian crisis in the area, putting Arizonas safety and commerce at risk.

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Hobbss order comes a week after she sent President Biden a letter asking him to reassign National Guard troops at the port of entry.

Despite continued requests for assistance, the Biden administration has refused to deliver desperately needed resources to Arizonas border, Hobbs said in her statement.

In her letter, Hobbs suggested the president reassign 243 National Guard members stationed in the Tuscon Sector to be reassigned to the Lukeville port of entry. In the executive order, Hobbs reassigned them herself.

Hobbss action comes amid intense debates at the national level over border policy in Congress. Senate Democrats are divided over a possible deal that some suspect could include intense asylum policy reforms.

Leaks saying the Biden administration is gearing up to support new authority to expel migrants without asylum screenings, and expand their detention and deportation, raised some fears among some Senate Democrats. Some also fear Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.J) could quickly bring a border security deal to the floor next week, surprising them.

If @SenSchumer thinks he can send us home for the weekend, quietly cave to Republicans anti-immigrant demands while nobody is watching, and then ambush Democrats expecting us to vote yes with a smile, he is TERRIBLY MISTAKEN. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a leading Democratic voice on immigration issues, posted on the social media platform X.

The New Jersey senator said, Schumer and those Democrats who are contemplating these proposals need to understand that these Trumpian policies will do nothing to address our challenges at the border and will only exacerbate the problem.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
PRARIE VILLAGE, Kan.  A man allegedly robbed a Great Southern Bank in Prairie Village Saturday morning and escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

Around 10:30 a.m., Prairie Village Police officers were dispatched to the Great Southern Bank off West 95th Street on a reported armed bank robbery.

When police arrived, they say bank employees informed them that the suspect had left the bank and walked north with the money.

The suspect who was armed with a handgun, is described as a white man wearing a black fleece jacket, blue jeans, black stocking hate and a black facemask. Theres a photo of the alleged suspect at the bottom of this story.

KCPD investigating shooting that killed 14-year-old Friday evening

Authorities say there were no injuries and no customers inside the bank at the time of the robbery.

PVPD asks anyone with information to call the Prarie Village Police at 913/642-5151 or call the TIPS Hotline at 816/474-TIPS.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The Army will launch an investigation into the shooter who killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, in October.

The Secretary of the Army has requested the Army Inspector General to conduct an independent investigation to ensure that the Army takes corrective actions where appropriate, Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo wrote in a letter to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).

In response, the Army IG has instructed her team to immediately begin preparing to conduct this investigation. The IG investigation will formally commence either upon cessation of the ongoing U.S. Army Reserve investigation or by February 1st 2024, whichever comes first, the letter continues.

The Lewiston shooter, Robert Card, was a former Army reservist. His family had contacted the local sheriffs office earlier in the year regarding concerns about Cards mental health, which were augmented with his access to firearms.

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Collins shared the letter in a press release Friday. The letter follows another from Maines congressional delegation asking for the Army Inspector General to investigate and conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the shooting a few months ago.

We are pleased that the Inspector General of the Army has responded to our requests and has begun preparations to conduct an independent investigation into the events preceding the Lewiston shooting, the Maine delegation said in the Friday press release.

Collins and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) also sent a letter in November asking the Army Inspector General to conduct a review of the facts and events in the lead-up to the Lewiston shooting.

The Hill has reached out to the offices of Sens. Collins and King.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russia is aiming to capture Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast due to its importance as a logistical hub for a potential offensive westwards, Volodymyr Fito, the head of the Army's public relations service, said on air on Dec. 16.

Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on Dec. 11 that Russian forces are trying to capture the village of Synkivka in Kharkiv Oblast, hoping to pave the way for the blockade of nearby Kupiansk.

According to Fito, Russia is utilizing significant amounts of equipment and personnel for the offensive on Kupiansk, which was previously occupied by Russian forces from late February 2022 to Sept. 10, 2022.

The "equipment is more protected" than the Russian soldiers, who are used in heavy numbers for assaults and combat reconnaissance, Fico said.

Russia is moving reserves of assault battalions in the direction of Kupiansk to compensate for heavy losses, Fito said.

Moscow has been concentrating a large force at the Kupiansk-Lyman axis in northeastern Ukraine since the summer, and heavy engagements and shelling have been a common occurrence.

Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov announced on Nov. 29 that all families with children living in and around Kupiansk had been evacuated to safer regions.

In total, 493 people, including 299 children, living in the three communities in the Kupiansk district were evacuated from their homes following a mandatory evacuation order.

Read also: Ukraine finally moves to fortify front line, but could it be too little too late?

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A Columbia couple has been arrested in connection with the murders of the womans mother and three other family members in Pendleton in 2015.

Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride said at a news conference Friday afternoon that Amy Vilardi and her husband, Rosmore Ross Vilardi, had just been charged with the murders of Amys mother, Cathy Scott, 60; Cathys husband, Michael Mike Scott, 59; Mikes mother, Barbara Scott, 80; and Cathys mother, Violet Taylor, 82.

They were each shot with a revolver in their home on Halloween night 2015.

McBride called the murders brutal and the crime scene gruesome and gory, among the worst detectives had ever seen.

He did not discuss why it had taken so long to bring charges other than to say there were many pieces that needed to be put together.

Shortly after the murders, the Daily Mail reported there had been a family dispute over Mike Scotts sideline business of buying and selling gold. He was employed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

The Daily Mail also said Cathy Scott, who cared for the mothers at home, and her daughter were in a dispute over the grandchildren. Amy Vilardi and Vilardis husband of eight weeks lived in a mobile home on the property and ran a dog grooming business.

The Daily Mail reported Cathy Scott managed to run to the master bedroom from the living room where the others were shot. She was shot twice in the head.

Amy Vilardi told deputies at the time the disagreements were not serious.

Ross Vilardi said they were in Columbia when the murders occurred.

McBride said Friday Amy Vilardi called 911 to report the murders.

At the time, Amy Vilardi told Fox Carolina: When I went to knock on the back door, the door just pushed open so I walked in and it was dark and I just flipped the light on and there they were. They were just, they were there. I dont understand why any of it has happened and I just keep thinking its a dream Im going to wake up from. Whoever did this, I dont see how you can live with yourself.

God bless this family. They have waited so long, McBride said, and added, We were praying this day would come.
 Flash

A gala dinner to celebrate six decades of China-Kenya diplomatic relations was held Thursday evening in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with about 500 senior officials, diplomats, industry executives, students, and artists in attendance.

The event, whose key highlights were speeches, musical performances, acrobatic shows, and the launch of a book documenting 60 individuals' stories amid the deepening China-Kenya relations, was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Kenyan government.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian said in his speech that China is willing to work with Kenya to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, embark on a path of cooperation with distinctive features on the journey of national development and revitalization, constantly enrich the China-Kenya comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and jointly build an even closer China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.

Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya's prime cabinet secretary who also doubles up as cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, said that reviewing the development of Kenya-China relations over the past 60 years, the basic principles of equality, mutual trust and respect have made the friendship between the two countries ever stronger.

China is a reliable partner of Kenya in fields including trade, infrastructure construction, science and technology, education, culture, public health, and climate change, said Mudavadi, adding Kenya will continue to promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, carry out win-win cooperation and achieve common prosperity.

A photo exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Kenya was also held on the same day. A total of 71 photos were displayed, reflecting the achievements of cooperation in various fields between the two countries from different perspectives.

On Dec. 14, 1963, the governments of China and Kenya issued a joint communique, formally establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.
Supporters of Palestine gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

The presidents of three of the countrys most prestigious universities sparked a wave of criticism earlier this month after giving what many considered to be inadequate responses when questioned by members of Congress about their schools tolerance of antisemitic speech.

The presidents of Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania faced a barrage of pointed questions during an hours-long House committee hearing held in response to protests on Americas college campuses opposing Israels continued siege of Gaza.

The most noteworthy exchanges involved New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who grilled the administrators over whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated their universities speech policies. The presidents said they were committed to free speech and that context  such as whether the offensive comments were harassing specific people  would determine if there was a school violation.

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The testimony prompted a fiery rebuke from Stefanik and several other committee members. Pennsylvanias Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro called the responses from Penn president Liz Magill absolutely shameful. A White House spokesman said it was unbelievable that the three administrators werent willing to unequivocally denounce dangerous and revolting attacks on Jewish people.

Magill resigned from her position a few days after the hearing. Harvard and MIT appear committed to allowing their leaders to keep their jobs, despite continuing calls for them to be fired.

Why theres debate

The loudest reactions to the hearing have come from conservatives like Stefanik, who argue that any student or faculty member who promotes antisemitic rhetoric should face harsh punishments  as should any administrators who allow that kind of environment on their campuses.

But beneath that outcry, there has been a more nuanced debate over how the nations most influential private universities should balance free speech against their obligation to create a safe learning environment for their students.

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A number of commentators from across the political spectrum argue that as angry as it may make some people, context really does matter when it comes to speech. They fear that universities will overreact to the criticism and impose strict new policies in an attempt to avoid offending anyone.

Many left-leaning pundits say this whole debate is a fake controversy based on a willful misrepresentation of common pro-Palestine phrases. They point out that though some interpret phrases like intifada and from the river to the sea as calls for genocide, they are more frequently invoked as a way to express general support for the Palestinian cause. The real goal of Republicans like Stefanik, these critics argue, is to suppress opposition to Israel.
A Tennessee mother has opened up about her desperate attempts to find her baby boy after he was sucked into a tornado that destroyed the familys mobile home.

Sandy Moore, her boyfriend and their two children, aged one and four months, were at their home in Clarksville when the tornado hit and ripped off the roof on 8 December. Ms Moore told local news station WSMV-TV that her boyfriend, who suffered a broken arm during the ordeal, had tried to grab the bassinet where the baby was sleeping but it was lifted by the tornado.

He was just holding on to the bassinet the whole time, and they went into circles, he said, and then they got thrown, Ms Moore said.

As the wind howled, she decided to jump on top of her oldest son.

Ms Moore grabbed the child as the walls collapsed and both were crushed under the trailer before she managed to push herself and the boy out. With the help of emergency personnel, the mother-of-two and her boyfriend searched for the baby and they ultimately found him lying in a fallen tree in the pouring rain.

I was pretty sure he was dead and we werent going to find him, Moore said. But hes here, and thats by the grace of God.

In the description of a GoFundMe page created to help the family reel from their financial loss, Ms Moores sister said that the four-month-old had only suffered minor injuries but had to have his ear glued from a cut

We are told that he looked like he was placed on the tree gently, the description read. Like an angel guided him safely to that spot.

The family lost their home and vehicle, as well as all their belongings, including the childrens formula and diapers. Theyre currently staying in a hotel room as they figure out what the next step will be.

More than $59,000 has been donated to the fundraiser as of Friday evening.

I will die for my kids, Ms Moore told WSMV. Thats not even a question. And my boyfriend would do the same thing,

Three people were killed in Clarksville and three in Nashville by the string of powerful tornado-producing storms last weekend.
Police in Washington would gain more leeway to pursue suspected criminals under an initiative supporters delivered to the Secretary of States Office on Thursday.

The proposed ballot measure, Initiative 2113, would erase requirements in state law barring an officer from initiating a chase unless they suspect a person has or is committing certain crimes, such as a violent offense or driving while intoxicated.

Initiative supporters say those restrictions have emboldened criminals to flee authorities  in some cases, with deadly consequences.

Police were only able to watch as the man who would strike my daughter in a stolen truck sped away, said Amber Goldade, whose daughter Immaculee was killed by a man driving a stolen truck in Pierce County in 2022.

They could have stopped him long before he got behind the wheel that day if our laws hadnt handcuffed the police response to his crimes, she said in a statement. Im fighting to stop this happening to more families.

State Rep. Jim Walsh of Aberdeen, who also chairs the Washington State Republican Party, is the prime sponsor of this initiative and five others circulated this year by Lets Go Washington.

So far, supporters have turned in three of the measures.

In November, the group submitted signatures for Initiative 2117 to repeal the Climate Commitment Act and on Monday they delivered petitions for Initiative 2081 to codify a parents bill of rights.

On Thursday, initiative backers handed in petitions that they said bear 410,518 signatures.

In a statement, the founder of Lets Go Washington said communities are experiencing rising crime while lawmakers tell residents not to believe their eyes.

Local police, mayors and city councils should not be stuck with a one-size-fits-all policy that keeps police from doing their job, said Brian Heywood, a hedge fund manager whos shelled out more than $5 million on gathering signatures for the six initiatives.

Curtailing potentially deadly high-speed chases gained momentum in Washington in 2021. Democrats used their majorities in the House and Senate to push through several laws tightening guidelines for law enforcement amid a national debate on policing practices spurred by the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota in 2020.

Changing the rules for pursuits was part of a broader bill dealing with tactics and equipment used by law enforcement officers. This legislation, for example, barred use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants, and restricted deployment of tear gas.

The bill limited vehicular pursuits to when officers had probable cause that a person in a vehicle committed a violent offense, a sex offense, domestic violence-related offenses, driving under the influence of alcohol or trying to escape arrest. As intended, that higher bar led to cops undertaking fewer pursuits.

Civic leaders and law enforcement officials said it also resulted in criminals becoming more brazen knowing police could not pursue them. They pushed for easing the rules so police could go after more suspected wrongdoers.

Majority Democrats responded near the end of this years session by amending the law to replace probable cause with the less rigorous reasonable suspicion standard. They left the remainder of the law intact.

Initiative 2113 would eliminate the restrictions and allow vehicular pursuits if there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated the law.

To be certified, Initiative 2113 petitions must contain the signatures of at least 324,516 registered voters. State election officials recommend initiative sponsors submit at least 405,000 signatures to account for any found to be invalid.

The process of certifying valid signatures will begin after the Dec. 29 deadline for filing initiatives to the Legislature.

Because it is an initiative to the Legislature, if it has the requisite number of signatures it will first be sent to lawmakers who can adopt it as written in the 2024 session. They also can reject or refuse to act on it, in which case it will go on the November 2024 ballot.

Lawmakers can approve an alternative measure to be placed on the ballot alongside the initiative if they want, as well.

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 state initiative vote filed to change police pursuit law
Ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon on Friday predicted former President Trump will choose a woman as his running mate in 2024, highlighting South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) as contenders for the vice presidential slot.

Bannon appeared on The Sean Spicer Show with the former White House press secretary, where the two discussed at length what a second Trump administration might look like in terms of policy and personnel.

My thinking is very structured that I believe President Trump will have a female as the vice president, said Bannon, who served as a top adviser on Trumps 2016 campaign and as a chief strategist in the White House until his ouster in August 2017.

He floated Noem, Stefanik, Mace, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R), Kari Lake (R) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), among the individuals who could be considered for the number two slot on a ticket with Trump.

Spicer questioned whether Mace would be a fit, noting whoever Trump picks could not outshine the former president.

Bannon praised Maces Trumpian attitude, saying, She comes at this with a brashness and a set of titanium balls.

Mace was one of nine Republicans who voted with Democrats to hold Bannon in contempt of Congress in 2021 for failing to honor a subpoena, and he was later convicted on that charge. She has since appeared on his War Room podcast, particularly in the wake of her vote to oust Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as Speaker.

McCarthy and some others on Capitol Hill have been critical of the South Carolina Republican, arguing she flip-flops frequently on issues and seeks out attention.

Mace was critical of Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the Capitol, but she later stood outside Trump Tower and touted her early support of the former president after he endorsed a primary challenger in 2022.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Britain owes Barbados $4.9 trillion, according to Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The comments made during a visit by Mottley to London echo earlier claims she has made and add to demands coming from various nations for Britain and other former colonial powers to make amends for centuries of imperialism, slavery and exploitation.

Mottley offered her estimate of Britains debt to Barbados as she gave a speech at the London School of Economics, where she once studied.

Were not expecting that the reparatory damages will be paid in a year, or two, or five because the extraction of wealth and the damages took place over centuries, Mottley told her audience. But we are demanding that we be seen and that we are heard.

Her remarks came at an event honoring Barbados first poet laureate, who recited verses related to the countrys history of enslavement and imperialism as well as more recent issues like the killing of George Floyd.

For the first time the world recognized that we could no longer ignore the trauma of four centuries of enslavement and barbarism and of denying people their humanity, Mottley said.

The Barbados Prime Minister also acknowledged a trip that King Charles made to Rwanda in 2021 in which he expressed personal sorrow at the suffering of so many and pledged to learn more about slaverys enduring impact.

In her remarks, Mottley said, I want to salute the king for having the courage to understand that this is a conversation whose time has come.

Mottley also met with former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who now serves as foreign minister, though she did not say whether they discussed the issue of reparations. Current U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has previously dismissed calls for Britain to apologize or provide compensation for its enslaving and imperialist past, saying that trying to unpick our history is not the right way forward.

Resistance from officials like Sunak has not stopped a growing list of leaders and countries from holding Britain and other oppressive powers accountable for their past actions. Jamaica and other Caribbean nations have publicly called for reparations from their former imperial exploiters in recent years. The British history of exploitation in Barbados is long, reflecting the extent to which the country and the region were under foreign domination or influence. Britain colonized Barbados in 1627 and imported enslaved Africans to toil on sugar plantations in the colony. Two centuries after initial colonization, Britain abolished slavery in Barbados in 1834, but the colony did not gain independence until 1966 and only left the Commonwealth of Nations in 2021. The level of damage and exploitation inflicted during this long period is extensive. As staggering as the $4.9 trillion sum presented by Mottley may be, it is significantly less than what Barbados has called for in the past; shes previously cited a reparations figure of $24 trillion, noting a standard definition of the type of damage imposed by Britain.

Its yet to be determined whether the calls from Barbados and other nations will move British officials to make stronger acknowledgments of their sordid history or give firm commitments to make amends. But Mottleys demands, mentioned in the heart of the former colonial capital, are the latest in a growing chorus of voices that will be hard to ignore.
The Bastrop City Council rounded out a year focused on addressing the citys traffic and road infrastructure issues by zeroing in on road maintenance in its last meeting of 2023.

The council approved a new transportation impact fee, which will take effect following a 12-month grace period. Only new developments within city limits will pay this fee. The move comes as the City Council attempts to address the impact of new developments on the citys transportation infrastructure.

The transportation impact fee is really meant so that new development pays its way on the transportation and road system so that current residents arent taxed to death, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo said in September.

The maximum rate for these fees is $8,644 per single-family house on the west side of the Colorado River and $5,204 per home on the east side of the river. Carrillo said the rates differ because the opposite sides of the river face massively different growth rates.

Developers will pay transportation impact fees when filing building permits with the city. The council discussed the fees being an expense eventually passed on to renters or homebuyers and how that could affect Bastrops affordability.

It is a passthrough fee, said Council Member Kevin Plunkett. Its going to show up on the cost of the property, which means its going to hit everyone, including the people that are already here.

Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland suggested the city phase in the fee. After the 12-month grace period, new developments will pay 65% of the fee for the first year. The second year, developers will pay 85%. By the third year, developers will pay the maximum fee.

Additionally, the City Council unanimously approved allocating sales tax revenue to a street maintenance fund. Proposition A, which passed with 69% of the vote in November, allowed the city to make this change.

Previously, the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation received half a percent of the overall 8.25% sales tax. The City Councils action allocates 0.125% for the economic development corporation, while 0.375% funds road maintenance. The citys assistant finance director, Laura Allen, said the city expects this ordinance to raise $3.3 million for street maintenance.

Art grants approved

The City Council also unanimously approved two grants totaling $24,200 from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Candice Butts, the citys Main Street Manager, said the smaller $8,000 grant will fund promotional material and regular cleanings of the citys statues. She said the city would have to match this grant, and part of its contribution would fund local artists salaries within the citys cultural arts work plan.

Butts said the city will use the second grant, worth $16,200, to finish an iconic art project centered around Bastrops new Bird City designation.

That iconic art project is to connect Texas 95 to Chestnut (Street) to bring awareness (and) traffic downtown, Butts said.

Butts said this grant money will go toward the second phase of the iconic art project. She said the call for art submissions will open in January and close in March. Butts said she expects an August installation date for the art selected by the Cultural Arts Commission.

Additionally, the City Council unanimously approved two of the mayors appointments to the citys advisory boards. Mary Moody will take Place 5 on the citys Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board. Shawn Pletsch will take Place 8 on the Main Street Program Advisory Board.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bastrop City Council OKs new traffic impact fee, art grants
BEACHWOOD, Ohio (WJW)  Police are investigating a crash involving a school bus and three other vehicles in Beachwood Friday evening.

The crash happened at the corner of Richmond Road and Shaker Boulevard.

Beachwood Police Chief Kate McLaughlin told the FOX 8 I-Team that three drivers were taken to the hospital. One of the drivers has potentially serious injuries.

Beachwood crash involving school bus closes roadway

None of the students reported injuries, the police chief confirmed.

After the crash, the children were taken from the scene by another bus. A school district representative contacted their families.

Friends star Matthew Perrys cause of death revealed

In a Facebook post, Beachwood police confirmed that Richmond Road is closed in both directions at Shaker Boulevard due to the crash.

FOX 8 is working to gather more details on this developing story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
SAN DIEGO  A beloved beluga whale that resided in SeaWorld San Diego for nearly two decades passed away at the estimated age of 53, the theme park announced in a social media post on Friday.

The whale, named Ferdinand, was the oldest of three living in the park, and was known for his playful personality and uniquely elongated head.

According to park officials, he lived a very full life, surpassing the average 30 to 50 year lifespan for the cetacean species.

We will miss Ferdinand dearly and we sincerely appreciate the support from our community and his fans all over the world, park officials said in the post announcing the whales passing on Friday. Ferdinand will be remembered for his great personality and amazing relationships with his animal care team.

New home for the holidays: Birch Aquarium takes in five new penguins

Ferdinand came to SeaWorld in 2004 after spending nearly 30 years at the Duiesberg Zoo in Germany. He was believed to have been about five years old when he was captured in 1975, according to the website created by members of his German fanbase.

After moving to SeaWorld, Ferdinand was a part of several projects that have helped scientists learn more about beluga whales, including a recent DNA sampling study that uses skin cells and any traces in water that can help track wild populations.

We are grateful for the time we had with him at SeaWorld San Diego and the positive impact he had on park guests, park officials continued. What we have learned from him has enhanced our understanding of how we can all support the conservation of beluga whales in the wild.

Before his passing, he was the oldest beluga whale residing in any of the worlds zoos, according to SeaWorld officials. He was also among the largest beluga whales, weighing over 2,000 pounds.

Two beluga whales remain at SeaWorld San Diego: a female named Allua, and a male named Klondike.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
 Flash

Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has contributed a lot to advancing global human rights and welfare through inclusive international cooperation, said experts worldwide while commenting on a latest BRI report.

The report, titled "For a Better World -- Looking at the Past Decade of Jointly Pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative from a Human Rights Perspective," was released by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and Xinhua's think tank New China Research last week.

By using a large number of cases and data, the report demonstrates the positive role of the BRI in helping local people better realize their rights to survival and development and achieve broader human rights protection in the past decade, and summarizes the inspiration of the BRI for global human rights governance.

"The Xinhua study ... offers an excellent overview of the enormous contributions of the BRI to global wellbeing and the fulfillment of fundamental economic and cultural rights," said Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University in the United States.

Taking the landmark projects the China-Laos Railway and Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway as examples, Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, said the BRI enabled the world to achieve unprecedented connectivity.

The think tank report, Phichaiwongphakdee said, has made the world see the contribution of the BRI to the development of human society, and also let developing countries "that have long been suppressed by Western countries on human rights" see China's success on the path of human rights development.

While driving economic growth and improving infrastructure construction in participating countries, primarily in developing countries, the BRI has also improved the living standards of their people, said Decio Machado, an international political analyst and a Spanish citizen who has been living in Ecuador for years.

Its philosophy of putting people first and promoting cooperative development brings positive forces to the development of human rights, fairness, and social justice, solidifying the foundation of human rights development, he added.

"I fully agree with the report's description that the cooperative construction of the Belt and Road conforms to the strong desire of people of partner countries to live a better life," said Rafael Quintero, former deputy foreign minister of Ecuador.

Echoing Quintero's point, Mohammed al-Jubouri, professor of media at the Baghdad-based al-Iraqia University, said that the report, based on objectivity and professionalism, is very important for giving clear, realistic examples and numbers about what the BRI has achieved.

In Iraq, the BRI contributes to bettering local lives in the fields of energy and education, the professor said, adding that Chinese companies play a vital role in raising Iraq's electricity and oil production, alleviating the suffering of its people, and increasing its income, while their construction of hundreds of schools ends the lack of schools for Iraqi students.

"A large number of cases and data in the report ... proved that the initiative has essentially helped many developing countries overcome their development bottlenecks such as infrastructure deficits," said Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute.

"Through those collaborative projects, the Belt and Road cooperation has created more jobs, and provided more vocational training and education opportunities for the people in partner countries, and thus improved their livelihoods in the process of development," she added.
[Source]

"Benevolent sexism, disguised as warmth bias, limits career advancement for Asian women with accents in Canadian workplaces, a new study reveals.

Understanding the accent bias: A recent study led by Ivona Hideg, Samantha Hancock and Winny Shen from York University and Western University in Canada sheds light on the often-overlooked phenomenon of accent bias against women in the workplace. The research, published in Sage Journals in April, delved into the experiences of women with non-native English accents, specifically Mandarin.

Methodology: The researchers relied on the stereotype content model, which identifies two key aspects of how we perceive others: warmth and competence. These are linked to our perception of someone's potential threat or value, which the study used to understand how workplace dynamics affect Asian women with accents.

Benevolent sexism unmasked: The study found that Asian women with a Mandarin accent were often perceived as more friendly, trustworthy and sincere than their counterparts without accents. This tendency, rooted in benevolent sexism, could appear beneficial at first glance, as it led to higher perceived hireability. However, this perception of warmth, while seemingly positive, might contribute to occupational gender segregation. Industries traditionally associated with femininity, like fashion and cosmetics, might benefit from this bias, while traditionally masculine sectors like oil and gas may not see similar advantages.

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Addressing bias at work: The study argues that immigrants' non-native accents unfairly hurt their job prospects, even though this is not explicitly covered by Canada's Human Rights Act. The authors called for government recognition of accent discrimination and company-level action to address it. This means ditching accent reduction programs and instead removing systemic barriers and fostering positive attitudes towards accents in the workplace.

"Accent reduction programs stigmatize accents by suggesting they need to be corrected. Instead of focusing on what workers with accents can do to 'fit in,' organizations need to focus on removing systemic barriers that workers with accents face. Our research serves as a reminder to not evaluate workers based on stereotypes. Even purportedly positive stereotypes can undermine the careers of racialized women."

Global implications: The study further placed the issue in a broader context, pointing out that the global workforce is highly accent diverse, especially in traditional immigrant and developed countries like Australia, Canada and the United States. The authors argued that the phenomenon of speaking with a non-native accent is intricately linked with immigration and the prevalence of English as a lingua franca, making this a common global workforce challenge.

Trending on NextShark: Manila crowned world's top city destination for 2023

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Ask someone what the best restaurant in San Luis Obispo is and youll get vastly different answers.

If they prioritize atmosphere, they might pick a swanky dinner spot downtown, while someone who is all about the grub could pick a hole-in-the-wall thats further away from the main stretches of town.

Luckily, Yelp has a weekly feature that tracks the most popular restaurants in the city based on recent user reviews.

Here are the 10 best restaurants in San Luis Obispo according to Yelp, as of Dec. 9, 2023:

Coya Peruvian Food

Address: 1401 Osos St.

Rating: 4.9 stars

Recent review: My wife and sister-in-law were born and raised in Lima, Peru. They absolutely loved everything we had. The ceviche was amazing! Catalina, the owner and chef, is so nice and welcoming. We had a great time and look forward to coming back. Highly recommend as the food is authentic and delicious.  Anthony B., Costa Mesa

To contact: Call 805-634-3504

J&L Hawaiian BBQ

Address: 2256 Broad St.

Rating: 4.9 stars

Recent review: Great food and good service. Went here for the first time and was not disappointed. We ordered the chicken katsu and Spam masubi, both were on point! Highly recommend J&L Hawaiian BBQ as the price to value ratio is great.  Daniel P., San Luis Obispo

To contact: jlhawaiianbbq.com or call 805-439-1099

Bear & the Wren offers eight beers on tap and 20 to 25 wines. The pizza restaurant is located in the old Spikes building on Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.

Bear & The Wren

Address: 570 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.7 stars

Recent review: This place has such a calm, romantic atmosphere that is perfect for date nights! Their gourmet pizzas are so unique and flavorful for people looking to try something new. I got their Ricotta and Honey Pizza in the Detroit Style and their Roasted Butternut in the Neapolitan Style, and both were such amazing options! I especially loved the garlic confit of the ricotta and honey, so that one was my favorite of the night. I also tried their pineapple passion fruit root elixir, and it was a great refreshing non-alcoholic drink! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a new place to eat in SLO!  Regina R., Fresno

To contact: bearandthewren.com or call 805-439-0326

High Street Market & Deli

Address: 350 High St.

Rating: 4.6 stars

Recent review: If I could marry a sandwich shop, Id marry High St. Deli. While it took a while because I was there on a Saturday, it was so worth it. I got a turkey, cheddar cheese and lettuce sandwich on sourdough bread and it was amazing. The next time I went, I got a turkey, American cheese and lettuce sandwich on white bread, and while it was still great, nothing will top my first visits order. Totally going back here soon!  Brenna G., San Francisco

To contact: highstdeli.com or call 805-541-4738

Thai Delight Cuisine

Address: 1011 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.6 stars

Recent review: Excellent!! Had khao soi and drunken noodles. 10/10! Great service and seriously some of the best Thai food weve had. Will be back next time I visit SLO!  Theresa L., San Juan Capistrano

To contact: thaidelightslo.com or call 805-541-2025

A crab roll with avocado is among the sushi offerings on the menu at Goshi Japanese restaurant in Paso Robles.

Goshi Japanese Restaurant

Address: 570 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Recent review: It cannot get any better than this. I am a sashimi fan because of Goshi! Fresh, fresh quality and flavor. Excellent cuts that just let the sashimi melt in your mouth. Sake offerings are great. Dessert ... wow, matcha layered cake with black sesame ice cream. Do yourself a treat. Service is always friendly and seating is appropriate for the venue, but really, once you get your food, nothing else exists. SLO is fortunate to have this quality in town  Carrie R., San Luis Obispo

To contact: goshislo.com or call 805-543-8942

Ginos Pizza

Address: 1769 Monterey St.

Rating: 4.4 stars

Recent review: Our family loves Ginos great food and atmosphere! Huge menu and great variety, something for everyone! The staff is amazing and will help you get what you need to have a great meal!  Wesley T., Atascadero

To contact: ginospizzaslo.com or call 805-752-1333

Margherita pizza with fresh basil, thinly sliced tomatoes and garlic is a popular menu item at Ginos Pizza, which has locations in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.

Nates on Marsh

Address: 450 Marsh St.

Rating: 4.3 stars

Recent review: Nates is the best restaurant in town. Not only is the food absolutely spectacular, the drinks are as well. You cannot beat the ambiance. Its warm, and cozy and beautifully designed. On top of all of that, Nate and his staff are the best. This is a cannot miss when in town or for the SLOcals.  Gary B., San Luis Obispo

To contact: natesonmarsh.comor call 805-544-4454

Flour House SLO

Address: 690 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.2 stars

Recent review: Great food and drink! Their craft pizzas are unique and the restaurant has a great atmosphere!  Chris C., San Diego

To contact: flourhouseslo.com or call 805-544-5282

Among the pizza offerings at Flour House in San Luis Obispo is the pizza bianca-style Primavera, topped with mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes and arugula.

Novo

Address: 726 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.2 stars

Recent review: The best restaurant in SLO!! We always come back here during holiday season! Food, the atmosphere and service is A plus!! Friendly for kids as they got a nice outdoor sitting area :) highly recommended!  Ashley H., Orange

To contact: novorestaurant.com or call 805-505-7137

Check back with The Tribune next month to see if your favorite restaurant can make it to the top.
In the 1960s and 1970s, four dams were built along the Lower Snake River in Washington State. They were advertised as a source of cheap, clean energy. Some conservation groups and tribe members nearby said the dams would have a negative impact on the regional environment. Decades later, the controversy has come to a head as the Biden administration has agreed to work alongside those groups to develop a plan to save the fish.

"The importance of salmon to our people has dated back to our beginning," Nez Perce Chairman Shannon Wheeler said. "I think that's the relationship today that we're here to speak for the salmon that have lost their voice."

The Nez Perce tribe is one of four Columbia Basin tribes who have long relied on the salmon in the region.

"For them to be able to return to their native waters, where they originate from, there's a way of life that's associated to that," Wheeler said.

BIDEN ADMIN CREATES PATHWAY WITH ECO GROUPS TO SHUTTER ENERGY SOURCE SERVING MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

The Columbia River Basin covers parts of seven states and Canada. It once produced one of the largest salmon runs on earth.

The Columbia River Basin covers parts of seven states and Canada. It once produced one of the largest salmon runs on earth.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"These native runs that have once numbered in the millions have been reduced to the thousands and sometimes less," Wheeler said.

The Nez Perce Tribe and other groups have been part of an ongoing legal battle over the four dams built along the Snake River. The groups say those are the source of a declining salmon population. The Idaho Wildlife Federation is part of the broader Snake River coalition. Executive Director Brian Brooks said the fish runs in Idaho are nearly depleted.

"We have the Salmon River, a river that was named after the abundance of fish that used to come back to Idaho," Brooks said. "Only Idaho's fish are on an extinction trajectory and the only thing that our fish experience that none of the other tributaries do are the Snake River dams."

The Snake River begins in Wyoming and flows northwest. Along the way it joins with the Salmon River before flowing into the Columbia River, which feeds into the Pacific Ocean. Thats where salmon spend most of their lives.

HOUSE PANEL TO PROBE BIDEN ADMIN'S NEGOTIATIONS WITH ECO GROUPS TRYING TO TEAR DOWN KEY POWER SOURCE

Grand Teton Mountain Range seen from the Snake River Overlook (made famous by photographer Ansel Adams) on October 1, 2022, at Jackson Lake, Wyoming. The Nez Perce Tribe and other groups have been part of an ongoing legal battle over the four dams built along the Snake River.

"These fish used to get swept down to the ocean in a matter of days. Now that's 40 days," Brooks said. "When they come back up, they go through stress induced by the fish ladders. There are seals and sea lions. And there's a number of issues compounded by the existence of the dams."

After several years in the open ocean, the salmon return to where they were hatched by swimming upstream. For a fish born in Idahos Salmon River, it must get past eight dams.

"We have a five-star hotel waiting for these fish in the Frank Church Wilderness," Brooks said. "It's beautiful, clean habitat. And they cannot get here because of the impacts, the mortality caused by these lower Snake River dams."

About half of the region relies on hydroelectricity for power.

"[The dams are] zero carbon and they're available 24 seven. That's pretty good. They're low cost. They've been a key element of economic development in the Pacific Northwest for decades," National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson said.

Several efforts have been put in place to help the salmon get past the dams. Engineers have built fish ladders, elevators and other passage facilities to help improve survival. Conservation groups say those have fallen short and removing the four Lower Snake River Dams is necessary to save the fish.

"If you look at salmon, steelhead runs on tributaries on the Columbia River that only have to go through 1, 2, 3 or 4 dams they're doing fine. They fluctuate naturally up and down. That happens all the time," Brooks said. "The very simple truth is that eight dams are simply too many dams for a fish to go through."

BIDEN ADMIN PLAN TO RELEASE PREDATOR NEAR RURAL COMMUNITIES FACES WIDESPREAD OPPOSITION: 'A HUGE THREAT

"Sixteen stocks [snakes] historically spawned above Bonneville Dam. Of those, four are now extinct, and seven are listed under the federal ESA [Endangered Species Act]," the NOAA report stated.

Earthjustice has represented a coalition of groups calling for dam removal for decades. Earthjustice first took legal action in 1992, challenging a National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration report that determined the dams did not endanger the fish. They successfully got that determination overturned in 1994. Earthjustice continued the pressure over the years to get the dams removed. In 2021, they agreed to a pause to negotiate with the newly elected Biden Administration.

"In this case, out-of-court discussions open up opportunities to take a more comprehensive approach to issues related to protecting salmon than is available through litigation," Earthjustice said in a statement to Fox. "One example is the development of a plan to replace the energy services now provided by Lower Snake River dams."

In 2022, the Biden administration released a pair of studies concerning the Lower Snake River Dams. A new NOAA report looked into the environmental impact of the dams. It stated, "Sixteen stocks historically spawned above Bonneville Dam. Of those, four are now extinct, and seven are listed under the federal ESA [Endangered Species Act]."

The report ultimately recommended breaching the four lower Snake River dams.

"NOAA Fisheries recognizes that the important services the Lower Snake River dams provide would need to be replaced or otherwise offset before breaching could occur," NOAA Fisheries West Coast Regional Administrator Jennifer Quan said at a congressional June field hearing held in Washington State.

A Bonneville Power Administration [BPA] representative also testified at that hearing on the agencys report that looked at replacement power for the four dams.

"Replacing these dams while meeting clean energy goals and maintaining system reliability is possible. But doing so comes at a substantial cost to the region and notes that emerging replacement technologies must first become commercially viable," BPAs John Harrison said.

TOP BIDEN AIDE'S SPOUSE INVOLVED WITH GROUP PUSHING ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRANSITION

Salmon River and Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, Idaho. For a fish born in Idahos Salmon River, it must get past eight dams.

BPA operates the four Snake River dams. Those produce around 3,500 megawatts of total capacity. Thats enough to power more than 800,000 homes. If the dams were breached, and if replacing with just wind energy, Washington State would need to double the amount of turbines it currently has to make up for the hydropower losses. If using solar, it would need five times as many panels.

"What the Biden administration is saying will replace it with the renewable energy. That's not the same. It's not available 24 seven," Matheson said. "You can't replace always available hydrogenation with renewables and say that's the same type of electric generation."

The BPA report also found that carbon emissions would rise if the dams were removed. In a scenario looking at breaching in 2024, carbon emissions would rise by up to 25%, partly because there would not be enough time to replace the dams with clean resources. If breached in 2035, there would be more time to develop clean replacement energy, but emissions could still increase by 10%.

"If this administration values carbon free resources, why would they propose tearing down these dams?" Matheson said. "This would be a disaster for the Pacific Northwest in terms of what has been an extremely valuable electric supply for decades."

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, D, released their own report on replacing the dams in 2022. It determined the proper infrastructure should be in place before the dams are removed.

"We do not have in place today the resources we need for both resiliency, for energy, or infrastructure, to be able to take them down now," Murray said during a 2022 C-SPAN Senate Debate.

BPA is the Pacific Northwests largest high-voltage transmission provider and generates 28% of electric power in the region. Its territory includes parts of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

FORMER PIPELINE WORKER WARNS BIDEN ADMIN'S CRIPPLING ENERGY AGENDA HAS PUT 'AMERICA LAST'

Overview of Oregon, The Dalles, Columbia River.

"People in California are the ones that should be really worried about this because the Columbia Hydropower system has bailed California out many times when they've been in trouble," Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., said.

Bentz and other republican lawmakers recently made public a White House draft that detailed the ongoing talks over removing the dams. It frequently sourced the 2022 NOAA report on the environmental impact of the dams. The lawmakers questioned if the administration was seeking dam removal and questioned why other scientific reports were not used.

"It's really become a political agenda rather than one that's focused on the science and what's best for the region," Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said.

The dams are located in McMorris Rodgers district. She says she and other lawmakers have been left out of the discussions.

"We had not been included. We've been excluded actually. These have been secret negotiations taking place since 2021 behind closed doors. And many of the stakeholders, many of the people that I represent, whose livelihoods depend upon the Columbia River system have been excluded," McMorris Rodgers said.

This week, the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a hearing on the details in the leaked draft. Representatives from NOAA and BPA declined to attend the hearing.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN HORSESHOE CRAB HARVESTING TO GIVE SPECIES A CHANCE TO REPRODUCE

The Biden administration has agreed to work with groups to create a plan to save the fish.

"This mediation process has been the complete opposite of the meaningful public involvement warranted for such a far reaching and impactful plan for our region and our nation. We are frustrated," Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Executive Director Neil Maunu testified during the hearing. "We could actually get behind a lot of what is in this document. But the rest, the parts that were negotiated in secret without proper stakeholder input, input from those of us who live and work in this region are showstoppers."

Earthjustice tells Fox, "Extensive public comment has shaped thinking on this topic for decades. As discussions continue, all voices continue to be heard."

"These leaked documents were drafted in early November and may not even reflect the current state of the negotiations," Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) said. "I'd like to remind everyone that it is standard practice to have confidential mediations in these things called lawsuits. It happens all the time."

The Idaho Wildlife Federation was not a party in Earthjustices lawsuit and was not included in the mediation. Brooks said there was not anything unusual about the process.

"Its pretty bread and butter for litigation processes. If two of my neighbors sue each other, I have no right to weasel into to knowing what their confidential settlement talks might be," Brooks said.

A new filing was released this week along with a new agreement between the coalition and the Biden administration. The Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative adds new federal funding totaling more than half a billion dollars, new commitments and another five-year legal pause through December 2028.

"Its a pathway towards being able to do the necessary things that will allow breaching to occur," Chairman Wheeler said after the announcement was released. "I think this is the opportunity that these commitments bring to the forefront so that we can have a healthy environment for fish to be able to move up and down and about the river like they're supposed to."

The new initiative explicitly calls for the energy the dams provide to be replaced, and then the dams breached within two fish generations or approximately eight years.

BIDEN ADMIN QUIETLY DEVELOPING SETTLEMENT WITH GROUPS SEEKING TO TEAR DOWN KEY POWER SOURCE

The 2022 NOAA study is seen as evidence the dams need to go.

"We need to diversify the energy grid as it is. We can kill several birds with one stone by replacing the dams, their power infrastructure, their transportation infrastructure and getting our fish back in the process," Brooks said.

Similar to the memo  the new agreement frequently sources the 2022 NOAA study as evidence the dams need to go. It fails to mention Bonneville Power Administrations report on replacing the hydropower.

"An agency will crank out a report in 2022, they'll constantly refer back to their own report as though it's somehow concrete and reliable," Bentz said. "That report [NOAAs] uses a standard of healthy and abundant numbers of fish that that standard has nothing to do with the Endangered Species Act."

The NOAA study states it used Quasi-Extinction Thresholds to evaluate the populations risks of extinction. A NOAA report from 2009 looked at adding terms to define the levels of extinction for species in the Endangered Species Act. It states that quasi-extinction refers to a small population size that has not reached absolute extinction. It ultimately determined using "near-extinction" was more beneficial as "quasi-extinction" runs the risk of "introducing linguistic uncertainty." It also notes that evaluating a species risk based on quasi-extinction "becomes relatively more difficult to predict the timing (or probability) of absolute extinction."

"Its not based on true science," McMorris Rodgers said. "They just picked it out of the air. They're saying, well, we want to restore healthy and abundant salmon runs. It sounds good, but that's a completely new term that's not based on the Endangered Species Act or what Congress has ever put into the law."

BIDEN ADMIN QUIETLY RELEASED STUDY SHOWING GREEN ENERGY RECEIVES FAR MORE SUBSIDIES THAN FOSSIL FUELS

Even with President Bidens commitments to removing the dams in the next eight years, congress would still need to approve the breach.

Even the 2022 NOAA report states some uncertainties as to whether demolishing the dams would increase the salmon population. It lists hurdles including pollution, climate change and the challenge to reintroduce the fish to areas that were once blocked.

"There's a lot of studies have been done that show that the dams are not necessarily the cause of where we've had salmon declines," Matheson said.

Some lawmakers say studies should be done elsewhere to look at why the salmon population has declined.

"What they're really saying is that they don't get money from ratepayers to look at the ocean and they can get about three quarters of $1 billion a year from ratepayers in the northwest to focus on the rivers," Bentz said. "That's politically more attractive to them. Sad because if you want to help the fish, you would be looking at the ocean."

Even with President Bidens commitments to removing the dams in the next eight years, congress would still need to approve the breach. It could become an election issue in the region as lawmakers consider what to do about the dams.

"This is a long way from being done," Matheson said. "We've got to hold people accountable on this because those dams are extremely valuable electric generation for a whole region of our country."

Groups in favor of removal are optimistic it can be done and new clean energy can take the place of the dams.

"We came together to put somebody on the moon. We can do hard things and we can solve this," Brooks said. "Luckily, this is not hard. Fish just need a river and we can figure out a way to get energy in a way that doesn't kill our fish."





Original article source: Biden administration commits millions in new funding to Columbia River Basin restoration
President Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden released a statement Saturday to honor Kuwaits emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who died at the age of 86.

Sheikh Nawaf was a valued partner and true friend of the United States throughout his decades of service, Biden said in a statement.

Today, we mourn his passing and we honor his life and the vision we shared for greater peace and stability across the Middle East, he continued. We will continue to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and Kuwait as we pursue that future together.

Nawaf served as Kuwaits Minister of Interior twice  for a combined 13 years. He also did stints as the Minister of Defense and the Deputy Prime Minister.

He was the Emir of Kuwait from Sept. 29, 2020 until his death. During his reign, he focused on resolving the countrys internal political disputes, The Associated Press reported.

Authorities gave no cause of death for the former leader but said he was rushed to a hospital in November.

Sheikh Nawaf was a largely uncontroversial choice to be the emir but his age suggested his tenure would be short, according to the AP.

While in power, he focused on domestic issues including the welfare system and other political disputes like pardoning dissidents.

His half-brother, Kuwaits deputy ruler Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, who his 83, has reportedly been named emir.

The health of the countrys leaders is a sensitive issue with Kuwaits neighbors, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. There has been increasing pressure to put a younger leader in charge in the Middle East, per the AP.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The International Association of Fire Fighters was the first union to back Joe Biden in 2020  effectively doing so even before he entered the crowded Democratic primary. But nearly eight months after the president launched his re-election bid, the organization remains on the sidelines and faces internal divisions about whether to endorse at all in 2024.

Biden has prided himself on a connection with firefighters for his whole political career, and he and his team have continued to cultivate relationships with the unions leaders since taking office. Those same leaders, though, are mindful that not all of the 343,000 firefighters and paramedics who belong to the union agreed with the 2020 endorsement, and so they are taking a more deliberate approach to 2024, according to two sources familiar with the deliberations.

The situation illustrates how Biden, who has described himself as the most pro-labor president in American history, still faces a challenge in securing the votes of rank-and-file union members, even if many prominent national labor organizations have thrown their support behind him.

Former President Donald Trump has pulled away working-class voters, including some who have traditionally been Democratic voters like union members.

Biden and his administration has been good to firefighters, said Mike Bresnan, the leader of the Philadelphia affiliate of the IAFF, adding that it still might not be enough to earn his or other members votes.

There are other issues that affect our membership, he said, mentioning support for the Second Amendment among them.

The divide within the firefighters union was on display Monday when Biden traveled to Philadelphia for an event at a local firehouse to highlight one of the IAFFs top legislative priorities  renewing and increasing funding for whats known after the SAFER Grant program, which provides federal dollars to hire first responders.

Speaking before Biden at what was an official event, not a campaign event, IAFF General President Edward Kelly noted that the president had championed the grant program as a senator.

Properly staffing and equipping fire departments keeps our communities safe and saves the lives of civilians and firefighters, alike. Nobody knows this better than Joe Biden, Kelly said.

On hand, too, was the former IAFF official Biden had appointed to lead the U.S. Fire Administration, Lori Moore-Merrell. Bidens chief political lieutenant, Steve Ricchetti, made what was for him a rare day trip with the president to attend as well.

Watching, but not participating in the event, was Bresnan. In September 2020, Bresnan had issued a statement pledging IAFF Local 22s support for Trump and attacking the national union over its undemocratic endorsement process. Trumps campaign touted the news and planned to hold an event with Bresnan and other firefighters in Philadelphia the following week  but the trip was canceled when Trump contracted Covid-19.

Biden referred to Bresnan during his remarks Monday, detailing a call he placed to the local union leader after a row house fire in Philadelphia in 2022 that led to 12 deaths, including those of nine children. Bresnan had told the president about how multiple Philadelphia fire stations were shuttered after the 2008 recession, and that if one close to the site of the fire had remained open, they might have saved more lives. Biden told him he would look into the issue.

On Monday, Biden came with a check  a $22.4 million SAFER grant that the White House said would allow the city to fund 72 firefighters salary and benefits for three years, while reopening three firehouses  including the one he visited, which would have been closest to the 2022 fire.

You can cash it at a local bank, he joked. Mike, I kept my promise and got the job done.

In an interview, Bresnan said that despite Biden mentioning him and their past phone call on Monday, he didnt have a chance to meet with Biden personally at the event. He said he had been told at one point before the event he would be part of the speaking program, but ultimately only watched it from the rear of the firehouse.

He did, however, speak with Kelly about whether the national union would decide about its 2024 endorsement, and how it would do so. He encouraged Kelly to make sure they surveyed its membership as part of the process, and that he expected theyd find there are pockets of support for Trump.

Even before the IAFF endorsed Biden in 2020  timed to coincide with his official launch in April 2019  it hosted something of an early pep rally a month earlier, handing out signs reading Run Joe Run before Biden addressed their 2019 legislative conference in Washington.

Support from the union was a key talking point for Bidens 2020 campaign argument about his electability  especially after it had declined to endorse Hillary Clinton in 2016, a signal of her weakness among working-class, white, male voters that helped tip the balance for Trump.

A spokesperson for the IAFF declined to comment on its endorsement process for 2024. Kelly took over as general president of the IAFF in 2021, succeeding Harold Schaitberger, a longtime friend of Bidens who served in the role for two decades.

Biden officials said the event on Monday was not indicative of any stepped-up effort to secure the IAFFs endorsement  but simply the latest example of the presidents long-standing commitment to, and personal connection with, firefighters.

President Biden was proud to travel to Philadelphia on Monday to announce millions of dollars in support for these heroes. Just as hes proud to have spent his career fighting for fire fighters and their families, Robyn Patterson, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement to NBC News.

The Biden campaign also declined to comment on the absence of an endorsement. But a source familiar with the process noted that the union will hold its annual legislative conference in Washington in March, and that Biden has often attended.

Speaking at the same conference earlier this year, Biden talked about how important the group had been in his political career, joking that theres three political parties in Delaware: Democrats, Republican and firefighters.

Throughout my career, Ive tried to be there for you all, because youve been with me my whole career, he said at the time.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Joe Biden is caught in a dilemma with no good options - to get what he wants, the US president may have to reward his political enemies while angering his allies. That's an uncomfortable position ahead of an election year.

This week began with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visiting Washington to plead for more US military aid from Congress.

It ended with Mr Biden and Senate Democrats considering just how far they would be willing to bend in order to fulfil his wish - and just how angry they would be willing to make members of their own party in the process.

Republicans are setting conditions for more Ukraine aid - included in a $100bn (82bn) package that also contains support for Israel and Taiwan - that begin and end with immigration.

That includes not just more money for border security, but also significant changes to the way in which undocumented migrants at the US-Mexico border seeking asylum protections are processed.

Among the measures under consideration are raising the bar for migrants to qualify for asylum consideration in the US and making it easier to deport undocumented entrants without a hearing when border-crossings surge.

The Biden administration reportedly wants to preserve the president's flexibility to provide exceptions to these rules.

The White House would not comment on what hard-line Republican options might be on the table. It is clear, however, exactly how angry some Democrats on the left would be if Mr Biden agreed to such changes.

"I thought I entered a time machine back to the Trump era," Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey said at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus rally on the steps of the US Capitol.

"I could not comprehend how a Democratic president who vehemently countered Trump's policies as a candidate is seriously putting forward the most Trumpian anti-immigrant proposal."

Activists urge the White House to reject Republican proposals for the border

Other legislators condemned the negotiations as a Republican trap and expressed outrage that liberal legislators and Hispanic politicians were left out of the closed-door meetings.

They said the Biden administration would never consider bargaining away other liberal priorities like abortion freedoms, education or civil rights in exchange for a one-time foreign aid bill.

Why, they asked, was immigration different?

Public opinion polling provides a clue. While Democrats have majorities on their side for many of their political priorities, a recent Wall Street Journal poll indicated that 64% of Americans disapproved of Mr Biden's handling of border security.

And by a 54% to 24% margin, respondents said Donald Trump, not Mr Biden, was "best able" to secure the border.

Beto O'Rourke, who once represented the Texas border town of El Paso in Congress and ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019, tells BBC's Americast that Mr Biden needs to reclaim the moral high ground in the immigration debate.

He wants the president to point out what he says was the cruelty of the Trump-era policies Republicans want to enshrine into law.

"We have not heard that recently from Joe Biden," he said. "And we're not seeing that right now in his policies. But I believe he'll do the right thing."

Mr O'Rourke knows first-hand how hard an issue immigration can be for Democrats.

Last year, he tried to defeat Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott by running a campaign that emphasised abortion rights and gun control, among other issues. The governor focused like a laser on immigration - and ended up winning by almost 11%.

"If the president and his administration are not able to offer a comprehensive vision and strategy and demonstrate that they have control over the challenges on the border, it opens the field to Donald Trump on a national level," Mr O'Rourke said.

Members of the House of Representatives have already left Washington for the winter holidays, but senators will be back next week to try to hammer out a deal that includes Ukraine aid and immigration reform.

It's a hint of progress for the administration - and the opportunity to achieve a foreign policy goal while, perhaps, addressing a political weakness that has bedevilled Mr Biden.

The potential risk of alienating liberal allies whose faith in the president has been strained by the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza as well as concessions during budget negotiations earlier this year is high, however.

"For Biden, we're invisible," Congressman Luis Gutierrez of Illinois said at the Capitol on Wednesday.

"They don't do any outreach. They don't do any consultation." And that, he continued, would have electoral consequences.

"Latinos won't come out to vote," he said. "And our efforts to knock on their doors to canvass and to get them out to vote will only become increasingly more difficult."

The president is caught in a bind. What happens next week will help determine how - or if - he can find a way out.
President Biden is facing mounting pressure from his right to hit back harder on the steady pace of attacks on U.S. forces across the Middle East, where American positions have been assaulted nearly 100 times and merchant ships harassed in the Red Sea.

The spate of attacks from Iranian-backed groups across the region, which broke out nearly two months ago on Oct. 17 amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, are not letting up and have spurred growing anger on Capitol Hill.

Republicans are pushing the Biden administration to project more strength against the Iranian-backed groups.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on the floor Wednesday that Biden must focus on the task at hand  deterring Iran.

These Iranian-backed groups are not deterred, they believe they can try to kill Americans with impunity, McConnell said, calling for Biden to get serious about the threats we face.

Republican presidential candidates also called out Biden on the debate stage. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Navy veteran, has said American troops are sitting ducks in the Middle East. And former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador, has accused Biden of appeasing Iran.

They only respond to strength, Haley said of Iran. Youve got to punch them, youve got to punch them hard and let them know that.

Since Oct. 17, Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Syria have attacked U.S. bases and troops 92 times, according to the Pentagons latest estimate.

The U.S. has also engaged the Houthi rebels in Yemen several times. The Houthis, who are also backed by Iran, have shot drones at American ships and attacked merchant vessels, including the successful hijacking of one commercial boat last month.

Those attacks are in the Red Sea, where about 10 percent of the worlds commerce flows through every year.

With the attacks stacking up and stirring criticism, defense officials argue the main objective is to contain the Israel-Hamas war and prevent a wider regional conflict, with Washington taking proportional measures against Iranian-backed militias.

The dangerous tit for tat is spurring concerns the U.S. is playing with fire  and creating fears that a misstep could spark an even greater surge of violence.

Were in a really terrible, unstable and vulnerable condition, said Thanassis Cambanis, the director of Century International, a progressive think tank. Even if Iran and the U.S. dont want a wider war, its easy for miscalculation to produce one.

The militants waging war in the Middle East against the U.S. have been doing so for years  there were some 70 attacks on U.S. forces between 2021 and early 2023, many by Iran-backed groups in Iraq and elsewhere.

But the breakout of the Israel-Hamas war sparked an unprecedented number of attacks in a short time frame.

Analysts say the militia groups  and Iran  want to send a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people, while they are also bristling against increased U.S. military presence, including American aircraft carrier ships and nuclear-powered submarines in the region.

Iran and its proxies need to show they are acting against the U.S. amid the devastating war in Gaza, but Tehran, like Washington, doesnt want to take things too far, according to analysts.

The U.S. is struggling with two major wars in Gaza and Ukraine. With those hot conflicts stretching Washington thin, the Biden administrations main goal is to ensure there is not a wider regional war in the Middle East.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Thursday the U.S. is succeeding in deterring Iranian-backed militia groups.

Thats not to say that the challenges associated with Iranian proxies attacking U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria or the rebels firing missiles at international shipping are not something we shouldnt take serious, Ryder said.

But we will address those problems in the way that weve been doing. And we will continue to stay very focused on not only deterring, but also protecting our force.

Michael Knights, an expert in Iraq and Iran at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the U.S. has managed to keep the fighting at a proportional level, and while that doesnt look good in a headline, in reality there is no real threat.

Knights noted that no American service members have died in the recent attacks, and the militia groups appear to be designing the rocket and drone attacks to avoid fatalities.

They have a pretty limited chance of hitting Americans, and sometimes [the strikes] are quite aimed off, because large salvos havent even landed within the bases, Knights said. Theres been a lot of bangs, but theyve all fallen into what we call the polite category, which means were largely looking at single drone attacks that the U.S. can just eat for breakfast.

But Knights said the deterrence of the Houthis near Yemen has failed, and the U.S. may deliberately be holding back from carrying out more destructive strikes. One reason for the restraint could be to prevent the unraveling of peace talks in a years-long war between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, both of which are in a fragile cease-fire, he added.

The U.S. doesnt want to disrupt that peace process  and the Houthis are taking full advantage of that because they know right now they can do whatever they want, Knights said. They are the part of the deterrence puzzles where the U.S. is doing the least well.

The Houthis, like Lebanons Hezbollah, are a prominent Iranian-backed faction and have earned their stripes in the war with Yemens government. That has molded them into a more formidable fighting force compared with other militia groups in Irans sphere.

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, slammed Biden for failing to stop the Houthi attacks and urged greater action against the group, including a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designation.

By prioritizing politics over security, this administration emboldened the Houthis, enabling them to develop more advanced weapons, deepen ties with Iran, and further entrench their control over millions of innocent Yemenis, McCaul said in a statement.

It is clear that the Houthis are a threat to Yemen, our partners across the Middle East, U.S. servicemembers and citizens in the region, and freedom of navigation and global commerce.

An FTO designation could open up new paths to deter the Houthis, including curbing financing for the group.

Jason Blazakis, director of the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said the FTO designation would help the U.S. and likely would not endanger Houthi-Yemen peace talks.

It would be a signal of U.S. displeasure with Iranian action, he said. There needs to be a response to the Houthis because of their untoward activities. Theyve become increasingly belligerent. That cant be ignored.

The U.S. is also considering a maritime task force, which would be made up of attack ships from several countries, to defend ships against Houthi threats in the Red Sea.

Tensions are likely to remain high as long as Israels war to defeat Hamas rages in Gaza, with devastating consequences for civilians there. On Thursday, Israels defense minister said the war in Gaza could last months.

Lawrence Wilkerson, a retired U.S. colonel who previously served under former Secretary of State Colin Powell, said Biden should bring the war in Gaza to a resolution if he wants to stop the Middle East conflict from ballooning out of control.

Until we decide to essentially cut down our power a bit and let things settle, he said, they arent going to.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
 Flash

New York's Metropolitan Museum (the Met) has agreed to return 14 looted cultural treasures in its possession to Cambodia after several years of negotiations, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said in a statement on Saturday.

The repatriation includes several masterpieces such as the breathtaking sculpture of a 10th-century female goddess (Uma) from the ancient royal capital of Koh Ker, a 10th-century bronze head of Avalokiteshvara which has a matching torso now at the National Museum of Cambodia, and a 10th - 11th century Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara sculpture, the statement said.

Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona said the return of these artifacts, held by the Met is of utmost importance not only for Cambodia, but for humankind.

"The enormous importance to the Cambodian people, of these returns is difficult to overstate," she said in the statement. "We have many more treasures at the Met we also hope will be returned to Cambodia."

The minister said this repatriation shows once again Cambodia's continuing commitment to finding and bringing back its ancestors' souls that departed from its motherland.

Sackona also called on other museums and private collectors to return their looted collections of Cambodian antiquities.

"These returns contribute to the reconciliation and healing of the Cambodian people who went through decades of civil war," she said. "We look forward to further returns and acknowledgments of the truth regarding our lost national treasures."
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a "Commit to Caucus" event for his supporters in Coralville

By Jonathan Landay

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A binder holding top-secret intelligence that contributed to a U.S. assessment that Russia tried to help throw the 2016 U.S. election to Donald Trump has been missing since the last days of his presidency, a source familiar with the issue said.

The Russia intelligence was included with other documents in a binder that Trump directed the CIA to send to the White House just before he left office so he could declassify materials related to the FBI probe of Russian interference in the 2016 vote, the source said.

The Russia materials included highly classified raw intelligence gathered by the U.S. and NATO allies, fueling fears that the methods used to collect the information could be compromised, the source added.

Trump's presidential campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence in January 2017 released an assessment that found Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government conducted a campaign of disinformation and cyberattacks to help  Trumps election chances by denigrating his Democratic foe, Hillary Clinton.

Russia denies interfering in the election.

The disappearance of the binder ignited such deep concerns that the government last year offered to brief the Senate Intelligence Committee, which accepted, the source said.

CNN first reported the missing binder.

In a federal court document filed in August by John Solomon, a conservative journalist, the binder was described as 10-inches thick. Trump appointed Solomon to be a representative authorized to access records from his presidency in the National Archives.

The court document said that Mark Meadows, who served as Trumps last chief of staff, was involved in handling the missing binder and developing with Solomon a strategy to release the materials that Trump planned to declassify.

Meadows did not immediately respond to a request for comment made via the Conservative Partnership Institute, where he is a senior partner.

The source said the binder contained other information related to the FBI's "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation, including materials on the origins of the probe collected by Trump aides and botched FBI applications for wiretap warrants.

They also included anti-Trump text messages between Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, FBI officials who were involved in the probe, the source said.

Much of that material is not considered sensitive, said the source.

It was covered in a heavily redacted version of the binder that was declassified and posted in five parts on the FBIs website in 2022.

Trump has repeatedly called the FBI investigation a hoax.

Solomons federal court filing said that just before Trump left office after his defeat by U.S. President Joe Biden, Solomon was told by Meadows that Trump intended to order the declassification of the Crossfire Hurricane materials in the binder.

Two days before his term ended, the document said, Trump and Meadows told Solomon that the binder had been declassified. On Jan. 19, Meadows invited Solomon to the White House to review several hundred declassified pages and discuss the materials public release, it said.

Copies were provided to Solomon. As he began preparing a story for his website, it continued, he received a call from the White House asking that copies be returned for additional redactions.

Meadows promised Solomon that he would receive the revised binder, said the document. This never happened.

There has been no trace of the classified version since then.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Don Durfee and Daniel Wallis)
Alex Batty, 17, will fly to the U.K. Saturday to be reunited with his grandmothersix years after going missing from a holiday in Spain with his mother and grandfather. Reuters reports that the boy will take a direct flight from Toulouse to London in the late afternoon on Saturday, citing French prosecutor Samuel Vuelta Simon. Alex was found wandering in the French countryside after being abducted in 2017 at age 11 to live an alternative lifestyle. He is expected to reunite with his family in Oldham. His grandmother and legal guardian, Susan Caruana, said at the time of his disappearance that she believed her daughter and ex-husband, David, had taken him abroad after falling into a cult-like lifestyle.

Read it at Reuters

Read more at The Daily Beast.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  For people with breast cancer, the time spent receiving treatment, coordinating care and traveling to doctors appointments can be overwhelming.

Monica Ellis was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer three weeks before her 40th birthday.

Its one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer.

I had a mastectomy and then I received my chemotherapy plus HER2 targeted therapy via an infusion on my chest, Ellis said.

Every 21 days, she spent six to eight hours in the hospital receiving IV infusions.

The treatments, they were really long and tiring. And while I was in the hospital, I was also struggling mentally and physically to juggle with my work and my family life, Ellis said.

Dr. Julie Nangia said in addition to understanding your type of cancer. Its important to know ahead of time everything involved with your treatment options.

Experts are now encouraging researchers to include data regarding time spent receiving treatment, coordinating care and traveling to doctors appointments in future studies,

So patients understand the time-related burdens associated with treatment, Thats going to impact their everyday life, their job schedules, how they can take care of their families. We, we really need to bring that into the conversation early on, Nangia said.

Ellis started a new treatment that would reduce her time in the hospital every month.

An injection called PHESGO gave her more time with family, and allowed her to continue with her career. Its approved for patients that have stage two, three or four, HER2 positive breast cancer, in combination with a medicine called docetaxel or chemotherapy.

Ellis has this advice for anyone newly diagnosed with breast cancer: To advocate for themselves, to stay always in contact with their healthcare provider and to take one day at a time.

The PHESGO injection requires 15-30 minutes in the hospital versus eight hours.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A group of parents have launched a bid to protect the site of a former school.

St Christopher's School in Westbury Park, Bristol, closed in 2020, after it was deemed economically unviable.

If the site is declared an asset of community value, it will prevent it being sold or developed without the local community being given a chance to buy it first.

The parents' bid has been backed by Aardman Animations founder Peter Lord and Bristol North West MP Darren Jones.

In August, Bristol City Council refused plans to convert the site of the former special needs school into a luxury retirement village.

More than 1,300 objections were lodged against the plans.

Julie Owen's daughter Angharad Owen spent nine years at St Christopher's.

"It's crying out to be another special school.

"There is an opportunity there and the council should grab it because this could help meet the needs of all those children who don't have a place.

"Going there meant Angharad was able to stay part of our family, otherwise she would have been hundreds of miles away and that would have been too traumatic," she said.

In a letter sent to Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, MP Darren Jones said he supported the proposal to make the site an asset of community value.

He said he hoped the site could be used to "further the social wellbeing of the local community in the future", as it had done when it was a school.

Peter Lord from Aardman Animations also supports the proposal.

He said: "As a near neighbour of St Christopher's School, I am very aware of how valuable it was for children and parents alike within the Bristol community. "

A decision on the application will be made by Bristol City Council in the next eight weeks.

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Dame Sara Khan is the former head of the Commission for Countering Extremism - Rii Schroer

Official proposals to tackle extremism in Britain have been sitting on a shelf gathering dust despite evidence that the country is facing unprecedented levels of radicalisation, the former Home Office extremism tsar has said.

Dame Sara Khan said she was baffled that the department failed to formally respond to any of the reports she produced as head of the Commission for Countering Extremism.

She warned that the countrys counter-extremism infrastructure is poor, it is weakly coordinated and there are serious gaps.

The intervention comes after the Metropolitan Police said they agreed with the US Federal Bureau of Investigations assessment that there were red lights blinking everywhere - in a reference to the warning signs missed before the September 11 attacks - following the Oct 7 atrocities carried out by Hamas.

Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, has now called for tougher action by police and ministers to deal with extremism, stating that in the last few months, anti-Semitism has been de facto decriminalised; there is very little risk to the perpetrators.

Time to plug loopholes extremists are exploiting

On government intervention to tackle anti-Semitism in universities, Mr Jenrick says that the state should withhold funding from institutions that do not take a zero tolerance approach towards extremism.

He adds: As the events in the Middle East trigger a new wave of radicalisation, it is high time we refreshed our wider counter-extremism legislation to plug the loopholes extremists on our streets have come to exploit.

Since Oct 7, Rishi Sunak and other senior ministers have repeatedly condemned anti-Semitism and urged watchdogs such as the Charity Commission and British Medical Association to crack down on extremism across different sectors.

The Telegraph understands that Kemi Badenochs officials in the Governments Equality Hub have undergone anti-Semitism training.

A spokesman for the Equality Hub said the training was designed to help staff learn about the reasons for societal discord, the better to understand and contextualise it, and how it may impact our work.

I have not had a response to any of my reports

But, addressing MPs last week, Dame Sara, who was Counter-Extremism Commissioner between January 2018 and March 2021, said: I have not had a response from the Government to any of my reports when I was at the Commission for Countering Extremism, which in all honesty I have to say I find baffling.

Even more so given that one of the key recommendations made to the Home Secretary in March this year by Sir John Saunders, who carried out the inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombings, was as a matter of urgency to consider and respond to the Operating with Impunity report [produced by the independent Commission for Countering Extremism].

She added: As far as I am aware, my reports are all sitting on a shelf gathering dust in the Home Office.

To put this in context, one of the things that I wrote in the report was that in Britain we generally have a robust counter-terrorism infrastructure, which many across the world look at with envy.

We do not have robust, strong infrastructure

What I stated in my report was that having reviewed the Governments then 2015 counter-extremism strategy, which was not about laws, having now carried out a legal review looking into the gaps in legislation, we do not unfortunately have a robust, strong counter-extremism infrastructure.

Instead, it is poor, it is weakly coordinated and there are serious gaps.

Now, at a time when we need a robust counter-extremism strategy, when we are seeing the impact of the conflict ... when the FBI director has said the warning lights are flashing in the US, when the EU home affairs commissioner stated a couple of days ago that we should expect more terrorist attacks, when the data and the intelligence I have seen is that the scale of radicalisation in this country is going to be unprecedented, it is precisely at this time that we need a robust counter-extremism infrastructure and I am afraid we have the very opposite.

An Equality Hub spokesman said: The Equality Hub provides training and development opportunities to its staff on the range of protected characteristics it covers and how their responsibilities, based on the Equality Act, apply to them.

We also provide opportunities for staff to learn about the reasons for societal discord, the better to understand and contextualise it, and how it may impact our work.

The anti-Semitism seminar is one such example, and will be followed by one on anti-Muslim hatred.

A Home Office spokesman said: The governments highest priority is protecting the safety and security of this country, and no form of extremism is acceptable in the UK.

Alongside our world-class policy, security and intelligence agencies, and a robust counter-terrorism framework, we also work with a range of local and national partners to disrupt high harm groups that radicalise others, or create the conditions for radicalisation to occur.

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HMS Diamond firing a missile to engage and shoot down an aerial drone over the Red Sea on 16 December

A Royal Navy warship shot down a hostile drone attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, in the services first aerial engagement for more than three decades.

HMS Diamond took down a drone attempting to disrupt one of the worlds busiest trade routes on Friday night, amid rising concern about attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Type-45 destroyer is operating with the US and French navies in the Middle East, where Western allies are countering attacks by the Iranian-backed rebels that have been launched in sympathy with Hamas.

Joe Biden, the US president, is reportedly considering launching a direct assault on Houthi targets in Yemen, following a bombardment of drone attacks on the Red Sea shipping route and Israeli towns.

The US and UK collaborated to thwart the attack on a commercial ship, which is not believed to be British, and shot down 15 drones in total, officials said.

Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, warned that the attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea, which sees the passage of around 10 per cent of international trade each year.

Shipping companies including Maersk, the Danish cargo giant, have begun to cancel routes through the area, after several ships were targeted with missiles and another was fired on by gunmen in a speedboat.

A British destroyer shot down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea on Saturday

Houthi rebels in Yemen are targeting Western shipping in protest of Israeli attacks on Hamas in Gaza. Commercial traffic to the port of Eilat in southern Israel has almost completely stopped in the wake of the strikes.

The attacks have also raised fears that Christmas orders to the UK from China will be delayed. Weekly oil prices increased for the first time in two months on Friday, while shipping companies have more than quadruple their war premiums.

HMS Diamonds counter-attack is the first time the Royal Navy has neutralised an airborne target in 32 years, and the first time it has used the destroyers Sea Viper missile system in live combat.

The last time a Royal Navy ship engaged an aerial target was during the first Gulf War in 1991, when HMS Gloucester destroyed an Iraqi Silkworm missile bound for a US warship.

The US has proposed an international naval coalition in the region, which has seen the deployment of American, British and French warships, including HMS Diamond, which deployed from Portsmouth on Nov 22.

Security in the Red Sea area is the responsibility of a 39-nation coalition, known as Combined Task Force 153, and commanded by the vice-admiral of the US Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain.

A defence source said the Aster missile fired on Friday night was the first to be deployed by the UK as a result of hostile enemy action.

Unacceptable

The news came after the Houthis launched a drone attack on Eilat, more than than 1,000 miles from Yemen on Friday, vowing to continue to attack Israel until its aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops. The drones were shot down by Egyptian and US forces.

The Israeli Defense Forces have reported more than 70 drone and ballistic missile attacks from Yemen and US officials have warned the Houthis that attacks on Israel and Red Sea trade routes are unacceptable.

On Friday, Ali al-Qahoum, a senior Houthi official, responded that the group will not abandon the Palestinian cause, regardless of any US, Israeli, or Western threats.

Mr Biden is reportedly considering launching direct attacks on Houthi targets in an attempt to dissuade the rebels from disrupting shipping routes and striking Israel directly.

Retired Marine Corps Gen Kenneth F McKenzie Jr, who commanded US Central Command from 2019 to 2022, said something needed to be done to slow those attacks.

You can do it by demonstrating to the Houthis that its not in their best interest to continue these attacks, and you do that by attacking their missile launchers, their radar sites, their intelligence gathering platforms, he said.

That requires offensive action against the Houthis in Yemen. We have clearly not chosen to do that yet. We may yet make a decision to do that.

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German officers lead two suspects to their arraignment at the Federal Supreme Court in Karlsruhe, Germany, on 15 December - RONALD WITTEK/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock

A British Palestinian activist in Berlin has been accused of running Hamas networks across Europe, after several alleged members of the terrorist organisation were arrested on suspicion of planning an attack in Germany.

The Times reported that a Briton was identified as the person alleged to be in charge of Germany for Hamas in internal documents produced by the German interior ministry.

The report also claims that the unnamed man had contacts with the upper echelons of the groups leadership and was a main organiser for events in a number of European countries.

The revelations come after police in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands foiled a plot by Hamas to kill Jews in Europe.

In Germany, authorities arrested three people after they discovered that Hamas operatives had been under orders to bring a cache of weapons from an undisclosed location in Europe to Berlin, to attack Jewish institutions. Denmark detained two people and issued warrants for four more. A Dutch national was arrested in Rotterdam.

Seven suspects

Germany has said that four of the seven suspects in the alleged plot are members of Hamas, the proscribed terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip and which launched the unprecedented October 7 massacre in southern Israel.

There is no suggestion that the Briton in question is linked to the recent Hamas arrests or the terrorist plot uncovered this week.

The October 7 attack on Israel saw 1,200 people killed and 240 taken hostage. Hamas is regarded as a terrorist group by the US, the EU and Britain.

According to The Times, a report suggested that German security services believe that a British citizen who grew up in the UK after his parents left the occupied territories in the 1940s was a key Hamas contact in Europe.

Intelligence agencies

But two other intelligence bodies, including those charged with monitoring antisemitism, have previously described the Briton as the leader of the central propaganda organisation of Hamas in Europe.

This has been backed up by Israeli state security, which has also alleged that the Briton represents a Hamas affiliate.

German intelligence agencies believe there are about 450 Hamas members in the country. The group was given a blanket ban by German authorities, but until recently there hadnt been strong concerns that violence perpetrated by the group could spread to Europe.

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Alex Batty was kidnapped in 2017 by his British mother and grandfather who eventually took him to south-western France - AP/Greater Manchester Police

Alex Batty has returned to the UK six years after disappearing on holiday in Spain with his mother and grandfather.

The 17-year-old, who was aged 11 when he went missing, returned from France on Saturday night as detectives prepared to hold a press conference at Greater Manchester Polices headquarters.

He was found by chiropody student Fabien Accidini while walking alone near Toulouse in the early hours of Wednesday.

His grandmother and legal guardian Susan Caruana previously said she cant wait to see him when he returns.

Ms Caruana, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, added on Friday: I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I cant wait to see him when were reunited.

The main thing is that hes safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

I would ask that our family are given privacy as we welcome Alex back, so we can make this process as comforting as possible.

It is thought Alex had been living an alternative lifestyle with his mother and grandfather across Spain, Morocco and France while he was missing.

Mr Accidini said the teenager told him he had been hiking in nearby mountains for more than four days in an attempt to return to England.

On Friday, French prosecutors said the teenagers mother, Melanie Batty, who is wanted in connection with his disappearance, may be in Finland.

Alex Batty with his mother Melanie Batty and grandfather David Batty - pixel8000

Antoine Leroy told reporters Alex had said he knew his way of life with his mother had to stop after she announced an intention to move to Finland.

This led him to walk for four days and four nights across the Pyrenees, the prosecutor said.

On the whereabouts of Alexs mother and grandfather, Mr Leroy said: It is possible that the mother at this time has in fact gone to Finland, as she planned.

The grandfather, who has always been with his daughter and grandson, is said to have died approximately six months ago.

Alex was described as tired but in good health after being checked over by French officials and seemed intelligent even though he had not attended school for six years.

The prosecutor also said the boy did not appear to have been subjected to any physical violence.

Greater Manchester Police said Alex had been well cared for by the French authorities and had a video call with his grandmother on Thursday.

Detectives told a press conference at Greater Manchester Police headquarters that the teenager, who was 11 when he went missing and is now 17, met a family member at Toulouse airport earlier on Saturday before flying back to the UK.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle told reporters: It gives me great pleasure to say Alex has now made his safe return back to the UK after six years.

Earlier today, Alex met with a family member alongside Greater Manchester Police officers at Toulouse airport before heading back to the UK.

This moment was undoubtedly huge for him and his loved ones, and we are glad that they have been able to see each other again after all this time.

Police have yet to establish whether a criminal investigation will be opened into his disappearance.

Mr Boyle said: Speaking with him [Alex] at a pace that feels comfortable to him will ultimately determine how this case is progressed, and whether there is a criminal investigation to ensue.

Our continued focus is supporting Alex and his family, in partnership with other local agencies - to ensure that they are safe, their wellbeing is looked after, and his re-integration with society is as easy as possible.

We are yet to fully establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, but no matter what, we understand that this may be an overwhelming process.

He may now be six years older than when he went missing, but he is still a young person.

Greater Manchester Police will not comment at this time on what Alex Batty was doing while abroad, as the force has not yet received a statement from the teenager.

Mr Boyle told reporters: We are aware the French authorities disclosed detailed information yesterday during their press conference relating to what Alex may have been doing and where he has been over his years missing.

Greater Manchester Police are yet to obtain any formal statement from Alex and therefore we cannot comment at this time.

Teen tried to enrol in school

Meanwhile, a French newspaper has reported that British authorities missed a chance to rescue Alex after it emerged he had attempted to enrol at a school near his commune.

It has emerged that he was picked up a month ago by gendarmes in Quillan, near Carcassonne, after he tried to join a school.

Officials there apparently made contact with English authorities in November, but no link was ever established between the teenager and the missing persons report filed six years earlier, La Depeche, a French regional newspaper, has claimed.

It is understood Alex had arrived at the school without any formal identification papers, so his true identity may not have been revealed. It has since emerged he was in the habit of using a fake name, Zac.

It remains unclear which authorities in the UK were contacted, or whether any British police force or local education authority was ever then informed.

Antoine Leroy, deputy public prosecutor for Toulouse, said allegations would be investigated - Reuters/Stephane Mahe

The newspaper wrote: Alex Batty apparently wanted to enrol in a local school to take courses. He would have taken advantage of the presence in the area of the spiritual community in which he lived to try to enrol. With no identification on him, the young Englishman was handed over to the gendarmes.

The police then tried to contact the English authorities. However, according to our information, something went wrong and the report could not be followed up. The collaboration failed to establish a link between Alex Battys presence in Quillan and his missing persons report issued seven years earlier in England.

At a press conference held in Toulouse on Friday, Antoine Leroy, deputy public prosecutor for Toulouse, refused to confirm or deny the newspapers claims, but said allegations would be investigated.

Were going to try, as I was saying earlier, to reconstruct this young mans journey in France, to see if, as you say, any police may have been informed of his whereabouts, he said.

Were currently investigating to find out what we could have done better than we did, but Im not at all certain that well find any malfunctions in this respect.

But it will be investigated, of course. For the moment, were still in the thick of things.

It remains to be seen if the police could have been informed, which is far from certain.

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Brussels, my love? Spain's Sanchez cheers the Spanish presidency and slams the political right

Our panel this week included Irish MEP Sean Kelly from the European Peoples Party, Hungarian MEP Katalin Cseh from the liberal Renew Europe group, and Polish MEP Robert Biedron from the Socialists.

MEPs broke down the performance of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez who addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg Wednesday. Despite a shaky political period, Sanchez insisted he got the job done with his team finalising 44 different legislative files. But overshadowing the term was the proposed legislation to grant amnesty to hundreds of people linked to Catalonias pro-independence movement over the last decade.

"I have to say that my group is very worried about the amnesty law and how coalition formation happens," said Hungarian MEP Katalin Cseh.

Polish MEP Robert Biedron disagreed.

"The victory of Pedro Sanchez for Polish people and combating radical right-wing populism in Spain brought a lot of hope for Europe, that we can combat the radical right wings", said Biedron adding: "Imagine that in Spain we will have now radical right-wing populists in government? It would be another troublemaker besides [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orban".

The panel also discussed a European Commission decision to unblock 10.2 billion of frozen EU funds for Hungary, just a day before Orban was to attend a summit of EU leaders in which important financial and membership decisions for Ukraine were to be taken and against which he had mounted strong opposition.

The funds had been put on hold due to issues with human rights and the rule of law in Hungary.

" I think it would've been better if the Commission held the line and showed all of Europe that one individual, obnoxious and selfish as he is, can't get away with it and then go back to his own country and say how great he is," said Kelly.

Panelists also reacted to the landmark deal reached on the rights of platform workers.

Watch Brussels, my love? in the player above.
CALDWELL  Tucked away in the rolling hills of Noble County with its gorgeous countryside and friendly people, Caldwell is exactly the place you can imagine finding that quintessential, tourist-filled, Hallmark-esque Christmas town.

And that's exactly what the village strives for, according to Mayor Misti Well. "A Village Christmas to Remember has far exceeded our expectations. The number of people that our events have brought in from out of town has been remarkable."

"A Village Christmas to Remember," the annual holiday celebration, has grown over the last few years and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. The village was even featured on the Fox8 News One Tank Trips special this month.

Rudy B., a 4-year-old male reindeer, takes a break from visiting with people in Caldwell as part of the Village Christmas to Remember holiday celebration.

Events have been happening all month long, including carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, live music, parades and more. Thursday evening, as crowds flocked to the square, a visit from two of Santa's reindeer was the main attraction.

Managed by the Sell's Christmas Tree and Reindeer Farm in Wakeman, Ohio, the reindeer were a hit with the crowd. Rudy B, a 4-year-old male with a towering set of antlers, and Cherry, a sweet-natured, 6-year-old female captured the hearts of all who visited. Lucky visitors were able to feed a sweet slice of apple to Cherry as she came to the fence for pets and snacks. Ruby B opted to stand his ground and use his antlers to rattle the fence when someone came close.

Colorful lines of gumdrops illuminated pathways around the Noble County courthouse during the Village Christmas to Remember celebration.

The reindeer were only able to stay for two hours, as they had much preparation for the for Christmas Eve. Once visitors had visited with the reindeer, many took the time to wander throughout the square enjoying other festivities.

Shull's Kettle Corn Company was selling hot bags of freshly popped corn, while numerous food trucks sold hot cocoa and coffee. Emily's Sweets was on hand, selling a deluxe version of hot cocoa that came topped with a Little Debbie Christmas tree cake, a candy cane or salted caramel.

Children ran around the square playing tag in between glowing snowmen and Santa Claus, as a costumed Rudolph pranced around giving hive fives and hugs. Parents waited with their children, eager to get a chance to tell their last-minute wishes to the big guy himself as a horse-drawn carriage took visitors for rides around the square.

Reindeer visit the Caldwell Square as part of the Village Christmas to Remember celebration being held all month long.

Activities are scheduled throughout the holiday season, with a breakfast with the Grinch planned and the holiday home decorating contest still ongoing. Mayor Wells states, "The Small Town, Big Dreams non-profit, volunteer group knocked it out of the park once again. Next year will be our fifth year and we definitely plan to go big!"

For the complete schedule of events visit the Village Christmas to Remember Facebook page or visit https://caldwellohio.org and search under the events tab.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: "A Village Christmas to Remember" brings reindeer to Caldwell
Flags of the United States and Michigan billow in the wind before a storm on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, outside the Justice Complex in Battle Creek, Mich.

Eight Calhoun County businesses are receiving state funding to help train and retain employees.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced this week that more than 800 Michigan businesses will receive roughly $54,000, on average, to help train, develop and retain more than 28,000 current and newly hired employees courtesy of the Going PRO Talent Fund. Launched in 2014, more than 173,000 Michiganders have received job training through the initiative.

Michigan's economic strength depends on our ability to equip Michiganders with the skills they need to get good-paying, high-skill jobs in industries of the future, Whitmer said in a press release. The Going PRO Talent Fund proves our strong commitment to workforce development. By investing in training, we can meet current talent needs and help Michiganders learn the skills they need to earn more and provide for themselves and their families. Together, we have driven our unemployment rate to historic lows, seen strong job growth, and continue building the future of high-tech, high-growth industries.

Caster Concepts in Albion has received a portion of $45 million in Going PRO Talent funds.

Calhoun County recipients of this latest round of Going PRO Talent funding include:

Medilodge of Marshall: $17,500

Colson Group: $315,963

Caster Concepts: $19,091

Ballinger Industries, LLC: $20,000

Geislinger-Battle Creek: $14,085

Rosler Metal Finishing - Battle Creek: $18,640

TC Transcontinental, Battle Creek: $9,000

Tenneco Marshall: $200,400

Funds will be used to finance training initiatives, empowering individuals with the skills required to secure employment in high-demand sectors.

These funds represent more than dollars; they symbolize Michigans commitment to empowering individuals, building thriving communities, and positioning our state as a national leader in workforce development, said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. With this latest group of grant awardees, we celebrate not just the present success of the Going PRO Talent Fund but the boundless potential it holds for our state's economic landscape.

Labor and Economic Opportunity awards are distributed from the Going PRO Talent Fund directly to employers, facilitated by Michigan Works! Agencies. Engaged employers take an active role in pinpointing their essential training needs and collaborate closely with their local MWAs and other partners to shape precise and strategic training plans.

For more information about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit michigan.gov/talentfund.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Calhoun County businesses receive portion of Going PRO Talent funds
California homeowners know that climate change is very real  real enough that major insurers are exiting the state because of the growing risk of wildfires.

For many Californians, this is an insurance emergency, state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara told legislators this week.

He should know. When he campaigned for the commissioner gig, Lara was vocal about the risk of climate change.

Insurers got the message. Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance promptly tried to raise rates and cut back on coverage.

When Lara put the kibosh on rate hikes, the three big insurers either stopped or limited their coverage of California homes.

Now the insurance commissioner is facing the unenviable task of trying to lure insurers back.

As the Wall Street Journal tells it, Laras plan would require insurers to write a number of policies in distressed fire-prone areas. In return, insurers would get much of their wish list, including a promise of faster decisions on rate requests.

Its a tough call. Yes, California needs to protect its housing sector and needs to protect families by making sure theyre sufficiently covered in case of calamity.

But to get there, Lara may have to agree to rate increases of as much as 40%.

While the greater risk to insurers is undeniable, the problem also reflects a business model that wasnt designed to accommodate disaster-movie environmental troubles.

Simply put, insurers were unprepared for reasonably pricing coverage that acknowledges a higher risk of wildfires and other potential disasters.

So their response has been to either overcompensate and seek massive rate hikes or to take their ball and go home.

For homeowners, its a terrible situation.

This is a no-win situation  its a question of what Lara is willing to settle for, Ellen Carney, an insurance analyst at Forrester Research, told the Journal. I would hate to be a state regulator.

Higher premiums seem inevitable. How high is now the big question.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Huntington Beach, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles thats famed for surfing, is quickly becoming famed for its far-right politics as well.

The city, located in Orange County, has long been conservative, but city officials have stepped up their right-wing activism this year. After a brief time with a liberal majority, the City Council has been dominated by conservatives since the 2022 election. In February of this year, the council voted to cease displaying the Pride flag. It followed that by removing language condemning hate crimes from a human relations document and creating a new board to regulate public library materials  a move aimed primarily at getting rid of LGBTQ+ books, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Gracey Van Der Mark, a council member elected last year, has been the driving force behind policing library books, according to the Times. She campaigned on a slate with three other conservatives, all of whom were elected.

Those conservatives outvoted three other council members to establish the library review board in October. The board, which can have up to 21 members, will have the final say on what new childrens books can hit public library shelves, Orange County's Daily Pilot newspaper reported at the time. It will also review books currently in the library to see if they should be moved out of the childrens section. The council established the board even though most residents who commented at the meeting were against it.

The whole goal [is] to make our libraries the safest place for our children, Van Der Mark told the Pilot. Ive been working with cleaning up our school libraries for many years, seven years. In spite of the fact that I brought forward books that were controversial, very sexually explicit books, there was always a lot of pushback. In 2020, she campaigned successfully to have Maia Kobabes memoir Gender Queer removed from the teen/young adult section of the public library.

She claimed the boards appointment isnt a book-banning effort, just a way to increase parental involvement. Library staffers make decisions about what books to include or exclude all the time, she pointed out. But City Council Don Kalmick, who opposed setting up the new board, responded that theres a nuanced difference between a librarians collection procedure and a review board of people appointed by a political board deciding about community standards for sexual content, the Pilot reports.

Also this year, the council voted to rescind a document created in the 1990s, called a Declaration of Policy About Human Dignity, and replace it with a more conservative version. The original document was created in response to white supremacist gatherings in the city and crimes against people of color. It said that Huntington Beach declares 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.

The replacement doesnt mention hate crimes, the Times notes, but instead takes a stand against exploitation and sexual grooming of children and says the city will recognize from birth the genetic differences between male and female and respect the strengths and benefits of each.

The terminology is widely seen as a dog whistle for evangelicals and social conservatives, the Times reports. LGBTQ+ activists are often accused, baselessly, of grooming children for abuse.

The citys rightward turn has dismayed many residents, even some of those who voted for the conservative slate. Which one of our council members campaigned on the platform of changing our library collection? Sue Welfringer, who voted for the slate because it supported businesses and sought to limit city growth, told the Times. I must have missed that message. I feel duped.

Whats happening at the national level  the dysfunction and the partisanship  its all just trickling down, said council member Rhonda Bolton, a Democrat and the first Black person on the council. Im frequently critical of what I see happening because Im like, youre importing all of these issues into our public policy discussions that dont have anything to do with us. Theyre not relevant.
A junior aide to Sen. Ben Cardin is no longer employed by the Senate, the Maryland Democrat's office said Saturday, following news reports linking the staffer to a sex tape filmed in a Capitol Hill hearing room.

Portions of the tape were published by the Daily Caller on Friday showing two men having sex in the cavernous Hart Senate Office Building hearing room that has played host to Supreme Court nominees, 9/11 Commission meetings and former FBI Director James Comeys blockbuster 2017 testimony on Donald Trump. The American Spectator previously reported that a Cardin staffer was involved.

Neither report named the staffer, but other conservative outlets identified one person seen in the video as Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a legislative aide to Cardin.

Cardins office, after not commenting yesterday on what it called a personnel matter, said in a statement first provided to POLITICO on Saturday morning that Aidan Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the U.S. Senate.

We will have no further comment on this personnel matter, the statement added.

Maese-Czeropski on Friday night posted a statement to LinkedIn that did not unambiguously deny involvement.

This has been a difficult time for me, as I have been attacked for who I love to pursue a political agenda, he wrote. While some of my actions in the past have shown poor judgement, I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace. Any attempts to characterize my actions otherwise are fabricated and I will be exploring what legal options are available to me in these matters.

He separately denied allegations that he had accosted Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) in a Capitol hallway Wednesday by telling the Jewish lawmaker, "Free Palestine."

Attempts to reach Maese-Czeropski on Saturday were not immediately successful. He had worked for Cardin since October 2021, according to congressional records, and previously worked as an intern for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in 2018.

U.S. Capitol Police did not respond to an email Saturday asking whether an investigation is underway. Aides to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell declined to comment.

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A Vatican court has sentenced Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former adviser to Pope Francis, to five-and-a-half years in jail for financial crimes.

Becciu, 75, was the most senior Vatican official ever to face such charges and once seen as a papal contender himself.

The trial centred on a London property deal that ended in huge losses for the Catholic Church.

He strongly denied charges including embezzlement and abuse of office.

Cardinal Becciu's lawyer said his client was innocent and would lodge an appeal.

He was on trial with nine other defendants. All were convicted on some counts and found not guilty on others.

The trial, which exposed infighting and intrigue in the highest Vatican ranks, had been going on for two-and-a-half years.

After three judges spent more than five hours considering the verdict, Court President Giuseppe Pignatone announced that Cardinal Becciu had been convicted of embezzlement.

The others, who included financiers, lawyers and ex-Vatican employees, were accused of various crimes, including fraud, money laundering and abuse of office. They all denied wrongdoing.

"We reaffirm Cardinal Angelo Becciu's innocence and will appeal," stated Becciu's lawyer, Fabio Viglione, after the verdict. "We respect the ruling, but we will definitely appeal."

The case - the first of a Cardinal standing trial in a Vatican court - was the stuff of intrigue and skulduggery. It involved allegations of financial impropriety at the top of the Vatican, cloak-and-dagger activity of the kind that has often characterised the secretive world of the Holy See.

It centred around a building not in the Vatican, or even in Rome, but a thousand kilometres away in London - 60 Sloane Avenue in affluent Chelsea, a former warehouse belonging to the department store Harrod's.

Cardinal Becciu (L) had been a close adviser to Pope Francis

In 2014, the Vatican spent more than 200m ($220m; 170m) acquiring a 45% stake in the building, which was planned to be converted into luxury apartments. By 2018, the Vatican's Secretariat of State had decided to buy the property outright, sinking a further 150m euros into the purchase. Allegedly signing off on the whole deal was Cardinal Becciu, who was at the time the Vatican's Substitute for General Affairs - in effect chief of staff to the Pope.

The money, part of which was intended to be used for charitable works, had been paid into a trust run by a London-based Italian financier Raffaele Mincione, who orchestrated the purchase. When the Secretariat later sought financial help from the Vatican's own bank, it sparked concern - and a raid by Vatican police that led to the charges against Becciu, Mincione, and eight others.

But the investigation into Becciu's affairs wasn't limited to the London property deal.

The cardinal was also accused of funnelling vast sums of money to his home diocese of Sardinia, some of which reportedly benefited his family. And it was alleged he paid almost 600,000 to another of the accused, Cecilia Marogna, to help free a nun kidnapped in Mali. Prosecutors said she instead spent much of the money on luxury goods and holidays. Marogna, who had offered her services to the Vatican as an intelligence expert, visited Becciu's residence on several occasions. Both denied claims of a sexual relationship.

The charges against Becciu made him the first cardinal ever tried for financial crimes. It also prompted Pope Francis to strip him of rights including that of voting in a future conclave to select Francis's successor.

After he was removed from office by the Pope in 2020, he gave a news conference to plead his innocence.

"Until 6:02 p.m. on Thursday I felt like a friend of the Pope, a faithful executor of his will," Cardinal Becciu said. "Then the Pope says he no longer has faith in me."

The whole affair became a test case for Pope Francis's aim of clearing up the Vatican's finances, which were long plagued by scandal, bedevilling the papacy of Francis's predecessor, Benedict XVI.

The result of the case could have significant implications for Francis's legacy as a reformer.
Angelo Becciu, pictured with Pope Francis, is the most senior Vatican official ever to be charged with financial crimes - Maria Grazia Picciarella/Alamy Live News

A powerful cardinal has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail for embezzlement over the purchase of a former Chelsea car showroom that cost the Vatican tens of millions of euros.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 75, once touted as a future pope, was convicted of a range of financial crimes at the end of a two-and-a-half-year trial that exposed corruption at the heart of the Holy See.

A former chief of staff to Pope Francis, he now has the dubious distinction of being the first cardinal ever to face a criminal trial before a Vatican tribunal.

The lengthy proceedings  dubbed the trial of the century in Rome and the most complex in the Vaticans modern history  revolved around 10 people and their alleged involvement in the controversial purchase by the Vatican of a former Harrods car showroom in Chelsea, London which it intended to convert into luxury apartments.

In a tangled plot that could have come straight from a thriller, the trial involved lavish spending on designer goods, a kidnapped nun in the Sahel, a self-styled intelligence agent, multi-million-euro rip-offs by finance brokers and allegations of sexual misconduct.

Giovanni Angelo Becciu, a former adviser to Pope Francis, was tipped to be a future pope - ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP

It was seen as a litmus test of whether Pope Francis, who turns 87 on Sunday, has succeeded in his dogged attempts to clean up the Vaticans murky finances.

If all this Vatican intrigue had been in a novel, I would have said it was too far-fetched to be believable, Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest and author of a book examining the politics of the Catholic Church, told The Telegraph when the scandal first came to light.

Becciu was also accused during the trial of having funnelled Vatican money to family members and friends. He had strongly denied the charges.

Other defendants accused of a range of white collar crimes were two financiers, a self-described intelligence operative, the former president and director of the Vaticans financial watchdog, the cardinals former secretary, a monsignor and three former Vatican employees.

All of the defendants had denied wrongdoing. All of them but one were convicted on some counts and found not guilty on others. Monsignor Mauro Carlino, a Vatican functionary who was involved as an intermediary in the London deal, was acquitted from the accusations of extortion and abuse of office.

Fabio Viglione, Beccius lawyer, told reporters in the courtroom that he would lodge an appeal, insisting his client was innocent.

Alessandro Diddi, the Vaticans promoter of justice and chief prosecutor, had demanded a total of 73 years imprisonment for the 10 defendants, along with fines. The prosecutor had requested seven years and three months in jail for the cardinal.

The trial exposed ineptitude in how the Vatican handles its huge wealth, which in recent years has been revealed to represent some 4 billion (3.4 billion).

It also exposed divisions within the Church, laying bare the extent of the resistance that Pope Francis, who was elected with a mandate to overhaul the running of the Vaticans finances, has faced.

London property worth 279 m

At the heart of the trial was Beccius involvement in a 324 million (279 million) London property deal when he was the number two figure in the Vaticans Secretariat of State  the tiny states administrative and diplomatic department  where he managed millions of euros in Church funds, some of it donations from ordinary Catholics.

Becciu oversaw the purchase of about 45 per cent of the building through a fund managed by Raffaele Mincione, an Italian financier who was once engaged to the model Heather Mills before she married and then divorced Sir Paul McCartney.

In 2018, by which time Becciu had moved to the job overseeing the canonisation of saints, the Secretariat of State suspected it had been deceived by Mincione and asked another financier, Gianluigi Torzi, to help it squeeze Mincione out of the investment and buy the rest of the building.

When Pope Francis learnt about the details of the deal, he was said to have got angry at the fact that millions of euros were paid to middlemen who brokered the deal and ordered a thorough investigation, which triggered the trial.

Prosecutors accused the brokers and Vatican employees of having fleeced the Holy See out of tens of millions of euros in fees and commissions and then extorting the Vatican for 15 million to cede control of the property. The Vatican sold the building last year, taking an estimated loss of about 140 million (120 million).

Mincione was sentenced to five years and six months in jail, while Torzi was sentenced to six years.

Intelligence agent received 494k

Becciu, who was sacked by Pope Francis from his second job in 2020 for alleged nepotism, was also accused of directing Vatican money to family and friends.

The recipients of his largesse allegedly included his three brothers, who ran various companies and charitable foundations on their native island of Sardinia, as well as Cecilia Marogna, a 46-year-old Italian woman who claimed to be an intelligence operative running a system of parallel diplomacy that protected Vatican embassies in Africa and the Middle East from terrorist attacks.

Marogna, who met Becciu in 2016 and offered her services to the secretariat as an expert on intelligence matters, received 575,000 (494,375) from the Vaticans department through a company she had set up in Slovenia.

The money was sent to her to help free a Colombian nun who was taken hostage by Islamic militants in Mali in 2017. Instead, Marogna was accused of having spent much of the money on resort vacations and luxury goods, including designer handbags, expensive furniture and holidays.

The prosecution also suggested a sexual relationship between Becciu and the intelligence operative, which they both denied. Marogna, who was charged with embezzlement, was sentenced to three years and nine months.

Rene Brulhart and Tommaso Di Ruzza, respectively former president and former director of the Vaticans Financial Information Authority, a watchdog body created under Pope Benedict XVI, were found not guilty on any criminal counts and were given a fine of around 1,800 (1,547). They had been charged with abuse of office and other counts in relation with the London property deals.

The courts sentences can be appealed.

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Throughout history, from ancient times to more modern conflicts, intimidating the enemy through aggressive noises and sounds has played an important part of warfare. During the Iron Age and Greek/Roman periods, a specific instrument was used to make the loudest, and most fear-inducing sounds possible  the carnyx.

These valveless, trumpet-like instruments were colossal  standing as tall, or even taller, than the people who played them. Made of beaten metal in a distinctive '' shape, the carnyx featured a long central tube section, allowing for low bass and shrieking high notes to be created, with a mouthpiece for blowing at one end. Typically, they had an ornately crafted horn at the top end sculpted into the shape of an animals head  often in the style of a boar, symbolizing the harsh, guttural sounds produced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRIQp4qZrrE

Although the word 'carnyx' is used to describe these objects in the present, that particular phrase was rarely used in historical texts in reference to them. Instead, they were usually referred to by the Greek or Latin words salpinx and tuba, meaning 'trumpet.' It's through Greek and Roman texts that we know the most about them.

Textual references, as well as archeological discoveries, indicate the carnyx was used widely throughout western and central Europe between 300 BC and 200 AD, with the instrument having a particular affinity within various Celtic tribes. However, it should be noted that they were used further afield too, with representations of the carnyx having been discovered within Buddhist sculptures in India from the period. The carnyx was clearly seen, and heard, far and wide as Celtic mercenaries expanded the outer reach of Iron Age society.

Carnyx replica being played by a historical reenactor. National Museums of Scotland

It was through their interactions with Iron Age contemporaries on the battlefield that exposed Greek and Roman soldiers to the disturbing sounds of the carnyx. According to the Greek historian Polybius (206-126 BC), for example, the cacophony of sounds produced by Gallic forces using carnyces was truly terrifying:

"There were countless trumpeters and horn blowers and since the whole army was shouting its war cries at the same time there was such a confused sound that the noise seemed to come not only from the trumpeters and the soldiers but also from the countryside which was joining in the echo."

Illustration of a Gaul playing the carnyx. Unknown author

The Roman historian Diodorus Siculus similarly describes the trumpets of a "peculiar barbarian kind" used by Western European tribes. "They blow into them and produce a harsh sound which suits the tumult of war."

The carnyx wasn't just used to intimidate the enemy. It also served an important command and control function. With many Celtic tribes relying primarily on infantry in battle, the loud sounds produced by the instruments would signal the start of swift, violent assaults, where timing was critical.

It was the association of the carnyx with barbarian tribes of Iron Age Britain and Gaul  encompassing modern-day France and parts of Belgium, western Germany, and northern Italy  that led the Romans to use its image to project military power and might. Roman monuments and tombstones often depict carnyces, using their image to symbolize military victory. They can be seen on Trajan's Column in Rome, for example, which commemorates Roman emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars.

Carnyces and other Dacian weaponry on the base of Trajans Column in Rome. Ursulbrun via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0

Carnyx highlighted in red. Ursulbrun via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archeologists have also uncovered Roman coinage commemorating past military victories over tribal opposition which feature the instruments as trophies from successful campaigns.

Roman coin depicting two carnyces. Unknown author

Gaulish coinage also shows the instruments in relation to warfare, too. The example below shows a warrior holding a carnyx and a board standard.

Copyright:  National Museums of Scotland

Physical remains of the instruments are far rarer than their description in text or their visual depiction on coins, however; with very few of them having survived and been discovered by archeologists. Up until the early 2000s , fragments of only five carnyces had been unearthed across Western Europe.

In 1816, the bell of the Deskford carnyx was discovered in Banffshire, north-east Scotland, which can be seen below. Crafted from sheet bronze and brass, the horn section of the instrument was specifically crafted to resemble a wild boars head with an upturned snout.

Deskford carnyx. Copyright:  National Museums of Scotland

Illustration of the Deskford carnyx, 1868. John Alexander Smith

As National Museums Scotland highlights , the use of sheets of bronze and brass not only points to regional variations in how these instruments were made, but also allows them to be dated. As brass isnt native to Scotland  the material used to make it represents recycled Roman metal  it allows it to be dated to around AD 80 and 250 for its construction.

Other archeological carnyx remains have been found since the nineteenth century. In 2004, for example, carnyx fragments were discovered in Tintignac, located in Frances Correze region, along with a host of other objects including swords, spearheads, and helmets. Significantly, one carnyx discovered there  featuring a boars head  was found almost completely intact, which can be seen below.

Largely inytact Tintignac carnyx. Claude Valette via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Of course, exactly how these instruments would have sounded to contemporaries remains unclear given that even the best-preserved Tintignac carnyx is unplayable. Modern-day replicas fashioned on those that have been found have been used to get a sense of the tones achievable when playing them.

Both the Tintignac and Deskford carnyces have been ornately replicated. The Tintignac replica project was driven by musician John Kenny  co-founder of Carnyx & Co. and a central figure within the European Music Archaeology Project  and was constructed entirely by hand in beaten bronze by Jean Boisserie .

Tintignac carnyx replica. European Music Archeology Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvo3QcMEIfM

The Deskford replica project was masterminded by Dr John Purser and constructed by craftsman John Creed .

Deskford carnyx replica. dun_deagh via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=TLGGejB3N2kvyrIxNTEyMjAyMw\u0026v=AuhrhQSM4Ig

These replicas have revealed that the instruments are actually capable of far greater tonal ranges than one might assume from their design. In the video below, for example, John Kenny can be seen playing the Deskford carnyx replica, which is capable of a range of sounds similar to that of a trumpet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=TLGGDSpOd75X8TIxNTEyMjAyMw\u0026v=auR-lJfzTeY

Other musical recordings produced by Kenny with the Tintignac carnyx can also be heard in the videos below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgX2OxWJ2jk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLAVtOnMfMM

In the case of both replicas, Kenny has described how playing the instruments upright is almost impossible; requiring them to be positioned at an angle by the player. However, other replicas have been seen played vertically.

That these replicas are capable of a greater and more subtle range of sound indicates that they may have had other uses within Iron Age society outside the context of war. Remnants of these instruments found in Deskford, Tintignac, Kappel (in Switzerland), and Salustan (in Romania) were all ritually discarded as part of burial ceremonies. This suggests that they may have had religious or even superstitious connotations and, in turn, could have been played differently in certain settings than on the battlefield.

Other forms of British and Gaelic art from the broad time period which the instruments were played, such as the Gundestrup Cauldron , a lavishly decorated silver vessel dating from the early Iron Age, depicts three carnyx players as part of some form of ritualistic/religious scene.

Carnyx players depicted on the cauldron found at Gundestrup, Himmerland, Jutland, Denmark. Bloodofox via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Today the carnyx's eerie call has made its way into more popular culture, including in the scores and battle scenes of blockbuster movies.

The carnyx was seen and heard in the audio mix in the opening battle of Gladiator. Dreamworks/Screencap

Of course, the use of loud and intimidating noises to frighten and dominate opponents has been used in more recent conflicts; albeit with the aid of modern technology. The U.S. military, for example, is well known for its use of strange noises  including blasting crying sounds, recording of troops pretending to retreat, and other confusing audio  through a mix of different sound equipment. You can delve more deeply into all that in these past War Zone pieces .

While the carnyx symbolizes a particular period of history, how and why it was used on the battlefield connects with a timeless aspect of warfare.

Contact the author: oliver@thewarzone.com
Remember a few years back when Mitt Romney, running for president against Barack Obama, referred to having many women in binders? He meant the names of women he would recruit for his administration, but nobody got past the binders image and Romneys presidential aspirations were shelved. In a binder somewhere Im guessing.

These days, Dems, including me, want to like Romney. Weve even stopped joking about his magic underpants because its not cool to make fun of somebodys cult, er, religion. We love how much he detests Trump not just because of the dictator-for-a-day dumbness but because, to an achingly earnest blueblood like Romney, Trump with his garish, braggy persona just seems, well, common.

Its ironic: Romneys patrician manners were his undoing on the campaign trail back in 2012, while Trumps coarseness contributed to his 2016 win. (I knew Romney was doomed when during a question about what teams he liked, he managed something about how he enjoyed sport as much as the next fellow. Sorry, Sport. You dont sound real or relatable and now you must go.)

Because hes not seeking re-election to his Utah Senate seat, Romneys finally free to say what he really thinks. And not just about Trump being nominated again. Just this week, he got candid about Hunter Biden, but, yeah, it was classic Mitt.

More: Celia Rivenbark: Moms for Liberty founder kissed a girl ... and she liked it

Obviously (Hunter Biden) has been a very unsavory person with some extremely damaging personal foibles.

Which sounds like something youd say right before you asked your manservant to fetch your dressing gown.

You cant shmooze the stalwarts at the Cedar Rapids Moose Lodge with that prissy talk.

Here, Mittens. Let me put it like a Democrat would: Hunters a nepo baby who did a lot of coke back in the day and not much else.

Why was he talking about Hunter Biden? Im glad you asked me, Sport. (OK, thats actually a lot of fun to say.) Romney is, as he might put it in his aristocratic manner, vehemently perturbed by the House Republicans plan to impeach Hunters dad, Joe.

You cant impeach because of the sins of the child, said Romney, who, when he says it sounds totally like Moses is speaking. He added if he was in the House he would absolutely not vote for Bidens impeachment becauseWell, lets let Fox News explain it via Fox & Friends host and Trump sycophant Steve Doocy: Theyve got a lot of ledgers and spreadsheets, but they havent shown where Joe Biden did anything illegal.

Somebody fetch my smelling salts! Steve Doocy just said theres no evidence Biden has committed an impeachable offense? Uh oh. Somebody in Florida just threw his puddin cup at the wall. Thats another backstabber who will pay on Day One blah, blah, blah.

It has been refreshing to see Republicans go after Trump because, honestly, we Dems are exhausted. Its about time you chipped in and the pity is there arent more of you. Why not follow the lead of brave souls like former Congresswoman Liz Cheney with whom I agree on absolutely nothing except the nagging suspicion Trump will destroy democracy? Strange bedfellows and all that. Its the same with former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a recovering Trump supporter who is so tough-talking against his old boss on the debate stage, even Tony Soprano might look up from his gabagool and peppers to say, Take it down a notch paisan.

More: Celia Rivenbark: Dont believe every five (or one) star review you read

A few others with less name recognition are speaking out against a Trump nominationpolls keep showing former South Carolina Governor Nikki (At least she took the flag down) Haley could beat Joe Bidenbut there should be more.

I believe it was former Republican Congressman George Soros who said, The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Dont get caught doin nothing, Sport.

Celia Rivenbark is a columnist and NYT-bestselling author. Write to her at celiarivenbark@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Celia Rivenbark: Can President Biden be impeached because of his son?
Katie Smith-Henshaw (Photo/NSU)

Katie Smith-Henshaw, a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has been named Northeastern State University's fall 2023 Outstanding Graduate Student. She is multi-year scholarship recipient,

A resident of Tahlequah, Oklahoma,Smith-Henshaw is always looking for ways to give back to her community and studying public health was one of the ways she has been able to do that.

Choosing the public health program was deliberate because it was a way to connect with my culture while also doing what I loveresearch, Smith-Henshaw said. I was drawn to public health because its a rewarding, evidence-based and data-driven field.

During her graduate studies, Smith-Henshaw pursued research in various ways. Her project, Examining the Lived Experiences of Native Americans Affected by Poultry Farms in Cherokee Nation Reservation: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, examined how Native communities have been affected by the large influx of poultry in the Cherokee Nation Reservation.

Smith-Henshaw has also conducted research with the Hudson College of Public Health and was selected to participate in the Native American Research Assistantship sponsored by the Wildlife Society in partnership with the United States Geological Survey.

This fall, she interned at the Cherokee Nation Office of Environmental Health where she worked on a project titled, Identifying Potential Factors Contributing to E. Coli Positivity Rates through Spatial Analysis in Private Wells Located on Cherokee Nation Reservation.

Just as her research has focused on helping improve the lives of communities, Smith-Henshaw has spent her graduate career giving back.

Throughout my masters degree program, I have consistently strived to create a positive impact on my fellow students within my courses, the NSU community and my broader professional discipline, Smith-Henshaw said.

During her graduate studies, she engaged in collaborative projects, facilitated study groups and provided support to classmates to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Beyond the classroom, Smith-Henshaw engaged in various campus activities and organizations, including American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and participated in community service initiatives.

Smith-Henshaw received her Master of Public Health degree on December 9 as part of NSUs fall commencement programs. She will continue her graduate education studying Geographic Information Systems this spring at NSU.

For more information about the Master of Public Health or graduate Geographic Information Systems programs, contact the NSU Graduate College at graduatecollege@nsuok.edu, 918-444-2093 or visit www.nsuok.edu/gograd.

The NSU graduate faculty nominates outstanding graduate students who meet the criteria of a 3.5 cumulative GPA, excellence in scholarship in an advanced degree program, leadership, service and a positive impact on the campus community.

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
Amid Chicago Public Schools ongoing efforts to revamp its approach to serving students with disabilities, the district announced the appointment of a new chief to helm its Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services on Thursday.

Joshua Long, a former speech pathologist and principal of CPS Southside Occupational Academy High School, which provides vocational programs to special education students ages 18 to 22, was selected from more than 200 applicants in a national search, the district said.

Josh Long is a beloved CPS principal who has dedicated his career to improving the educational experiences and outcomes of students with disabilities, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said. His track record as an innovative, resourceful and passionate leader will help ensure our most vulnerable students get the high-quality education, services and opportunities that all students deserve.

As principal at the West Englewood high school since 2010, Long has led a range of initiatives, from vocational learning labs to community-based classrooms, aimed at providing individualized instruction to allow each student to become as independent as possible within their communities upon graduation, according to a CPS statement.

I firmly believe that students are entitled to a coordinated, well-executed, tiered educational program, Long said. I also believe that schools have the responsibility to meet all of our students needs and serve as a resource for their families.

Long will be stepping into a role from which his predecessor, Stephanie Jones, resigned in June after the Illinois State Board of Education found the systemic misuse of restraint in schools across the district. Violations alleged by the state agency range from CPS allowing untrained staff members to restrain students unnecessarily  sometimes for more than an hour or through the use of prohibited methods  to the districts failure to notify parents and review and report all incidents to ISBE.

CPS use of restraint, isolation and timeout procedures is not limited to special education students, but Jones was the designated official responsible for being notified of, reviewing and maintaining records of every such incident.

The district has since been implementing corrective actions mandated by ISBE  including the training of two staff members at every district-managed school and establishing a committee to develop behavioral intervention policies for students with disabilities  to bring CPS into compliance with state law.

The Chicago Board of Educations Special Education Subcommittee, senior district leadership, the Chicago Teachers Union and disability rights advocacy organizations interviewed the finalists, CPS said.

We are confident that Mr. Long is the right person for this role, and that he will provide our teachers, principals and service providers with the guidance and support they need to help your students thrive, CPS said in an email sent to families Friday. He has devoted his professional career to improving the day-to-day experiences of these students and making sure they have the education, services and opportunities they need to live successful, independent lives.

Long has a bachelors degree in psychology and speech and hearing sciences from Indiana University and masters degrees in communication disorders and educational administration from the University of North Dakota and Governors State University. He is married to a CPS special education teacher, and one of his four children is a current CPS student, according to the district.

smacaraeg@chicagotribune.com
Profile: UN Appeals Tribunal's first female judge from China

Xinhua) 16:54, December 15, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Since the establishment of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) in 2009, it had never previously featured any Chinese judges on its roster.

The situation remained unchanged until Gao Xiaoli, a female judge, joined the bench, becoming the first Chinese judge within the internal justice system of the United Nations.

December 14, 2022 will forever be etched in Gao's memory. It marked the day when she took a solemn oath in front of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York.

"At that moment, I felt the burden on my shoulders," she said.

Born in a small city in north China's Hebei Province, Gao has always held onto her childhood dream of becoming a judge.

Motivated by this aspiration, she entered the China University of Political Science and Law to study economic law in 1990. Her academic journey progressed with a master's degree from Peking University and a doctorate degree in law from the University of International Business and Economics. She also obtained a specialized graduate diploma of law in Canada.

Before joining the UNAT, Gao spent almost three decades at China's Supreme People's Court (SPC). She serves as the chief judge of the 2nd civil division of the SPC now, and worked as the deputy chief judge of the 4th civil division of the SPC between 2017 and 2020, and as the presiding judge of the 1st Circuit Court of the SPC between 2015 and 2017.

Working for the United Nations marked a challenge that a veteran judge like Gao usually doesn't undertake. However, upon noticing the vacancies for judge positions on the UN website, Gao embraced the opportunity without hesitation. Her passion has driven her to consistently push her limits and avoid being restricted to a single routine.

"Previously, no Chinese judges were applying for this position, but times have changed. We are now capable in various aspects to fulfill the requirements of this role," she said.

Apart from moral integrity and impartiality, the position demands over 15 years of adjudication experience and fluency in oral and written English.

The selection process for the UN judgeship was extensive. After multiple rounds of assessments, including written examination and interview, Gao emerged as the top choice among 380 applicants from 78 countries and regions, securing 109 votes at the 34th Plenary Meeting of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on November 15, 2022.

Functioning as the appellate body of the United Nations' internal justice system, the UNAT primarily handles disputes arising from work-related matters between international civil servants and organizations.

According to Gao, the court's jurisdiction extends to 16 international organizations, safeguarding the legal rights of approximately 80,000 employees. "It is meaningful to contribute my judicial experience and strength on such a multilateral platform."

For Gao and her fellow judges, the UNAT position is a part-time role. They meet in sessions three times a year to render judgments.

Every March, June and October, Gao travels to New York for the sessions. Though each session lasts only a brief half-month, she normally engages in the trial of 15 cases, including five as the presiding judge and 10 as the sitting judge.

The cases at the UNAT are diverse, spanning disputes regarding appointments and promotions, salaries and benefits, and disciplinary measures.

According to Gao, judges of the UNAT not only need to be well-versed in the legal framework of the United Nations but also require an in-depth understanding of internal management within international organizations.

One particularly challenging aspect of the job lies in balancing the protection of international civil servants' rights and the discretionary powers of international organizations in administrative matters, she added.

Gao often finds herself pondering over cases late into the night. "Regardless of the size of the case, every judgment directly delineates the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties involved," Gao said, adding that judges must respect the facts and uphold the law.

Receiving unanimous acclaim from fellow judges for her judicial skills and conscientious approach, Gao was elected as the president of the UNAT for the upcoming year of 2024.

Gao sees this new role as a beginning that demands efforts to not just improve professional capabilities but also hone exceptional management and coordination skills to oversee tribunal affairs, enhance efficiency, and uphold fairness and justice.

Gao said that being able to sit on the bench of the UNAT can be attributed to "coming from an influential country which is in a good era." And in the meantime, it also reflects the global recognition of Chinese judges' competency.

She believes that more Chinese employees will be seen at the United Nations in the future.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
State prosecutors played a chilling tape in court of a 13-year-old confessing to using a purple-handled kitchen knife to slash his mothers throat as she slept  while his 2-week old sister lay nestled nearby in her crib.

The Hialeah detective who arrested Derek Rosa said he stabbed his mother 46 times, then sent pictures of the bloody scene to a friend he referred to as Sweden.

On Friday, the day after the recording was played in court, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Richard Hersch finally put an end to a lengthy, on-again, off-again, six-week hearing over where the teen will be detained until his trial. The judge ordered Derek to spend the next months or years before trial in an adult jail, not the juvenile detention center that his attorneys had argued for.

I am disturbed by the relatively small amount of time the child is permitted out of his cell, Hersch said before his ruling. But I have not found a clear violation of his constitutional rights  so the motion is denied.

Still, the buzz in the courtroom remained the previous days recording of Dereks admission of the brutal crime.

I woke up, I grabbed one of the kitchen knives and I went to her room, the teen was recorded telling the detective. Then he halted.

Its OK, you can say it, replied Hialeah Police Detective Joseph Elosegui.

I killed her, Derek said.

Elosegui told Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorneys Rachel Morales-Gellis and Kathleen Hogue that Derek used his computer to gather information to murder his mother, Irina Garcia, 39. The detective said online searches by the teen included questions about the best way to kill someone and whether a small knife can cut through bone.

After killing his mother, Elosegui said, Derek called Sweden and sent him three pictures, two of his mother and one of himself with bloody hands.

Derek, who sat handcuffed in the jury box in a brown jail jumpsuit during the six-week hearing, showed emotion as the tape was played, burying his head between his hands while his attorney, Dayliset Rielo, rested a hand on his shoulder.

Rielo and fellow defense attorney Armando Luis argued to no avail to keep the recording sealed, or out of the public record.

The judges ruling came after Miami-Dade prosecutors and Dereks attorneys heard from a few more witnesses, then delivered closing arguments. During defense attorney Luis closing, Hersch stopped him and asked him to come up with a constitutional violation that he could argue would lead to his client being sent to a juvenile jail.

Luis said problems at the adult facility include Derek being served breakfast between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. each day, that he cant get his glasses without request and that instructors have been unable to provide specific class schedules.

He had no contact with his father, no contact with his grandmother or family, Luis said. And it was 30 days since being transferred to Metro West without being able to contact his family.

In her closing, Assistant State Attorney Morales-Gellis took aim at the defense arguments.

The defense keeps making reference to adult-sized sweaters, she said. I dont think that would rise to a constitutional issue.

In denying the defense motion to move Derek from Miami-Dades Metro West detention center to a juvenile facility, Hersch said the teens attorneys failed to prove his time at the adult jail put him in any danger, psychologically damaged him or left him without proper schooling.

Derek served the first two weeks of detention after his Oct. 12 arrest in Miami-Dades juvenile-detention center. But after a grand jury indicted him as an adult and upped his charge to first-degree murder he was transferred to Metro West. His defense team then petitioned the court to have the teen placed back in juvenile custody.

With an appeal almost certain, Hersch seemed to go out of his way to give defense and prosecutors leeway in what became an unusually lengthy hearing.

WHY DID HE DO IT?

Though the slaying made international headlines, police and prosecutors have yet to say why the honor student killed his mother. What they have said is they learned of the chilling crime just before midnight on Oct. 12 when Derek called a 911 operator.

When police entered apartment 201 at 211 W. 79th Pl. five minutes later, they found a startling scene: Garcia lay dead on her bedroom floor covered in blood with dozens of stab wounds from a kitchen knife. One of the cuts sliced an artery in her neck. Police said she was asleep when the attack began.

Not far from Garcias lifeless body was her 14-day-old daughter in her crib. Derek told police that after he killed his mother, he found two guns owned by his stepfather and wanted to commit suicide, but couldnt follow through.

Instead, Derek took pictures of his dead mother and shared them with a friend on social media. After taking the pictures, police said, Derek asked the dispatcher if that was bad.

Police said the eighth-grader at iMater Middle/High Charter School confessed to the murder to the 911 operator. He didnt put up a fight when police arrived.

Dereks case is eerily similar to another that shook South Florida almost two decades ago. Michael Hernandez was arrested for the murder of schoolmate Jaime Gough in the bathroom of Southwood Middle School in Palmetto Bay. Tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison, Hernandez collapsed and died at Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City in 2021. He was 31.

The hearing to decide where Derek will stay was halting, with several defense witnesses failing to show up and attorneys often called out by the judge for going off topic. Most of the testimony centered around Metro Wests juvenile-only wing, which employees said usually had close to three dozen teens  though none younger than 16.

Dereks attorneys said he spent most of his days in his cell by himself, leaving it for about 20 hours during the week for schooling and recreation. Miami-Dade Public Schools teachers who work with Derek at Metro West testified he will received up to six school sessions a week in math, science, social studies and reading of between 90 minutes and 2 1/2 hours.

Derek is currently the only child at Metro West to have a guard seated outside his cell full-time. And when he does leave his cell, guards testified, he is heavily protected. He also has access to a computer, cellphone and a commissary.

Derek has no known mental-health issues and police said they have no record of visiting the familys home in the Amelia Oaks apartment complex before the stabbing.

If convicted, Derek could spend life in prison. First-degree murder is a capital crime in Florida, but the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the death penalty is unconstitutional for juveniles.
China has said the contentious bounty announced by the Hong Kong police for information about dissidents taking refuge abroad was justified amid overwhelming criticism from foreign governments and human rights groups.

A reward of $1m Hong Kong (100,942) was announced in exchange for information to aid the arrest of 13 opposition figures who are accused of violating the semi-autonomous regions national security law, the announcement of which led to widespread protests in 2019.

Among others, the bounty was imposed on former UK consulate employee Simon Cheng, along with Johnny Fok and Tony Choi, who host a YouTube channel focusing on current affairs.

The arrest orders were necessary and justified and in line with international law and practice, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, saying the Xi Jinping administration rejects the outside criticism.

In an indirect reference to the bounty, she cited extraterritorial aspects of other nations laws on national security, and said that any support from abroad for those on the list was merely cover for their aim of destabilising Hong Kong. The Asian financial centre was rocked by dramatic demonstrations in 2019 with anti-government protests over the law, widely seen as an attack on freedoms.

"We strongly oppose and deplore the individual countries slandering Hong Kongs national security law and interfering in the judicial system," the minister said.

This comes a day after the Hong Kong police accused five more overseas-based activists of violating the law, and offered rewards for their arrests.

The five endangered national security by destabilising Hong Kong under the guise of democracy and human rights, Ms Mao said.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said Hong Kong authorities were displaying a disregard for international norms and human rights in Hong Kong.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Blinken said: We strongly oppose any efforts to intimidate and silence individuals who choose to make the United States their home and will not waver in standing up for those who are targeted simply for exercising their human rights. Responding to the remarks, the Hong Kong government said that the measures taken were in line with international practice. It added that no country should harbour criminals nor exonerate these people with different excuses.

The bounty further intensified the Hong Kong governments crackdown on dissidents following the 2019 protests, which grew increasingly violent and were harshly suppressed by police.

This morning I, a US citizen, woke up to the news that an arrest warrant and a HKD $1m bounty have been placed on my head by the Hong Kong government for exercising my freedoms in my own country, said Joey Siu, one of the five, in a post on Twitter/X.

More to say later but for now: I will never be silenced, I will never back down, said Siu, who was born in North Carolina and moved to Hong Kong as a child. The police notice listed her alleged crimes as colluding with a foreign nation or overseas forces to endanger national security.

The British and the US governments have condemned the arrest warrants and bounties as flying in the face of human rights and democratic norms.

In response, Ms Mao said the governments support of these anti-China elements exposed their sinister intention of messing up Hong Kong. Chinas determination to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests is unwavering. The countries concerned should respect Chinas sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong and stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs.

Amnesty International described the bounty as absurd and designed to sow fear worldwide.

This is further confirmation that the Hong Kong authorities systematic dismantling of human rights has officially gone global. The brazen tactic of placing Wild West-style bounties on activists heads seems to be emerging as a method of choice to silence dissent, said Sarah Brooks, Amnestys deputy director for the region.
Semafor Signals

Insights from Sixth Tone, The Economist, The China Project





NEWS

Nearly a fifth of Chinas population is older than 60, according to new data from the countrys Ministry of Civil Affairs which highlights a growing demographic crisis.

After more than 30 years of its notorious one-child policy, the Chinese government began relaxing laws in 2016, and now allows families to have three children  but does not punish those who have more.

Beijing has attempted to counter its rapidly graying population with policies that promote childbirth  but a record low birthrate points to a strong reluctance among young people  especially women  to heed the call.





SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

It's really expensive to raise a child in China

Sources: Rest of World, South China Morning Post, The Economist

The cost of raising a first child in China has soared to $76,629, seven times the countrys per capita GDP and far more than in the U.S. or Japan, according to Reuters.

China currently has no national regulation for paid parental leave. While women are encouraged to take a standard 98 days of maternity leave, they can encounter workplace discrimination for being pregnant. Queer couples who want to have children face hurdles, as surrogacy is poorly regulated and a gray area under law, which neither expressly permits nor prohibits it  meaning doctors or hospitals that facilitate the practice can be punished.

Meanwhile, the pet industry is booming as young people  nicknamed the last generation over their reluctance to procreate  find cheaper, furrier companions. One pet-owner told the South China Morning Post the responsibilities involved in raising a child were simply too daunting.





As the white hair movement protests a lack of benefits, robots plug the elder care gap

Sources: Sixth Tone, Wall Street Journal, Freedom House

A rising number of protests by Chinese pensioners over poor health and pension benefits has been dubbed the white hair movement by netizens.

Its a symptom of a system that is struggling to cope with a cohort of retirees forecast to surpass the entire population of the U.S. within two decades.

Beijing is considering a phased raising of its low retirement age  currently 50 for women who work in factories, 55 for white-collar women, and 60 for men. Everyone knows the current retirement ages are not sustainable, Cai Yong, a sociologist, told The Wall Street Journal.

Technology is increasingly plugging the gap in a desperate shortage of elder care. The number of vendors providing bathing services on the Meituan shopping app surged 936% over the past year, while in Shanghai, nursing homes are turning to AI-powered robots to help reduce loneliness. I cant imagine a better option than intelligent robots when Im old, vulnerable, and in need of assistance, Zheng Yongping, a 68-year-old Shanghai resident, told Sixth Tone.







Immigration could help solve East Asias demographic woes

Sources: The Economist, Nikkei Asia, The Dial

Chinas rapidly aging population means a dire shortage in its labor force  a problem also faced by Japan and South Korea. Chinas workforce issues are exacerbated by the number of young people moving to countries such as Thailand to escape what they see as a toxic work culture.

All three countries have strict immigration policies that keep younger foreign workers out, but China has the smallest population of foreigners  of its 1.4 billion people, only about 0.1% are immigrants.

China has high thresholds for residency permits  as well as deep-rooted ideas around racial purity that make it difficult for foreigners to settle. That is a shame. Looser immigration policies would not only help employers with labor shortages. They would also encourage innovation, writes The Economist.




Lee County NAACP President James Muwakkil, right, and members of Christopher Jordan's family at a December 14, 2023 press conference about Jordan's shooting by a Fort Myers police officer.

Family members of a Dunbar man killed by Fort Myers police after a 45-minute standoff this month are calling for transparency, saying the department has left them in the dark.

"We're just seeking answers and we're just seeking justice," Jordan's niece Ericka Ruth said at a press conference Thursday afternoon. "Justice for me is getting the officer who shot my uncle  getting him arrested, or getting him fired from the force."

More: Fort Myers police officer on leave after fatal shooting Friday; state investigating

Fort Myers police fatally shot 58-year-old Christopher Jordan on Dec. 1 after he allegedly brandished a gun at officers while barricaded at his Stella Street home. Police were responding to a 911 call from his sister, who said Jordan was threatening her.

The family and the Lee County NAACP had the press conference at Jordan's home, feet from the room where he was shot and killed. They said they had not heard from Fort Myers police, and called for the release of body camera video and questioned whether officers had done everything they could to de-escalate before opening fire.

"A mental health professional should have been the chief negotiator," said Lee County NAACP President James Muwakkil. "We don't believe a mental health professional was ever contacted."

Jordan was the sole occupant of the house during the confrontation with police, according to the NAACP. That a family member's 911 call ended in his death could discourage community members from calling the police during domestic disputes, he said.

"This will make us hesitate in calling law enforcement because we don't want loved ones to be killed," he said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, and the Fort Myers Police Department has declined to release additional information about the case while that investigation is ongoing.

The officer who shot Jordan has not been publicly identified and no body camera footage has been released.

Fort Myers Police Chief Jason Fields was invited to speak at the press conference but had other obligations, Muwakkil said.

The department did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

Police had received a 911 call from a house in the 3200 block of Stella Street regarding a male threatening a disabled female with a firearm.

Officers confirmed an aggravated assault had occurred, police officials said in a news release. An adult male suspect had retreated inside the home with the firearm, police said.

Officers evacuated nearby homes and tried to communicate with Jordan for 45 minutes but he would not surrender, police said. Jordan allegedly approached a window and flashed a gun at officers, who opened fire, fatally injuring him.

Officers provided first aid and Jordan was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

"45 minutes was not nearly long enough," Muwakkil said.

Andrew Perry, a former neighbor who has lived in Dunbar for 67 years, said he knew Jordan since Jordan was a child.

"He was on drugs, but he wouldn't do nobody no harm," Perry said. "I ain't never known him to have no gun."

A review of Lee County court records show that Jordan faced a string of drug and burglary charges dating back through the 1990s but revealed no cases involving firearms.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Christopher Jordan police shooting: Family calls for answers, release of body cam footage
The Rev Murphy criticised the Church of England for putting a radical rainbow activist in a position of high authority in a diocese - Twitter

The Church of England (CofE) is investigating a vicar after he called the institutions first transgender archdeacon a bloke.

The Rev Brett Murphy faces an official rebuke from the CofE over intentionally derogatory and disrespectful remarks he made about the Rev Canon Dr Rachel Mann shortly after her appointment in June.

LGBT+ campaigners had hailed her appointment as a beacon of light and hope.

The Rev Murphy, in a 32-minute-long YouTube video, criticised the CofE for putting a radical rainbow activist in a position of high authority in a diocese.

The Rev Murphy, who quit the CofE a month after the broadcast, had said in reaction to the appointment: Now you may wonder is that really newsworthy, Brett?

You may roll your eyes, if you are a complementarian, that another feminist is getting a prominent high-ranking position in the CofE, but this is worse than that.

The Rev Rachel Mann is in fact, biologically, a bloke, who identifies and lives as a woman.

He goes on to question whether the appointment is positioning the Rev Mann to become the CofEs first transsexual bishop and questions how she would deal with a member of her congregation who sees her lifestyle as in complete rebellion against Gods word.

So what you are seeing here is someone who is a radical rainbow activist being put in a position of high authority in a diocese.

The Rev Rachel Mann was appointed as the Church of Englands first transgender archdeacon in June - Paul Cooper

The Rev Mann declined to comment.

She previously told The Telegraph: Im self-evidently a woman, but Im glad I was once a man.

The Rev Murphy, now a member of the Free Church of England, faces being formally disciplined by the CofE over his comments.

An earlier complaint about his comments was dismissed by the Bishop of Loughborough, the Rt Rev Saju Muthalaly, who said no further disciplinary action needed to be taken.

However, following a review of the complaint by the tribunal arm of the CofE, the investigation has been reopened.

The Rev Murphy said he risks being barred from any future employment in the CofE and of having a permanent mark on his blue file, a clergy members personal record.

Bishop Muthalaly, in a strongly worded letter to the Rev Murphy, called his language intentionally derogatory and disrespectful and not appropriate as a Clerk in Holy Orders, irrespective of the right you have to hold and express views.

He added: You clearly recorded your vlog wearing clerical attire aware that this would give you both status and make it clear you were a Church of England priest (further reinforced at the time by your description of yourself on your YouTube page).

He accused the vicar of trying to spread his views to as wide an audience as possible.

Penalty of rebuke

The Rev Murphys YouTube channel has 13,000 subscribers.

Bishop Muthalaly said he was minded that a penalty of rebuke should be imposed.

He added that this was not a final decision and invited the Rev Murphy to offer written submissions explaining his comments.

A rebuke, in canon law, is a censure on a member of the clergy and is the least severe censure available, given in person by a bishop or by an ecclesiastical court.

The CofE has been approached for comment.

The Rev Murphy, who is originally from Australia, said: As a Christian minister it is my duty to proclaim the gospel whenever I can. I make no apology for that.

The decisions by the CofE to investigate and pursue me for stating biological truth has reinforced and vindicated all the concerns that I raised in the original vlog.

The re-opening of the complaint especially exposes the drive within the CofE to censor and banish any dissenting voice that does not agree or celebrate extreme LGBT ideology.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Leicester said: As the letter provided to The Daily Telegraph indicates, a complaint was laid against Mr Murphy under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.

The complaint is being dealt with under the procedure set out in the Measure and will be finally determined by the Bishop of Loughborough in due course. No further comment will be made about this matter.

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.
City authorities plan to remove a group of tents under several West Loop viaducts for cleaning after residents raised safety concerns following recent violence.

The encampments near Union and Ogilvie stations are the subject of an ongoing debate between Mayor Brandon Johnsons office and Ald. Bill Conway, 34th. Conway previously told the Tribune that a top Johnson adviser tied an offer to address safety concerns there to the aldermans votes on two key City Council ordinances.

The cleaning is scheduled to begin Monday morning and will include power washing and graffiti removal that requires encampment residents to temporarily remove their tents, a Conway spokesperson said.

The areas encampments were the site of a fatal shooting Dec. 7. A week earlier, police arrested a man at one of the campsites with a gun and $60,000 in drugs.

Johnson spokesperson Ronnie Reese on Friday described the move as routine cleaning that is generally done twice a year.

But while the mayors office played down the cleaning, Conway celebrated the decision that came after months of requests.

This expanded cleanup effort is a big step forward, he said in a statement. But I recognize it does not solve this problem. Many people may return, some immediately, as these viaducts remain a viable location for drug dealing and distribution.

People living under the viaducts have been notified and asked to move their belongings, Conway said. As city workers reached out to them, seven encampment residents accepted rapid rehousing and were provided with shelter, though 15 more declined rehousing, he added.

The alderman previously said city plans to remove the tents in October were canceled by the mayors office. Efforts to remove new winterized tents and clean the area last winter also faced resistance from activists.

Emails recently released by the city show that plans to power wash the viaducts were underway in October but canceled because the mayors office didnt approve the work.

On Oct. 16, a Department of Family & Support Services staffer emailed colleagues, saying that city Streets and Sanitation crews would be posting the Clinton, Milwaukee and Fulton area on Wednesday for power washing next week. If this needs to be cancelled, we should let them know by today or tomorrow, the latest.

Minutes later, another city official emailed back, It needs to be cancelled. It wasnt approved by MO, referring to the mayors office.

Conway told the Tribune last month that top Johnson adviser Jason Lee offered him a trade: The administration would support tent removal if Conway voted in favor of a referendum for an increased real estate transfer tax on properties over $1 million to help fund citywide homeless services and an ordinance ending subminimum wage for tipped restaurant workers.

Lee acknowledged linking the issue of the camps with votes for the marquee Johnson policies, but defended it as an appropriate deal and said police would continue to respond to the encampments. Conway ultimately voted against the real estate transfer tax referendum, and both ordinances passed.

In mid-November, around 1,500 area residents signed a petition calling for the mayors office to remove tents from the areas sidewalks, citing safety issues. On Dec. 8, the mayors office responded to the petition, stating its goals to reduce unsheltered homelessness, ensure public safety at encampments and prevent them from growing.

We strive to balance the rights and safety of all residents regardless of their housing status, said the letter, signed by Deputy Mayors Jennifer Johnson and Garien Gatewood.

At least four armed robberies and four shootings have occurred near the camps since early October, including the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old man on Dec. 7, according to Conways office.

This used to be a peaceful homeless encampment, Conway said at a news conference at the site hours after the shooting, gesturing to the tents under a viaduct on Lake Street. Those things exist certainly, but this is very far removed from that situation.

The alderman sent Johnson a letter Tuesday describing the tents and furniture on sidewalks as an impediment to residents who use wheelchairs and a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Potential ADA violations could leave the city vulnerable to lawsuits, he wrote.

Chicago Tribune reporter Gregory Royal Pratt contributed.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
Popular venue and event space City Winerys downtown property has been sold for $21 Million. Local real estate investors, Byran Fort and Taylor Prestion purchased the 1.56-acre Pie Town property.

City Winery Nashville LLC originally purchased the venue in 2012 for $2.6 million. The downtown property is located at 600 Middleton St. near SoBro and sits adjacent to the Nashville Rescue Mission site.

The venue has played host to a variety of musicians and events such as the CMT Next Women of Country. Events and concerts are still listed on the website for the 2024 season. The Nashville Post first reported the sale.

Rissi Palmer (L) and Miko Marks perform on stage at City Winery Nashville on May 18, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jazz aficionado and philanthropist Michal Dorf founded City Winery in New York in 2008 wanting to curate a space that delivered a unique culinary and culture experience to urban wine enthusiast.

While newer plans have yet to be announced, Dorf mentioned the sale in a social media post and said it would allow City Winery to expand and grow.

"We did a 3.5 year lease and will be looking for a new and improved location," Dorf's post said.

City Winery Nashville opened at the Middleton Street address in 2014 as the venue's fourth location. Since then, locations have opened in Boston, Atlanta, Pennsylvania and St. Louis.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: City Winery Nashville's downtown property sold for $21 million
For a guilty pleasure or just pure comfort, its hard to beat 1980s television, and even harder to surpass shows like Murder, She Wrote. The charm of Jessica Fletcher, an English teacher-turned-mystery-writer-turned-amateur-sleuth lies in her capacity to care for an extensive network of nieces, nephews, and old friendswho are all suspected of murder at alarming rates. But that same care allows Fletcher to see the human beneath even the most vile of people. It creates a character who, though fictional, embodies what it means to be civil or, as Alexandra Hudson defines it in her new book The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves, to see and engage with the humanity within both friends and enemies.

Like Murder, She Wrote, civility is timeless and, at first glance, a little old-fashioned. Hudson embraces the term and explores its history in the book, from ancient scrolls to our own doomscrolling times. The content will be familiar to those who also subscribe to Hudsons newsletter, Civic Renaissance, which ties thinkers from a long literary and theological tradition to modern-day crises. Hudson maintains a journalistic, if occasionally flowery, style, peppered with personal stories and dry humor. The result is a book informed by years of research, but which occasionally tells the reader more about the author than the subject.

Hudson describes her book as an extended reflection on the question of how to harmoniously coexist with our fellow human beings. This is the titular soul of civility, a concept Hudson traces back to the life of Ptahhotep, a political adviser in Ancient Egypt and the author of the worlds oldest book, The Maxims of Ptahhotep. Hudson summarizes his advice as follows: We must combat our innate self-love, care for those in need, and show humanity to our friends and enemies alike. This is the touchstone of human society but, as we know, it can be exceptionally difficult to put into practice.

On its face, civility seems synonymous with being nice, but Hudson rejects this equivalence. Niceness feels easy enoughuntil you hear something transgressive about politics, social justice, gender and sexual identity, religion, etc. Suddenly, being nice feels far less important than standing up for the right view, whether you are arguing with the government or with your Aunt Linda on Thanksgiving. Civility, by contrast, entails the disposition that comes from seeing all people as they really are: beings with an innate dignity, writes Hudson. It is only by embracing this disposition that we can live a good life. Embracing this disposition means choosing to engage in a discussion rather than writing off your opponent, and engaging in a way that recognizes the other persons dignity, even if you ultimately disagree. Niceness demands a smile-and-nod; civility requires taking opponents ideas seriously, and that sometimes requires forceful and robust argumentation.

This understanding of civility can feel antithetical to the modern American cultural demand for quick, decisive reactions to complex issues. Social media has only furthered this tendency: Weigh in too quickly on an issue and you may miss some of the facts, but take too long on an Instagram story or X post and you will read as performative or miss the boat entirely. The more political the topic, the harder it is to practice civility toward someone you disagree with. And our political addiction amplifies our tendency to dehumanize those with different views of justice.

The solution for Hudson involves [desaturating] our lives of politics. How? By taking a step back from the horse race and controversies, and instead filling your life with other human goods: intellectual curiosity, friendship, beauty, to name a few. Curiosity, Hudson argues, helps us recognize that we dont have all the answers. Friendship helps us to unbundle people and resist the urge to essentialize and define others based on one aspect of who they are. Beauty grounds our perspective and connects us with the sublime, which Hudson defines as experiences that remind us of our fragility. A friendly audience will find these alternatives persuasive, but it may appear more trite than profound to those who find their existential identity depending on the political climate.

Not only are we addicted to politics, but our consumer-centric culture seeps into our relationships. Hudson writes, Our consumerist and capitalistic society conditions us to apply a consumer mindset to all relationships in our lives, viewing others in terms of what we can get from them, and walking away when our needs are not met. This attitude idolizes the self above all else. She doesnt think we should stay in bad relationshipswhether romantic, amical, or familialbut rather that we should view people as valuable in and of themselves, not as a means to some gain.

Professional networking exemplifies interactions ruled by this utilitarian attitude, as well as interactions that are governed by politeness, another common distractor from civility. Hudson explores the distinction by drawing on her own experience in Washington politics. She writes, When I moved to Washington, DC, and took a job in politics, my confidence in politeness was shaken. I discovered that those who survived and succeeded in Washington often did so with two tactics: punishing ruthlessness or extreme politesse. Politeness does not guarantee civility; it is a set of rules that can be used to deceive. Civility, in contrast, is an attitude and an exercise in self-control to refrain from a full-blown pursuit of our own self-interest, that allows us to live in harmony with others and cannot be replaced by any rules of etiquette.

In the first half of the Soul of Civility, Hudson traces the concept in advice that, she writes, rather remarkably appears and reappears in similar manuals and philosophical reflections on good living across human history. She writes about the lack of civility in historical oppression, including colonization and slavery, as well as how civility, as the equal worth and dignity of all persons, served as the touchstone for arguments for emancipation and the civil rights movement. Each of these movements towards a more just society required seeing marginalized people as having the same inherent value of those with historical privilege.

As is the nature of many historical surveys, Hudson spends more time recounting the views of people in the past than developing her own unique insight. The sheer number of references, stories, and quotes can be more overwhelming than helpful. For example, she traces the importance of hospitalityparticularly the kind shown to strangersfrom Homers The Odyssey to Roger Williams refuge with the Narragansett tribe to Hudsons trip to Ireland. She also references A Thousand and One Nights, more Greek mythology, customs in India and Nepal, Hebrew and Latin etymology, and her own move to Indiana. While Hudson successfully argues that hospitality confronts us with the beauty of personhood and community, which makes it easier to overcome our selfishness so our social nature can thrive, the various historical vignettes throughout the book distract from her real strength: cultural insight.

In addition to her historical and cultural analysis, Hudson encourages the reader to take steps toward rebuilding civility in an uncivil society. Each chapter includes examples of actions like: It may feel like a stretch, but try inviting someone into your home. Again, start small and build. The home is an intimate, beautiful, fertile ground for friendship. She also recommends programs like Braver Angels, a nonprofit that runs debate programs on college campuses and in local communities so that participants can talk about challenging issues, and Great Hearts Academies, a classical charter school network, as potential solutions to incivility. Its an admirable impulse, but I wonder whether most of the audience for The Soul of Civility already engages with their community in the ways Hudson recommends.

Hudson clearly cares deeply about American culture, and she deftly captures the difficulty of controlling ones own self-interest and seeing the humanity in others. The book can feel like it is trying to accomplish too much in a historical overview, action items, and philosophical musings in one sitting, but Hudsons analysis is both insightful and needed. No, there are no easy solutions to incivility as there are in detective dramasno cocktail party where the perpetrator is identified and handed over to the courts of justice. Instead, the solution lies in the same place as the problem: in everyday people choosing to put aside our own prejudices and self-centeredness and treating others with dignity and care.

Read more at The Dispatch

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A binder containing classified information related to Russian meddling in the 2016 election went missing as former President Trump left office, according to new reports.

The binder contained U.S. and NATO-ally raw intelligence on Russia and Russian agents, CNN first reported. The binder was last spotted at the White House during the former presidents final days in office and reportedly hasnt been seen since.

The Crossfire Hurricane binder has sparked concern about the possible spread of sensitive information, The New York Times reported. The binders name mirrors that of the FBIs investigation into alleged connections between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia.

The information in the binder, described as being 10 inches thick, was so sensitive that even lawmakers and congressional aides with top secret security clearances could only go over the material at the CIA headquarters in McLean, Va., CNN reported.

A source said the substance of the binders material isnt seen as particularly sensitive, the Times reported, but that it contained details that intelligence agencies thought could reveal secret sources and methods. A redacted version is available on the FBIs website.

Trump issued an order with the aim of declassifying the majority of the binders contents in the days before he left office, according to CNN.

A source close to Trump told the Times that the binders contents captured the former presidents attention. Trump aides worked on redactions for parts of the material in 2021 due to Trumps plans to declassify and share parts of the content publicly. Copies were made of the redacted version, and one conservative writer allegedly received some of the binders material from Mark Meadows, then-White House chief of staff.

After the Department of Justice (DOJ) voiced worries about the materials distribution, the copies were taken back, sources told the Times.

Meadows went to the DOJ shortly before President Bidens inauguration to deliver a redacted copy of the binder for a final review, CNN reported. However, the department hasnt released all the documents.

Trump suggested in 2021 that Meadows still had contents from the binder, the Times reported.

I would let you look at them if you wanted, Trump reportedly said in an interview at the time, according to the Times. Its a treasure trove.

Meadowss lawyer said he does not possess the binder, according to the Times.

Mark never took any copy of that binder home at any time, George J. Terwilliger III told the Times.

References to the binder or lost Russian intelligence were not in Trumps indictment in the the Mar-a-Lago documents case from June, CNN reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
One of the two climate activists charged earlier this year for smearing paint over the display of a famed Edgar Degas sculpture at the National Gallery of Art pleaded guilty to damaging museum property on Friday, according to court documents.

Joanna Smith and Tim Martin smuggled red and black paint into the Washington, D.C., gallery and smeared it over the display case for Degass Little Dancer Aged Fourteen sculpture  one of his most famous works  in April. They were affiliated with the climate protest group Declare Emergency.

Smith pleaded guilty to injury of museum property, which faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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Declare Emergency posted a statement attributed to Smith at the time of the protest.

Today, in nonviolent rebellion, we have temporarily sullied a piece of art to evoke the real children whose suffering is guaranteed if the death-cult fossil fuel companies keep removing new coal, oil, and gas from the ground, the statement said. As a parent, I cannot abide this future.

The paint caused $2,400 in damage to the display, according to court documents, which was removed from public viewing for over a week while being repaired.

As we have made clear from the beginning, Joanna has a deep respect and appreciation for the arts and had absolutely no intention whatsoever of causing harm to the Degas sculpture, Smiths attorney told The Washington Post in a statement. She was there simply to make an important point about our climate crisis. We hope the court will understand that at sentencing.

Martin told the Post on Friday that he plans to go to trial next year. He faces the same charges as Smith.

Im just curious of what a trial by jury would be like when were talking about the end-of-the-world climate emergency and they want to treat it like damage of museum property, he said. Im just curious to see if theyll ignore this looming crisis.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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.
A liquid nitrogen leak that killed six workers at a Georgia plant was completely preventable, federal officials said in a report.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board shared its final report Dec. 11, issuing safety recommendations for different parties involved in the Foundation Food Group workers deaths.

In the 168-page report, the agency lays out the background, safety issues and recommendations following the January 2021 incident. The agency does not issue citations, though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration did issue three citations following the incident.

McClatchy News could not immediately reach Foundation Food Group for comment Dec. 15.

Liquid nitrogen leak kills 6, injures at least 11 at Georgia food plant, officials say

The plant used nitrogen to freeze poultry. Two workers were performing maintenance in the freezer at the companys facility in Gainesville when a bent tube started releasing an unsafe amount of liquid nitrogen, officials said in the report.

It vaporized, filling the room.

The workers died of asphyxiation and were left there for up to an hour until another worker found them, along with the four-to five-foot-high cloud of nitrogen, the agency said.

That employee alerted management, and they began evacuating the building.

Hearing about the issue, 14 others went to the site to investigate or try to rescue their coworkers, leading to four additional worker deaths, according to the report.

Three more workers and one firefighter were seriously injured, officials said.

This needless and senseless tragedy was completely preventable, CSB chairperson Steve Owens said in the release.

The agency said it found five main safety concerns, including lack of atmospheric monitoring, equipment safety and emergency preparedness. The report also said workers werent trained to recognize oxygen-deficient environments.

The company didnt immediately realize there was a nitrogen leak before other workers attempted to pull their coworkers out of the room and became unconscious, according to the report.

By the time firefighters arrived, they found the room filled with vapor at a floor temperature of -100 degrees.

Workers were not aware of the deadly consequences of a liquid nitrogen release  ultimately trying to save their colleagues led to them sacrificing their own lives, CBS investigator Drew Sahli said. This is a known hazard, and better training and communication could have prevented such a tragedy.

Someone exposed to too much nitrogen can die when they dont take in enough oxygen and asphyxiate. Symptoms of asphyxiation include dizziness, fainting, and nausea, the agency said.

The agency said it issued safety recommendations to the current facility owner, the manufacturer of the freezer, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an industry trade association and two standard-setting organizations.

Heated sludge fatally burns new worker inspecting a noise, feds say. Company is cited

Man sinks into grain bin as rescuers race to help him out of corn, Tennessee crews say

Worker dies getting caught in machine that 3M Company knew was dangerous, feds say

Worker lost finger working with machinery in Illinois, feds say. Pasta company is cited
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla.  A boater in Central Florida is back on dry land after his 39-foot sailboat started taking on water Thursday, forcing the Coast Guard into rescue mode.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard said they received a notification from the boater about 9:43 p.m. that the vessel was taking on water and in danger of sinking in the Halifax River.

A rescue team quickly arrived and was able to transport the operator into their vessel and back to the mainland.

The team reported weather conditions were rough at the time, with winds about 22 mph and seas of 5-6 feet.

FLORIDA BRACES FOR POSSIBLE TROPICAL-STORM-LIKE CONDITIONS THIS WEEKEND WITH RAIN, FLOODING, SEVERE WEATHER

A storm system gathering strength over the Gulf of Mexico is expected to continue to lead to windy conditions and rough seas through the weekend.

Local National Weather Service offices along Floridas east coast encouraged boaters to stay in port and have issued a plethora of alerts that warn of dangerous conditions.

A Gale Warning is in effect for nearshore and offshore waters where winds are expected to gust to at least 50 mph, and seas could reach in excess of 12 feet.

"Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility," forecasters warned.

EL NINO APPEARS TO BE ON VERGE OF RAPID COLLAPSE

The rescue operation involving the stranded sailboat has not been the only case of boats experiencing the brunt of the weather.

Farther north in Green Cove Springs, Florida, police urgently looked for the owner of a sailboat that was improperly tied up and caused damage to a pier.

Police warned the vessel was in danger of sinking due to the rough conditions in the St. Johns River.

Green Cove Springs Police warned of rough conditions along the St. Johns River.

"Marine conditions throughout Northeast Florida will continue to be extremely hazardous throughout the weekend," Cmdr. Nick Barrow, of Coast Guard sector Jacksonville, stated. "All mariners are strongly encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and warnings, and take reasonable safety precautions to protect life and property."

As the center of circulation pulls away from the state Sunday, conditions are expected to slowly improve, with seas and windy conditions settling back to a more normal state in the week before Christmas.





Original article source: Coast Guard rescues Florida boater amidst rough weather conditions
The Coast Guard rescued a man from a sailboat which had run aground on Thursday night and was in danger of capsizing near Ponce Inlet.

The Coast Guard rescued a man from a sailboat which was in danger of capsizing in rough waters Thursday in the Halifax River near Ponce Inlet.

The Coast Guard is warning boaters about dangerous conditions on the sea while the National Weather Service warns people of severe weather this weekend, according to a post by the Coast Guard on X, formerly Twitter.

The operator of the 39-foot sailboat, the Caprese, notified Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville at 9:43 p.m. that the boat had run aground, was taking on water and was in danger of capsizing.

The sailboat was being battered by 22 mph winds and 5- to 6-foot seas.

The Coast Guard crew arrived and rescued the individual from the sailboat with no reported injuries.

The Coast Guard rescued a man Thursday night from a sailboat which had run aground, was taking on water and was in danger of capsizing near Ponce Inlet.

The sailboats owner will coordinate salvage and a safety marine information bulletin has been issued warning mariners of the potential hazard to navigation.

The Coast Guard rescued a man from this sailboat on Thursday night near Ponce Inlet after the boat ran aground and began taking on water and was in danger of capsizing. The Coast Guard stated that the vessel's owner will coordinate the salvage of the boat.

A @USCG Station Ponce De Leon Inlet boat crew rescued a man aboard a 39-ft sailing vessel, Thursday, after it began taking on water near Ponce Inlet, #Florida.



On-scene weather conditions were reportedly 22 mph winds & 5 to 6-foot seas.



More info here: https://t.co/FlZONXAVBG pic.twitter.com/YqgbKiFdIm  USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) December 15, 2023

"Marine conditions throughout Northeast Florida will continue to be extremely hazardous throughout the weekend, said Cmdr. Nick Barrow, Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator. All mariners are strongly encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and warnings, and take reasonable safety precautions to protect life and property.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Coast Guard rescues man from sailboat in distress near Ponce Inlet
The Thurston County coroner has confirmed that it was carbon monoxide that killed 21-year-old Evergreen State College student Jonathan Rodriguez earlier this week.

Rodriguez was found dead in his room in campus housing on Tuesday. Two other students were sent to the hospital as well, one of whom was Rodriguezs girlfriend.

According to Washington State Patrol, the circumstances surrounding the incident will next be looked into by am outside forensic engineering team that specializes in carbon monoxide investigations.

After the incident, several students expressed concerns that buildings on campus had been poorly maintained for a long time.

Its rough, its like, the conditions here are just terrible, said senior Kris Pennington. Its just a lot of like nickel and dime-ing it, and were not really getting anything out of it except for like mold and stuff -- we have a hole in our roof that hasnt been fixed for like four days.

Evergreen Executive Vice President Dr. Dexter Gordon said that he had not heard about the hole in the roof, but that he would immediately talk to the appropriate persons to make sure we address that. As for the mold, he said that had been investigated and turned out not to be mold.
The Inglewood Oil Field is home to nearly 1,000 wells. Recently, Culver City officials reached an agreement to end oil production and cap all existing wells by 2030 in their portion of the sprawling oil field. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Culver City has struck a deal with one of California's largest oil producers to end petroleum extraction and plug all wells within the city limits by the end of the decade  an agreement that environmentalists say could serve as a model for other municipalities.

After two years of negotiations, Culver City and Sentinel Peak Resources reached a settlement agreement to ban oil drilling in the city's portion of the Inglewood oil field. The agreement requires the company to seal its 38 Culver City wells by 2030, ensuring that taxpayers are not responsible for footing those costs.

The announcement comes as environmental activists focus increasing attention on the health and financial risks of idle oil wells in Southern California, a region once dominated by oil derricks and pumpjacks. The agreement also means that Culver City will be among the first communities in the region to end fossil fuel production and cap its wells.

"It's a win for public health. It's a win for our communities. And it's an inspiration for others," said Meghan Sahli-Wells, an environmental advocate and former Culver City mayor. "There are 38 oil wells in Culver City. Those will be 38 fewer pockets of poison in our community."

Read more: Uncontrolled chemical reactions fuel crises at L.A. County's two largest landfills

More than a century of oil and gas drilling in California has left more than 100,000 wells unplugged, allowing them to leak planet-warming methane and dangerous chemicals, such as benzene.

The cost of properly closing these wells could run as high as $23 billion, according to a recent Sierra Club analysis. Some activists and state legislators argue that taxpayers could be on the hook for those capping expenses if oil companies fail to take responsibility.

Around 41,000 of California's uncapped wells are classified as idle, meaning they haven't produced any oil or gas in at least two years.

Three oil companies  Chevron, Aera Energy and California Resources Corp.  own two-thirds of these idle wells, according to Jasmine Vazin, an author of the report. Although the companies have recorded billions in profit in recent years, Vazin said they have been allowed to leave their wells unplugged indefinitely because there is no mandated timeline to cap inactive wells in California.

"These companies have been profiting at extreme rates from extracting California's natural resources for over a century," said Vazin, a Sierra Club senior organizer. "So we believe when you look at the global profits of these large entities and their parent companies, there is more than enough profit to cover the cost of cleanup of their legacy of pollution in California."

California recently enacted legislation that requires oil companies to obtain a bond  a financial guarantee similar to an insurance policy  that would cover the full cost of plugging their wells. The state also collects idle well fees, which can run up to $1,500 a year for each inactive well.

But Vazin said that has done little to motivate oil producers, noting more than 12,000 wells in California have been idle for at least eight years.

"We have this issue where operators are sitting on thousands of idle wells and not doing anything about it. And so if there's no policy change to really prompt and kind of force that cleanup at a much, much faster rate than is currently happening, we're just creating this problem that just piles on top of itself," Vazin said.

Read more: Why some people think California's cow manure methane plan stinks

Other oil-producing states require companies to cap unused wells within a specific time period. Pennsylvania and West Virginia require companies to plug wells within a year of ceasing production. Colorado and North Dakota allow oil companies six months to plug their wells, if they have been inactive for a year.

In California, smaller energy companies have declared bankruptcy without closing their wells. This has left thousands of so-called orphaned wells, which have no owner responsible for plugging them, ultimately leaving the responsibility to state and local governments.

The Culver City agreement attempted to buck that trend when officials sought to end drilling in their slice of the sprawling Inglewood oil field, which has been in production since 1924.

The City Council originally passed an ordinance in 2021 that banned new drilling and required Sentinel Peak to cease oil extraction by November 2026. The settlement agreement enshrines many of those provisions, but it gives the company three more years to close its wells.

Under the agreement, the company must plug at least 15 wells by Dec. 31, 2027, and all remaining wells by Dec. 31, 2029.

Many environmental advocates lauded the deal, but others expressed disappointment that the city did not negotiate an earlier end to oil production.

Its great that Culver City made the critical decision to phase out oil drilling, but its disappointing Sentinel Peak Resources bullied the city into three more years of toxic air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions," said Gladys Delgadillo, a senior organizer at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Sentinel spent millions of dollars trying to kill a health buffer protecting homes and schools from its dirty oil wells, so they can afford to quickly clean up their mess in Culver City."

Read more: California energy officials vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations

Just 10% of the Inglewood oil field falls within Culver City's borders. The rest of the field occupies parts of Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, Inglewood and other neighboring communities.

On the heels of Culver City's drilling ordinance, the Los Angeles City Council in December 2022 voted to ban new oil drilling and prohibited oil production within 20 years. Warren E&P, which operates drill sites in the city's Wilmington neighborhood, sued the city a month later.

This litigation could put Los Angeles on a similar track as Culver City to orchestrate a deal with its oil producers to cap their wells.

Sahli-Wells, who grew up in Culver City in the 1980s, recalls pumpjacks in the background when she played at Culver City Park. After years of campaigning to end oil production in the city, she said she's glad the next generation will no longer see oil production on the hillside along Jefferson Boulevard.

"I think it's safe to say that we kind of created a model. I mean, you go from the 40,000 folks in Culver City to 4 million in L.A. It's pretty exciting, right?"

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
COVID-19 and flu are rising across California, sparking new warnings from health officials to take precautions as the wider winter holiday season looms.

The uptick is modest and not wholly unexpected  wintertime surges have been an annual occurrence since the coronavirus first emerged. But experts say lagging uptake of the latest reformulated vaccines has left some populations particularly vulnerable to severe health outcomes that are largely preventable at this point.

Over the week that ended Dec. 9, 2,449 Californians were newly admitted to hospitals with a coronavirus infection, up 40% over the last month, according to federal data.

California was considered to have "high" viral illness activity level as of Dec. 9, among the worst designations in the country, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

As of Dec. 9, California was considered to have a "high" level of flu-like illness, which includes viral illnesses such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention )

"Respiratory illness activity is rapidly increasing across the United States," the CDC said in a bulletin Thursday afternoon. "Millions of people may get sick in the next month or two, and low vaccination rates mean more people will get more severe disease. Getting vaccinated now can help prevent hospitalizations and save lives."

A rise in viral illness is expected this time of year, but the prevalence of COVID-19 adds a considerable health burden that didn't exist before the pandemic. COVID-19 remains the primary cause of new respiratory hospitalizations and deaths nationally, causing 1,000 fatalities a week.

"COVID is still causing the most number of cases, the most number of hospitalizations and the most, unfortunately, number of deaths that we're seeing week over week," Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, said in an online discussion Tuesday. "So while we all wish we could leave COVID in the rearview mirror, it is still here with us, and so we need to make sure we are continuing to take it very seriously."

Cohen last week urged people to take precautions such as getting vaccinated, avoiding people who are sick and staying home when ill, regular hand-washing, improving air ventilation and wearing a mask.

Read more: Its time to get your COVID shot, CDC director says. Like, now

"And get tested, so you know what you have and you can get treatment," she said. "Getting tested and treated early can prevent you from getting severely ill, being hospitalized and can potentially save your life."

Relatively speaking, COVID-19, flu and another ailment  respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV  aren't at the heights they were this time last year, when their simultaneous circulation spawned a "tripledemic" that stressed healthcare facilities across the state, especially children's hospitals.

Kaiser Permanente Southern California began noticing more COVID-19 illness starting in mid-November, with the rise accelerating after Thanksgiving, said Dr. Nancy Gin, regional medical director of quality and clinical analysis for the health system.

Read more: COVID, flu, RSV on the rise in California. Is another 'tripledemic' coming?

Coronavirus levels in Los Angeles County wastewater were at 38% of last winter's peak for the week that ended Dec. 2, the most recent data available. That's exactly the same as the height seen late this summer, when the region experienced a prolonged uptick in infections.

The latest figure signals a "medium" level of concern, as defined by L.A. County health officials.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, coronavirus levels in the San Jose watershed's sewage have been at a "high" level for weeks.

Rising viral levels in wastewater is "like the canary in the coal mine," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert. Higher concentrations could be followed by more illness, potentially severe enough to require hospital care.

"I'm just worried that it's going to translate into hospitalizations around Christmastime," he said.

Read more: Pregnant people can get a shot to protect babies from RSV, but some hit hurdles

Chin-Hong said he's particularly concerned about seniors who haven't received their updated vaccinations this autumn. Among Californians ages 65 and older, just 27% have received the latest COVID-19 vaccination that became available in September. Uptake is even lower in Los Angeles County  21%  but higher in the Bay Area, where it's around 40% in the most populous counties.

Seniors who have not gotten the latest vaccine are "the population we're seeing in the hospital," Chin-Hong said, and, especially those who are older than 75, "the population that's dying." It's also likely that many of those who are dying aren't getting anti-COVID drugs in time.

Flu vaccination rates are slightly lower than they were at this time last year, according to data shared by the CDC. As of early November, 36% of U.S. adults had received their flu shot, compared with 38% at that time last year. And for RSV, just 16% of adults ages 60 and older had received the newly available vaccine as of Dec. 2.

Alarmed by low vaccination rates, the CDC issued a health advisory on "the urgent need to increase immunization coverage for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV." The agency asked healthcare providers to strongly urge immunizations, noting that "low vaccination rates, coupled with ongoing increases in national and international respiratory disease activity ... could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks."

Read more: Where Southern Californians can find the new COVID-19 vaccine

The CDC recommends virtually everyone ages 6 months and older get the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Adults ages 60 and older are also eligible to be vaccinated against RSV, which can be especially risky for older people with heart disease. There are two vaccines available for older adults: Abrysvo, made by Pfizer; and Arexvy, made by GSK.

The CDC also recommends the Abrysvo vaccine for pregnant people and immunizing babies against RSV with an antibody known as nirsevimab, also known by the trademarked name Beyfortus.

The agency is also urging doctors to recommend antiviral drugs for flu and COVID-19, such as Tamiflu and Paxlovid, for eligible patients. These "antiviral medications are currently underutilized, but are important to treat patients, especially persons at high-risk of progression to severe disease with influenza or COVID-19, including older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions," the CDC said.

Such antiviral drugs "are most effective in reducing the risk of complications when treatment is started as early as possible after symptom onset," the CDC said.

Read more: California vs. Florida: The surprising answer to which state handled COVID better

So far, hospitals in Southern California and the Bay Area appear to be in fairly stable shape. More people are becoming ill, but so far, many aren't needing to be hospitalized, Chin-Hong said.

Kaiser Southern California has been noticing more people ill with COVID-19 in its clinics and urgent care centers, "but they're not landing in the hospital nearly as much compared to last year, certainly compared to two years ago," Gin said. "Time will tell if the numbers that we see continue to go up."

The health system, which serves 4.8 million members and operates 16 hospitals throughout the region, has observed a bit of a rise in the use of ventilators and intensive care units related to COVID-19, "but it's certainly nothing dramatic," Gin said.

But cases of influenza type A virus nationally "are really shooting up quite a bit. We are seeing that as well," Gin said.

Read more: The flu is soaring in seven states and rising in others, health officials say

As for RSV, levels rose steadily from the end of September through mid-November. In the last few weeks, however, that virus seems to have flattened out at "less than half of what we saw last year at this time, at least by our testing numbers. So that's a good sign," Gin said.

Increasing coronavirus transmission is probably being assisted by waning immunity from past infections and older booster shots.

Officials are also monitoring the rapid rise of the JN.1 subvariant. Because of its unusually high number of mutations, this subvariant  described as a closely related offshoot of the BA.2.86, or Pirola strain  might be able to more easily infect people who had previously caught an older version of the coronavirus or haven't yet received an updated shot.

Nationally, JN.1 is estimated to account for about 21% of coronavirus cases for the two-week period that ended Dec. 9, up from 8% in the prior two-week period. It's the fastest-growing subvariant being tracked.

Read more: DeSantis bragged about a COVID study during Newsom debate. Not so fast, lead author says

JN.1 is on the ascent while the current most dominant subvariant, HV.1, is declining. A descendant of the XBB subvariants that were dominant over the summer, HV.1 was estimated to account for 30% of coronavirus specimens for the most recent two-week period, down from 32% in the prior comparable period.

The rise of the new subvariant should encourage people, especially those who are older, to get the new vaccine, as outdated booster shots or natural immunity from past infections may not be protective enough. The new vaccine will replenish antibodies, Chin-Hong said, which will be especially important for at-risk people.

"Most people have gotten a previous infection, like during the summer, with one of the XBBs," Chin-Hong said. The rise of JN.1 "just makes the clock tick faster before they're more susceptible [to another coronavirus infection]. In other words, if the XBBs were the main game in town, you might have had a little bit more time before you would get infected again."

The CDC said available vaccines, tests and antiviral medication continue to work well against JN.1.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Prime Ministers evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry this week contained an exchange that, in a sane world, would have led the news bulletins every day since.

Rishi Sunak cited a study from June 2020, conducted by academics at Imperial College and Manchester University, which found that the first lockdown probably did more harm than good.

Their QALY analysis, he told the inquiry, suggested that the lockdown, in its severity and duration, is likely to have generated costs that are greater than the likely benefits.

QALY stands for quality adjusted life years, and is how medical authorities the world over assess whether any given medical procedure is justified. Here was our head of government suggesting that, when everything was taken into account, the cure could well have been worse than the disease.

It was by far the most significant statement yet, and one might have expected the inquiry to jump on it. After all, if the first lockdown was excessive, why was the country tipped into a second and then a third? Were the costs properly discussed? Were they assessed at all? If not, why not?

But even as the PM spoke those devastating words, Hugo Keith KC, the showboating lead counsel, was leaping in to interrupt him:

I wasnt aware of that, but I dont want to get into quality life assurance models [sic].

There, in a nutshell, was everything wrong with this idiotic burlesque of an inquest. Obsessed with leaked WhatsApps, drives to Barnard Castle and whether politicians shouted at staff, the lawyers mulishly ignore the only question that needs answering, namely whether non-pharmaceutical interventions worked.

If Keith doesnt know what a QALY is, he has no business leading the interrogations. If he does know, but is deliberately refusing to consider the question, then the whole farce should be wound up. A QALY analysis is in fact the only measure by which we can judge the lockdowns. Yet here is the chief inquisitor, not merely failing to ask the question, but expressly ruling it out of consideration.

Why is there not more outrage? Why did the exchange pass unnoticed other than by a handful of committed lockdown sceptics? The depressing answer is that the country as a whole wants to move on.

We have a guilty conscience. We did not simply accept the prohibitions, we demanded them, forcing the hands of politicians and, indeed, of scientific advisers, who turned out to be remarkably susceptible to public opinion. No fewer than 93 per cent of British voters backed the first lockdown, and 85 per cent the second. Incredibly, 71 per opposed the government when it finally lifted restrictions. The last thing we want is to be told that it was all for nothing.

Im afraid Keiths lack of interest in QALY accurately reflects the national mood. In the early days of the first lockdown, one or two of us tried to raise the question of how these unprecedented prohibitions would measure against that standard public policy tool. We were shouted down as murderers. Commentators swooned like affronted Victorian matrons at the very idea of putting a cost on human life  evidently unaware that this is what the NICE does whenever it assesses a new treatment.

No one, in those panicky days, wanted to consider the costs. I dont just mean the monetary costs; I mean the damage to our decency, civility and sanity. Everything was seen as a price worth paying: closed schools, missed diagnoses, bankrupt businesses, insolent police, shuttered universities, lonely pensioners, rising debt, mental breakdowns.

How dreamlike and distant it all seems now. It is as if we have woken up, badly hungover, determined to push the indiscretions of the previous night into the remotest corner of our minds. On some level, we know that the restrictions were excessive. But we dont want to have our noses rubbed in the fact that the policies we clamoured for were not just useless, but actively harmful.

The inquiry, in this sense, is giving us exactly what we want  not an assessment of the measures, but a target for our bad consciences. In an earlier epoch, wed have taken out our frustration on alleged witches. The go-to villains of our present age are politicians, and the inquiry is designed to blame them, not just for the manifold failings of our standing bureaucracies, but for our own strident, if unfocused, authoritarianism.

Its bias is intentional, not incidental. That much became clear when we learned that bereaved relatives were to be given a special role. While victims and their families deserve our sympathy, they do not thereby gain any insight into correct policy responses. Indeed, the whole point of an inquiry is to be cool-headed and dispassionate  to get away from the necessarily emotional response of those who have been most immediately touched.

Any lingering doubts were dispelled when we learned that participants were being asked to take Covid tests  something that is almost unique in the world now that we are dealing with one among many endemic winter viruses.

No one is better at reading the public mood than Boris Johnson. Hence his hangdog demeanour when giving evidence. In fact, almost all the doubts privately expressed during those early weeks have since been vindicated. He was right to be constantly asking the scientific advisers whether their proposals were disproportionate; they were wrong to ignore him. But that truth has now become unspeakable.

The only acceptable attitude for a politician to take at this show-trial is that of  well, of a show-trial victim, full of exaggerated remorse and theatrical self-accusation. As in 1930s Moscow, facts are beside the point.

Still if only for the record, we should reprise some of those facts. First, we now know that lockdowns were lethal. We see this in the excess mortality rates of the countries which, though they had very few Covid deaths, none the less had lockdowns, such as Australia. We see it, too, in the continuing excess mortality rate here.

According to a study in The Lancet, 28,000 more people have died this year than we would normally expect. The biggest excess losses are among people in their forties, fifties and sixties, and the causes are the usual ones: heart disease, liver damage, diabetes. How much of this might have been prevented had people not been told to stay away from hospitals? It is impossible to say. But with 62,000 fewer cancer diagnoses we would have expected on pre-2020 trends, these numbers may get worse.

Im sorry to keep rubbing this in, but the country with the lowest excess death rate in the OECD seems to have been Sweden, where there were very few restrictions. Again, we appear determined to cover our ears and sing la-la-la whenever this is pointed out. Sweden has a sparse population, we tell ourselves, and anyway, the death rate in Norway was even lower.

Sorry, but so what? The argument at the time was not that Sweden might fare slightly worse than Norway. It was that the disease would go exponential, overwhelming the healthcare system and causing societal collapse. The fact that this did not happen, and that it was already clear by the end of April 2020 that it was not going to happen, should have prompted the rest of us to rethink our approach.

But by then we were committed. As Macbeth puts it, I am in blood stepped in so far, that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go oer. The lockdown had become its own justification, and Matt Hancock was telling us that we had travelled too far together to go back now.

Three-and-a-half years on, that remains our attitude. The lockdown is treated like some wartime sacrifice, revered rather than questioned. We screen out awkward data and repress our doubts. We turn the ministers of the time into our scapegoats, our sin-eaters. But the terrible truth is that we did this to ourselves.

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In the final scene of The Crown, Prince Philip tells the Queen: The party is over.

We are a dying breed, you and I, he declares. The system makes no sense anymore to those outside of it nor to those of us inside.

He is in turn solemn and teasing, as the Queen contemplates her legacy before walking into the white light. And so ends six seasons, seven years, 60 episodes, 21 Emmy awards and 3,313 minutes of The Crown.

What started life as a curious historical drama, brought to life with the largest budget television had ever seen, has become one of the most talked-about, criticised and controversial shows of our age.

Its critics have been legion, the personal upset to those inside palace walls all too real. Yet the shows creators maintain they have done the Royal family a favour, humanising them for a new generation across 88 countries around the world.

The reputation of Queen Elizabeth II was cemented as the epitome of duty. Prince Philip was re-examined as a handsome young father as well as the energetic, no-nonsense consort the public already knew. Through fictional dialogue and scenes plucked from the imagination of writers, the world was introduced to the Royal family as few still living had seen them before.

Of course it is never that simple.

As the episodes rolled on, the extent of made-up storylines caused growing disquiet in royal circles. Critics began to wonder at the cruelty of retelling the stories of living people, unable and unwilling to break the habit of a lifetime to answer back.

It was not until series five in 2022 that Netflix moved to add a disclaimer to The Crown, spelling out that it is fictional. By then, despite regular protestations from writer and producer that no one seriously thought it was real, many people seriously thought it was real.

Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 and Claire Foy's depiction of the same event during series one of The Crown

It has definitely had an impact on how the public view the monarchy, says Professor Pauline Maclaran, author of Royal Fever: The British Monarchy in Consumer Culture.

The debate over fact or fiction is a bit of a red herring for me because its about the emotional content: there is an emotional truth about the series that people will take away from it along with more understanding overall of what it means to be a member of the Royal family.

For younger generations, the influence has been less positive. It shows a younger generation  who really had no knowledge about what happened with Charles and Diana and of the mess of the 1990s  what happened very vividly.

And its that younger generation that the monarchy really needs to get on its side.

The numbers are modest but striking.

Between 2022 and 2023, the fifth and sixth series, the number of viewers who believe the show is an accurate interpretation of what really happened rose from 19 to 27 per cent.

Those who thought it was very accurate went from one to two per cent, seemingly too tiny a proportion to matter  until it is broken down by age.

Then, it shows a more troubling picture.

Four out of 10 people aged 18-24 now think the programme is somewhat or very accurate. A third of 25 to 49-year-olds feel the same.

The older viewers get, the less likely they are to believe the storylines are true, but all age groups are up significantly from just a year ago.

On TikTok, the social media platform preferred by the young, videos using scenes of The Crown as if they were newsreels run free. Ladies and gentlemen, the new King, declares one caption, over footage of Josh OConnor, playing Prince Charles, shouting at the young Diana.

Videos marked #thecrown have had more than 6.1 billion views as of November this year.

An informal survey of Gen Z opinion throws up the idea of The Crown as educational, teaching them about the Royal family and British history.

Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Harry at Balmoral in 1997 - Tim Graham Photo Library

The photoshoot was depicted in series five of The Crown - Keith Bernstein/Netflix

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said there was a real generational divide in understanding how much of the plot is fictional. I regard The Crown as quite damaging to the institution, he said, pointing to elements of mischief rather than outright malice in the scripts.

My fear is that a lot of people watching it think theyre watching a documentary and thats just how it was. As we know, its not at all how it was.

I dont feel it does the House of Windsor any favours and Im glad weve now reached the end of the road.

A palace source, told of the YouGov polling about accuracy, said mildly: The good thing about young people is that they grow up. Their perspectives broaden in life and I suspect that will be the case here too  they will grow wiser with age.

Stephen Daldry, who directed the first and the final episodes of The Crown, has called the show a slice of history told by the people right now.

Obviously, as you get closer to more present lived memory, people are going to have much stronger opinions about what they believe the truth to be, he said.

Andy Harries, who runs Left Bank Pictures, the production company behind The Crown, has claimed the show in fact enhances the reputation of the monarchy itself, and refuses to accept that some viewers take it as the gospel truth.

I was never of the view that everybody thought we had been tape-recording the Royal family. People are aware that Peter [Morgan] has invented the dialogue, how can it be otherwise? So you watch it in that spirit.

At the same time, he told television industry magazine Deadline, the series is a contribution to the history of the UK.

Morgan himself has made no secret of the fact that he began writing The Crown as a staunch republican. I came at it as completely anti-monarchist.

His view on the monarchy as a whole was even less flattering. It is clearly a deranged institution and a completely insane system, but perhaps its the insanity that makes it work.

But he has softened over the course of the show. And the palace attitude to The Crown over the years has changed somewhat too.

It started as curiosity, with some warmth towards the project at the beginning. Similar theatre shows and films had done little harm to the monarchy and  like the rest of the watching world  many inside palace walls were charmed by the early depictions of the beautiful, dutiful Queen.

Intially charmed by the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth, the palace's attitude to The Crown over the years has changed somewhat - Jason Bell

Within a few episodes, however, the glaring historical inaccuracies became too much to bear. A made-up storyline in 2017, in which a schoolboy Prince Philip was blamed for his sisters death in a plane crash, was too cruel to be ignored. A deeply hurt Philip contacted lawyers. Hugo Vickers, a royal historian, said: He was very upset about the way that was portrayed. He was human.

Gyles Brandreth, biographer and friend of the Royal family, summed up attitudes in 2019: Series One of the lushly-made Netflix drama, I rather enjoyed. The inaccuracies in Series Two had me shouting at the screen and eventually turning off. Series Three I am not going to even bother to turn on.

By then, the palace was wearying of the constant suggestion  encouraged by The Crowns team  that current staff were consulted on its content.

The Queens press secretary took the unusual step of writing to The Guardian to deny the programme was made with some sort of endorsement by the royal household, or an acceptance by the royal household that the drama is factually accurate.

As the series moved into the era of the War of the Waleses, concern grew over how it would introduce the drama of the doomed marriage of Prince Charles and Diana to a new generation.

Dominic West as Prince Charles and Elizabeth Debicki as Diana, Princess of Wales in The Crown (series five) - Keith Bernstein/Netflix

In November 2020, friends of Charles called the programme trolling on a Hollywood budget, exploitative and said Netflix would have no qualms about mangling peoples reputations.

Others began using their public profile to help. Dame Judi Dench began a campaign to get the fictional drama disclaimer added, in a letter to The Times in which she said: The closer the drama comes to our present times, the more freely it seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism.

Sir John Major, who was portrayed in scenes with Prince Charles lobbying to oust his mother from the throne, called it a barrel-load of nonsense.

In 2022, programme-makers ignored a plea from Prince William to not profit from the discredited Panorama interview with his late mother. Thoughts over the portrayal of her subsequent death in a car crash, built up over a tense episode in this final series, are not difficult to guess.

Today, palace insiders are more dismissive.

What started as a rather classy, thoughtful, historical drama turned into something a bit silly, one told The Telegraph. By the time you reach the end [of the final series], it had gone full Bobby Ewing coming out of the shower.

People trying to watch have either fallen asleep or given up.

Conceding that you can well imagine what it must be like to have the most painful episodes of your life recreated and played out on screen, they nevertheless insisted the show is of vanishingly small interest to the Royal family and its senior staff.

Its a sensationalist drama watched by a diminishing audience, they said. Its a side show. In the real world, people are focusing their energies on delivering a successful change of reign and getting on with the job.

Naturally there is constant fascination over who in the Royal family has watched it. Prince Harry has, as ever, been the most candid of the family, admitting that he has not only watched it but prefers it to reading the real royal news.

Its fictional, but its loosely based on the truth, he once told talk show host James Corden. It gives you a rough idea of that lifestyle the pressures of putting duty and service above family and everything else.

His PR has said he would not watch the most recent series, which covers the death of his mother. He remains on the payroll of Netflix, which snapped up the Sussexes on a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal to make programmes for them.

Andy Harries goes further. He has been told, he said this week, that Prince Harry advised Meghan Markle to watch the first two seasons of The Crown while they were dating, to help her understand the mechanics of the British monarchy. In contrast, Prince William told him during his 2019 investiture that he has never watched.

Princess Eugenie has said the couple of episodes she has watched, where her grandmother was a young woman, made her feel very proud. Sarah, Duchess of York, has said: I loved the way they put my wedding in as well.

Most intriguing is Queen Camilla.

In March 2022, the Duchess of Cornwall as she was then not only invited the actress who played her in season four, Emerald Fennell, for an International Womens Day reception at Clarence House, she happily posed for a photograph with her.

When life imitates art: Emerald Fennell and the real Camilla in 2022 - ARTHUR EDWARDS

In her speech welcoming guests, she joked: Its very reassuring to know that if I should fall off my perch at any moment, my fictional alter-ego is here to take over.

As the series went on, the script for Camilla became rather more sympathetic, from the thorn in Dianas side to a wise and stoic wife and stepmother.

As the story surged towards the modern day, so the influence of the current Royal family was felt.

The final series, reviewers have noted, takes no small account of the Duke of Sussexs version of events told through his memoir Spare, and a string of eyebrow-raising interviews.

Gone is the Prince Harry the public thought they knew in his twenties  a loveable rogue, clubbing and drinking because it was fun.

In his place, on screen, stands the tortured teenager and young adult, overlooked and overshadowed.

The Queen, played by Imelda Staunton, muses on the difficulties of being the second-born spare. Harry riles against the older Prince William as a fing company man. Even the true story of his Swastika-decorated fancy dress outfit has been retold through the prism of his memoir, with the finger of blame pointed at William for failing to stop him.

Would the fictionalised Mohamed al-Fayed have used the specific phrase racist Royal family were it not for the real-life accusations flying around after the Sussexes Oprah interview?

Would the Queen have been quite so strident about Princess Diana, on leaving the Royal family, not being allowed to remain half in half out?

Annie Sulzberger, The Crowns head researcher, has downplayed the influence of the oh-so-tempting source material.

So sometimes Spare helped us think, Okay, this is an insider account and I feel like were on the right track, she told Vanity Fair. Now Harry can really say, in a scene, I feel aggrieved that Im treated differently than you. I do the same things as you, and yet Im the one who gets lambasted for it.

As a television programme, there is no doubt it has been a phenomenon.

When it was announced in 2014 that Netflix would be making a costume drama about the Royal family with a 100 million budget, it took the industry by surprise. A royal saga seemed a much better fit for the BBC, but the corporation turned down the project on the grounds of cost and delicacy.

The big value to Netflix was the number of older viewers watching The Crown, because theyre the growth area  young people are already there, says Tom Harrington, head of TV for Enders Analysis.

But its younger viewers, and those watching outside the UK, who take it at face value. For Gen Z viewers, that is what their perception of the monarchy is, if theyre not reading the news, so its quite powerful in shaping that perception of the royals, he says.

And if youre American and youre not immersed in that stuff all the time, if youre in every other territory maybe outside the Commonwealth, youre watching this series and you probably dont have that intimate knowledge of whats going on. Its all a soap opera to you. Youre not constantly reminded that this is a real family and they have jobs and duties.

The controversy over storylines only really happens in the UK, and thats just one market for Netflix, adds Harrington. Its a major market but a small proportion of viewing.

In the final series, there are some winners.

Prince Charles is surprisingly sympathetic, even in imagined scenes where Prince William shouts blame at him for the death of Diana. Camilla Parker Bowles is shown as a wise stepmother-to-be, always on the end of the phone to soothe Charless worries about his sons.

While a pantomime version of Carole Middleton, jokingly called Mrs Bennet by her on-screen daughter, plots to matchmake Kate and Prince William, Kate herself is rather reinvented.

Where in real life, the tabloid press cruelly nicknamed her Waity Katie, painting the sexist picture of a desperate social climber hanging around for William to make up his mind, The Crown gives her the power. William chases her instead.

Ed McVey as Prince William and Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton - Justin Downing/Netflix

Princess Anne, of course, is the reliable voice of reason and  in art as in life  a star.

For loyal monarchists, it is the story arc of the Queens theoretical abdication that will prove most troubling.

I might go on for another 20, 25 years, and a tired white-haired geriatric Queen will hand over to a tired, white-haired, geriatric Prince of Wales, she laments, in conversation with an apparition of her younger self.

The crown, Claire Foy tells her, is a dreadful thing to inflict upon people, its not natural, its not fair, its not kind.

The rest of her family, she notes seem to make such a mess of it. Hammering a final nail in the case for the continuation of the monarchy, Prince Philip rounds off the episode.

The system makes no sense anymore to those outside of it nor to those of us inside. All human things are subject to decay and when fate summons, everyone of us must obey.

Were a dying breed you and I. Oh and Im sure everyone will carry on pretending all is well but the party is over.

All three iterations of the Queen appear in the finale of the show: Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton and Claire Foy - Television Stills

The danger, some observe, is that the narrative taps into real fears about the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles. Those who have worked on transition were under no illusions about the impossibly big shoes he would be required to fill, with the late Queen commanding affection and loyalty like no one else on Earth.

This was always going to be a weak point of Charles taking over, said Prof Maclaran, from Royal Holloway, University of London. The monarchy is not going to end any time soon, but theres no doubt its popularity is diminishing and especially with the young.

Peter Morgan is not saying anything new for people, but is reinforcing a message thats already been circulating. Certainly that message will carry a punch.

For those closer to Buckingham Palace, the message is just one of the many inaccuracies in the show.

They clearly had this thesis written long ago, one source said, arguing it does not reflect real public reaction to the new King in 2022.

Then, the King was visibly moved by the warmth of crowds greeting him, with the Coronation watched by more than 18 million people in the UK. In September this year a YouGov poll found 62 per cent of the British people believe the monarchy should continue and 60 per cent have a favourable view of the King.

Again, as with credence in the truth of the series, that support varied dramatically with age. While 80 per cent of the over-65s support the monarchy, barely a third of 18 to 24-year-olds do. The survival and success of the real royal institution, then, is by no means guaranteed.

But the writers of The Crown, republican as their instincts may be, have inadvertently made the case.

Monarchy isnt rational, or democratic or logical or fair, their version of the Queen says. As she ponders her own fate, and that of her heirs, she reflects: Havent we all learned that by now? I think Ive come to realise theres no such thing as too royal. If youre doing it, do it properly and unapologetically.

Additional reporting by India McTaggart

Fact vs fiction

By Alex Diggins

The disabled cousins scandal

Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, cousins of the late Queen, were born severely disabled. The family sent them to a mental institution, and officially listed them as dead in 1963  even though they lived till 2014 and 1986 respectively. In The Crown, Princess Margaret is informed of their existence out of the blue by her therapist; in reality, this news wouldnt have been a surprise as she was kept informed of their wellbeing throughout their lives.

Prince Philip is responsible for his sisters plane crash

Prince Philips favourite sister Princess Cecilie was killed alongside her three children when their plane crashed in 1937 near Ostend. This is true. But in The Crown, the adolescent Prince Philip, then 16, is shown to be partly to blame for this tragedy  he punches another boy at school and therefore forces his sister, with whom he was due to spend half term, to travel to the wedding instead, dooming her to fiery death.

Prince Philip infidelity

It is strongly implied that Prince Philip was unfaithful in the early years of marriage - DES WILLIE

The first two seasons of The Crown make much of Elizabeth II and Prince Philips tempestuous early years of marriage. One of the greatest moments of strain is when Philip is shown on a six-month royal tour without the Queen. There, he and his chums engage in laddish high-jinks including, it is strongly implied, being unfaithful. In reality, though this lengthy separation was undoubtedly a strain, theres no evidence he ever strayed during their 73 years of marriage.

Prince Charles/John Major conspire to get Queen to abdicate

Major, played by Jonny Lee Miller in the series

Perhaps one of the more absurd scenes in the penultimate series of The Crown sees the King, then Prince Charles, attempt to persuade the newly-elected John Major to conspire to get the Queen to abdicate. No such meeting ever took place  in fact, Major angrily responded to his portrayal in the series, calling it nonsense.

Diana the victim

Elizabeth Debickis mournful Princess Diana - Television Stills

Peter Morgan nailed his colours to the mast with his scripting of the trajectory of Princess Diana in The Crown. She is almost universally seen in a positive light  from the faun-like naivety of Emma Corrin to Elizabeth Debickis bruised dignity. While this may reflect how many genuinely thought of her, the contrast with the late Queens frumpy and unpleasant characterisation in later seasons is especially marked.

Queen kissed Churchill on death bed

One of the most effective elements of the first seasons of The Crown is seeing Claire Foys spirited young Queen Elizabeth II going toe-to-toe with John Lithgows curmudgeonly but avuncular Winston Churchill. Yet, as ever, the show veers off the historical piste in season three by having Olivia Colmans Queen kiss Churchill on his deathbed as he lies dying in season three. While the late Queen was very fond of Churchill, its unlikely this touching adieu occurred.

Earl Mountbatten coup detat

Charles Dances Earl Mountbatten - Television Stills

In the third season, Charles Dances Earl Mountbatten is shown conspiring to remove the prime minister Harold Wilson in a coup detat. Most historians suggest this is a very generous interpretation of historical events whereby Mountbatten, who was genuinely concerned about the direction of the country, met with several people who were also unhappy with Wilsons administration. (Nonetheless, when the meetings came to light in the 1970s, it did cause a stir.)

Lord Porchester and the Queen

'Porchie' was portrayed as being a little more than just a racing manager during the series - Mark Mainz / Netflix

Did the late Queen contemplate an affair with her riding instructor? The Crown poses many questions to which the answer is surely no. Yet its true that the late Queen was fond of the 7th Earl of Carnarvon, nicknaming him Porchie and appointing him her racing manager for more than three decades. They shared a love of the turf, though, rather than anything more carnal.

Princess Royal and Andrew Parker Bowles

Peter Morgans energetic and imaginative muck-raking continued in season three when he suggested that Princess Anne had a relationship with Andrew Parker Bowles, Queen Camillas first husband. The idea that the late Queens children were entangled in some sort of love quadrangle is salaciously tantalising  yet alas, as with so much of The Crown, it doesnt survive contact with historical reality.

The Queen vs Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher, played by Gillian Anderson - Des Willie

Another occasion where the desire to manufacture drama overstepped the mark, seasons three and four of The Crown set up an ongoing contretemps between Olivia Colmans Queen and Gillian Andersons Margaret Thatcher. While their furled-claw conversations are great fun, they dont reflect the actuality of the two womens relationship which, while more strained than with some PMs, was nonetheless cordial and professional.

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TULARE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 65-year-old man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for murdering his parents in 2015, the Tulare County District Attorneys Office announced Friday.

The DA says on Oct. 4, 2015, sheriffs deputies were dispatched to a residence in Porterville for a welfare check, upon searching a semi-trailer on the property they discovered the bodies of an 84-year-old male and an 83-year-old female, both under a tarp of blankets.

Blood was found on the block of the male victims head and both victims showed signs of strangulation, the DA said.

It was later learned that Kenneth Charles Smith lived on the property. The DA says few hours later, dispatch received a call from the Lake Isabella area from a friend of the defendant who stated that Smith arrived at his home and admitted the killings.

Police then took Smith into custody and through the investigation, police learned that Smith also admitted the murders to multiple family members.

The DA says after eight years of legal proceedings, multiple competency trials were heard, defense counsel changes were made, and numerous motions were filed including a

recusal order that was later overturned by the 5th Appellate District.

According to the DA, Smith was found guilty at trial on Nov. 14, 2023, of two counts of premeditated first-degree murder with the special allegations that multiple murders were committed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
A response to Suyi Davies Okungbowas Rigland.

It was clear the food drop wasnt going to arrive. Holed up on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, miles from the shore of Ciudad del Carmenan industrial island and major outpost for Mexicos oil industrythere werent many other options. Workers balled up bread for bait and threw lines over the side of the platform. Later, they feasted on ceviche and fried fish. This, one of the women there later told me, delighted the workers. It was among her favorite memories in 11 years working offshore.

When I set out to report on Mexican women working offshore, I expected to focus on harassment, discrimination, and abuse and the grueling labor conditions that facilitate them. Women are in the minority on platformsone interviewee was the only woman among dozens of men; others recounted being in groups of only five or 10 women on an entire platform, outnumbered 1 to 10 or 20. The conditions they face are often punishing: In Mexico, platforms are isolated with limited communication, living situations are dorm-style and sometimes coed, and many workers have short-term contracts with little protection. The work is dangeroustheyre exposed to heavy machinery, harsh weather, and hazardous chemicals.

I heard plenty of stories of these precarious conditionswomen who were spied on while they showered or changed, discriminated against due to pregnancy, and verbally abused. But more often, women shared experiences like the fishing story. They wanted to tell me about spending hours carving tomatoes to look like flowers to make a meal feel more special; about coordinating workers to bring their favorite candies to stuff holiday pinatas so they would all feel less alone; about learning to teach yoga, helping their colleagues relieve the years of work-related pain and exhaustion their bodies had come to carry. They told me these stories not to excuse or brush over the other, darker realities of working offshore but to show me, Look what weve built, despite it all.

Oil platforms are cities in the sea, designed to extractoil, sure, but also a great personal toll from the people who work on them, and an environmental and social toll from the communities they depend on. Its a paradox, then, that these metal behemoths are also arenas for human resilience.

Suyi Davies Okungbowas Rigland, part of the Future Tense Fiction series, dramatizes this paradox. After his coastal community is forced to evacuate inland, the storys protagonist, Temple, founds a settlement on a defunct oil rig off the Niger Delta. The company that abandoned the rigand whose work put Temples community in its disastrous position, with climate crisischarged superstorms and ensuing oil spillage from damaged infrastructurereturns to charge its new inhabitants rent, or else evict them. But Temple has bigger plans, not just for his rig but for the cluster of abandoned metal cities scattered across the sea. We will take your instruments of death, he tells the companys representatives, and make them beautiful.

Rigs are, indeed, instruments of death. In August, a rig in transport off the coast of Nigerias Delta State collapsed, reportedly killing six. In July, at least two people died after an oil platform caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico. In February 2022, at least five workers were killed after a Nigerian oil ship exploded. More than 18 months later, the Associated Press recently reported, the ruins of the ship were still visible and appeared to be leaking oil. In September 2020, Bloomberg dubbed Pemex, Mexicos state-owned oil company, the worlds deadliest COVID company314 employees and seven contractors had died from COVID. In the U.S. alone, between 2015 and 2020, the offshore oil and gas industry suffered 19 worker fatalities.

Because the offshore industry is never separate from the land-bound communities it stretches out from, the health and human consequences onshore are similarly deadlyand even more expansive. A 2013 study found that an average of 240,000 barrels of crude oil are spilled in the Niger [D]elta every year, which researchers determined could lead to a 60% reduction in household food security, along with a long list of other health consequences. From 1976 to 2014, another study estimated that some 3.1 million barrels of crude oil were spilled in the region, containing metals including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, nickel, cadmium, chromium, and lead, and threatening residents with heavy metal intoxication. These oil spills and industry negligence have transformed the Niger Delta into one of the most polluted places on earth, and researchers estimated that in 2012 in Nigeria, oil spills before conception killed around 16,000 infants within the first month of their life. Pregnant women with high levels of exposure to oil pollution are also at a higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage, among other maternal-health risks. In Rigland, years of oil spills and the storm that forced Temples community inlandthe two inextricably linkederase the division between sea and shore. The stormwater levels were so high, the surface so black, Okungbowa writes, that there was no longer any demarcation between where the creeks ended and the land began.

But rigs are as deceptive as they are deadly, because they promise opportunity where there is little. The leaders in Temples community shook hands with oil companies because they were convinced that doing so would be an investment in the future: Theyll build schools and roads, the leaders thought. Temple decided to work in the industry himselfas an armed bodyguard, employed to foil attacks by local agitators who often trained their sights on midstream pipelineswith a similar hope: that it would be a bridge to a university education.

While their work was differentthey were doctors, chefs, engineers, waitstaff, and technical assistants, among othersthe women I interviewed in Ciudad del Carmen had similar motivations. They wanted to send their kids to college, buy a car, pay their bills, and use the degrees for which they had studied so hard. They came from cities, dotted along the Gulf of Mexico, whose economies were organized around sending people offshore.

Those very cities, though, are the frontline victims of a climate crisis exacerbated by the industry that promised to enrich them. Ciudad del Carmen, an island, is battered each year by increasingly powerful hurricanes; last year, 600 people had to evacuate after flooding. The infrastructure investments that could have made the city more resilient to climate threats were made instead to accommodate more oil extraction. One estimate predicts that by 2050, a quarter of the landmass of the neighboring state of Tabasco, Mexicos top oil producer, will be underwater. There (as elsewhere), the oil industry has contributed not only to sea-level rise and extreme weather but also to deadly coastal erosion, the combination of which threatens some 92,500 residents, according to reporting from the Mexican magazine Gatopardo. Imagine a town that has everything: the sea, heat, vegetation; its people have everything they need, a local doctor told Gatopardo. Then one day a company arrives and stains it black, destroying every living thing in its path. And nobody cares.

Along the Gulf of Mexico, in the Niger Delta, and in oil-producing communities across the world, the promise of oil-forged prosperity quickly morphs into betrayal. The promise remains persuasive because it plays on precarious economic circumstances, creating an artificial conflict between peoples immediate needs and the long-term survival of their communities. We all, ultimately, make choices that privilege one time horizon over the other. But the further were removed from the frontlines, the more choices we haveand the easier it is to pretend were not making a decision at all.

What would it look like, then, to discard that false choice between surviving now and thriving tomorrow? What if we found ways to return power in oil communities to the people who live there, rather than companies who suck them dry, then wash over them?

The people who know the industry best can show us how. They are experts in reclaiming space. I was surprised, at first, when many of the women I spoke to who worked offshore referred to the platforms where they worked as my platform, rather than the platform. They reminded me that the platforms didnt belong to Pemex or to the long list of private companies pulling resources from the oceannot really. They belonged to the people who lived half their lives there, in 14-day stints, who laughed and cried and celebrated birthdays and fell in love there. The workers, like the characters in Rigland, transformed spaces that were inherently inhospitable and made them theirs. Maybe they always were.
Marvis Williams of Sunrise finally had her chance to check something important off her to-do list.

She heard about a petition to get abortion rights on the November 2024 ballot but hadnt known where to go to sign it. On a rainy Thursday night in Plantation, Williams arrived for a holiday meal, and signed the petition along with others at the Plantation restaurant where a petition drive took place.

A woman should have the opportunity to make the decision about abortion, said Williams, 68. Its her decision. I would hope that women are aware of the petition and make some phone calls to find out where they can go to sign it.

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to ensure abortion rights in Florida are targeting Broward County to get enough petition signatures to get on the 2024 ballot. With crucial deadlines looming to get the required 891,523 valid signatures from voters throughout the state by Feb. 1, activists are pushing hard in congressional districts where they believe can get more signatures. The signatures must come from a distribution of Floridas congressional districts.

Broward Countys Congressional District 23 is one of the priority districts activists are targeting because of its previous high voter turnout.

Over the past two weeks we have had multiple grassroots efforts, said Emma Collum, founder of Reproductive Freedom Collective of Broward County. She said the efforts have paid off and are ongoing.

As of Friday, the Florida Division of Elections has verified 753,306 petitions statewide  about 85% of the total required to get the amendment on the ballot.

In Broward, the amendment supporters set a goal of 32,869 verified signatures. Volunteers have pushed hard, gathering signatures at events like Fort Lauderdales Jazz Brunch last weekend. They will be at the Parkland Farmers Market this Sunday.

As of Friday, the Floridians Protecting Freedom committee, organizers of the statewide campaign, said the target Broward district has 29,102 verified signatures We are 88% there and thats incredible, Collum said. Ten days ago we were at around 25,000  its all because of the on-the-ground effort thats happened in the last 10 days.

The efforts by Floridians Protecting Freedom to give voters the right to decide the fate of abortion access in Florida began in May after after the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a law that would prevent abortions after six weeks. That law has not yet gone into effect. Its on hold pending the outcome of a legal battle in the conservative Florida Supreme Court over Floridas 15-week abortion limit that became law in 2022.

Florida Sen. Lauren Book, a Democrat who represents parts of Broward County, says allowing voters to have their say via a constitutional amendment in November 2024 is the only real chance of guaranteeing women abortion access in Florida.

We dont have any other options, she said. I know once the 15 weeks goes to six weeks we are going to be in a very dire place and thats the reality. This is our only option. I know we are going to get there. We just have to keep pushing and we cant let up.

Abortion right advocates are targeting Dec. 31 to gather all signatures, allowing time for the Supervisor of Elections offices throughout the state to verify them. The closer a campaign gets to the deadline, the costlier it is to find petition gatherers and pay the supervisors of elections to verify signatures. Collum says the campaign has raised $8.9 million (By comparison, Ohios initiative enshrining abortion rights in that states Constitution raised more than $28 million.)

The campaign must pay overtime to Supervisor of Elections officers around the state to verify signatures, and it must collect more than needed to account for those that may not be able to be verified.

High stakes for advocates and opponents

The stakes are high not only for women in Florida, but also for the thousands who travel from other states with stricter restrictions on the procedure.

Collum says the issue has support on both sides  so far 150,000 registered Republican voters have signed a petition in support of the ballot amendment that would bar the state from restricting abortion before viability, which is usually at 24 weeks.

This is absolutely happening whether people want to believe it or not, Collum said.

But the opposition is campaigning, too.

The fact is, the pro-abortion petition initiative is failing big time, said Andrew Shirvell, founder and executive director of Florida Voice for the Unborn.

Shirvell says he and other pro-life groups have launched a Decline to Sign campaign, handing out Decline to Sign Awareness Cards in communities throughout Florida.

We want to be done by Christmas and that means getting rid of all our cards, Shirvell said. We have only few hundred left. They have gone like hotcakes over the past couple of months.

Shirvell said he and his Christian and Catholic activists are holding online prayer meetings to pray that the petition drive fails.

I can see their campaign strategy and its not going to work, he said. I think they are going to come up short, in certain districts where they have to meet requirements. Those are the districts where they have been failing all along. If they cant get enough signatures in the last three to four red districts in time by Feb. 1, their campaign is over. That is what we are hoping for.

Even as the Floridians Protecting Freedom committee scrambles to get signatures, it also needs the Florida Supreme Court to sign off on the proposed ballot wording, which is under review. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has argued that the court should keep the proposed constitutional amendment off the ballot, saying its wording is misleading  an assertion that abortion rights amendment supporters dispute.

The final hurdle would be getting enough approval from Florida voters. The threshold for a constitutional amendment in Florida is 60%, a difficult measure on any issue.

A University of North Florida poll released in late November found 62% of Floridians indicating support for the amendment, more than enough for passage. The poll also showed the initiative receiving majority support across gender, racial, generational, and party lines.

An abortion rights win in Republican-led Ohio has given momentum to the Florida campaign, organizers say. Voters have sided with abortion rights in five states that held direct votes over the last year.

Shirvell said he doesnt expect Florida to follow Ohios lead.

In some ways Ohio mirrors Florida, but in a lot of ways its different, he said. They won with a low voter turnout. Next year in Florida the voter turnout will be huge. Florida has a larger population and unlike Ohio, which needed a simple majority, in Florida the threshold of 60% is difficult to reach, and thats good news for Florida.

After the newest numbers of verified petitions were released Friday, Statewide Campaign Director of Floridians Protecting Freedom, Lauren Brenzel, issued a statement: We will continue to collect and submit signatures to the Division of Elections until were sure weve qualified in every congressional district necessary and they provide us with official notification we will be on the 2024 ballot.

Sun Sentinel reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.
Attorneys for two men on Idaho death row have challenged the state prison systems effort to withhold the date that officials bought drugs intended for use in a future execution, asking a federal judge to step in and force disclosure of the information.

The Idaho Department of Correction revealed in October that prison officials had for the first time in years secured lethal injection drugs when it announced a death warrant and execution date for prisoner Thomas Creech. The lethal chemicals have become difficult for state prisons to obtain because drug suppliers increasingly refuse to provide them for executions.

Creech, 73, is the states longest-serving prisoner on death row. Hes been incarcerated in Idaho since 1974 and convicted for the murder of four people. Creech received his latest death sentence after murdering fellow prisoner David Dale Jensen in 1981.

Creechs November execution was put on hold when the state parole board agreed to review whether to drop his sentence to life in prison at a hearing next month. It was at least the 11th time Creech avoided his scheduled execution, according to records provided by his attorneys.

Thomas Creech, pictured here in November 2020, is Idahos longest-serving prisoner on death row. Now 73, he awaits a January hearing so the state parole board can review whether to drop his sentence to life in prison.

Just two days before Creechs most recent death warrant was issued, state officials said in a separate federal court filing involving Gerald Pizzuto that Idahos prison system does not have the present ability to carry out an execution via lethal injection, suggesting it lacked the execution drugs it needed. Creechs attorneys with the nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho also represent Pizzuto, 67, who is the states second-longest serving death row prisoner.

But prison officials have declined to release the date they bought the execution drugs. A purchase order for the drugs, first obtained by the Idaho Statesman through a public records request, showed IDOC paid $50,000 for 15 grams of pentobarbital, a powerful depressant that can stop a persons breathing in higher doses.

However, the state prison system redacted the date on the document and cited several public records exemptions related to executions for withholding the information. Among them, IDOC asserted that the date could be used to help identify its execution drug supplier, which a state shield law prohibits, because doing so could jeopardize Idahos ability to carry out an execution. IDOC also argued that the publics interest in confidentiality clearly outweighs its interest in release of the requested information.

The Statesman has continued to ask IDOC for clarifications about its application of the records exemptions to justify redacting the purchase order date, including through the newspapers attorney. The prison system failed to respond by a requested Thursday deadline with further explanation or the execution drug purchase order without the date redacted.

Death row prisoner attorneys want purchase date

The legal nonprofit representing Pizzuto and Creech  which later received the purchase order document on its own through the legal process known as discovery  on Friday made a formal demand that the date be released. In the filing before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill for the District of Idaho, they questioned the prison systems rationale for redacting the information.

They contend that such dates can be used to trace the supplier of the chemical,  read the court filing for Pizzuto. Nevertheless, the defendants have never explained how, and the fear is unfounded.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill for the District of Idaho is tasked with deciding whether the states prison system will have to surrender the date it bought execution drugs.

IDOC Director Josh Tewalt, who is the named defendant in the case, is represented by the Idaho attorney generals office. Both agencies declined to comment Friday to the Statesman. IDOC cited pending litigation, while the attorney generals spokesperson said the office would be filing its response in court soon.

In court records included in Fridays filing, Tewalt last month said that prison officials obtained lethal injection drugs by Oct. 12  the same day the death warrant was issued for Creech. But Tewalt, through his attorneys, objected to answering questions about whether IDOC identified its drug supplier before that date.

Tewalts responses also for the first time stated that IDOC has the liquid pentobarbital in its possession, that its a manufactured version of the drug rather than produced by a compounding pharmacy, and that it has already been tested, in accordance with state execution protocols. If not used to lethally inject Creech, the drugs could instead be used to execute Pizzuto, Tewalt acknowledged. Compounding pharmacies are less regulated, custom drug producers that arent closely monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Tewalt refused to answer whether IDOCs drug source agreed to provide pentobarbital to Idaho for any future executions. He again cited state law that prevents release of information that may identify a supplier.

The date of the purchase order poses no such risk, Pizzutos attorneys said Friday in their court filing.

The legal nonprofit cited a U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruling from earlier this year to support its argument. In it, the D.C. Circuit found that the federal Bureau of Prisons had not adequately justified withholding several pieces of information, including the purchase dates, in response to a public records request concerning execution drug acquisitions.

In the Friday filing, the Federal Defender Services attorneys also referenced additional examples in Arizona and Tennessee. In the two other states that also maintain active capital punishment, both redacted identifying details, such as the company name, to avoid revealing to the public their execution drug supplier on billing records  but not the date.

There is plainly nothing about the date of an execution-drug purchase that jeopardizes a states ability to put inmates to death, Pizzutos attorneys wrote.

Tewalts legal team in the attorney generals office has three weeks to respond, with its filing due by Jan. 5.
Hells Half-Acre was Fort Worths notorious red-light district from the 1870s through World War I, located on the south end of town. It was a gathering place for the worst elements of society, a lawless section of town where decent folks did not venture.

Still, the city had a love-hate relationship with the Acre because it was also a cash cow, a mixture of commercial properties and private houses taken over for nefarious purposes. Those houses could be rented for $15 a week and turned into bars, bordellos, and gambling dens. Liquor licenses and public-health certificates were optional.

Christmas night 1906 was a typical night in the Acre with one difference: an unidentified reporter for the Fort Worth Record went on a fact-finding tour for a feature story, which would be written in a tone of moral outrage over the vilest and most abandoned sink hole of iniquity anywhere.

His tour guide and bodyguard was police Chief of Detectives Al Ray, who claimed to know all the worst haunts and lowest characters in the Acre. The first thing that struck the reporter was the rows and rows of houses given over to the most depraved and vicious of men and women. The rest of the evening followed the same script.

Each of the dives they visited  the Standard, the Black Elephant, the Cave  had a story to tell. The Standard was so named because it was supposed to be the gold standard for vaudeville theater in the city, but the reporter characterized it as a den of iniquity where the shows and the clientele were equally degenerate, made worse by the fact that the proprietor was a woman, Maggie DeBeque. The Black Elephant was a different version of the uptown saloon called the White Elephant because it catered to a Black clientele. The Cave was a hangout for cripples when they werent working their con games on the street.

The reporter was the most derisive of Marion Warrens unnamed dive, where Black and white people of both sexes were patrons.

It wasnt just the brazenly immoral behavior on every hand that shocked him; it was the dives themselves where the sheer filth and nauseating smells overwhelmed the senses. The smells included clouds of smoke from foul cigars that could be purchased at the tobacco stand for an exorbitant 50 cents each. Most saloons had the traditional free lunch counter available to any customer who purchased a drink, but in these places the sandwiches were stale and the hands reaching for them unwashed.

Murder, suicide were common

The lowest of the low took their fun in the Acre, where the liquor and the women were both cheap and life was short.

The latest murder had been only a week earlier. And suicide was as common as murder. Among the Acres working girls, it was so common as to be hardly newsworthy. A little laudanum laced with morphine made passage to the next world painless and left a peaceful-looking corpse.

The Acre was also home to petty thieves, thugs, holdup men, assassins, and hustlers. Some of them, he noted, actually went by their real names. They were a hard-faced lot of men and boys and repulsive women.

The reporter concluded that everyone he met was either going to jail or had just gotten out. One of them button-holed Detective Ray to ask nervously, You aint looking for me, are you? He had only been released from jail that morning.

Any man who walked into one of these joints with a roll of cash had little chance of still having it when he walked out  if he was able to walk out. Many a man was found the next day lying in a back alley either drugged or beaten senseless. Mickey Finns (knockout drops) were a standard bar drink in these places. Victims were reluctant to go to the police because they did not want the embarrassing publicity, so they kept quiet.

The Acre rocked all night long, and Christmas night was no exception. Only with the coming of dawn did things slow down but only until darkness fell again. The Acre took no time off for Sundays or holidays. On this Christmas night, no one worried about being home in bed when Santa Claus came. Santa didnt visit the denizens of the Acre.

The police knew all about the Acre. But for a variety of reasons, they did not shut it down. For one thing, many officers were in the pocket of the vice operators. For another, many of the property owners were respectable citizens with connections at city hall. Instead of arresting people, police were more likely to order the prostitutes and gamblers out of town. That was no problem because the departeds place was quickly taken by others in the same line of work.

Butch Cassidy, the Sunday Kid and the Wild Bunch likely visited

Even when police made arrests, the jail had a revolving door that let the miscreant right back on the street as soon as they paid a small fine. Occasionally police made a foray into the Acre to retrieve some poor lad seduced by the siren call of illicit thrills and return him to his mother. For Wanted felons, the Acre was a good place to hide out because its population was generally anti-authority. In 1901 the Wild Bunch (Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and friends) came through town and doubtless spent time in the Acre with no one inquiring too closely about the strangers.

All this went on just a few blocks from where respectable folks went to church and lived upright lives.

In a few years, there would be talk in Fort Worth of carving out a Reservation where prostitution, gambling, and girly shows could operate openly while strictly segregated from the rest of the town. That proposal in 1909 was narrowly voted down by the city council.

The Record reporter survived his visit to Hells Half Acre, and his report took up most of two pages in the newspaper a few days later. He intended his expose to arouse public opinion against the Acre, but in fact newspaper stories like this just made the Acre a more desirable place for the adventurous to visit while advertising its offerings to the more depraved. Young blades who wanted to test their manhood, travelers looking for a little fun away from home, and girls fresh off the farm with big dreams were drawn to it.

The Acre welcomed them all, and on the day after Christmas, it started all over again.

Author-historian Richard Selcer is a Fort Worth native and proud graduate of Paschal High and TCU.
Prince Louis takes a deep breath as the Princess of Wales holds the candle steady - AARON CHOWN/PA

With his mother the Princess of Wales holding on in case of mishap, Prince Louis takes a deep breath and prepares to blow out a Christmas candle.

No wonder the Princess appears slightly nervous, as any parent would.

The scene comes during her Royal Highness carol service at Westminster Abbey which will be broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX.

The Prince and Princess of Wales looked on as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis posted cards to children who might be struggling this year, leaving them in a Post Box outside the abbey.

The three royals post letters to children who might be struggling this year - JORDAN PETTITT/PA

During the introduction to Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, the Princess speaks of the vital role played by all those who nurture and raise young people.

In her introduction to the broadcast from Westminster Abbey she explains that this years service has been dedicated to all those who support the youngest members of our society.

Princess Charlotte greets Rev David Stanton and the Dean of Westminster Rev Dr David Hoyle - AARON CHOWN/PA

The Princess also speaks about the inspiring guests who were invited to attend the service in recognition of their efforts to help the very youngest members of our communities, such as midwives, health visitors, nursery teachers and baby bank volunteers.

The message was recorded last month amidst the final preparations for the service, which was held at Westminster Abbey on Dec 8 to recognise those who go above and beyond to help others throughout the year.

The service showcased the hope of new life and the importance of building a support world for children - JORDAN PETTITT/PA

Linked to Her Royal Highness Shaping Us campaign, the service showcased the hope of new life and the importance of building supportive, nurturing worlds around children and the adults in their lives.

Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, also features a special programme, narrated by the Scottish actress Ashley Jensen, which features films celebrating the contribution people in their communities make in supporting the very youngest members of society during their crucial early years.

These include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea and Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.

The service included films of those who had made an impact on the lives of young children in their community - AARON CHOWN/PA

The service featured musical performances by the Westminster Abbey choir, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert.

Jacob Collier performed a captivating rendition of Last Christmas on John Lennons piano, loaned for the service by George Michaels estate, and introduced by Roman Kemp, godson to the late George Michael.

Readings were delivered by The Prince of Wales, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis and Jim Broadbent. A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Childrens Laureate, was also read by Leonie Elliott.

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Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has urged Ukraines local authorities to contribute more to mobilization efforts, the Defense Ministry reported on Dec. 16.



Umerov made the announcement during a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He highlighted the key areas of work with local authorities, including hiring specialists for the military through a recruitment project.



"We have to change approaches to preparing persons liable for military service and civilians for national resistance. All our people must be trained and prepared," he said.



The minister also spoke about the construction of fortifications, which Ukraine recently began constructing, although far later than the Russian invaders.



He also warned about a threat in the information space, claiming that Russia is trying to create an artificial conflict within Ukraines leadership and present Ukraine as lacking support from its partners.



Earlier this week, Umerov said the authorities will aim to localize foreign arms production in Ukraine next year.

He called on British defense companies to strengthen cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers. The minister pointed out the advantages of operating in Ukraine, namely the possibility of testing in combat and quick feedback from the military.



Ukraine is allocating Hr 255 billion ($6.9 billion) of the state's budget to military production next year, according to the Defense Ministry.

Read also: Putin plays it safe by delaying new mobilization ahead of election in Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called on local authorities to increase their involvement and efforts in recruiting specialists for the Armed Forces at the meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the ministrys press service reported on Telegram on Dec. 16.

"We must change the approaches to preparing people for military service and the population for national resistance, Umerov said.



All our people must be trained and prepared.

Umerov urged authorities to further contribute to the mobilization efforts through a recruitment project.

Read also:

He also warned of threats in the information space, saying that the enemy is actively working to discredit Ukraine, both internally and externally. The enemy is trying to create an artificial conflict within the leadership and create the illusion that Ukraine is not supported by its partners. Please pay attention to information hygiene."

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
For the second time this year, Democrats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives called for an investigation of state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters.

In a media statement, the House Democratic Caucus called on Speaker Charles McCall to create a special bipartisan committee to investigate the possible impeachment of Walters. The caucus made a similar request in late August.

"The situation has worsened, said Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. Financial mismanagement and the inability to access information to do their jobs has caused essential employees and cabinet-level officials to resign, taxpayer dollars may have been used for campaigning and Superintendent Walters has vowed to dismantle the very agencies that help fund our public schools."

Munson, the House minority leader, said more than 100 school districts "have yet to receive final approval from OSDE on federal program funding, and jobs in our schools hang in the balance."

House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City

"This is clearly willful neglect of duty and incompetency  both grounds for impeachment. The time to act is now," she said.

Messages sent to McCall's spokesman Daniel Seitz asking for a response, were not returned.

On Aug. 29, House Democrats sent McCall a letter requesting the speaker create a special bipartisan House committee to investigate whether sufficient grounds existed to impeach Walters.

Because the request was denied, the superintendent has been empowered and emboldened to continue to defund and dismantle our public education system because he knows he wont be held accountable, Munson said.

The Democrats' latest call for an investigation comes at the same time as a public clash between Walters, Matt Langston, his chief of staff, and state Rep. Mark McBride, the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.

McBride, a Republican from Moore, issued a scathing press release last week which said he'd received a childish response from Walters top adviser because he and Rep. Rhonda Baker had asked for information from the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

"Throughout the last year, my colleagues and I have tried to find numerous ways to work with OSDE leadership as we chart a path forward for education in our state, McBride said. Our efforts have been met with standoffishness, immaturity and a total lack of transparency and accountability on the part of Superintendent Walters and his advisor Matt Langston.

Democrats echoed McBride's complaints.

Where have all these dollars gone? The total lack of transparency is ongoing and alarming, Rep. Melissa Provenzano said. As a former school administrator, I know that the public deserves every taxpayer dollar to be accounted for when it comes to our public schools."

Provenzano, D-Tulsa, said she plans to file legislation to require the state Education Department to submit quarterly reports to the legislature detailing all spending made with state and federal dollars, along with the rationale for those expenditures.

"We must act now, though, to investigate the possible violations made by state Superintendent Walters. The longer we wait, the worse it gets," she said.

Provenzano's colleague, Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, confirmed he was working on legislation that would tie Walter's pay as state school superintendent to his performance outcomes on grant application and other metrics. Dollens, an Oklahoma City Democrat, said he expected to have that measure filed before the Christmas holiday.

Thursday, the media outlet Oklahoma Voice reported that millions of dollars in federal funds have yet to be paid to Oklahoma school districts by the department. The schools complained to the state Education Department but the agency, the outlet said, "has had significant delays in processing their claims."

A survey of 184 Oklahoma districts found 72% had not received any of their claims for federal funds by mid-November, Oklahoma Voice reported. That means districts had either spent money and not been reimbursed or their plans to use federal funds were on hold.

Walters' spokesman Dan Isett downplayed the problem. It is not surprising that the most liberal education group only polled a third of (Oklahoma school districts), presumably the most left-leaning, in a pathetic attempt to shame OSDE and Supt. Walters, Isett said in a statement.

While lawmakers on both sides continue to wrestle with issues regarding Walters, pressure to examine the struggling education department continues to grow. Legislators will return to the Capitol in February for the second session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Democrats call for investigation into Ryan Walters
CONCORD, N.H.  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he expects Donald Trump to try and "delegitimize" the election results if the former president ends up losing either the Iowa caucuses or New Hampshire primary.

"If Trump loses, he will say its stolen, no matter what. Absolutely. He will try to delegitimize the results," DeSantis told reporters on Friday during a question and answer session after holding a town hall in New Hampshire's capital city.

DeSantis noted that Trump "did that against Ted Cruz in 2016," as he referred to Trump's tweet after narrowly losing the caucuses to the firebrand conservative senator from Texas that "Ted Cruz didn't win Iowa, he stole it."

The former president for three years has repeatedly made unproven claims that his 2020 election loss to President Biden was due to a "rigged" election and "massive voter fraud."

DESANTIS STOPS IN ALL 99 OF IOWA'S COUNTIES  BUT WILL IT HELP HIM CLOSE THE GAP WITH TRUMP?

And Trump made history earlier this year as the first former or current president to be indicted for a crime, but his four indictments  including in federal court in Washington, D.C., and in Fulton County court in Georgia  on charges he tried to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

DeSantis argued that, "I dont think people are going to buy it.

Trump remains the commanding front-runner in the 2024 GOP presidential nomination race, as he makes his third straight White House run.

DeSantis is currently a very distant second to Trump in the latest polls in Iowa, where the Jan. 15 caucuses kick off the GOP nominating calendar.

And in New Hampshire, which holds the first primary and votes second after Iowa on Jan. 23, DeSantis is in fourth place, far behind Trump and also trailing former ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, as well as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is making his second White House bid.

TRUMP HOLDS A MASSIVE LEAD IN THE POLLS WITH FIVE WEEKS TO GO UNTIL THE IOWA CAUCUSES

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, headlines a town hall in Concord, New Hampshire, on Dec. 15, 2023.

As the first votes in the race for the Republican nomination draw closer, DeSantis has been turning up the volume on his criticism of Trump.

In his conversation with the crowd at his town hall, and in answering reporter questions, he repeatedly jabbed at Trump for failing to follow through on campaign promises, for being too old to serve again as president, and for skipping out on debating his rivals for the Republican nomination.

"Hes promising the same things he did in 16 that he didnt deliver. And now hes just running on the same stuff again," he argued. "You know, we didnt get a wall. We didnt get the swamp drained. He said he was going to go after Hillary [Clinton] and then let her off the hook two weeks after the election."

Speaking with reporters, DeSantis asked,"Why wont he [Trump] debate. Why not? And I do think he would not perform the way they remember the Trump from 2015 and '16. I think thats the real reason hes not debating."

And the governor argued that Trump is "a different guy now and I think he owes it to actually show up and answer questions."

WAS THE REAL WINNER SO FAR IN THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES THE GUY WHO DIDN'T SHOW UP?

DeSantis also targeted Trump for not engaging with voters.

"When is the last time he stood on a stage and just took questions from voters?" DeSantis asked. "Has he done that at any point in this campaign? He certainly hasnt done it on a debate stage. How often has he been willing to go and really answer the tough questions people want to see you earn it."

Asked for a response, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung argued in a statement to Fox News that, "Ron DeSantis is acting out on his Lincoln Project fantasies and doing his best impression of a Never Trumper by reciting Democrat talking points peddled by Crooked Joe Biden and his campaign."

And Cheung charged that "when Rons political career is finished in a few weeks, he can start moonlighting as a Democrat surrogate because hes showing everyone his true colors."

The Lincoln Project is a political action committee formed four years ago by Republicans and former members of the GOP who oppose Trump.

DeSantis returned to New Hampshire three days after popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu endorsed Haley in the state's Republican presidential primary.

WERE ALL IN' - SUNUNU BACKS HALEY IN MAJOR 2024 ENDORSEMENT

Sununu, a vocal GOP critic of Trump, had said for weeks that he was deciding between Haley, Christie and DeSantis.

Republican Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, right, endorses former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, at a campaign event in Manchester, N.H., Dec. 12, 2023

DeSantis told Fox News that Sununu's backing of Haley wouldn't change his campaign strategy in the Granite State, saying "I wasnt necessarily expecting that."

"Chris is great, a great campaigner and all that," DeSantis added arguing that "ultimately, Nikki Haley is an establishment candidate. That does not do well in these Republican primaries. That is starting to become more and more apparent to voters as shes gotten more attention."

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: DeSantis argues Trump 'will say its stolen, no matter what' if former president loses in Iowa or NH
CONCORD, N.H.  Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said Friday that he expected Donald Trump to claim that the Iowa caucuses had been stolen if the former president, who currently leads DeSantis by roughly 30 points in that state, is defeated there next month.

If Trump loses, he will say its stolen no matter what, absolutely, DeSantis said, responding to a reporter in New Hampshire who had asked whether Trump would accept the results of the first contest in the Republican presidential primary on Jan. 15, or of the New Hampshire primary roughly a week later. He will try to delegitimize the results. He did that against Ted Cruz in 2016.

DeSantis added that Trump had protested even when The Apprentice didnt get an Emmy, referring to the former presidents onetime television show.

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Throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump and his allies have continued to insist that he defeated Joe Biden in 2020. The constant chorus of falsehoods seems to have seeped into the consciousness of many Republicans. Nearly 60% of GOP voters believe Bidens election was illegitimate, a survey by The Associated Press found earlier this year.

For several years, DeSantis appeared to play both sides of the manufactured controversy over the 2020 election. As governor, he set up a new police unit to monitor the integrity of Florida elections. Before last years midterms, he campaigned with Republicans who had vociferously denied the results. But he never explicitly endorsed the theory that the election had been stolen, and he repeatedly dodged questions about whether he accepted Bidens victory.

During his presidential campaign, DeSantis has courted voters from the Trump wing of the Republican Party, making it difficult for him to say that the former president was wrong.

Only in August, after being repeatedly pressed during an interview with NBC News, did DeSantis acknowledge the truth, saying of Trump: Of course he lost. Joe Bidens the president.

In 2016, Trump claimed to have defeated Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas, in that years Iowa caucuses, although in reality he suffered a narrow defeat.

Those repeated claims of election fraud, DeSantis argued during Fridays appearance in New Hampshire, have led voters to take Trump less seriously.

I dont think people are going to buy it, he said.

In response to DeSantis remarks, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, accused the Florida governor of reciting Democrat talking points.

When Rons political career is finished in a few weeks, he can start moonlighting as a Democrat surrogate because hes showing everyone his true colors, Cheung said in a statement Friday.

The Trump campaign has already accused DeSantis team of trying to rig the caucuses because of comments made by his wife, Casey DeSantis. Last week, Casey DeSantis encouraged out-of-state supporters to participate in the caucuses. But only Iowa residents are allowed to vote in state elections, and Casey DeSantis later clarified that she had been asking people to volunteer for her husband.

Whether Trump ends up claiming fraud in Iowa may well remain a hypothetical. Polls show that the former presidents support in Iowa would have to collapse in order for him to lose. And he leads his primary challengers in New Hampshire by an average of more than 25 points.

So far in the campaign, Ron DeSantis has spent more time battling for second place against Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, than taking on Trump.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
On April 22, 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District, ending perhaps the most successful experiment in private governance in U.S. history. The bill ended an arrangement that turned a swamp on the edges of Orlando into the home of Walt Disney World, one of the busiest tourist destinations on Earth. The governor's victory is not yet finalwhile the district was formally dissolved earlier this year, Disney attorneys quickly outfoxed DeSantis, delegating many of the district's powers back to the company. The company is now suing to reverse the change altogether.

For all the media sound and fury over the duel between the would-be president and the Mouse, experts seem to agree that Disney will retain most of its longstanding autonomy when all the lawsuits are through.

Whatever your views of the "Don't Say Gay" law that kicked off the DeSantis-Disney feud, or of the increasingly regrettable quality of the live-action Disney feature film reboots of its animated classics, DeSantis' attempt to dissolve the district is a blatant effort to bully a private company because he disapproved of its constitutionally protected speech. At best, it reveals DeSantis as a culture warrior rather than a small-government conservative. At worst, it exposes DeSantis as a politician willing to toss out the rule of law and free markets to score cheap political points, in the lead-up to a Republican presidential primary in which he's struggling to meet expectations.

For the most frivolous reasons imaginable, the fate of "the happiest place on Earth" now hangs in the balance.

'A Showcase to the World of the American Free Enterprise System'

By any reasonable metric, Central Florida was an odd place to build a theme park. When Disney selected Orlando as the site of Walt Disney World in the early 1960s, the city was a sleepy backwater of fewer than 100,000 residents lacking a dedicated civilian airport. (Today, Orlando International Airport is the eighth-busiest airport in the nation.) The remote 25,000 acres now covered by Walt Disney World were barren swampland, carved up by streams blackened by decaying organic matter and covered with mosquito-infested subtropical forests.

Unlike Niagara Falls or St. Louisother contenders for what was then conceived as an East Coast DisneylandOrlando enjoyed that most coveted resource: sunshine. Uncomfortable though the region's hot, humid summers may be, a Florida park could operate year-round. The $5 million project of buying up thousands of acres of Florida land became known within Disney as "Project Winter."

Orlando also had roads. Just as Disneyland was placed next to the brand new Santa Ana Freeway in Anaheim, California, Walt Disney chose Orlando on the straightforward basis that "the freeway routes, they bisect there." By the 1960s, the city sat at the junction of Interstate 4 and Florida's Turnpike, providing easy access for vacationing families traveling from the Northeast and Midwest.

Compared to contemporary scrambles for corporate relocationsconsider Amazon's crony competition to build its HQ2 in 2018Disney's move to Florida seems positively laissez faire. As political scientist Richard E. Foglesong points out in his definitive study of Disney-Florida relations, Disney chose Florida, not the other way around. Disney took great pains to hide its search from the public, even hiring William "Wild Bill" Donovan, the "father of the CIA," to help the company discreetly acquire land. When their decision to move to Orlando was finally revealed, the ask for Florida lawmakers was simple: Keep building roads and leave us alone.

At the behest of Disney, Florida lawmakers established the Reedy Creek Improvement District, effectively designating the 39 square miles the company had purchased as its own county. Through a board of supervisors appointed by landowners, Disney could tax itself to finance needed infrastructure and public services, exempt from state building and zoning rules. With only a handful of genuine residentsemployees in homes rented from the company, legally necessary to establish two paper townsthe district had no local politicians to interfere with Disney's prerogatives.

All Disney had to do in exchange was pay county and state taxes and undergo state elevator inspections (the Tower of Terror notwithstanding). Curiously, while Disney could not run an elevator free of state oversight, it could have, in theory, run its own nuclear power plant.

Disney didn't want these broad governing powers just to build another theme park. Walt intended to also build and manage a model city, which would pilot, develop, and export a new approach to urban management. Amid a decade of rapid suburbanization, worsening traffic congestion, and mounting urban unrest, Walt viewed solving "the urban problem" as his last great project. Fresh off the success of the 1964 New York World's Fairwhere he worked closely with master builder Robert Mosesit was a natural next step.

Drawing liberally from a range of urban design traditions, Disney's unrealized vision was a far cry from the conspicuously conservative design of Main Street, U.S.A. In his final on-camera appearance, Walt described the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) as a carefully managed radial community of 20,000 residents, anchored by a central business district, divided into discrete use districts, connected by people movers, and ringed by a greenbelt.

If his design ideas now seem like cliche "city of tomorrow" fare, Walt's thoughts on governance remain provocative. The challenge of urban management, as Disney staff put it in a proposal prepared for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, involved keeping cities in a permanent "state of becoming." Walt sought a way out of the stagnation and decline that had come to characterizeand in many respects, still characterizesU.S. cities.

The solution: centralized land ownership and private government. Reflecting the high modernist ideals of the time, Walt and company sought to replace fragmented property rights and democracy with islands of centralized administration, overseen by experts acting in compliance with a broader plan. Against the legal backdrop of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, EPCOT was to be a model of private city development, a "showplace to the world of the American free enterprise system," as Walt put it, profiting its owners and inspiring copycats. Free of ornery holdouts and meddling politicians, the thinking went, the city would be free to reach its fullest potential.

Of course, EPCOT as we know it today falls far short of this vision. (The park is now stylized as "Epcot," a subtle attempt to distance the park from its utopian origins.) Nearly as soon as Walt passed away in 1966, his brother Royalways the practical one in the partnershipquietly scuttled the model city idea. But the expansive governing powers Walt secured for the district remained.

America's Greatest Success in Private Governance

Looking back over the past half-century, it's safe to say that the Reedy Creek Improvement District has been a remarkably successful experiment in private governance. If Disney World isn't technically a city, it may as well be. On a typical day, the district hosts 160,000 visitors and 77,000 employees, which would put it among the top 100 U.S. cities, well above Walt's vision of 20,000 EPCOT residents. Approximately 32,000 hotel rooms house tens of thousands of temporaryand nonvotingresidents each night.

The district had been a laboratory for public services, running instructive experiments in everything from mosquito abatement to green energythough it never built that nuclear power plant. The district's boutique EPCOT Building Code, a nod to Walt's original ambitions for the project, optimizes safety and innovation better than the typical U.S. building code does. The district is still, for the most part, ringed by a carefully managed greenbelt, and the Disney World monorail is the ninth-busiest rapid transit system in the country.

Disney did eventually build a functioning model community. Developed in the 1990s and carved away from the Reedy Creek Improvement Districtthere couldn't be too many voting residents, after allthe community of Celebration, Florida, couldn't bear less resemblance to EPCOT. With a design sensibility that has more in common with Main Street, U.S.A., than The Jetsons, it's no one's idea of the city of tomorrow. Yet the company explicitly framed Celebration as a chance to fulfill Walt's vision of a model communityand implicitly, to turn fallow swampland into more easy money.

Designed according to then-pioneering "new urbanist" principles, the town swapped out cul-de-sacs and use segregation for a street grid extending outward from a commercial town center, with a range of housing typologies mingled together. As documented in Celebration U.S.A., an early history of the town authored by Douglas Frantz and Catherine Collins, Celebration was an attempt to rebuild community right as Americans were first starting to fret over "bowling alone." Thanks in no small part to the runaway success of Celebration, new urbanist towns can now be found across the country.

Even well beyond its official boundaries, it's nearly impossible to ignore the transformative impact of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Orlando has been among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. every decade since 1970, and its metropolitan population has quadrupled from approximately 344,000 to 1.5 million residents. Today, Orlandoand Florida as a wholeis synonymous with tourism, an economic powerhouse that holds the undisputed title of "theme park capital of the world."

Disney has occasionally been a difficult neighbor. The company could doubtless do more to fund off-site services and infrastructure. Disney opposition has hobbled attempts at regional transit, including a plan to stitch together Florida with private high-speed rail. With the highest-paying Disney jobs remaining in Southern California, the dynamic in Orlando can feel extractive. The city's dependence on low-paying tourism jobs has fed into recurring housing affordability issues, as captured in the 2017 film The Florida Project.

Yet these are problems of prosperity. If Disney weren't present, there wouldn't be any growth to put pressure on services or roads in the first place. By one estimate, Disney alone accounts for 2.5 percent of the Florida economy and one in 50 employees in the state. The company pours over a billion dollars each year into state and local coffers and hundreds of millions of dollars into local charities. It's hard to take Disney seriously as the primary culprit for housing unaffordability when every city in the region makes it illegal to build apartments in the typical neighborhood.

Walt Disney's grand experiment in private governance made Orlando into the tourism juggernaut it is today. While it didn't get Florida a model city, it did establish a framework whereby Disney took on nearly all of its own infrastructure and public service costs, footing the bill and sparing neighboring cities and counties from constantly having to be at the beck and call of the company. All it took was a degree of private government that's only different from the typical suburban mallwith its list of rules and its private promenadesin scale, if not form.

Far from being a failure, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has been a runaway economic development success, matched only by the free market economic zones that created Singapore and Hong Kong or turned China from a nation of peasant farmers into an industrialized nation in a single generation. The worst that can be said about it is that Florida didn't create even more such districts, offering a level playing field to competitors such as Universal Studios. With new cities and charter cities once again in vogue, we should be discussing the district as a model rather than pondering its apparent death.

So why did DeSantis decide to kill it?

Saying 'Gay' in the Happiest Place on Earth

On March 28, 2022, DeSantis signed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Actor as it has come to be known by critics, the "Don't Say Gay" bill. The law restricted discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, required schools to disclose to parents any mental or physical health services received by students, and granted parents a private right of action to sue in cases of perceived violations.

For all DeSantis' complaints about "woke" corporate meddling, Disney initially did just about everything it could to avoid taking a stance on the bill. The company had actually been supporting state Sen. Dennis Baxley (RLady Lake), the bill's sponsor. Amid mounting pressure to take a stance in opposition to the bill, then-CEO Bob Chapek released a statement heavy on corporate fluff and light on firm positions.

It didn't help. The Human Rights Campaign announced it would be refusing future donations from Disney, and despite a more explicit statement against the bill from Disney later that week, employees at the company's Burbank headquarters staged a walkout later that month. Chastened, Disney released yet another statement the day the bill was signed into law, declaring that it "should never have been signed" and establishing the company's intent to have the legislation "repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts."

In retrospect, Disney was probably just trying to avoid bad press. The company's tone-deaf "thoughts and prayers" approach garnered little more than eye-rolling from LGBT activists on the left. But its last-minute opposition would evoke righteous rage from culture warriors on the right. DeSantis promptly declared war on Disney. A bill dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District was introduced and swiftly moved through the Florida Senate. Days later, it was on the governor's desk and signed into law.

Senate Bill 4-C was supposed to be the end of Florida's grand experiment in private governance. The brisk two-page legislation called for the Reedy Creek Improvement District to be disbanded on June 1, 2023, without ever mentioning "Disney" or "Reedy Creek"and affecting only five other special districts. The attempt to abolish the district quickly proved to be a comedy of errors, even by the low standards of contemporary policy making.

For starters, the hastily assembled bill didn't have any plan for the district's billion-dollar bond debt. As revealed by Florida attorney Jacob Schumer, the DeSantis proposal almost certainly violated provisions of the 1967 bill creating the district, which forbade its dissolution while debt is outstandingdebt the district had accrued building all of Disney World's infrastructure. The earliest the state can legally pay down this debt, and thus dissolve the district, is 2029that is, assuming the state has $1 billion lying around.

Even if DeSantis could dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the cost of keeping it operating would simply fall onto neighboring counties: Orange and Osceola. According to Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph, the county would need to raise property taxes by 15 percent to 20 percent to cover $163 million in services and debt maintenance. A group of residents sued to block the law, alleging that dissolving the district would cause "significant injury to taxpayers." A federal court promptly threw out the lawsuit, but by then a storm was brewing.

In a scramble to correct these issues before the district's dissolution in June 2023, DeSantis signed House Bill 9-B, a 191-page bill establishing a successor to Reedy Creek: the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. It was meant to be a nearcarbon copy of the district, assuming its debt and most of its powers (with the notable exception of a right to build a nuclear power plant). The key difference was that the Central Florida tourism board would now be appointed by DeSantis, rather than indirectly elected by Disney.

As Schumer put it, Disney World was supposed to "go from being uniquely independent to uniquely under political control," forever at risk of having its taxes raised or permits stalled arbitrarily by a board of political appointees.

The Empire Strikes Back

That is, if that board had any real power. When the Central Florida Tourism Board took over in March, it soon realized the outgoing Disney-appointed Reedy Creek Improvement District board had transferred nearly all its powers over to Disney. Since a delegation of power can't run in perpetuity, it lasts "until twenty-one (21) years after the death of the last [living] survivor of the descendants of King Charles III," or 2-year-old Princess Lilibet. For obscure legal reasons, Disneya company synonymous with princesseshas literally bet its future on a young princess.

At taxpayers' expense, DeSantis attorneys are still busy trying to poke holes in the delegation of powera futile effort, given Disney and the district's adherence to procedural requirements. The meeting was even noticed in the Orlando Sentinel.

In the meantime, Disney isn't waiting around. In September, the company refocused its lawsuit against the district's dissolution on the rather obvious First Amendment issues raised by DeSantis' botched coup. According to company attorneys, the laws dissolving and replacing the Reedy Creek Improvement District were passed without any rational basis, except as retaliation for constitutionally protected political speechand to silence future speech.

It will be hard for DeSantis attorneys to argue otherwise: In what little debate happened on the original bill, state Sen. Doug Broxson (RPensacola) chastised Disney for failing to remain "apolitical." DeSantis, for his part, has never bothered to hide the political nature of the fight, dedicating a whole chapter of his recent book to the feudunimaginatively titled "The Magic Kingdom of Woke Corporatism." The fact that policy makers recently created a special district for apolitical competitor Universal Studios isn't helping the state's case.

To what end? Until recently, DeSantis had made his constitutionally dubious feud with Disney a mainstay of his flagging presidential campaign. But polling suggests that most Americans don't care either way, and those who do care are evenly divided. Disney retains net favorabilitysomething that can't be said of DeSantis. Having milked the incident for what little it was worth, DeSantis now seems keen to forget about it, recently pleading for Disney to move on. Perhaps picking a fight with Mickey Mouse is a poor way to start a campaign. (It certainly isn't winning over my niece and nephew.)

Even former President Donald Trump, no stranger to bullying corporations, mocked the wisdom of the spat on the social media site Truth Social: "This is all so unnecessary, a political STUNT!"

DeSantis' war with Disney has only hurt Florida. In May, Disney announced it would be scrapping a long-anticipated plan to relocate the company's legendary Imagineering department to Orlando, which would have brought 2,000 high-paying jobs to the state. In August, the new DeSantis-appointed board stripped district employees of perks such as free season passes to the parks, sparking a backlash among district firefightersthe same firefighters who backed DeSantis' failing bid to dissolve their employer. Real life may not always be a Disney morality play, but it does occasionally have a sense of justice.

When Walt Disney set out to build his kingdom in Florida, his first priority was to insulate it from politics. As Disney staff sketched out the political philosophy of the Reedy Creek Improvement District in 1966, they dreamed of a community "freed from the impediments to change, such aselected political officials." Walt's uniquely apolitical vision of private governance has received no shortage of criticism over the past half-century, especially from the left. But as politics infects every aspect of society, his concerns increasingly seem prophetic.

The post DeSantis vs. Disney: Florida's Fight Over Private Governance appeared first on Reason.com.
Detroit recently celebrated another milestone in automotive innovation by installing the nation's first electrified wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the city of Detroit opened the segment of 14th Street in Detroit's Michigan Central as a "mobility innovation district," per Axios . The roadway will enable EVs to charge their vehicles without stopping to plug them in.

Detroit has a reputation "around the world as the leader in transportation innovation," said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, according to a press release . Thanks to an initiative launched by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the city "can add the nation's first wireless-charging public roadway to that list of innovations."

Paving the way for a 'zero-emission mobility future'

Gov. Whitmer announced the pilot initiative to develop America's first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road in September 2021, Detroit News reported. She reportedly said that the state will "electrify the d--- roads" in a prerecorded video. The city will use the quarter-mile stretch of road to test out and perfect the wireless-charging technology Electreon installed in a "real-world environment" before the technology becomes publicly available in the following years, per Axios. In 2024, Michigan will seek bids to rebuild part of US-12 (Michigan Avenue), where the city plans to install more inductive charging on another three-quarter-mile stretch.

Electreon and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) made a five-year commitment to create the electric road system. Electreon is an Israel-based developer of wireless charging for EVs, one of more than 60 tech and mobility startups participating in Detroit Newlab, "an innovation hub anchored by the once-dilapidated Michigan Central train station currently under renovation by Ford," Axios explained. The company is already testing its wireless charging tech in several cities in Europe, Israel and China.

"Alongside Michigan's automotive expertise, we'll demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid limitations and battery size and costs," said Dr. Stefan Tongur, Electreon's vice president of business development. The initiative "paves the way for a zero-emission mobility future," Tongue mused, "where EVs are the norm, not the exception."

A potential catalyst for widespread EV acceptance

The work to complete the 14th Street experiment is expected to continue through the end of 2023, and testing is set to begin in early 2024, per the press release. Staff will use a Ford E-Transit electric commercial van equipped with the Electreon receiver to test the efficiency and operation of the vehicle "and study potential long-term public transportation opportunities."

Tongur suggested stoplights or bus stops as locations perfect for the technology. "That's because the tech requires each car to stay above the coils to actually charge," Car and Driver explained. If Electreon installed chargers at intersections where cars are stationary for long periods of time, "they can get more bang for their buck than if they install them along highways."

These electrified roadways could be "the catalyst to accelerate interest and acceptance of EVs for all consumers," said MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich. Making a reliable charging source widely available for EV users "without disrupting their commute supports both fleet operations and passenger travel," he added, noting that the initiatives are "leading us toward a more sustainable future with fewer emissions."

However promising the initiative might be, "there are some caveats in this technological rise for Detroiters," Emmet White wrote for Auto Week . The wireless charging technology needs a lot of setup before the average EV can use it: EV owners must install an Electreon receiver on their cars to trigger the inductive charging coils below the road surface. The estimated cost to install the receiver starts around $3,500, though Electreon aims to eventually cut those costs to around $1,500. "If buying an EV wasn't expensive enough, adding this receiver may only be worthwhile for a few localized owners, at least for now," White said.

Electron and MDOT have not specified how much energy will be available, and it is unclear if "this public charging infrastructure will be free for use," he noted. And while some are excited about introducing electrified roads into the U.S. market, "it's worth remembering just how far the industry as a whole will have to move to make roadway charging effective."
Theres no doubt that Australian law professor Peter Radan breaks new ground in his book Creating a More Perfect Slaveholders Union. The question, however, is what we are to make of it. I understood going in that Radan would argue that "on the basis of American constitutional law in 18601861, the unilateral secessions of the Confederate states were lawful," on the grounds that the United States was forged as a "slaveholders Union. I was fully willing to accept that.

It's hardly a new argument. Legendary abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison famously denounced the Constitution as "a covenant with death, an agreement with hell." But it's also true that Frederick Douglass broke with Garrison, arguing that the Constitution made slavery illegitimate  and ironically enough, given todays environment, made that argument on textualist and originalist grounds. I was eager to learn what Radan would make of the widely divergent views on this topic  and, alas, I was sorely disappointed.

As I see it, the basic problem with Radan's book is twofold. First there's what it is: a lawyers argument that Southern secession was constitutionally justified  and that therefore the Unions war to stop it was not. Like all lawyerly arguments, this one is slanted, not least by how it chooses to frame its argument. First Radan advances the proposition that the Constitution is a compact  as Southerners like the notorious white supremacist John Calhoun argued  against what he nebulously calls the nationalist account of the Constitution, identified primarily with Abraham Lincolns arguments in his First Inaugural Address and his address to Congress of July 4, 1861.

Lincolns speeches were of course political rhetoric shaped by pragmatic political concerns, a fundamental fact Radan ignores. They do not represent the most basic constitutional arguments against the compact theory, as found in Supreme Court Justice Joseph Storys 1833 Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, which Radan either evades or ignores.

A historically and intellectually honest argument along Radan's lines could well be valuable. No one has made it in such detail in recent times, largely because the Civil War itself seemingly put the issue to rest, with the Supreme Court sealing the issue with its 1869 Texas v. White decision, holding that the ordinance of secession ... and all the [legislative] acts ... intended to give effect to that ordinance, were absolutely null. At the same time, the Southern defense of secession shifted dramatically from legalism to the Lost Cause mythology, relegating arguments Radan like those develops to a secondary, if not tertiary place. But now that were 160 years on from the carnage of that terrible war, the time seems ripe to consider this perspective.

To be clear, Radan disavows any support for slavery or for any moral argument defending it, arguing for a sharp distinction between those questions and the legal, constitutional argument he advances. But is that even plausible, much less true? Here's the books second problem. Consider something Radan himself notes in his introduction, when he Chief Justice John Marshalls opinion in the 1825 Antelope decision as exemplifying this distinction. Marshall, he writes, denounced the immorality of slavery but

drew a distinction between morality and law when he said: The court must not yield to feelings which might seduce it from the path of duty, and must obey the mandate of the law. The constitutional entrenchment of slavery also allowed Marshall to buy and sell slaves. As Paul Finkleman points out, Marshall actively participated in the business of human bondage  accumulating more than one hundred fifty [slaves] by 1830.

Radan seems nearly oblivious to the apparent contradiction: If Marshall believed slavery was immoral, what was he doing owning enslaved people? There is an explanation, of course. But it doesnt so much resolve the contradiction as it elucidates the historical context in which Marshall wrote: The international slave trade was becoming illegal in more and more countries, while the domestic slave trade was thriving. It fell to men like Marshall to rationalize the irrational state of flux in which they found themselves. That they did so in ways that allowed them to keep owning other human beings may not surprise anyone familiar with human nature, but it doesn't give us much good reason to respect their opinions on moral or intellectual grounds.

Radans legalistic arguments on behalf of Confederate secession appear equally suspect. The relationship between legality and morality, after all, lies at the very heart of the historical arguments over slavery. Ignore that vexing relationship, and youre missing the forest for the leaves. There is no hermetically sealed legal sphere that stands apart from the rest of existence; that's a dangerous fantasy that can  and does  justify unspeakable horrors.

Consider the global issues of climate justice that confronts us today, with the Global South suffering immeasurable loss and damage from the emissions of the largely white industrialized nations of the Northern Hemisphere. In moral terms, they are eerily similar to the issues of slavery in the 19th century. The better we can understand all sides of that terrible struggle, the better prepared we are to deal with climate justice in our own time.

Radan and the "compact theory"

Radan bases his argument on the theory that the U.S. Constitution was formed as a "compact" between 13 independent or at least autonomous states, from which any one of them could withdraw  in opposition to the nationalist theory which holds that the union is indivisible. The compact theory has one obvious flaw  I would say fatal flaw  that any proponent should feel obligated to address: Theres no provision in the Constitution for a state to withdraw. Surely, if the framers had meant to allow for that possibility, they would have prescribed a process, just as they provide a process for a new constitutional convention in Article V. The logic is simple enough: All normal contracts are either inviolable or else have explicit termination clauses. Why should the Constitution be any different? Its a fundamental problem that Radan simply ignores.

There are two other elements to Radans argument, each of which gets its own chapter. The first is fundamentally uncontroversial: There were slavery provisions included the Constitution, and without them the Southern states certainly would not have joined. The infamous "three-fifths clause" was clearly one of those, but the ones that matter most to Radans argument are more questionable: those regarding fugitive slaves and the admission of new states. The first lacked teeth until the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, and the second left matters up to Congress, at least until the 1850s. The second element is that Lincolns election in 1860 brought matters to such a point that breaches in the compact justified secession  indeed, that was the proposition that Lincoln himself argued strenuously against, most notably in the First Inaugural Address.

But the compact theory is foundational to all else in the book, and on that foundation it cannot stand. Because of that  and because it doesnt involve the most obvious and inflammatory questions of racial politics and history, I will focus on it first and foremost. I'm not implying those more obvious questions aren't critical  of course they are. But there's less heat around theories of the Constitution than there is around the history of the Civil War, and the less heat there is, the more chance light can break through.

Against the "compact" theory

The strongest argument against the compact theory derives from legendary English jurist William Blackstone, whose Commentaries on the Laws of England were more cited than John Locke after 1776, during the long Constitution-making process. Blackstones crucial distinction between a voluntary compact and a mandatory law (described below) was directly applied to the U.S. Constitution by the above-mentioned Joseph Story. Radan mentions Story here and there, but never discusses Blackstone at all.

It should suffice to note three of Story's main points. First, he lays out the consequences of the compact theory, which go to the extent of reducing the government to a mere confederacy during pleasure, which brings back, or at least may bring back, upon us all the evils of the old confederation, from which we were supposed to have had a safe deliverance. So the compact theory, in his view, has wholly failed to express the intentions of its framers.

Radan argues for a qualified version of the compact theory, requiring a violation of an essential element of the compact before any party may leave. But without some agreed-upon mechanism for determining whether such a violation has happened, there is effectively no difference between Radans version and the "mere confederacy during pleasure" Story describes. Any state at any time could simply claim such a violation and leave.

Second and most crucially, Story draws from Blackstones most basic argument about the nature of law in general. He does this in such condensed form that the power may not be grasped by modern readers. A constitution is in fact a fundamental law or basis of government, and falls strictly within the definition of law as given by Mr. Justice Blackstone, Story writes. Like the ordinary municipal laws, it may be founded upon our consent or that of our representatives; but it derives its ultimate obligatory force as a law, and not as a compact.

This imposes a logic contrary to that supposed by the compact theory. In Section 2 of Blackstone's "Commentaries," he first explains that law is a rule of action ... which is prescribed by some superior, and which the inferior is bound to obey." The Constitution is clearly intended as law in this sense. The states created it initially, as the compact theory claims, but once they did so, by its own terms they agreed to as the supreme law of the land, they were bound to obey it. Blackstone is very clear that a law is quite different from a compact. Story quotes this passage:

It is also called a rule, to distinguish it from a compact or agreement; for a compact is a promise proceeding from us, law is a command directed to us. The language of a compact is, I will, or will not, do this; that of a law is, thou shalt, or shalt not, do it." ... In compacts, we ourselves determine and promise what shall be done, before we are obliged to do it; in laws, we are obliged to act without ourselves determining or promising any thing at all.

The power of this argument may be hard to grasp for those not steeped in Blackstones broader account of the basic logic and hierarchy of law  as virtually all the founders must have been, unlike the general population at the time. They may have spoken loosely of a compact, used ambiguous language and even worried among themselves that the whole enterprise wouldn't stick together. But as Max Farrand explains in his classic history The Framing of the Constitution of the United States, there was no discussion of secession at the Constitutional Convention itself. Farrand also argues that the Constitution was constructed pragmatically, to address specific problems that had arisen with the loose existing confederacy, not to embody some grand theory  which the compact theory would definitely have been, to stand in opposition to Blackstone.

Its worth noting that the Articles of Confederation were explicitly perpetual  no state could leave on its own. The documents preamble twice describes itself as articles of Confederation and perpetual Union, phrasing that was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin, and the phrase perpetual union appears several more times in the text, as if to hammer that home.

Lincoln and others later pointed to this as proof that the union established by the Constitution was meant to be perpetual  a logical argument, given that the clear goal of the Constitutional Convention was to make the United States stronger, not weaker. The Constitution dropped any mention of perpetuity  which Radan claims as supporting evidence for his view  but added no practical means for a state to leave, evidently because no one saw that as a problem to be solved. They probably also thought there was no need to keep harping on about the union being perpetual. That point had been settled.

Thirdly, Story discusses English history around the Glorious Revolution of 1688, in which the distinction between compact and constitution is richly illustrated, providing the historical legal grounding for his argument.

Radans response

Radan could have challenged Story on any of these three points. He does not. His silence regarding Storys argument from Blackstone is telling, because it's well known that Blackstone was held in high esteem at the time. Even to hint that Blackstone clearly opposed the compact theory threatens to consign Radan's whole argument to the trash heap.

One example of how Radan does cite Story should help clarify his method. Rather than directly engaging views he opposes, Radan organizes his approach topically, drawing different figures into the discussion as he sees fit. This is common practice in legal briefs, but its ill-suited to honest historical argument. He devotes a few pages each to various parts of the Constitution, including the supremacy clause, the guarantee clause, the presidential oath clause and the Preambles We the People phrase. On the first, he writes:

In his Commentaries on the Constitution, after citing the supremacy clause, Story posed the following rhetorical question: "If [the Constitution] is the Supreme law, how can the people of any state either by any form of its own constitution, or laws, or other proceeding repeal, or abrogate, or suspended it? However, the problem with Storys argument is that it does not make clear why the supremacy clause has anything to do with secession. [Emphasis added]

The italicized claim is simply false. Radan hides it by heading off in pedantic misdirection, first talking about what the clause does, and ending in an argument meant to justify secession. But Storys argument is not about what clause does, but what it shows. Prior to the sentence Radan cites  just after the line I quoted above, that the Constitution derives its ultimate obligatory force as a law, and not as a compact  Story writes:

And it is in this light that the language of the Constitution of the United States manifestly contemplates it; for it declares (article 6th) that this Constitution and the laws, & c., and treaties made under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the land.

In short, the supremacy clause matters not because of any specific power to which it applies, but because it clearly affirms the fact that the Constitution is, as Blackstone explains, law, not compact. Story makes this argument clearly.

Furthermore, the passage Radan quotes from is part of a sequence of three paragraphs that seek to determine whether the constitution is a compact, adding another layer of connecting argument that Radan ignores. The first paragraph argues that there is no clause intimating it to be a compact. The second argues the terms appropriate to a compact not have been found in it. The third argues that the very language of the Constitution itself" declares it to be "a supreme fundamental law, and to be of judicial obligation and recognition in the administration of justice, a direct reference back to Blackstones argument.

In short, Radan ignores Storys actual arguments, plucks out one sentence and then falsely claims that his argument isnt clear. Its only unclear because Radan has deliberately hidden it from us, and then set off on a wild goose chase in a different direction. This may be advocacy, but its not serious scholarship.

Lincolns arguments

If we set Storys arguments aside, a different possible story appears: one in which the founders might have kinda-sorta accepted the compact theory (although they didnt act on it by adding a withdrawal mechanism) but in which subsequent historical experience altered the collective view. This is where Lincolns arguments properly come in. In his First Inaugural Address, Lincoln advanced two primary arguments: The Union was perpetual, and had in fact preceded the existence of the states.

Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments," he said. "It is safe to assert that no government proper ever had a provision in its organic law for its own termination. He then plays the textualist card: Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever, it being impossible to destroy it except by some action not provided for in the instrument itself.

Second, Lincoln addressed the idea that the union is a form of contract, asking rhetorically, One party to a contract may violate it  break it, so to speak  but does it not require all to lawfully rescind it? From there, he argues:

Descending from these general principles, we find the proposition that in legal contemplation the Union is perpetual confirmed by the history of the Union itself. The Union is much older than the Constitution. It was formed, in fact, by the Articles of Association in 1774. It was matured and continued by the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was further matured, and the faith of all the then thirteen States expressly plighted and engaged that it should be perpetual, by the Articles of Confederation in 1778. And finally, in 1787, one of the declared objects for ordaining and establishing the Constitution was "to form a more perfect Union."

The passage just quoted is an organic historical argument. He makes a similar argument in his July 4 message to Congress, while also arguing that The nation purchased with money the countries out of which several of these States were formed. Is it just that they shall go off without leave and without refunding? Radan picks out specific elements from both arguments, thereby fundamentally misrepresenting their nature. They are telling a story, not proving a theorem in geometry.

Radans response to Lincoln

Radan doesnt doesnt directly engage Lincolns first argument. He ignores the textualist part entirely, and uses part of Lincolns historical argument from his July 4 speech to cloud the issue and reverse the claim, arguing that the lack of perpetuity language means the union can be destroyed.

The argument Radan claims to address is that the union created by the Articles of Confederation that the Union replaced was expressly perpetual, and this was most conclusive that the Constitutions Union was also perpetual.

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Lincolns argument here is difficult to sustain, Radan claims, arguing that if Lincoln and Story were right about perpetuity, it is reasonable to assume that explicit words to that effect would have been included in the Constitution, especially since they were included in the Articles of Confederation. I've already outlined why this is nonsensical. It simply uses bald assertion to dispute Lincolns first argument without confronting it directly, using the second argument to confuse and distract the reader. The second argument may perhaps be worth disputing  again, you can find my response above  but that should be done in the context that Lincoln presented it, as an organic element in a developmental process, not an isolated assertion.

Radan v. Radan: Argument v. Evidence

Ive concentrated on the compact argument because its less heated than the arguments that directly deal with the question of slavery. But when we turn to those, a close reading of Radan shows him arguing against himself, in all but the narrowest sense. As already stated, its not controversial that there were slavery provisions in the Constitution that were necessary to keep Southern states from defecting, but the ones most important to Radan's argument are dubious in different ways.

The fugitive slave clause was certainly important, but didnt give Southerners much protection as social conditions and public opinion changed. The original Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 was never really satisfactory to the slave-holding class, but it delivered what the Constitution required, and at first that seemed sufficient. But as abolitionist sentiment spread, the numbers of escaped slaves swelled dramatically, and the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was much tougher, violating states rights by forcing free state officials to help recover enslaved people who had escaped  if you embrace the compact theory, a serious violation of the original constitutional bargain!

The clause on admitting new states and territories cuts even more clearly against Radans argument. He admits that it was left to Congress to pass legislation dealing with the question of slavery in the western territory and ultimately the admission of new states that were carved out of it, and that it was only after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 "that the issue of slavery in the territories emerged as a contested political issue. So it clearly was not crucial to the constitutional bargain. But the issue was supposedly resolved with the Missouri Compromise, which admitted Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state.

But the sectional bargain collapsed with the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, Radan writes, nullifying the Missouri Compromise for the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, leaving states that emerged there free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their own way. The ensuing violent political struggle in Bloody Kansas dramatically polarized the nation and brought into sharp focus" the meaning of the "admission of new states and territories clause. Then he suggests that the issue was resolved by the Supreme Court in 1857, in Dred Scott v Sanford, a decision regularly cited as the worst Supreme Court decision ever, one whose resolution flies in the face of common sense.

The decision held that the Constitution's territories clause was confined, and was intended to be confined, to the territory which at the time [1787] belonged to, or was claimed by the United States ... and can have no influence upon a territory afterwise acquired  a patently ludicrous claim, which Chief Justice Roger Taney then leveraged to allow slaveholding in any territory, ruling the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional.

There was one big problem: James Madison and several others involved in drafting the Constitution were still alive and kicking in 1820, when the Missouri Compromise was debated and passed. None of them seem to have raised Taneys argument at the time. It was the slaveholding and pro-slavery majority on the Supreme Court that, on the narrowest possible argument, gave slaveholders a retroactive claim that the constitutional bargain they had struck had been broken by the other side. But the truth was exactly the opposite: Dred Scott rewrote the contract in their favor, and did so based on false premises.

We really could use a book that forcefully explains the slaveholders' constitutional argument while honestly and fairly explaining the other side as well, and the broader historical context in which both arguments unfolded. That would be an important book  but unfortunately, this isn't it.
Newborn screenings are important for assuring the well-being and timely treatment of medical issues for infants. These screenings identify conditions that can impact a childs health and even survival. Using a few drops of blood from the babys heel, researchers check for dozens of genetic, endocrine and metabolic disorders within days of birth. Screenings are mandatory in most states, including California. But what is done with the babys blood once the screenings are complete?

When I researched this question, the answer surprised me. My first child was born in New Mexico, which destroys blood samples at 18 months. California, however  where my second child was born  keeps the samples indefinitely. In this, California is an outlier and is one of only four states that holds them in perpetuity. Most states destroy the blood spots in a year or less.

Opinion

California parents can request the destruction of their babys blood sample, but the process is neither timely nor transparent. Months ago, on September 13, I requested that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) destroy my sons sample. As of the time of writing, however, there has been no confirmation that my request was fulfilled.

The forever storage and use of these blood spots for third-party research presents various issues of concern. For one, most parents are unaware that samples are stored in perpetuity or that they are used by pharmaceutical corporations and others for research. The lack of informed consent for storage and research is another concern. According to a 2010 report by the Institute of Medicine, newborn screenings intersect with some of the most important health care issues of our day, including confidentiality, privacy and informed consent.

The ACLU has expressed concern about police using newborn genetic screening information to search for suspects who may be related. Each blood sample has the childs unique genetic fingerprint, easily matched to existing genetic profiles held by law enforcement agencies as well those maintained by public-facing programs like 23andMe.

Allowing the government to access samples with such sensitive information for reasons other than public health would seriously threaten our privacy, an ACLU commentary piece states, particularly given that our DNA reveals such information not only about us, but also our family members.

A group of New Jersey parents recently filed a class-action federal lawsuit challenging the states practice of keeping newborns blood samples for decades. They accuse the state of sharing samples with third parties, including law enforcement, without proper consent. A lawyer for the plaintiffs stated that the ongoing storage and use of baby blood samples is a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment rights of all New Jersey parents and their newborns.

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees that individuals have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures unless there is probable cause.

Along with blood samples being made available for law enforcement, California also provides the samples to researchers for a fee, yet theres no transparency about how the samples are used and what is being researched. Similar to the well-known story of Henrietta Lacks, and the immortal cell line she unknowingly provided, if your childs blood is used by a pharmaceutical company to create a blockbuster new drug, you and your child will never be alerted and will not receive compensation.

Now is the time to revise these practices in California to include strong protections for privacy and informed consent. The first step should be to set a time limit, perhaps copying New Mexicos 18 months, when the samples will be destroyed, unless parental consent is given for further research. With trust in public health at an all-time low, that consent is vital to retain and build back trust.

Nicole Dorfman is a small business owner and community activist in Morro Bay. She holds a master of social work degree.
Freya Morgan said she found the perfect costume after others were uncomfortable

A human rights lawyer has completed a year-long challenge to run more than 1,500 miles to raise funds for a refugee and asylum seeker charity.

Freya Morgan, who dressed as a disco ball to get "people talking", finished her 200th run alongside refugee runners in Solihull, West Midlands, earlier.

She has run a total of 1,553 miles (2,500 km) and raised about 20,000 for Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID).

She wanted to "change the story" about refugees and asylum seekers, she said.

"It's quite a difficult thing to talk about and when you turn up as an experienced runner in your silly kit and you are doing all these warm-ups at races and running like this, it gets people talking in a way that feels maybe a bit less scary," she said.

Ms Morgan, who is originally from Droitwich, wanted to raise money for the charity which provides free legal advice and representation.

"The people I work with are just looking for the chance to have a better life," she said.

"All I am looking to do is to show people that humans are humans."

Ahead of a run from London to Bristol earlier in the year, she said she had found the perfect disco ball suit after suffering some "horrendous chafing" from prototype costumes.

She completed her challenge in Solihull with the Refugee Run Club, which use running to help refugees integrate into society.

She said she had made many friends during the challenge and felt "amazing".

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk
A Donetsk resident was charged with treason over voluntarily fighting for Russian forces, namely in Mariupol and Volnovakha in Donetsk Oblast, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on Dec. 14.

Russia has occupied part of Donetsk Oblast since 2014. While some residents of occupied territories have willingly collaborated with Russia, Moscow has also reportedly coerced locals into their ranks.

According to the SBU, the man voluntarily joined a motorized rifle regiment of Russia's Southern Military District at the start of the full-scale invasion.

He was appointed to the position of a machine gunner and took part in the Russian conquests of Mariupol and Volnovakha, the SBU said. After these battles, he was allegedly awarded a medal for combat merit.

The suspect was later transferred to Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where his unit was tasked with holding off Ukraine's counteroffensive, according to the security service.

Ukrainian forces captured the man in late November during engagements in the Melitopol direction, the SBU said.

He is currently in custody and faces life in prison.

Three residents of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts were sentenced to prison sentences last week over fighting in Russian ranks.

Read also: I never planned to fight against Ukraine: Forcibly conscripted by Russia, Ukrainians await fate in POW camp

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A man stands inside a shelling crater following an overnight drone attack in Odesa, southern Ukraine, on Thursday amid the Russian invasion. A total of 31 Shaheed attack drones were launched by Russia against a dozen regions overnight Friday, officials said. Photo by Igor Tkachenko/EPA-EFE

Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Russia and Ukraine were targeted by dozens of drone strikes early Saturday as dueling bombardments were fired from each side.

Ukraine Air Force authorities claimed they shot down 30 out of 31 Iranian-made Shaheed drones coming from Russia that targeted various parts of the country on Friday night.

Military officials said the drones were fired from Crimea, Bryansk Oblast, and Kursk Oblast and downed over nearly a dozen oblasts in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kherson, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Khmelnytskyi.

Ukrainian authorities warned previously that Moscow was planning to escalate its attacks during the winter months, while targeting Ukraine's power grid and various civilian sites.

Residents were warned to take cover in bomb shelters as massive explosions and air raid sirens gripped Ukraine throughout the night.

Lt. Gen. Serhii Naiev, who serves as commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said all enemy targets were destroyed, while eight out of 14 Russian drones were intercepted within the Northern operational zone.

Meanwhile, Russian officials said Ukrainian drone strikes launched overnight Friday were the heaviest since Kyiv unleashed a similar barrage in late November when 35 drones targeted four Russian regions, including Moscow.

Russia said its air defenses shot down 40 Ukrainian drones early Saturday.

Of that number, 32 were destroyed over Crimea, six others were taken out in Russia's Kursk region and one more in Belgorod amid continued shelling of contested regions in northern Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russian villages were attacked in Dmitriyev and Zheleznogorsk in Kursk, according to Regional Governor Roman Starovoit, who noted that Ukrainian drone fire destroyed fences, blasted out windows and damaged the roofs of eight homes.

A Ukrainian missile strike also purportedly knocked out power to a major manufacturing facility in the region, but operations have since been restored.

Several villages were also hit near the border of Ukraine's Kharkiv region.

The Ukrainian strikes came after attacks by Russian forces over the past week throughout the country, including in Kyiv and the port city of Danube.

On Thursday, Russia claimed to have fired a hypersonic missile for the first time in the conflict as President Vladimir Putin vowed to win the war.

The Kremlin would not verify reports of damage in Crimea despite claims on social media that explosions had rocked Russian military targets on the peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014.

Kursk Region Governor Roman Starovoyt said two districts were hit, but that no one was injured or killed.
Seattle - While some areas in the south Puget Sound were stuck under the fog today, the central and north Puget Sound enjoyed a gorgeous sunrise.

This was the view from the FOX 13 Capitol Hill camera.

Thursday's rain brought the December rain total to 6.7 inches so far this month. That's almost an inch over the average for the entire month of December.

This afternoon will bring a mix of clouds and sunshine for most spots in Western Washington as high pressure remains overhead. Some spots in the south sound could be stuck under the fog for a while.

The ridge of high pressure will stick around through the weekend as a cut-off low pressure system hangs out off the California coast. That will bring morning fog and afternoon sunshine Saturday and Sunday to the Puget Sound lowlands.

The cut-off low pressure system will move toward the Pacific Northwest on Monday, bringing showers to the area by Monday night.

If you're heading to Lumen Field on Monday as the Seahawks take on the Philadelphia Eagles, expect a few showers in the mix, but it should be more dry than wet.

Early next week will be wet at times, but rainfall totals will be light. Temperatures will stay average to slightly above average through next week, with snow levels also remaining high in the mountains.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Dunkirk man was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury on charges that he kidnapped a minor and engaged in labor and sex trafficking, the U.S. Attorneys office announced.

Augusto Mateo Francisco, 32, was charged with two counts of forced labor, one count of kidnapping a minor, and one count of transportation of a minor for the purpose of illegal sexual activity.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, Francisco facilitated the illegal entry of Guatemalan migrants into the United States and transported the migrants to Dunkirk, where he housed them and put them to work at area farms.

Police: Woman killed with crossbow in domestic incident

Francisco charged the migrants for providing housing and transporting them to work, in addition to taking a cut of the wages they earned at the farms, Penrose alleged. Prosecutors say Francisco threatened two individuals, warning that he would harm their families or have them deported by authorities if they stopped working for him or if they did not pay back the money they purportedly owed to him, the U.S. Attorneys office said.

Francisco is additionally accused of repeatedly raping a 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant who had come to the U.S. with her mother. The U.S. Attorneys office said Francisco threatened to harm the teenagers siblings, who were still in Guatemala, if she reported the alleged rapes to anyone.

In May 2020, prosecutors allege Francisco abducted the 16-year-old and held her in a trailer in the town of Ripley before police rescued the girl nearly two weeks later. The girl and her mother subsequently fled to Georgia, where Francisco allegedly kidnapped the minor again and brought her back to New York. Police rescued the girl from Franciscos detention several days later, the U.S. Attorneys said.

Francisco was arraigned Friday and is being held pending a detention hearing on Dec. 20. His charges carry a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison with a maximum of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Lorenzo Garcia was able to bring his family to the Eastridge neighborhood 20 years ago with the dream of joining the communitys decades-long Christmas lights tradition.

The Eastridge subdivision that its located beside Eastwood High School, has been a staple holiday tradition of El Paso since the 60s.

The Garcia family household quickly became known for their unique theme years ago.

Star Wars. When my dad first started it, Star Wars was a hit. Thats where we said, lets be the first ones on the block to do it, said Lori Rivero, Garcias daughter.

The house is decorated with custom-made wooden frames of old and new characters from the franchise, from Darth Vader to Kylo Ren.









However, less than a month ago, Garcia died unexpectedly the week after Thanksgiving, leaving a hole in the family this Christmas season.

That kind of left us in a bind because he was always the leader to help us get it going. Everybody came together. My family members came, and even neighbors offered to help. My husband had to build frames and we got the decorations up within the week after that he passed. So, we did it just for him, Rivero said.

The family was able to incorporate Garcias last idea into the house, snow covered trees.

Garcias grandson, Aiden Wardy, has been away for college in Abilene, TX, and explained it has been a difficult process, but has not let that bring his Christmas spirit down as he remembers his grandpa.

I think thats my fondest memory of just sitting down with my grandpa and just planning how we were going to deal with the traffic and the lights and just the little things that we do. Wed put up a fire in the backyard and just listen to the music as the cars were going through. It was always a fond memory with him, recalled Wardy.

Rivero suggested that the best way to experience the Eastridge lights is by walking through the neighborhood to avoid the traffic.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
People dump tea in Boston Harbor at the Tea Party Museum during the annual Boston Tea Party reenactment on the 244th anniversary of the event in 2017. (Nicolaus Czarnecki / Boston Herald / Getty Images)

In the 250 years since members of the Sons of Liberty boarded ships in Boston Harbor to dump their cargo of imported tea overboard  on Dec. 16, 1773  the right to protest over inadequate representation has been a central liberty of Americans.

There was already broad agreement in 18th century Britain and its American colonies that taxation without representation violated a supposedly free persons rights.

Read more: Editorial: Another court decision weakens the Voting Rights Act. Will the Supreme Court right this wrong?

But the British government had a far more limited view of what constitutes actual representation than the Colonists did. Parliament asserted that it represented the people in Britains American colonies even if they had no role in electing it.

After the Sons of Liberty action, Americans began to feel differently. A mercantile protest against tax breaks and corporate welfare for a private but influential monopoly (the British East India Co.) became a blow against the entire panoply of legislation and taxation adopted to coerce loyalty to the crown and Parliament.

The principle of no taxation without representation became increasingly about the definition of representation.

In the ensuing two and a half centuries, the American republic has moved in fits and starts toward perfecting democratic representation. It has had a very long way to go. Enslaved Africans and their descendants, Native Americans on reservations and women were represented in government in name only until recently, without voting power, the same way British Parliament once claimed to represent people who had no ability to say yes or no to their supposed delegates. In a sense, American democracy did not actually come into being until 1965, when the Voting Rights Act finally guaranteed Black voters equal rights to elect their government officials.

Read more: Tea party wants to take America back -- to the 18th century

The fight isnt over. Court rulings have permitted racial and partisan gerrymandering that undermine the Voting Rights Act and weaken the principle of one-person, one-vote  itself a fairly recent principle in American democracy. Residents of the District of Columbia will tell you, accurately, that they are taxed without representation. In many states, people who have served time for felonies cannot regain their right to vote, at least not without re-enfranchisement procedures so cumbersome as to be practically impossible.

Read more: Editorial: Keep the fight going to protect voting rights

One grating irony is the propensity of those who resist creating a more perfectly representative democracy to cloak their anti-democratic ideology in the symbolism of early American protests. For example, this centurys tea party movement was supposedly grounded solely in fiscal conservatism but soon included calls to repeal the 17th Amendment, which permits the people to directly elect their senators, and landmark court decisions such as Reynolds vs. Sims, the 1961 ruling that secured one-person, one-vote. Similar calls for rolling back voting power come from people co-opting yet other names from early American iconography, such as the Patriot movement or the Freedom Caucus.

In observing the semiquincentennial of the Boston Tea Party, its important to recall that although it began as an anti-tax protest, it was ultimately about the true meaning of representative government. The people of Boston in 1773 were unwilling to support a government in which they had no say. The Tea Party's proper legacy is the continuing fight for fuller, more representative voting rights.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
We have no qualms with much of the United Nations resolution 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.

Indeed, a new report from a field hospital by CNNs Clarissa Ward, the first Western journalist to enter Gaza since Oct. 7, shows children injured and orphaned by Israels assault. The images should agonize even those who unequivocally condemn the horrific brutality of Hamas terrorist attack. Israel has a right to use its military might to kill and dismantle those who seek its destruction, but it must take great pains to spare innocents. It is right and proper for the United States, Israels ally, to say this loudly and clearly and ensure consequences for unintended killings.

That UN resolution also urged a humanitarian ceasefire and the return of all remaining hostages  without mentioning Hamas. Austria corrected the record, clarifying that hostages were held by Hamas and other groups, and added the word immediate before a phrase demanding humanitarian access to those hostages. That amendment fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to secure passage.

Then the United States proffered an amendment saying the world body unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israeland the taking of hostages. That too fell short of a two-thirds majority.

And so in the end, the United Nations  with the United States voting against and Germany, the United Kingdom and many other nations abstaining  passed a resolution urging peace and calm that refuses to admit that Hamas gleefully murdered and kidnapped Israelis and continues to keep more than 100 people hostage, and therefore keeps the worlds most powerful nation on the sidelines. What does this accomplish?

What does this accomplish is also a fair question to put to the protesters who are shutting down highways, forcing the cancellation of Christmas-tree lightings and the like to try to focus attention on Gazans suffering. Were skeptical this is effectively targeted civil disobedience; it seems likelier to frustrate Americans than to win them over to the cause.

The world needs fewer political games and more constructive action to weaken Hamas and focus Israels response. Here at home, the United States needs far less opportunistic political posturing by elected officials about Harvard, Penn and MIT.

We didnt much like the testimony to Congress by the presidents of those institutions; its true, Rep. Elise Stefaniks show trial made them look insensitive. Nor can we defend elite universities habit, over many years, of policing speech that offends left-wing pieties and bend to the sensitivities of those offended  until those offended happened to be Jews. The answer to the fix theyre in is to bend their campuses decisively back toward places that allow free expression even when that deeply offends some people.

But every member of Congress who voted for Stefaniks resolution urging the firing of the leaders of these private institutions because of their inartful answers backing speech rights should be embarrassed. Colleges coddling of their students has been the problem, not their belated and correct assertion that offensive political speech should almost always be free.

___
Leaders of an effort to put primary election reform and top-five ranked choice voting on the 2024 ballot have suspended their campaign and will instead go on the defense against election reforms backed by Republican lawmakers.

Better Ballot Arizona, the group behind the effort launched in September, told supporters in an email on Dec. 11 that they would delay signature gathering.

Gilbert resident Blake Sacha was the chair of Better Ballot Arizona and is president of its affiliated nonprofit, Voter Choice Arizona. He said the organizations would shift to focus on opposing two ballot measures that lawmakers referred to voters next year.

If approved by voters, one measure would amend the state constitution to require partisan primaries and preempt any effort to introduce ranked-choice voting or open primaries. The other would change signature gathering requirements when citizen groups seek to put questions on the ballot, requiring percentages of signatures to come from each of Arizona's 30 legislative districts.

"We think that both of those would be very, very bad for the future of election reform," Sacha said. "So we believe that the best thing we can do is to, in 2024, work on defeating those two initiatives while we continue educating people on the necessity of the election system reforms that we believe are critical."

The Better Ballot Arizona initiative sought to open primary elections to independent voters and go to a ranking system in the general election. Independent voters can currently cast ballots in Arizona primaries if they choose a partisan ballot, and in presidential primaries if they change their registration and join a party.

Sacha said the initiative effort would move forward after the 2024 election cycle. In the meantime, Voter Choice Arizona plans to lobby against legislative efforts that make it more difficult for citizens to put questions on the ballot through the initiative process.

Citizen groups like Better Ballot Arizona that want to amend the Arizona Constitution need to gather more than 383,000 voter signatures by July 2024 to qualify for the ballot. By majority vote, lawmakers also can refer questions to the ballot.

The end of the Better Ballot Arizona campaign could push supporters to coalesce around a similar initiative drive that also would reform the state's primary system. Having two similar measures on the same ballot also risked confusing voters about complicated proposals, making it more difficult for either effort to win majority support.

A bipartisan group of Arizonans is leading the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act, which would open primaries to all voters and let the Legislature and governor come up with a system for the general election and how many candidates should appear on that ballot.

On probation: Arizona Republican lawmaker disciplined for misconduct after 2020 election suits

Leaders of Better Ballot Arizona and Make Elections Fair worked together before a split earlier this year. Both groups left open the possibility of future collaboration.

"I will say that we're kindred spirits," said Sarah Smallhouse, chair of the Make Elections Fair Committee, the group backing the initiative. "We both recognize that the primary election is a big problem. And we would like to work with them going forward."

Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona election reformers target GOP after own ballot effort fizzles
Oklahoma this week joined Florida and Texas in blocking diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities and state agencies.

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order Wednesday mandating comprehensive reviews and significant cuts to DEI offices and programs at public colleges. The order prohibits universities from using state dollars, property or resources to fund DEI offices and programs and also orders them to eliminate and dismiss all non-critical personnel.

In Oklahoma, were going to encourage equal opportunity, rather than promising equal outcomes, Stitt said in a statement. Encouraging our workforce, economy, and education systems to flourish means shifting focus away from exclusivity and discrimination, and toward opportunity and merit. Were taking politics out of education and focusing on preparing students for the workforce.

Although the order is set to take immediate effect, colleges and universities are mandated to comply by May 31. They must submit a certificate of compliance and a report to the governor, as well as the speakers of the state House and Senate, all of whom are Republicans.

But targeting DEI programs and initiatives isnt new for GOP-led states. In May, Florida became the first state to ban funding for DEI initiatives, raising concerns among university staff in Florida who expressed worries about the ambiguous nature of the ban and potential job losses.

While signing the bill, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that DEI has no place in our public institutions and students who want to learn about niche subjects like critical race theory should look elsewhere since Floridas getting out of that game.

Following suit in June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott implemented a ban on DEI programs and offices across the state, joining DeSantis in restricting how race, sexuality and other topics are discussed.

Last month, the Iowa Board of Regents voted to direct the states three public universities to cut DEI programs that are not necessary for research contracts or accreditation, Iowa Public Radio reported.

Republican legislators across the country have long advocated for the removal of DEI initiatives and offices throughout the state, contending that these initiatives and programs are indoctrinating students with left-wing ideology and prioritizing race over merit. In contrast, Democratic lawmakers assert that DEI programs play a crucial role in mitigating discrimination.

With Oklahoma joining other GOP-led states in enforcing these bans, the president of the University of Oklahoma addressed the OU community in a letter, recognizing the potential concern that the elimination of these programs may raise for some individuals.

For many of us, this news evokes deep concern and uncertainty about the future, and in many ways feels like a step backward, Joseph Harrosz Jr said in the letter. Please be assured that key to our ongoing successes as the states flagship university  now and forever  are the foundational values that have served as our constant north star: access and opportunity for all of those with the talent and tenacity to succeed; being a place of belonging for all who attend; dedication to free speech and inquiry; and civility in our treatment of each other.

Around $10.2 million were allocated to DEI programs over the last ten years, accounting for just 0.3 percent of all higher education spending, according to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, KFOR reported.

The University of Oklahomas Black Emergency Response Team (BERT) also issued a statement saying that the executive order raises significant concerns.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) departments, programs, and entities play a pivotal role in providing a safe and inclusive space for minority and marginalized communities on higher education campuses, the statement read. These initiatives offer students a platform to voice their concerns, establish a home away from home, and foster unity within the student life community. Any attempt to remove personnel, funding, and programming jeopardizes the very existence of these essential spaces.

Stitt's recent call to evaluate DEI programs at the University of Oklahoma, and throughout higher education in the state raises significant concerns, the statement added.

The governor claims this effort is geared towards prioritizing students while eliminating politics from institutes of higher learning.

However, it is apparent that Oklahoma political officials, spearheaded by Stitt, fail to comprehend the vital need for funding higher education DEI programs, the statement said. Stitt's approach seems to target students from marginalized communities, hiding behind a deceptive narrative that merit-based success and hard work alone suffice for advancement.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chuck Hoskin also put out a statement in response to Stitts recent actions, criticizing the governor for issuing an ill-advised decision that is once again, trying to erase Native Americans from history.

His latest effort creates more barriers for diverse student populations, including Native American students enrolled throughout our state colleges and universities, Hoskin wrote. By choosing to eliminate offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Governor is signaling that these voices and offices in place for outreach don't matter, which is egregious.

But the governor seemed unphased by all of the criticism he received in recent days. On Friday, he doubled down on his decision to block diversity programs and said that there would be no more six-figure salaries for DEI staff.

In Oklahoma, social identity doesnt define our success. It's our work ethic, principles, and skills that set us apart, Stitt wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Oklahoma agencies and institutes for higher ed are going to take a second look at their DEI practices to ensure we arent funding identity politics.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector is warning migrants not to listen to

misinformation being circulated by transnational criminal organizations about entering the United States illegally between the ports of entry.

In recent weeks, the misinformation led migrants to believe that the international BSI 36 marker is a proper point of entry into United States. Rumors circulating on social media that areas between the ports of entry on the southwest border  BSI 36 in the El Paso Sector  are open to illegal migration are patently false.

Border Patrol has encountered continuous groups of migrants led by misinformation making illegal entry into the United States during the past two weeks.

Border Patrol agents began to observe groups of migrants steadily arriving at the border area near Border Safety Initiative Marker (BSI) 36 just west Riverside High School on Cesar Chavez Border Highway. Migrants illegally crossed the border after cutting the concertina wire along the Rio Grande River or placing clothing or pieces of cardboard over the wire.

The flow of migrants has been continuous since then and at one point the number of migrants staging at BSI 36 rose to approximately 250 people. This group was mostly composed of single adults and families, mostly of Venezuelan origin.

El Paso Sector continues to remain vigilant and enforcing consequences under U.S. immigration law, said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good. No one should believe the lies of transnational criminal organizations. These criminal organizations prey on vulnerable individuals for financial gain. The truth is that individuals and families put their lives in peril by crossing the border illegally.

The U.S. Border Patrol emphasizes that crossing the border in between the ports of entry is illegal. Individuals and families who attempt to enter the United States without authorization, and who are unable to establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, will be removed and are subject to a minimum five-year bar on reentry as well as potential criminal prosecution for migrants with a criminal history.

All migrants encountered at BSI 36 or any other location in-between a port of entry are transported to a processing facility and processed under Title 8, which will place migrants who cross the border unlawfully into removal proceedings.

Migrants who cross between the ports of entry or who present themselves at a port of entry without making a CBP One appointment are subject to the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. This rule presumes asylum ineligibility for those who fail to use lawful processes, with certain exceptions.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
CHICAGO - A 14-year-old girl who was reported missing from Chicago's northwest suburbs on Thursday night has been found safe.

Elk Grove Village police canceled the missing person alert for Alyaza Lopez on Saturday evening.

Lopez moved to the Chicago area from New York, and police believe she may have been traveling back when she disappeared.

Alyaza Lopez | Photos provided by Elk Grove Village Police

Further details on the case are limited.
Three men are being sought by police in connection with graffiti about the Israel-Gaza conflict which was sprayed on an MP's constituency office.

Shutters at Enfield North MP Feryal Clark's office on Hertford Road were defaced at about 23:05 GMT on 21 November, the Met Police said.

It has released images of three men it wants to speak to about the graffiti.

In a now-deleted post online, the Labour MP advised those responsible to "next time, just try emailing".

It is the second appeal the force has made about the graffiti, having previously released an image of another man wanted in connection with the attack.

Ms Clark's post on X, formerly Twitter, had also included a censored image of the vandalism, which appeared to contain the words "free Palestine".

The graffiti was painted on the office five days after the MPs voted against a proposal to call for a full ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas-run government in Gaza.

Ms Clark, who was shadow minister for health at the time, abstained on the vote, in line with instructions her party gave to its front bench shadow ministers.

A number of MPs received backlash after the vote, including a protest by hundreds of people outside Sir Keir Starmer's north London constituency office.

Appealing for information about the attack on Ms Clark's office, PC Louis Blackburne-Maze said everyone had "the right to protest and to have their voice heard, but when that crosses the line into criminality, as it clearly did in this incident, we will take action".

"Elected representatives have an important role to play and they expect to be held to account, but that should not involve feeling unsafe," he added.

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The Victorian historian J.A. Froude recalled a time when the lights were all drifting, the compasses all awry, and nothing left to steer by but the stars. He meant the weakening of religious faith, but we too feel the foundations of our moral and physical confidence crumbling. Since at least the 18th century, we have supposed that, however haltingly, the world was moving intellectually and morally in our direction, because the West had discovered or invented universal values. In the long run, this may still prove to be true; but in the long run, as Keynes remarked, we are all dead.

In the short run, we are faced with a new axis linking what Lenin called great Russian chauvinism with the religious millenarianism of Iran and its proxies, and the rapacious state capitalism combined with traditional cultural aloofness practised by China. Unaligned countries, and even long-time allies, are adapting to new centres of power. Within Anglophone democracies, cultural institutions are busily sowing dissension and demoralisation in a modish espousal of decolonization, which is a disavowal of Western culture and history. Much of our disarray is self-inflicted: a moral as much as a material failing.

We have experienced this before. After the costly victory of 1918, peoples and politicians in democracies were mostly incapable of facing the terrifying fact that new and even greater dangers were looming. Humane and progressive people clung to what they hoped was a peaceful rules-based international order. The grand old man of Labour, George Lansbury, proclaimed that Hitler, as a non-smoking vegetarian, must want peace. To the Liberal Lloyd George he was the greatest German of the age. The Tory Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax hoped that one day the Fuhrer will be seen entering Buckingham Palace at the side of the King. Labour bitterly opposed defence spending: Do not compete with the fascists in arms, insisted its leader Clement Attlee, and they will not rearm  the classic illusion of the well meaning.

Can we wholly blame them for closing their eyes to the prospect of a second Armageddon so soon after the first? Yet eventually they did face the unpalatable. Prime ministers Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain  later condemned as guilty men who had left Britain defenceless  had in truth begun major rearmament in the mid-1930s, against popular opposition, even while working for appeasement. Ordinary people also began to confront the prospect of war, volunteering for the territorial army, the naval reserve or the auxiliary fire service to prepare for bombing. But too late. Had the West been more visibly prepared and resolute, Hitler would probably have been overthrown by the German army.

Can we see much sign today that Western politicians and peoples are waking up to the dangers facing them, even to the extent that Baldwin and Chamberlain did? Ukraine is the test, like Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. We prevented the Czechs from defending themselves in 1938. At least we have helped the Ukrainians to resist, but now they are in danger of being effectively abandoned by being given too little too late. America, as in the interwar period, is tempted by its old illusion of isolationism. If it gives in, that will among other things be a huge failure of Britains principle global strategy for a century: to get America involved in European defence.

What of the European Union? How distant the days when British politicians and diplomats thought that Europe was a budding superpower which we had to join to avoid being left exposed as a minor power, as the Foreign Office put it, hopelessly in the middle of the two power blocs. Though some still want to clamber back on board the Marie Celeste, the danger from the EU is just the opposite: of a weak and divided continent unwilling to defend itself.

Sometimes, danger creates political solidarity and identity. France and Britain took shape through their mutual conflicts. Prussians, Bavarians and Saxons were welded into Germans by repeated threats from France. Across the Atlantic, these United States became the United States in the crucible of the Civil War.

I used to think similarly that if anything could create a true United States of Europe, it would be an attack by Russia. But the opposite has happened, and far from galvanising Europe, it has exposed its divisions and irresponsibility. Guy Verhofstadt vaunted the EU as a great empire, but what sort of empire neglects to defend its borders? Germany has been grudging, and France devious. Now the EU is hesitating about giving financial aid, and dithering about Ukrainian membership, which many observers fear will cause yet another EU crisis. It has been Britain, by the speed of its response  training and arming Ukrainian troops since 2011  and the US, by the huge volume of aid it has given, that have maintained Ukrainian independence so far. But if America steps back, it will mean not only the defeat of Ukraine but  following so many failures and retreats  the end of any pretence to global leadership. Iran and China are watching and waiting.

What can Britain do in the face of Continental weakness? Of course, continue to discourage American isolationism and support the willing in Europe, including Scandinavia and Poland. But there is little sign of a general realisation of global danger, and few if any national leaders are willing to sound the alarm and admit the costs. We are not, in the near future, facing conventional war. But we are facing hugely expensive challenges in every sphere. Sub-threshold warfare means we must not only repair our armed forces, but also our cyber capacity, intelligence gathering, communications, strategic industries, and above all energy supplies. We need to integrate, not divide, our polyglot population, and confront those who are demoralising us from within, often on public funds. Ironically, our traditional fear of governments having too much power has allowed our largely autonomous public institutions to be taken over by illiberal minorities. These over-mighty subjects need to be brought to heel, and only public pressure can make politicians do it.

So far we have not been called on to make significant sacrifices. Are we still capable of them? Orwell wrote in 1940 that England was like a family with the wrong members in control, but still able to move together, like a herd of cattle facing a wolf. I hope we never have to find out the hard way if this is still true.

Robert Tombs is author of The English and Their History, of which an updated edition has just appeared

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BERLIN (Reuters) - Europe must race to ensure it can better defend itself as new military threats could emerge by the end of the decade even as the focus of security ally the United States shifts towards the Indo-Pacfic, Germany's defense minister said.

Russia was hiking its weapons production considerably to sustain its invasion of Ukraine, while also threatening the Baltic states, Georgia and Moldova, Boris Pistorius was quoted as saying in an interview with Welt am Sonntag.

Meanwhile the United States will likely reduce its military engagement in Europe as it turns more towards the Indo-Pacfic.

"We Europeans must engage more to ensure security on our own continent," said Pistorius, noting however it would take time for the region to increase its own weapons production.

"We have about 5-8 years to catch up, in terms of armed forces, industry and society," he said.

Europe is clear it may also need to compensate for U.S. aid for Ukraine if Washington fails to agree new funding, he added.

The election of a more Europe-friendly government in Poland should now enable the Weimar Triangle of Berlin, Paris and Warsaw to develop more their military cooperation, he added.

"We need to figure out how best to set ourselves up on the eastern flank on the basis of NATO defense plans," he said, noting he wanted to travel as soon as possible to Poland next year.

Pistorius said he did not foresee for the time being the German army repeating missions as big as those they carried out in Afghanistan and Mali.

It was in Afghanistan that Germany's military fought the first ground battles since the end of World War Two.

"But small missions, in particular in the area of military consultancy or cooperation also with countries that do not necessarily share our values will be essential," he said.

"The alternative would be to not have any more contacts with these countries and to simply hand them over to the Russians and Chinese, and that would be a lot ore dangerous."

(Reporting by Sarah Marsh; Editing by Sandra Maler)
New military threats could emerge by the end of the decade and Europe must race to ensure it can better defend itself, Germany's defense minister Boris Pistorius told Reuters on Dec. 16.

Russia has significantly increased arms production to support its invasion of Ukraine, while also threatening the Baltic states, Georgia, and Moldova.

Read also: Germany delivers second Patriot system to Ukraine in new aid package

The United States is likely to reduce its military involvement in Europe as it shifts focus to the Indo-Pacific.

"We Europeans must engage more to ensure security on our own continent," said Pistorius, noting, however, that it would take time for the region to increase its own arms production.

"We have about 5-8 years to catch up, in terms of armed forces, industry and society."

Read also: German Bundeswehr Inspector General warns of potential defensive war against Russia

Europe is also aware that it may have to compensate for U.S. aid to Ukraine if Washington does not agree to new funding.

The election of a more pro-European government in Poland should now allow the Weimar Triangle of Berlin, Paris, and Warsaw to further develop their military cooperation.

"We need to figure out how best to set ourselves up on the eastern flank on the basis of NATO defense plans.

Pistorius said he did not foresee the German army repeating missions as big as those they carried out in Afghanistan and Mali. It was in Afghanistan that Germany's military fought the first ground battles since the end of World War Two.

"But small missions, in particular in the area of military consultancy or cooperation also with countries that do not necessarily share our values will be essential. The alternative would be to not have any more contacts with these countries and to simply hand them over to the Russians and Chinese, and that would be a lot more dangerous."

Newly elected Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has emphasized the importance of continued assistance to Ukraine. In his speech to Parliment, Tusk said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is "an attack on all of us," and it should be spoken about "with one voice."

Read also: German Chancellor says support for Kyiv of 'existential importance' to Europe

I can no longer listen to politicians who talk about being tired of the situation in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Tusk to visit Ukraine at the earliest opportunity. We heard words of sincere support. We are even stronger when we are together  Ukraine and Poland, Zelenskyy said.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
SELLS, ARIZONA  The family of Raymond Mattia gathered in Sells on Friday to demand accountability from the Tohono Oodham Nation Police Department after Mattia was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents in May.

Mattias family and a handful of attendees held a peaceful protest outside of the Tohono Oodham Nation Police Department nearly seven months after Mattia was killed steps away from his front door. Attendees shouted, Justice for Ray, every time a police truck drove in front of the crowd and turned into or out of the station.

Three U.S. Border Patrol agents shot Mattia nine times on May 18 as he stood outside his front door in the Menagers Dam Village within the Tohono Oodham Nation. Agents fired roughly 38 shots after Mattia lobbed a sheathed machete in front of a Tohono Oodham Nation Police Department officer.

The family of Raymond Mattia and attendees gather outside of the Tohono O'odham Nation Police Department in Sells, Arizona, for a peaceful protest calling for more accountability from the department on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The Tohono Oodham Nation Police Department officer present for the shooting had a history of harassing and intimidating Mattia, along with other tribal members, numerous times before the incident, according to Mattias family and friends.

The family has urged the department to reconsider its policy of calling the Border Patrol for backup. The family believes that things would have gone differently that night if police never called the Border Patrol for assistance.

We are scared for our people now, said Yvonne Nevarez, Mattias niece. It's not a matter of if it's going to happen next, but when.

Potential lawsuit: Family to sue Border Patrol, seeks $15M in fatal shooting of Tohono O'odham man

The family of Raymond Mattia and attendees gather outside of the Tohono O'odham Nation Police Department in Sells, Arizona, for a peaceful protest calling for more accountability from the department on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Mattias sister, Annette Mattia, now fears retaliation from the Border Patrol and police after the shooting. She would never call Border Patrol or Tohono Oodham Nation police officers if anything ever happened to her, she said.

It's kind of scary, she said. I just stay to myself, stay home.

No police representatives have contacted the family since the shooting took place. Now, the family wants answers.

They haven't said anything. It's like nothing happened, said Annette Mattia. We want them to be accountable for what happened to Ray.

The family of Raymond Mattia and attendees gather outside of the Tohono O'odham Nation Police Department in Sells, Arizona, for a peaceful protest calling for more accountability from the department on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The Mattia family plans to send a written statement and questions to the Police Department, asking why no officers protected Mattia.

Your priority should be to protect the people of this tribe, the written statement read. Border Patrol should be monitoring and enforcing the border, not the citizens of our nation.

On the night of the shooting, the Tohono Oodham Nation Police Department had requested assistance from the Border Patrol to respond to a "shots fired" call west of the community, which is roughly a mile north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The family of Raymond Mattia and attendees gather outside of the Tohono O'odham Nation Police Department in Sells, Arizona, for a peaceful protest calling for more accountability from the department on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The call is what led to agents arriving at Mattias home.

We hope for more support from our community, like tribal members, because abuse has been happening from Border Patrol for a long time, Yvonne Nevarez said.

Agents face no charges: Prosecutors will not charge Border Patrol agents in shooting of Tohono O'odham man

The family of Raymond Mattia and attendees gather outside of the Tohono O'odham Nation Police Department in Sells, Arizona, for a peaceful protest calling for more accountability from the department on Friday, December 15, 2023.

In November, attorneys representing the Mattia family announced their intent to sue U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the individual agents involved for their role in the killing of Mattia.

The attorneys are demanding that CBP provide $15 million, a comprehensive account of exactly what happened during the shooting, and a public review of the agencys role in assisting local law enforcement outside of the agencys stated mission.

If CBP is unwilling to reach a settlement, the family said it plans to file a civil rights lawsuit.

Federal prosecutors announced that they werent going to file charges against the agents who killed Mattia in October. U.S. Department of Justice employees met with the family in Sells to discuss their decision but refused to provide substantive details about what happened that night.

The family of Raymond Mattia and attendees gather outside of the Tohono O'odham Nation Police Department in Sells, Arizona, for a peaceful protest calling for more accountability from the department on Friday, December 15, 2023.

At least 10 Border Patrol agents were present for the shooting along with one police officer. Agents shot Mattia several times after he took his hand out of his jacket pocket while he was holding onto his cellphone, according to edited CBP bodycam footage released in June.

'My baby brother': Family of Tohono O'odham man speaks out after Border Patrol shooting

Agents appeared to believe that Mattia had a gun in his hand. No gun was found on Mattia after he was shot.

Have a news tip or story idea about the border and its communities? Contact the reporter at josecastaneda@arizonarepublic.com or connect with him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joseicastaneda.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Killing of Raymond Mattia by Border Patrol protested in Sells, Arizona
KAMPALA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- As the annual Central Economic Work Conference concluded in China this week, experts in Uganda said that the Asian giant's sustained economic growth will continue to provide opportunities for the world, particularly for Africa.

China's National Bureau of Statistics said the country is striving for a steady recovery, with a year-on-year 4.9 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter and a year-on-year 5.2 percent growth in the first three quarters of 2023.

Corti Paul Lakuma, a senior research fellow at Uganda's Economic Policy Research Center, said that in comparison to global growth, China's economic growth rate is impressive.

Forecasts from international financial institutions predict China's 2024 growth rate will exceed global rates: the World Bank estimates 4.5 percent, while the International Monetary Fund forecasts 4.6 percent.

China's focus on new growth areas such as the digital economy and green energy opens opportunities globally, especially for Africa. Experts said as one of the biggest manufacturers of electronic vehicles (EV), China is a rapidly growing market for critical minerals sourced from African countries, especially in the microchip and EV manufacturing sector. This will boost the trade between Africa and China, for example, in minerals like lithium.

Daniel Karibwije, a trade specialist and business consultant based in Kampala, said China's experience will help boost Africa's solar panel industry and digital economy growth.

"There will be more innovations and inventions in China, which will have a spillover effect on Africa," Karibwije said.

This year marks the 45th anniversary since China began its reform and opening-up, a policy that makes China an attractive destination for investment. China's ongoing market accessibility continues to attract foreign investment, with over 40,000 new foreign-invested enterprises established in the first 10 months of 2023, a 32.1 percent increase year-on-year, according to China's Ministry of Commerce.

Lakuma sees this openness as an opportunity for African companies to engage in joint ventures with Chinese enterprises and expand goods and services exports.

China has implemented favorable policies regarding tariffs and market access for African countries, which provides a viable avenue for foreign enterprises to export to China, allowing them to benefit from China's immense market potential, the experts said. 
While out on a fishing trip on Lake Michigan, a father and daughter discovered what is believed to be a never-before-seen shipwreck more than 150 years old.

Tim Wollak and his daughter Henley, from Peshtigo, Wisconsin, made the find earlier this summer. The pair stumbled across the wreck that was not marked on any charts.

I was surprised I had never seen it before because its in an area where people regularly go, Mr Wollak told Fox 11.

After some research, Mr Wollak believed the ship to be the Erie L Hackley, and posted information about the find on several community Facebook groups.

The posts eventually found their way to the Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Program at the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), which identified the details as being consistent with that of the barkentine George L Newman.

The vessel, a wooden, three-masted sailing ship, was constructed in 1855 in Black River, Ohio by shipwright Benjamin Flint. It measured 122 feet long and 26.3 feet in beam with an 11-foot depth of hold.

On the evening of 8 October 1871, the barquentine was sailing through the thick smoke from the Great Peshtigo Fire  the deadliest fire in US history, which killed more than 1,200 people  with a cargo of Lumber from Little Suamico when it grounded on the southeast point of Green Island, in Wisconsin.

According to WHS, the smoke was so dense that the Green Island lighthouse keeper kept the light on during the day. Keeper Samuel Drew rescued the crew, who remained at the lighthouse for a week while they salvaged what they could from the wrecked vessel.

The ship was abandoned, became covered with sand, and was largely forgotten  until it became exposed and was located by the Wollaks earlier this year.

Tim Wollak found the shipwreck while out fishing with his daughter Henley (Fox News 11)

It was actually built in 1855, so its a pretty significant shipwreck, pretty old for Wisconsin shipwrecks anyways, said Tamara Thomsen, maritime archaeologist for the WHS.

To have it tied to the Peshtigo fire, it makes it even more special.

Mr Wollak said he was unsure that any future trips with Henley would be as exciting. I dont know how we top it, he told Fox 11.

I told [Henley] Im pretty sure theres no one else in her school that has ever found a shipwreck that nobody had recorded before I guess well just have to fish more and see if we can find more shipwrecks.
Its hard to forget these moments after Southwest Airlines canceled nearly 17,000 flights over the 2022 Christmas and New Years holiday.

The meltdown left two million passengers stranded and led to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The overall goal is to make sure that these kinds of disruptions dont happen in the first place, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. When they do we need to make sure the passengers are supported, that their costs are taken care of.

This week, Kirstin Garriss sat down one-on-one with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. His agency is figuring out whether Southwest Airlines scheduled unrealistic flights last winter. The DOT explains this is considered an unfair and deceptive practice under federal law.

ALSO READ: American Airlines flight attendants fight for better pay as busy travel week rolls in

We need to make sure that Southwest passengers are taken care of and that we send a signal to the entire industry about the need to prevent these issues from happening. That means realistic schedules in the first place. Dont sell a ticket that you know, youre not going to be able to serve, he said.

This year, Southwest Airlines released a new action plan for improving winter operations. The plan includes additional deicing trucks and ground equipment. According to a company video, the airline also invested in new technology to assist with deicing procedures.

Allows for a more precise measure of deice and anti-icing fluid holdover times which is the estimated time anti-icing fluid prevents the accumulations of certain kinds of frozen precipitation on the protected surfaces of an aircraft, said Lee Kinnebrew, VP of Flight Operations at Southwest Airlines.

In a recent video statement, the company said it also changed the structure of its Network Operations Control or NOC team.

Network planning sharing what theyve designed with the NOC, and the NOC offering quicker feedback that goes into building a schedule that makes it easier to recover, said Adam Decaire, Senior VP of Network Planning & Operations at Southwest Airlines.

This holiday travel season, Secretary Buttigieg says hell be watching how all airlines navigate winter weather.

ALSO READ: Charlotte Douglas International Airport adds $32B to NC economy

The real test of the system isnt just how it does on a blue-sky day, said Secretary Buttigieg. Its how does it do when theres a problem? How long does it take to get back on its feet?

Secretary Buttigieg said the DOT has also stepped up enforcement for all airlines. This includes helping passengers receive billions of dollars in refunds from flight issues.

Additionally, the Transportation Department said there should be an announcement about its final investigation findings soon.

We reached out to Southwest Airlines for a comment but at the time of this publication, we havent heard back.

VIDEO: American Airlines flight attendants fight for better pay as busy travel week rolls in
TULSA, Okla. (KFOR)  A judge in the Northern District of Oklahoma dismissed a lawsuit debating the City of Tulsas jurisdiction over Natives in Indian Country on Friday.

Justin Hooper, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, was cited for speeding in 2018 by Tulsa Police in a part of the city within the historic boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

He paid a $150 fine for the ticket, but filed a lawsuit after the Supreme Courts ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma.

Hooper argued that the city did not have jurisdiction because his offense was committed by a Native American in Indian Country.

The City of Tulsa argued Section 14 of the Curtis Act allows them such authority.

DPS Commissioner says non-compacted tribes dont share with OLETS; at least 10 do

A municipal court and a federal district court judge both sided with the city, but a three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower courts decision in June, saying the city does not have authority to prosecute crimes committed by or against tribal citizens while they are within the boundaries of reservation land.

The City of Tulsa asked the Supreme Court to grant a stay while the case continued in court. It was temporarily granted in July, but the stay was rescinded a week later.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation filed a lawsuit against the City of Tulsa in November for allegedly continuing to issue traffic citations to tribal citizens within reservation boundaries.

Violating federal law: Muscogee (Creek) Nation files suit against City of Tulsa over continued prosecution of tribal citizens

Now, a federal judge has dismissed the case without prejudice, saying Section 14 of the Curtis Act no longer applies to the City of Tulsa, and therefore, the city does not have jurisdiction.

The Muscogee Nation released a statement following the ruling:

We applaud the decision of the court to uphold the law and dismiss this frivolous case. The parties behind these politically-driven cases are working to make our state less safe. The McGirt decision means more police, courts, and prosecutors working to keep our communities peaceful. Oklahomans deserve that. That is why we have been asking Congress to pass legislation to fully empower tribes to prosecute anyone who violates the law on our reservations, and to enhance the ability of the tribes to broaden their law enforcement capabilities within the reservations for all Oklahomans. Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David W. Hill

The City of Tulsa told KFOR, This is one of several cases currently pending in state and federal courts to address the same issues, so the City of Tulsa has no further comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo.  Jefferson County authorities have arrested a Fenton man accused of sexually assaulting a girl for seven years. Investigators say he is possibly linked to other victims.

Prosecutors have charged Benjamin Sexton, 46, with 15 felonies in the investigation, including six counts of statutory rape and five counts of statutory sodomy.

Craig Berube reflects on Blues coaching change, memories in St. Louis

The alleged crimes date back to 2016, when the victim was seven years old, and continued through November of this year, according to a news release from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office.

The sheriffs office says it learned of the allegations on Nov. 25 and noted that Sexton was arrested Thursday as part of a highly-coordinated search warrant involving Jefferson County detectives, SWAT team members and others.

These allegations are heinous, said Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak via a news release. Im proud of the teamwork and unwavering commitment everyone has put in thus far. There were no complaints about long hours or overtime, and that speaks volumes about their commitment to justice and service. Investigators continue to work on this case.

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Sexton is jailed in Jefferson County without bond. An initial court hearing over his charges was planned for Friday, but it was postponed.

The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office says more victims could be linked to Sexton. If you have any relevant information on other potential victims, contact the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau at 636-797-5515.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed his foreign minister's statement that Bratislava would not oppose the launch of Ukraine's accession talks during the upcoming EU summit, the Slovak news outlet Pravda reported on Dec. 13.

The statement comes shortly before European Council talks on Dec. 14-15, where Hungary is expected to try to block the launch of Ukraine's EU membership negotiations. Fico's positions on Ukraine often align with those of his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban.

While open to the start of the negotiations, Fico added that Ukraine is not prepared for the process.

"We will not oppose the European Union's decision to start negotiations with Ukraine. It is a political decision that has nothing to do with reality," Fico told members of the Slovak parliament's European affairs committee.

"Ukraine is absolutely unprepared to open the negotiations," he added.

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar earlier said on Dec. 12 that Slovakia is "ready to support the opening of accession negotiations," adding that Ukraine still has a "long and thorny road ahead."

Fico won the country's September elections running on a Ukraine-skeptic platform. The prime minister halted military aid to Kyiv from the Slovak military stocks, although he made no objections to arms deals on a commercial basis.

Slovakia's head of government previously said that he opposes Kyiv's membership in NATO and repeatedly labeled Ukraine as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

He also boasts close ties with Orban, who is broadly seen as the most Kremlin-friendly leader within the EU.

At home, Fico faces criticism in connection to corruption himself.

Slovak political opposition launched protests in several Slovak cities on Dec. 12 over the government's decision to abolish a specialized prosecutor's office, primarily investigating corruption cases.

Read also: Rise of populism in Ukraines neighborhood: Not as gloomy as you think

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Group of Seven (G7) is increasing efforts to confiscate frozen Russian central bank assets for Ukraines benefit, the Financial Times reported on Dec. 15.

The decision could be made in the next few months, a U.S. source told the Financial Times. The G7 leaders may discuss the issue in February 2024, close to the two-year anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the newspaper.

This comes as financial support for Ukraine has stalled in Washington and Brussels due to internal disputes. The seized assets could be funneled into Ukraines war and reconstruction efforts, aiding the country as it faces mounting pressure on the battlefield.

The Russian central bank assets were frozen in the West after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.



The plan to confiscate the $300 billion in frozen reserves belonging to the Russian central bank has widespread support from Kyiv and Brussels but has been bogged down by legal issues.



However, Washington has intensified discussions on finding a legal path with the G7 in recent weeks.



G7 members and other specially affected states could seize Russian sovereign assets as a countermeasure to induce Russia to end its aggression, the Financial Times wrote, citing a U.S. discussion paper.



On Nov. 28, U.S. Senators also introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at confiscating assets of Russian oligarchs to be used towards the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Read also: Browder: West must hand Russian Central Banks $350 billion to Ukraine for reconstruction

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Boston police officers and firefighters rushed to the area around Fenway Park after a car burst into flames Friday night.

Video shows flames leaping from the charred vehicle occupying the now-desolate area around the 111-year-old ballpark around 5:20 p.m.

No one was injured in the blaze, Boston police said.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Boston 25 has reached out to the Boston Fire Department for more info.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Rev. Jimmy McLoud is lead pastor at First Christian Church in Plain Township.

CANTON TWP.  The Rev. Jimmy McLoud, lead pastor of First Christian Church, thinks a ministry should offer more than just Sunday services.

For this reason, the Plain Township church recently purchased a building and a parking lot at 1600 and 1652 Whipple Ave. NW, part of which will house the Hope Center of Meyers Lake.

McLoud said half of the 33,000-square-foot building, which sits on five acres, is occupied by an Ace Hardware store that will remain, as will Down 2 Earth Living, a marine construction company.

First Christian will occupy the other half, where it will offer a hybrid of worship services and various forms of assistance for those in need.

"We have a great partnership with Christian Counseling Associates," McLoud said. "So, they already have some space here on this (main) campus, and we're hoping that they'll go with us to that campus, too, and provide counseling services for families. Yes, there will be a church that'll meet there on the weekends, but Monday through Friday, that will be a space where people in the community can come to get help."

McLoud said the mission has been years in the making.

"About about five years ago, we decided we wanted to have another location," he said. "About three years ago, at the beginning of COVID, we decided Meyers Lake was the spot. That building was vacant, and it's the exact building I took our team to look at, but before we could even inquire about it or make an offer, somebody bought it.

"So, we've had our eyes on that place for a little while, but we kind of thought it was off the table. We contacted a local commercial real estate agent. He showed us a few properties, and when that happened to be one of them, I just kind of laughed. I thought, 'Man, so weird that it would come full circle that way.' So, it all worked out for us to acquire the place. Initially, we thought it'd be a lease, but the pieces fell into place and God worked things out for us to purchase it."

Down to Earth Living, a marine construction company, and an Ace Hardware store will remain open on property recently purchased by First Christian Church in Meyers Lake.

First Christian purchased the building and the adjoining five-acre lot for $2.1 million apiece from Tusc Investments Ltd.

McLoud said the church has seen a dramatic rise in the number of families seeking assistance. Over the last two months, the church's Common Goods ministry served 487 families through its food pantry, distributing a total of 15,968 meals. Also, 350 families were served through the ministry's free clothing store, distributing 7,011 items.

The Ace Hardware store on Whipple Avenue NW will remain open when First Christian Church's Hope Center of Meyers Lake opens in 2024. The church purchased the building.

First Christian sponsors Blessing Boxes Stark Blessing Box Initiative provides food around Stark County

"It's not cheap to feed your family anymore," he said. "We're really fortunate to have a great partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank."

First Christian also serves as a distributor for the Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank.

"We also distribute cribs," McLoud said.

First Christian also offers a preschool, and Christian Day Services for adults with disabilities.

"They have about 65 adults with disabilities here, Monday through Friday," McLoud said. "They also do job skills training that's part of the 'Employment First' initiative with the state of Ohio."

McLoud said they hope to begin "swinging hammers" at the Meyers Lake site by Easter, with construction completed by the end of next year.

"The Bible makes it pretty clear that we're supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus," McLoud said. "And when he went somewhere, he met needs and he gave hope in a very practical way. So, we're going to do things churches do, but we want to meet real needs and give people hope that way."

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: First Christian Church to open the Hope Center at Meyers Lake in 2024
Earning this recognition underscores Flaglers commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education. Through this award, the Colleges emphasis on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, vibrant campus life, and commitment to successful student outcomes were highlighted.

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Colleges of Distinctions selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews, accepting only institutions that align with the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.

Flagler has demonstrated excellence in each of these areas, distinguishing itself as a leader in providing students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and fulfilling lives.

Flaglers inclusion as a College of Distinction is an affirming moment for our entire community, President John Delaney said. It signifies our dedication to providing an enriching undergraduate experience that surpasses traditional academic programming. We go beyond educating students: we are shaping future leaders, visionaries, and innovators. This recognition encourages us to boldly support our students through the limitless possibilities that lie ahead and continue to shape lives through transformative education.

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Flaglers demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education earned its naming as a College of Distinction. Specifically, strengths in student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning, and community involvement set the College apart.

The heart of Flaglers success lies in its commitment to hands-on, real-world experiences, epitomized by its innovative FlagSHIP program and Core Curriculum. Led by caring and committed faculty, classes at Flagler move beyond the theoretical; they have teeth in real-world issues and communities.

We believe that engaged students are successful students, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction, Tyson Schritter said. Flaglers dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students have the opportunity to be active participants in their education.

In addition to Flaglers designation as a College of Distinction for its impactful approach to education, the College also received specialized recognition for the quality of its Business and Education programs, and its Career Development initiatives.

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To explore Flaglers comprehensive profile and discover more about its innovative learning experiences, click here.

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.

About Flagler College

Flagler College is a top-ranked, private, nonprofit college offering 40 majors, 47 minors, 1 Masters degree program, and 2 pre-professional programs at its location in the heart of the nations oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida.

We see opportunity everywhere and pursue the possibilities of tomorrow with boldness. Home to the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a National Historic Landmark built by railroad pioneer Henry Flagler in 1888, we are known as one of the worlds most beautiful college

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration fought back on Friday against what it calls the proliferation of misinformation by Floridas Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

In a letter earlier this month to the FDA, Ladapo had questioned the agencys drug approval and raised alarms about what he sees as the risk of potential cancer posed by COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Ladapo, the leader of Floridas health department, said he believed the drug delivery system used by mRNA vaccines could be an efficient vehicle for delivering contaminant DNA into human cells.

But a top researcher with the FDA released a public response to Ladapo on Friday saying the Surgeon Generals scientific assertion regarding the cancer risk is implausible.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research for the FDA, said the premise asserted by Ladapo that DNA contaminant could cause cancer in vaccine recipients is not scientifically accurate because there is no way that minute amounts of DNA fragments could find their way into the nucleus of human cells where DNA resides.

He added that this type of disinformation results in vaccine hesitancy.

Given the dramatic reduction in the risk of death, hospitalization and serious illness afforded by the vaccines, lower vaccine uptake is contributing to the continued death and serious illness toll of COVID-19, Marks wrote. Indeed, only 11% of Floridians have received an updated COVID-19 booster, despite the states large population of elderly who are most at risk for poor outcomes. Even more, only about a third of the states vulnerable long-term care population has had the updated shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We would like to make clear that based on a thorough assessment of the entire manufacturing process, FDA is confident in the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, Marks wrote in the response to Ladapo. Additionally, with over a billion doses of the mRNA vaccines administered, no safety concerns related to residual DNA have been identified.

In his Dec. 6 letter, Ladapo had pressed the FDA and CDC to answer three questions by Dec. 13: Was the risk of DNA integration evaluated by drug manufacturers and provided to the federal agencies; did FDA standards take the COVID-19 vaccines delivery system into account; and was a risk evaluated of integration with reproductive cells beyond the local injection site?

Dr. Kawsar Talaat, an associate professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says those three concerns have no scientific basis.

Her research expertise is in conducting clinical trials for a variety of vaccines to determine their safety and efficacy. The COVID vaccine enters the outer part of cell and the RNA works there. It wouldnt be possible for the DNA to integrate into the chromosomes since they are not even in same compartment, she said. Even if they were, the mechanism that allows that to happen is not included in the vaccine.

Talaat said Ladapo overlooks how much research on the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines has taken place.

There has not been a vaccine released into the population that has been under more scrutiny than the mRNA COVID vaccines, she said. There has not been any evidence thus far that there are any problems with integration with any DNA, or cancer as a result of the vaccines.

Talaat said she just had a 40-year-old friend with a health condition die of COVID-19.

These questions (raised by Ladapo) are designed to scare people rather than investigate true science, she said. What we do know is that COVID continues to kill thousands of people every month in the U.S. I think he is doing a disservice to the people of Florida by trying to scare them into not getting a vaccine that can be lifesaving.

Ladapo did not respond by the end of the business day on Friday to the South Florida Sun Sentinels request for comment about the FDA letter.

This isnt Ladapos first tussle with the FDA. In March, he was publicly rebuked by the FDA and CDC over his vaccine advice. Those agencies told him to stop disproportionately focusing public attention on the few instances of adverse effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. Ladapo previously has painted the COVID vaccines as dangerous and claimed there have been no clinical trials on the effects of the new booster on human beings, a statement that the manufacturers say is false.

_____
(CNN)  Whatever Tony McNamara made from Poor Things, his son deserves a cut of dads check.

The Oscar-nominated screenwriters uproarious, frequently filthy adaptation of Alastair Grays novel about Bella Baxter, a deceased woman reanimated with the brain of an unborn child, is not short of quotable lines. But its hard to beat the time Bella, upon hearing a crying infant, stands up in the middle of dinner and announces, I must go punch that baby.

Its my favorite line, McNamara told CNN  and hes taking no credit for it.

We were working on Bella  the young Bella  and she was a bit nice, he said. And I was saying, its weird, because kids arent like that. McNamara told his director Yorgos Lanthimos about a trip to a restaurant with his three-year-old son, who became irritated with one of its youngest customers. Kids are just instinct. Theyre like, Thats annoying to me. Im going to end it, the screenwriter recalled. Then the toddler came out with the obvious solution: Lets punch that baby.

Yorgos was like, Okay, we need that spirit. It made it into the picture.

Their movie, a rambunctious picaresque indebted to Mary Shelleys Frankenstein and Terry Gilliams worldbuilding, pairs rutting with ruminations on what it is to be alive in a society that seeks to put women in a box. In one sense, Poor Things is the horny cousin of Greta Gerwigs Barbie  a similarly existential endeavour  but its daring and ambition eclipses that of the billion-dollar blockbuster. Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the movie is now rolling out its release worldwide with eyes firmly set on awards season.

Bella, played by a never-better Emma Stone, is the result of an experiment by Willem Dafoes Dr. Godwin Baxter, a maverick scientist living in a Victorian steampunk London. Bellas lifeless body was found by Godwin in the river Thames and transplanted with the brain of a baby. A jolt of electricity later and a new life is born; and though brain and body are out of sync, Bellas mind races out of infancy to catch up. Almost immediately she longs from freedom, and when the foppish Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) arrives at her door, enchanted by her beauty, she sees an opportunity for adventure.

Lanthimos had wanted to adapt Grays novel for years, but no one was interested in funding the project. Then he made The Favourite (2018); ten Oscar nominations later, Poor Things didnt seem so unthinkable.

McNamaras adaptation is a significant revision. The book is written as a series of letters by male characters in Bellas life, whereas his screenplay allows Bella to claim her own narrative.

We were always going to tell the movie as her movie, so that was a freedom, because I knew we would have to invent the journey to some degree, because its not all there, said McNamara.

I love every aspect of her, Stone said of Bella. The idea of a woman starting from scratch and being in love with all things that happen in life  the good and the bad. That shes so fascinated by everything and hungry for experience, I think was really inspiring.

Getting Bella up on her feet with her baby brain was challenging, but Stone said she couldnt look to her own toddler for inspiration.

Yorgos and I realised early on  Tony too  that it wasnt really comparable (to a normal childs development) she explained. Shes already in a full-grown body, so its not like her bones are growing as shes learning to walk  It was almost more like an invention, more robotic, staccato or strange.

Ramy Youssef plays McCandles, Godwins assistant and Bellas love interest, whos tasked with monitoring her progress.

Shes just on another level, said Youssef of Stone. She is so emotionally aware, the way she was tracking her character. The way that she was able to step into all different points of her characters development, regardless of shooting order.

Bellas adventure makes its first stop in Portugal, before sailing across the Mediterranean to Alexandria, Egypt, and Paris. Running parallel is her own psychosexual odyssey.

Sex plays a large role in Poor Things: its one way Bella learns to understand her body  and how others covet it. What starts as an enthusiastic but queasily abusive first exposure when Bellas mind is young (Why do people not just do this all the time? she naively asks) evolves into a more empowered state. Theres a sex-positive, third-wave feminism to her, taken to extremes when Bella learns she can profit from the activity she loves and turns to prostitution to fund her studies. We are our own means of production, she quips.

Poor Things serves a rebuttal to the argument sex scenes do not advance plots. McNamara, who also wrote The Favourite and The Great, is well positioned to weigh in.

I have a simple approach to it: Im never writing a sex scene, he said. Im writing a scene that evolves characters and pushes story forward. If they have to be having sex for that to happen, then its a sex scene.

The idea sexuality is not part of humanity and shouldnt be shown  I dont really understand that. Its sort of disingenuous of an artist to be like that, and disingenuous of a society, he added.

So much trauma is rooted in our attitudes to it, McNamara continued. Obviously film and TV have certainly not helped that at times, but I think now the industry is very thoughtful about how all of that is done  and I think it should be. Yorgos and Emma make a good point: No one minds if youre shooting someone in a film, and no one minds if the worst aspect of our humanity is (rated) PG. But a great aspect of our humanity, our sexuality, should not be seen? For us its like, What?

Bella attaches no shame to her sexual appetite, acting with a frankness that disarms her suitors. Stones performance furiously jumps two-footed into the notion, with graphic, often hilarious scenes at the expense of men  almost all of whom seek to control Bella.

Duncan Weddeburn is exhibit A: Hes a classic rake, said Ruffalo, jokingly referring to the character as my id.

The stuff he says is so totally narcissistic  or just so flowery in its vulgarity, he added. Yet when Bella publicly discusses sex in her own blunt terms, Duncan admonishes her, telling Bella, Youll confine yourself three phrases: How marvellous; Delighted; and How do they make the pastry so crisp? (For which he promptly receives a slap.) Once Bellas libido and intellectual curiosity outpaces Ducans, he quickly loses his grip on her.

The father figure of Godwin, who Bella refers to as God, is more complex but also controlling. Mutilated by his own scientist father, to Godwin, Bella is the child he couldnt otherwise conceive.

Theyre beautifully written, said Dafoe. How hes positioned in relation to Bellas journey is interesting to me.

He doesnt dwell on his victimization, his tragedy. He tries to turn it into something beautiful, said the actor. Hes kind of the shadow side of what happens to Bella  theyre both people that have been wronged.

Hes a man of science (and) he feels humiliated that he allows emotions to get involved, Dafoe added. He basically falls in love with her  not totally paternal(ly).

Its hard for anyone in Poor Things not to fall for Bella, either for her beauty or, eventually, her brains. The film makes a virtue of Bellas naivety, her mind first guilelessly holding up a mirror to social codes and behaviors, before she becomes more educated and starts to seriously interrogate them.

Gender dynamics are how the films politics announce themselves, but Poor Things is more than just a battle for female autonomy, suggested McNamara.

Yorgos had this term, Were making a movie about the monstrosity that is society, said the screenwriter.

We cant leave a person alone to just experience their life in a liberated, curious way, and find their own path. That seems beyond us as human beings, as a society, he added.

But the film also wants to have its cake and eat it. To take a Freudian view on events, Bella is born all id, growing to learn of then reject the superego imposed on her by society. Instead, shes content to work on her ego  her questing self  with the ambition her personal growth can change society in the future. If I know the world, I can improve it, Bella confidently declares.

Sometimes it takes a monster to show us our faults; and though Bella is hardly the first in cinema to do so, Stones turn is an original one.

At the time I said it was my hardest role to date, said the actress, which I kind of regret, because two years later, looking back at it, it was the most joyous role Ive ever played.

Towards the end of the film, Duncan Wedderburn, full of bile, screams at Bella shes a woman with a body that cant be sated and a mind that picks people apart.

Its intended as an insult, though the film says otherwise. Ultimately, Poor Things says these qualities are not only to be celebrated, but they go hand in hand. If I know the world, I can improve it  the double entendre is no accident.

Poor Things receives a wide release in the US on December 22, and is released in the UK on January 12.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove was the site of a blaze that firefighters battled and eventually put out Friday night.

Forest Grove Fire and Rescue announced on X (formerly Twitter) just after 6 p.m. that they were on the scene of a garage/shop fire at the hotel and theater that is part of the McMenamins chain of pubs on Pacific Avenue. They indicated that crews have kept the fire contained and that the fire did not spread to the main hotel.

Portland police ease restrictions on pursuing suspects in cars

Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 15 minutes, officials said. No one was injured in the incident, but the cause of the fire is under investigation.

When the fire was noticed, Grand Lodge employees evacuated hotel and restaurant guests out of the main building as a precaution. The guests were let back in shortly after, once it was determined the main building was not threatened. We want to commend the employees for their actions of evacuating hotel guests in a quick manner, fire officials said.

FGR says the building that caught fire was approximately 100 feet from the hotel and 100 feet away from a retirement home. Neither of the buildings were damaged by the fire.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Former Arkansas state Sen. Jason Rapert was confirmed by vote onto the state library board Friday morning.

The appointment of the avowed social conservative to the board by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in November had generated controversy.

I appreciate the confidence of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for appointing me to the Arkansas Library Board, and appreciate my former colleagues in the Senate for confirming me, Rapert said.

CALS, local libraries, ACLU suing Arkansas over new obscenity law, claiming censorship

Rapert had said earlier that if he were voted onto the library board, he would vote to defund libraries that sue the state over Act 372, which was passed in this years general assembly. The acts stated purpose was to restrict potentially obscene material in libraries from minors and make library employees criminally liable for violations.

Rapert is the founder and current president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, which has a stated mission of supporting biblical principles in lawmaking. He also had a major role in having the 10 Commandments displayed at the state capitol.

Bill looking to regulate obscene books in libraries moves through Arkansas legislature

The former senator from Conway was confirmed to the state library board by a 22-10 vote in the Senate Rules Committee. Committee ex officio member Sen. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) stated on social media that Senators Chesterfield, Davis, English, Flowers, Hickey, King, Leding, Love, Murdock, and Tucker voted against confirming Mr. Rapert to the state library board. Senators Irvin and Wallace were excused.

Leding said Rapert was the only one of the 93 appointees for various state boards before the committee on Friday who senators voted upon separately. One senator was absent and had no vote recorded, and Leding noted no woman voted in favor of Raperts confirmation.

Former Arkansas Sen. Jason Rapert responds to library board appointment and pushback from GOP state senator

Rapert was sworn in onto the seven-member board Friday afternoon in Conway for a term through October 2029.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
A renovated downtown building thats been the focus of multiple lawsuits against now-defunct Bitwise Industries over the past couple of years will soon become home to the city of Fresnos new Capital Projects Department.

The Fresno City Council approved a seven-year lease to take over the second floor of the 105-year-old State Center Warehouse building at 747 R Street. The furnished space, which amounts to more than 37,000 square feet, will eventually house about 140 employees for the department tasked with shepherding major infrastructure and construction projects for the city.

City officials said they hope the department moves into the building in mid-January. Between base rent and a proportionate share of building operating costs, the city will pay about $1,165,000 for the first year, with the base rent increasing by about 3% in each of the following six years.

The total that the city will pay to 747 R Street LLC over the seven-year life of the lease will be about $8.7 million. There is a provision for three additional one-year extensions to the lease through 2033.

The building on R Street north of Ventura Street, erected in 1918, is on Fresnos Local Register of Historic Resources and underwent an extensive renovation to make it suitable for Bitwise Industries to take over as its new corporate headquarters.

The ground floor of the building has other office spaces as well as several R Street storefronts for restaurants, including Mexican restaurant Las Mananitas.

The buildings connections to Bitwise Industries  a Fresno-based technology training and services company that financially imploded and filed for bankruptcy earlier this year  made some City Council members wary when the lease first came up for a vote Dec. 7. Two members, Luis Chavez and Miguel Arias, sought additional legal counsel from City Attorney Andrew Janz about the potential for the city to get caught in the crossfire of litigation by the building owner against Bitwise.

The lawsuit filed earlier this year by NICbyte LLC and a federal criminal fraud charge against former Bitwise co-CEOs Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr., alleges that the R Street building is one of four in Fresno, Bakersfield and Oakland in which Bitwise Industries held only a 5% ownership stake, yet maneuvered to illegally take out millions of dollars in loans using the buildings as collateral. Bitwise no longer has any ownership stake in the building, Janz told the council.

Leasing instead of buying

City Manager Georgeanne White said the city opted to lease rather than buy the entire building. If I remember correctly, the purchase price was over $10 million,  White told the council at its Dec. 7 meeting, and we dont have $10 million sitting around.

Instead, the lease costs will be charged to a pair of state grants that the city has received for major infrastructure improvements in downtown and other parts of Fresno as overhead for the capital department. We can charge annual rent to that revenue source, but we dont have money up front to just buy the building, White said.

White described the starting rent of $1.80 per square foot per month as very competitive in the downtown market. In addition, while Bitwise was poised to move in before the companys collapse and bankruptcy, it never took occupancy. Its got amazing furniture thats never been used that comes with the building, she said. With the furniture, that is a huge expense that we will not have to incur. Thats definitely an added bonus.

The extra space is needed because the creation of the new department in July not only moved 96 engineers and other staff from the Public Works and Public Utilities departments, but also added 46 new positions to the citys payroll. While increasing capacity to address the citys infrastructure needs, the Capital Projects Department has outgrown the available space at City Hall and the department must relocate off-site to accommodate added staffing, a staff memo to the City Council stated. Due to the size of the department, there are limited office spaces available downtown that satisfy all the needs of the department.

The former warehouse is adjacent to a city-owned parking lot  another savings for the city as well.

Remnants of the Bitwise legacy

In 2017, as Bitwise Industries was planning to expand in downtown from its headquarters South Stadium building at Van Ness and Mono streets, Soberal touted grand plans for the State Center Warehouse, then owned by a partnership called Bitwise at State Center LLC, comprising Soberal, Fresno developer Will Dyck, Erik Wilkins of Wilkins Enterprises, and Paul Quiring of Quiring Construction. The partnership outlined a series of renovations to make it suitable not only for Bitwise as a new headquarters but also to sublease to other tenants.

Five years later, however, the partnership was fractured, culminating in a breach of contract lawsuit against Soberal and Bitwise over the fate of the building. The lawsuit alleged that Bitwise was refusing to take up occupancy and being paying rent as had been previously agreed to.

The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court and dismissed in July 2022. Court documents did not disclose the terms of the settlement, but it apparently revolved around BW Industries Inc.  the parent company of Bitwise Industries  buying the building outright from the remaining partners Dyck, Wilkins and Quiring.

The settlement coincides with a time period in which NICbyte LLC, a Texas company, formed a new joint venture to purchase the building, as well as other Bitwise properties in Oakland and Bakersfield.

NICbyte LLC contributed almost $35.5 million for its 95% stake in its joint venture for the buildings ownership, while Bitwise had the other 5%. Bitwise was to become the master tenant for the building, responsible for managing the building and subleases to tenants. But in a lawsuit filed in May 2023 by NICbyte against Soberal, Olguin and Bitwise, the Texas company alleges that Bitwise took out unauthorized loans for millions of dollars using the building as collateral, and also listed it for sale without NICbyte approval.

NICbyte, through its subsidiary 747 R Street LLC, has since taken full control of its various former Bitwise buildings, and in addition to its lawsuit against Bitwise, Soberal and Olguin is also suing one of the lenders that made the loans for which the buildings were offered as collateral without NICbytes authorization.
BYU defensive end John Henry Daley watches during BYU football practice in Provo on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

John Henry Daley wont have to travel far out of the transfer portal.

The former BYU defensive end has committed to play at Utah, he announced Friday evening on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Daley appeared in three games for the Cougars as a freshman in 2023, playing 32 snaps and making three total tackles.

He had previously announced his intention to transfer on Dec. 1 after leaving the program just before the teams Nov. 18 showdown with Oklahoma.

Daleys older brother Michael, a fellow defensive lineman, left Kalani Sitakes program in October and has yet to commit elsewhere.

Related

A three-star recruit out of Lone Peak, John Henry Daley posted 82 tackles and 22 sacks for the Knights as a senior in 2020 and signed with BYU before leaving to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil.

Daley will join a dominant Utah defensive line unit looking to make a dent in the Big 12 upon arriving in the conference next season.

He is the first Cougar transfer to land elsewhere and the fourth transfer commit for the Utes along with UCLA tight end Carsen Ryan, Georgia Tech defensive back Kenan Johnson and Blinn College defensive back Maurice Rabbit Evans.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A former Oregon Youth Authority employee has been arrested on charges of sexual misconduct with an inmate.

Emily Echtenkamp was previously employed at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Marion County where she was investigated by Oregon State Police for sexual misconduct. The incarcerated individual wasnt a minor at the time as some people can remain in the OYA system beyond their 18th birthday under certain circumstances, the Marion County District Attorneys Office said.

Portland police ease restrictions on pursuing suspects in cars

Echtenkamp was no longer employed with OYA as of May 2022. On Dec. 1, a Marion County Grand Jury returned a secret indictment charging the 34-year-old Echtenkamp with several charges, including five counts of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, first-degree official misconduct, and one count of initiating a false report.

Echtenkamp turned herself into Marion County Jail on Thursday based on a warrant for her arrest and she was arraigned on Friday. The Marion County District Attorneys Office requested a $60,000 bail but County Circuit Court Pro Tem Judge Matthew Tracey set it at $20,000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Frustration, fear for family 1 year after Tampa murder suspect went on the run

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Heather Toledo would be celebrating her 39th birthday with her family on Saturday, but her life ended at 37 after her now-fugitive husband allegedly shot her in front of one of their daughters.

One year ago, Dec. 15, 2022, Enrique Toledo was supposed to be in court for a hearing for allegedly violating a no contact order involving the couples children.

The Toledos three girls now live with Heathers brother, Stephen Green, and his wife, Michelle. They thought the timing of the hearing was potentially perfect.

Fugitive accused of killing wife near kids allegedly falsified insurance docs

Her birthday is Dec. 16, and so we were so excited about the best birthday present for Heather for him to go back to jail on Dec. 15, Michelle Green said. But he ran.

The night before the hearing, Toledo cut off an electronic monitoring device and he has been on the run since then.

We have not been able to grieve in the greatest way because theres a closure piece thats not there, Green said. Its because their mother is gone at the hands of someone else whos out living his best life.

The 12 months brought a series of frustrating discoveries for Toledos loved ones.

An 8 On Your Side review of Hillsborough County first-degree murder records since the start of 2020 uncovered out of 126 cases, nearly 60% of the defendants were held without bail.

Toledos was set at $150,000, one of the ten lowest for all of the accused killers.

The Greens said the bail was too low and made it easier for Toledo to run. Toledo, who admitted killing his wife on a 911 call to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, had a head start of several hours before anyone knew he was gone.

The prosecutors and Green found out only a short time before the Dec. 15 hearing.

Shock is not even the word. I dont even have a word. Stunned, Green said. It was pain. Pain for the girls and then it was pain for Heather.



The judges decision not order forfeiture of bail left Toledos family even more frustrated.

That meant the bondsman would not lose any money and would not be obligated to help authorities track down Toledo. The bondsman has told 8 On Your Side he is actively looking for the fugitive.

People should be held accountable for what they do, Green said. The judge should be held accountable for letting him out on bail on a stupid ankle monitor that could be removed. There needs to be accountability everywhere.

Disabled and low income Tampa veterans among 54,000 in unacceptable travel pay backlog

The family Heather Toledo left behind will continue looking over their shoulder until the man who admitted killing her is behind bars.

There were so many problems. Theres fault here. Theres a mistake there and now hes on the run, Toledo said. Its a movie. Its not real life. This is unreal that this happened and continues to happen.

The U.S. Marshals Service is leading the search for Toledo and can be contacted with tips about him through this link.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16)  KathNiel fans are once again abuzz as videos showing Kathryn Bernardo and real life ex-partner Daniel Padilla together in back-to-back big events made the rounds on social media.

The actress' most recent post, however, seemed far from hinting at the possibility of a real-life love team comeback.

"Appreciation post for the little things that have been making me smile the past few weeks. No looking back, only moving forward," Bernardo said in her Instagram post.

In the photos, the award-winning star shared snapshots of her spending quality time with loved ones on a relaxing beach trip.

The post was published days after fans noticed that Padilla took down his break-up statement from his Instagram and replaced it with the line "Ikaw at ako (You and me)."

After their big break-up that stunned most die-hard fans, the ex-couple made headlines when clips of their performance of Rembrandt's "I'll Be There for You" on the ABS-CBN Christmas Special concert last Dec. 13 went viral online.

Fans also uploaded short clips on TikTok where Padilla was seen near Bernardo at the Asia Artist Awards where both bagged an AAA Fabulous Award.

READ: 'Allow them to heal and move on'  ABS-CBN on KathNiel breakup

Bernardo and Padilla called it quits publicly last Nov. 30 after an 11-year relationship.
The funeral has been held of an Al Jazeera cameraman who was killed by an Israeli drone strike on Gaza.

Samer Abudaqa was wounded in the strike on a school in Khan Younis on Friday along with his colleague, Wael Al-Dahdouh.

Al Jazeera said Abudaqa bled to death because a heavy bombardment prevented paramedics from reaching him.

The Qatar-based network said it had referred the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Al Jazeera referred to Abudaqa's death as an "assassination", and said that its legal filing to the ICC would include repeated attacks on network crews working in the Palestinian territories.

The network said Abudaqa was its 13th journalist to die on duty since it was created in 1996.

Dahdouh, who lost several family members in an earlier Israeli bombing, survived the attack.

During his eulogy at this colleague's funeral, Dahdouh said journalists in Gaza would "continue to do our duty with professionalism and transparency".

He said that journalists in Gaza were carrying a "human and noble message" for the world amid the ongoing war and would continue to work despite Israeli attacks.

According to Al Jazeera, Dahdouh was hit by shrapnel on his upper arm and managed to walk to Nasser hospital for treatment.

Abudaqa also suffered shrapnel injuries, but paramedics struggled reach him as the area was under heavy bombardment from Israeli forces.

Al Jazeera said the cameraman was "left to bleed to death for over five hours," adding it held Israel accountable for targeting its journalists and their families.

Mourners in Gaza gather around the body of cameraman Samer Abudaqa which has been covered in a white sheet with a press vest and helmet

Abudaqa joined Al Jazeera in June 2004, working as a cameraman and editor.

He had three sons and a daughter, and lived in the town of Abasan al-Kabira near Khan Younis.

Al Jazeera's managing editor, Mohamed Moawad, described Abudaqa as "a skilled professional but a compassionate soul who understood the power of visual storytelling".

"His unwavering commitment to truth and storytelling has left an indelible mark on our team," he said on X.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 64 journalists - mostly Palestinians - have been killed since the Israel-Gaza conflict began on 7 October.

The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents several hundred journalists working for international news organisations, said it grieved the cameraman's death. saying he was the first FPA member to be killed in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

"We consider this a grave blow to the already limited freedom of the press in Gaza and call on the army for a prompt investigation and explanation."
Mourners carry the body of Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed during Israeli bombardment in Khan Yunis (MAHMUD HAMS)

Dozens of journalists took part in a funeral on Saturday for an Al Jazeera cameraman killed in an Israeli strike in the south of the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Samer Abu Daqqa's body, bearing his bullet-proof vest and helmet, was carried through a crowd in the city of Khan Yunis before being buried in a grave dug by fellow journalists.

His mother Umm Maher Abu Daqqa accused Israel of targeting journalists, "especially those working for Al Jazeera".

Abu Daqqa, born in 1978, was reporting from a school in Khan Yunis when he was hit by a drone strike on Friday, said the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television network.

His colleague, Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh, was wounded in the same attack. Dahdouh had lost his wife and two children in a separate Israeli strike in the initial weeks of the war.

Dahdouh told AFP the Israeli army "deliberately" targeted journalists in Gaza, adding it "does not want the press".

"There was only the Al Jazeera team and the civil defence in the area," he said.

The Israeli army told AFP it took "operationally feasible measures" to protect both civilians and journalists in Gaza.

"Given the ongoing exchanges of fire, remaining in an active combat zone has inherent risks," it said.

Three members of the civil defence force were also killed in the strike and their funerals were held on Saturday, AFP correspondents reported.

- Correspondent wounded -

On Friday, Al Jazeera said it held "Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families".

"Following Samer's injury, he was left to bleed to death for over five hours, as Israeli forces prevented ambulances and rescue workers from reaching him, denying the much-needed emergency treatment," it said in a statement.

The Israeli army said it approved a route for a Palestinian ambulance to access the scene but the medical van chose another route and was blocked.

More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel on October 7, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

On Saturday the Emirati TV channel Al Mashhad said its correspondent Muhammad Baalousha "was injured by an Israeli sniper in the Gaza Strip", condemning it as an "attack on press freedom".

The channel said in a statement that it was trying "to evacuate its correspondent" after he sustained the gunshot wound.

The war began after Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 that killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring home an estimated 250 hostages abducted by militants to Gaza, Israel launched a massive offensive that has left much of the besieged territory in ruins.

The health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children in the Palestinian territory.

az-cgo-lcm-jd/smw/jj
A rural New York community is being overtaken by a sticky fungus that is believed to have come from a nearby whiskey facility, leaving some residents in the area concerned about their health and the preservation of their homes.

Known as whiskey fungus, or Baudoinia compniacensis, the sticky residue has made its mark on Mineville, a hamlet with a population of around 1,300 that's located in Essex County.

State regulators have tested the mold-like substance and concluded that it is whiskey fungus in some cases. First reported by the Adirondack Explorer, the fungus rapidly spreading throughout Mineville, according to health and environmental officials cited by the outlet, marks the first case of whiskey fungus in the Empire State.

While it's uncommon in most areas around the country, those who live in neighborhoods near whiskey facilities are no stranger to the spread of the fungus, which covers their homes and vehicles and leaves behind a dark, sometimes speckled substance that can take hours to remove. First documented by scientists in the 1870s, the fungus has recently impacted residents in a Tennessee community near the Jack Daniel's plant, as well as a neighborhood near the Wiggly Bridge Distillery in Maine.

JACK DANIEL'S WAREHOUSE CONSTRUCTION IN TENNESSEE HALTED DUE TO BLACK WHISKEY FUNGUS INFECTION: LAWSUIT

Those who live in neighborhoods near whiskey facilities are no stranger to the spread of the fungus, which covers their homes and vehicles and leaves behind a dark, sometimes speckled substance that can take hours to remove.

The Explorer also noted that the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) tested the substance in some locations and determined it to be whiskey fungus on buildings throughout the community.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Lifelong Mineville residents said the sticky residue is new to the area. The source for it all, according to those living in the area, is the WhistlePig Whiskey storage facility that came to the area in 2017 and is located a half-mile northwest of town. The Vermont-based distillery, according to the Explorer, has "rows of 14,000-square-foot, barn-red buildings" that hold thousands of barrels of aging whiskey.

Founded in 2007, WhistlePig purchased land in Mineville in 2016 from the Essex County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) to process, age and bottle its spirits, according to the Explorer. At the location, WhistlePig built seven 14,000 square-foot warehouses and another 14,000 square-foot bottling plant at the Moriah Business Park.

After tediously removing the black substance from their homes earlier this year, some residents in the community told Fox News Digital that it is returning.

Prior to cleaning her home this summer, Sandra Ploufe, an 83-year-old resident in the Grover Hills neighborhood, said her home "was loaded" with the black residue.

"My two sons and husband, they couldn't do anything about it. We couldn't do anything about it," Ploufe recalled. "First my husband went to the town supervisor and he said he couldn't do anything about it, but he's the one who put it in."

Ploufe also said her husband visited the WhistlePig establishment for assistance with cleaning their home, and he was told to leave the property. "They gave him a hard time," she said.

Ultimatley, Ploufe said her husband and sons ended up cleaning the home with materials that were purchased from a nearby Lowe's store. "In June they did that and it started coming back," she said of the substance.

"They got it all off," Ploufe said. "Now it's getting plastered again. It started coming back in August, and there's several houses that have that stuff on it."

WHISKEY VS. WHISKY: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LIQUORS?

An individual is shown removing whiskey fungus from the exterior of a home.

Ploufe's husband, Joe Ploufe, told Fox he had been "all over" trying to find a solution to cleaning the substance from their house and even visited the WhistlePig facility around two years ago to see if they could clean his home for him. He was initially told it would get cleaned, but nothing happened over the course of the next year, according to the Explorer. Upon returning to ask about the cleaning, Ploufe said he was told to leave.

Sandra said she and her husband, who also visited the health department in his venture to assist with house cleaning efforts, have yet to be contacted by local officials about the spread of the fungus in the area and that they and their family are concerned about what they are "breathing" in on a daily basis.

Around the start of the alleged fungus' spread, Sandra said she and her husband, who both expressed concern over an extension of the facility, were told that their house had mold.

"Every house in Grover Hills has mold," she questioned. "It doesn't make any sense."

"You should be here and see it, to see all the houses that have the whiskey fungus," she added. "We're all complaining and they're doing nothing about it.  No one's listening to us."

Whiskey fungus is shown growing on a street sign.

Thomas Scozzafava, who serves as supervisor for the town of Moriah, told the Explorer that WhistlePig is not in violation of any regulations and that the town can't do much about the situation.

"Some things youre going to have to live with," Scozzafava said. "But I agree with the homeowners. If I was next door, I would expect something."

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As part of the aging process, alcohol stored in whiskey facilities evaporates into a vapor known as "angels share."

"I call it devils bulls---," Harold (Joe) Nephew, a 74-year-old Mineville resident whose home has also been covered by a black substance, told the Explorer. Though he hasn't had what's covering his home tested for whiskey fungus, he believes that's exactly what it is. But for Nephew, cleaning his home is nearly impossible because he has a tracheostomy.

Nephew reportedly spoke to a worker at WhistlePig and was told that the business was not responsible for cleaning outside of 900 feet from the operation. Nephew told the Explorer that WhistlePig determined his home was about 1,000 feet away but agreed to clean his home anyway. So far, he has yet to hear back.

"Its discouraging," Nephew said.

WhistlePig, according to the Explorer, insisted that not all the black residue covering the homes is from its operations but that it considers "cleaning buildings in the community on a case-by-case basis."

Founded in 2007, WhistlePig purchased land in Mineville, New York, in 2016 from the Essex County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) to process, age and bottle its spirits, according to the Adirondack Explorer.

"Theyre a great neighbor," Scozzafava said of WhistlePig, according to the outlet. "They pay good wages, property taxes, and they do give a lot back to the community. Unfortunately, one of the issues that has developed is this whiskey fungus."

Jody Olcott, who serves as the co-director of the ECIDA, told the Explorer that the agency sold WhistlePig additional land next door, where it is constructing eight 14,000 square-foot warehouses. Each of those warehouses, Olcott said, can hold about 14,000 barrels, allowing WhistlePig to age more than 200,000 barrels upon the completion of the buildings.

WhistlePig and Scozzafava did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the spread of the fungus.





Original article source: Fungus linked to whiskey warehouse bedevils rural New York community: 'No one's listening to us'
Zelenskyy took part in the video conference of the G7 leaders

The Group of Seven (G7) is moving closer to the possible confiscation of Russian assets for transfer to Ukraine, the Financial Times reported.

The United States, which had not previously publicly supported the idea of confiscation, told its G7 allies that it had found the funds to seize assets "in accordance with international law.

Read also: European Commission eyes how to transfer 15 billion in frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine

"G7 members may take action to confiscate Russia's sovereign assets as a retaliatory measure to end Russia's aggression," said the U.S. document, which was distributed to G7 committees.

The document suggests that Russia's invasion of Ukraine opens a "legitimate opportunity" to use asset forfeiture as a "legitimate response to states that have been seriously affected by Russia's violation of international law."

Washington expects the issue of confiscating Russian assets to be discussed at the upcoming meeting of G7 leaders scheduled for Feb. 24.

Read also: Ukraine begins talks on security guarantees with Italy, last of G7 countries to open negotiations

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has previously suggested that there is a "legal mechanism" for confiscating Russian assets and offered to work with the United States on the issue if other allies are unwilling to take this step.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Georgia teacher is facing charges after being accused of threatening to kill a middle school student who said she was offended by the Israeli flag in his classroom, according to police.

Benjamin Reese, 51, is a teacher at Warner Robins Middle School in Houston County. The schools website lists him as a social studies teacher.

According to the Houston County Sheriffs Office report, several teachers told the school resource officer that Reese had threatened to decapitate a student on Dec. 7.

He was allegedly heard yelling, you [expletive] piece of [expletive]! Ill kick your [expletive]! I should cut your [expletive] head off! at a group of three girls, according to statements in the incident report.

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Several teachers, staff members and students told the schools officer that they had overheard Reese yelling expletives.

The expletive-laced tirade began after a group of students walked by Reeses classroom and noticed that he had the Israeli flag hanging in his classroom.

One of the girls stopped and told the others she wanted to talk to him about it.

She pointed at the Israeli flag and told Reese that she has a question about it, the report reads. It goes on to say that the student asked Reese why he had it in the class and told him that she found it offensive.

He reportedly told her that he was Jewish and has family members that still live there before he got angry and reportedly called her antisemitic.

The student told the officer that Reese began to yell and approach her and demanded to know who she was and who her first-period teacher was. She told him and left the classroom with other students.

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The girls said they could hear Reese keep yelling as they walked down the hall, but couldnt make out what he was saying.

Another teacher told the officer that Reese said he should not be spoken to like that because hes Jewish.

She is a stupid [expletive], and I will drag her by the back of my car and cut her [expletive] head off for disrespecting my Jewish flag, Reese yelled according to another account in the report.

Reese refused to speak with the officer at the school aside from stating that he had not said anything racist and only told the girl who came to his classroom that she was being antisemitic.

He was later arrested and charged with terroristic threats and cruelty to children. He was released from the Houston County Jail a few days later.

The Houston County School District shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News that said Reese has not been on the schools campus since the Dec. 7 incident, which is still under investigation.

All employees of the Houston County School District are required to follow the Code of Ethics for Educators. If there is a violation, or accusation of a violation, we investigate and respond appropriately. While we are not able to discuss specific personnel matters, we can share that Mr. Reese has not been on the campus of Warner Robins Middle School since December 7, 2023. Safety and the well-being of our students and staff is our number one priority.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A body has been found in the search for missing mum-of-three Gaynor Lord in Norwich.

CCTV footage had showed the 55-year-old hurrying through the streets of Norwich just hours before her belongings were found dumped in a park on 8 December.

It showed her leaving work early but she is not taking her usual route home.

After a woman's body was found in the River Wensum on Friday Norfolk Police say the case remains a missing person's investigation and the suspect "no third party involvement".

Specialist divers had been searching the river for three days

A post-mortem examination of a body found in the river during the search showed no evidence of "suspicious circumstances".

Formal identification of the body is due to take place on Sunday and Ms Lord's family is being supported and kept informed, police said.

What is currently known about the case?

Where was she last seen in CCTV footage?

On 8 December, Ms Lord was due to finish work at Jarrolds department store in Norwich city centre, where she is employed as a retail assistant for Bullards Gin, at 16:00 GMT.

However, the city's CCTV system shows her leaving the store via a loading bay on Bedford Street at about 14:45, before rushing along London Street carrying her coat and handbag.

At one point, she hurriedly crosses a road and is nearly struck by a car.

She is then seen walking along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street before heading up St Augustines Street at 16:01.

And that is where the released footage ends.

Her friend, Julie Butcher, said Ms Lord phoned her at about 14:15 on the day she disappeared.

She told the BBC on Thursday that she "feels terrible" after cutting the conversation short to take a work call and was unable to reach her after that.

Ms Butcher, who spoke to officers on Saturday, also received a "pocket call" from Ms Lord at about 16:45.

"I keep going over the conversation. If I hadn't answered that call [from the client] would she have talked to me? I feel terrible. I feel so sorry for the family," she said.

On Tuesday, Rosie Richards, who lives nearby, said she saw a woman matching Ms Lord's description in Wensum Park at about 16:00 on Friday doing a "yoga pose".

"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," she said.

What was found in the Wensum Park search?

A member of the public found a number of Ms Lord's possessions at about 20:00 on 8 December.

They included her mobile phone, glasses and jewellery. Her olive-coloured coat was later discovered in the water.

Officers were able to identify Ms Lord's belongings via an ID badge found in her handbag.

On Wednesday, specialist divers from Lincolnshire Police joined the effort to scour the river for clues.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the Coastguard also helped with the search for Ms Lord.

Police have said a post-mortem examination of the body found in the river will be carried out.

A timeline of events around the disappearance of Gaynor Lord

What is being asked of Nicola Bulley search police?

Norwich's policing commander, Supt Wes Hornigold, says detectives were "linking in" with Lancashire Constabulary to try and understand "any of the lessons learned" from Nicola Bulley's disappearance.

Ms Bulley, 45, disappeared in January after dropping her two daughters off at school in the Lancashire village of St Michael's on Wyre.

Her mobile phone was found on a riverbank and her body was discovered in the river three weeks later.

Last month, the College of Policing published a report which criticised the media strategy during the search for Ms Bulley.

How is Gaynor Lord's family being supported?

Police say Ms Lord's family is being supported by specialist officers during what is a "particularly stressful" time for them.

Her children had previously posted on social media saying "we want her home".

Norfolk Constabulary said it was continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ms Lord's disappearance.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
GBCC students graduate with pathway to bachelors degree

GBCC students Lexie McNew and Charlotte King, with UNH Professor and NHHC Program Manager Paul Robertson, at the UNH COLA Deans reception for summer research students

PORTSMOUTH  Madeline Kriete draws a direct line between the humanities courses she took as a first-year liberal arts major at Great Bay Community College and her desire to begin her career helping New Hampshires vulnerable children and their families.

She switched her major and will graduate from Great Bay in December with an associate of arts in psychology. But she might not have discovered her interest in the field if not for her exposure to a range of subjects that she experienced as a liberal arts major.

My first year at Great Bay, I was able to take classes across many departments, which is the valuable aspect of a liberal arts education. It allowed me to realize specifically what I wanted to do, Kriete said. When I looked at all the classes I had taken, 75 percent of them fulfilled the requirement for a psychology degree. After seeing all the choices I was continuously going back to, I realized I should pursue psychology in more depth, she said.

After she graduates from Great Bay, Kriete expects to join the staff of Division for Children, Youth and Families to gain professional experience in the field and then pursue a bachelors degree at a four-year institution. She is among a growing wave of students who are taking courses in the humanities as they sort their options and hone their career choices.

Interest in the humanities is on the uptick after a decades-long decline related to an emphasis on STEM studies. According to recent research by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, high school students interest in the humanities is outpacing other academic fields two-to-one. That analysis is based on course credits and Advanced Placement data from the U.S. Department of Education and the College Board. Students took more than 2 million AP humanities exams in 2020, while 1 million completed behavioral and social science courses. The natural sciences, math, and the arts followed.

Great Bay has increased the size of its humanities faculty and the depth of its course offerings in recent years, adding to its catalog of options in English, history, and other subjects, and refining existing courses to create direct transfer pathways for students to four-year institutions. In addition, the college provides students the ability to tailor their educational interests and outcomes, including grant-funded undergraduate research opportunities.

The humanities and social sciences include such subjects as history, English, fine arts, foreign languages, and civics. During a time when higher education promises outcomes that result in skill-specific careers, courses in the humanities and social sciences teach skills valuable to students who are interested in a range of careers, including in the sciences and medicine, information and technology, education, business, engineering law enforcement, and many others.

Dr. Aimee E. Huard, professor and chair of social sciences at Great Bay Community College, discusses a transfer option from CCSNH to UNH's social work bachelors degree program with student Olivia Delay.

Everyone still needs to write and tell meaningful stories, whether those meaningful stories are because you want the customer to buy your product or because you need to explain how to build something, said Dr. Aimee Huard, professor and chair of social sciences. The goal of the social sciences and the humanities is to teach you how to think around and through a problem, and not necessarily at them. We are teaching students to think about the things they dont know yet.

Great Bay offers a range of humanities and social sciences options, including majors and concentrations in American studies, English, history, fine arts, and liberal arts. The humanities encourage students to think critically, analyze information, communicate ideas, and work cooperatively toward common-good solutions, said Dr. Emily Hinnov, professor of English and program director at Great Bay.

An English major does not have to lead into being a high school English teacher or a college professor or any of the other narrow ideas about where a degree like that can lead, she said. We are trying to get our students to think about broadening their perspective about how these broad-based skills of writing, critical thinking, communication, and creative thinking can apply to many different fields.

Courses in the humanities and social sciences attract students across the curriculum, regardless of their major.

Most of the students at Great Bay take history or sociology or political science, and that means our departments are having an influence on a lot of students across the college, said Dr. Jordan Fansler, professor of Social Science and program coordinator of the Colleges history program.

We can talk to and work with students far beyond our group of history majors or social scientists. For someone going into the tech field, these are the last social sciences courses they will be taking  and for some it will be their first as well. So its a really important role that we play to give them some kind of context they might need, some of the perspectives they might not get from some of their other classes.

For students who major in the humanities and social sciences, an associate degree is a springboard, not a destination, where Great Bay represents the beginning of an educational journey. All the humanities coursework at Great Bay emphasizes transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities, and Dr. Huard noted that Great Bay recently introduced a new transfer agreement with the University of New Hampshire College of Health and Human Services.

Most of our history majors come to us with the intention of transferring to a four-year institution, and we are set up to do that, said Dr. Fansler.

That is true in English, as well. When I started at Great Bay almost 10 years ago, we did not have an English major, Dr. Hinnov said. And now the courses we are teaching here in English are equivalent to those offered at UNH.

Increasingly, Great Bay provides its humanities majors with research opportunities that help prepare and qualify them for their educational and career aspirations. This past summer, four Great Bay students and two faculty members participated in Andrew J. Mellon Foundation-funded New Hampshire Humanities Collaborative research projects.

Their research was well received at the conference, and they were encouraged to refine their work and prepare a paper for publication. Were fine-tuning it now and finishing the editing, said former GBCC student Marianne J. Collins who graduated in August 2022 with an associate degree in psychology. She is currently working toward her bachelors through Southern New Hampshire University and, based on Dr. Huards advice and encouragement, hopes to go for her Ph.D. and become a research psychologist.

Former GBCC student Ryan Shaheen, who also presented Mellon Foundation-funded research intends to work as a nurse practitioner. Graduating from Great Bay with a psychology degree in 2022, he is slated to graduate next from UNH with a bachelors in psychology, and then pursue a masters degree.

For people to invest in my ability to do meaningful research was a huge compliment, said Shaheen. The support was an honor and made a great impact on my attitude as far as where I am and where I want to go in my journey as an academic.

Winnacunnet High School students participate in 'Sparks Fly' poetry event

Alison Cross presents during "Sparks Fly."

NORTH HAMPTON  Superintendent Meredith Nadeau and Principal William McGowan wish to highlight the Winnacunnet Regional High School Poetry Club and its recent Sparks Fly reading event.

About 20 students and faculty members participated in the Nov. 16 event hosted by Spark, the WHS literary magazine.

Readers shared both well-known poems and original works to an audience of students, parents, grandparents, and staff members.

Poetry Club members and advisors are looking forward to organizing another similar event in the near future.

Poetry readers included students Ben Box, Ellie Box, Hollow Connor, Alison Cross, Camden David, Kierra Martin-Biggs, Maddie Mathews, Dylan Maynard, Marius Moecklin, and Aodhan Otterson, and Spark Advisors Katherine Ash and Yekaterina McKenney, and teachers Madeline Mullen and Bryan Yeaton.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: GBCC students graduate with essential skills: Education news
A Georgia middle school teacher was arrested last week and accused of threatening to behead a student who told him the Israeli flag in his classroom was offensive, authorities said.

Benjamin Reese, 51, a seventh grade teacher at Warner Robins Middle School, was arrested Dec. 8 on charges of terroristic threats and cruelty to children in the third degree, according to the Houston County Sheriffs Office.

An incident report from the sheriffs office lists 18 juvenile witnesses and multiple teachers and adults who overheard Reeses alleged comments on Dec. 7.

teacher arrested terroristic threats to student (Google Maps)

One witness told police they heard Reese tell a student that he was going to cut her head off, the incident report said.

A teacher said they heard Reese yelling about a flag and calling a student antisemitic, the incident report said. The educator also told officials Reese shouted that he was going to slit the students throat, drag her outside and cut her head off, according to the report.

Reese could not immediately be reached for comment Friday afternoon. He posted $7,500 bond Sunday and was released from the Houston County Detention Center, according to a representative of the facility.

He requested a public defender, but no attorney had filed to represent him as of Friday, according to the district attorneys office in Houston County.

The Houston County School District said that Reese has not returned to the middle school since the incident last week. In a statement, it said district teachers are required to follow a code of ethics, and if there is an accusation the code was broken, the district investigates and responds appropriately.

Safety and the well-being of our students and staff is our number one priority, the statement said.

The student who was the focus of Reeses comments told an officer with the sheriffs office assigned to the school that she and two friends were walking past Reeses classroom when she noticed the Israeli flag. The three students went into the classroom to ask about the flag because she found it offensive, the incident report said.

Reese told the student he had the flag because he was Jewish and has family members that still live there, the incident report said.

The student then told Reese she found the flag offensive because Israelis are killing Palestinians. Reese then began asking if she denied the right of Israel to exist and called the student antisemitic, the incident report said.

The students then left the classroom and were followed by Reese who shouted vulgarities at them in the hallway, according to the incident report.

The officer assigned to the school and the schools principal confronted Reese while he was preparing to leave his classroom, the incident report said.

Reese said he called the student antisemitic, the incident report said.

He went on to say that he has not said anything racist, the report states.

When the officer began questioning Reese, he stopped talking about his alleged comments, the report said.

Tension has been high in the country and throughout the world since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7. Since then, there have been many alleged anti-Arab and alleged antisemitic attacks reported throughout the nation.

The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, known as CAIR, said in a statement: We welcome the swift action against Benjamin Reese including the charges and arrest in connection with the horrific threats he allegedly made to a child.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Xi urges Guangxi to write its chapter in Chinese modernization

Xinhua) 09:09, December 16, 2023

NANNING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has urged Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to free the mind, innovate, promote ocean-oriented economy, and further opening up and development during an inspection tour to the southern Chinese region from Thursday to Friday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the coastal region to write its chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

On Wednesday, Xi returned to China after a state visit to Vietnam. From Thursday to Friday, he went to places including Nanning, capital city of the region, and Laibin City.

Inspecting the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. in Nanning, Xi pointed out that the building of the China-ASEAN Information Harbor is an important measure to promote Belt and Road cooperation, as well as to enhance connectivity between China and ASEAN countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, communicates with residents while inspecting the Panlong community in Liangqing District, Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Visiting the Panlong community in Nanning, Xi said that communities are the basic units of grassroots self-governance, as well as the foundation of the country's governance system.

Xi said that Guangxi's efforts to build a demonstration zone for forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should start from the community level, calling on the region to further enhance ethnic unity.

Upon leaving the community, Xi said that it will further benefit Guangxi's opening up and development to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance.

Noting that Guangxi is an autonomous region with the largest population of ethnic minorities in China, Xi said that no ethnic group should be left behind in the building of a modern socialist country in all respects.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects a sugarcane base in Laibin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

On Thursday afternoon, Xi inspected the city of Laibin. While visiting a sugarcane base in the city, he noted that Guangxi, the country's major sucrose production base, should further develop its characteristic sugar industry so as to play a bigger role in ensuring national sugar security and increasing sugarcane farmers' income.

He also urged more efforts in building modern agriculture industrial parks.

China's sugar industry is faced with fierce international competition, Xi said while visiting a local sugar company, calling for efforts in boosting sci-tech innovation, extending the industrial chain and increasing added value to promote the high-quality development of the industry.

On Friday morning, Xi heard a briefing on the work of the regional Party committee and government.

Xi said Guangxi should modernize the industrial system at a faster pace, and build several pillar industries featuring local characteristics and strengths, a rather large scale and strong radiation effect. The region is urged to give full play to its geographic advantage and boost maritime economy and port industry.

The region should put scientific and technological innovation in a more prominent position, constantly expand opening up to the domestic and international markets, and build a more dynamic open economy, Xi stressed.

Xi urged greater efforts to build Guangxi into an important strategic hinterland of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

It is necessary to jointly build the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and implement a number of major transportation infrastructure projects, the president said.

He called on Guangxi to actively serve the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and deeply integrate into the joint construction of the Belt and Road.

Noting that rural revitalization is a basic project for building up China's strength in agriculture, Xi said Guangxi should implement related plans and make solid progress.

He also urged Guangxi to give full play to its advantages of rich resources and vigorously develop modern characteristic agricultural industries.

Xi urged the region to carry out all its work with a focus on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and to continue taking a pioneering role in promoting ethnic unity and progress.

To promote the common prosperity for all, it is imperative to steadily narrow the gaps between urban and rural areas, and among various regions and ethnic groups, Xi added.

Xi pointed out that the key to delivering solid outcomes in all areas of work lies in upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership.

At the turn of the year, Party committees and governments at all levels must work to ensure a safe and joyful holiday for the people, Xi stressed.

Noting that widespread moderate to heavy snowfalls have occurred in regions such as North China and Yellow and Huaihe river basins, affecting both production and daily lives of the people, Xi called on all localities and relevant departments to closely monitor the situation and strive to minimize the impact.

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, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

On Friday morning, Xi met with senior officers of the armed forces stationed in Nanning. Zhang Youxia also attended the meeting.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16)  Miss Philippines Yllana Marie Aduana donned an outfit inspired by Maria Makiling for her national costume in Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam.

Aduana paid tribute to the Philippine mythological goddess that protects the Mount Makiling, which is located at her home province of Laguna.

Her national costume was mostly made of recycled materials including food containers that were cut into leaf-like structures.

The green skirt-like part of her ensemble resembles the famed mountain in Luzon.

A medical technology graduate of Centro Escolar University-Makati, Aduana is a licensed medical laboratory scientist and model by profession.

The Siniloan, Laguna-born beauty advocates for using education as a platform to help fight climate change.

This is not the first time Aduana wore a gown made from recycled materials. In one of the events of the international beauty pageant, she wowed everyone with her blue evening gown made of zippers.

The coronation night will happen on Dec. 22 as Aduana aims for the countrys fifth Miss Earth crown.

The reigning Miss Earth is Mina Sue Choi of South Korea.
A Georgia woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the physical, mental, and emotional abuse of her three stepchildren, according to officials.

Nora Rodgers pleaded guilty on Oct. 9 to nine counts of Cruelty to Children in the First degree, the Newton County District Attorney's Office announced in a press release.

In October 2020, law enforcement responded to Rodgers' home after a concerned relative reported her, according to the release. The children  ages nine, eight and six  were found with signs of physical abuse, including bruising and swelling.

The nine-year-old boy had a black eye and severe bruising on his legs and the eight-year-old girl had bruises covering her body and scrapes and marks from physical punishments.

GEORGIA WOMAN FIGHTS MURDER CASE AFTER KILLING STRANGER IN CITIZEN'S ARREST

The six-year-old girl suffered the most significant physical injuries, according to the district attorney's office. She had scrapes, swelling and bruising covering her entire body, as well as a broken elbow. She also suffered severe internal injuries from the beatings, which could have led to her death and required treatment by Children's Healthcare of Atlantas trauma team.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The children were forced to do extreme bootcamp-style exercises, including running laps, doing squats with large logs from the yard and jumping jacks, for extended periods of time to the point of exhaustion and injury. Rodgers would often make them perform these exercises in the middle of the night and in the summer heat.

If the children failed to perform the exercises to Rodgers' standards, she would beat them.

The Department of Family and Children Services had previously told Rodgers she may not use exercise or corporal punishment, but that did not deter her.

The three children were also found malnourished, as Rodgers would underfeed them and withhold food as a form of punishment. She would impose time limits for them to eat their meals and she would blend their solid foods into a drink, so they could eat faster.

Notably, Rodgers' three biological children, who were also living in the home, were not subjected to the same feeding restrictions or physical exercises as her stepchildren.

3 DEAD, 1 HURT IN ATLANTA APARTMENT SHOOTING

Nora Rodgers was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the physical, mental, and emotional abuse of her three stepchildren.

All six children were removed from the home and placed in foster care after law enforcement became involved.

During a sentencing hearing on Dec. 12, Rodgers was sentenced to 60 years on probation, with the first 30 years to be served in prison. Impact statements from the child victims, foster parents, a social worker, and the children's grandmother explaining how Rodgers' abuse affected the children were delivered during the hearing.

"The dedicated work of the prosecution team led to a result that guarantees that the victims will be well into adulthood before Rodgers gets out of prison," District Attorney Randy McGinley said in a statement. "The DA's Office sought justice for the victims but also that Rodgers would be in prison long enough that she could not harm these children or any other children. The prosecutors hard work led to a guilty plea with an appropriate sentence without the children having to testify at length and relive the abuse they faced."

"A special thanks goes to the foster parents who cared for the children after their abuse and family of the children who reported the abuse," the statement continued. "While Rodgers put herself above the well-being of the kids, so many others fought for them."





Original article source: Georgia mother sentenced 30 years for subjecting children to physical abuse, extreme exercise, limited food
German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems will open a research and development (R&D) center in Ukraine, tech news outlet DOU reported on Dec. 14.

Quantum Systems is the company behind advanced Vector reconnaissance drones, 152 of which have been provided to Ukraine by the German government.

The Digital Transformation Ministry announced on Dec. 8 that the company planned to establish drone production facilities in Ukraine and had joined the Diia City portal, a special "economic zone" for taxation, legislation, and employment benefits tailored for local and foreign tech firms.

The center will start with producing spare parts for drones, followed by assembling complete drones within a few years, Country Chief Operational Officer Olexandr Berezhny told DOU.

"The Ukrainian R&D unit will grow, it will combine software and hardware engineering," Berezhny said. The company will be looking to hire Ukrainian specialists.

The company opened a Service, Support, Training, and Logistics Center in Ukraine in the spring of 2023, where Ukrainians are trained to operate Vector drones.

Quantum Systems provided the city of Kyiv with 100 tactical drones to pass along to the front line, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Sept. 16.

Klitschko said the agreement was reached with an investor and Quantum Systems' leadership at the annual Stern Stewart Institute summit in Germany.

Read also: Update: Zelensky arrives in Germany, visits US military base

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
GERMANTOWN, Md. (DC News Now)  Waters Landing Elementary School was placed on lockdown Friday afternoon after a report of a person with a gun near the school.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP) said in a post shortly before 4:20 p.m. that it was investigating the report.

Third arrest in deadly shooting in Montgomery Village

In another post at 4:35 p.m., MCDP said that the lockdown had been lifted. Officers stayed at the schools campus for dismissal.

Police did not give any other details about the incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Russias invasion of Ukraine led Germany to reconsider how it prioritises defence spending - Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Germany is looking into ways to bring back conscription after the countrys defence minister said that abolishing it had been a mistake.

The defence ministry in Berlin is evaluating models to bring back military service, as it struggles to attract recruits at a time when it is seeking to boost troop numbers.

Boris Pistorius, the defence Minister, confirmed on Saturday that he was looking at all options.

Im looking at alternative models, such as the Swedish model, where all young men and women are conscripted and only a select few end up doing their basic military service, he told Die Welt newspaper.

Boris Pistorius, the German defence minister, is looking at alternative models' of conscription - RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images

Sweden brought back conscription in 2017 in response to the increased military threat from Russia.

About 4,000 young men and women are called up every year and draft dodgers have been put in jail.

Whether something like that would also be conceivable here is part of our deliberations, Mr Pistorius said.

Russias invasion of Ukraine led Germany to make an about-turn on how it prioritises defence spending, which had been largely neglected since the end of the Cold War.

Mr Pistorius has been handed the tricky task of reforming the army which has been plagued by inefficient bureaucracy and outdated kit.

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, right, opposes reintroducing conscription - KAY NIETFELD/POOL/AFP/Getty Images

As part of the modernisation, Berlin has a target of increasing troop numbers from 180,000 today to more than 200,000 by 2031.

Germany stopped conscription, which used to apply to all male school leavers, as recently as 2011. The government of the time argued that it had become too expensive.

Mr Pistorius, of the Social Democrats, said that decision had been a mistake in hindsight, but he admitted that too few German MPs agree with him, meaning that he would struggle to bring it back in its old form.

A debate over whether to reintroduce military service has been bubbling along in Germany for several years.

Bad idea

The opposition Christian Democrats, a party of the centre-Right, have proposed a compulsory year of service that could also include social work.

In February, Olaf Scholz, the chancellor, made clear that he opposed reintroducing conscription, describing it as a bad idea.

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Germany has handed over a Patriot air defense system, Patriot missiles, and more ammunition to Ukraine, the German government announced on Dec. 14.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Dec. 13 that the Patriot system previously pledged by Berlin would be deployed in Ukraine and operational by the end of 2023. It is the second Patriot system provided by Germany to Ukraine.

Patriot systems are vital in protecting Ukraine's airspace, as they have proven effective even against advanced Russian ballistics such as Kinzhal missiles.

Germany also handed over 7,390 additional rounds of 155mm ammunition, 14 more drone detection systems, eight more off-road Zetros trucks, and three more mine clearing systems.

In recent months, Germany has supplied Ukraine with Patriot, IRIS-T, and Gepard air defenses.

In the fall, Scholz pledged to send an additional Patriot as allies rushed to bolster Ukraine's air defenses for the winter.

Ukraine expects Russia to conduct an intense missile and drone campaign against critical infrastructure across the country in the colder months.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said in its Dec. 10 report that the coordinated Russian missile strike against Kyiv and central Ukraine on Dec. 7 was likely "the start of a more concerted campaign" aimed at degrading energy infrastructure.

Read also: Dozens left without a home as Russian strike damages apartment building in Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Gilbert police, despite dodging questions about a string of teen attacks, reopened a shelved investigation into the beating of a student by members of the "Gilbert Goons" the day after an Arizona Republic report.

The boy's father said Friday that police notified him the case was active again, months after it was set aside as "inactive pending additional investigative leads."

"Well, in fact, since media's helped, they have now assigned a detective to my case," Richard Kuehner said. "Go figure."

Kuehner, who sent his son to live overseas out of fear for his safety, expressed frustration over the police response to his son's attack, which he said the assailants filmed and posted on social media.

"I could have solved this myself," he said.

Brass knuckles, beatings, fear: Random attacks on teens loom over Preston Lord murder case

Gilbert's police chief did not explain why his department failed for more than a year to connect attacks on teenagers by the Goons gang.

Chief Michael Soelberg said victims of the attacks never specifically mentioned the name of the gang when they called police  and the department does not have police reports associating the Goons "to any alleged criminal activity."

The Republic first reported on the attacks, which were strikingly similar, often occurred at the same location, and involved similar victims and the same perpetrators, who posted photos and videos of beatings on social media.

Gilbert is ground zero for the Goons, a group of more than 20 mostly white, affluent teenagers who have left high school students hospitalized and traumatized. Southeast Valley parents and students, as well as community organizers, say members of the group were involved in the Oct. 28 fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord in Queen Creek.

None of the Goons has been arrested or named as suspects in Lord's case, which remains unsolved.

The "Goonies," as they sometimes call themselves, have carried out random assaults on teenagers in mall parking lots, outside fast-food restaurants, at parks and at house parties, according to interviews, court and police records and social media posts.

The Republic documented seven attacks involving members of the Goons, although several more are alleged by parents and students. At least four attacks occurred at the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger at San Tan Village Parkway and East Williams Field Road.

But police never put the attacks under the same umbrella or tied them to the Goons, interviews and court records show. Even when police arrested a Goon for two vicious attacks with brass knuckles in 2022, officers did not tie him to the larger group of assailants described by victims.

Police chief avoids interview requests; department posts webpage

Police officials did not answer questions about whether they were investigating the Goons. However, on Friday, they said they were actively reviewing assault cases.

The department launched a webpage Friday on "Teen Violence Investigations." The site features frequently asked questions about the attacks. In the FAQ, officials say, "We are actively reviewing our assault cases involving youth to see if there is any additional information or correlation between these incidents that can assist us with our past investigations."

Soelberg declined multiple interview requests. A department spokesperson said he was out of the office and unavailable on Friday.

Earlier in the week, Soelberg appeared to criticize parents and victims' actions in sharing information about assaults on social media, saying they should instead contact authorities "to avoid potentially creating online confusion or misinformation."

In the past week, the department issued seemingly contradictory statements about the attacks and the Goons.

A police official on Dec. 11 would not say if the department was aware of the Goons, only that it did "not have documented incidents associated with that group name."

On Dec. 13, the Gilbert Town Council said police were aware of social media posts about a group of Gilbert individuals "who have been targeting teens in the East Valley."

On Dec. 14, Soelberg used the term "Gilbert Goons" for the first time. He said the department became aware of it via "recent social media references." In a follow-up statement, a police spokesperson said they learned about the Goons "around the time" of Lord's death.

On Dec. 15, a town spokesperson said the department beefed up patrols this year at In-N-Out in response to assaults.

"Gilbert police officers noticed an increase of incidents of assaults involving juveniles at the In-N-Out in Gilbert," Jennifer Harrison said. "However, while the location was similar, according to our reports, each incident involved different individuals."

There were no documented references in reports about the Gilbert Goons, she said.

Kuehner and parents of other victims said they didn't know about the Goons at the time of the attacks and never would have known to report the group's name to the police.

Katey McPherson, a former teacher and school counselor who has organized #Justice4PrestonLord events, said she is frustrated with the police response. They are not acting proactively, she said.

"I don't love that kids who are being brutally beaten should have to come forward and report what happened," McPherson said. "Why is it on the victim to come forward and report when we have informed you about what is going on?"

Gilbert mayor won't talk, but Town Council members react

Mayor Brigette Peterson on Friday declined to comment and questioned why she was being contacted on her cellphone.

Peterson referred questions to a statement that her office put out, which expressed support for law enforcement and promised to find truth and seek justice for victims.

Aiming for conviction: Queen Creek police say they are working to gather 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' in Preston Lord case

Councilmember Jim Torgeson on Friday condemned the attacks.

"It's not acceptable. Every one of them deserves to bear the full force of the law," he said. "They deserve even more than that, but that's probably the best we can hope for. The full force of the judicial system to come down on them."

Torgeson said the attacks have changed families' lives and said he was "appalled" that some of the attackers could be "our neighbor's kids."

He disputed claims on social media that the attackers were being protected by police or elected officials because of their wealth and connections.

Torgeson said he had full confidence in Soelberg, saying the chief was not taking the situation lightly.

"I know the rank-and-file guys are upset," Torgeson said. "They don't want to be seen as doing a poor job."

Councilmember Chuck Bongiovanni echoed Torgeson and said Gilbert police are "doing their best," adding more people should come out with evidence about the assaults.

Preston Lord's aunt: 'It's everything we haven't been able to say'

Preston Lord's aunt, Melissa Lord, shared The Republic's article on social media and said she was grateful for the report.

"It's everything we haven't been able to say," Lord said in a video on Instagram.

She said the family has been receiving information for weeks about the Goons but has refrained from sharing it.

"We've been getting this information for the last six weeks and haven't been able to say anything because we don't want to hurt the case in any way," she said. "So I'm glad it's out there, and people can start hopefully putting the pieces together."

Visibly upset and choking back tears, Lord said her family was reeling from The Republic's report and the accounts of victims.

"I'm just so tired of it  I'm just  it's not fair. I don't understand," she said. "It's been six weeks, and I know it's nowhere close to being over, but I'm so over it. It's a whole other level of grief. It's not fair. It's not fair to his parents and to his sister and to his grandparents and his cousins, me and his uncle."

More about the Lord case: What we know about Preston Lord, the Queen Creek teen fatally assaulted at party

Robert Anglen is an investigative reporter for The Republic. Reach him at robert.anglen@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8694. Follow him on X @robertanglen.

Reach reporter Elena Santa Cruz at elena.santacruz@gannett.com or 480-466-2265. Follow her on X at @ecsantacruz3.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gilbert police reopen 'Goon' attack case after Republic report
In response to a shooting incident on Burroughs Avenue in Glynn County, the Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) has initiated a manhunt for the suspected shooter, identified as Jody Daniel Cobb, a 34-year-old male.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The incident occurred on Sunday, December 10th, at around 4:08 pm, when GCPD received a distress call reporting a shooting at a residence. After the incident, hospital security alerted Glynn County Dispatch after a man arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm.

Upon arrival at the scene, GCPD Patrol Officers gathered an initial statement from the victim, revealing that the shooting transpired during a verbal altercation over marijuana.

The victim reported that Cobb, the alleged shooter, brandished a handgun and fired at him before fleeing the scene. The wounded individual was transported to UF Shands in Jacksonville, Florida, for further medical treatment.

GCPD Investigators identified Jody Cobb as the prime suspect in the case. Despite efforts to locate him, an attempt to find Cobb proved unsuccessful.

A Be on the lookout alert has been issued to area law enforcement agencies for Cobb, who is now wanted on warrants for aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Authorities caution that Cobb is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is urged to avoid any contact with him.

Individuals with information regarding Jody Cobbs whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Glynn County Police Department. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, Silent Witness can be reached at (912) 264-1333.

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Jerusalem (CNN)  An Al Jazeera journalist has died after being badly injured during an Israeli attack in southern Gaza and then forced to wait five hours for medical attention, the network said on Friday.

Camera operator Samer Abu Daqqa died of wounds sustained in the attack, the Qatar-based network said, adding that he was bleeding for hours before medical personnel could reach him due to heavy shelling in the city.

Al Jazeera correspondent and Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh was also injured in the attack, the Qatar-based news network said in a statement to CNN on Friday.

Dahdouh was eventually evacuated to a hospital, but Abu Daqqas injury was too severe to survive, according to Walid Alomari, Al Jazeeras bureau chief for Jerusalem and the West Bank. Too many in Gaza bleed and die because ambulances cant reach them, he said.

Al Jazeera said it did not have further information about Abu Daqqas injuries due to poor telecommunications in the area.

The network went on to accuse the Israeli forces of targeting its journalists and families in a statement on Friday.

The network holds Israel accountable for systematically targeting and killing Al Jazeera journalists and their families, the statement said.

CNN cannot independently verify the allegations. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for comment but has not immediately heard back.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) data, Abu Daqqa is the first Al Jazeera journalist to have been killed in the latest Israel-Hamas conflict since October 7.

Four other Al Jazeera journalists were injured, CPJ says, including three in southern Lebanon and Dahdouh, who had also lost his wife, daughter, son and grandson in an Israeli attack on Khan Younis late October.

Al Jazeera extended its condolences to Abu Daqqas family in Gaza and Belgium in its statement, which called for accountability.

Al Jazeera urges the international community, media freedom organisations, and the International Criminal Court to take immediate action to hold the Israeli government and military accountable for these acts of carnage and crimes against humanity, the statement added.

Under fire

Abu Daqqa and Dahdouh were on assignment in the southern city of Khan Younis when they came under fire.

Dahdouh later recounted the moments leading up to the incident. He said it took place when they were heading back to an ambulance belonging to the Palestinian Civil Defense after they were done filming in an area of Khan Younis that was hard to reach.

Suddenly, something happened, a big thing, I couldnt tell what it was, I only felt something big happened and pushed me to the ground, the helmet fell and the microphone, Dahdouh told Al Jazeera while on a hospital bed before being informed his colleague had lost his life.

I saw there was an intense bleeding from my shoulder and arm, and I realized if I stayed, I will be bleeding there in that location, and no one will reach me, he added.

Dahdouh said he pushed himself to walk and eventually managed to reach Civil Defense staff hundreds of meters away.

But he said they were not able to head to where Abu Daqqa was to rescue him at the time, fearing that they could be targeted.

Al Jazeera said on air that Abu Daqqa was bleeding for five hours and no-one could reach to him due to the situation around him.

At least 17 others were killed and dozens of others were injured early Friday morning after artillery fire struck the citys Haifa school and a residential home in the area.

Three civil defense workers in Gaza whose rescue efforts at the school were being covered by the al Jazeera team were also killed, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Interior.

CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment on its military operations in the area.

Khan Younis has been heavily bombarded by the Israeli military since a fragile truce between Hamas and Israel broke down on 1 December.

The IDF on Thursday called on people in Gaza to move from parts of Khan Younis to displacement shelters in the same area to ensure safety, the latest in a series of social media messages from the IDF telling Palestinians to flee from one place to another to avoid the Israeli offensive against Hamas.

IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Ardaee posted on X telling people in Khan Younis to move from several blocks in the city to three shelters for displaced people in western part of the area and warned against using eastern roads due to IDF advances.

As of December 15, preliminary investigations by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) found at least 64 journalists and media workers were among the thousands killed in Gaza since Israels siege began on October 7, following Hamas deadly terror attacks.

The majority of journalists killed in this war have been Palestinians, alongside four Israeli and three Lebanese members of the press, according to CPJ. Thirteen journalists have also been reported injured, 13 are missing, and 19 have reportedly been arrested, the organization said.

CPJ said Friday it was alarmed by the drone strike that killed Abu Daqqa and wounded Dahdouh and called on international authorities to independently investigate the attack and hold those responsible to account.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, CPJ President Jodie Ginsberg reiterated a call for the protection of journalists and emphasized the importance of their work in Gaza, which she called an unprecedented challenge.

Were really only left with Gaza journalists doing this really important documentation work, she said.

Why dont you join your family abroad?

Abu Daqqas colleagues have been paying tribute to his bravery following his death, with Al Jazeera investigative reporter Tamer Al-Mishal describing him as professional and a great cameraman and editor [who] doesnt fear anything.

I spoke to him a few days ago and told him Why dont you join your family abroad? And he told me they will be back soon when this war is over, Al-Mishal said.

Abu Daqqa had decided not to leave Gaza, Al-Mishal added, noting that the cameraman had worked for more than 20 years for Al Jazeera.

Al Jazeera aired video showing the journalists friends and family crying over his body at the Al Nasser medical complex near Khan Younis. His mother Umm Maher was seen being carried by two people saying, He hasnt seen his children, he hasnt seen his children.

Abu Daqqas wife and children  three boys and a daughter  are currently in Belgium, according to Al Jazeera.

We miss a great dear friend and father of three [boys] and a girl Yes, he had an opportunity to work in Belgium, but he favored his beloved Gaza over Belgium, Alomari said.

Hiba Akila, another colleague of Abu Daqqa, remembered him as a cheerful co-worker.

Samer was not only an optimistic, joyful person who loved life, but he was also a journalist who upholds his journalistic mission, always giving us a boost whenever we felt pain and desperation, said the Al Jazeera correspondent in a broken voice as she reported live from Rafah on Friday night.

When we were supporting and comforting Samer that soon he will meet his family, he would say, I will not go to them, they will come here, and we will be together in Gaza, she added.
Jackie Goldman is an organizer with Jewish Voices for Peace  RI and wrote this with members of Brown Universitys Palestine Solidarity Caucus.

Almost as soon as Israel began its most recent genocidal assault in Gaza, the people of Providence and the state sprang into action to push for a ceasefire. None of the Democrats elected to represent Rhode Island in Congress have signed on to legislation for a permanent ceasefire despite that an overwhelming number of voters, including 80% of Democrats, support one.

On Oct. 21, hundreds gathered at the State House in pouring rain. On Oct. 25, Brown Universitys Palestine Solidarity Caucus and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), along with Rhode Island School of Design's SJP, organized a walkout of 500 students, followed by walkouts on Nov. 8 and Nov. 17. The Party for Socialism and Liberation has been holding nearly weekly pickets of Textron, a local weapons manufacturer benefiting from Israels genocide. Activists with Jewish Voices for Peace  Rhode Island and Rhode Islanders for Palestine have gone to congressional offices to deliver letters and staged a die-in. Activists with FANG Collective along with health care professionals interrupted Sen. Jack Reed at a health summit.

More: Brown University celebrates legacy of activism, but today's protesters feel ignored

Widespread support for Palestine is no different on university campuses. A campus-wide letter calling for Brown to support a ceasefire, divest from weapons businesses, and to protect students has over 2,000 signatures; and RISD students have done the same. Fifty student groups at Brown have signed on to a statement of solidarity with Palestine and many have organized their own teach-ins. An open letter organized by Brown University Alumni For Palestine has over 1,500 signatures. Twenty students who organized as Brown University Jews For Ceasefire Now and peacefully occupied a university building were arrested on Nov. 9.

Several hundred people turned out for the "All Out for Palestine" rally and march at the Rhode Island State House on Oct. 21.

We have not seen this many different groups organizing for a single goal in Rhode Island since the murder of George Floyd. You have to wonder why our government officials and institutional leaders are ignoring our protests, walkouts and actions.

Rhode Island institutions continue to benefit and grow richer as people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank suffer. In refusing to divest from Textron  a company that sold over $3.5 billion worth of weapons in 2020  Brown University is not only ignoring the overwhelming call of its students, but also profiting from genocide with its endowment of $7.7 billion and simultaneously raising the cost of tuition year over year.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, Rhode Islands newest congressman, received $3,250 in campaign contributions from Raytheon employees, including $1,000 from Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power for Raytheon. Rhode Islands taxpayer dollars alone sent $11,516,808 to Israel for weapons in 2020, according to the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, yet at the same time, politicians tell us that there is no money for housing or health care. Our leaders apparently assume that their constituencies will continue to support them while they enable genocide, but that is simply not the case.

More: Brown University arrests 41 student protesters at sit-in calling for divestment

As of Dec. 6, more than 600 people and nine organizations have signed on to a joint petition started by Jewish Rhode Islanders and allies to call for a permanent ceasefire. The cross-organizational support for the petition demonstrates unity and urgent public desire for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to military aid to Israel. Petitions also serve as a tool to hold our elected representatives accountable to use their power in keeping with the public will  in this case, to end the bloodshed.

We will use every lever of power we have  whether that is stopping donations to Brown University, shutting down infrastructure, or running oppositional candidates  until there is a permanent ceasefire and an end to military aid to Israel, until all Palestinians have the full right to safety, freedom of movement and self-determination.

The more that these local institutions and our federal elected officials ignore our rage, the harder we will fight.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: We have not seen this many different groups organizing for a single goal in Rhode Island since the murder of George Floyd.
Not long after the Hamas onslaught of October 7 when Israel was preparing the way for its ground invasion in Gaza with heavy air bombardment, the world was gearing up. Not only for the ongoing mass rallies, poster and vandalism campaigns demonising and mocking Israel and Jews and praising Hamas either explicitly or in so many words, but with the more respectable arguments about how this is all a highly localised problem caused by the occupation of Palestinian land and general Israeli aggression.

I spoke to friends in Israel on the phone and they were uniformly horrified  and upset  by the coverage of events in the Anglosphere. The stinging injustice of rampant anti-Israel bias and spiteful misrepresentation of the facts in outlets like the BBC, Sky and CBS appalled them. But they were also shocked at the small-mindedness, the fundamental misunderstanding of the reality and the history by Western reporters and commentators. What they dont seem to get is that Hamas isnt just our problem, said my friend Daniela, who lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and three children. Say they destroy us. What then? Theyll set about destroying you.

Hamas is your problem too has since been repeated by Netanyahu and taken up outside Israel too. In Massachusetts last week visiting my parents, I saw billboards on the highway outside Boston with the same message.

But such an argument has carried little traction in a world dominated by media cultures that prefer to blame Israel for absolutely everything, even Hamas savagery; that legitimise by whatever means possible the harming and killing of Jews, and that exclude Jews from the rights and respect scrupulously policed where other minorities, such as trans people, are concerned. As the ongoing scandal at elite US universities makes clear, the Diversity and Inclusion regime works to protect and excuse terrible behaviour from certain minorities and to foster a culture of menace towards the most harmed minority in Western history.

The wilful stupidity of the consensus that Hamas is Israels problem  which means Israels fault  and nothing to do with a sweeping and committed anti-Semitism and anti-Westernism was highlighted last week, when news emerged of a major Hamas plot to kill Jews in Europe. News that went widely unreported all day by many of the worlds most prominent news outlets.

It was an extraordinary story. Five people were arrested in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands on Thursday after police foiled a plot that was, in the words of the Danish prime minister, as serious as it gets. German prosecutors said the group had orders to bring weapons from a cache in Europe to Berlin with the express intent of attacking Jewish institutions. Meanwhile, the Community Security Trust, the UKs Jewish security advisory and analysis service, said that while there is no evidence yet that the plot has a British dimension, the implications were  obviously  sinister for Jews in Britain.

Contrary to what the Hamas-apologists claim, this has never just been about Israel. Anti-Jewish fervour has always been central to the terror-based Palestinian resistance struggle. Even if you choose to ignore the Holocaust-celebrating placards at post October 7 pro-Palestine protests, it is commonplace in such circles to refer to Jew interchangeably with Zionist  often as a kind of vermin who should be eradicated. The news last week of Hamas expanding its operations to target Jews outside of Israel was only interesting in that it signalled a new global reach. And that makes it interesting  and worrying. The underreporting of this expansion by newspapers  the Telegraph excluded  beggars belief.

Crucially, its not just Jews who are in grave danger when groups like Hamas grow in strength and number. Anyone and everyone in the West are also targets, as Al-Qaeda showed on 9/11, the assorted jihadists who carried out 7/7, and the many dozens of Islamic terror attacks on the West since have shown. Israel is always the canary in the coal mine and the rest of the world ignores its perils and pain at its own risk.

The techniques of modern terrorism evolved from Palestinian attacks on Israel, from whence spread suicide bombing of civilians (begun in earnest on a bus in the Israeli city of Afua in 1994); axe and knife attacks in broad daylight on the street, and hitting civilians with cars or trucks. All of these techniques have characterised Islamist terror attacks in Europe, the UK since and the US. Unchecked, they will evolve further.

Groups bent on destroying the West by murdering large numbers and keeping us in a state of fear learn much from the Palestinian struggle. Hamas may be only one of a large gang of jihadi terrorist groups now operating here, but their butchery in Israel, and wily fighting since, in tunnels and behind civilian shields, plus their advanced use of technology, will be closely studied  and copied.

Allowing Hamas to win will be terrible for Israel. But it will also be terrible for the world, as we will be forced to confront when the next plot isnt foiled.

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South Fulham Business Association has said the vast majority of trade has seen as 'negative' loss in revenue due to LTN - HEATHCLIFF O'MALLEY

A Labour council has been accused of being undemocratic and secretive after businesses were told some votes count more than others in a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) consultation.

The South Fulham Business Association has written to London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) claiming it has shown a clear bias in favour of residents living within two controversial LTNs.

The letter, sent to Cllr Stephen Cowan, the council leader, explains how the vast majority of local businesses neighbouring the LTNs surrounding Wandsworth Bridge Road and New Kings Road had experienced negative or extremely negative losses in revenue since some local roads were closed to through traffic.

However, when the group, which represents 120 businesses, met council officials to discuss the loss of trade worsening of traffic congestion and air quality, they claim they were told a survey would be carried out but some of those votes will count more than others.

The letter claims the council officials then stated that those living inside the LTN would count more because they were most affected.

Clear bias

The business group wrote: We feel that this statement shows a clear bias with the council in favour of those living on quiet side streets, and against those who are perhaps less able to afford such comfortable, neighbourhood living arrangements. Such a bias is thoroughly undemocratic and is of serious concern to businesses and residents alike.

They have demanded Mr Cowan ensure any consultation about the trial LTNs include those dealing with the negative effects and not just those affluent streets benefiting from the scheme.

Critics of LTNs complain that closing roads to through traffic forces traffic and pollution onto busy boundary roads, slows up bus times and causes a reduction in visits to local shops.

The business group also complained that the council has repeatedly refused to release air quality data and the number of fines it has issued to motorists caught out by newly closed roads.

They wrote that they had repeatedly requested air quality data from LBHF in the hope of determining the efficacy of the clean air neighbourhood scheme, but the Freedom of Information request was turned down because the council planned to publish the stats only when it felt it was right.

Quieter and safer streets

The councils response said it was important [the data] can be accessed simultaneously by the general public rather than piecemeal by disclosure to a small number of individuals under the Freedom of Information Act.

Asking exactly when the council would release the data, they added: We feel it is a far greater public service to have a democratically elected council that is transparent and honest with its constituents; not one that is secretive and undemocratic in its practices.

Asked whether the council was biased and secretive, a LBHF spokesman said: The Clean Air Neighbourhood trials were designed by residents to end a decades-old congestion and pollution problem in the streets of South Fulham.

Currently, the area to the west of Wandsworth Bridge Road has seen a reduction of over 7,000 vehicles a day using the side streets, resulting in 0.65 tons less of deadly nitrogen oxide polluting the streets and 0.9 tons less of climate-damaging carbon emissions every day.

Residents, street-by-street, are writing in to tell us that South Fulham is a nicer place to live, that their streets are quieter and safer, and that the air is cleaner. It is clear through emails and write-ins that residents in the area overwhelmingly support the scheme.

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Police have arrested four people and seized hundreds of items in a county-wide crackdown on tool thefts.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said since August it had more than 100 reports of vans being broken into and tools being stolen.

Officers found a large haul of stolen tools on 30 November at a market stall in West London.

The four people who were arrested have since been released on bail and police investigations are ongoing.

The force is in the process of reuniting owners with any stolen tools it has found.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "Offences are primarily concentrated around the east of the county and up the A3 corridor, taking place when it's dark in the evenings or overnight, but we have seen offences all over Hampshire."

A 60-year-old man from Surrey and a 24-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from a motor vehicle.

Also arrested were a 26-year-old man from Bedfordshire, on suspicion of theft, and a 26-year-old man from Buckinghamshire on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

They have all now been released on bail.

Police said to limit the risk of theft people can mark tools so they can be easily returned, remove them from vehicles overnight, and use small cameras to record within vehicles.

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COSHOCTON  Hank the Horse and his handlers will be ringing the bell for the Coshocton Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday at Buehler's Fresh Foods, 830 S. Second St.

Hank lasted visited the area in June at the Coshocton Public Library.

Coshocton native Tammi Regan, who now lives in Kentucky, rescued an emaciated Hank from a muddy, abandoned field when he was 3-years-old. Not knowing anything about horses at the time, Regan was told by many that there was no way she cold train him and Hank would never amount to anything.

Today, Regan spearheads For Hank's Sake, a non-profit organization that encourages children to read aloud. Regan calls Hank a good listener who enjoys hearing kids read to him. The Tennessee Walking Horse is 17 hands tall and 1,400 pounds.

For Hank's Sank rescues neglected and unwanted horses that are housed at BraveHearts Equine Center in Paris, Kentucky.

Hank's ringing the bell in Coshocton coincides with the birthday of Regan's late father. At least $500 will also be donated from Hank's supporters and friends in Kentucky.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Hank the Horse coming back to Coshocton for the Salvation Army
Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen are among the five most popular politicians in France, says a poll - Chesnot/Getty

Hard-Right figures are enjoying a surge in popularity in France and now make up three of the countrys top five favourite politicians, a survey shows.

A poll released by Ipsos has placed National Rally leader Marine Le Pen in third place, followed by her deputy Jordan Bardella.

Ms Le Pens niece, Marion Marechal, who in 2022 deserted her party in favour of the hardline anti-Islam figure Eric Zemmour, came in fifth.

Leading the list was Gabriel Attal, Frances youthful education minister.

Separate polling showed that Mr Bardella had jumped 15 places to sixth most popular politician over the past month.

French far-Right leader Marine Le Pen is number three in a political popularity poll - Lewis Joly/AP

The National Rally is also polling to come first in next Junes European Parliament elections, eight points ahead of President Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance alliance.

The polling comes amid a crisis for Mr Macrons government which suffered a humiliating defeat on an immigration bill in the national parliament last week.

Le Pen teamed up with opposition to stop bill

Mr Macrons government had planned to bring in legislation that would have speeded up asylum cases while legalising undocumented migrants in sectors where the country needs workers.

However, Ms Le Pen teamed up with opposition factions across the political spectrum to make sure that the bill did not even make it to a debate.

Interior minister Gerald Darmanin offered his resignation in the aftermath, but that failed to quell calls from the opposition benches for new elections.

Ms Le Pen, 55, has made clear that she plans to have another crack at the presidency in 2027 after losing to Mr Macron in 2017 and again last year.

However, she is facing problems of her own after she was charged earlier this month in a fake jobs scandal.

Party denies misappropriating millions of euros

She faces a potential 10-year ban from serving in public office, plus a jail sentence of a similar length, after prosecutors charged her and her party of misappropriating millions of euros in EU funds.

The hard-Right party has denied the charges. It said: We formally contest the accusations made against our MEPs and parliamentary assistants, adding that Ms Le Pen has not committed any offence or irregularity.

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Nasty weather is in the cards for Central Florida on Saturday and throughout the weekend with the National Weather Service placing all of east Central Florida within a hazardous weather outlook.

A slight risk of severe storms is forecast late this afternoon and into tonight. Developing storms moving eastward across the region will be capable of strong to possibly damaging wind gusts, along with an isolated tornado or two, the NWS stated in the outlook.

The effects are coming from a low pressure system based in the Gulf of Mexico that is in its formative stage Saturday morning. Its forecast to become a gale over the eastern Gulf by Saturday night as it approaches the north Florida peninsula early Sunday reminiscent of a tropical system. Its massive rain and wind field will extend across all of Florida over the weekend including an advancing rain shield expected by midday to start.

Gov. DeSantis on Friday activated the Florida State Guard to work with state agencies if they have to react to any damage from the storm.

Persons should closely monitor weather conditions today, and be prepared to move to a indoor place of safety should a warning be issued for your location. Storms will move quickly toward the north and east, so plan ahead if you plan on traveling, or engaging in outdoor activities, forecasters said.

Conditions will deteriorate in the latter half of Saturday with damaging gusts and possible tornado formation on the central Florida peninsula a possibility from mid-afternoon until nightfall.

The track of the low will determine how much of that wind affects our area, particularly our I-4 corridor as the feature races away from the area Sunday morning, forecasters said.

The threat of flooding is lower than previously forecast but some areas could see up to 2-3 inches of rain as the system moves quickly to the north and east.

Winds along the east coast east of Interstate 95 could see gusts up to 40 mph and sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph across the region including the interior.

These effects could continue as the center of the large system moves from the Gulf of Mexico into Floridas panhandle through Sunday.

Temperatures will remain mild until a cold front hits Monday with temperatures dropping into the 40s overnight into Tuesday.

Cold wind chill readings in the upper 30s are possible for north central Florida on Monday night, forecasters said.
(CNN)  A British boy who disappeared six years ago is set to return home as early as this weekend after a driver discovered him walking along a roadside in southern France.

Alex Batty has not been seen since he was 11 years old, after being taken on holiday in Spain in 2017 with his mother, who did not have legal parental guardianship, and his grandad, according to a police appeal released in February 2019.

Batty, now aged 17, was found in Haute-Garonne, near the city of Toulouse, a spokesperson for regional authorities told CNN.

British police say they do not have details on where Batty spent the past six years, but Fabien Accidini, a French motorist who rescued Batty from the side of the road, said the boy had been living in France for the past two years in a spiritual community.

Accidini said Batty told him he was kidnapped by his mother in 2017, before spending three years in Spain and two years in France.

He told me he was kidnapped by his mother five years ago in Morocco. After that he was in Spain. And that he had been living France for the past two years in a spiritual community, Accidini told CNN affiliate BFMTV.

According to Accidini, Batty described his mother as a bit crazy.

Accidini, a chiropractic student, had been delivering medicines to pharmacies overnight when he first came across Batty. After initially giving him a false name, Batty spoke to Accidini for three hours in English and French.

He saw Batty walking along the side of a road with a skateboard, a jacket, a backpack and a flashlight, according to French broadcaster TF1. He said it was raining when he found him and stopped because he was intrigued by what the boy was doing by the road.

He told me that it had been four days that he was walking since he had left the mountains, he didnt know where, Fabien Accidini told reporters.

He was relieved to leave, to return to England, to see his grandmother again because he didnt want to live his whole life in that community, Accidini said. He wanted to have a real life with a real future.

French authorities said that Batty could return to his family in the UK as early as Saturday.

He will be returned to his family, at least his maternal grandmother, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow at the latest, Toulouse assistant public prosecutor Antoine Leroy said during a televised briefing Friday.

Leroy said that Batty told him that he decided to flee the community in which he lived, because he was worried his mother would take him to Finland. According to Leroy, she is likely there as we speak.

He himself uses the term spiritual community, Leroy said, adding that they travelled from house to house with solar panels, always car-pooling, always in places where there were large houses, where there were several families.

He doesnt describe any physical violence of any kind he doesnt describe any physical violence from anyone, nor from his mother, the French prosecutor also said.

Leroy said that the teenager is in good health. He added that his grandad had passed away about six months ago in circumstances that are not yet known.

Im so happy

Battys grandmother, Susan Caruana, his legal guardian, told the UKs The Sun newspaper that she had spoken to Alex.

I am so happy. I have spoken to him and he is well, Caruana said, adding: He is currently with the authorities in France. It is such a shock.

In the TF1 report, Accidini showed a message sent on Wednesday at 3:29 a.m. local time (9:29 p.m. ET), that Batty reportedly sent to his grandmother from the Frenchmans Facebook account.

The message read: Hello grandma it is me Alex i am in France Toulouse i really hope that you receive this message i love you i want to come home.

Greater Manchester Police in the United Kingdom said in a statement Thursday that they have been contacted regarding a possible sighting in France of Alex Batty, who went missing in 2017.

Officers in the English town of Oldham are in contact with French authorities to establish the authenticity of the report, the police added.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: This is a complex and long-running investigation, and we need to make further enquiries as well as putting appropriate safeguarding measures in place.
A British warship has shot down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea, the defence secretary has said.

HMS Diamond, a Type 45 Destroyer, successfully destroyed the target on Saturday, Grant Shapps said.

The Ministry of Defence said it was the first time in decades the Royal Navy had shot an aerial target in anger.

The MoD did not say who was behind the incident, but Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for recent attacks in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have targeted foreign ships in the area since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. They have declared support for Hamas and have said they were targeting ships travelling to Israel.

Merchant shipping was believed to be the drone's intended target in Saturday's incident, the defence secretary said.

The Red Sea lies between north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

HMS Diamond was sent to the region just two weeks ago "to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security", Mr Shapps said in a statement.

The defence secretary said the attacks represented "a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security" in the Red Sea.

"The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade," he added.

Earlier this month, the US military said the Unity Explorer, sailing under the flag of the Bahamas and owned by a British company, was among three commercial vessels targeted in an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

On Friday, shipping company Maersk told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to "pause their journey until further notice" after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

About 50 large merchant ships pass through the strait every day while double that number pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the MoD, the last time the Royal Navy shot down an aerial target in anger was in the First Gulf War in 1991, when Type 42 Destroyer HMS Gloucester destroyed an Iraqi Silkworm missile bound for a US warship.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said: "One sixth of the world's commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea.

"HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.

"The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas."
With the darkening days and holiday preparations, it can put stress on a person and lead to mental health impacts. So, a University of Missouri psychiatrist provided some ideas this week on how to combat those holiday blues.

General holiday blues  while common this time of year  and seasonal affective disorder are not the same thing, said Dr. Arpit Aggarwal. Only the latter is a diagnosable condition needing specific medical treatments.

Seasonal affective disorder actually "has genetic risk factors and treatments available," he said, which includes light therapy, prescribed medication and other therapies. People who may already have an anxiety or depression diagnosis can experience worse symptoms over the holidays as well.

"That is why it is even more important to pay attention to mental health during times of increased stress, such as the holiday season," Aggarwal said.

For those in a mental health crisis, the number to call is 988 and it connects a caller directly with local mental health partners. In Columbia it is Burrell Behavioral Health.

Burrell also has its 24/7 Rapid Access Unit in the lower level of its Stephens Lake office at 1805 E. Walnut St.

The Oak Center, a counseling provider specifically for those with frequent or recurring suicide attempts, is available at 19 E. Walnut St., Suite D.

Catholic Charities of Central and Northeast Missouri also started its own behavioral and mental health program last year.

Additional resources are available through the Missouri Department of Mental Health. People who cannot make the call also can text "Home" to 741741, the mental health crisis text line.

Emotional awareness

Whether a person has general holiday blues or seasonal affective disorder it always is good to be aware of one's emotions and how they can impact mental health. It is important to know which friends, family or mental health professionals are available for more support.

A big factor to combatting the holiday blues is practicing self care. This could be as simple as going out for a walk to get some sunlight, or writing in a journal things you are thankful for or other positive thoughts to keep an elevated mood, Aggarwal said.

"If possible, spend time in nature and do other stress management skills through deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness, as well," he said. "... Let go of the fantasy, the competition about gifts and decorations. Make a realistic list and surround yourself with people that support you."

There is no specific timeline the holiday blues as it is associated with stress. So, depending on when stress levels go up, such as toward the end of November, it can impact when those holiday blues start.

"By definition, holiday blues are not meant to be long-term, weeks or months," Aggarwal said. "Even in that short term, they can be debilitating."

Youth, teen factors; keeping up connections

Holiday blues or seasonal affective disorder do not just impact adults, but are seen in children and teens as well. Signs in youth can include an increase in tantrums in the youngest and more withdrawn or aloof teens, Aggarwal said.

"If any of those got severe enough it could lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide," he said. "That is when it becomes even more important to get immediate help."

Other factors, that also can present in adults, are other mood shifts, lacking enjoyment in things previously liked, lowered energy levels or changes in sleep patterns.

If you know of a family member or friend who may be going through a stressful time over the holidays, keep in touch with them and talk with them, Aggarwal said. For people with more stress or impacted by the holiday blues, Aggarawal urged people to also talk to their primary care doctor about it.

"Help is available at MU Health Care either with a psychologist or psychiatrist, but you need a referral from your primary care provider," he said.

While there are youth and teen impacts, there are older adults or those with disabilities who may stay silent about how they are feeling over the holidays.

"They tend to not seek as much health. We need to be cognizant of people who are less likely to ask for help or who don't have help available or as accessible as possible. That is why 988, the national suicide prevention hotline, we need to do a better job making sure the public knows (about it)," Aggarwal said.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: MU psychiatrist shares tips for self care to beat holiday blues
Bare spots are seen on Nov. 29, 2022, in the snowy parking lot in front of the home where four University of Idaho students were found dead on Nov. 13, 2022, in Moscow, Idaho, after vehicles belonging to the victims and others were towed away earlier in the day. The defense team for a man accused of killing four University of Idaho students has been given access to the off-campus home where the deaths occurred so they can gather photos, measurements and other documentation before the house is demolished later this month. | Ted S. Warren, Associated Press

On Nov. 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin, were found dead in their off-campus home.

The Moscow, Idaho, home where the students lived off-campus is now set to be torn down, starting on Dec. 28, according to a university statement. But not everyone agrees with this decision.

The defense team representing Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the students deaths, asked the university if it could take photographs and footage of the home before its destruction.

Kohberger is pleading not guilty to the charges. A trial date has not yet been set.

The university obtained the King Road home in early 2023 and has intended to destroy it.

It is the grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there, school President Scott Green said. While we appreciate the emotional connection some family members of the victims may have to this house, it is time for its removal and to allow the collective healing of our community to continue.

Demolition of the home may take several days, the university said. The decision to tear down the home during winter break was made as an attempt to decrease further impact on the students who live in that area.

The Goncalves family attorney Shanon Gray released a statement reported by a CBS News affiliate, Let us ask this: Isnt it better to have the King Rd. House and not need it than need the house and not have it? That has been our question to the Prosecution and the University of Idaho for the entire time the demo of the King Road has been an issue. But why is it even up for discussion? This is one of the most horrific crimes in the history of Idaho and the University of Idaho wants to destroy one of the most critical pieces of evidence in the case and it is also important to make note that there is now a demolition date before there is a even a trial date set. This alone speaks volumes.
The Tenderloin district of San Francisco is one of the areas where homelessness is a problem - Anadolu/Anadolu

The number of homeless people in the United States has surged to the highest figure on record, in a blow to Joe Bidens flagship policy that promised to reduce levels by 25 per cent.

Federal officers said the 12 per cent increase was due to a collision of factors, including rising housing costs, the opioid epidemic and the expired pandemic-era aid that had helped keep people in their homes.

The data, which was collected in January and released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, marks both the biggest increase and the highest count since the country first started publishing data in 2007.

A challenging rental market with historically low vacancy rates, expiring pandemic era housing programmes, and an increase in people experiencing homelessness for the first time contributed to the increase in homelessness, said Marion McFadden, the departments principal deputy assistant secretary for community planning and development.

The Department of Housing added that rental conditions had become extraordinarily challenging since the pandemic, with rents increasing at more than twice the rate of recent years.

The figures are a blow to the Biden administrations flagship All In homelessness policy, launched last December, that aims to reduce rough sleeping by a quarter before 2025.

The figures are a blow to one of the president's key policies - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP

The US government has spent around $30 billion from its most recent budget on homelessness across the country, including on specific projects in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle and the State of California.

Launching his project a year ago, Mr Biden said his plan offers a roadmap for not only getting people into housing but also ensuring that they have access to the support, services, and income that allow them to thrive.

The White House has sent an official into each of its six priority areas in an attempt to put the weight of the federal government behind local measures to reduce homelessness.

But despite the measures, homelessness among individuals rose by nearly 11 per cent, among veterans by 7.4 per cent and among families with children by 15.5 per cent in the last year.

More than half the people experiencing homelessness in the country were in four states: California, New York, Florida and Washington.

California, New York, Florida and Washington were the states with the biggest problems - Ted S. Warren/AP

More than one-quarter of homeless adults counted this year were over age 54, reflecting what researchers describe as a mounting silver tsunami as the youngest baby boomers reach retirement age.

It comes after one Democrat official blamed capitalism for homelessness in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.

I think what youre seeing in the Tenderloin is absolutely the result of capitalism and what happens in capitalism to the people at the bottom rungs, said Dean Preston, a member of the citys board of supervisors.

His remarks were criticised by Tom Wolf, a former homeless addict and charity worker, who said he was deflecting away from weak policies on drug use.

The problem is that for every person who exits homelessness, another becomes homeless, said Jeff Olivet, executive director of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness.

In the decade that followed the first tally, the US made steady progress on reducing the homeless population, with programmes such as increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017.

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Homelessness in the United States is at an all-time high due to rising housing prices and a decline in assistance given during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Biden administration.

The report, released Friday by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), showed the number of people experiencing homelessness has risen by 12 percent across the board since last year  or by more than 70,000 cases. The results of the head count, taken in January, mark the highest level of homelessness since the department began studying the subject in 2007.

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said the results show an urgent need for solutions.

Homelessness should not exist in the United States, Fudge wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The data released today underscores the urgent need for support for proven solutions and strategies that help people quickly exit homelessness and that prevent homelessness in the first place, she added.

While the increase represents people across all demographics, families with children experienced an even higher increase of nearly 16 percent. The rise in individuals specifically was 11 percent, according to the report.

Broken down by race, Asian Americans faced the largest increase in homelessness  40 percent. Black Americans made up roughly 37 percent of those experiencing homelessness, while those who identified as Hispanic or Latino made up 33 percent of the total.

More than a quarter of the homeless population is over the age of 54, HUD noted.

Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said numerous factors were behind the problem.

The most significant causes are the shortage of affordable homes and the high cost of housing that have left many Americans living paycheck to paycheck and one crisis away from homelessness, Olivet said.

The largest populations of homeless people can be found in just four states: California, New York, Florida and Washington.

However, New Hampshire and New Mexico saw the largest increases in homelessness  with 52 percent and 50 percent respectively. The Empire State came third, going up by 39 percent.

The report also highlighted that the number of people experiencing homelessness dropped in 25 states and Washington, D.C.

The Associated Press contributed reporting

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Against a surge of respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV and COVID-19, on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned hospitals might be forced to triage care if hospitalizations continue to rise. In some parts of the country, the CDC stated, pediatric hospitals are already nearly as full as they were this time last year. If these trends continue, the situation will likely strain emergency departments and hospitals.

Strain on the healthcare system could mean that patients with other serious health conditions may face delays in receiving care, the CDC warned, emphasizing that the peak of respiratory illness activity has yet to come. This comes one week after CDC director Mandy Cohen released a video about how to take precautions this winter, including masking, as the Pirola clan outpaces previously dominant COVID-19 variants.

The CDC urged all Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza and RSV for those over the age of 60. If more Americans are protected against severe respiratory illnesses, we will likely see fewer hospitalizations, the CDC stated. Lives can be saved.
Houthi supporters rally to mark the Prophet Mohammad's birthday, in Sanaa

CAIRO (Reuters) - Any hostile move against Yemen will have dire consequences and great costs, Ali al-Qahoum, a member of the Houthi group's Ansarullah politburo, told Al Mayadeen TV late on Friday.

"The Houthis will not abandon the Palestinian cause, regardless of any U.S., Israeli, or Western threats," he said, adding that operations against Israel will continue.

Yemen is ready with all defensive options to respond to any American, Israeli or Western hostile moves, he said.

"Yemen is concerned in protecting international maritime navigation in accordance with international laws and norms," al-Qahoum said.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. military said attacks from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck two Liberian-flagged ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, underlining the threat to vessels in shipping lanes being targeted by the Iran-aligned group.

Part of the Iran-aligned "Axis of Resistance", the Houthis have been attacking vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes and firing drones and missiles at Israel.

The Houthis, who rule much of Yemen, have said they will continue their attacks until Israel stops its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

(Reporting By Moaz Abd-Alaziz in Cairo; Editing by Tom Hogue)
At some point in the dawn of humanity, a smarter-than-average homo sapien moved a rock away from the fire for warmth and invented the thermal battery.

Over a million years later, as humanity struggles to evolve past fossil fuels in time to avoid climate collapse, that simple idea is making a modern comeback  and hot rocks are hotter than ever, literally and figuratively.

(The rocks) in the box right now are about 1,600 degrees Celsius, Andrew Ponec said, standing next to a thermal battery the size of a small building. That is nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, Hotter than the melting point of steel, he explained.

But what makes his box of white-hot rocks so significant is they were not heated by burning tons of coal or gas, but by catching sunlight with the thousands of photovoltaic solar panels that surround his prototype west of Fresno.

CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir (left) walks through Antora Energy's solar field with the company's co-founder and CEO, Andrew Ponec. - Julian Quinones/CNN

If successful, Ponec and his start-up Antora Energy could be part of a new, multi-trillion-dollar energy storage sector that simply uses sun or wind to make boxes of rocks hot enough to run the worlds biggest factories.

People sometimes feel like theyre insulting us by saying, Hey, that sounds really simple, Ponec laughed. And we say, No, thats exactly the point.

Ponecs clean energy passions began when he was a curious public-school kid tinkering with photovoltaics in his parents garage and was lured to drop out of Stanford to build grid-scale solar plants.

When he went back to get his degree, he realized while sun and wind is great for topping off the batteries in cars and homes, there is an even more urgent demand to clean up the fuel sources of industrial heat needed to make everything from baby food to steel. And because a factorys energy demand is often 24/7, heavy industry has yet to take advantage of the plunging price of renewables.

Most days in the middle of the day in California, electricity on the wholesale market is free and sometimes even negative dollars, because theres so much solar thats now been installed, Ponec said, and were seeing the same thing in other states with wind. The problem is you cant shut down your factory when the sun goes behind a cloud or the wind stops blowing, and thats exactly the problem that we focused on.

While the word battery most likely evokes the chemical kind found in cars and electronics in 2023, hot rocks currently store ten times as much energy as lithium ion around the world, thanks to an invention from the 1800s known as Cowper stoves. Often found in smelting plants, these massive towers of stacked bricks absorb the wasted heat of a blast furnace until it heats to nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and then provides over 100 megawatts of heat energy for about 20 minutes.

The process can be repeated 24 times a day for 30 years, and Antora is among the startups experimenting with different kinds of rocks in insulated boxes or molten salt in cylinders to find the most efficient combination.

We were pretty intrigued by graphite for a number of reasons, Ponec said. The cheap and abundant carbon found in pencils  which is also used to smelt aluminum and steel  can hold so much heat, it glows hotter than the sun, he said.

The key thing that those furnaces didnt have is a way to get the heat back out, he said. Weve added some cavities, some gaps in the carbon that allow light from deep within the system to shine out and some insulated doors that can open and close that allow that light to shine out when you want it. In the future, well be using that light not just to create steam, but to create much higher temperature heat for industries like cement and steel.

Ponec holds a carbon block like what's used in Antora's thermal battery. - Julian Quinones/CNN

The box that contains the super-heated carbon blocks, which Ponec said were hotter than the melting point of steel. - Julian Quinones/CNN

Antora has managed to raise $80 million in seed money from investors that include Bill Gates, but their main competitor is another Bay Area startup called Rondo that uses abundant refractory brick, which is cheaper than carbon by weight but not as energy dense. Rondo has attracted even more funding than Antora and its first battery is producing commercial power for an ethanol plant in California.

We had this breakthrough that lets us heat brick directly with infrared, invisible light from heating elements, Rondo CEO John ODonnell told CNN. Right away we knew with third-party engineering reports that this stuff is going to last 100 years.

Tesla recently predicted a carbon-free world will need an astonishing 240 terawatt-hours of energy storage  more than 340 times the amount of storage built with lithium-ion batteries in 2022. ODonnell predicts more than half of all that new capacity will come in the form of heat batteries, simply because the raw ingredients are so readily available.

By plugging their factories into as many thermal batteries as they need, manufacturers wont have to wait in a years-long line for grid connections and upgrades.

Given those financial considerations, the old phrase dumb as a box of rocks may have to be revised for this new industrial revolution.

Exciting technologies are great if youre a venture capitalist and death if youre a banker, ODonnell said. And it is the bankers and the infrastructure finance folks that like this whole class of technologies. Its not particularly sexy, but thats a really good thing.

Both companies do heat and power storage, said Jesse Jenkins, a professor of engineering at Princeton University. And I think like hydrogen, which similarly has a flexible role to play, it is this kind of long duration storage technology that Im most optimistic about.

Jenkins, who specializes in macro-scale energy systems, is also a consultant for Rondo and says the hot rocks model has a distinct advantage over chemical batteries that can store power, but not heat.

If you can do both, you can ride the cost curves and scaling advantages in the larger industrial sectors, whereas some of the more pure-play electrochemical battery companies are in a make-or-break moment, Jenkins told CNN.

The rocks are heated by thousands of photovoltaic panels that surround the Antora Energy prototype west of Fresno. - Julian Quinones/CNN

Both the Antora and Rondo CEOs attended the COP28 climate summit in Dubai where the power of Middle East petrostates was enough to weaken the global commitment to end fossil fuels. But both men came back enthused by the interest in their ideas and the dozens of other breakthroughs in clean energy.

If youd asked me five or 10 years ago, I would have said, Im not sure we have everything we need to decarbonize, Ponec said strolling through the solar array that powers his battery while a gas-fired power plant sat quiet and idle nearby. But today, we have the tools we need. We just need to deploy them. The transition is inevitable. Its going to happen. And if you talk behind closed doors to most of the people in the fossil fuel industry, theyll say the same thing.

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Its going to be a busy first half of 2024 for the U.S. House of Representatives, with leaders punting several critical battles into the new year before leaving Washington.

The Senate is expected to stay an extra week to hash out a deal on border policy and foreign aid. But even if a deal is struck, the House will likely reckon with it when they return.

Lawmakers left Capitol Hill for the end-of-year holiday recess on Thursday after passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a must-pass annual bill that lays out Pentagon policy for the next fiscal year.

HOUSE PASSES BILL TO AVERT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, SPEAKER JOHNSON NOTCHES FIRST BIG LEGISLATIVE WIN

Speaker Mike Johnson will have a full agenda ahead of him when the House is back in the new year

Included in this years NDAA is a short-term extension of a key provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) known as Section 702. The tool allows the intelligence community to spy on foreign nationals outside the U.S. without a warrant, even if the person on the other side of their communications is an American citizen.

The NDAA punted the FISA debate into April, and its expected to be tricky. Opponents of Section 702, mainly hardliners on the right and left, are seeking to vastly restrict the measure; theyre arguing it impedes the civil rights of private U.S. citizens.

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MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS AGAIN TOP 10K IN A SINGLE DAY AS LAWMAKERS EYE NEW BORDER LIMITS

Rep. Scott Perry, left, and Rep. Chip Roy are among the conservatives who want to restrict FISA

Others have lauded the tool as critical to preventing terror attacks.

Ahead of that, House lawmakers have given themselves until March to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), another key U.S. program set to expire this year but given a short extension. The Senate is expected to take that up next week.

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE WILL CANCEL PART OF HOLIDAY RECESS AS BORDER TALKS CONTINUE

And the yet-unsolved government funding fight will be one of Congresss most immediate problems, with a stopgap federal spending bill known as a continuing resolution (CR) forcing lawmakers to fund some agencies by Jan. 19 and the rest by Feb. 2.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., is expected to keep the Senate in session another week

The House has passed five of 12 single-subject appropriations bills they have promised to finish, while the Senate passed three in a combined "minibus."

But theres still a long road ahead  negotiators in the House and Senate are still at odds on a topline number theyll ultimately have to compromise on.





Original article source: House leaves for the year with critical battles still on horizon
(CNN)  Israels military has repeatedly attacked the US-backed Lebanese army to the north over the past two months, prompting alarm in the Biden administration and sharp rebukes from top US officials to Israeli leadership.

The Israelis have struck Lebanese Armed Forces positions more than 34 times since October 7, including with small arms and artillery fire, drones and helicopters, according to US officials, a regional security source, and a list of the incidents compiled by the US and reviewed by CNN.

The Biden administration has told Israel that the strikes are unacceptable, officials said. One senior US official said that the US believes at least some of those strikes have been accidental, intended instead for the powerful Shiite Lebanese militant group Hezbollah which also operates along the Lebanon-Israel border and has been hitting Israeli military positions. But the intention of other strikes has been less clear, the official said, and more junior Israeli troops may not be exercising enough restraint.

But the scope of the incidents, which has not been previously reported, has frustrated US officials because the US believes the LAF will need to be part of any eventual diplomatic solution between Israel and Lebanon to quiet the current violence. The US is also deeply concerned that the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could expand to the north, and US officials have been working with Israel and Lebanon to try to contain the war.

The United States has been clear we do not want to see this conflict spread to Lebanon and we continue to urge the Israelis do all they can to be targeted and avoid civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilian farmland, the UN, and the Lebanese Armed Forces, a spokesperson for the White Houses National Security Council told CNN. The United States is proud of its partnership with the LAF, an essential institution, not only to the stability and security of Lebanon, but of the entire region.

The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Lebanese military is not as strong as Hezbollah, which gets funding, training and weapons from Iran and is one of the most formidable paramilitary forces in the Middle East. But the US backing of the LAF gives Washington a partner in an active region that it can work with on a range of priorities, including counterterrorism. The senior US official noted that the LAF is popular among the Lebanese public and, while not seen as a perfect counterweight to Hezbollah, is a neutral alternative that the US believes will be an important player in any future peace settlement.

US officials believe Israels attacks on the Lebanese military have resulted in at least eight injuries and one death since October 7.

According to a US list of the strikes seen by CNN, one Lebanese soldier was killed and three were wounded on December 5 after four tank shells hit a position on the Blue Line, the UNs demarcation of the border between Israel and Lebanon.

The Israeli military apologized and said the Lebanese Armed Forces were not the target of the strike. The LAF has not struck back militarily, US officials said.

Among the other incidents in southern Lebanon were Israeli strikes on two LAF positions on October 21 that destroyed an observation post. Six days later, a LAF patrol that included a brigade commander came under direct fire, according to US officials. On December 8, one Lebanese soldier suffered from the effects of white phosphorous.

That followed an October incident in which Israel reportedly used US-supplied white phosphorous munitions and injured at least nine civilians, according to The Washington Post. The White House said it would be seeking answers from Israel about its use of white phosphorous.

The IDFs continued pattern of strikes against LAF positions are concerning and irresponsible. The LAF is a critical and independent force that successive US administrations have supported in recognition of its important role in stability in Lebanon, said a senior congressional aide. Many members of Congress share the administrations strong concerns with such actions.

As the pace of the strikes escalated, administration officials made clear to Israeli leadership that they need to be more careful, US officials told CNN. Meanwhile, the US has been working with Lebanon to try to quell the violence between Israel and Hezbollah and quiet the northern border. Israel wants Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River, which is about 18 miles away from the border, Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant has said.

On October 13, a Reuters journalist was killed and six other journalists were wounded in two tank artillery strikes in southern Lebanon while covering the fighting. The journalists, clearly wearing blue flak jackets marked Press, were on an exposed hilltop as Israeli helicopters and drones buzzed above.

Investigations by two human rights groups as well as Reuters and Agence France-Presse found that the targeting was likely deliberate. Human Rights Watch called the attack a potential war crime.

This is not the first time that Israeli forces have apparently deliberately attacked journalists, with deadly and devastating results, said Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. Those responsible need to be held to account, and it needs to be made clear that journalists and other civilians are not lawful targets.
War is raging in both Europe and the Middle East, the United States has a crisis at the border, and some cant find a place to live.

ALSO READ: Kraft Heinz Co. releases dairy-free macaroni and cheese for first time in US

Amid all of this chaos, Congress managed to find time in its busy schedule to debate what type of milk kids should be drinking in school.

The House of Representatives voted 350-99 in favor of bringing whole milk back to schools; before votes were cast, lawmakers debated the benefits of full-fat milk.

North Carolina representative Virginia Foxx, from the Fifth District, even got Santa involved in her argument.

The nutrients in whole milk, like protein, calcium, and vitamin D, provide the fuel Santa needs to travel the whole globe in one night, Foxx said. Whole milk is the unsung hero of his Christmas journey.

(WATCH BELOW: Man sentenced to life for stabbing girlfriend when she asked him to get milk for the children)




American and British warships shot down over a dozen drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday, the latest onslaught against naval vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea by the Iranian-led group.

The Carney, a U.S. destroyer, intercepted 14 one-way attack drones according to the U.S. Central Command while the British destroyer HMS Diamond, newly arrived in the region to bolster protection of commercial shipping, also shot down a Houthi drone.

The drone and ballistic missile attacks on commercial and military shipping caused Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, to instruct its vessels on Friday to pause their journey until further notice through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.

While the U.S. ships, Carney and fellow destroyer Mason, have been busy intercepting Houthi attacks in recent weeks, three more U.S. Navy destroyers have moved into the Mediterranean Sea over the past week as the U.S. beefs up its presence in the region.

The ships join the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group that has been operating in the Mediterranean since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, a deployment that has already been extended twice.

The Ford has its own two destroyers and cruiser escort and has been at the forefront of an expanding American presence in the region in the wake of Hamas attack and the subsequent Houthi ballistic missile and drone intercepts by American, French and British warships.

Over the past week, missile-defense destroyers Laboon, Delbert D. Black and The Sullivans have arrived in the Mediterranean to boost the U.S. presence there. Defense officials would not comment on if the ships are heading to the Red Sea.

In addition to Carney shooting down the drones on Saturday, on Dec. 13 the Mason shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle that U.S. officials said was launched from Yemen, the second time this month the U.S. warship has opened fire.

Just days earlier, the Mason came to the aid of a commercial ship after it was hit by a cruise missile in the Red Seas Bab-el-Mandeb strait. The Carney has also intercepted several drones and cruise missiles that U.S. officials said were flying in the vicinity of the ship.

The British HMS Diamond Saturday also destroyed a drone that was targeting merchant shipping, according to British Defense Minister Grant Shapps.

Shapps said attacks on commercial ships by Yemens Houthi rebels represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security."

The increased deployments of ships and Houthi attacks come as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is slated to travel to the Middle East next week, as the Biden administration tries to respond to a spike in Iran-backed attacks on American forces in the region and contain the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Plans call for Austin to huddle with leaders in Bahrain, Qatar and Israel.

American troops in Iraq and Syria have also been targeted by Iranian-backed proxies over 90 times since mid-October, leading to American airstrikes against the groups and their facilities.

At sea, the Biden administration is working to form an international maritime task force to counter the Houthi attacks. The plan appears to be that the planned group would expand an existing coalition of 39 nations, Combined Task Force 153, which is focused on countering piracy and terrorism in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb waterway and Gulf of Aden.

We are definitely looking to take action here, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters this month. This is an international problem that requires an international solution.

The head of the Oslo-based Norwegian Shipowners Association that tracks threats to commercial shipping across the globe, Harald Solberg, expressed deep concern over the threat to ships in the Red Sea.

All attacks on commercial ships in this area, like the attack on the Norwegian product tanker MT Strinda this week, represent a deeply concerning development of the security situation for civilian shipping in the Red Sea, he said. Such attacks are serious and unacceptable, and we call upon all actors in the region to quickly de-risk the threat for civilian shipping in the area.

It must be a central priority to all governments involved to ensure that the world's most important supply lines are kept open.
Howard Weaver, a giant of local journalism who earned a Pulitzer Prize reporting for the Anchorage Daily News and oversaw another Pulitzer as its editor before capping his four-decade career as vice president of news for McClatchy, the parent company of The Sacramento Bee, died Thursday evening. He was 73.

Weaver died at his home in Sacramento of pancreatic cancer, the Alaska newspaper first reported Friday, after diagnosis in December 2022.

Born on Oct. 15, 1950, in Alaskas most populous city, Weaver joined the Anchorage Daily News out of college in 1972, the newspapers obituary said. By 1976, hed won the Pulitzer Prize for public service as part of a reporting team that covered pipeline-era corruption in a series titled Empire: The Alaska Teamsters Story.

Weaver left the Daily News soon after the Pulitzer win to start a statewide weekly paper, the Alaska Advocate, but returned to the daily newspaper when The McClatchy Co. bought it in 1979. (McClatchy sold the Anchorage Daily News in 2014.)

Weaver served as top editor from then until 1992, the Alaska newspaper reported. With Weaver at the helm, the Anchorage Daily News won its second-ever Pulitzer Prize in 1989, also in the public service category, honoring a series titled A People in Peril.

McClatchy Vice President of News Howard Weaver chats with Sacramento Bee visual journalist Renee C. Byer in 2007, after the announcement that Byer had won the Pulitzer Prize for feature photography. Weaver, an Alaska native and former vice president of news for Sacramento Bee parent McClatchy, died Thursday at the age of 73.

After the Daily News main competitor, the Anchorage Times, closed in 1992, Weaver spent a year at Cambridge University earning a masters degree then returned to the newsroom in his home state.

McClatchy moved Weaver in 1995 to the companys headquarters in Sacramento, where he was tapped to become an expert and adviser in what was then a burgeoning new field in journalism: digital media.

By 1997 he held the title of editorial page editor for The Sacramento Bee. In 2001 he was named McClatchys vice president of news, overseeing the companys daily newspapers from Alaska to North Carolina.

During his years in Anchorage as its editor, the Daily News was a prime example of what a newspaper can and should serve its community, its state and engage its readers on all platforms available, Gregory Favre, Weavers predecessor as McClatchys vice president of news from 1989 to 2001 and a former Sacramento Bee executive editor, said in an email.

But most of all, he was a journalist ... a truly excellent one, who was devoted to bringing light where there was darkness, truth where there was falsity, humanity where there was inhumanity wherever he worked.

Weaver remained vice president of news for McClatchy until his retirement in 2008.

Theres a lot of stories of just how he took the enormous good work that he did in Alaska and found ways to spread that across a whole country of newspapers, said Anders Gyllenhaal, who took over as McClatchys vice president of news shortly after Weavers retirement, serving in the position for six years. He had tremendous good humor that was sort of the sauce on which he would deliver all kinds of lessons.

The Bee, in a 2008 story announcing Weavers departure, reported that Weavers decision to retire at age 58 came from the desire to spend more time with his wife and to explore non-journalistic writing, but was also prompted by the 2007 death of his younger brother and only sibling, Mark.

Weaver split his post-retirement life between Sacramento and a ranch in the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

Tom Kizzia, in the opening paragraph of the papers obituary, called Weaver the preeminent Alaska journalist of his generation, leading the Anchorage Daily News to national prominence with Pulitzer Prizes and victory in one of Americas last great newspaper wars.

Howard Weaver, McClatchy vice president for news, answers questions in the Miami Herald newsroom during a visit of McClatchy executives in March 2006, the day after McClatchy purchased the Knight Ridder newspaper company.

Gyllenhaal called the Daily News triumph over the Anchorage Times a classic David and Goliath story. Weaver documented it in his own words in a 2012 memoir titled, Write Hard, Die Free: Dispatches from the Battlefields & Barrooms of the Great Alaska Newspaper War.

When Weaver stepped in as McClatchys vice president of news, Gyllenhaal was the editor of The News & Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina. He said Weaver made the most of a time when newspapers were very strong and were able to speak to whole communities on what was going on in those towns.

Gyllenhaal called Weavers love for journalism contagious.

In a 2012 audio interview published by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Weaver spoke of the appeal of journalism and editing.

One of the really cool things about journalism to me, and particularly being an editor, was you got to exercise your ethical faculties, he said. And like anything else, your ethical capacity  the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.

Weaver is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Hodgin; his niece, Cheaney Weaver; and his grandniece, Julie Bea Weaver, according to the Daily News.
[Source]

University of Cincinnati Associate Professor Takuya Konishi and international colleagues have classified a reptile whose remains were found in Japan 17 years ago as a new species.

About the predator: Akihiro Misaki discovered fossils of the mosasaur, an ancient apex predator, along the Aridagawa River in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, in 2006 while searching for ammonite fossils for his doctorate thesis. In a study published Monday in the Journal of Systemic Paleontology, Konishi, Misaki and their team referred to the discovery as the "Wakayama Soryu" or "Wakayama Blue Dragon."

The specimen happens to be the most complete skeleton of a mosasaur found in Japan or the northwestern Pacific. Mosasaurs were large aquatic reptiles about the size of great white sharks from the Cretaceous period in the late Mesozoic Era that terrorized oceans 100 to 66 million years ago.

A new species: The researchers determined that the remains belonged to a new species of the mosasaur. They noted its unique features, such as rear flippers larger than its crocodile-like head, which suggest that it swam using its leg fins.

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After classifying the discovery under the Mosasaurinae subfamily, the researchers identified it as the Megapterygius wakayamaensis. Megapterygius means large flippers.

Based on the shape of its spine, the researchers also believe that the Wakayama Soryu had a dorsal fin  another distinctive feature. They noted that it was similar to that of a harbor porpoise.

Why it matters: Konishi, who has studied mosasaurs for more than 15 years, said the discovery has opened a whole can of worms that challenges experts understanding on how the prehistoric reptiles swim.

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I thought I knew them quite well by now, Konishi added. Immediately it was something I had never seen before.

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Hungary threatened to veto Bulgaria's entry into the EU's passport-free Schengen Zone if Sofia does not scrap its transit tax on Russian gas, Reuters reported on Dec. 16, citing Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.

Budapest is known for its amicable stances toward Moscow, and the majority of Hungarian gas supplies come from Russia.

Bulgaria imposed a transit tax on Russian gas in October, threatening to increase the prices of Hungarian imports flowing via the Turkish Stream pipeline.

"We have made it clear to the Bulgarians that if they keep this in place for long, if they jeopardize the safety of Hungary's energy supply for long, then we will veto their Schengen entry," Szijjarto said.

Hungary's top diplomat promised that the veto would be lifted as soon as the tax is removed.

In a bid to enter the much-desired Schengen Zone, the Bulgarian ruling coalition decided to suspend the tax earlier this week following discussions with the European Commission, at least until the EU presents a better solution.

"This tax shouldn't be unilateral from Bulgaria's side, but we should work with the European Commission. Such a tax can only be imposed with all European countries, in a way that would actually have an effect on the economy and on the Russian Federation," said Kiril Petkov, a former Bulgarian prime minister and a leader of the ruling PP party.

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Boyko Borisov, another ex-prime minister and the leader of the PP's coalition partner GERB, commented that "since we are quite close to Schengen, any possibility of this fee hindering us should be removed."

Both Serbia and Hungary complained about the risk of higher gas prices when the measure was originally presented in October. Sofia retorted that the costs should be covered by Russia's state-owned gas supplier Gazprom.

Euractiv reported that despite Bulgaria's initial expectations to raise $1.3 billion per year, no money has been collected so far.

Budapest has repeatedly obstructed sanctions against Russia or blocked aid for Ukraine within the EU to leverage economic concessions.

During the recent European Council summit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the $55 billion for Kyiv, but his abstention allowed an agreement on membership talks with Ukraine shortly after the European Commission released $11 billion in EU funds earmarked for Hungary.

Read also: Investigation: Italian company makes sure Russian war machine has the steel it needs

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The political rollercoaster that unfolded in Brussels this week was astonishing even for the most veteran watchers of European summits.

As EU leaders met for the last time before the Christmas holidays, all eyes were on one man: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

He is perceived as the Kremlin's closest ally in Europe, and is the only EU leader who met face-to-face with Vladimir Putin this year.

As his voice grew louder with threats that he would block two crucial decisions on Ukraine, speculation in Brussels was rife about how the negotiations would go down. Would Mr Orban torpedo the summit?

There were rumours the meeting could go on for days, and well into the weekend.

On his way in, a chipper Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo set the mood: "Russia's threat is real. I'm ready to negotiate, and I've packed a lot of extra shirts."

EU leaders tucked into a festive lunch that included Breton medallion, sole with root vegetables and panettone.

Then it was time for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to make a last-ditch plea via videoconference.

France's Emmanuel Macron voiced irritation with Mr Orban's stance

"Ten years ago in Ukraine, people rose up under the flags of the European Union  I ask you one thing today: do not betray the people and their faith in Europe."

Hours went by. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz put a pullover over his suit; "a sign he's in it for the long haul," an EU diplomat told me.

Then negotiations about opening membership talks with Ukraine hit a wall. The situation was at an impasse: it was 26 against one.

That's when the German chancellor took Mr Orban to the corner of the room and suggested he should leave and go for a coffee.

"No one could hear what they were talking about," an EU source told me. "But it wasn't like Scholz was giving him an order: Mr Orban left voluntarily. He went into his delegation room, which is on the same floor."

With Mr Orban quite literally out of the way, the other 26 leaders went ahead and the vote was unopposed. Because such a move requires unanimous support, it would not have been possible with the Hungarian prime minister present.

It later turned out that the coffee break that saved Ukraine's EU accession bid had been planned all along. French President Emmanuel Macron said the idea was a collective effort.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas called this strategic loophole "interesting for the history book". She joked that she would describe it in her memoirs some day.

When the news about Ukraine's EU membership process broke, the mood in the press room - where hundreds of international journalists were covering the EU meeting - went from sober to euphoric within seconds.

Charles Michel, the man who chaired the meeting, came out to speak to journalists - mostly to congratulate himself on a "historic moment that shows the strength of the European Union".

Charles Michel chaired the European Council summit on Ukraine's EU membership bid

Shortly afterwards, Mr Orban posted a video to social media, describing the decision as "completely senseless, irrational and wrong".

So why did he allow it to go ahead?

He justified his decision to walk out of the vote by saying he had "spent eight hours persuading them not to do this". He said other EU leaders wanted that decision "frantically", so he agreed with them that he would leave the danger and leave them to it.

In reality, EU membership talks are a slalom of caveats and technicalities. It will take years before Ukraine is ready to join the bloc. And Mr Orban knows he still has plenty of opportunities to block the process down the line.

But if EU leaders thought the Hungarian PM had suddenly fallen into line, they were in for a disappointment.

Talks broke down at about 02:30 in the morning, after Mr Orban had used his veto powers to block the more concrete, and much more pressing, decision to send a 50bn ($55bn; 43bn) aid package to Kyiv.

It's not the first time he has used a veto to win concessions for Budapest - such as exemptions for Russian oil imports. But he had never prevented an EU agreement.

His grandstanding did not go down well with President Macron.

"Hungary was respected during this European Council meeting. [Orban] was listened to. This respect implies responsibilities and so I expect from Viktor Orban in the coming months that he will behave like a European and not take our political progress hostage," Mr Macron said.

But Balazs Orban, Viktor Orban's political director (the two are not related), said Hungary was not blackmailing the EU, and in fact it was the other way around.

Viktor Orban is viewed as an ally of the Russian president and met him in Beijing in October

He implied that the prime minister would start playing ball only if the EU were to unblock 20bn of funds for Hungary, frozen because of concerns about human rights and corruption in the country.

"We don't understand why we don't have access to 100% of financial funds," he added.

Hungary wants that money before it agrees to any more for Ukraine.

Despite the diplomatic drama behind the scenes, leaders insisted that a solution on cash for Ukraine could be found early next year, either by bringing Mr Orban on board or forcing the aid package for Kyiv through without his backing.

The EU is already preparing to work around a Hungarian veto if necessary, for example by letting all EU countries except Hungary provide bilateral funding to Ukraine in 2024 outside the EU budget.

It is not unprecedented for one European country to delay a decision on EU money: Brussels diplomats are used to backroom deals and compromise. And when it comes to Ukraine - a country embroiled in a war on the EU's doorstep - the bloc is keen to show that it will stand with Kyiv, for as long as it takes.

Asked how he planned to get Mr Orban to change his stance on Ukraine, Charles Michel laughed and said that he was open to suggestions.
Hostile states will increasingly drive people to our shores to destabilise Western nations unless leaders crack down on illegal migration and revamp asylum conventions, Rishi Sunak has said.

In a speech in Italy, the Prime Minister said that insufficient action would lead to growing numbers that will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who need our help most.

Amid sustained pressure from his own MPs to stop the flow of boats across the Channel, Mr Sunak warned that failing to tackle illegal migration would destroy the publics faith in politicians and governments.

In the event of a failure to act, he added, our enemies will see how unable we are to deal with this and so they will increasingly use migration as a weapon: deliberately driving people to our shores to try to destabilise our societies.

Mr Sunak was speaking at a festival hosted by Giorgia Melonis populist Brothers of Italy party in Rome, as he attempts to persuade the Conservative Right and Tory voters that his Rwanda legislation will be sufficient to ensure deportation flights can begin and deter future illegal Channel crossings. The controversial Bill is due to return to the Commons in January, when the Prime Minister faces the potential of a major rebellion.

It emerged that 292 migrants crossed the Channel in seven boats on Friday. One person died after a vessel sank during the journey to the UK.

Mr Sunaks legislation disapplies parts of the Human Rights Act to help prevent further legal challenges that might block flights to Rwanda. Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, has separately warned that the courts have lowered the threshold for asylum claims under the United Nations Refugee Convention.

Mr Sunaks intervention suggests that he is now prepared to push for a revamp of such conventions as part of his efforts to deter migrants from crossing the Channel in order to claim asylum.

His warning about hostile states driving people to our shores came after Finland, which shares an 800-mile border with Russia, accused Moscow of deliberately sending Middle Eastern migrants into the European Union to destabilise the bloc.

In the past, Poland has accused Belarus of encouraging migrants from the Middle East and Africa to cross into Europe in revenge for Western sanctions on Alexander Lukashenkos government.

In further signs of the pressure on the Prime Minister, The Telegraph can reveal that more than 40 MPs, including Liz Truss, Suella Braverman, Sir John Hayes, and Jonathan Gullis, have written to Mr Sunak urging him to stop an attempt to impose a shortened selection process for prospective MPs, which it is feared could shut out potential candidates on the Right of the party.

Separately, in a private paper seen by this newspaper, Steve Baker, the Northern Ireland minister, warned that Downing Street must wake up to the fact that the Conservatives are being outflanked on the Right by Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party.

Mr Sunaks warning about the potential for migrants to overwhelm some European countries appeared reminiscent of Margaret Thatchers remark in 1978 that members of the public feared they might be rather swamped by people of a different culture.

Ms Meloni and Mr Sunak are joined by Edi Rama, Albania's prime minister - Getty/Isabella Bonotto

Mr Sunak praised Ms Melonis conviction and determination - Getty/Isabella Bonotto

It echoes concerns being raised by some Conservative backbenchers, as well as sentiments being picked up by the partys strategists in voter focus groups.

Mr Sunak said: If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries, and our capacity to help those who actually need our help most. The costs of accommodating these people will anger our citizens, who wont understand why their money should have to be spent on dealing with the consequences of this evil trade.

It will destroy the publics faith not just in us as politicians but in our very systems of government.

In an interview with The Telegraph last week, Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, criticised the Office for Budget Responsibility and Treasury, which see increased migration as a good thing for the economy, for failing to weigh up the real pressure the growing population puts on the NHS, schools and property market.

Hurricane of mass migration

Mrs Braverman has been criticised for describing the flow of migrants across the Channel as the invasion of our southern coast. In October she warned of a hurricane of mass migration heading for the UK.

Mr Sunak cited a need for world leaders to apply Thatchers radicalism and drive in tackling illegal migration. He said that both he and Ms Meloni, who have been working together for months, were determined to break the business model of these criminal gangs involved in people trafficking.

He added: If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, we must do that.

Because if we dont fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.

Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni, who has defended Britains deal with Rwanda, have been working together to campaign for a crackdown on illegal migration.

The Prime Minister sees Rwanda-style deals to process asylum claims in third countries as key to reducing illegal arrivals, along with returns deals such as the one struck between the UK and Albania to speed up the deportation of illegal migrants.

Mr Sunak said: Our opponents just want to ignore this issue. They want to put their heads in the sand and hope it goes away.

In September, Mrs Braverman used a speech in the US to warn that as many as 780 million people will be eligible to claim asylum without radical reform of global refugee rules.

No 10 said that after their talks on Saturday, Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni had agreed to co-fund a project that would see the two countries promote and assist the voluntary return of migrants currently stuck in Tunisia.

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Washington (CNN)  President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Friday that there will be a transition to another phase of the war that is focused on more precise ways of targeting Hamas leadership.

There will be a transition to another phase of this war, one that is focused in more precise ways on targeting the leadership and on intelligence driven operations that continues to deal with the ongoing threat that Hamas poses, Sullivan said in a news conference in Tel Aviv.

Sullivan also said that the US wants to see results on Israels intent to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.

Israel selects targets and tries to distinguish between targets that hit Hamas, and those that that might take the lives of innocent civilians, Sullivan said in response to a question from CNNs Alex Marquardt.

What we have consistently said is that Israel has the intent to make sure that it is drawing those distinctions clearly and in a sustainable way. And we want to see the results match up to that, Sullivan added.

Sullivan was communicating a clear message to Israels government, days after a public rift opened between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the mounting civilian casualties in Gaza.

Earlier this month, CNN reported that US officials expect the current phase of Israels ground operation to transition a lower-intensity, hyper-localized strategy that narrowly targets specific Hamas militants and leaders, possibly by January.

In a meeting on Thursday, Israels Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, told Sullivan the war in Gaza would last more than several months, according to Israels Ministry of Defense.

It will require a period of time  it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them (Hamas), Gallant said, according to a transcript of the meeting released on Thursday.

Sullivan made his comments prior to a trip to the West Bank on Friday as part of his push to demonstrate continued US support for Israel in its fight, while also urging the Israeli government to take meaningful steps to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza.

Sullivan on Friday met with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah on the second day of his trip to the region. According to the White House, Sullivan discussed efforts to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza during their meeting.

The pair also discussed the Biden administrations desire for a more peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Middle East region, the White House said, along with the Biden administrations desire for a path to a two-state solution.

Sullivan previously met with Israeli Netanyahu and other top government officials on Thursday. His meeting with Abbas comes amid a disagreement between Biden and Netanyahu, who differ on whether the Palestinian Authority should have governing power in Gaza once Israels war with Hamas ends. The US has said the Palestinian Authority should assume governance responsibilities in Gaza after the end of Israeli military operations, but Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected that idea.

The Palestinian Authority is the Palestinian governing body in the West Bank. Hamas controls Gaza and presents itself as an alternative to the PA.

Vice President Kamala Harris national security adviser, Phil Gordon, previously met with Abbas and other Palestinian leaders last week.

Sullivans visit to Israel, his second since the deadly Hamas attack against the country on October 7, comes as Biden has become increasingly vocal about his desire to see the Israeli government take more concrete steps to eliminate civilian casualties in Gaza and called for Netanyahu to change his hardline positions.

Following a speech on prescription drug prices at the National Institutes of Health, the president was asked whether he wants the Israeli government to scale back its strikes against Hamas as it fights in Gaza.

I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives. Not stop going after Hamas, but be more careful, Biden responded.

About 1,200 people, including Israelis and foreign nationals, were killed by Hamas militants during the groups October 7 attack on Israel. More than 18,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the ensuing Israeli response, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Sophie Jeong and Manveena Suri contributed to this reporting.
As California grapples with the crises of homelessness and behavioral health, Governor Gavin Newsom says several local governments are not doing enough to help address these issues.

In a one-on-one interview with Nexstar, Newsom said hes especially frustrated that some counties may hold off on implementing some reforms he signed off on, including allowing counties to designate a caretaker for people experiencing serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders and those deemed at risk of harming themselves.

Several counties say they do not have the resources to implement the law now.

The California State Association of Counties issued a statement in response to Newsoms comments. The full statement is below the transcript of the interview.

The complete interview with Newsom is in the video player above. The text of the interview is below and has been edited for clarity.

Capitol Reporter Eytan Wallace: Let me ask right at the top, Mr. Governor, we heard you in that virtual press conference talking about behavioral health, talking about conservatorships, talking about CARE Court. You were frustrated as it pertains to local government here. Whats your message?

Gov. Gavin Newsom: Well, accountability. At the end of the day, localism is determinative. The state vision will be realized at the local level. Its the responsibility of the counties to deliver when it comes to the issue of healthcare, when it comes to the issue of brain care, the issue of mental health, behavioral health, and so this state has provided unprecedented resources, and weve cleared the decks in terms of flexibility as well in zoning reforms, land use reforms and we want to see the results of these unprecedented investments.

Is it fair to say youre frustrated with some local governments?

Im frustrated by the lack of intentionality and urgency. People are dying on the streets and sidewalks. People have had it. I dont think anythings more frustrating than hearing from people like me (saying) how much money were spending, how much money were throwing at the problem. They dont see the results. Five years ago there was no homeless strategy coming from the state of California.

On the issue of behavioral health, we were barely making any real investments outside of the Mental Services Act itself. It really wasnt an area of focus. So weve refocused and reprioritized this issue. But at the end of the day, it is the local government that has to deliver. Mayors are frustrated along with state leaders.

We have to see the counties lined up. A lot of them are doing good work, some are frankly scapegoating and still talking about the lack of resources when in fact that is no longer a valid excuse.

So are you prepared to name names? In other words, which counties are doing it right and which counties do you feel are doing it wrong?

.Literally, Ive been an open hand, not a closed fist with the counties. They asked us, to reform the Medi-Cal system in the state of California. They said we need more behavioral health money, $11.6 billion this year. They said we need citing and zoning reform. We did seek reform. We did land use reform. We did streamlining reform. They said we need ongoing money to focus on the most chronic (homelessness). Thats why Ive got an initiative on the ballot in March.

They said we need more housing. Thats why we have a bond on the ballot in March for 11,150 new units.

So in every instance what theyve asked, weve delivered including conservatorship reform and whats happened to this specific question is you have a lot of counties, Sacramento included, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Riverside County, that have now pulled out.

Theyre saying were not going to touch it. Were not going to move forward in January with conservatorship reform, even though the state cleared the decks. I signed the bill and they can go forward on January 1st, but theyre opting out of moving forward. Thats not acceptable.

In terms of what happens next last year when you met with several local leadersYou withheld money. What are some consequences you are prepared to make for these counties?

We for the first time ever said, look, were not going to hand out a billion dollars a year to the city and counties unless theres a plan.

We got the plans back, the first-year plans, and it was completely inadequate, and so I rejected the plans. There were about 100 people that descended on a meeting with me very upset, and we came back, we compromised, and they came back with more ambition and a better plan. Thats the approach I want to start taking on the behavioral side.

Look at the end. I think what people want to see, they spend a lot in taxes, they dont understand the disconnect. They hear me all the time saying, $15.3 billion, thats our homeless plan, and then they walk down the street, they go to school, they walk over people on the street sidewalks and they dont believe it or they get more angry, saying its just being wasted.

I get that frustration and so at the end of the day, I am not the mayor. I am not the supervisor. Im not the city administrator of each of these counties. Thats not an excuse.

They have to deliver at the local level and my job is to partner with them and push them, and if theyre not doing the job, find someone that can and thats the consequence.

Well do direct contracting. (If) you dont want to get in this business, the state will do it for you. If youre not producing results, well redirect the money to counties and cities that are. And thats the approach well take next year.

You have said in the past that the buck stops with you. So let me ask, right here right now, does the buck stop with you?

Yeah, of course, it does, because no one will believe otherwise.

When I was mayor of San Francisco, I never looked at the state of California for support on the homeless issue or behavioral health. It wasnt their responsibility, it wasnt their role. Thats radically changed.

Now, the cities and counties cant do it alone, and I recognize that. And thats the job I took as governor of the state of California. And Im here in partnership. But the partnership is two-way, its not one-way.

Its not just the state, do more, give more, be more, its also now accountability in terms of having a capacity to deliver on that promise in all counties in the state, recognizing each countys different. They have different resources and different resourceful mindsets. Some have more investment, some have less. And I want flexibility. I want to see them have the kind of flexibility that they deserve.

But again, no more excuses. Dont act like you dont have the money or the capacity of support. You have more resources than ever and you have more support than ever, so its time to do your job.

Im going to ask about Prop 1, a more than 6 billion-dollar bond measure for thousands of behavioral health beds, outpatient units. As you mentioned, the Newsom administration has spent billions of dollars so far on homelessness and housing, and the situation has not necessarily gotten better. So can you understand the frustration?

100 percent. 68,000 people weve gotten off the street. Weve removed almost 6,000 encampments. Those are just state-sponsored efforts. That doesnt include all the local efforts.

Again, not one program of significance and consequences five years ago, so absolutely, the answer is yes. I understand that frustration and thats why were driving these subsequent reforms, focusing on the most chronic, focusing and prioritizing encampments with new encampment resolution grants of $750 million and were driving accountability.

If I dont see results Were going to redirect resources, were going to claw back.

And in terms of Prop 1, polls show its doing quite well. But can you look taxpayers in the eye and guarantee that Prop 1 will make a difference?

I know itll make a difference because its best practices. We know what works. Were not replicating failure, were replicating success. And this program is the most significant and consequential program to realize a vision thats been 50 years of being promoted to make it real, and that is to reconcile the fact that this state in the 60s had 22,000 locked beds. Then we started deinstitutionalizing folks from the state hospitals and we promised and promoted community alternatives, but we never funded them. This is the funding.

This links to that original vision and redresses the issue in a most honest and transparent way ever. Im very proud of the details, not just the money, but how weve attached accountability and transparency and how weve required relationships to be formed between cities and counties. One single plan.

Now we focused on the essential, and that is whats happening with the most chronic and focusing on housing now being linked to mental health which had been delinked in the previous initiative.

Can you understand a concern out there that putting more and investing more money, billions of dollars more will only lead to more of the same?

The opposite, opposite. We can pull all that money back and things can get much worse. We can send those 68,000 people weve gotten off the streets back out on the streets and sidewalks. We can shut all these programs down and get in complete denial that things are going to get better or we can work on what we can advance, whats working and then we can start to pull back on things that arent working. I guess thats the message today.

Im with the taxpayers. Im not interested in funding failure anymore. Were done with waste and duplication.

You know, the biggest beneficiaries sometimes are the people delivering the services, not the folks that are supposed to be receiving them. At the same time, we dont have a lot of people who even want to be in this business, so we also have to support that workforce.

Were also investing unprecedented money to build and train and support our workers who also feel overwhelmed by this as well. But Im not interested in sort of institutional failure or apathy in this space anymore.

I want to break through the cities and counties and some of the clay layers of bureaucracy and drive direct reforms and direct results. And theres a reason this thing is overwhelmingly popular, Republicans, and Democrats get this issue and they also understand whats at stake if we fall short and they also understand whats at stake if we actually can deliver on this and finally fulfill a half century of promises that have been broken.

The independent Legislative Analyst Office projects the State is facing a $68 billion projected deficit. When you heard that number, what was your reaction?

We have different numbers and youll see them on January 10th, and weve put unprecedented reserves in the states coffers and were prepared to meet that head on on January 10th. Im working on the budget in real-time.

Are you prepared to dip into the reserves and are you prepared to make cuts?

Were prepared. Look, this is the boom and bust that is California $177.7 billion operating surplus over 2 fiscal years and were now seeing some leveling out. It was an absurd surplus and this may seem like an absurd deficit.

When it all balances out, its around consistent with a lot of what I was saying in my January budget presentation last year and in my May (revised budget), none of this is shocking or surprising and thats why it explains a lot of what we were doing in the last few years in terms of how we were managing and how we were investing in one-time programs not ongoing programs and how we made multi-year commitments that we can look to augment in a way that we dont see will have a profound impact on delivering services in the state.

Im not looking at tax increases. Were looking at doing what you would do in your home, in your business, tightening our belts, reconciling some of this. But we also batten down the hatches in terms of a lot of reserves and a lot of areas in the budget last few years and were in a position to lay out a strategy of how we manage in the short run and the medium and long run in a way that again is unsurprising and pretty consistent with what youve heard in the past.

Final question, can you promise fiscal responsibility?

We promote it. We dont just promise it, we also promote it and weve achieved it. We paid pension liabilities paid off our wall of debt have the highest reserves in our states history, and created a new social service safety net reserve. We have the highest reserves for our K through 12 education system weve ever had in our history. So weve been doing that and that prepares you for the boom and bust, which is Californias tax system.

Love it when youre running massive surpluses, it allowed us to hand back close to $20 billion to the taxpayers. We just finished sending those checks out and well manage it. Well get through it. None of this is easy, but its the nature of the volatility of a tax system that the voters continue to reinforce and prefer.

Response form the California State Association of Counties

The California State Association of Counties issued the following statement:

Counties are leading on the states response to behavioral health and homelessness but cannot do it alone. We appreciate Gov. Newsoms deep commitment to addressing the issue of behavioral health. Over the last year, counties have brought his CARE Court to life, taking the initiative from words on a page to a real program getting people in the door. Eight counties are already implementing the program and serving as a roadmap for the remaining counties that are continuing to build their systems.

Senate Bill 43 is the first substantial change to conservatorship law in nearly 60 years. The Legislature recognized the complexity of the expansion by giving counties until January 1, 2026, to implement. Counties have answered this urgency by immediately consulting with hospitals, law enforcement officials, county behavioral health professionals and their communities to identify the infrastructure capacity, staffing, training, and other needs to make the law successful.

These steps are critically needed to ensure Senate Bill 43 accomplishes its goal of addressing the crises of mental health and homelessness. Counties continue to lead with purpose on behavioral health and homelessness, advocating for a comprehensive system with clear responsibilities aligned to resources for all levels of government. Implementation of Senate Bill 43 and other programs like CARE Court will only be successful with an ongoing commitment of funding, investment in infrastructure, and the siting of facilities by our city partners.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Watch FOX 35 Live

POLK COUNTY, Fla. - A man was caught on camera entering a Polk County apartment and leaving with the ingredients necessary to make a screwdriver cocktail, deputies said.

On November 23 around 5:30 a.m., an unknown man entered the unlocked door of an apartment complex in Polk County.

The man walks through the door  after failing in his attempt to open other apartment doors across the hallway  and a few moments later is seen walking out with a bottle of Svedka vodka and Orange juice  two ingredients that make a screwdriver drink.

On November 23rd, at about 5:30am, the man in this video entered into an apartment. Problem is, it wasn't his apartment. Even more problematic was that he stole something from the apartment.



The victim said the door used by the suspect is a secondary door--one they don't often pic.twitter.com/DTRE9z1RJ9  Polk County Sheriff  Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) December 15, 2023

The victim told deputies the door used by the man is a secondary door and one they don't use often. They said they had no idea that the door was unlocked.

The theft was just over $35 and deputies are asking if anyone recognizes the suspect to call 863-577-1600.
Editors note: This story was published by the Dutch investigative outlet Follow The Money on Dec. 14. The Kyiv Independent contributed reporting to this story and is republishing it with permission.

Key facts:

After Russia seized Crimea and unleashed the war in the Donbas in 2014, the Italian Danieli Group grew to become a major player in the Russian steel industry, the engine of Putins war machine. Danieli, which sells and services equipment for steel plants, has since worked with at least 14 Russian metal companies, including six that contribute to the Russian military industry.

Danieli didnt leave the Russian market when Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has supplied equipment to at least one Russian steel plant since then.

The alleged clients of Danieli that produce steel for Russian weapons could include Severstal and Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK), the owners of which are under international sanctions.

Why does it matter?

The steel industry is the engine of the Russian military-industrial complex. By the end of the Cold War, Russian steel production capacities had become severely outdated, and foreign companies stepped in to modernize it. Danieli Group was one such company.

Through their work for Severstal and others, the Danieli Group has effectively been the first link in the chain of Russian military production since the 2014 Russian attack on Ukraine.

The large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 proved no reason for the Danieli Group to immediately cease operations. Half a year ago, the company said it would leave Russia but didnt elaborate on when and how. By being slow in exiting, Danieli may be indirectly contributing to Russias war effort.

How did we investigate this?

Follow The Money and the Kyiv Independent tracked down Danielis Russian client base through Russian import data, publicly available press releases, LinkedIn profiles, publications in Russian and Italian media, interviews with those involved, and internal documentation from Danieli, obtained by journalists.

A few weeks into Russias all-out war against Ukraine in early 2022, a surprising rumor shook the offices of Danieli Corus, a Dutch subsidiary of the Italian Danieli Group. The rumor said the company was to hold a meeting with representatives of a major Russian steel manufacturer, Severstal, to discuss how to continue business.

Multiple employees wondered whether their company indeed wanted to keep doing business with Russia, which had just invaded its neighbor, Ukraine, an employee of Danieli Corus told Follow The Money on condition of anonymity.

And yet, that proved to be exactly the case, a joint investigation by Follow The Money and the Kyiv Independent later revealed.

Five months into the all-out war, Danieli Corus supplied a furnace cooling element to Russia in a possible breach of sanctions, which attracted the attention of Dutch law enforcement.

A year into the war, the Italian Danieli Group, which includes Danieli Corus, said it would finally leave Russia. Over half a year since the promise, it hasnt.

While the company was openly doing business with Russian clients for years, this investigation reveals their scale and shows how these long-standing relations have contributed to the Russian military since 2014, when Russia first invaded Ukraine.

Danieli Group and its Russian subsidiary did not respond to Follow The Moneys request for comment.

Danielis attempt at win-win

The Italian Danieli Group is a global player in the construction and modernization of steel plants. The company supplies and installs machinery, builds new furnaces and provides ongoing support  like servicing, repairs, and after-sales  to clients all over the world. This includes companies in both Russia and Ukraine.

The war placed Danieli in an awkward position: the same Russian war machine Ukrainians suffer from is built with steel that Danieli was helping Russians produce.

After the start of the Russian full-scale invasion, Danieli has gone shy about its Russia dealings.

Employees of Danieli, Italy's biggest manufacturer of equipment for steel production, attend the opening ceremony of a new mill at Mechel's metallurgical plant in Chelyabinsk, Russia, on Tuesday, July 16, 2013.

The company used to be open about its business with Russia. But last year, the list of clients disappeared from the website of its Russian subsidiary, Danieli Volga.

The company has allegedly supplied at least 14 Russian metal companies since 2014, most of which are major steel producers and processors. Follow The Money and the Kyiv Independent tracked down Danielis Russian client base through Russian import data, publicly available press releases, LinkedIn profiles, publications in Russian and Italian media, interviews with those involved, and internal documentation from Danieli.

Of course, Danieli knows about their clients' contribution to Russian military production, an employee at the firm told Follow The Money on conditions of anonymity, fearing retribution from the management.

Danielis Russian client base

In addition to nine Russian clients that Danieli itself revealed in a rare interview, Follow The Money and Kyiv Independent found five more.

Of those 14 Russian clients, 13 were signed up after 2014, when Russia first invaded Ukraine. According to an internal company document leaked to journalists, those clients are major Russian steel producers: Severstal, EVRAZ, RUSAL, Mechel, Metalloinvest, Novorossiysk Rolling Plant, Ural Steel, Novostal-M, Industrial and Metallurgical Holding, Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK), Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), United Metallurgical Company (OMK), and Kamensk-Uralsky Metallurgical Works (KUMZ).

Follow The Money and the Kyiv Independent also found that Danieli worked with the Russian steel company Krasny Oktyabr (Red October). Its unknown whether the cooperation started before or after 2014.

Six of these 14 Danieli clients have contributed to Russian military production since 2014, by supplying the steel used in weapons and vehicles. These are Severstal, EVRAZ, RUSAL, Krasny Oktyabr, MMK, and KUMZ.

Danielis rise in Russia

Danieli had ties with the Russian steel industry since the Soviet times, but in 2014, the company took this relationship to the next level and opened its own subsidiary, Danieli Volga, in Russia.

Since the launch of its Russian branch, the Danieli Group has developed into a major player in the Russian steel technology market.

In 2021, the Italian newspaper Italia Oggi dubbed the company a leader in the steel (technology) market of the Russian Federation, declaring that the years of German domination...in the field of Russian steel are over.

Danielis close ties to Russia become apparent when looking at the number of tenders the company won in the Russian steel technology market  some 90 percent in 2019, according to Antonello Colussi, director of Danieli Volga.

Virtually all major Russian manufacturers have become our clients over the past few years, Colussi told Russian magazine Italy Living, adding that Russia accounted for some 30 percent of Danieli Groups total sales.

We sell everything: design, equipment, technology, automation, and installations, he said.

Danieli Volga is headquartered in Moscow but is also well positioned regionally with service centers in other cities across the country that are home to major Russian industrial production facilities. One of them is Severstal.

The Russian steel industry welcomes Danieli

Russian steel companies were keen to accept Danielis services for a reason.

The steel industry has always been the military-economic engine of Russia, including during the Soviet era.

During the Cold War, the industry not only provided the mainstream economy with raw materials for cars, buildings, and machinery, among other things, but was also vital to military production. The arms race between East and West could not have existed without steel for naval vessels, tanks, artillery, machine guns, and ammunition.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia was struggling to keep up with high-tech developments.

Foreign companies saw an opportunity and were warmly welcomed.

Italian metal giant Danieli was one of them.

The company had a slew of subsidiaries all across Europe to help the Russian metal industry modernize facilities and increase production.

Upon completion of the projects, Severstal Cherepovets No. 5 will have an internal volume of 6,117 cubic meters, making it the largest blast furnace in the world, Danielis Dutch subsidiary, Danieli Corus, boasted about the work they were doing for Severstal in a press release in 2017.

Severstal has its steel plant in the city of Cherepovets, some 500 kilometers north of Moscow. The company is among Danielis main clients and an outspoken supporter of the Russian war machine.

We specialize in the production of rolled metal products for the military-industrial complex and have many technical developments necessary for the modernization of the countrys armed forces, Severstal director Sergei Toropov said in June 2015.

Toropovs interview, titled Special Steel for the Army, was published by a Russian news site. By that time, Russias war in the Donbas and the occupation of Crimea had been ongoing for 1.5 years.

Military steel in Ukraine

Russia has been extensively using the arms made of steel produced by Danieli clients in its war against Ukraine.

One is the VOG-25 cluster grenade.

It is made of steel supplied by a client of Danielis, Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK), according to the Russian investigative journalism outlet Proekt.

When the grenade is detonated, small bomblets and shards of the steel casing fly to a lethal range of up to six meters.

Russian soldiers placed this very grenade, VOG-25, into the piano belonging a 10-year-old Ukrainian girl, Daryna Monko, before withdrawing from Bucha, a city near Kyiv, in early April last year.

Read also: Bucha massacre survivors: Why do Russians hate us so much?

Ukrainian soldiers removed the grenade from the piano before it caused harm.

Another type of weapon that uses steel from Danielis clients is the AK-100 Kalashnikov machine gun. It is made of steel produced by Severstal, according to Proekt.

The media publication reported that these very guns were likely used by the Russian soldiers who occupied Bucha in the spring of 2022 and terrorized the civilian population there.

Danielis clients, MMK, and Severstal, are also involved in the production of Kalibr missiles that Russia uses to attack civilian targets in Ukraine, Proekt found.

According to the report, the producer of the Kalibr buys rolled steel from MMK. Kalibr carriers, submarines and surface vessels in the Black Sea, are produced and repaired at the shipyards where Severstal and MMK supply hull steel.

International Sponsor of War

All this time, Ukraine has been well aware of the close relationship between Danieli and the Russian steel industry.

In June last year, Ukraines Defense Ministry publicly condemned Danieli for its continued work with Russian clients.

Supporting the Russian military-industrial complex goes against lawful and moral considerations, the Ministry said in a social media post.

Two months later, on Aug. 10, 2022, Danielis Dutch subsidiary, Danieli Corus, shipped the cooling element to Severstals blast furnace, according to trade data from the Import Genius database.

A worker takes sample of iron for further checks. This iron is to be processed into steel. (Credit: Severstal)

When Danieli Corus shipped it, the Severstals owner, Alexei Mordashov, was already under EU sanctions. Severstal as a company has been under sanctions in the U.S. since 2022 and in the United Kingdom since May 2023. But the EU is yet to sanction Severstal itself.

In late September 2022, Ukraine labeled Danieli an international sponsor of war.

Danieli addressed the accusations only half a year later and called them baseless and inaccurate in a March 2023 press release.

The fact that Danieli did not comment in detail on these specific allegations should not be taken as acceptance of their factual accuracy but simply means that we wished to avoid pointless discussions concerning non-existent facts, the statement goes on.

Read also: Ukraine imposes sanctions on petty pro-Russian politicians, yet ignores most high-profile ones

Publically, the company firmly denies allegations, but internally, most workers recognize that doing business with Russia is a problem, according to Danielis internal documentation and multiple employees who spoke on condition of anonymity.

According to people involved with the company, it knowingly took risks and continued business with its Russian companies, whose owners are under EU sanctions.

The company management just didnt care, an employee at Danieli Corus told Follow The Money on condition of anonymity.

Doing business despite sanctions

Steel manufacturer Krasny Oktyabr is among the Russian companies that Danieli Group has allegedly kept working with after the all-out war broke out in 2022.

In April 2022, Krasny Oktyabr announced that it would continue cooperating with Danieli.

The company is one of Russias largest producers of special steel for military purposes and, according to Russian media, supplied steel for the armor of certain tanks. Krasny Oktyabr also produces steel for the nuclear reactor vessels for Russian submarines.

The companys owner Dmitry Pumpyansky has been on the EU and U.S. sanction lists since March 2022. According to Proekt, the sanctions prompted him to transfer the ownership of his companies, at least on paper.

A Danieli worker with knowledge of the company's Russia operations, and a person with access to Danieli's finances on its Russian business said independently on conditions of anonymity that Danieli continued to generate revenue on projects for Severstal, MMK and Krasny Oktyabr during the second half of 2022.

Like the owners of Severstal and Krasny Oktyabr, the owner of MMK, Viktor Rashnikov, also fell under international sanctions after the start of the Russian full-scale invasion.

Steel and sanctions

Although Mordashov and Rashnikov (MMK) are on the EU sanctions list, their companies are not. This is striking because these two companies contribute not only to military production but also to other Russian sectors under sanctions: the automotive and energy.

One possible explanation is the fact that Severstal and MMK not only process iron into steel but also mine and export crude iron, which is exempt from sanctions.

The EU banned finished steel products from Russia, but semi-finished steel products are not subject to sanctions.

Experts say that such loopholes in sanctions are created to protect countries' core economic interests.

In the U.S., Severstal and MMK have been on the sanctions list since 2022; the UK imposed restrictions against the two companies in May 2023.

When the Severstal owner fell under sanctions, it prompted Danieli Corus to seek legal advice on the supply of the furnace cooling element to the Russian company.

In March 2022, Danieli Corus approached the Dutch law firm BenninkAmar, experts in sanctions law.

Danieli wondered whether it was legally safe to ship the cooling element to Severstal if its owner, Mordashov, had divested himself from the company on paper.

He had transferred his shares through a trust to his wife, a standard way to avoid sanctions, Yvo Amar of BenninkAmar told Follow The Money. That didnt fly, though. Not long after, Mordashovs wife was also sanctioned.

Severstal is off limits, Amar recalled saying to Danieli Corus.

The picture features the blast furnaces iron production for subsequent processing into steel. (Credit: Severstal)

According to Amar, he urged the company to consult Dutch authorities before proceeding with the shipment.

The company claims to have done so, several months later. Danieli Corus told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, it had contacted the Dutch Foreign Ministry at the end of July 2022, 4.5 months after Amars advice. When it didnt hear back for about two weeks, Danieli Corus went forward with the supply to Russia anyway.

On Aug. 10, 2022, Severstal already received the part.

Danieli Corus didnt reply to Follow The Moneys questions about this shipment.

A Danieli Corus employee anonymously told Follow The Money that the company took an informed risk in supplying the cooling element to Severstal.

By December 2022, four months after the supply in question, Danieli had internally recognized Severstal and MMK, among others, as sanctioned by the EU and the U.S., even though only the companies owners were targeted, not the entities themselves. It is revealed in the Danieli Groups partner list, dated Dec. 19, 2022, and shared by email within the company, which was leaked to journalists.

The companys business with Russia eventually attracted the attention of authorities.

In October 2023, just over a month after Follow The Money had contacted the Dutch Foreign Ministry with questions on the matter, the responsible authorities paid a visit to Danieli Corus, people with knowledge of the visit said on conditions of anonymity.

According to them, officials watching the export of prohibited goods in the Netherlands came in to discuss the companys business with Severstal.

Danieli Coruss CEO, Gert-Jan Apeldoorn, confirmed the visit to Follow The Money.

Danieli Corus, as a part of the Danieli Group, fully complies with the sanction regime of the European Union and carries out specific compliance activities, he said.

The Danieli Group itself has been insisting that it has done nothing wrong.

We respect the sanctions, the company told Corriere della Sera in March this year.

The company, however, did not have the means to control the use of the raw and semi-finished products that Severstal makes and sells to third parties.

But a month later, and over a year into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Danieli finally bowed to the pressure and announced its exit from the Russian market.

The development of geopolitical scenarios has made us realize that commercial relations and presence in the Russian market are no longer possible in the current situation, Danieli CEO Gianpietro Benedetti said at a conference in Italys Udine, where the company is headquartered, in April 2023. For this reason, we have decided to sell our business located in this (Russian) region.

More than six months after the announcement, Danieli has yet to disclose concrete plans for the sale of its Russian operations.

The company also failed to explain why it first said that it would pull out of Russia only in April 2023, over a year into an all-out war, while several of its primary Russian customers had been hit by sanctions as early as February-March of 2022.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An Iowa father is facing child endangerment and drug charges after his 4-year-old son ate a chocolate bar containing THC last month.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services began investigating a 26-year-old man after a boy ingested THC on Nov. 19, the Independence Police Department said in a news release.

The child was taken treated at a hospital and eventually released, Police Chief David Niedert told USA TODAY Friday afternoon.

The boy's father was arrested on Dec. 9 and charged with multiple felonies, including possession with intent to distribute psilocybin or magic mushrooms, failure to affix a drug tax stamp and child endangerment resulting in bodily injury.

He is also facing multiple misdemeanor charges such as possession of marijuana on the 2nd offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cases have been reported all over the country of children consuming marijuana edibles that look like candy, cookies or other snacks.

In 2019, nine Florida elementary school students were sent to a hospital after eating marijuana-infused candy. School administrators said one student inadvertently brought in THC-laced candy and shared it with friends.

And it's not just marijuana children are accidentally consuming. There's also the opioid fentanyl.

Two people were arrested and charged this week after multiple Virginia fourth graders ate gummy bears and got sick. While police found no foreign substance in the gummies, the bag they were served in tested positive for fentanyl.

Fentanyl-tainted gummy bears: Couple charged after kids sickened at Virginia school

Father found son 'passed out' after eating chocolate bar containing THC

The most recent case involving the 4-year-old happened last month in Independence, Iowa, about 40 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids.

Court documents filed in Iowa District Court show that the 4-year-old boy ate a chocolate bar containing THC the morning of Nov. 19. The boy was taken to a clinic before being transferred to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Once authorities secured a search warrant, they searched the home the boy's father shares with his girlfriend. There, police found 10.7 grams of mushrooms and 3.5 grams of green plant material that tested positive for marijuana, court documents show.

They also found drug equipment such as a broken bong with drug residue, a glass pipe with drug residue, a digital scale, silicone wax jars and plastic bags.

The man was later interviewed and admitted he got the mushrooms and marijuana from friends and family. He told authorities that he found his son the morning of Nov. 19 "passed out" on the couch with his hand in a bag of chips. He later found the wrapper for a chocolate bar containing THC in the kitchen.

The boy's father told police the child acted "high," so he and his girlfriend took him to the clinic for treatment.

It is not clear who is representing the boy's father.

Candy bars marked with Colorado's new required diamond-shaped stamp noting that the product contains marijuana, are displayed in Denver on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. State officials require the stamp to be put directly on edibles after complaints that the treats look too much like their non-intoxicating counterparts.

Researchers find evidence of rise in children consuming edibles

There is evidence that more and more children are accidentally eating edibles containing drugs such as marijuana.

Earlier this year, researchers in Illinois found that the number of children under 6 years old who accidentally ate edible cannabis products increased from 207 cases in 2017 to 3,014 cases in 2021. Nearly one-fourth of these children were admitted to the hospital. The findings were published in the journal Pediatrics earlier this year.

Cases of children consuming marijuana-laced treats grew as more states passed legislation allowing medical and recreational cannabis products. Currently, 37 states permit use of marijuana for medical purposes with 21 states allowing some adult recreational use.

The availability of edible marijuana products has grown since 2014, when Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Among the edibles made with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, are gummies, chocolates, lollipops, cookies and other baked goods.

"Many edible THC containing products resemble treats that might easily be mistaken by a child as just another snack," said study co-author Dr. Marit Tweet, an emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist with the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, in a statement accompanying the study.

Edible marijuana samples are set aside for evaluation at a cannabis testing laboratory in Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018. The number of young kids, especially toddlers, who accidentally ate marijuana-laced treats rose sharply over five years as pot became legal in more places in the U.S., according to an analysis published Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2022, in the journal Pediatrics.

How many kids who ate marijuana edibles were admitted to the hospital?

Of the more than 7,000 cases of child exposures to edible cannabis products reported to the National Poison Data System from 2017-2021, the researchers found:

573 kids were admitted to critical care units

1,027 kids were admitted to non-critical care units

2,550 kids were seen in emergency rooms

625 cases refused care/did not go to hospital

2,268 outcome unknown/no follow-up

More than half of the children were toddlers, ages 2 and 3, the study showed. More than 90% got the edibles at home.

The last two years of the study occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and day care and school closures could have led to the increased cases and hospitalizations, researchers say.

The results are not surprising, said Dr. Brian Schultz, a pediatric emergency physician at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. He previously worked at Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he and his colleagues treated kids who had eaten pot edibles almost on a daily basis, he told The Associated Press.

Marijuana edibles are displayed at a dispensary in Las Vegas on Jan. 4, 2018.

How to recognize cannabis poisoning in kids

Kids admitted to critical care units typically had slowed breathing and reduced heart rates, but a few went into a coma, the researchers found.

Other symptoms children experienced:

drowsiness

breathing problems

fast heart rate

vomiting

agitation

confusion

poor muscle control

No deaths were reported during the five years studied.

How to protect your children and prevent accidents

Unintentional marijuana exposure typically happens at home so parents should store any edibles safely and avoid buying them in packages that look like traditional treats or candies, said Kevin Osterhoudt, an attending physician in the Emergency Department and Medical Director of The Poison Control Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on the American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org site.

"Never consume marijuana edibles in front of children, either for medical or recreational purposes," he said. "Seeing the products could create temptation for kids."

Locked cabinets that are out of reach of young children are best, Tweet said. And store edibles away from the kitchen or other areas where other foods and snacks are stored or eaten, she said.

The researchers suggest changes to product packaging and labeling, as well as regulating the maximum allowable dose in a package.

Some states such as Illinois require product packaging that does not appeal to children and the total amount of THC allowed per package is limited, Tweet said.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Follow Mike Snider and Saleen Martin on X at @mikesnider and @saleenmartin.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Edible THC emergencies in kids skyrocketing; Iowa case the latest
Demonstrators pay tribute to Mahsa Amini, one year after she was killed on Sept 16 - Probal Rashid/LightRocket

Iran has launched a spree of executions targeting activists and ethnic minorities since the war in Gaza broke out, rights groups and campaigners say.

With the worlds attention diverted by the Israel-Hamas war, Iran has executed at least 229 people, they said, as the regime in Tehran clamps down in the wake of the uprising after the death of Mahsa Amini.

Iran on Saturday said it had executed a man who was sentenced to death after being convicted of working with Israels intelligence services.

It did not identify the man but said he was found guilty of collecting and providing classified information to the Mossad spy service with the aim of disrupting public order.

In November, the UN warned Iran was carrying out executions at an alarming rate, putting to death at least 419 people in the first seven months of the year, a 30 per cent increase from the same period in 2022.

Since Oct 7, Kurdish and Baluchi minorities have been among the major victims of the killing spree, with at least a quarter of the victims coming from the Baluchi minority.

Among the executions there are also two women and one child, killed in November.

Shahin Gobadi, spokesman for opposition group the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK), said many of its members have been victims.

The clerical regime is engaged in a war with the people of Iran to prevent another uprising inside Iran, he said, referring to the worst civil unrest in the regimes history, which began in September 2022 after Aminis death in the custody of Tehrans morality police.

The death of the 22-year-old, who had been arrested for not wearing her hijab properly, was followed by a tightening of rules by security forces with more than 500 civilians killed.

Thousands more were arrested arbitrarily and, according to Iranian activists, it spurned a wave of state-sponsored sexual violence against women violating hijab laws in and out of Irans jails.

Secret killing of political prisoners

The mullahs want to prevent the resurgence of the uprising with a wave of executions, including the secret killing of political prisoners, and by intensifying repression, especially against the activists of the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK) and the Resistance Units affiliated to the MEK, Mr Gobadi added.

He said the executions are going unseen under the shadows of a conflict in which Irans proxies in the likes of Yemen, Lebanon and Syria are joining the war on Israel alongside Iran-backed terror group Hamas which invaded the Jewish state on Oct 7, killing at least 1,200 and taking over 240 more hostages.

It is time for the UK, the EU, its member states and the US to take practical steps instead of simply verbally condemning the gross violation of human rights in Iran, he said, calling for the proscription of Irans military body, the Revolutionary Guards.

The first practical step is to proscribe the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the main apparatus of repression and war-mongering, as a terrorist entity, a step that is long overdue.

According to a report in November by Norway-based Iran Human Rights, 604 people have been executed in the first ten months of the year, the highest number in eight years, including mass executions.

In 2022, the rights group recorded 582 executions, with the highest recent records being 972 in 2015.

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.
Irelands natural beauty could soon be granted rights similar to those of humans after a parliamentary committee put its weight behind a proposal to enshrine natures rights in the constitution.

The joint committee on environment and climate action this week recommended to the Irish government that it should hold a referendum on whether the countrys glens, mountains and rivers should be granted legal rights.

The MPs on the committee said that a referendum should take place before the next election and be accompanied by a robust public information campaign to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The committees report backs the findings of a citizens assembly that was asked to look into ways to protect the Emerald Isles biodiversity.

Harder for companies to exploit nature

While it is unclear what such a change to the constitution would mean in practice, advocates of giving nature rights argue that it makes it harder for companies to exploit nature for profit while also hindering urban sprawl.

Such a move would make Ireland the first country in the EU to give nature such rights.

Ecuador made a similar change to its constitution in 2008, while a river in New Zealand has been a legal person since 2017.

The move was backed by the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, an advocacy organisation that has worked in the US to stop development on wild land.

Important step forward

We congratulate chairperson Brian Leddin and the joint committee for its work and for taking this important step forward toward enshrining the rights of nature within Irelands constitution, said the groups executive director Mari Margil.

Further, we look forward to the government and parliaments next steps to protect the rights of nature, and offer whatever assistance we can in this process.

The Irish Farmers Association has argued against the change, saying that it would significantly increase the strain on already overburdened legal and planning systems as well as infringe farmers property rights.

After the citizens assembly released its findings in April, the union also complained that farmers only made up six of the assemblys 100 members despite being most exposed to changes in the law.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Israel has agreed to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Egypts border to allow more aid into Gaza.

Before departing Israel, I was informed by my counterpart, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, that the Government of Israel has taken the decision to open its border crossing at Kerem Shalom for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, President Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement Friday.

We welcome this significant step. President Biden raised this issue in recent phone calls with [Israel] Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu, and it was an important topic of discussion during my visit to Israel over the past two days, he added.

The Consulate General of Israel to New England said Israel had reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing, significantly increasing the volume of humanitarian aid including food, water, and other essentials being delivered into the Gaza Strip in a post Tuesday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sullivans statement comes as aid groups and the United Nations sound alarm over a humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israel seeks to destroy Hamas, which launched an attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people more than two months ago.

More than 18,000 people have been killed by Israels retaliatory airstrikes and ground offensive in Gaza, including thousands of civilians, according to Gaza health authorities, while much of the population of some 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes and find refuge in hospitals, schools or other shelters.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Friday it accidentally killed three Israeli hostages in Gaza City. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said it was unclear whether the hostages had escaped from captivity or had been abandoned.

The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences, the military said. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home.

President Biden has been upping his criticism of Israel as the war has worn on. During a fundraiser Tuesday, the president said Netanyahu has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move.

It has most of the world supporting it. But theyre starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place, Biden said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
There are differences between Israel and the U.S. over when the shift to a lower-intensity campaign will begin.

A top White House leader on Friday tried to downplay U.S. differences with Israel over the future course of its war against Hamas.

While both parties see an eventual transition from wide-scale bombardment and intense ground fighting to a more targeted campaign against Hamas leadership, the U.S. and Israel remain at loggerheads over when that might happen. As civilian casualties mount, the Biden administration wants that to happen within weeks, while Israeli officials say its large-scale ground operation has many more months to go.

https://twitter.com/BarakRavid/status/1735355980446085124

Speaking to reporters Friday at the end of his two-day trip to Israel, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tried to tamp down growing tensions.

Theres no contradiction between saying the fight is going to take months and also saying that different phases will take place at different times over those months, including the transition from the high-intensity operations to more targeted operations, he said.

Sullivan added that the timing and the conditions under which the transition happens were the subject of conversations he had on Thursday and Friday with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his war cabinet .

Sullivan declined to answer when asked whether the United States could hold back military aid if Israel does not reduce civilian casualties, saying the best way to reach an agreement was in private discussions. Nearly 19,000 Palestinians have been killed so far according to Gaza health officials. Those figures do not include Hamas fighters.

Sullivan's comments came a day after the head of the Israeli Intelligence Directorate, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, said "this is a multi-arena campaign and there are many months ahead." The same day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Sullivan for on-going U.S. support, but that the offensive would last several more months.

https://twitter.com/manniefabian/status/1735319038190846198

Sullivan also pressed Palestinian leaders to help provide security for the postwar Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials said, according to the Wall Street Journa l.

The U.S. wants a Palestinian-led force to take over in Gaza with contributions from Arab neighbors after Israel withdraws, according to the publication. The U.S. and Arab allies fear that chaos will reign and Hamas could reassert itself without a strong security force in place for a population of two million people who have been desperate for food, water and shelter for two months.

Sullivan asked Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to provide security personnel who could form the nucleus of a force to patrol Gaza, U.S. and Palestinian officials said, according to the Journal. U.S. and Palestinian officials have discussed a plan to retrain 1,000 former Palestinian Authority security forces officers in Gaza and another 3,000 to 5,000 in the West Bank who would work in Gaza after the war, Palestinian officials said.

https://twitter.com/TheNationalNews/status/1735742349253194035

The IDF acknowledged Friday that it accidentally killed three hostages during combat in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City.

The IDF said it mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed.

During searches and checks in the area in which the incident occurred, a suspicion arose over the identities of the deceased. Their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination, after which it was confirmed that they were three Israeli hostages, according to the IDF.

The bodies of the three, who were taken hostage Oct. 7 during the surprise Hamas invasion, were transported to the "Hatzvi" Center at the Shura Camp for further examination, where they were identified: Yotam Haim and Alon Shamriz were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza and Samer Talalka was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am.

The IDF said it began reviewing the incident immediately, emphasizing that this is an active combat zone in which ongoing fighting over the last few days has occurred. Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field. The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home.

https://twitter.com/AvivaKlompas/status/1735728365468815686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1735728365468815686%7Ctwgr%5Ebf03091e511447811ae98e0c3d6e59f827fc4d02%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jpost.com%2Fbreaking-news%2Farticle-778217

The IDF also announced Friday it recovered the bodies of two soldiers held hostage by Hamas, Cpl. Nik Beizer and Sgt. Ron Sherman.

The families were informed after an identification process carried out by medical officials and military rabbis.

https://twitter.com/IsraelWarRoom/status/1735574764901605458

Israel is continuing its ground offensive in Khan Yunis. The IDF released video of fighting taking place in the ruins of one of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's houses.

https://twitter.com/MOSSADil/status/1735681928672485377

Israeli forces launched flares over Khan Yunis to simulate a menorah to commemorate the final night of Hanukkah.

https://twitter.com/JakeWSimons/status/1735562293788762232

Hamas released another compilation video of attacks on five Israeli tanks and an armored vehicle that were operating in Khan Yunis. Though the vehicles were struck, it is unclear how much damage was caused. In several cases, it appears some of the resulting explosions might have been activation of the Merkava tank 's Trophy Active Protection System , which you can read more about in our story here .

https://twitter.com/AryJeay/status/1735727051053699376

Al Jazeera said photo journalist Samer Abudaqa was killed and his colleague Wael Dahdouh wounded in an Israeli attack in Khan Younis. They were reporting at Farhana school in Khan Younis when the attack hit them on Friday, the publication said. Rescue teams were unable to immediately reach Abudaqa and others at the site due to Israeli bombardment.

Rescuers just managed to retrieve the cameraman Samer Abudaqas body, a spokesperson for the media network said.

Dahdouh was hit by shrapnel on his upper arm, and managed to reach Nasser hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

Witnesses said earlier there was heavy shelling in the area around the school.

As the Israel-Gaza war continues, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said its research showed that as of December 15 at least 64 journalists and media workers were among the thousands of people killed since the conflict began on October 7.

"This deadly toll on journalists lives is coupled with harassment, detentions, and other reporting obstructions as they go about their work across the region," CPJ said.

https://twitter.com/CPJMENA/status/1735742448830386223

Fighting continued as well in northern Gaza.

The IDF took over and destroyed the headquarters of the Hamas' Shejaia Battalion in Gaza City, while also advancing further into the heart of Khan Yunis, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said on Friday morning .

The forces of the 188th Brigade, in coordination with armored, engineering, and infantry forces and the Air Force, carried out the operation to takeover the Shejaia Battalion's headquarters. On Tuesday, 10 IDF soldiers, including several senior officers, were killed and six wounded in an ambush in Shejaia.

During the operation, the IDF eliminated Hamas fighters and destroyed a tunnel shaft where a terrorist was hiding and trying to throw explosives at Israeli forces. The headquarters itself was destroyed by airstrikes, tank fire, and the IDF's engineering forces.

https://twitter.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/1735571303313113542

The IDF and Shin Bet released a video showing several Hamas operatives killed by Israeli troops inside one of the groups tunnels in northern Gaza.

According to a joint statement, the "significant" tunnel was discovered in recent days by the Gaza Divisions Northern Brigade alongside the Shin Bet. The Hamas operatives were identified and killed by the Combat Engineering Corps elite Yahalom unit, using diverse means," the IDF says, without elaborating further.

https://twitter.com/manniefabian/status/1735358231168323587?s=12

Israels reported attempt to pump seawater into the vast network of tunnels beneath Gaza beginning earlier this week was "a success," The Times of Israel reported Thursday. The publication added that the army warned of new combat methods to deal with terrorists hiding underground.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that the IDF had started pumping seawater into Hamass underground tunnel system, a move aimed at destroying the Palestinian terror groups subterranean network of passages and hideaways and at driving its operatives above ground.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said last week that flooding the tunnels was a good idea but wouldnt comment further.

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan on Thursday claimed that the tunnels were engineered to withstand flooding as well as other potential dangers."

Though some hostages are being held in the tunnels, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Thursday that the army operates based on intelligence it has regarding where it believes the hostages are located and that it will not take steps that harm them.

https://twitter.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/1735339970762510506

After a major raid of the West Bank city of Jenin, the IDF said it arrested dozens of people.

According to the IDF, troops scanned hundreds of buildings, arrested 60 wanted Palestinians, and seized 50 weapons and hundreds of explosive devices during the 60-hour incursion that began late Monday, according to the Times of Israel .

The IDF said the troops also found more than 10 tunnel shafts, seven labs used to manufacture explosive devices, and five war rooms used by local terror operatives to monitor IDF operations. Some of the sites were blown up by the troops.

https://twitter.com/TimesofIsrael/status/1735377011806441731?s=20

During that raid, IDF troops entered a mosque and sang Jewish prayers over its public address system.

https://twitter.com/YousefMunayyer/status/1735259493221450137?s=20

Hamas unleashed a rocket attack on Jerusalem for the first time since October.

At least six rockets were launched towards Jerusalem according to the Israeli military, with three intercepted, Israel's N12 news reported . The military said the other rockets landed away from populated zones.

https://twitter.com/N12News/status/1735702076947083285

The barrage could be seen from the Al Aqsa mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam and a frequent flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian strife.

https://twitter.com/DrEliDavid/status/1735692928125636624

One of the rockets fired from Gaza fell near the Al-Astashari hospital in Ramallah, Israel's N12 news reported.

https://twitter.com/N12News/status/1735686950189662289

Hamas also fired rockets near Beit Shemesh, about 12 miles west of Jerusalem, but they fell harmlessly, N12 news reported.

https://twitter.com/N12News/status/1735681328534663271

The IDF claimed Hamas attempted to ambush its troops by connecting speakers to explosive-laden dolls and backpacks.

Those items "were intentionally placed near a tunnel shaft connecting to a large tunnel network that extends under nearby civilian areas including a school and a medical clinic," according to the IDF. "It also connects to a mosque containing a Hamas command center equipped with cameras that were monitoring IDF troops. The command center is connected to the medical clinic's power supply. Our forces conducted thorough searches of the area and exposed the ambush as well as Hamas intelligence and anti-tank positions in the area."

https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1735651616416514381?s=20

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said after returning from Gaza "we are almost 70 days into this war, and every time I go back, I think it cannot get worse. But every time I witness more misery, more grief and sadness and I have the feeling that Gaza is not really a habitable place anymore."

"On this visit I stayed in Rafah in the extreme south of the Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt," he said. "Now, Rafah is the epicenter of the displacement of Gazans. This is where over 1 million people have fled to the Governate, and most of them have been moved more than once since the beginning of the war. Rafah has quadrupled its number of people overnight."

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1735285732309082237?s=20

CNN reporter Clarissa Ward, who was trying since the start of the war to get into Gaza, finally made it in. She took a look at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She offers a tour of the incredible damage after more than 22,000 strikes, "by far surpassing anything we've seen in modern warfare in terms of intensity and ferocity."

https://twitter.com/OmarJimenez/status/1735300676635271366?s=20

Fighting continued along the Lebanese border Friday.

Israeli Air Force aircraft struck a series of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in response to what the IDF said were cross border attacks. Among the targets struck were terrorist infrastructure, a command and control center, and military sites in which Hezbollah terrorists were operating. In addition, the IDF said it struck a launch post from which launches toward Israel were identified earlier today using the 120mm laser and GPS-guided ' Iron Sting ' mortar munition made by Israels Elbit Systems.

https://twitter.com/IAFsite/status/1735719368183464389

Amid concerns throughout this war that it might expand into a fight against Hezbollah, IDF troops are undergoing training for "potential scenarios along the northern border," the IDF said.

Dubbed "Valuable Time," the exercise are designed to train IDF reservists while they also carry out operational activities. It includes daytime and nighttime combat, urban and rural warfare, operational artillery training and operations of various other types of weapons. The exercises are being conducted on a number of levels, from the platoon level to the battalion combat teams, in order to best simulate integrated joint combat.

The IDF Northern Command said it established a training arena that includes shooting instructors, a mobile fire operation unit, and training across a range of weapons, as well as technological tools for planning combat to enhance force readiness.

https://twitter.com/IsraelRadar_com/status/1735675654534746372

Israel has opened the Kerem Shalom border for direct delivery of humanitarian aid, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced Friday. The crossing is located in southern Gaza near the Egyptian border. Earlier this week , the IDF said it would only allow inspections of humanitarian aid at Kerem Shalom, which would then have to go to the Rafah border checkpoint between Egypt and Gaza for entry into the Strip.

"We welcome this significant step," he said in a statement. "President Biden raised this issue in recent phone calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and it was an important topic of discussion during my visit to Israel over the past two days. The United States remains committed to expanding and sustaining the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. We will continue to work closely with Egypt and other partners on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance through Rafah crossing, and we hope that this new opening will ease congestion and help facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to those who need it urgently in Gaza."

Israel has opened the Kerem Shalom border crossing for direct humanitarian aid deliveries. (Google Earth image)

The news about Kerem Shalom comes as a convoy of 106 trucks carrying humanitarian aid crossed into Gaza through the Rafah crossing on Friday, an Egyptian official told CNN . This included five trucks carrying fuel. A total of 445 individuals left the Gaza Strip, comprising 441 foreigners and four injured Palestinians, the Egyptian official added.

While the current number of trucks aligns with the daily average that has been allowed over the past week, the United Nations had reported that an average of 455 trucks were delivering aid supplies each day.

This is a developing story. We will update it when there is more news to report about the Israel-Hamas war.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
(CNN)  A multi-million-pound investment in a luxury property in London that went wrong, a once powerful Vatican cardinal secretly recording a conversation with the pope and a female security consultant accused of spending church funds on fashion brands.

No, this isnt the plot of a new historical thriller but what has emerged from whats been dubbed the Vaticans trial of the century, which examined a litany of financial misconduct costing the Holy See millions of dollars.

The two-and-a-half-year trial in Vatican Citys criminal court has involved 10 defendants including, for the first time, a cardinal. He is Giovanni Angelo Becciu, once one of the most powerful figures in the Vatican, who held the position of sostituto (substitute) in the Holy Sees Secretariat of State, a papal chief of staff equivalent. In this role, the 75-year-old Sardinian prelate had walk-in privileges to see the pope when he needed and was even tipped as a potential future pope. Now, if convicted, he is facing time in prison, after being indicted for embezzlement and abuse of office.

Verdicts in the case are expected Saturday. The Vatican has some prison cells, but any longer sentences would be served at an Italian prison.

The cardinal has repeatedly denied the charges against him.

Before the trial began however, the pope removed his once close aide from his position as leader of the Vaticans department for canonizing saints, along with his right to vote in a future conclave.

The trial has been a critical test for Pope Francis and his long running battle to bring transparency and accountability to the Vaticans notoriously murky finances. Throughout his pontificate, the pope has sought to clean up the Vaticans bank, establish a financial regulatory system and crack down on back-handers and conflicts of interest.

The London investment

At the heart of the trial was the Vaticans purchase of a vast property in southwest Londons Chelsea neighborhood, originally built as a car showroom for the Harrods department store. The Holy See spent around $400 million on the deal over several years but ended up with losses of $150 million after eventually selling the asset. Vatican prosecutors argued that the church was swindled out of millions by paying too much for the property while a series of middlemen made huge sums and those in charge of the deal were negligent.

Initially, the Holy See invested $200 million in a fund run by Raffaele Mincione, a London-based Italian financier, who controlled a 45% stake in the Chelsea property. The initial investment was authorized when Cardinal Becciu was chief of staff. The other half of the building was owned by Mincione.

The plan was to turn the building into apartments but the Vatican became dissatisfied with the investment which prosecutors argued left the church with heavy losses. The building, they say, had been overvalued by Mincione and the Secretariat of State was not informed of a 75 million ($96 million) mortgage on the property. Beccius successor, Edgar Pena Parra, decided to buy the building outright but had to pay a hefty fee to Mincione.

Then, another financier, Gianluigi Torzi, was bought in to help buy the property but he is accused of structuring the deal which left him in control of the building and the Vatican purchasing an empty box. Top Vatican officials said they were not properly informed about this and then had to pay Torzi millions to get out of the deal.

The Vatican announced the trial would commence in July 2021, with prosecutors depositing a 500-page indictment detailing the alleged crimes.

Both Torzi and Mincione are among the 10 defendants in the case, which was heard in a special room inside the Vatican museums. Torzi stood trial for extortion, money laundering, fraud and embezzlement, while Mincione was charged with embezzlement, abuse of office, fraud and money laundering. Both have denied the charges against them. Mincione has also launched a legal action against the Holy See in the London courts.

Mincione told CNN that the case against him rests on nothing and that the Vatican has been unable to ever show it bought the property at an inflated price, or lost money. He insisted the valuations of the property were supported by an independent report by financial services firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers and that the Vatican was perfectly aware of the Deutsche Bank loan on the building and of alternative lower values. Mincione also said the Vaticans decision to acquire the property meant that planning permission on the building was cut short. He added that his action against the Holy See in London was designed to clear my name and that he was 100 per cent confident he would win the case.

Although regulators ruled in 2021 that the Holy See had made progress with its financial reforms, they insisted it needed to bolster its efforts in prosecuting wrongdoing, including that of senior clerics.

Then came the news that the trial, which for the first time would include a cardinal as one of the defendants, would go ahead  making Becciu the first cardinal to face criminal charges in a Vatican court. For this to happen, Francis had to change the law to allow bishops and cardinals to stand trial in a Vatican tribunal. Previously they had been immune from prosecution.

The cardinals lady

Becciu was in charge when the initial investment in the London property deal using church funds was approved. He was also charged with embezzling more than 125,000 ($136,000) of church funds in a Sardinian charity run by his brother, and authorizing 575,000 ($618,000) in payments from the Secretariat of State to Cecilia Marogna, a security consultant purportedly to help free a nun kidnapped in Africa. Vatican prosecutors argued this money was used for personal purposes by Marogna including over $54,000 spent on clothing, footwear and fashion accessories from high-end brands such as Prada, Gucci and Hermes.

Marogna, who is in her 40s, has been dubbed the cardinals lady given her association with Becciu. During the trial court was shown images taken by Marogna inside the cardinals apartment and posted on social media with captions reading feeling at home and my paradise.

When Vatican police told Becciu that the money transferred to Marogna was not being used as intended, he asked them not to let anyone know because it would bring serious harm to him and his family. During an interrogation before the trial, one witness was asked by prosecutors whether Becciu and Marogna had an intimate relationship, which he denied. Both Becciu and Marogna have denied an improper relationship.

Marogna has denied any wrongdoing, and told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that she spent the Vatican funds on fees for her and her collaborators, travel and other living expenses. She insisted that she had developed a network of relationships in Africa and the Middle East to help Vatican diplomats and missionaries.

Also during the trial the court heard a phone call Becciu had secretly recorded with the pope where he sought to confirm with the pontiff that Francis had authorized payments to free the kidnapped nun. According to a transcript, the pope said he vaguely remembered a discussion about payments but repeatedly asked Becciu explain what he wanted in writing.

Ongoing battle to reform

The popes battle to reform Vatican finances has revealed the problem of placing clerics, with no professional financial training, in charge of large financial portfolios. As a result of the London property investigation, Francis ordered that the funds controlled by the Holy Sees Secretariat of State be managed by a different Vatican entity where an experienced accountant, Fabio Gasperini, oversees day-to-day operations. In 2019, it was estimated the Holy Sees Secretariat of State managed assets of roughly $1 billion.

The Holy See has a property portfolio in cities including Rome, Paris and London, which came about following compensation paid to it by Italy for the loss of the papal states, the parts of Italy under papal rule until the 19th century. In this 1929 deal, the Lateran Treaty, the Italian authorities also recognized Vatican City as a sovereign entity. The bulk of the Vaticans properties are in Rome and used to house church employees. Funding for the Vatican comes largely through donations made by Catholics from across the world and revenue from tourists visiting the Sistine Chapel and Vatican museums.

During the Francis pontificate, the Vatican has begun to publish annual financial statements, which recently revealed a shortfall in income, while the Pope has sought to centralize investments to enhance accountability. The London property investment deal was also flagged as suspicious by the Vaticans internal monitoring system in 2019, triggering the inquiry which led to the trial.

Vatican finances have long been a source of scandal, and this case has brought back memories of Roberto Calvi, the man known as Gods banker, who was found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge in London in 1982. He had been chairman of the Banco Ambrosiano at the time of its collapse, with the Vatican bank its main shareholder.

In 2019, the pope described the London investment deal as a scandal while this week he told Vatican auditors that the lure of corruption is so dangerous that we must be extremely vigilant.

Plenty of steps have been made by Francis to tackle the Vaticans finances. The trial shows theres plenty of work to do. The pope has often warned: The devil enters through the pockets.
Protesters calling for the release of the hostages outside the Israel Defense Force headquarters last night - Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty

Any hostile move against Yemen will have dire consequences and great costs, a spokesman for the Iran-backed Houthis said on Saturday.

The Houthis will not abandon the Palestinian cause, regardless of any US, Israeli, or Western threats, he said, adding that its attacks against Israel would continue.

The Houthis rule much of Yemen, and have in recent weeks stepped up attacks on shipping and fired drones and missiles towards Israel in support of Hamas fighting Israel in Gaza.

A Royal Navy warship shot down a suspected attack drone targeting merchant shipping on Saturday.

04:56 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The key developments from the day were:

Israeli and Qatari officials were expected to meet in Norway in an effort to revive talks about the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The three Israeli hostages who were mistakenly killed in Gaza by the Israeli military on Friday had been holding up a white cloth on a stick, the IDF said.

The families of hostages held a press conference calling on the government to initiate a new agreement for the release of their loved ones.

A British destroyer shot down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea on Saturday, the Defence Secretary said.

Israeli special forces raided two schools in Gaza overnight, where the IDF said Hamas operatives were holed up.

Hundreds gathered to mourn Al Jazeera journalist Samer Abu Daqqa in Gaza after he died from wounds suffered during an airstrike on the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

Iran executed a man who was sentenced to death after being convicted of working with Israels intelligence services, the judiciary said.



04:29 PM GMT

Hostage families 'begging' Israeli government for new deal

The brother of a hostage taken by Hamas has said that the families of hostages have been begging the Israeli government to meet with them but that there has been no response.

Danny Elgharts brother Yitzhak was kidnapped on Oct 7. He said that the families are waiting for the government to offer some kind of deal for the recovery of hostages from Gaza and cannot understand what they are waiting for.

Now all were receiving is one coffin after another, he said.

04:24 PM GMT

Hostage families hold press conference

The families of hostages are holding a press conference in Tel Aviv and calling on the government to initiate a new agreement for the release of their loved ones after three abductees were mistakenly killed by troops in Gaza.

This is an emergency, said Raz Ben Ami, who was released by Hamas over two weeks ago as part of a temporary truce deal. Ben Amis husband is still a hostage.

Ben Ami said that she warned members of the government that the ground offensive in Gaza was putting hostages at risk.

Unfortunately we were right, she said, as reported by the Times of Israel. A military operation alone will not save the lives of the hostages.

You promised youd return the hostages alive, what are you waiting for? she added.

04:07 PM GMT

Israel appears more open to new truce in talks with mediators, Egypt says

Israeli officials appear more willing in calls with mediators to strike a fresh deal for a ceasefire and release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages held in Gaza, two Egyptian security sources told Reuters.

The comments came amid reports of a meeting between the head of Israels Mossad spy agency, David Barnea and Qatars Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe.

There was no immediate response from Israel to the Egyptian assessment or to the reports of a meeting 10 weeks after the start of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas in Gaza.

The Egyptian sources said Israeli officials appeared to have changed their mind on some points that they had previously refused, but did not go into further detail.

A Hamas official, when asked earlier if there was a drive to resume hostage negotiations, told Reuters there was nothing new to report.

03:21 PM GMT

French shipping group pauses all container shipments through the Red Sea

French shipping group CMA CGM said on Saturday it was pausing all container shipments through the Red Sea in the wake of attacks on commercial vessels in the region.

The situation is further deteriorating and concern of safety is increasing, the Marseille-based group said in a statement, reported by Reuters.

As such we have decided to instruct all CMA CGM container ships in the area that are scheduled to pass through the Red Sea to reach safe areas and pause their journey in safe waters with immediate effect until further notice.

02:52 PM GMT

British warship shoots down suspected attack drone in Red Sea

More on the British warship story

A British destroyer shot down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea on Saturday, the Defence Secretary said.

The incident is believed to be the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the First Gulf War in 1991.

Grant Shapps said it was believed the drone was targeting merchant shipping, in the latest such incident in the key global shipping route.

The Red Sea lies between north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

The HMS Diamond, the Type 45 destroyer that shot down the suspected drone, was sent to the region two weeks ago amid growing international concern about the threat to shipping.

One Sea Viper missile fired and successfully destroyed the target, Mr Shapps said in a statement on social media.

HMS Diamond firing its Sea Viper missile to shoot down a drone over the Red Sea today

The ship recently arrived in the region to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security, he added. The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea. The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.

Earlier this month the US military said the Bahamas-flagged Unity Explorer, owned by a UK company, was among three commercial vessels targeted in an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

On Friday Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

02:29 PM GMT

In pictures: Protests in London

People protest opposite the Israeli ambassadors residence in Swiss Cottage, London, as part of the Stop the War Coalition's Day of Action for Palestine - Stefan Rousseau/PA

02:19 PM GMT

Relative of killed hostage calls for end to war

The cousin of Samer Al-Talalka, one of the Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by the Israeli Defence Force, has called for an end to the war.

Alaa Al-Talalka, told Israels public broadcaster Kan: We had so many hopes, expectations, that he would come back to us.

Were not going to start pointing fingers, who is guilty and who is not. It is just not the time, Al-Talalka said. The families are thinking only of how to bring the hostages back alive. This is the time to ask for the war to end, he said.

02:10 PM GMT

Israel reopens aid crossing

Israel approved a temporary measure allowing aid to be delivered directly to Gaza through its Kerem Shalom border crossing, the prime ministers office said, after weeks of pressure.

Before the reopening, all aid entering the Palestinian territory had to pass through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt.

The United Nations has said the amount of aid reaching Gaza has been well below the 500 truckloads a day that entered prior to October 7. A UN official said hunger and desperation were driving people to seize the limited aid that is arriving.

01:59 PM GMT

Tel Aviv demonstrations

Hundreds of Israelis are expected to take to the streets of Tel Aviv for a second night to call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to secure the release of 129 hostages still held in the Hamas-ruled Gaza.

The only way to release the hostages alive is by negotiation. Fighting is good, but you can fight after that, said one protester at a rally in the city on Friday night.

Protesters outside the Israel Defense Force headquarters on December 15 - Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images

01:05 PM GMT

Freed Thai hostage recalls time with mistakenly killed men

One of the 23 freed Thai hostages that have returned to their homeland has told the BBC he was very shocked and saddened to learn about the deaths of the three Israeli hostages mistakenly killed on Friday.

Wichian Temthong, 37, a Thai worker who was captured from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, said he spent nearly 50 days in Gaza with the three men. He remembers their names as Yotam, who did a drumming gesture to tell Mr Temthonghe was a musician; Alon, and Sammy.

He said two of them were with him from the first day of detention and the third came on the ninth day.

We couldnt speak each others languages, so we mostly did hand signals and drawing to communicate, he told the BBC.

Mr Temthong said all four of them would shake hands and did a hand gesture to say keep on fighting every day to boost their moral support.

12:56 PM GMT

Israel and Qatar explore revival of deal for Gaza hostages

Israeli and Qatari officials were set to meet in Norway on Saturday in an effort to revive talks about the release of hostages held in Gaza in return for a ceasefire and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was due to meet David Barnea, director of Israels Mossad intelligence agency, in Oslo, the report added.

Significant obstacles impede a resumption of negotiations on a new hostage deal including disagreements over the possible terms within Hamas, the report added.

12:41 PM GMT

In pictures: Bombardment of the Gaza Strip

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip - Ariel Schalit/AP

Israeli bombardment over Khan Yunis from Rafah - SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images

12:12 PM GMT

IDF says killed hostages were holding white cloth on a stick

The three Israeli hostages who were mistakenly killed in Gaza by the Israeli military on Friday had been holding up a white cloth on a stick, the IDF says.

The hostages were fired upon against Israels rules of engagement, an IDF official says.

12:11 PM GMT

Israeli commandos raid schools used as Hamas bases

Israeli special forces raided two schools in Gaza overnight, where the IDF said Hamas operatives were holed up.

The Israel Defense Forces said troops killed several Hamas terrorists in the area, forcing several others to surrender.

The military also said it had raided apartments in Khan Younis stocked with weapons, and uncovered what it described as underground infrastructure used by Hamas. The reports could not be independently verified.

It comes after the US urged Israel to scale down the broad military campaign and transition to more narrowly targeted operations against Hamas leaders.

Israels main ally said the country risks losing international support because of the high civilian death toll in Gaza, where more than 18,000 people have now died according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

11:51 AM GMT

UK destroyer downs suspected attack drone 'targeting Red Sea shipping'

A UK destroyer has brought down a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea, defence minister Grant Shapps said Saturday, amid rising maritime tensions in the region.

Overnight, HMS Diamond shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea. One Sea Viper missile was fired and successfully destroyed the target, Shapps said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

11:33 AM GMT

Hundreds gather to mourn Al Jazeera journalist

Hundreds of people gathered to mourn Al Jazeera journalist Samer Abu Daqqa in Gaza on Saturday after he died from wounds suffered during an airstrike on the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis the day before.

The body of Abu Daqqa, wrapped in a white cloth, was carried from the Al-Nasser Medical complex in Khan Younis to a nearby cemetery. On his chest were the press vest and helmet he had been wearing when he was wounded.

Relatives of Samer Abu Daqqa mourn over his body - Mohammed Dahman/AP

Palestinians carry the body of Samer Abu Daqqa - Mohammed Dahman/AP

Al Jazeeras Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh, who lost his wife, daughter, son, and grandson in an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis in late October, accused Israel of targeting his former colleague and vowed to continue his work.

We lost Samer today in this vicious way, even though we had coordination and official assignment, he was killed with a targeted missile, he said.

The funeral was attended by friends, family and colleagues, many of them wearing their press vests. Abu Daqqas wife and children live in Belgium.

11:05 AM GMT

Egyptian air defence shoots down suspected drone off Red Sea coast

Egyptian air defence shot down a suspected drone off the Red Sea coast near the resort town of Dahab on Egypts eastern Sinai coast, two security sources said.

The security sources said the drones origin was unknown.

Witnesses in Dahab said they saw an object fall into the water. They said they saw another flying object fall in the nearby mountains.

10:54 AM GMT

Intense fighting in Gaza overnight

Gaza residents reported another night of intense fighting and bombardment the length of the enclave on Friday, including in Sheijaia, Sheikh Radwan, Zeitoun, Tuffah and Beit Hanoun in the north, and in the centre and northern fringes of the main southern city Khan Younis.

The Gaza Strip turned into a ball of fire overnight, we could hear explosions and gunshots echoing from all directions, Ahmed, 45, an electrician and father of six, told Reuters from a shelter in central Gaza.

10:32 AM GMT

Any hostile move against Yemen will have dire consequences, says Houthi official

Any hostile move against Yemen will have dire consequences and great costs, Ali al-Qahoum, member of the Houthi groups Ansarullah politburo, told Al Mayadeen TV late on Friday.

The Houthis will not abandon the Palestinian cause, regardless of any U.S., Israeli, or Western threats, he said, adding that operations against Israel will continue.

Yemen is ready with all defensive options to respond to any American, Israeli or Western hostile moves, he said.

10:14 AM GMT

More than 60 journalists killed in war

News channel Al Jazeera said that one of its journalists, Samer Abudaqa, had been killed and another, Wael Dahdouh, had been wounded by shrapnel from an Israeli missile attack in Khan Yunis.

More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

We were reporting, we were filming, we had finished and we were with the civil defence, but when we were on the way back, they hit us with a missile, said Dahdouh, who lost his wife, two children and grandchild earlier in the war.

10:02 AM GMT

Israel opening an investigation into deaths of hostages

Israel is opening an investigation into the killings of three hostages in the West Bank that its troops mistook for a threat.

The Israeli army said Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa  all aged in their twenties  were shot during operations in a neighbourhood of Gaza City.

The three were among an estimated 240 people taken hostage during Hamass October 7 raids into Israel, which also killed an estimated 1,200 people.

During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

The IDF expresses deep sorrow regarding this disaster and shares in the grief of the families.

Protests in Tel Aviv over deaths of three hostages - Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Their bodies were transferred to Israel, and on examination were confirmed as being Haim, a 28-year-old heavy metal drummer, 25-year-old Bedouin man El-Talalqa and Shamriz, aged 26.

As news of the incident spread late Friday, hundreds of people gathered at Israels ministry of defence in Tel Aviv to call on Netanyahus government to secure the release of 129 hostages still being held in Hamas-ruled territory.

09:49 AM GMT

Communications blackout in Gaza

Gaza is facing one of the longest communications blackouts in its two-month war.

Internet and telephone lines went down Thursday evening and were still inaccessible Saturday morning, according to internet access advocacy group NetBlocks.org.

The United Nations humanitarian affairs department said communications with Gaza were severely disrupted due to damage to telecommunications lines in the south.

09:35 AM GMT

Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israel

Iran on Saturday executed a man who was sentenced to death after being convicted of working with Israels intelligence services, the judiciary said.

The death sentence was carried out this morning against a spy of the Zionist regime in Zahedan prison in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, the judiciarys Mizan Online website said.

It did not identify the man but said he had been convicted of intelligence cooperation and espionage for the benefit for the hostile Zionist regime (Israel).

He was also found guilty of collecting and providing classified information to the Mossad spy service with the aim of disrupting public order, Mizan added.

It was not immediately clear when or where the man was arrested or put on trial.

Iran has previously announced the arrests of alleged agents working for foreign countries, including Israel, its regional arch-foe.

In December 2022, the Islamic republic hanged four people who had been convicted of collaborating with Israels intelligence services.

Iran does not recognise Israel and the two countries have engaged in a shadow war for years.

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The Israeli army released this picture on December 14 showing what it said were Palestinian fighters holding weapons above their heads as they surrendered to Israeli forces near the Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip (-)

The Israeli army said Saturday it had discovered weapons and arrested around 80 Hamas members in military "activity" at a hospital in Gaza, which Hamas described as a "horrific massacre".

The Hamas-controlled health ministry said on Wednesday that Israeli forces had "fired at patient rooms" and arrested staff at the Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza City during a "siege" that lasted several days.

The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said the same day that the hospital director and about 70 other medical staff were "detained in an unknown location outside of the hospital".

It said Israeli forces had released five doctors and female staff but there were reports of "ill-treatment" of those who had been held.

On Saturday, the Israeli army said it had "completed its activity in the area of the Kamal Adwan hospital", which it charged "had been used by Hamas as a command and control centre."

"The troops apprehended approximately 80 terrorists... destroyed terror infrastructure in the area" and found "numerous weapons", the army said.

Troops also "questioned the hospital workers", it said.

"The workers confessed that weapons were hidden in incubators... that were supposed to be used to treat premature babies," the army claimed.

In a statement Saturday, Hamas accused Israeli troops of having carried out a "horrific massacre" inside the hospital and said they had destroyed "with bulldozers the tents of the displaced people" sheltering there, causing a "number of deaths".

The Hamas government has said that at least 18,800 people have been killed in the territory since the outbreak of the war, which was triggered by the group's bloody attack on Israel on October 7.

That attack left around 1,140 people dead, according to official figures.

bur-cgo/bg/lcm/jd/kir
Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following artillery fire by the Israeli army on hills near the town of Marwahin (jalaa marey)

The Israeli army said Saturday that a soldier was killed and two others wounded on the Lebanese border, with a spokesperson confirming the casualties were caused by a "hostile aircraft".

"Sergeant Major (reservist) Yehezkel Azaria, from Petah Tikva... fell during an operational activity in the Margaliot area, aged 53 at the time of his death," the army said in a statement.

A military spokesperson confirmed to AFP that two soldiers were also wounded in the attack, which was the result of an incursion by an unspecified "hostile aircraft".

The army had reported the incursion earlier in the day, saying that air defences "intercepted a hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon into Israel".

"An additional hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon was identified and fell in Margaliot... In response, IDF artillery is striking in Lebanon," it added.

Azaria is the seventh Israeli soldier to be killed on Lebanese border since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Since October 8, the day after the war started, the frontier has seen deadly exchanges of fire, mainly between the Israeli army and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, which says it is acting in support of Hamas.

On Friday, residents said the Israeli army dropped leaflets on parts of southern Lebanon for the first time since hostilities flared, warning them not to help Hezbollah.

Since the cross-border exchanges began, more than 120 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also a Lebanese soldier and 17 civilians, three of them journalists, according to an AFP tally.

On the Israeli side, four civilians have been killed in addition to the seven soldiers, authorities have said.

str-smw/jd/kir
Images of the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza capture similar scenes: Crowds of Palestinians gathering outdoors to stare at the craters where their roads had been, at the heaps of rubble that minutes or hours before had been their houses, apartment buildings, shops, schools, and mosques.

After more than two months of war, the tiny enclave resembles the shattered European and Japanese cities of World War II. Researchers estimate that at least a third of Gaza's housing is damaged or destroyed. Already over 18,700 Palestinians are dead and 50,500 injured, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, and roughly 90% of the population have fled their homes and face food shortages, no electricity, sanitation problems in overcrowded homes and shelters, and spreading disease.

Israeli society has mobilized to support the war and is largely united in the conviction that Hamas, the terror group that launched a murderous rampage from Gaza on October 7, must never again be allowed to threaten Israel. That paramount goal justifies and necessitates the use of maximum force. If Israeli leaders have a theory of what comes after, it is that Israel's retaliatory fury can serve as a wrecking ball to create the rubble from which a new social and political order in Gaza can arise.

But there are few signs Israel can achieve anything like this, and a growing chorus of international leaders and military experts are warning that Israel is pursuing a half-baked strategy that is forged from a national trauma and premised on a flawed assumption  that massive air power and ground battles can defeat a militancy that blends into the population. In fact, these experts say, it's much more likely that these tactics will simply create more enemy combatants and play directly into Hamas' hands.

Hamas' "very identity is based on the destruction of Israel and not working with Israel, so the notion that collective punishment is going to convince the population of Gaza to push Hamas to come to the negotiating table with Israel is just not going to happen," said Paul Poast, a University of Chicago professor specializing in international security. "If anything, they're able to use these very actions to say, 'Look, this is who we're dealing with. We're dealing with Israel. We've long told you that they don't care about you as people, and look.'"

A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces told BI in a statement: "In response to Hamas' barbaric attacks, the IDF is operating to dismantle Hamas military and administrative capabilities. In stark contrast to Hamas' intentional attacks on Israeli men, women and children, the IDF follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm." The IDF has said that the elevated level of Palestinian casualties are due to Hamas using them as human shields.

So far, Israel's efforts are not bearing much fruit. Hamas's top leaders remain at large, hiding in their extensive tunnels or among the 1.9 million refugees who have fled the violence. Israel's military estimates it has killed 5,000 Hamas militants, or just about 16% of Hamas' armed wing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that "we will continue to the end" on Wednesday, the day it was disclosed that nine Israeli troops died in an urban ambush; the IDF has lost at least 444 troops in the 10/7 attacks and the ground invasion. Israel's defense minister said Thursday that "it is not easy to destroy" Hamas' infrastructure and that Israel needs months more for its war.

One of the US' most influential former diplomats to the Middle East believes the conflict is likely to continue for at least three to four more weeks.

"There's a certain tension in objectives even from our own standpoint," said former Ambassador Dennis Ross, the lead envoy for peace negotiations in two US administrations, in a Tuesday phone call from Israel. "On the one hand, we want the Israelis to get this over as soon as possible. On the other hand, we want them to limit the way that they're doing it."

Asked if the military destruction of Hamas is achievable, Ross told BI: "I think the Israelis are going to do it, period. And in the end, whether they will do it on a timeline that we want  I don't know yet."

Palestinians stand on the edge of a crater after an Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on December 3, 2023. Said Khatib/Getty Images

The bombing 'trap'

Israeli leaders frequently use World War II, which saw massive civilian casualties in bombing campaigns against large cities like Dresden, Berlin and Toyko, as a reference point in justifying a bombing campaign that struck 22,000 targets in the war's first two months. Historians call it "strategic bombing"  the practice of systematically striking a nation's economy and urban areas to try to damage its ability to wage war.

Netanyahu's office said in late October that accepting a ceasefire with Hamas was akin to the US's refusal to do so "after the bombing of Pearl Harbor," the surprise 1941 attack by Imperial Japan that plunged America into war. Similarly, Netanyahu parried questions about rising civilian deaths by referencing a WWII British raid that bombed a school in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen.

Biden appears to have gotten similar treatment. He said Netanyahu told him in a private discussion: "You carpet bombed Germany, you dropped the atom bomb, a lot of civilians died."

"Hamas conducted the massacre in a way that even the Nazis did not allow themselves to do," former Israeli ambassador Ido Aharoni told BI in a phone interview. "The Nazis were trying to hide their crimes. We don't have footage of Jews dying in the gas chambers, but Hamas did it enthusiastically, and they recorded themselves and they shared it with the world."

Aharoni, a career diplomat who is now a senior faculty member at Tel Aviv University, said that Israel must use its full force to shatter Hamas so it can never again threaten Israel, and if this imperative requires leveling swaths of Gaza and straining the access of its two million residents to food and water, then that's what is going to happen.

"What do you do philosophically when you deal with an enemy that doesn't value life? It's a big philosophical debate. So 10/7 helped us to rewrite the rules of how we fight Hamas. And we made a decision in this philosophical debate that we need to go all the way to take them out. And if the collateral damage is going to be dramatic, just as the collateral damage in Germany and just the collateral damage in Japan was dramatic, then so be it."

Aharoni continued: "It's unreasonable to expect Israel to go to war and expect Israel not to win the war at the same time."

U.S. Troops of the 3rd Armored Division, 1st U.S. Army, advance through the ruins of the city of Cologne, Germany on Mar. 8, 1945. Cologne was one of the German cities the Allies targeted in their strategic bombing campaign. AP Photo

The bombing campaign against Hamas-run Gaza is on pace proportionally with the destruction delivered in the strategic bombing of Nazi Germany. Yet our collective hazy memories of the so-called "Good War" may obscure the fact that, at best, the Allied strategic bombing of Germany didn't work  it likely led to the death of more Allied troops.

The common fallacy of the so-called "bomb the shit out of them" approach is that enough death and destruction creates a breaking point where the populace cracks and refuses to support its government or overthrows it. In Nazi Germany, for example, the Allies pursued a devastating bombing campaign against 92 cities and towns with the aim of fomenting dissent against dictator Adolf Hitler and degrading Germany's will to fight.

"That never happened, and the Wehrmacht fought hard all the way to the very end," said Robert Pape, a University of Chicago professor and scholar of military power. "There's really no case to make that the killing of German civilians in World War II by the Allied bombing hastened the end of the war. It did not produce political effects and, if anything, it stiffened the morale of the German fighters."

Pape is the author of "Bombing to Win," a landmark study of 40 strategic bombing campaigns in the 20th Century. Pape's research identified what he called an air power "trap" of mistaken thinking by military leaders, who often believe massive bombardment leads those bombed to capitulate.

"When you bomb the civilians, the local population gets more angry and more fearful at the same time," Pape said. "And what they're fearful of is being then occupied militarily by this country and military force that bombed them so mercilessly."

Nazi Germany's defeat may also be instructive for Israel's goal of a post-war Gaza free of Hamas, which the Israeli prime minister has vowed to "eliminate." The military defeat of the Nazis required a naval blockade, air power, and enormous armies closing in on Germany from two sides  and in its wake only about 200 of the top Nazi leaders were tried, leaving many responsible for atrocities untouched. Many Nazi Party members held positions of authority in postwar Germany, including 25 cabinet ministers and a chancellor. In other words, the new government was hardly de-Nazified.

Massive bombardment has had a checkered track record in the wars since. For instance, Poast, the University of Chicago professor and a colleague of Pape, said Israel's campaign in some ways resembles the US's expansion of strategic bombing into Laos and Cambodia, which ultimately failed to strangle North Vietnam and the Vietcong's supply lines and came at an estimated cost of hundreds of thousands of civilian lives.

Smoke rises after bombing of Israeli forces with warplanes in Gaza City, October 7, 2023. Another munition can be seen falling toward a target. Momen Faiz/NurPhoto via Getty Images

'Pumped up'

Israel faces long odds. Very few terror groups are defeated purely by military force; it's many times more likely they become part of a legitimate political process  an outcome that Israel has ruled out. In the throes of its war, Israel has struggled to define who will rule Gaza in Hamas' absence, or persuade its residents why this would be any better for them.

Aharoni, the former Israeli ambassador, said that the time for Israeli leaders to lay out that roadmap is only once Hamas' leaders are killed and its forces defeated. He said the end of the military campaign will likely spell the end of the Netanyahu government as well, but for now "the Israeli public is pumped up, united, high spirits. Everybody wants to help. I've never seen anything like it. The entire society is galvanized."

Even under mounting international pressure, the war is almost certain to continue. The thought of Hamas remaining in power, if diminished, is untenable to Israelis, an estimated quarter million of whom fled their homes after 10/7 and have not returned.

"If Hamas still looks like it's able to fire rockets into Israel, that's not an outcome that Israelis are going to accept," said Ross, the veteran US diplomat and peace negotiator who's also a distinguished fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Residents and civil defense teams search for victims in the rubble of Israeli attacks on the Jabalia Camp in Gaza on Dec. 6, 2023. Mahmoud Sabbah/Getty Images

'Payback' time

Another clear motive in Israel's war also motivated the strategic bombings of World War II  vengeance. Israel has an entire category of targets chosen for their significance to Hamas and whose destruction inflicts "tactical and mental damage," an anonymous Israeli military intelligence officer told the magazine IsraelDefense; the Israeli left-wing outlet +972 Magazine and the Hebrew language news site Local Call have reported that the IDF has expanded its targeting and tolerance of civilian casualties. Israel relies on an AI-driven target factory that is able to rapidly produce recommended targets, as BI's Jake Epstein has reported, and its air force is dropping both unguided munitions and 2,000-pound guided munitions that can be expected to bring death and destruction beyond their targets in Gaza's dense urban environment. Targeting videos publicized by the Israeli Air Force show it shattering buildings in Gaza it claims were used by Hamas, including their homes.

-         ()    ',           ".           . pic.twitter.com/R8dso1o6Ae  Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) December 5, 2023

Israel's intelligence minister has argued that Palestinians who wish to leave Gaza should be resettled in other countries, a move that would further erode Palestinian claims for a state of their own. For these reasons, Palestinians who flee the Israeli onslaught into Egypt fear they won't be able to return.

Collective punishment may serve to instill fear towards deterrence from a future attack, but in an ongoing campaign it often has the adverse effect of steeling an opponent's will to resist. In 1940, Nazi bombers blasted London and other British cities, but the Battle of Britain backfired. It failed to stall Britain's industries critical to the war and actually strengthened the public's will to fight.

"The British wanted payback," said Pape. Britain's air plans for Germany from the 1930s had focused solely on striking German economic centers, Pape said. But after the blitz, British leaders added population centers to their targets and began to bomb them with a goal of killing 900,000 German civilians. Over the next three years, Allied bombers would damage or destroy an average of half of the buildings in the 92 cities and towns targeted. And yet that campaign also failed to achieve its aims.

Rage is also an essential element for Israel's sworn enemy. Hamas relies on perceptions that Israel cannot be collaborated with, that it is a deadly enemy of Palestinians that must be destroyed by force, and that its civilians are legitimate targets. A recent poll shows that Hamas' support has risen in Gaza and soared in the West Bank since the 10/7 terror attacks.

The challenge for Israel is that this ideology is fueled by the hatred for Israelis that's simmering across Gaza and the West Bank.

"That's why Hamas is actually so willing to have civilian casualties occur in Gaza," said Pape, who has also studied the demographics and motivations of suicide bombers. "It's because each time Israeli bombs kill Palestinians, those Palestinians have family. They have friends who are ripe recruits for Hamas in the future."

He added: "The real issue here is that very likely Israel is creating more terrorists than it's killing."

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Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

WASHINGTON (AP)  An Israeli airstrike killed a U.S. Agency for International Development contractor in Gaza last month, his colleagues said in a statement Saturday. The U.S. development agency noted the death and urged greater protection for humanitarian workers in the fighting there.

Hani Jnena, 33, was killed Nov. 5 along with his wife, their 2-year-old and 4-year-old daughters, and her family, the U.S.-based humanitarian group Global Communities said.

An internet-technology worker, Jnena had fled his neighborhood in Gaza City with his family to escape the airstrikes, only to be killed while sheltering with his in-laws, the group said. His employer was an on-the-ground partner for USAID, the U.S. agency said.

The Washington Post first reported the death.

In a final message to a colleague, Hani had written, my daughters are terrified, and I am trying to keep them calm, but this bombing is terrifying, Global Communities said.

It was a rare report of the killing of someone with U.S.-government ties in the more than two-month war between Israel and Hamas. Numerous workers with local and international aid agencies, including more than 100 U.N. workers, have been killed in Gaza as Israel bombards areas crowded with civilians and battles with Hamas fighters on the ground.

Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 17,000 people have been killed, two-thirds of them women and children. Israel's offensive is in response to an Oct. 7 Hamas assault in Israel that killed about 1,200 people.

USAID employees had been prominent in recent open letters by U.S. government employees objecting to U.S. policy in support of Israel's continued offensive, including President Joe Biden's decision not to join many other governments in calling for a cease-fire.

In an email, USAID spokesperson Jessica Jennings said Saturday, The USAID community grieves the deaths of the innocent civilians and many humanitarian workers who have been killed in this conflict, including courageous individuals like Hani Jnena.

In providing assistance and advocating for greater safety for civilian populations and the humanitarians who serve them, we are doing our utmost to honor the dedication, fortitude, and compassion of all humanitarian workers who have been killed, Jennings said.
Three Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza were shot dead while holding a white cloth, an Israeli military official says.

The official said the case was "against our rules of engagement" and an investigation was happening at the "highest level".

The hostages - Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Talalka, 22, and Alon Shamriz, 26 - were killed in Shejaiya on Friday.

Israeli troops have been facing stiff resistance in the area near Gaza City.

The case has added pressure on Israeli authorities to reach a deal for the release of the more than 120 captives who remain in Gaza.

The wait of their families has gripped Israel, as the military carries out its offensive against Hamas.

Speaking at a news conference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no let-up in the Israeli operations.

"Military pressure is necessary both for the return of the hostages and for victory. Without military pressure... we have nothing," he said.

Hamas, for its part, said it had told mediators there would be no negotiations to release hostages "unless the aggression against our people stops once and for all".

An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said an initial investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) suggested the three hostages emerged shirtless from a building, with one carrying a stick with a white cloth.

One of the soldiers, the official added, felt threatened, as the men were at a distance of tens of metres, declared them "terrorists" and opened fire. Two were immediately killed while the third, wounded, returned to the building.

A cry for help was heard in Hebrew and the battalion commander ordered the troops to cease fire. The wounded hostage later re-emerged, and was shot and killed, the official said.

The hostages had either been abandoned by their captors or escaped, the official added.

A building with a message SOS was found in the area, and the authorities were investigating whether it was linked to the killed hostages.

Meanwhile Wichian Temthong, a freed Thai hostage who was held with the three men, recalled his time with them, saying that, as they had no common language they used hand signals to communicate and give each other moral support. He was "very shocked" and "saddened" to learn of the deaths of the men he spent nearly 50 days in captivity with, he said.

Hostages' relatives are keeping up pressure on the Israeli government

Since the end of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this month, the families have urged the Israeli government to reach a new truce for at least some of the captives to be freed. The initial deal led to the release of more than 100 hostages, in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered outside the city's Museum of Art, in what is now known as Hostages Square, and called for a truce, chanting "Bring them home now".

"It's our biggest fear what happened - hostages who were alive are now dead," Naama Weinberg, whose cousin Itai Svirsky is a hostage, said at the vigil. "We don't need bodies, or bags. Make a ceasefire until all hostages are back, alive. Every day that passes by we're just discovering more and more names of hostages that were taken alive and are now coming back dead."

The war in Gaza, launched in response to the Hamas attacks that killed around 1,200 in Israel, has killed more than 18,000 people, according to the local health authorities, and pushed hundreds of thousands of others from their homes.

Vast areas of the territory have been destroyed, and the United Nations has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe amid widespread shortages of basic supplies.

Israeli authorities say the offensive's goal is to destroy Hamas and release the hostages.

Amid mounting Palestinian civilian casualties, Israeli authorities have come under growing international pressure, including from the country's main ally, the US, but they have resisted calls for a ceasefire.

Mr Netanyahu deflected the pressure again on Saturday.

"Despite grief, despite international pressure, we continue until the end, nothing will stop us," he said.

The BBC's Thanyarat Doksone in Bangkok contributed to this article
The three Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by the Israeli military were shirtless and holding a white flag when they were shot, a military official said Saturday, according to multiple media reports.

An initial inquiry into the incident by the Israeli military determined that the soldiers violated the rules of engagement by firing on the group.

According to a senior Israeli military official, a single Israeli soldier opened fire on the three hostages when they exited a building near an Israeli base and began walking towards the base.

The soldier believed the hostages proved a threat and fired on them, killing two and forcing the third to flee into the building, according to the official.

Theyre all without shirts and they have a stick with a white cloth on it, the official said, according to Reuters. The soldier feels threatened and opens fire. He declares that theyre terrorists, they (forces) open fire, two are killed immediately.

The third hostage then called for help in Hebrew, causing the soldiers to believe the man was a Hamas militant luring the group into a trap, the official said. The soldiers then entered the building and killed the hostage.

This was against our rules of engagement, The official said.

Markings on the mens bodies raised suspicions that they may be Israeli, the official said, and they were later transported to Israel and confirmed to be among the hostages held by Hamas.

Two days earlier, soldiers noted a building in the area with the writing SOS and help, three hostages written on the outside walls, Haaretz reported. The Israeli military believed the building could be a trap.

In an announcement Friday, the Israeli military said its forces believed that the hostages were mistakenly identified a threat when they were shot and killed.

The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences, the military said. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home.

The hostages were identified as Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka and Alon Shamriz.

The hostages killings sparked a wave of protests in Israel. Hundreds took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Friday to protest the Israeli government over its military operations in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced increasing opposition from both in Israel and abroad over his response to the Oct. 7 attacks, which sparked the war.

Netanyahu called the incident an unbearable tragedy.

Together with the entire people of Israel, I bow my head in deep sorrow and mourn the death of three of our dear sons who were kidnapped, he said. My heart goes out to the grieving families in their difficult time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As the Israel-Hamas war passed the two month mark, Hanukkah, a lesser Jewish holiday that often coincides near Christmas, began. On Oct. 7, my wife and I were flying across the Atlantic for a two-week stay in Egypt and Israel. We never got to Israel, instead spending all the time in Egypt. The Egyptians were gracious hosts, and understood our disappointment.

Egypt would like to be known as a country of peace right now, and the word is on tour buses right next to pictures of the pyramids. Rosalynn Carter's death reminds us all of Jimmy Carter's Camp David Accords between Egypts Anwar Sadat and Israels Menachem Begin. Egypt was the first nation to make peace with Israel, but Sadat suffered the death of peacemakers when he was assassinated several years later. We saw a huge monument in his honor at the place where he was killed, and his name adorns cities, streets, and other public places.

Instead of a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, or the holy places of three religions in Jerusalem, we explored Alexandria and took a special trip by air to the Aswan Dam, where Lake Nasser marks the leader who made missionaries leave and strengthened ties with Russia. Cruising down the Nile was a delight, as we saw fertile fields and remembered the agricultural missionary work of my wifes family.

Egypt draws together three continents; its part of both Asia and Africa, with great ties to Europe through the Mediterranean.

One of the most delightful experiences was at a Nubian Island near Aswan. I talked to a craftsman and leader of his large family who explained the Nubians adopted the Hebrew religion while the descendants of Abraham sojourned there. Then, when Jesus came along in that region, they accepted him as the Jewish Messiah. Centuries later they accepted Mohammed as a prophet of God. Then, he explained, the Nubians combined these religions, explaining that his toddler daughter had been washed and cleansed in the Nile as prayers were said.

Does that remind you of something? he asked.

Of course it reminded me of baptism, a traditional Christian rite at birth.

We have combined the best of three religions, and wish the world might do the same.

We would call it syncretism, but what words of wisdom.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Columnist shares what he learned by visiting Egypt
TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty has called for a vaccination programme against bird flu for British poultry or a proper compensation scheme.

Mr Doherty made the call at a recording of BBC Politics East at Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, near Ipswich.

The view was backed by Paul Kelly, of Essex turkey producer KellyBronze, who said: "If you vaccinate, you eliminate the risk."

The government said it was investing in the development of vaccines.

The farm is run by TV presenter Jimmy Doherty

Mr Doherty, who runs the 24-acre farm and attraction at Wherstead, near Ipswich, said he understands that poultry vaccination plans are being delayed by international trade deals, but is concerned about the possibility of another bird flu outbreak.

In 2022 the H5N1 virus, which was first reported in China in 1996. severely damaged the poultry industry.

Farmers are calling for the birds to be vaccinated

About 3.2 million birds were culled in the UK and 45 million across the EU.

Mr Doherty told BBC Politics East: "We don't want to miss out on any trade deals. At the same time we don't want to see farmers' livelihoods disappear. That's why the issue is important.

"We've been through Covid, we've vaccinated ourselves. It makes sense. If we don't have vaccination we need a proper compensation for losses."

Paul Kelly, who heads up KellyBronze - an Essex turkey producer - said vaccinating the birds was vital

Mr Kelly said: "If we get birds vaccinated, you eliminate the risk. The vaccines have been developed. We are sorting trade issues out with our trading partners."

He said that vaccination plans had been delayed partly because the flu has not hit birds in 2023 yet, which may be due to wild birds developing some immunity or other unknown reasons.

Mark Gorton, who runs Traditional Norfolk Poultry, said: "The vaccine is the only way we can be sure we can protect our birds. This the only thing we can do and the sooner we can get on with vaccinating our birds the safer they'll be."

Jimmy's Farm was originally set up in 2002 to try to preserve the Essex pig breed, but has since expanded to feature 100 species including wallabies, tapir and lemur.

Mr Doherty came to prominence with the show Jimmy's Farm, when the BBC followed his efforts in setting up the farm, just off the A14.

The friend of TV chef Jamie Oliver is also known for presenting shows including Jimmy's Food Factory and co-hosting Channel 4's Jamie & Jimmy's Friday Night Feast - a cooking show based at Southend Pier.

Graph

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "We know the devastating impact bird flu has had on farmers and poultry producers, which is why we have altered the compensation process to support farmers from the outset of planned culling whilst also investing in research and the development of vaccines aimed at tackling this virus.

"More widely, we remain committed to ensuring that British farmers become more productive, profitable and sustainable.

"As well as providing 600m in grants for equipment and innovation, we are allocating 45,000 seasonal workers this year and next to ensure growers have the workforce they need to put fresh produce on our tables."

BBC Politics East will be broadcast on Sunday, 17 December at 10:00 GMT on BBC One and will be available after broadcast on the BBC iPlayer.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
Joe Biden has been urged to attack Houthi militants targeting shipping in the Red Sea - U.S. Navy / Avalon/U.S. Navy / Avalon

Joe Biden has been urged to attack Houthi militants whose strikes on shipping have threatened to halt the passage of freighters through the Red Sea.

After a succession of missile strikes on various commercial vessels, two major shipping companies said they were pausing operations in the region, where as much as $1 trillion in goods passes through each year.

Danish shipping giant Maersk said it was halting operations in the Red Sea until further notice, after its ship MSC Palatium III came under attack.

The German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, whose vessel Al Jasrah was targeted, said it was also stopping operations through the critical area, which includes the narrow Bab al-Mandab Strait.

In a statement on social media, the Danish firm said it was deeply concerned about the incident and urged action from the international community.

The Galaxy Leader cargo ship, which was seized by Houthis - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock

The attacks by the Houthis have increased sharply since the October 7 attack by Hamas in Israel, and appear to be intended as act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where the reported civilian death has passed 18,000.

This issue cannot be addressed by the global shipping industry alone, and we urge the international society to come together to find a swift resolution to bring the situation under control, Maersk said.

Security in the Red Sea area is the responsibility of a 39-nation coalition, known as Combined Task Force 153, and commanded by the vice-admiral of the US Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain.

Following the attacks, both US and French naval vessels have been sent to act as escorts and even shoot down drones deployed by the Houthis. Two US destroyers, USS Mason and the USS Carney, have been operating in the region.

Late on Friday, Ali al-Qahoum, a member of the Houthi groups Ansarullah politburo, told Al Mayadeen TV that any hostile move against Yemen would have dire consequences and great costs, according to Reuters.

The Houthis will not abandon the Palestinian cause, regardless of any US, Israeli, or Western threats, he said, adding that operations against Israel would continue.

The White House has said it was trying to increase the number of nations involved in security in the region.

But there is pressure on Mr Biden to take more aggressive action.

Retired Marine Corps Gen Kenneth F McKenzie Jr, who commanded US Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2019-2022, told The Telegraph something needed to be done to slow those attacks.

You can try it through escorting; its been done in the past. And that certainly is a possibility. And you can do it by demonstrating to the Houthis that its not in their best interest to continue these attacks, he said.

And you do that by attacking their missile launchers, their radar sites, their intelligence-gathering platforms, and that requires offensive action against the Houthis in Yemen. We have clearly not chosen to do that yet. We may yet make a decision to do that.

Asked if he was urging Mr Biden to pursue such a course of action, he said such decisions were political rather than military. Im sure President Biden is considering that course of action, he added.

He said the Houthis only had respect for force.

I think the Houthis are going to continue these attacks. It costs them nothing to do it, he said.

They feel that theyre having some effect. Certainly escorting ships as a possibility. But I would think we will consider other options as well.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about what steps the US was planning.

On Friday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he had ordered the Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and one other warship to remain in the Mediterranean Sea for several more weeks to maintain a two-carrier presence near Israel.

In addition, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby told reporters there would be more details announced about the maritime task force in coming days.

Yemenis are offering support for the Palestinians in Gaza - Mohammed Hamoud/Getty

A week ago, a ballistic missile fired by the Yemen-based rebels, widely believed to have links to Iran, hit a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea.

The militants claimed responsibility for the attack on the Strinda, and said without providing evidence, it was laden with oil and heading to Israel.

The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation against the Norwegian ship Strinda, which was loaded with oil and headed to the Israeli entity. It was targeted with a suitable naval missile, Houthi military spokesperson Brig Gen Yahya Saree wrote on social media.

Nilanthi Samaranayake, an author and expert on the Indian Ocean, said there was intense attention on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which about 23,000 ships pass each year.

Its definitely a serious challenge. The US and partner nations should be taking seriously the safety and security of the Indian Ocean, said Ms Samaranayake, a visiting expert at the United States Institute for Peace.

She said the Indian Ocean was one area where the interests of multiple nations aligned.

Many nations rely on safe and peaceful sea lanes, said Ms Samaranayake, whose books include Chinas Engagement with Smaller South Asian Countries.

What may not yet be clear is what the Shia Islam Houthis are seeking to achieve in their efforts other than to offer an act of symbolic support for the Palestinians.

The rebels seized control of Yemens capital, Sanaa, in 2014, and have been engaged in a war against the government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, the US and the UK.

According to the UN, tens of thousands have been killed, at least 4.5 million people have been displaced, and 80 per cent of the population is in need of humanitarian aid.

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Democratic US Senator John Fetterman spent years courting support from progressive groups and voters, won support from Bernie Sanders and even hired some of his former aides.

The Pennsylvania senator also has embraced Medicare for All, wealth taxes, legalising cannabis, raising the minimum hourly wage to $15, abortion rights, and a major piece of pro-union legislation, among other progressive causes.

But on Friday, despite repeatedly calling himself a progressive Democrat and pointing to his support for progressive platforms as he built up his national profile, he rejected the label.

He has faced widespread criticism among his supporters not only for his unwavering support for Israel as it continues its retaliatory military campaign in Gaza, but also his recent willingness to join Senate Republicans in crafting more stringent immigration laws.

Im not a progressive, Mr Fetterman told NBC News on Friday. I just think Im a Democrat that is very committed to choice and other things. But with Israel, Im going to be on the right side of that. And immigration is something near and dear to me, and I think we do have to effectively address it as well.

His apparent reversal is a marked departure from years of public statements touting his support for progressive policies.

We have started a progressive movement here in Pennsylvania, he wrote in 2016, after losing his first Senate race. That same year, while touting support from Mr Sanders, he called himself a progressive champion.

Chip in whatever you can to help us take this progressive momentum all the way to the ballot box, he said two years later while campaigning for lieutenant governor.

Those progressive values have been the heart of my campaign, he wrote in another post.

While campaigning for a US Senate seat in 2020, he wrote: Progressive. Simple. Sacred. The union way of life.

In a response to former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush, he wrote: My dude, Im a progressive democrat.

The list goes on.

Following Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, and an ensuing siege and bombardments that have killed thousands of civilians in Gaza, Mr Fetterman has remained unmoved in his support for Israel. Former campaign staffers have urged him to support calls for a ceasefire, which he has rejected.

Mr Fetterman, who received support from pro-Israel PAC Democratic Majority of Israel, also has been pictured wearing an Israeli flag and waving a flag at a groups of ceasefire demonstrators while they were being handcuffed by US Capitol Police.

In his interview with NBC News, the senator defended what he called a reasonable conversation with Republican senators to restrict immigration at the US-Mexico border, as stalled congressional negotiations around immigration are threatening the future of legislated aid to Israel and Ukraine.

Until somebody can say theres an explanation on what we can do when 270,000 people are being encountered on the border, not including the ones, of course, that we dont know about, he told NBC.

You essentially have Pittsburgh showing up there at the border, he told Politico earlier this month.

Mr Fettermans wife, Gisele Fetterman, fled violence in Brazil with her family and arrived in the US as an undocumented seven-year-old, a story that played prominently in the senators campaign.

The Independent has requested comment from Mr Fettermans office.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The legal battle between the Arkansas Board of Corrections and state officials reached a new phase in court on Friday.

A temporary restraining order was granted in Pulaski County Circuit Court Friday afternoon suspending Act 185 and parts of Act 659, two laws passed by the Arkansas General Assembly earlier this year that removed authority from the board in overseeing some state corrections appointees, including the secretary.

Under the new laws, the corrections secretary now serves at the pleasure of the governor, while the directors of correction and community corrections serve at the pleasure of the secretary.

Arkansas Board of Corrections suspends Secretary of Corrections Joe Profiri in constitutional issue, requests TRO against Gov. Sanders

The lawsuit requesting the TRO was filed Thursday as the board voted to suspend Secretary of Corrections Joe Profiri over concerns about how bed space was being added to the state prison system without board approval.

The addition of new beds was part of a series of moves by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders that the administration said would help address crime rates in the state.

Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a separate lawsuit Friday afternoon against the board and its seven members for three violations of the state Freedom of Information Act, claiming the board held two illegal executive sessions, the result of one such session being the illegal hiring of an outside counsel without following the process required by law.

Griffin said the third violation was an improper response to a FOIA request he had sent to the board earlier in the week.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders calls on Arkansas Board of Corrections to open 500 additional prison beds

The Friday filings are the most recent turn in what has been a growing contentious public relationship between the Board of Corrections and the Sanders administration.

In November, Sanders and Griffin held a news conference protesting the board turning down its request for 500 of 600-plus requested prison beds. Earlier this week, it was reported that Profiri had begun adding the 500 beds despite the boards ruling. This culminated in the board voting on Thursday afternoon to suspend Profiri.

A spokesperson for Sanders said Friday that the governor met that morning with Profiri to express her confidence in his continued leadership at the Department. The spokesperson also described the decisions by the board as politically motivated stunts.

The next hearing to determine the status of the temporary restraining order is scheduled for Dec. 28.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
After two days of hearing witnesses and expert testimony in Greenville Family Court, a judge will make a key decision on whether to charge a juvenile suspect with the murder of a Tanglewood Middle School student as an adult.

The juvenile, who was 12-years-old at the time of the incident and will not be publicly identified due to his age, is charged with the March 31, 2022, murder of another 12-year-old, Jamari Cortez Bonaparte-Jackson. Now 14, the juvenile would be moved to adult court if the state proved the case was severe enough during the hearing.

Prosecutors looked to prove the suspect planned the shooting and demonstrated a pattern of bullying which they said necessitated an adult criminal trial. Meanwhile, the defense alleged the juvenile experienced bullying at the school and noted assertions from an independent psychiatric witness and Department of Juvenile Justice employees who believe the juvenile has a high probability of rehabilitation.

A year ago, the juvenile appeared in family court for a hearing that determined he would remain in-custody at the Department of Juvenile Justice. He has been in custody for over a year and a half.

Judge Jessica A. Salvini of the 13th Judicial Circuit will hand down a decision after she reviews all the relevant material from the two-day hearing, which began Thursday shortly before 10 a.m. and concluded late Friday afternoon.

Shooting aftermath: Tanglewood Middle School shooting victim identified as community struggles with tragedy

Judge to make decision based on factors established by U.S. Supreme Court

In South Carolina, a family court judge may waive a child of any age charged with murder to adult court. Judge Salvini will evaluate whether to waive the case to adult court based on several factors.

She will use eight standards, called Kent factors from a 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case, Kent v. United States. These include the seriousness of the offense, the defendants maturity, any prior record and the prospects for the defendants rehabilitation, among others.

Over the two-day hearing, prosecutors suggested the plan to shoot Jamari was sophisticated and premeditated and alluded to the juveniles behavioral issues and pattern of harassment. The defense said his possibility for rehabilitation would be aided if he remained in the juvenile system.

Waiver process: What's next for child charged with murder in Tanglewood school shooting in Greenville

Salvini said that a decision on whether to waive will be announced at a follow-up meeting in her courtroom. She acknowledged the weight of the decision and the quantity of material for her to review.

"This is one of the toughest decisions I will ever have to make on the Family Court bench," Salvini said when she addressed the courtroom near the end of Fridays proceedings.

While the date for a decision is not set, defense attorney Ryan Beasley speculated it would likely not be until after the holidays and into the new year.

Law enforcement respond to a shooting at Tanglewood Middle School in Greenville Thursday March 31, 2022. An estimated 100 deputies are currently on the scene. The shooter is believed to be another student, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Hearing offers new details about the day of the school shooting

Over the two days of court, 15 individuals were called to the witness stand. Several of them provided accounts about the day of the shooting, including a Tanglewood school resource officer, students who were present and Greenville County Sheriffs Office personnel who responded to the scene.

During his testimony, the school resource officer said he responded from his office after hearing the gunshot. He said the juvenile shot Jamari in the 7th grade hallway as they were exchanging classes. Although the hallway was full of students at the time, he said within 45 seconds all the students cleared out.

Five witnesses who testified were juveniles who attended Tanglewood Middle School at the time of the alleged murder. One student witness, who said she was friends with both children, stated that right before the incident the juvenile suspect went around a classroom asking other students if they were friends with Jamari.

When they answered "no," he allegedly asked them "if they want to see Jamaris head blown off."

After shooting occurred, the juvenile escaped the school through the back and ran to a nearby house. Once there, he communicated with the residents through their Ring doorbell camera because they were not home at the time.

The juvenile appeared worried, requested to come inside and asked the residents to call his father. The residents did call the suspects father, which the father later testified is how he found out about the shooting. The juvenile eventually hid under the porch before being detained by officers. Investigators found a Ruger-380 handgun hidden underneath the porch.

Elaine Griffin points to where the 12-year-old suspect of a shooting death at Tanglewood Middle School hid from authorities in the back yard of her home Thursday, March 31, 2022. Griffin spoke with the suspect through her video doorbell remotely before they were apprehended by Greenville County Sheriff's deputies.

Officers also found a bookbag which held a two-page letter potentially referencing the murder. Once in custody, the juvenile was interviewed with his father beside him and waived his Miranda rights.

The juvenile told investigators he and Jamari had prior physical and verbal altercations. He also said that he believed he squatted and shot the gun "in the air." During the interview, he denied knowing Jamari was dead.

How it happened: A boy is taken in custody after fatal Tanglewood Middle School shooting.

Testimony, evidence submitted about alleged bullying against and by juvenile suspect

Allegations and rumors of bullying and harassment were discussed by both the juveniles defense attorneys and the state. The state alleged that the juvenile defendant planned the shooting and displayed a pattern of bullying. However, the defense maintained that bullying the child was subjected to may have prompted the fatal incident.

In family court, hearsay  or information not known first-hand by a witness  is allowed, while it is not in an adult criminal trial. Because of this, the five juveniles who attended Tanglewood Middle School at the time and other witnesses could comment more broadly about issues they heard at or about the school, as well as the case more generally.

The juveniles father said he had heard of a specific social media page for fights at Tanglewood. However, a former Tanglewood student identified as Jamaris best friend, testified that there was not a culture of fighting at the school.

The same student also denied that he and Jamari attempted to fight the juvenile suspect in the bathroom or threatened him on prior occasions, something the juvenile alleged when questioned by police. Footage of the police interview, which took place within a few hours following the incident, also shows the juvenile claiming that Jamari and his friend told him they were in the "6LK gang" and that he felt threatened.

People participate in a candlelight vigil at Grace Bible Church near Tanglewood Middle School Friday, April 1, 2022. Participants prayed for 12-year-old Jamari Jackson, who was fatally shot yesterday by another 12-year-old boy.

None of the witnesses said they had heard of the alleged gang. This included Jarrad Sparkman, the chief investigator from the sheriffs office, who said he consulted with other officers knowledgeable on gang activities in the area.

The juvenile suspects father testified that his son had problems at Tanglewood that began towards the end of the prior academic year. While the juvenile referenced harassment or bullying, he never identified the perpetrators.

The father said that his son was usually a creature of habit who enjoyed hobbies such as riding dirt bikes and working on cars. However, he had become more closed off around that time and spent more time in his room.

Records: 1-page report says Tanglewood school shooting may be gang related, other records withheld

In contrast, prosecutors presented text messages from the night before and the day of the incident. The texts show the juvenile appeared to consistently attempt to initiate a fight with Jamari and referenced he had a gun multiple times. Jamari responded by saying he only wanted to fight with hands.

Sparkman, called as a state witness, said the suspects plan was sophisticated.

"This is premeditation I havent even seen in adult cases," Sparkman said.

Dynamics with the juveniles family, specifically prior altercations with two cousins who also attended Tanglewood, were discussed extensively during the proceedings. However, the connection between the extended family situation and communications between the juvenile and Jamari were not abundantly clear.

Both cousins said they vaguely knew Jamari but were not close. The juveniles father and law enforcement were aware the juvenile had a meeting with the schools assistant principal about some issue with another student or multiple students days prior to the shooting.

The weekend preceding the incident, which occurred on a Thursday, the two cousins said that the juvenile had threatened them and their family via text messages while they were out of town. The threats included sending a picture of one of the cousins houses and referenced having a gun.

However, both said they were not worried because they believed the juvenile wasnt serious and there didnt appear to be further issues.

'That was my man': Child killed in school shooting at Tanglewood Middle in Greenville SC

'A little boy's life is on the line,' attorneys for juvenile defendant, victims family speak about hearing

Beasley said the case was "high stakes" in nature given the age of the suspect when the offense was committed.

"A little boys life is on the line," he said. "Youve got a child possibly tried as an adult. Its hard to fathom. Ive got a 12-year-old, and its a different mindset for children compared to adults. It was hard for me just to defend a juvenile because you cant communicate with them like you can an adult, and they can't participate in their defense. It's a very, very unsettling, unusual, uncomfortable position to be in. I've never been in that position in my career."

Beasley said he found it notable that the states expert, clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Atkinson from the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the defenses expert, psychiatrist Dr. Amanda Salas, "pretty much agreed on everything."

Salas testimony referenced Atkinsons clinical assessment for DJJ, which said the juvenile has a high probability of rehabilitation. Salas also testified that the juvenile showed no psychopathic behavior, displayed levels of empathy for family and referenced various degrees of trauma that may have impacted his background.

The juvenile shared with Salas about a period of several months when the Department of Social Services became involved with his family. This included a period of time he spent in foster care that was particularly unsettling. Salas did not diagnose the juvenile with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but said he had some symptoms of it, and believed Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and impulsivity issues were likely.

Various witnesses from DJJ as well as Salas agreed the juvenile had some behavioral problems, which were documented in various write-ups from the school, and struggled academically. Atkinson said he had trouble processing some information.

Atkinsons concluded after her assessment that the juvenile was a moderate risk for future violence.

The family of Jamari Bonaparte-Jackson, represented by Attorney Margie Pizarro, did not participate in the proceedings, but said they support the case being waived to adult criminal court.

Margie Pizarro, surrounded by and attorney for the family of Tanglewood Middle School shooting victim Jamari Jackson, speaks outside the Greenville County Family Court on May 12, 2022.

Pizarro emphasized the number of chances the juvenile had to change the direction of the days events. She said she could not reconcile what she saw in court with the defenses assertion that the juvenile did not fully plan out the shooting in a pre-meditated fashion.

"If we werent convinced he should be tried as an adult, we certainly were more convinced after seeing two days of testimony, seeing the evidence and level of planning," Pizarro said. "Theres no question in our minds thats what we want the court to do, but were going to rely on the court. Thats our system of justice."

Chalmers Rogland covers public safety for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal and USA Today Network. Reach him via email at crogland@gannett.com.

Terry Benjamin II covers public safety and breaking news for The Greenville News and can be reached at tbenjamin@gannett.com or on X @Terrybenji2.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Judge mulls whether to charge Tanglewood shooting suspect as an adult
It would take a hard-hearted person  especially one who is pro-life  to look at the plight of Kate Cox with no sympathy whatsoever.

Cox is the Dallas woman who became, almost overnight, the poster child for the abortion-rights movement in Texas when she challenged the states abortion law, seeking to terminate a pregnancy after receiving a devastating fetal diagnosis.

Her story is heart-wrenching and yet, in so many ways, not at all unique.

Cox entered a routine OB appointment excited to see the burgeoning life within her on the ultrasound screen. She left sick with the realization that the child she was carrying would not be with her long.

Like so many women, I can relate.

During the ninth week of my third pregnancy, I saw on the ultrasound screen the image of my child at only six weeks development. A flickering dot at its center suggested a heartbeat  cause for hope  but I knew what a baby at nine weeks gestation looks like. This was not it.

My doctor insisted I had simply miscalculated my cycle; that I should return in two weeks for another look.

But I knew then that I would not meet my baby this side of heaven.

Two weeks later, delirious from blood loss after hemorrhaging during my miscarriage, I asked the emergency room doctor attending me: Will I lose my uterus?

No, she reassured me. Still, I remember being warned before entering surgery that uterine perforation during a D&C procedure was possible.

Pregnancy is a beautiful and wholly natural state of being. Even in ideal circumstances, it is not without complexity and risk.

Tolerance for acceptable risk is whats truly at the heart of the case involving Cox and her challenge to the Texas abortion statute.

Her complaint seeking legal cover to abort her child describes how she came to learn that her child almost certainly had trisomy 18, a condition that would probably lead to her childs premature death, either in utero or shortly thereafter.

Cox, understandably, was shattered at the prospect of the prolonged suffering she and her child might face. What mother wouldnt be?

Still, her childs diagnosis, while tragic, had no direct impact on her health.

Her pregnancy was complicated by other immutable circumstances  her previous cesarean sections, which always increase the risk of uterine rupture during induction or natural birth.

Inducing pregnancy early, in the case of a stillbirth, would further compound the risk of complications. So, too, would a third c-section, if it came to that.

Those risks, of course, would exist if her child was healthy, too.

Gestational diabetes  another complicating factor cited in her complaint  would be possible, if not likely, with a subsequent healthy pregnancy, too.

And if Cox were obese, older than 40, or had heart disease, her risks would also rise.

But her desire to end her childs life in such cases probably would not.

And so Coxs attorneys argued that in light of this blighted pregnancy, this ruined child, any risk to her future health and fertility, was not acceptable to bear. (Never mind that a second trimester abortion, quite literally the dismemberment of a fully-formed baby, carries significant hazards of its own.)

Why risk the prospect of losing your fertility for a dead child, or worse, a profoundly disabled one? Our society would seem to agree with that assessment.

That may seem stark, an overly harsh condemnation of Coxs decision-making process, which I have little doubt was difficult and fraught.

It isnt meant to be.

Cox is a product of the culture in which we all live  one that wants to avoid suffering and exert maximum control over our individual circumstances.

Its no coincidence that opioid addiction has reached pandemic levels.

Its no surprise that most of todays social movements are framed around the primacy of the individual, our rights and autonomy.

But suffering is part of life. Its most assuredly part of motherhood.

The notion that we, as mothers, have agency over the circumstances of our pregnancies, births and even our children, is pure folly.

We dont. Were just along for the ride. Our calling is to carry our children through it.

Sitting in an exam room, days after my miscarriage, I asked my doctor the question all grieving mothers ask: Why did this happen?

Your baby probably had some sort of developmental problem, she said. Trisomy 18, perhaps Down Syndrome. She wouldnt have survived. Its just as well.

I was struck by the reply. I would have gladly carried that child, if that was the suffering I was intended to endure.

I dont say that flippantly.

In the wake of Coxs case, many are calling for clarification in the law.

Some are berating pro-lifers for their apparent heartlessness.

Others are lamenting the latest political blow this case has dealt to the anti-abortion cause.

But the pro-life movement doesnt have a political problem; it has a cultural one.

Until we transform our collective view of suffering and sacrifice, our notion of life and love, we will never win. We will all continue to suffer.

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You can submit a letter to the editor two ways:

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Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic.
Kelcy Warren, then-CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, talks about the future of pipeline infrastructure during CERAWeek in 2018 in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff file photo

The Texas Supreme Court said Friday it would not consider Republican megadonor Kelcy Warrens defamation lawsuit against former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto ORourke after a state appeals court dismissed it earlier this year.

The all-GOP court denied Warrens petition for review without comment, bringing an end to the nearly two-year legal saga.

Warren, a Dallas pipeline billionaire, sued ORourke in early 2022, saying ORourke defamed him with his critical comments about his companys windfall profits after the Texas energy-grid collapse in February 2021. Warrens Energy Transfer reportedly made $2.4 billion in profits as demand for gas skyrocketed during the freeze. Warren later gave a $1 million campaign contribution to Gov. Greg Abbott, which ORourke used to argue Warren was bribing the governor to go easy on the energy industry as lawmakers were considering power-grid reforms.

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The case made its way to the all-Democratic 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin, which dismissed it in June, saying ORourkes comments fell within the bounds of protected speech.

The next month, Warrens lawyer asked the state Supreme Court to review the ruling, saying the ruling from the Austin court gave politicians carte blanche to defame anyone  rich or poor, strong or meek  without recourse.
Kate Cox (centre) was sprung into the national spotlight after the Texas Supreme Court ruled that her medical emergency was not enough to obtain an abortion in the state (Getty Images)

The four emergency room visits, emotional turmoil, possibility of infertility and her foetus fatal diagnosis were not enough for Texas to allow Kate Cox to get an abortion, illuminating a major issue with the states strict abortion ban: ambiguous language that undermines exceptions to the law.

On Monday, the states ultra-conservative supreme court reversed a lower courts emergency order initially granting Ms Cox an abortion. The court claimed she did not meet the states requirement to have an abortion but noted that it was up to a physician to determine when an abortion was warranted, not a court.

The ruling directly contradicted what the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) and Ms Coxs doctor argued about the urgency of her case. It also provided little clarity on the states interpretation of the law.

Ultimately, Ms Cox couldnt wait for the court to decide the fate of her body. Her condition was so dire that she ended up fleeing Texas to seek care.

Though the case may be the first of its kind to make national headlines, experts say it is far from the last if states continue to enact strict anti-abortion bans using vague language.

A once far-fetched situation becomes a reality

The hellish situation Ms Cox was put in this past week is a tangible example of the extreme lengths anti-abortion lawmakers will go to attack abortion rights  something activists have warned about since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade last year.

For weeks leading up to the Texas Supreme Courts decision, Ms Cox, 31, suffered painful cramping, diarrhea and unexplained leaking fluid  symptoms associated with her third pregnancys diagnosis: trisomy 18.

Trisomy 18 is a life-threatening chromosomal disorder that most often results in a miscarriage or stillbirth. Foetuses that survive labour often do not live beyond one week.

The situation became overwhelming when Ms Coxs doctor informed her that continuing the pregnancy until the foetus died inside her or could be delivered through labour risked her opportunity to have another child in the future.

Given the choice, Ms Cox opted to terminate her pregnancy through her doctors recommendation of a D&E.

But there was a problem.

At 20 weeks pregnant, Ms Coxs doctor was unable to perform an abortion in the state of Texas legally.

Kate Cox (Kate Cox)

The law, enacted last year, bars abortion before a detectable foetal heartbeat unless a reasonable medical judgment determines there is a greater risk of the pregnant person dying or impairment of a major bodily function. But the law stops short of defining reasonable medical judgment or major bodily function.

Ms Cox would either have to travel out of state for the procedure or petition a court for a temporary restraining order (TRO) by convincing a judge that her unviable pregnancy was a risk to her.

It is not a matter of if I will have to say goodbye, but when, Ms Cox, represented by the CRR, wrote in her petition to the court. 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.

Intentionally vague law takes center stage

For the first time since Roe v Wade was decided in 1973, a pregnant adult was forced to ask a state for permission to have an abortion. Immediately the state acted to push its anti-abortion agenda.

A lawyer in the Texas Office of the Attorney General argued to a district court judge that Ms Cox did not meet the laws medical exemption criteria and that issuing the TRO would require changing the language.

Lawmakers are essentially stepping in to dictate medical care, Payal Shah, the program director on Sexual Violence at Physicians for Human Rights told The Independent.

It is the exact argument the CRR is currently litigating in Zurawski v Texas where 20 people are suing the state, claiming the laws vague language caused them harm due to the inability to obtain medically necessary abortions.

The plaintiffs stand in front of the Texas Supreme Court after oral arguments for Zurawski v State of Texas were heard in Austin (AP)

Hours after the TRO was granted, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent letters to three hospitals where Ms Cox could potentially obtain her abortion, threatening legal action.

The TRO will not insulate you, or anyone else, from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas abortion laws, including first-degree felony prosecutions, Mr Paxton wrote.

Though Mr Paxton acknowledged it was hospitals that had the authority to decide when an abortion is needed he claimed Ms Coxs doctor failed to follow proper procedures in determining a medical exception and that the TRO would not protect the hospital from future lawsuits.

To read the letter, see below. pic.twitter.com/tCZMSDGqMB  Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) December 7, 2023

Mr Paxton then asked the state supreme court to step in.

The court wrote that those who do qualify for an abortion, do not need a court order to obtain one.

But the ruling stated Ms Cox did not meet the medical exception criteria, claiming her doctor did not use reasonable medical judgment to recommend the D&E, just her mere subjective belief.

Ms Shah said that under the reasonable medical judgment standard, physicians decisions can be opened up to scrutiny and second-guessing which leads to serious health harm.

But the court itself offered little clarity on what the specific language means, instead, it asked the Texas Medical Board to provide guidance.

The medical exception is intentionally vague because its all about control, Dr Amanda Horton, an Austin-based OB/GYN and spokesperson for the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, said.

Sabrina Talukder, the director of the Womens Initiative at the Center for American Progress, understood the ruling to mean that Ms Coxs condition does not rise to the level of a life-threatening emergency that would warrant this medical exemption.

But it raises the question: when is it necessary and who gets to decide?

Protesters outside the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix in 2022 (AP)

Doctors are in an untenable position

The interpretation is no clearer among doctors.

Dr Horton said based on her experience, the interpretation is up to the hospital. Some hospitals may allow for physician autonomy in making the decision that performing an abortion is necessary, while others may require the sign-off of the chief of obstetrics, while others still have ethics committees to make the determination.

There is no regulatory process, Dr Horton said.

Clinicians in states with abortion bans often find their hands tied for fear of retaliation. It changes the way doctors can document patients health, how they can counsel their patients and how they may be able to treat their patients.

Dr Horton said all doctors take an oath to do no harm. But due to the bans, if doctors advocate for their patients, they could also run the risk of harming ourselves because, in the eyes of the law, we are felons, she said.

How close to death does someone need to be before we say its okay? Dr Horton asked.

Since this case is unique, Ms Talukder said, there isnt anything that can help clarify in Texas or other states as to what the outcome means

In Amanda Zurawskis case, she needed to be fighting a life-threatening infection that ultimately caused her to lose a fallopian tube.

Criminalizing abortion leads to making pregnancy dangerous and that is certainly the case in Texas, Nicholas Kabat, a staff attorney at the CRR, said.

Demonstrators at the federal courthouse in Austin following the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade in June 2022 (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Some providers in states like Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and Florida say theyve left their states in order to give patients the best medical care they can. For now, this is an option but Mr Kabat raises concerns that should a federal 15-week ban be brought in, this is what it would look like.

Cases similar to Ms Coxs are popping up around the US. In Tennessee, a woman sued the state for denying her a medically necessary abortion, saying the states medical exception was too vague.

As of November, 38 lawsuits have been filed challenging abortion bans in 23 states from both women and physicians, according to the Brennan Center.

The law is having the effect of chilling care for people that are in need across the state, Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, said. Its an untenable position for medical professionals to be in.

The CRR says while the Texas Supreme Court ruling was an upset for Ms Cox, it did not set precedent because it did not rule on the constitutionality of the issue. Theyre hopeful that the court will issue a ruling in their favour that clarifies what medical exceptions mean and who gets to decide when they are necessary in Zurawski.

It is unclear if Ms Cox will continue pursuing her case. But her decision to throw herself in the line of fire has directed national attention to the problem with medical exceptions in anti-abortion laws.

The Kate Cox case demonstrates that in states like Texas, there really is no such thing as an abortion exception, Senator Tina Smith, the former vice president of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, said.

If she cant qualify for an exception, who does?

Eric Garcia contributed to this report
EDITORS NOTE: KCPD originally reported this as an adult male being killed. Victim identification later showed that a teenager was the one who lost his life.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting Friday night.

The shooting was reported just after 7 p.m. in the area of St. John Avenue and White Avenue.

Kansas City, Missouri 2023 homicide tracker

When officers arrived on scene they were flagged down to a nearby residence. When officers entered the home they found a teen boy suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police have identified him as 14-year-old Dadrien Alvarez.

The incident is being investigated as a homicide.

No suspect information has been released at this time.

Detectives are continuing to work the scene looking for evidence and witnesses.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Anyone with information can call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Ken Brecher speaks at an art talk co-presented by the Broad museum and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles' ALOUD series in February 2014. (Ryan Miller / Invision / AP)

In a single lifetime, Ken Brecher lived many lives.

The longtime president of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, Brecher also spent more than a decade leading the Sundance Institute and served as associate artistic director of the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles.

Each role provided him the opportunity to touch peoples lives and embrace their mutual humanity, an ambition that sprang from his studies as a cultural anthropologist, according to those who knew him.

Among those whose work and lives reflect his influence is journalist Susan Orlean, who credits Brecher with inspiring her 2018 bestseller, The Library Book, about the 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Central Library. Brecher had reached out to Orlean after she moved to L.A. and led her on a tour of the historic library in downtown Los Angeles, telling her the story of the famous fire that planted the seed for her book.

He was perhaps the most luminous, vibrant person I've ever known, Orlean told The Times.

Brecher died Monday of complications from cancer at the age of 78, according to Rebecca Rickman, his widow.

Born in Philadelphia on Oct. 4, 1945, Brecher got his start in anthropology at Cornell. While at Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship, he learned of an expedition to the Amazon that would prove life-changing.

Brecher would go on to spend two years exploring the vast Brazilian rainforest, living among 15 Indigenous tribes during that period, where he was one of the first Americans to contact the remote Wausha tribe. The experience shaped not only his life as an anthropologist but also his worldview.

Read more: Ryan O'Neal, star of 'Love Story' and 'Paper Moon,' dies at 82

He recounted his time in South America in his 1988 memoir, "Too Sad to Sing: A Memoir With Postcards."

"In a forest that I knew to be inhabited by jaguars and snakes and grasses as sharp as razor blades and even hostile tribes, I had the sense of coming into my own house," he wrote.

In public speaking appearances, he often made reference to his training as an anthropologist, studying tribes and customs and belief systems to find the fundamental humanity that connects us all.

"He never lost sight of the people that he lived with for two years," said longtime friend Robert Marx. "When he met strangers, whether in New York or Paris or Los Angeles or anywhere, it was just a variation of when he was a functioning anthropologist in Brazil that brought him this human perspective."

Brecher moved to Los Angeles in 1974 after an invite by the Mark Taper Forums founder and artistic director, Gordon Davidson, who was staging a production of Christopher Hamptons play Savages. Brecher's work as a consultant on the play impressed Davidson so much that he hired him as associate artistic director, and Brecher went on to shape the theaters lineup into the 1980s.

He made it a priority to bring in a diversity of stories and perspectives. Among productions Brecher oversaw were the groundbreaking Chicano play Zoot Suit and the story of a deaf school in Children of a Lesser God, both of which premiered at the Taper under Brechers creative direction.

To us, he was thinking outside the box," said Madeline Puzo, the Tapers stage manager at the time. "But in retrospect, he was looking at the work we did at the Taper as an anthropologist," to explore a variety of human cultures.

After leaving the Taper in the mid-1980s, Brecher took a sabbatical in Paris before moving to Boston to lead the Boston Childrens Museum. He followed that with a short stint heading the William Penn Foundation, a Philadelphia-based philanthropic organization.

In 1996, Robert Redford recruited Brecher to be the executive director of the Sundance Institute, where he served for the next 13 years. His time at Sundance saw the creation of the institutes documentary program and documentary fund.

The famed film festival posted a tribute to Brecher on its Facebook page Thursday.

"An anthropologist, author, Rhodes Scholar, collector of eccentric objects, and passionate believer in the transformative power of art, Ken supported the creation of Sundances New Frontier program, Documentary Fund and Film Music Program, while fostering the growth of our artist development programs, particularly internationally," the tribute read.

Read more: John Brooks Slaughter, trailblazing engineer who led Occidental College, dies at 89

In 2010, Brecher was named the president of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, the private nonprofit arm of the L.A. Library. As Brecher explained in a 2011 interview with The Times' Patt Morrison, the city pays for the library's daily operation and upkeep, while the foundation is responsible for events and programming, whether it's book clubs and guest readings, literacy programs or after-school homework help.

His advocacy at the foundation helped in the passage of Measure L, which increased funding to allow L.A. public libraries to be open seven days a week.

Brecher's leadership was not without controversy. In 2018, he fired Louise Steinman, the founding director of the library's ALOUD lecture series, leading to calls for his resignation. Brecher wrote an op-ed in The Times defending his decision, arguing that the move was needed to reshape the lecture series into something that diversified its perspectives and broadened its audience.

"ALOUD must change. Building on its strong tradition, we will expand this series to reach a larger section of L.A.s cultural life," he wrote. "And we will do it by diversifying its events, its audience and its venues to engage with all of Los Angeles."

During his decade at the helm, Brecher oversaw several major expansions in the L.A. Library's collections and coordinated fundraising support for new programs including "Teens Leading Change," a civic engagement program for adolescents. He retired from the position in 2021.

What the librarys going to be by the end of the 21st century? Its up to us to figure out a way to sustain it, he told Morrison in 2011. Nothing to me is more at the forefront of thinking than libraries.

Brecher is survived by wife Rebecca Rickman and their son, Piers Brecher.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Kenneka Jenkins Family To Get $6.4 Million In Wrongful Death Settlement Over Her Death In Hotel Freezer | Photo: RLTheis via Envato Elements

The family of 19-year-old Kenneka Jenkins will receive $6.4 million following a wrongful death settlement six years after the teen died in an Illinois hotel freezer in 2017.

Blavity reported that Jenkins was found dead in a walk-in freezer at the Crown Plaza Chicago OHare Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois, early on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. She and several friends had visited the establishment that Friday for a private birthday party in one of the rooms on the ninth floor.

The Cook County Medical Examiners Office ruled the teens death as an accident after she died from hypothermia and medications used to treat migraines and epilepsy.

In 2018, her mother, Teresa Martin, filed a $50 million lawsuit against the Crown Plaza Hotel, its third-party security company and the restaurant that frequently used the commercial freezer. The suit claimed staff were negligent in the teens death since no one initiated a search for Jenkins after she went missing, per Blavity.

According to court documents, both sides agreed to a settlement in August. Martin tried to keep details about the suit sealed from the public. However, the judge presiding over the case denied her request, and CBS News reported information was released to the public for the first time on Tuesday.

The family agreed to a $10 million settlement, with Martin to get $3.4 million, additional family members $2.7 million, attorney fees at $3.5 million and $6,000 set aside to cover Jenkins funeral costs, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Jenkinss death has sparked outrage among her family, friends and those who shared news of her tragic death on social media. Several reports have stated Jenkins had accidentally wandered into the hotel freezer during the early morning of Sept. 9, 2017, and her friends later reported that they couldnt find her after she left the party.

Martin then called the hotel and asked staff to search for the missing teen. Police confirmed that no one searched for Jenkins or checked the walk-in freezer until her body was found, per the Sun-Times.
The finding by the Los Angeles County medical examiner that "Friends" star Matthew Perry died from "acute effects" of ketamine is generating interest in the drug.

Ketamine is generally safe when taken under medical supervision, experts said, but the Perry case also underscores potential risks.

Here are some basics about the drug from Times reporting:

What did the autopsy conclude?

Perry was found dead in his hot tub Oct. 28.

The medical examiner concluded the death was an accident.

The high levels of ketamine found in his blood could cause "lethal effects" from cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression, the Los Angeles County medical examiner said in a report. Other contributing factors in the actors death included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder.

Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy every other day for a period of time but had reduced that intake more recently, and his last known infusion was a week and a half before his death.

The medical examiner noted the ketamine could not have been from that session, as it typically disappears from the system in detectable amounts within three to four hours.

What is ketamine?

A legal medication commonly used medically as an anesthetic, ketamine has been increasingly offered off label at private clinics in an effort to treat depression and other mental health disorders, said Dr. David Goodman-Meza, an addiction medicine and infectious disease specialist at UCLA.

Read more: Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, officials rule

In 2006, the National Institute of Mental Health concluded that an intravenous dose of ketamine had rapid antidepressant effects. About 300 clinical trials have been held, and they have broadly found that ketamine is extremely fast-acting compared with traditional antidepressants and can relieve depression for a period that can last days or weeks.

A prescription version of ketamine called Spravato, given through a nasal spray, was approved in 2019 by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression. The number of ketamine clinics in the U.S. has risen from a few dozen to several hundred in the last few years.

Ketamine is generally really safe, said Dr. Michael Bottros, chief of clinical operations and medical director for pain services with Keck Medicine of USC.

Side effects such as dissociation arent as worrisome in a medical setting when ketamine is infused, because healthcare professionals will be ensuring that patients are not moving around unsupervised.

But Bottros said that based on the autopsy findings, which indicated ketamine was found in his stomach, Perry may have taken ketamine orally, and the risk is that there was too much taken at once. The physician cautioned that he did not know what the prescription dose for Perry was, but the level in his blood is higher than it would be for what is considered an appropriate oral dose.

And the problem here is that he was in a hot tub, Bottros said. In a dissociated state, he said, someone could sink into a tub without realizing it.

Bottros said the tragedy should not dissuade people from being treated with ketamine under the supervision of medical professionals. There has to be a healthy balance between the concerns  along with the known benefits, he said.

What are the risks?

Some people also snort or inject ketamine recreationally to experience euphoric or dissociative effects that cause someone to feel separated from their own body, Goodman-Meza said. At very high doses, it can make people feel immobilized and spur hallucinations, an experience called a K-hole.

The drug can complicate breathing and increase demands on the heart, Goodman-Meza said. If someone already has coronary artery disease and is taking high doses of ketamine, that could then speed up your heart, create more demand, but then your arteries dont have the ability to supply that demand, the physician explained.

Read more: Inside the investigation that will determine how Matthew Perry died

Tucker Avra, a UCLA medical student who works with people recovering from ketamine addiction, said that people using ketamine can also be at risk of passing out or falling down. If youre in water, he said, theres a risk of drowning by basically putting yourself under anesthesia by using it.

Avra said those using ketamine should test their drugs for the synthetic opioid fentanyl, have Narcan on hand to reverse an opioid overdose in case the drug is contaminated with opioids, and avoid using the drug alone. He hopes the tragedy of Perrys death might encourage doctors to learn more about the side effects of recreational use.

Physicians also urged people not to write off ketamine for medical treatment in light of the tragedy.

When doctors turn to ketamine for patients with depression, these are patients who might not have anything else left for them because typical treatments have failed, Bottros said. Ketamine could be literally lifesaving for them.

What do we know about overdoses?

Ketamine overdose by itself is exceedingly rare, said Dr. Siddarth Puri, associate medical director of prevention for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Control division at L.A. Countys public health department.

In general, much of the overdose concern around ketamine surrounds mixing it with other substances that can also affect breathing or heart rate, such as alcohol or opioids, he said.

People are also at higher risk of bad outcomes if they have underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or breathing problems, Puri said. In medical settings, Puri said, your doctor is making sure your heart can manage and respond to ketamine appropriately, your breathing is OK  youre not having any kind of allergic reaction, and other medications will not compound its effects.

He cautioned people who are obtaining ketamine in other ways or using it outside of medical settings to make sure to test for possible contaminants such as fentanyl and avoid using it alone.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby called the mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages a terrible tragedy Friday.

Its just a terrible tragedy, Kirby said in an interview with MSNBC.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the countrys military killed three Israeli hostages in Gaza. The IDF said they were mistakenly identified  as a threat.

The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences, the military said. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home.

According to multiple media reports, the hostages killed by the Israeli military were holding a white flag and shirtless when shot.

Kirby also said he knew of no connection between todays tragic events and impacts on the specific safety and security of any other hostages being held.

Obviously, we want them all released, Kirby said of the hostages held in Gaza by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The best safety for them is to get them out now, Kirby continued. And Hamas could do that, if they would just do the right thing and release them all, which, obviously, they havent proven willing to do.

Over 18,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Oct. 7, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. Meanwhile, the Oct.7 attack on Israel by Hamas saw the deaths of about 1,200 people and the taking of around 200 hostages by the group.

Israel also recently agreed to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Egypts border to allow more aid into Gaza.

Before departing Israel, I was informed by my counterpart, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, that the Government of Israel has taken the decision to open its border crossing at Kerem Shalom for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, Jake Sullivan, national security adviser, said in a statement Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The French have a taste for this Carolina classic.

ALSO READ: Krispy Kreme offering Day of Dozens deal for 12/12

Earlier this month, Krispy Kreme said bonjour to Paris and opened a store.

According to the New York Times, nearly 500 Parisians lined up as the companys famous hot-light flicked on.

The doughnuts were imported from North Carolina and featured new flavors tailored to the French palate, like a fresher fruit taste for the apple doughnut and a less sweet strawberry frosting.

(WATCH BELOW: Krispy Kreme to lay off 102 workers from Concord facility)
The emir of oil-rich Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, died on Saturday, the royal court said, after three years in power. He was 86.

"With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn... the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait," said a statement aired on Kuwaiti state television.

State television had cut its regular programming and switched to a broadcast of Koranic recital before the announcement.

In November, Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to the hospital "due to an emergency health problem", according to the official KUNA news agency, which did not elaborate on his illness. He was later declared in stable condition.

Given his age, his health has commonly been a concern during his term.

Sheikh Nawaf was named crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and took over as emir when Sheikh Sabah died in September 2020 at the age of 91.

He had to steer the economy through a crisis caused by a fall in oil prices in 2020.

The current crown prince, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, another half-brother, is 83 and much attention will now be focused on whether a younger generation ruler is brought in by the family.

Kuwait -- a conservative country where sovereign powers remain concentrated in the hands of the ruling Al Sabah family -- is home to the most active and powerful parliament in the Gulf.

But repeated standoffs between elected lawmakers and cabinet ministers installed by the ruling family have stymied development efforts and scared off investors.

Following a succession of resigning governments and dissolved parliaments, Kuwait's current cabinet is its fifth in a year.

The political deadlock has delayed necessary reforms and blocked development projects, leaving infrastructure and education in disrepair and much of the population disgruntled.

Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was the fifth son of Kuwait's late ruler from 1921 to 1950 Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

He started his political career at the age of 25 as governor of Hawalli province, where he remained until 1978 when he started a decade as interior minister.

sl/ho/dv
Slices from Sofia's Pizzeria are now offered at Make Ready Market's Garaje Cantina. Paul Stephen/Staff

A North Side Sofias Pizzeria sustained damage in a break-in Monday and now the restaurant is asking for local support.

The San Antonio pizza chain reported the break-in on Facebook alongside a photo of a shattered front window.

I know our pizza is good but if you really need a slice that bad just ask, the post said. We would be more than happy to help you.

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The break-in occurred at the Bitters Road location Monday morning, according to the post.

The cause of the vandalism wasnt revealed by the chain, but it asked San Antonio residents to come by and support the location.

READ MORE: Two dead in separate shootings near North Side, downtown

The waste of time having to take care of this is the most frustrating, the post said.

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Russia launched its sixth aerial attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the month, using Shahed barrage munitions overnight on Dec. 15-16, the city military administration reported on Telegram.

"Judging by the weapons used, the enemy seems to have returned to the tactics of May 2023," the message reads.

Read also: Ukraine knocks out 41 of 42 attack drones after Russia fires wave after wave in 7-hr siege of Odesa

Back then, the rascists were frequently switching up, combining and alternating their means and types of aerial attack capabilities. Kyiv residents experienced the same scenario in the first half of December. Strike UAVs, cruise missiles from strategic bombers, Iskanders, Kinzhals fly at Kyiv in rotation, replacing each other.

After three days of ballistic threats, the Russian military once again launched Shahed barrage munitions at the city. UAVs attacked in groups, in waves, and from different directions. All enemy targets were destroyed by air defense.

No one was injured.

"The enemy has intensified air strikes on the main city of our country," said Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

Read also: This winter, Russia targets Kyiv with mostly ballistic missiles  HUR

Therefore, I ask all Kyiv residents not to ignore air raid alerts and always follow safety rules! Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Russia has recently intensified massive attacks on Ukraine and the capital in particular.

Four air raid alerts were declared in Ukraine in connection with the takeoff of MiG-31K fighters on Dec. 14. The Air Force announced the launch of X-47 Kinzhal missiles in the direction of Kyiv, Starokostiantyniv, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, and Sumy Oblast. Explosions were also heard in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

A ballistic missile from Russias Bryansk Oblast takes only one or two minutes to reach Kyiv, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said in an interview with Radio NV on Dec. 13.

Overnight on Dec. 12-13, the Russian forces fired 10 ballistic missiles at Kyiv. All targets were shot down by air defense forces.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Thanks to the reckless bravado of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, Latin America is at risk of "major continental war for the first time in 75 years", said Alexandra Sharp in Foreign Policy (Washington).

Caracas has long staked a claim to Essequibo, a mineral-rich swathe of the Amazon that accounts for two-thirds of neighbouring Guyana  the former British Guiana. That claim acquired added urgency in 2015, when US energy giant ExxonMobil discovered oil reserves off Essequibo's coast  some 11 billion barrels' worth to date.

And last week, in a referendum staged in order to rubber-stamp Venezuela's claim to Essequibo, Maduro claimed he now had the mandate to put that claim into effect. But the vote was held in defiance of a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, and has raised fears across Latin America that Venezuela could be about to use military force to grab another country's land.

'A vile plunder'

Venezuela's claim to this region dates back centuries, said Luis Alberto Perozo Padua in El Universal (Caracas). Essequibo was administered by Dutch colonisers for 200 years or so until, in 1814, those same colonisers sold a swathe of territory along South America's northern coast to the British. Britain then proceeded to launch a series of incursions into the territory of the recently independent Venezuela  a "vile plunder" that robbed us of vast tracts of resource- and oil-rich land.

Naturally, Caracas tried to resist; but in 1899 an international tribunal in Paris ruled that Essequibo was a part of British Guiana. And ever since Guyana won independence in 1966, the dispute has rumbled on and remains the subject of proceedings in the ICJ. As pretty much all Venezuelans view Essequibo as part of their nation's territory, Maduro had assumed his referendum would boost his waning popularity ahead of next year's elections, said Rafael Garcia Marvez in El Nacional (Caracas). But a vast majority of voters stayed at home, making a mockery of his claim of 95% support. Desperate and disillusioned, Venezuelans had no appetite to hand Maduro a meaningful victory.

'Just sound and fury'

Be that as it may, the vote has still powerfully unsettled us in Guyana, said Frederick Kissoon in The Guyana Chronicle (Georgetown). Maduro is a ruthless dictator, and has already ordered state firms to exploit oil deposits in Essequibo. Will his next step be to deploy the army? Actually, that's not at all likely, said James Bosworth in World Politics Review (Tampa). Venezuela's claim to Essequibo is disputed by virtually every country in the world  even by Maduro's allies in communist Cuba.

So any military intervention would lead to a fresh round of international sanctions on Caracas that the regime could ill afford, to say the least. Besides, Venezuela's army can barely maintain control of its own territory, let alone seize control of a dense area of jungle almost the size of Florida. Unless Maduro has actually lost his marbles, this is all "just sound and fury".
Languages have not been compulsory in England beyond the age of 14 since 2004 - iStockphoto/Michael Jung

A private school headteacher has warned that languages could fall off the curriculum within a decade because the country will run out of staff capable of teaching them.

Katherine Vintiner forecasted that schools would face a perfect storm in which teachers trying to teach a language in the primary years would not speak it fluently because they themselves had not been taught.

The principal of Hampton Court House School said latest figures that showed a rapid decline in the uptake of modern foreign languages schools are shocking but sadly not surprising.

The annual British Council report showed there had been a more than 60 per cent fall in numbers taking GCSE French alone in the last two decades from 331,000 in 2003 to 131,000 this summer.

In England, state schools do not have to teach those aged five to seven a language if they choose not to. It only becomes compulsory for children aged seven to 11 to study a language.

Thirty minutes a week

Ms Vintiner said: In practice, many schools are barely able to offer a language even when it becomes compulsory, with some only able to offer 30 minutes a week.

Add to that the growing problem of finding suitably qualified language teachers and you have a perfect storm.

In too many schools, children are being taught a language by a teacher who, while enthusiastic, cannot even speak the language fluently themselves.

That situation is only going to get worse as fewer students take languages at university and fewer teachers come through to teach them to the next generation.

She warned: If this situation continues, we could see language teaching shrinking further in primary schools, meaning that window of opportunity to learn a language  which has already been cut back to seven years by the Government  is compromised even more.

We face the very real prospect of a vicious circle of seeing languages drop off the curriculum altogether because not enough people are studying them and becoming proficient enough in them to continue their studies and then teach others and so on.

That could happen within a decade or even sooner and that would be a great tragedy.

Ms Vintiner believes that the key to reversing the trend is to introduce all children to speaking and studying modern languages immersively at an earlier age.

Fluent by eight or nine

At her south-west London school, one of only four schools in the UK accredited by the official Institut Francais for the quality of its language education, pupils speak English and French in their lessons from age five. As a result, they are normally fluent by the age of eight or nine.

The schools exam entries buck the national trend with nearly 85 per cent of its GCSE students taking at least one language, with French the most popular, compared to less than 50 per cent nationally.

Languages have not been compulsory in England beyond the age of 14 since 2004.

Ofsted has noted the number of entries for GCSEs in modern foreign languages has declined significantly since that time.

In 2019, the exam regulator Ofqual reported entries for modern foreign language exams had almost halved since 2022, when there were around 500,000 entries.

We have a problem at both ends of the spectrum, said Ms Vintiner.

The Government is encouraging students to take modern foreign languages by rating state schools on how many students are taking and passing the EBacc, which means getting five GCSE passes, including maths, English, science, a humanities subject and a modern foreign language.

It has set a target of getting 80 per cent of students to do this, but at present the thing holding most students back from passing the EBacc is a continued low uptake of modern foreign languages. Again, it is a vicious circle that is leading us into the terminal decline of languages.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Graduating seniors at Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) will have their commencement ceremony at the Pan American Center next spring, according to a press release sent by the district on Friday, Dec. 15.

In 2020, commencement had moved to the Field of Dreams in a drive-through ceremony, a plan made possible following the current health guidelines during the pandemic.

Because of costs related to renting the center, LCPS decided to keep graduation at the Field of Dreams, which is a property owned by the district.

Parents and seniors voted to return to the center for the Class of 2024, according to the district.

The district hopes to recover some of the costs, which were negotiated at a lower rate with New Mexico State University through sponsorships.

Dates and times for commencement ceremonies are as follows:

Thursday, May 23 Arrowhead Park Early College High School 9 a.m. Organ Mountain High School 6 p.m. Friday, May 24 Rio Grande Preparatory Institute 9 a.m. Las Cruces High School 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25 Mayfield High School 9 a.m. Centennial High School 6 p.m.

The New Mexico State Universitys clear bag policy will be in effect for all ceremonies. Additional restrictions will be announced at a later date, according to the district.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas man who tried to attend Thursday nights Kanye West rave shut down by police in Sloan shared his experience with 8 News Now.

Overall, it was hugely insane, Marco 4D said. A lot going on there.

What started as a fun adventure for Marco 4D quickly became a nightmare.

Las Vegas police disbanded unlicensed Kayne West rave after Clark County issued violation notice

I see on Twitter, he recalled. That Kanye West just dropped this flyer.

He was one of the hundreds who tried to attend a midnight rave Thursday night, featuring rapper Ye, or Kanye West, his 10-year-old daughter North West, and Ty Dolla $ign.

As were driving up, theres a mining facility, a cement factory, Marco 4D recalled of the experience. All this weird stuff. And were just looking at each other, like are we supposed to be here?

The late-night event was advertised for $2,000 per ticket including merchandise and was set to happen at a warehouse at 13850 Decatur Boulevard, just off the I-15 in Sloan.

A huge crowd is starting to amass, Marco 4D described what he saw that night. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people.

Marco told 8 News Now those people waited for hours in the cold, but never made it inside.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Clark County business license agents reportedly arrived in the area around 9:45 p.m. to disband the event.

Clark County issued the following statement to 8 News Now in regards to the events of Thursday night:

Agents issued a Notice of Violation to the main promoter for conducting business without a license and for holding a special event without permits.

Theyre like leave now, leave now, Marco 4D said when police arrived. We see cop lights and sirens and everything.

Authorities said they dispersed 200 to 300 people waiting for the event. No arrests were made.

Its a real shame to see somebody I look up to on a creative level, Marco 4D said. Fall through in such a big way.

Marco told 8 News Now he didnt personally pay for a ticket, but he knows about 15 to 20 others who did. He said he had no idea whether they would get their money back.

All of these people are left with all these pieces to pick up, he said. Its just a real shame.

While Marco was relieved to avoid any major issues, he said hed like to see Ye come forward and acknowledge those who did.

Make it right with the city, we love you, he said, speaking to West. We love your music. Lets figure it out.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
UPDATE: Las Vegas police have located Duck Young Kim and thank the public for their assistance.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police are searching for a 90-year-old missing man who may need medical attention.

Duck Young Kim was last seen on Dec. 15 shortly after 6:30 a.m. near the 3100 block of St. Rose Parkway near Silverado Ranch Boulevard, police said.

He was last seen wearing black sunglasses, a blue hoodie, blue pants, and brown shoes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Las Vegas Metro police at 702-828-3111 or by email at missingpersons@lvmpd.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Jaylen Dears speaks with his attorney Cornelius Cox during his sentencing for aggravated robbery Friday morning. He was originally accused of capital murder in the deaths of Bobby Lee Carter Jr., 14, and Robert Smith, 20, in a drug deal that turned deadly. Robin Jerstad James Alexander Miller talks with his attorney Mark McKay prior to his appearance before his aggravated robbery sentencing. Robin Jerstad Jaylen Dears enters the courtroom for his aggravated robbery sentencing. He was originally accused of capital murder in the deaths of Bobby Lee Carter Jr., 14, and Robert Smith, 20, in a drug deal that turned deadly. Robin Jerstad James Alexander Miller arrives in court Friday for his aggravated robbery sentencing. He was originally accused of capital murder in the deaths of Bobby Lee Carter Jr., 14, and Robert Smith, 20, in a drug deal that turned deadly. Robin Jerstad Defense attorney Mark McKay goes over paperwork before conferring with his client, James Alexander Miller on Friday. Miller was originally accused of capital murder in the deaths of Bobby Lee Carter Jr., 14, and Robert Smith, 20, but pleaded to aggravated robbery. Robin Jerstad State District Judge Joel Perez holds paperwork for James Alexander Miller to acknowledge while pleading guilty to aggravated robbery Friday. morning. Miller was originally accused of capital murder in the deaths of Bobby Lee Carter Jr., 14, and Robert Smith, 20. Robin Jerstad

Two San Antonio men, charged as teenagers with killing two people in 2020, including a 14-year-old boy, in what investigators said was a drug deal turned robbery, each have been sentenced to 22 years in prison.

The capital murder charges rested on the accusation that Dears and Miller killed Carter and Smith in the course of committing or attempting to commit robbery, court documents indicate.

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Bexar County assistant district attorney Clayton Hayden prosecuted both cases.

Miller pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of aggravated robbery as part of a plea agreement reached between Hayden and defense attorneys Mark McKay and Andre Woodard. State District Judge Joel Perez sentenced Miller to 22 years in prison.

Dears agreement, negotiated between Hayden and defense attorney Cornelius Cox, was similar. Dears pleaded no contest to aggravated robbery, and Perez found him guilty and assessed the same 22-year prison term as he did for Miller.

Rachel Garcia, a Bexar County District Attorneys Office victim advocate, read a statement to the court on behalf of Carters mother, Victoria Renee Johnson Carter.

My only son was taken from me. I wouldnt wish that on any mother, Garcia read. You can see your mother, you can talk to her. I had only 14 years to experience what I created.

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Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison. If the men had been convicted of capital murder, each would have faced either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The shooting occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Christmas holidays approached. Responding Bexar County sheriffs deputies found the critically wounded Carter and Smith around 9 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2020, in the 7300 block of Rubens on the Northeast Side.

An affidavit supporting the arrests of Dears and Miller said Carter and Smith were shot multiple times in their upper bodies. They later died at Brooke Army Medical Center.

Dears was taken into custody that Christmas Eve when officers located him in the 8800 block of Willmon Way. Miller was arrested almost two weeks later.

According to the affidavit, two witnesses said they drove with Carter to an apartment complex on Rubens to sell marijuana to Smith. Upon arrival, Smith, Miller and Dears walked up to the red Chevrolet Malibu with guns, the witnesses said.

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When Smith got inside the vehicle to buy the drugs, Miller and Dears began directing what an investigator described as a melee of gunfire into the passenger side of the car, according to the affidavit.

The witnesses told authorities they ducked for cover as the shots were fired. Miller and Dears took Smiths weapon and some money from the vehicle after the shooting, according to the affidavit.

During their investigation, deputies located a cellphone belonging to Miller in the street outside the vehicle. Relatives told authorities that Miller and Smith were friends and had been together an hour before the shooting.
Former President Trump greets the crowd at a campaign rally in Claremont, N.H., on Nov. 11. (Reba Saldanha / Associated Press)

To the editor: Columnist Robin Abcarian writes about threats to the 1st Amendment if former President Trump is elected back into office. It is clear that the public must be reminded constantly that our democracy is now at stake.

The decline of our system is already happening. People now distrust our institutions of government, journalists and universities. What we had taken for granted as the backbone of our country is now being demeaned.

Trump and his people are now completely open about their plans to remove the restraints on his power that limited him last time. They are normalizing the term "dictator," trying to make it a joke. Reporters are already asking how authoritarian Trump might be, as if some level of authoritarianism has already been accepted.

Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, in her book "Strongmen" and in recent interviews, warns that a country's population is usually unprepared for an authoritarian takeover, unable or unwilling to believe that violent change can take place.

Serious news outlets such as The Times need to regularly remind the public what Trump is preparing to do and what has already happened. If little about this is reported and analyzed, the door is further opened for far-right propagandists to constantly repeat their message and have it take hold.

Margo Kasdan, Seal Beach

..

To the editor: Abcarian's column on former Rep. Liz Cheney's new book, "Oath and Honor," gives me hope for the future.

Cheney should run for president as an independent. She is honest, she is capable, she actually has a functioning brain, and she has experience dealing with the likes of Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)

If she decides to run, she has my vote.

Carol Lynn Kahler, Torrance

..

To the editor: Before 2016, multiple Democratic hopefuls remained in the race for president, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Sen. James Webb (D-Va.).

Webb dropped out due to a lack of funding and name recognition. Sanders would drop out due to machinations by the Democratic National Committee.

Webb, a former secretary of the Navy under President Reagan and the recipient of the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam, would have handily defeated Trump in 2016. The three Supreme Court nominations that fell to Trump would have been filled by a Democratic president.

But the Democrats didn't want a winner in 2016, they wanted a coronation. They have no one to blame but themselves for the rise of Trump.

Michael Murphy, San Pedro

..

To the editor: Your editorial warning of Trump's dictatorial ambitions is consistent with Cheney's new book, which explains how America is "sleepwalking" into authoritarianism.

Reading Cheneys book, I found myself converted from a Trump voter to a Biden voter. Still, I follow the Biden family escapades outlined in the Wall Street Journal, which, together with other newspapers, may suffer censorship or worse if Trump regains power.

Benjamin Franklin famously said our country is "a republic, if you can keep it." Read Cheneys book and keep it, both the book and the republic.

Phil Barnes, San Pedro

..

To the editor: As bad as it would be if Trump wins, I also dread what could happen when he loses. If he foments another uprising, it could be an armed revolt and not just the Proud Boys.

If it came to that, would the very people who are sworn to protect us actually protect us?

Steve Huffsteter, Altadena

..

To the editor: "It was a bright cold day ... and the clocks were striking thirteen." Perhaps George Orwell was simply off by 40 years.

Dave Sanderson, La Canada Flintridge

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The planned UAE-backed takeover of The Telegraph is deeply worrying, the Liberal Democrats said - MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA/Reuters

The planned UAE-backed takeover of The Telegraph is deeply worrying and must be scrutinised from a national security perspective, the Liberal Democrats said.

Jamie Stone, the Lib Dems spokesman on culture and media affairs, made the comments in a sign that concerns about the controversial deal have spread across the British political spectrum.

Both The Telegraph and The Spectator are currently subject to a takeover bid by RedBird IMI, a fund backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the vice-president of the United Arab Emirates.

The takeover has raised concerns about the editorial independence of both titles, with Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer ordering a public interest investigation into the acquisition.

Concerns have also been voiced about the national security implications, with the former head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, warning last week that the takeover poses a profound security concern to the UK.

To date, much of the political opposition to the deal has been led by Conservative MPs.

However, the intervention by Mr Stone demonstrates that concerns about the takeover are shared across party lines.

The National newspaper is part of the United Arab Emirates' aim to become a media hub - MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP

Mr Stone, the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, told The Telegraph: All who care about the importance of a free press should naturally be concerned by these proposals.

The UAE-backed takeover bid would leave an institution of British journalism in the hands of an autocratic state. This is deeply worrying.

He added: The Government must look into the national security implications of this bid and of a foreign state owning a British newspaper.

The Public Interest Intervention Notice issued by Ms Frazer covers the impact of the deal on the need for accurate presentation of news and free expression of opinion, which is being considered by Ofcom, as well as the legal technicalities and potential competition issues, which are being examined by the Competition and Markets Authority.

However, the deal is not currently being officially considered from a national security perspective.

Last month, 18 Tory MPs wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, urging him to step in under the auspices of the National Security and Investment Act, which allows the Government to impose conditions on or even block acquisitions of assets that are vital to the UKs national security.

The letter warned that in a context of increased geopolitical tensions and information warfare, the risk for interference in Britains national conversation seems self-evident if the acquisition is allowed to go ahead.

Concerns over the deal are being voiced across the political spectrum - The Telegraph

The former cabinet minister David Davis has meanwhile said that The Telegraph should not be foreign-owned because it exerts massive influence in elections and in Conservative leadership contests.

In addition to the concerns voiced by the Tories and the Lib Dems, Nigel Farage, the former UKIP and Brexit Party leader and the honorary president of Reform UK, has said he feels deeply uncomfortable about the possibility of the UAE taking over The Telegraph.

Writing in The Telegraph on Saturday, he said: The Telegraph titles, like The Spectator, are a precious piece of the fabric of British public life.

Independence is their hallmark. It is unthinkable that a Tory government would even consider allowing these assets to fall into the wrong hands on its watch - or that it would encourage the importation of attitudes which run counter to one of the cornerstones of our democracy.

Jeff Zucker, the former head of CNN who is leading the RedBird IMI takeover, insisted in an interview with The Telegraph last month that the papers independence would be maintained.

He said: If anyone were to come to me with even the suggestion of interference, I would resign.

I understand why people have raised questions. All I can say is, theyre misplaced. I am here to say that the editorial independence of The Telegraph is guaranteed.

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.
Community youth are invited to our Make & Take Ornament Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a free drop-in craft, registration is not required. Little ones may need assistance, adult helpers are welcome.

Still have holiday wrapping to do? Our gift-wrapping station is open on our main level during regular library hours. We have a long table set up with wrapping paper, bows, gift tags, scissors and tape. Consider bringing your own wrapping paper and leaving what you dont use for the next person. The elves thought you might need a secret place to wrap gifts. Adults, teens and youth are encouraged to use our wrapping station.

Parkinsons support group meets on the third Tuesday each month from 1-3 p.m. The next meeting takes place in the Linda Widrig Neuss room on Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 1-3 p.m. Families of those affected by Parkinsons are encouraged to attend.

Cheboygan Photography Club meets Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. Feel free to bring photos to share if youd like or simply attend to see what photography club is all about. Photography Club meets the third Wednesday of the month from 6-8 p.m.

Is a new digital camera on your holiday wish list? If your wish is granted, you can learn how to use your new camera or take better pictures with the camera you already own at the library. Register for our Digital Photography five-session class with each session building upon the previous session. Photography classes will be taught by talented local photographer Dan Welihan. Class begins on Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 6-8 p.m. continuing on Jan. 23, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. A hands-on photo shoot date, time and location will be determined by the students and scheduled also. Cost to register is $35 for the five-session course. Class size is limited to 20 students and registration is requested. Sign up today!

As the holidays draw near, take time to relax and treat yourself to some self-care. What better way to forget about all those things left on your to-do list than to escape into a good book. Choose a new fiction or non-fiction title conveniently displayed on our new book shelving unit as you enter the library. Browse our collection of family-friendly audiobooks for that long road trip to Grandmas house. While you are here, stop in the childrens room to select classic holiday stories or find some new titles. Discover the many games, puzzles and gadgets available in our Library of Things. Did you miss your favorite holiday movie this season? No worries, we have classic and new holiday movies on DVD available in our general collection and in our childrens collection.

A friendly reminder that the library will be closed on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25. The Library will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 10 a.m. We wish all a joyous holiday season!

Looking ahead, on Thursday, Dec. 28, the library will be hosting a blood drive with the support of Versiti Blood Center of Michigan. The blood drive will take place in the Gallery located on our lower level from 1-6 p.m. Visit our website cheboyganlibrary.org and click the link found on our calendar to register or find the link on our Facebook page. Please consider giving the gift of life this holiday season!

 Paula Jewell is program director of the Cheboygan Area Public Library.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Library Lines: Make festive holiday ornaments
Lithuania delivered on Dec. 15 a new batch of military aid to Ukraine, including millions of cartridges and thousands of short-range anti-tank projectiles, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced.

Several European countries have recently presented new bilateral defense assistance to Kyiv as support from the U.S., a key military donor, is running dry due to political infighting.

"We hear Ukraine's urgent requests and continue to provide assistance in accordance with the stated needs. We actively encourage our allies to do the same," Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said.

Apart from the munitions, the recent batch also included around a thousand folding beds.

Earlier on Dec. 15, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry presented the first Leopard 2 tanks repaired in Lithuania and ready to return to the front line in Ukraine.

Lithuania has already provided Ukraine with around 500 million euros ($543 million) in defense assistance, according to the ministry's statement. The country is among the leading military donors to Ukraine in terms of gross domestic product shares.

Another Baltic country, Estonia, announced on Dec. 14 a new defense aid package for Ukraine worth $88 million, containing Javelin anti-tank missiles, ammunition, and other aid.

Read also: Ukraine finally moves to fortify front line, but could it be too little too late?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Sean Loloee, who was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged Friday in connection with multiple allegations of wrongdoing at his Viva Supermarkets, might be able to keep his Sacramento City Council seat through the end of next year.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg hinted Friday that he wanted Loloee to resign immediately.

He has the right to due process, and he also has an obligation to do the right thing by District 2 and by the city, Steinberg said in a statement Friday morning. I expect the situation to be resolved within the next 24 hours.

Defiant before surrendering to U.S. Marshals at the federal courthouse downtown, Loloee said he would continue to serve on the council.

I came to this country as a teenager in 1989 with absolutely nothing and have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the underserved in both my grocery stores and as a member of the City Council, both of which I will continue to do as I fight these allegations, he said.

What happens if Loloee stays or goes?

If Loloee sticks to that plan and continues to ignore calls for his resignation, there is little if anything the council can do, according to city officials.

If a council member is arrested, it does not have any effect on their council seat, City Clerk Mindy Cuppy said.

The mayor and council do not have the ability to suspend an elected colleague; they can only pass a resolution admonishing him, according to Steinberg spokeswoman Mary Lynne Vellinga after speaking Friday with City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood.

Thats a different process than in the California Legislature, where Steinberg served as Senate president pro tem for nearly six years before leaving the Capitol in 2014. There, he led a successful effort to suspend three then-state senators who were facing federal charges.

If Loloee does resign, the nine-member council can appoint a person to fill the seat through December 2024.

In that scenario, its unlikely one of the nine candidates running for the North Sacramento seat in the March primary election would be picked. Former state Assemblyman Roger Dickinson of the Woodlake neighborhood is widely seen as the front-runner in the race, though some have said it should be someone from an underserved neighborhood, such as Del Paso Heights.

If no single candidate receives at least 50.01% of the vote, the general election will be held Nov. 5 and be sworn in the following month.

The council has made vacant appointments seven times since 1971; most recently was 2000 Joseph Yee was selected to Jimmie Yees council seat after Yee was appointed mayor for a year. Joseph Yee ran again 12 years later.

Indictment bolsters past allegations at Viva

Fridays indictment, first reported by The Sacramento Bee, included charges of fraud, obstruction, falsifying records, wire fraud and using false immigration documents regarding his four Viva Supermarkets in the capital region. The indictment has many similar allegations to a federal civil lawsuit the U.S. Department of Labor filed in 2022, which alleged he fails to pay overtime or sick time, employs minors, and threatens to have employees deported.

The indictment, unsealed Friday, revealed new details about similar allegations regarding immigrants.

Montoya, at Loloees direction, regularly hired undocumented workers at the Viva Supermarkets because it was Loloees view that undocumented workers were easier to control, the indictment stated. Loloee had knowledge of the practice of hiring undocumented workers and himself reviewed job applicants. ... By maintaining a workforce of undocumented workers, Loloee enriched himself in various ways, including by not paying them overtime wages that would otherwise be required.

The charges follow a federal criminal raid on three of Loloees grocery stores in the Sacramento area (a fourth store is located in Dixon) and two houses in October.

Following the raid, Latino activists, as well as the Democratic Party of Sacramento County and the head of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, called on Loloee to resign.

Feds: Loloee lives in Granite Bay

Loloee also has been under scrutiny since The Bee in June 2021 reported he apparently did not live in the district, but instead in his wifes $1.4 million Granite Bay house, where he was virtually sworn into council in 2020, then lied about it. He has maintained he lives in a Hagginwood house within his district with his employees  where 911 calls for guns and parties are frequent, and over a dozen vehicles and a mini excavator are parked, ongoing violations of city code. A city-commissioned outside investigation, which did not include interviews with neighbors, found he did indeed live in the Hagginwood house.

But, according to the indictment and news release by the U.S. Attorneys Office, Loloee is identified as a resident of the ritzy Placer County enclave. When asked for clarification, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Phil Talbert reiterated what federal investigators asserted.

As part of the investigation, it was determined that his residence is in Granite Bay, said spokeswoman Lauren Horwood.

Justice officials confirmation may provide an avenue for the council to remove him.

In California, if a city council member does not reside or have a domicile in the district they represent, the council could vote to declare the seat vacant, and the member would be replaced, or any individual could file a quo warranto lawsuit, said Fred Woocher, a Los Angeles-based election law attorney. An elected official who votes from a place they dont live could face criminal charges for perjury and voter fraud, Woocher said. If convicted, the person would lose the council seat.

Loloee has cast votes using the Hagginwood house as his address in at least three elections.

The Bees Ryan Lillis contributed to this story.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has turned down a request from Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko for vehicles destined for the scrapheap, The Tehegraph reported on Dec. 15, citing his letter not allowing 4x4s and pick-up trucks to be sent to the war zone in Ukraine, where they are desperately needed on the frontline.

Under the London Ulez scheme, motorists can claim a one-off payment of 2,000 ($2,500) if they scrap a vehicle that does not comply with the controversial pollution levy. If they instead keep their non-compliant vehicles  most diesel cars registered before September 2015 and petrol cars registered before January 2006  they must pay a daily charge of 12.50 ($15).

Klitschko wrote to Khan in September after learning of the UKs scrappage scheme, suggesting that some of the vehicles be donated to Ukraine. He said the move would had enormous potential and could be used in a variety of life-saving and transport roles.

Read also:

The proposal does not meet the legal threshold that requires the Ulez scrappage scheme to benefit Londoners from an economic, social and environmental perspective, Khan wrote to Klitschko on Dec. 12.

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for mayor of London, criticized Khans decision, telling that the refusal to send scrapped Ulez cars to Ukraine, citing a legal quirk, is absurd. Londoners who choose to scrap their cars should have the freedom to decide for themselves if they want their car sent to support Ukraine. Standing with Ukraine against tyrants like Putin is not only a moral imperative but also in the best interest of all Londoners and the global community.

Richard Lofthouse, who works with Car for Ukraine, a volunteer initiative that delivers 4x4s and trucks to the frontline, said Khan had shown a lack of political courage.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The not-for-profit farm is collectively owned by about 450 community shareholders

A community-owned farm in London, which saw a surge in popularity during the pandemic, has said it is now running at a "significant loss".

Sutton Community Farm has been running for the past 14 years and has gained 450 community shareholders.

It is run by seven full-time staff and other volunteers but is now appealing for more community support and council funds to keep it going.

Sutton Council said it had promoted the farm in its publications.

The farm grows seasonal produce year round in its polytunnels and greenhouses

The farm receives most of its funding from organisations including the City Bridge Trust and the National Lottery.

Sonia Cropper, head of communications at the farm, said: Our relationship with the council doesnt lead to much benefit to us as a community enterprise.

She said the council had not provided any substantial support and that promises had gone unkept.

"They made some suggestions on how they could help, that they didnt deliver on in the end," she said.

They have digital billboards and they said they would put us on their billboards for free, but that never happened.

"We have had various meetings with their comms (communication) team.. but it never really leads to anything."

The farm holds events throughout the year

The farm volunteers and shareholders believe some of the problems stem from its geographic location.

Although it is located within the Sutton Council area, the land itself is owned by neighbouring Surrey County Council.

Boundary changes over time have left the site forgotten, by both councils, making it harder to gain traction for things like renewing leases, according to Ms Cropper.

She added: "We get it, they dont really have the means to give us money. Thats the problem with many councils Im sure."

In response, the council said it was a "a great supporter" of its work.

"We have been very happy to promote their amazing community work in our publications regularly over the past year, a spokesperson added.

The community farm has been on the site outside Wallington for 14 years

The farm says its existence depends on its volunteers and community shareholders.

Dorothy said volunteering regularly at the farm had helped her.

"I enjoy the physical exercise involved and the mental stimulation in a great environment," she said.

"I feel valued as part of the farm community and that is special."

Volunteer Rohan said the farm had been the "perfect antidote against helplessness and isolation".

Neurodivergent residents can use the farmland for free as an accessible way to boost mental and physical well-being.

"We welcome autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities to get involved in farm activities each week," said Ms Cropper.

"These valued members of the farm community are supported by a trained social and therapeutic horticulturist to work together as a team doing physical tasks to suit a range of abilities."

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
Chinese premier stresses advancing people-centered new urbanization

Xinhua) 09:13, December 16, 2023

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Chengdu Tianfu International Bio-town, a biopharmaceutical enterprise, in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 13, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality from Wednesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

CHONGQING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed efforts to steadily advance people-centered new urbanization to provide strong impetus for the economic development and improvement of people's livelihood.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality from Wednesday to Friday.

In Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, Li stressed the need to stimulate consumption with cultural creativity and practically enhance the city's security resilience.

He also urged more efforts for Chengdu and Chongqing to empower each other, and encouraged biopharmaceutical enterprises to invest more in research and development for new and good medicines.

In Chongqing, the premier said that with a view to national strategies, work planning shall be improved, which calls for better coordination in transportation, industries, innovation and policies.

Li urged enterprises to focus on green and low-carbon development, and vigorously promote intelligent manufacturing.

Efforts shall be made to boost the urban renewal and improve service facilities for public convenience to better meet the demand for higher quality of life, he said.

Work must be done to adhere to the people-centered new urbanization, prioritize the integration of rural population into urban life, and push forward the new urbanization with reform and innovation, Li said while chairing a symposium on new urbanization during the inspection.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Changan Auto Global Research and Development Center in Chongqing, southwest China, Dec. 15, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality from Wednesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
The famed Victory or Death letter written by Alamo commander William Barret Travis will be on exhibit at the Alamo from Feb. 23 through March 24. The letter, kept archived in Austin, first returned to the battle site for a 13-day public exhibit in 2013. Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

The Alamo will soon display the famed Victory or Death letter written by William Barret Travis and sent from the besieged fortress in 1836.

The fragile but priceless letter, preserved in Austin by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, will be on exhibit from Feb. 23 through March 24 at the Alamos Ralston Family Collections Center. It was returned to the Alamo for the first time 10 years ago and displayed for 13 days.

On Feb. 24, 1836, with his garrison surrounded and heavily outnumbered by the troops of Mexican president Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Travis wrote the letter, addressed, To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World, urgently requesting reinforcements.

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A crate holding the famed Victory or Death letter written by Alamo commander William Barret Travis arrives in 2013 for a ceremony to mark its first return to the battle site, for a temporary display. The letter will again be exhibited at the Alamo from Feb. 23 through March 24. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country, he wrote, just before closing with Victory or Death, underlined three times, and his signature.

We invite you to view the original Travis letter during its historic return to the Alamo, the Alamo beckons on its website. Make plans to see this state treasure, back at the Alamo for the first time since 2013!

The historic mission and battle site is owned by the state. Its collections center charges a regular adult admission of $14, with discounts for children, military, first responders and seniors 65 and over. The site also offers Friends of the Alamo memberships starting at $50 annually that provide free admission to the center and a preview of the letter on Feb. 22.

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Travis, the Alamo's 26-year-old commander, had been a lawyer and newspaper editor. The letter became famous for its tone of heroism under circumstances that might have justified a tone of desperation instead.

I shall never surrender or retreat, he wrote. Then, I call on you in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch.

Sarah Norris, a conservator at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin, cares for the original Victory or Death letter in 2013. Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

He and at least 188 other known Alamo defenders were killed in a predawn battle on March 6, 1836. Texas won independence six weeks later at the Battle of San Jacinto.

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The roughly 13-by-16-inch letter, written on front and back and folded into a 3-by-6-inch rectangle, was carried out of the Alamo on Feb. 24, 1836, by mounted courier Albert Martin and forwarded to East Texas, then printed and reprinted in newspapers and broadsides across the United States. It later was held by Travis survivors in Alabama for years until Texas purchased it for $85 in 1893.

On Feb. 22, 2013, the letter returned to the Alamo in a fine arts shipping crate, transported from Austin in a specially equipped, environmentally controlled truck accompanied by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers in a motorcade. Alamo Rangers ceremoniously carried it on a red carpet into the Alamo Church as 1,000 people watched.
The London mayor said he does not have the legal powers to export Ulez non-compliant vehicles

Vehicles eligible for scrappage as part of London's Ulez scheme cannot legally be sent to Ukraine, the mayor's office has said.

The Telegraph reported Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko had written to to his London counterpart to suggest the idea as part of the scrappage scheme.

However, Sadiq Khan's office said the Labour mayor was legally unable to alter it to allow vehicle exports.

Susan Hall, the Tory mayoral candidate, said the response was "absurd".

Under the Ulez scrappage scheme, which came into force in August, Londoners with vehicles that fall foul of emission standards can claim up to 2,000 when their non-compliant vehicles is taken to be destroyed.

In the letter obtained by The Telegraph, Mr Klitschko said some of the vehicles being scrapped, particularly 4x4s, had "enormous potential" to help the country in a "variety of life-saving and transport roles" to aid its war with Russia.

'Deeply frustrated'

BBC News has not seen the full contents of the letter, reportedly sent in September, but a spokesperson for Mr Khan confirmed it had been received.

"Unfortunately, altering the Ulez scheme for the purpose of exporting vehicles to Ukraine is not possible within the current limits of the Greater London Authority Act," they said.

They said exporting the vehicles to Ukraine would "not meet the legal threshold of the benefit to Londoners from an economic, social, or environmental perspective" as set out within the act.

They added that Mr Khan was "deeply frustrated" and had instead set up a website which enabled Londoners with a "suitable non-compliant vehicle to donate their vehicles directly to Ukraine".

Owners of vehicles donated directly through a charity will not be entitled to claim 2,000 from the Ulez scrappage scheme.

Ms Hall said Londoners who choose to scrap their cars "should have the freedom to decide for themselves if they want their car sent to support Ukraine".

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One bulls desperate dash for freedom appears to have paid off.

A loose bull filmed roaming the tracks of a New Jersey train station Thursday morning has been saved from the slaughterhouse and been taken in by an animal sanctuary.

The ruddy brown bull, known as Ricardo, caused travel fury for some commuters traveling between New York and New Jersey as it strutted along the center of the tracks at Newark Penn Station, perplexing onlookers.

A bull known as Ricardo caused travel chaos for some commuters traveling between New York and New Jersey as it strutted along the center of the tracks at Newark Penn Station.

Ricardos antics prompted a police response and held up train traffic for around 45 minutes, officials said.

The dark-tipped horned bull was eventually captured by members of the Newark Police Emergency Services Unit and the Port Authority Police Department, who contained it inside a fenced lot, according to Fox 5.

Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, an animal sanctuary in Sussex County, announced via a Facebook video post late Thursday that it had taken the bull in and saved him from being killed.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The video shows a groggy Ricardo lying down in what appears to be a trailer as a worker there tells him he is safe. There is hay stuck on his head and a rope around his horns.

"Ricardo waking up from tranquilizer," the post states. "He has had a long, rough day of fighting for his life, luckily it has paid off.

"He has already been seen by our veterinarian and hopefully, he will stand up soon  just look at how handsome he is.

COW OPTS TO RUN FROM NYC SLAUGHTERHOUSE, WILL SPEND REST OF DAYS AT FARM: VIDEO

"Can you imagine that people wanted to kill and eat him? Unreal. Do the right thing, go vegan."

Ricardo will have more than 230 acres to graze and roam, FOX 29 reports.

New Jersey Transit also celebrated the bull's new living arrangement, posting on X: "Great news! Our showstopper bull, Ricardo is safe at his new home, Skylands Animal Sanctuary!"

Thursdays incident was not the first in which a bull has been loose in Newark.

Newark Penn Station's front entrance. The bull was seen running loose inside the station.

In 2006, it took authorities 10 hours to capture a bull roaming around the city, according to NBC News. Two years before that, a steer escaped a slaughterhouse and wandered around Newark before it was captured and sent to a sanctuary, NBC reported.

In March, a Brooklyn pizzeria shared surveillance video of a cow making a run for it in the streets from a slaughterhouse.

No injuries were reported in Thursday's incident, Newark police told FOX 5 New York.

Fox News' Pilar Arias and Sandy Ibrahim as well as the Associated Press contributed to this report.







Original article source: Loose bull seen running on New Jersey tracks is saved from slaughterhouse
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon has promoted a former public defender to his chief of staff who has called the Los Angeles Police Department "barbarians."

Tiffiny Blacknell, who has served in the district attorney's office as a grade 4 prosecutor, special advisor, and chief of communications, was promoted to be Gascon's chief of staff on Friday, multiple sources tell Fox News. Her new role will begin Jan. 16.

During the protests following George Floyd's death, Blacknell made a post on X referring to the Los Angeles Police Department as "barbarians," and "an occupying army," and used the "#DefundPolice" hashtag.

In a previous post on X, she also said that "prison is obsolete," calling on Americans to "reimagine America without it."

LA DA GASCON HIRES LAWYER WHO CALLED LAPD 'BARBARIANS,' SAID PRISONS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, left, and Tiffiny Blacknell.

"Angela Davis said it years ago. Prisons disappear problems, they dont solve them," she wrote. "Weve been warehousing people for a generation it's time to free America."

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Blacknell has also posted a picture of herself wearing a shirt which read, "the police are trained to kill us."

She faced heavy criticism in 2020, after allegedly going behind the backs of the prosecutor and the victim's family in a gang murder case to offer a "sweetheart" plea deal.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY GEORGE GASCON CREATING RACIAL JUSTICE ACT SECTION

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon speaks during a press conference.

The former prosecutor also posted during a series of looting in May 2020, that she was a looter during the 1992 Rodney King riots.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon arrives at a news conference in October to address the allegation that hotels are using staffing agencies to hire homeless migrants as replacement workers for strikers at Le Meridien Defina hotel in Santa Monica.

"I was a "looter" in 1992. I was 15. I was furious, sad and scared. I had no way to process my emotions about the murder of Latasha Harlins or the beating of Rodney King. So we went out and we watched our city burn. And when the opportunity arose, we took some s--t," Blacknell wrote. "So please don't come on my page complaining about protestors or looters. Don't text me SHIT about the Whole Foods in West Hollywood and your beloved Santa Monica. My whole community was leveled. Cry me a river! NORDSTROMS WILL BE OK. All this respectability by Black folks and complaining by Westside white liberals is maddening."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office for comment.





Original article source: Los Angeles DA Gascon promotes former public defender who called LAPD 'barbarians' and an 'occupying army'
A night sky full of stars at Isik Mountain Karagol Geosite campground at the district of Kizilcahamam in Ankara, Turkey on October 14, 2023. Credit - Ahmet OkurAnadolu/Getty Images

I once met a physics graduate student at a cosmology school (I'll call him Max) who, until his late 20s had believed that you could only see the stars with a telescope. Max had grown up in New York City, where the twilight of artificially lit nights dissolved the firmament. When he discovered the "permanent presence of the sublime," as poet Ralph Waldo Emerson described it in his 1836 essay Nature, patiently awaiting on a clear, dark night, he was mesmerized.

What do we lose when our connection with our cosmic environment is broken?

The night sky is humankind's only truly global common, shared by all of us across civilizations and millennia. Yet, today a majority of us lives in cities, where increasing light pollution compromises our view of the stars. Even worse, a new kind of threat is rapidly encroaching: thousands of low-earth orbit satellites have been launched in the last five years to deliver global internet connection, and appear as fast-moving dots across the starry sky. According to current trends, by 2030, artificial satellites will outnumber real stars, and no corner of the planet will be spared: the starry messengers shoved aside by instant messaging.

To lose the stars would be to sever ourselves from our past and perhaps threaten our future. Over the millennia, the sight of the heavens subtly and silently guided humankind's steps: It influenced religion and spirituality, inspired great works of art, enabled navigation in the open seas, which the Polynesian masters accomplished thousands of years before Western sailorsand without the help of any chart nor instrument. Indeed, astronomy is the midwife of science: It is the study of the motion of the heavenly bodies that ushered in the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century, and consequently, the advanced technology our lives depend on todayfrom electronic devices hinging on electromagnetism to planes relying on aerodynamics. It also led to sociology and experimental psychology, when Swiss astronomer Adolph Hirsch realized in 1864 that to clock the passage of stars overhead to the exacting standards of his watchmaker compatriots required understanding his own reaction time. It even paved the way to artificial intelligence by demonstrating, for the first time, the power of data-based prediction with the discovery of the asteroid Ceres in 1802not to mention the names and order of the days of the week (a legacy of astrology!), the star-based rating system we use everywhere online, and the Hollywood walk of fame.

There are hints that our neck-craning awe has been with us since the very beginning. For example, prehistoric decorated caves in Dordogne, France are preferentially oriented towards the rising and setting Sun at solstices. The Pleiades, a stunning cluster of blue stars near Taurus, have been universally described as "seven sisters" (or seven women), despite only six being visible with the naked eye for all of recorded history. The myth of how the missing Pleiade went lost, chased by a mighty hunter, is uncannily similar among the ancient Greeks and Australian First Peopletwo cultures that had no contact since Sapiens reached Australia 50 thousand years ago. But 100 thousand years ago, the seventh sister would have been easily visible to our ancestors. The identical myths may thus have a common origin, reaching back to before humans left their cradle.

Read More: The Webb Telescopes Latest Image Reveals The Birth of Very Young Stars

From the moment Homo Sapiens walked out of the plains of Africa, paying close attention to the stars and the phases of the Moon helped our ancestors predict the availability of food, stalk prey at full moon, and travel long distances. When the Earth's climate underwent a period of rapid swings 45,000 years ago, the slightest advantage in locating resources and shelter would have made the difference between survival and extinction--the ultimate price paid by our less star-savvy cousins, the Neanderthals. Cooperation and exchange of knowledge between bands was likely key to our ancestors' ability to adapt to changing conditions. And it was by the compass of the stars, and the calendar of the Moon phases, that they knew where and when to meet.

Certainly we know that the moon cycle has governed calendarsand therefore, the economysince Akkadian times, over 5,000 years ago, and tracking the phase of the moon as a marker of their fertility cycle made of women not only the first astronomers, but likely the first mathematicians, too. The rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, and its retinue of stars led the Egyptians to invent the 24-hours timekeeping system still used today. Even in our technological age, distant galaxies are needed to keep atomic clocks in sync with the slowing rotation of the Earth. GPS would be hopelessly inaccurate without corrections due to Einstein's theory of general relativity, first tested in 1919 by observing the shift in the position of stars during a total eclipse. Deep down, we are still led by the stars.

Just like the stars helped Sapiens overcome the climate challenges that doomed the Neanderthals so long ago, today they can once again show us the path forward, as we face the combined mortal dangers of anthropogenic climate change and loss of biodiversity. The overview effect describes the sense of awe and humility that grips astronauts when they behold our shining blue marble floating in the blackness of space. By looking up at night and contemplating the remote, unreachable suns scattered in the infinite inhospitable darkness, we can all experience a reverse overview effect: The realization that our shared cosmic home is irreplaceable, and the urge to become better stewards of its, and our, destiny.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
There was speculation over whether another uprising was brewing in the West Bank, even before the Hamas attacks on Israel in October.

Frequent raids by the Israeli army, emboldened by a hard-right Israeli government - following deadly attacks by Palestinians, and violent attacks on Palestinians by settlers - had already increased pressure on Palestinians there.

Since the war in Gaza, those pressures have spiralled: Israeli raids into West Bank towns have become more frequent and more forceful, and many families are suffering economically after Israel withheld tax revenues used to pay public servants in the West Bank, and banned Palestinian workers from entering Israel too.

Smoke and fire rises from a Palestinian house in the Jenin refugee camp after it was targeted by the Israeli army on 13 December

There is anger at almost 20,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, and support for Hamas is rising.

But despite all this, calls by the armed group for an uprising in the West Bank over the past couple of months have come and gone.

Popular mood

Support for Hamas - and armed resistance more generally - has risen sharply since the war in Gaza began.

An opinion poll by the Centre for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah found that support for Hamas in the West Bank had more than tripled. Meanwhile, support for the West Bank's ruling party, Fatah, had dropped significantly. More than 90% of respondents thought Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should resign.

But it seems that support for armed resistance, and disillusion with politics, is not translating into action on the ground.

Palestinian inspects the damage inside a destroyed house in the Jenin refugee camp after it was targeted by the Israeli army on 13 December

Since the war began, weekly demonstrations have been held in West Bank cities. The slogans chanted there are against Israel - but also against the Palestinian Authority. But they're usually held in city centres where there is much less risk of confrontation with Israeli soldiers, rather than at checkpoints - as happened during the last Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s.

And the numbers turning out for these weekly demonstrations are smaller than they were during previous moments of tension.

"People hesitate to come when Hamas calls for demonstrations, because there is a clear security price to be paid from the Israeli response," said Raed Debiy, a political scientist and youth leader in Fatah.

But they also don't come when Fatah calls for them, Debiy says, because "people have lost hope in political parties".

Destruction in Jenin after the Israeli army operation

Hamas

As the actions of Israel's army in the West Bank have become harsher, and the Palestinian security services more efficient, many people fear that becoming an active member of a militant group could make them a target for arrest or assassination.

More than 270 people have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October - including 70 children - according to the UN. That's more than half the total number killed this year.

Four Israelis - including three from the armed forces - have been killed by Palestinians there in the same period.

An operation to arrest Palestinian gunmen in the Jenin refugee camp this week lasted several days, with frequent bursts of heavy gunfire, rocket attacks and air strikes. Hundreds of people were detained, with 60 of them handed over to the security services for further questioning.

An ambulance trying to reach Jenin Hospital is stopped for search by the Israeli forces

The Israeli army has also been trying to destroy infrastructure used by armed groups.

This time, it claimed to have found more than a dozen underground tunnel shafts in the camp, as well as facilities for making explosives and "observation control rooms" to monitor Israeli forces.

One young man from the camp, who was among those detained this week and released after questioning, said the reason people ignored calls by Hamas to rise up in solidarity was that the group did not supply the West Bank with enough equipment to fight the Israeli army.

"Hamas in the West Bank has not done a good job of organising itself over the last decade," said Khalil Shikaki, head of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah.

"The Israelis have been arresting a lot of their members. Hamas is just incapable right now in the West Bank of mobilising and organising an eruption of violence that would be sustainable."

But previous uprisings here did not rely on Hamas. The second intifada (uprising), which began in 2000, was led by members of the West Bank's ruling party, Fatah.

The role of Fatah

The current leader of Fatah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, is widely seen as trying to avoid an escalation in violence against Israel - a major shift in position from his predecessor, Yasser Arafat.

His security services co-operate with Israel to arrest members of armed groups - something that is widely criticised by Palestinians.

Sabri Saidam, a member of Fatah's Central Committee, denies that the party's position is at odds with public feeling in the territory, or that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is somehow avoiding a fight.

"To say that Fatah is in control and keeping the calm, [it's] as if you are hinting that there is a forceful implementation of a state of calm," he said. "Nobody is forcing anything on anyone."

"People in the West Bank know that Netanyahu is throwing down bait, through persistent attacks every night against the people of Palestine regardless of their political affiliation - because he wants to provoke the Palestinians into a confrontational mood that he will use as an excuse to escalate the situation."

The US is pushing Israel to allow a "revitalised" PA to govern Gaza once the war there ends. Israel has so far said it will not consider it.

But the chance to govern a unified Palestinian bloc for the first time since 2006 is another incentive for the Fatah-dominated PA to prove its credentials and stop the situation in the West Bank from spiralling out of control.

"It's very clear that Fatah don't want any intifada," explained Raed Debiy, the party youth leader. "They are still very keen to keep the status quo. But the grassroots of Fatah will not be controlled forever. How can you stay silent under daily assassination, daily invasion, daily violation of settlers - this will definitely lead to explosion."

Possible sparks

In 2000, the spark for the second intifada was a visit by then-Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to a contested holy site in Jerusalem, known to Muslims as the al-Aqsa compound and to Jews at the Temple Mount.

Sharon's visit happened amid smouldering Palestinian frustration at the failure of the Oslo peace process - and, Dr Shikaki says, was "exploited" by Fatah's young guard to launch the uprising.

A small event like this could still trigger something significant, but the situation has shifted since 2000.

Now, far-right ministers in the Israeli government visit the compound, and make inflammatory claims about Israeli control of the site, without triggering a major response - at least not in the West Bank.

"We told the American administration many times that the pressure would definitely lead to some sort of reaction," said the senior Fatah leader, Sabri Saidam. "But no-one anticipated that the reaction would come from Gaza."

A map illustration showing the wider region of Israel, the occupied West Bank, Gaza, Tel Aviv and Jordan. Gaza and the occupied West Bank are highlighted in red, and show the locations of Jenin, Jerusalem and Nablus.

Where the West Bank goes from here depends partly on what follows the war in Gaza.

That transition is likely to be a precarious time for the West Bank, with hopes of a unified Palestinian leadership - possibly opening the door to talks on a future Palestinian state - clashing with the opposition of Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

And lifting restrictions imposed by Israel after the attacks - separating Palestinian and settler vehicles on some roads, for example - could prompt a spike in friction.

But a sustained uprising, of the kind seen two decades ago, will likely require a change in the policy of the West Bank's main political movement - and possibly even a change in its leader.

"It seems Fatah remains critical for an uprising to happen," Dr Shikaki told me. "And as long as Fatah and the security services are not directly involved in the preparation for such an intifada, it seems highly unlikely we'll see one emerging.

"I don't yet see Fatah or the security services on the verge of a turning point," he continued. "But we're moving in that direction."

Others point to the dwindling faith in Palestinian politics to provide peace, a state, or just a better life.

"If we had anything on the political agenda, things could go quiet," Raed Debiy told me. "But I'm not sure with this right-wing [Israeli] government whether there is anything solid on the table - so the only scenario I see is explosion. It's just a matter of time."

More from the Israel Gaza briefings
For more than a decade, Farfetch has been a global retail powerhouse, selling billions of dollars worth of coats, shoes, handbags and other luxury goods.

But in recent months, the online platform, which was valued at more than $20 billion at its peak in 2021, has been fighting for its survival. Its share price has collapsed, rumors have been swirling that its founder is trying to take the company private and reports suggest it will need a lifeline of at least $500 million by the end of the year to prevent it from toppling into bankruptcy.

Farfetch has multiple big-name investors, including Alibaba, a Chinese tech giant; Artemis, a holding company of the billionaire Pinault family, which owns Kering; and Richemont, a Swiss luxury group. The companys shares lost about one-third of their value this week, at one point dropping to a record low of just 60 cents, giving the firm a market value of about $250 million.

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Farfetch declined to comment for this article.

How did Farfetch fall so far and so fast? Who might be able to step in and save it? And who will be affected if it collapses?

What is Farfetch?

Farfetch came to life in 2007 as an e-commerce marketplace for brick-and-mortar fashion boutiques. This meant that a shopper in London could buy boots from an independent shop in Paris, or a customer in Beijing could source a bag that wasnt available locally from a store almost 5,000 miles away in Venice, Italy. Today, it works with more than 550 fashion boutiques in 190 countries.

As consumer appetite for buying luxury goods online began to grow, the company also started working directly with fashion brands to build their websites and back-end operations. Through Farfetch Platform Solutions, the company now offers a host of e-commerce services to brands, including Burberry and Ferragamo, and department stores, including Harrods and Bergdorf Goodman.

In 2015, it bought Browns, a London fashion boutique, and in 2018, the company, then described as the Amazon of fashion, went public on the New York Stock Exchange.

Who founded it?

Jose Neves, 49, is a Portuguese entrepreneur whose first foray into the fashion business came in 1996 with a shoe brand called Swear. For years, he was seen by the fashion industry as a game-changing guru who could guide brands toward successful digital strategies  and he accumulated an estimated $2.5 billion personal fortune as a result.

Farfetch is a public company, but Neves still owns a 15% stake and 77% of the voting rights through a dual-class share structure.

Does the company make money?

Farfetch charges a cut of more than 30% of sales for making a retailers stock available to almost 1 million active customers. The company reached profitability for the first time in 2021 but has had a rocky time maintaining it since then.

When did things start to go wrong?

The luxury retailers appetite for risk started to become apparent in 2019, when more than $2 billion was wiped off its market value in a single day after it blindsided investors with a $675 million takeover of Italian holding company New Guards Group, owner of the license for the fashion label Off White and brands such as Palm Angels, and reported larger than expected losses.

Neves defended the acquisition, saying Farfetch was still in growth mode, but critics felt it was an expensive deviation from Farfetchs original inventory-free, logistics-focused strategy. It also owns a $200 million stake in American department store Neiman Marcus.

Even still, several of fashions major power players kept the faith. Alibaba and Richemont backed Farfetch through a complex tie-up in which they invested $300 million each in the company, and an additional $250 million each for a 25% stake in its Chinese offshoot. Its market value peaked at $23 billion in early 2021 as luxury shopping boomed in the pandemic.

Since then, there have been major headaches. Overhead costs soared as the company continued to scale up. This year, in Farfetchs second-quarter results, the New Guards division posted a 40% drop in sales, despite a much-celebrated partnership with Reebok that was unveiled earlier in the year. Farfetch also reported $1.15 billion in debt for its fiscal quarter ending in June.

There have been seismic shifts in the wider fashion landscape as well. Many larger brands are pushing for more control over their e-commerce and distribution operations, partly to avoid discounts by third-party partners such as Farfetch. There has also been a slowdown in the global luxury market, especially in key markets such as the United States and China.

What happened recently to make it even worse?

Last month, investor confidence was shattered after Farfetch said it was postponing the release of its latest quarterly results, saying it would not be providing any forecasts or guidance at this time, and any prior forecasts or guidance should no longer be relied upon.

The announcement sent Farfetchs shares tumbling, and this week, two years after Farfetchs peak valuation, its market value shrank to less than $238 million, with its shares losing more than 97% of their value since its initial public offering.

A complex deal announced in August 2022, in which Farfetch planned to buy a 47.5% stake in Yoox Net-a-Porter, its rival at Richemont, is likely to be renegotiated given the crisis enveloping Farfetch. The deal could even collapse.

Can its problems be solved?

Neves has been taking steps to improve the companys fortunes. This year, Farfetch closed its beauty business and laid off 11% of its employees as part of what Neves described in an earnings call as the most significant cost-cutting measures in the history of the company. There is also industry chatter that he is looking to sell Browns and beauty retailer Violet Grey.

But the share price has continued to plummet, and major investors such as Richemont have said they wont be providing fresh capital. This month, J. Michael Evans, Alibabas president, stepped down from Farfetchs board.

Now, the British business media reports that Neves is seeking a white knight investor to help take the company private again. Those reportedly in talks with Farfetch include Apollo Management and an original private investor, Carmen Busquets.

The company is also facing lawsuits, with law firms encouraging investors to sue Farfetch for providing what they say is misleading information to shareholders about the state of its business.

What happens if the problems arent solved?

The company will be forced to file for bankruptcy protection or be liquidated.

Why does it matter?

Whether Farfetch survives could affect how consumers shop for fashion. This is because of the number of big-name brands it counts as e-commerce clients  although most of them could probably turn to a rival. That switch would be more complex for the 700 smaller boutiques and thousands of independent designers who rely on Farfetch. Consumers have become comfortable making luxury purchases at the click of a button.

Other players exist in the space. But if Farfetch is not around to enable many of those sales, the digital experience of luxury shopping could change significantly as brands and sellers scramble to find a new way of doing business online.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
French President Emmanuel Macron remains open to talking to Vladimir Putin, should the Russian dictator become open to a genuine peace deal with Ukraine, French newspaper Le Monde reported on Dec. 15.

He explained his readiness to speak with Putin, suggesting that dialogue could lead to an end to Russia's war against Ukraine.

Read also: France, Ukraine discuss joint arms production

I didn't start the war unilaterally by violating agreements I had consented to, said Macron.

Read also: Putin not interested in peace talks, thinks time is on his side  former US Ambassador to Russia

Nor did France decide to commit war crimes in northern Ukraine, which virtually made discussions impossible. Well, we must be serious; hence, I maintain a very simple stance: I haven't changed my number, he continues, implying that Putin could call him at any moment.

Read also: France pledges to deliver more ammunition to Ukraine in 2024

Putin recently remarked that he had "quite good" relations with the French president, but "at some point" Macron ceased communication.

In the initial weeks following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Macron spoke to Putin by phone several times. The last conversation between the two presidents was on May 3, 2022.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
President Andry Rajoelina took the oath in a packed stadium on Saturday to start a new term as Madagascar's leader, rebuffing an opposition boycott and international concerns over the island's future.

In front of six African presidents in the crowd of 50,000, the 49-year-old party organiser-turned-politician vowed to act with "integrity" to lift the country of 29 million out of its poverty.

"Madagascar is today under construction. The transformation is underway, rising on the horizon," he said before watching a military parade.

But the absence of two former presidents, Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who attended Rajoelina's last inauguration in 2018, highlighted early tensions facing the new administration.

They are part of an opposition coalition that held near-daily protests for weeks before the November 16 vote to denounce what they called a "constitutional coup d'etat" by the president to stay in office.

Demonstrations were banned in the capital, Antananarivo, for five days ahead of Saturday's ceremony.

Most opposition candidates boycotted the election and the coalition has insisted it will not recognise the result. Rajoelina secured victory without needing a second-round vote, though only 46 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.

Rajoelina, who became president a first time without an election in 2009 after Ravalomanana was ousted in a military mutiny, has quickly faced international pressure.

- 'Reforms' needed -

After the election, ambassadors from the European Union, United States and other major donor countries expressed concern at "tensions and incidents" that marked the campaign.

The US State Department said that "domestic and international election observers, noted irregularities in the electoral process."

Western nations said in a joint statement that Rajoelina must "take steps to restore confidence conducive to dialogue" and carry out legal and electoral reforms ahead of future votes.

The economy is in crisis and Rajoelina has said he will devote his new term to boosting the livelihoods in what is one of the world's poorest countries, despite its natural wealth.

The resource-rich island country is the world's biggest producer of vanilla but a price fall amid sluggish world demand has hit the industry and Madagascar's balance of payments.

About 75 percent of the population live below the poverty level.

The president has visited poor parts of the capital in recent days handing out solar lamps in areas that have no electricity.

His party has condemned the opposition as "irresponsible" though Rajoelina has said he will work with "constructive" elements.

Some opposition activists have faced criminal charges for taking part in the demonstrations before the election that were often broken up with tear gas.

Ahead of the inauguration, Rina Randriamasinoro, secretary general of the TIM opposition party, was jailed for two years for taking part in a banned demonstration.

cld/tw/js
Israeli special forces in Gaza have recovered the body of 28-year-old Elia Toledano, who was earlier reported to be taken hostage by Hamas.

In a statement by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday (December 15), Toledano was abducted by Hamas after he and his friend and fellow French-Israeli hostage Mia Shem attended the outdoor music festival near the Israel-Gaza border on October 7, when Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups attacked southern Israel.

Shem was subsequently liberated during a seven-day truce in late November.

The IDF added that an "identification procedure" had been carried out by medical officials, military rabbis, and forensic experts.

Over 130 hostages remain in Gaza despite the liberation of some during the pause in the fighting. Some of the remaining hostages were declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities, Reuters reported.

Read Also: Biden Urges Israel to End Extensive Ground Campaign in Gaza Against Hamas

Bodies of 2 IDF POWs Recovered

Aside from Toledano, the IDF also reported that two of its personnel were killed in action and that they have identified them as Sgt. Ron Sherman and Cpl. Nik Beizer.

According to the Jerusalem Post, both soldiers were taken as prisoners of war by Hamas while serving under the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration near the border with Gaza on October 7th.

Earlier this week, the IDF recovered the bodies of two more hostages - Eden Zakaria, 27, and Ziv Dado, 36.

Related Article: Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meetings with Israeli Officials

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William Clifford Jr., 53, was arrested by the Modesto Police Department on suspicion of threatening, stalking and harassment directed toward Mayor Sue Zwahlen, according to officials.

The Stanislaus County District Attorneys office confirmed the charges were related to Facebook posts and direct communications via phone and email. Zwahlen confirmed the public official mentioned in the charges was her on Friday.

Further details of the accusations against Clifford Jr. are unknown. Clifford is expected to be arraigned at the Stanislaus County Courthouse on Tuesday.
Police were called to Laycock Street in Middlesbrough by the ambulance service

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after another man was attacked.

The 46-year-old man was arrested in Middlesbrough after Cleveland Police were called to Laycock Street at about 15:10 GMT on Friday.

A 45-year-old man was injured and treated at James Cook University Hospital before being released.

The suspect remains in police custody for further questioning.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said the it did not believe there was "any risk to the wider public".

Officers remained in the area after the arrest to carry out further enquiries and an appeal has been launched.

Details of the victim's injuries have not been released.

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(FOX40.COM)  A man who was out on bail for a South Sacramento shooting in 2022 was rearrested in connection with possession of multiple machine guns.

On Wednesday, Sacramento County Sheriffs Offices Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) Detectives said they arrested East Side Piru gang member, Donrell Martinez aka Freeway Donny for illegal gun possession.

Sketches show Sacramento Councilman Sean Loloees federal court arraignment

Officials say a search warrant of Martinez East Sacramento residence led to the discovery of a Draco assault weapon (AK-47 pistol) with a high-capacity drum magazine, and a loaded handgun affixed with a fully automatic conversion switch, making it a machine gun.

Martinez was arrested and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail for a variety of firearm-related charges. This time, he was held without bail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
A man is dead and a suspect is in custody after a shooting outside a Wendys in Ohio.

Police were called to a Wendys on Miller Road in Sunbury around 2 p.m. for an altercation between two people outside of the restaurant. When officers arrived, they found one man who was shot, WBNS reported.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

>> Organization looking to help loved ones of missing, murdered people navigate holidays

Sunbury Police Chief Rob Howard said the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Marshle Graham, called into police dispatch after the incident, the station reported.

He was taken into custody nearby about 10 minutes after the shooting.

Graham was transported to the Delaware County Jail and is being charged with one count of voluntary manslaughter, according to WBNS.
A man was killed in a rollover crash early Friday after a series of attacks where he sexually assaulted a woman and robbed and kidnapped three others in the citys South Loop, Chicago police said.

The chain of events began when the unidentified man entered a residential building in the 1500 block of South Wabash around midnight. According to an email sent to residents of the Wabash Avenue building where the spree began, the attacker accosted a resident in the buildings parking lot and used their keys to access the building.

The man approached a 48-year-old woman and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint, according to police. While the assault was occurring, two 27-year-old women approached. Holding his knife, the man forced all three women into a condo and robbed them, police said.

Another man, also 27, stumbled upon the scene inside the condo and was robbed at knifepoint, police said.

At that time, the woman who had been assaulted was able to get away. She was later taken to Rush Hospital in fair condition, according to police.

All three victims held at knifepoint were forced into one of the womens cars by the offender, who drove them to a restaurant in the 700 block of West 31st Street in the Bridgeport neighborhood, police said.

He allegedly forced the kidnapped man into the restaurant and took money from the register. In the process, he cut the shoulder of a different 36-year-old man, who later refused medical attention.

The kidnapped man stayed inside the restaurant while the offender returned to the car with the other two women and drove off, according to police. The car smashed into a police squad car before fleeing the scene.

Moments later, the fleeing vehicle crashed in the 3000 block of South Pitney Court and rolled over. The driver was thrown from the wrecked vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The two victims inside were transported to Stroger Hospital in good condition.

The Cook County medical examiners office didnt immediately release the mans identity.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Akron detectives are investigating after a man was found shot to death outside a home Friday morning.

Did it again: See who helped Cleveland Vice Unit

Officers were called to the 900 block of Owen Avenue around 10:30 a.m.

When they got there, investigators say first responders found the victim with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are working out what led to the mans death, which is being investigated as a homicide.

AC/DC announces band member dies

No suspects have been identified at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A 25-year-old man was sentenced in a federal court Friday for attempted murder using a car.

Quinten Xavier Greene used a motor vehicle to intentionally hit someone he knew on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, resulting in severe injuries, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Greene has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, with three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution.

1 dead in Grants Pass officer-involved shooting

Court documents indicate a witness had recounted to Warm Springs Tribal Police officers that he drove with Greene to meet the victim and observed Greene swerve his vehicle to hit the victim.

The victim was found lying in a ditch with severe injuries on March 18 at the reservation. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and leg and rib fractures. He was taken to a hospital in Madras for treatment and later transferred to a hospital in Bend due to the severity of his injuries.

Greene pleaded guilty back in September to the attempted murder charge following a Portland grand jurys indictment in May. The Warm Springs Tribal Police Departments investigation was assisted by the FBI.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The Biden Admin urges government staff to use EVs, trains, and electric Uber or Lyft. This was announced by the White House on Thursday, Dec. 14, as part of its clean transportation transformation effort.



White House officials said that the latest guidance fulfills the promise of U.S. President Joe Biden, saying that it aims to "lead by example" when it comes to tackling climate change.

But can this new effort help reduce carbon emissions and tax spending? Americans need to know about the new environmental guidance for government employees.

Biden Admin Urges Govt Staff to Use EVs, Train, Electric Uber!

According to Fox News' latest report, the latest environmental guidance of the Biden Admin seeks to take advantage of the federal government's annual business travel purchasing power, which is estimated to be over $2 billion.

"The Administration is announcing new public and private commitments to boost access to electric vehicles (EVs), save taxpayer dollars, and tackle the climate crisis," said the White House via its official press release.

The Biden Administration said that the new Federal employee travel guidelines, which direct sustainable transportation for official and local travel, apply to domestic and international travel activities.

If this environmental effort is a success, it would be a big deal for the environment, given that American government employees are estimated to make over 2.3 million vehicle rentals, 33,000 rail trips, and more than 2.8 million flights.

"These operational changes will accelerate the clean transportation transformation, increase good-paying union jobs, and create healthier communities," said the Biden Admin.

The White House further stated that the latest guidance will help Joe Biden's Federal Sustainability Plan achieve its goal of reaching net-zer carbon emissions from overall federal operations by 2050. But first, the initiative needs to achieve its goal of reaching 65% emissions reduction by 2030.

Aside from this, the new eco-friendly travel guidance is also expected to save taxpayers money by urging Federal government workers to increase the use of electric cars and rely on other cost-effective actions on clean transportation linked with business travel.

Read Also: Why Biden Admin's Pharmacy Middle Men Crackdown Might Not Work-Here's What Pharmacists Explained

Order to US Government Employees

The Biden Admin's guidance states explicitly that Federal government workers should rent an EV on official travel when the electric car cost is cheaper or equal to the most affordable gas-powered vehicle counterpart available.



They are also urged to choose EVs when using taxis and ride-sharing platforms, especially when they are cost-competitive. Aside from these, government employees should also avoid driving or flying on trips that require less than 402 kilometers.



Instead, they must rely on rail for these trips. When it comes to local travel activities, they must use public transportation, which also applies upon arriving at an offsite location.



All these could be achieved since rental car and ride-share firms are also making efforts to help the Biden Admin. One is Hertz, which promised to increase EV rentals for corporate travelers as early as 2024.



Uber also pledged to expand its green curb at airports program so that riders can have perks whenever they travel in an eco-friendly way.



Related Article: Biden Admin's Wants to Replace All Lead Water Pipes in US Within 10 Years-But, It Will Cost Billions of Dollars

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A Florida man was sentenced to life in prison Friday after a jury found him guilty in the 2022 murder of his roommate, an LGBTQ advocate and brother of a former Miami mayor.

The Leon County jury found Steven R. Yinger guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, grand theft motor vehicle, grand theft and criminal use of a personal identification number, court records show.

The judge assigned to the case sentenced him immediately to life in prison, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

CNN has reached out to Yingers attorney for comment on the verdict and sentencing.

The body of Jorge Diaz-Johnston was discovered in January 2022 in a Jackson County landfill several days after he was last seen. Police believe Diaz-Johnston was strangled with a ligature and his body was wrapped in bed linens and dumped in the trash at his home, the probable cause section in search warrants in the case indicate.

A grand jury indicted Yinger in April 2022, alleging he strangled Diaz-Johnston between January 3 and 5 of that year.

The body of Jorge Diaz-Johnston was found in a landfill in January 2022. - City of Tallahassee Police Department

Diaz-Johnstons husband, Don Diaz-Johnston, reported him missing, according to search warrants. Don Diaz-Johnston told police Yinger was his husbands roommate and his husband had been planning to ask Yinger to move out because they hadnt been getting along.

I am so angry. After all those years of trying to get my husband back, to have him ripped from me for such an utterly senseless reason, Don Diaz-Johnston told CNN affiliate WPLG in an interview last year after the incident.

He said his late husband knew Yinger from an alcohol recovery program and took him in while he and Jorge were separated.

Jorge didnt charge him rent, never had expectations, until he could get a job and support himself, and thats who Jorge was, Don Diaz-Johnston told WPLG in 2022.

In a statement after the verdict and sentencing, Don Diaz-Johnston extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Tallahassee Police Department detectives who worked on his husbands case.

Their efforts truly exemplify world-class investigative work, and the Tallahassee community should take immense pride in their accomplishments, his statement continued.

Jorge and Don Dia- Johnston were one of six couples who filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County in 2014 challenging Floridas ban on same-sex marriage. A Miami-Dade circuit judge ruled in the couples favor in 2015.

In January, the victims brother, Manny Diaz  who served as mayor of Miami from 2001 to 2009  released a statement saying his brother was such a special gift to this world whose heart and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A 34-year-old man was shot near Folsom Trail in Salt Lake City early Saturday morning, according to Salt Lake City Police.

On Dec. 16, at around 4:40 a.m., police responded to calls regarding a shooting near 900 West Folsom Avenue.

Northern Utahs yellow water mystery has been solved, officials say

Courtesy of SLCPD

Courtesy of SLCPD

Courtesy of SLCPD

Courtesy of SLCPD

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a man with at least one gunshot wound along the Folsom Trail, a release states.

Officers started emergency life-saving efforts until Salt Lake City Fire and Gold Cross Ambulance arrived on scene and continued medical care. Paramedics then took the man to the hospital.

The mans injuries were reportedly non-life-threatening.

Witnesses told officers that the suspect left the scene on a bike. Police searched the area, but have not located the suspect at this time.

While what led up to the shooting remains under investigation, officers reportedly learned that an argument had ensued prior to the shooting.

Police said there is no threat to the community at this time. A description of the suspect has not been made available.

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Anyone with information regarding this incident should call SLCPD at 801-799-3000 immediately.

No further information is currently available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is facing multiple charges  including domestic assault and reckless endangerment  after reportedly leading authorities on a pursuit through two Middle Tennessee counties.

According to the Hickman County Sheriffs Office, a call came in at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 about a possible rolling domestic situation with a victim being held against her will in the Spotlight Road area.

Two found dead after Hickman County deputies respond to shots fired call

Officials said a sergeant saw the vehicle turning off Spotlight Road onto Highway 100 and tried to perform a traffic stop, but the suspect took off, leading deputies on a chase.

The pursuit reportedly ended on Highway 7 at Natchez Trace in Maury County, where the vehicle drove through a ditch and skidded out of control onto Old Natchez Trace Road.

Authorities said the suspect  identified as 34-year-old Jesse Waller  got out of the drivers side of the vehicle and refused the deputies commands. However, he was eventually taken into custody and brought to the sheriffs office.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Meanwhile, the victim, who was unharmed, was safely removed from the situation, according to officials.

Authorities said Waller has several warrants for his arrest from multiple counties for his arrest. He is currently facing a number of felony charges, including evading arrest by motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and domestic assault.

Waller is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, the Hickman County Sheriffs Office posted on social media Friday night.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A man and a woman have been arrested and charged after drugs worth over 1m were found in Clydebank.

Police Scotland said the 37-year-old man and 31-year-old woman were arrested on Friday after an investigation by the Argyll and West Dunbartonshire serious and organised crime team.

The drugs had been found at a property on Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, on 9 July.

The pair were charged with money laundering, involvement in the supply of drugs and organised crime offences.

They are due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday.

Det Ch Insp Samantha Glasgow said: "This is a significant recovery and is an example of our efforts to disrupt the trade in illegal drugs in West Dunbartonshire.

"Organised crime has a profound impact on our communities, and we will continue to target criminals and those who assist them in their activities."
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man who spent nearly 21 years behind bars for a robbery on Beale Street was released from prison Friday after being exonerated of the crime.

Artis Whitehead was 40 years old when he was sentenced to 249 years behind bars for a 2002 robbery at B.B. Kings Blues Club.

Attorneys with the Tennessee Innocence Project had been fighting to get him a new trial. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Fitzgerald issued a written order vacating his conviction following a hearing in September.

Mr. Whitehead lost decades of his life after being wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit, said Jessica Van Dyke, Tennessee Innocence Project Executive Director and Lead Counsel. TIP has been working on this case for the last four years because we believe in Mr. Whiteheads innocence. We are grateful that Mr. Whitehead trusted us to fight on his behalf.

Governor pardons 4 locals, including county director of re-entry

According to reports, eight months after the robbery, Whitehead was named a suspect through a Crime Stoppers tip.

Reports say that Whitehead was not selected as the perpetrator on two accounts before a witness eventually picked him out of a lineup.

Although no physical evidence connecting him to the robbery, and he reportedly did not match the description of the suspect, Whitehead was arrested and charged with the crime.

In November of 2003, Whitehead was convicted of five counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of especially aggravated robbery, two counts of aggravated robbery, and one count of attempted robbery.

Teen pleads guilty to murder, sentenced to 25 years over play money

He was sentenced to consecutive sentences totaling 249 years. He had already served nearly 21 years when he was released.

According to a press release, new evidence developed by the Tennessee Innocence Project showed that witnesses who saw the actual robber described the suspect as being a different size than Whitehead.

Additional evidence was also uncovered, showing the Crime Stoppers tip was false and the tipster lied, blaming Whitehead so that the tipster could get credit for his own pending criminal charges.

We always knew this. We knew this about Artis. He did not commit this crime. He was actually innocent, and I think we are just grateful, said Van Dyke.

She says that Whitehead was always in service to others by leading his religious community, helping with suicide prevention watch for other incarcerated people, and working in the library.

To see him get out and now have the chance to be in service to other people outside the prison walls, it means so much to us, said Van Dyke.

Whitehead is finally home, just in time for the holidays. He says he plans to spend time with his five grandchildren and continue helping the community.

Its a surreal feeling. Its hard to explain, he said. I just want to make up time with my grandkids and see what life holds for me.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A man faces felony charges after a marijuana meetup near a north St. Louis County high school led to a shooting earlier this month.

Steven Brown, 37, of Pine Lawn, is accused of shooting a woman as she tried to get away from an altercation.

North St. Louis nursing home abruptly closes; Residents moved, workers without pay

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Brown and the woman met behind Normandy High School around midnight on Dec. 8 with plans to smoke marijuana together. Court documents state Brown made unwanted sexual advances toward the woman, which led to a physical altercation.

Brown allegedly pulled out a weapon, firing one shot into the air and firing another near the victims legs. The victim quickly got into her car to drive away, but felt pain in her leg. Doctors later discovered she suffered a graze wound from a bullet shrapnel.

Authorities say Brown had 10 prior felony convictions. He faces four felonies in this investigation, including unlawful use of a firearm, unlawful use of a firearm by a dangerous felon, second-degree assault and armed criminal action.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Guerrillas bombed the car of a Russian military officer in temporarily occupied Mariupol, the city's mayoral adviser Petro Andriushchenko announced on Telegram on Dec. 16.

The Mariupol resistance blew up the car of a Russian military officer along with the officer on Nesterov Street in the Prymorskyi district (the so-called Kirovka village).

Read also: Atesh guerillas infiltrate Rosgvardia in occupied Crimea, divulge critical intelligence

The officer is currently in the hospital.

https://t.me/andriyshTime

https://t.me/andriyshTime

A Russian occupation police officer died in temporarily occupied Mariupol on Nov. 10 as a result of a car bombing. Two other "policemen" and an FSB officer were also killed.

Read also: Images capture Russians fortifying positions in seized Mariupol

Pro-Kremlin media accuse Ukrainian partisans of the murders.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now)  Theres a focus in Maryland on making work zones, safer.

The lieutenant governor is outlining steps the administration is ready to take.

It comes after a tree trimmer was killed in Silver Spring Wednesday morning while he was working on the side of 495.

57-year-old Eric Lewis of D.C. is the latest victim of a work zone crash. He was the foreman of a tree trimming operation on I-495 who was hit and killed by a truck driver who drove away.

Its really heartwrenching, Miller said.

Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller says right now there are over 300 construction zones across the state with more than a thousand workers.

And so far to date, weve had over 1100 crashes in the state of Maryland, Miller said.

Miller says better advertising and education are at the top of things to improve.

Were talking about making sure we go into our schools, teach kids early on, making sure in the drivers manual we talk about the move-over law, Miller said.

Man hit, killed by car in Montgomery County identified

Marylands move-over law requires all drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing a stopped vehicle with hazard lights or warning signs.

Violating the law carries a $110 fine and a point on your license.

Miller wants to see better enforcement.

Right now in Maryland when you speed through a work zone, The citation amount is $40. It is the lowest in the nation, Miller said. There are some states like Texas, its up to $1,000.

Miller says it will take a culture shift to change driver behavior but its necessary to protect workers.

All of us need to come home to our loved ones, and we each have a responsibility to make sure that happens, Miller said.

The Governors Work Zone Safety Work Group, chaired by Miller, put together a report released in November outlining concrete steps that can be taken to improve work zone safety.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Families travelling home for the holidays on the East Coast may find their plans disrupted by a major storm, which is set to rock the Florida peninsula over the weekend before making its way northwards.

Communities in eastern coastal areas may experience dangerous conditions including high winds, heavy rain and flooding spanning from Sunday to Monday, according to weather forecaster AccuWeather.

However it will not be the white Christmas many are hoping for, with little snow expected.

On Sunday, forecaster AccuWeather said that intense rainfall was expected, with the heaviest downpours likely to be seen in western Massachusetts, down through Connecticut into New York City.

According to AccuWeather, torrential rain is expected to hit the mid-Atlantic on Sunday into Monday, before heading north. Areas including Boston, New York, and Portland will see the worst of the poor conditions around 7am eastern time on Monday.

Winter weather is on the horizon in the Northeast.  https://t.co/aoLDf1UFAb pic.twitter.com/xUhF1xnwb5  AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 16, 2023

Commuters may experience difficult conditions that may hamper their travels during this time. In the southwest zone from Philadelphia to Washington DC, conditions will improve, but some roads may still be blocked by high water or debris, according to the forecaster.

Road travel is likely to be slowed and air travel may also be affected.

Between two and four inches of rain have already been seen along the eastern seaboard.

NOAAs Storm Prediction Centre (SPC) previously said there was a possibility of severe storms in northeast South Carolina and eastern North Carolina on Saturday and Sunday.

Bernie Rayno, Chief On-Air Meteorologist for AccuWeather said the weather system would have the look and feel of a tropical storm.

"There is the likelihood of damage along the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts from this storm as it intensifies rapidly and produces a zone of strong winds that pushes water from the Atlantic toward the shoreline, while at the same time, heavy rain pours down," Mr Rayno said.

Communities in eastern coastal areas may experience dangerous conditions including high winds, heavy rain and flooding (AP)

"Wind gusts will range between 40 and 60 mph and could approach 70 mph along the coast."

The SPC also listed the primary hazard for the storm as damaging wind gusts. Gusts of 74 mph or greater are considered hurricane-force winds. Beach erosion will occur, and some damage to dunes and other beach structures is possible.

On Sunday AccuWeather reported that gusts up to 50 mph were affecting regions including the New York City metro area. Highs of 85 mph were recorded, the forecaster said.

The system may also fall just short of being classified as a bomb-cyclone. The phenomenon occurs when central barometric pressure within a storm falls 0.71 of an inch of mercury in 24 hours or less.

The combination of heavy rain with a surge of water from the Atlantic will lead to moderate flooding in coastal beach communities with back bay and tidal river flooding from the Carolinas to Maine, according to AccuWeather.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fl.) called for Republican Party of Florida Chair Christian Ziegler to resign over rape allegations that came to light in October. Gaetz told NBC that he thought Ziegler should step aside. Were at the posture where we would be better served with different leadership in the Republican Party and I think its time to move on and select a different leader, he said. Last week, Gaetz said it was too soon for him to make a judgment. So far, Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have all called for Zieglers resignation while Steve Bannon and Corey Lewandowski called for Ziegler to stay. Ziegler allegedly raped a woman, whom he and his wife had known for 20 years. The Florida Republican Party is holding an emergency meeting over Ziegler and potential discipline short of removal on Sunday.

Read it at NBC News

Read more at The Daily Beast.
A man was believed to have shot three women dead and wounded a man before killing himself during a traffic stop in central Illinois on Thursday (December 14).

Police said they were first called to a home in Ashland after receiving a report that a man was shot. They discovered the man and a woman who were also shot dead at the scene.

Local media reported that the wounded man told police about a related attack at another Ashland home, where authorities found two other women dead.

The wounded man was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Read Also: Missing Illinois Teen Brissa Romero Found Dead in Vernon Hills Pond

Police to Name Gunman, Victims on Friday

Police identified a suspect, and officers located his vehicle in Jacksonville, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Ashland. They found the man dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the car.

Cass County Sheriff Devron Ohrn said in an email that he was planning to release the victims' and suspect's names later on Friday (December 15).

No further details were expected to be released as investigations are underway.

Related Article: Indiana: ISIS Supporters Sent to Prison Over Ghost Gun Operation

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An ex-adviser to Melania Trump criticized her Friday appearance at a National Archives Naturalization Ceremony, claiming that Trump was previously uninterested in attending similar events while serving as first lady, despite being an immigrant herself.

In an interview on CNN, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff called Trumps appearance and speech quite repulsive, suggesting it was a publicity moment.

You know, again, back to todays naturalization, being in the National Archives with our Constitution, and the Bill of Rights and knowing how she felt about not wanting to actually promote that for so many individuals that have less opportunity than she had, it was just a squandered opportunity, Winston Wolkoff said.

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And she feels like, you know its, again, I keep going back to that publicity moment, and I find it to be really quite repulsive, Winston Wolkoff continued.

Trump gave remarks at the naturalization ceremony Friday, during which she called the pathway to citizenship in the U.S. arduous. She also remarked that after taking the United States Oath of Allegiance  an oath taken by every immigrant to become a U.S. citizen  she felt a tremendous sense of belonging.

Former first lady Melania Trump arrives before a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, Pool)

For me, reaching the milestone of American citizenship marked the sunrise of certainty, she said. At that exact moment, I forever discarded the layer of burden connected with whether I would be able to live in the United States. I hope youre blanketed with similar feelings of comfort right now.

Trump hails from Slovenia and moved to New York City in 1996. Only the second first lady to be born outside the U.S., Trump said when she arrived in the country, she knew she wanted to call it her permanent home. She became a naturalized citizen in 2006.

Trump cut ties with Winston Wolkoff, who served as a volunteer adviser, in February 2018, but during the Trump administration White House officials declined to say why it parted ways with Winston Wolkoff, according to a 2018 report from The Washington Post.

Updated at 8:21pm.

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Melania Trump delivered remarks at a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC on Friday, a rare  and ironic  public speaking appearance from the former first lady, whose husband is accused of withholding government documents from the very same agency.

Her appearance comes in the middle of a federal criminal case targeting Donald Trump and his allegedly illegal retention of Archives documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where Ms Trump also lives.

A grand jury indictment charged the former president on more than three dozen criminal counts, including more than 30 violations of the Espionage Act, stemming from allegations that he took sensitive national security documents to his Florida compound after leaving the White House.

He is also charged with making false statements and conspiring to obstruct justice. That case is scheduled to go to trial in May 2024.

The case under US Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith is separate from the federal charges he faces in connection with his attempts to reverse his loss in the 2020 presidential election.

Mr Trump has also repeatedly attacked the National Archives and baselessly accused the archivists and civil servants of corruption and conspiracies against him following a protracted effort to get him to return documents in his possession.

So why would Ms Trump travel there?

The former first lady, who became a US citizen in 2006, was invited to speak at Fridays event by Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, who was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the agency earlier this year.

She invited Ms Trump to speak at the event in her capacity as a former first lady, not as a candidates spouse, a spokesperson told Politico.

Naturalization ceremonies at the National Archives are not political events, and speakers are not invited in a political capacity, a spokesperson said.

Melania Trump speaks at a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC on 15 December. (AFP via Getty Images)

Ms Trump has largely avoided public events after leaving the White House in January 2021, as Mr Biden took office in the wake of the attack on the US Capitol and Mr Trumps second impeachment.

She attended Mr Trumps 2024 campaign announcement last November, but she has remained off the campaign trail and has not attended any of his many criminal or civil proceedings.

Last month, she attended the funeral of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter. Ms Trump joined current first lady Jill Biden and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton at the service in Georgia.

Melania Trump appears a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC on 15 December. (AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking in uncharacteristically personal terms on Friday, Ms Trump described the difficulties of navigating immigration law in the US, a process she described as arduous and that turned her life into a labyrinth of organizing paperwork.

Ms Trump, who was born in Slovenia, applauded the 25 new citizens and discussed the hurdles she faced to become a citizen herself. She did not discuss Mr Trump, who has pledged a violent anti-immigration agenda if elected president next year.

He has promised to revive a more expansive ban on immigration from majority-Muslim countries that he implemented in his first term. He also would reimpose a ban on entry at the US-Mexico border for people seeking asylum; round up undocumented people living in the US and detain them at camps before theyre expelled; prohibit children born in the US to non-citizen parents from being granted citizenship; and end legal status for thousands of people in the US for humanitarian reasons, among other proposed policies.
New York's Metropolitan Museum will return 16 pieces of ancient art to Thailand and Cambodia after determining it had been illegally looted.

The repatriation was announced on Friday by the museum and federal prosecutors in New York.

The art came from Douglas Latchford, a British art dealer who was charged in 2019 with "running a vast antiquities trafficking network" in southeast Asia.

Prosecutors say the decision to return it was made voluntarily by the museum.

"As demonstrated with today's announcement, pieces linked to the investigation of Douglas Latchford continue to reveal themselves," US Homeland Security Special Agent Erin Keegan said in a statement on Friday.

She added that the artworks "were shamelessly stolen".

Fourteen Khmer sculptures will be sent to Cambodia and two to Thailand.

Max Hollein, the Met's director, said in a separate statement that the museum has been "diligently working with Cambodia and the US Attorney's Office for years to resolve questions regarding these works of art".

"New information that arose from this process made it clear that we should initiate the return of this group of sculptures."

He added that the museum is "committed to pursuing partnerships and collaborations with Cambodia and Thailand that will advance the world's understanding and appreciation of Khmer art, and we look forward to embarking on this new chapter together".

The art is from the 9th to 14th Centuries, during the Angkorian period, and reflects both Buddhist and Hindu influences, according to the museum.

Dozens of artworks stolen by Latchford, who died in 2020 while facing the US charges, have been traced and recovered by investigators across the US and UK in the last decade.

The works were stolen during times of significant political upheaval in Cambodia and Thailand.

Much of the looting took place over a three-decade period of civil war and strife between the mid-1960s to the late-1990s when the Khmer Rouge regime held power.

In 2013, the Met returned two other objects to Cambodia.
Dozens of human rights and civil society organizations have raised concerns about Metas reported suppression, filtering, and mistranslation of Palestine-related content over the past two months, Warren noted in a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Amidst the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, a humanitarian catastrophe including the deaths of thousands of civilians in Gaza, and the killing of dozens of journalists, it is more important than ever that social media platforms do not censor truthful and legitimate content, the senator said.

Since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7  and Israel responded with a bombing campaign and ground invasion of Gaza  Meta has reportedly applied stricter filters to content coming from the Palestinian territories.

The Wall Street Journal reported in late October that Meta had lowered the threshold for an automated system that typically hides comments when it is 80 percent certain they violate Metas policies to only require 25 percent certainty to automatically hide comments.

Instagram also reportedly flagged and hid comments containing the Palestinian flag emoji as potentially offensive, and Meta had to apologize after Instagrams auto-translation inserted the word terrorist into the bios of some Palestinian users containing an Arabic phrase.

Reports of Metas suppression of Palestinian voices raise serious questions about Metas content moderation practices and anti-discrimination protections, Warren said in Thursdays letter.

Social media users deserve to know when and why their accounts and posts are restricted, particularly on the largest platforms where vital information-sharing occurs, she added. Users also deserve protection against discrimination based on their national origin, religion, and other protected characteristics.

Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metro Transit Police is looking for a woman who attempted to kidnap a child Friday afternoon.

WATCH: Former firehouse under renovation in DC catches fire

The attempt happened around 1:30 p.m. on 900 Southern Ave. in Southeast, D.C. The woman tried to take a young child from a stroller aboard the P12 route on a Metrobus.

Anyone with information is asked to call (202) 962-2121. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered to anyone with information that leads to an arrest and/or indictment of the woman.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
People wait in line for the Metropolitan Museum of Art to open to guests in New York City in May. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The Metropolitan Museum of Art said Friday it plans to return 14 sculptures to Cambodia and two to Thailand after it discovered the artifacts were stolen.

The Met said it will effectively remove all Khmer works associated with dealer Douglas Latchford, who was indicted in 2019 for illegally smuggling antiques.

Max Hollein, the museum's director and CEO, said the Met has worked with Cambodia and the U.S. Attorney's Office for years to resolve questions regarding the stolen works of art.

"New information that arose from this process made it clear that we should initiate the return of this group of sculptures," he said.

The works being repatriated were made between the ninth and 14th centuries and reflect the prevailing Buddhist and Hindu culture of the period, according to the Met. Among them include a bronze sculpture "The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease" made around the 10th and 11th centuries and a stone "Head of Buddha" from the 7th century.

The museum said a selection of the works will remain on display while it makes arrangements to return them to their countries of origin.

Latchford allegedly had a long history of artifact smuggling, first gaining the attention of U.S. Law enforcement in 2011 with the appearance of a 500-pound sculpture from Kho Ker in a Sotheby's auction catalogue. The Met also returned two other Cambodian objects linked to the dealer in 2013. Latchford died in 2020 without being convicted.

The theft of Cambodian cultural artifacts began century ago under French colonialism, and looting became a global business in the 1970s, '80s and '90s.
California's energy regulators made a decision to extend the lifespan of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power station by five years.

This decision comes despite calls from environmental groups to shut down the plant. The California Public Utilities Commission agreed to extend the shutdown date for the state's last functioning nuclear power facility through 2030, changing the previous agreement to close it in 2025, as per ABC News.

California Debates Safety and Environmental Extension

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the twin reactors of Diablo Canyon have been supplying up to 9% of the state's electricity on any given day since the mid-1980s. While the decision from the California Public Utilities Commission marks the latest development in the ongoing debate over the operation and safety of the plant, the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission will also consider whether to extend the plant's operating licenses.

There have been numerous legal battles surrounding Diablo Canyon. In August, a state judge rejected a lawsuit filed by Friends of the Earth that aimed to block Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the plant's operator, from seeking an extension. Then, in October, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission dismissed a request from environmental groups to shut down one of the reactors immediately.

The initial plan to close Diablo Canyon by 2025 was changed at the state's direction, with the intention of seeking a longer operating run for the plant. One of the reasons cited for this change was the need for Diablo Canyon's power beyond 2025 to avoid potential blackouts as California transitions to solar and other renewable energy sources.

While supporters of the extension argue that Diablo Canyon is crucial for California's electricity reliability and its contribution to the state's zero-emission targets, critics voice concerns about the high projected costs of continuing to run an aging nuclear power plant, estimated to exceed $6 billion. Activists also argue that the plant's proximity to fault lines makes it vulnerable to earthquakes, posing a significant risk.

Furthermore, the issue of nuclear waste disposal remains unresolved. Currently, nuclear plants, including Diablo Canyon, have to store their waste on-site due to the lack of a national repository for nuclear waste. This raises concerns over potential contamination and the long-term environmental impact, according to Yahoo News.

Read Also: Japan, Italy, and UK Agree To Establish Joint Body To Build Next-Generation Fighter Jets

Debate Over Diablo Canyon

Opponents of the extension warn of the inherent risks associated with nuclear power, and they believe that the potential for a nuclear catastrophe outweighs the benefits. "If you approve overturning the Diablo shutdown agreement, you risk culpability for a nuclear catastrophe," said Daniel Hirsch, a retired director of the Program on Environmental and Nuclear Policy at UC Santa Cruz.

Governor Gavin Newsom, who was once a proponent of closing the plant, has shifted his stance, arguing that Diablo Canyon is necessary to meet the state's energy demands and prevent blackouts as California's reliance on solar farms increases.

Ultimately, the Energy Commission's decision is expected to ensure a stable supply of zero-emission power in California in the short term, but it raises concerns about the high costs and potential safety issues associated with running an aging nuclear power plant.

The State Utilities Commission acknowledges that the specific costs of the extended operation are still unclear, and a federal safety review will also be conducted. However, the decision aims to facilitate a transition to renewable energy sources and asserts that Diablo Canyon is not expected to operate beyond 2030.

This controversial decision has ignited intense debate, with activists, environmental groups, and concerned citizens continuing to voice their opposition. As the extension takes effect, the focus will shift towards closely monitoring the plant's operations and ensuring the safety of both residents and the environment, Los Angeles reported.

Related Article: Nordic Nations Denmark, Norway Provide Assistance to Ukraine, Including Funding, Military Equipment

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Michigan State University reached a $15 million settlement with the families of the three students who were killed in a mass shooting on campus this year, an attorney for two of the slain victims said Friday.

The universitys board of trustees agreed to a settlement with the families of Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner, attorney Ven Johnson said. Those three students were killed, and five others were injured, in the February 13 shooting in two buildings on the East Lansing campus, authorities said.

Dan Kelly, the vice chair of the universitys board of trustees, acknowledged in a public meeting Friday that a settlement has been reached. However, the board has not released terms of the agreement. CNN has sought comment from the university.

Johnson, the attorney representing the Anderson and Fraser families, said the board of trustees approved the $15 million settlement, and that it would be equally divided between the families of the three slain students.

Although no amount of money can ever mend the shattered hearts of these parents after suffering the unspeakable loss of their children, we appreciate how MSU has done the right thing under these horrible circumstances, Johnson said in a release.

The shooting terrorized the campus community and forced desperate students to jump out of windows to escape the horror. The shooter was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

David Femminineo, an attorney representing Verners family, said they did not seek to blame MSU for the death of their daughter.

Instead, the Verner family has sought answers as to how this could be prevented in the future, Femminineo said in a news conference with Verners parents.

Verners father, Ted Verner, said some of the money will be put toward funding scholarships that were created in honor of his daughter at her former high school in Clawson, Michigan.

While no amount of compensation can ever replace the loss of a life, we do hope this brings some closure, support and relief to those families, Kelly said during the board meeting Friday. The university gives its deepest condolences to each of the three families, and we are committed to ensuring the memory of their child is not forgotten in the Spartan community.

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Ukraine and Romania resolved a protracted conflict over the construction of the Deepwater Navigation Route Danube-Black Sea, in which Bucharest accused Kyiv of violating environmental standards, Ukraine's Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets announced on Dec. 16.

The dispute has been ongoing since 2004, when Ukraine started the construction of the canal through the Danube Delta distributaries Chilia, Old Istambul, and Bystre, along a route mostly coinciding with the Romanian-Ukrainian border.

The project came under criticism from Romania and the European Commission, who cited the lack of environmental impact assessment.

According to Strilets, the resolution to the dispute was reached at the 9th meeting of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) in Geneva.

"We have done our homework and overcome a long journey to align the project with the Convention's requirements," Strilets wrote on social media.

"Ukraine values good relations with its neighbors and compliance with international law. We want and can find a common language to correct the mistakes of the past."

Strilets thanked his Romanian counterpart, Mircea Fechet, for the efforts in achieving this "historic decision" and Moldovan Environment Minister Iordanca Iordanov for presiding over the meeting.

Read also: Is Ukraines new Black Sea corridor working? Experts say it has potential

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Steve Baker initially backed Suella Braverman in the 2022 Tory leadership race but has loyally served Rishi Sunak as a Northern Ireland minister - Eddie Mulholland

Downing Street must wake up to the fact that the Conservatives are being outflanked on the Right by Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party, a minister has warned.

A private paper co-written by Steve Baker claims that Sir Keir is moving to the Right of the Government in key areas and could reproduce killing ground electoral tactics used by Tony Blair.

A former chair of the European Research Group who caused havoc for Theresa May during the Brexit years, Mr Baker is an influential figure on the Right of the Tories.

He initially backed Suella Braverman in the 2022 Tory leadership race but has loyally served Rishi Sunak as a Northern Ireland minister.

The Telegraph can reveal that Mr Baker has privately convened a group of friends and allies to discuss future Conservative strategy.

A paper drafted by the Risk and Opportunity group details in stark terms the threat that the Tories face from Sir Keir, drawing parallels with how Labour repositioned itself in the 1990s.

Conservatives not trusted

Setting the scene for the emergence of New Labour, the paper says that while the Tories successfully introduced a market-oriented agenda under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, at no stage were the Conservatives trusted by the electorate with the human services of health, welfare, and education.

So, instead of modernising them, the Conservatives instead showered them with money to win electoral favour, it says.

While this worked for a long time, the paper argues that under Mr Blair the Labour Party adopted a new approach and successfully outflanked the Conservative Party by appealing to many floating voters on the Right of British politics.

It says they did this by embracing the tenets of economic Thatcherism but often going much further in key areas of policy  especially in the human services.

The paper argues that this left the Tories looking out of touch and somewhat bewildered when they tried to suggest that Blair was an unreconstructed Marxist.

Turning to the present day, the paper warns that Sir Keir is repeating New Labours strategy and tactics.

Informed by key members of Blairs network, it claims that Starmer has already outflanked the Conservatives on the right.

Today, Labour is openly talking about controlling public expenditure whilst complaining that both taxes and immigration are too high, the paper says.

Repeating Blairs tactics, Labour are openly welcoming the private hospital sector. The idea of building more homes on the green belt. Wanting a higher proportion of private home ownership. Proclaiming YIMBISM. Talking about learning from Singapore and Australia when it comes to the NHS.

It goes on: As 2023 ends, the evidence is clear. Week in, week out day in, day out Starmers New, New Labour are moving to the right of the government in key areas.

Already, Labour has won a high degree of manoeuvrability on the electoral battlefield and has the freedom to dominate. This is why they are leading 20 per cent in the opinion polls and building a trusted relationship with many voters.

The paper predicts that as the election approaches, the more freedom Starmer will be granted by his power-hungry colleagues to adjust policies further, warning that Labour could for example ditch its policy to charge VAT on private school fees.

After all, this is exactly the sort of killing ground tactic Blair used while in opposition, it adds.

How long will it take?

Appearing to warn that the Tories could face defeat and a long period in opposition, it concludes: It took the Conservatives between 1994 and 2006 to work out that Tony Blair and the Labour Party had changed and would go on being relentlessly Right wing in their political atmospherics.

This is important, because it was only when the penny finally dropped did David Cameron devise an effective counter strategy.

How long will it take this time? How much ground and outflanking must occur before No 10 wakes up to what their adversary is actually doing?

Approached by The Telegraph for comment on the document, Mr Baker said he remained fully behind Mr Sunak.

He said: I was very pleased and proud of the Prime Ministers speech at conference where he was very clear that he wanted to depart from the 30-year consensus.

Of course, the Prime Minister is right and hes got my complete support.

Like many other MPs, Im always looking ahead and thinking about what the risks and opportunities are that face us and what our strategy should be to do the best thing for the country.

Earlier this month, Sir Keir hailed Thatcher for effecting meaningful change. Writing in The Telegraph, he also accused the Tories of a betrayal of their promises to control migration and said they had failed to realise the possibilities of Brexit.

Wes Streeting, shadow health secretary, has meanwhile pledged to take on vested interests in the NHS.

Speaking to The Telegraph during a recent trip to learn from the Australian health system, he said: When I first said the NHS needed to reform I was greeted with howls of opposition and people saying dont use the reform word, it goes down like a bucket of sick. I think staff and patients are now crying out for change.

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The day Hamas inflicted the most deadly attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust was a litmus test for public decency in this country. While high-profile politicians of all stripes united in strong public condemnation of the attack and support for the Jewish community, this masked the extent of the moral decay from considerable sections of the public.

Within a week there was a 1,200 per cent increase in anti-Semitic incidents. As we have come to expect, a convoy of cars soon took to the streets at night with the specific intent to intimidate onlookers. Even today, physical attacks on Jewish businesses, synagogues, schools and Jewish people persist.

In the face of the worst outpouring of racism on the streets of the UK in decades there has been near-silence from the usual anti-racist campaigners. When I addressed the crowd at the dignified and patriotic march against anti-Semitism in Westminster there was virtually no presence from the myriad of anti-racist groups who defied lockdown to protest, nor the professional social justice warriors that explode at mere micro-aggressions. Their usual refrain to respect the lived experience of a minority group  and, in this case, one of genuine fear from British Jews  was absent. Instead, the unholy alliance between Islamists, who barely bother to disguise their anti-Semitism, and the far-Left cemented itself in weekly mass marches in the capital, where the glorification of terror and flagrant anti-Semitism abounded.

The rank hypocrisy is appalling, but it is not surprising. Left-wing academics that downplay individual agency and focus on structural and indirect discrimination caused, they argue, by societal power imbalances, cannot explain why a successful minority group could, in fact, be victims of racism. In critical race theory, where the all-encompassing concept of whiteness is the route of oppression, the spring from which all racism flows, how could a seemingly white-adjacent group themselves be subject to discrimination? The self-loathing over our past they derive from post-colonial studies only empowers these followers with a missionary-like self-righteousness and brazenness. The outcome is twofold: flagrant racism from self-professed anti-racists; and terrorist apologias as they confront the real-world consequences of hitherto theoretical resistance.

These theories were born and nurtured in the Wests universities and are now so widespread that campuses have become safe spaces for those who practise anti-Semitism. The most extreme, but entirely logical, endpoint of this strand of thinking was advanced by the presidents of the most prestigious US universities in a Congressional hearing earlier this month, where calling for genocide of Jews was said to be justified depending on the context.

Left unchecked, that is the trajectory our own universities are heading towards, with the great accelerator of social media speeding up the transition. In the last few weeks we have seen: students at Bristol University call for unconditional support for Hamas; UCU academics at University College London pass a motion supporting intifada until victory; Palestine societies from Warwick, SOAS, and York defend and glorify the Oct 7 attack; and an academic at the University of Leeds post a retweet declaring, no space for Zionists on our campus not now and not any other time. Universities, once places dedicated to learning, are now contributing to the radicalisation of the next generation.

It is clear that the moral bankruptcy of our academic institutions cannot be remedied through public condemnation alone. The moral rot is too deep and the societal outrage too timid to shame them.

The answer is not to reorder the hierarchy of the oppressed and elevate the status of Jews versus others in the victimhood Olympics, but simply to tackle the perversion itself head on. That means the Government must robustly intervene, utilising the powerful and unique levers it has at its disposal to rescue our once great universities from their demise.

This starts by withholding funding from universities that do not take a zero-tolerance approach towards extremism. As communities secretary I invested considerable time encouraging universities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism only for alternative, less rigorous versions to appear by the backdoor. Those who do not hold themselves to the higher standards and actually enforce it against academic staff or students should have the threat made to them in a language they understand: financial pain. Sadly, it appears to have only been the loss of donations and corporate collaborations at the mostly private US universities  to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars  that has prompted them to begin to take action.

As we have seen in the last few months, anti-Semitism has been de facto decriminalised; there is very little risk to the perpetrators. Faced with the scale and public nature of anti-Semitic incidents, I expect to see a high number of prosecutions in the weeks and months ahead. There is a clear public interest argument for these individuals to receive tougher sentences than they would do otherwise. And as the events in the Middle East trigger a new wave of radicalisation, it is high time we refreshed our wider counter-extremism legislation to plug the loopholes extremists on our streets have come to exploit.

Those students that come here, or indeed those on any other temporary visa route, who abuse our generosity to spread extremism must have their visa revoked. Visas are a privilege, not an entitlement. As immigration minister I worked to revoke the visas of foreign students spewing hate in university settings. But when I broached the idea of swift and mass revocations I was met with surprise and a raft of logistical obstacles. We must fully utilise this power and invest in a significantly larger unit to remove those on temporary visas whose behaviour falls short.

Robert Jenrick is Conservative MP for Newark

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Minnesota's next flag will feature an abstract shape of the state with an eight-pointed white North Star on its hoist.

A commission tasked with redesigning the emblems that represent the state settled on a final design concept Friday, eliminating two other flags in consideration. The group plans to hold another meeting next week to consider variations on colors and shapes in their final design as they try to meet a Jan. 1 deadline to come up with a new flag.

Members of the commission celebrated landing on a single concept, while acknowledging that some Minnesotans might not immediately identify with their choice.

"The next generation will be raised with a new flag. It's going to happen," said commission chair Luis Fitch. "We're not going to be able to make everybody happy. The whole idea since day one was to make sure we can [create] a flag that unites us instead of separates us."

The 13-member State Emblems Redesign Commission, created by the Legislature last session, had just four months and a budget of $35,000 to complete their work. It sought help from the public, which responded with 2,600 alternative flag and seal designs for members to consider. The commission narrowed that list down to six flags, and then three.

On Friday, members mulled over mockups of the three finalists and debated the finer points of star shape, colors and how to strip the design down to its simplest form. All of the designs incorporated hues of blue and white and imagery of the North Star.

They settled on an eight-pointed North Star that mirrors a version that can be seen on the floor of the Minnesota Capitol rotunda. Members gravitated toward the design with Minnesota's distinctive shape because it's recognizable, while also following principles of simple flag design.

Representatives of the North American Vexillological Association consulted with pro bono designers on several variations on the final concept, including one that eliminates green, white and blue stripes from the flag and replaces it with a solid light blue color. That simple design would put Minnesota among the top-ranked flags in the nation among vexillologists, Fitch said.

"When you get dressed for an event and get dressed up looking nice, look at yourself in the mirror after you're done and ready to walk out the door and then remove one accessory," designer Tyler Michaletz said. "Good flag design is: get your design basically there and then dial it back one step."

Some members pushed back on eliminating the color green from the flag, noting it represents agriculture and the state's forests. Fitch also suggested making the shape of the state asymmetrical to look more like Minnesota's actual borders. Commission members will see mockups of that idea at their next meeting.

A design with two swooshes that represented Minnesota's waters reflecting the sky and clouds was the runner-up. Some members thought it was more distinctive than the other designs and would make Minnesota's flag stand out. Not everyone was excited about the final concept they chose.

"It's fine, I'm not overly impressed," said commission member Kate Beane, who supported the mirroring design. "I think it's an exciting time to think about doing something different."

Groups have been pushing for decades for a redesign of both the flag and the state seal, which have been criticized as offensive to tribal communities. The old seal, which sits at the center of the original flag, features a white settler plowing a field in the foreground while a Native American man on horseback rides away into the sunset. They adopted a final state seal featuring a red-eyed loon and new Dakota wording earlier this week.

The commission also discussed releasing the rights for the thousands of rejected flag designs and hundreds of seals back to the creators. Under the rules, they became the property of the state when they were submitted, but some designers have expressed interest in using their concepts in other ways. Some are already selling t-shirts and flag versions of their design.

Unless the Legislature vetoes the design, the new flag will start flying atop Minnesota buildings on Statehood Day in the spring.
New state flag designs are chosen, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 St. Paul, Minn. A commission tasked with redesigning Minnesota's state flag meets Friday to consider three top designs, all bearing an image of the North Star. (Glenn Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A state commission selected a basic design concept Friday for a new state flag for Minnesota to replace a current banner that is considered offensive to Native Americans, but will need more time to add the finishing touches.

The final choice came down to two templates. The panel went with one bearing a stylized dark blue shape of Minnesota on the left with an eight-pointed white North Star on it, then either horizontal stripes or a solid field on the right.

The commission then decided to consider variants on that theme when it reconvenes Tuesday, including an asymmetrical Minnesota that looks more like the state's actual shape, and either a solid light blue field on the right, or adding a green stripe along the bottom to symbolize the state's agricultural heritage.

Let's marinate these for a couple of days. I think it's important," said the chair of the commission, Luis Fitch. "And then let's hear what the public and the people of the state of Minnesota have to say.

The second-place finisher featured a pair of curving swooshes  one white and one light blue  symbolizing the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, against a dark blue background with a North Star in the upper left corner. To some people, the swishes also looked like loons, the official state bird. But the panel's members opted for the design with straight, simple lines.

None of the designs that made it to the final round generated a surge of public enthusiasm beforehand. Fitch acknowledged that as he urged his colleagues to think about what design might be accepted by future generations.

Were not going to be able to make everybody happy," Fitch said. "The whole idea since Day One for me was to make sure that we can do a flag that unites us, not separates us.

Minnesotas current flag includes the state seal against a blue background. The seal depicts a Native American riding off into the sunset while a white settler plows his field with his rifle leaning on a nearby stump. The imagery suggests to many that the Indigenous people were defeated and going away, while whites won and were staying.

Not only do the states Dakota and Ojibwe tribes consider that offensive, but experts in the scientific and scholarly study of flags  known as vexillology  say its an overly complicated design.

Guidelines from the North American Vexillological Association say flags should be simple but meaningful, with just a few colors, easily recognizable from a distance, and without seals or lettering. Ideally, a child should be able to draw it. The group ranks Minnesota in 67th place out of 72 U.S. and Canadian state and provincial flags. Minnesotas design dates from 1957, an evolution from the 1893 original.

The commission  which includes members of the states tribal and other communities of color  was tasked with producing new designs for the flag and seal by Jan 1. Unless the Legislature rejects them, the new emblems automatically become official April 1, 2024, which Minnesota observes as Statehood Day.

The commission settled earlier in the week on a new seal featuring a loon and the Dakota name for Minnesota: Mni Sota Makoce, which can be translated as where the water meets the sky.

Minnesota is joining several other states in redesigning outdated flags. The Utah Legislature last winter approved a simplified flag design that still includes a beehive, a symbol of the prosperity and the industriousness of the Mormon pioneers who settled the state. Mississippi voters in 2020 chose a new state flag with a magnolia and the phrase In God We Trust to replace a Confederate-themed flag that had been used by Ku Klux Klan groups and was widely condemned as racist.

Other states considering simplifying their flags include Maine, where voters will decide next year whether to replace their current banner with a retro version featuring a simple pine tree and blue North Star, as well as Michigan and Illinois.
There is little doubt the High Court ruling that Prince Harry was a victim of phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers on multiple occasions has huge implications.

The court has ruled that Prince Harry was hacked, as were his friends and associates. The case established that Mirror titles also used other unlawful methods to get information about him.

It raises questions. Firstly, will any criminal proceedings follow from it?

The Metropolitan Police has already said it will consider the judgment carefully. Clearly the burden of proof is higher in a criminal trial - but there is no doubt it is what Prince Harry wants.

What - if anything - will lead from the ruling that phone hacking was going on, even during the Leveson Inquiry which investigated the scandal? A government-appointed inquiry that was told by many senior newspaper executives they had no knowledge of this illegal behaviour.

Those executives include the former Mirror CEO Sly Bailey. On Friday the judge said she knew about what was happening.

Another question brought up by the ruling - can we read anything from it about the actions and methods used by other newspaper groups?

The prince is also pursuing News Group which owns the Sun and the defunct News of the World, as well as Associated Newspapers which owns the Daily Mail.

These are different cases, with different evidence.

The power and influence of tabloids has reduced in the age of the internet and social media

But, as the judge put it, "the duke has been one of the most important storylines in town for much of his life".

And clearly, that does not just apply to Mirror titles.

The articles that broke the law date back to a time when newspapers were the gatekeepers of information and when millions read the tabloids.

They were in a vicious battle for exclusives and stories about the royals sold.

Certainly, at the time, Mirror Group's newspapers implicated in the judgment wanted scoops and were willing to break the law to get them.

The media landscape is very different now, with newspaper groups buffeted by the headwinds of social media and the internet, as well as a fall in advertising - and crucially, readers.

Circulations are a fraction of what they were. Which means the value of these newspapers has fallen dramatically too.

In March 2005 for example, at their peak, shares in Reach PLC which owns the Daily and Sunday Mirror and the People were worth 6.72. Earlier on Friday, they were valued at 71p.

Interestingly, after the judgment the share price rose 4%, perhaps because the damages awarded to the prince were not as high as he had wanted. Or perhaps it was because the decision offered "clarity", as MGN put it.

It is a sign of the difficulties facing the press. This judgment can only add to that existential crisis.

Reach is valued at around 250m. It has already paid out around 100m in damages and legal costs over phone hacking.

It must pay Prince Harry 140,600, and potentially more over other articles that have not yet been decided on.

And there are around 80 other people waiting in the wings, with their own claims they want to pursue.

During the trial, the Mirror barrister referred to the "catastrophic effects" of previous settlements.

As recently as last month, Reach announced 450 job cuts, blamed on the economic environment.

These are very difficult times.

Prince Harry has long maintained that the newspapers have an agenda against him.

Covering the trial, I often felt as if I was in a parallel universe.

What I saw in court did not seem to equate with what I read about in the reporting by some papers about the trial.

Some of this was trivial. Something the prince clearly said as a joke was described in the Mail as a grumble. It really wasn't.

A polite ask to "repeat the question" was written up as a demand. He was described as a combustive mixture of "victimhood and arrogance".

That is not what I saw.

More damagingly perhaps, some headlines too appeared a little skewed. For example, that he had told the judge he "is not aware of any evidence he was hacked by the Mirror".

Clearly, he and his legal team believed there was evidence, or they would not have brought this case.

He has had the last laugh. This is the most comprehensive legal judgment about one media organisation's unlawful methods since the scandal of phone hacking first emerged.

And as he put it, his "mission" continues.
UPDATE: Hulse was located safe, according to University police.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  University police are searching for a missing UNLV graduate student who is considered at-risk.

Brian Hulse, 58, reported that he would be traveling to Utah and was scheduled to leave his home in Las Vegas on Dec. 13. However, he never made it to Utah and he is without his medication.

Hulses phone appears to be off or disconnected. The last known contact with Hulse was on Dec.13 at 5 p.m.

Hulse is about 61, about 215 lbs. with hazel eyes and brown hair.

Brian Hulse, 58, missing (University Police Services)

Hulse drives a silver 2020 Nissan Rogue with Utah license plate T31-5CW.

UPS detectives have been working tirelessly on this case following up on all investigative leads. If anyone has any information regarding Hulses whereabouts or believes they have seen Hulse, please contact University Police Services at 702-895-3668 or local law enforcement authorities.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congress has yet to strike a deal on President Biden's $106 billion supplemental combining aid for Ukraine, Israel and our southern border  but Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., believes these crucial issues should be dealt with separately.

The Republican senator postulates the Senate's inability to talk about Ukraine, Israel and the necessary security measures at the southern border individually is due to "the left" having "taken over" the Democratic Party.

In an exclusive sit-down interview with Fox News Digital, Schmitt said that border security is the top issue in the aid supplemental.

"I've been very clear. I think all these issues should be dealt with separately," Schmitt told Fox. "The issues on the ground, the realities on the ground, the strategies, the political coalitions, the likelihood of success are very different for Israel versus Ukraine. I think that having a real debate about those things one by one would really be a more informed debate in supposedly the most deliberative body in the history of the world. That's not where we're at right now, which I think is frustrating for a lot of people."

GOP LAWMAKERS BLOCK BIDEN SECURITY AID TO UKRAINE, ISRAEL AND INDO-PACIFIC, PRESS FOR MORE BORDER FUNDING

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., sat down for an exclusive Fox News Digital interview in Washington, D.C.

This month saw the most migrant encounters ever recorded in a single day at the southern border, with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources reporting encountering 12,000 illegal immigrants on Dec. 5. While Schmitt supports discussion on individual aid for our allies, he emphasized the need to secure America's border before sending money overseas.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The truth is they hear a lot about the sovereignty of other countries' borders and maintaining the integrity of that, but not our own. I mean, we have an open border," Schmitt urged. "You've got policy changes that need to be made. You also have to have an executive willing to enforce the law. Joe Biden has not done that on day one."

Schmitt said Democrats are "the party of open borders," which results in real threats of potential terrorism on American soil.

"The Democrats aren't serious about closing the border. The left has taken over that party. It's the party of open borders now. And we're fooling ourselves if we don't think there are terrorists in this country that want to do harm. And it's  I think we're going to look back, and I hope I'm wrong about this, but really regret the Biden administration's decision. But again, this is sort of who they are," he said.

Asylum-seeking migrants stand in line to receive donated food at a makeshift camp while awaiting processing by the Border Patrol in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, on Nov. 30.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., recently pressed Harvard president Claudine Gay over whether the calling for genocide of Jews violated the Ivy League school's code of conduct  and Gay refused to directly say that such calls would qualify as harassment.

The heated exchange erupted in response to an extreme rise in antisemitism on college campuses amid the war in Israel, but Schmitt said Americans really "shouldn't be all that surprised" of the rhetoric.

STEFANIK SHREDS HARVARD OVER COMPLETE MORAL FAILURE AFTER ALLOWING CLAUDINE GAY TO REMAIN PRESIDENT

"I think a lot of people are surprised to see what's happening on college campuses right now, with chants of from the river to the sea and this really antisemitic rhetoric. But if you've been paying attention, you shouldn't be all that surprised," the senator said, suggesting college campuses have long been allowing such a culture.

Schmitt recently spoke on the Senate floor to condemn the antisemitic protests on college campuses and highlight the "dangers" of diversity, equity,and inclusion (DEI) teachings in schools.

Supporters of Palestinians gather at a rally at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Oct. 14.

"These colleges have become indoctrination camps for cultural Marxism, and they view the world as oppressor versus oppressed. And depending on how you score on the oppression matrix will define if you're right or wrong, what truth is. And the color of your skin matters more than who's right or wrong. And this is the logical consequence now," Schmitt told Fox News Digital.

The senator also said that he believes "people are waking up to the idea of how poisonous this is, which is why we've been so aggressive in pushing back on DEI, aggressive on pushing back on critical race theory that's found its way into the schools."

Reinfusing American ideals into college campuses is the path towards rebuilding the education system and bringing people together, according to the Missouri Republican.

"The truth is, the way home here in what can unify us is a rebirth of believing in this American idea: that each one of us has value, that each one of us has dignity as human beings. And there's different layers. There's a lot of things that define us. You know, we like certain things. We're of different races and religions. We are not one thing in this kind of obsession with race essentialism, where the only thing that matters is the color is your skin is really backwards, and I think we ought to fight back with everything we got," said Schmitt.





Original article source: Missouri senator says 'left has taken over' Dem party as Congress faces 'real disconnect' on Israel, Ukraine
A 13-year-old boy from Canton, Ohio, is facing charges for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a local Jewish synagogue.

The unnamed minor, charged with inducing panic and disorderly conduct, had meticulously detailed his plan on the live streaming platform Discord, targeting Temple Israel in Canton, as per NPR.

Antisemitic Plot in Ohio Amid Rising Hate Crimes

A plan was uncovered on September 1, a few weeks prior to the devastating Hamas attack on Israel. This discovery has sparked concerns regarding the alarming surge of antisemitic hate within the United States. In response to the plans, the Stark County Sheriff's Office swiftly initiated an investigation and promptly notified the appropriate individuals and agencies within the school system.

Rabbi David Komerofsky of Temple Israel has chosen not to provide any comments regarding the case, citing the presence of a minor in the matter. In another important legal move, the accused teenager is slated to go on trial on December 20 in Stark County Family Court. The charges levied against the teenager include inducing panic and disorderly conduct.

In the wake of a surge in antisemitic hate crimes, an incident has occurred that demands attention. United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitism has surged by an alarming 388 percent since the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel.

Preliminary data from the ADL Center on Extremism revealed 312 reported antisemitic incidents in the US from October 7 to October 23, encompassing harassment, vandalism, and assault. This marked a stark contrast from the same period in 2022, when only 64 incidents were recorded, with four linked to Israel.

It is worth noting that the United States has been witnessing a simultaneous rise in antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported a staggering number of antisemitic incidents in the year 2022. Surpassing all previous records since the initiation of tracking in 1979, the ADL has documented nearly 3,700 instances of antisemitism.

This alarming increase in antisemitic incidents highlights a concerning trend that demands immediate attention and action. Jonathan Greenblatt, the director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), underscored the concerning trend of antisemitic attacks becoming increasingly normalized, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also: China Slams Canada for Supporting Philippines Over South China Sea Dispute

Rising Antisemitism Sparks Urgency For Action

Greenblatt highlighted that this worrisome phenomenon is not limited to any particular political ideology, as both the far-right and the hard left have been implicated. The consequences of this normalization are particularly felt by Jewish individuals who run businesses, as they become targets of such attacks in their day-to-day lives.

In the Stark County case, the initial incident report revealed that the teenager was part of multiple antisemitic and political groups on Discord. The Stark County Sheriff's Office emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for threats against the community, stating that each threat is thoroughly investigated with the seriousness it deserves.

The rise in antisemitic hate crimes is further underscored by government statistics showing a 25 percent increase between 2021 and 2022. The ADL received reports of 3,697 antisemitic incidents across the US in 2022 alone.

While this incident's discovery predates the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, similar acts have occurred throughout the country, including a recent incident in New York City where a man fired a shotgun outside a synagogue. It becomes evident that there is a pressing requirement for concerted efforts to combat antisemitism and protect communities from hate-driven violence. The Independent has reached out to the Stark County Sheriff for additional information on the ongoing investigation, Independent reported.

Related Article: 10 Israeli Troops Killed in Gaza as Israel Faces Highest Daily Death Toll Since October

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WASHINGTON - Inappropriate behavior, unwanted sexual advances, and fear of retaliation are just a few of the many terms being described in a recent lawsuit brought against the Metropolitan Police Department.

The serious allegations are not the first either for the department, but this most recent lawsuit claims that MPD harbors a culture of sexual harassment and sexism  not to mention retaliation for reporting such behavior.

The three plaintiffs are all Black women; two are current officers and one is a civilian employee.

More Black female cops allege harassment, mistreatment, retaliation in DC police department

They told FOX 5 that their supervising officers often subjected them to inappropriate sexual advances and comments.

Two of the women said they were always hesitant to speak up because they were afraid of losing their jobs.

On many occasions, they said, it would be the same lieutenant who made the inappropriate comments and sexual passes towards each woman at different times.

The lawsuit alleges a pattern where women at the department were being "subjected to constant hyper-scrutiny" and "disciplined for the smallest infraction" after they reported inappropriate behavior.

The plaintiffs also say they were treated in the same way as 10 women who filed a class-action lawsuit over two years ago.

More Black female cops allege harassment, mistreatment, retaliation in DC police department.

That pending lawsuit seeks $100 million from the department and also alleges that Black women were ignored or retaliated against when they reported harassment and discrimination to the Equal Employment Opportunity Department.

One of the women describes one particular incident involving a lieutenant, who was her superior, when she first started as a midnight police officer.

"There was a big conference table, and he tried to say well there are no cameras in here, so you can bend over on this table, and we can have sex," officer Brandy Smith recalled. "What saved me that night was a dispatcher who asked me if I was clear to respond to a call, and thats how I feel like I ended up getting out of there. But I feel like if that didnt happen, I probably wouldve ended up being raped."

"This man used to tell me that if I told anybody he would make sure I wouldnt have a job," she added.

"Ive been getting sexually harassed by a lieutenant who was my direct supervisor. He said a lot of vulgar comments, asking me 'do I like oral sex at work?" said Diana Walker, one of the officers who is filing the lawsuit.

"No one even reached out to ask me anything about the complaints and that really hurt because I have spent 25 years in this agency to be just unheard," said Karen Ervin, an MPD customer service representative.

Pamela Keith with the Center for Employment Justice told FOX 5 she's "never seen a workplace that has such total disrespect and disregard for women where it is a kind of jocularity boys will be boys attitude that bends over backward to protect the career prospects and the pensions of male officers. Yet, that simply does not extend to women."

The lieutenant who is being accused is still employed with MPD, his attorney confirmed with FOX 5.

The three women are asking the city for $2 million each in damages.

FOX 5 has reached out to MPD and the attorney general's office, but they don't comment on pending litigation. We have also reached out to Mayor Muriel Bowser's Office for a comment but no response yet.




Elon Musk was star guest this year at an annual conference organized by Italian PM Giorgia Melonis Brothers of Italy party.

He arrived against the backdrop of an ice-skating rink and an ancient castle in Rome with one of his 11 children to tout the value of procreation.

Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, and Musk urged the crowd to make more Italians to save Italys culture, a particular focus of the Meloni government.

Meloni has been a strong opponent of surrogacy, which is criminalized in Italy, but there was no mention of Musks own recent children born of surrogacy.

The owner of X (formerly called Twitter) was slightly rumpled with what could easily be argued the least stylish shoes in the mostly Italian crowd since Donald Trumps often unkempt former top adviser Steve Bannon appeared at the conference in 2018.

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, also welcomed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on stage during the Atreju political meeting organized by the young militants of Italian right wing party Brothers of Italy. - Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty Images

Meloni sat in the front row taking photos of Musk, who she personally invited. Meloni founded the Atreju conference in 1998, named after a character in the 1984 film The NeverEnding Story.

Meloni is a fan of fantasy and has been vocal about her love for J.R.R. Tolkiens Lord of the Rings, and during her youth, she attended Hobbit Camps, which were set up by the post-Fascist Movimento Sociale Italiano for young right-wing politicians like herself.

Lord of the Rings is often described as a pillar of Italys post-Fascist far-right parties.

I think that Tolkien could say better than us what conservatives believe in, Meloni told The New York Times. I dont consider The Lord of the Rings fantasy, she said.

Apart from Bannon, previous headliners have included Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orban.

This year Spanish populist party Vox member Santiago Abascal and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also addressed the conservative crowd in addition to Musk, who was interviewed by an Italian journalist on Saturday morning.

The meeting was held at Castel SantAngelo, which is connected to Vatican City by a high wall and was built in 135 A.D. as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian before the papal state took it over as a fortress. - Marie-Laure Messana/AFP/Getty Images

The venue, Castel SantAngelo, was built in 135 A.D. as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian before the papal state took it over as a fortress. It is connected to Vatican City by a high wall with a walkway popes used to escape attacks on the Vatican.

It is now a public museum and the square nearby is undergoing a renovation, which made the entire area more like a construction zone than a political event with portable toilets and cranes visible through the fence.

Woke mind virus

During his interview, Musk focused on the woke mind virus he said is gripping the US and warned it is moving to Italy, calling it evil.

When asked about international companies investing in Italy, he said it was made difficult by Italys low birth rate.

He also talked about the future as a multi-planet species and the benefit of legal immigration  if, he said, the immigrants are hard workers and will be able to add something to society.

Irregular immigration is one of the biggest political issues in Italy, with more than 153,000 people arriving in Italy by sea so far this year.

If its illegal immigration and there is no filter, how do you know who is coming in? he asked to wild applause from the crowd.

When asked about his recent comments telling advertisers who left X to go f**k yourself he refused to engage, but did say that Disney has the woke mind virus, questioning, What would Walt Disney think of Disney today?

Musk also said that artificial intelligence is the biggest inflection point since homo sapiens, adding that artificial intelligence will be a new species.

He outlined threats to humanity and said he supported some regulatory control of AI.

Birth rate is one of them, the other is nuclear war, then AI is an existential risk, we need to be careful with the advent of AI, but it is very much a double-edged sword, AI is the magic genie, he said, adding, The tale of magic genies usually doesnt turn out so well, so be careful what you wish for.

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HUMPHREYS COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A year after a human heart was found in a salt pile in Humphreys County, investigators are still unsure who it belonged to or how exactly it ended up there.

In an interview a day after the heart was found on Dec. 15, 2022, Sheriff Chris Davis called it one of the most unusual crime scenes hed ever been on.

PREVIOUS: Human heart found in TDOT salt pile in Humphreys County

At first, officials werent sure what it was when a worker came across the adult male human heart at the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) facility on Highway 70E in McEwen. Initially the workers thought it might be a rock.

The process of what salt does to that, it dries it out, Davis explained. Its speculated that it could have been there for just a few weeks.

The TDOT facility where a human heart was found (Photo: WKRN)

The dehydration process reportedly made determining an exact time frame for how long the heart had been there difficult. At the time, TDOT had been preparing to tackle a round of winter weather that was set to pass through the area.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

In the days following the discovery, investigators with the sheriffs office, McEwen Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) sifted through the salt barn to see if they could find any other remains.

However, after about five days had passed, the TBI confirmed the heart was the only body part that had been found at the facility. Despite extensive DNA testing over the last year, more questions than answers remain in the case.

One year later, on Friday, Dec. 15, a spokesperson for the TBI said the heart has undergone several different testing processes at this stage, and to date, there has not been a determination made as to the origin.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

All that has been confirmed is that the heart belonged to an unidentified man. The investigation is still ongoing, and despite the odd nature of the case, the sheriffs office has stated that there doesnt appear to be any threat to the public.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A man arrested last November in two 2007 rapes in Fayetteville has since been linked to three more unsolved rapes in the city in 2010, 2012 and 2015, court records show.

Most recently, the Fayetteville Police Department announced, Christopher James McMillan, 39, was additionally charged Nov. 30 with the abduction and rape of a woman in December 2015. His occupation and address were listed as a maintenance worker at a Bragg Boulevard motel.

Court records show that in February, rape charges from 2010 and 2012 were added to his list of cases.

Among the evidence against him, according to the records, is that the assailant's DNA from the cold-case assaults was connected to a relative of his.

"Detectives recently received notification from the North Carolina State Crime Lab that McMillans DNA was forensically linked to the suspect DNA profile from the incident in 2015, as well as the other sexual assault cases from 2007, 2010 and 2012," a Dec. 1 news release from the Fayetteville Police Department said.

In 2015, the victim had accepted a ride to the hospital

On Dec. 15, 2015, a woman was outside the Cumberland Food Mart on Cumberland Street asking a friend for a ride to the hospital when a man overheard and offered to take her. She told police that once inside the vehicle, the driver pulled out a gun and locked the doors.

According to the warrant, with the driver holding a gun against her head, the woman was sexually assaulted at a cemetery on Brinkley Street. Afterward, she was told to face the woods, and the assailant left, the record said.

McMillan is charged with two counts of first-degree rape and one count each of first-degree sexual offense and first-degree kidnapping in the 2015 incident, records show.

More: DNA testing leads to arrest of Fayetteville man in 2007 cold case rapes

In 2010, the woman was choked and raped at gunpoint

According to the arrest warrant, McMillan stands accused of a June 10, 2010, assault after a woman walking down an unnamed street accepted an offer of a ride. Not long after getting in the vehicle, the record states, the driver stopped near Greensboro Street and forced the victim to perform a sex act before putting a gun against her head and raping her. The woman also reported she was choked before she was kicked out of the car and got help at a nearby business.

He is charged with first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree sexual offense in the 2010 incident.

In 2012, a ride to the store ended in an assault near a junkyard

On Aug. 11, 2012, a woman told police she was walking on Person Street when she was offered a ride to the store.

"During the transport the suspect passed by several stores, not going into any, instead going onto Pelt Dr.," the warrant states. At the dead-end of Pelt Drive near a junkyard, the driver raped her.

Afteward, the record states, "The suspect placed his hands around her neck and told her to get out of the car." The woman ran to a nearby home for help.

McMillan is charged with second-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping in the 2012 incident.

McMillan, who was in custody since his November 2022 arrest, was served in February with the warrants for the 2010 and 2012 assaults.

Related: Convicted killer from Fayetteville gets 30 years in federal prison for weapon, drug charges

The two cases in 2007 were just days apart off Blanton Road

The circumstances of the new charges mirror those in the original cases that resulted in McMillan's arrest last year.

The first attack he is accused of perpetrating happened Aug. 14, 2007, when a woman who was walking on Bragg Boulevard accepted a ride. Once inside the vehicle, the woman told police, she saw that the driver had a gun in his lap. She was raped in woods near Pamalee Drive and Blanton Road before escaping to a gas station and calling 911.

The vehicle, she told police, was a white Lincoln Towncar that had children's car seats in the back.

Nine days later on Aug. 23, 2007, a search warrant states, a woman told police she had flagged down a man she knew as Jeff as he drove past and asked for a ride to the store.

"Afterwards they started to head back to her house, but she didn't make it there," the warrant said.

Instead, the driver pulled onto a dirt road off Blanton Road and "told her that he was a cop and she was about to get arrested," the report said. When his passenger started screaming, he clamped a hand over her mouth, threatened to shoot her in the head if she didn't shut up and raped her. Then he kicked her out of the vehicle and left.

In those two cases McMillan is charged with three counts of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree kidnapping and one count each first-degree sexual offense and communicating threats.

He remained in the Cumberland County jail Friday without bail.

Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Christopher McMillan charged in five cold-case rapes in Fayetteville
The US guided-missile destroyer USS Carney shot down more than a dozen drones in the Red Sea launched from Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen, defense officials say (Aaron Lau)

Two more major shipping firms, Mediterranean Shipping Company and CMA CGM, said Saturday they were suspending passage through a Red Sea strait vital for global trade after Yemeni rebel attacks in the area.

The announcement by Italian-Swiss giant MSC and France's CMA CGM follows a similar decision Friday by two of the world's largest shipping companies, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

The announcements were in response to a warning by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who control much of Yemen but are not recognised internationally.

The Huthis said they were targeting vessels near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait to pressure Israel over its devastating war with Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Thousands of ships every year transit through the strait, which runs between Yemen, on the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, and the African continent.

The tensions have added to fears that the Gaza conflict could spread.

Ships belonging to Israel or heading to its ports "will remain vulnerable to targeting until the aggression stops, the siege on Gaza is lifted, and humanitarian aid continues to flow" to Gaza, Huthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam said on X, formerly Twitter.

Oman was sponsoring discussions "with a number of international parties" regarding operations in the Red and Arabian Seas, he added.

An American destroyer on Saturday shot down more than a dozen drones in the Red Sea launched from Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The UK government said one of its destroyers had also brought down a suspected attack drone in the area.

- 'Situation continues to deteriorate' -

MSC, one of the world's largest freight shipping lines, said one of its container vessels had been targeted in the Red Sea on Friday and it was halting traffic through the strait until it was safe.

No one on the MSC Palatium III was wounded but the ship suffered fire damage, the company said.

CMA CGM said it had ordered all its vessels to leave the area and stay there until further notice.

"The situation continues to deteriorate and there are increasing concerns about security," it said.

On Friday, the International Chamber of Shipping condemned the Huthi attacks which "threaten the lives of innocent seafarers and the safety of merchant shipping".

The incidents breached international law and states in the region should work to de-escalate the situation, it said.

Diverting Asia-bound shipping from the Red Sea to South Africa's Cape of Good Hope would increase costs and delays, the body noted.

Consultancy S&P Global estimated that the detour would increase the distance between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Singapore by 40 percent.

myl-ys/imm/jj
(Bloomberg) -- More than half of German voters are so dissatisfied with Chancellor Olaf Scholzs coalition government that they want early elections, according to a survey.

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The poll for Bild, released on Saturday, showed that 59% of the 1,001 people surveyed would prefer elections for a new German parliament in 2024, while 27% oppose such a move. Regular elections are due in fall 2025.

Scholzs three-party ruling alliance was forced to overhaul its finance planning by Novembers judgment by the countrys top court that curtailed the use of special funds outside the regular federal budget.

The issue ballooned into a political crisis because the use of the funds was critical to bridging differences in the coalition. The off-budget financing was a way to sidestep constitutional rules and still pay for projects like investment in the countrys climate transition.

German lawmakers on Friday backed the governments move to suspend a constitutional limit on net new borrowing in 2023 for a fourth straight year.

Scholz, a Social Democrat, economy minister Robert Habeck of the Greens, and finance chief Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democrats, had been haggling over the details, raising questions about the viability of the three-party alliance formed after the 2021 election.

Gemanys biggest opposition party, the Christian Democrats, wanted Scholz to call a vote of confidence in parliament, which he rejected. If a majority of parliamentarians dont give the chancellor a vote of confidence he can ask Germanys president to dissolve the Bundestag and call for early elections.

In a weekly survey conducted for Bild am Sonntag, the Social Democrats, Greens and Free Democrats together had support of only 32% of voters, 20 percentage points less than they captured in the 2021 election and the lowest ever measured by opinion research institute INSA for the three-party coalition.

The Christian Democrats and their Bavarian sister party gained 2 percentage points on the week and also scored 32%.

Scholzs ruling coalition recently suffered stinging electoral defeats in two key economic powerhouses, piling pressure on Germanys fractious government in Berlin. All three governing parties shed support in Bavaria and Hesse, home to about a fifth of Germanys electorate, amid deepening voter frustration.

The far-right Alternative for Germany  known as the AfD  emerged as the second-strongest force in Hesse and ran third in Bavaria, underlining its growing national presence.

(Updates with election poll in eighth paragraph)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Israel observed a day of mourning on Saturday for the tragic deaths of three Gaza hostages. The victims lost their lives when Israeli troops mistakenly identified them as a threat.

The Israeli military expressed deep remorse for the incident, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The unfortunate event has also triggered protests in Tel Aviv, highlighting the public's outrage and demand for justice. Israel's military acknowledged on Friday that it had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages during a ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Hostages Tragically Killed in Gaza Operation

The victims of the mistaken gunfire were identified as 28-year-old Yotam Haim, 24-year-old Samer Talalka, and 26-year-old Alon Shamriz, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in an official statement. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed profound grief, stating, "Together with the entire people of Israel, I bow my head in deep sorrow and mourn the fall of three of our dear sons who were kidnapped."

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF's chief spokesperson, addressed the tragic incident during a press briefing, revealing that the military encountered the hostages in an active combat zone. The circumstances leading to their identification as a threat remain unclear, with uncertainty about whether they had escaped or been abandoned by their Hamas captors.

The incident adds a somber note to ongoing efforts between the Biden administration and Israel to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. White House spokesperson John Kirby termed the deaths "heartbreaking," confirming that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the raid. The US emphasized the need for a thorough Israeli investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mistaken killings.

The Biden administration has consistently urged Israel to take measures to minimize civilian casualties. The regretful occurrence gives rise to inquiries regarding Israel's capability to execute accurate strikes and has incited calls for a more thorough investigation of what happened that caused the erroneous murders, according to USA Today.

Read Also: [STUDY] Domestic Cats Kill Over 2000 Species on Average

Israel Urgently Seeks Hostages' Return

Earlier, US President Joe Biden had expressed concern about civilian deaths and emphasized the importance of Israel being more careful in its military operations. The deaths of the three hostages occurred amid a fragile one-week temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which had resulted in the release of about 100 hostages.

Yotam Haim's mother, Iris Haim, had been tirelessly seeking her son's return since his abduction more than two months ago. She recounted the harrowing moments of their last conversation, shedding light on the fear and desperation Yotam experienced during the Hamas terrorist attack.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expressed deep regret for the recent killings, recognizing the incident's tragic nature. The IDF has taken swift action by launching an immediate investigation into the matter. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, "This is a tragic incident; the IDF bears responsibility. This is an area where the soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers."

Israel's attention remains fixed on the urgent task of locating the missing individuals and guaranteeing the safe return of all hostages. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the intricate nature and dangers involved in military operations within areas of conflict. It emphasizes the need for a dedicated effort to reduce harm to civilians and to carry out comprehensive inquiries to avoid the recurrence of such tragic events in the times ahead, Daily Mail reported.

Related Article: Friendly Fire: IDF Admits Killing 3 Israeli Hostages During Ground Ops in Gaza

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Bloomberg) -- When Giorgia Meloni first staged an annual political festival, her top guests were colleagues from her small, far-right party. On Saturday, star billing went to Elon Musk, the worlds wealthiest man.

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A shrinking population poses a major risk to Italys workforce that cant be addressed solely through immigration, Musk said in central Rome, adding that countries including Italy must maintain their cultural identities. Fears about climate change are somewhat overblown in the short term, he added.

The Tesla Inc. CEO and owner of the X social media network held one of his young sons in his arms as he took the stage at Melonis Atreju festival.

Addressing a packed audience gathered in SantAngelo Castle - once a prison and a fortress for popes - Musk said its important to have children and create the new generation. As simple as it sounds, if people do not have children there is no new generation.

The billionaire warned of the dangers of woke mind-virus, a favorite talking point, and of unchecked migration. He also said that X, formerly Twitter, was already seeing advertisers return after recent controversy over extremist content. I think X will be fine, he said.

Musk spoke amid a festive, Christmas market-like atmosphere, surrounded by fans of all ages who were also on hand to enjoy traditional Roman whipped cream maritozzi and pizza with porchetta, a spicy cured meat.

Even though Musk has recently met with several world leaders, his participation at Saturdays gathering marks a rare appearance for the tech billionaire at a political event hosted by a single party  in this case, the Brothers of Italy group.

Immigration isnt enough to combat population shrinking, he said. There is value in cultures, we dont want Italy as a culture to disappear, we want to maintain a reasonable cultural identity of those countries or they wont be those countries, Musk added. Italys birth rate hit a historical low last year.

Melonis event dates back to 1998 and is named after a key character in the novel and film The Neverending Story, reflecting the premiers personal interest in fantasy literature.

Musk took the stage after Albanias premier Edi Rama and ahead of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, pointing to the rising stature of an event once attended mostly by junior party officials.

The high-level line-up is a win for Meloni, just back from Brussels, where over a bottle of red wine she triangulated with Frances Emmanuel Macron and Germanys Olaf Scholz to unblock Hungarys veto over Ukraines accession process to the EU, according to people familiar with the matter.

As the conferences profile has risen recent editions have seen guests that included Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon, as well as left-wing speakers including former Italian Premier Enrico Letta. Musks appearance followed a conversation on diversity and civil rights with LGBTQ activist Paola Concia.

The billionaires visit reflects his interest in Italy and cordial relations with Meloni, with whom he met privately for over an hour in June. They share concerns about Italys demographic crisis and the risks of artificial intelligence.

Musk traveled to Italy as he cares about the future of the country and of Europe more broadly, according to people involved in his travel plans. South African-born Musk believes Europe is rapidly losing its cultural identity, with European Union technocrats having a negative impact, according to people briefed on his thinking.

But theres more to Musks connection with Italy. Earlier this year, press reports suggested Musk explored a possible fight against Meta Platform Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg in Romes Coliseum. Indeed, Saturdays appearance comes just days after the social media platform Threads, a competitor to Musks X, was launched in the EU.

Musks trip comes as he faces questions over the health of his businesses. Earlier this week, Tesla filed a recall report covering more than 2 million vehicles after the top US auto-safety regulator determined its driver-assistance system Autopilot doesnt do enough to prevent misuse.

Musk is also under increasing pressure after X generated little more than $600 million in advertising revenue in each of the first three quarters of the year, compared to more than $1 billion per quarter in 2022, Bloomberg reported.

--With assistance from Daniele Lepido.

(Updates with additional comments from fifth paragraph.)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Campaign manager said that many experts acknowledged that Gaza is a concentration camp

A manager at a controversial Muslim campaign group used a speech at a mosque to accuse Israel of turning Gaza from a concentration camp into an extermination camp.

Abdullah Saif, a regional manager for Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend), made the comments during a speech at Mahmud Sabir Masjid  which is a registered charity  in Birmingham in October.

Mend describes itself as a not-for-profit company which helps to empower and encourage British Muslims within local communities to be more actively involved in British media and politics.

In the Independent Review of the Prevent programme published in February, the reports author Sir William Shawcross said it had a history of partnering with actors of extremism concern  something denied by Mend, who criticised the report as mendacious.

On Oct 24, Mr Saif delivered a workshop at the mosque on how Muslims should voice our concerns properly about Israels actions after the Oct 7 attack by Hamas.

Criticising Israels record in Gaza, he said: When its mentioned that Gaza is a concentration camp, theres usually a rebuttal from the Zionist side saying you cant call it a concentration camp, what happened in the Holocaust was a concentration camp.

You say, no, thats not what a concentration camp is, that was an extermination camp in the Holocaust, yeah? And Gaza has been a concentration camp since 2015 when basically they were able to concentrate a group of people in a limited space, controlling every avenue and everything about it. But now it is, and has turned into, an extermination camp.

The invoking of concentration and extermination camps to describe the situation in Gaza is highly controversial because of their connotations with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism, it is an anti-Semitic trope to draw comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the repugnant rhetoric. Religious leaders should be trying to ease communal tensions right now, not inflame them, yet we are seeing rhetoric like this far too often, a spokesman said.

Stephen Evans, the chief executive of the National Secular Society, said it was alarming to see charities involved in the dissemination of divisive rhetoric.

Mr Saif has meanwhile also reposted a number of controversial tweets on X.

He reposted a tweet on Oct 7 from the former Labour MP, Chris Williamson, criticising the BBCs appallingly one-sided coverage of the situation in Palestine, in which Mr Williamson said: The Israel military and settlers are the militants NOT the Palestinian freedom fighters.

Mr Saif also retweeted a video in November posted by a separate account purporting to tell the truth about what really happened on October 7.

The video claims that Palestinians didnt rape women, they didnt torture civilians  despite well documented reports that Hamas did both.

Resistance fighters from Gaza carried out a daring military operation against a juggernaut and they succeeded, the video said.

Palestinian resistance is working this is why [the Israelis] are lying about what occurred on October 7th they have resorted to committing atrocities and spreading atrocity propaganda lies. They have to make what Hamas did on October 7th dirty.

In response, Mr Saif said that many experts acknowledged that Gaza is a concentration camp not least the late Baruch Kimmerling, Israeli scholar and a professor of sociology at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, wrote in 2003 in his book Politicide, that the Gaza Strip has become the largest concentration camp ever to exist.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines the term concentration camp as: A camp where persons are confined, usually without hearings and typically under harsh conditions, often as a result of their membership in a group which the government has identified as dangerous or undesirable  this definition of concentration camp aptly describes Gaza.

My addition, that Gaza is now an extermination camp, reflects the sentiments of many that are witnessing before their very eyes the tens of thousands that have been killed and wounded by Israeli aggression and their genocidal attack on the civilians of Gaza.

No monopoly on language

Mr Saif said he did not agree with the IHRA definition on anti-Semitism, saying that many Israeli and international civil society organisations have stated the IHRA definition is being used to shield Israel from criticism.

He added: There can be no monopoly on language, and the term concentration camp existed before the atrocious policy of the Nazis, but in the opinion of many, it adequately describes Israels policy in Gaza.

Of his retweets, Mr Saif said that retweets are not endorsements, and that he shared Mr Williamsons tweet because he found it to be an interesting sentiment.

On the video, he said he retweeted as it was a perspective that included information that I had not come across before, notably about Israeli army involvement in attacking its own civilians caught in the crossfire with Hamas.

He added: However, I take on board that some may construe it as glamourising the attack and will take down my retweet.

In a statement, the trustees of Mahmud Sabir Masjid said: In light of the horrific events which took place on the 7th October 2023 in Israel and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, many people across communities in Birmingham are distressed at the scale of human suffering.

As an organisation we stand against any form of discrimination and injustice including but not limited to anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racism.

The masjid invites a range of speakers to talk on a variety of topics. This does not mean that all views presented are reflective of the views of the masjid. However, plurality in a liberal democracy is important.

We ensure that due diligence checks are carried out for any speaker and ensure no proscribed groups or support for proscribed groups is permitted, in keeping with our legal duty.

We categorically refute any claim of promoting regressive and hateful messages.

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.
Blipped Out

Ever since the first fast radio burst was discovered in 2007, scientists have been racing to understand the unusual flashes of radio waves emanating from extremely distant locations.

Some of these signals blip at astonishingly regular intervals, while some blast out extremely powerful flashes all at once, lighting up ground-based radio dishes like a Christmas tree for mere milliseconds.

Some FRBs emit as much energy in a fraction of a second as the Sun does in a few days. One signal that astonished astronomers earlier this year had been pulsing every 20 minutes since at least 1988.

And while scientists can still only hazard a guess as to what's behind them, the latest fast radio burst that was just discovered is only adding to the mystery  and highlighting just how much we still have to learn about the celestial phenomenon.

Ready SETI Go

As detailed in a new study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society this week, researchers spotted a "never-before-seen" burst dubbed FRB 20220912A using the SETI Institute's Allen Telescope Array, a collection of 42 antennae stretching out across the Cascade Mountains in California.

Over two months, the team detected 35 bursts from a single source. Unlike previous FRBs that repeated over time, the team noticed that the signal dropped in the center frequency of the bursts, kind of like a "celestial slide whistle," as CNN put it.

Despite their best efforts, the team wasn't able to detect a regular timing between each of the bursts.

Strange as that is, the findings could still help scientists get a better sense of where to look for more signals like it.

"This work is exciting because it provides both confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of some new ones," said SETI Institute researcher and lead study author Sofia Sheikh in a statement.

Scientists are still hunting for a source behind these FRBs. One popular theory that some have since put forth is that these signals could be released by the extremely magnetized remains of a collapsed star that might be emitting these radio waves like a cosmic lighthouse.

"Were narrowing down the source of FRBs, for example, to extreme objects such as magnetars, but no existing model can explain all of the properties that have been observed so far," Sheikh added.

More on FRBs: Scientists Intercept Signal That Took 8 Billion Years to Reach Earth
The Smithsonian would love to display the first vehicle to achieve powered flight on another world, but with NASA's Ingenuity helicopter still busy setting records on Mars, the Washington, D.C. institution has accepted the next best thing.



Officials from NASA and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum marked the agency's donation of the aerial prototype for Ingenuity into the museum's collection at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia on Friday (Dec. 15). The full-scale prototype was the first to demonstrate that an aircraft could fly in the atmosphere of another planet during tests performed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California.



The prototype's first free flight in a simulated Mars environment gave NASA the confidence to commit to sending Ingenuity to Mars. The helicopter and its companion Perseverance rover landed in Jezero Crater on Feb. 18, 2021.



"This is something that I had at the top of my wish list ever since I heard that Ingenuity was flying along with Perseverance," Matt Shindell, curator for planetary science and exploration at the National Air and Space Museum, said in an interview with collectSPACE.com. "I really wanted to bring into the museum at some point some piece of [the Mars Helicopter's] development that would speak to both the process of developing this new technology and to represent that technology itself in future exhibits."



The prototype's May 31, 2016 flight took place in JPL's Space Simulator, a 25-foot-wide (7.6 meters) vacuum chamber. The Martian atmosphere was simulated by first evacuating the air from the chamber and then backfilling it with a small amount of carbon dioxide.

Related: Mars helicopter Ingenuity: First aircraft to fly on Red Planet

The prototype was built to be the same size as the rotorcraft flown to Mars, but differed in construction in some significant ways.



"The system was still a skeleton," Teddy Tzanetos, Ingenuity's project manager, said in a 2020 presentation delivered as part of a workshop on planetary exploration robots. "It had the [infrared] tracking balls to track the motion of the helicopter in the chamber, but there was no power system on board, no computer on board. It was really just an actuator, but this let us baby-step our way forward."



"A lot of Ingenuity [was] baby-stepping the entire project forward one step at a time to get ready for launch," Tzanetos said. "This [the first flight of the prototype] was the big check mark for the project to say, 'Yes! We can fly controllably in the Mars atmosphere. Let's move on to the next step.'"



The prototype was followed by more complete engineering models that integrated the needed systems for what would become the Mars Helicopter. As of Friday, Ingenuity had completed 67 flights, including 63 devoted to scouting out the path forward for the Perseverance rover. Its team is now preparing to fly Ingenuity on its longest flight to date  2,717 feet (828 m)  which is considerably farther than the current distance record of 2,310 feet (704 m) set on flight 25 in 2022.



Ingenuity's 68th flight is targeted for a top speed of 22.4 miles per hour (36 kph), which will tie a velocity record set this past October. The hop will last 147 seconds and take the helicopter a maximum of 33 feet (10 m) above the Martian surface.

closeup of a small, four-rotor drone resting on the martian surface.

RELATED STORIES:

 Mars helicopter Ingenuity snaps incredible aerial photo of Perseverance rover during 51st flight

 Perseverance rover: Everything you need to know

 Perseverance Mars rover snaps amazing shot of dusty Ingenuity helicopter (photo)

While Ingenuity continues to fly, its prototype will begin undergoing conservation and treatment so that the Smithsonian can properly store and display it for years to come. A decision as to where it will be exhibited in the National Air and Space Museum has yet to be made.



"What gets sent to Mars, except in rare instances, doesn't come back to us," said Shindell. "So what we tend to end up collecting are the prototypes and the engineering models, the things that are developed along the way to a successful spacecraft mission and then allow the engineers to solve problems and develop the technology as they go."



"We're happy that they can also stand in for the flown spacecraft, but really what determines their significance to us as curators and why they belong in the museum's collection is that they played a pivotal role in the development of the flown mission," he said. "This prototype is really a wonderful example of why these unknown articles are historically significant and need to be preserved by museums."

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
NASA releases image of largest solar flare in years that interfered with aircraft

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  NASA has released a photo of the largest solar flare in years, which led to radio communication interference with aircraft on Thursday.

The solar flare peaked at about noon on Thursday, according to NASA. The solar flare was classified as an X2.8 flare  a class denoting the most intense flares.

Courtesy: NASA

The Space Weather Prediction Center said the flare is likely one of the largest solar radio events ever recorded.

Multiple NWS Center Weather Service Units at FAA facilities reported radio communication interference from aircrafts, according to SWPC.

Courtesy: NOAA/SWPC

According to the SWPC, Thursdays flare was the largest since September 2017, when an X8.2 flare was recorded.

Courtesy: NOAA/SWPC

The SWPC will monitor the region where the flare occurred due to its potential to produce additional flares.

Solar flares are bursts of energy from the sun, which can impact radio communication, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA. They can also pose risk to spacecraft and astronauts.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Allies fear that the mysterious disappearance of prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny from his penal colony may lead to dire consequences, including potential harm orchestrated by the Kremlin.

The outspoken opposition leader, currently serving a 19-year sentence on fraud convictions, was last seen by his lawyers on December 6, prompting an immediate alert from allies concerned about his well-being, as per Mail Online.

Alexei Navalny's Vanishing Act Raises Alarms

The disclosure of Navalny's transfer from Penal Colony No. 6 in the town of Melekhovo, Vladimir region, unfolded during a hearing related to a lawsuit filed by Navalny against officials at the maximum-security facility. The hearing was abruptly adjourned following this revelation.

Navalny's whereabouts, since losing contact with his lawyers on December 6, remains unknown. His spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, revealed that the politician's lawyer was informed in court that Navalny had "left the Vladimir region" on Monday, with uncertainty about his exact destination.

A document from the Vladimir branch of the State Penitentiary Service, cited during the hearing, stated that Navalny left the penal colony "for a correctional facility located outside the Vladimir region." However, no specifics about the destination were provided.

Navalny, serving a 19-year term on charges of extremism, was expected to be transferred to a high-security "special regime" penal colony known for its stringent conditions within the Russian penitentiary system.

Russian prison transfers, recognized for their protracted timelines, pose challenges in accessing information about prisoners during the process. Navalny could potentially be moved to various penal colonies across Russia.

The opposition leader, detained since January 2021, has been a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, leading campaigns against official corruption and organizing significant anti-Kremlin protests. His arrest followed his return from Germany, where he recovered from nerve agent poisoning that he attributed to the Kremlin.

Despite Navalny's rejection of charges as politically motivated, he has faced three prison terms and endured months in isolation for alleged minor infractions, according to The Washington Times.

Read Also: Nepal Hindu Festival 2023: Dogs Pampered as Part of Celebration-Here's Why

Global Concerns Rise Over Navalny's Disappearance

Recent developments, including lawyers being denied access to Navalny, undelivered letters, and his absence from scheduled court hearings, have heightened concerns. Yarmysh disclosed that Navalny fell ill, apparently fainting "out of hunger," and is enduring harsh conditions, including minimal outdoor time and deprivation of food.

Navalny's allies, anticipating his transfer to a "special regime" colony, the most severe in Russia's prison system, raised the alarm about his disappearance and the lack of contact with lawyers since December 6.

The process of transporting prisoners across Russia, often taking weeks, makes it challenging for lawyers and families to obtain information about the location and well-being of individuals until they reach their destination.

Sota. Vision, an online Russian-language news outlet, reported on a note from the prison service in the Vladimir region during a court session on Friday. The note stated that Navalny left Penal Colony No. 6 for a facility outside the Vladimir region in accordance with a Moscow City Court verdict.

Navalny's arrival at the new facility, undisclosed in the note, will be revealed within the framework of current legislation. However, Navalny's spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, expressed uncertainty about his location and emphasized that lawyers have not been allowed to meet with him since December 6.

The disappearance of Navalny, who voluntarily returned to Russia in 2021 from Germany, where he received treatment for nerve agent poisoning, has drawn international concern. The United States, deeply worried about Navalny's well-being, reminded Russian authorities of their responsibility for his safety.

Despite Kremlin denials of tracking individual prisoners' movements, the situation underscores the ongoing tension between the Kremlin and dissenting voices in Russia, emphasizing the challenges faced by opposition figures, South China Morning Post reported.

Related Article: Alexei Navalny Supporters Claim Jailed Russian Opposition Leader is Missing From Prison

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Beach is commemorating the lives of those who died while experiencing homelessness through a memorial.

National Homeless Persons Memorial Day is a time for people across the nation to come together. It is typically held on the longest night of the year, or the winter solstice. Virginia Beach residents are welcomed to join Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation, the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and the BEACH Community Partnership on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the House Resource Center.

Every day, so many in our community are working together to impact the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing, said Ruth Hill, director of Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation. From the churches that host overnight shelter during the winter to our nonprofit partners that connect the homeless to permanent housing to our Housing Resource Center staff who assist families and individuals in finding or sustaining stable housing, and more. This day is a powerful reminder that our work must continue and one we hope will inspire more in our community to join our mission of making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring in Virginia Beach, until everyone is able to have a safe warm place to call home.

Keep up to date with the latest news on WAVY.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
North Carolina Democrats had a plan this year: compete in every single General Assembly district in the 2024 cycle. All 170 of them.

They didnt want to repeat what happened in 2022, when Democrats left a quarter of all state House and Senate races uncontested, allowing Republicans to come within one seat of a legislative supermajority. Forty-four seats didnt have a Democrat on the ballot in 2022  30 in the House and 14 in the Senate.

That, among other tensions, was one of the driving forces behind the partys leadership shakeup earlier this year. People werent just frustrated about losing  they were frustrated about not even trying. The new state party chair, Anderson Clayton, vowed to change that by fielding candidates in all General Assembly districts in 2024.

We left 44 seats uncontested. That is something that shouldnt have happened, Clayton told me before her election in January. And now I think that we know as Democrats, that doesnt help us turn out the base.

2024 will be different. Of those 44 seats left uncontested in 2022, all but one will have a Democrat running in 2024, as of the end of the candidate filing period on Friday. In fact, there are only two legislative districts that wont have a Democratic candidate on the ballot. Republicans didnt do as well  theyll leave 33 districts uncontested in 2024.

Senate District 37, which extends from Iredell County to northern Mecklenburg, is one of the districts that didnt have a Democratic candidate on the ballot last year. Its a deeply Republican district, but a Democrat signed up to run anyway: Kate Barr. Barr has no illusions about pulling off an upset victory  her campaign logo says Kate Barr cant win and she says shes only running to ensure there are two names on the ballot.

Democrats face a challenge in fielding candidates for deeply conservative, rural districts. Its not easy to find someone who is willing to invest time, money and energy into a campaign thats more or less doomed from the start. Most of the races that Democrats left uncontested in 2022 were in districts that favored Republicans by 10 or 20 points. Republicans face a similar challenge in urban areas  they wont have a candidate on the ballot in a lot of districts in Raleigh and Charlotte this cycle.

But going out and hitting the campaign trail helps Democrats begin to lay infrastructure in those parts of the state, which oftentimes are areas that they have long ignored. It may not translate to immediate success, but it pays off in the long run, especially in close statewide races, where just a handful of votes here and there can determine the outcome.

Take Senate District 36, for example. The western North Carolina district favors Republicans by 26 points, according to the Civitas Partisan Index, making it one of the most conservative districts in the entire legislature. No Democrat ran in it last year. But this time, somebody stepped up: Darren Staley, a first-time candidate with a blue-collar background.

The last time Democrats had this many candidates on the ballot was in 2018, when nearly every state House and Senate district featured a Republican and Democratic candidate following a major recruiting push from both parties. In the end, it paid off: Democrats ended up breaking through the GOPs supermajority.

But in 2022, leaving races uncontested ended up hurting Democrats even in districts where they did have a candidate on the ballot. Stephen Wiley, the House GOP caucus director, told WRAL last year that the lack of competition in districts where Republicans had expected a tighter race actually freed up resources to spend elsewhere. Republicans ended up flipping several seats held by Democrats, enabling them to take back a supermajority in the Senate and a near-supermajority in the House, which became an outright supermajority when Rep. Tricia Cotham switched parties.

The fact that so many races will be contested this year might be good for Democrats, but its better news for democracy. Voters deserve a choice, but more importantly, they deserve the effort of a campaign. When a candidate has a legitimate opponent running against them, they have to work harder to earn votes, and they become more accessible and accountable to the people they are seeking to represent. If theyre the only person on the ballot, they could theoretically make it to public office without ever speaking to a single constituent. It doesnt matter what your political beliefs are  we should all welcome a little competition.
For the first time in six years, Doctor Who is part of BBC One's Christmas Day line-up. And there's a new Doctor taking control of the Tardis.

Ncuti Gatwa's 15th Doctor has already been seen in action, when he appeared earlier this month in the final special featuring David Tennant's 14th Doctor.

But the Christmas Day special is Gatwa's first full episode, an occasion when the BBC expects millions to sit down with their families to watch and enjoy.

It is not surprising that the actor, who's been filming his first series for most of this year, has spent a lot of that time feeling anxious about the weight of expectation.

"Exactly," he says.

"It's daunting taking on a role with a lot of history, which is where my anxiety has come from. Because you want to do a good job, because the show lives in people's hearts.

"Rightfully so, because it's a magical show. And it is our show, it is a British show. It's part of our family. And you don't want to let the family down.

"And so yeah, I was very nervous to keep this beloved sacred thing beloved and sacred."

Constant anxiety

Gatwa, who made his name as one of the stars of Netflix hit Sex Education, was announced as the new Doctor in May 2022 and began filming this February.

He says the anxiety, not helped by such a long build-up, has never really gone away.

"From the moment I wake up, to the moment I go to bed, it's anxiety," he says.

"But people tell me that it means that I care. And I do, I love the show massively.

"It is also hard. It's a hard role. It's a prestigious role, which means that it is complex and difficult. And I'm just trying to do my best. Hopefully I've done that. But yeah, you're anxious to do a good job."

All this is said with a huge smile and is interspersed with laughter - giving the clear impression that he isn't letting these feelings diminish how much he's been enjoying playing an alien exploring time and space.

The 15th Doctor hits the dancefloor in the Christmas special

And, like his predecessors, he's brought something different to the role. Early in the Christmas special, he's seen dancing and whirling on a nightclub dancefloor, filled with euphoria and excitement.

I suggest that, among the new elements he's brought to this incarnation of the Time Lord, are incredible passion, energy and perhaps a youthful sexiness.

"Do I?" he laughs. "Cool! I think we've all been sexy in our own way."

He laughs again. "I think I've just tried to bring energy and fun."

There's certainly an abundance of that in the story, which sees the Doctor and his new companion Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson) take on a shipload of singing and dancing goblins.

"Yeah," he says. "We are bringing a little musical flair to this Christmas special."

Symbolic casting

More seriously, it's inevitable that his casting as the first black actor to take on the show's lead role will be seen as symbolic.

"I think it means that we're here, and we're not going anywhere," Gatwa says.

"I mean, Doctor Who is a show that kind of reflects where Britain is at, in a way, because it's so quintessentially British.

"It's been on our screens for so long, it's a bit of a mirror to where we are in society.

"And so I think it's showing that we're here, and we're part of the cultural landscape. And we're not going anywhere."

Ncuti Gatwa's first full series will air in 2024

Gatwa was born in Rwanda in 1992, during the country's civil war. His family fled to the UK when he was two and he grew up first in Edinburgh, then in Dunfermline.

It's something that has helped him relate to a character who shares a sense of displacement.

"Yes, I think at many times in my life I have felt like an alien," he agrees.

"A kid like me growing up in Scotland - there's been many times I felt like an alien, and so I feel like I get it.

"It's always a joy to get a character like that in which you're able to draw on elements of your own life, your own upbringing, and deliver them through the character, because fundamentally it just comes out more truthfully."

First series spoilers?

His first full series will be broadcast in 2024. What can he tell fans about what might be coming?

"I can't, I can't," he laughs. "Please don't get me in trouble now. I'm so bad with spoilers. Don't do this to me!"

But he's more willing to reflect on his experience so far of playing such a well-known role.

"How I felt playing it was, yes, joyous and triumphant and [I] just loved it. Quite simply loved it."

Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road is on BBC One on Christmas Day at 17:55 GMT.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spent the past several weeks maneuvering to maintain power and shore up public support amid attacks from political rivals, pressure from the Biden administration, and growing international criticism of his handling of the war with Hamas.

In an apparent effort to play to his right-wing base, Netanyahu publicly broke this week with President Joe Biden and rejected any talk of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He called the Oslo peace agreement, which established the Palestinian Authority in 1994 and gave it the power to govern the West Bank and Gaza, a mistake that should not be repeated. The statement was a blunt rebuke of Biden, who has called for a revamped Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza after Hamas is defeated.

Netanyahus move follows a long-running pattern of the Israeli leader making hard-line statements for his own political gain, according to current and former Israeli officials, who asked not to be named. Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving prime minister, has repeatedly fended off removal attempts in recent years by striking alliances with right-wing political parties.

U.S. and Israeli officials told NBC News that they fear Netanyahu has adopted some positions in the war against Hamas to prolong his own political survival.

Given his weak political position and the widespread expectation that he could be sidelined once the fighting ends in Gaza, they said, Netanyahu has a strong motive to prolong the military offensive.

He has every incentive to keep the war going, to ensure his political survival, one U.S. lawmaker who asked not to be named told NBC News.

At the same time, Israel is increasingly isolated internationally as the Palestinian death toll in the conflict has reached 18,700, with 70% of them women and children, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. The vast majority of the territory's 2.2 million people are displaced, and half of them are estimated to face starvation, according to the U.N.

A current Israeli official said that Netanyahu is pivoting to the right as the domestic political cost of his governments failure to prevent the Oct. 7 attack looms. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of about 240, was the worst terrorist strike in Israeli history.

Everything hes doing is with this context in mind, said the Israeli official, who asked not to be named.

After the surprise assault, Netanyahu formed a unity wartime government made up of five senior Israeli officials. It included Netanyahu; Yoav Gallant, a member of Netanyahus party who is serving as defense minister; Benny Gantz, one of Netanyahus chief political rivals; Gadi Eisenkot, a centrist politician; and Ron Dermer, one of Netanyahus closest advisers.

Six weeks later, centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid became the first major Israeli political figure to call for Netanyahu to resign, criticizing him for his handling of the war.

Netanyahu needs to go now during the fighting, Lapid said on Israels Channel 12 news. The country is going to a bad place.

Yair Lapid. (Eyal Warshavsky / SOPA Images / Getty Images)

Netanyahus political position was precarious before the attack. Following a corruption inquiry, he formed a government with far- right factions in Parliament. He then mounted an effort to overhaul the judicial system that was criticized as an effort to increase his own power and undermine Israeli democracy. Street protests ensued that tore the country apart.

Retired general and center-left politician Amos Yadlin has put much of the blame for Israels intelligence failure leading up to Oct. 7 on the chaos that resulted from the Netanyahu governments proposed judicial reform.

Netanyahu got all the warnings  from his defense minister, from the chief of staff, from the head of intelligence, from the head of Shin Bet and from independent writers like me, like others  that this is weakening Israel deterrence and endangering Israeli national security, Yadlin told Politico three weeks after the attack.

Eisenkot, a member of the unity government whose son and nephew were recently killed in fighting in Gaza, has also been cited as a potential political rival to Netanyahu. Eisenkot, a former senior military leader, opposed Netanyahus judicial reforms.

Some analysts contend that Netanyahus pivot to the right makes sense for a politician seeking to strengthen domestic support before worrying about global public opinion. They also noted that some of Netanyahus positions are not outside the political norm in Israel post-Oct. 7.

While Biden has expressed support for a two-state solution, Israeli leaders across the political spectrum have said they are not ready to talk about establishing a Palestinian state after the massacre.

Maybe it seems logical to the world right now, but it doesnt make sense, said Israeli columnist and commentator Nadav Eyal.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, a member of the left-wing Labor Party, told The Associated Press this week that he is urging allies not to jump immediately to talk of a two-state solution. There is an emotional chapter here that must be dealt with, Herzog said. My nation is bereaving. My nation is in trauma.

Michael Singh, a former senior director for Middle East affairs at the National Security Council during the George W. Bush Administration, predicted that it will take time for a post-Oct. 7 realignment to occur in Israeli politics. He said it's not clear whether opposition leaders and public opinion will unify against Netanyahu, or the fractured politics that he has used to remain in power will continue.

Once the dust settles in Gaza, you are going to have a really difficult process of accountability for Oct. 7 and potentially a resurfacing of the preexisting divisions, he said. Itll really be all-consuming for Israeli society. We have to be patient and let this play out.

Lapid, the opposition leader, said he was ready to create a national reconstruction government led by Netanyahus Likud party, right-wing parties and Gantzs National Unity party, but he said that Netanyahu cannot lead it.

Singh, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, cautioned that the removal of a figure who has dominated Israeli politics for decades is not preordained. Bibi has a very tough road to hoe here if you look at his approval ratings, Singh said. But you can never count him out.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
An Israeli flag is covered in red paint at the Tel Aviv demonstration over hostages (AHMAD GHARABLI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Saturday to keep up the military pressure on Hamas, despite anguished appeals from relatives of hostages held in Gaza for a return to negotiations after friendly fire killed three captives.

The Israeli army revealed earlier that the three hostages were carrying a white flag and cried for help in Hebrew, when they were mistakenly fired on by Israeli troops.

The news of their killing sparked protests in Israel, with the relatives of the remaining hostages expressing concern their loved ones could be next and urging Netanyahu to return to the negotiating table.

"All we get again and again are dead hostages," Noam Perry, daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"Our demand is not a fight (with the government). It's a call that anyone would have made if it had been their father. Take us into consideration and come up with a plan now (for negotiation)."

More than 100 of the 250 Israelis and foreigners seized by Palestinian militants during unprecedented October 7 attacks were released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners during a week-long truce last month.

Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old soldier Itai, who is among the remaining 129 captives, said: "We feel like we're in a Russian roulette game (finding out) who will be next in line to be told the death of their loved one.

Israel has previously said eight other hostages have died.

But Netanyahu was adamant that military force was needed for any new negotiations to succeed.

"With all the deep sorrow, I want to clarify: the military pressure is necessary both for the return of the kidnapped and for achieving victory over our enemies," he said.

"The guidance I give to the negotiations team is based on this pressure, and without it we have nothing," he said.

Hamas said Saturday that it would not "open any negotiations to exchange prisoners unless the aggression against our people stops completely".

After Hamas's October 7 attacks, which killed 1,139 people, mostly civilians, Israel launched relentless bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages.

Its assault has left much of the territory in ruins and has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas authorities who rule the territory.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that during fighting in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, troops "mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed".

An army official said the hostages were all "without shirts" and had "a stick with a white cloth on it", but a soldier felt threatened and opened fire.

"Two are killed immediately, one is injured and runs back into the building," the official said, adding that the soldiers heard "a cry for help... in Hebrew".

Despite a ceasefire order, "there's another burst of fire towards the third figure and he also dies."

The official called it a "tragic" event and "very hard day", but said the troops had faced "intense combat in the area".

- Christians shot dead -

The three hostages' deaths have heightened already fierce scrutiny of how Israel is conducting its military operations in Gaza.

The administration of United States President Joe Biden, which provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, has voiced growing concern over civilian deaths.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, who is heading to Israel as part of a Middle East visit, will highlight America's steadfast support of its ally but also "discuss steps Israel is taking to mitigate civilian harm," the Defense Department said.

News platform Axios said the director of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, was due to meet this weekend in an unspecified location in Europe with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who helped negotiate the earlier truce.

In Gaza, fierce fighting continued.

The Israeli army said it had raided two schools which it said were Hamas hiding places in Gaza City.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said a Christian mother and daughter were shot dead by an Israeli soldier on the grounds of the Gaza Strip's only Catholic church.

"Nahida and her daughter Samar were shot and killed as they walked to the Sister's Convent. One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety," the patriarchate said in a statement.

Seven more people were wounded by gunfire as they tried to protect others in the grounds of the Holy Family Church, where Christian families have been sheltering since the war broke out.

The Israeli army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The funeral was held in Gaza of Samer Abu Daqqa, a journalist with television network Al Jazeera killed by an Israeli strike on Khan Yunis on Friday. His colleague Wael al-Dahdouh was wounded.

More than 60 journalists and media staff have died since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

- Widening fallout -

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, eight Palestinians were arrested in Israeli raids, Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

The war continues to be felt across the Middle East and has raised fears of a broader conflict.

Israel has exchanged regular fire with militants, mainly the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah, across its northern border with Lebanon.

The Israeli army said a soldier was killed and two others wounded in the Margaliot area on the Lebanese boundary. A spokesperson confirmed to AFP the casualties were caused by a "hostile aircraft".

The conflict has also caused major disruption to the key Red Sea shipping lane between Asia and Europe, with two more major firms announcing they were redirecting their vessels following repeated attacks by Yemeni rebels allied with Hamas.

The action by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and CMA CGM follows similar moves on Friday by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

It comes after Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels launched repeated attacks on passing vessels in recent days.

The rebels also launched a wave of 14 one-way attack drones on Saturday, all of which were "shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries", the US military's Central Command said.

burs-kir/it
The 300,000-a-year boss of one of Britains busiest railway lines has agreed to resign after a string of overhead power and track failures, including one that left thousands of passengers stranded on trains for hours.

Michelle Handforth, Network Rail managing director for the Wales & Western region from Paddington, is stepping down after the rail regulator launched an investigation into poor punctuality caused by repeated faults and emergency closures.

Ms Handforth, who lives in Aberdeen and commutes to her job, often by plane, told colleagues this week she had taken the difficult decision to resign.

Seven trains  four Elizabeth line, two Heathrow Express and a Great Western Railway intercity service  were stranded when high-voltage overhead power lines came crashing down at Ladbroke Grove, near Paddington, on 7 December. Passengers on the Elizabeth line commuter trains, which have no toilets, were forced to urinate on seats or the tracks in darkness. Among those stuck were musician James Blunt and presenter Rachel Riley.

Overhead power lines came down near Paddington on 7 December, causing major disruption (PA)

It came after at least five other track faults, including a broken rail at Iver, near Slough, on 21 November caused cancellations and delays to services between London and Bristol, Wales and southwest England.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has launched an investigation into performance issues on the line. Feras Alshaker, its director of performance and planning, said Network Rail had improved elsewhere but the trunk route from Paddington has continued to deteriorate, meaning poor reliability and punctuality for passengers and freight.

Despite the chaos, Ms Handforth, 60, will continue to work her notice period, assigned to special projects. She joined Network Rail in August 2020, having previously been boss of Aberdeen Harbour Board.

In July, it emerged she claimed almost 10,000 in the last financial year for 72 flights in connection with her job, as her contract allowed her to claim travel and accommodation expenses. Network Rail spent a total of 188,006 on UK domestic flights for employees and another 315,026 on international plane trips over the same period, according to its annual report. Among Ms Handforths flights were two 536 return trips from Aberdeen to Bristol with Loganair.

It took up to four hours to evacuate stranded passengers to safety in the 7 December chaos at Ladbroke Grove (PA Media)

Rob Cairns, who is currently Network Rails eastern regional capital delivery director, will take over in the interim from 1 January until a permanent successor can be found.

Network Rail confirmed Ms Handforths departure. Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive and one of the passengers caught up in the 7 December chaos, said: I would like to thank Michelle for her hard work and support over these past three and a half years.

Been stuck somewhere outside Paddington for close to 4 hours now. Out of peanuts and wine. Can someone please contact @Dominos_UK. This is an emergency. https://t.co/Jr2I68AMlI  James Blunt (@JamesBlunt) December 7, 2023

In her message to colleagues this week, Ms Handforth said: Its been a real privilege to work with you all through the highs and lows of the past couple of years, and while this decision is a real wrench to me, I believe it is the right one for me, my family and the business.

Crumbling infrastructure on the western main line from Paddington has been blamed for the unreliability of the 18bn new Elizabeth line, which finally opened in 2021. However, it has also repeatedly been crippled by software and door faults on its new trains.
Alex Batty went missing at age 11 in 2017 while on vacation with his mother and grandfather.

He was found on Wednesday walking along a mountain road in France.

His mother likely took him to pursue an "alternative lifestyle," his grandmother said.

A British boy who went missing at age 11 after going on a family vacation to Spain has been found nearly six years later walking along a road in France.

Alex Batty, now 17, had gone on vacation with his mother and grandfather, neither of whom had custody of him when he disappeared in 2017, the BBC said.

His grandmother and legal guardian, Susan Caruana, said in 2018 that she thought they had gone to pursue an "alternative lifestyle" and did not want him to go to school.

Batty told French authorities that his mother and grandfather took him to Morocco, where they spent two years before living a nomadic lifestyle, moving around the Pyrenees mountain range that straddles the border between France and Spain.

Alex Batty, from Greater Manchester, England, went missing in 2017. Greater Manchester Police/Handout via Reuters

Fabien Accidini, a part-time delivery driver and student, found the boy walking along the road early on Wednesday morning in the French Pyrenees' foothills.

"He explained that he had been walking for four days, that he set off from a place in the mountains, though he didn't say where," Accidini said, the BBC reported.

Accidini said he searched Batty's name on the internet and saw that he'd been reported missing.

He then contacted French authorities for help.

The boy told Accidini he had lived in a luxury house in Spain with about 10 people as part of a "spiritual community" before he moved to France around 2021.

Batty used Accidini's Facebook account to send a message to his grandmother, saying: "Hello Grandma, it's me, Alex. I'm in France Toulouse. I really hope that you receive this message. I love you, I want to come home."

"I am so happy. I have spoken to him, and he is well," Caruana told The Sun. "It is such a shock."

Batty said that he decided to leave the Pyrenees when his mother told him they needed to move to Finland, though the BBC said it's not clear why she wanted to make the move.

According to the BBC, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British equivalent to a ministry of foreign affairs, said: "We are supporting a British national in France and are in contact with local authorities."

Read the original article on Business Insider
For many New Hampshire public school students, getting breakfast at school is not a priority.

The Granite State has one of the largest divides in the country between the number of school breakfasts eaten and the number of school lunches eaten, according to numbers from the Food Research and Action Center. While an average of 95,337 students per day ate school-provided lunch in the 2021-2022 school year, fewer than half of those students  45,192  also ate breakfast, the center found in a 2023 report.

That ratio puts New Hampshire in the bottom 16 states in the country. Now, educators and child anti-hunger advocates are urging Granite State schools to increase their promotion of school breakfasts and make it easier for students to eat them.

Students eat breakfast before classes at Red Feather Lakes Elementary School in Red Feather Lakes, Colo., on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

School breakfast has maybe a bad rap, said Amy Hollar, the SNAP-Ed director at the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.  Its better than it used to be. And it can get even better the more of us that embrace it and work together to make school meals a priority.

This school year, nine school districts are competing in the School Breakfast Challenge, in which each district will attempt to increase the number of students eating breakfast by the highest percentage by March.

Organized by New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, an advocacy group, as well as the UNH Cooperative Extension and the New England Dairy Council, the competition aims to empower and encourage schools to launch campaigns promoting breakfast.

Educators and child anti-hunger advocates say school breakfasts help increase nutrition, boost attentiveness, and increase reimbursement to schools.

We know that kids that eat school breakfast miss less school, said Hollar. Theyre more alert and focused.

The competition has been accompanied by a series of webinars to give school administrators ideas on how to boost breakfast participation. And it follows a template crafted in part by the University of Minnesota, which helped spearhead a four-year project in that state to do the same.

Riona Corr, deputy director of New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, said school meals are important in making sure students have consistent energy throughout the day.

And she said bringing in more students for breakfast would increase the amount they are reimbursed, which could help address school lunch debt.

The Food Research and Action Center found that New Hampshire schools could collectively receive $8.6 million more in school meal reimbursements per year if 70 percent of the students who eat lunch at school also ate breakfast.

Say theres 50 percent of the school whos participating in free and reduced lunch, Corr said. Why is only 8 percent of those kids participating in free breakfast?

For schools looking to expand breakfasts, educators have strategies. Schools should make the food more convenient to access and provide more flexibility to students about when they can eat it, they say.

Advocates are pushing breakfast after the bell, an approach in which schools allow students to pick up and eat breakfasts after the first class begins. Many schools require students eating breakfast to do so before that first period, which researchers say discourages many from doing it.

A lot of schools  nationwide, not just in New Hampshire  are allowing breakfast before the first bell, and then not allowing kids to eat afterward, said Corr.

Under the breakfast after the bell model, schools are encouraged to allow breakfast to be eaten in the classrooms, or in an area more convenient than the cafeteria. That could include tables with to-go food bags near entrances, or grab-and-go carts in the hallway.

And students are given more time to eat those meals, even if class has begun.

Meanwhile the UNH Cooperative Extension has developed a toolkit for nudges, or techniques school administrators can use to remind students about the breakfasts and encourage them to eat. The tips range from ways to incorporate nutrition advice into classroom curricula to pre-written jokes about breakfast that can be read out over the loudspeakers.

The challenge offers schools three participation tiers with increasing levels of commitment. Tier one is deploying the nudges; tier two involves attending New Hampshire Hunger Solutions webinar series; and tier three involves developing an action plan for a broader campaign.

For schools putting in the effort, the challenge has a modest cash prize for the largest increase in school breakfast take up: The Dairy Council has donated $1,000, which will be distributed to two of the winners, Corr said.

But the competition is only a piece of the overall effort, advocates say. The Cooperative Extension and New Hampshire Hunger Solutions are working with school food service directors and wellness committees to develop campaigns tailored to each districts challenges and needs, Corr said.

Where is your barrier? Is it administration? Is it teachers? Is it students? Corr said.

Those challenges can be hard for some schools to overcome. In some cases, low cafeteria staffing levels can hamper some of the more innovative ideas. Other times, custodial staff will raise concerns with additional cleaning needed if schools allow eating in classrooms.

Students face stigmas associated with school breakfasts. And parents might assume that the breakfasts are not nutritious, thinking back to their own childhood experiences.

All of those hurdles can be overcome, Corr said, but some are more entrenched than others. Its why the campaign is focusing on nudges as a low-cost way to get involved without overextending staff resources.

In continuing its campaign, New Hampshire advocates are following the footsteps of the University of Minnesota, which in 2013 launched its own breakfast promotion program in 16 high schools across the state.

Nutritionists at the University of Minnesota kept tabs on the schools, sorting some into control groups that received fewer resources and others into experimental groups that received budgets to launch ad campaigns.

One school took on a Hunger Games theme in an homage to the film series that had just opened in theaters, complete with lighthearted videos. Others tried taste tests where kitchen staff would experiment with new variations of recipes like banana bread and students would vote on their favorites.

There was one school where the admin was, oh my gosh, 110 percent on board, said Mary Schroeder, an extension educator for health and nutrition at the University of Minnesota. That school produced a video that included every student in the school, she added.

In one of the most innovative and effective strategies, several schools offered free breakfast for all students one day a week, carving out money in its budget to do so. That allowed everyone to try the food without fear of stigma, and helped to combat negative perceptions students may have had about its quality, Schroeder said.

When they did their pre surveys  many children said that they didnt like the taste of school breakfast, Schroeder said. But then when they asked other questions, they realized a lot of the kids who didnt like the taste of school breakfast had never eaten school breakfast.

The program, which lasted four years, produced strong results: The schools in the experimental group that received funding and pursued the recommended strategies saw a 49 percent higher increase in breakfast takeup than those that didnt, according to a report from the extension. And the extra takeup in meals brought in between $90 to $489 per day in reimbursement money to the schools, after accounting for the program start-up costs.

This year, Minnesota lawmakers made the breakfast pitch much easier: The legislature passed a universal school breakfast law making them free for all students.

New Hampshire does not pay for universal school lunches or breakfasts; students who want breakfast will need to pay full price if their family makes more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

But advocates in the Granite State say strong efforts by schools can create a word-of-mouth effect that can get more kids buying the breakfasts anyway, benefitting the school and themselves.

We want to make sure that we can promote a culture where its great to eat breakfast at school, because for some kids thats the only place theyre gonna get it, said Hollar.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH school breakfast programs lag, anti-hunger advocates say
Niger's military leaders have agreed a plan for restoring democratic rule which will be presented to regional bloc ECOWAS for approval, Togo's foreign minister Robert Dussey said.

Dussey went to Niger to negotiate with the junta on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is pushing for a quick return to constitutional order after military officers seized power in a coup in July.

"We had an enriching work session with the prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs of Niger. We worked and agreed on the content and timing of the transition," Dussey said on Niger state television late on Thursday.

"We are going to present this to the heads of states who are mediators and the ECOWAS Commission in the hope that in January, the timeline expected by ECOWAS will be known," he said, standing next to his Nigerien counterpart.

He did not give further details on what had been agreed.

ECOWAS, West Africa's main economic and political bloc, decided at a summit in Nigeria on Sunday to set up a committee of leaders from Togo, Sierra Leone and Benin to engage the Niger junta to agree "on a short transition roadmap".

The bloc said it would progressively ease sanctions on Niger based on the outcome of those talks.

(Reuters)



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

Niger faces multiple crises three months after military coup

Niger open to ECOWAS support on matters of security, minister says

West African bloc Ecowas says military intervention in Niger is 'last resort'
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Jacy Sheldon scored 15 points, Taylor Thierry added 11 and No. 12 Ohio State coasted to a 73-49 win over Division II Grand Valley State on Friday night.

Sheldon and Thierry were the only starters to play 20 minutes, both checking in at 21, and 13 Buckeyes saw action with each one putting up at least one point.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and NCAA request extended hold on transfer eligibility

It was a good tuneup for Mondays home game against No. 2 UCLA.

The Buckeyes (9-1), who have won nine straight, forced 32 turnovers, 22 of them steals, and turned those into 34 points.

Ellie Droste had 17 points for the Lakers (7-1), the second-ranked D-II team. They played even with the Buckeyes in the second half, both teams scored 30 points, and finished with a 34-30 rebounding advantage.

Thierry and Sheldon split 22 points on combined 10-for-10 shooting to help the Buckeyes take a 43-19 lead at the half.

Sheldon had seven in an 11-0 run that made it 19-7 late in the first quarter. Grand Valley State had 20 turnovers in the first half the Buckeyes converted into 25 points.

Ohio State shot 50% in the first half, 32% in the second and finished 1 for 10 from 3-point range.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Denmark has detained two individuals and is targeting four more suspects in connection with an investigation that may be linked to others across Europe associated with Hamas, a group classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and other nations.

The two suspects in custody have been ordered to stay in pretrial detention until January 9, as per prosecutor Anders Larsson. Concurrently, detentions in Germany allegedly linked to Hamas and in the Netherlands also took place, as per Al Jazeera.

Arrests Linked to Alleged Hamas Plot Foiled in Europe

According to Germany's federal prosecutor, four alleged Hamas members who were suspected of plotting terrorist attacks on European soil have been arrested by German and Dutch authorities.

Three people were arrested in Germany, while one individual was arrested in the Netherlands, suspected of planning attacks on Jewish institutions in Europe, the prosecutor said. Among the three arrested in Germany, two were Lebanese nationals, and one was an Egyptian national. Meanwhile, the person arrested in the Netherlands was described as a Dutch national.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser thanked the German and Dutch police authorities, stating that it "shows that our security authorities are extremely vigilant and act consistently." Similarly, German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann thanked the authorities and said that the successful investigation has "contributed to ensuring that Jews in Europe can continue to live in safety and peace."

He added that "following the terrible attacks by Hamas on the Israeli population, attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions have also increased in our country in recent weeks. This is shameful and shocking. We must, therefore do everything we can to ensure that Jews in our country do not have to fear for their safety again."

Denmark and the Netherlands have also arrested four people in separate incidents related to suspected terrorism offenses, though the Danish Intelligence Agency told CNN that the case had "no direct connection" to the Hamas-linked arrests.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Danish security forces had "thwarted an attack, the goal of which was to kill innocent civilians on European soil." He added, "The Hamas terrorist organization has been working relentlessly and exhaustively to expand its lethal operations to Europe, and thereby constitute a threat to the domestic security of these countries," according to CNN News.

Read Also: Readout of President Biden's Call with President Erdogan of Turkiye

Plot Prompts Jewish Celebration Cancellation in Denmark

There was no specific target mentioned for the plot, enough to prompt the Danish Jewish community to cancel a public celebration on Thursday evening. The Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the situation as "about as serious as it can be."

Over the summer, Denmark and neighboring Sweden became the target of anger in several Muslim countries after a series of protests involving burnings and desecrations of the Koran. In response, Denmark's parliament criminalized the burning, tearing, or defiling of religious texts such as Islam's holy book. In 2006, anti-Danish anger and violence erupted in the Muslim world following the publication in the small Nordic country of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

The threats and risks of terrorist attacks remain high, with Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, warning of increased polarization within European society due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which created a "huge risk" of terror attacks in the EU during this holiday season. To combat the risk, Johansson announced that she is allocating 32 million dollars to protect public spaces such as places of worship during the holiday season.

Overall, the tension and alert level surrounding potential acts of terrorism remain high. The arrests of suspects in different European countries and the allocation of funds to increase security represent measures taken to mitigate the risk and to maintain safety and peace in the EU, South China Morning Post reported.

Related Article: Ukraine Councilor Sets off Grenades During Intense Meeting, Leaving 26 Injured

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Migrants queue in the cold as they look for a shelter outside a migrant assistance center at St. Brigid Elementary School on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in New York. It could be a cold, grim New Year for thousands of migrant families living in New York Citys emergency shelter system. With winter setting in, they are being told they need to clear out, with no guarantee theyll be given a bed elsewhere. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

NEW YORK (AP)  It could be a cold, grim New Year for thousands of migrant families living in New York Citys emergency shelter system. With winter setting in, they are being told they need to clear out, with no guarantee theyll be given a bed elsewhere.

Homeless migrants and their children were limited to 60 days in city housing under an order issued in October by Mayor Eric Adams, a move the Democrat says is necessary to relieve a shelter system overwhelmed by asylum-seekers crossing the southern U.S. border.

That clock is now ticking down for people like Karina Obando, a 38-year-old mother from Ecuador who has been given until Jan. 5 to get out of the former hotel where she has been staying with her two young children.

Where she will end up next is unclear. After that date, she can reapply for admission to the shelter system. A placement might not happen right away. Her family could wind up getting sent to one of the city's huge tent shelters far from where her 11-year-old son goes to school.

I told my son, Take advantage. Enjoy the hotel because we have a roof right now, Obando said in Spanish outside Row NYC, a towering, 1,300-room hotel the city converted into a shelter for migrants in the heart of the theater district. Because theyre going to send us away and were going to be sleeping on the train, or on the street.

A handful of cities across the U.S. dealing with an influx of homeless migrants have imposed their own limits on shelter stays, citing a variety of reasons, including spiraling costs, a lack of space and a desire to put pressure on people to either find housing on their own, or leave town entirely.

Chicago imposed a 60-day shelter limit last month and is poised to start evicting people in early January. In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, has capped the number of migrant families in emergency shelters at 7,500.

Denver had limited migrant families to 37 days but paused the policy this month in recognition of winters onset. Single adults are limited to 14 days.

In New York, the first families were expected to reach their 60-day limits just days after Christmas, but the mayors office said those migrants will receive extensions through early January. Roughly 3,500 families have been issued notices so far.

Unlike most other big cities, New York has a decades-old  right to shelter  obligating the city to provide emergency housing to anyone who asks.

But officials have warned migrants there is no guarantee they will get to stay in the same hotel, or the same city borough, for that matter.

Adult migrants without children are already subject to a shorter limit on shelter stays: 30 days.

Those who get kicked out and still want help are told to head for the city's so-called  reticketing center  that opened in late October in a former Catholic school in Manhattan's East Village.

Dozens of men and women, many with their luggage and other belongings in tow, line up every morning in freezing weather where they must petition for a renewed stay.

They are offered a free, one-way ticket to anywhere in the world. Most people decline.

Some are able to secure another shelter for 30 days, but many others say they leave empty-handed and must line up again the next day to try their luck.

Im scared of dying, sleeping on the street, Barbara Coromoto Monzon Pena, a 22-year-old from Venezuela, said as she spent a second day waiting in line on a recent weekday.

Obando said her eldest son, who is 19, hasnt been able to find a place to rent since he and his wife exhausted their 30 allowed days at the Row NYC hotel.

As a mother, it hurts, she said, breaking down in tears. Hes sleeping on the train, on the street, in the cold. Hes in a lot of pain, and now its our turn. They told me that this country was different, but for me its been hell.

Adams has insisted the city is doing a lot more for migrant families than almost anywhere else. New York is on track to spend billions of dollars opening shelters, paying for hotel rooms, buying meals and offering assistance overcoming bureaucratic hurdles for asylum-seekers.

The mayor also has warned repeatedly that the city's resources are stretched thin, with more than 67,200 migrants still in its care and many more arriving every week.

Were doing everything in our power to treat families as humanely as possible, said Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Adams. We have used every possible corner of New York City and are quite simply out of good options.

She stressed that the administration intends to avoid having families sleeping on the streets and said there will be an orderly process for them to request another 60-day stay.

Advocates for immigrants say the end result will still uproot vulnerable families during the coldest months of the year and disrupt schooling for new students just settling into classes.

Its maybe the most Grinch move, ever, said Liza Schwartzwald, a director at the New York Immigrant Coalition. Sending families with children out like in the middle of winter right after the holiday season is just cruel.

Adams has stressed that migrant children would not be required to change schools when they move. But some kids could potentially face epic commutes if they are placed in new shelters far from their current schools.

Migrant parents say two months simply isnt enough time to find a job, get kids settled into childcare or school and save up enough for rent.

Obando, who arrived in the U.S. three months ago, said that outside of the odd cleaning job, she has struggled to find consistent work because there is no one to care for her 3-year-old daughter with her husband still detained at the border in Arizona.

Its not that we Ecuadorians come to take their jobs or that were lazy, she said. Were good workers. More time, thats all we ask.

For Ana Vasquez, a 22-year-old from Venezuela who is eight months pregnant, the situation is more urgent.

Her baby is due in late December, but she has until Jan. 8 to leave the Row NYC, where she has been staying with her sister and two young nieces for the past four months.

They are going to leave me out in the cold, Vasquez lamented in Spanish one chilly morning this month outside the hotel. We dont have an escape plan. The situation is difficult, even more so with the baby.

___

Associated Press writer Liset Cruz contributed to this report.

___

Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo.
The number of Army soldiers has dropped by 4 per cent in the last year, down to just 75,983 - IAN FORSYTH/GETTY IMAGES EUROPE

The number of troops in the British Armed Forces has fallen to a record low, official figures show.

Figures published by the Ministry of Defence last week reveal that there were 184,865 UK service personnel as of Oct 1, covering both regular troops and volunteer reserves  7,440 people, or 3.9 per cent, lower than last year.

In the most recent quarter the number of troops fell by 1,115.

Meanwhile in the Army alone, the number of regular soldiers dropped by 4 per cent in the last year, down to just 75,983.

The number of fully-trained soldiers has decreased as the result of a plan announced by the Government in 2021, with troop levels now at their lowest for 200 years.

But Richard Foord MP, a former Army major who serves as the Liberal Democrats defence spokesman, said the situation had been made worse by troops leaving the service because of issues such as substandard military housing.

A recent MoD survey found that just 34 per cent of service personnel said they felt valued and 46 per cent felt dissatisfied with the overall standard of their accommodation. Over the past year, 16,260 personnel have left the armed forces.

Ensure a fair deal

Mr Foord suggested that recent comments by Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, criticising the Armys ban on beards smacked of desperation.

In an interview with The Times last week, Mr Shapps said: The armed forces get terribly pernickety about whether people have beards or not. Nowadays people have beards.

How is it we are still struggling with recruitment and then arbitrarily saying you cant join [if you grow a beard]. It is ridiculous. It is time to modernise.

Mr Shapps said the decision was ultimately for the army, but added: It is certainly a discussion that I think the army themselves should be having.

In a tweet earlier this month, Sergeant Major Paul Carney said that the chief of the general staff had agreed to look at beards in the Army to understand the benefits to recruiting, retaining, motivating and our reputation to aid a quick decision next year.

Mr Foord said: Grant Shapps needs to realise that tackling the recruitment and retention challenge will take far more than worrying about policy on beards. It requires properly investing in our brilliant armed forces personnel.

The Defence Secretary needs to work on the retention of our best service people, by providing decent accommodation and ensuring a fair deal for service personnel  as well as their families.

However, a Conservative source hit back at the Lib Dems. Being criticised on defence policy by the Liberal Democrats as they stand on the sidelines is risible, the source said.

This is the party that has historically dallied with getting rid of the nuclear deterrent and whose plans for the defence of the country are anaemic at best.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is working tirelessly to improve pay and conditions for our brave service men and women, they added.

Top priority

An MoD spokesman said that the Government had made clear that future recruitment is a top priority with the publication of its Defence Command Paper and a review of troops pay and conditions carried out by the businessman Rick Haythornthwaite.

A number of trials and pilots are underway to support armed forces careers, backed by investment to increase recruitment and retention, the spokesman said.



In the meantime, all three services continue to meet their front-line operational commitments.

Last week, Gen Sir Roland Walker was officially announced as the successor to Gen Sir Patrick Sanders as the new chief of the general staff, the professional head of the British Army.

Earlier this year, The Telegraph revealed Gen Walker had been selected after it was confirmed that the incumbent, Sir Patrick, would be standing down after an unusually short tenure.

Defence sources said he had been forced out after just two years amid a row over troop numbers, with Sir Patrick consistently critical of planned cuts.

A defence source said Gen Walker would not let the cuts to his army define him.

I think his tenure will be marked by some troop cuts, but the litmus test will be the extent to which he is able to reinforce the argument for recapitalisation and modernisation of the army, they said.

His job is to create as capable an army with the resources the Government of the day is inclined to spend on 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.
New York Citys Medical Examiners office said Friday it is reviewing hundreds of cases as part of the investigation into serious misconduct by three of its analysts  as a member of the state Forensic Commission publicly called the budding scandal a shstorm.

Three criminalists in the MEs office are under investigation for violating lab standards in more than 30 cases, and for cheating on a promotional exam. A fourth criminalist is being probed for falsifying time sheets.

The investigation  reported in the Daily News on Thursday  is continuing, officials with the MEs office told the Forensic Commission in testimony Friday. The three officials under probe were involved in thousands of forensic analyses, the officials testified.

Dont think I dont realize the implications of this. This is a shstorm, commission member William Fitzpatrick said at the meeting. Fitzpatrick is the district attorney in Onandaga County, which includes Syracuse.

Veteran New York City criminalist Matthew Benintendo and junior criminalists Steven Kranes and Luke Dalto were removed from casework after the cheating on the August promotional test was discovered, documents obtained by The News revealed.

Further investigation discovered a discrepancy in a forensic analysis Benintendo performed.

After that discovery was made Nov. 20, a further review found that in 33 cases, Benintendo performed forensic analyses which Kranes and Dalto signed off on, the records show.

Mirtha Sabio, general counsel with the MEs office, revealed Friday in the meeting that neither Kranes nor Dalto did any actual work on those analyses before they signed off on them.

The only activity of the analysts who signed the reports was to put their signature on the report, Sabio said.

Benintendo also did technical reviews of cases he analyzed and Kranes and Dalto approved  a violation of widely accepted lab practice, the records show.

Under standard forensic lab protocols, the person who performs a forensic analysis and the person who reviews it are required to be different analysts.

As for motive, one official with the MEs office speculated: Perhaps this process was to help these people in their work.

The potential universe of cases touched by the analysts is much larger than the 33 known so far.

Benintendo, who has worked for the office since at least 2008, has handled thousands of cases and has testified in 89 trials, officials in the Medical Examiners office said.

Among those cases was the notorious June 2018 gang murder of Bronx teen Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz, during which Benintendo told a jury that blood found in a vehicle that fled the scene had come from the victim.

Kranes and Dalto have been involved in 2,600 cases.

At Fridays Forensic Commission meeting, the officials in the Medical Examiners office said that besides the initial 33 cases, theyve reviewed an additional 251 cases out of a sample of 1,400 cases that they believe merit further review.

They plan to search the agencys computer system to look for cases generally where an analyst also was the technical reviewer.

We believe weve identified the problematic cases, Sabio said.

But commission member Jessica Goldthwaite, a lawyer with the Legal Aid Society countered, Im concerned about the need for a more in-depth look at the scientific accuracy of these results, and whether this is a more systemic problem in the lab.

The Brooklyn Defenders Service and the Legal Aid Society have called on the city to do a broader outside review of the lab.

Julie Bolcer, a spokeswoman with the MEs office, declined to comment Friday. She told The News Wednesday the three analysts were suspended from casework and a probe was continuing.

Later in the meeting, the commission moved to discuss the scandal behind closed doors in executive session because the MEs office has not completed its investigation.

Goldthwaite objected. Why does this have to go into executive session? she asked.

This is a huge issue and this impacts the integrity of at least three analysts. It impacts casework, thousands of cases. This is a matter of public concern. We should discuss it publicly.

Do not imply that we do not care about this, replied Dr. Jill Dooley, director of the state Office of Forensic Science and a panel member.

The executive session was held, but no apparent action was taken.

The likelihood of this, what we do, not becoming public is zero, at some point, Fitzpatrick said.
NEW YORK  The administration of New York Mayor Eric Adams suspended an engineer Friday for failing to properly identify a support beam at the Bronx building that collapsed this week, but officials have yet to issue an official cause for the disaster.

The city said it had suspended the inspection authorities of the engineer, Richard Koenigsberg, after he misidentified a load-bearing column as a decorative column this year. He had been hired by the buildings owner to inspect the property as part of a construction job.

The engineer deemed the building unsafe in reports that he filed with the city in 2020 and 2021 after finding cracked bricks, loose and damaged mortar, and other deficiencies. But he misdiagnosed the role of an essential load-bearing column in plans filed with the Buildings Department in June, according to City Hall.

About 170 people were displaced as a result of the collapse. No one died.

There are over a million buildings across our city, and it is crucial that New Yorkers are safe in every one of those buildings, Adams said in a statement. But when those entrusted to keep us safe cut corners and make catastrophic mistakes, were going to take swift action and hold them accountable.

Our initial investigation into this collapse has made clear that the engineer involved has no business assessing the exterior walls of buildings in New York City, Adams added.

The citys buildings commissioner, James Oddo, said in a statement that it was the citys civic duty to immediately suspend this engineers designation.

Koenigsberg said by phone that he had not been contacted by the city. He declined to comment further.

The city said its investigation into the collapse was ongoing. The Bronx district attorneys office has also opened a criminal investigation into the collapse.

The corner of the nearly century-old building crumbled to the street Monday, opening a section of the structure to the elements. Some residents were allowed to enter the building Thursday to recover belongings.

The 47-unit building, located on Billingsley Terrace, is owned by 1915 Realty LLC. David Kleiner, the manager of the building, has said the building was in perfect condition and was just upgraded before the collapse.

I dont think theres any criminality, he said Thursday, but added that the Bronx district attorney, Darcel Clark, is welcome to check.

The brick building had been flagged for more than 100 violations, according to city records. But the city said it had no record of any open violations related to structural issues at the time of the incident.

The collapse has put renewed focus on the stability of New Yorks aging, and sometimes crumbling, housing stock. The Bronx apartment, a seven-story structure located in Morris Heights, was built in 1927.

In recent years, residents of the brick complex logged complaints that described strange smells, elevator failures that lasted days and broader concerns about the fundamental soundness of the structure.

In 2015, a residents complaint said, the building is highly unstable, adding, you can hear it cracking and deteriorating from the inside, according to city Buildings Department records.

On Thursday, engineers were beginning to demolish the collapsed section of the structure.

The Buildings Department said that it informed the buildings owner that, after the demolition of the corner of the building, further actions must be taken to ensure the safety of the structure. Ultimately, the department said, it would reassess whether residents can reoccupy sections of the building.

_____
Neighbors describe the odorscoming from Smith Foundry and Bituminous Roadways as chemical, sickly sweet, metallic and, at times, like burning tires.

People who live near the south Minneapolis iron foundry and asphalt plant have spent years sounding alarms about what the sites are sending into the air  out of concern for their health, but also the simple nuisance of a pervasive stench.

But the state of Minnesota has been out of the business of policing bad smells for three decades. It hands off any complaints to local governments. Minneapolis sends out inspectors but has only documented a single violation.

Rob Czernik, who lives a few blocks away from the two businesses, was one of many people who had repeatedly reported the smells to Minneapolis' 311 line.

"I stopped calling 311 a couple of years ago, because it didn't go anywhere," he said.

Revelations this fall that the Smith Foundry may have violated air pollution rules for years have led to angry community meetings at which the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) enforcement practices have come under criticism.

The agency has promised to do better, and because of a new law, it will have to face the odor problem directly.

The MPCA was responsible for odor control until 1996. That year, the agency rewrote its rules to change a standard that it said was technologically outdated, and instead advocated for a new regulation that would have the state and local governments collaborate on odor complaints, according to a document laying out MPCA's reasoning for the change.

The new rules were never put on the books, in part because an administrative law judge recommended against them. The judge wrote that business groups and local governments were staunchly against it.

Despite that, odor enforcement in Minnesota largely has been left to local governments for the past 27 years, if they pass their own ordinances against noxious smells, as Minneapolis has.

Chuck McGinley, who has spent his career consulting with regulators, businesses and others on controlling bad smells, said that change ushered in a bonanza for lawyers and advisers like him but didn't solve the problem.

A new law prompted by other malodorous businesses in the metro will put the MPCA back in the odor investigation field. Kari Palmer, air assessment section manager at MPCA, said the agency is in the process of writing up new rules now, and that it would take three years to complete.

Neighborhood complaints

Controlling objectionable odors is a requirement in the 1992 air pollution permit that Smith Foundry still is operating under. But MPCA had essentially abandoned its odor enforcement that year. The agency argued later that the testing method it used wasn't reliable, and that the rule used "numerical standards which bear no relationship to a person's experience of objectionable odors," according to an administrative law judge ruling.

The foundry, which has made iron castings at 1855 E. 28th St. for a century, was accused of violating the Clean Air Act after a surprise EPA inspection this spring. The agency claims Smith was emitting double the amount of fine particulate matter, or lung-damaging soot, that it was allowed to for the past five years. MPCA has disputed some of EPA's claims that Smith is breaking pollution rules.

Next door is Bituminous Roadways, the asphalt plant which also was inspected by EPA but has not been accused of violating the law.

Most complaints about Smith have been smell-related. Ten of the 13 complaints logged with the MPCA from 2018 until early October were about bad odors.

The city's 311 line has received 51 complaints about bad smells from Smith since 2017, said Kelly Muellman, the manager of environmental programs for Minneapolis. Over the same period, there were 28 complaints about odors from Bituminous.

"We do want community members to continue calling us and letting us know about these complaints," she said.

Finding the source

It's not uncommon for it to take decades to address problems with a smelly business, said McGinley, who also is the inventor of the Nasal Ranger, a tool that odor investigators often use.

Minneapolis uses the tool to see if an objectionable odor is still present when an air sample is diluted seven times. Inspectors will take two samples at a site, and if the smell is present in both, then the business is in violation of the city's rules. Bituminous had received one violation since 2017, and Smith has not, though a single sample taken there was in violation, Muellman said.

Residents have long complained that inspectors don't arrive when the smells are the worst. It's a well-known issue of enforcement.

"You may get 10 calls of an odor nuisance," said McGinley, who worked briefly at the beginning of his career as an odor investigator for MPCA. "And if you're lucky, one out of the 10, you'll get there, and there will still be a smell," he said.

Picking apart the responsibility of the two businesses has also been a challenge.

Adolfo Quiroga, the president of Smith Foundry, said in an interview that the asphalt plant is likely responsible when residents complain the air smells like burning tires.

But former MPCA research scientist Greg Pratt, who often rides his bike along the Midtown Greenway next to the foundry, said he also has detected smells coming from that facility.

"There's a kind of a metallic odor [and] taste to the emissions when you inhale them," he said.

Smells are only one of the concerns residents have raised about Smith. Most are worried about hazardous air pollution, and want the facility shut down entirely. Testing of the business's smokestacks was conducted this week, and MPCA has promised to release the results publicly and update the foundry's permit by the end of next year.

Bituminous, the asphalt mixer, already has committed to leaving its location by the end of 2025. It is closed for the winter, but earlier this fall, Todd Smedshammer, a production manager there, told the Star Tribune that the business had put additives into its mixing process to reduce the smell.

"Reality is... we've done what we can," Smedshammer said.

Improving investigation

At the behest of lawmakers, MPCA will now take public comment and write up the rules for the new state odor regulations. The law covers only the seven-county metro area, and several types of businesses are exempted, including sewage plants, restaurants and refineries.

Inspectors would investigate a potential odor source within 48 hours if it receives at least 10 complaints.

MPCA has a standard on the books already that addresses some smells  a limit on hydrogen sulfide, the chemical responsible for a rotten-egg stench.

"A lot of times that hasn't necessarily helped communities because we can't always identify what that pollutant is," said Palmer, of the MPCA.

The agency is talking to other states now about how they handle odor issues, Palmer said. McGinley said inspectors should behave like detectives putting together the pieces of a crime. Patterns in smell reports might show the need to visit a facility at certain times of day, for example.

He said the new law has some weaknesses  like only covering the metro area and requiring 10 complaints before regulators take action. But it's a "good start," McGinley said.
Two of the goats and a pig that were found on the property have since been taking into custody. Courtesy of the SPCA Serving Erie County.

Animal welfare officers rescued 150 animals from a property in upstate New York.

They found 117 chickens, 18 ducks, 2 goats, and a pig crammed into a small garage.

They also found 15 rabbits, 2 dogs, and a cat on the property.

Authorities in upstate New York rescued more than 150 animals from a property where many of them were confined to a small garage.

An animal welfare staffer went to the Cheektowaga property on December 14 to do a check on a dog on the property when the staffer "heard noises and detected foul odors coming from the garage at the property," according to a press release from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) serving Erie County.

After obtaining a search warrant, officers found 138 animals crammed in a 20' by 20' garage, the SPCA press release said, including 117 chickens, 18 ducks, 2 goats, and a pig. Many of the chickens were crammed in small makeshift pens that were "packed with feces" about "six inches deep."

Also found on the property were 15 rabbits, 2 dogs, and a cat, along with several dead animals and "body parts from deceased chickens," the press release said. The rescued animals were taken to an SPCA location in West Seneca, where they were washed, fed, and examined by veterinarians.

"In just 24 hours, seeing a total transformation of the fowl from filth and distress to clean, comfortable, and happy is most rewarding, and why we do this job every day," SPCA Chief Investigator Lindsey Wood said in the press release. "Our team worked together well into the night and started all over again today to ensure these animals are shown the proper respect and care they were not given previously."

Karissa Schmidt, the property owner, is now facing animal cruelty charges, according to local CBS affiliate, WIVB.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Biden and Republicans over crucial aid for Ukraine and Israel, the potential for significant shifts in US immigration policy is raising concerns about its impact on national security and humanitarian considerations.

President Biden, facing staunch Republican opposition to wartime aid in Congress, has expressed a willingness to make "significant compromises on the border," as per Vox.

Bipartisan Deal in Focus Amid Immigration Policy Debate

As the impasse deepens and funds for Ukraine dwindle, the White House is set to take a more active role in negotiations this week. Biden's budget director, Shalanda Young, emphasized the need for a bipartisan agreement, stating on CBS' 'Face the Nation,' "It's time to cut a deal that both sides can agree to."

Republicans argue that the record influx of migrants across the southern border poses a security threat, straining resources and hindering effective screening processes. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, leading the negotiations, highlighted the situation as "literally spiraling out of control" and emphasized the necessity of regaining order at the southern border.

However, critics, including some Democrats, contend that proposed changes could compromise protections for vulnerable individuals without effectively addressing border chaos.

Simultaneously, the political landscape over Washington, DC, is witnessing figurative trial balloons from the Biden administration, seeking to navigate the fallout from its border policies. These balloons carry echoes of past immigration flashpoints, such as "Title 42," "expedited removal," and "detention," associated with the previous administration led by Donald Trump.

While White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez denies any finalized policy agreements, CBS News reports that unnamed sources suggest a potential White House endorsement of policy changes, including a $100 billion aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, according to Associated Press.

Read Also: Readout of President Biden's Call with President Erdogan of Turkiye

Biden Faces Record Migration and Voter Confidence Plunge

The prospect of linking immigration policy adjustments to foreign aid has ignited controversy. Republicans have conditioned further assistance to Ukraine on implementing changes aimed at reducing illegal crossings along the southern border. Democrats, facing record migration and pressure from big-city mayors, are caught between upholding immigration principles and addressing the demands for action.

The Biden administration, grappling with the fallout of its border policies, has seen record levels of immigration, reaching approximately 2 million undocumented migrant encounters annually. The chaos at the border has taken a toll on Biden's approval ratings, with a 30-point decline in voter confidence, according to Real Clear Politics.

As mass immigration becomes a global concern, influencing political landscapes across Western Europe, the Biden administration is under pressure to resolve the issue before the 2024 election gains momentum. However, this urgency is not without internal strife, as progressive Democrats criticize potential concessions in immigration negotiations.

Congresswoman Cori Bush tweeted, "Using asylum seekers as political pawns in negotiations over military aid is unconscionable." Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal argued, "Destroying the asylum system will not fix the southern border."

President Biden now faces a delicate balancing act, torn between satisfying progressive factions within his party pushing for immigration action and those advocating for maintaining the status quo. The outcome of this high-stakes negotiation could shape the political narrative leading up to the 2024 election, with Biden's administration seeking a resolution to what some perceive as "one hell of a Dumpster fire" at the border, USA Today reported.

Related Article: Biden Admin Urges Govt Staff to Use EVs, Train, Electric Uber! Can This Reduce Pollution and Tax Spending?

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MARION, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohios Third District Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the life sentence of a Marion man convicted for the rape of a 7-year-old girl.

The Court of Appeals found Friday no cause for a miscarriage of justice or for a new trial to be ordered in the case of Thomas Chafin, 62. This decision underscores the jurys role in assessing witness credibility and determining the weight of the evidence. Chafin was originally given his life sentence in January.

Evacuation of Columbus apartment complex begins

Chafin was found guilty in November 2022, where the jury was shown a video where the victim spoke about the rape. A polygraphist had delivered a testimony that Chafin denied the rape during an exam.

Our community can rest assured knowing that a predator like Chafin will remain behind bars for life, where he can no longer harm the innocent, Marion County Prosecutor Grogan said in a news release.

Earlier in the year, Grogan had cutting remarks for the man.

Quite frankly, life in prison is too good for Chafin, Grogan said in January.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Freddy Corona and his wife, Shawna Normali, look at photos of their daughter, Lena Corona, with their son, Josh Corona. Lena Corona was in psychosis in July when she was arrested and taken to the Seminole County jail where she died by suicide.

Lena Corona was sitting on the porch of her Seminole home, blood dripping from her hand, when police arrived at 2:45 a.m. Her dad stood behind her, pressing a T-shirt over the wound on his chest where Corona had plunged a shard of glass.

When he called 911 on July 10, Freddy Corona hoped police would take his teenage daughter to the hospital as they had done fewer than 24 hours earlier when she threatened him with a metal rod while in psychosis. But over her dads objections, the police arrested the 18-year-old for assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

At St. Anthony Hospital, officers sought medical care for the cut on Lena Coronas hand. Corona told emergency room nurses that she was defending herself from dark spirits, according to Cpl. Melissa Sharps incident report. After medical staff cleared Corona, Sharp drove her to the Seminole County jail where she was admitted while still in psychosis, a symptom of her diagnosed mental illness.

Hours after Corona was booked into jail, her sister called and told a jailer that Corona had been prescribed medication for her bipolar 1 disorder the last time she was hospitalized but had stopped taking it, triggering psychosis. She asked the jailer to make sure her sister received treatment. She responded by telling her Coronas bail was $7,500, money the family didnt have.

Shawna Normali holds up her favorite photo of her daughter, Lena Corona. Corona was in psychosis when she was arrested in July and taken to the Seminole County jail where she died by suicide in a cell.

I thought a couple of days in there would be OK, Freddy Corona said. At least shed be safe in there for a few days until we could figure everything out. Instead, she just got worse and worse and no one did anything to help her.

Five days into her jail stay, on July 15, Lena Corona hanged herself in a cell.

Across the state and country, families like the Coronas can't access sufficient health care for their loved ones and turn to police for help in a crisis. With law enforcement involved, emergency situations can escalate quickly, leading to arrests and incarceration in jails where detention officers with minimal training are responsible for the health and safety of detainees, which can have fatal consequences.

State laws guiding mental health and addiction care in jails are vague, leaving it up to jail officials to decide how often to check on sick or suicidal detainees, or when to seek emergency treatment. Behind bars, presumed-innocent people with mental health conditions often face neglect, abuse or even death.

Last year, 28 jail detainees died from untreated mental health or substance use conditions, accounting for more than half of the states 53 jail deaths, an Oklahoma Watch investigation found.

Accountability for the mistreatment and deaths of detainees is minimal in Oklahoma. The state agency that inspects jails has limited enforcement power under the law. A recent Oklahoma Watch investigation found that local oversight can be lax without a central entity ensuring care for or tracking vulnerable detainees.

State and federal laws require jails to report detainee deaths and suicide attempts, but not every jail complies. A recent Oklahoma Watch investigation found that the Pottawatomie County jail failed to report at least six deaths to the Oklahoma State Department of Health since 2017 with no consequences for jail officials. Last month, trustees promoted the jails second in command, who is responsible for investigating deaths and is married to the jail director.

The state medical examiners office also tracks jail deaths, but employees are inconsistent in how they label those deaths, resulting in incomplete data.

The District Attorneys Council reports jail deaths submitted by the health department and the medical examiner to the Department of Justice. It reported 26 deaths. Oklahoma Watch identified 53.

This year, Oklahoma Watch launched an investigation to determine who died in Oklahoma jails in 2022, how they ended up there in the first place and what killed them. Knowing how many people died and what happened to them is vital to preventing future deaths, said Jeff Dismukes, who retired this year from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and runs the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, a group that supports people with mood disorders.

No one cares enough about this issue to ensure that we have those records, Dismukes said. We clearly have the entities in place to do that kind of tracking and it could give us some answers if someone cared enough to advocate for these people.

Triage, not treatment

The prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse is widespread in Oklahoma, with some of the nations highest rates of childhood trauma, domestic violence and incarceration contributing.

More than one in four Oklahomans 18 and older experienced mental illness in the past year and one in six reported having a substance use disorder, according to the 2023 State of Mental Health in America report.

Long waits and high prices for treatment mean many Oklahomans, especially those who are low-income and reliant on social services, often dont receive help until theyre in crisis, triggering a response from police that can lead to incarceration instead of care.

Nearly everyone locked up in Oklahomas county jails need mental health or addiction treatment that jailers arent qualified to provide, said Ray McNair, director of the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association.

A county jails purpose is to maintain someones health, to keep them at the level theyre at and prevent them from getting worse while they work through the court system, not to treat them, McNair said. What jails are doing is triage until we can get them out.

Without treatment, there isnt a Band-Aid big enough to stop the deterioration of detainees with serious mental illness or addiction issues, McNair said.

For crisis response, cops are the default

Oklahoma police departments have reported a growing number of emergency calls from panicked families and concerned observers. Last year, Oklahoma City police responded to more than 18,700 mental health calls. Employees at the Tulsa, Edmond and Stillwater police departments said they dont track mental health calls but officers respond to mental health emergencies daily.

The state Mental Health Department offers specialized crisis intervention training to help law enforcement identify signs of mental illness and addiction and teach officers to employ patience and compassion to avoid arresting people who would be better served at a treatment center. The training is voluntary, however, and certified officers are not always available to respond to crisis calls.

During a role-playing training exercise, Blanchard police officer Tawny McClintock assesses a man who is preaching loudly outside of a business, played by Norman Police Lt. Cary Bryant. These scenarios are the culmination of a 40-hour crisis intervention training that teaches law enforcement officers how to recognize and respond to mental health crises.

Co-response programs deployed by the Oklahoma City and Tulsa police departments are part of a growing, national trend to send mental health professionals on crisis calls with officers to de-escalate tense situations and reduce unnecessary arrests. But they cant keep up with the volume of calls.

Tulsas Community Response Team was busy with another call when police requested assistance for a 70-year-old, great-grandmother who locked herself in a bathroom during a bipolar episode, according to an Oklahoma Watch investigation. Officers kicked in the door and tackled the woman, bloodying her face, and arrested her.

While the 988 crisis hotline launched last year provides an alternative to 911, the number is new and law enforcement remains the go-to for mental health emergencies.

Nowhere else will take them

After responding to a crisis call, police can take someone who is hallucinating, suicidal or experiencing drug or alcohol withdrawals to crisis centers or emergency rooms for treatment. But police and health care workers cant force the person to stay in a medical facility unless they convince a judge to order an emergency detention. Without the order, police have two options: Let them go or take them to jail.

Neither is a good option, but jails have to take them so thats why they end up here a lot of times, just to get them off the streets, Payne County jail director Reese Lane said. We need another place to take them but that doesnt exist right now.

Arrest records showed a few of the people who died in jail last year were taken first to an emergency room where they received medical attention before being transported to jail by police. Most were taken straight to jail. Two were arrested at a hospital where they were being treated while in crisis.

Renee Houston was already in handcuffs when Oklahoma City police arrived at Integris Hospital on Aug. 29, 2022. While yelling incoherently, the 57-year-old threw medical supplies, broke a computer behind the nurses' station and pushed a nurse, according to an officers incident report. A hospital security guard threatened to shock her with a Taser before placing her in handcuffs.

Houston was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 9 and wrote a book about her experience to help others cope with mental illness, according to a video posted online by her pastor. After nearly three months at the Oklahoma County jail, Houston died of hypertensive heart disease, according to a medical examiners report.

Detention officer Darcie Green asks questions about the health of a detainee as he is booked in October into the Payne County jail.

Waiting for care can be deadly

Once at a jail, state law requires staff to survey detainees noting signs of mental distress, drug use or withdrawal. Detention officers ability to detect symptoms, and the candor of detainees, determines who receives medical or mental health care, increased supervision or is housed alone.

When Corona was booked into the Seminole County jail, she refused to answer questions from jailers, was agitated and would not cooperate with staff, according to her booking report. Jail staff were unable to take her mugshots or fingerprints or remove the necklace she was wearing.

Even when jail staff do identify a mental health need, care isnt always accessible.

Shannon Hanchett, left, and Kathryn Milano died while waiting on mental health evaluations at the Cleveland County jail in December 2022.

Few Oklahoma jails have counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists on staff so they rely on state-funded treatment centers. Rural jails are least likely to have mental health practitioners on staff or have nearby providers to call on for help. Nearly 40% of providers surveyed by Healthy Minds Policy Initiative reported having weeks- or months-long waits for appointments, which could be the difference between life and death for people behind bars.

In December 2022, hours before an evaluation from Griffin Memorial Hospital, Norman mother and baker Shannon Hanchett died at the Cleveland County jail where she was taken during a mental health crisis. Less than two weeks later, Noble grandmother Kathryn Milano died waiting for a court-ordered competency assessment at the same jail, which contracts with Turn Key Health Clinic to provide medical and mental health care to detainees.

Many jails statewide are housing Oklahomans deemed incompetent to stand trial who are waiting for a bed to become available at a state facility. In March, the Oklahoma Disability Law Center filed a federal class-action lawsuit against mental-health officials on behalf of Oklahomans who are languishing in county jails while awaiting court-ordered care.

The state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is providing medication, counseling, therapy and education to 231 detainees in 60 county jails instead of moving them to a state hospital, department spokeswoman Bonnie Campo said.

Tulsa County jail is one of the holdouts. Sheriff Vic Regalado wont allow competency treatment in his jail, despite having a wing dedicated to detainees with mental illness and staff trained in crisis intervention.

It has been well established that jails are not the place to treat our mentally ill, Regalado said. These people are languishing in jails, often for a year or more, while the state is passing the buck to counties instead of spending money on short-, medium- and long-term facilities to alleviate the problem. I think this opens the door for widespread litigation and were not going to be a part of that.

During a 2021 news conference, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado said "addressing mental illness should not be placed solely in the hands of law enforcement."

These are people, too

Jailers regularly have feces thrown at them by detainees who are in mental distress. Theyre berated and threatened daily. Its common for officers to become desensitized over time and employ coping mechanisms that can seem animalistic. That makes training critical, said Jennifer Sullivan, who teaches jailers best practices for keeping people with trauma or mental illness safe.

State law requires detention officers responsible for the lives of detainees to receive 24 hours of basic training. Most county jails provide new hires with a 32- or 40-hour course developed by the Sheriffs Association. Mental illness and addiction is part of every session, but three hours are dedicated to mental health and seven to substance abuse and detoxification.

Sullivan provides more in-depth training on how to communicate with detainees in crisis through classes offered by Mental Health Association Oklahoma. In the past five years, the nonprofit has trained 155 detention officers across the state in crisis intervention, trauma response and suicide prevention. Sullivan said jails have been resistant to the training, partly because high turnover leaves jails starting over with new trainees every few months.

In Oklahoma, jailers pay is about $14 per hour, causing the highest turnover rates McNair has seen in his 20 years at the Sheriffs Association, which trains and advocates for jail staff and the sheriffs who oversee them.

Ive had sheriffs tell me when a new Caseys moves into town, they lose people to the convenience store, which pays more money and theres no abuse from detainees, McNair said. And theyre taking a big risk at the jail that if someone is injured or dies they could be held liable, so that on top of the low pay is really tough.

Ronald Given, a 42-year-old member of the Kiowa Tribe, resisted when detention officers attempted to restrain him during a mental health crisis at the Pottawatomie County jail 30 miles east of Oklahoma City. He died in 2019 from injuries sustained during the six-minute struggle, according to an autopsy report that ruled his death a homicide. State law enforcement investigated his death and friends and family are calling for accountability. The local district attorney reopened the case this year. So far, no one has been prosecuted.

Amid the challenging working conditions, jailers need to be reminded that the detainees in their care are someones parent, child or sibling, Sullivan said.

Were asking them to stop and think, What would I want if this was my family member? Sullivan said. Sometimes, they just need to be reminded that these are people too.

Seeking alternatives

A Payne County jailer held Kesha Carters head up for her mugshot when she was booked into the jail an hour west of Tulsa in 2012.

Carter was under emergency detention for mental health treatment at Stillwater Medical Center when police arrested her for attempting to kick a doctor while she was handcuffed to a gurney, according to a police incident report.

Seven hours after she was booked into jail, Carter died by suicide.

My light came on over Kesha, jail director Reese Lane said. She needed help and we knew it. And we knew it would be weeks or months or even years before she got the treatment she really needed, if ever. I knew we could do more for these people and thats what we did.

Naomi teaches a parenting class to women detained at the Payne County jail.

For more than a decade, Lane has been building a team of mental health professionals and training his staff at the Payne County jail to go beyond the required assessments and supervision.

Linda Evans, a licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist who works for the jails healthcare provider, Turn Key Health, treats mentally ill detainees and ensures they have swift access to their medications. Therapy is provided twice a week by a counselor and Oklahoma State University students studying to be counselors. A program specialist helps detainees study for their GED and teaches them about addiction, self-esteem, parenting, job skills and teamwork. And a peer support specialist from Grand Mental Health visits the jail daily, assisting detainees in court and making plans for care after theyre released.

Partnering with other county agencies, law enforcement, mental health centers and other community resources, like the university, costs the jail little to no money, Lane said.

Sometimes, though, people still fall through the cracks. Michael King, a 49-year-old father and handyman, died by suicide on Nov. 18, 2022, two days after being booked into the Payne County jail, according to a health department incident report. Jail spokesman Rockford Brown said King was not identified as a suicide risk when he was booked into the jail.

For families who have lost loved ones, questions linger about what more could have been done. Some are turning to the courts for help.

Bella Rose's fireplace mantel is covered in family photos, artwork and urns that hold the ashes of her sister, Lena Corona. After Corona turned 18 in April, she stopped taking her medication and refused treatment for her mental illness, which caused her to go into psychosis. She was jailed in July for stabbing her father while hallucinating and died in a jail cell.

Coronas parents said they will file a lawsuit against the Seminole County jail before the end of the year. They hope a judge will ensure better care for people like their daughter and the 28 people who died in Oklahoma jails last year waiting for treatment.

Every jail in the country could be better regardless of funding or their rural nature, Lane said. Every jail has a mental health provider somewhere in their area that they could be partnering with. Theyre going to have to get honest with themselves and decide whether theyre willing to do the work to help these people.

Whitney Bryen is an investigative reporter at Oklahoma Watch covering vulnerable populations. Her recent investigations focus on mental health and substance abuse, criminal justice, domestic violence and nursing homes. Contact her at (405) 201-6057 or wbryen@oklahomawatch.org. Follow her on Twitter @SoonerReporter.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahomans with mental illness, substance abuse issues dying in jails
Two manatees transferred out of an embattled South Florida aquarium earlier this month are settling in well at their new home at a Tampa zoo.

Elderly and overweight manatees Romeo and Juliet are gradually acclimating to their new environment, said a statement from ZooTampa sent to HuffPost on Thursday.

Romeo and Juliet in a photo from ZooTampa.

Romeo and Juliet in a photo from ZooTampa.

The marine mammals, now both in their 60s, had been at the Miami Seaquarium since 1956, according to The Guardian. In recent weeks, Romeo, in particular, became the subject of a campaign from animal advocacy group UrgentSeas, which characterized his life as complete isolation in an ever deteriorating concrete tank.

Romeo had been kept in a small pool by himself for months, according to a Department of Agriculture report cited by The Washington Post. It noted that manatees are semi-social animals and that marine mammals known to be social must be housed in their primary enclosure with at least one compatible animal of the same or biologically related species.

In November, UrgentSeas posted now-viral footage showing Romeo floating listlessly in a dirty-looking pool. Juliet lived in a different enclosure with another female manatee, Clarity, who has since relocated to SeaWorld Orlando. Romeo and Juliet were moved together to ZooTampa.

The chief veterinary officer for The Dolphin Company, which owns the Miami Seaquarium, told the Post that the business did everything to assure the best of the best for the animals, which eventually meant relocating them.

The company is also suing UrgentSeas cofounder Phil Demers, alleging defamation and trespass over his social media posts, according to The Tampa Bay Times.

On Friday, UrgentSeas posted a video showing Romeo and Juliet swimming in their new digs, along with other manatees and at least one sea turtle.

Juliet in a photo from ZooTampa.

Juliet in a photo from ZooTampa.

Previously, Romeo was in solitary confinement and circling the drain, the group wrote. But now he has lots of friends, is thriving and exploring his new world.

Though UrgentSeas thanked everyone involved in the manatees amazing rescue, the organization also expressed a desire for the marine mammals to be moved, ultimately, to a sanctuary.

Related...
The Biden administration wants to collaborate with local tribes on management of Rattlesnake Mountain. The partnership will bring overdue respect for the cultural and spiritual importance of the mountain. But any partnership also must ensure that the general public can enjoy the mountain, too.

Long-promised public access and tribal rights can coexist.

From the Tri-Cities, Rattlesnake Mountain looms on the horizon, an unreachable natural wonder that touches the sky. If one could reach the 3,600-foot summit on a calm, clear day, the vistas would be unparalleled. An entire region would come into view, from Mount Hood in Oregon to the White Bluffs of the Columbia River.

The mountain has been mostly off-limits for decades. In the 1940s, the federal government took over the land as part of the security buffer around the Hanford nuclear reservation. That was a necessary step to protect the facilities that produced two-thirds of Americas plutonium from World War II through the Cold War.

Eventually, Hanford stopped producing plutonium. In 2000, Rattlesnake Mountain and some surrounding lands were incorporated into the Hanford Reach National Monument.

The mountain, called Laliik in the native Saphatin language, is a sacred site for the Yakama Nation and other Northwest tribes. Treaty rights guarantee their access to the mountain for religious activities, but that has often been limited.

The federal governments engaging with the Yakama, Umatilla, Nez Perce and Wanapum promises a new approach in which native culture is not sidelined, and the tribes have an active hand in managing the land.

We heard tribal perspectives and we agree on the importance of continued collaboration to incorporate tribal knowledge and expertise in future stewardship of this important area of the Hanford Site, Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Senior Advisor William Ike White said.

Even as the region celebrates greater tribal involvement, caution is warranted. In the past, the tribes have sought to keep everyone else off the mountain. Indeed, the memorandum of understanding that spells out the new cooperation nowhere mentions allowing anyone but the tribes to visit.

The Biden Administration must remember that this is public land and a national monument held in stewardship for all Americans. The administration has a legal mandate to ensure public access to the mountain. In 2014, Congress, at the urging of Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., passed a law that requires public access, including motorized access, to the summit. President Barack Obama signed the bill.

Legal public visits have been vanishingly rare, thanks in no small part to tribal objections. In 2015, when the federal government proposed allowing a handful of wildflower tours, the Yakama Nation filed a lawsuit to stop it. The tribes also successfully sought the removal of an observatory from the summit. At the time, it held the largest research telescope in Washington state.

Fear and distrust should not stand in the way of a shared future on the mountain. Tribes, the federal government, hikers and community leaders ought to be able to reach an accord that accommodates access for all.

Reserve part of the mountain and the summit for tribal use, especially at times of sacred gatherings and other cultural events. Then allow trail-restricted and road access to other parts of the mountain for the public. Punish anyone who refuses to follow the rules.

More than a lucky few selected by the tribes should be able to visit Rattlesnake Mountain on more than one or two days each year. Public access neednt be all hours every day, but it should be at least as robust as the access that exists for the Hanford B Reactor which is open for tours about half of the days each month April to November.

Closing off the mountain would waste an educational opportunity, too. Visitors to Rattlesnake Mountain should learn about the cultural and spiritual heritage that connects it to the tribes. Interpretive signs and guides could transform a simple hike into so much more.

Theres a lot of land on Rattlesnake Mountain, enough for everyone to enjoy responsibly.
During his visit to the Middle East next week, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will announce the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international effort deal with Houthi threats, a U.S. military official told The War Zone. That information comes as U.S. and British warships shot down drones the Houthis launched in a wave from Yemen early Saturday morning local time, marking the latest escalation of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea .

The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Carney downed 14 drones today, a U.S. military official told The War Zone. The Type-45 destroyer HMS Diamond downed one drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea with a Sea Viper missile , U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement. It was the first time the Royal Navy shot down an aerial target in anger since the First Gulf War in 1991 when the Type 42 Destroyer HMS Gloucester destroyed an Iraqi Silkworm missile bound for a U.S. warship.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1736027564588572902?s=46\u0026t=cbCZ6V64euYCCy5V9r9oiQ

The two destroyers, which were in constant communications, shot down the drones during a 45-minute attack wave near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the official told us, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details.

While the British say the drones were attacking a merchant ship, the Carney engaged the drones because there were so many at once they were deemed a threat to the ship, the official said.

The official declined to say what weapons the Carney used because the U.S. does not want the Houthis to be able to figure out its munitions stocks.

In a Tweet, CENTCOM stated the drones "were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries. Regional Red Sea partners were alerted to the threat."

https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1736035863849824595

Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare'e said today that the Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels launched a wave of drones toward Israel, but did not mention either warship.

https://twitter.com/Yahya_Saree/status/1736021275703665066

Today's drone intercepts come a day after the Houthis set two cargo ships in the Red Sea ablaze and threatened a third vessel. Two of the world's largest shipping companies, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, told us they were temporarily pausing transits into the Red Sea as a result of the Houthi attacks. You can read more about those incidents in our story here .

https://twitter.com/detresfa_/status/1735979072126423252?s=20

Austin, who will be visiting the region early next week with Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown, will announce Operation Prosperity Guardian, which will be similar to the existing Task Force 153 , the official told us. That's an international effort focusing "on international maritime security and capacity building efforts in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden."

The official could not say Saturday how many nations will be involved or exactly what missions they will perform beyond patrolling the Red Sea against Houthi threats.

Shapps on Saturday noted that the Diamond recently arrived in the Red Sea "to bolster international efforts to maintain maritime security" as we previously reported .

The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea," Shapps said. "The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.

The Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond downed a drone fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen, according to Defense Secretary Grant Shapps. (U.K. Defense Ministry photo)

One-sixth of the world's commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea, said First Sea Lord, Adm. Sir Ben Key in a statement. HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.

The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas, he added.

While today's incidents mark the first time a U.K. warship downed an aerial threat since 1991, it was at least the third time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war that the Carney has.

On Dec. 3, three missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen struck three commercial ships in the Red Sea, CENTCOM said at the time. Carney responded to distress calls from two of those vessels and downed three drones approaching it .

Oct. 19, Carney shot down four land attack cruise missiles and 19 drones, a U.S. official told The War Zone the next day.

As we reported earlier this week , a French warship has also engaged in intercepting Houthi drones. The FREMM Frigate Languedoc, patrolling off the coast of Yemen, shot down a drone threatening a Norwegian-flagged chemical tanker.

While there will be a new task force created next week, whether there will be any direct response against Houthi military targets remains to be seen.

This is a developing story.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
During this season in which we celebrate perhaps the most widely known unexpected pregnancy, we should seek to see the divinity in each woman and the baby she carries. We should work together to consistently offer each of them the respect, love and material support to live a joyful life. This includes valuing the work of those that help children to term and well beyond.

Three economists recently estimated that some 32,000 otherwise abortion-slated babies were born since the Dobbs decision, which held the U.S. Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Such births, the authors note, will have long-lasting and profound effects on pregnant people, their educational investment, employment, earnings, and financial security.

While stating no policy position on abortion, the authors seem to suggest that ending the lives of babies improves the economic status of their mothers. The idea that terminating a childs life relieves poverty is so deeply flawed that it would be better considered in the satirical tradition of Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal, which famously argued that the 18th-century Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to rich gentlemen and ladies.

Yet the truth of the matter is easy to miss in the middle of what pro-life advocate Ryan Bangert calls an infowar about abortion. Rather than having open debates in the public square about the many legitimate disagreements over policy and philosophy, abortion advocates are increasingly labeling pro-life views as mis- or disinformation, or part of an infodemic that must be suppressed.

This is a dangerous trend on many levels. But first, lets be clear. Womens expanded opportunities predate Roe, and their rising participation in economic, educational and political life is independent of the ratios and rates of abortion. Such gains are not necessarily evenly distributed, and pregnancy is challenging in the best of circumstances  even more so when finances are limited, and fathers, families and friends are unable or unwilling to offer emotional and material support.

As Feminists for Life puts it: Women deserve better than abortion.

Consistently, many states support alternatives to abortion for women during pregnancy and the first years of a childs life. And since the 1960s, crisis pregnancy centers or pregnancy resource centers have sought to protect the inherent dignity of both mothers and their babies  while fighting the myth that surprise pregnancies result in vampire children: tiny, financially draining, dream-dashing adversaries who suck the lifeblood out of their parents.

Without minimizing the challenges pregnancy presents, they help women see that an unplanned pregnancy is not a Sophies choice. In fact, it can bring unplanned joy.

Abortion proponents assert that abortion, even when not necessary to preserve the health or life of the mother, is essential health care. But the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists counters that pregnancy is not a disease, and the killing of human beings in utero is not medical care.

Like suicide crisis lines, pregnancy resource centers help clients consider lifesaving choices during a crucially difficult time  and yet they have become a central target in the current abortion infowars. Abortion advocates disparage pregnancy resource centers as fake clinics, and call for state, federal and corporate power to stamp out the centers.

Pro-choice proponents allege pregnancy resource centers try to intercept women with unintended pregnancies in an effort to persuade them that adoption or parenting is a better option via alleged deceptive practices, which allegations have been refuted directly by the centers as false.

The majority of pregnancy resource centers are part of a ministry or faith-based commitment to serve  a characteristic they dont hide. Some centers receive government grants directed at nonprofit organizations promoting childbirth, parenting and alternatives to abortion and some may qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families under state codes (although recently proposed administrative rules would strip TANF funds from resource centers). Others rely on private donations and grants.

Pregnancy resource centers many on very limited budgets, provide to mostly low-income clients free services, which may include pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI testing and/or treatment, prenatal and parenting education classes, and material assistance such as diapers, baby clothing, car seats and strollers. Some centers also help with housing, job training and employment, and financial needs.

Since its founding in the mid-1980s, the Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake City has helped 80,000 lives through education, limited medical services and the provision of material goods. All this, no doubt valued at millions of dollars, has been provided at no charge to the community. The Salt Lake PRC also makes about 5,000 referrals annually to community resources such as WIC, Medicaid, housing, food, shelter, rehab, vocational training or adoption services. It is supported by about 40 area churches, several family foundations and hundreds of individuals, and now also has an office in American Fork to serve Utah County.

All this being said, Secular Pro-Life points out that you dont have to be religious to have a problem with killing humans and encourages men and women to embrace control over whether they conceive children, rather than end the lives of the unborn.

Yet ideological diversity is not always accepted in the current national conversation on the topic. Abortion proponents support laws requiring pregnancy resource centers to inform women about the availability of abortion  even though the 930,160 abortions in 2020 suggest that women already have that information. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has upheld pregnancy resource centers First Amendment right not to be compelled to advertise abortions.

However, efforts continue to be made in some quarters to mandate the information pregnancy resource centers must provide their clients. Sen. Elizabeth Warrens proposed Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act aims to empower the Federal Trade Commission to decide what constitutes misleading statements related to the provision of abortion services, and to enforce its truth test with litigation and heavy civil penalties.

Similar consumer protection legislation has been enacted in Illinois, Connecticut, Vermont, and in at least two municipalities in Massachusetts. In a challenge to the Connecticut law, a pregnancy resource center alleged that the laws intent was to prevent a center from communicating freely with the individuals it serves and with those it wishes to serve, unless (it) agrees to provide abortions, dispense abortifacient drugs, or offer referrals for abortions or abortifacient drugs.

During litigation, Connecticuts attorney general admitted being unaware of any women being deceived by a center, so had no basis for enforcing the law.

The lack of incriminating evidence hasnt stopped other states from proceeding. Despite issuing a December 2022 consumer alert warning the public that Crisis Pregnancy Centers do NOT provide abortion care (and) seek to prevent people from accessing comprehensive reproductive health care, New Jerseys Division of Consumer Affairs has been unwilling to release to a coalition of pregnancy resource centers any records supporting the factual basis for such an alert, while also claiming that no complaints against the centers exist.

In his preliminary injunction order, Judge Iain D. Johnston characterized Illinois SB1909 as both stupid and very likely unconstitutional, arguing that its own supporter admitted it was unneeded and was unsupported by evidence when challenged.

It is likely unconstitutional, he continued, because it is a blatant example of government taking the side of whose speech is sanctionable  calling the bill viewpoint discrimination prohibited by the First Amendment. As of Dec. 13, it appears that enforcement of the law will be permanently enjoined.

Meanwhile, some are publicly proposing joint efforts in which pro-life and pro-abortion rights researchers work together to help women. David Reardon has called for a respectful dialogue that would help identify opportunities for collaboration in research related to abortion and mental health. Those dialogues, Ryan Bangert suggests, might include rich questions such as: Can we come together to provide every new mother with the material resources she needs to thrive? Can we provide life-affirming options, like adoption and quality foster care, for those women who are unable to assume the burdens of motherhood? Will corporations commit to providing expectant mothers with meaningful support like increased pay and more generous maternity leave instead of paying for abortions? And do pregnancy resource centers deserve our support and thanks for the aid they provide to needy women, instead of verbal and even physical attacks?

Christmas is a season of life. It reminds us of this matchless gift, and the important work of continuing to protect it at each stage.

Camille S. Williams is an attorney practicing in Provo. Shes published articles related to womens and family issues. The views expressed are her own.
Ukrainian soldiers position a tank near the town of Bakhmut on Dec. 13 to help counter Russia's invasion. (Anatoli Stepanov / AFP/Getty Images)

Following the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, Ukraine has suffered tremendously. Tens of thousands have died, and a quarter of the countrys prewar population has been displaced. Homes, neighborhoods and entire cities have been reduced to rubble.

Some question the wisdom of Ukraine continuing to fight back instead of seeking to negotiate with Russia. President Vladimir Putin himself claims he does not reject the idea of peace talks, while prominent figures have called for negotiations, possibly involving a settlement to cede occupied territories in exchange for peace.

Read more: Opinion: Amid the Ukraine war, are sanctions against Russia working?

Calls for Ukraine to have such talks rely on an assumption that Russia would negotiate in good faith. But, looking to history as a guide, this assumption is naive. Russias actions over the last 31 years reveal a troubling pattern of frequent lying and breaking international agreements. Negotiations with Russia are therefore futile.

Russia agreed to respect Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty and to refrain from the threat or use of force against Ukraine in both the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 and the Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty of 1997. In an agreement partitioning the Black Sea Fleet after the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia agreed to pay Ukraine to lease a naval base in Sevastopol.

Read more: Editorial: Release aid to Ukraine. Helping our allies should not be contingent on U.S. border policies

Seventeen years later, it illegally annexed that base and the rest of Crimea. In the Budapest Memorandum, Russia provided security assurances to Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear arsenal. Now, a nuclear power has launched a full-scale invasion of the state whose security it was supposed to protect.

Russias other neighbors have had similar experiences. Russia armed and fought on the side of separatists in both Georgia and Moldova .

Read more: Opinion: Kyiv's dark moment and America's fateful choice

In 1992, Russia signed two agreements ensuring the territorial integrity of Georgia and promising to avoid military involvement in its separatist conflicts. Yet in 2008, Russia invaded, falsely claiming that Georgia was committing genocide against South Ossetians to justify the war. In a cease-fire agreement brokered by the French president, Russia agreed to withdraw its troops from Georgia  but it never did. Fifteen years later, Russian troops continue to occupy 20% of Georgian territory .

Similarly, some 1,500 Russian soldiers are stationed in the Moldovan region of Transnistria, more than 20 years after Russia made two agreements to withdraw them.

Read more: With Ukraine aid in peril, Zelensky pleads his case on Capitol Hill and at the White House

Russia has an abysmal track record of keeping agreements made with the countries it has invaded, including ones brokered by outside mediators and security organizations.

Perhaps Russia would be more likely to respect a treaty brokered by a powerful country such as the United States? Unfortunately, history provides no evidence for this assumption, either. Russia has broken every nuclear treaty it has signed with the U.S.

Under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty signed at the end of the Cold War, the U.S. and Russia agreed to ban missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,000 kilometers. Within the last decade, Russia secretly tested a cruise missile with a range of 2,500 kilometers and now deploys it in four battalions .

This year, Russia suspended its participation in the New START treaty. Moscow had already been refusing to restart mandatory inspections of its arsenal after a pause early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in its dealings with the U.S., Russia readily violates treaties and abandons them when convenient.

Russia has also shown a pattern of disregard for states throughout Europe and the Americas. Its interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, when Russia hacked into the computer servers of the Democratic National Convention and targeted voter systems in all 50 states, was broadly publicized in the media. Additionally, the Kremlin has illegally meddled in the elections of countries including Belarus , France , Georgia , Germany , Malta , Moldova , the Netherlands , Poland and Ukraine .

Russia has also conducted less subtle attempts at interference in foreign politics. The Kremlin attempted a coup in Montenegro a year before the country ratified its accession to NATO. Western intelligence concluded that a special unit of the Russian GRU planned to attack the Montenegrin parliament and assassinate the prime minister on the day of the parliamentary elections. This year, there have been allegations that Russia planned a similar coup in Moldova .

Russias readiness to ignore the sovereignty of other nations is also exemplified by its audacious assassinations of political opponents in broad daylight across Europe. In 2006, former British double agent Alexander Litvinenko died from radiation sickness in London after drinking a cup of tea poisoned with polonium-210. British investigators concluded the assassination, carried out by Russian FSB agents, was probably ordered by Putin .

In 2018, Russian intelligence poisoned another former spy, Sergei Skripal, in a park in Salisbury. He survived the attempt, but a British woman died after accidentally coming into contact with the poison. The following year, a Chechen insurgent fighter named Zelimkhan Khangoshvili was shot and killed by an FSB agent in the middle of a park in Berlin.

What is notable about these violent acts and attempts at election interference is that besides trampling on other states sovereignty, Russia consistently lies. According to Putin : We didnt meddle, we arent meddling, and we will not meddle in any elections.

The Kremlin also mocked British investigations into the poisonings of Litvinenko and Skripal as  totally absurd . Russias modus operandi has always been deny everything and admit nothing.

Those who argue that it is time for Ukraine to negotiate with Russia are overlooking reality. Russia has broken every peace treaty it ever signed with Ukraine, and many more with other states it has inflicted violence upon.

The Kremlin operates without regard for its neighbors, the United States, European countries, or any moral or legal boundaries. Putin has no reservations about interfering in democratic elections, plotting coups or murdering people even on NATO soil.

Negotiations hinge on having a modicum of trust in the other partys commitment to honor agreements, but Russia has demolished any grounds for trust.

Anastassia Fedyk is an assistant professor of finance at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Tatyana Deryugina is an associate professor of finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Emilia Marshall, a research fellow with Economists for Ukraine, contributed to this article.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Arzo is so weak she spends most of her day lying on a thin mattress in a dimly lit room under a ceiling fan that steadily circulates the polluted air of Pakistans largest city.

To pass the time, she watches makeup videos on her cellphone, the glow of the screen illuminating the faded freckles of a teenager whose skin now rarely sees the sun.

Arzo is a long way from her home in Afghanistan, where she lived with her parents before being smuggled across the border for medical treatment.

Her older brother and sister, Ahamad and Mahsa, now care for her in a rented room in Karachi, their temporary refuge from life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Dont worry, whispers Ahamad, as he kisses Arzos hand. You will be fine. Dont worry, we are with you always. Im hoping you will be fine soon.

CNN is not using Arzos or her siblings real names because they fear reprisals from the Taliban, and being discovered by Pakistani officials, who have deported more than 26,000 Afghans since announcing a crackdown on undocumented migrants in October.

Being forcibly returned to Afghanistan would mean certain death for the 15-year-old, her siblings say, because she needs medical care they say isnt available in their home country.

The siblings dont normally talk about why their little sister is so unwell  they dont want to upset her. As they told CNN their story, Arzo silently wept.

A girl with ambition

Arzo dances barefoot in jeans to pop music with her sisters inside a home in Afghanistan. She smiles as she twists her hands in time with the beat.

Ahamad said the video was filmed six months after the Taliban seized control of the country in August 2021. Schools were closed but his sisters were confident they would reopen.

They didnt. Instead, the Taliban gradually reimposed the repressive policies that shrank the role of women in society during their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, despite assurances they wouldnt.

Women are banned from most workplaces, universities, national parks, gyms and going anywhere in public without a male chaperone.

And girls are no longer educated beyond sixth grade.

Mahsa had already graduated high school, but Arzo still had three years ahead of her.

When their village school closed, their worried father sent his daughters to study English at an education center in Kabul, but that soon shut, too.

Back at home, Mahsa took up tailoring to pass the time. But Arzo drifted deeper into depression.

Most of the time she said, I hope we should move from this place, I dont want to be here, there is no education and I want to become a doctor, Mahsa recalled Arzo saying.

One day in July, Mahsa walked downstairs to find her sister staring at her with bulging eyes.

I asked her, What happened to you? She said that she drank acid. I didnt believe it, so I put my fingers in her mouth and she vomited up blood, Mahsa said.

Doctors see rise in suicides

Experts say reliable statistics on suicide and suicide attempts arent compiled in Afghanistan, but rights groups and doctors say theyve seen an increase under Taliban rule.

Dr. Shikib Ahmadi has been working six days a week and longer hours than ever, seeing patients at a mental health clinic in Afghanistans western Herat province. Hes using a pseudonym because he fears the Taliban will punish him for speaking to foreign media.

Ahmadi said the number of female patients at his clinic has surged 40% to 50% since the Talibans takeover two years ago. Around 10% of those patients kill themselves, he said.

Their lives restricted by the Taliban, girls and women are turning to cheap household items to attempt suicide, he said. Rat poison, liquid chemicals, cleaning fluids, and farming fertilizer  anything they think will ease their grief.

Ahmadi says he tries to tell them things will get better, that schools will reopen, that they can work at home while they wait, tailoring or doing something that gives them purpose.

But the truth is he doesnt know if classes will ever resume, and his own hope is fading.

I dont see any good future for anyone in this country, he said.

Another group of girls has just graduated from sixth grade  the end of their education under Taliban rules.

Ahmadi fears that will mean another wave of self-harm and suicide.

Last year, everyone had a hope that next year the schools will be open. The government promised that they will open the schools, he said.

But since this year, the schools are not open, so people lost their hopes. I feel like the number of suicides will increase.

CNN has contacted the Taliban for comment about the reported rise in suicide among women.

In a statement provided by the Talibans Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in January, the group claimed that female suicide rates had fallen since they came to power.

In the last 20 years, there were many case (sic) of women committing suicide, but by the grace of Allah, we do not have such cases now, the statement said.

The claim is contradicted by multiple reports, including from UN experts, who said in July that reports of depression and suicide are widespread, especially among adolescent girls prevented from pursuing education.

Arzo is fed fluids through a feeding tube while she waits for an operation to repair her wounds. - Javed Iqbal/CNN

The Talibans return

Arzo was born in 2008, seven years after the United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan and removed the Taliban leaders the US accused of harboring al Qaeda terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks.

Under the Western-backed Afghan government, a devastating civil war raged for years, but life had nonetheless improved for Afghan women. Many started school, earned degrees and became role models for girls like Arzo and Mahsa.

But everything changed in 2021 when the US and its allies started pulling out of Afghanistan, creating space for the resurgence of Taliban fighters, whod retreated to rural areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Back in power in the cities, the Taliban reimposed their radical Islamist ideology, carrying out extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, and unlawfully detaining anyone considered a threat to their leadership, according to rights groups.

In the chaotic aftermath of the takeover, women were initially told to stay at home because the fighters were not trained to respect them. Restrictions were gradually tightened, and now millions of girls and women are largely confined to their own homes with the threat of punishment if they dont comply.

Ayesha Ahmad, an associate professor in global health humanities at St. Georges University of London, was conducting in-depth interviews with women in Afghanistan who had fled domestic violence when the Taliban moved in.

I will never forget the day of the takeover, the frantic calls and communications and the absolute terror that they were feeling because they knew what the reality would be, and they were right, she said.

Now many more women are vulnerable to violence, she said, and some see suicide as the only escape, despite the cultural stigma and shame it would bring on their families.

Suicide is a sin in Islam, and in this context of religious extremism, women are not going to be seen as a victim, she said.

With little sympathy from the Taliban leaders who created this situation, Afghanistans women are looking outside their country for support.

Heather Barr, associate director of the womens rights division at Human Rights Watch, said Afghan women worry the world is beginning to accept that whats happening to them is normal.

Everyones kind of shrugging and saying, Well, its Afghanistan. It should be intolerable to all of us. Because what happens in Afghanistan, and how the international community does or doesnt respond, has huge implications for womens rights globally, she said.

We have to be saying to our governments that this cant be seen as normal. This cant be treated as just one more country with a domestic issue.

I cry for her future

Ahamad wasnt in Afghanistan in July when his sister drank the acid.

He had already fled to Pakistan, fearing retribution from the Taliban for his work as a journalist before they took power. He told CNN his father and uncle took Arzo to a local doctor, who gave her some medicine and told them to go to Kabul if her condition worsened. It did.

In Kabul, a doctor said the acid had damaged her esophagus and stomach and she was unlikely to survive surgery. So, they decided to take her to Pakistan, where Ahamad was waiting with a doctor. Ahamad then took Arzo to Karachi, where another doctor inserted a feeding tube into her stomach.

That was three months ago. Since then, Ahamad says Arzo has steadily lost weight and now weighs about 25 kilograms or 55 pounds.

Her situation is not good at all. The doctors installed the pipe to her stomach for feeding so she can gain weight and be ready for the real operation, in January, Ahamad said.

Maybe she wont gain weight, he said. And maybe they wont do the operation.

The siblings live in fear of being forcibly returned to Afghanistan and life under Taliban rule. A portion of this photo has been blurred by CNN to protect identity. - Javed Iqbal/CNN

Mahsa sits on the bed, her needle piercing fabric with enough precision to keep her mind focused on the task. She would like to return to study, but right now caring for her sister is all that matters.

I cant sleep at night because she is in pain, Mahsa said.

The siblings know theyre taking a huge risk by speaking out  they fear the Talibans reach in Pakistan and for their parents, who are still living in Afghanistan.

But theyre desperate.

Neither can work, the siblings say, and they dont have the $5,000 needed for Arzos surgery, as well as money for the room, food for themselves and the cans of powdered milk and juice they need to keep her weight from dropping.

They dont want to think about what happens if the last of their money runs out, or if the Pakistani police come knocking on the door.

Since October, when Pakistans government announced it was no longer tolerating the presence of undocumented Afghans, nearly 400,000 have returned to Afghanistan, according to the UNs High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Most left voluntarily, driven away by the fear of arrest, according to a joint statement from UN agencies.

In October, the UNs OCHR urged Pakistan to halt the removals, warning that those who returned were at grave risk of human rights violations.

The most vulnerable included civil society activists, journalists, human rights defenders, former government officials and security force members, and of course women and girls as a whole, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva.

Pakistan has defended its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), saying in a statement that its compliant with applicable international norms and principles.

Ahamad wants a safe place to go with his sisters, where they can rebuild their lives, resume their studies, and start to work as theyd always planned to do.

He knows that returning to Afghanistan is not an option for his sisters, especially Arzo, who cries with despair at the suggestion.

If she returns to Afghanistan, she will face the same fate. It would be better to live in a peaceful country and continue her education and proper treatment, Ahamad said.

For now, they live within the four walls of a room heavy with grief for the girl who used to dance barefoot but now struggles to find the strength to lift her head.

I dont cry in front of her, but I kiss her and cry while she sleeps at night, for her future, for her treatment, so she can survive this sickness, said Ahamad.

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A whale breaks the surface of the waters of the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon Coast during a previous Whale Watch Week.

Want to spot natures largest animal in the wild?

Late December is a great time to make it happen.

An estimated 15,000 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregons shores over the next several weeks as part of their annual migration south to the warm calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico.

But picking the perfect place to spot whales isnt simple.

Luckily, Oregons state parks department offers Winter Whale Watch Week from Dec. 27 to 31.

Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

Volunteers Nancy Rasmussen, left, and husband Steve Rasmussen, center, look for whales from The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay on the first day of Whale Watch Week in 2022.

The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast.

We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska, Oregon State Parks Ranger Peter McBride said. We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors.

Its been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at bit.ly/47Uk51x.

Depoe Bay center good spot to sight whales

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 31. Visitors can see interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.

Cape Lookout can be a good spot to spot whales on the Oregon Coast

Ideas for picking the right spot

During the winter migrations, the whales are a bit farther out from shore.

The whales stay farther out in winter because its a little easier for them to navigate in the deeper water, said Luke Parsons, park ranger at the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. Theyre in a hurry. Theyre headed down to Baja to either breed or give birth, and dont want to miss the party.

That means spotting spouts in the vast ocean can be a challenge.

While much of the success in whale watching is patience  the willingness to keep your binoculars focused on the ocean  there are a few places and tips that can help improve odds, Parsons said.

"In the afternoon, when the sun is right over the ocean, it's sparkling and pretty, but there's so much glare that it's very difficult to see them," Parsons said. "In the morning, the ocean tends to be more calm and of course the sun is behind you, so it's a lot better."

Whale Watching at Harris Beach State Park outside Brookings.

Hike-in whale watching

Hiking to a place to spot whales can also be a rewarding adventure.

Two favorites include Neahkahnie Mountain, a steep 3-mile hike with a scramble to the summit, and Cape Lookout, a more level 5-mile trek.

The route up Neahkahnie starts near Mazanita at the South Neahkahnie Trailhead. The hike climbs 1.5 miles, up 900 feet, to a stunning viewpoint. To reach the true summit, youll have to scramble up a rocky user path.

The route to the tip of Cape Lookout is longer but a lot less steep. From the Cape Lookout trailhead, south of Tillamook and north of Pacific City, its 2.4 miles to the tip of the cape. The hike gets you out closer to where it's sometimes possible to see whales more up close.

If you don't want to look for whales in the sometimes chilly outdoor air, set up shop at the Inn at Spanish Head lobby on the 10th floor in Lincoln City. Coffee and snacks can be enjoyed while keeping your eyes peeled on the ocean.

Whales and Christmas lights

South of Coos Bay you can watch for whales and hike in the morning before enjoying one of Oregons greatest Christmas lights displays at night.

Shore Acres State Park, one of a trio of state parks on a spectacular section of the coast, is one of the best spots to see whales and get ocean views. The upside is that if you stay until the evening, you can enjoy a wonderland of Christmas lights that features  among other things  leaping whales. You can also listen to carols and sip hot cider.

Visiting the lights does require getting one of a limited number of parking passes.

Make sure to hike to the Oregon Coast Trail between Sunset Bay, Shore Acres and Cape Arago. Its one of the states best.

3-in-1 whale stop: Depoe Bay

There's a trio of options to chose from in Depoe Bay.

All you need to do is step out of your car for the possibility of spotting whales at Boiler Bay Scenic Viewpoint right in town. For a short hike and sweeping view, head 3 miles south to Cape Foulweather.

Finally, if those two places fail, step into the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, where experts can help guide the search.

The Lookout Observatory and Gift Shop at Cape Foulweather near Depoe Bay sits atop a 500-foot cliff.

Whale Watching Spoken Here locations

Here are the locations where volunteers will help visitors spot whales from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 27 to Dec. 31.

Fort Stevens State Park - Peter Iredale Shipwreck

Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint

The Whale Watching Center

Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint

Cape Foulweather

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Yachats State Recreation Area

Cape Perpetua Turnout

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Umpqua Lighthouse

Shore Acres State Park

Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint

Harris Beach State Park

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Whale Watch Week 2023: Places to see whales on the Oregon Coast
The confluence of the South and North Santiam rivers earlier this year shows the extremely muddy water of the South Santiam due to the drawdown of Green Peter Reservoir.

Twenty rural Oregon lawmakers have asked a federal judge to modify a ruling that has impacted drinking water, wildlife and dried-up wells near Green Peter and Lookout Point reservoirs.

A letter sent to U.S. District Court Judge Marco Hernandez last week came in the wake of deep reservoir drawdowns by the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers, meant to help endangered salmon, that flushed extremely muddy water into the drinking water systems of Sweet Home, Lebanon and Lowell this fall.

The sediment in the water, more than 10 times as potent as normal, taxed city water filters and led to increased use of chemicals to keep water at safe levels in the towns. The situation angered locals, who said the water tasted poor and was discolored. Some switched to bottled water.

Hernandez ordered the drawdowns to help endangered juvenile spring chinook migrate through openings in the dam following a lawsuit from three environmental groups  Native Fish Society, Northwest Environmental Defense Center and WildEarth Guardians.

"We respectfully request you modify your 2021 order that led to the deep drawdowns of our dams, and prevent these negative effects happening to even more communities around our state. Our communities deserve a seat at the table in the decision-making processes regarding dam management," wrote a group that included two state senators, three state representatives and a collection of mayors and county commissioners, mostly from Linn and Marion counties. U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Oregon, wrote a similar letter earlier in the year.

The situation even drew concerns from Willamette Riverkeeper, an environmental group that has filed lawsuits related to native fish and dam operations in the past.

"It may be worth reconsidering how the U.S. Army Corps approaches any future drawdowns, with additional opportunity for organizations and the local community to weigh in on the path forward," wrote Travis Williams, executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper, in a letter sent to Hernandez.

Foster Lake, the city of Sweet Homes water source, turned the color of chocolate milk, filled at times with 14 times as much sediment as normal this fall.

Water issues easing, reservoirs to rise

Heavy rain has caused the reservoirs to rise somewhat in December, which has reduced the amount of sediment being flushed downstream. Sweet Home city officials said the impact on drinking water hasn't been quite as bad as it was previously.

"We are continuing to produce safe water and its not requiring quite as many additional hours from public works staff as before, but were still operating differently from normal as the turbidity fluctuates," said Cecily Pretty, administrative services director.

The Corps will begin refilling Green Peter and Lookout Point to normal levels beginning Saturday, which should diminish the amount of mud in the water even more, Corps officials said.

However, as of now, the same drawdowns would occur next year and in future years.

A container on the left shows water coming from Foster Lake and a container on the right shows water treated by the Sweet Home Water Treatment Plant in November.

For future years, can the judge change the order?

Hernandez cannot change his ruling based on the letters or complaints, but he could make a modification if one party in the lawsuit moves to amend the courts order.

Greg Taylor, lead fish biologist for the Corps, said the agency would submit a report in late February "that will have some of the fish and water quality results," he said.

"We will be looking hard at the results after the New Year and based on that, we'll likely bring forward some changes for the judge to consider," Taylor said.

Water behind Lookout Point Reservoir near Lowell is seen at historically low levels this fall.

Gov. Tina Kotek weighs in

At a press conference in late November, Gov. Tina Kotek said her office was looking for a solution.

Right now, we dont have a solution," Kotek said. "Were coming into legislative session, maybe there are some things we can do but well also need help from our federal partners at the Corps of Engineers to help us pay for some of the impact of the drawdown. Drawdown for the fish? Necessary. How they went about it? Not good."

Environmental groups defend lawsuit

The Native Fish Society, one of the groups that brought the lawsuit leading to the drawdowns, said it supported financial relief for cities such as Sweet Home due to the impacts of the muddy water.

However, they said drawdowns can work if given time, and that the impact of muddy water would ease in future years.

If we get fish passage right, we really can restore wild spring chinook in the Willamette  this iconic Oregon fish. That would be a boon for every community in the Willamette Valley, Mark Sherwood, executive director of the Native Fish Society, previously told the Statesman Journal.

Diamond Peak rises over Lookout Point Reservoir near Lowell in early November.

No relief for Sweet Home yet

Multiple lawmakers and the environmental groups involved in the lawsuits have called for Sweet Home and Lebanon to get funding to support their drinking water systems amid the muddy water from the drawdown.

So far, nothing has happened.

"As of right now, we do not have any formal commitments from state or federal sources for any resources related to the drawdown at Green Peter," Pretty said.

Urban-rural divide

The letter from the lawmakers emphasized the drawdowns have brought echoes of Oregon's so-called Timber Wars, when lawsuits over the spotted owl impacted rural towns by limiting logging.

They noted the drawdowns not only impacted water but also recreation and fishing. The drawdowns killed tens of thousands of fish earlier this summer.

"The tourism sector is threatened not only by these drawdowns, but by the uncertainty of what the future holds for these community resources, jeopardizing the economic outlook for our communities while also sustaining the costs associated with these drawdowns," the letter said.

Letter to Judge Hernandez from rural Oregon lawmakers by Statesman Journal on Scribd

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Letter to Judge Hernandez from Willamette Riverkeeper by Statesman Journal on Scribd

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Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon lawmakers ask judge to modify reservoir drawdowns
China remains solid bet for global businesses

Xinhua) 09:16, December 16, 2023

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows ships unloading cargo at the ore wharf of the Caofeidian port area of the Tangshan Port in north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

In recent years, China has pursued a new vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, and committed itself to high-quality development. China's economic growth has produced more fruits and become greener, injecting strong momentum into global sustainable development.

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Another year is just around the corner and global market watchers are reviewing the year 2023 for China, a year of hard-won, inspiring rebound amid a struggling global economic recovery.

Despite challenges at home and abroad, China has managed to press ahead with its high-quality development, galvanizing the Asia-Pacific region and the wider world with its solid progress, great potential and immense opportunities.

The Chinese economy has experienced a rebound since the beginning of the year. China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters, marking the strongest performance among the world's major economies.

Steven Barnett, the IMF's senior resident representative in China, said that China remains the biggest engine of global economic growth in 2023, contributing one-third of global economic growth.

"When China grows faster, it really provides a welcome lift for the whole world," Barnett told Xinhua on a previous occasion.

Isao Sugehara, founder, president and CEO of Sugena, a Japanese consultancy, said that the Chinese economy shows a clear rebound and its growth rate stands out among the major economies in the world, adding that it is an important growth engine for global economy and that of the Asia-Pacific.

A staff member of China Railway Rolling Stock Corp (CRRC) Puzhen Alstom Transportation Systems Limited installs the equipment of a monorail carriage in Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

In recent years, China has pursued a new vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, and committed itself to high-quality development. China's economic growth has produced more fruits and become greener, injecting strong momentum into global sustainable development.

Wayne Huang, principal of the Institute of Commercial Education New Zealand, said that China is a source of power and anchor of stability for global economic development.

In the past 10 years particularly, China's green and digital economic development has provided a Chinese solution for the world in that regard, and the world is sharing China's dividends, Huang said.

Koh King Kee, president of the Center for New Inclusive Asia, a non-governmental Malaysian think tank, said that innovation and technology are the driving forces of economic growth in the 21st century, and that green development is an effective way to deal with climate change.

China is a leader in digital technology and renewable energy, and will play a very important role in promoting global digital transformation and green development, he said.

Craig Emerson, director of the Australian APEC Study Centre at RMIT University, said he believes that China's energy transformation has made important contributions to promoting global sustainable development.

China is already the largest producer of renewable energy, and its push for green development offers the world new opportunities to accelerate decarbonization and take advantage of green trade, Emerson said.

Waref Kumayha, president of the Silk Road Institute for Studies and Research in Lebanon, said that China has put forward the Global Development Initiative to promote the implementation of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

A China-Europe freight train, which set out from Duisburg, Germany, carrying exhibits for the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) arrives in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

Kumayha said that China has played a positive role in global sustainable development, and countries hope to learn from China's development experience and strive for a prosperous and bright future together.

In just six days, the annual volume of intended transactions at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November surged to a record-breaking 78.41 billion U.S. dollars. The expo, which shares China's enormous market with the world, vividly illustrates China's commitment to a broader opening-up and inclusive globalization.

China remains steadfast in that commitment. With a total population of over 1.4 billion and the world's largest middle-income polulation, China presents huge potential in terms of market demand, a bedrock of its own economy and a boon for the world.

China's commitment to high-level opening-up will benefit the entire world, said Jim Rogers, a world-renowned investor and financial commentator.

China holds a series of exhibitions such as the CIIE, injecting confidence and momentum into the global economy. China also continues to expand market access and improve the business environment, thereby boosting confidence of foreign companies, said Lin Xiaojing, general manager of products and marketing of Indonesia Sinar Mas Group, who has participated in the CIIE for six consecutive years.

"China's sustained and steady economic growth will bring more opportunities, and we are optimistic about the development prospects of the Chinese market," said Meng Pu, chairman of Qualcomm China, adding that China's business environment has constantly improved.

China's dedicated pursuit of a high-level opening-up generates opportunities for economic and trade cooperation for all parties involved, said Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative.

As a major agricultural economy, Thailand has witnessed a year-on-year increase in exports of durian, mangosteen, and other fruits to China. Collaboration within the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has facilitated trade and brought benefits to Thai farmers, he said.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Rudy Giuliani faces a $148 million damages ruling in Washington, DC, after a jury determined he defamed former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.

The jury deliberated for approximately 10 hours before determining the amount of compensatory and punitive damages owed to the plaintiffs, who accused Giuliani of destroying their reputations with false claims of election fraud, as per The New York Times.

Rudy Giuliani Faces $148 Million Verdict

In a ruling earlier this year, Judge Beryl A. Howell of the Federal District Court in Washington had already determined that Giuliani had defamed Freeman and Moss. In the trial, the primary objective was to ascertain the financial restitution for the damages resulting from Giuliani's unfounded allegations, which claimed that election workers had made an effort to unlawfully appropriate the 2020 election from Donald J. Trump.

Freeman and Moss, individuals who were actively involved as election workers for Fulton County during the previous presidential election, have taken legal action by filing a civil lawsuit against Giuliani. In a recent statement, the former mayor of New York City, who also served as Donald Trump's personal lawyer, made a false claim regarding their alleged involvement in a fake ballot processing scheme.

The jury awarded compensatory damages as follows:

$16,171,000 to Freeman for defamation

$16,998,000 to Moss for defamation

$20 million each, totaling $40 million, for emotional distress to both Freeman and Moss

$75 million in punitive damages

Despite facing a substantial verdict, Giuliani, in a defiant manner, maintained his position, pointing out that the threats against the women were "abominable." However, he persisted in standing by his unproven claims of voter fraud. In a determined stance outside the courthouse, he expressed his intention to challenge the ruling, emphasizing that the jury's awarded amount underscored the perceived "absurdity" of the entire legal process, according to CBS News.

Read Also: Nepal Hindu Festival 2023: Dogs Pampered as Part of Celebration-Here's Why

Giuliani's Damaging Claims Unveiled

During the trial, Freeman and Moss testified about the terror they experienced after being falsely implicated in voter fraud. They described receiving racist threats and hate-filled messages, leading to significant disruptions in their lives. Freeman's small business closed, and she was forced to sell her house, while Moss missed out on job opportunities and was passed up for a promotion.

Giuliani, who did not take the stand in his defense, insisted that his statements about the election workers were true and blamed external sources for the harm inflicted on Freeman and Moss. His defense attorney, Joseph Sibley IV, argued that Giuliani's net worth was less than the damages sought by the plaintiffs and likened the potential award to the "civil equivalent of the death penalty."

The trial also delved into Giuliani's unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud, with the jury instructed to consider damages caused by his co-conspirators, including former President Donald Trump. The plaintiffs contended that injecting conspiracy theories into media accounts was part of the Trump legal team's plan to cast doubt on the 2020 election results.

As Giuliani's legal battles continue, the significant financial penalty imposed by the jury underscores the potential consequences of spreading false information that can harm individuals' lives and reputations, Washington Examiner reported.

Related Article: Prof. Elon Musk? Billionaire Allegedly Launching Free University in Texas

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Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue  and what it means for you.

I can only hope that adding your name to my complaint will lend some weight to it, writes James. And that easyJet will do the right thing by me and my situation.

Many readers contact me when they feel unjustly treated by various parts of the travel industry, and I do what I can to advise. Heres Jamess story: he is taking his three children on their annual ski trip at Easter. Flights during the school holidays are expensive, as I demonstrated this week.

From Geneva to Liverpool, for example, the easyJet fare for an afternoon flight on Saturday 6 April is 228  with baggage fees on top.

Through the online travel agent Kiwi, James found a cheaper deal, saving (at current prices) 90 per person. It involves flying from Geneva to Nice on easyJet, then changing to a Nice-Liverpool departure with the same airline.

Kiwi  based in the Czech Republic  claims to find cheap flights other sites cant see. It assures prospective travellers: Our self-transfer itineraries offer connections not covered by the carriers, so you can get to where you want to be.

But its secret superpower needs to come with a large warning attached: you may not get to where you want to be without spending more cash.

Britains biggest budget airline is a point-to-point carrier. Each time you book an easyJet flight, the airline commits simply to getting you (and any baggage) from A to B. The impact of a modest delay on your onward plans is not easyJets concern. This places the airline in a very different position from network carriers.

If you book a connecting trip with British Airways, Air France or Lufthansa, and a delayed first leg means you miss the second part of the journey, staff must find a solution free of charge. The airline is also liable for meals, hotel costs and possibly cash compensation for a delay of three hours or more arriving at the your final destination. And any checked baggage will normally be automatically transferred at the hub, and you will see it only on arrival at your final airport.

In contrast, a self-transfer itinerary is not to be bought lightly. For each stage of the journey you must pick up your checked luggage and check it in again. And if the first part of your trip is delayed so badly that you miss the second flight, that is tough  although for an extra 27 per person, Kiwi sells what it calls a guarantee to find alternative flights if things go wrong.

In Jamess case, easyJet moved the departure time of the first leg, from Geneva to Nice, 55 minutes later. That leaves a gap of only 70 minutes for getting off the plane, waiting for baggage, leaving the terminal through arrivals, walking around to bag-drop for the next leg, going through security, boarding the next aircraft and departing.

It might be just about doable  but a half-hour delay from Geneva to Nice, which would be nothing surprising with so much pressure on the skies, would scupper any chance of making the only plane of the day from Nice to Liverpool.

James continues: Kiwi said my options were limited  pay for another set of flights or request a refund. Ive requested a refund as I need the money to pay for the new flights. But easyJet says Im not eligible for any refund on any part of the flights as the change is less than an hour. Ive lost a staggering amount of money. Before I submit my complaint, is there anything you can recommend that I do?

Unfortunately, I can only recommend that James does not waste time complaining to easyJet; minor changes to flight departure times happen frequently.

Throwing good money after bad is inevitable, with no great outcome that I can see. The least bad is buying seats (currently 39 each) on the early morning Geneva to Nice flight, with a long wait for the onward flight to Liverpool. But to make the 6.30am departure would require an outlandishly early start. Failing that, it may be a matter of discarding the first itinerary entirely, and booking the early (9.30am) Geneva-Liverpool flight, for which seats are only 173 each

I imagine James will avoid the innocent-sounding self-transfer itinerary in future, and I thank him for reminding others of the perils of booking cheap flights other sites cant see.
View of a rocky patch of reddish mars ground, with a mountain in the background and a portion of nasa's perseverance mars rover in the foreground.

Nearly three years ago, NASA's Perseverance rover landed on Mars as part of a decades-long effort to study if the now-barren planet ever hosted life.

Jezero Crater once harbored a big lake and a river delta. The car-sized Perseverance , equipped with sophisticated cameras and science instruments, has so far been spending its days studying its environs and scooping up a variety of intriguing, 3.5-billion-year-old Martian rocks and soil scattered on the crater floor. As planned, the rover has dropped 10 sample-filled tubes on the ground, where they await the arrival of a different robot which will ferry them back to Earth for more robust scrutiny in the 2030s.

On Tuesday (Dec. 12), NASA announced that the $2.7 billion robotic explorer has fulfilled all its assignments while also notching 1,000 Mars days on the Red Planet. (One Mars day, or sol, lasts 24 hours and 37 minutes.) Initial analyses of the rover's collected rocks reveal that some of them contain plenty of carbonate-rich minerals and minuscule silica grains, a combination that likely would have preserved any organic molecules from the time and prevented them from degrading, akin to a "mummy's tomb," Morgan Cable, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, told reporters during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Related: 12 amazing photos from the Perseverance rover's 1st year on Mars

Some of the rocks also show strong evidence for an intriguing mineral called iron phosphate. Here on Earth, phosphate is found in the DNA of all known life forms and also dissolves easily in liquid water. "We know that phosphorus is incredibly important," said Cable, "and now we have the strongest evidence ever collected that phosphorus was available in a form that life could access if it was there."

"I would say, mission accomplished," said Ken Farley, a geochemist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena who serves as the project scientist for the Perseverance mission. "We've acquired some very, very good samples."

Speaking at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference being held this week in San Francisco and online, Farley said the 1,000-sol milestone also marks the beginning of a new bonus mission starting next spring that will take Perseverance up and across the rim of Jezero Crater, and possibly even beyond. Scientists suspect that ancient Martian groundwater in this region interacted with rocks in a way that created an environment completely different from what the rover has explored so far.

"It's quite remarkable actually that there is a route that we can drive up with the rover," said Farley, adding that Perseverance will roll 2.4 miles (4 kilometers) from its current location to reach the start of its egress path. "That will allow us access to rocks that are much, much older."

Related: If Perseverance found evidence of life on Mars, would we recognize it?

a mars mountain rises in the distance, with red dirt and boulders in the foreground.

While the bonus trek next year will aim to fill the 13 sample tubes remaining onboard the rover, the rocks collected so far are already helping scientists stitch together pieces of how Jezero Crater, thought to have been birthed by an asteroid impact about 3.9 billion years ago and later flooded by a long-lived river, evolved to be the parched, boulder-strewn area Perseverance is showing us today.

The drastic transformation occurred across three major phases, Libby Ives, part of the Perseverance team at JPL, explained during Tuesday's briefing. Sometime around 3.7 billion years ago, a large, fast-moving river breached the crater's rim and gushed in, carrying with it  and leaving behind  light-colored, fine-grained sand and mud seen by Perseverance in an area nicknamed the " Bacon Strip ," Ives said.

Floodwaters then apparently filled the crater until the lake was 100 feet (30 meters) or so deep, which can be inferred from the gradually changing layers of rock types plastered onto one another, said Ives. The third and final phase witnessed another sudden colossal flood that dumped round, 3.3-foot-wide (1 m) boulders across the crater.

"These are big rocks, probably not something you're picking up by yourself," said Ives.

a patch of red martian ground studded with big boulders.

At some point in Mars' history, the water flooding Jezero Crater  and flowing in other parts of the planet  escaped into space, "never to be seen again," said Farley. "Had that not been the case, this would all be gone."

The surface water's disappearance is thought to have been accelerated by the then-young sun's frequent solar storms, which stripped away Mars' once-thick atmosphere . As its atmosphere got thinner and thinner, the planet lost more and and more of its surface water, eventually becoming the frigid desert we know today. (Mars' atmosphere is currently about 1% as thick as Earth's is at sea level.)

Among countless boulders cluttering the Martian surface today, scientists are particularly interested in fine-grained rock at a spot named Hidden Harbor, whose thin, white sulfate veins are evidence for ancient water activity.

"This is the kind of rock that we would pull apart grain by grain and really study individual grains very, very carefully," said Meenakshi Wadhwa of Arizona State University, who serves as the principal scientist for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which aims to bring Perseverance's samples to Earth.

"This would be one of the most audacious robotic missions ever conducted," said Wadhwa. "It remains incredibly important for its high strategic and scientific value."

Related: Life on Mars: Exploration & evidence

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Scientists don't yet have a precise timeline for when Mars' surface was habitable and when it became parched, as that information can be learned only by time-dating Martian rocks using equipment here on Earth. Robust analysis would also reveal if the intriguing minerals that Perseverance has spotted are really evidence for life as we know it and not just byproducts of physical processes.

In Tuesday's briefing, Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, emphasized the importance of returning samples collected by Perseverance to Earth. Study of that material in well-equipped labs around the world "is what will provide the ground truth for decades of remote sensing and in-situ data that we have from exploring Mars," Glaze said.

NASA is spearheading the ambitious MSR mission, which aims to launch an orbiter and rocket-toting lander in 2030 but remains under stress due to its cost overruns and unprepared architecture. In response to a report from an independent review board that urged a rethink of certain aspects of the design, Glaze said the mission team is currently evaluating different options to feasibly return those samples to Earth.

As per the current plan, Perseverance would load samples into the NASA lander, which would then launch the material to Mars orbit. Up there, a European orbiter would grab the sample capsule and haul it back toward Earth. But the new bonus trek next year will move the rover outside the craters rim and away from its initial stash of samples on the crater floor, so team members are yet to figure out exactly where the future sample retrieval lander should touch down. Glaze said one option may be to perch the lander wherever Perseverance is at that time, or drive the rover back to the crater floor near the dropped samples.

When those samples ultimately reach Earth, they will be preserved "for decades and generations to come so that scientists who haven't even been born yet can address questions we haven't thought of yet, using instrumentation that hasn't been invented," said Glaze.
Azerbaijan will host the 2024 United Nations COP29 climate summit, the second in a row to take place in a major producer of oil, after this years event in the United Arab Emirates.

But after the unexpected breakthroughs at this years meeting, some are hoping that the conferences can make progress when held in countries built on oil wealth.

Putting COP28 in Dubai prompted widespread skepticism. The UAE is an OPEC member, and its oil and gas production makes up more than a quarter of its gross domestic product.

How much progress on climate change was possible at a summit hosted by a country so dependent on oil production? Such questions were underlined when COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber claimed there was no science behind calls for phasing out fossil fuels, sparking outrage among attendees.

Yet the international talks came to a strong conclusion, with a final agreement that called for a transition away from fossil fuels for the first time in the COPs history. This followed OPEC pressing nations late in the talks to block such language.

Both the breakthrough and the initial skepticism loom large after Baku was chosen as the site for the 2024 conference.

Azerbaijan is one of the biggest oil and gas producers in the Caucasus region. Its oil industry goes back to the mid-19th century, most of it produced offshore in the Caspian Sea for export, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Ideally we wouldnt be hosting COP with another petrochemical state, said Cherelle Blazer, director of international climate policy at the Sierra Club, who attended the Dubai summit. I think theres less known about the dynamics, [but] guarded optimism for sure ahead of COP29.

Azerbaijan, unlike the UAE, is not an OPEC member but has been invited to join. Brazil, which has been selected as the 2025 host, is an OPEC member that produced about 2.94 million barrels of oil per day in 2020.

We have to continue to make progress with what we just accomplished at COP28, but I dont think this is ideal for sure, Blazer said. We saw that open interference by OPEC, and I assume they would do the same thing next year. I assume theyll apply the same pressure next year, even though the host country may not be [a member].

A major oil producer hosting the summit doesnt have to preclude meaningful progress but I think it makes it more difficult, Blazer added. This is a conference thats supposed to be protecting the environment, [but] it is a bit more of the fox guarding the henhouse.

Ultimately, a lot of this exercise is performative, marketing and greenwashing, said Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at Columbia Business School.

The key bit is to figure out how to have real change on the ground, Wagner added.

Even COPs hosted by petrostates, he said, could effect meaningful change merely by rethinking their urban design to improve features such as public transportation, transforming the city itself as a result of this traveling circus.

They have a lot of oil wealth  they could, if they wanted to, put in the Beijing metro system times two, he said.

Wagner expressed hope that between now and COP29, Baku can add features including rapid bus lanes, so when those 100,000 people show up, maybe do it for that one event and keep going.

Kaveh Guilanpour, vice president for international strategies at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, noted that numerous European oil and gas producers have hosted COP summits in the past and that, despite skepticism around the Dubai COP, it was the site of unprecedented progress on fossil fuel language.

The U.S. itself is producing more oil and gas than ever before, and climate advocates have said it must also lead by example if it intends to ask the same of other countries.

We have to square up what we say we want to do with what were actually doing, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said Thursday at The Hills Enhancing Energy Efficiency: How Technology is Cutting Carbon Emissions event. You cant teach temperance from a barstool.

Guilanpour said he did not see evidence that Dubai sought to water things down at the recently concluded summit.

He said its possible that the UAEs position in the Global South and the international oil market gave it credibility among participants, and that this might have led to a stronger final agreement.

I think it would have been much harder for a Northern country to have had the dynamic and the trust of, for example, regional partners and other fossil fuel producers, he said. He contrasted it with less forceful language on coal that participants agreed to at the 2021 COP summit in Glasgow, Scotland.

People who were certainly skeptical going into the COP[28] werent saying that by the second week, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Phoenix police said a woman died Friday morning after a shooting believed to be connected to a domestic dispute near 17th and Missouri avenues.

Just after midnight, Phoenix police said they were called to a hospital after a woman was brought there with a gunshot wound. The woman later died at the hospital.

Police said the incident started at the Missouri Crossing apartment complex on the northwest corner of 17th and Missouri avenues.

Police served a search warrant on Friday afternoon at the apartment complex and closed Missouri Avenue between 17th and 18th avenues.

Phoenix police personnel on Dec. 15, 2023, are parked outside the Missouri Crossing apartment complex during an investigation of an overnight shooting that left one woman dead

As of Friday afternoon, there was no estimated time for reopening, according to officers at the scene.

A neighbor said the victim and a male resident in the same apartment unit engaged in a verbal and physical altercation the night of the victim's death  a regular occurrence at the residence, according to the neighbor.

The neighbor said the male resident was accompanied by another woman who forced the victim into a vehicle before driving away.

"He was hitting her, and they were screaming really loud that we need to leave," said the neighbor.

The neighbor said police told them there were gunshots in the area of 13th Avenue and Mohave Street, nearly 7 miles south of the apartment complex, and that the victim was found there before being taken to the hospital.

A Phoenix police vehicle on Dec. 15, 2023, blocks the eastbound lanes of Missouri Avenue after a search warrant was executed in an overnight shooting that left a woman dead and was believed related to a domestic dispute at the Missouri Crossing apartments.

Police showed the neighbor images of the male resident to confirm his identity as a potential suspect.

Phoenix police have not confirmed where the actual shooting took place.

The neighbor said they believed the suspect was a felon, and that he and the victim were living in the apartment under someone else's name.

The neighbor added that the suspect had threatened them after they attempted to intervene in the regular domestic disputes that were common between the suspect and the victim.

The neighbor said that the victim had recently given birth to a premature baby who was still in the hospital.

In the same complex, only a few apartment units away from the scene of the original incident was the victim's cousin, Jodee Lee.

Lee said he learned of the death of his cousin through a phone call from family, only to find police conducting an active investigation on his apartment complex.

Lee said his cousin was "nice and kind-hearted," and that the two maintained irregular contact as neighbors.

Neighbors near the apartment complex spoke of frequent shootings in the area that made them feel unsafe.

"If they (apartment management) don't care about resident safety, then it's time to go," said a resident of the Missouri Crossing apartments.

A neighbor south of Missouri Avenue said a shooting had occurred on nearly every major holiday, with the most recent occurring on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.

Phoenix homicide detectives were still investigating the death and had not released the name of the victim or any suspects.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Shooting leaves woman dead after midtown Phoenix domestic dispute
The Department of Justice has charged four men with perpetrating a scam that involved persuading victims to invest large sums of money into a fraudulent platform. (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Barely a day goes by without a scam of some kind popping up on our phones or in our email, trying to get us to download malware, reveal a password or pay for fraudulent goods. But there's one bit of con artistry gaining traction that you definitely don't want to fall for.

It's called a "pig butchering" scheme, because the perpetrators will fatten up a victim to gain their trust before "butchering" them  typically by persuading them to invest large sums of money into a fraudulent investment, then making off with all of it.

Four men, three of them from Southern California, were recently charged in connection with such a scam, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday. The DOJ alleges that the con cost victims $80 million.

Alham Lu Zhang, 36, of Alhambra; Justin Walker, 31, of Cypress; Joseph Wong, 32, of Rosemead; and Hailong Zhu, 40, of Naperville, Ill., were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, international money laundering and concealment money laundering, the DOJ said. Zhang and Walker were arrested and appeared in court Wednesday. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Pig butchering scammers often find their victims on dating sites or social media, or by calling and pretending to have dialed a wrong number, federal officials said in the release. The scams are largely carried out by criminal enterprises from Southeast Asia, which use human trafficking victims to reach out to millions of people around the world, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. Scammers create relationships with the victims to gain their trust and, in many cases, introduce the idea of using cryptocurrency to make a business investment.

In cases involving cryptocurrency, victims are directed to fraudulent platforms to make investments, unwittingly sending their money to scammer-controlled accounts. The platform falsely shows significant gains on the investment, and the victims are then encouraged to pony up more and more. However, when they eventually try to withdraw their money, the scammers stonewall them  or just disappear with the funds.

In the case announced Thursday, the feds allege that Zhang, Walker, Wong and Zhu conspired to open bank accounts and shell companies to launder money from a cryptocurrency investment scam. The four are accused of making hundreds of transactions that caused the victims to lose more than $80 million  more than $20 million of which ended up in the defendants' bank accounts.

According to FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller, pig butchering scammers are patient and will build a relationship with daily small talk to make the victim feel comfortable. They may also send photographs portraying themselves as wealthy and successful. One sign that the romantic partner you met online may be a scammer is that the person is never willing or able to meet with you, always offering excuses and reassuring you they will visit soon.

The scammers usually introduce the investment opportunity by sharing their own success stories and saying they got wealthy through a particular investment platform, Eimiller said. They'll share screenshots of their bank accounts with high balances and eventually pressure the victim to invest, presenting it as a "near guarantee" to make money  with the caveat that the victim should start with a small amount of money to see that it works.

The victim is sent a link to download a mobile app, or they're directed to a website to open an account, according to Eimiller. The accounts, which the scammer will control, require them to upload their identification. Victims usually start with small amounts of money and get instant returns. They're able to withdraw early on, which makes them believe the platform is legitimate.

Victims tend to increase their investment based on the returns they've seen, or they may be pressured to invest more by the scammers. They see reports of regular profits and eventually decide to make a large withdrawal. At this point, the hammer drops: They're told that they need to pay taxes, about 15%-25% of their profits, and will need to find additional funds. Then they're told that their account is frozen due to securities fraud or money laundering. They never get their (fictitious) earnings, nor will they recover the money they invested.

Eimiller advises against sending money to an investment platform just because someone you met online or over the phone advised you to do so.

"Most of these investment returns do not even mathematically make sense, but people want to trust those who pretend to be their friend, colleague or potential partner," she wrote in an email. "And the use of third-party investment platforms seems to disarm people. In their eyes, theyre not giving their money to a stranger, theyre investing with what they are convinced is a legitimate investment company."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley is facing intense criticism and calls for resignation after making inflammatory remarks during a statewide meeting.

The comments, caught on video, targeted migrants, with Haley claiming they were rapists and "like savages." She also used derogatory language, including the N-word, and expressed disdain for transgender individuals, as per Chicago Tribune.

NAACP Leader Apologizes Over Comments

Haley, who had previously denied making the comments, has now issued a formal apology on Thursday. In her statement, she expressed deep regret for any offense that may have been caused by her previous remarks.

In the video, she expressed her concerns about migrants receiving support while also suggesting that the needs of Black residents were being overlooked. The leader of the NAACP has accused the city of Chicago of allegedly prioritizing assistance for over 26,000 immigrants, potentially at the expense of the Black community.

The controversy deepened as Patrick Watson, Du Bois County branch president, resigned in protest and urged Haley to follow suit. Watson recorded the video call, during which Haley also criticized the use of transgender pronouns and complained about being asked to use them.

Chicago, grappling with a surge in migrant arrivals, is expected to spend $300 million this year on support for over 26,000 migrants who crossed the Mexican border since August last year. The city faced criticism for commandeering parks and public facilities to accommodate newcomers, leading to backlash from residents.

Haley's comments, which have been labeled as "abhorrent" by Watson, have ignited a wave of outrage. The remarks have drawn strong condemnation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who characterized them as "reprehensible" and "extraordinarily inappropriate." Governor Pritzker underscored the significance of acknowledging the valuable contributions made by immigrants to the fabric of American society, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also: Ukraine's Biggest Traitor: Pro Russia Ukrainian Lawmaker Shot Dead Near Moscow; Kyiv Claims Responsibility for Assassination

NAACP Turmoil, Evaluating Controversial Remarks

The NAACP, an organization established in 1909 with the aim of promoting the rights of Black individuals, finds itself currently involved in internal turmoil. In a divided response, branch presidents have voiced their opinions on Haley's remarks. While some have shown unwavering support for her, others, such as Watson, have strongly criticized her statements, labeling them as hate speech. Carla Jackson-Campbell, a senior executive at the NAACP, revealed that the organization is currently in the process of evaluating the situation at hand.

Haley, a rising star in the NAACP and the recipient of the 2021 Activist of the year award, is currently campaigning for a seat on the organization's national board. Her comments, however, have drawn criticism from various quarters, prompting calls for her resignation.

As tensions rise over migrant arrivals in Chicago, the controversy surrounding Haley adds fuel to the debate over the city's sanctuary status. Chicago, a sanctuary city since 1985, has faced challenges accommodating the recent influx of migrants, leading to strained resources and public discontent.

The NAACP, known for its commitment to advancing racial justice, now grapples with internal divisions over Haley's remarks. The fallout from this controversy raises questions about the organization's mission and the need for accountability within its leadership, CNN reported.

Related Article: Prof. Elon Musk? Billionaire Allegedly Launching Free University in Texas-Will You Enroll?





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This article originally appeared on pittsburghsportsnow.com.

Blake Hinson and Carlton Bub Carrington both took home ACC awards on Monday for their spectacular performances last week.

Hinson was named ACC Player of the Week, while the rookie, Carrington, took home ACC Rookie of the Week honors for the third time in five weeks this season.

Pitt finished the week with a 2-0 record, bouncing back from losses to Clemson and Missouri the week before with Ws over West Virginia and Canisius. In the two games, Hinson shot the lights out, going 12 for 19 from three-point range including a Pitt record nine three-pointers made against the Mountaineers. Hinson averaged 27.5 points per game in the two games, and currently leads the Panthers, and the ACC, in scoring with 21.9 points per game. That also ranks him as the ninth-best scorer in Division One.

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With a border deal hanging in the balance and the Iowa caucuses a month away, Donald Trump amplified his attack on immigrants at a rally in New Hampshire on Saturday.

Theyre poisoning the blood of our country, the former president said. Theyve poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world. Not just in South America, not just the three or four countries that we think about, but all over the world theyre coming into our country from Africa, from Asia.

While in the White House, Trump sought to deter immigration by building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, building some 450 miles of fencing along the nearly 2,000-mile border, much of which replaced existing barriers. In addition to strict border security measures, his administration also implemented a travel ban for people from several predominantly Muslim countries.

If reelected, Trump has pledged to finish the border wall, reinstitute travel bans and launch mass deportation efforts. He has also pledged to end birthright citizenship for those born to immigrants living in the country illegally.

Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) met with administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, on Saturday as they sought to forge a compromise on border security that could also unlock aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

But Trump was undeterred in his attack on immigrants Saturday.

All over the world, theyre pouring into our country. Nobody is even looking at them, they just come in and the crime is going to be tremendous, the terrorism is going to be, Trump said.

The Biden campaign later accused the former president of "parroting Adolf Hitler" in his remarks.
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Franklin Police Department (FPD) is investigating a deadly crash involving a bicyclist and another vehicle.

According to officials, the deadly crash happened on Mack Hatcher Parkway near Liberty Pike on Saturday, Dec. 16.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

The FPD posted on X  formerly known as Twitter  at 11:13 a.m., saying that Mack Hatcher Parkway was closed from Liberty Pike to Highway 96 in both directions. Multiple first responders and the departments Critical Response Unit were called to the scene.

Authorities initially reported the crash involved two cyclists and a motor vehicle, but shortly before 5:30 p.m., they announced it only involved one cyclist and one vehicle.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to police, the driver of the vehicle that hit the cyclist  identified as 23-year-old Hidalgo Orozco Denilson of Washington state  was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and vehicular homicide. His bond has been set at $400,000.

No additional details have been released about the circumstances surrounding this deadly incident.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  A North Carolina man was driving while under the influence which caused a four-vehicle crash in Stafford County, according to police.

The crash happened on Dec. 14 around 7:10 p.m. in the 1000 block of Washington Dr.

The Stafford County Sheriffs Office said the driver of a Jeep Liberty was driving from Aquia Harbour towards Richmond Highway when it crossed the center line and hit a Hyundai. Two Dodge cars behind the Hyundai then crashed into them as well.

2 injured after vehicle crashes into Fairfax County store

(Stafford County Sheriffs Office)

(Stafford County Sheriffs Office)

Stafford County deputies approached the at fault driver and caught the smell of alcohol from his breath as well as other intoxicated signs.

The driver said he didnt drink much, but police said he eventually admitted to drinking a bottle of wine. Officers found the bottle open in his car and mostly consumed, a news release said.

The driver was charged with driving under the influence and drinking while driving.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (DC News Now)  The University of Maryland Police Department said it charged a person for giving a false statement to police about an assault that happened in November.

The initial stabbing reportedly happened on Nov. 28 when police were called about a person who was assaulted at the Regents Drive Garage on the universitys campus. The reporting person said a man with a knife approached them and assaulted them.

New labor and delivery center coming to Prince Georges County

That person had told police that they were able to get away to a safe place to call for help after only getting minor injuries. When police searched the area, they didnt find any suspects.

After investigating, the campus police determined on Dec. 15 that the reporting person made a false report.

Police applied for a criminal summons and the reporting person was charged with three counts of making a false statement to police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Officers have released CCTV images of the three men they would like to talk to

Detectives released images of three men they are seeking in connection with graffiti about the Israel-Hamas war that was sprayed on an MPs constituency office.

Slogans about the Middle Eastern conflict were daubed on the security shutters of the Enfield North office of Feryal Clark, a London Labour MP, on November 21 .

The next day, Ms Clark, the shadow minister for crime reduction, published a picture with the words obscured.

She wrote on social media: The cowards who sprayed graffiti on my office shutters, the police have the CCTV footage, and the paint will be removed today. Next time, just try emailing!

The graffiti on the Labour MP's office

PC Louis Blackburne-Maze, who is leading the investigation for the Met Police, said: Everyone has the right to protest and to have their voice heard, but when that crosses the line into criminality, as it clearly did in this incident, we will take action.

Elected representatives have an important role to play and they expect to be held to account, but that should not involve feeling unsafe. Neither they nor their staff should have to face targeted attacks and intimidation.

Officers investigating this incident have examined CCTV footage from the local area and we have identified three suspects that we would like to speak to. I would urge anyone reading this appeal who recognises them to get in touch.

At the time, the Met described the graffiti as racially motivated, adding that there is no place for hate in London and its important that everyone feels safe on our streets.

Although not all of the slogans are visible, the graffiti appears to say No genocide in our name and Free Palestine.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Portland matriarch is celebrating her 106th birthday this Saturday, and she hasnt asked for any tangible gifts for the major milestone  because all she really wants is to dominate her children and grandchildren in another game of dominoes.

Vada Micken was born in Atlanta, Texas on Sunday, Dec. 16, 1917. Growing up Black in the South, she said it wasnt always easy working on the farm, but she got through it.

Let there be light! Peacock Lane lights up Friday for the 2023 season

Well, it was kind of rough, but thats the only way we had to try to make it back then, Micken told KOIN 6. From what I can remember, that was the horse and buggy days.

She was the eldest of 14 children, and she went on to have six children of her own. But after 23 grandchildren, she stopped counting.

It wasnt until 1976 that Mickens father encouraged the move to Oregon. A number of her children decided to join the cross-country journey as well.

This is my ride or die right here, Vicki Micken, one of Mickens daughters who moved with her, said. Im just so blessed to still have my mom at this age.

Kohr Explores: Holiday horrors come to FearPDX

Mary Micken, another daughter of the matriarchs, echoed the same point. She described her mother as a sharp woman with a mindframe that she aspires to have as she grows in age.

One-hundred-and-six years in, Micken named cooking as one of her biggest passions. She previously worked as a cook in a hospital, and to this day, she admits to cooking something of everything including greens, cornbread and pies.

Despite this, it appears that cooking isnt her No. 1 talent. Her great-granddaughter Shardea Booth boasts that shes a great dominoes player  and Micken was quick to mention that everyones too scared to play against her.

This is the wealthiest person in Oregon, Forbes report shows

When asked for the key to living to see the age of 106, she responded, Well, they say, Dont ask, dont tell.

Then she added, I have had some good days and bad ones, you know, and growing up I can say it wasnt always good. But from the things that Ive overcome, I just look back and say, Thank you, Lord.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Portland Police Bureau is changing its policies to ease restrictions on when an officer can pursue a suspect trying to elude them behind the wheel.

While PPB announced that the policy shift would lower the threshold for authorizing pursuits, they also said officers would still only be authorized to pursue suspects when the benefits of apprehension clearly outweigh the safety risk that a pursuit may pose to the general public.

You weigh the severity of the crime, the danger the suspect presents to the community, remarked PPBs Captain Franz Shoening.

Man who died while being transported by Milwaukie officers identified by Portland police

The changes to the policy will go into effect in 30 days, police said. In addition, the updates will include eliminating speed requirements in order to promote individualized decision-making by officers.

Police say a policy change in 2017 significantly restricted members from initiating vehicle pursuits to limited circumstances. As a result, they say criminal suspects have become more emboldened to elude traffic stops and drive off recklessly to avoid them, including causing serious injury crashes and even fatalities in the process.

We have every intent in trying to arrest them and bring them to prosecution, said PPB Chief Bob Day in regard to dangerous criminals who attempt to elude police.

Watch Bob Days press conference on the decision in the video player above.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Amazon has found a new way to attract China-based sellers after Temu and Shein have proven to be strong competitors in e-commerce.

Read Also: Amazon's Project Kuiper Introduces Laser Links After Successful Testing

Amazon to Open Innovation Hub Near Shenzhen

During a conference, Amazon unveiled its plans to open an "innovation center" in Qianhai, Shenzhen, the place that is often referred to as China's Silicon Valley. The company endorsed it as a way to "promote sellers in the Asia-Pacific region in product launch, brand building, and digitization."

The company also unveiled its five business strategies in China for 2024. Amazon emphasized that it will focus on brand building, simplifying global operations, strengthening the global supply chain, driving global expansion, and improving local services.

The upcoming Shenzhen center will be Amazon's first global store innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. To ensure success, resources from Amazon, experts, and third-party service providers will be integrated to promote diversified functions.

Amazon Targets Chinese Sellers for Global Expansion

Amazon revealed that in 2023, items sold by Chinese sellers on the site increased more than 20% year over year, while the number of Chinese merchants with sales over $10 million grew 30%. VP for Asia Global Selling, Cindy Tai, detailed that the center will be built on global innovation and local empowerment.

"Today, the cross-border e-commerce industry is increasingly becoming a new driving force for China's foreign trade, and it is also standing at an important time point from extensive development to intensive cultivation, and then to high-quality development," she added.

The move came at a perfect time after Temu and Shein became a strong market contender for merchants. Both platform is now a hit among Chinese merchants due to their offerings, giving Amazon good competition.

Related Article: Amazon Appeals FTC Antitrust Lawsuit
The new owner describes the prefab cottages as "beautiful, heritage property in need of rescuing"

Two "tin" bungalows that went up for auction with a 1 starting price have sold for 40,500.

Number 1-2 Bank Bungalows in Crumlin, near Blackwood, Caerphilly county, were listed as being a in a "poor state of repair".

But that didn't deter their new owner, who wants to remain anonymous, as they intend to fix the one and two bedroom properties and move in.

"Quite simply, I love them," they said.

The successful bidder said the purchase was prompted by their "love" of prefabricated buildings.

The full history of 1-2 Bank Bungalows are not known, but the new owner describes them as "original prefabs" and "heritage property in need of rescuing".

More than 156,500 prefabs were erected across the UK in the three years after World War Two.

They were built as temporary accommodation for the thousands of people needing homes after air raids, but some still remain.

Prefabs in the late 1960s in Newport

"There are still a good handful of these in the valleys, still lived in and loved, not to mention the tin tabernacles dotted around the place," said the new owner.

"I am sure some would disagree but I think the cottages I've bought in Crumlin is a beautiful, heritage property in need of rescuing.

"I do not know the history of this individual property but would be very interested to find out."

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said, despite their condition, there were 11 bidders "battling it out to secure the bungalows".

The bungalows are in need of some work
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Conditions on the Space Coast are deteriorating as hazardous marine life comes ashore and high water closes roads.

Beachgoers said theyre shocked to see a storm like this in December but since the system is packing a punch, and they are taking it seriously.

"Its amazing! So impressive, Mother Nature in itself," said Annette, who was taking in the sights from Canaveral National Seashore on Friday.

Powerful force from the ocean was on full display at local beaches as people admire the powerful surf from afar.

WEEKEND WEATHER FORECAST : Heavy rain threat, damaging wind gusts to move into Florida

"This is something you want to see from the seashore, take some pictures. I wouldnt even probably put my feet in the water," said Ben Freshley, who brought his mother-in-law visiting from Washington to see the rough beach conditions.

Some roads and parking areas are already blocked off at the national park in Titusville because of high water and sand.

"The waves are crazy. Its pouring over the docks. Its pretty intense," said Trent Tidwell who also brought his family to see Canaveral National Seashore.

Beachgoers braving the high winds were watching where they walked, so they didn't end stepping on hazardous marine life, like man o wars washing ashore and getting stuck in the piles of seaweed.

HEADS UP : Florida storm forces some weekend events to cancel or reschedule: Heres a running list

"Those kind of blue looking balloons that you see on the beach, those tentacles coming off of those can sting even when theyre out of the water," said Rachel Horst, a spokesperson for Brevard County.

County officials are asking people to stay out of the water. Seven beaches are still staffed with lifeguards in Brevard County.

You can find more information on the locations by clicking here.
One of Charlottes most prominent private schools ousted its head of school on Friday.

The Board of Trustees and our Head of School, Marcel Gauthier, have made the decision to part ways, Bill Zimmern, chairman of the board of trustees at Charlotte Country Day School, wrote in an email message to the school community. Marcel will transition his responsibilities effective today.

The Charlotte Observer obtained a copy of the message sent Friday afternoon.

Gauthiers ouster came days after the school announced that its head of upper school wont return after this school year.

We thank Marcel for his service to Country Day and wish him well as he moves forward to the next chapter of his career, Zimmern wrote.

Zimmern didnt say in his message what Gauthiers next chapter might be and cited no accomplishments by Gauthier during his tenure.

Having engaged in a thoughtful and careful process, the Board unanimously decided that this change is the right next step for our school at this time, Zimmern wrote.

Attempts by The Charlotte Observer on Saturday to reach both men were unsuccessful.

Dynamic leader and educator

Charlotte Country Day is a secular junior kindergarten-12th grade school on Carmel Road in south Charlotte.

Founded in 1941, Country Day was the first independent school in Charlotte, according to its website. The school remains one of the largest independent, coeducational college prep schools in the area and among the top 20 in the country, officials said.

Gauthier began as head of school in July 2022, according to his bio on Linkedin.

The schools website described Gauthier, its 12th head of school, as a dynamic leader and educator.

He previously served as head of school at Shanghai American School in China, a two-campus school with at least 2,800 students, according to the Country Day website.

The schools last mention of Gauthier on its social media channels came on Dec. 8: A picture on Facebook of Mr. G welcoming Lower School children for a visit to celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.

Interim replacement

David Mancos, the schools chief financial officer, has been named interim head of school, Zimmern said. Mancos also served in the role for the 2021-22 school year, Zimmern added.

David has demonstrated keen leadership and communication skills, steadfast dedication, and tremendous strategic vision throughout his distinguished career at Country Day, according to Zimmerns message.

In the next few weeks, the board will begin a national search for the next head of school. That person will start in the 2025-26 school year, Zimmern said.

While change can be unsettling, our Board has never been more optimistic about the future of our school, Zimmern said.

He thanked the school community for their support during this transition.
A large group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Friday night.

The protesters were blocking traffic near an airport entrance at the intersection of Vicksburg Avenue and 96th Street at around 5 p.m.

At one point, the group was seen walking over the 96th Street bridge, impacting access for rideshare drivers.

A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were blocking streets near the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 15, 2023. (KTLA)

Due to protests going on nearby @flyLAXairport, access for Uber and Lyft has been impacted, LAX officials said in a statement. The 96th Street bridge is being impacted as well.

The demonstrators are calling for an end to the war between Hamas and Israel that began on Oct. 7 and has claimed over 18,500 lives so far.

They were heard chanting, Resistance is justified! Free Palestine and genocide, and also holding a banner that read, Let Gaza live.

The unnamed L.A. coalition described themselves as an unaffiliated group of Palestinians, Jews, and Angelenos of conscience. The group is calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the genocide of the Palestinian people.

Im part of this unnamed coalition thats gathered today representing the masses of Los Angeles  the working class, organizers, movement leaders, people who are being led by a moral compass that are still very much tuned in and focused on whats happening and are dedicated to stopping it, said a protester named Tony.

Earlier this week on Dec. 13, another group of protesters calling for a cease-fire shut down traffic on the 110 Freeway in downtown L.A.

That group, called IfNotNow, described itself as a movement of American Jews supporting the end of U.S. support for Israels war on Gaza.

Protesters calling for an Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire blocked the 110 Freeway on Dec. 13, 2023. (KTLA)

Anti-war demonstrators are seen blocking the 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Dec. 13, 2023.

Police, protesters and stopped cars are seen on the 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Dec. 13, 2023.

Anti-war demonstrators are seen blocking the 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Dec. 13, 2023.

Anti-war demonstrators are seen blocking the 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles in KTLA 5 News coverage on Dec. 13, 2023.

The demonstrators were seen sitting in the southbound lanes of the freeway near 3rd Street behind a large banner reading, Permanent Ceasefire: Equality, Justice, Safety For All.

Thousands of drivers were impacted as the protest not only blocked travel on the busy 110 Freeway but also caused heavy congestion on other L.A. freeways and side streets.

A large Jewish Hanukia, or Menorah, had also been placed on the freeway. Traffic was blocked at around 9:30 a.m. for about two hours before the protesters were removed by law enforcement. Around 75 people were arrested, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Although some residents criticized the move to block major roads or freeways, claiming the massive disruption could put lives at risk, protesters said they felt they had no other options.

I understand that there might be some frustrations or annoyance, Tony said. I would also say there are a lot of people on the flip side who were in support of it so thats what we like to focus on. For those who did have a problem with it, at least they were eventually able to get where they were trying to go. In Gaza, people do not have that luxury, that ability to move so freely.

Although traffic was backed up in multiple directions near LAX on Friday night, so far, no other impacts to airport entrances have been reported.

We thank everyone for their patience, said LAX officials.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A protester marches through the streets after demonstrating outside the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv - Getty/Alexi Rosenfeld

Three hostages killed in Gaza were holding up a white flag when they were mistakenly shot dead by Israeli forces, a military official said on Saturday.

The incident happened in an area of intense combat where Hamas terrorists operate in civilian clothes and use deception tactics, the official added.

A soldier saw the hostages emerging tens of metres from Israeli forces in the area of Shejaiya, the official said.

Theyre all without shirts and they have a stick with a white cloth on it. The soldier feels threatened and opens fire. He declares that theyre terrorists, they [the soldiers] open fire, two are killed immediately, said the military official.

The third hostage was wounded and retreated into a nearby building where he called for help in Hebrew, the official said.

Immediately the battalion commander issues a ceasefire order, but again theres another burst of fire towards the third figure and he also dies, said the official. This was against our rules of engagement, he added.

The three hostages were identified as Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka, and Alon Shamriz, who were among an estimated 240 people taken captive by Hamas during the Oct 7 attacks.

People demonstrate in Tel Aviv as Israel opens an investigation into the killings - Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura

People march in protest in Tel Aviv demanding the release of hostages - Getty/Alexi Rosenfeld

After news broke of their accidental killing on Friday, hundreds of protesters marched in Tel Aviv.

Large crowds called on the government to negotiate over the release of the remaining people being held by Hamas.

Their time is running out! Bring them home now! the crowd chanted, while waving flags and placards reading: Every day, a hostage dies.

I am dying of fear. We demand a deal now, said Merav Svirsky, sister of Hamas-held hostage Itay Svirsky at the protest.

Israel has said it is opening an investigation into the killings and expressed deep sorrow for the disaster.

The three hostages were mistakenly killed

Speaking on Saturday night, IDF chief of staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said: The IDF, and I as its commander, are responsible for what happened, and we will do everything to prevent the recurrence of such cases in the continuation of the fighting.

Anger has mounted among the hostage families, who have accused the government of prioritising the destruction of Hamas over the return of their loved ones.

On Friday, Mossad director David Barnea met Qatars prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in a European capital, a source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Axios, which broke the news of the talks, said it was the first meeting between the two since the November truce. The source who spoke to Reuters said Mr Barnea returned to Israel early on Saturday to brief prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Two Egyptian security sources said Israeli officials appeared more willing, in calls with mediators, to strike a fresh deal for a Gaza ceasefire and release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the recovery of hostages.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -Vladimir Putin will run for president again as an independent candidate with a wide support base but not on a party ticket, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday, citing his supporters.

An initiative group made up of over 700 politicians and figures from the sporting and cultural worlds met on Saturday in Moscow and unanimously endorsed Putin's nomination as an independent candidate, Russian news agencies said.

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister for more than two decades, has announced he will seek another six-year term in March next year in an election he is comfortably expected to win.

Putin will not run as a candidate for the ruling United Russia (UR) party even though he has its complete support but as an independent candidate, Andrei Turchak, a senior UR party official, was cited as saying by the RIA news agency.

"More than 3.5 million party members and supporters will actively take part in the election campaign," RIA quoted Turchak as saying, noting that Putin had been one of the founders of United Russia.

Sergei Mironov, a senior politician from the Just Russia party who supports Putin, was also quoted by RIA as saying Putin would run as an independent and that signatures would be gathered in his support.

For Putin, 71, the election is a formality: with the support of the state, the state-run media and almost no mainstream public dissent, he is certain to win.

Supporters of Putin say he has restored order, national pride, and some of the clout Russia lost during the chaos of the Soviet collapse and that his war in Ukraine - something Putin calls a "special military operation" - is justified.

A years-long crackdown on opponents and critics bolstered by sweeping new laws on "fake news" and "discrediting the army" has seen critics and opponents of the war handed long jail terms or flee abroad as the room for dissent has steadily shrunk.

(Reporting by ReutersEditing by Andrew Osborn)
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40.3 oz 30000317709 Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date

58ct

48.7 oz 30000562093 Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date

58ct

48.7 oz 30000565520 Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date

58ct

48.7 oz 30000577257 Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date

60ct

50.4 oz 30000577349 Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Chewy Dipps Chocolate Chip 6ct

6.5 oz 30000312698 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

14ct

15.3 oz 30000450529 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

24ct

26.2 oz 30000576809 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

30ct

32.7 oz 30000569061 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

34ct

37.1 oz 30000311653 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Chewy Dipps Peanut Butter 6ct

6.3 oz 30000312711 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

14ct

14.7 oz 30000311332 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Chewy Dipps Variety Pack 14ct 15 oz 30000567272 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

48ct

51.6 oz 30000574836 Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Chewy Mini Dipps Birthday Blast 12ct

8.9 oz 30000572733 Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Chewy Mini Dipps Summer Night Smores 12ct

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Quaker Puffed Granola Apple Cinnamon Cereal 17 oz 30000575758 Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Puffed Granola Blueberry Vanilla Cereal 17 oz 30000575765 Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds Cereal 2PK

48.2 oz 30000573488 Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds Cereal 24.1 oz 30000572429 Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds Cereal 24.1 oz 30000572436 Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds Cereal 2PK

48.2 oz 30000577721 Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds Cereal 69 oz 30000436073 Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Protein Granola Oats, Chocolate, & Almonds Flavor 18 oz 30000571627 Best Before of Jan- 09-24 and any earlier date

2PK

36 oz 30000577783 Best Before of Jan- 09-24 and any earlier date

Quaker Chocolatey Favorites Snack Mix 20ct Box 378 oz 30000577325 Jun-03-24 and any earlier date

Quaker On The Go Snack Mix 20ct Box 344 oz 30000577318 Jun-03-24 and any earlier date

Frito-Lay Snacks Variety Pack With Quaker Chewy 20ct

17.42 oz (493.8g) 28400715607 Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date

Frito-Lay Chips and Quaker Chewy Granola Bars Variety Pack 40ct

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Crunchy & Chewy Snacks, Frito-Lay Chips, Cookies, Nuts and Quaker Chewy Bars Variety Pack 40ct 36.205

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41.56 oz 28400713368 Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date
Google will no longer have access to its users' location history data via its Maps app in a bid to improve data privacy for users.

The tech giant announced that all data from the Timeline feature in the app will only go to the users' devices instead of the cloud.

Google's decision is made "to explicitly bring an end" to the "geofence warrants" that allow law enforcement gain access to people's data, the Forbes reported.

Local and federal authorities have used the controversial warrant for Google to provide all data on mobile phones that passed through a specific area at a specific time.

Also Read: Google Maps Could Soon Display Solar, Air Quality, Pollen Data

Google to Stop Providing User Data to Law Enforcements Without Court Order

The decision comes as government surveillance continues to increase in the US.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was previously reported to collect information about people who joined a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle as part of its supposed investigation on an attempted arson.

Many defense attorneys have long opposed the use of this practice during investigations.

Google also recently faced pressure from Democrat politicians, urging the tech giant to stop collecting user location information in light of the Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Politicians assert that authorities and "far-right extremists" could use the internet data to incriminate individuals.

Last July, the tech giant announced that it deleted the location history of users who recently visited abortion clinics, drug treatment centers, and other health-related locations.

Tech Companies Implement Stricter Data Privacy Against Law Enforcement

The announcement comes after Apple is now requiring US authorities to obtain court orders to access its customers' push notifications.

Apple said the decision was to keep "our transparency reporting to detail these kinds of requests."

Google already has implemented similar security policies on push notifications earlier.

Related Article: Google Lays Off Waze Staff, Continues Merging Mapping Apps
Chicago is in for a gray weekend in the high forties, with conditions described by the National Weather Service as blustery and dreary.

The NWS expects rain to start around 10 a.m. Saturday. Rain will continue through Saturday night as temperatures drop, according to the National Weather Service.

Storms are expected to abate by midnight but could start up again as early as 9 a.m. Sunday.

Look out for possible snow late Sunday night into early Monday in south Chicago and northwest Indiana as cold air moves across Lake Michigan.

As slushy winter weather settles over the city, boaters beware. Waves as high as 15 feet are expected on Lake Michigan due to Northwest winds.

The hazardous waves are expected to appear Sunday night through Monday morning, impacting visibility and making the lake unsafe to travel by boat. Ports from Winthrop Harbor, north near Wisconsin, to Calumet Harbor near Indiana, will be impacted.

This weekends rainstorms will cover much of the Midwest and part of the South, with showers expected from Michigan to Alabama.
A US religious freedom watchdog has implored the Joe Biden administration to mark India as a country of particular concern over its alleged targeting of religious minorities overseas.

The recent efforts by the Indian government to silence activists, journalists and lawyers abroad pose a serious threat to religious freedom, said the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal government commission.

USCIRF implores the US Department of State to designate India a country of particular concern due to Indias systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief, it said in a statement.

Commissioner David Curry pointed out that the accusations around the Indian governments involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada along with another plot to kill Sikh separatist activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US were deeply troubling.

The recommendations against India have been raised each year since 2020 by officials at the USCIRF, raking the designation under the 1998 US Religious Freedom Act. Under the act, the country is accorded a range of policy responses, such as sanctions and waivers. However, these restrictions are not automatic.

As of November last year, the category has China, Russia, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Cuba, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

USCIRF said it had recommended each year since 2020 that the State Department label India a country of particular concern, a designation under the 1998 US Religious Freedom Act. The act allows a range of policy responses, including sanctions or waivers, but they are not automatic.

Mr Curry said Indias extension of domestic repression to targeting religious minorities living abroad "is especially dangerous and cannot be ignored".

Indias foreign ministry dismissed the recommendation when it was first issued in 2020, criticising the "biased and tendentious comments".

Officials at the Indian embassy in Washington have not immediately issued a response to the commissions statement and the Narendra Modi administration has repeatedly denied any responsibility for discrimination against religious minorities in the Hindu-majority nation.

This comes just days after an Indian man was found to have conspired with an unnamed Indian government employee on the plot to assassinate Mr Pannun, a New York city resident who is designated as a terrorist by the Modi government for advocating for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India.

US officials became aware of the alleged plot to kill Mr Pannun last spring. The unnamed government official was mentioned in an indictment, unsealed in Manhattan federal court, that charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta, 52, with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.

"The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs, an ethnoreligious minority group in India," US attorney Damian Williams said in a release announcing the charges against Mr Gupta.

President Joe Biden reportedly also raised the matter directly with prime minister Narendra Modi when they met at the Group of 20 Summit in September in New Delhi. The indictment stated that Mr Gupta had contacted an individual he believed to be a criminal associate to help find a hitman to carry out the killing. However, the individual was a confidential source working with the DEA.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) on Friday filed a complaint and called for an ethics investigation into a federal judge who has overseen multiple cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and former President Donald Trump.

The complaint alleged that U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell engaged in judicial misconduct during a recent speech, which Stefanik described as a highly inappropriate.

At a Womens White Collar Defense Association gala last month, Howell received the Champion Award, which is given to those who have made a profound impact or achieved significant success in the white collar field while advancing opportunities for women.

Howell, who has presided over former Trump lawyer Rudy Giulianis defamation trial, did not name Trump or other Republicans in her speech, but focused on the 2021 insurrection.

My D.C. judicial colleagues and I regularly see the impact of big lies at the sentencing of hundreds, hundreds of individuals who have been convicted for offense conduct on Jan. 6, 2021, when they disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election at the U.S. Capitol, Howell said in the speech.

Howell suggested that the dangers present during that 2021 riot are still alive today, especially due to a disregard of facts.

We are having a very surprising and downright troubling moment in this country when the very importance of facts is dismissed, or ignored, Howell said. Thats very risky business for all of us in our democracy. ... The facts matter.

She also quoted a claim from Boston College historian Heather Cox Richardsons book Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, which states that the U.S. is teetering on the brink of authoritarianism.

In Fridays complaint  sent to Sri Srinivasan, the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit  Stefanik called out Howells reference to the book, which she described as an anti-Trump, anti-Republican Party screed.

Judge Howell promoted the Democrat political campaign theme that the re-election of Donald Trump equates to America choosing authoritarianism, wrote Stefanik, who has endorsed the former presidents 2024 bid. This is conduct unbecoming of a federal judge.

Stefanik described Howells speech as hardly apolitical, insisting that it was plainly inappropriate, consisting of partisan statements, election interference, and improper extrajudicial statements while criminal cases are pending. She alleged that the remarks were a violation of the code of conduct for U.S. judges.

Last month, Stefanik also launched an ethics complaint against New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing a civil fraud case against Trumps business. She alleged that Engoron had exhibited bizarre behavior and clear judicial bias against the former president.

Related...
Matt Gaetz has joined calls for the chair of the Florida Republican Party to resign following accusations of rape and sexual assault.

The Florida congressman, who previously refused to weigh in on the matter, told NBC that it was time to select a replacement for Christian Ziegler.

Mr Ziegler has been accused of raping a woman whom he and his wife, the co-founder of parents rights group Moms for Liberty, were reportedly in a long-term consensual relationship with, in October.

He has faced calls to resign from members of his own party since the allegations surfaced, including from Florida Governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, and senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.

Mr Gaetz, previously told NBC that he would wait for the facts to come out before rendering judgment.

Florida GOP Party Chair Christian Ziegler faces charges of rape and sexual assault (Florida Republican Party/Facebook)

But on Friday he told the outlet: "Were at the [point] where we would be better served with different leadership in the Republican Party and I think its time to move on and select a different leader.

"I do think he should step aside.

On Monday Mr Gaetz became the victim of a prank at a GOP event in Ohio, in which he was presented with a fake award for allegedly paying underage girls to have sex with him.

The congressman was investigated by the Justice Department for sex trafficking earlier this year but ultimately not charged with a crime,

According to a search warrant affidavit shared with The Independent, Mr Ziegler came to the womans home without his wife on 2 October. He allegedly forced his way into her apartment and raped her when she refused to have sex without his wife present, according to the affidavit.

The document 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.

Bridget Ziegler (REUTERS)

In a separate interview, Bridget 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.

Ms Ziegler 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.

Earlier this week Ms Ziegler was removed from the board of the Sarasota County School Board, following the allegations and investigation into the Zieglers.

The motion was passed on Monday night on a 4-1 vote, with Ms Ziegler in opposition; while the vote is nonbinding, it was a significant show of resistance against her.
The Scoop

During a recent trip to Buenos Aires for the inauguration of Argentinas new president, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla. appeared in a photo with a popular Chilean politician known as a defender of Augusto Pinochets brutal dictatorship.

In the photo, a smiling Salazar stands alongside Jose Antonio Kast, the leader of Chiles hard-right Republican Party. Kast, a socially conservative Catholic who has often been compared to Brazils former leader Jair Bolsonaro, won the first round of his countrys 2021 presidential election before losing a runoff.

The pair are also accompanied by three other men in the picture. To her right is Eduardo Verastegui, a conservative activist mounting a longshot bid for the Mexican presidency in which he has vowed to end abortion access. He also co-produced Sound of Freedom, the box-office hit on child trafficking championed by conservatives.

With friends of liberty and democracy during the inauguration of President Javier Milei, Salazar wrote on social media platform X. God bless Argentina!

Salazar, a former TV journalist, told an Argentine newspaper that she had accepted with much pleasure an invite to attend Mileis Dec. 10 inauguration. Semafor previously reported the Florida Republican traveled with two other House GOP lawmakers for the ceremony.

Salazars office didnt respond to a request for comment.

The photo comes after Salazar lauded Argentina for having one race in a video endorsement of Milei last month, NBC News reported, an apparent reference to the fact that most of the country descends from white European immigrants.

She said Argentina was a country that had everything. It has soy, it has meat, it has minerals, it has land, it has water, and it has only one culture, only one religion and only one race, completely homogenous.

On Thursday, Mileis government authorized a sweeping security crackdown in anticipation of street demonstrations against his shock therapy austerity measures meant to stabilize the Argentine economy.

Know More

Kasts Republican party has been described as the main force in Chilean politics since winning the most votes in elections earlier this year to select the countrys latest Constitutional Council. That performance gave right-wing parties a solid majority on the body charged with rewriting the countrys charter. The final draft document, which Chileans will vote on whether to adopt Sunday, is widely seen as more conservative than the countrys current constitution left over from the Pinochet era.

A former Chilean congressman, Kast has praised Pinochet, who seized power in 1973 in a US-backed coup detat. The ensuing 17 years of military rule saw thousands of Chileans killed, imprisoned or tortured.

You dont have to be creative to think that if he were alive, hed vote for me, Kast said in 2017, adding hed have been willing to get tea with Pinochet at the Chilean presidential palace.

Im not a Pinochetista, but I value everything he did, he said another time. In 2021, he met with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, The Intercept reported. Kast crafted his most recent failed presidential bid around rolling back abortion rights and building a ditch on Chiles border with Bolivia to curb illegal immigration.

Kasts campaign made international headlines in 2021 when evidence emerged that his father, who served as a lieutenant in Germanys army during World War II before later fleeing to Argentina, had been a voluntary member of the Nazi Party. Kast had previously denied his father supported Hitler, insisting hed unwillingly been forced to serve.

Salazar, a Cuban-American lawmaker, chairs the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, within the House Foreign Affairs panel. She was an architect of a House resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism that passed the lower chamber earlier this year.

Democrats view her South Florida district, which covers parts of Miami including the citys Little Havana neighborhood, as a top target to flip in the 2024 election with control of the House at stake. Salazar barely won her seat in 2020, though she comfortably beat her Democratic opponent by nearly 15 percentage points in last years midterms.
Tech giants seem to be getting into the spirit of giving during the holidays. Just as Apple decided to pay a settlement over a class action suit, Activision Blizzard is set to do the same over a gender discrimination and harassment lawsuit.

Acitivsion's Settlement

The video game publisher has had a rough reputation for favoring its male employees, which has finally cost the company after a lawsuit was filed. Activision announced on December 15th that it would pay $50 million to settle.

The lawsuit was filed by California's Civil Rights Department back in 2021, accusing the company leadership of ignoring employee complaints about pay disparity, gender and sexuality-based harassment, and discrimination, as reported by Kotaku.

Activision continues to deny the allegations, saying that an internal investigation has been conducted by the board of directors and that there was no evidence found of wrongdoing. Of course, it's hard to trust an investigation headed by the people who would also suffer the consequences of it.

What's worse is that $50 million much lower than the anticipated settlement charges. The state estimated that the liability goes up to nearly $1 billion for 2,500 employees who might have claims against the company.

By 2022, Activision has seen a growth in its workforce and reached 13,000 employees. With the recent finalization of Microsoft's acquisition of the company, Activision employees will now work under Microsoft, but it might not be as different.

Read Also: DOJ Sues SpaceX After Alleged Discriminatory Hiring

Microsoft's Past Discrimination Case

Back in 2019, Microsoft has also been accused of discrimination and harassment against female employees as well, which seems to be an ongoing theme in a lot of tech giants. Bosses would brush off the complaints repeatedly.

The realization of such treatment began when a female employee asked her female coworkers for career advice, as she did not see any improvements in her position after working the same job for six years, as reported by Vox.

Some of the harassment claims were already bad enough, with one woman saying a coworker asked her to sit in his lap during a meeting, and the HR manager present did nothing about it, but some even went as far as being life-threatening.

Another female worker said that a contractor threatened to kill her during a business trip if she refused to perform an intimate act with him. When the issue was brought to the boss, he merely said that it was just a coworker "flirting,"

Unfortunately, that's just regarding the treatment of women in the office daily. When it came to getting ahead in their careers and departments, women were also passed over for promotions and were assigned to secretarial work.

An email thread was created listing all the complaints that female employees had, and it reached up to 90 pages long. The HR dealing with the complaints, Kathleen Hogan said that she would personally investigate the complaints.

"We are appalled and sad to hear about these experiences. It is very painful to hear these stories and to know that anyone is facing such behavior at Microsoft. We must do better," Hogan replied in the email thread.

Related: Google Loses Gender Bias Lawsuit Costing It $1 Million in Damages
A police officer guards the road where the body of suspected mass shooter Robert Card was found, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Lisbon, Maine. Despite warnings of deteriorating mental health, drunken threats and guns, the sheriff department chose to avoid confronting the Army reservist who later killed 18 people and work with family and the Army to get him help, states the report, released late Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  An independent report conducted for a police agency clears the agency's response to growing concerns about the mental health of a man who later went on to commit the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history, but it does reveal missed opportunities to intervene to prevent the tragedy, legal experts said Friday.

Despite receiving warnings about the mans deteriorating mental health, drunken threats and possession of guns, the Sagadahoc County Sheriffs Office avoided confronting Robert Card, the 40-year-old Army reservist who later killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar on Oct. 25 in Lewiston, the experts said of the report released late Thursday by Sheriff Joel Merry.

Card's body was found  with a self-inflicted gunshot wound  two days after the shootings. Reports soon began to emerge that he had spent two weeks in a psychiatric hospital months before the attacks and had amassed weapons.

The legal experts told The Associated Press that the report  prepared for the sheriff's office by a lawyer whos a retired federal drug agent leaves unresolved questions about polices potential ability to have removed guns from Card before the shootings happened.

The report delved into mental health concerns raised about Card. It states that the response to those concerns by the departments officers was reasonable under the totality of the circumstances at the time. In a statement, Merry said the review found that responding deputies followed the law and their training with the information available at the time.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has appointed an independent commission led by a former state chief justice to review all aspects of the tragedy. And Maines congressional delegation said Friday there will be an independent Army inspector general's investigation to review the Armys actions, alongside an ongoing administrative Army investigation.

The Sagadahoc report makes clear that local law enforcement knew Cards mental health was deteriorating, with reports that he was paranoid, hearing voices, experiencing psychotic episodes and possibly dealing with schizophrenia.

In May, Card's ex-wife and his son reached out to a school resource officer about what they called Card's erratic behavior. A deputy worked with the family to get help and heeded its suggestion not to confront Card directly for fear that it could cause an unnecessary escalation, the report states.

In September, police were alerted by officials with the Army Reserves about Card, who was hospitalized in July after exhibiting erratic behavior while training. The officials warned that Card still had access to weapons and that he had threatened to shoot up an Army Reserve center in Saco, the report said.

That caught the full attention of police, who responded by briefly staking out the Saco facility and going to Card's home in Bowdoin, Maine, even as an Army Reserve leader suggested that all that was needed was a welfare check.

A visit to Cards home by Sagadahoc Sgt. Aaron Skolfield on Sept. 16 represented the best opportunity for police to assess Card face-to-face  something that could have been necessary to take him into protective custody, a step needed to trigger Maines yellow flag law, which allows a judge to temporarily remove someones guns during a psychiatric health crisis.

Skolfield called for backup, knowing Card was considered armed and dangerous, and knocked on Cards door. The deputy saw curtains move and heard noises suggesting Card was inside. But Card did not answer the door, and Skolfield correctly concluded he lacked the legal authority to force the issue during a wellness check, the report said.

Worried for his own safety, Skolfield went back to his cruiser, visited the nearby home of Cards father and then returned to stake out Cards home before leaving to respond to a domestic assault, the report said.

All that day, Skolfield was in contact with other law officers, Army officials and family members about Cards mental health and to ensure that family members were trying to prevent Cards access to guns.

The report concluded that Skolfield did not have sufficient grounds to take Mr. Card into protective custody, which also foreclosed his discretion to initiate the process for confiscation of Mr. Cards firearms.

No family member or reservist contacted the sheriffs office after Sept. 17, and a sheriff's advisory bulletin asking agencies to locate Card was lifted on Oct. 18.

The report's conclusion that the officers actions were reasonable is subject to interpretation, said Adante Pointer, a civil rights attorney based in Oakland, California, who reviewed the report. What it makes clear is that local law enforcement had numerous opportunities to intercede in this growing, escalating and ultimately deadly situation and did not, Pointer said.

The report paints a picture of officers who were scared to deal with Card, Pointer said.

There was already enough evidence back in May to begin the process of seizing Cards weapons under the yellow flag law, said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and current president of the West Coast Trial Lawyers in Los Angeles who reviewed the report.

A different approach to policing, or a different set of laws, might have saved a lot of lives, Rahmani said.

Prepared by Michael Cunniff, a Portland attorney who is a former supervisory special agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the report also addressed protective custody of those in crisis, the yellow flag law and the temporary seizure of guns.

Cunniff declined comment Friday. Sheriff Merry didnt immediately respond to questions, including how the report was commissioned and who funded it.

Merry did say his office is cooperating with all investigations.
The Richland County Engineers office is going to be busy with construction projects next year and beyond. County Commissioners on Thursday approved around $4.3 million worth of bridge replacement contracts and applications for summer paving and future bridge replacements.

Commissioners approved a $624,097 contract with Crawford Construction of Galion to replace a 37-foot-long steel beam bridge built in 1969 on Brubaker Creek Road, on the border of Franklin and Weller townships, with a 58-foot concrete box beam span. Crawford Construction was one of five companies that submitted figures when bids were opened Nov. 30.

Adam Gove, Richland County engineer

County Engineer Adam Gove said that while the companys low bid was more than 10% over the engineers estimate of $543,511, the Ohio Legislature recently changed the limit to 20% over the estimate and the bid was 14% over. Overall, were happy. We had five bidders and three of those were pretty close so I think this is representative of the work that needs to happen, Gove said. We were off on our estimate on some of the items which made a pretty big difference.

Contract awarded for work on Rinehart Road bridge

Commissioners also awarded a $444,512 contract to R&I Construction of Tiffin to replace a 23-foot steel beam bridge on timber abutments on Rinehart Road just off Possum Run Road in Jefferson Township that was built in 1954 with a 45-foot span concrete box beam structure with concrete abutments. Eight firms bid on the project with the R&I bid just 0.4% over the engineers estimate.

Ninety-five percent of the construction and inspection services for the Brubaker Creek Road bridge replacement will be paid for with state funds administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation and the County Engineers Association of Ohio. The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) will pay for 45% of the Rinehart Road project.

Commissioners also authorized Gove to apply for OPWC funds to cover up to $500,000 of an estimated $1.25 million project to resurface 15 miles on parts of seven different roads. The work will be done with both hot mix asphalt and cold constructed asphalt.

Both bridge projects and the paving work are expected to be done next summer. Roads will be closed for 90 days for the bridge projects.

Gove also asked for and was granted permission to apply for OPWC funds for five other bridge replacement projects totaling $1.25 million. The board also gave the OK for a contract with ODOT to provide 95% funding for a bridge replacement project on Shoup Road in Plymouth Township, with an estimated cost of $731,600.

This is just a preliminary estimate because there are no plans at this point, Gove said. This is just the initial application. Funding for that project wouldnt be available until 2027 or 2028.

Gove said officials hope to get one or two of the five bridges done in late summer or the fall of 2024 with the rest to be done in the 2025 construction season.

Quarterly meeting with department heads

Commissioners also held their last quarterly department heads meeting of the year.

Maintenance supervisor Josh Hicks reported that the project to remodel the L2 level of the courthouse into offices for the Clerk of Courts has been underway for about three weeks and that a lot of progress has been made. He also told the board that courthouse elevator repairs should start the first part of 2024 and that upgrades to the building restrooms are the next project.

Wastewater director Amanda Miller told the board that planning work is continuing on the Bellville sewer upgrades and that a generator for a lift station on Ohio 39 that the department has been waiting for 18 months to be delivered is in and will go on line in several weeks. Emergency Management Agency director Rebecca Owens said that all tornado sirens that were reported as non-working have been repaired and that she, county administrator Andrew Keller and sheriffs Captain Jim Sweat are working on reviewing proposals submitted for upgrading the county Multi Agency Radio Communications System.

Dayspring director Michelle Swank reported that the new nurses station addition is operating and worked as designed when several residents had to be quarantined. She also said residents want to thank the Richland County community for their continued support, particularly at Christmas time with regular families bringing cookies and donuts, going caroling down the hallways and bringing gift bags.

Some of our residents do not have family or their family is not a part of their lives so it means a lot to our people so theyre not forgotten. Swank said.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Commissioners OK $4.3M to repair, replace area bridges
Rishi Sunak will hold talks with the leaders of Italy and Albania later during a visit to Rome, where illegal migration is expected to top the agenda.

The Prime Minister will meet Italian premier Giorgia Meloni and Albanias Edi Rama during the brief Rome trip. Number 10 said that discussions would focus on joint efforts to tackle illegal immigration and organised crime.

Mr Sunak, who has developed a strong partnership with Ms Meloni, will also make an appearance at a right-wing political gathering organised by the Italian leaders party.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is also expected to attend the Brothers of Italys annual Atreju event, which has been frequented by former Trump ally Steve Bannon and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the past.

Mr Sunak has sought to win support from European allies to help crack down on illegal migration, with both Albania and Italy seen as key partners.

A returns agreement with Albania has been repeatedly touted by the Government as a key achievement in the broader effort to put a stop to small boats crossings in the Channel.

Downing Street said Mr Sunak was clear that illegal migration is a shared global challenge and it is important that countries work together to address it.

The last week in Westminster has been dominated by the Governments bid to push ahead with plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda in a move to curb Channel crossings.

Mr Sunak has indicated he is open to making changes to his Rwanda Bill if they can be backed up by respectable legal arguments, as ministers seek to quell dissent among Tory MPs.
Rishi Sunak has warned migrants threaten to overwhelm countries including the UK unless radical action is taken  as he vowed to push for reforms to the global rules on refugees.

The prime minister also said that failing to tackle illegal migration would destroy the publics faith in politicians and our very systems of government during a conference organised by the far-right Italian leader Giorgia Meloni.

In his speech in Rome, he warned that enemy states were deliberately driving people to our shores to try and destabilise our societies.

And he invoked Margaret Thatchers radicalism as he tried to save his controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, which has come under fire from MPs on all sides of his party.

His comments appeared to echo the harder language on migration of his sacked home secretary Suella Braverman. She was condemned last year for claiming the UK faced an invasion on its south coast.

Critics accused him of using her playbook and said the Tories were in a bidding war to see who can make the most toxic contribution to the debate.

A day after a migrant died while trying to cross the English Channel, Mr Sunak also warned that if we dont fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.

If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, we must do that, he added.

Government sources said this could include a host of post-war agreements such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Refugee Convention, sentiments that were welcomed by Tory MPs on the right of the party.

In Italy, Mr Sunak also held talks with Ms Meloni and Albanias prime minister Edi Rama. With the former, he agreed to jointly fund a plan to return migrants in Tunisia, just across the sea from Italy, to their home countries. In his speech, Mr Sunak said no issue required Thatchers radicalism and drive more than tackling migration.

As he praised the Italian prime minister, he said they were both determined to break the business model of these criminal gangs who traffic people in small boats.

Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni with Rishi Sunak as he finishes his speech in Rome on Saturday (AP)

The speech was delivered at the Atreju festival hosted by Ms Melonis populist Brothers of Italy party and bizarrely named after a character from the 1984 childrens fantasy film The NeverEnding Story.

To applause, Mr Sunak told the crowd that if tackling illegal migration requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, we must do that.

Because if we dont fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.

He added: Our opponents just want to ignore this issue. They want to put their heads in the sand and hope it goes away. Well, let me tell them, it wont.

Mr Sunak said a lack of action would mean our enemies will see how unable we are to deal with this and so will increasingly use migration as a weapon: deliberately driving people to our shores to try and destabilise our societies.

Russia has already been accused by Finland of sending migrants to the European Union to destabilise the bloc.

Mr Sunak said: If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries, and our capacity to help those who need our help most.

The costs of accommodating these people will anger our citizens, who wont understand why their money should have to be spent on dealing with the consequences of this evil trade. It will destroy the publics faith not just in us as politicians but in our very systems of government.

Suella Braverman claimed in a speech earlier this year that as many as 780 million people would be eligible to claim asylum (Getty)

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael accused Mr Sunak of using Ms Bravermans playbook. He said: Rishi Sunak is so desperate hes reaching for the Braverman playbook, using divisive rhetoric to try to cover up his failures on asylum.Infighting within the Conservative Party is now generating a bidding war to see who can make the most toxic contribution to the debate.

It is also a bit rich to say we need international cooperation when Conservative ministers are trashing the very treaties that we have signed up to to deal with this. Who would want to cooperate with a government that is happy to disregard our legal obligations? Instead of posturing, Rishi Sunak would do better to focus on tackling the asylum backlog that is leaving people in limbo and costing taxpayers billions.

But Mr Sunaks comments were welcomed by MPs on the right of the Tory party. Danny Kruger, the leader of the New Conservatives group, said he was very encouraged by the PMs speech ... suggesting an international agreement to rewrite refugee and human rights rules.

Earlier this year, Ms Braverman, while she was still home secretary, used a widely disparaged speech in the US to warn that as many as 780 million people would be eligible to claim asylum without radical reform of global refugee rules.

She also faced a ferocious backlash after she singled out gay people to say simply being gay, a woman or fearful of discrimination was now effectively enough to qualify.
A man accused of threatening to shoot people at a local elementary school has pleaded guilty.

>>Man accused of local deadly road rage shooting dies, sheriffs office says

Caleb Chancey, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of making terrorist threats on Wednesday in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, according to online court documents.

He threatened to take an AR-15 to a Riverside elementary school and shoot people back in July. He also threatened to stab children at a daycare in September.

Chancey is facing up to three years in prison.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.
One person was taken into custody Saturday morning on Floridas Turnpike in connection with an armed robbery in Miami-Dade County and the shooting of a Fort Lauderdale Police officers car Friday night, police said.

Fort Lauderdale Police and Miami Police were jointly investigating an armed robbery in the area of Northeast 39th Street in Miamis Design District shortly after 5:30 p.m. Friday when the suspects shot toward a Fort Lauderdale officers car, Miami Police spokesperson officer Kiara Delva said in an email Saturday.

Multiple shots hit the officers car, Casey Liening, a Fort Lauderdale Police spokesperson, said in an email. The officer was not injured and did not shoot back at the suspects, she said.

Officers set up a perimeter in the area and took one suspect into custody Friday night, Delva said.

On Saturday morning, Fort Lauderdale Polices Rapid Offender Control officers stopped a car on Floridas Turnpike near Glades Road matching the description of the one involved in the shooting, Liening said. One person was taken into custody.

Liening did not release additional information Saturday afternoon.

One suspect remains at large, Delva said.
A 38-year-old man was convicted Friday at the Leon County Courthouse in Tallahassee Fla., of the first-degree murder of a prominent gay rights activist. Photo by Michael Rivera/Wikimedia Commons

Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The former roommate of a prominent Florida gay rights activist has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Jorge Diaz Johnston in Tallahassee.

A circuit court judge imposed a life sentence Friday immediately after a jury found Steven Yinger, 38, guilty for the murder of Johnston.

Yinger was also convicted of several other crimes related to the murder, including grand theft, grand theft of a motor vehicle, tampering with physical evidence and criminal use of personal identification information.

The jury deliberated for just four hours before coming back with a guilty verdict.

Leon Circuit Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper then imposed the sentence on Yinger, who had been in and out of the county detention center and served at least three previous stints in state prison.

It was after one of those prison sentences in October 2021 that Diaz Johnston, 54, invited Yinger to move in with him at his Tallahassee apartment until he was back on his feet.

Diaz Johnston demanded Yinger leave in early January 2022 after his car and other items were stolen. The court was told Yinger strangled Diaz Johnston to death a day later, dumping his body in a nearby dumpster. It was discovered a short time later in a landfill.

Police quickly zeroed in on Yinger as a suspect.

His defense lawyer did not call any witnesses during the trial and Yinger did not testify on his own behalf. His defense team instead told jurors there was no DNA evidence linking Yinger to the murder.

"Mr. Yinger has ended my husband's life and he ended all of his hopes and dreams if he could get past the addiction," Diaz Johnston's husband, Don Diaz Johnston, told WCTV outside the courthouse, where he also thanked members of the Tallahassee Police Department.

"He was studying religion at [Florida State University] and was hoping to fulfill his lifelong dream of finishing a doctorate."

The couple was separated but had not ruled out a reconciliation.

"I never get to know that now, as a result of the defendant's actions," Don Diaz Johnston told reporters.

Diaz Johnston was known for helping people with recovery.

"What Jorge did was genuine Christian love to try to give this man a leg up and an opportunity," Don Diaz Johnston told the Tallahassee Democrat. "And Jorge knew that that level of kindness and generosity can thaw the coldest of hearts. But the truth is it can't turn the blackest of hearts."

The couple first made headlines in 2015 when they joined several other couples in a federal lawsuit that ultimately allowed for gay weddings across Florida, coming months ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to do the same nationwide.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Legal representatives of the YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke who faces several child abuse charges say she will enter a plea deal on Monday.

Winward Law released a statement on behalf of Ruby Franke saying she intended to enter a plea deal to resolve this matter quickly. The statement continued to say she is a devoted mother who is committed to taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration.

The statement pointed the majority of the blame to Jodi Hildebrant, Frankes business partner, saying she took advantage of Frankes desire for continual improvement and distorted her sense of morality.

ABC4 has reached out to Hildebrants attorneys for comment and is awaiting a response.

Franke, who ran the YouTube channel 8 Passengers, and Jodi Hildebrandt, founder of Connexion Classroom, were charged with several counts of aggravated child abuse on Sept. 1 after one of Frankes children allegedly escaped through the window of a house owned by Hildebrandt. Police say the child had duct tape on their ankles and wrists and was asking a neighbor for food and water.

Later in the investigation, police said they found evidence that Franke and Hildebrandt would dress the childrens wounds with cayenne pepper and honey.

The statement said Franke has attempted to mend relationships with her family through heartfelt apologies and while she is devastated by the news of her husband filing for divorce, she understands his anger and reasoning.

Read the full statement below:

Winward Law is making a statement on behalf of Ruby Franke regarding the pending charges in the Washington County 5th District Court along with her thoughts about her current family situation. Our client is working with the prosecutors office and anticipates resolving this matter quickly by entering a plea agreement with the court on Monday, December 18th. Ruby Franke is a devoted mother and is also a woman committed to constant improvement. Initially, Ms. Franke believed that Jodi Hildebrant had the insight to offer a path to continual improvement. Ms. Hildebrant took advantage of this quest and twisted it into something heinous. Over an extended period, Ms. Hildebrant systematically isolated Ruby Franke from her extended family, older children, and her husband, Kevin Franke. This prolonged isolation resulted in Ms. Franke being subjected to a distorted sense of morality, shaped by Ms. Hildebrandts influence. During Ruby Frankes incarceration in Washington County jail over the past few months, she has actively engaged in an introspection that has allowed her to reset her moral compass and understand the full weight of her actions. Ms. Franke is committed to taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration. Demonstrating a sincere dedication to personal growth and rehabilitation, she has actively begun the process by reaching out to members of her family. Through heartfelt apologies, she seeks to mend relationships and contribute positively to the healing journey of her family. Ruby is aware that Kevin Franke has filed for divorce. While she is devastated by this news, she acknowledges and understands his anger and reasoning. Despite the pain, she respects his decisions and remains hopeful that, with time, she can contribute to rebuilding trust and fostering understanding within their family. Ruby has offered her full cooperation to help the children reunite with their father. Winward Law recognizes the profound love that Ms. Franke holds for her children, and we are genuinely saddened that she found herself on this challenging path under the influence of Ms. Hildebrant. It is our firm belief that Ms. Franke is a devoted mother who, unfortunately, was led astray. She is sincere in her commitment to securing the best possible future for her family, and we remain hopeful that, with the right support and understanding, she can navigate a path of healing and growth. Winward Law

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Rudolph dealerships giving out 2K coats to students to celebrate holidays

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Family-owned Rudolph Automotive Group is getting into the holiday spirit.

The Rudolph car dealerships are teaming up with two school districts  El Paso Independent School District and Canutillo ISD  to give 2,000 students a new coat.

The giveaway is happening Saturday, Dec. 16 at Rudolph VW and Rudolph Honda.

Our team is always looking for opportunities to support the community in meaningful ways, especially during challenging times. Through this initiative, we`re aiming to spread warmth and joy this winter season, said Matt Neessen, president of Rudolph Automotive Group.

The dealerships are also planning a full-day of fun activities including food trucks, vendors and a a special appearance by Santa.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
WASHINGTON  Rudy Giuliani should pay a pair of Georgia election workers he repeatedly and falsely accused of fraud $148 million in damages, a federal jury said Friday.

The eight-person jury awarded Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea Shaye Moss, the sum after a four-day trial, during which they testified that Giulianis lies in support of former President Donald Trumps bogus stolen-election claims subjected them to a torrent of racist and violent threats and turned their lives upside down.

Todays a good day. A jury stood witness to what Rudy Giuliani did to me and my daughter and held him accountable and for that Im thankful, Freeman said.

Moss said, "The lies Rudy Giuliani told about me and my mommy after the 2020 presidential election have changed our lives and the past few years has been devastating."

"Were very grateful to the jury for taking the time out of their busy lives to do their civic duty to listen to everything that weve been going through," she said, adding her "greatest wish" is that no election worker ever experiences anything like what we went through.

The amount awarded to Freeman and Moss was for three different kinds of damages  defamation, punitive and emotional distress. The plaintiffs were awarded $20 million each for emotional distress, and $75 million between them in punitive damages. Freeman was separately awarded just over $16 million in defamation damages, while Moss was awarded almost $17 million.

Giuliani called the dollar amount "absurd" and told reporters he would appeal.

Wandrea

Freeman testified Wednesday that she was terrorized by Trump supporters and forced to move from her home because of Giulianis smears. I was scared to come home at dark, you know, a visibly emotional Freeman said on the witness stand. I was just scared, I knew I had to move.

Their attorney, Michael Gottlieb, said in his closing argument that Giuliani had no right to offer up defenseless civil servants up to a virtual mob in order to overturn an election. He urged the jurors to send a message with their verdict.

He said the mother and daughter should each get at least $24 million in damages for Giulianis defamatory statements, as well as additional money for intentional infliction of emotional distress and punitive damages claims.

Rudy Giuliani. (Christian Monterrosa / AFP via Getty Images file)

Giuliani, who led Trumps legal team after his 2020 election loss, initially said he would testify in the case, but ultimately decided against it.

In his opening statement, Giuliani attorney Joseph Sibley said a large verdict would be the civil equivalent of the death penalty for his client. It would be the end of Mr. Giuliani, Sibley said.

He acknowledged in his closing argument that my client has committed wrongful conduct against the pair and had harmed them, but asked the jury to keep in mind the good Giuliani had done in his lifetime.

He told them the message he believed they should send is, You should have been better, but youre not as bad as the plaintiffs are making you out to be.

The only issue the jury had to determine was money damages.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in August found Giuliani liable for defaming the pair after the defendant repeatedly snubbed court orders to turn over required evidence to Freeman and Moss.

Just as taking shortcuts to win an election carries risks  even potential criminal liability  bypassing the discovery process carries serious sanctions, she added.

Giuliani had repeatedly accused the pair of election fraud in the wake of Trumps loss in Georgia, and circulated a brief, heavily edited clip of security footage that he told a legislative committee in Georgia showed them passing USB drives like vials of heroin or cocaine during ballot-counting operations. Moss said the USB drive was actually a ginger mint.

Despite findings from the pairs former bosses and a yearslong investigation that they did nothing wrong, Giuliani has continued to accuse them of being fraudsters. In remarks to reporters after the first day of trial on Monday, Giuliani said, When I testify, youll get the whole story, and it will be definitively clear what I said was true.

After the verdict, Giuliani said he didn't testify because he was worried the judge would find him in contempt, and complained that he hadn't been allowed to enter evidence that his allegations were true, despite his not having turned over any such evidence before trial.

"The absurdity of the number merely underscores the absurdity of the entire proceeding where Ive not been allowed to offer one single piece of evidence in defense, of which I have a lot," he said. Giuliani also disavowed any responsibility for the "deplorable" threats made to Freeman and Moss. "I had nothing to do with this comments," he said.

The verdict compounds a bleak financial picture for the former New York City mayor, who's said that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election has taken a toll on his finances at a time when he's facing a number of legal challenges.

He has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges alongside Trump and others in the Georgia case accusing them of trying to illegally overturn the results of the election in the state. Part of the charges against Giuliani there include his false claims about Freeman.

Giuliani is also being sued by Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems for his election claims, as well as by Hunter Biden over alleged computer fraud and release of personal information. Additionally, Giuliani is being sued by a former assistant who accused him of sexually assaulting her, allegations that an aide to the former mayor says he unequivocally denies.

Giuliani has had his law licenses suspended in New York and Washington, D.C., and is fighting disbarment. His longtime lawyer has sued him and dropped him, and Giuliani has listed his New York City apartment for sale, at $6.1 million.

Trump did not pay him directly for his work fighting the 2020 election results, but hosted a fundraiser for him in September that Giuliani's son said raised over $1 million.

Giuliani cited his financial problems as one of the reasons he wasn't able to comply with Howell's discovery orders in the defamation case, but never turned over his financial information to support that argument.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(Photo : Unsplash/BBC Creative )

During the pandemic's peak, manufacturers had trouble finding enough workers, making it challenging to keep up with production and get the products outdoors. As the U.S. supply chain improves, manufacturers must find intelligent strategies to hire and keep good workers in a changing job market.

Although the number of unfilled jobs has decreased since April 2022, CEOs say hiring has become more accessible, attracting and keeping skilled workers is still a big concern for most manufacturers.

Creative Approaches of Manufacturers

Companies are adopting creative approaches to address the ongoing labor issue. GE Appliances offers part-time manufacturing jobs and condensed schedules, allowing workers three days off each week. Companies like Eaton Corp. and Union Pacific Corp. are implementing second-chance hiring programs to tap into the pool of potential workers with criminal records. Siemens AG has established a comprehensive internal workforce training curriculum.

Lack of Child Support Options

The lack of childcare options in rural communities is one major obstacle to building a more vital manufacturing workforce, especially one that includes women, where many industrial companies are located. According to a Center for Manufacturing Research survey, childcare support is the second-largest workplace challenge for female factory employees after flexibility. However, only about 6% of manufacturing company executives reported taking steps to provide childcare support to address hiring difficulties, while the same percentage had done nothing about it. The Biden administration recognized this issue and included access to affordable and high-quality child care as one of the qualifying criteria for the Chips Act's $39 billion direct manufacturing incentives.

Nucor Envisions Extending On-site Childcare

In October, Nucor started building a new $3.1 billion steel sheet mill in West Virginia, which is set to employ 800 full-time workers. The plant is in the Apple Grove community of Mason County, an area with limited lunch spots and childcare centers. According to Nucor CEO Leon Topalian, parents nationwide face tough decisions about affording childcare to return to work. He expressed surprise at employees in Alabama paying up to $2,500 monthly for childcare, equating it to a mortgage payment. To address this obstacle, Nucor plans to construct a childcare facility at its new West Virginia plant.

The company intends to collaborate with a third-party operator for the childcare facility. According to John Farris, Nucor Steel West Virginia's Vice President and General Manager, the company excels at steelmaking but recognizes its limitations in managing a childcare facility. They aim to ensure it becomes a high-quality facility, inspiring employee confidence. While the details are still being finalized, Nucor aims to offer competitive costs for employees and maintain cost-effectiveness for the company. Building on the West Virginia experience, Nucor envisions extending on-site childcare to more facilities in the future, driven by the demand expressed by various divisions within the company.

A "Great Recruiting" Tool

SEW-Eurodrive, a German automation equipment manufacturer with a plant in Lyman, South Carolina, is collaborating with the local school district and the nonprofit Middle Tyger Community Center to enhance childcare options. On another front, Norfolk Southern Corp. has teamed up with Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. to provide on-site daycare services at its Atlanta headquarters. In the metro Atlanta area, the average monthly tuition for full-time enrollment in the infant-to-preschool age group is between $1,700 and $2,000. Norfolk Southern helps its employees by subsidizing these costs, reducing the bill to approximately $1,100 to $1,300, as stated by Thomas Crosson, the company's Senior Director of Strategic Communications. While considering on-site daycare for other locations based on demand, CEO Alan Shaw noted that, as a railroad, most of their employees are mobile, with the headquarters being the primary staffing hub. He emphasized the on-site daycare as a valuable recruitment tool, attracting individuals who might not have considered working for Norfolk Southern or in an office environment.

READ ALSO: How Do Paid Parental Leaves Benefit Working Moms And Employers?

Trane's Pilot Childcare Projects

Like many companies, Trane faced increased employee turnover during the pandemic, with workers opting for more flexible jobs like being Uber drivers or leaving the workforce entirely. This coincided with Trane becoming an independent heating and cooling specialist after separating from its industrial businesses. Despite the lack of a typical launch celebration due to the pandemic, this transition allowed Trane to define its identity intentionally, according to Mairead Magner, Trane's Chief Human Resources Officer.

Trane initiated listening sessions at its manufacturing plants to understand worker preferences better 18 months ago. The recurring theme was the need for child care, a crucial factor as many were leaving jobs due to a lack of childcare or its high cost. In August, Trane launched pilot childcare projects in Hastings, Nebraska, and Columbia, South Carolina, recognizing the importance of reliable childcare. The program addresses affordability and accessibility challenges by offering dependent care flexible spending accounts funded by the company based on the number and ages of employees' children. Additionally, Trane partnered with Upwards, a childcare concierge service, to connect employees with existing providers, educate parents on government programs, and support the creation of new facilities in areas lacking childcare options. Upwards focuses on smaller providers, offering flexibility for those with non-traditional work hours, addressing gaps in childcare availability, working to set up new licensed facilities, or assisting existing providers in expanding or relocating to underserved communities.





RELATED ARTICLE: How a Family Email Address Helps a Working Parent

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Satellite images have revealed construction work carried out at the port of Ochamchire, in Abkhazkia, to house Russia's naval fleet

Ukrainian sabotage has forced Russia to begin constructing a new base for its Black Sea fleet more than 500 miles behind the front line.

Satellite images show a number of new buildings at the port of Ochamchire in Georgias breakaway Abkhazia region.

Dredging also appears to have been carried out since the provinces leader announced in October that the former coal port has been leased to Russias navy.

The deal came weeks after Ukraine struck Russias main Black Sea base at Sevastopol in occupied Crimea using British Storm Shadow missiles.

The bulk of the fleet is now stationed 200 miles further east at Novorossiysk  and analysts believe Russia could soon move its ships further east to Ochamchire to protect them from Ukrainian attacks.

The Kremlin is signalling that despite  and also because of  the humiliations against its Black Sea fleet, it is staying in the Black Sea, Prof Rick Fawn of the University of St Andrews told The Telegraph. Novorossiysk could be vulnerable because it is not far from Crimea or the Kerch bridge, which Ukraine has repeatedly targeted.

By contrast, the Ochamchire facility gets Russian assets well away from Ukraine. But far more important is that Ukraine will not want to target sovereign Georgian territory.

Only five countries  Russia, Venezuela, Syria, Nicaragua and Naura  recognise Abkhazia as an independent state, with the rest of the world including the remainder of the former Soviet Union supporting Georgias claim over the region.

The satellite imagery reveals the construction of three new buildings, one new jetty and the removal of silt from the ports entrance, suggesting larger ships are now able to dock.

Dr Neil Melvin, the director of international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute , said Ochamchire could eventually be used to fire cruise missiles at Ukraine beyond the reach of its drones and partisans.

You wouldnt see the whole Black Sea fleet there but youd see some parts of it, he said.

You might see the corvettes that they have, it may even be that they move some of the modernised frigates that are the most deadly parts of the fleet because they are the ones firing cruise missiles.

The missiles have long enough range that Russia could potentially even fire them from relatively close to Ochamchire.

Georgia has tried to play down the significance of the development, insisting that construction has not started and that even if it has, it will still be another three years until the port is operational.

We are concentrated on imminent threats, and not on threats that might come in the future, said Nikoloz Samkharadze, the head of the Georgian parliaments foreign affairs committee.

But regional analysts are convinced the base represents a significant new threat to Georgia just 15 years after Russias 2008 invasion saw Abkhazia and South Ossetia, another breakaway republic, recognised as independent by Moscow.

The risks are immediate

Natalie Sabanadze, a former Georgian diplomat, holds that any attack on Ukraine launched from or near Ochamchire could easily see the war become a regional conflict.

Any attack originating from there would make it legitimate for Kyiv to retaliate against what remains internationally-recognised Georgian territory, the senior research fellow at Chatham House explained.

As long as the war is going on, the risks are immediate, not theoretical, she said.

Abkhazia first declared its independence from Tbilisi in 1992 and has since developed ever closer ties with Russia, fighting together in the 2008 war against Georgia.

Moscow provides financial subsidies, military aid and as many as two million tourists every year to the province once known as the Soviet Riviera.

But Abkhazia retains a strong sense of national identity and there is hesitancy among its population about creeping Russian influence amid fears that it will eventually be annexed.

The port is a win-win for the two sides because Russia strengthens its presence in Abkhazia but it is in the military sphere, Dr Melvin said.

It is not threatening Abkhaz national identity and for the Abkhaz, it strengthens their security without them having to concede to what I think they feel would ultimately be assimilation into Russia.

Prof Fawn added that Azerbaijans successful September invasion of Armenias Nagorno-Karabakh enclave could have encouraged Abkhaz desires for additional hard security that superseded concerns about independence.

Many Abkhaz feel that they are under threat from Georgia, even if in practice that is extraordinarily unlikely, he explained.

For Russia, the benefits beyond the war in Ukraine are manifold, particularly in terms of its wider influence in the Caucasus region.

Ochamchire will rival Georgias own deep-water port at Anaklia 22 miles to the south, complicate Tbilisis ambition to join the European Union and complement Russias pre-existing army base in South Ossetia.

For Vladimir Putin, Prof Fawn says, the port represents valuable nationalist fodder in the run-up to presidential elections next March.

A fully-functional port will take time, he said. But again, it is the very idea of the port that already works as a de facto weapon against Ukraine and Georgia, and indirectly against their Western supporters.

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Russia is increasing its use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in attacks on Ukraine, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said on national television on Dec. 16.

"You can see that the enemy continues to strike with this type of UAVs almost every night, Ihnat said.

Read also: 9 Shahed drones, 1 Iskander missile downed during Russian overnight attack on Ukraine

The drones, launched from three directions in the Russias Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Bryansk and Kursk oblasts, flew all over Ukraine.

"Even if they are launched from Crimea, they still fly north, and the point of entry can be Kherson Oblast, Odesa Oblast, and so on."

Read also: Russian UAVs strike Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk oblasts as debris hits buildings, no victims reported

Shahed type kamikaze drones can be launched from a truck or container anywhere.

Russia launched its sixth aerial attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the month, using Shahed barrage munitions overnight on Dec. 15-16, the city's military administration reported on Telegram.

After three days of ballistic threats, the Russian military once again launched Shahed barrage munitions at the city. UAVs attacked in groups, in waves, and from different directions. All enemy targets were destroyed by air defenses. No one was injured.

Thirty of the 31 Russian Shahed drones were shot down by the Ukrainian air defenses.

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
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia plans to test launch seven intercontinental ballistic missiles in 2024, Sergei Karakayev, the commander of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces has said, the Interfax news agency reported on Saturday.

Russia gave the United States at least 24 hours notice of such launches and Washington afforded Moscow the same courtesy, Interfax cited Karakayev as telling the Russia's army's official Red Star newspaper.

Russia and the United States possess the world's biggest nuclear arsenals.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
A Russian hacker group claimed responsibility for the recent cyberattack against Ukraine's leading phone operator, Kyivstar, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on Dec. 13.

Ukraine came under a massive cyberattack on Dec. 12, which targeted Kyivstar and one of the country's largest banks, Monobank. People across the country reported internet and network outages, as well as issues with air raid alerts.

Work to restore services is underway, and the home internet is expected to be fixed later on Dec. 13, the SBU said. The restart of phone connection and phone internet services is planned for the same day.

According to Ukraine's security service, the hacker group allegedly responsible for the attack is under the command of Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU.

Russia has been repeatedly accused of backing cyber-crime groups in attacks against its rivals. Moscow has also deployed its cyber capabilities against Ukraine, including attacks on government institutions, the defense sector, and energy infrastructure.

Although the SBU did not specify the group's name, a Russian hacker group called Solntsepek claimed responsibility for the attack against Kyivstar in a statement published on Telegram earlier on Dec. 13.

"We attacked Kyivstar because the company provides communications to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as government agencies and law enforcement agencies of Ukraine," the group wrote on social media.

Solntsepek claimed that its attack had "destroyed" 10,000 computers, over 4,000 servers, and all cloud storage and backup systems.

Kyivstar denied that any computers or servers had been destroyed. The company also noted that subscribers' personal data remains safe.

The SBU, however, acknowledged that the attack resulted in critical damage to Kyivstar's digital infrastructure.

According to dev.ua, Solntsepek has carried out hostile activities against Ukraine in the past, which included revealing the personal details of Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukraine's cyber defense agency connected Solntsepek to Sandworm, a hacker group run by the GRU.

Read also: Massive cyberattack reported on Ukrainian bank, phone operator

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The wreckage of downed UAVs damaged an administrative building and a medical facility in Kherson Oblast overnight on Dec. 15-16, the Southern Defense Forces reported on Telegram.

Firefighters duly extinguished the fire. There was no information about the victims.

Read also: Russian night drones pose formidable new threat, reveals Ukrainian military officer

Air defense was operating in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast late in the evening, regional governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram. Ukraine destroyed two Shahed suicide drones over the Synelnyky district.

The debris fell on the building of a private enterprise. The roof caught fire. Rescuers swiftly extinguished the fire. No one was injured.

Russia launched its sixth aerial attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the month using Shahed barrage munitions overnight on Dec. 15-16.

Read also: Kyiv faces 6th Russian attack in December

UAVs attacked in groups, in waves, and from different directions. Air defense destroyed all Russian drones.

No one was injured in the city as a result of the work of air defense and falling debris.

Russia launched 31 Shahed suicide drones at Ukraine. Air defense forces shot down 30 of them.

Read also: Russias new tactic for bombarding Kyiv

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What a doughty comrade Sadiq Khan would make if you found yourself in a bunker with him besieged by enemy fire. The London mayor has just had the chance to aid Ukraines war effort against Putins forces by sending vehicles given up by Londoners avoiding falling foul of Ulez expansion. And guess what? Yes, hes turned it down. On the grounds, so he has written in a letter to his counterpart in Kiev, that sending the cars and vans would not meet the legal threshold of demonstrating the benefit to Londoners from an economic, social or environmental perspective.

Come again? Im sure Khans excuse has gone down a treat in Kiev. Wasnt the whole purpose of sending disused vehicles to Ukraine supposed to be to help Ukrainians, not Londoners? I dont think the guns, howitzers and whatever else the UK government has been sending to Ukraine have brought many economic, social or environmental benefits to Londoners either, at least not directly. Putins jackboots are unlikely to be marching down the Mall even if he does succeed in overrunning Ukraine. But that is hardly the point, which is surely to help out a country in an acute position of distress.

I can see there might be some legal issues involved with sending abroad vehicles which have been collected for a scrappage scheme. The scheme was designed in a certain way: owner scraps car, obtains a certificate of destruction and then claims the money. If vehicles are going to be shipped off to Kiev instead clearly they cannot be scrapped, and no certificate of destruction can be obtained. The scheme would need to be redesigned from the tyre treads upwards, and would come with the slight risk that your Vauxhall Cavalier could be intercepted on its way to Ukraine, possibly even find its way into a corrupt trade which sees it back on British roads. It would not be acceptable for Khan to advertise a scrappage scheme and, say, then flog off the collected vehicles to dealers in Birmingham.

But Kiev is not Birmingham. It is the capital of a country which has found itself under a hostile takeover attempt, thousands of citizens of which have been killed by enemy action. Whatever laws are in place to prevent the abuse of the scrappage scheme, they were surely not designed to prevent the supply of vital supplies to a friendly country in peril. At the very most Khan could always pick up the phone to the Prime Minister, who could surely get primary legislation through the Commons in a week to allow the donations to take place. It is hardly as if the government would face a rebellion on this issue.

But no, Khan has instead chosen to hide behind his lawyers advice, with the result that the Ukraine war effort will be denied some much needed transport. London thought it had elected a Mayor, but it has ended up with a jobs worth. If there is a role for Khan in the Greater London Authority it should be as something like a park-keeper following litter louts and ordering them to pick up their rubbish. In the job of Mayor  the original job description for which was a mover and shaker who could cut through the slack and get things done  he is hopelessly out of his depth.

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By Jung Min-ho

The Unification Ministry honored nine North Korea-born artists for their contribution, Saturday, in its inaugural event to promote inclusion and artistic diversity.

Sul Song-hwa is among the three award winners in the field of literature. In her recent novel, The Woman Who Stole the Sun, she creatively depicted the human rights situation for women in North Korea amid the emergence of a market economy, the ministry said.

The other two writers are Kim Joo-sung, who is known for his collection of essays, I Go to Bookstore When I Feel Foreign, and Lee Myung-ae, a poet from Pyongan Province.

In the area of visual arts, Sun Moo, who developed his own style by mixing traditional North Korean painting techniques with socialist realism, won the honor, along with Shim Soo-jin, a painter known for her ability to use diverse materials, and Kang Chun-hyok, who is also known for his rap skills.

Kim Young-nam, a composer and accordion player, received the award in performing arts. Choi Shin-a, who had performed as a dancer for more than 25 years in North Korea before her escape, and Kim Bom-hee, an actress, were also honored.

Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho said their prowess has enriched the Korean arts and expressed hopes that their artworks would give hope to ordinary North Koreans who wish for the peaceful unification of the peninsula. He added he would continue to support and acknowledge their work.
Emerald Fennells Saltburn, a made-for-Gen Z spin on Patricia Highsmiths Tom Ripley, has polarized audiences. Avid Saltburnistas cheer its debauched, frenetic energy, while detractors blast the thriller for prioritizing shock over psychological depth. But for those of us immersed in political social media, Saltburn offers striking parallels to the unchecked ambition on display in our browsers and smartphones.

The film tells the story of Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), a cunning Oxford scholarship student who socially climbs by befriending campus alpha Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Their relationshiprooted more in Felixs pity than genuine affectionserves as Olivers gateway into a world of privilege, culminating in his arrival at the lavish Saltburn estate.

Its within this opulent setting, surrounded by the grandeur of aristocracy and portraits of dead rellies, that Olivers more sinister ambitions unfold. With a blend of seduction and manipulation, Oliver meticulously exploits the vulnerabilities within Felixs family to embed himself in the world of British aristocracy.

Inspired by Cruel Intentions (1999), Fennell eschews detailed character analysis in favor of a sensory feast. Oliver is no Norman Bates, nor does Saltburn offer a satisfying ah-ha moment. The film leaves Olivers mischievous motives largely unexplored. Like Rothko, Fennell invites audiences to project their interpretations onto her workand for those on X (formerly Twitter), the comparisons with the cadre of social media influencers driving much of online political discourse are hard to overlook.

While social media influencers are a modern phenomenon, using celebrities for votes is a century-old tactic. Warren G. Harding tapped vaudeville and silent film star Lillian Russell to promote his 1920 presidential campaign. Frank Sinatra adapted High Hopes for JFK. But the strategy has since evolved from deploying household names as surrogates to mobilizing niche, and often shadowy, online personalities to peddle policy agendas, shape media narratives, and smear rivals with varying degrees of success. Intricate financial and social incentives, heightened by the growing stakes of electoral results, have spawned a Grifter Industrial Complex akin to a horde of Oliver Quicks.

Though we may be tempted to both sides this issue, the problem manifests itself quite differently across the political spectrum. One key variance is that left-wing influencers lie about Republicans to help Democrats win elections, and by doing so, show at least some institutional deference. Conversely, certain right-wing influencers lie about Republicans precisely to erode trust in institutions. For them, losing is lucrative, as their influence intensifies in direct proportion to their followers sense of victimhood, perpetuating a cycle of grievance they can subsequently exploit. Similar to Olivers pursuit of the Saltburn estate, these influencers chase stardom without a raison detre or a vision for improving peoples lives.

Emblematic of the rot at the nexus of celebrity and politics, consider influencer-turned-presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Like Oliver, Ramaswamy comes from a good family and attended one of our nations most prestigious universities. However, rather than harnessing his blessings for the greater good, Ramaswamy uses his privileged perch to deceivefrom dabbling in 9/11 trutherism to playing footsie with antisemitesunder the guise of bare-knuckle truth-telling, seemingly devoid of any of the Lux or Veritas one would expect from his pedigree. Reminiscent of the shrewd Saltburn protagonist, the talented Mr. Ramaswamy skillfully obscures his pasteven by paying an editor to stealthily scrub key elements of his biography from his Wikipedia page.

Ramaswamys candidacy, like Saltburn, also reminds us of the dangers of failed institutions. Much like Olivers machinations were facilitated by the dysfunctional Catton family (portrayed brilliantly by Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Alison Oliver), Ramaswamy thrives on the decadence of political and media elites. His candidacy is bolstered by a network of media companies and fellow influencers who pass off his platitudes as wisdom.

In fairness, Ramaswamy raises important points about Americas drift away from excellence. Naturally, he blames woke academic and corporate entities for the deviation. Its a valid diagnosis, but its also disingenuous coming from someone who is both a product and a beneficiary of a political milieu where showmanship trumps virtue. A culture that truly cherishes excellence would immediately recognizeand dismisshis fraudulent campaign, ironically emblazoned with the slogan of TRUTH, as a farcical charade. Moreover, a political movement genuinely committed to truth would recognize the hollow bravery of mocking overly sensitive 19-year-olds while simultaneously refusing to acknowledge basic facts like election results to shield adults from discomfort. College kids can blame their follies on youth. Whats Ramaswamys and his fellow influencers excuse?

Of course, there are limits to cinematic parallels. Likening Oliver to certain right-wing influencers may inadvertently flatter the latter. Its difficult to imagine Oliver, who read all 50 books on his summer reading list to his academic advisers astonishment, ever comparing Jerusalems Muslim Quarter to the Jim Crow South in a botched diatribe on Israel. This dubious distinction belongs to an online personality who, in a revealing sign of the times, faced no apparent repercussions for her embarrassing blunder.

Oliver is also keenly aware of his social status, unlike another right-wing influencer who recently described himself and his peers as those who truly drive culture destined to shape future party nominations. After my initial scoffingWho the hell does this guy think he is? Anna Wintour?I realized there was a kernel of truth in his delusions of grandeur. A Murder on the Dance Floor denouement may already be here.

Its understandable why film critics, perhaps not deeply versed in the complexities of contemporary politics, might feel dissatisfied with the films psychological simplicity. There is no there, argued the New York Times Wesley Morris. Echoing this frustration, Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey recently posed a rhetorical question to listeners of their binge-worthy Big Picture podcast: Maybe hes just a sociopath? Yes. Precisely.

There is no there with Oliver, just like there is no there with Ramaswamy and the pocket of social media influencers willing to say anything provided it is buttressed by the right rhetorical scaffolding and, most importantly, tickles their vanity. To paraphrase Venetia Cattons assessment of Oliver, certain social media influencers are, akin to moths, drawn to shiny things, banging up against a window, begging to get in.

Fennells Saltburn invites us to face a disturbing reality: Some individuals are so obsessed with clout, so indifferent to the harm they cause, that they will stoop to slurping bathtub remnants. At least Olivers sociopathy aims for a considerable fortune; our self-proclaimed digital arbiters of culture settle for likes and selfies in Palm Beach.

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(KRON)  The Colma Police Department arrested a 40-year-old San Francisco resident for possession of a stolen vehicle on Wednesday.

Colma officers received an automated license plate reader notification for a stolen vehicle entering Colma around 11:43 a.m. on Dec.13.

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According to the police investigation, the vehicle was stolen out of San Francisco earlier that day.

Officers located the vehicle in a business parking lot in the unit block of San Pedro Road unoccupied and parked. According to the police, while officers were surveilling the vehicle, a man wearing the same style hat and hooded sweatshirt as the driver who stole the vehicle in the ALPR notification walked past the officers. Officers conducted an investigative stop that led to the detainment of the driver.

Police said the driver refused to give his name. In a search of the suspect, the officers located a shaved key, a controlled substance, a switchblade, and the suspects drivers license, police said.

According to the police investigation, the suspect has an out-of-county misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

The 40-year-old San Francisco suspect was arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle, taking a vehicle without the owners request, possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools, possession of a switchblade knife, and the misdemeanor warrant.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
(BCN)  The San Jose Chamber of Commerce has selected Leah Toeniskoetter as its new president and CEO, the organization announced this week.

Toeniskoetter is the founding director of public policy think tank SPUR San Jose, as well as a senior manager at Deloitte and daughter of prolific developer Chuck Toeniskoetter.

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She is the third CEO for the group in three years, in the wake of the chamberformerly known as the Silicon Valley Organizationdissolving its political action committee and losing hundreds of members after it ran racist campaign ads in 2020.

Leah Toeniskoetter has significant experience successfully launching new initiatives and organizations, shaping public policy, and fostering community impact, making her an exceptional choice to lead the Chamber into a new era, the chamber said in a statement.

Toeniskoetter succeeds Derrick Seaver, the chambers most recent CEO, who resigned in August.

The Chamber of Commerce supports and speaks for a wide spectrum of businesses, from our favorite locally owned stores that are core to our neighborhoods to Fortune 500 enterprises that drive global change, Toeniskoetter said in the statement. It is an honor to step into this leadership role in service of our diverse community and to advance the economic vitality of San Jose and beyond.

The chamber said Toeniskoetters experience aligns with its commitment to advance economic growth through convening, collaborating and championing the San Jose business community.

Toeniskoetter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rev. Reginald Swilley, a partner at the Minority Business Consortium in San Jose, said the chamber has long been doing the bidding of large, multibillion-dollar corporations, by taking their money and donating to politicians who write policies to benefit big business. All the while, Swilley said the chamber claims to benefit all businesses, while supporting policies that make it harder for small businesses to thrive and contributing to a massive wealth gap.

The new CEO of the chamber should commit to working for the economic strength for the bottom 50% of our community, because thats where the small businesses are, Swilley told San Jose Spotlight. I would like for the chamber to actually make sure that its policies help build the economic structures of our communities, and our small businesses. If you have an economic system where the regular people have enough, then everybody benefits.

Swilley said the chamber has shown the community what it stands for by previously spreading racist ads through its political arm, and by its continued opposition to measures to increase worker wages and hours, which have been staunchly opposed by large corporations.

This is who they are, they will use anything they can for another dollar, Swilley said.

Silicon Valley Business PAC Director Victor Gomez, who previously led the chambers political action committee before leaving to start his own in 2018, said he hopes Toeniskoetter isnt afraid to make enemies.

You better be hated by some on the other side of the issues, because if youre not, then youre probably not doing your job, Gomez told San Jose Spotlight.

Gomez added that even if the chamber decides not to revive its political action committee, the chamber itself needs to revive its advocacy and muscle.

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Its going to be very important for the chamber to show up to every single City Council meeting and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting, and for them to deliver a message that this business community is hurting right now and the city and county need to step up and take action, Gomez said.

The chamber also announced Thursday that Nicholas Adams, the chambers vice chair who San Jose Spotlight reported was one of two finalists for the CEO role, has been elected chairman of the board. Adams is president and CEO of a public relations firm called NINICO Communications.

Its an honor to be elected chairman of the board to serve an organization that has had a successful impact on my business and our region, Adams said in the statement. I look forward to working with our board and my friend of over 15 yearsLeahto usher in a new chapter for the Chamber, putting our members first.

Copyright  2023 Bay City News, Inc.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
(BCN)  Dozens of tenants from two affordable housing complexes in San Jose are calling on their corporate landlord to do more after repeated car break-ins and receiving written notices they dont understand.

Residents from the Bella Castello and Corde Terra Senior tenants associations protested Friday in front of ROEM Corporations offices in Santa Clara, calling for CEO Robert Emami to meet with them. Tenants are demanding better security because their cars are regularly broken into, and for management to provide tenant notices in other languages besides English, since many residents speak another language such as Vietnamese or Spanish. Residents who are frail and disabled worry these notices could lead to an eviction.

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At Bella Castello, resident Hung Nguyen, 62, said there have been multiple times when up to 10 cars were broken into in the buildings secure garage. He is worried his will be next. He said there are also non-residents sleeping in the buildings laundry facility.

(Building management says), since we live in San Jose, this is normal. This is supposed to happen, Nguyen told San Jose Spotlight through a translator. We are paying a lot of rent money to live here. Where is the duty of the people who are supposed to help manage the property?

Bella Castello has a security guard who works limited hours, and tenants want those hours extended.

I am very stressed, I think about (these safety issues) when I sleep,Corde Terra resident Lam Pham, 74, told San Jose Spotlight.

At the rally, Corde Terra resident Thuy Nguyen, 82, said she is frightened when she sees notices in English because she doesnt understand what is being asked. Most of the Corde Terra Senior tenants speak English as a second language and are unable to understand the notices.

These notices usually convey building regulations, such as apartment patio rules, but not following these regulations could lead to eviction, Thuy Nguyen said through a translator.

Members of both tenant groups said they have tried reaching out to the management companyFPI Managementbut have not heard back. At Corde Terra, tenants alleged that on-site building management has been intimidating residents for trying to organize.

FPI Management could not be reached for comment.

We just want the property management to reach back (out) to us and reach back out to the elderly, Thuy Nguyen told San Jose Spotlight through a translator. Pretty much all of (us) are elderly and live alone.

Cindy Tran, community housing advocate with the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, said both tenants associations have been organizing since the spring. She helped translate for Vietnamese-speaking tenants at the rally. Tran said both tenant groups had arranged a meeting with upper-level FPI Management, but they canceled without rescheduling.

San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz was there to support tenants as a fellow renter.

Ortiz said building management should be providing notices in their primary languages, and he hopes they meet with the tenants to negotiate. He pointed out other instances across the city where tenants are fighting for basic rights, and said the city needs to introduce legislation to maintain renter housing habitability.

We have absentee landlords who are not being accountable to their tenants and accountable to the surrounding community, Ortiz told San Jose Spotlight. What you see is impacts (on) both the residents and the neighborhoods that these residences are in.

Councilmember Omar Torres and Betty Duong, chief of staff for Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, also came as a show of support.

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The tenants marched to the ROEM Corporation office, some pulling walkers up the steps. People in the office handed them a paper detailing the Bella Castello apartment grievance filing process, but otherwise did not engage with the group and called the Santa Clara Police Department.

Police officers relocated the rally to the sidewalk. They reiterated what the office workers saidthat ROEM Corporation is not the building owner for the apartments.

A representative from ROEM Corporation who declined to give their name told San Jose Spotlight the company was a construction companynot the building ownerand declined to speak further on the matter.

At the rally, tenants delivered a letter addressed to Emami, the CEO, which they pushed through the mail slot since the doors were locked. They are asking to meet with Emami in person either on Dec. 18 or 19.

(We) have been complaining to the property management and they have said they  cant handle that, Thuy Nguyen said. That is not the response (we) want.

Copyright  2023 Bay City News, Inc.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Hundreds gathered on the west lawn of the Alachua County Administration Building at 12 SE First St. on Monday to witness the unveiling of the Sankofa bird statue in honor of the late Patricia Hilliard-Nunn. The statue replaces one of a Confederate soldier known as "Old Joe" that stood for more than 100 years

The Sankofa Bird is a mythical African bird that is pictured facing forward with its head turned backwards with an egg in its mouth. The word Sankofa comes from a Ghana language and means to retrieve or go back and fetch it.

Interpreted, it represents the idea of learning from the past and moving forward into the future. The egg signifies the youth who are our future. It is the responsibility of adults in the village to ensure youth are taught accurate truth that prepares them for a productive future. To do this, we must go back and fetch accurate truth that is too often missing or distorted in our schools.

I recently accompanied eight Savannah travelers to African nation of Sierra Leone as we endeavored to go back and fetch accurate truth. There is a direct cultural and linguistic connection between the local Gullah Geechee community in Savannah and the West African coastal nation. Many Africans who were captured and transported to the southern colonies of South Carolina and Georgia came by way of Bunce Island near Freetown, Sierra Leone. The purpose of our journey was to experience the connection of language and culture. In this season of thanks and giving, we went to receive Africas gift. We were not disappointed.

Amadu Massally

Amadu Massally coordinated our trip on the Sierra Leone end. Massally is owner of Fambul Tik, a community organization that focuses on reconnecting Sierra Leone with descendants of Africa. The words Fambul Tik mean "family tree" in English. And, Massally has made it his business to extend the Sierra Leone family tree throughout the African Diaspora.

He is especially keen on the connection between Sierra Leone and the Lowcountry. Using his expert knowledge, Massally organized our journey into three primary sections: captivity and slavery, resistance and abolition. Three of his knowledgeable employees, Alusine Kabbah, Sia Christiana Gbessengumbu, and Mohamed Jalloh were our consistent companions throughout our journey. Our visit to Bunce Island constituted the captivity and slavery aspect and was our first stop after resting from our 18-hour flight from Savannah to Freetown.

Bunce Island's British slave castle dates back to 17th century

Bunce Island once housed the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast of West Africa. English slave traders settled on the island and established the slave castle in 1670. A sign on the Island informs the reader that large numbers of captured Africans were shipped from Bunce Island to South Carolina and Georgia and that rice planters paid high prices for Africans from this region because of their skills and knowledge of rice planting. Before continuing into the depths of Bunce Island, we paused to honor the ancestors with a libation ceremony.

If youve attended a Gullah Geechee cultural gathering in the Lowcountry, you may have participated in a Libation ceremony where liquid (usually water) is poured into a plant as the leader recognizes the ancestors from Africa who were captured. Then, the officiant leads the audience in calling out names of Africans in America whove transitioned from life to death  both those weve only read about and those ancestral family members. The eldest in our group, Hanif Haynes, led us in the Libation Ceremony by the waters at the entryway to Bunce Island.

A unique feature of Bunce Island is that instead of having a door of no return, there was a jetty of no return. The jetty is the path on which Africans were marched down to get to small boats that would take them to the larger ships. The captured Africans knew once they reached the end of the jetty, they would never see their homeland again.

Sign at the entrance to Bunce Island

John Newton was one Englishman who made a lot of money on his numerous journeys to Bunce Island as a slave trader. It was on one such journey in 1772 that Newton experienced an epiphany and wrote a poem that became the popular Christian hymn "Amazing Grace," sung with reverence in many churches, particularly Black churches.

While standing amidst the ruins on Bunce Island, our guide led us in a chorus of that same song. Consider the multilayered irony: a white slave trader wrote the words to that song perhaps while en route between Bunce Island and the Lowcountry. That song was sung at the funeral of one the nine people slaughtered at Mother Emanuel AME Church in 2015. Mother Emanuel AME Church is the oldest AME in church in the South, established in Charleston. Two-hundred and fifty-three years later, a group of nine Savannah travelers sang a verse of this very same song while on Bunce Island. "Amazing Grace" come full circle!

Our next stop was Rogbonko Village where sweet grass baskets are sewn and sold. To get to that village required a five-hour drive down dirt roads, passing many villages. Some villages had schools and we saw children outside for recreation. Many villages had no signs of a formal educational institution. Such was the case with Rogbonko Village.

We were greeted with music, song and dance by the villagers  young and elderly. We danced and sang with them as we were led to a section of the village that had been prepared for us to engage in bartering for sweetgrass products.

Village Chief Moriai Kamara took time to meet and greet us. We were thankful that our Fambul Tik companions were present to interpret for us and guide us through the seemingly chaotic transaction of purchasing products from very enthusiastic sellers. As we were leaving, the absence of a formal educational building was noted and we discussed the academic void that would rob children of becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. As I contemplated that, however, I had to admire the fact that the villagers had successfully maintained a simple lifestyle that had been passed down for generations.

There was no gun violence, no need to participate in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and summarize crimes into Part I and Part II categories. The children may not graduate with degrees in medicine, art or theater. However, they will develop the competency of healing with natures offerings, the art of creating beautiful crafts, and the skill of making musical instruments and music for the soul. They will be nurtured and trained within the safety of their community. These factors may seem minute and meaningless to us; however, these skills and practices have served to sustain people in that village for hundreds of years.

Resistance, a river that has never run dry

The trek to Old Yagala represented the resistance element. Stories are told of the Stono Rebellion and Demark Veasys Revolt. Articles have been written about Bear Creek Maroon near Savannah and other maroonsparticularly in the Caribbean. Very little attention has been given to acts of resistance on the African continent.

The mountain of Old Yagala is near the Village of Kabala. To get there, we again passed many, many villages. One village was called Tyler Perry Town. I noticed that almost all dwellings had a porch  from the large home with obvious amenities to the small thatched hut with cut out window space. The concept of porches is from Africa. Africans are communal people and the front porch serves as a gathering place for the community.

Making the journey to Old Yagala requires blessings from two chiefs. We first visited Paramount Chief Gbawura Mansaray III, of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom. He performed a Kola Ceremony, wishing us peace and unity and a safe journey up the Mountain (at the time we had no appreciation for the significance of his prayers for a successful journey up and down the mountain). The second chief we visited was the Town Chief of Yagala Village, Chief Pa Korioi Marah. Only the elders of our group  Gilbert Walker, Hayes, and me  were required to meet with him.

Two griots (oral keepers of history) accompanied us up the mountain. They ran with ease. We struggled with every step and were thankful for the children who went with us as guides, pulling and pushing us until we reached the plateau. Along the way we passed a stream that served as the water source for the ancestors who lived on the mountain. We learned that this water source has never run dry.

The griots took us to the burial spot for the five chiefs and explained the necessity of a unique burial process due to the inability to dig deep graves on granite. When a chief would die, his body was hung on a hammock over a dugout pit where it would remain until his successor died. Then his bones were buried, and the body of the next chief was hung on the hammock and remained until the third chief died. This process continued through five chiefs. Being on top of that mountain  in that sacred space was an indescribable experience.

Sierra Leone travelers, Front row, from left: Joyce White, De'andre Brown, Maxine Bryant, Katina Wheeler, Edward Grisham. Back row, from left: Gilbert Walker, Destiny Craig, Hanif Haynes and Kara Sweeney.

Freetown established by freed enslaved people who relocated to West Africa after the American Revolution

Back in Freetown, we were introduced to the last segment of our educational journey, abolition. The area of Freetown was established by freed enslaved people who had joined British forces during the American Revolutionary War (1765-1791). In 1787, 4,000 Black Loyalists, assisted by British abolitionists, left Canada because the British did not make good on many of their promises. They relocated to West Africa to form the Province of Freedom, Sierra Leone. Five years later, in 1792, another 1,192 Black Loyalists relocated to Sierra Leone and the capital was renamed Freetown. When they left for Africa, they retained aspects of Africanisms from the Gullah Geechee culture they came from and took this culture with them. The descendants of Black Loyalists are the Sierra Leone Creole people.

Around 1800, about 500-600 Jamaican Maroons arrived in Freetown to join the existing freed Blacks. In 1808 Britain abolished slavery. Once this happened, many slave voyages were intercepted by the British Navy along the African Coast and the captured Africans were taken to Sierra Leone, which interestingly, became the first British colony in Africa the same year, 1808.

On a circle in the middle of Freetown stands a tall, magnificent symbol of freedom  the Cotton Tree. This tree is a kapok tree and is a historic symbol of Freetown. Reportedly, the Cotton Tree gained significance in 1792 when the formerly enslaved Black Loyalists who settled in Freetown gathered to pray under it. The tree is the oldest of its kind and remains one of Sierra Leones most famous landmarks. We paused once again to honor the ancestors with Libation, led by Hanif Haynes, under that tree.

Maxine L. Bryant

Music was a universal connector in every village we stopped at. We danced, sang, and enjoyed the music played on various instruments. It was only fitting, then, that before our journey ended, wed meet a major contributor to music/art/theatre: Charlie Haffner, founder of the 33-year old performance group, the Freetown Players.

After five action-packed days in Sierra Leone, we began our journey back to Savannah. We tasted Mother Africa and were filled from the knowledge we learned, the experiences we engaged in, and the friends we made. We returned different  we have a clearer perspective of our respective roles and responsibilities. We went to Sierra Leone to fetch the gift of accurate knowledge and truth. We returned ready to share, enriched by our experience and emboldened from the knowledge we gained. We received Africas gift and our Sankofa journey is complete  for now, until next time.

Maxine L. Bryant, Ph.D., is a contributing lifestyles columnist. She is an assistant professor, Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology; director, Center for Africana Studies, and director, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center at Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus. Contact her at 912-344-1248 or email dr.maxinebryant@gmail.com. See more columns by her at SavannahNow.com/lifestyle/.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Southern professor chronicles journey to Sierra Leone
Got a text this week, from Russell Fry. Hes the Republican representative for the Seventh Congressional District of South Carolina, where Ive lived since graduating college in the mid-90s. In a few short sentences, it illustrated whats wrong with the political era in which we are living.

The text wasnt personal. It was a mass text to his constituents. I havent spoken face-to-face with Fry for a few years since he, I and my kids worked together on a charity project at St. James High School in the aftermath of a natural disaster that included widespread flooding. I knew his mother before I met him, a woman whom Ive long respected and was the initial reason I even voted for Fry when he first ran for the S.C. House in Columbia after another Republican resigned while being investigated for sexual harassment allegations. Ive long regretted that vote. The text confirmed why.

Issac Bailey

This is Congressman Russell Fry, it began. I serve on the House Oversight Committee and House Judiciary Committee, where we have been investigating Joe Bidens alleged involvement in his familys business.

Heres the kicker: Do you think there is enough evidence for the House of Representatives to open a formal impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden and continue our investigation into the President? We need to hear from you. Click here to take oursurvey.

House Republicans have been investigating Biden since he became president. Thats why I know Fry didnt have to ask us if there was enough evidence, because he knows there isnt. Every time they claimed to have a bombshell, the allegation was quickly proven false, often laughably so, despite what Fox News hosts are still leading their viewers to believe.

The investigation hinges on a contradiction. Biden supposedly helped get a Ukrainian prosecutor fired to protect his son Hunter Biden, who worked for a Ukrainian company, from potential criminal charges. Joe Biden was only carrying out his duties as vice president. The Obama administration wanted that prosecutor fired because he was not investigating corruption. Most of our allies wanted it, too.

In other words, Joe Bidens push to help oust the prosecutor increased the chances his troubled son would face charges  the opposite of what the bizarre conspiracy theory posits.

But after spending all these months finding no wrongdoing by Joe Biden, House Republicans moved forward with a formal impeachment inquiry anyway. Texts such as the one Fry sent out likely went out to millions of Americans in red districts throughout the country. Its highly improbable that those texts mentioned any of the facts I just did.

Its not a witch hunt, but a clown show of the highest order. Men like Fry are all too happy to play along to gin up a few extra votes, no matter the damage to this democracy, no matter how slimy.

Fry is only in office because his predecessor, Tom Rice, dared to do one politically courageous thing, and that was to vote to impeach Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection attempt in our Capitol. Republicans in my home district didnt like that Rice, who had been a reliable member of the extreme right-wing of the GOP before that vote, expressed more fealty to the democracy than Trump. They punished Rice for that sin, which Fry capitalized on.

Hes still capitalizing on it. Hes no leader. Hes a follower of some of the worst actors in D.C. Maybe its because hes power hungry. Maybe its because hes incapable of standing for something good. Or maybe its because he was never an ethical man, not even when I foolishly voted for him all those years ago.

Hes the one thing we cant afford at a time like this, and the one thing we have in abundance right now: unethical men who care only about themselves and their political futures.

Issac Bailey is a McClatchy Opinion writer in North and South Carolina.
A year-old French restaurant in Greenville was named one of 50 best new restaurants in America for 2023 by Esquire magazine.

Scoundrel is the creation of Greenville native Joe Cash, who has worked in restaurants in New York City and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Hes a graduate of Greenville Technical Colleges Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, where he enrolled after busing tables and washing dishes at Lone Star Steakhouse near Haywood Mall while attending Eastside High School. He knew then he wanted to be in the kitchen.

He moved on to some of Greenvilles finer restaurants  Restaurant O and Liberty 33, then in Charleston, before heading to New York City.

There he worked at the acclaimed Per Se before going to Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, which was considered the worlds best restaurant.

In 2014, Cash went back to New York to become the executive sous chef at Torrisi Italian Specialties, then executive chef at The Pool, both owned by Major Food Group.

Scoundrel owner Joe Cash worked in restaurants in New York City and Copenhagen before returning to his hometown, Greenville.

He wanted to open his own restaurant in New York City, but a visit to Greenville  and COVID  changed his plans. He was surprised by how Greenville had changed, enough so to welcome a restaurant he calls sophisticated and romantic.

He and his wife, Jocelyn, and son, Thor, took the leap.

Scoundrel opened in October 2022 in a location in downtown Greenville that was once an Indian restaurant.

You get the idea that while this is traditional French food, it doesnt take itself too seriously.

Step into a world of culinary charm and French finesse at Scoundrel, where every bite is a melody and every dish a symphony of flavors, the restaurants website states. This aint your regular joint  its a swanky journey through the heart of Paris, right here in downtown Greenville, SC.

They serve escargot, of course, described as french snails, fines herbs, and too much butter for $22 as well as a hamburger called Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, two patties (aged beef) with scoundrel sauce. Then there is a nod to MaMamma, Cashs grandmother, with triple stock Chocolate cake topped with a big dollop of vanilla bean creme fraiche. 

Four Esquire food writers set out to sample some 200 restaurants for its 41st yearly list of best new restaurants.

After a series of spirited debates, we settled on 50 restaurants that stood out from the rest, Esquires Culture & Lifestyle Director Kevin Sintumuang wrote in the magazine.

They selected Ilis in a former rubber factory in Brooklyn as Restaurant of the Year, where they point out, they prepared the fish as it would have been done centuries ago, wrapped in bark and cooked over flames.

The magazine selected restaurants in 21 states and the District of Columbia. The most  13  were in California  with New York second at nine.

Of Scoundrel, the magazine said, youll find French fare with flair.

Enter his (Cashs) handsome, tall, brick-walled space, dip into the burgundy-colored leather booth  order that bottle to match, of course  and go for it: Plump and pristine briny bivalves to start barely require a lemon squeeze. Move to caviar service  thick potato pucks fried in duck fat and slathered with creme fraiche are just the right vessel.

They also recommend tableside beef tartare  a show in itself, Esquire contributor Omar Mamoon wrote. Dont forget the duck fat fries, he said.

For Cash, this is not the end. He hopes to start other types of restaurants in Greenville to form the Cash Group.
Former Trump communications director Anthony Scaramucci attacked House Republicans for their attempts to impeach President Biden for allegations of family business corruption, saying the investigation is baseless and hurts the party with prospective voters.

I think its a specious inquiry. I disagree with it, Scaramucci said in a NewsNation interview Friday. Im a lifelong Republican, and unfortunately, weve really damaged our party. I dont think this helps our party.

Republicans voted to open an official impeachment inquiry into Biden on Wednesday after months of preliminary investigation from the House Oversight Committee, alleging the president was involved in corrupt business deals.

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The probe has produced no direct evidence that implicates the president in a crime, though it has spurred inquiry into wrongdoing by his son, Hunter Biden.

Scaramucci noted that the Republican Party, already hampered by the House Speaker fight, which dragged on for weeks and hurt the party in the eyes of prospective voters, faces a numbers disadvantage compared to Democrats and independents.

Weve got less than 28 percent of the registered voters. The Democrats are bigger and the independents are way bigger than that, he said. Instead of focusing on this, why not go after all these people that are no longer in our party.

Some Republican lawmakers have also shown suspicion over the inquiry. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), who voted to approve the inquiry, said Wednesday that he has not seen any evidence of Biden committing a high crime or misdemeanor, the constitutional bar for impeachment.

The process has been abused, Joyce said in a separate NewsNation interview. Its meant to take out mentally deficient folks, somebody whos lost their mind while theyre in office, or somebody whos a [former Rep. George] Santos, like where theyve committed in crimes while theyre in office.

He called on the investigation set up by the inquiry vote to quickly establish whether impeachment should be pursued.

I have three different committees that are all focused on this  OK, put up or shut up. You either have the evidence or you dont, Joyce said.

Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) also warned that Biden could not be impeached or removed from office for conduct or crimes committed before he was elected to the White House.

What he did as vice president, what he did in between the two [offices] may not be impeachable, he said during an interview on Newsmaxs Wake Up America.

If they send us a case, make sure its convictable, Mullin advised. The bars real high, theres no question about it.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Its not feasible trying to get Hungarian PM Viktor Orban to take a coffee break every time the EU faces a Hungarian veto on some critical decision, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Dec. 15, as reported by German outlet n-tv.

Read also: We can block it 75 more times  Orban continues to threaten to halt Ukraine's EU accession process

This issue cannot be solved by stepping out every time; It's for exceptional moments, said Scholz.

During the recent EU summit, Scholz suggested Orban take a brief break to allow the other 26 EU members to reach an agreement on opening accession negotiations with Ukraine.

Orban agreed after a brief deliberation, the chancellor said. Then, the unanimous decision was made by the 26 EU country leaders  without the Hungarian PM.

Read also: Second German Patriot SAM to arrive in Ukraine this year, says Scholz

However, Scholz emphasized this was not a trick but a way to assist Orban.

"This is a decision we made by mutual agreement according to our rules. It's not something to do every time," he stated.

Read also: Orban demands unlocking of EU funds for Hungary before EU releases EUR 50 billion for Ukraine

Earlier, Orban declared that his government would not lift its veto on a new EUR 50 billion European Union aid package for Ukraine until the bloc pays out all frozen funds to Hungary. A special European Council summit will continue discussing extending financial assistance to Ukraine in early 2024.

Orban's decision to veto the aid program came hours after the European Council decided to start negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is optimistic about the allocation of 50 billion euros ($54.7 billion) to help Ukraine, Reuters reported on Dec. 15.

Both Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that Kyiv would receive support from the European Union.

Read also: Scholz explains hesitancy in shipping Taurus missiles to Ukraine after former UK DM Minister calls Germany out

"We have other ways of helping Ukraine, but we have not given up on the goal of finding a solution here," Scholz said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vetoed the EU's 50 billion euro ($54.7 billion) aid package for Ukraine on Dec. 15. The bloc will return to the debate on the allocation of funds early next year.

The Hungarian prime minister stated that his government would not overturn the veto until the bloc disburses all frozen funds to Budapest.

Read also: Scholz on getting Orban to abstain from key Ukraine vote

Orban imposed the blockade a few hours after the European Council decided to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

A source close to European Council President Charles Michel told NV that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the room at the moment when EU leaders decided to start negotiations with Ukraine on EU accession.

This decision was initiated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who suggested that Orban "take a break and leave the room. He did so while other leaders of the bloc approved the start of negotiations with Ukraine.

This step is called constructive abstention in Brussels. According to Euractiv's sources, it allows important decisions to be made without the participation of some members  "if someone is not present, he is not present."

Before the summit, a number of leaders met with Orban. The European Commission also unblocked 10.2 billion euros ($11.1 billion) for Hungary, which had been withheld due to the country's rule of law situation.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Korea was gripped by a cold wave and heavy snow Saturday, with lower temperatures and more snow expected over the weekend, the state weather agency said.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued heavy snow warnings for the country's central and western areas. As of 10 a.m., the interior ministry had upgraded its snow alert level to "caution" from "interest."

As of 7 p.m., the southwestern city of Gwangju and Jangseong County in South Jeolla Province had received 7.94 cementers and 4.54 cm of snow, respectively.

More than 20 cm of snow is expected to fall in North Jeolla Province until Sunday. Gwangju and southwestern parts of South Jeolla Province are forecast to receive more than 15 cm of snow, according to the KMA.

The weather agency said 1-3 cm of snow is expected in Seoul, Incheon, west of the capital, and the southern island of Jeju.

A cold wave advisory also took effect in areas including Seoul, Busan, Daejeon and Daegu at 9 p.m. Saturday.

The advisory is issued when the morning low comes below minus 12 C for more than two consecutive days or when the temperature drops more than 10 C to below minus 3 C.

Heavy snow and the cold wave caused passenger ship and flight cancellations across the nation, according to the government.

As of 6 p.m., 107 passenger liners on 85 routes and 14 flights had been cancelled, according to the central government's Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.

Public access to 247 sites at 13 national parks, including ones in Mount Mudeung and Mount Jiri, were restricted.

Snow froze on roads, causing car accidents in some regions.

At around 7:47 a.m., five vehicles rear-ended near and another four cars were in similar pile-up accident near the Sangnam 6 Tunnel along the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway. Seven people were said to have suffered mild and serious injuries.

At around 3:30 p.m. 15 vehicles rear-ended on a road in Anseong, 64 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

Strong winds and the cold wave caused power blackouts in an apartment complex in Uijeongbu, 22 km northeast of Seoul, and a movie theater in Cheongju, 112 km southeast of Seoul.

The KMA said the temperature is likely to further drop on Sunday, with morning lows reaching between minus 4 and 17 C across the country. Morning lows were expected to be minus 12 C in Seoul, minus 16 C in the border city of Paju and minus 17 C in Cheorwon County of Gangwon Province. (Yonhap)




An Israeli education ministry decision prevents Palestinian teenagers (L to R) Mohamed, Ahmed, and Moataz al-Salaymeh, and other east Jerusalem teens freed under a hostage-prisoner swap, from returning to school (AHMAD GHARABLI)

Like many other imprisoned Palestinian teenagers released as part of an exchange deal with Israel, Mohamed al-Salaymeh hoped to regain a semblance of normality after months in detention.

But he found himself in limbo yet again, unable to go back to school due to a new Israeli education ministry decision. The ruling bans students in annexed east Jerusalem from resuming classes after imprisonment.

"My dream is to return and for this gate to be opened," said Mohamed, 16, standing in front of his school in his east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Ras al-Amoud.

Israel last month agreed to a temporary truce deal that saw the release of 80 Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants in exchange for 240 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

All those released on both sides were women and minors.

Hamas gunmen seized a total of about 250 hostages on October 7 when they broke through the militarised border of the Gaza Strip for an unprecedented attack that killed 1,139 people in southern Israel, according to Israeli figures.

In retaliation Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and began a relentless bombardment of Gaza, alongside a ground invasion, that has killed 18,800 people, according to Gaza's Hamas government.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem during a 1967 war with Arab states, and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

Around 230,000 Israelis now live in the territory, alongside at least 360,000 Palestinians who want to make the city's eastern sector the capital of their future state.

Mohamed was arrested alongside three of his cousins, Moataz, 15, and brothers Ahmed, 14, and Ayham, 13. Ayham was later placed under house arrest, where he remains.

The others spent about four months in an Israel prison accused -- but never formally charged -- of throwing rocks at a Jewish settlement near their Jerusalem neighbourhood.

"Where will I go? There is nowhere. I will stay at home. I can't work because I'm under 18," said Ahmed, the youngest of the Palestinians freed under the deal.

Moataz said he fears "losing my education. If things remain this way, I will have to repeat a year."

But Mohamed appears the hardest hit by the decision, as he was expecting to graduate next year.

"God only knows when we will return. I want to achieve my dreams," he told AFP.

- 'No future' -

The Israeli ministry's decision affects 48 of the minors released in the hostage-prisoner deal.

The ministry told AFP that the teens' status would be reevaluated after the end of winter holidays on January 10.

Jerusalem municipality, responsible for implementing the decision, told AFP it was "assessing and examining the pedagogical and emotional needs of each and every student, and building individual educational programmes aiming to prevent the recurrence of unlawful acts in the future".

On Tuesday, municipal officials summoned Ahmed's father, Nayef al-Salaymeh.

The officials "suggested that they be moved to other schools and institutions according to vague criteria," said Salaymeh, whose son hopes to become a lawyer.

"We refused to move them because they all grew up in this school in our neighbourhood," the father said, clad in a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh chequered scarf.

"If this decision becomes effective... we will see young people in the streets with no future," he continued. "They destroy their thoughts and ambitions, to turn us into a backwards people."

Nayef al-Salaymeh said civil society groups are helping the family continue its "struggle to return our children to their classrooms."

- 'A human right' -

Unlike the Salaymehs, Amin al-Abbasi, 17, opted to move to a school run in east Jerusalem by the Palestinian Authority, which has partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

He said he decided "not to lose the year", but fears he won't be able to adapt to the new school in Sur Bahr and is trying to convince his former cellmates to join him.

His mother, Abir, complained that the school is "very far from all public transportation."

Amin was serving a 20-month sentence for involvement in clashes in his neighbourhood of Silwan, adjacent to Jerusalem's walled Old City, where tensions previously flared between Palestinian residents and Jewish settlers.

He served 13 months before the exchange deal freed him.

Khaled Zabarqa, a lawyer who has examined such cases but does not officially represent any of the minors, said the ministry ban on ex-prisoners returning to school contravenes Israel's law on mandatory education.

"Education as a human right should not be subject to political considerations," he said.

Tal Hassin, from the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said many of the students "have not been convicted. They are just suspects".

She said the association is awaiting the end of the holidays to see what official decisions come next, and what legal avenues might be pursued.

Until then, Mohamed clings to the hope of returning to school.

"My education is my only weapon," he said.

ha/jsa/it
We may all scream for ice cream, but the frozen desserts Italian sister, gelato, is also a wise choice on an oppressively hot summer day. But what exactly is the difference between the two beloved sweet treats? Quite a bit. After all, they both start with a craveworthy base of milk, cream, and sugar, but then venture into production methods and ingredients that make them unique. Get the scoop on their key differences below.

What is gelato?

Gelato may translate to ice cream in Italian, but there are a few characteristics that set it apart from its American counterpart.

The short answer is that Italian ice creams typically are made with less butterfat (more milk, less cream) and less air, revealed Jon Snyder, owner of NYC-based il laboratorio del gelato. Thats a general rule of thumb; however, there are plenty of Italian artisans that use more cream, and plenty of American ones that use less.

Additionally, gelato is typically served warmer and is churned at a slower rate, resulting in a denser dessert.

What is ice cream?

Ice cream differs from Italian gelato by incorporating eggs and/or egg yolks in addition to milk, cream, and sugar to create a custard-like consistency. It is then churned at a much faster rate than gelato to form a lighter dessert with more air.

By federal law, American ice cream must have no less than 10% butterfat and no more than 100% overrun, which is industry-speak that translates to no more than 50% air (or a one to one ratio between ice cream and air), added Richard Graeter, president and CEO of Cincinnati-based Graeters Ice Cream.

He advises consumers to be wary of pints labeled as frozen dessert. This is a sure sign that the product is a facsimile of ice cream that has less than 10% butterfat or greater than 100% overrun and often both, he revealed. Some brands try to tout these such products as better for you because they have fewer calories, but in truth, that is only because they are more air than product, along with a load of stabilizers and other non-dairy ingredients necessary to mask the missing dairy fat.

What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

The primary differences between gelato and ice cream come down to butterfat content and churn rates.

Butterfat

Most gelatos have only 6% to 8% butterfat, said Graeter. The lower fat allows for a more intense flavor sensation.

Fat sources stem from cream, milk and egg yolks. And since gelatos generally lack the latter, the taste will inevitably be less heavy on the palate. This typically allows for flavors and ingredients like stone fruit, pistachio and Nutella to shine without the weight of a rich custard.

Snyder, however, reminds consumers that there are regional styles of gelato and to not abide by hard and fast rules regarding what constitutes a proper scoop of this Italian treat.

The heat and less wealth of the South [of Italy] meant that, historically, they were interested in more icier, less heavy, refreshing concoctions.

Eggs and cream were expensive and [as a result] harder to use. The North could afford those items, he added, claiming that hed still dub an egg-based Italian ice cream as gelato, despite globally accepted traditions and definitions.

Churn rate

The genius of traditional Italian gelato is the use of slow churning machinery, raved Snyder. Less air helps this dessert with a dense, smooth texture and consistency.

Ice cream, on the other hand, is lighter due to its higher churn rate and increased air content. Graeter, however, argues that no freezer aisle in a major grocery store carries genuine Italian gelato.

Pints purporting to be gelato are produced in the same high-volume continuous process freezers that produce the other big commercial ice cream brands, he shares. The only difference is that the mix has less fat than the regular dairy mix, and they sometimes dial down the air being injected into the finished product.

Keep this in mind if youre searching for an authentic gelato, which may only be found in a local ice cream shop and/or in Europe.

What to look for when buying store-bought ice cream

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the perfect pint. Graeter breaks down how to shop for ice cream, which he separates into three different categories:

Value ice cream

These are the bulk frozen desserts and generic grocery store brands that have low butterfat content and higher overrun (more air).

Premium ice cream

These are the nationally recognized brands that typically sell half gallon-sized containers. They possess higher butterfat and lower overrun. Examples include Breyers, Blue Bunny and Tillamook.

Super-premium pints

These are the specialty pints that contain the highest level of butterfat and lowest level of overrun. Theyre thick, creamy and decadent. Examples include Ben & Jerrys and Haagen-Dazs.

In an effort to fill a void and introduce a category with an even higher quality ratings, Graeters labels its product as craft ice cream, due to the fact that its small-batch and manufactured in a traditional French Pot (open containers that spin quickly). Its also hand-packed because the ice cream is literally too dense to flow through automated filling equipment.

Food for thought

No matter how you scoop it, gelato and ice cream both make wonderful desserts, especially when the weather climbs to sweat-inducing temperatures. And while they may serve different purposes, either as a pint on the couch while watching Netflix or an afternoon snack while meandering the streets of Rome, one thing is for certain: You cant go wrong either way.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The number of sex attacks in the Armed Forces has doubled in the last three years with more than half perpetrated by junior ranks, The Telegraph can disclose.

Up to 180 troops were victims of sex attacks in 2020 but that number increased to 380 by December last year, according to Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures.

But the report also reveals that private soldiers and personnel of equivalent rank in the RAF and Royal Navy are responsible for more than 50 per cent of all sex attacks in the Armed Forces.

Junior ranks make up around 28 per cent of the Armed Forces but are responsible for over 52 per cent of all rapes and sexual assaults, according to the MoDs Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System annual report.

Worryingly, the report also shows that more than 14 per cent of all rapes in the Armed Forces were committed by personnel aged 20 or under.

A significant number of sexual assault victims were also some of the youngest troops serving in the Armed Forces.

Up to 50 classed as rape victims

The disclosure was described as disgusting by one former defence chief who said the MoD failed to understand the size of the problem of sexual assault within the military.

The report reveals that 81 personnel aged under 18 were sexually assaulted by colleagues between 2020 and 2022. A further 350 military personnel aged between 18 and 20 were sexually assaulted over the same three years.

Up to 50 of those sexually assaulted were classified as rape victims, with four under the age of 18, so were still officially classified as children.

Overall, 838 troops, aged under 18 and over 40, were sexually assaulted and 136 were raped over the three-year period.

Dozens of other troops were also victims of exposure and voyeurism.

While the majority of those assaulted were women, the report reveals that 134 male personnel were attacked. In all cases the number of assaults have surged in the last two years.

In addition to the attacks revealed by the MoD, North Yorkshire Police also said that 13 sexual offences at the Army Foundation College were reported between July 2022 and August 2023, including nine reports of rape, two of sexual assault and two of voyeurism.

It happens again and again

A recent military inquiry into the death of one teenage female soldier found that she took her own life after being subjected to sexual harassment from her boss.

Gunner Jaysley Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021 after experiencing an intense period of unwelcome behaviour, the inquiry report said.

She received more than 3,500 messages and voicemails from her boss over a two-month period.

In 2021, a parliamentary report said the UK military was failing to protect female recruits. It revealed nearly two-thirds of women in the Armed Forces had experienced bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination during their career.

Colonel Philip Ingram, a former army intelligence officer, said: These figures are disgusting. All we hear from the Army and MoD is that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated, yet it continues to happen again and again and again.

This shows a fundamental failure to recognise a wider issue and deal with it. Its time the Army and Defence woke up to the fact it is continually enabling harm to be caused. What will it take for there to be real change and why arent senior officers being held accountable for this shocking culture?

An MoD spokesman said: Sexual assault or harassment has no place in the Armed Forces, and we are committed to stamping it out. All allegations are taken extremely seriously and investigated by the service police.

We have set up an independent defence serious crime unit, created a victim witness care unit and strengthened our ability to discharge from service anyone who has committed an offence.

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(KRON)  A man who walked into L&M Liquor in Hayward walked out millions of dollars richer. Durwin Hickman, a skycap at San Francisco International Airport, was the lucky winner when he bought a $30 Set For Life! Scratchers ticket.

3 Bay Area cities named among CA towns with most holiday spirit

Hickman, by uncovering the word LIFE on his ticket, won the top prize of $20 million, California State Lottery said in a news release on Friday. L&M Liquor, the store that sold the ticket, also received $100,000.

It was the biggest rush I have had in my life, Hickman said in the press release.

With the life-changing money, Hickman plans to buy his wife a house. Hickman also said he won $1,000 in the past when playing the California Lottery.

L&M Liquor is located at 22610 Vermont St.

Forbes: This is Californias favorite dog breed

CA Lottery announced three other million-dollar winners in the Bay Area.

Teresa Martinez won $5,000,000 after buying a Scratchers ticket at Golden Eagle Gas in Morgan Hill. German Medina Zapata walks away $5,000,000 richer after buying a Premier 7s Scratchers ticket from K&H Liquors in San Francisco.

Another million-dollar ticket was sold in Hayward. Teh-An Lin won $1,000,000 on a Cloud 9 Scratchers bought at the Seafood City on Hesperian Boulevard.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Sally Caglia lived her familys legacy, both as a businesswoman and a public servant.

When she received the Leon S. Peters Award from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce at a ceremony last year, she was the the third member of her family to be given the honor, which spotlights business success and also public service, private philanthropy and ethical leadership.

Caglia died Dec. 10 at the age of 76.

Sally was a vital part of our family, our businesses and the Fresno community, the familys company, Caglia Environmental, wrote in a social media post following her death.

Sally embodied the true essence of servant leadership that defined our father Frank Caglias legacy, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Caglia had worked in the family business her whole life, starting as a cashier at the old Orange Avenue landfill, which her father bought and started running in 1941. She eventually became executive assistant at his other business: Electric Motor Shop, which opened in 1913 and remains in downtown Fresno to this day.

She later served as executive administrator for all Caglia enterprises.

She was also involved in numerous community and civic organizations such as the Cultural Arts Rotary Club and Cultural Arts District Association, the research and development board for the Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the citys Historic Preservation Commission. She helped created and curate a number of well-known fundraiser events in town, including Storyland and Jazz, the Shenzen Stroll, the annual carnival at St. Johns Cathedral and the St. Elia Festival.

She also helped preserve her fathers collection of Fresno history.

She served on the board of the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts after her family donated the historic theater to create the nonprofit in 2005.

As the story goes, Frank Caglia bought the downtown theater in 1973, essentially saving it from demolition.

It was one of several landmarks the family, and Caglia specifically, looked after.

There was also the Van Ness Arch, which the Caglia family restored in the 1980s and was maintaining well into the 20-teens, when it came under threat by the High-Speed Rail project.

Caglia suggested at the time that the arch be moved to Tuolumne and Fulton streets, across from Warnors Theatre.

Two Fresno icons saved and cared for by my dad, she said.

Jackie Ryle, left, and Sally Caglia, take a selfie in front of the historic Fresno County Courthouse cupola before its move last year, from a storage unit owned by the Caglia family to the Fresno Fairground, where went on display at the museum. JOHN WALKER/jwalker@fresnobee.com

Caglia was also there and taking pictures when the final piece of the old Fresno County Courthouse, that iconic cupola, was moved to a museum at the Fresno Fairgrounds in 2015. The family had been paying to keep it in storage for the Fresno Historical Society.

Im thrilled to death, she told The Bee at the time.

Its going to be living in perpetuity so the community will enjoy it.

A rosary for Caglia is planned for 10 a.m. Dec. 27 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Champlain Drive, with a lunch at Pardinis to follow. Guests have been asked to wear a touch of leopard print or turquoise jewelry in celebration of Caglias life (and style).

At her request, Rod Stewart will be played at the lunch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the School of St. Jude in Tanzania, Africa; Fresno County Historical Society; Nancy Hinds Hospice; Cultural Arts Rotary Club Foundation; PBS Fresno; or the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
By Dale Quarrington

Rather obviously, the highlight of any temple visit is the main temple and its buildings. But hidden within this rather obvious statement are the countless amount of hermitages that surround these beautiful temples. This is especially true of larger temples like Tongdo Temple, Beomeo Temple and Haein Temple.

Haein Temple, which is located in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province, is famous for housing the printing woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana. The woodblocks that comprise the Tripitaka Koreana are the oldest and most comprehensive intact collection of Buddhists texts.

The first set of woodblocks were made in 1087, but they were later destroyed by the invading Mongols in 1232. To help inspire divine assistance in the defense of the nation, King Gojong of Goryeo (r. 1213-59) ordered that the set be remade. Over a 12-year period starting in 1237, the second set of the Tripitaka Koreana was completed. And in 1398, the set was moved to its current home at Haein Temple, where it was stored in the Janggyeong-panjeon. In total, there are 81,258 wooden printing blocks that are without a single error.

The Janggyeong-panjeon is located to the rear of the temple grounds at Haein Temple. And because of the Tripitaka Koreana, Haein Temple is part of the Three Jewels Temples alongside Tongdo Temple and Songgwang Temple. While Tongdo Temple represents the Buddha, and Songgwang Temple represents the sangha (Buddhist community), Haein Temple represents the dharma (Buddhist teachings) for rather obvious reasons.

Not only is Haein Temple famous for the Tripitaka Koreana, its also famous for its location in Gayasan National Park, the beautiful buildings at the temple, as well as the prominent monks that once called Haein Temple home.

Another interesting aspect to Haein Temple thats often overlooked by visitors is the numerous hermitages that surround the famous temple. In total, there are a dozen of these hermitages that have differing architecture, artwork and histories. While some hermitages have portions of their grounds off-limits to visitors, the vast majority here are completely open to the general public. Great examples of these hermitage at Haein Temple  and for differing reasons  are Hongje Hermitage, Baengryeon Hermitage and Yaksu Hermitage.

Hongje Hermitage was built in 1608 for the warrior monk Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610). The hermitage was built as a sign of appreciation for all of Samyeong-daesas efforts during the 1592-98 Imjin War by King Seonje of Joseon (r. 1567-1608). The name of the hermitage comes from the posthumous title of Jatong Hongje-jonja bestowed upon Samyeong-daesa, who spent the remainder of his days there. This title was given by King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (r. 1608-23). The hermitage is also home to a stupa that houses the earthly remains of Samyeong-daesa. In addition to all of this history, Hongje Hermitage is also home to some pretty unique artwork, like the Bodhisattva-Sanshin (Mountain Spirit). This statue and painting of Sanshin is a unique synthesis and melding of Korean Buddhism with Korean shamanism.

Another beautiful hermitage on the Haein Temple grounds is Baengryeon Hermitage. Its unknown as to when the hermitage was first built, and its also unknown as to who built it, but it is known that the hermitage was reconstructed in 1605 by the monk Soam, who was a disciple of Seosan-daesa (1520-1604). Legend has it that during the Imjin War, Soam protected Haein Temple through his reputation alone. The Japanese wanted to invade, and were even occupying the neighbouring hillside at Haein Temple, but they didn't dare invade the temple. Sounds a little far-fetched, but those are legends for you.

More recently, the hermitage has become famous for being the home hermitage to the monk Seongcheol (1912-93). Not only was Seongcheol the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order (the largest Buddhist order in Korea), but he was also believed to be a living Buddha in Korea because of his extremely austere lifestyle. Since his passing, and over the past couple of years, the hermitage has undergone extensive renovations, rebuilds and reconstruction.

One other hermitage that visitors should explore at Haein Temple is Yaksu Hermitage. The hermitage was first founded in 1904, and later rebuilt in 1927. The hermitage is home to nuns, and they are some of the nicest nuns that youll find in Korea, especially the abbess.

After looking around the main hall and the shaman shrine hall, I was welcomed to the hermitage and invited into the meditation center at Yaksu Hermitage. At first, I thought she wanted me to meditate with her. Instead, she introduced me to a painting that was at least a couple centuries old. While blackened by age, you can clearly see that the beautiful painting was dedicated to the Bodhidharma and Dazu Huike (487-593). The painting illustrates the famed Cutting Off His Arm, where Dazu Huike cuts off his left arm to prove his resolve and devotion to the Bodhidharma and his teachings. Rather interestingly, and similar to the story about the beheading of Ichadon (501-527); whereas white blood pours forth from Ichadons neck, white blood pours forth from Dazu Huikes left arm in this painting. Both acts, and the white blood that pours forth from their wounds, highlight the miraculous nature of their actions. I asked the abbess just how old the painting was. She couldnt be any more specific than a couple centuries. Also, I asked her where it was originally located, and this was unknown as well. I was just happy that the abbess had been so inviting and willing to share such a priceless piece of Buddhist art with me.

So while Haein Temple is absolutely stunning for numerous reasons, and everyone in Korea should visit this temple at least once, Haein Temple is so much more than the main temple and its buildings. Dont get me wrong, the temple is amazing. But the dozen hermitages surrounding it deserve a visit, as well. And they certainly arent limited to the three hermitages listed above. I enjoyed a nice lunch at Bohyeon Hermitage, as well as the amazing views at Huirangdae Hermitage. In fact, you could spend an entire day visiting all the hermitages at Haein Temple without actually visiting the main temple, and you would have a highly rewarding experience.

Dale Quarrington has visited over 500 temples throughout the Korean Peninsula and published three books on Korean Buddhism. He runs the website Dale's Korean Temple Adventures.
FOX 2 (WJBK) - A Shelby Township doctor was convicted for his involvement in a $6.3 million illegal prescription opiod conspiracy that involved the distribution of over 300,000 pills.

Lawrence Mark Sherman, 74, was found guilty by a federal jury on all charges of a 20-count indictment, according to a Friday release from the United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Michigan. He was charged with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription opioids  including Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen (Percocet) and 19 counts of illegal distribution of Oxycodone.

Sherman prescribed the opioids while working at Tranquility Wellness Center (TWC), Inc. between March 2020 and June 2021. The pills were then sold on the streets.

TWC first operated out of Dearborn, then later moved to Saint Clair Shores. The center only accepted cash, charging patients based on the quantity, type, and dosage of the opioids.

"Dr. Sherman was the only prescribing doctor who primarily prescribed Oxycodone 30mg, Oxymorphone 40mg, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg (Percocet), three of the most addictive prescription opioids," according to the attorney's office. "These prescription drugs are also among the most highly diverted prescription opioids due to their high street value."

Other defendants charged in the case clinic operators Janeice Burrell and Angelo Smith, clinic employees Akeyla Bell and Carmen Gilbreth, and patient recruiter Peter Burrell previously pleaded guilty.

During the trial, evidence revealed that Sherman collaborated with the other defendants to unlawfully approve over 3,000 opioid prescriptions for individuals who did not need the medication for medical purposes, according to the release. The patients were often brought into the clinic by patient recruiters/marketers.

TWC also accepted cash payments to fabricate medical records for patients.

"While the unlawful controlled substance prescriptions were paid for in cash, both controlled and non-controlled maintenance medications were billed to health care benefit programs by pharmacies," the attorney's office stated. "Billings to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary prescription drug medications and maintenance medications during this conspiracy exceeded $500,000."

The drug conspiracy carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Each count of unlawful distribution of Schedule II controlled substances also has a maximum penalty of 20 years.

"My office remains committed to doing what it can to hold doctors and other health care professionals accountable when they illegally feed the opioid epidemic by writing illegal opioid prescriptions, rather than helping to address the terrible impact the opioid epidemic has had on our community," said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison in the release. "We will pursue drug dealers whether they are peddling drugs on the street or while wearing white coats in a medical office."

Sherman is set to be sentenced on April 17, 2024.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General were involved in this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Lievense and Alison Furtaw.
CUMBERLAND  The police have canceled a Silver Alert for a missing 93-year-old man after finding a body outside his burning truck.

The deceased individual has not yet been officially identified.

Frederick Mumford, who was last seen on Scott Road in Cumberland on Friday morning, was declared missing on Friday night. An alert from the Rhode Island State Police said that he was "believed to be endangered due to physical and/or mental health issues."

More: South Kingstown man held without bail in death of wife. What to know.

Late Friday night, members of the Cumberland Police Department "were able to triangulate a location for Mr. Mumford and his vehicle" in Hopkinton, according to a news release from Chief Matthew J. Benson.

However, when first responders arrived, the truck was "actively engulfed in flames."

"Additionally, a deceased subject was located outside the vehicle as well," the release said.

The state police are investigating the death and the burned vehicle. Cumberland police are assisting and have briefed Mumford's family members, Benson said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Silver Alert canceled after body is found near missing man's burning truck
Were one month out from the Iowa caucuses  and Nikki Haley doesnt seem like shes really trying to beat Trump? If she really wants to win, she should be going bananas right now, Republican consultant Sarah Longwell told Ben Mathis-Lilley. He takes stock of the things Haley has going for her heading into the primariesand the opportunities she seems to be passing up.

Plus, in case you missed it: Speaking of Republican presidential hopefuls squandering opportunities, Alexander Sammon took a look at how Ron DeSantis somehow screwed up his debate with Gavin Newsom.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Harvard President Claudine Gay is getting attacked by a guy with unresolved angst about his alma mater. Nitish Pahwa takes a closer look at Bill Ackmans ulterior motives.

A new poll showing an increase in support for Hamas in the West Bank raises new questions about where Israels war in Gaza could end. Fred Kaplan considers the polls findings and other rifts that could shape the course of the war.

Plus, in case you missed it: Palestinian author and editor Atef Abu Saif shared three dispatches from Gaza.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, and Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.

Is Timothee Chalamet a sensitive thespian or a swaggy hypebeast? Is the Wonka actor a French artboi, rap-obsessed millennial, or quintessential New Yorker? Shamira Ibrahim considers his many facets and concludes that there would be no Timothee Chalamet without his relationship with Black culture.

Are you scared about giving the wrong thing this holiday season? These tales of gifts gone wrong might just cheer you up!

(And hey, while were on the subject: You really cant go wrong with a gift from the Slate Shop )

Jojo Whilden/Netflix

 much like reviewers on Goodreads, in their reactions to the novel behind Netflixs mystifying new apocalyptic movie Leave the World Behind. Rebecca Onion parses the book for clues that could explain the films cryptic ending.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend that is not quite so baffling!

Thanks so much for reading, and well see you back here on Monday.
A well-known Southern California activist, along with seven others, have been accused of manipulating social media videos for profit following an arrest related to an alleged assault during a protest.

Edin Alex Enamorado, 36, an Upland resident, was arrested on Thursday by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. He is believed to be the leader of the protesting group, deputies said.

Enamorado is known for posting videos on social media allegedly showing street vendors being attacked but law enforcement claims some of the videos are manipulated to seek attention and profit.

This group manipulates videos and photos on social media in an attempt to make them look like they are protectors of underrepresented people, SBSD Sheriff Shannon Dicus said at a Thursday press conference. However, they use racism to threaten and intimidate their victims causing them to get on their knees and beg for forgiveness while still assaulting them.

The group of protesters who were arrested would sometimes hold demonstrations outside of private residences where authorities said, in some cases, those demonstrations turned violent.

What this group does is not protected by the First Amendment, Discus said. This group is not about substance for the human condition, but rather clickbait for cash. Its illegal to assault someone who doesnt agree with you.

Edin Alex Enamorado, a well-known SoCal street vendor activist, seen protesting outside the Fontana mayors house. (OnScene.TV)

Edin Alex Enamorado and seven other activists arrested after an assault during a Victorville protest. (San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department)



Activists being arrested after protesting outside the Fontana mayors house. (OnScene.TV)

Edin Alex Enamorado and a group of activists seen protesting. (San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department)

Edin Alex Enamorado and a group of activists seen protesting. (San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department)

To Enamorados social media followers, he appears to be a champion for the underrepresented, but to others, his actions were allegedly fueled by the desire to grow his online following.

Here we have the police trying to antagonize us and the rest of us for exercising our First Amendment right, Enamorado is heard saying in a video of a previous demonstration.

In another video, Enamorado and others were seen protesting outside the Fontana mayors home over the citys efforts to crack down on illegal street vendors.

On Dec. 10, Enamorado and others gathered outside of a womans Apple Valley home. That woman was allegedly seen making anti-Mexican remarks in a Disneyland bathroom in a now-viral video.

Mother talks about being targeted in anti-Mexican rant at Disneyland

In both instances, Enamorado, and the group of protesters he reportedly leads, were arrested

Following a 10-week investigation, Enamorado and seven others were arrested for violent acts during protests in San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties, deputies said.

The suspects were identified as:

-Edin Alex Enamorado, 36, of Upland

-Wendy Lujan, 40, of Upland

-David Chavez, 28, of Riverside

-Stephanie Amesquita, 33, San Bernardino

-Gullit Eder Acevedo, 30, San Bernardino

-Edwin Pena 26, Los Angeles

-Fernando Lopez, 44, of Los Angeles

-Vanessa Carrasco, 40, of Ontario

Group members were arrested at various locations across San Bernardino, Upland, Ontario, Riverside and Los Angeles.

Suspect accused of stealing over $4.3 million from California recycling fund

All suspects face multiple charges including assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and more. They are being held without bail.

Videos of the truth were manipulated and put out to the public to make it look like an underserved population was being represented, kind of Robin Hood-ish, where in fact, there was felonious activity behind this, Discus said. They have a large following so the more clicks they get, the more money they makejust like any internet influencer does.

An attorney representing Enamorado sent KTLA a statement that reads:

The arrests of these activists, including Edin Alex Enamorado, were clearly done in retaliation for such activists exercising their First Amendment rights. The San Bernardino Sheriffs Departments press conference regarding the arrest was absurd and resemblant of conduct in a third-world country. Criticizing elected officials and law enforcement officers should never be criminalized and that is what the sheriffs department has done in this case. I will be in court Monday to fight these baseless charges vigorously. Christian Contreras, attorney representing Enamorado

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Victorville Police Department at 760-241-2911. Anonymous tips can be submitted to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma, centre speaks as his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla listens, during a press conference in Soweto, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Zuma has denounced his ruling African National Congress party and announced that he will vote for a newly-formed political formation in the country's general election next year. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Former President Jacob Zuma on Saturday denounced the governing African National Congress party and announced that he would vote for a newly-formed political formation in South Africa's general election next year.

Zuma, who was president of the ANC from 2007 to 2017, said that he's backing the newly-formed Umkhonto we Sizwe party that is named after the ANC's now-defunct military wing, which was disbanded after the liberation struggle.

Zuma, 81, called on other South Africans to vote for the new formation, saying it would be a betrayal to vote for the ANC of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The countrys general election scheduled for 2024 is expected to be highly contested, because the ruling ANC, which has governed the country since Nelson Mandela became South Africas first democratically-elected leader in 1994, faces a myriad of challenges.

Recent polls have suggested that the ANC could for the first time garner less than 50% of the national vote in next years election and may need to form a coalition government to remain in power.

Briefing journalists in Johannesburg's Soweto township on Saturday, Zuma described the ANC and Ramaphosa as a "proxy for white monopoly capital," and he described his decision as part of rescuing the ANC.

I have decided that I cannot and will not campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa in 2024. My conscience will not allow me to lie to the people of South Africa and to pretend that the ANC of Ramaphosa is the ANC of Luthuli, Tambo and Mandela, said Zuma, referring to previous leaders of the ANC.

Zuma was ousted as the countrys president by Ramaphosa in 2018 amid wide-ranging allegations of corruption in government and state-owned companies during his presidential tenure from 2009 to 2018.

Since his departure from the country's highest office, Zuma has been facing legal battles.

He was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear before a judicial commission of inquiry, which was investigating corruption allegations against him and other high-profile politicians and businesspeople during his time in office.

He has also pleaded not guilty to corruption charges related to South Africa's 1999 arms procurement deal in a trial that has faced major delays.

The ANC is expected to face fierce competition from the opposition parties Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, but smaller parties and independent candidates could be crucial in case of coalition negotiations.

The ANC indicated this week that they will legally challenge the use of the name Umkhonto we Sizwe by the new political formation because the name belonged to the party.
A father and son who operate a family farm in rural South Carolina were granted bond a day after their hearing as they face murder charges in the shooting death of a neighbor they allegedly confronted in a trespassing incident last week.

Ryan Jordan Lindler Sr., 52, and Ryan Lindler Jr., 26, allegedly gunned down neighbor Kevin Lester Newhouse, 36, on Dec. 6, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Office.

The last-minute bond hearing Thursday was to determine whether the farmers could bail out or would have to spend Christmas behind bars.

Court documents allege that the younger Lindler shot three to four rounds from a Glock pistol, striking Newhouse at least once in the head.

"Very happy for my clients the Lindlers. The court heard our arguments yesterday at the bond hearing and by written order granted a very reasonable and just bond with conditions regarding father and son remaining out while the murder charges are pending. Very grateful to the Court for listening to the arguments that we advanced and for all of the caring citizens, friends, and family that showed up for support for the Lindlers at Court yesterday," an attorney for the father and son wrote on X.

FATHER AND SON FARMERS CHARGED WITH KILLING ARMED TRESPASSER

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

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.

But investigators allege that the older Lindler disarmed Newhouse before the shooting and told his son to open fire.

"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.

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, according to authorities. They are accused of killing Kevin Lester Newhouse in a trespassing incident.

"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."

It was the younger Lindler who placed the 911 call. According to the incident report, deputies found both the machete and the gun in his truck.

"They're father and son who have zero criminal background," Eric Bland, defense attorney for the elder Lindler, 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."

Now, they're both facing murder charges.

Bland told Fox News Digital Wednesday that he expected the case to come down to "property rights, vandalism and a history of trespassing."

"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," he said.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Lindlers operate Lindler Farms, a state-certified, family-run range specializing in beef, hay and foraging.

The younger Lindler is engaged to be married in less than three weeks, and the trespassing incident that kicked off the confrontation took place at the house he is building with his fiancee, Bland said.





Original article source: South Carolina farmers charged with murder in death of armed trespasser granted bond
Deeply Disappointed

The Federal Communications Commission just rejected SpaceX's appeal to reinstate an $886 million grant to bring high-speed broadband to rural areas using Starlink satellites  and the Elon Musk-led space company is absolutely furious.

In a statement this week, the FCC reaffirmed its "prior decision reject the long-form application of Starlink to receive public support through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program."

The grant was originally tentatively awarded to SpaceX in December 2020, just before the Trump administration's FCC chairman Ajit Pai departed. In August 2022, the Biden administration's chairman Jessica Rosenworcel rejected SpaceX's long-form application, which it also needed to receive the almost $1 billion handout, leading to SpaceX appealing the decision almost immediately, calling the decision "grossly unfair" at the time.

In response to its latest rejection, the space company's VP of legal Christopher Cardaci said that it's "deeply disappointed and perplexed by the Commissions decision to exclude SpaceXs Starlink satellite broadband service" from the program, arguing that the decision "directly undermines the very goal of RDOF: to connect unserved and underserved Americans."

Despair and Disparity

The US has historically struggled to connect rural areas to high-speed internet. According to the FCC, as of 2020, 22.3 percent of Americans in rural areas lack coverage from fixed, terrestrial broadband of at least 25 Mbps down. Meanwhile, only 1.5 percent of Americans in urban areas lack this kind of coverage.

SpaceX has attempted to address this disparity using a massive constellation of thousands of Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit. But coverage and capacity limits have hampered its efforts so far. In its August 2022 rejection, the FCC claimed that Starlink had "recognized capacity constraints" and was unable to provide low-latency service with speeds of at least 100Mbps down, and 20Mbps up.

Musk also admitted back in 2021 that bringing "several million" users online will be "a challenge."

On the other hand, local internet service providers have done very little to bring broadband to the millions of rural Americans who still don't have sufficient access to the web.

It's a complex and extremely politicized issue, with the FCC's decision perfectly falling along partisan lines. Republican commissioner Brendan Carr, for instance, criticized the regulator of "taking action against Elon Musk's businesses."

"I am not the first to notice a pattern here," he added, likely referring to an ongoing conspiracy theory that the US government has it out for the mercurial CEO.

But without sufficiently incentivizing local internet providers back on the ground  companies that have repeatedly failed to tackle the issue  the situation isn't likely to change in the short term, with or without a satellite constellation in the sky.

More on Starlink: Elon Musks Promise to Bring Starlink to Gaza May Be Dead on Arrival
ST. LOUIS  A judge sentenced a St. Louis man to 22 years in prison on Friday in connection with a teenagers shooting death in 2021.

Stanico Jordan, now 19, previously pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder as

part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

Submerged vehicle tied to 2013 missing persons case found in Missouri pond

Jordan admitted to fatally shooting Kyle Falker on July 11, 2021, at an apartment complex in St. Louis Carr Square neighborhood.

Investigators say Falker was shot several times and died at the scene. Surveillance video captured a Chevrolet Malibu pulling up next to Falker prior to his death.

Jordan was 16 at the time of the shooting and certified as an adult to stand trial. He was originally charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, but prosecutors amended the murder charge and dismissed the count of armed criminal action in exchange for his guilty plea.

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Another man, 22-year-old Dashaun Ewing, has pending charges in Falkers death. According to court records, Ewing allegedly drove others to the apartment complex to commit a robbery against Falker and drove away from the scene after the shooting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
CLEARWATER  Andelka Morariu disappeared in 2020 and has never been found, but a Pinellas County jury on Friday put a partial end to the mystery.

After deliberating for about an hour, a 12-member jury convicted George Morariu of first-degree murder with a firearm in the death of his ex-wife, 62-year-old Andelka Morariu.

Immediately after the verdict, Circuit Judge Philippe Matthey gave George Morariu, 63, the mandatory sentence of life in prison.

The verdict came after four days of testimony in a trial in which prosecutors had to land a conviction without what is usually a key piece of evidence: the victims body.

During closing arguments Friday, assistant state attorneys Elizabeth Constantine and Elizabeth Traverso went over the evidence that they argued showed George Morariu planned to kill his wife, shot her in the head at close range when she came home from work on Feb. 28, 2020, then early the next morning dragged her body to the trunk of her car and disposed of it somewhere.

This was an execution, Constantine said.

Until the trial, George Morariu, who represented himself with a public defender on standby, maintained that he didnt know what happened to his ex-wife. But during his closing argument, Morariu indicated that if he did have something to do with his ex-wifes death and disappearance, it wasnt murder.

The most they can prove is a heated argument, maybe an accident, which is excusable homicide, said Morariu.

George and Andelka Morariu had divorced in 2018, but she eventually moved back into the home on the 1300 block of 81st Avenue North, in the Gateway neighborhood. One of Andelka Morarius sisters reported her missing on March 2, 2020, after she didnt show up for work at her job in the finishing department at Catalent, a pharmaceutical company in St. Petersburg.

A St. Petersburg police officer came to the house and spoke with George Morariu, who said that he and his wife had gotten into a fight and shed left the house on foot. He said he was the only person at the house when she got home. The officer noted Morariu had scratches on his face.

Surveillance video captured by two cameras on a home across the street showed Andelka Morariu arrive home from work in her white Hyundai around 7:42 p.m. on Feb. 28. About 30 minutes later, the same security system recorded three distinct noises that sounded like gunshots.

Early the next morning, the cameras captured a person making multiple trips to the trunk of Andelka Morarius car. The person, who walked with a distinctive limp, laid a sheet or tarp into the trunk, then dragged something to the car and lifted it into the trunk.

Prosecutors noted that George Morariu had said he had a hip replaced that caused him to walk with a limp like the one seen on the video. A neighbor also identified the person on the video as Morariu.

During an interview with investigators, they say George Morariu consistently referred to Andelka Morariu in the past tense.

Police executed a search warrant on the home on March 3. In a bedroom, investigators found a small amount of blood spatter on one wall and some small bone fragments. They also found a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson pistol, owned by George Morariu, that had his DNA on it and a small amount of his ex-wifes blood on both the exterior and interior, indicating she was shot at close range, authorities say.

He went to great lengths to clean the house up but forgot to clean the gun, Traverso said.

Andelka Morarius blood was also found under a tile near the rear sliding door of the home, on some pavers outside the back patio and in the trunk of her car.

And in George Morarius car, investigators said they found one of the most crucial pieces of evidence: a plastic Publix bag containing a piece of his ex-wifes cranium and a damp, blood-stained T-shirt bearing her employers logo, like the one she wore to work. The skull fragment had lead on it.

A forensic anthropologist testified the fragment would have required a large amount of force to be separated from the skull, such as from a gunshot, and would have exposed Andelka Morarius brain.

Kailee Imperatore of the District 6 Medical Examiners Office testified that an injury causing such a fragment would likely be fatal even with immediate medical attention. Imperatore determined the manner of death was homicide by unspecified means.

During closing arguments, Traverso held up the fragment in a gloved hand.

You know shes dead because you can literally hold the last known part of her in your hand if you wanted to, she said.

To prove George Morariu planned the killing, prosecutors presented evidence about how he tracked his ex-wifes whereabouts and made anonymous calls to her employer  lying about her having an affair with a co-worker and having sex in the bathroom at work. The employer found the allegations to be unfounded, and George Morariu found that out on Feb. 28, 2020.

Morariu was a controlling, jealous man  and on that date he felt like he lost control, Traverso told the jury. He lost control because Catalent decided through all the investigation they did that they were going to close this case out, so he could no longer continue to embarrass her at work and make all these other allegations.

Police searched for Andelka Morariu with a helicopter, divers and dogs. When a witness reported seeing an alligator with what might have been a person, investigators trapped and killed the animal to search the contents of its stomach. Nothing was found.

Police arrested George Morariu on a charge of second-degree murder about a month after his ex-wifes disappearance, but prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder. Jurors also had the option to find Morariu guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter.

During his closing argument, Morariu, who has been in jail since his arrest, said it doesnt make sense that he would kill his wife with his own gun.

I could have killed her with my bare hands, he said. I would never shoot her, even in self-defense.

Ankica Devaul, one of Andelka Morarius sisters, addressed the court after the verdict.

He took my sisters dignity, he took everything that she worked for and that wasnt enough, Devaul said. He had to take her body. But the only thing he couldnt break was the sister bond that we have. When the time comes to die, I wish he dies in pain.

Devaul said she knows George Morariu wont ever disclose where her sisters body is because he doesnt have any soul left.

Morariu chose not to make a statement after the verdict.

Constantine told the Tampa Bay Times she wished investigators and prosecutors could give the family closure by finding Andelka Morarius body.

This is the second-best thing, to make sure the person responsible for her death is sitting behind bars for the rest of his life, Constantine said.
South Korea and the United States agreed Friday to complete the establishment of guidelines on the planning and operation of a shared nuclear strategy by the middle of next year, a Seoul official said, after the allies held key deterrence talks on countering growing North Korean threats.

Seoul's Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo made the remarks after he and Maher Bitar, the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) coordinator for intelligence and defense policy, led the second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) at the Pentagon.

"(The two sides) agreed to complete guidelines regarding the planning and operation of a nuclear strategy by the middle of next year," Kim told reporters. "In other words, (we) agreed to complete the overall guidelines on how to deter and respond to North Korean threats next year."

Kim said that the guidelines will encompass a whole range of issues concerning the sharing of sensitive nuclear information, the establishment of a relevant security system, the formulation of consultation procedures for a nuclear crisis as well as the operation of a real-time leader-level communication channel.

The guidelines will also delineate concrete plans for crisis management and risk reduction, he said.

"At the second NCG session today, (the two sides) approved a work plan for the next six months, and through the NCG, South Korea and the U.S. will move toward a unitary South Korea-U.S. extended deterrence system," he said.

"While strongly deterring North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, (the allies) will be able to take an immediate, overwhelming and decisive response measure in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack," he added.

Based on the work plan, the two countries plan to build a fleshed-out nuclear extended deterrence system around June next year, he said.

Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear ones, to defend its ally. Through the NCG, the two sides have been seeking to leverage South Korea's conventional military assets to support America's nuclear operations in pursuit of an integrated deterrence formula.

Following the inaugural meeting in July, the second NCG session proceeded amid tensions heightened by Pyongyang's launch of a military reconnaissance satellite last month and the possibility of the regime launching another intercontinental ballistic missile this month.

The participants also agreed on a plan to incorporate scenarios of nuclear operations in next year's allied military exercises, including the summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield, according to a Seoul official who requested anonymity.

Work is also under way to build a mobile system to enable immediate communication between the leaders of the two countries in case of a crisis, the official said.

"We have been building a system to enable the leaders of the two countries to phone each other immediately and make their decision, and to both presidents, a mobile device for frequent communication has already been delivered in case a problem flares up," he said.

But more work needs to be done to protect the leader-level phone communication from a potential electromagnetic attack or other security issues, he added.

At this week's NCG meeting, the U.S. also agreed to provide "in-depth" nuclear education to South Korean officials next year, Kim said. In October, 15 South Korean officials received education on the U.S.' nuclear policy, strategy and planning.

"To put it simply, our side's nuclear 'IQ' will continue to grow," he said.

After the meeting, the two sides issued a press statement, which reaffirmed that any North Korean nuclear attack against the U.S. and its allies would be "unacceptable" and will result in the "end of the Kim regime."

The two sides agreed to hold the third NCG meeting in South Korea in summer next year, according to the statement.

The latest NCG session lasted for over seven hours and was attended by some 60 security, military and diplomatic officials from the two sides, including those from the U.S. Forces Korea, the U.S. Strategic Command and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The NCG was established under the Washington Declaration that President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden adopted during their summit in Washington in April as part of efforts to enhance the credibility of extended deterrence.

The inaugural session was held in Seoul in July, led by Kim and U.S. NSC Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and NSC Coordinator for Defense Policy and Arms Control Cara Abercrombie. (Yonhap)
True Anomaly just scored a big chunk of change to continue developing its space security tech.

The Colorado-based startup announced on Tuesday (Dec. 12) that it raised $100 million in a "Series B" round of funding led by Riot Ventures.

The money "will be used for continued investment in people, products and services to further advance True Anomaly's national security space technology offerings at the intersection of hardware, software and AI," True Anomaly representatives said in an emailed statement on Tuesday.

Related: The Space Force should safeguard US interests on the moon (op-ed)

True Anomaly, which was founded in 2022, aims to help make space a safer and more sustainable environment for a wide range of stakeholders. The company also wants to help the United States retain its status as the world's preeminent space power, in the face of increasing competition with China.

"The company empowers the U.S. government, its allies, and partners as well as the commercial space industry to lead safe, resilient operations on orbit to secure life on Earth," True Anomaly wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

Though the company is young, it has already secured an impressive amount of funding through investments and contracts. For example, True Anomaly representatives announced in April that they had raised $30 million to date, including $17 million in "Series A" funding. (The Series A round comes just after the initial "seed capital." Series B, as its name suggests, comes after Series A.)

And, in September, the company revealed that it had won a $17.4 million Small Business Innovation Research contract from the U.S. Space Force.

Under that award, True Anomaly will provide the Space Force with "a suite of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) applications that will leverage powerful analytics and scalable AI to support human-machine teaming for improved efficiency across the spectrum of SDA operations," True Anomaly representatives said in a Sept. 21 statement. "This will be delivered through True Anomaly's Mosaic software  an integrated operating system for every aspect of space domain awareness and security."

Related stories:

 Is war in space inevitable?

 Are we really in a new space race with China and Russia?

 What is the U.S. Space Force and what does it do?

True Anomaly also builds spacecraft  specifically, an autonomous vehicle called Jackal that's "designed for live and simulated rendezvous and proximity operations," according to the company's website.

The first two Jackals are scheduled to launch to Earth orbit next year, on SpaceX's Transporter-10 rideshare mission. That initial mission will test Jackal's various tracking and rendezvous systems. If all goes well, True Anomaly could eventually send thousands of satellites up, to help the U.S. military keep tabs on the many objects and goings-on in orbit, Wired magazine wrote earlier this year.
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to reenter the debate around abortion, this time considering the Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone, one-half of the abortion pill regimen that can be taken up to 11 weeks after a missed period.

A decision on the legality of the clearance of the pill is expected next summer. According to NBC News, the court has agreed to consider appeals from both the Biden administration and a drugmaker that makes a brand version of mifepristone, defending the Food and Drug Administration decisions that made it easier to access and use the abortion pill, and potentially overturn a lower court decision that White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said threatens to undermine the FDAs scientific independent judgment and would reimpose outdated restrictions on access to safe and effective abortion medication.

However, in the aftermath of their decision on the Dobbs case last year, which overturned federal constitutional protections for abortion, many expect the Supreme Court to rule in favor of prohibiting the sale of mifepristone.

Opinion

The Guttmacher Institute  a leading research and policy organization that seeks to improve sexual health and expand reproductive rights  found that medical abortion (i.e. abortion pills like mifepristone) accounts for more than half of all U.S. abortions performed in medical facilities.

Mifepristone is necessary for a safe medical abortion. But the dirty little secret that anti-abortionists dont want you to know is that if you remove it from the equation with its sister pill, misoprostol, women can still achieve a medical abortion  but its so much more painful.

So this case isnt about banning abortions, its about making womens health care as painful as it can possibly be.

And this conservative court seems ready to create more laws that hurt women.

But this upcoming fight isnt just about this set of justices debasing the court even further. According to the Pew Research Center, public opinion of the court is at a historic low  only 44 % of the country maintains a favorable view of the court and 54 percent have an unfavorable view.

Nor is it about bolstering talking points for Democrats in an election year that creates a voting bloc of angry white women in swing states. Nor is it about conservatives losing their minds as the courts hand down yet another incredibly unpopular decision so close to a presidential election  though those would be nice consolation prizes as women have another fundamental right stripped from them.

This fight is about Americas medical misogyny and the bias women suffer from every day when seeking basic health care, much less reproductive medicine.

Women are considered second-class citizens when it comes to research that focuses on our specific needs. Reproductive health care is just the tip of a very large iceberg.

Anecdotally, ask just about any woman you know if she feels shes been treated unfairly by a doctor on account of her gender, and chances are shell have a story.

The Kaiser Family Foundation reported that nearly one in 10 (9%) women ages 18-64 say theyve experienced discrimination because of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or because of another personal characteristic during a health-care visit in the past two years.

(Nearly one-third) of women report that their doctor had dismissed their concerns in that time period, 15% reported that a provider did not believe they were telling the truth, 19% say their doctor assumed something about them without asking, and 13% say that a provider suggested they were personally to blame for a health problem, reports KFF.

A lack of knowledge  or perhaps a lack of empathy  for treating women sets their experiences apart from male patients and is whats led us to this point. So, Im completely unsurprised that such a distinctly feminine issue as reproduction and abortion is so misunderstood and vilified.

Every day I see the outrage from women  but where is the outrage from men? Men in power on both sides of the political spectrum only vaguely acknowledge that this violation is occurring, and only use womens lives as minor talking points while running for office, never as a point of main contention.

To that point, 14 U.S. states now ban abortion completely  Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming  despite just 13% of surveyed Americans in a 2023 Gallup poll agreeing that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances.

Another two states  Georgia and South Carolina  ban abortion by the sixth week after a missed period, even though most women dont realize theyre pregnant until sometime between the fourth and seventh week after a missed period.

These laws are cruel on purpose and rely on most Americans fundamental misunderstanding of reproductive timelines and womens health.

It is very likely that, come next summer, the Supreme Court will eliminate another avenue to a safe and effective method of abortion for women across this country, and we will be powerless to stop it, thanks to the lifetime appointment of these justices.

The best possible scenario, albeit a long shot, is that the rights of women are enshrined as equal to men in the Constitution. Many people mistakenly believe that this is already the case. Its not.

The Equal Rights Amendment just marked its 100th anniversary, but it has still not been ratified by enough states to be adopted into the Constitution, and women are still not recognized as whole people under American law.

Dont believe me? Just watch what happens next year.
This week's vote entirely along party lines by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to formally launch an impeachment inquiry into President Biden immediately impacted the president's 2024 re-election campaign.

A fundraising email sent hours later by Vice President Kamala Harris instantly caught fire.

A source familiar with the Biden re-election team's thinking told Fox News that the email was the most lucrative that has been sent so far this month.

"It was the best performing fundraising email the vice president has signed this cycle," the source added.

HOUSE VOTES TO AUTHORIZE BIDEN IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign rally at the Mayflower Hotel on June 23, 2023 in Washington, DC.

The impeachment vote formalized an inquiry that began in September to investigate whether the president financially benefited from some of his family's business dealings.

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POLL: SUPPORT FOR BIDEN IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY GROWS

Three Republican-led House committees are looking into connections between the president and his son Hunter Biden's business dealings from 2014-2017, during the elder Biden's final three years as vice president, and after he left office.

Hunter Biden reiterated this week that his father was not involved in his dealings as a board member of Ukrainian energy company Burisma, or in his partnership with a Chinese private businessman.

Republican investigators have so far not found any solid evidence that Biden personally benefited, but they argue there's more to uncover.

While the vote to formalize the inquiry is apparently boosting Biden's 2024 re-election fundraising, it may also pay dividends in other ways.

It could energize the base of a party that polls suggest is anything but energized by the president's re-election drive.

The Biden campaign launched a blistering broadside against House Republicans early this week, ahead of Wednesday's vote, accusing them of doing the bidding of Biden's likely GOP challenger next November - former President Donald Trump, the commanding front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination.

"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," Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler charged in a memo.

The memo spotlights a quote that went viral from Republican Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, who said the impeachment inquiry would give the former president "a little bit of ammo to fire back."

But the impeachment inquiry also provides plenty of downsides for Biden's re-election effort.

Republicans for years have viewed Hunter Biden's controversies as a political liability for his father. And now, a formal impeachment investigation - with public hearings - could give the Biden campaign lots of headaches.

"It keeps the negative story about his family in the news," longtime Republican strategist and communicator Ryan Williams told Fox News. "The impeachment inquiry highlights potential wrongdoing on the part of the presidents son and brother and tries to link it directly to him."

Republicans can also leverage the impeachment proceedings - as well as Hunter Biden's legal cases - to deflect attention away from Trump's extremely serious court cases.

Trump made history earlier this year as the first former or current president to be indicted for a crime, but his four indictments  including in federal court in Washington, D.C., and in Fulton County court in Georgia  on charges he tried to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss.

"It tries to distract from the serious legal issues Trump is facing and basically at the end of the day," said Ryan, a veteran of multiple GOP presidential campaigns.

He emphasized that inquiry "shows voters both candidates are facing investigations. It muddies the waters. It tries to make things murky even though the criminal trials that President Trump is facing are much different than the Republican-led inquiry in the House."

Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who is primary challenging President Biden, speaks with voters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on Dec. 3, 2023

Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who's running a long-shot Democratic primary challenge against the president, made a similar argument.

"I dont see the evidence of it, but yes, when your own son and your own brother are clearly, at the very least unethical and at worst, doing illegal things  my goodness, of course the country pays attention to it," Phillips said in an interview with the news website Semafor. "People do believe that it perhaps makes him unelectable  somehow, it conflates him with the Trump familys indiscretions."

But Democratic strategist Chris Moyer, who served on a handful of presidential campaigns, disagreed.

"No one is Donald Trump when it comes to corruption, breaking the law, and violating his oath of office," he argued, when asked if the inquiry lessens the sting of Trumps own legal controversies.

Biden became the second straight president to face an impeachment inquiry as his re-election was underway, following Trump.

Veteran political scientist Wayne Lesperance spotlighted that "perhaps the biggest casualty of the recent vote is the impeachment process itself. Long gone are the days when impeachment was a last resort for members of Congress who have exhausted all other options of holding the President accountable."

Lesperance, the president of New Hampshire-based New England College, said that "the frequency with which impeachment has occurred in recent years has reduced the process to yet another partisan tool for whichever party is in power. The real loser in these processes has become the American people, who continue to lose faith in their beleaguered system of government."

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: State of the Race: How House Republican impeachment inquiry could impact Biden in 2024 election
Following a sharp rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism in the U.S., the State Bond Commission authorized the release of $5 million in grants Friday to improve security in houses of worship and qualifying nonprofits in Connecticut.

It is the third round of funding for the Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program, but the first following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

These should be safe places where people feel safe and are safe. Were doing everything we can to make that real, Gov. Ned Lamont said.

Since 2021, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection said the program has distributed roughly $10 million to 237 nonprofits that are at risk of terrorist attacks, hate crimes or violent acts, including 129 houses of worship.

Awards are capped at $50,000 and may be used to improve security infrastructure, including the installation of remote and electronic locks, security cameras, alarm systems, reinforced vestibules, bullet-resistant glass and more.

According to Senate Democrats, during the last allocation, more than 200 institutions applied for funding, 100 of which did not receive a grant.

Lamont said distribution will be prioritized by need with half the funds going to houses of worship, including synagogues and mosques.

Hate speech can sometimes turn into hate crimes, and were doing everything we can in the state of Connecticut to not allow that to happen, Lamont said. Following 20 years ago, what we did in terms of securing our schools, now were doubling down in our not-for-profits, including our houses of worship.

In the two months since the Israel-Hamas war started, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said they documented a staggering 2,171 reports of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian incidents. In 2022, the council said they would typically see 798 complaints in a roughly two-month period.

The Anti-Defamation League said antisemitic incidents are up by 337%, recording 2,031 incidents since Oct. 7, compared to 465 during the same span in 2022. The ADL said 40 of the most recent incidents were physical assaults, 250 targeted Jewish institutions.

State Rep. Holly Cheeseman, a ranking member of the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee and a member of the Bond Commission, said that even before recent events, the need for more security at religious institutions was evidenced by previous attacks, like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, which killed 11 congregants in 2018.

If these incredibly important institutions are going to be the subject of violent attack, I think we as a state, particularly as our finances permit, want to be able to step up and help protect them, Cheeseman said. Fortunately, because of our fiscal situation, we do have the funds to do this.

In a press release issued after the vote, State Sens. Derek Slap and Saud Anwar, who in 2019 led the creation of the security grant program, thanked Lamont and the Bond Commission for supporting the measure.

It is relieving, especially in times of heightened tensions and increased reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia, that this funding will continue to protect and support houses of worship across our state, Anwar said. Everyone should be free to practice their religion without interference or threat and this funding will make our faith communities safer.

Slap said protecting houses of worship is critical at this time of increased hate speech, antisemitism and Islamophobia.

No one should be afraid to attend services and this funding will go directly to harden infrastructure and improve security, Slap said.

In the same release, Michael Bloom, executive director of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut, thanked Slap, Anwar and the governor for the funding which he described as crucial amid a visible rise in Jew hatred.

The Jewish community is thankful we live in a state that understands its role in public safety, Bloom said.

In a statement to the Courant, Fahar Memon, chairman of the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, emphasized the need to counter hate at its roots.

Its unfortunate that we live at a time in which the very institutions that we turn to for comfort and peace at times of conflict are themselves places of violence. Having additional funds will undoubtedly help mosques and other houses of worship bolster their security, but it doesnt address the root cause of the problem, Memon said.

Our elected leaders, in the name of partisan politics, tolerate white nationalism which targets Muslims and Jews disproportionately, and easy access to guns provides a means for those who wish to do harm to take action, Memon added. This funding is a very small amount to deal with a problem that is much larger, and that requires other strategies than simply reinforcing the security of buildings.
Aid for Ukraine and Israel in their respective wars will likely be the focus of this weeks Sunday news shows, as the assistance has been in limbo as Senate Republicans demand more attention be given to the border.

While the House adjourned for its holiday break, the Senate will return Monday with the hopes of striking a deal for the border to unlock aid for Ukraine before Christmas.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) decided Thursday to keep members in town so negotiators have more time to seek a deal on President Bidens multi-billion-dollar supplemental aid package to be sent to Ukraine, Israel, Indo-Pacific countries and for humanitarian purposes in Gaza.

Negotiations have been going on for weeks, but only recently have Biden administration officials pressed the upper chamber about passing aid. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas met with Senate negotiators this week and reportedly made progress.

However, Republicans argued not enough progress was made to warrant keeping them in Washington and the deal would be struck after the break.

Democrats are deeply divided over the potential border deal, fearing that it will include harsh asylum policy reforms including expelling migrants without asylum screenings and expanding detention and deportation.

They are worried that Schumer will rush the border security deal to the floor to vote on the emergency foreign aid package and pass aid for Ukraine.

It will likely be the focus of Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures, since House Homeland Security Committee Chair Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) is expected to appear. CBS Face the Nation will likely focus on the latter half of the deal, with Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. joining.

Even if the Senate were to agree on the border and aid deal, since the House is out, any vote might not happen until January unless Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) calls members back.

The Republican presidential candidates are also likely going to be a focus of the shows on Sunday, as the remaining candidates gear up for the Iowa caucuses and the primaries.

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley will be on ABCs This Week, and will likely speak about her steady increase of support. She still trails former President Trump but has made gains nationally after several strong debate performances.

The Iowa caucuses are set to begin on Jan. 15. According to polling from The Hills partner Decision Desk HQ, Trump is leading the other candidates with about 50 percent of the vote in the state.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is coming in second, with 18.7 percent, and Haley is closely behind with 16.8 percent. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy currently sits in fourth with 5.6 percent of the vote. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is coming in last with 3.8 percent support.

Christie, one of the most vocal anti-Trump candidates, will appear on CBS as well and likely will speak about the primary and his positioning.

He has faced increased pressure from Republicans to drop out and allow for a clear path for Haley or DeSantis. In September, he said he would leave the race if he didnt do well in New Hampshire.

Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this weeks Sunday talk shows:

ABCs This Week  Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, Gov. Chris Sununu (R-N.H.), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

NBCs Meet the Press  Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.).

CBS Face the Nation  Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee.

CNNs State of the Union  Christie; Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).

Fox News Sunday  Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)

Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures  House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), House Homeland Security Committee Chair Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), former U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson, former Department of Defense Chief of Staff Kash Patel and Harvard Law Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) went after former President Trump on Friday, arguing that a second Trump term would be hampered by chaos and distraction.

The guy just has chaos and distraction that follows him, he said in an MSNBC interview Friday. Hes not going to be able to get the stuff that we need done to fix this country.

Republicans want to go forward with the next generation of conservative leadership, he continued, downplaying the former president. We always want to be looking forward to the next opportunity to actually get stuff done. Not just looking in the rearview mirror, worrying about Trump litigating things.

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Sununu endorsed former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley for the GOP nomination on Tuesday. He used Fridays interview to springboard more reasons why he believes Haley is better suited for the White House.

Her numbers were surging long before I even got on board because shes connecting with folks, he said.

By doing that, by spending time on the ground with our voters, shes earning their trust, and trust is a very rare thing in Washington nowadays. People are liking it, he continued. Shes got that charisma, more than any other candidate out there. And that connection is why youre seeing her numbers jump up.

Despite the endorsement, Sununu complimented her GOP primary rivals Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, calling them great friends of mine and good candidates. He offered no compliment for Trump or biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Haley has been gaining momentum in the polls, notably in New Hampshire, and often coming in second place. But, Trump still remains the clear GOP front-runner.

The former South Carolina governor has about 20 percent support to Trumps 46 percent, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ polling average

Sununu downplayed those polling figures.

Most folks in New Hampshire still wont make up their mind for the next few weeks, so we have about six weeks to go here, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Three Arizona cities are hubs for baby boomers looking to make a home, according to a recent study by SmartAsset.

The consumer financial information company reviewed 2022 census data to understand the movement trends for people between the ages of 55 and 74. Its list ranks states for their total population of newcomers from that age group.

The cities of Surprise, Mesa and Scottsdale have cracked the top 15 regarding the percentage of people from the baby boomer generation who have moved to each respective city.

Surprise ranked number six on the list at 2.86% and has the highest percentage of all Arizona cities. Not too far behind is Mesa, with a slightly lower percentage at 2.69%, and just short of the top 10 is Scottsdale at 2.65%.

Mesa also posted the highest raw total among the top 20, with 13,623 baby boomers moving into the city.

According to the study, Arizona, Florida and Nevada dominate the list for the "biggest boomer inflows."

The top 10 US cities for baby boomers to move into per capita

Clearwater, Florida: 3.79% (4,401) Reno, Nevada: 3.07% (8,329) Orlando, Florida: 3.02% (9,458) Cape Coral, Florida: 2.90% (6,233) Billings, Montana: 2.87% (3,401) Surprise, Arizona: 2.86% (4,372) Henderson, Nevada: 2.80% (9,219) Mesa, Arizona: 2.69% (13,623) High Point, North Carolina: 2.69% (3,051) St. Petersburg, Florida: 2.67% (6,903)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These Arizona cities are among the top 15 places for baby boomers